12/28/2022 (Permalink)
Who has the ugliest holiday outfit on...hard to choose!
Our SERVPRO employees got into the Holiday spirit and sported their favorite ugly sweaters and outfits in anticipation of the Christmas holiday. They took a few minutes to pose in front of one of our production vehicles before sharing some holiday cheer together. We can't decide which ones wins for "Best of the Worst!"
11/17/2022 (Permalink)
The end of daylight savings time brings darkness earlier and colder days, which causes many of us to stoke up the fire when we get home for some warm, comfy evenings watching television or reading on the couch. Unfortunately, this also brings with it an increase in the number of fires associated with fireplaces and wood burning stoves. Sometimes there is no way to avoid a fire involving a fireplace, but often there are steps we can take to reduce the risk and even prevent a fire from taking place.
First and most importantly, schedule an annual inspection and cleaning of your chimney and fireplace by a professionally trained chimney sweep. The layer of residue that is left after you burn in your fireplace or stove builds up and can catch fire. A professional will clean the inside of your unit, as well as the chimney, to rid the area of harmful residue. This will also help your fireplace to work more efficiently.
Also, make sure you are only burning dry, properly seasoned firewood. And do not burn anything besides wood in your fireplace – no garbage or miscellaneous items.
Burn your fire as hot as possible, which doesn’t allow creosote to build up on the walls inside of the chimney. Creosote can get thick and take on a glazy texture which catches fire very easily. If you keep your fire burning at a high temperature, creosote is less likely to develop.
Fireplaces can be a place of comfort and warmth during cold winter months and proper maintenance and care makes them a perfect alternative to electric heat.
10/3/2022 (Permalink)
Power washing can help your commercial business in many ways. Call SERVPRO today for all your power washing needs.
When you think about power washing, you might automatically think about using the high powered water device for cleaning of your common household items, such as driveways and decks. But pressure washers play an important roll in the day to day operations of commercial businesses as well. Pressure washers come in a variety of sizes and have just as many uses, many of which SERVPRO of Vacaville/Dixon/Fairfield/Davis can assist your commercial business with by providing cleaning services.
For example, our company has used pressure washers to clean bus stations, public bathroom facilities and water fountains. By using high-pressure, narrow jets of water to blast dirt free, pressure washers are able to get rid of ground-in dirt that won't normally come off with just water and a scrub brush. And because the machines only use water, they don't damage most hard surfaces, making them extremely versatile.
Other areas that commonly need cleaning in commercial facilities that can be served by a pressure washer include parking lots, concrete or tile patios used as break areas for workers, and floors used for storage. These are all areas that can accumulate dirt and grime which can be more easily removed by a power washer than a simple mop or broom.
SERVPRO of Vacaville/Dixon/Fairfield/Davis can help your commercial business with all their commercial cleaning needs, including all those that involve pressure washing. Call us today at (707) 724-8977 to schedule cleaning at your commercial facility today. We are Here to Help.
9/5/2022 (Permalink)
If your home is affected by a fire, the professionals at SERVPRO of Davis are Here to Help. We are dedicated to responding immediately to your emergency, which can help prevent secondary damage and reduce costs.
As fire restoration specialists, we have the training and specialized equipment to respond to your specific emergency and pride ourselves in offering excellent customer service.
When tragedy strikes, you want skilled professionals helping you restore your home or place of business to its pre-fire condition. SERVPRO of Davis is that company. We can help with emergency board up services, water removal and drying, removal of smoke and soot from surfaces, cleaning and repair issues.
If your home or business experience fire damage, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Davis to help at (707) 724-8977. We are here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
9/5/2022 (Permalink)
Sometimes, accidents just happen. And sometimes, although we take all the necessary precautions and prevention measures to keep them from happening, they do anyhow. When those accidents involve water, it gets messy very quickly. That’s when you need to call the professionals at SERVPRO of Davis. We are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week to help you clean up those accidents involving water that went where it shouldn’t when it shouldn’t. We can help you extract standing water, dry out the materials that are wet and remove any parts of your home or business that need to be removed or replaced because of water damage.
If your home or business experience water damage, call the experts at SERVPRO of Davis today at 707-724-8977. We’re Here To Help.
9/5/2022 (Permalink)
If mold is disturbed, it can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home or office. So if you see mold, do not disturb it. Stay out of the affected areas, turn off the HVAC systems and fans, and contact a remediation company, like SERVPRO of Vacaville, as soon as possible.
SERVPRO of Vacaville specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact. Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.
If you see obvious signs of mold, DO NOT:
If you see signs of mold, call SERVPRO of Vacaville today at (707) 724-8977. We are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week to help with your mold issues.
7/26/2022 (Permalink)
When the weather warms up, one way to beat the heat is to turn off the oven and cook outside on the barbeque. Unfortunately, this causes the number of grill-related fires to increase. Each year, outdoor grilling causes over 10,000 home fires, but SERVPRO of Vacaville/Dixon/Fairfield/Davis has put together some easy-to-follow tips to keep your home and family safe this grilling season.
The most common cause of fire involving a barbeque is related to cooking on an uncleaned grill. Grease that accumulates on the grill can cause fires, so just like clearing your dishes from the table and loading them in the dishwasher, cleaning your grill should be a part of your routine when you are done preparing your meal and cleaning up. Another important part of a clean grill involves your coals. Make sure they are completely cooled before removing them. The safest thing to do with the coals is to put them in a fire safe bucket and allow them to remain there until you are ready to dispose of them. Hot coals can smolder for a very long time. It is always better to be safe and make sure they are completely cold before disposing of them in your trash. Many dumpster fires have been started by not-cooled coals.
The second most dangerous cause of fire from grilling comes from unattended barbeques. Just like inside your home, never leave an open flame unattended outside. Your grill can flare up while you aren’t watching and catch something nearby on fire, and if you are not immediately available to deal with the problem, it can quickly escalate into a much larger problem. Be vigilant and always stay near your barbeque when you are cooking. That means you will have to do quite a bit of prep work in order to have everything you need before you begin grilling so you won’t have to leave your grill unattended, but safety should be your number one concern.
Related to this previous point, always make sure your grill is on a stable surface and cannot easily tip over. Once you load up that barbeque with all those yummy steaks and veggies, you want to make sure it won’t topple on the ground, spilling all your food and the hot coals everywhere. If the unthinkable happens, and you do tip over your barbeque, think before you act. Remember those coals are hot and combustible. Pick them up with something that won’t catch on fire, like a metal shovel and put them in a fire-safe container or metal bucket.
Also, be sure your grill is not near any hanging tree branches or other structures that can easily catch fire. If the area you have designated as your barbeque area is beginning to become overgrown, be sure to trim those trees or bushes before you start grilling.
Although the taste of the grill is temping all year long, if you don’t have a safe area to barbeque during the winter, never barbeque inside any kind of structure, including your garage. Besides the obvious fire hazard that this would pose, barbequing in your garage would also release the deadly Carbon Monoxide gas, so please stick to outside grilling only. No, opening your garage door doesn’t make a difference.
And lastly, if you are using a gas grill, be sure to shut off the gas valve completely when you are done grilling. Make it a habit to turn it off as soon as you take your food off the grill so you won’t forget.
By using these easy-to-follow tips from SERVPRO of Vacaville/Dixon/Fairfield/Davis, you and your family should be able to enjoy a safe and fun grilling season.
7/26/2022 (Permalink)
Summer is here, so a working air conditioner is more important than any other time of the year. But there are more things to think about than just whether or not the unit is pumping out cool air. It’s also imperative that you make sure that your air conditioner is not causing damage to unseen areas of your home. In order to ensure this, you should understand a little about how air conditioners work and what to look out for to make sure they are working correctly.
Many air conditioning units are located in the attic of a home and work by taking in warm air, chilling it and pumping out the cooler air. When you chill the air, condensation is produced, which is just water. That water needs to be directed out of the attic, and this is done through a condensation drain that drains out of a house at ground level. You may see water dripping from a drain up against your home when your air conditioner is running. This is the condensation being drawn away from the air conditioner and means that the drain is working properly.
Sometimes, however, drains stop working properly because they get plugged so homebuilders have designed a very creative solution for recognizing when this happens. If you have ever seen water dripping from a drain over a window during the summer when your air conditioner is running, this is an indication that your condensation drain is plugged and water is now be rerouted to the emergency drain. That drain is purposely routed to dump water over a window so homeowners will notice that there is a problem with the drain of their air conditioning unit. If not addressed, the excess water can lead to water damage and mold growth, something SERVPRO of Vacaville/Dixon/Fairfield/Davis has a lot of experience is eradicating. Although we would be available to help with all your water and mold remediation needs, we also are happy to offer homeowners help in avoiding damage in the first place.
So if it’s a hot day and you notice water running down your window, check to see if it is coming from a drain located directly above the window. If it is, your air conditioning drain is likely plugged and you should get it checked out as soon as possible to avoid water damage to your attic.
If you do experience water, fire or mold damage in your home, call the experts at SERVPRO today. We are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week to respond to your needs. We are local and Here to Help. Call us today at 707-724-8977.
6/17/2022 (Permalink)
Standing water can bring many problems. Use the tips provide by SERVPRO to help avoid problems around your home.
Summertime brings with it fun activities like squirt gun fights and running through the sprinklers, but what happens if the water from these activities don't drain away and result in pools of standing water? Even a small amount of water left undisturbed for a few days can cause a significant amount of problems. Outside, standing water can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes, which commonly breed in shallow pools of standing water and often carry diseases including malaria, West Nile virus, and Zika fever. Additionally, water left standing against your home may lead to problems with your home’s foundation.
Here are a few things to check to make sure you don't have any potential hazards around your home.
Water can provide a lot of fun during the summer months, but it can cause some problems. Use these ideas to keep your home safe from standing water pitfalls.
These tips are brought to you by your local SERVPRO office. We are here 24 hours a day 7 days a week if you have any water, fire or mold emergencies. Call us anytime at (707) 724-977. We serve the Vacaville, Dixon, Fairfield, and Davis areas and are always Here To Help.
6/15/2022 (Permalink)
Stay out of irrigation ditches and canals during warm weather. They may look refreshing but are actually extremely dangerous
When temperatures rise, any body of water seems like a great place to cool off, but irrigation ditches and canals are ones you should stay away from. They may look inviting and refreshing, but they are actually extremely dangerous to enter. That’s why most canals have fences around them. Be sure not to climb on the fence and don’t ever go fishing in a canal.
Canals typically have fast underwater currents that can sweep away even the strongest swimmer, leaving them helpless to escape. Additionally, many canals have steep, slippery sides that are nearly impossible to crawl out of.
Canals are manmade structures that are used to transport water for irrigation and other human uses. Many canals were originally constructed in areas without a huge population, but as an area surrounding the canal becomes urbanized, the canal ultimately can run through neighborhoods, making it particularly dangerous.
Irrigation ditches are not as large, but are equally dangerous because they can contain trash and other debris such as rocks, glass or barbed wire that you cannot see from the surface. Pesticides, herbicides and other pollutants can be found in irrigation ditch water and it is definitely not safe to drink or swim in.
The water in irrigation ditches can move fast enough to sweep a person downstream with little chance of getting out safely. Some ditches have undertows. If you are caught in one of these, you can be pulled underwater and your chances of getting out are very slim.
Here's a few tips on keeping you and your family safe near irrigation canals and ditches:
*Never swim in or play around canals or irrigation ditches
*Never walk closely along the edge of a canal or irrigation ditch
*Never jump in to rescue a pet or object. Instead call 911 for help.
We all want to try to beat the heat this summer, but SERVPRO of Vacaville/Fairfield/Dixon/Davis wants to help you stay safe by knowing these tips for irrigation canal safety.
6/15/2022 (Permalink)
Air scrubbers can help eliminate odors left behind after water damage has occurred. Call SERVPRO today at (707) 724-8977 to see how we can help.
Dealing with the aftermath of water or flood damage can be an uphill battle for any homeowner or business owner. Water often seeps into structural cavities and creates a damp atmosphere. Not only does this pose a threat to the structural integrity of your home, it usually causes an odor problem. If not appropriately deodorized, this foul smell can linger in your home long after the water is gone.
Thankfully, here at SERVPRO, we use a multi-method approach to eliminate odors after water damage to your property has occurred. Our IICRC certified professionals use modern equipment to eliminate odors due to flood damage. Here are some of the deodorizing techniques used to ensure elimination of odors.
*Direct spraying: As the name implies, a deodorant is sprayed directly on the affected area using a pump. The method is useful if the intensity of the smell is not very high and the affected area is small.
*Wet fogging: This method utilizes Ultra Low Volume (ULV) foggers to dispense water or solvent-based deodorants. The ULV fogger generates minute particles of the chemicals that penetrate to the areas where the odor causing particles hide and change the composition of these substances.
*Thermal fogging: The technique involves using heat to break up solvent-based deodorants into small particles that can get to the difficult to reach places. The deodorizing particles neutralize the odor-causing molecules right at the source. Although this method is most popular to deodorize after smoke damage, it is sometimes used for flood damage as well.
*Venting box fans: These are high-velocity axial fans that are used to ventilate and improve air circulation. These fans are used both before and after the deodorizing process. They can significantly shorten the time needed to deodorize and remove moisture at the same time.
*Air Scrubbers: These devices are sophisticated air filters that use High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filtration technology. The air scrubbers can capture and eliminate odor-causing particles as small as 0.3 micrometers with an efficiency of 99.97%.
Getting rid of the stale, clammy odor can be a difficult thing to do after water damage has occurred, but the professionals at SERVPRO of Vacaville/Dixon/Fairfield/Davis can help you eliminate the odor and get your home smelling like home again!
Call SERVPRO of Vacaville/Dixon/Fairfield/Davis at (707) 724-8977 to talk to one of our water damage restoration experts and discuss your deodorizing options. We are here 24 hours a day 7 days a week and are always Here To Help.
6/14/2022 (Permalink)
Keeping your hot water tank healthy is one way to avoid water damage in your home or business.
With an average tank size between fifty and one hundred gallons, leaking hot water tanks can be a major source of water damage problems and can flood an entire home and cause significant damage if not detected quickly. But how do you know if your hot water heater is about to fail?
A lack of hot water is the most common sign of a failing hot water heater. Rumbling, creaking or popping noises are another common indicator of an unhealthy water heater. This can mean that sediment is forming on the surface of the water heater or that the unit is on the verge of a crack or leak. Murky or foul-smelling water are also signs of a failing water heater. Additionally, the pressure relief valve opens to release pressure buildup in the water heater and can sometimes fail to function properly. This can have dangerous results and should be inspected by a plumber if you suspect a problem. And finally, pooling water beneath the unit can be a sign of a leaking water tank.
Pooling water beneath a hot water tank can lead to other, more dangerous problems. If your tank sits on a wood surface, the wood can become spongy and rot through if left wet for a long period of time. Be sure to act quickly if you know your hot water tank is leaking to avoid this problem.
If you see any of these common indicators, contact a plumber immediately to help determine the source of the problem. And if you do experience a water leak or damage of any kind, call the experts at SERVPRO of Vacaville/Dixon/ Fairfield/Davis to help you remediate all of your water problems.
At SERVPRO of Vacaville/Dixon/Fairfield/Davis, we are experts at assessing water damage in your home or business, as well as removing standing water and drying out damaged materials. We are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week to answer your calls and respond to any and all water emergencies you may experience. Call us today at (707) 724-8977. We live and work in your community and we are here for you.
6/13/2022 (Permalink)
In case of an emergency evacuation, there are certain items you should always remember to take from your home, and there is an easy way to remember what they are because they all start with the letter "P".
*People and Pets - Obviously the most important thing in your home are the people who you care about who live there with you, and your furry critters are an important part of that group. Secure their exit and safety before you consider removing anything else from your home. Remember, everything else is material and replaceable…people are not.
*Papers, Phone Numbers and Important Documents - This information will be helpful if you need to call various businesses and should include your account numbers. Think ahead and place all these documents in one location, and ideally, in a fire safe box that is easy to grab and exit your home with quickly. Make sure it doesn’t get buried underneath other items in your office or extra bedroom. Keep it out and readily available in case of emergency.
*Prescriptions, Vitamins & Eyeglasses – These are extremely important items to maintain your health, and you have to be able to read those labels! These are all relatively easy to replace, but if you do a little preplanning, it will make it easier to regroup if you need to be out of your home for any length of time.
*Pictures - Grab the ones you can't replace, like the ones that aren’t on your phone or are particularly old. It’s always a good idea to make some copies of the really valuable (sentimental or otherwise) pictures and put them in your bank’s safe deposit box for safe keeping.
*Personal computer hard drive and disks - Backup your information regularly to a portable hard drive so you can grab it and go. Make sure it is with your other important documents and ideally in a fireproof case, or one you can grab easily if necessary.
*"Plastic" - Bring your credit and ATM cards, driver's license and any cash you have in the house.
Print out this list and keep it in your home office or a prominent place in your home in case you need to reference it in case of emergency.
If your home or business does experience fire or smoke damage, call the experts at SERVPRO of Vacaville/Dixon/Fairfield/Davis at (707) 724-8977 and we'll help make it "Like it never even happened." We hope you never have to call us, but if you do, we will be available 24 hours a day 7 days a week to help.
6/13/2022 (Permalink)
Be sure to have an evacuation plan in place in case you experience a fire in your home. Use the tips provided by SERVPRO to stay safe.
With temperatures climbing, the risk of residential and wildfires increases each day. All families should have an evacuation plan in place in case of emergency. Here's a few tips to keep in mind when creating your own evacuation plan.
*Designate an emergency meeting location outside the fire or hazard area. Ideas may be a local fire station or City Hall. Pick something that is familiar to every family member.
*Plan out several different escape routes from your home or community. Practice these so everyone in your family is familiar with these routes.
*If you have pets or large animals, have a plan in place to move them quickly if necessary, and a plan for where they can stay if you are displaced from your home.
*Print out a list of all the phone numbers of your family members, in case you get separated from your cell phone, and keep them in your wallet or with you at all times. Many of us rely on our phones to automatically dial our contact list and don't have important family members' and friends' phone numbers memorized.
The most important thing to remember is to be prepared and stay calm in the event of an emergency. Having the plans in place to respond to a fire or evacuation of any kind will help everyone be safely reunited with their loved ones.
If you do experience a fire, the experts at SERVPRO of Vacaville/Dixon/Fairfield/Davis can help return your home or place to business to its pre-fire conditional. Call us 24 hours a day 7 days a week at (707) 724-8977. We're Here to Help.
5/12/2022 (Permalink)
If you find mold in your home or commercial building, call the experts at SERVPRO. We are Here to Help.
Most people think mold is just something in your house that looks nasty in the bathroom or around window frames. And while most people know that mold can be dangerous, they don’t really know what mold is.
Mold belongs to the fungi family. This nasty element can thrive almost anywhere. Studies performed have shown that over 50 percent of homes and businesses have moisture present, which is a prime harvesting spot for mold. Mold spores reproduce rapidly when moisture is present. Excessive dampness indoors encourages the growth of molds and other organisms.
Intrusion of water into your home or place of business can result in mold growth. This can be from storm damage, plumbing or equipment failures, long-standing leaks and poor humidity control. When these water issues are not addressed right away, the resulting damage can present increased risk of harmful mold growth.
As the seasons change and rain mixes with colder temperatures, there is an excess of moisture. This extra amount of moisture can open the door to fungal growth which thrives in damp areas.
The professionals at SERVPRO of Vacaville/Fairfield/Dixon/Davis are experts at handling water damage and know that prompt action is required to prevent and eradicate mold growth before it becomes worse.
If you think you have a mold problem, call SERVPRO of Vacaville/Fairfield/Dixon/Davis at (707) 724-8977; we will help you restore your home or business to a healthy condition.
5/2/2022 (Permalink)
With temperatures climbing, the risk of residential and wildfires increases each day. All families should have an evacuation plan in place in case of emergency. Here's a few tips to keep in mind when creating your own evacuation plan.
