Thanksgiving Fire Safety Tips

Well it looks like the holiday season is finally here in all its shopping and celebratory glory. With Thanksgiving right around the corner, many of you are getting ready by putting up decorations, sending out invites and preparing the menu. One of the biggest things to get ready for Thanksgiving is of course the turkey. Whether you are roasting, baking, or even deep frying that bird this year be sure that you are doing it safely. Here are a few tips and pieces of advice for you on how you can stay safe from fire damage this holiday season and have a great time!

1. Ensure all smoke detectors have fresh batteries.

2. Start any holiday cooking with a clean stove top or oven to minimize the risk of fire.

3. Place towels and fabrics far from fire source.

4. If you are using candles for decorations, be sure they are at a safe distance from fabrics or other heat sensitive materials.

5. Keep children and pets out of the kitchen if you are cooking. (Maybe even those clumsy adults)

6. If possible, be sure to have a fire extinguisher no farther than 10 feet from the kitchen. 

The holidays are a great time to surround yourself with the people you love to celebrate the closing of the year and everything that it has brought. Don't let a fire disaster interrupt this time with your family and friends. Follow these tips and be sure to have a blessed holiday season this year.

For any emergency services contact our team 24/7 (we will be open Thanksgiving Day) at 1-800-439-8833.

Risks of Rainwater Damage

Fall bring with it a fresh new season with a wide variety of changes. Fall colors can be some of the best of any season. For the Bay Area however, it also marks a point where the rains slowly creep their way back into our lives. Having been in the Bay Area for over 33 years we at ServiceMaster Restoration & Recovery Services have learned that the weather does in fact impact our business as well as the lives of our clients. In most cases rain damage can be minimum, but in other cases it can causes larger amounts of damage to a person's home or business. In this posting you will find a few of the damages that can be caused by rainwater and also learn about some preventative measures you can put into place.

Some of the most common rainwater damages are:

1. Splash-up Damage to wood sidings

2. Water damage to roofs caused by puddling

3. Broken drain pipes caused by gutter blockage

4. Broken seals in window panes

5. Leaks into the interior of the house (mostly attics and other storage areas with poor insulation)

Of course there are many other risks that are not listed above that can affect a home or property. We have listed below a good resource for you to follow if you would like more information on how you can better protect your home again rainwater damage. 

As the rains and rain season approach, our team is standing by 24/7 to assist any clients who need emergency water damage mitigation services. To schedule our technicians simply call us at 1-800-439-8833 as soon as possible. Remember, QUICK RESPONSE = LOWER COST! 

http://inspectapedia.com/BestPractices/Siding_Splashback.htm

Preventing Water Damage: Rain Gutters

There are many areas of your home that can be affected by a winter rain or storm. One of the most common areas is that of your roof. Rain can gather and cause puddles that can increase the chances to water damage to your roof. This can lead itself to creating a large problem when it could have simply been prevented.

One of the most common reasons flooding and puddling occurs on a roof is due to poor gutter maintenance. A gutter gets very little attention from most homeowners and can be taken for granted many times. However, these simple fixtures provide protection and prevent disaster from occurring to your home every time it rains. The best way to ensure these fixtures perform their duties well is to inspect and maintain them on a regular basis. Here are a few quick tips on rain gutter maintenance to help prevent water damage and rain damage to your home:


1. Clean your gutters at least twice a year.

2. Check for any corrosion or holes

3. Ensure there are no leaks and that the drain runs straight (clear out the downspout for any blockage)

4. Lightly rinse through drain system with a garden hose to ensure clear flow of water

*For emergency response services related to roof damage or water damage contact our team at 1-800-439-8833. Technicians are standing by 24/7

Black Mold- Facts and Prevention

As we have spoken about mold in previous postings, there are a wide range of mold types caused by various conditions. Though there are similarities in the conditions that cause this mold, they are unique in their impact to each home and home owner. Through the various types of mold it is generally the case that "black mold" has the largest impact. The mold itself can be remediated and removed but it is also important to understand what causes the black mold and how it can impact your home.

