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.