*Designate an emergency meeting location outside the fire or hazard area. Ideas may be a local fire station or City Hall.
*Plan out several different escape routes from your home or community. Practice these so everyone in your family is familiar with these routes.
*If you have pets or large animals, have a plan in place to move them quickly if necessary.
*Print out a list of all the phone numbers of your family members, in case you get separated from your cell phone, and keep them in your wallet or with you at all times. Many of us rely on our phones to automatically dial our contact list and don't have important family members' and friends' phone numbers memorized.
The most important thing to remember is to be prepared and stay calm in the event of an emergency. Having the plans in place to respond to a fire or evacuation of any kind will help everyone be safely reunited with their loved ones.
4/27/2022 (Permalink)
This summer looks to be a big travel season. If you plan on traveling for more than a couple of days, you should make sure your home is properly protected while you're away. It is common to check and double check to make sure that each window and door is properly locked, but you may be missing a couple of steps that will ensure your home is truly safe while you and your family are elsewhere. One key element to home safety while you are on vacation is to ensure that your home doesn’t look like you are gone. Here's a few easy steps to not inadvertently alert others that your home is empty.
Hopefully these tips help to protect your home and give you more peace of mind during your next vacation. If you do come home to some unwanted news, like a water leak from your bathroom or kitchen, call the experts at SERVPRO of Vacaville/Dixon/Fairfield/Davis. We are Here to Help. (707) 724-8977.
4/4/2022 (Permalink)
Undetected water leaks can cause a great amount of damage, especially if they continue for an extended period of time. Here are a few of the most common types of leaks in commercial properties and how to fix them.
If any of these types of leaks are detected in your commercial building, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Vacaville/Dixon/Fairfield/Davis. We can help find where the water is coming from and help to make it “Like it never even happened.” You can reach us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 707-724-8977.
4/4/2022 (Permalink)
Fires in Commercial Buildings can cause a great amount of damage, but there are three easy things a business can do to prevent the most common commercial building fires.
Be sure that your business has what it needs to protect itself from a crippling fire and be proactive in helping prevent damage to your business by following these three easy guidelines.
If you do experience a fire in your commercial building, call the experts at SERVPRO of Vacaville/Dixon/ Fairfield/Davis to help you recover. We'll make it "Like it never even happened." Call us today at 707-724-8977.
4/4/2022 (Permalink)
Make sure fire extinguishers are easily accessible and your employees are trained on how to operate them in case of emergency.
Fire extinguishers are required in all commercial buildings in California, and there are specific requirements regarding training of your employees in many areas of fire prevention and safety.
Cal OSHA regulations stipulate that fire extinguishers must be placed in areas that the employees can easily access, such as in a cabinet or mounted to a wall. They should be placed near exits to reduce the risk that people will be trapped by fire inside a building. OSHA regulations also mandate that all employees must be trained on the basic principles of using fire extinguishers, as well as the hazards that are typically involved with firefighting. They should also be trained on the process for reporting a fire, how to evaluate the size of a fire, and how to keep an exit route in good condition in your place of work.
Training must be provided to every new employee, for employees assigned to emergency response teams, and to all other employees on an annual basis. In order to be safe, make sure your company is following all of these guidelines.
In the unfortunate event that your business does experience a fire, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Vacaville/Dixon/ Fairfield/Davis at (707) 724-8977. We can help you recover from a fire and return your business to its condition before the fire began. We are on call 24 hours a day 7 days a week so call us for all your fire, water or mold restoration needs.
4/4/2022 (Permalink)
Hopefully, when you think of companies who can provide water and fire restoration services, SERVPRO is a name that comes to mind. But here at SERVPRO of Vacaville/Dixon/Fairfield/Davis, we provide so many other services as well. And many of them involve vehicles, believe it or not!
SERVPRO works closely with several local auto repair companies to provide cleaning services for the insides of vehicles that have been damaged in accidents. This can involve water, food or bodily fluids stains. We have also been asked by repair companies to clean undercarriages after motorists have had the unfortunate luck of hitting an animal. We have worked with several different agencies to clean the insides of their vehicles, and have even been asked to clean a boat that was stored without a cover for a long period of time, leaving the interior stained and covered with debris.
If you have a cleaning issue that is too big and you think we can help, give SERVPRO of Vacaville/Fairfield/Dixon/Davis a call. We’d be happy to let you know all the ways we can help. Call us today at 707-724-8977. We are Here To Help.
3/31/2022 (Permalink)
Soot webs often appear after a fire and resemble dirty cobwebs, but are actually made of soot and oxygen bonded together.
After a fire, many people think that soot settles on cobwebs near the ceilings of your home and appear darker or full of dirt. This is actually a misconception. The “dirty cobwebs” you see are actually airborne soot particles and oxygen that bond together to create floating soot strands or webs that will rise with warm air and cling to corners, molding, light fixtures and HVAC systems. They are called soot webs and are a clear indication that you have experienced fire damage in your home.
When it comes to cleaning your home after a fire, call the professionals who have experience dealing with cleaning soot, odor and fire damage. SERVPRO of Vacaville/Dixon/Fairfield/Davis is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week to respond to any emergency in your home and will be available to help you restore your home to its pre-fire condition. We also can help you clean the contents that were affected by the fire, and can even store those contents until you are ready to bring them back to your home. Call the experts today at 707-724-8977. We are Here to Help.
3/16/2022 (Permalink)
Make sure your fire extinguishers are working properly in case of emergency.
With the arrival of Daylight Saving Time, we all get one less hour of sleep and an extra hour of sunlight in the evening. But the more important change we should all make is related to keeping our homes and businesses safe.
Daylight Saving Time is the perfect opportunity to check your fire extinguishers to make sure they will perform in case of emergency. Extinguishers generally sit in the same place for long periods of time, so it is important to make sure that the extinguishing agent inside the container is loose and will expel from the extinguisher when needed. To do this, just turn your fire extinguisher upside down several times to move the powder inside around the container. As long as you feel the contents shifting inside, the powder is functioning as it should and will expel when you pull the trigger. Also check to make sure that the gauge shows that the extinguisher is adequately charged. If the gauge is not in the correct charge level and your extinguisher is a one-time use canister, dispose of it properly and replace it with a new fire extinguisher.
Make sure to change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors also.
In the event of an emergency, you want to be sure that your emergency warning systems and fire suppression tools are working, so check your equipment today and use Daylight Saving Time as a good reminder to help keep your home and business safe from harm.
These home safety tips are brought to you by SERVPRO of Vacaville/Dixon/Fairfield/Davis. If you ever experience any water, fire, smoke or mold damage in your home or place of business, call your local experts at SERVPRO at (707) 724-8977. We're Here to Help.
2/12/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Vacaville responds quickly to any emergency, whether it be flood, fire or even a bio-hazard. Sometimes our customers don't realize what situations can pose a serious health risk to themselves and their families and try to take care of the problem themselves.
Water from a sewer system backup, for example, should be considered very dangerous. The water is extremely unsanitary and may contain bacteria and viruses that could cause serious illness. Special training and equipment is necessary to safely clean this type of contamination.
If you home or business should experience a sewer system backup, remember these tips:
At SERVPRO of Vacaville/Dixon/Fairfield/Davis, we are on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to respond to your bio-hazard emergency. Call us at 707-724-8977 if you need us. We are Here to Help.
2/12/2022 (Permalink)
Undetected water leaks can cause a great amount of damage, especially if they continue for an extended period of time. Here are a few of the most common types of leaks in commercial properties and how to fix them.
If any of these types of leaks are detected in your commercial building, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Vacaville/Dixon/Fairfield/Davis. We can help find where the water is coming from and help to make it “Like it never even happened.” You can reach us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 707-724-8977.
2/12/2022 (Permalink)
Having a fire extinguisher in your home can be a lifesaver. Household extinguishers can put out a small fire before firefighters arrive or at least suppress flames, giving you and your family time to escape unharmed.
There are lots of choices in type and size of extinguishers, so here’s a quick reference guide on what to look for for each area of your home.
10 pound – Best for your garage.
5 pound – Great in your car; look for one with mounting hardware so it doesn’t roll around in the car and you can locate it quickly if necessary.
Stove Top – Can be mounted on range hood over the stove.
Always remember to pick an extinguisher that is light enough for you to maneuver. A 10-pound fire extinguisher might put out a fire, but if you can’t physically maneuver it easily, it won’t do you much good on the floor!
Lastly, make sure to check the expiration date of your extinguisher regularly to make sure that it has not expired. If it has, make sure to replace it immediately. A good time to remember to check your fire extinguishers is when you change your clocks, and also change the batteries in your smoke detectors at the same time.
If you have questions about fire damage at your home or place of business, call us at SERVPRO of Vacaville/Dixon/Fairfield/Davis at 707-724-977.
2/12/2022 (Permalink)
In the event of an emergency, we have been told to call 911. This patches us through to our local emergency responders who are dispatched to a specific location. But with the introduction of cell phones into our daily lives in the 1980’s, a crinkle was added to the 911 dispatch system.
Previously, all 911 calls coming from cell phones were automatically routed to the California Highway Patrol 911 dispatch centers, which overloaded the call centers and slowed down responses to potential victims. Now cell phones use either GPS or cell tower triangulation so that a dispatch center can be identified and the call is routed to the proper location.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) does have jurisdiction over state freeways and handles emergency calls on these roadways. So some cell calls made from city streets that are near a freeway will be routed to the CHP.
One way to ensure that a 911 operator can pinpoint your location is to use your landline to make a 911 call whenever possible. A landline is plugged into a specific address, so an Emergency Response Team will know exactly where to respond.
However, if you find yourself in an emergency situation and you only have your cell phone, use it to call 911. Your call will be routed to an emergency response team who will send help to your location no matter how you place your call.
2/12/2022 (Permalink)
If you experience water damage in your home, be sure to call the experts at SERVPRO of Vacaville/Dixon/Fairfield/Davis as soon as you notice any damage. Our restoration specialists have the experience, expertise and equipment to restore your property properly. In the meantime, here are a few tips to keep in mind which may help minimize the damage done to your home.
What To Do After Flooding
DON’T
The specialists at SERVPRO of Vacaville/Dixon/Fairfield/Davis are on call 24-hours a day to respond to your residential or commercial emergency. If you have any questions, give us a call today at (707) 724-8977.
2/12/2022 (Permalink)
A leisurely drive through a beautiful winding forest at sunset can quickly turn into a negative experience if a deer darts out in front of your vehicle, which is not an uncommon experience. In fact, during certain times of the year, your chances increase dramatically of encountering a deer along the side of the road, and unfortunately, their quick movements often result in injury to them and damage to our vehicle. Here is some useful information on how to avoid deer/vehicle encounters and what to do if you do accidentally hit a deer.
Deer car crashes are most common in October, November and December, which is mating season for deer, which means they tend to roam more. So be extra vigilant when you are driving in areas where they may populate during these months of the year. Also, deer come out to feed at dawn and dusk, and the lower visibility at this time during the day makes it more difficult for drivers to see them. Be on the look out for them at this time of the day also. And remember if you see one on the side of the road, there are likely others nearby.
If you do hit a deer and it appears to only be injured, do not attempt to move it yourself. Note the location and contact your local wildlife rescue group immediately. If the animal is dead and your car is driveable, DO NOT run your car through a car wash. This will only cause the carcass of the animal to get pushed further into the undercarriage of your vehicle. In this situation, you should call a professional cleaning service, like the experts at SERVPRO of Vacaville/Dixon/Fairfield/Davis. We have firsthand experience in the cleaning and care of your vehicle and can deliver your car back to you “Like it never even happened.” While we hope this situation never happens to you, if it does you can be sure that we are on-call ready to help if the need arises. Call us at (707) 724-8977 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We are Here to Help.
2/7/2022 (Permalink)
If you need help extracting water from your place of business, call the experts at SERVPRO at 707-724-8977. We're Here to Help.
Water extraction is the process of removing standing water from an area that has experienced an influx of water. In a commercial setting, this can come from a number of different places. Your building’s roof may leak leaving a large area saturated, you can experience a flood as a result of a heavy downfall of rain or you may even be unfortunate enough to have a vehicle hit a fire hydrant nearby, sending water streaming into your offices with no notice.
All of these situations would require immediate water extraction in order to remove the water and begin the drying and recovery process for your place of business. If this should happen to you, call the experts at SERVPRO of Vacaville/Dixon/Fairfield/Davis. We are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week to help with all of your water restoration needs. Call SERVPRO anytime at 707-724-8977. We’re Here to Help.
2/4/2022 (Permalink)
Restaurant fires are most often caused by cooking equipment and can be devastating to the owners’ and employees’ livelihoods. After the safety of the employees, owners are most concerned about getting their restaurant open for business again as soon as possible. That’s where SERVPRO of Vacaville/Dixon/Fairfield/Davis can help. One call to SERVPRO and you have experts at fire restoration ready and able to assist you with fire, smoke and soot removal, along with content inventory. We can clean your salvageable items and store them until your place of business is ready to reopen. But most importantly, we can offer you peace of mind that only experts in the field of restoration can bring to this highly stressful time.
SERVPRO is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to help you regain control quickly and get you open for business. Call us today if you experience a fire at 707-724-8977. We are Here to Help.
2/3/2022 (Permalink)
You never know when a disaster may strike, but be assured that the professionals at SERVPRO of Vacaville/Dixon/ airfield/Davis are ready! We specialize in storm and flood damage restoration. Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.
Faster Response
Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage and reduces the restoration cost.
Handling Floods and Storms
If storms hit Vacaville or any of the surrounding areas, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.
If you have storm or flood damage, call us at (707) 724-8977. We are faster to any disaster and will make it “Like it never even happened.”
1/12/2022 (Permalink)
Now that winter is here, it’s important to remember to check your house after a large storm. An over-abundance of rain water can overwhelm your home’s gutters and downspouts and saturate the soil around your foundation. An easy way to remember how to inspect your home is to “Start From the Bottom and Work Up.”
Your home should be a haven from a storm. Use these tips to make sure you keep the water outside and the warmth in.
If you do experience flooding or water where it shouldn’t be, call the experts at SERVPRO of Vacaville/Dixon/Fairfield/Davis to help rid your home or business of unwanted water. We can be reached 24 hours a day 7 days a week at (707) 724-8977. We are Here To Help.
1/12/2022 (Permalink)
Make sure you know which fire extinguisher is right for your needs.
You might think you don’t need a fire extinguisher in your home, but it can be a lifesaver. Household extinguishers can put out a small fire before firefighters arrive or at least suppress flames, giving you and your family time to escape unharmed.
There are lots of choices in type and size of extinguishers, so here’s a quick reference guide on what to look for for each area of your home.
10 pound – Best for your garage.
5 pound – Great in your car; look for one with mounting hardware so it doesn’t roll around in the car and you can locate it quickly if necessary.
Stove Top – Can be mounted on range hood over the stove.
Always remember to pick an extinguisher that is light enough for you to maneuver. A 10-pound fire extinguisher might put out a fire, but if you can’t physically maneuver it easily, it won’t do you much good on the floor!
Lastly, make sure to check the expiration date of your extinguisher regularly to make sure that it has not expired. If it has, make sure to replace it immediately. A good time to remember to check your fire extinguishers is when you change your clocks, and also change the batteries in your smoke detectors at the same time.
If you have questions about fire damage at your home or place of business, call us at SERVPRO of Vacaville/Dixon/Fairfield/Davis at 707-724-977.
12/15/2021 (Permalink)
The holidays are usually filled with family gatherings, gift exchanges and lots of yummy food, but sometimes an unexpected guest can wreck havoc on your home leaving destruction in its wake. If this happens to you, remember to call your local SERVPRO to solve all of your water, fire and cleaning needs. SERVPRO of Vacaville/Dixon/Fairfield/Davis is always on call ready to respond to any emergency. Call us anytime at 707-724-8977.
12/13/2021 (Permalink)
Rain storms can cause quite a bit of damage for commercial customers. Call SERVPRO at 707-724-8977 if your business is damaged.
When bad weather strikes, it's not just our residential customers who are affected. Commercial businesses large and small suffer the consequences of rain and wind storms also.
Recently, SERVPRO of Vacaville/Dixon/Fairfield/Davis was called to help at a commercial building that suffered water damage during a recent severe rain storm. Under normal rain conditions, most buildings are able to successfully drain water away from buildings, but sometimes storms are so severe and swift, they overpower the capacity of the drainage system resulting in flooding. In cases like this, SERVPRO can help with water extraction and set equipment for drying of interior spaces.
If your business experiences water damage, call the experts at SERVPRO of Vacaville/Dixon/Fairfield/Davis. We are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week for all your emergency needs. Call us today at 707-724-8977.
11/10/2021 (Permalink)
Thanksgiving is the day when more turkey is consumed per person in this Country than any other day of the year. Unfortunately, it is also the day that more home cooking fires occur than any other day of the year. SERVPRO of Vacaville/Dixon/Fairfield/Davis wants you all to be safe during this season of Thanksgiving, so take a few minutes to review these safety tips involving cooking and gatherings:
If you do experience a fire in your home, the professionals at SERVPRO are Here To Help. Call us anytime at 707-724-8977.
11/10/2021 (Permalink)
When a Storm event occurs in your area, whether it be a fire or severe rain storm, the professionals at SERVPRO of Vacaville/Dixon/Fairfield/Davis are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to respond to your emergency. We have trained professionals on call day and night who are available to respond to whatever emergency may arise at your home or place of business. Whether it be water in your basement, a fire in your kitchen or a bathtub that leaked spreading water throughout your home, we have the expertise of how best to remedy your situation and the personnel to respond immediately to your home or business. If you find yourself with a fire or water emergency, call us anytime at (707) 724-8977. We are Here To Help.
11/2/2021 (Permalink)
A lot of things happen in our homes the middle of the night that we aren’t even aware of…some good, some bad. The refrigerator keeps cooling our food, the heater keeps us warm and water keeps flowing through our home where it needs to go. But sometimes, we wake up in the morning to an unpleasant surprise, as a recent customer of ours did when they woke up to find that their toilet had been leaking throughout the night leaving their bathroom, hallway and adjoining bedroom floors soaking wet. Their first call in the morning was to SERVPRO of Vacaville/Dixon/Fairfield/Davis.
Our crews were able to respond immediately to help extract the water and perform moisture mapping to determine how far the water had traveled. They also pulled the carpet pad and lifted the carpet to begin drying. In addition, it was necessary to pull the baseboards and drill holes in it for cavity drying to minimize the severity of the damage. After the emergency demolition took place, our crews set drying equipment and plans to return to see if any additional demo is needed.
This is the expert service you get from the experienced professionals when you call SERVPRO of Vacaville/Dixon/Fairfield/Davis. We are here for all of your water, fire and mold restoration needs 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Call us anytime at 707-724-8977. We are Here To Help.
10/28/2021 (Permalink)
A common thing we hear in the restoration industry by customers who are calling to schedule an appointment after a fire has come dangerously close or actually impacted their home is, “I don’t know how this process works.” Here at SERVPRO of Vacaville/Fairfield/Dixon, we are thankful for two things in this regard - first, that most of our customers do not have any experience with fire previously affecting their homes, and second, that we have an experienced and helpful group of professionals who are ready, willing and able to help at a moment’s notice. We thought it might be helpful to put together a narrative of what you should do in the event of a fire affecting your home and how to get the help you need to get your home back "Like it never even happened."
