The Categories of a Water Loss

10/9/2023 (Permalink)

Severe Flooding

Water damage restoration training is one of the important skill sets that a team of professional cleaners need in order to offer comprehensive services. This is a service that involves going into a home or business after a wet disaster, such as flood, burst pipes, or snow destruction, and not just cleaning up the mess, but actually drying and repairing the substructures that high volumes of moisture will affect, such as plaster and drywall, wood, concrete, and metal. Mold is a concern, of course, but there can be many other problems related to moisture damage; crumbling drywall and plaster, weakening beams and supports, rusting metal surfaces, and more. If the moisture is left to sit long enough, it will eventually bring the house to ruin. By having professional water damage restoration training, a cleaning crew will be able to properly assess the situation and devise the best plan for repair.

According the IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification), which sets the standards for the cleaning industry and water damage restoration training, there are several different levels and classes involved in liquid destruction. From the IICRC’s S-500 standards, there are three categories describing the type of liquid involved.

•    Category 1. This is liquid from a clean and sanitary source, such as faucets, toilet tanks, drinking fountains, etc. But, category one can quickly degrade into category two.
•    Category 2. This category of liquid used to be called grey water, and is described as having a level of contaminates that may cause illness or discomfort if ingested. Sources include dishwasher or washing machine overflows, flush from sink drains, and toilet overflow with some urine but not feces. 
•    Category 3. This is the worst classification and is grossly unsanitary. It could cause severe illness or death if ingested. It used to be called black water, and sources include sewer backup, flooding from rivers or streams, toilet overflow with feces, and stagnant liquid that has begun to support bacterial growth.

Info provided by: http://www.IICRC.org/the-basics-water-damage-restoration-training-a-23.html

Preparing your Burbank Home or Business for Fire Season

10/6/2023 (Permalink)

Fire Prevention Safety

Here are some things you can do to ‘harden’ your home and commercial building and make it more fire resistant.

Fire season is upon us again and we wanted to jump in and do our part to help ready our
online community with some helpful pointers. That way, you can be rest assured in knowing that you’re ‘as prepared as possible’ to
weather the next wildfire that breaks out.
As a Fire & Water Restoration Company who works in people’s homes and office’s following wildfire damage, we hear all the time,
“If I had only been prepared…” or “I never would have thought this would happen to me.” We wanted to pass along some practical
preventive tips we picked up from The National Interagency Fire Center, a frontrunner in wildfire preparation.

http://www.nifc.gov/prevEdu/prevEdu_main.html

1) Use Fire Resistant Building Material - "The Best Thing That You Can Do"

The roof and exterior structure of your dwelling should be constructed of non-combustible or fire resistant materials such as fire resistant roofing materials, tile, slate, sheet iron, aluminum, brick, or stone. Wood siding, cedar shakes, exterior wood paneling, and other highly combustible
materials should be treated with fire retardant chemicals.

2) Maintain a Survivable Space - "Things You Can Do Today"

- Clean roof surfaces and gutters of pine needles, leaves, branches, etc., regularly to avoid accumulation of flammable materials.

- Remove portions of any tree extending within 10 feet of the flue opening of any stove or chimney.

- Maintain a screen constructed of non-flammable material over the flue opening of every chimney or stovepipe. Mesh openings of the screen should not exceed 1/2 inch.

- Landscape vegetation should be spaced so that fire cannot be carried to the structure or surrounding vegetation.

- Remove branches from trees to height of 15 feet.

- A fuel break should be maintained around all structures.

- Dispose of stove or fireplace ashes and charcoal briquettes only after soaking them in a metal pail of water.

- Store gasoline in an approved safety can away from occupied buildings.

- Propane tanks should be far enough away from buildings for valves to be shut off in case of fire. Keep area clear of flammable vegetation.

- All combustibles such as firewood, picnic tables, boats, etc. should be kept away from structures.

- Garden hose should be connected to outlet.

- Addressing should be indicated at all intersections and on structures.

- All roads and driveways should be at least 16 feet in width.

- Have fire tools handy such as: ladder long enough to reach the roof, shovel, rake and bucket for water.

- Each home should have at least two different entrance and exit routes.

To learn more on the topic of Fire Preparedness and Prevention in California, visit the Cal Fire’s website for further resources –

http://www.readyforwildfire.org/Hardening-Your-Home/

Titan

10/2/2023 (Permalink)

Hydroxyl Generator/Titan

The Hydroxyl Generator (or more commonly known as ‘Titan’) is one of the most scientifically-advanced pieces of equipment we use to combat odors due to bio hazard, fire or water damage events.

