Hardwood Floors Saved with the Right Equipment

8/19/2022 (Permalink)

Utilizing our Injectidry System to repair the water damage to these hardwood kitchen floors in West Covina. This homeowner was super relieved!

Storms come and go just as quickly. Flood waters create a challenge and we will utilize a Category 3 protocol for cleanup. If the rupture is clean water from a supply line, a protocol of Category 1 water damage will be preferred by most, especially for the treatment of costly materials like real wood.

Honestly, no other flooring is quite the same as genuine hardwood. They add beautiful warmth to your home that no other flooring can do in quite the same way. Part of the commitment to this worthwhile investment is to keep them dry and away from drips and spills. However, when water damage occurs, moisture seeps into the grain of the wood that can quickly cause it to swell, warp, or buckle. Laminate will swell but the damage is irreversible and will need replacing. The floors may seem ruined... but with the right circumstances, if caught in time, they can be saved by calling a professional out for prompt treatment.

As a professional restoration company, SERVPRO utilizes specialty equipment to properly dry the hardwood floors. As the wood steadily dries, the planks settle into their pre-swelling condition and lay back down ‘as if it never even happened.' At SERVPRO of West Covina we are well stocked with all the right equipment, and the many years of knowledge and experience that makes us well prepared for any sort of property damage you may encounter. Do not wait, call now - 626.960.9145

SOCAL Storm Tips

4/15/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of West Covina is here around the clock to help with any sort of storm damage-related issues. Call 626-960-9145 for immediate assistance.

If you are a homeowner, a property manager, or own commercial buildings you can benefit by quarterly walking the exterior and interior of your property checking for areas that may need maintenance. As an insurance policyholder, you are expected to be proactive regarding repairs and take preventative measures to avoid potential damage risks.

The following four areas may be areas of concern so that precautions can be taken far in advance since many times we may have little to no warning of a downpour in our sunny state.

1. Inspect Drains and Gutters – Debris can clog these areas and quickly cause a water intrusion, even if they are brand new.
2. Inspect Windows and Doors – Wind, hot temperatures, and the intense sun can warp and wear on building materials, weatherproofing, and seals. Replacement may be needed especially if you live in a windy area pocket. Several years of strong winds can loosen window seals over time.
3. Inspect Surrounding Landscape Close to the Structure – Trees and foliage grow quickly here in California. Trimming and maintaining a well-manicured yard lessens the risk of issues when the Santa Ana Winds kick up.
4. Minimize Outdoor Furniture and Unsecured Items – When the winds startup they can be very strong so anchor or bolt down BBQs, mailboxes, dog houses, and any other item that could pose a potential danger to a person or to your structure.

What to do when a ceiling or wall has water damage?

4/14/2022 (Permalink)

Dealing with a water leak? Call for help to quickly get it cleaned up before mold starts to develop.

While some home repairs are simple and can be a DIY project, water damages are not really one of them because mold can develop and grow within hours. Keep the health of you and your family a priority and hire a professional to take care of water issues the correct way using IICRC standards and protocol.

Signs that a professional restoration company should be called:

• New stains or brownish spots on your ceiling
• Water is leaking, dripping, or flooding
• The paint is bubbling
• Materials look wet, mushy, or crumbling
• Parts of the ceiling has caved in or collapsed
• Mold has suddenly appeared

Our team is ready around the clock to respond to your emergency needs. We will use professional tools to help determine the source of the water intrusion, assist in making the needed repairs, and properly cleanup the water based on the circumstances and how long the issue has been going on. Don’t delay, call today.

2021 is Proving to be Challenging but SERVPRO is Only a Call Away

9/14/2021 (Permalink)

Whatever the emergency is, we are ready to help get your property inspected, cleaned, repaired, and back to its preloss condition. Trust SERVPRO!

Across the globe, it is definitely another challenging year in more ways than one. We are continuing to endure the COVID-19 pandemic and witnessed much suffering and many lost lives. Our thoughts and prayers go out to their families as they endure these difficult times.

On a positive note, there is no need to battle this virus alone as our cleaning team continues to maintain a busy schedule of disinfecting properties. We receive calls for covid cleaning of homes, businesses, and schools. Really, our services can be utilized after any sort of in-house / in-office coronavirus outbreak and/or someone testing positive for the SARS-2 virus.

In addition, another huge problematic issue is that year after year the weather has progressively become extreme. Reports all over of constant seasonal wildfires, large earthquakes, wind storms, tropical rainstorms, flooding, heat waves, cold fronts, and hurricanes, hitting areas one after the other has caused loss of homes and businesses. Our SERVPRO teams and SERVPRO large-loss teams respond all over the country wherever the help is needed. 

Our monthly donations to disaster relief efforts continue to be put to good use because of the great need. You can rely on our local SERVPRO of West Covina team to continue to respond and assist with our local West Covina and SOCAL resident cleanup calls. You can trust that our crews are prepared around the clock, well equipped, and professionally trained. We are here to help during any sort of catastrophe or unexpected damages and offer the quickest response, especially in emergency situations. 

Emergency Preparedness - Are YOU Ready?

5/19/2021 (Permalink)

Afterwards, SERVPRO of West Covina is here to help with the cleanup of any type of disaster. Call anytime.

2020 California wildfires were the worst on history records last year. An additional challenge was the fact that we were all working or staying at home because of the pandemic. As we head into the warmer months of another Southern California’s summer, extreme heat, winds, and dryness all combined unfortunately create the greater risk and threat of wildfires. Homes too near dry brush may already no longer qualify for homeowners insurance which can be challenging because we know emergencies can occur at any time. These families especially will benefit from emergency preparedness due to living in or near the high-risk zones.