If you are evacuated or forced to leave your home because of a fire either in your home or in the vicinity surrounding your neighborhood, be sure to stay out of your home until your local authorities give you the “all clear” to return to your residence. Once any restrictions regarding entering your home have been released, place a call to a restoration specialist, such as SERVPRO of Vacaville/Dixon/Fairfield/Davis and schedule an appointment for an inspection as soon as possible. Be prepared to provide the SERVPRO scheduler with your name and address, along with a description of what is specifically happening in your home. For example, can you see evidence of ash inside your home or only outside? Did your oven catch fire and therefore walls and other areas in your home were burned or subsequently dampened with water due to firefighting efforts? In the event of a fire in your neighborhood, were windows left open during the firestorm? How close did the fire come to your home? Also, it is helpful if you have the name of your insurance company, your adjuster’s contact information and your claim number available to provide to the scheduler. This will help make the process go much faster down the road. Contact your homeowners insurance company and file a claim regarding your potential loss. Be sure to have your policy number, policy holder’s name and address, and the date of the incident on hand when you make the call. Be sure to write down the name of the claim adjuster assigned to your specific claim and your claim number. You will need this information for future reference.
It is also a good idea to find a folder or binder to put all your information regarding your loss into for safe keeping, or we can provide you with a binder. This would include your insurance policy information, your insurance adjuster’s name, phone number and email address, your claim number and all the notes you take when you talk to your adjuster. Having one place for all this information makes it easier to find and organize this information, and much easier to reference your notes in case there are questions or issues later.
Once your inspection has been scheduled, an experienced professional will be dispatched to your home to perform an inspection and take photos. These will be used to produce an estimate for services, which will be submitted to your insurance adjuster. (This is why providing all the pertinent information to your scheduler is so vital and timesaving.) Once the estimate is complete and submitted, SERVPRO of Vacaville/Dixon/Fairfield/Davis will work with your insurance adjuster to gain approval of the estimate so that work can begin as soon as possible on your property.
Once our estimate has been approved, we will schedule your services to begin as soon as possible and dispatch our highly trained production team to your home to begin the cleaning and restoration process. This often begins with pressure washing the outside of a home (in the event of a wildland or neighborhood fire), wiping down walls and surface areas inside the home, cleaning of carpets and floors, as well as cleaning of individual contents. We work directly with a vendor to help our customers have their “soft goods” cleaned, which include clothing, removable rugs and drapes. And when the job is complete, our Crew Chief walks the job with the homeowner to ensure that it is completed to their 100% satisfaction.
If you or anyone you know experiences a fire in or around your home, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Vacaville/Dixon/Fairfield/Davis at (707) 724-8977. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 365 days a year to respond to your emergency and we are Here To Help.
10/8/2021 (Permalink)
Power Washing can help clean your business. Call SERVPRO today for all your cleaning needs. We're Here To Help.
When you think about power washing, you might automatically think about using the high powered water device for cleaning of your common household items, such as driveways and decks. But pressure washers play an important roll in the day to day operations of commercial businesses as well. Pressure washers come in a variety of sizes and have just as many uses, many of which SERVPRO of Vacaville/Dixon/Fairfield/Davis can assist your commercial business with by providing cleaning services.
For example, our company has used pressure washers to clean bus stations, public bathroom facilities and water fountains. By using high-pressure, narrow jets of water to blast dirt free, pressure washers are able to get rid of ground-in dirt that won't normally come off with just water and a scrub brush. And because the machines only use water, they don't damage most hard surfaces, making them extremely versatile.
Other areas that commonly need cleaning in commercial facilities that can be served by a pressure washer include parking lots, concrete or tile patios used as break areas for workers, and floors used for storage. These are all areas that can accumulate dirt and grime which can be more easily removed by a power washer than a simple mop or broom.
SERVPRO of Vacaville/Dixon/Fairfield/Davis can help your commercial business with all their commercial cleaning needs, including all those that involve pressure washing. Call us today at (707) 724-8977 to schedule cleaning at your commercial facility today. We are Here to Help.
10/8/2021 (Permalink)
Residents in Solano and Yolo Counties have a distinct advantage when it comes to Restoration Services because there is a local SERVPRO franchise that services these counties. SERVPRO of Vacaville/Dixon/ Fairfield/Davis has been providing water, fire and mold restoration services to both residential and commercial customers in these counties for several years. The company has added quite a bit of biohazard remediation work specifically including cleaning for the COVID-19 virus.
As we head into fall and the winter months of the year, naturally our attention turns to the weather and the damage it can cause to our homes and residences. But foul weather isn’t something that is reserved only for the wintertime. In fact, storm events can happen any time of the year throughout different parts of our Country. Whether it be windstorms in the mid-west or flooding along the coast of Florida, there is no telling when Mother Nature will wield her mighty powers and damage can occur in a blink of an eye. In some areas, there are warnings, as with tornadoes or hurricanes, but in others, as is the case of earthquakes that commonly occur along the fault lines that run throughout the state of California, they are swift and without warning and leave behind devastating results.
In the restoration industry, these devastating events are labeled as “Storm Events” and for SERVPRO, there is a specific and coordinated response that is set immediately into place to service the individuals who are affected in the areas where damage has occurred. So while SERVPRO of Vacaville/Dixon/Fairfield/Davis’ first priority is the residents within the communities we immediately serve, we are also part of a broader and coordinated effort of 1,700 franchises across the country that make up an elite Disaster Recovery Team. Just like your local SERVPRO, our Disaster Recovery Team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to respond to your emergency. And our professions are prepared for the unpredictable. Although most of our work involves fire or water restoration, SERVPRO Storm Teams have responded to tornadoes, hurricanes, blizzards and floods. On a National Level, SERVPRO crews have aided customers in the following events: 2017 California wildfires, 2017 Hurricane Irma, 2017 Hurricane Harvey, 2016 Hurricane Matthew, 2015 Carolina floods, 2014 Polar Vortex, 2012 Hurricane Sandy, 2010 Nashville floods, 2008 Hurricane Ike, 2007 Chicago floods, 2007 Ohio floods, 2007 California Wildfires and 2005 Hurricane Katrina.
Rest assured, your local and nationwide SERVPRO franchises are always Here To Help.
9/29/2021 (Permalink)
If you think you have mold in your home or business, call the professional at SERVPRO of Davis. We're Here To Help.
Finding a water leak in your home is bad enough, but when you combine that leak with a little humidity or warmth, mold can grow and make an even bigger problem.
A minor mold problem can quickly become a major infestation if left untreated. If you suspect mold or water damage in your home, call the experts at SERVPRO of Davis immediately. A fast response lessens the mold damage, limits additional damage, and reduces the overall cost of repairs.
The professionals at SERVPRO of Davis are trained mold damage specialists who can get started quickly to get your home or business back to normal, with specific training and certifications to handle your restoration needs. If you see signs of mold and need our help, call us today at (707) 724-8977. We are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week for all your remediation needs. We’re Here To Help.
9/22/2021 (Permalink)
Sometimes, accidents just happen. And sometimes, although we take all the necessary precautions and prevention measures to keep them from happening, they do anyhow. When those accidents involve water, it gets messy very quickly. That’s when you need to call the professionals at SERVPRO of Davis. We are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week to help you clean up those accidents involving water that went where it shouldn’t when it shouldn’t. We can help you extract standing water, dry out the materials that are wet and remove any parts of your home or business that need to be removed or replaced because of water damage.
If your home or business experience water damage, call the experts at SERVPRO of Davis today at 707-724-8977. We’re Here To Help.
9/9/2021 (Permalink)
If you home is affected by fire, call the experts at SERVPRO of Davis for all your restoration and cleaning needs.
If your home is affected by a fire, the professionals at SERVPRO of Davis are Here to Help. We are dedicated to responding immediately to your emergency, which can help prevent secondary damage and reduce costs.
As fire restoration specialists, we have the training and specialized equipment to respond to your specific emergency and pride ourselves in offering excellent customer service.
When tragedy strikes, you want skilled professionals helping you restore your home or place of business to its pre-fire condition. SERVPRO of Davis is that company. We can help with emergency board up services, water removal and drying, removal of smoke and soot from surfaces, cleaning and repair issues.
If your home or business experience fire damage, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Davis to help at (707) 724-8977. We are here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
8/18/2021 (Permalink)
PG&E has confirmed that they will be implementing their PSPS (Public Safety Power Shutoff) program beginning August 18, 2021 to mitigate wild fire risk by shutting off power in high risk areas. This could affect 51,000 customers in 18 different counties.
To see if you are in an area where power may be turned off, click on the link below and enter your address:
PSPS planning map for customers (pge.com)
SERVPRO of Vacaville/Dixon/Fairfield/Davis is here to help our neighbors be prepared for any potential emergencies and can respond 24 hours a day 7 days a week in the event of a fire, flood, water or mold damage. Call us today at (707) 724-8977. We are Here to Help.
8/18/2021 (Permalink)
PG&E has opened a community resource center at Solano Community College's Vacaville campus for people who are impacted by the recent power shutoffs in the Solano County/Vacaville area.
The community resource center will be open August 18th and 19th, 2021 from 8am to 10pm and will provide the following services: charging stations, free wi-fi, snacks, water, ice, small medical device charging, seating and blankets and they will provide both air-conditioning and heating as needed. The facility is ADA-accessible with an ADA-accessible restroom and washing station. It will not provide electric vehicle charging stations.
The address for the center is 2001 N Village Parkway, Vacaville, California.
7/30/2021 (Permalink)
This clogged condensation drain is obviously plugged and dripping water down the side of a home. The excess water can lead to water damage.
Summer is here, so a working air conditioner is more important than any other time of the year. But there are more things to think about than just whether or not the unit is pumping out cool air. It’s also imperative that you make sure that your air conditioner is not causing damage to unseen areas of your home. In order to ensure this, you should understand a little about how air conditioners work and what to look out for to make sure they are working correctly.
Many air conditioning units are located in the attic of a home and work by taking in warm air, chilling it and pumping out the cooler air. When you chill the air, condensation is produced, which is just water. That water needs to be directed out of the attic, and this is done through a condensation drain that drains out of a house at ground level. You may see water dripping from a drain up against your home when your air conditioner is running. This is the condensation being drawn away from the air conditioner and means that the drain is working properly.
Sometimes, however, drains stop working properly because they get plugged so homebuilders have designed a very creative solution for recognizing when this happens. If you have ever seen water dripping from a drain over a window during the summer when your air conditioner is running, this is an indication that your condensation drain is plugged and water is now be rerouted to the emergency drain. That drain is purposely routed to dump water over a window so homeowners will notice that there is a problem with the drain of their air conditioning unit. If not addressed, the excess water can lead to water damage and mold growth, something SERVPRO of Vacaville/Dixon/Fairfield/Davis has a lot of experience is eradicating. Although we would be available to help with all your water and mold remediation needs, we also are happy to offer homeowners help in avoiding damage in the first place.
So if it’s a hot day and you notice water running down your window, check to see if it is coming from a drain located directly above the window. If it is, your air conditioning drain is likely plugged and you should get it checked out as soon as possible to avoid water damage to your attic.
If you do experience water, fire or mold damage in your home, call the experts at SERVPRO today. We are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week to respond to your needs. We are local and Here to Help. Call us today at 707-724-8977.
7/28/2021 (Permalink)
When the weather warms up, one way to beat the heat is to turn off the oven and cook outside on the barbeque. Unfortunately, this causes the number of grill-related fires to increase. Each year, outdoor grilling causes over 10,000 home fires, but SERVPRO of Vacaville / Dixon / Fairfield / Davis has put together some easy safety tips you can follow to keep your home and family safe this grilling season.
The most common cause of fire involving a barbeque is related to cooking on an uncleaned grill. Grease that accumulates on the grill can cause fires, so just like clearing your dishes from the table and loading them in the dishwasher, cleaning your grill should be a part of your routine when you are done preparing your meal and cleaning up. Another important part of a clean grill involves your coals. Make sure they are completely cooled before cooling the grill and removing them. The safest thing to do with the coals is to put them in a fire safe bucket and allow them to remain there until you are ready to dispose of them. Hot coals can smolder for a very long time. It is always better to be safe and make sure they are completely cold before disposing of them in your trash. Many dumpster fires have been started by not-cooled coals.
The second most dangerous cause of fire from grilling comes from unattended barbeques. Just like inside your home, never leave an open flame unattended outside. Your grill can flare up while you aren’t watching and catch something nearby on fire, and if you are not immediately available to deal with the problem, it can quickly escalate into a much larger problem. Be vigilant and always stay near your barbeque when you are cooking. That means you will have to do quite a bit of prep work in order to have everything you need before you begin grilling so you won’t have to leave your grill unattended, but safety should be your number one concern.
Related to this previous point, always make sure your grill is on a stable surface and cannot easily tip over. Once you load up that barbeque with all those yummy steaks and veggies, you want to make sure it won’t topple on the ground, spilling all your food and the hot coals everywhere. If the unthinkable happens, and you do tip over your barbeque, think before you act. Remember those coals are hot and combustible. Pick them up with something that won’t catch on fire, like a metal shovel and put them in a fire-safe container or metal bucket.
Also, be sure your grill is not near any hanging tree branches or other structures that can easily catch fire. If the area you have designated as your barbeque area is beginning to become overgrown, be sure to trim those trees or bushes before you start grilling.
Although the taste of the grill is temping all year long, if you don’t have a safe area to barbeque during the winter, never barbeque inside any kind of structure, including your garage. Besides the obvious fire hazard that this would pose, barbequing in your garage would also release the deadly Carbon Monoxide gas, so please stick to outside grilling only. No, opening your garage door doesn’t make a difference.
And lastly, if you are using a gas grill, be sure to shut off the gas valve completely when you are done grilling. Make it a habit to turn it off as soon as you take your food off the grill so you won’t forget.
By using these easy-to-follow tips from SERVPRO of Vacaville / Dixon/ Fairfield / Davis, you and your family should be able to enjoy a safe and fun grilling season.
6/21/2021 (Permalink)
Standing water can bring many problems. Use these tips to avoid this summer dilemma.
Summertime brings with it fun activities like squirt gun fights and running through the sprinklers, but what happens if the water from these activities don't drain away and result in pools of standing water? Even a small amount of water left undisturbed for a few days can cause a significant amount of problems. Outside, standing water can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes, which commonly breed in shallow pools of standing water and often carry diseases including malaria, West Nile virus, and Zika fever. Additionally, water left standing against your home may lead to problems with your home’s foundation.
Here are a few things to check to make sure you don't have any potential hazards around your home.
Water can provide a lot of fun during the summer months, but it can cause some problems. Use these ideas to keep your home safe from standing water pitfalls.
These tips are brought to you by your local SERVPRO office. We are here 24 hours a day 7 days a week if you have any water, fire or mold emergencies. Call us anytime at (707) 724-977. We serve the Vacaville, Fairfield, Dixon and Davis areas are are always Here To Help.
6/18/2021 (Permalink)
Stay out of irrigation ditches and canals during warm weather. They may look refreshing but are actually extremely dangerous.
With temperatures over the 100 degree mark in Solano and Yolo counties recently, any body of water seems like a great place to cool off, but irrigation ditches and canals are ones you should stay away from. They may look inviting and refreshing, but they are actually extremely dangerous to enter. That’s why most canals have fences around them. Be sure not to climb on the fence and don’t ever go fishing in a canal.
Canals typically have fast underwater currents that can sweep away even the strongest swimmer, leaving them helpless to escape. Additionally, many canals have steep, slippery sides that are nearly impossible to crawl out of.
Canals are manmade structures that are used to transport water for irrigation and other human uses. Many canals were originally constructed in areas without a huge population, but as an area surrounding the canal becomes urbanized, the canal ultimately can run through neighborhoods, making it particularly dangerous.
Irrigation ditches are not as large, but are equally dangerous because they can contain trash and other debris such as rocks, glass or barbed wire that you cannot see from the surface. Pesticides, herbicides and other pollutants can be found in irrigation ditch water and it is definitely not safe to drink or swim in.
The water in irrigation ditches can move fast enough to sweep a person downstream with little chance of getting out safely. Some ditches have undertows. If you are caught in one of these, you can be pulled underwater and your chances of getting out are very slim.
Here's a few tips on keeping you and your family safe near irrigation canals and ditches:
*Never swim in or play around canals or irrigation ditches
*Never walk closely along the edge of a canal or irrigation ditch
*Never jump in to rescue a pet or object. Instead call 911 for help.
We all want to try to beat the heat this summer, but SERVPRO of Vacaville/Fairfield/Dixon/Davis wants to help you stay safe by knowing these tips for irrigation canal safety.
6/18/2021 (Permalink)
Keeping your hot water tank healthy is one way to avoid water damage in your home or business.
With an average tank size between fifty and one hundred gallons, leaking hot water tanks can be a major source of water damage problems and can flood an entire home and cause significant damage if not detected quickly. But how do you know if your hot water heater is about to fail?
A lack of hot water is the most common sign of a failing hot water heater. Rumbling, creaking or popping noises are another common indicator of an unhealthy water heater. This can mean that sediment is forming on the surface of the water heater or that the unit is on the verge of a crack or leak. Murky or foul-smelling water are also signs of a failing water heater. Additionally, the pressure relief valve opens to release pressure buildup in the water heater and can sometimes fail to function properly. This can have dangerous results and should be inspected by a plumber if you suspect a problem. And finally, pooling water beneath the unit can be a sign of a leaking water tank.
Pooling water beneath a hot water tank can lead to other, more dangerous problems. If your tank sits on a wood surface, the wood can become spongy and rot through if left wet for a long period of time. Be sure to act quickly if you know your hot water tank is leaking to avoid this problem.
If you see any of these common indicators, contact a plumber immediately to help determine the source of the problem. And if you do experience a water leak or damage of any kind, call the experts at SERVPRO of Vacaville/Fairfield/Dixon/Davis to help you remediate all of your water problems.
At SERVPRO of Vacaville/Fairfield/Dixon/Davis, we are experts at assessing water damage in your home or business, as well as removing standing water and drying out damaged materials. We are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week to answer your calls and respond to any and all water emergencies you may experience. Call us today at (707) 724-8977. We live and work in your community and we are here for you.
6/18/2021 (Permalink)
Air scrubbers can help eliminate odors left behind after water damage has occurred. Call SERVPRO today at (707) 724-8977 to see how we can help.
Dealing with the aftermath of water or flood damage can be an uphill battle for any homeowner or business owner. Water often seeps into structural cavities and creates a damp atmosphere. Not only does this pose a threat to the structural integrity of your home, it usually causes an odor problem. If not appropriately deodorized, this foul smell can linger in your home long after the water is gone.
Thankfully, here at SERVPRO, we use a multi-method approach to eliminate odors after a water damage to your property has occurred. Our IICRC certified professionals use modern equipment to eliminate odors due to flood damage in no time. Here are some of the deodorizing techniques used to ensure elimination of odors.
*Direct spraying: As the name implies, a deodorant is sprayed directly on the affected area using a pump. The method is useful if the intensity of the smell is not very high and the affected area is small.
*Wet fogging: This method utilizes Ultra Low Volume (ULV) foggers to dispense water or solvent-based deodorants. The ULV fogger generates minute particles of the chemicals that penetrate to the areas where the odor causing particles hide and change the composition of these substances.
*Thermal fogging: The technique involves using heat to break up solvent-based deodorants into small particles that can get to the difficult to reach places. The deodorizing particles neutralize the odor-causing molecules right at the source. Although this method is most popular to deodorize after smoke damage, it is sometimes used for flood damage as well.
*Venting box fans: These are high-velocity axial fans that are used to ventilate and improve air circulation. These fans are used both before and after the deodorizing process. They can significantly shorten the time to deodorize and remove moisture at the same time.
*Air Scrubbers: These devices are sophisticated air filters that use High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filtration technology. The air scrubbers can capture and eliminate odor-causing particles as small as 0.3 micrometers with an efficiency of 99.97%.
Getting rid of the stale, clammy odor can be a difficult thing to do after water damage has occurred, but the professionals at SERVPRO of Vacaville/Fairfield/Dixon can help you eliminate the odor and get your home smelling like home again!
Call SERVPRO of Vacaville/Fairfield/Dixon at (707) 724-8977 to talk to one of our water damage restoration experts and discuss your deodorizing options. We are here 24 hours a day 7 days a week to help.