The main benefit of using a true hydroxyl generator is that they are safe to use in occupied areas for deodorization purposes. For any businesses, they love this machine because it means less out of pocket expenses and henceforth, less business disruption!

These generators have been successfully tested on any restoration features that SERVPRO® specializes in including protein fires, floods, dead body situations, skunk odors, pet urine odors, musty odors and many types of odors. An important note: the Titan is NOT intended for mold use. 

Here’s a rundown of some additional facts in order to give you the inside scoop, should you ever need to reach out to us for smoke/soot deodorization needs:

When to Use:

• When odors, gases and organic pollutants are needed to be remediated

 Applications:

• Use on fire and flood damage restoration jobs
• Use to destroy odors from cigarette smoke, dead body, urine, garbage, airborne VOCs and more

Tips:

• Always remove the source of the odor before operation
• For optimum performance, a 60%+ humidity level is best. If needed, place a bucket of water or a wet towel behind the machine to allow more moisture to be pulled into the air stream.
• Use air movers to circulate the air for thorough air cleaning.
• Although purifying an area depends on many variables, a general time guide for purifying a 1,000 cubic foot area with light to moderator odor is 1 to 3 hours.

 As always feel free to reach out to SERVPRO of Burbank at anytime for more information on pieces of restoration hardware. We have helpful staff willing to explain further any of our services – (818) 842-1400.

Water Damage Hazard

10/2/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Vehicle

Hey SERVPRO® of Burbank readers! We’ve been getting a lot of calls about water damages lately. We here at SERVPRO know that there can a lot of questions that come along with discovering a water damage in your home, especially when it comes to your health and potential health hazards when a loss is discovered. Our friends over at SERVPRO of Saginaw put together some great thoughts on the topic. Read on to gain insight on what hazards can occur as a result of a water damage and why it’s best to let the professionals handle the clean up.

The obvious result of water damage is structural---whether severe or cosmetic. And unfortunately, structural damage can wind up costing you thousands of dollars in repairs. The result of water damage can also cause the growth of toxic mold and mildew. If left untreated, this mold proliferation can be cause health effects. So let’s get to it.

Hazard #1: Mold Growth -

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), you should have your property dried and cleaned within 24-48 hours after the initial water onslaught. This practice will help decrease the likelihood of mold growth. Although you may be capable of starting the drying and cleaning processes, it is important to know that mold can grow in areas of the home that you can't see. Thus, simply cleaning and drying your carpet will not always be effective in preventing mold growth, especially if there is a large quantity of unwanted water. The mold can still grow in different areas of your home, including the carpet padding, underneath wallpaper, behind the drywall, along ceilings and baseboards, in voids and furniture.

As noted by the EPA, there are several health hazards that can result from exposure to mold. It is also important to note that the mold clean up process, performed by you, can lead to exposure to fungi. For this reason, professional water damage restoration technicians from SERVPRO will wear special protective gear and utilize state-of-the-art equipment for mold cleanup and the prevention of mold dispersion throughout your Saginaw home.

Hazard #2: Exposure to Sewage -

Exposure to raw sewage is dangerous because it contains parasites, viruses, and bacteria such as E. coli. The sewage can also contain pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and pesticides. The EPA has stated that contaminated water can lead to the contraction of illnesses such as tuberculosis, dysentery, hepatitis, tetanus, and cholera. Safely stay away from the hazard of sewage water--blackwater--and let the experts execute the cleanup and dry out.

So… Let The Professionals at SERVPRO of Burbank Assist You!

We are passionate about helping our customers make their water damage loss “Like it never even happened.” So no matter if it’s a leaky pipe underneath your bathroom sink or a busted water main that’s flooded your entire property, our team will get you taken care of so you can get back to a safe and HEALTHY state.

SERVPRO Standards and the IICRC

9/21/2023 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of Burbank, all of our crew chiefs are certified Water Damage Restoration Technicians. Management staff are certified in Applied Structural Drying. We are a certified IICRC firm also. There is a standard for the industry and we follow it closely. We strive to be experts on the standard and SERVPRO stands out from our competition because of the amount of effort we put into training and development in field expertise. 

What exactly is the IICRC? 

The IICRC is the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification, a non-profit organization for the cleaning and restoration industry. It's main purpose is to establish and advance globally recognized standards and certifications for the inspection, cleaning, restoration and installation industries.

When using SERVPRO of Burbank you can rest assured that we hold ourselves accountable to the IICRC standards. For more information on the IICRC visit the link below!

https://www.IICRC.org/

Wildfire Season

9/26/2022 (Permalink)

Fire Damage

Fire season has come blazin’ back this year and with that we wanted to jump in and do our part to help ready our online community with some helpful pointers. That way, you can rest assured in knowing that you’re ‘as prepared as possible’ if it ever comes down to it.   