Ensuring your family and business are prepared in advance is important. Basic supplies for any time of possible disaster are well worth the efforts. These extra supplies can help you plan for a fire, an earthquake, potential flooding, and even rolling black-out power outages. We never know how long water or power may be out as multiple states this past year experienced real struggles due to storms and severe weather. Texas residents quickly ran through emergency supplies and experienced empty shelves in local stores. A friend who went inside a San Antonio Target discovered all of the shelves were empty with the exception of beer. Preparing fully now will be the wisest action to take in protecting you and your loved ones.

Do you need to wear a mask if you’ve been fully vaccinated?

5/10/2021 (Permalink)

We have all learned about the precautions to take against the virus. The CDC recommends continuing them to ensure everyone's safety.

The CDC has a section on their website for frequently asked questions that they answer based on what they know so far. This question is the seventh on their FAQ page – updated April 30, 2021.

For now, until more is known the recommendation is to continue wearing masks and maintain social distancing in public settings for both your protection and others. They also say depending on the circumstances related to households and unvaccinated people where there may be an increased risk, caution should continue to be taken for gathering indoors.

Sadly, news reports still continue of young and old losing the covid battle. The average national daily death toll is 246 giving a 7-day average as of May 9, 2021, at 667.  We can easily understand that because of this, it is better to err on the side of caution than to become overconfident and accidentally endanger the life of anyone. Of course, we all miss eating out the casual way we used to, shopping malls, theaters, and participating in typical outings but please, please be careful.  Regularly check the CDC website for adjustments or new information for continued guidance on these super important matters.

How to avoid falling prey to fraud after a disaster?

5/7/2021 (Permalink)

Choose a company that you can trust like SERVPRO of West Covina for all your restoration needs. As general contractor's we can help you rebuild.

As we know, businesses and families have suffered much financially this past year. Crime and scammers have increased. Ring doorbell recordings show how brazen criminals have become. People will take advantage of any situation, unfortunately even after a storm or fire disaster. They know insurance money will be available and they will take try to gain from your great loss. What can you do to protect yourself from becoming a victim?

Protect yourself against fraudulent contractors by doing good research online. A business card with only a first name is a red flag. You will need the contractor’s full name, legal business name, address, and state license number.

Using all the information google the person and the city they work in, if you find nothing at all, that is weird. If you google their company name, what appears? Are they featured on multiple platforms? Validate their contractor’s license is active through CA.gov. Look to see if any complaints have been filed against them through the BBB and Angie’s List. What do online reviews say? If some are negative, what is the response from management, is it satisfactory to you? Ask for multiple references and follow up on speaking with them. Ensure that you proceed with a written contract of work to be completed.

Be careful and rely on your gut instinct. If something seems too good to be true, it likely is. By hiring a nationally known company like SERVPRO who cares about helping our community and maintains the highest reputation you can trust the work you hire us for will be completed to your satisfaction. 

How SERVPRO can help after a fire?

4/20/2021 (Permalink)

Get a clean fresh start after any sort of disaster, storm, or damage to your property. Even call us around the clock for emergency needs!

While the nation deals with 'typical' weather-related storms from wind, twisters, monsoons, lightning, rain, and /or blizzards, here in California our largest issues relate to firestorms. The super-dry desert-like heat, surrounding dried brush, and hillsides combined with Santa Ana Winds can all add up to danger. Those circumstances can quickly lead to fire warnings, wildfires, and rolling blackouts.

We are still in the month of April and not yet in the high heat of summer but SERVPRO of West Covina continues to handle fire & smoke damage inspections for business owners, property managers, national insurance companies, HOA’s, homeowners, and lawyer’s offices.

Our fire inspections determine the extent of damages caused by soot, smoke, and char at properties. A sketch is rendered based on the affected areas so that a professional protocol for cleanup can be recommended. Our technicians will assist with the separation of what needs to be disposed of versus what is restorable and cleanable. Most properties that are burned and entered by the fire department either through the roof or another point of entry will need to be stabilized and secured. Board-ups or temporary tarping may be required to keep the elements out. Air-duct cleaning may be suggested and possibly the removal of old smoky insulation to be replaced with new materials. Both of these services will aid in freshening the air ventilation systems. Specialized equipment can be placed for a few days to filter out particulates; this is especially helpful for those with asthma or respiratory sensitivities. Last year when fires lasted for weeks, the air quality was harsh. We were called for rentals of our air-scrubber machinery which really helped indoors. Removing carcinogens and microscopic particles is only part of the process…

If you sustained any sort of damage at your residence or business, call to find out in what ways we may be of valuable assistance. There is no need to go through the entire process alone, we will communicate our experience to you along the way and assist in going through your insurance if you chose to do so. You can trust our SERVPRO Team and brand because we care about our community greatly and love what we do.

Mold requires 3 conditions being present to develop & grow

3/19/2021 (Permalink)

Not sure if what you are seeing at your property is mold? Call now for a professional assessment.

While mold spores can be found naturally all around us, what we do not want is an oversaturation indoors. Mold can be damaging to affected materials plus is an allergen for some. How water damages are handled could depend on an area ending up having mold issues sooner than later. If a water leak is small, in an inconspicuous place, or intermittent, the leak may go unnoticed until a musty smell develops or moldy patches become visible. After a passing storm, a wet area of a ceiling, wall, or floor affected by moldy spots may become visible. Yet in other situations such as a room flooding, bacteria can multiply and mold could develop inside a wall cavity, which really won’t be easily seen unless the baseboard is removed or the wall is cut open.