6/17/2021 (Permalink)
The professionals at SERVPRO of Vacaville/Fairfield/Dixon/Davis are experts at helping eradicate mold. Call us today at (707) 724-8977.
Most people think mold is just something in your house that looks nasty in the bathroom. But before you know the dangers of mold, you should have an idea of what exactly mold is.
Mold belongs to the fungi family. This nasty element can thrive almost anywhere. Studies performed have shown that over 50 percent of homes and businesses have moisture present, which is a prime harvesting spot for mold. Mold spores reproduce rapidly when moisture is present. Excessive dampness indoors encourages the growth of molds and other organisms, potentially causing health effects.
Intrusion of water into your home or place of business can result in mold growth. This can be from storm damage, plumbing or equipment failures, long-standing leaks and poor humidity control. When these water issues are not addressed right away, the resulting damage can present increased risk of harmful mold growth.
As the seasons change and rain mixes with colder temperatures, there is an excess of moisture. This extra amount of moisture can open the door to fungal growth which thrives in damp areas.
The professionals at SERVPRO of Vacaville/Fairfield/Dixon/Davis are experts at handling water damage and know that prompt action is required to prevent and eradicate mold growth before it becomes worse.
If you think you have a mold problem, call SERVPRO of Vacaville/Fairfield/Dixon/Davis at (707) 724-8977; we will help you restore your home or business to a healthy condition.
6/17/2021 (Permalink)
In case of an emergency evacuation, there are certain items you should always remember to take from your home, and there is an easy way to remember what they are because they all start with the letter "P".
*People and Pets - Obviously the most important thing in your home are the people who you care about who live there with you, and your furry critters are an important part of that group. Secure their exit and safety before you consider removing anything else from your home. Remember, everything else is material and replaceable…people are not.
*Papers, Phone Numbers and Important Documents - This information will be helpful if you need to call various businesses and should include your account numbers. Think ahead and place all these documents in one location, and ideally, in a fire safe box that is easy to grab and exit your home with quickly. Make sure it doesn’t get buried underneath other items in your office of extra bedroom. Keep it out and readily available in case of emergency.
*Prescriptions, Vitamins & Eyeglasses – These are extremely important items to maintain your health, and you have to be able to read those labels! These are all relatively easy to replace, but if you do a little preplanning, it will make it easier to regroup if you need to be out of your home for any length of time.
*Pictures - Grab the ones you can't replace, like the ones that aren’t on your phone or are particularly old. It’s always a good idea to make some copies of the really valuable (sentimental or otherwise) pictures and put them in your bank’s safe deposit box for safe keeping.
*Personal computer hard drive and disks - Backup your information regularly to a portable hard drive so you can grab it and go. Make sure it is with your other important documents and ideally in a fire proof case, or one you can grab easily if necessary.
*"Plastic" - Bring your credit and ATM cards, driver's license and any cash you have in the house.
Print out this list and keep it in your home office or a prominent place in your home in case you need to reference it in case of emergency.
If your home or business does experience fire or smoke damage, call the experts at SERVPRO of Vacaville/Fairfield/Dixon/Davis at (707) 724-8977 and we'll help make it "Like it never even happened." We hope you never have to call us, but if you do, we will be available 24 hours a day 7 days a week to help.
6/17/2021 (Permalink)
Be sure to have an evacuation plan in place in case of a fire.
With temperatures climbing, the risk of residential and wildfires increases each day. All families should have an evacuation plan in place in case of emergency. Here's a few tips to keep in mind when creating your own evacuation plan.
*Designate an emergency meeting location outside the fire or hazard area. Ideas may be a local fire station or City Hall.
*Plan out several different escape routes from your home or community. Practice these so everyone in your family is familiar with these routes.
*If you have pets or large animals, have a plan in place to move them quickly if necessary.
*Print out a list of all the phone numbers of your family members, in case you get separated from your cell phone, and keep them in your wallet or with you at all times. Many of us rely on our phones to automatically dial our contact list and don't have important family members' and friends' phone numbers memorized.
The most important thing to remember is to be prepared and stay calm in the event of an emergency. Having the plans in place to respond to a fire or evacuation of any kind will help everyone be safely reunited with their loved ones.
If you do experience a fire, the experts at SERVPRO of Vacaville/Fairfield/Dixon/Davis can help return your home or place to business to its original conditional. Call us 24 hours a day 7 days a week at (707) 724-8977. We're Here to Help.
4/26/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Vacaville is happy to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Nut Tree.
Beginning as a roadside fruit stand in 1921, The Nut Tree quickly became the State’s first major road stop offering packaged dried fruits, miniature railroad, fly-in airport, restaurant and bakery.
Today, the Nut Tree Plaza offers a wide variety of retail outlets and dining options along with some fun family entertainment including a playground and the original building that housed the ice cream shop which you can purchase tickets from to ride the train through the square.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of one of Vacaville’s most iconic landmarks – one that offers sweet memories for thousands of Bay Area residents. SERVPRO of Vacaville is happy to recognize this momentous occasion and proud to say we have provided our services to a few tenants of the Nut Tree Plaza during the past few years.
On behalf of SERVPRO of Vacaville, we hope that the Nut Tree continues to be a place of enjoyment and memories for families of our community and beyond for many years to come.
4/6/2021 (Permalink)
In this age of DIY (Do It Yourself), many people try to take on major repair projects at their homes themselves. This may work for paint and minor repair projects, but sometimes our customers don't realize which situations can pose serious health risks to themselves and their families and try to take care of some problems they should call in an expert for.
This is the case when you have a sewer backup problem. Water from a sewer system backup should be considered very dangerous. The water is extremely unsanitary and may contain bacteria and viruses that could cause serious illness. Special training and equipment is necessary to safely clean this type of contamination.
If you home or business should experience a sewer system backup, remember these tips:
At SERVPRO of Vacaville/Fairfield/Dixon/Davis, we trained to handle these emergencies and are on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to respond to your bio-hazard emergency. Call us at 707-724-8977 if you need our help. We are Here to Help.
4/1/2021 (Permalink)
Fire extinguishers are required in all commercial buildings in California, and there are specific requirements regarding training of your employees in many areas of fire prevention and safety.
Cal OSHA regulations stipulate that fire extinguishers must be placed in areas that the employees can easily access, such as in a cabinet or mounted to a wall. They should be placed near exits to reduce the risk that people will be trapped by fire inside a building. OSHA regulations also mandate that all employees must be trained on the basic principles of using fire extinguishers, as well as the hazards that are typically involved with firefighting. They should also be trained on the process for reporting a fire, how to evaluate the size of a fire, and how to keep an exit route in good condition in your place of work.
Training must be provided to every new employee, for employees assigned to emergency response teams, and to all other employees on an annual basis. In order to be safe, make sure your company is following all of these guidelines.
In the unfortunate event that your business does experience a fire, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Vacaville/Fairfield/Dixon/Davis at (707) 724-8977. We can help you recover from a fire and return your business to its condition before the fire began. We are on call 24 hours a day 7 days a week so call us for all your fire, water or mold restoration needs.
4/1/2021 (Permalink)
Fires in Commercial Buildings can cause a great amount of damage, but there are three easy things a business can do to prevent the most common commercial building fires.
Be sure that your business has what it needs to protect itself from a crippling fire and be proactive in helping prevent damage to your business by following these three easy guidelines.
If you do experience a fire in your commercial building, call the experts at SERVPRO of Vacaville/Fairefield/Dixon/Davis to help you recover. We'll make it "Like it never even happened." Call us today at 707-724-8977.
4/1/2021 (Permalink)
Undetected water leaks can cause a great amount of damage, especially if they continue for an extended period of time. Here are a few of the most common types of leaks in commercial properties and how to fix them.
If any of these types of leaks are detected in your commercial building, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Vacaville/Fairfield/Dixon/Davis. We can help find where the water is coming from and help to make it “Like it never even happened.” You can reach us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 707-724-8977.
3/26/2021 (Permalink)
Hopefully, when you think of companies who can provide water and fire restoration services, SERVPRO is a name that comes to mind. But here at SERVPRO of Vacaville/Fairfield/Dixon/Davis, we provide so many other services as well. And many of them involve vehicles, believe it or not!
SERVPRO works closely with several local auto repair companies to provide cleaning services for the insides of vehicles that have been damaged in accidents. This can involve water, food or bodily fluids stains. We have also been asked by repair companies to clean undercarriages after motorists have had the unfortunate luck of hitting an animal. We have worked with several different agencies to clean the insides of their vehicles, and have even been asked to clean a boat that was stored without a cover for a long period of time, leaving the interior stained and covered with debris.
If you have a cleaning issue that is too big and you think we can help, give SERVPRO of Vacaville/Fairfield/Dixon/Davis a call. We’d be happy to let you know all the ways we can help. Call us today at 707-724-8977. We are Here To Help.
3/25/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Vacaville/Fairfield/Dixon/Davis is proud to serve the Davis area. Our team understands what it means to be a small business and how to effectively serve our surrounding communities. We also understand that even the briefest of business closings can have catastrophic consequences not only for businesses, but also for their employees. So we work hard to get your business back up and running as soon as possible so that you can continue running operations as normal. Should your business be affected by COVID-19, our team is Here to Help! We have been providing our proprietary Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned cleaning protocol in and around Solano and Yolo Counties as businesses have had exposure to COVID-19. We’re Here to Help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – until life is back to normal in the communities we all call home. Call SERVPRO of Davis today at 707-724-8977.
3/25/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Vacaville/Fairfield/Dixon/Davis is on call and available 24 hours day/7 days a week to respond to your emergency. We specialize in fire and water restoration services along with mold remediation, but we also provide so many other services. Here are just a few of the services we can provide:
SERVPRO of Vacaville/Fairfield/Dixon/Davis works closely with many large and small insurance companies, property management companies, and government entities. We also have experience working in:
Call Us Today!
SERVPRO of Vacaville/Fairfield/Dixon/Davis is on call 24-hours a day to respond to residential and commercial property damage emergencies. Our highly trained technicians have the experience and equipment to mitigate property damage. Call us today at 707-724-8977. We’ll restore your property and make it “Like it never even happened.”
2/15/2021 (Permalink)
Which phone is best to use in an emergency? The answer is different than just a few years ago.
In the event of an emergency, most people know that they should call 911. This patches us through to our local emergency responders who are dispatched to a specific location. But with the introduction of cell phones into our daily lives in the 1980’s, a crinkle was added to the 911 dispatch system.
Previously, all 911 calls coming from cell phones were automatically routed to the California Highway Patrol 911 dispatch centers, which overloaded the call centers and slowed down responses to potential victims. Now cell phones use either GPS or cell tower triangulation so that a dispatch center can be identified and the call is routed to the proper location.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) does have jurisdiction over state freeways and handles emergency calls on these roadways. So some cell calls made from city streets that are near a freeway will be routed to the CHP.
One way to ensure that a 911 operator can pinpoint your location is to use your landline to make a 911 call whenever possible. A landline is plugged into a specific address, so an Emergency Response Team will know exactly where to respond.
However, if you find yourself in an emergency situation and you only have your cell phone, use it to call 911. Your call will be routed to an emergency response team who will send help to your location no matter how you place your call.
Remember, don't delay calling 911 in the event of an emergency. The professionals who are answering the phone will find you help whether you are calling on a landline or a cell phone. Reach out, call and stay safe.
2/12/2021 (Permalink)
One thing you may not think about after your home experiences damages from a fire, mold or water loss is what you are going to do with all your belongings while your home is being repaired?
At SERVPRO of Vacaville/Fairfield/Dixon, we take great pride in taking care of our customers' belongings. We will come to your home or place of business and "pack out" all your items carefully, inventory and mark each box and then take them to our warehouse to safely store them in secure vaults that are only accessible by our trusted staff until you are ready for them to be returned to you.
When you are ready, we will deliver them back to you in the same condition we received them in. We offer you the peace of mind that your belongings are safe and secure while your home or place is business is being repaired.
This is just one way SERVPRO of Vacaville/Fairfield/Dixon works to help our customers. Call us today at (707) 724-8977. We are Here to Help.
2/10/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Vacaville/Fairfield/Dixon experienced their own personal water loss recently which resulted in their offices and warehouse flooding.
We are a restoration company, the professionals you call when your house has flooded, burned, filled with smoke or you find mold. We are the ones you call when you need help because some sort of disaster has happened in your home or place of business to provide relief and assistance, to answer your questions and help get things “back to normal.” We are the company that has a small army of individuals who are ready at a moment’s notice to arrive on scene and help in an emergency situation, so damage is lessened and property is saved. We are not the ones whose business is being flooded, but in the tail end of 2020 that is exactly what happened to the company who helps and saves and restores.
A fire hydrant located immediately behind our company’s warehouse where all our equipment and offices are located was hit by a vehicle right around noon on an otherwise quiet Tuesday. The force of the impact jarred the hydrant, causing it to break off from the water pipe. At that point, there was nothing to stop the water from escaping from the underground water pipe that serves the hydrant and water shot up from the exposed pipe like a geyser at a rate of approximately 6,000 gallons per minute. What goes up must come down, and down it came causing a small lake in the area behind our warehouse. There were three suites/warehouses immediately in the path of the water; SERVPRO of Vacaville/Fairfield/Dixon was lucky enough to occupy two of them.
Since all of our production crews were out on various jobs sites, the large slide up door we use to access the warehouse was closed and water almost immediately rose to approximately two feet on the outside of the door. But it didn’t stay outside very long. Within a matter of seconds, the water began to run under the door and into our warehouse - not slowly seep, but rather gush like a current running downstream. As luck would have it, the owner of our franchise was just returning to the office and could not help but notice the side of the parking lot resembled a small lake and could see water spewing up from the hydrant. He immediately informed the office staff of the situation, who went to work elevating and unplugging computers and electronic devices and quickly moving anything in our front offices that could potentially be damaged by water to higher ground.
The water quickly covered the entire floor of the warehouse, a 2,200 square foot area, which was filled with all of our restoration equipment, packing boxes and supplies and cleaning solutions. Ultimately, the fire department was able to turn off the water supply so the surge of water into the building stopped and power to the building was shut off.
With no production employees on hand at the time of the incident, our Production Manager immediately contacted our the Crew Chiefs and directed them to make their way back to the warehouse as soon as possible.
What happened next was an orchestrated and coordinated effort unlike any I had ever been a part of before. I should have remembered - this is what we do, this is what our crews are trained for - but in the severity of the situation and the shock of having just experienced such a massive and urgent water loss, I lost site of those facts for just a moment. I was immediately reminded of those truths however, because our crews wasted no time putting their skills to good use. After a quick coordination meeting, everyone had their assignments and went to work. There were two areas to tackle – the offices and the warehouse. Crews assigned to the warehouse started by squeegeeing the water off the floors. Next, they began moving all the equipment outside to a dry area or to the suite immediately across the parking lot, which we had quickly secured as an alternate storage area for our supplies and equipment. There were many cardboard boxes that were stored in the warehouse that were now soaked through, so some of our crews began transferring contents from those wet boxes to dry ones, making sure to only replace dry contents in the new boxes and label each box carefully.
At the same time that our warehouse was being dried and cleared out, another crew was fast at work in our front offices. First on the list was getting rid of the water on the floors that had pooled in the reception area, as well as in our two carpeted offices. This was accomplished through squeegees and extractors. Critical during this period is timing - you want to work quickly to extract the water to minimize the damage, all the while being extremely cautious because the water can cause the area to be extremely slippery and hazardous. Within a relatively short period of time, the bulk of the water was eradicated and the next step was elevating everything that was sitting directly on the floor so drying can begin. File cabinets and desks were lifted and furniture blocks were placed underneath to allow air flow and discourage mold from forming. Dehumidifiers were also placed throughout the offices to absorb moisture.
With the immediate threat to property relieved, and knowing that all our employees were safe, our thoughts turned to what any other business would logically be concerned with – “How do we open for business tomorrow?” Well, the business can’t run unless the office is working, so our focus then became getting the administrative portion of our business up and running. Our crews stepped up again, transferring everything we needed for our administrative staff to the suite next door including rewiring computers, transferring phones, moving files and carrying supplies.
You might think this story took place over the course of several days, or maybe even a week, but water started flowing into our warehouse as 11:50 a.m. and we closed our doors at 5 p.m. that same evening, knowing that we had a very messy and damp office to return to the next day, but also knowing that the phones would ring, the computers would turn on, and that the trucks would be dispatched to customer’s homes. And if it wasn’t obvious before, it became crystal clear that we have an amazing assembly of individuals who are our employees who came running when their own “house” was threatened, who worked tirelessly in water and mud to lessen the damage and restore their own workplace to how it had previously been.
What we also reminded was that EVERY COMPANY AND EVERY HOME needs an emergency plan. Everyone in your home and business needs to know where your emergency turn off valves and electrical panel is located and how to cut off power if needed. You also need to think out and write out exactly what needs to be done in the event of an emergency at your own home or business. Be specific. SERVPRO actually can provide this service for you free of charge. We can help you create your Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) which will minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action in case of an emergency, just like we experienced. We created an ERP for our own business, which was a great help determining what to do and who to call and provides solutions in advance of an emergency.
If you do experience any kind of loss, be sure to document that loss with plenty of pictures showing exactly what was damaged before you move or clean up anything.
And remember to stay calm, take a moment to think about what are the most important things to do with the time you have and then execute your plan safely and quickly.
Everyone will experience some sort of emergency at one time or another. No home, business or person is immune to it. But having superior employees who banded together to work quickly and expertly helped minimize damage at our own business, and I can say with confidence that we can help those in our community if they experience a similar situation.
Call us today and let us help you write your story.
SERVPRO of Vacaville/Fairfield/Dixon. Here to Help 24 hours a day 7 days a week. 707-724-8977.
2/9/2021 (Permalink)
The time to learn how to use a fire extinguisher should not be when you actually have to use it. Review these easy steps below to teach yourself how to effectively use a fire extinguisher in the event that the need arises:
To remember how to use a fire extinguisher, think of the word PASS:
P = PULL the extinguisher’s safety pin
A = Aim the extinguisher at the source of the flames, standing at least 6 feet from the fire
S = Squeeze the trigger and hold it down; keep the extinguisher upright
S = Sweep across the source of the flames until the fire is completely extinguished
After reviewing these tips, if you are still unsure how to operate your fire extinguisher, take a trip to your local fire house. The fire personnel at your neighborhood station will be more than happy to show you how to use your extinguisher.
If you do experience a fire at your home or place of business, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Vacaville/Fairfield/Dixon. We can help you make it "Like it never even happened." We are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week at (707) 724-8977 for all your fire, water and mold remediation needs.
2/9/2021 (Permalink)
Water heaters are a major cause of water damage in homes. Call SERVPRO of Vacaville/Fairfield/Dixon if you experience water damage in your home.
You may think that water damage only occurs in your home or workplace after a storm, but actually most water damage calls that we respond to come from appliances that we use on a daily basis. Here is a list of the most common culprits.
Refrigerators have all kinds of things that can go wrong and cause leaks: ice makers, water dispensers and condensation lines to name a few. Water lines are the most normal culprit for leaks.
Dishwashers most commonly get clogged due to the wrong type of detergent being used, which causes the machine to overflow. Small pieces of plastic may cover drain openings.
Washing Machines leak thanks to uneven loads of laundry or pinched water hoses. Sometimes a censor will fail to shut water off during filling.
Water Heaters cause more water damage in homes than any other appliance due to leakage. You can remove sediment and prevent clogs from forming by flushing your water tank every six months.
Attic-Installed Air Conditioners can create water damage when condensation drain lines are clogged, but an annual maintenance check on your unit will help keep it from malfunctioning when you need it most.
If you need help with any water damage issues, don’t wait. Call the experts at SERVPRO of Vacaville/Fairfield/Dixon right away at (707) 724-8977. We are here 24 hours a day 7 days a week to help you.