As a Fire & Water Restoration Company who works in people’s homes and offices following fire damage, we hear all the time, “If I had only been prepared…” or “I never would have thought this would happen to me.” We wanted to pass along some practical preventive tips we picked up from The National Interagency Fire Center, a frontrunner in wildfire preparation.

The roof and exterior structure of your dwelling should be constructed of non-combustible or fire resistant materials such as fire resistant roofing materials, tile, slate, sheet iron, aluminum, brick, or stone. Wood siding, cedar shakes, exterior wood paneling, and other highly combustible materials should be treated with fire retardant chemicals.

1. Maintain a Survivable Space - "Things You Can Do Today"

• Clean roof surfaces and gutters of pine needles, leaves, branches, etc., regularly to avoid accumulation of flammable materials.
• Remove portions of any tree extending within 10 feet of the flue opening of any stove or chimney.
• Landscape vegetation should be spaced so that fire cannot be carried to the structure or surrounding vegetation.
• A fuel break should be maintained around all structures.
• Dispose of stove or fireplace ashes and charcoal briquettes only after soaking them in a metal pail of water.
• Propane tanks should be far enough away from buildings for valves to be shut off in case of fire. Keep area clear of flammable vegetation.
• All combustibles such as firewood, picnic tables, boats, etc. should be kept away from structures.
• Garden hose should be connected to an outlet.
• Addressing should be indicated at all intersections and on structures.
• Each home should have at least two different entrance and exit routes.

To learn more on the topic of Fire Preparedness and Prevention in California, visit the Cal Fire’s website for further resources – http://www.readyforwildfire.org/Hardening-Your-Home/

In case of disaster contact SERVPRO of Burbank at  - (818) 842-1400

Storm Prep

9/26/2022 (Permalink)

Flood

When a storm hits, sometimes it takes you by surprise. You may not have the immediate chance to grab what you need or even have it on hand at all. That is why it is so important to have a Storm Supply Kit ready to go.

A Storm Supply Kit could be described as a pre-chosen group of supplies that could assist with health and safety during or after a storm or disaster.

It would be ideal to keep a Storm Supply Kit at home, work, and in your vehicle. Here are the top 10 things that should be apart of your storm kit.

• Water: of course an obvious choice but just think about the amount of water a human body actually needs. On average a single person drinks a gallon of water a day and you should have 3 days worth of water.

• Food: of course another obvious choice but another major necessity for surviving. Again keep in mind the amount of food necessary. Experts say to have at least 3 days worth of non perishable foods

• First Aid Kit: A first aid kit is an extra very important thing to have and you should always have on hand!

• Flashlight: With the flashlight comes the necessity of having extra batteries in case some of them die.

• Pocket knife

• Matches: Make sure you store your matches in a waterproof container to prevent them getting wet.

• Needed Prescription Medication: Make sure you have any vital prescription medication you need to survive.

• Whistles or Signal for Help: Make sure you have the means if signaling for help if it ever becomes a need.

• Sanitation Wipes and any hygiene products: Just the stuff you would want to try to keep yourself in a clean state.

• Sleeping bag and/or blankets: In case of a major disaster you would want the means of staying warm/something to sleep with.

SERVPRO of Burbank is faster to any size disaster!

818-842-1400

Fire Safety Habits

8/10/2022 (Permalink)

Fire Damage

Developing Fire Safe Habits For Your Home is very important here in SoCal. SERVPRO of Burbank and the Red Cross have some tips on how to do so: 

• Keep items that can catch on fire at least three feet away from anything that gets hot, such as space heaters.
• Smoking materials are the leading cause of residential fire deaths in the United States. If you smoke, take precautions: Smoke outside; choose fire-safe cigarettes; never smoke in bed, when drowsy or medicated, or if anyone in the home is using oxygen.
• Use deep, sturdy ashtrays and douse cigarette and cigar butts with water before disposal.
• Talk to children regularly about the dangers of fire, matches and lighters and keep them out of reach.
• Turn portable heaters off when you leave the room or go to sleep.
• Never leave a burning candle unattended, even for a minute.

Info provided by redcross.org

Soot And Smoke

8/10/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Van

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.

Smoke and soot facts:

· Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.

· Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.

· The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Burbank will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

· Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

· Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

· Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – (818) 842-1400

Soot And Smoke

8/10/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Van

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.

Smoke and soot facts:

· Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.

· Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.

· The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Burbank will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

· Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

· Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

· Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – (818) 842-1400