1. What causes black mold?

Black mold is caused by the same conditions that cause many other kinds of mold. The cause is granted to moisture presence caused by leaks or drips on damp and cold places. Black mold spores can enter a home through open doorways, windows or screens. Once they have entered a home, if they are able to fall in an area affected with moisture, they will in fact be able to grow and reproduce. Black mold feeds on organic materials found in a home's building structure such as wood, paper and other organic products.

2. The impact of black mold:

Many people say that black mold has an effect on a person’s health, impacting their respitory system. This is true in most circumstances but can range quite a bit in its impact to each individual person. Some may be more sensitive to the presence of mold and can develop respitory problems with extended exposure to mold impacted areas. In addition to its health impact, black mold also negatively impacts the integrity of a home’s structural strength. Just is the case with other types of mold, black mold will eat away at the organic materials comprising of a home’s structure, such as its beams, floors and inner materials. Over time this can present a large risk to a home!

3. How do you remove black mold?

This answer is simple; have a PROFESSIONAL remove the mold growth. It is the case that we are called into many situations where a home owner has tried to remove a mold infestation on their own, only to have caused a larger problem. The best way to ensure a living environment safe from mold is to have a professional (such as us!) remove the growth the right way and provide all the appropriate readings to ensure that safe environment. In some cases your home insurance policy may even cover the cost of removal (consultant your insurance agent for more information).

For any black mold removal and remediation services contact us at 1-800-439-8833 or visit our website at
 http://svmrecovery.com/

Fall Home Safety Tips

Fall is officially here. It marks the shift in the summer season to becoming a bit colder outside. As fall takes us into winter, its important to make sure your home is prepared for the next season. Here are some basic and simple tips you can follow to make sure you have your home and property better prepared.

1. For any indoor flames (fireplaces, candles, etc.) make sure flammable materials are kept at a safe distance.
2. Beware Ladders: Fall is a great time to clean out your gutters and make sure there are no impediments in your gutter system. Use proper safety precautions when using ladders.
3. Make sure all exterior lights are functioning and light bulbs have been changed.
4. For proper fire safety, check all fire alarms in your home and make sure they are functioning properly and have fresh batteries.
5. Check walls for leaks and cracks: as the winter rains approach, limit your water damage risk by making sure you have proper run off systems for your home.

There are plenty of other tips you can follow to ensure the safety of your home. The best way to protect your property is to make sure you have taken the right precautionary steps. For any additional advice and safety tips visit our website at http://svmrecovery.com/advice/

How to Find Mold in Your Home

Mold can be present in various areas in a home and can affect people in many different ways. Some people are lightly impacted by the presence of mold in a home, and others are impacted heavily. Those that are impacted heavily by mold can have allergies, and respitory reactions to mold presence in a home. Generally speaking if some is feeling better when they are out of their home, rather than when they are at home, it’s a good sign that there could be something wrong. So to beg the question, if there is mold, how do you find it?

Always start by inspection the areas of your home that have water supply present. This includes the kitchen, bathrooms and sometimes garages. If there is an odor or constant damp feel it is a good indication that it is an environment where mold spores can form and grow. In these rooms it is always good to check for any cracks and actually see if there is any smell close to these cracks. If there is a smell, there could be mold located inside the walls (typically generated from a water leak or cracked pipe inside the walls). Another way mold presence can be determined in a home is by looking for any leaks or moisture build up in the home. If there are any water streaks present there is a good chance that mold has had a chance to develop over time.

Now most people want to perform the mold removal themselves by either using bleach or some other product to remove the mold. However, there is little effectiveness in this method, usually found by the growth of mold in areas that were already affected. The best way to eliminate mold is to begin by eliminating the presence of moisture and humidity. The second is to have a professional look at the problem and recommend solutions.

For any emergency mold removal or remediation services contact us at 1-800-439-8833. For tips on how to respond to mold in your home visit our website at http://svmrecovery.com/

Hazards During Water Damage

In many water damage situations it is critical to have immediate response. But before doing so, it is always important to address the current risks involved with the active damage. In order to do so, it is always important for home owners to follow safety precautions before entering an affected area. There are a few things home owners can do to make sure they are not at risk when entering a home that has succumbed to water damage or one that is going through the mitigation process.