2/1/2021 (Permalink)
You never know when a disaster may strike, but be assured that the professionals at SERVPRO of Vacaville/Fairfield/Dixon are ready! We specialize in storm and flood damage restoration. Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.
Faster Response
Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage and reduces the restoration cost.
Handling Floods and Storms
If storms hit Vacaville or any of the surrounding areas, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.
If you have storm or flood damage, call us at (707) 724-8977. We are faster to any disaster and will make it “Like it never even happened.”
1/14/2021 (Permalink)
Be sure to buy the correct fire extinguisher to protect your home or business. Use these tips to know which one is right for you.
You might think you don’t need a fire extinguisher in your home, but it can be a lifesaver. Household extinguishers can put out a small fire before firefighters arrive or at least suppress flames, giving you and your family time to escape unharmed.
There are lots of choices in type and size of extinguishers, so here’s a quick reference guide on what to look for for each area of your home.
10 pound – Best for your garage.
5 pound – Great in your car; look for one with mounting hardware so it doesn’t roll around in the car and you can locate it quickly if necessary.
Stove Top – Can be mounted on range hood over the stove.
Always remember to pick an extinguisher that is light enough for you to maneuver. A 10-pound fire extinguisher might put out a fire, but if you can’t physically maneuver it easily, it won’t do you much good on the floor!
Lastly, make sure to check the expiration date of your extinguisher regularly to make sure that it has not expired. If it has, make sure to replace it immediately. A good time to remember to check your fire extinguishers is when you change your clocks, and also change the batteries in your smoke detectors at the same time.
1/13/2021 (Permalink)
Don't let water damage your home. Use these tips to avoid problems and call SERVPRO of Vacaville/Fairfield/Dixon if you do experience a water loss.
Now that winter is here, it’s important to remember to check your house after a large storm. An over-abundance of rain water can overwhelm your home’s gutters and downspouts and saturate the soil around your foundation. An easy way to remember how to inspect your home is to “Start From the Bottom and Work Up.”
Your home should be a haven from a storm. Use these tips to make sure you keep the water outside and the warmth in.
If you do experience flooding or water where it shouldn’t be, call the experts at SERVPRO of Vacaville/Fairfield/Dixon to help rid your home or business of unwanted water. We can be reached 24 hours a day 7 days a week at (707) 724-8977. We are Here To Help.
12/23/2020 (Permalink)
Our Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program offers a higher standard of clean during these unprecedented times.
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean. Being open for business is just the beginning of our new journey forward. Employees may be hesitant to return to work, and customers may wonder whether a business they patron is safe.
SERVPRO of Vacaville/Fairfield/Dixon is proud to participate in the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program – a cleaning and disinfecting program that SERVPRO offers to commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This is a level of clean that goes way beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. This is proactive viral pathogen cleaning. When businesses choose SERVPRO, their employees, customers and the community can rest assured that they’ve selected a “higher standard of clean” – Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.
As the #1 choice in the cleanup and restoration industry, we stand on more than 50 years of experience and expertise to help businesses and public spaces become Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned. Beyond fire and water, SERVPRO professions are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination, always adhering to the highest cleaning and decontamination standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local authorities.
The SERVPRO of Vacaville/Fairfield/Dixon professionals take the utmost care while disinfecting using EPA-registered disinfectants and ensuring businesses are set up to inspire consumer confidence as the economy begins to reopen.
SERVPRO professionals are uniquely prepared during this unprecedented time to clean and disinfect homes or businesses according to the protocols set forth by the CDC. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform.
SERVPRO professions are also trained to perform proactive as well as emergency responsive cleanups that involve facility or structure cleaning and disinfection. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools and/or supplies used for cleanup, and disposal of hazardous materials.
In the event of a suspected or a confirmed COVID-19 event, SERVPRO of Vacaville/Fairfield/Dixon will be there ready to safely and thoroughly clean, sanitize and disinfect the facility to ensure they get back to business as quickly as possible.
We are here to help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – until life is back to normal in the communities we call home. Call us today and let us help provide safety and peace of mind. We are available anytime at (707) 724-8977.
12/17/2020 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Vacaville/Fairfield/Dixon can help clean your business. Call us today at 707-724-8977.
SERVPRO professionals are trained in adhering to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.
SERVPRO of Vacaville/Fairfield/Dixon is being called on by numerous businesses and community leaders to perform the necessary bioremediation services to clean, disinfect and sanitize their properties. We use EPA approved products and follow the CDC guidelines for cleanup practices.
If you are interested in inquiring about our services, we're here to help - 24 hours a day, seven days a week in the communities we all call home. Call us today at 707-724-8977.
11/11/2020 (Permalink)
Water damage can happen anywhere in your home. Call the experts at SERVPRO of Vacaville/Fairfield/Dixon to help at (707) 724-8977.
Everyone has questions about what to do if you experience water damage in your home. The first step would be to call the experts at SERVPRO of Vacaville/Fairfield/Dixon as soon as you notice any damage. Our restoration specialists have the experience, expertise and equipment to restore your property correctly. In the meantime, here are a few tips to keep in mind which may help minimize the damage to your home.
What To Do After Flooding
DON’T
The specialists at SERVPRO of Vacaville/Fairfield/Dixon are on call 24-hours a day 7 days a week to respond to your residential or commercial emergency. If you have any questions, give us a call today at (707) 724-8977. We’ll make it "Like it never even happened."
11/11/2020 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Vacaville/Fairfield/Dixon is ready if disaster strikes. Call us anytime at (707) 724-8977.
You never know when a disaster may strike, but be assured that the professionals at SERVPRO of Vacaville/Fairfield/Dixon are ready! We specialize in storm and flood damage restoration. Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition. We have expensive experience in Storm response and have responded to many recent storms, such as the LNU, Glass and Paradise Fires.
Faster Response
Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage and reduces the restoration cost.
Resources or Handle Floods and Storms
If storms hit, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.
If you have storm or flood damage, call us at (707) 724-8977. We are faster to any disaster and will make it “Like it never even happened.”
10/27/2020 (Permalink)
One of the most common culprits of water damage in your home comes from overflowing toilets. Each flush of a toilet uses approximately 1.6 gallons of water, so if the water comes up and out of the bowl instead of going down the drain like it should, that’s equivalent to pouring a large container of milk all over your bathroom floor! One way to avoid overflowing toilets is to be extra careful about what you put down the drain, which is all a toilet really is.
Here are few things to be sure you DO NOT flush down your toilet:
*GUM – Gum is insoluble, which means it will never disintegrate. Plus, it is sticky, which is a bad combination in a toilet or sink.
*HAIR – Hair acts like a spider web and traps other items in the drain and causes clogs.
*YOUR PET FISH – We have all seen many movies with the family gathered around the toilet as they send their pet fish back to the ocean after it has taken his last gulp. The fact of the matter is that your pet fish may get caught in your pipes and cause a backup. Consider an alternative burial spot rather than the toilet bowl.
*WIPES – Even if they are labeled as flushable, wipes don’t disintegrate like toilet paper and should never be placed in the toilet.
*DENTAL FLOSS – Just like hair, dental floss can trap other items in the drain and cause clogs.
*MENSTRUAL PRODUCTS/DIAPERS – These products are meant to absorb moisture, not dissolve in it. Imagine what a disposal diaper looks like when it gets wet – then imagine that in your toilet drain. Not a good combination.
*FACIAL TISSUES/PAPER TOWELS – Although made of paper and sometimes used instead of toilet paper, they do not disintegrate like toilet paper. Throw these in the garbage can instead.
*COTTON BALLS – Although also paper based, these do not break down in your drains so don’t put them down the toilet.
*COOKING GREASE – Although liquid when it is hot, grease quickly thickens when it cools off, which can cause clogs in your drains. Keep it out of yours.
For bathtubs and showers, install a simple drain strainer to catch excessive hair and be sure to clean it out regularly. Make sure you deposit the debris in the garbage can and do not put it back down the sink or toilet.
Since we’re talking about clogged sinks, it’s important to mention one of the bigger sinks in the house…the kitchen sink. Obviously, the same rules apply as the bathroom sinks – if you wouldn’t put something down the bathroom sink, you shouldn’t put it down the garbage disposal either, even though it seems bigger and more capable of handling larger items. Here are a few other things you should never put down the kitchen sink or garbage disposal:
*Eggshells – If the inside of an egg can go in the garbage disposal, it only makes sense that the outside can too, right? Wrong! Egg shells get ground up into small pieces that actually get stuck to the sides of the pipes and can cause a backup. Be sure to throw eggshells into the waste can.
*Stickers from Produce – The adhesive on produce stickers can also get stuck inside your pipes and cause clogs. Be sure to remove the stickers before you place peelings from fruit and vegetables down the drain.
*Coffee Grounds – Although it might make your kitchen smell like a good cup of brew, coffee grounds cause more clogs in your kitchen sink than another other item. Be sure to keep them out of your sink drain.
If you do experience a toilet or sink backup and you end up with water where it shouldn’t be, call the experts at SERVPRO of Vacaville/Fairfield/Dixon. We are on-call 24 hours a day 7 days a week to handle your water emergency. You can reach us at (707) 724-8977. We are Here to Help.
10/27/2020 (Permalink)
This home was severely burned by the Glass Fire in Santa Rosa, California.
A common thing we hear in the restoration industry by customers who are calling to schedule an appointment after a fire has come dangerously close or actually impacted their home is, “I don’t know how this process works.” Here at SERVPRO of Vacaville/Fairfield/Dixon, we are thankful for two things in this regard - first, that most of our customers do not have any experience with fire previously affecting their homes, and second, that we have an experienced and helpful group of professionals who are ready, willing and able to help at a moment’s notice. We thought it might be helpful to put together a narrative of what you should do in the event of a fire affecting your home and how to get the help you need to get your home back "Like it never even happened."
If you are evacuated or forced to leave your home because of a fire either in your home or in the vicinity surrounding your neighborhood, be sure to stay out of your home until your local authorities give you the “all clear” to return to your residence. Once any restrictions regarding entering your home have been released, place a call to a restoration specialist, such as SERVPRO of Vacaville/Fairfield/Dixon and schedule an appointment for an inspection as soon as possible. Be prepared to provide the SERVPRO scheduler with your name and address, along with a description of what is specifically happening in your home. For example, can you see evidence of ash inside your home or only outside? Did your oven catch fire and therefore walls and other areas in your home were burned or subsequently dampened with water due to firefighting efforts? In the event of a fire in your neighborhood, were windows left open during the firestorm? How close did the fire come to your home? Also, it is helpful if you have the name of your insurance company, your adjuster’s contact information and your claim number available to provide to the scheduler. This will help make the process go much faster down the road. Contact your homeowners insurance company and file a claim regarding your potential loss. Be sure to have your policy number, policy holder’s name and address, and the date of the incident on hand when you make the call. Be sure to write down the name of the claim adjuster assigned to your specific claim and your claim number. You will need this information for future reference.
It is also a good idea to find a folder or binder to put all your information regarding your loss into for safe keeping, or we can provide you with a binder. This would include your insurance policy information, your insurance adjuster’s name, phone number and email address, your claim number and all the notes you take when you talk to your adjuster. Having one place for all this information makes it easier to find and organize this information, and much easier to reference your notes in case there are questions or issues later.
Once your inspection has been scheduled, an experienced professional will be dispatched to your home to perform an inspection and take photos. These will be used to produce an estimate for services, which will be submitted to your insurance adjuster. (This is why providing all the pertinent information to your scheduler is so vital and timesaving.) Once the estimate is complete and submitted, SERVPRO of Vacaville/Fairfield/Dixon will work with your insurance adjuster to gain approval of the estimate so that work can begin as soon as possible on your property.
Once our estimate has been approved, we will schedule your services to begin as soon as possible and dispatch our highly trained production team to your home to begin the cleaning and restoration process. This often begins with pressure washing the outside of a home (in the event of a wildland or neighborhood fire), wiping down walls and surface areas inside the home, cleaning of carpets and floors, as well as cleaning of individual contents. We work directly with a vendor to help our customers have their “soft goods” cleaned, which include clothing, removable rugs and drapes. And when the job is complete, our Crew Chief walks the job with the homeowner to ensure that it is completed to their 100% satisfaction.
Here’s some additional information about fires: On average, fire departments across the United States respond to an estimate average of 345,400 home structures fires each year. Can you guess what the number one cause of house fires is? Give that some thought and the answer will be revealed at the end of this article.
Let’s turn our attention to which appliances pose the greatest risk of fire in homes. As you can probably guess, stoves and ovens are the greatest source of appliance fires. And surprisingly, electric ranges cause more fires than gas ranges. Electric stoves are more silent and odorless than their gas counterparts, making them more of a fire hazard because they may get left on inadvertently. Dishwashers, that fabulous invention that keeps us from hand washing all those pots, pans and dishes we get dirty on a regular basis, are the largest source of kitchen fires caused by a non-cooking appliance. Electric fires begin when electronics and heating elements are mixed with water, which is exactly the scenario that happens when your dishwasher malfunctions, thus resulting in a fire. Refrigerators are the greatest culprit when it comes to fire-causing appliances in the United States. An electrical short or an overheated compressor can cause a fire. Clothes washer and dryers round out the top offenders of appliances in your home that are the greatest risk of causing a fire.
Did you remember the question posed earlier about the number one cause of house fires? If you answered cooking, you are correct. Unattended cooking causes more house fires in this country than any other source. So be sure to stay in the room while you are using any kind of heat source in your home.
If you or anyone you know experiences a fire in or around your home, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Vacaville/Fairfield/Dixon at (707) 724-8977. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 365 days a year to respond to your emergency and we are Here To Help.
10/20/2020 (Permalink)
Air scrubbers like this one help rid your business of smoke smells after fires.
The large number of fires that have affected our neighbors and friends have had a large impact on individual homes, but they have had a devastating impact on commercial businesses as well. In addition to the soot and debris that has rained down on the outside of businesses, the inside of commercial buildings have been left with a smoky smell, similar to their residential counterparts.
One way SERVPRO of Vacaville/Fairfield/Dixon has been aiding our commercial customers is to provide businesses with air scrubbers. A HEPA filtered air filtration device (commonly referred to as an air scrubber) processes the air inside a structure. HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air and these devices trap particles as small as .3 microns or .000036 inches small. To try to put it into perspective, human hair averages 50-60 microns and pollen averages anywhere between 10 and 200 microns.
Air Scrubbers suck in air through filters then “scrub” it to remove any contaminants and blow the new, filtered air back into the room ultimately leaving the room free of that smoky smell associated with fires.
Numerous businesses have contacted SERVPRO inquiring about renting these units and using them in their businesses to help rid the air of the smoky smell that is left long after the fires have subsided.
SERVPRO of Vacaville/Fairfield/Dixon has provided a wide variety of local businesses with air scrubbers from business offices to bike shops. They are easy to use – you just plug them in and let them run. They are a little loud, but very effective of ridding the area of bad fumes.
If you find the need for an air scrubber, contact SERVPRO of Vacaville/Fairfield/Dixon and we would be happy to provide you with a device at a reasonable cost. Call us anytime at (707) 724-8977. We are Here to Help.
10/13/2020 (Permalink)
Call SERVPRO of Vacaville/Fairfield/Dixon for all of your commercial power washing cleaning needs. We are Here to Help.
When you think about power washing, you might automatically think about using the high powered water device for cleaning of your common household items, such as driveways and decks. But pressure washers play an important roll in the day to day operations of commercial businesses as well. Pressure washers come in a variety of sizes and have just as many uses, many of which SERVPRO of Vacaville/Fairfield/Dixon can assist your commercial business with by providing cleaning services.
For example, our company has used pressure washers to clean bus stations, public bathroom facilities and water fountains. By using high-pressure, narrow jets of water to blast dirt free, pressure washers are able to get rid of ground-in dirt that won't normally come off with just water and a scrub brush. And because the machines only use water, they don't damage most hard surfaces, making them extremely versatile.
Other areas that commonly need cleaning in commercial facilities that can be served by a pressure washer include parking lots, concrete or tile patios used as break areas for workers, and floors used for storage. These are all areas that can accumulate dirt and grime which can be more easily removed by a power washer than a simple mop or broom.
SERVPRO of Vacaville/Fairfield/Dixon can help your commercial business will all their commercial cleaning needs, including all those that involve pressure washing. Call us today at (707) 724-8977 to schedule cleaning at your commercial facility today. We are Here to Help.
10/13/2020 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Vacaville/Fairfield/Dixon has been busy responding to various storm events such as this derecho in Iowa and the LNU Fire in Vacaville.
Residents in Solano and Yolo Counties have a distinct advantage when it comes to Restoration Services because there is a local SERVPRO franchise that services these counties. SERVPRO of Vacaville/Fairfield/Dixon has been providing water, fire and mold restoration services to both residential and commercial customers in these counties for several years. This year, the company has added quite a bit of biohazard remediation work specifically including cleaning for the COVID-19 virus.
As we head into fall and the winter months of the year, naturally our attention turns to the weather and the damage it can cause to our homes and residences. But foul weather isn’t something that is reserved only for the wintertime. In fact, storm events can happen any time of the year throughout different parts of our Country. Whether it be windstorms in the mid-west or flooding along the coast of Florida, there is no telling when Mother Nature will wield her mighty powers and damage can occur in a blink of an eye. In some areas, there are warnings, as with tornadoes or hurricanes, but in others, as is the case of earthquakes that commonly occur along the fault lines that run throughout the state of California, they are swift and without warning and leave behind devastating results.
In the restoration industry, these devastating events are labeled as “Storm Events” and for SERVPRO, there is a specific and coordinated response that is set immediately into place to service the individuals who are affected in the areas where damage has occurred. So while SERVPRO of Vacaville/Fairfield/Dixon’s first priority is the residents within the communities we immediately serve, we are also part of a broader and coordinated effort of 1,700 franchises across the country that make up an elite Disaster Recovery Team. Just like your local SERVPRO, our Disaster Recovery Team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to respond to your emergency. And our professions are prepared for the unpredictable. Although most of our work involves fire or water restoration, SERVPRO Storm Teams have responded to tornadoes, hurricanes, blizzards and floods. On a National Level, SERVPRO crews have aided customers in the following events: 2017 California wildfires, 2017 Hurricane Irma, 2017 Hurricane Harvey, 2016 Hurricane Matthew, 2015 Carolina floods, 2014 Polar Vortex, 2012 Hurricane Sandy, 2010 Nashville floods, 2008 Hurricane Ike, 2007 Chicago floods, 2007 Ohio floods, 2007 California Wildfires and 2005 Hurricane Katrina.
In 2020, SERVPRO of Vacaville/Fairfield/Dixon has aided in two Storm events so far this year, along with a local catastrophe. On August 10, 2020 a derecho caused widespread high winds and an outbreak of low-class tornadoes in the Midwest. A derecho is classified as a band of storms that have winds of at least 30 miles per hour along the entire span of the storm front, maintained over a time span of at least six hours. Although a derecho can produce destruction similar to the strength of a tornado, the damage typically is directed in one direction along a relatively straight line. The derecho that hit Iowa had gusts of wind that were recorded at 126 miles per hour that lasted 14 hours! It traveled 770 miles from South Dakota to western Ohio and strengthened as it moved through Iowa without a great deal of advanced warning for residents there. The hardest hit and most notably-affected area was Cedar Rapids, Iowa and the surrounding region. Quite obviously, it left destruction in its wake, with trees being hurled through homes and buildings destroyed. With it came catastrophic rainfall and power being cut off to 400,000 people. Once the wind and rain subsided, this left homeowners with the arduous task of ridding their homes of rainwater that had been flooding in through gaping holes in their roofs and walls. As is common in that part of the country, many homes had basements that were now flooded with rainwater and needed to be pumped out. A call was put out by our National Response Team for franchises who were willing to travel to Iowa to assist the residents who had been through this devastating event and SERVPRO of Vacaville/Fairfield/Dixon immediately stepped up to the plate to volunteer. Within a few days of the event, a crew was assembled and on the road to Iowa to help the residents there. While they made their way by car, our coordinators here made personal contact with customers in Iowa and set up appointments, gathered information and assured those residents that help was on the way. Our team was committed to staying until the job was done and those customers were served. But Mother Nature wasn’t done just yet, because just a few days into our Iowa Storm response, tragedy struck again but this time in our own backyard.