By taking active measures when dealing with any sort of unexpected water damages, mold prevention is definitely doable, especially when a reliable restoration company like SERVPRO of West Covina is brought in to assist. Also, understanding how mold develops, grows, and continues to flourish will help aid you towards preventative measures. Regardless of how mold occurs it always needs the following to actively grow:

1. MOISTURE TO GROW AND FLOURISH

Without moisture, mold cannot grow. Moisture can be present from having a large fish tank; poor ventilation in bathroom showers, or at points of entry; hot steamy cooking combined with poor ventilation can cause condensation on walls or window sills; water seeping from a toilet, sink, bathtub, a supply line or the obvious: a sudden water pipe rupture or spill. Be sure to thoroughly dry wet areas from spills or other wet materials as soon as possible. And, if poor ventilation is an issue, strive to get adequate air-flow by opening windows or doors each morning for a gentle cross breeze. A little bit of sunlight streaming in will freshen the air. By creating the healthy habit of achieving adequate daily air circulation, you will benefit your health but also it will be a proactive step towards good property maintenance

2. ORGANIC MATERIAL AS A FOOD SOURCE

Without a food source, mold cannot grow. If water or moisture is present then naturally-occurring microscopic and buoyant mold spores will seek out organic materials to feed on. Paper backing of drywall, wood framing, flooring, trim, cabinets will be ideal for mold to develop on and begin to flourish. As long as the moisture persists, the spores will continue to eat their food source and off-gas. That musty smell is a telltale sign that nearby mold spores are actively eating, growing, and spreading.

3. COMFY TEMPERATURES LIKE TYPICAL INDOOR SETTINGS

Without “ideal” temperatures, mold cannot grow. If indoor temperatures are too extremely cold or excessively hot, mold may not thrive. Most molds cannot grow below 40 degrees Fahrenheit but will grow best between 70 - 86 degrees Fahrenheit, the cozy temperatures we typically keep our homes at. Add in humidity, dampness, or wetness, and mold will feel right at home in those comfortable conditions. Interesting to note: A couple of degrees below freezing or heat above 120 degrees Fahrenheit or even using common cleaning agents could only cause spores to go dormant. They may stay that way until reactivated at another time if water is reintroduced along with all its other necessary components listed above.

As professional mold remediation experts, depending on the situation but still, our main protocol for best dealing with mold is through the REMOVAL of all moldy materials. Call today for a free inspection to ensure your environment is kept free of any of the potential health effects of mold.

2020 Brings Record Breaking Amounts of Wildfire to the Golden State

9/10/2020 (Permalink)

Rest assured that our team is here to help cleanup after a nearby wildfire has left behind smoke and soot inside your home.

As of September 9^th, 2020 wildfires in California have sadly burned over 2.2 million acres and have tragically caused the life loss of eight people so far.

Firefighters are tirelessly working day and night trying to keep up but the rapid growth and force of the flames have caused over 3,300 structures to be lost this summer. The fall season typically is our prime concern for fires but this year has been unbelievable in more ways than one. Charming communities with custom homes in the Northern part of the state have been completely devastated. Here in southern California, the Santa Ana strong winds along with drought and continued record breaking heat temperatures due to climate change have brought low humidity levels so the flames continue.

This week a dramatic rescue of two hundred campers rescued by the National Guard was incredible! The nearby Creek fire trapped the campground by burning the only road for escape. They were rescued by helicopter despite danger warnings of extreme heat and smoke. Twenty to thirty sustained injuries some of which were severe but they made it out alive. Some hikers had no other choice but to drive through the flames to reach safety and reports are that those in their cars had their hair catching on fire while passing through the flames and had to douse their heads with water repeatedly.

For weeks now the air quality has been poor due to vast amounts of ash and has caught the attention of everyone because of lingered haze and tints of orange and coral in the sky. Fires blazing through several local counties include L.A. County, San Bernardino County down to San Diego County so eight national forests and campgrounds statewide have been temporarily closed by the U.S. Forest Service due to extreme fire hazard conditions.

The Camp Fire which occurred only two years ago had set the previous record for most acres burned from a wildfire where over eighty-five lives were lost, making it the deadliest in California state’s history. We are not yet completely into our Fall season so extreme caution is advised moving forward so that no careless mishaps occur to spark flames in these dried-out areas.

If smoke or soot has damaged your property because of fire, we are here to help. Call today for details.

September is National Preparedness Month - Take Time to Prepare Now

8/28/2020 (Permalink)

Unexpected emergencies can occur at any time as you can see. If you have not already prepared for one, please do so now.

As summer 2020 comes to a close, what has already proven to be a difficult time due to the novel coronavirus, has become even more challenging due to weather and climate. Several parts of our country continue to face catastrophes due to storms, fires, and earthquakes. Locally, our sunshine state is enduring a massive heatwave along with being in a state of emergency due to approximately 30 wildfires actively burning here in California.

CNN reported last week that on Sunday Death Valley endured the highest temperature recorded on earth since 1913 and possibly EVER! The temperature readings were 130 degrees Fahrenheit and residents describe the extreme heat as being hit in the face with lots of hot hairdryers or like walking into an oven. These excessive temperatures are a result of climate change. Yet along with these triple digits, at least three days last week have brought Emergency Storm Notifications for several SOCAL counties that include, hail, heavy rainfall, and house leveling type of winds. Previously burned areas are of main concern as flooding can quickly occur and be dangerous.