1. Beware of slip and fall areas
    - Since water has now impacted floors and various other areas of the house, beware of conditions that have changed
    - If you have tile floors in your kitchen or bathroom, place towels or old fabric down to limit the risk of slipping
    - Wear shoes (not sandals) with grip to make sure you have proper traction when walking through the home.

2. Beware of electrical risks
    - The highest risk for home owners in the event of a water loss is the risk posed by live electricity still present in the house.
    - ALWAYS turn off the electricity to the house when it is SAFE to do so.
    - If the electricity is off, wear gloves and unplug appliances and remove cords that may be on the floor or close to water affected areas.
    - For best safety practices refer to a restoration or electrical professional

3. Other risks
    - In addition to the first two situations, there are many times we are called into multilevel properties. Beware of debris fall that can be caused due to a loss from a higher level floor.
    - Check walls in lower floors for any signs of water leaks and runs.


These are just a few of the steps that can be followed by any home owner or property owner to help ensure their safety in the event of a water loss situation. It is always best to contact your insurance provider and to seek out a professional for emergency water damage response services. Remember to keeps children and pets in safe distance of the affected areas and document as much of what you can to better inform your insurer and restoration professional.

For emergency water damage services we are available at 1-800-439-8833. Our technicians are standing by 24/7 and that even includes holidays. Call us for your emergency water damage restoration needs. Serving the San Francisco/Bay Area for over 33 years.

Is Your Water Bill Too High?

With the way the economy is currently impacting our nation, you can be sure people are trying to do everything they can to save money and more cost conscious. This could include using less electricity, packing a lunch to work, or even carpooling. Of course, there are many other ways people can save money that are more effective and more creative. Sometimes however, the simplest methods can make the largest impacts.

The average person uses between 40-80 gallons of water per day (gpd). A number that is higher than most of the world and surprised even us. With this use on a daily basis, the equipment responsible for water distribution in your home will develop natural wear and tear. Pipes, faucets, toilets and water heaters can develop many issues over time that may be costing you more money than you think on your water bill. Leaks can be the largest unseen factor in causing your monthly water bill to be higher than the natural useage of water in your home. Leaks will continue to affect the home throughout the day, while you are at work, school or whatever it is you do during the day. Over time these leaks grow to become bigger problems such as broken pipes, and can even cause mold in your home. However, there is a remedy for your high water bills. Most of these causes are easily avoided with the right preventative measures. In most cases, a leak may just mean a pipe needs to be tightened or a washer be replaced. Many of these repairs and preventative measures can be done by a homeowner and saves you a lot of money in the long run. Resources are available to the general public to perform these procedures at home. http://www.middleburg.org/report.pdfs/Info%20Sheet%20-%20High%20Water%20Bills.pdf

We are often called into people's homes and businesses to mitigate water damage. There are many cases in which water damage to the home could have been avoided with simple maintenance and repair. Though we are more than happy to perform mitigation and restoration services, we desire to see our clients well informed on how they can better protect their properties. As always, if you find yourself in a water loss or water damage situation, call our trained technicians at 1-800-439-8833, we are here to serve you 24/7/365.

Why ServiceMaster Clean?

People have choices, plain and simple. In today's marketplace, consumers look for options, making decisions based on who and what best meet their needs. The disaster restoration industry is no exception to this rule. Our clients, whether they are insurance companies or direct consumers, seek to work with a company that goes out of its way to meet the satisfaction of its clients. So the answer begs the question, why pick ServiceMaster Clean and not a competitor?

The answer to this question is simple; ServiceMaster Clean provides more comprehensive services than any of our competitors. To begin, ServiceMaster Clean is the largest disaster restoration vendor in the industry, with offices both domestic and international. Our global network comprises of more than 4,500 locations spread throughout the world. With the capacity to work on such a large scale ServiceMaster Clean is able to provide a vast array of services.

These services range from janitorial cleaning, to residential water damage/fire damage recovery services, and even continue onto commercial disaster restoration services. The next competitive advantage ServiceMaster Clean carries is the fact that it is made up of a network of individually owned franchises. These franchises communicate with each other to help meet the needs of the clients. An example of this might be a scenario in which a franchise focusing on janitorial services has a client experience a large water loss. This same franchise can reach out to a disaster specific ServiceMaster Clean franchise for assistance in responding to the water loss, working as a team and network to ensure the needs of client are always met. Combine this mindset with employees who are trained and certified, and you will get the top professionals in the disaster restoration industry.