On August 19, 2020 the LNU Lightning Complex fire which started several days before in the Lake Berryessa area, quickly merged with smaller fires in the area due to high winds and dry conditions and charged towards our community of Vacaville in the middle of the night. Some residents were given only 20 minutes to evacuate and lost everything; others were able to stay and fight the fires. Ultimately, 154 homes were burned and our community will be forever changed. Given the extenuating circumstances, we immediately brought our crews home from Iowa and began helping the residents whose homes survived but sustained fire and smoke damage. We were contacted by a total of 110 fire victims who asked for our help with estimates and cleaning. Although it pains us all to see the devastation in our own community, we are so thankful for how few individuals suffered personal loss of life in such a devastating event.
As we are still servicing our Vacaville community, the Glass Fire stretched into the Santa Rosa community and the SERVPRO Storm Response Team requested our assistance, and SERVPRO of Vacaville/Fairfield/Dixon answered the call again. We are currently assisting many residents in the Santa Rosa, Calistoga, St. Helena and Napa communities with their fire restoration needs and will continue to do so as long as the need exists.
SERVPRO of Vacaville/Fairfield/Dixon…helping our own communities and helping those who need us wherever the need arises. Call us anytime at (707) 724-8977. We’re Here to Help.
9/18/2020 (Permalink)
Thankfully this home was spared in the LNU fires, but will need significant cleaning of soot and ash. SERVPRO of Vacaville/Fairfield/Dixon can help.
SMOKE, ASH, SOOT and FIRE DAMAGE CLEANING
Did you know that Smoke and Ash particulates can be harmful and can cause
significant health issues and damage your home or business?
SERVPRO of Vacaville/Fairfield/Dixon are your local experts and have cleaned hundreds of homes and businesses over the last several years due to Wildfire & Structure Fire Damage in Northern California. We are here to help you through the LNU Lightning Complex Fire process. Our technicians are trained and IICRC FIRE Certified.
KNOW THE FACTS & RISKS:
What is smoke? As burning materials decompose, they release solid particles, gases, and aerosols that become suspended in the air. Suspended particles, gases, and aerosols are smoke. Gases are the invisible components of smoke. Oxides of nitrogen are produced by burning organic compounds, and sulfur dioxide is produced by burning inorganic compounds. Some of the gaseous by-products generated in a fire, such as carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide, are extremely dangerous if people are exposed to the smoke while the fire is in progress. Smoke is the result of incomplete combustion which produces tiny particles of carbon in the air. When deposited, these particulates are identified as soot. Put simply, the particle size of smoke residue on a surface can present a respiratory hazard. The particle size of soot is approximately 2.5 microns, a size that is associated with deep lung penetration. Particles that are approximately 10 microns or larger get trapped in the upper respiratory tract. In order to offer some perspective on the size of these particles, the dust you see flying in the light coming through a sun lit window is about 40 microns in size. Airborne soot is too small to be seen with the naked eye and can easily be inhaled. As a fire dies down, the smoke it has caused will disperse leaving behind a residue of quickly cooling particles which is generally referred to as soot. Typically, soot is representative of what has burned, but may include byproducts that at first seem unrelated to the original material. For example, Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN) and Carbon Monoxide (CO) are potential byproducts.
CLEANING PROCESS:
In order to restore the indoor air quality after a structure fire or wildfire, the following steps should be taken to properly clean and restore the indoor air quality, primarily by removing the particulates rather than relying solely on treating, deodorizing, or masking them. Steps would include but are not limited to (barring your insurance companies approval): Having a preliminary air sample test performed to determine what types and concentrations of chemicals and particulates are present, setting up containments, wearing proper personal protective equipment, running negative air filtration with proper HEPA filters, HEPA vacuuming surfaces, deodorizing, and encapsulation of exposed surfaces, etc. Once the cleaning process is completed, an independent environmental testing company should be hired to provide testing that includes, but is not limited to: 1) Surface dust wipe samples to test surfaces for combustion byproduct particulate matter including soot, char & ash. 2) Surface dust wipe samples to test for the presence of metals including lithium, chromium, lead, mercury, etc. 3) Air samples to test for Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) and smoke particulate matter associated with burned materials, paints, glues, plastic, synthetic materials, etc. 4) Air clearance sampling to verify that the air has been properly cleaned of toxic soot, char and ash particulate matter. An air clearance should be achieved prior to project completion and reentry of unprotected occupants. Without these steps, occupants could be left exposed to unseen toxins, which could lead to adverse health conditions.
Here is a checklist of what you can be a part of your cleaning process:
Our customers have asked if it is necessary to clean their home and/or business following a wild or structural fire? The answer is yes to protect your property and belongings from the effects of soot. The longer soot remains the faster it will yellow painted walls, stain upholstery, rust metals and corrode electronics. This process begins within weeks because soot is acidic. Your property is your investment, so make sure your cleaning includes exterior, interior and all your contents and textiles. Your family, friends, employees, co-workers, and pets deserve to come back to a clean and safe environment.
We are here to help and make it “Like it never even happened.”
8/20/2020 (Permalink)
The Solano County Fairgrounds is currently activated as a large animal/livestock evacuation area for animals affected by the fires in our communities. Call Solano County Animal Control at 707-784-4733 with questions.
8/20/2020 (Permalink)
The Solano County Sheriff's Office Animal Care Division is currently housing small animals for Solano County residents who were displaced by the recent fires in our communities as space is available. Call 707-784-1356 or come by 510 Clay Bank Road in Fairfield.
7/28/2020 (Permalink)
Use these safety tips to enjoy your barbeque this grilling season.
When the weather warms up, one way to beat the heat is to turn off the oven and cook outside on the barbeque. Unfortunately, this causes the number of grill-related fires to increase. Each year, outdoor grilling causes over 10,000 home fires, but SERVPRO of Vacaville / Fairfield / Dixon has put together some easy safety tips you can follow to keep your home and family safe this grilling season.
The most common cause of fire involving a barbeque is related to cooking on an uncleaned grill. Grease that accumulates on the grill can cause fires, so just like clearing your dishes from the table and loading them in the dishwasher, cleaning your grill should be a part of your routine when you are done preparing your meal and cleaning up. Another important part of a clean grill involves your coals. Make sure they are completely cooled before cooling the grill and removing them. The safest thing to do with the coals is to put them in a fire safe bucket and allow them to remain there until you are ready to dispose of them. Hot coals can smolder for a very long time. It is always better to be safe and make sure they are completely cold before disposing of them in your trash. Many dumpster fires have been started by not-cooled coals.
The second most dangerous cause of fire from grilling comes from unattended barbeques. Just like inside your home, never leave an open flame unattended outside. Your grill can flare up while you aren’t watching and catch something nearby on fire, and if you are not immediately available to deal with the problem, it can quickly escalate into a much larger problem. Be vigilant and always stay near your barbeque when you are cooking. That means you will have to do quite a bit of prep work in order to have everything you need before you begin grilling so you won’t have to leave your grill unattended, but safety should be your number one concern.
Related to this previous point, always make sure your grill is on a stable surface and cannot easily tip over. Once you load up that barbeque with all those yummy steaks and veggies, you want to make sure it won’t topple on the ground, spilling all your food and the hot coals everywhere. If the unthinkable happens, and you do tip over your barbeque, think before you act. Remember those coals are hot and combustible. Pick them up with something that won’t catch on fire, like a metal shovel and put them in a fire-safe container or metal bucket.
Also, be sure your grill is not near any hanging tree branches or other structures that can easily catch fire. If the area you have designated as your barbeque area is beginning to become overgrown, be sure to trim those trees or bushes before you start grilling.
Although the taste of the grill is temping all year long, if you don’t have a safe area to barbeque during the winter, never barbeque inside any kind of structure, including your garage. Besides the obvious fire hazard that this would pose, barbequing in your garage would also release the deadly Carbon Monoxide gas, so please stick to outside grilling only. No, opening your garage door doesn’t make a difference.
And lastly, if you are using a gas grill, be sure to shut off the gas valve completely when you are done grilling. Make it a habit to turn it off as soon as you take your food off the grill so you won’t forget.
By using these easy-to-follow tips from SERVPRO of Vacaville / Fairfield / Dixon, you and your family should be able to enjoy a safe and fun grilling season.
6/17/2020 (Permalink)
Standing water near your home can lead to many problems. Use these tips to avoid this summer dilemma.
Summertime brings with it fun activities like squirt gun fights and running through the sprinklers, but what happens if the water from these activities don't drain away and result in pools of standing water? Even a small amount of water left undisturbed for a few days can cause a significant amount of problems. Outside, standing water can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes, which commonly breed in shallow pools of standing water and often carry diseases including malaria, West Nile virus, and Zika fever. Additionally, water left standing against your home may lead to problems with your home’s foundation.
Here are a few things to check to make sure you don't have any potential hazards around your home.
Water can provide a lot of fun during the summer months, but it can cause some problems. Use these ideas to keep your home safe from standing water pitfalls.
6/16/2020 (Permalink)
Keeping your hot water tank healthy is one way to avoid water damage in your home or business.
With an average tank size between fifty and one hundred gallons, leaking hot water tanks can be a major source of water damage problems and can flood an entire home and cause significant damage if not detected quickly. But how do you know if your hot water heater is about to fail?
A lack of hot water is the most common sign of a failing hot water heater. Rumbling, creaking or popping noises are another common indicator of an unhealthy water heater. This can mean that sediment is forming on the surface of the water heater or that the unit is on the verge of a crack or leak. Murky or foul-smelling water are also signs of a failing water heater. Additionally, the pressure relief valve opens to release pressure buildup in the water heater and can sometimes fail to function properly. This can have dangerous results and should be inspected by a plumber if you suspect a problem. And finally, pooling water beneath the unit can be a sign of a leaking water tank.
Pooling water beneath a hot water tank can lead to other, more dangerous problems. If your tank sits on a wood surface, the wood can become spongy and rot through if left wet for a long period of time. Be sure to act quickly if you know your hot water tank is leaking to avoid this problem.
If you see any of these common indicators, contact a plumber immediately to help determine the source of the problem. And if you do experience a water leak or damage of any kind, call the experts at SERVPRO of Vacaville/Fairfield/Dixon to help you remediate all of your water problems.
At SERVPRO of Vacaville/Fairfield/Dixon, we are experts at assessing water damage in your home or business, as well as removing standing water and drying out damaged materials. We are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week to answer your calls and respond to any and all water emergencies you may experience. Call us today at (707) 724-8977. We live and work in your community and we are here for you.
6/16/2020 (Permalink)
Dealing with the aftermath of water or flood damage can be an uphill battle for any homeowner or business owner. Water often seeps into structural cavities and creates a damp atmosphere. Not only does this pose a threat to the structural integrity of your home, it usually causes an odor problem. If not appropriately deodorized, this foul smell can linger in your home long after the water is gone.
Thankfully, here at SERVPRO, we use a multi-method approach to eliminate odors after a water damage to your property has occurred. Our IICRC certified professionals use modern equipment to eliminate odors due to flood damage in no time. Here are some of the deodorizing techniques used to ensure elimination of odors.
*Direct spraying: As the name implies, a deodorant is sprayed directly on the affected area using a pump. The method is useful if the intensity of the smell is not very high and the affected area is small.
*Wet fogging: This method utilizes Ultra Low Volume (ULV) foggers to dispense water or solvent-based deodorants. The ULV fogger generates minute particles of the chemicals that penetrate to the areas where the odor causing particles hide and change the composition of these substances.
*Thermal fogging: The technique involves using heat to break up solvent-based deodorants into small particles that can get to the difficult to reach places. The deodorizing particles neutralize the odor-causing molecules right at the source. Although this method is most popular to deodorize after smoke damage, it is sometimes used for flood damage as well.
*Venting box fans: These are high-velocity axial fans that are used to ventilate and improve air circulation. These fans are used both before and after the deodorizing process. They can significantly shorten the time to deodorize and remove moisture at the same time.
*Air Scrubbers: These devices are sophisticated air filters that use High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filtration technology. The air scrubbers can capture and eliminate odor-causing particles as small as 0.3 micrometers with an efficiency of 99.97%.
Getting rid of the stale, clammy odor can be a difficult thing to do after water damage has occurred, but the professionals at SERVPRO of Vacaville/Fairfield/Dixon can help you eliminate the odor and get your home smelling like home again!
Call SERVPRO of Vacaville/Fairfield/Dixon at (707) 724-8977 to talk to one of our water damage restoration experts and discuss your deodorizing options. We are here 24 hours a day 7 days a week to help.
6/12/2020 (Permalink)
Don't let water temp you near canals and irrigation ditches. Stay out of them to stay alive and call 911 if you see someone fall in.
With temperatures hitting the 100 mark in Solano and Yolo counties recently, any body of water seems like a great place to cool off, but irrigation ditches and canals are ones you should steer clear of. They may look inviting and refreshing, but they are actually extremely dangerous to enter. That’s why most canals have fences around them. Be sure not to climb on the fence and don’t ever go fishing in a canal.
Canals are manmade structures that are used to transport water for irrigation and other human uses. Many canals were originally constructed in areas without a huge population, but as an area surrounding the canal becomes urbanized, the canal ultimately can run through neighborhoods, making it particularly dangerous.
Canals typically have fast underwater currents that can sweep away even the strongest swimmer, leaving them helpless to escape. Additionally, many canals have steep, slippery sides that are nearly impossible to crawl out of.
Irrigation ditches are not as large, but are equally dangerous because they can contain trash and other debris such as rocks, glass or barbed wire that you cannot see from the surface. Pesticides, herbicides and other pollutants can be found in irrigation ditch water and it is definitely not safe to drink or swim in.
The water in irrigation ditches can move fast enough to sweep a person downstream with little change of getting out safely. Some ditches have undertows. If you are caught in one of these, you can be pulled underwater and your chances of getting out are very slim.
Here's a few tips on keeping you and your family safe near irrigation canals and ditches:
*Never swim in or play around canals or irrigation ditches
*Never walk closely along the edge of a canal or irrigation ditch
*Never jump in to rescue a pet or object. Instead call 911 for help.
We all want to try to beat the heat this summer, but SERVPRO of Vacaville wants to help you stay safe by knowing these tips for irrigation canal safety.
6/11/2020 (Permalink)
In case of an emergency evacuation, there are certain items you should always remember to take from your home, and there is an easy way to remember what they are because they all start with the letter "P".
*People and Pets - Obviously the most important thing in your home are the people who you care about who live there with you, and your furry critters are an important part of that group. Secure their exit and safety before you consider removing anything else from your home. Remember, everything else is material and replaceable…people are not.
*Papers, Phone Numbers and Important Documents - This information will be helpful if you need to call various businesses and should include your account numbers. Think ahead and place all these documents in one location, and ideally, in a fire safe box that is easy to grab and exit your home with quickly. Make sure it doesn’t get buried underneath other items in your office of extra bedroom. Keep it out and readily available in case of emergency.
*Prescriptions, Vitamins & Eyeglasses – These are extremely important items to maintain your health, and you have to be able to read those labels! These are all relatively easy to replace, but if you do a little preplanning, it will make it easier to regroup if you need to be out of your home for any length of time.
*Pictures - Grab the ones you can't replace, like the ones that aren’t on your phone or are particularly old. It’s always a good idea to make some copies of the really valuable (sentimental or otherwise) pictures and put them in your bank’s safe deposit box for safe keeping.
*Personal computer hard drive and disks - Backup your information regularly to a portable hard drive so you can grab it and go. Make sure it is with your other important documents and ideally in a fire proof case, or one you can grab easily if necessary.
*"Plastic" - Bring your credit and ATM cards, driver's license and any cash you have in the house.
Print out this list and keep it in your home office or a prominent place in your home in case you need to reference it in case of emergency.
If your home or business does experience fire or smoke damage, call the experts at SERVPRO of Vacaville/Fairfield/Dixon at (707) 724-8977 and we'll help make it "Like it never even happened." We hope you never have to call us, but if you do, we will be available 24 hours a day 7 days a week to help.
6/11/2020 (Permalink)
With temperatures climbing, the risk of residential and wildfires increases each day. All families should have an evacuation plan in place in case of emergency. Here's a few tips to keep in mind when creating your own evacuation plan.
*Designate an emergency meeting location outside the fire or hazard area. Ideas may be a local fire station or City Hall.
*Plan out several different escape routes from your home or community. Practice these so everyone in your family is familiar with these routes.
*If you have pets or large animals, have a plan in place to move them quickly if necessary.
*Print out a list of all the phone numbers of your family members, in case you get separated from your cell phone, and keep them in your wallet or with you at all times. Many of us rely on our phones to automatically dial our contact list and don't have important family members' and friends' phone numbers memorized.
The most important thing to remember is to be prepared and stay calm in the event of an emergency. Having the plans in place to respond to a fire or evacuation of any kind will help everyone be safely reunited with their loved ones.
6/1/2020 (Permalink)
Wood that has been dampened by rain water or other damage can quickly grow mold.
Most people think mold is just something in your house that looks nasty in the bathroom. But before you know the dangers of mold you should have an idea of what exactly mold is.
Mold belongs to the fungi family. This nasty element can thrive almost anywhere. Studies performed have shown that over 50 percent of homes and businesses have moisture present which is a prime harvesting spot for mold. Mold spores reproduce rapidly when moisture is present. Excessive dampness indoors encourages the growth of molds and other organisms, potentially causing health problems.
Intrusion of water into your home or place of business can result in mold growth. This can be from storm damage, plumbing or equipment failures, long-standing leaks and poor humidity control. When these water issues are not addressed right away, the resulting damage can present increased risk of harmful mold growth.
As the season’s change and rain mixes with colder temperatures, there is an excess of moisture. This extra amount of moisture can open the door to fungal growth which thrives in damp areas.
The professionals at SERVPRO of Vacaville/Fairfield/Dixon handle water damages every day and know that prompt action is required to prevent and eradicate mold growth before it becomes worse.
If you think you have a mold problem, call SERVPRO of Vacaville/Fairfield/Dixon at (707) 724-8977; we will help you restore your home or business to a healthy condition.
4/3/2020 (Permalink)
This water meter is indicating high levels of moisture in this commercial building. SERVPRO of Vacaville can help with this problem. Call us today.
Undetected water leaks can cause a great amount of damage, especially if they continue for an extended period of time. Here are a few of the most common types of leaks in commercial properties and how to fix them.
If any of these types of leaks are detected in your commercial building, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Vacaville. We can help find where the water is coming from and help to make it “Like it never even happened.” You can reach us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 707-724-8977.
4/3/2020 (Permalink)
Don't let this happen to your place of business. Use these helpful tips to keep your commercial building safe.
Fires in Commercial Buildings can cause a great amount of damage, but there are three easy things a business can do to prevent the most common commercial building fires.
Be sure that your business has what it needs to protect itself from a crippling fire and be proactive in helping prevent damage to your business by following these three easy guidelines.
If you do experience a fire in your commercial building, call the experts at SERVPRO of Vacaville to help you recover. We'll make it "Like it never even happened." Call us today at 707-724-8977.
4/3/2020 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Vacaville responds quickly to any emergency, whether it be flood, fire or even a bio-hazard. Sometimes our customers don't realize what situations can pose serious health risks to themselves and their families and try to take care of the problems themselves.
Water from a sewer system backup, for example, should be considered very dangerous. The water is extremely unsanitary and may contain bacteria and viruses that could cause serious illness. Special training and equipment is necessary to safely clean this type of contamination.