Families already under pressure due to job loss or cutbacks from the pandemic are certainly struggling with bills even more so. Attempting to keep indoor temperatures lower than outside ones is not easy. Last year a friend was caring for her elderly father who was home during the day while she worked. She received a whopping utility bill for over $900 from keeping indoor temperatures comfortable. In addition to the absurd amount of heat, the air quality in many surrounding areas can be harmful so caution is highly recommended if you head outside.

Protecting our health comes first so it is important to ensure that each of us is adequately prepared for an emergency. If we put forth the extra effort now, it will help when the unexpected arrives. If we need to evacuate for a fire that could pop up overnight or a big earthquake, we will have clothes, water, food, and supplies. From this recent pandemic experience, we already know how fast food, water, and basics like toilet tissue will fly off the shelf and leave you without. It is sensible to take action now.

Through whatever type of storm you may face, our SERVPRO of West Covina team is here to help. Always available around the clock for any sort of emergency property damage, you can trust our professionals when it matters most. We enjoy helping our community and the positive results that we get to see post-cleanup make for a rewarding and satisfying line of work.

Take All Preventative Measures Possible to Avoid the Coronavirus

7/18/2020 (Permalink)

As COVID-19 cases continue to rise the World Health Organization encourages the following:

STAY HOME. SAVE LIVES.

Help stop coronavirus

1 Stay home as much as you can

2 Keep a safe distance                                  

3 Wash hands often                                       

4 Cover your cough

5 Sick? Call ahead

Also, it is super important to remember that when you do need to step out for necessities to wear a mask. These are good reminders for our us all for both now and in the future as the battle against the coronavirus continues. Another way to be proactive in stopping the spread is to have your property surroundings professionally disinfected. Scheduling a professional cleaning by our SERVPRO team can give you peace of mind for now. Then moving forward by utilizing our team for maintenance purposes it is wise to regularly schedule disinfecting services. This will help aid in the ongoing fight against germs and viruses that can easily re-enter living quarters as time passes or for offices and/or businesses open to the public.

Interesting to note is that the sanitization product SERVPRO of West Covina uses is not only Hospital Grade but Food Grade as well. Many local eateries call on our team for COVID preventative measures because we can disinfect areas where food is stored, handled, or prepared and since our products are non-toxic there is no business downtime or interruption. Have the confidence in knowing that our products are safe for inside your home as well.

The CDC advises everyone to educate themselves, including young ones, on how the virus can spread and put into regular practice thorough and frequent hand washing. By making the step of hiring a professional company you are taking a preventative stride towards forming new healthy habits. Regular disinfecting can minimize the stress and anxiety that we all are facing with this novel virus.

For those families who have had a loved one test positive for the SARS-CoV-2 RNA, our hearts go out to you. Please know that IT IS POSSIBLE to have an infected family member living in your home and for you to stop the spread to the rest of the family, including caregivers if all preventative measures are taken. Of course, the CDC advises to limit contact and keep the sick individual isolated along with a whole list of How To Protect Yourself When Caring For Someone Who Is Sick.

When you call our office, you will never reach an answering service. A well trained and knowledgeable team member will assist you. Call today for more information on the preventative measures you can take – 626-960-9145

Be Creative During Quarantine

4/30/2020 (Permalink)

Try the grey stuff, it's delicious! And, try a few more new things... you may end up enjoying them!

There is no reason to be bored while our SOCAL Community remains on lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic. A smidge of creativity could bring a bit of fun to the day. Not everyone has the same taste in entertainment or amusement but why not try something new? Utilize Zoom for social gatherings or go exploring through virtual online tours.

• Hold a Zoom cooking challenge, assign judges to determine the winning recipe
• Schedule a Zoom recipe exchange, each person can share their favorites
• Plan a Zoom painting class, find a friend who can teach and have participants gather supplies
• Gather friends for a virtual game night
• Select a book classic for a few friends to read and participate in a discussion chapter by chapter
• Mark your calendar for a movie night, select a classic then plan drinks, dinner, and snacks around the theme. You could turn lights off and string twinkle lights for a whimsical atmosphere.
• Take a virtual tour of a Museum, study the artifacts or artists and their work up close

Travel and Leisure enables you to see the sights of cities, zoos, free Broadway shows, and other attractions. Plus cool activities for children like virtually touring Disney Parks, rides, Disney Park famous recipes for Dole Whip, Churros, and the ‘Grey Stuff’ from Beauty and the Beast when Lumiere claims to “Try the grey stuff; it’s delicious!”

Thrillist has lots more ideas with links to instructions and resources to try: DIY ShackBurger, take a Masterclass course for free, grow a garden, use Google Earth to tour national parks, etc. Hopefully, something from these links will spark your imagination and put a smile on your face. Please be safe and kindly continue to stay home as long as you possibly can.

Grey Stuff Recipe

From the Movie Beauty & The Beast - Disney World's "Grey Stuff" recipe!! It's so easy to make and so delicious. Tastes just like the recipe from the Be Our Guest restaurant. So smooth and made with vanilla and chocolate pudding mix, milk, cool whip, crushed Oreos and topped with sprinkles!

Ingredients

• 1 3.4oz vanilla pudding mix
• 1 1/2cups milk
• 15 Oreos
• 8oz Cool Whip
• 2tbsp chocolate pudding mix
• sprinkles

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, combine vanilla pudding mix and milk. Whisk well and refrigerate for 10 minutes.
2. Place Oreos in a food processor and blend until they become crumbs.
3. Mix the crushed Oreos in with the pudding mixture and mix well.
4. Fold in Cool Whip and chocolate pudding mix until well combined and refrigerate for one hour before serving.
5. When ready to serve, place "grey stuff" in a piping bag and add a dollop to the middle and then pipe a spiral around it. serve in a dish or use as topping on a cupcake of favorite cookie. 
6. ENJOY!