ServiceMaster Clean is a company made up of individual franchises that seek to work together. By leveraging the experience and resources that we all bring to the restoration industry, we work together to meet the needs of our clients. At the end of the day, the reason ServiceMaster Clean has been successful in the disaster restoration industry is because the people that make up the company are dedicated to use their knowledge and skills to ensure the best service and quality is provided to our clients.

After the Smoke Settles- What are the health risks associated to fire damage?

Fire is a disaster that can have an immense impact on any property. The causes of a fire are vast and can be accounted to just about anything. Following the right prevention methods can help keep the statistics low, the truth however, is that fires still occur at an alarming rate and continue to cause property disasters. Though most damage occurs in the intial fire itself through the destruction of property and the emotional trauma inflicted, there is a strong amount of damage inflicted after the fire as well. One factor many people overlook is the impact to health in a post fire damage environment.

The human body and immune system are designed to protect against many contaigens. However, this is not always the case when the body is confronted with carcinogens caused from fire damage. The remnants of a fire are found in the smoke and soot damage still present in a fire damaged property. Many times, these factors are present in the structural walls and contents of the house/building. The primary risk associated with these factors is the damage to lungs and respitory systems. Smoke can be inhaled into the respitory system and cause internal damage of the lungs. Examples of this damage are found through coughing and shortness of breath, following exposure to a fire damaged property. Many times these symptoms don't reveal themselves until time has gone by from exposure to smoke and soot damage.

However, these are preventable risks, resources are available to consumers to not only regain their home and protect their home, but to also protect their health. Having fire damage restoration companies perform services on damaged homes and homes exposed to smoke damage can eliminate the risk on respitory problems. The sooner a company works to eliminate the smoke and soot damage caused by a fire, the effectiveness of lowering risk.

ServiceMaster of San Francisco performs fire damage recovery services as a primary service to its clients. Our technicans are trained by state requirements to ensure every client who receives their services, receives the best quality. We are available at all times to respond to emergency fire damage restoration needs. Call us at 1-800-439-8833 or visit our website at www.svmrecovery.com

Got a Superhero on Dial?

The title of this post may very well have you a bit confused and lost. After all what does having a superhero on dial have to do with disaster restoration. Well we at ServiceMaster consider our roles to be very much aligned with the roles and characteristics a superhero demonstrates. Superheroes are called into action at the sign of distress and trouble. They have to over come hurdles and obstacles to reach the over all goal. These goals are varied but range from saving a damsel in distress to having to save the world from an impending danger. Either way, the role of the superhero is to serve the people and to uphold the benefit of others.

In this same way, we at ServiceMaster view our roles as being ready to serve others;whether that is a family who has experienced a property disaster or a business that has found damage to their facility, we must be ready to respond. Similar to superheroes our team has to be prepared at a moments notice to respond to the needs of our customers, whether it's during the daytime or at night. We usually have to over come obstacles, which may include: flooded basements, multi-level flooding, fire damage, smoke damage or even mold. Our heroes are our technicians, the ones who arrive at your property in the time of the disaster. They are the ones ready to serve at a moments notice. Our technicians power is their knowledge and skill. They use these together to ensure our clients are returned to pre-loss conditions.

So make sure you have the superheroes at ServiceMaster Restoration & Recovery Services on dial. We are available 24/7/365, including holidays. To use our emergency services call us at 1-800-439-8833 or visit our website at http://svmrecovery.com/

Fire Damage Risk- Electrical Fires

One of the main disasters that poses a risk to your home is fire. Fire damage to your home can be caused by both external and internal factors. One of the largest sources of fire damage to homes in the U.S. is electrical wiring. Faulty wiring can eventually lead to the cause of a house fire from an electrical appliance or electrical socket. One of the easiest ways that a fire can be caused is from simply plugging in too many appliances or devices into an electrical source. An example of this would be overloading power strips, causing electrical overloads. Another cause is exposed wiring from any electrical devices. Wires that are exposed to carpet or any other furnishing in the home can pose a deadly fire risk. Be sure to check cables from electrical devices to make sure they are all properly wrapped and have no exposed wiring. Electrical fires can cause a lot of damage but there are a few simple steps you can follow to make sure you prevent the risk to fire damage to your home. Here are a few helpful tips for you to follow:

1. Replace fuses with the correct size replacements
2. View signs of flickering lights or overheated light switches (these are all early signs of fire risks).
3. Inspect outlets for any damage or exposure.
4. When plugging in any appliance, be sure that they are plugged in securely and fit snug.
5. Use correct wattage bulbs for lamps and lighting fixtures.