If you home or business should experience a sewer system backup, remember these tips:
At SERVPRO of Vacaville, we are on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to respond to your bio-hazard emergency. Call us at 707-724-8977 if you need our help.
4/2/2020 (Permalink)
It is important to review how to correctly use a fire extinguisher with your employees on a regular basis.
Fire extinguishers are required in all commercial buildings in California, and there are specific requirements regarding training of your employees in many areas of fire prevention and safety.
Cal OSHA regulations stipulate that fire extinguishers must be placed in areas that the employees can easily access, such as in a cabinet or mounted to a wall. They should be placed near exits to reduce the risk that people will be trapped by fire inside a building. OSHA regulations also mandate that all employees must be trained on the basic principles of using fire extinguishers, as well as the hazards that are typically involved with firefighting. They should also be trained on the process for reporting a fire, how to evaluate the size of a fire, and how to keep an exit route in good condition in your place of work.
Training must be provided to every new employee, for employees assigned to emergency response teams, and to all other employees on an annual basis. In order to be safe, make sure your company is following all of these guidelines.
In the unfortunate event that your business does experience a fire, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Vacaville at (707) 724-8977. We can help you recover from a fire and return your business to its condition before the fire began. We are on call 24 hours a day 7 days a week so call us for all your fire, water or mold restoration needs.
3/16/2020 (Permalink)
SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need
During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.
Specialized Training
We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.
The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:
Specialized Products
The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.
Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning
If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – [SERVPRO of Vacaville, 707-724-8977]
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-business-response.html
3/12/2020 (Permalink)
SERVPRO® franchise professionals offer cleaning services including the removal of biohazard contaminants. They have the specialized training and products to get your property back to business.
About Coronavirus
The CDC is responding to an outbreak of a respiratory disease caused by a novel (new) coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) that was first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China and has spread to 60 locations internationally (as of this publication), including cases in the United States. The virus known as “coronavirus disease 2019” (abbreviated “COVID-19”)[1] is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person or through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.[2]
Scope of Cleanup Protocol
SERVPRO professionals can perform a proactive cleanup that involves facility or structure cleaning and disinfection where the customer states that there is no active known threat of COVID-19 contamination or exposure. The customer will be required to acknowledge that cleaning and disinfecting will only apply to the current state of the structure and contents. The structure would not be protected from future COVID-19 contamination if an infected person was to enter and occupy the building.
Cleanup Scope of Work and Planning
The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and tables at a minimum. These same surfaces are mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces as well[3], including:
Cleanup and Disinfecting Procedures
Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for cleanup process, and disposal of waste.
The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar type organisms to COVID-19.
SERVPROXIDE™, SERVPRO’s proprietary disinfectant, is a hospital-grade disinfectant that has demonstrated effectiveness against viruses similar to SARS-CoV-2 on hard, non-porous surfaces. In addition, SERVPROXIDE™ currently has dozens of EPA-approved claims including Feline coronavirus, Canine coronavirus, Staphylococcus (MRSA), E. coli, Salmonella, Rotavirus, Swine flu (H1N1) and more.
Porous surfaces that are not water-sensitive, such as carpet and other fabric material, cannot be disinfected but can be sanitized using SERVPROXIDE™.
[1] https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/summary.html
[2] https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/transmission.html
[3] https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-business-response.html
3/5/2020 (Permalink)
Daylight Savings Time is a perfect time to check your fire extinguishers and change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
With the arrival of Daylight Saving Time on Sunday, March 8th, we all get one less hour of sleep and an extra hour of sunlight in the evening. But the more important change we should all make on Sunday is related to keeping our homes and businesses safe.
Daylight Saving Time is the perfect opportunity to check your fire extinguishers to make sure they will perform in case of emergency. Extinguishers generally sit in the same place for long periods of time, so it is important to make sure that the extinguishing agent inside the container is loose and will expel from the extinguisher when needed. To do this, just turn your fire extinguisher upside down several times to move the powder inside around the container. As long as you feel the contents shifting inside, the powder is functioning as it should and will expel when you pull the trigger. Also check to make sure that the gauge shows that the extinguisher is adequately charged. If the gauge is not in the correct charge level and your extinguisher is a one-time use canister, dispose of it properly and replace it with a new fire extinguisher.
Make sure to change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors this weekend also.
In the event of an emergency, you want to be sure that your emergency warning systems and fire suppression tools are working, so check your equipment today and use Daylight Saving Time as a good reminder to help keep your home and business safe from harm.
2/28/2020 (Permalink)
Does it matter which phone you use when making a call to 911?
In the event of an emergency, we have been told to call 911. This patches us through to our local emergency responders who are dispatched to a specific location. But with the introduction of cell phones into our daily lives in the 1980’s, a crinkle was added to the 911 dispatch system.
Previously, all 911 calls coming from cell phones were automatically routed to the California Highway Patrol 911 dispatch centers, which overloaded the call centers and slowed down responses to potential victims. Now cell phones use either GPS or cell tower triangulation so that a dispatch center can be identified and the call is routed to the proper location.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) does have jurisdiction over state freeways and handles emergency calls on these roadways. So some cell calls made from city streets that are near a freeway will be routed to the CHP.
One way to ensure that a 911 operator can pinpoint your location is to use your landline to make a 911 call whenever possible. A landline is plugged into a specific address, so an Emergency Response Team will know exactly where to respond.
However, if you find yourself in an emergency situation and you only have your cell phone, use it to call 911. Your call will be routed to an emergency response team who will send help to your location no matter how you place your call.
2/21/2020 (Permalink)
Our staff is making it look easy and fun, but its serious business packing up our customers' belongings and storing them until they are ready for them
One thing you may not think about after your home experiences damages from a fire, mold or water loss is what you are going to do with all your belongings while your home is being repaired?
At SERVPRO, we take great pride in taking care of our customers' belongings. We will come to your home or place of business and "pack out" all your items carefully, inventory and mark each box and then take them to our warehouse to safely store them in secure vaults that are only accessible by our trusted staff until you are ready for them to be returned to you. When you are ready, we will deliver them back to you in the same condition we received them in. We offer you the peace of mind that your belongings are safe and secure while your home or place is business is being repaired.
This is just one way SERVPRO works to help our customers. Call us today at (707) 724-8977.
2/14/2020 (Permalink)
The base of this water heater suffered severe water damage from leakage. If you experience a similar problem, call the experts at SERVPRO of Vacaville
You may think that water damage only occurs in your home or workplace after a storm, but actually most water damage calls that we respond to come from appliances that we use on a daily basis. Here is a list of the most common culprits.
Refrigerators have all kinds of things that can go wrong and cause leaks: ice makers, water dispensers and condensation lines to name a few. Water lines are the most normal culprit for leaks.
Dishwashers most commonly get clogged due to the wrong type of detergent being used, which causes the machine to overflow. Small pieces of plastic may cover drain openings.
Washing Machines leak thanks to uneven loads of laundry or pinched water hoses. Sometimes a censor will fail to shut water off during filling.
Water Heaters cause more water damage in homes than any other appliance due to leakage. You can remove sediment and prevent clogs from forming by flushing your water tank every six months.
Attic-Installed Air Conditioners can create water damage when condensation drain lines are clogged, but an annual maintenance check on your unit will help keep it from malfunctioning when you need it most.
If you need help with any water damage issues, don’t wait. Call the experts at SERVPRO of Vacaville right away at (707) 724-8977. We are here 24 hours a day 7 days a week to help you.
2/5/2020 (Permalink)
The time to learn how to use a fire extinguisher should not be when you actually have to use it. Review these easy steps below to teach yourself how to effectively use a fire extinguisher in the event that the need arises:
To remember how to use a fire extinguisher, think of the word PASS:
P = PULL the extinguisher’s safety pin
A = Aim the extinguisher at the source of the flames, standing at least 6 feet from the fire
S = Squeeze the trigger and hold it down; keep the extinguisher upright
S = Sweep across the source of the flames until the fire is completely extinguished
After reviewing these tips, if you are still unsure how to operate your fire extinguisher, take a trip to your local fire house. The fire personnel at your neighborhood station will be more than happy to show you how to use your extinguisher.
1/29/2020 (Permalink)
You might think you don’t need a fire extinguisher in your home, but it can be a lifesaver. Household extinguishers can put out a small fire before firefighters arrive or at least suppress flames, giving you and your family time to escape unharmed.
There are lots of choices in type and size of extinguishers, so here’s a quick reference guide on what to look for for each area of your home.
10 pound – Best for your garage
5 pound – Great in your car; look for one with mounting hardware so it doesn’t roll around in the car and you can locate it quickly if necessary
Stove Top – Can be mounted on range hood over the stove
Always remember to pick an extinguisher that is light enough for you to maneuver. A 10-pound fire extinguisher might put out a fire, but if you can’t physically maneuver it easily, it won’t do you much good on the floor!
Lastly, make sure to check the expiration date of your extinguisher regularly to make sure that it has not expired. If it has, make sure to replace it immediately. A good time to remember to check your fire extinguishers is when you change your clocks, and also change the batteries in your smoke detectors at the same time.
1/24/2020 (Permalink)
Now that the winter storms are here, it’s important to remember to check your house after a large storm. An over-abundance of rain water can overwhelm your home’s gutters and downspouts and saturate the soil around your foundation. An easy way to remember how to inspect your home is to “Start From the Bottom and Work Up.”
Your home should be a haven from a storm. Use these tips to make sure you keep the water outside and the warmth in.
1/24/2020 (Permalink)
Now that the winter storms are here, it’s important to remember to check your house after a large storm. An over-abundance of rain water can overwhelm your home’s gutters and downspouts and saturate the soil around your foundation. An easy way to remember how to inspect your home is to “Start From the Bottom and Work Up.”
Your home should be a haven from a storm. Use these tips to make sure you keep the water outside and the warmth in.
11/1/2019 (Permalink)
You never know when a disaster may strike, but be assured that the professionals at SERVPRO of Vacaville are ready! We specialize in storm and flood damage restoration. Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.
Faster Response
Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage and reduces the restoration cost.
Resources or Handle Floods and Storms
If storms hit Vacaville or any of the surrounding areas, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.
If you have storm or flood damage, call us at (707) 724-8977. We are faster to any disaster and will make it “Like it never even happened.”
11/1/2019 (Permalink)
If mold is disturbed, it can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home or office. So if you see mold, do not disturb it. Stay out of the affected areas, turn off the HVAC systems and fans, and contact a remediation company, like SERVPRO of Vacaville, as soon as possible.
SERVPRO of Vacaville specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it's a cornerstone of our business. Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.
If you see obvious signs of mold, DO NOT:
If you see signs of mold, call SERVPRO of Vacaville today at (707) 724-8977. We are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week to help with your mold issues.
11/1/2019 (Permalink)
If you experience water damage in your home, be sure to call the experts at SERVPRO of Vacaville as soon as you notice any damage. Our restoration specialists have the experience, expertise and equipment to restore your property properly. In the meantime, here are a few tips to keep in mind which may help minimize the damage done to your home.
What To Do After Flooding
DON’T
The specialists at SERVPRO of Vacaville are on call 24-hours a day to respond to your residential or commercial emergency. If you have any questions, give us a call today at (707) 724-8977.
11/1/2019 (Permalink)
The first few days after a fire can make the difference between restoring versus replacing your property and personal belongings. The professionals at SERVPRO of Vacaville can help with smoke and soot removal, document restoration and inventory of your home’s contents.
Here are some things you can do to minimize additional damage to your home after a fire occurs:
Be sure NOT to:
If you do experience a fire in your home, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Vacaville. We will work to ensure your property, belongings and memories are restored back to preloss condition whenever possible, and make it “Like it never even happened.”
10/14/2019 (Permalink)
Now that the summer heat is subsiding, it is the perfect time to perform some routine home maintenance jobs in preparation for the cooler and wetter weather that will soon arrive. Here’s a list you should consider putting on your weekend to-do list:
Once you get these maintenance chores out of the way, you can sit back and enjoy the beauty of fall. These maintenance tips were brought to you by SERVPRO of Vacaville, providing services for all your water, smoke, fire and mold remediation needs. Call us today at 707-724-8977 if we can help.
8/19/2019 (Permalink)
You can never be too careful when it comes to fire safety in your home, and smoke alarms are a great way to help alert your family to emergency situations, such as house fires. There are some important guidelines to follow regarding smoke alarms that will help keep your family safe.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), smoke alarms should be installed on every level of your home, including the basement and installed inside of every bedroom and outside of each sleeping area. For example, a home that is two stories and has three bedrooms should have five smoke alarms. Homes that have a set number of hardwired alarms can still place more battery-operated smoke alarms throughout the house. There is no such thing as having too many smoke alarms in your home! Just make sure they are properly placed within each room.
In order to benefit from smoke alarms in your home, they need to be properly installed in each room. In the kitchen, battery operated smoke detectors should be installed at least 10 feet away from cooking appliances to minimize the number of false alarms. Smoke rises, so smoke alarms should be placed high on walls or ceilings. If you are installing your battery-operated smoke alarm on a wall, the top of the alarm should not be installed more than 12 inches from the ceiling. Keep in mind that alarms should not be placed too close to vents or windows in order for them to properly work.
We hope these smoke alarm tips are helpful and keep your home and family safe from harm.
8/19/2019 (Permalink)
When looking for the source of water damage or mold inside your house, sometimes you need to look outside your home for the cause of the water damage. One area that may get overlooked is your sprinkler system.
If there is a stained arch on the side of the house or the wall is wet and there are sprinklers nearby, then most likely the sprinklers are spraying the side of the house. Sprinkler heads should be checked to see if they are pointed the wrong direction or if they are broken. When adjusting the sprinkler heads, a check of the wall's condition should also be done. Any damaged wall areas should be repaired, which will help prevent future water intrusion.
Occasionally if the sprinklers have gotten the wall area wet over a long period of time and the moisture has penetrated the wall, then mold or mildew may have developed. If this is the case, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Vacaville. They can respond immediately to any signs of mold or mildew and help with mold and mildew remediation. Call us today at 707-724-8977.
8/16/2019 (Permalink)
There are many benefits to having the air ducts in your office professionally cleaned. A thorough air duct cleaning reduces the amount of interior cleaning and dusting necessary to maintain a hygienic work area because it reduces the dust that would otherwise circulate throughout your work space. Periodic air duct cleaning also promotes a healthier environment because harmful contaminants and micro-organisms such as pet dander, pollen and mildew are not allowed to recirculate in your office. Having your air ducts cleaned also improves air flow efficiency which will allow your furnace and air conditioning units to operate at peak efficiency and provide the most cost-effective performance for your energy dollar.
SERVPRO of Vacaville now provides duct cleaning services, so call us at 707-724-8977 to schedule your duct cleaning work today.
8/12/2019 (Permalink)
Air conditioning leaks can be very costly. They are both messy and can potentially cause significant water damage to your home or place of business. Knowing what causes water leaks in your central air conditioning system can help you avoid some problems before they become big disasters.
The most frequent cause of water leakage from a central air conditioning system is a clogged drain pipe which can make your system’s drain pan overflow. Drain lines can become clogged with dirt, rust, algae and other debris. One way to avoid this problem is to add a safety pan under your AC unit to catch drain pan overflow.
Disconnected drain lines allow condensate to drain through the ceiling or onto the floor of a home, causing major damage. This can happen when improperly installed drain pipe fittings loosen over time and disconnect from the unit. To avoid this problem, make sure that your central AC system has a secondary drain line, especially if your air handler is in the attic.
You should also clean or change your HVAC air filter regularly and make sure that your AC refrigerant levels are checked regularly.
If your air conditioning unit leaks, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Vacaville. They know just how to take care of any water damage, mold remediation or mildew damage to your home and are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week to help you with any of your restoration needs. Call SERVPRO of Vacaville today at 707-724-8977.
8/7/2019 (Permalink)
As many as 50% of businesses close down following a disaster. Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place. By allowing SERVPRO to help your business develop an Emergency Ready Profile, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business.
What Are the Advantages of an Emergency Ready Profile for Your Company?
Call SERVPRO of Vacaville today to get started on our Emergency Ready Profile for your business. You can reach us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (707) 724-8977.
8/6/2019 (Permalink)
Using your air conditioner during the summer months increases your electricity bill significantly. If you don’t clean the unit often enough, debris will block the airflow and the unit will release cool air more slowly. Then, the air conditioner will take longer to cool your home, forcing you to turn the temperature lower and lower. Here’s a few tips to help the unit operate at its’ fullest potential, which can help save you some money.
It’s a good idea to completely clean your outdoor air conditioner once in the spring and once in the summer. Since you’re probably using your air conditioning unit the most heavily during these seasons, its worth it to clean the unit to make sure you aren’t wasting money running the air conditioner excessively just because it isn’t clean enough to operate at its fullest potential.
7/23/2019 (Permalink)
According to a recent study, thirty-give percent of Americans plan on taking at least one family vacation every year. If you plan on traveling for more than a couple of days, you should make sure your home is properly protected while you're away. You already know to check and double check that each window and door is properly locked, but you may be missing a couple of steps that will ensure your home is truly safe while you and your family are elsewhere. Here's a few easy steps to not inadvertently alert others that your home is empty.
1. Suspend mail and newspaper services.
2. Arrange for lawn care services while you are gone. This will help make your home seem less abandoned to strangers.
3. Install exterior lighting or motion detectors to deter burglars.
4. Wait to post vacation pictures on social media until you return home. No need to advertise to everyone that you aren't home.
Hopefully these tips help to protect your home and give you more people of mind during your next vacation.
7/22/2019 (Permalink)
Dustin did a great job cleaning our customer's ski boat when a loose boat cover allowed dirt and water inside.
Owning a boat offers its own set of unique challenges. One of those challenges is keeping the boat clean during the off season, as one of our SERVPRO of Vacaville customers learned. We were contacted recently after a boat owner learned that their boat cover was not secured tightly over the winter months, which allowed dust and water to accumulate inside the boat. Unfortunately, they didn’t find the leak until they took the cover off for the summer and found that the excess water and heat from the sunshine caused mold to grow. So instead of hooking up their boat and hauling it to the lake, they brought it to our warehouse in Vacaville, where the professional staff gave it a good cleaning and eradicated any trace of mold. The next stop was the lake!
If you find dirt or mold that’s difficult for you to clean, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Vacaville and we will come help you with your most difficult cleaning problems. Give us a call at (707) 724-8977 anytime.
7/21/2019 (Permalink)
A leisurely drive through a beautiful winding forest at sunset can quickly turn into a negative experience if a deer darts out in front of your vehicle, which is not an uncommon experience. In fact, during certain times of the year, your chances increase dramatically of encountering a deer along the side of the road, and unfortunately, their quick movements often result in injury to them and damage to our vehicle. Here is some useful information on how to avoid deer/vehicle encounters and what to do if you do accidentally hit a deer.
Deer car crashes are most common in October, November and December, which is mating season for deer, which means they tend to roam more. So be extra vigilant when you are driving in areas where they may populate during these months of the year. Also, deer come out to feed at dawn and dusk, and the lower visibility at this time during the day makes it more difficult for drivers to see them. Be on the look out for them at this time of the day also. And remember if you see one on the side of the road, there are likely others nearby.
If you do hit a deer and it appears to only be injured, do not attempt to move it yourself. Note the location and contact your local wildlife rescue group immediately. If the animal is dead and your car is driveable, DO NOT run your car through a car wash. This will only cause the carcass of the animal to get pushed further into the undercarriage of your vehicle. In this situation, you should call a professional cleaning service, like the experts at SERVPRO of Vacaville. We have firsthand experience in the cleaning and care of your vehicle and can deliver your car back to you “Like it never even happened.” While we hope this situation never happens to you, if it does you can be sure that we are on-call ready to help if the need arises. Call us at (707) 724-8977 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
7/11/2019 (Permalink)
When the weather warms up, everyone heads outside to cook on the grill and unfortunately, the number of grill-caused fires go up. Each year, outdoor grilling causes an average of 10,200 home fires, but there are some easy safety tips you can follow to keep you and your home safe this grilling season.