Natural Disasters to Be Prepared for in Southern California

4/24/2020 (Permalink)

As we continue to hear devastating news reports of tornadoes ripping apart towns back east and earthquakes above a six point magnitude in different areas we need to ask: What Kind of natural disasters can we expect in our SOCAL Community? CA.gov goes into detail about what we may expect and how to protect ourselves. It is important for each of us to be well informed of the potential dangers so that we can PREPARE Now…

Pandemics (we are figuring this out as we go learning more about COVID-19 each day)

Earthquakes (unpredictable but even aftershocks can cause major structural damages)

Wildfires (great dangers could arise with no notice)

Landslides & Mudslides (regular occurrences in our state due to either earthquakes or rain fall)

Tsunami (USC research warns that a 7.6 magnitude earthquake under the seafloor near Catalina Island could cause one to hit our coastline)

Floods (can be particularly dangerous if caught in the middle of one)

Power Outages (common in our area due to high dense population, dangerous for hospitals utilizing life-saving equipment)

Extreme Heat (dangerous for when it gets hot outside, higher risks for elderly, mentally and physically sick so focus on prevention by drinking additional fluids, omit caffeine, alcoholic, and sugary beverages)

Emergency Supplies:

3 days water supply, per person

3 days food supply, per person

Medical documents, medications and first aid

Emergency go bags stored in a good location, add personal items like shoes and changes of clothes, toiletries etc. to it as needs change

A generator

At SERVPRO of West Covina Safety Always Comes First

4/23/2020 (Permalink)

No need to stress over calling for help, we are here to lend a hand (gloved) all the while keeping health and safety at the forefront.

Over the past several weeks, it has become clear the world is facing an unprecedented storm called COVID-19. We understand our world has changed and like you, we are deeply concerned. We will continue to do what we can to help keep our community, customers, and team members safe & healthy.

Our hearts go out to all who have been and continue to be affected by this current pandemic situation. We greatly appreciate the countless healthcare workers who got into their line of work because they wished to help people. They are incredible and face day to day scenarios that really, no human should ever have to encounter. THANK YOU for your dedication, perseverance, and extremely hard work.

While we are not medical first responders, we are property first responders. We are here to serve our SOCAL community and quickly address emergency needs after the devastation of a fire, storm, flood, trauma, or coronavirus contamination. Amongst our list of restoration services are specialty cleaning, sanitization, disinfecting, deodorization, and biohazard disposal. While performing our daily duties we are committed to doing our part in minimizing the spread of SARS-CoV-2, and its resulting disease, coronavirus (COVID-19), and any other widely spread illnesses including influenza and the common cold.

Practices we continue:

• Rigorous methodical deep cleaning & disinfecting procedures including frequent and routine disinfecting of our equipment, vehicles, touchpoints in and around bathrooms, door handles, and common areas at our warehouse facility.
• Strictly enforcing our employee illness policy. Team members with any signs of cold, flu, fever, head or body aches, or respiratory illness are prohibited from working.  They must be free of any symptoms for 14 days before returning to work.
• On-going team meetings and training on health and safety. Reminders of the importance of preventative measures such as breaking the habit of touching your face and frequent hand washing before, during, and after each task.
• Wearing their face masks and gloves at all times, properly removing and disposing of them and using fresh gloves for each new task, and of course, utilizing additional proper PPE based on the job they are working on.
• Proper disposal of materials and PPE

This is a taxing time for us all so we remain deeply committed to the safety of everyone. Our customers are the core of our company; we thank you, value you, appreciate you and look forward to providing the necessary services to you when the need arises at your home or business.

Be Proactive in Dealing with Stress

4/17/2020 (Permalink)

Take a deep breath, don't allow stress to overtake you. And if it's property damages you are dealing with, call now because we can help.

Storms come in various forms. This week as rain and tornadoes have damaged many areas of the country, our entire globe is facing the ‘coronavirus storm’. With unusual circumstances bringing traumatic events such as the multitude of families dealing with great losses & grief, to the countless millions who have lost their jobs, the extra pressures put on families who are feeling trapped at home, schools & businesses suffering, hospitals completely overwhelmed and hungry families waiting in lines for hours to get just enough food to survive. Understandably, these day to day occurrences is causing loads of stress and anxiety. Sad news reports of how some are responding to the extra pressures are absolutely heartbreaking. As our world continues to alter and we are adapting to the changes, some days may be more difficult to endure than others. What can we do now to be proactive in dealing with stress?

Relieving stress & anxiety can start by forming new habits

• Learn to breathe better & practice deep breathing
• Improve diet, keep it balanced and eat greens
• Exercise regularly, endorphins will help
• Get better sleep
• Set priorities
• Live one day at a time, don’t worry about what ‘might’ or ‘could’ happen tomorrow
• Create a good daily schedule & stick to it
• Treat everyone kindly, especially being cooped up together
• Schedule brief respites during the day to relax
• Limit caffeine & alcohol
• Use Facetime or Zoom to enjoy friends & family
• Learn something new
• Do something you enjoy, this will help with contentment

Lastly, GET SUPPORT. Talk and confide in someone you trust. If you choose a good friend or family member, try and divulge your feelings to someone that you know has the ability to cheer you up. This might aid in lifting the burden you are under so that you can feel better. Look for ways to improve the current situation. Please see your Dr. if your stress becomes too much to handle, many appointments can be made by phone, same day. And never underestimate the power of prayer.