For more information on fire damage safety or to schedule emergency* fire damage services contact us at the following information:

ServiceMaster Restoration & Recovery Services
1-800-439-8833
http://svmrecovery.com/

*Services available 24/7 including holidays and weekends.

A Little Fact About Mold

Fact:

Mold problems occur in airtight homes more frequently in the warmer months (when humidity reaches high levels inside the house, and moisture is trapped), and occur in drafty homes more frequently in the colder months (when warm air escapes from the living area into unconditioned space, and condenses). If a house is artificially humidified during the winter, this can create conditions favorable to mold. Moving air may prevent mold from growing since it has the same desiccating effect as lowering humidity. Molds grow best in warm temperatures, 77 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit.

Call us at (800)439-8833 for mold inspection & remediation whether you are in San Jose or San Francisco we are there to help you 24/7.

Broken Pipes, House Fires, Shattered Glass-Earthquake Party

One of the primary disasters that puts residents of the Bay Area at risk is the potential for earthquakes. Furthermore, the risk that is faced by most Bay Area residents is the fact that we are still waiting for the next "big one" to hit, and most are not prepared for this event. So what can you do to minimize the risk to your home or business?

There are a few different things that you can do to make sure you limit the amount of damage and risk you expose your home or business to in such an event. Most of the prevention measures can be based on what you see going wrong in the event of an earthquake. For example,in the event of an earthquake, one of the objects that carry's the most risk to your home or business are the pipes in your home. Most pipes can break or twist causing leaks and sometimes even leading to flooding in your home or business. This can turn out to be one of the larger damages resulting directly from an earthquake. Related to this, any gas lines or propane lines that are not secure can also be viewed as a potential risk to your home. Many websites on earthquake safety will tell you to analyze 3 main points, they are: Hazard, Exposure and Vulnerability. These ideas can be implemented for your home and business to find and correct the risks that are lurking in your home.

To get you started on better earthquake safety, here are a few quick tips:

1. Secure gas lines and water lines in your home.
2. Use bracing systems for water heaters/dryers/washing machines.
3. Move electrical appliances away from edges (to prevent from falling over).
4. Secure book cases
5. Check the glass on your windows for any protective coating to lower the risk of the glass breaking into shards.
6. Have an earthquake preparedness kit ready in your home or business!

All of these tips were provided by resources available to all on the internet. Do your research and find new ways you can help prepare and protect your home/business from the risk of earthquakes. For more information check out the websites listed in this posting. For any emergency services related to property damage call us at 1-415-584-6100. We are available 24/7/365, especially when something goes wrong!

http://www.disastersafety.org/Earthquake
http://www.fema.gov/hazard/earthquake/risk.shtm
http://svmrecovery.com/

Mold-What is it?*

There is a good chance you have encountered mold at either one time or another. But how much do you really know about it? Did you know that there are many different species of mold but they all share similar characteristics? Knowing what these characteristics can assist you in treating the problem correctly. Here are 3 characteristics that all mold types share

1. ALL mold thrive and grow in moist and humid environments

2. ALL mold require an organic food source, such as cellulose that can be found in building materials such as drywall. Another common organic source is wood, used in a variety of building materials. 

3. ALL mold is spread by airborne microscopic spores. 

Mold exists all around us but becomes a big problem when it  grows in any indoor environment. If it is not corrected early, mold can spread and cause many problems both to the building as well as the health of its tenants. However, these concerns can all be prevented by education and early prevention of growth. Some simple ways of practicing these methods are by creating ventilation (open a window!), changing the temperature, allowing some sunlight on the affected areas. The primary purpose is to minimize the water and moisture content, to prevent the mold spores from growing. (The water is FOOD for the mold, get rid of the FOOD supply). For the best results consult a professional for avid area readings and proper mold remediation procedures. 