By using these easy-to-follow tips from SERVPRO of Vacaville, you and your family should be able to enjoy a safe and fun grilling season.
6/14/2019 (Permalink)
With summer temperatures inching higher each day, PG&E has announced that it may turn off power to some grids in Northern California in high risk areas in order to mitigate possible fire danger. Here's a few tips to keep you cool and safe in case your home or place of business loses power.
Keep your refrigerator closed. Inside of the refrigerator should stay below 40 degrees Fahrenheit and freezers need to be below zero degrees. Use ice bags or dry ice to keep the inside of the unit cool.
Keep windows and doors closed and block the sun by closing blinds and shades.
Back up your files and install surge protectors. Take the time to back up your files before the hot weather hits and install surge protectors from your local hardware store to protect your electronics if the power surges when it is turned back on.
Using these easy tips will help make any electrical power outage a bit more tolerable.
6/14/2019 (Permalink)
Summertime brings with it fun activities like squirt gun fights and running through the sprinklers, but what happens if the water from these activities don't drain away and result in pools of standing water? Stagnant water is a breeding ground for bacteria, mold and parasites that can be harmful to your health. Mosquitoes commonly breed in shallow pools of standing water and often carry diseases including malaria, West Nile virus, and Zika fever.
Here are a few things to check to make sure you don't have any potential hazards around your home.
Water can provide a lot of fun during the summer months, but it can cause some problems. Use these ideas to keep your home safe from standing water pitfalls.
6/14/2019 (Permalink)
After the devastation of the Camp Fire that ravished their hometown, it would be understandable if the seniors from Paradise High School quietly collected their diplomas without any great fanfare. So much attention has been focused on their community and all that they have lost, it is wonderful to hear that many of those students thrived during their senior year, in spite of all they had to go through in the past seven months.
Of the 980 students at the school, approximately 900 lost their homes. Yet the school recorded the second-highest math scores in the country. The seven valedictorians this year took at least eight college-level classes each and earned A's in all of them. And the school boasts the ONLY National Merit Scholar in Northern California this year.
One of the seniors was quoted as saying, "The fire could burn just about every physical object under the sun, but it couldn't touch the connections we have built. We will always carry the name and spirit of Paradise with us."
SERVPRO of Vacaville was grateful to be offered the opportunity to help in the clean-up of the Paradise area and is continually humbled and impressed by the resilience and strength of its residents.
6/12/2019 (Permalink)
With temperatures hitting the 100 mark in the Solano County area recently, any body of water seems like a great place to cool off, but irrigation ditches and canals are ones you should steer clear of. They may look inviting and refreshing, but they are actually extremely dangerous to enter.
Irrigation canals typically have fast underwater currents that can sweep away even the strongest swimmer, leaving them helpless to escape. Additionally, many canals have steep, slippery sides that are nearly impossible to crawl out of.
Irrigation ditches are not as large, but are equally dangerous because they can contain trash and other debris that you cannot see from the surface.
Here's a few tips on keeping you and your family safe near irrigation canals and ditches:
*Never swim in or play around canals or irrigation ditches
*Never walk closely along the edge of a canal or irrigation ditch
*Never jump in to rescue a pet or object. Instead call 911 for help.
We all want to try to beat the heat this summer, but SERVPRO of Vacaville wants to help you stay safe by knowing these tips for irrigation canal safety.
6/12/2019 (Permalink)
At SERVPRO of Vacaville, we are experts at assessing water damage in your home or business, as well as removing standing water and drying out damaged materials. With an average tank size between 30 and 50 gallons, leaking hot water tanks can be a major source of water damage problems and can flood an entire home and cause significant damage if not detected quickly. But how do you know if your hot water heater is about to fail?
A lack of hot water is the most common sign of a failing hot water heater. Rumbling, creaking or popping noises are another common indicator of an unhealthy water heater. This can mean that sediment is forming on the surface of the water heater or that the unit is on the verge of a crack or leak. Murky or foul-smelling water are also signs of a failing water heater. Additionally, the pressure relief valve opens to release pressure buildup in the water heater and can sometimes fail to function properly. This can have dangerous results and should be inspected by a plumber if you suspect a problem. And finally, pooling water beneath the unit can be a sign of a leaking water tank.
If you see any of these common indicators, contact a plumber immediately to help determine the source of the problem. And if you do experience a water leak or damage of any kind, call SERVPRO of Vacaville at (707) 724-8977 to remediate all of your water problems.
6/11/2019 (Permalink)
Molds are found in every environment, and mold spores reproduce rapidly when moisture is present. Excessive dampness indoors encourages the growth of molds and other organisms, potentially causing health problems.
Intrusion of water into your home or place of business can result in mold growth. These can be from storm damage, plumbing or equipment failures, long-standing leaks and poor humidity control. When these water issues are not addressed right away, the resulting damage can present increased risk of harmful mold growth.
The professionals at SERVPRO of Vacaville handle water damages every day and know that prompt action is required to prevent and eradicate mold growth before it becomes worse.
If you think you have a mold problem, call SERVPRO of Vacaville at (707) 724-8977; we will help you restore your home or business to a healthy condition.
6/11/2019 (Permalink)
In case of an emergency evacuation, there are certain items you should always remember to take from your home, and there is an easy way to remember what they are because they all start with the letter "P".
*People and Pets - Obviously the most important thing in your home. Secure their exit and safety before you consider removing anything else from your home.
*Papers, Phone Numbers and Important Documents - This information will be helpful if you need to call various businesses and should include your account numbers.
*Prescriptions, Vitamins & Eyeglasses - Extremely important items to maintain your health, and you have to be able to read those labels!
*Pictures - Grab the ones you can't replace.
*Personal computer hard drive and disks - Backup your information regularly to a portable hard drive so you can grab it and go.
*"Plastic" - Bring your credit and ATM cards, driver's license and any cash you have in the house.
Print out this list and keep it in your home office or a prominent place in your home in case you need to reference it in case of emergency.
If your home or business does experience fire or smoke damage, call the experts at SERVPRO of Vacaville at (707) 724-8977 and we'll help make it "Like it never even happened."
6/11/2019 (Permalink)
With temperatures climbing in Vacaville, the risk of residential and wildfires increases each day. All families should have an evacuation plan in place in case of emergency. Here's a few tips to keep in mind when creating your own evacuation plan.
*Designate an emergency meeting location outside the fire or hazard area. Ideas may be a local fire station or City Hall.
*Plan out several different escape routes from your home or community. Practice these so everyone in your family is familiar with these routes.
*If you have pets or large animals, have a plan in place to move them quickly if necessary.
*Print out a list of all the phone numbers of your family members, in case you get separated from your cell phone, and keep them in your wallet or with you at all times. Many of us rely on our phones to automatically dial our contact list and don't have important family members' and friends' phone numbers memorized.
The most important thing to remember is to be prepared and stay calm in the event of an emergency. Having the plans in place to respond to a fire or evacuation of any kind will help everyone be safely reunited with their loved ones.
5/13/2019 (Permalink)
Tristan is hard at work cleaning a home in Paradise.
Cleaning homes in Paradise brought unique challenges for the many different contractors who were working to repair homes after the Camp Fire. SERVPRO of Vacaville had to bring pressure washers with self-contained, extra-large water tanks with them to several properties because some parts of the City were still without a water system six months after the fire. We used this pressure washer to clean soot off the outside of homes and to help get residents whose homes had survived get back living in their homes. It was also necessary to bring generators in order to produce our own power, since some areas of the City were still without power while we were working.
But amazingly, all of the residents SERVPRO of Vacaville has come in contact with share a very positive outlook. They were all extremely grateful for their great fortune in surviving such a devastating fire, and were very appreciative for the work so many people are doing to try to return their homes and the community to the way they were prior to that fateful November day when the Camp Fire ravished their lives.
SERVPRO of Vacaville is grateful to have the opportunity to help these customers and hopes they all are able to return to their homes and community soon.
4/24/2019 (Permalink)
Fires in Commercial Buildings can cause a great amount of damage, but there are three easy things a business can do to prevent the most common commercial building fires.
Be sure that your business has what it needs to protect itself from a crippling fire and be proactive in helping prevent damage to your business by following these three easy guidelines.
If you do experience a fire in your commercial building, call the experts at SERVPRO of Vacaville to help you recover. We'll make it like it never happened. 707-724-8977.
4/24/2019 (Permalink)
Water may be essential to life, but it can cause a great amount of damage to a commercial building if it ends up where it shouldn’t be and is undetected for a long period of time. Here are a few of the most common types of leaks in commercial properties and how to fix them.
If any of these types of leaks are detected in your commercial building, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Vacaville. We can help find where the water is coming from and help to “Like it never even happened.” You can reach us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 707-724-8977.
4/24/2019 (Permalink)
Power outages disrupt a businesses’ operations, but here are some steps you can take now to limit the impact a power outage will have on your business.
SERVPRO of Vacaville is happy to provide you with these tips so you will be prepared the next time there is a power outage in your area.
4/23/2019 (Permalink)
Fire extinguishers are required in all commercial buildings in California, and there are specific requirements regarding training of your employees in many areas of fire prevention and safety.
Cal OSHA regulations stipulate that fire extinguishers must be placed in areas that the employees can easily access, such as in a cabinet or mounted to a wall. They should be placed near exits to reduce the risk that people will be trapped by fire inside a building. OSHA regulations also mandate that all employees must be trained on the basic principles of using fire extinguishers, as well as the hazards that are typically involved with firefighting. They should also be trained on the process for reporting a fire, how to evaluate the size of a fire, and how to keep an exit route in good condition in your place of work.
Training must be provided to every new employee, for employees assigned to emergency response teams, and to all other employees on an annual basis. In order to be safe, make sure your company is following all of these guidelines.
4/22/2019 (Permalink)
Will C. Wood Sober Grad Nite Chairperson Stacy Andersen gladly accepted a donation from SERVPRO of Vacaville to help fund their event.
When it comes to finding a company to help you recover from water, fire or mold damage in your home or business, we know that there are a lot of different choices out there. However, SERVPRO of Vacaville isn’t just a company to help with your restoration needs. We actively and gladly participate in many different community sponsored events in the cities we serve.
One of the events SERVPRO of Vacaville supports is the Sober Grad Nite Celebrations at both Vacaville High School and Will C. Wood High School. Sober Grad Nite Celebrations typically take place the night of graduation and provide a safe, fun place for students to celebrate, and have drastically reduced the number of accidents and deaths of teenagers on the night of graduations throughout the nation. The Grad Nite Celebrations in Vacaville typically involve a casino where volunteers act as dealers, carnival-style games that are free to play but offer prizes for participating, raffle prizes, henna tattoos, all the food you can eat for the evening, as well as a hypnotist that encourages celebrating seniors to participate in the show.
SERVPRO of Vacaville is proud to help sponsor events like these that positively affect our community, and we look forward to working with other groups to enrich the communities we serve.
4/16/2019 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Vacaville responds quickly to an emergency, whether it be flood, fire or even a bio-hazard. Sometimes our customers don't realize what situations can pose a serious health risk to themselves and their families and try to take care of the problem themselves. Water from a sewer system backup, for example, should be considered very dangerous. The water is extremely unsanitary and may contain bacteria and viruses that could cause serious illness. Special training and equipment is necessary to safely clean this type of contamination.
If you home or business should experience a sewer system backup, remember these tips:
1. Stay out of the affected area
2. Call emergency service personnel if the situation is life-threatening
3. Treat ALL bodily fluids as if they are contaminated
4. Turn off the HVAC system if there is sewage damage.
At SERVPRO of Vacaville, we are on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to respond to your bio-hazard emergency. Call us at 707-724-8977 if you need our help.
3/27/2019 (Permalink)
If you drive for Uber, Lyft or any ride-sharing company in your spare time to earn a little extra money, it is important that your car look pristine and be clean inside in order to attract more customers. But what do you do when a customer leaves your car dirty or even unsanitary? Call the experts at SERVPRO of Vacaville to help. Equipped with the necessary safety apparatus and cleaning products, we can help transform your car from an unhealthy environment back into clean, safe vehicle someone will be glad to drive in. Our company can minimize the disruption to your clients while delivering superior results. And remember, SERVPRO of Vacaville is locally owned and operated—so we live and work here too and are proud to be part of the Vacaville community. When you have a mess in your car or home that needs to be cleaned up fast, call the trained professionals at SERVPRO of Vacaville at 707-724-8977. We will clean, disinfect and deodorize your vehicle and get you back on the road quickly.
3/22/2019 (Permalink)
The Glory Hole in Lake Berryessa looks like a large sink drain.
Not too far from SERVPRO of Vacaville's doors is a unique site that is drawing a lot of visitors. Locals know it as the Glory Hole, but its official name is the Morning Glory Spillway, and simply put, it is a gigantic drain that helps release water from Lake Berryessa. The reason it is garnering so much attention is that the Glory Hole has only been used about two dozen times since it was first built in the 1950s. The Glory Hole works a lot like the drain in the side of your sink. When the water gets too high, it spills into the drain to prevent overflow. In the case of Lake Berryessa, the lake level must rise above 440 feet before water spills down into the Glory Hole. And when it does, a steady stream of visitors gather near the southern end of Lake Berryessa, near the border of Napa and Solano counties, to watch it drain. It is especially popular with Vacaville, Dixon, Winters and Davis residents since the attraction is an easy drive from all of these communities. If you haven't had a chance to make the trip to see it yet, don't worry; the Glory Hole will likely spill for a couple of months, like it did in 2017.
Once water spills into the hole, it drops about 200 feet straight down into a narrowing pipe. At the bottom, the pipe takes a 90-degree turn and runs hundreds of feet to the other side of Monticello Dam. The dam holds back Putah Creek to form Lake Berryessa, which supplies water to Vacaville, Fairfield, Suisun City and Vallejo, as well as Travis Air Force Base. While most dams have a spillway to the side to manage high waters, the Monticello Dam features the less-conventional Glory Hole, making it unique and a popular tourist stop at this time of year. Be sure to visit it while you still can!
3/22/2019 (Permalink)
Thanks to a new website, fire officials are getting some help in locating the exact source of fires from a network of high-definition cameras sprinkled around California. Seventeen cameras are now being added to that network in the North Bay, a part of the state that has recently become synonymous with devastating wildfires.
By logging onto alertwildfire.org, fire officials will be able to zoom in on plumes of smoke and get a reading on its direction. This will help firefighters and emergency responders to see, locate and confirm fires, quickly scale fire resources up or down to respond appropriately, to study how the fire behaves until it ultimately is contained, and to help conduct evacuations.
Longer periods of drought have contributed to an increased likelihood of devastating wildfires with tornado-like tendencies that allow fires to jump large rivers and traditional fire barriers. This was driven home once again by the fires in Butte County in November, which destroyed some 14,000 homes including the entire community of Paradise. SERVPRO of Vacaville helped several homeowners whose homes survived the fire storm, but wished more homes could have been saved. It is our hope that the new camera system will help detect the source of future wildfires and decrease their devastation for homeowners in all of California.
3/22/2019 (Permalink)
We all know that installing and maintaining a smoke detector is the best way to stay safe in case of a fire in your home, but you may be surprised to learn about the most common causes of electrical fires. Here they are:
Faulty outlets, appliances - Most electrical fires are caused by faulty electrical outlets and old, outdated appliances. Never use an appliance with a worn or frayed cord which can send heat onto combustible surfaces like floors, curtains, and rugs that can start a fire.
Light fixtures - Light fixtures, lamps and light bulbs are another common reason for electrical fires. Installing a bulb with a wattage that is too high for the lamps and light fixtures is a leading cause of electrical fires. Always check the maximum recommended bulb wattage on any lighting fixture or lamp and never go over the recommended amount.
Extension cords - Misuse of extension cords is another electrical fire cause. Appliances should be plugged directly into an outlet and not plugged into an extension cord for any length of time. Only use extension cords as a temporary measure.
Space heaters - Because space heaters are portable, many times people put them too close to combustible surfaces such as curtains, beds, clothing, chairs, couches and rugs. Coil space heaters are especially dangerous because the coils become so hot they will almost instantaneously ignite any nearby flammable surface.
Wiring - Outdated wiring often causes electrical fires. If a home is over 20 years old, it may not have the wiring capacity to handle the increased amounts of electrical appliances in today’s average home.
Be sure to check today and make sure none of these dangers are in your home. In the unfortunate case of a fire, the professionals at SERVPRO of Vacaville are on-call 24 hours a day to help. Call us at 707-724-8977.
3/22/2019 (Permalink)
You may find it in the person bagging your groceries or the young man serving you lunch. Unexpected talent is hiding behind the faces of those we know well and those we just met. And the offices of SERVPRO of Vacaville provide cover for a young man with a talent that may surprise you. Michael Villarreal is the Office Manager at SERVPRO of Vacaville where he happily greets customers and assists them with their restoration needs. But those are only some of his skills. Michael is also a professionally trained singer with a degree in Vocal Performance from Fresno Pacific University. He has sung with a total of eight different performing groups in the Tulare/Fresno County areas, along with the San Luis Obispo Opera and the Opera Academy of California.
Michael is currently performing with the Sacramento Master Singers, a group of more than 45 singers from the greater Sacramento area who are dedicated to the advancement of choral music. They recently finished a weekend of performances with special guest choirs from four local high schools and are currently preparing for their upcoming performance at the American River College Theatre where they will be performing songs from some of the most popular movies of our time. “Singing is something I get great personal joy from, and I’m lucky enough to work for a company that allows me to pursue my passion,” Michael said recently. SERVPRO of Vacaville is extremely proud to call such a talented individual one of their own and are looking forward to watching him perform in May in Sacramento.
3/15/2019 (Permalink)
Your home should be your place of rest. But when water begins leaking - even small leaks in areas you can’t see - your home could quickly become a source of stress. The possibility of harmful mold, rot and unseen damage may affect the value of your home, and even more importantly, the health of your loved ones.
SERVPRO of Vacaville understands how disruptive water damage can be for your entire family and will help ensure that the source of the water is identified. That’s why we offer 24-hour emergency response by trained professionals. With top-of-the-line equipment and time-tested cleanup and restoration techniques, SERVPRO of Vacaville Professionals have the expertise to help make your house feel like home again. Call us at (707) 724-8977 and we’ll be sure to make sure we take care of you, no matter how big or small your problem is.
11/19/2018 (Permalink)
Attention Vacaville, Dixon & Winters Residents
If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.
What to do:
What Not to Do:
About our Mold Remediation Services
SERVPRO of Vacaville specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it's a cornerstone of our business. Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.
If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today - (707) 724-8977
11/19/2018 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Vacaville specializes in storm and flood damage restoration. Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.
Faster Response
Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage and reduces the restoration cost.
Resources or Handle Floods and Storms
If storms hit Vacaville, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.
Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today at (707) 724-8977
11/19/2018 (Permalink)
The first 48 hours after a fire damage can make the difference between restoring versus replacing your property and personal belongings. The professionals at SERVPRO of Vacaville can help prevent fire damage from creating long-term problems.
Here's just a few of the things we can help you with after a fire:
There are also steps you can take to minimize additional damage to your home after a fire occurs:
DO NOT:
If you do experience a fire in your home, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Vacaville. We will work to ensure your property, belongings and memories are restored back to preloss condition whenever possible.
SERVPRO of Vacaville (707) 724-8977
11/7/2018 (Permalink)
What you Can Do Until Help Arrives
No one wants to deal with water damage to your home, and hopefully it’s not something that happens often. When it does, be sure to call SERVPRO of Vacaville, a water damage repair and restoration specialist, as soon as you notice any damage. We have the experience, expertise and equipment to restore your property properly. In the meantime, here are a few tips to keep in mind which may help minimize the damage done to your home.
What To Do After Flooding
What NOT To Do After Flooding
24/7 Emergency Service