At SERVPRO, our business is helping individuals going through the stress of home or property damages due to unexpected fires, storms & flooding, water leaks, fire-sprinkler malfunctions, dreaded mold, vandalism, trauma and now, we offer the service of coronavirus disinfecting. We work hard to relieve the anxiety they may initially feel and truly enjoy helping others. Our professional team members are here to help around the clock. For any inquiries, call now – 626.960.9145

Q: A passing storm floods the room – Is it Clean or Dirty Water? Does it Matter?

3/20/2020 (Permalink)

Bacteria can multiply rapidly under 'favorable' conditions, forming colonies of millions of organisms within a space as small as a drop of rainwater.

A: It depends because different categories of water can not only affect your health but also how aWater Damage Professional will proceed with the protocol of the actual cleanup. Either way, using an expert is highly advised because ultimately the protection of your health is a high priority and saving money is ALWAYS desired as long as no further risk is incurred.

To explain further... When dealing with Category 1 Water (Fresh, Clean), time and temperatures are urgent matters to consider. Mitigation or stopping the water invasion may proceed by utilizing professional specialized industrial equipment. This may aid in preserving money and minimizing costly replacements of flooring, cabinets and other materials, etc.

Category 1 Example: sudden pipe burst rupture or appliance supply line water leak.

If Category 2 Water (Grey with some degree of contaminants) is present, as with Type 1 time and temperatures are also main concerns because it could become progressively more contaminated, causing further damages.

Category 2 Example: water coming from inside of a dishwasher or clothes washing machine.

Category 3 Water (Black, Highly Contaminated) Some professionals carry test tube kits to make a quick assessment because dirty water could be dangerous and worst case scenario cause death or serious illness if consumed by humans. In which case the IICRC Recommendation is to cut and remove all surfaces affected.

Category 3 Example: SEWAGE DAMAGES: sewage leak, sewage back up, sewage spill, toilet tank water overflow, toilet backup overflow. STORM DAMAGES: rainwater or flood waters entering through a damaged roof, windows, walls or doors, or even exterior groundwater containing silt and soil. ‘CLEAN’ OR ‘GREY’ WATER  UNNOTICED OR ALLOWED TO SIT: permitting contaminants to multiply over the matter of days or sometimes mere hours.

SERVPRO of West Covina cleans up All types of water damage, so call us out so that you can relax by leaving the cleanup to the professionals. We will determine the best plan of action, tailored for your unique situation.  This will save valuable time, money and minimize any disruption from your home or business. Regardless of the water source type, it is IMPORTANT to act quickly. Call today!

What is Aspergillus Mold?

12/13/2019 (Permalink)

Rain storms can lead to water leaks, leaks that go unnoticed can lead to mold. Act quickly by calling a professional to inspect and stop the issue.

Many are wondering about the dangers of Aspergillus mold after the sad news of several pediatric deadly infection cases linked to the operating rooms in the Seattle Children’s Hospital. Newsweek reported the hospital closing ten of it’s operating rooms after realizing between 2001 and 2018 fourteen patients developed Aspergillus infections, six of which turned into tragic fatalities. Piecing the puzzle together, what they initially thought were isolated incidents, turned out to all be related due to problems in the air system.

The operating rooms now closed for repairs and improvements plan to install new HEPA filtration systems which stands for high-efficiency particulate air. These filters are designed to force the air through a mesh that traps harmful particles. Typically this protects against pollen, dust mites, smoke particles, dander and other allergens… such as mold spores or to get even more specific, any air particulate above .02 microns in size. Just to give a perspective of size an average hair is measured to be 50 microns and anything smaller than 40 microns can not be seen by the human eye.

If you do a google search on Aspergillus you will find an explanation of how it is a fungus or a common mold that lives both in and outdoors. Please note: fungus itself is not poisonous or necessarily toxic, unless over time it has developed into a certain strain of mold such as stachybotrys commonly known as ‘black mold’ which produces toxic mycotoxins. And what you want to avoid is an over-saturation of mold spores indoors which could be harmful because it is an allergen for some, which could be dangerous. It can adversely affect the sensitive, young, old or anyone with a weakened immune system.  For those, while still uncommon, if lung disease develops and travels into the bloodstream, it can kill after ten to fourteen days which is crazy fast and extremely serious.

Stachybotrys or ‘black mold’ can be dangerous depending on the levels present and can cause common allergy symptoms, headaches, flu-like symptoms, and with continued long term exposure, memory loss and respiratory damage.

How to prevent mold indoors?

Since California is right in the middle of it’s rainy season, we need to be concerned with staying on top of any and all property damages to prevent potential health risk dangers.

Do’s

• Pay attention to act quickly regarding any sort of water leaking from anywhere
• Daily air out your home by opening up doors, windows and allowing a bit of sun to stream in
• Clean, dust, sweep and vacuum on a regular basis
• If a room or area in your home remains moist and has condensation, use a fan daily or use a dehumidifier to keep humidity levels at a minimum

Don’ts

• Don’t procrastinate on plumbing repairs or water leaks
• Don’t delay in making regular home maintenance needs around water fixtures such as loose tiles or worn calking
• Don’t skip seasonally clearing debris from rain gutters and inspecting for possible blockages

Thinking you might have mold issues? We are here to help. We can test for mold and if spores are found, we can certainly assist with the mold removal. Call today! 626.960.9145

Happy Fall Y’all!

9/27/2019 (Permalink)

The stormy Fall Season brings all our comforting and favorite baked goodies to mind. This Baked Apple Dumplings Recipe is a must-try!

