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