Conveniently, we provide water damage and mold remediation services. For 24 hour response, call us at 1-800-439-8833. Have a great weekend! 

*Information presented by ServiceMaster Clean- MOLD A Reasonable Approach*

Fire Damage Prevention and Tips

Well it's Friday and the long weekend is here! I'm sure everyone out there has some great plans, with a majority of it taking place around a bbq or some sort of cooking device to sear large portions of meat! Be sure to have fun but also make sure yourself and your home are protected from any risk of fire damage. As is the case with any situation involving fire be sure to follow proper safety precautions to prevent fire or smoke damage to your home and property. If you find yourself in the unfortunate incident of experiencing fire related damage, here are some helpful tips to follow:

1. If the temperature (after the fire) is above 60 degrees, air out the house to reduce smoke odor.
2. Clean Formica, chrome, porcelain and aluminum fixtures to prevent permanent tarnishing or etching.
3. Change the air filter on your furnace if it uses forced hot air.
4. Tape a damp cheesecloth over returns and supply registers to capture loose soot in the air.
5. Discard any open food packages.
6. If the electricity is off, clean out the refrigerator and leave doors propped open.
7. Send clothing with heavy smoke damage to a qualified restoration dry cleaner
8. If barbecuing outdoors, keep one full bucket of water on hand for emergency

What NOT to do:
1. Do NOT touch anything with your bare hands! Oil from your hands can permeate upholstery, walls, and woodwork, causing additional damage.
2. Do NOT use electrical appliance until having them checked.
3. Do NOT attempt to clean carpets or upholstered furniture.


We hope that these tips will prove to be useful, should you find yourself in any of these situations. As always, it is best to call a restoration company to provide fire damage services. We are just such a company and are available throughout the Bay Area on a 24/7 basis, and YES that includes holidays! Call us anytime to have our technicans assist you in getting back on track: 1-800-439-8833 or 1-415-584-6100 or 1-650-965-1003. Have a great Memorial Day weekend!

Water Damage-Prevention Tips

What to do in water damage situations?                

By ServiceMaster Restoration & Recovery Services

As is the case with many disasters, they can occur when you least expect them. One source of damage to many homes and properties is water. Water damage can cripple business, and force home owners out of their homes, and run a large expensive bill to all parties involved. An effective way of working against the costs associated with water damage is to have the right prevention measures and response tips. Here are some tips for your clients to use for their properties, should they find themselves victims of water damage.

-         Remove as much water as possible by mopping and blotting.

-         Remove wet area rugs or other floor coverings not permanently attached. Do NOT attempt to remove your wall-to-wall carpet.

-         Lift draperies off the floor, loop through a coat hanger and place the hanger on the drapery rod.

-         Wipe furniture, prop up wet furniture cushions for even drying and place aluminum foil under furniture legs.

-         Move photos, painting, and art objects to safe, dry location.

-         Do not remove books from shelves. Rather pack them tightly to prevent warping of pages until a restoration professional can begin this specialized drying.

-         Open drawers, closet and cabinet doors to enhance drying.

-         Contact a professional for help.

What NOT to do:

-         Do NOT enter a room with standing water until electricity has been turned off.

-         Do NOT use a regular household vacuum to remove water.

-         Do NOT use electrical appliances while on wet carpet or flooring

-         Do NOT disturb visible mold

**Tips and advice provided by ServiceMaster Clean

For more information and tips contact:

ServiceMaster Restoration & Recovery Services

439 Eccles Ave, S. San Francisco, CA 94080

Office: 415-584-6100

Fax: 650-873-6334

Toll Free: 1-800-439-8833

www.svmrecovery.com

Welcome All!

If you have landed on this page,  count yourself is one of the lucky firsts! This is the official blog of ServiceMaster Restoration & Recovery Services. Through this blog we will share in depth news on the restoration industry as well as keep our audience aware of any developments and growth with our franchise. Sprinkled with the regular sources of tips and information on home up-keep, this blog is will be a great resource  for all. So, what are you waiting for? Follow our blog!

For more information on our company and the services we provide, visit our website at www.svmrecovery.com and follow us on Facebook and Twitter!