While hot days and summer activities are a huge part of SOCAL living, the extremely hot temperatures we have been experiencing can easily zap us of our energy. As Monday, September 23^rd officially kicked off our first day of fall, we didn’t actually get to see the fall weather begin until two days later… Now that temperatures have dropped and our projected weather forecast shows exciting numbers ranging from daily highs from 70 degrees to a high of 87 degrees, we are super happy and relishing the days to come! Of course, this change in the weather has already brought in both water damage and mold inspection calls and we remain ready for a whole lot more as we move deeper into the season. Seems like for a couple of weeks now the humidity has been so high and our cars continue to get sprinkled on as we wait for storms to roll in or past us.

Besides the change of colors in the scenery, this preferred season of many brings the start of traditional family outings such as to our local apple orchard towns and villages. One of our family’s favorites is found at the base of our San Bernardino Mountain’s at the Oak Glen Apple Growers Association.

Oak Glen has been a favorite destination for as far back as we can remember because of it’s charm and is the ideal place for memories to be made. With ‘apple everything’ to be had there, from rustic-looking mile-high apple pies, to apple cake, apple danishes, apple empanadas, apple cookies, apple muffins, caramel apples, apple candies, made to order apple donuts (lines are long but so worth the wait), apple cider floats, apple variety sampling, all of which are delicious. In fact, Pink Pearl is an apple with pretty pink flesh on the inside. It can be pricy but tastes as good as it looks. Other faves are Pink Lady and Johnagold varieties.

There is a quaint little museum and fun activities are available at each orchard such as apple tree picking, raspberry picking but only if you arrive early enough in the season, fishing, panning for gold, and cold pressing your own apple cider! Depending on how sweet… you add more red apples or how tart you desire the cider, you add more green apples to the ratio of your bucket. The process is neat but the end result is even better. For those who haven’t yet tried it, freshly made cider essentially tastes like natural apple candy, YUM. Even if we don’t have the time to make our own cider, we always buy a glass gallon jug or two to enjoy because there is nothing else like it in any stores. Plus something to look forward to is the Apple Butter Festival 2019.

With all this talk of fall apples, here is a fast and easy apple dumpling recipe ideal for busy families. Cooking and baking shortcuts are always welcome in our kitchen. Simple enough to include the kids in on preparation, yet scrumptious enough for entertaining! Serve this warm with some French vanilla ice cream or homemade whipped cream and you’ll have quite a comfy treat.

A Taste of Home Baked Apple Dumplings

2 medium Granny Smith apples

2 tubes (8 ounces each) refrigerated crescent rolls

2/3 cup sugar

1 cup butter, melted

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

3/4 cup 7-UP or Mountain Dew soda

 ____ Directions____

Preheat oven to 350°. Peel, core and cut each apple into eight wedges. Unroll both tubes of crescent dough; separate each into eight triangles. Wrap a triangle around each wedge. Place in a greased 13x9-in. baking dish.

In a bowl pour melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon until blended; pour on top of crescent rolls. Slowly pour soda around the sides of rolls (do not stir).

Bake, uncovered, until golden brown and apples are tender, 35-40 minutes. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream and Enjoy!

** Easily switch it up by swapping apples for peaches, raspberries, blackberries or blueberries

You are not alone in a Storm, call SERVPRO

5/2/2019 (Permalink)

Whenever it rains, be proactive by keeping an eye out for any new water leaks so that mold does NOT become an issue.

One of the best things about belonging to the SERVPRO family is that we are a part of a national Storm Response Program. Stationed throughout the country we have four geographically located teams ready and able to manage any catastrophic event. By responding quickly with a properly staffed and adequately equipped to handle the largest disaster, it makes SERVPRO of West Covina the one to call first and even add to your speed dial.

Each of our team members receives extensive training and are prepared to tackle any sized emergency with well-stocked vehicles for optimal efficiency. While much of the country currently is worried about freezing pipes, hail or damaging winds, California has plenty of potential storm-related hazards as well. A primary storm hazard would be flood or rainwater intrusion, which would be classified as grey water. Grey water refers to a risk of potential bacteria content or slight contaminants in the water from either the ground or roof. Knowing that a good chance of bird or animal droppings could be present in the water, having professional care for such restoration needs will likely save you money. Our aim is to keep your surrounding environment safe by preventing secondary damages like mold growth. 

If you are concerned that your property may have an issue, call for details about our complimentary visual inspections so that our professional team may help out with a plan of action and follow through.

Does Homeowners' Insurance Cover Water Damage caused by Flooding?

4/25/2019 (Permalink)

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a storm as a disturbance of the atmosphere marked by wind and usually by rain, snow, hail, sleet, or thunder and lightning. While Southern California rarely experiences severe storm activity, it does occur from time to time. Being prepared for a swift change in temperatures and the seasonal Santa Ana Winds is always going to be advantages. Are you and your family California STORM READY? CA.GOV 

helps us prepare individually by first knowing whether or not our property is at risk of flooding. When we purchased our home just over a decade ago, our loan docs included the disclosure of our area being considered a flood zone area. Insurance companies as well have FEMA Risk mapping indicating cities and neighborhoods at high risk for any sort of natural disaster be it earthquakes, wind storms, wildfire and of course flooding. Are you properly insured with flood insurance or earthquake insurance? Since Homeowners’ insurance does not cover flood damage, it is finding out and act now because water damage repairs can be costly. to Water damages due to flooding water can potentially carry contaminants in the soil such as animal droppings, pesticides, etc., IICRC standards states removal of all materials affected by the exterior waters and recommends they be removed and replaced. If you find yourself dealing with unexpected soaking wet walls or googling: how to get rid of mold after a storm, you will be eternally grateful when your insurance helps to take away the sting of the loss.

As the rest of the nation continues to storm watch severe weather, while we are enjoying sunny days we can do our part now, by preparing a checklist and ensuring that we are ready just in case…

March Winds & April Showers Bring May Flowers…

4/24/2019 (Permalink)

We are all familiar with the 1920’s poem and song about the typical rainy season expected in the Spring. Such, storms also make for slick roads and more than usual dangerous driving conditions.

Extra caution and speed reduction should be exercised when behind the wheel when the roads are wet and slippery because nearly half of weather-related automobile accidents each year are from the rain. This extra caution applies to both new and experienced drivers. When rain follows hot and drier days, engine oil builds up on the roads and can contribute to many more accidents. Increase your following distance to improve visibility and give yourself enough time to fully brake. Avoid using cruise control in the rain to properly control speed when hitting patches of water and to prevent hydroplaning. If you begin to drift, do not turn your wheel or brake hard because your vehicle could skid or spin. We have all seen a driver flying through bad weather, not slowing at all or taking account of the road conditions only to collide right off the road, minutes later.  Practice being a defensive and patient driver.

Nowadays, dangers of driving have grown to include a much larger list than just rainy weather. Because of so many potential distractions; iPhones have a “do not disturb setting” while driving that detect motion and if receiving a call or text during that time will automatically send a quick text notifying the caller of such. This aids in the practice of not looking at our phones at all while driving.

Local law enforcement, hospitals, schools and businesses team up year after year for the EVERY 15 Minutes Program that instructs our young ones before they become licensed drivers to understand the many dangers on the road because life’s lessons are best learned through experience. This powerful program leaves a lasting and emotional impression through the use of a visual reenactment of a deadly accident stemmed from driving while impaired or distracted. Students are challenged to meditate on the weighty responsibility of getting behind the wheel and the grim realities that can be caused by making foolish choices. The program teaches the importance of taking responsibility by making mature decisions and how outcomes can greatly impact everyone around them.

As May approaches, the California weather will begin to warm up and the chance of rain drops to a day to two at the most, if any. While California is a year-round destination for travelers, May through the summer months brings the highest number of visitors to the beaches and local attractions. Wherever your California destination plans lie this Spring and Summer, have fun but be safe!

April has Lots Going on Weather Wise

4/18/2019 (Permalink)

April showers... and lots more damages predicted. SERVPRO is here to help for any and all storm-related damages.

Each part of the country is being affected differently from the various types of recent storms. While severe weather threatens the South with ridiculously large sized hail and residents are warned to brace for flooding this upcoming weekend in April, four tornadoes have been reported in Texas and damaging winds in Oklahoma. Severe thunderstorms with a huge risk of damaging wind gusts are threatening to hit Florida, Virginia, Washington DC and the Carolinas. New York is on a flash flood watch.

Here in California while the Northern part of the state is experiencing dirt devils, our Southern section is forecasting sunny days ahead with temperatures into the high 80’s. Perfect timing for the exceptionally large crowds of travelers continuing to heading in for Coachella.

To keep updated and see the current weather, The Weather Chanel has a map of the entire country.

SOCAL Rain Leaks requires Mold Remediation

5/15/2018 (Permalink)

Lots of water staining from a passing storm occurred throughout this Baldwin Park office building. We got it all cleaned up fast!

Here in our sunny SOCAL neighborhood, it rains only once in a while… But it did rain once last week and even if the storm hits only in passing, property damage issues can arise unexpectedly. This local business office experienced ceiling staining on multiple areas from a leaky roof. They called our SERVPRO office in to inspect the damages. Wet materials along with the development of mold was discovered behind the spots seen here in the picture. From experience, removal of mold is the best protection against potential allergens. Their office staff was relieved to have everything professionally remediated and repaired.

For an updated photo, please check out our SERVPRO of West Covina website’s Before and After Photo Gallery to view the mold removal from the framing studs of this particular structure.

Prepare now for SOCAL’s summer heat…

4/11/2018 (Permalink)

We love because Southern California in part because it's weather is certainly unique. Overall it is one of the most desirable states to live in. As seasons change, we adjust ever so slightly if at all...

We sometimes experience the effects of Santa Ana storm winds where rooftop or property damages pop up due to them. It hardly rains here, but when it does and it comes down hard, certain areas prone to flooding quickly suffer from the storm. Fortunately SERVPRO of West Covina is here to help with any and all of those issues.

Sunny California is a beautiful place to live so investing in a home or business is most definitely worthwhile. Staying on top of maintenance may be the very best way to help to protect your investment and prevent costly replacement costs from occurring later.

As we head towards summer our current high temperatures are an indicator as to what our upcoming summer may be like. It may turn out to be a real scorcher. Depending on the city you live in and primarily how far inland your home is, summer heat may lead to unusually high cooling costs.

If despite covering all the basics IE: regularly servicing the A.C., installing ceiling fans, layering thermal quality window treatments and tinting windows, excessive heat is still getting trapped each day, consider taking steps to help cut costly energy bills.

One way to assist with cooling issues may be by insulating your garage door with a reflective covering. Last year, our family discovered that the super high temperatures in our garage damaged all the food cans tucked into our ‘emergency go bags’.  Multiple cans exploded all over clothes, blankets and supplies. We learned our lesson and found a cooler spot for their storage but that gave us a real good idea as to just how HOT the garage can get…

Step by step instructions can be found by visiting houselogic.com. It might be well worth it in the long run. Preparing to the best of our abilities is wise. For all the rest of the unexpected damages that occur, we are here to help around the clock.