Archived Why SERVPRO Blog Posts
How We Respond to your Calls
7/27/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO® can guarantee to make it “Like it never even happened.” Call us today and let us help you.
Did you suffer a disaster in your home or business and don’t know what to do next? Well, after safely removing yourself from the scene, you can begin taking steps forward. It’s difficult to know how to proceed following fire, water or smoke damage, but our team of experts at SERVPRO® of Arleta, Hansen Hills will help you through the dilemma. Call SERVPRO® as soon as you can and let us assist you!
When You Call
We have a supportive team of representatives ready to answer your call. They will likely ask you a variety of questions which will help SERVPRO® determine the resources and equipment necessary to assist you. By answering our questions, you are allowing our representative to best prepare for response to your disaster.
Some Questions to Expect
- Name and contact information (Phone number, email address)
- Street address of home or business
- What year was the structure built?
- What type of damage has occurred? (Flood, fire, water, etc.)
- What caused the damage? (If known)
- Is there electricity and water available?
- Your insurance company?
SERVPRO® of Arleta, Hansen Hills
SERVPRO® of Arleta, Hansen Hills is here for you. With the best training in fire, water and smoke cleanup and restoration, we guarantee our SERVPRO® staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your home or business. In addition to our restoration services, we also offer mold mitigation and deep cleans of properties. SERVPRO® can guarantee to make it “Like it never even happened.” Call us today and let us help you. No disaster is too big or small. Call SERVPRO® of Arleta, Hansen Hills at (818) 465-2882, we are 24/7/365.
Call SERVPRO® After Your Interior Flood
7/25/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO® is the best choice for restoration after water damage.
Even the slightest amount of flooding or leaking pipe can cause an unimaginable amount of damage. Water can begin damaging floors and furniture as soon as it hits them, so fast action is required to protect your home or business. At SERVPRO® of Arleta, Hansen Hills, our rapid action and trained staff will achieve the best results in making your hardwood floors like new again. SERVPRO® is the best choice for restoration after water damage.
Potential Damage to Hardwood Floors
- Crowning: The planks arc upward due to excessive moisture
- Cupping: The planks bend downward and curve due to excessive moisture
- Buckling: Planks lift from place in the floor
To avoid this damage, SERVPRO® responds as quickly as possible to begin water cleanup and removal. Our team at SERVPRO® of Arleta, Hansen Hills is given industry leading training to handle the extraction, drying and replacement of flooring that has been damaged thus far. We use controlled methods to remove specific flooring safely. Additionally, our team will contain the water to further control contamination of unaffected areas. Following our restoration and treatment of the damaged area, we sanitize the home to ensure it’s “Like it never even happened.” Call SERVPRO® of Arleta, Hansen Hills at (818) 465-2882. We are the best water restoration team, ready 24/7/365!
4 Tips for Business Owners After Fire
2/28/2022 (Permalink)
Any delay in seeking professional help could result in damages extending past where they could have been mitigated.
When fire damage does occur, reach out to SERVPRO® of Arleta, Hansen Hills to assess your fire damage restoration needs. Any delay in seeking professional help could result in damages extending past where they could have been mitigated. Smoke, a byproduct of fire, is acidic. It’s corrosive elements are capable of corroding away nearly any surface. Smoke and soot damage should be addressed immediately by experienced fire restoration professionals.
- Call SERVPRO® of Arleta, Hansen Hills – you need professional services, so before moving to the next step, call the experts.
- Move children and pets to a smoke-free area. Move them to a relative's or friend's home until the fire cleanup or restoration is complete.
- Open all the windows to get air circulating to help alleviate the smoke smell.
- Inventory your belongings. Create a list of your business’s or home’s contents, this will assist when filing a claim with your insurance. Taking pictures of the affected items or damage is also a good idea. You will need these for insurance claims purposes, and for your own records.
Preparing a Commercial First Aid Kit
2/23/2022 (Permalink)
Search for OSHA's First Aid Kit Checklist to get started!
Your Commercial property is important and needs protection, and the people inside it even more so. Know that if the unforeseen happens to your commercial property, the experts at SERVPRO® of Arleta, Hansen Hills are here to help. We are faster to any disaster and will strive to make it “Like it never even happened.”
There are steps you can take to ensure your workplace is compliant and safe, starting with a First Aid Kit.
Continue reading for tips on putting together a commercial property first aid kit:
Use OSHA’s First Aid Kit Checklist
Go online and search for OSHA commercial first aid kit checklist to start. There you will find the necessary items as required by Occupational Health and Safety Administration; they are the industry experts on these matters. Most items are found at local drug stores or local retailers.
Continued Education
No emergency response is straightforward, and there is no such thing as too much training when it comes to ensuring the safety of the people on your property. Once you finish your kit make sure everyone knows where to access it and that the regular people onsite are trained in it’s use.
OSHA Resources
To find more information on putting together first aid kits or how to use them when needed, consult OSHA’s website. And remember, once you can ensure the health of all the people on-site, you can call SERVPRO® of Arleta, Hansen Hills 24/7 to respond to any restoration emergency at (833) WTR-FIRE (987-3473).
What is Soot?
2/2/2022 (Permalink)
Fire damage on rooftop of business park.
Soot, aka that black residue left behind by fire and smoke, is made up of infinitesimally small carbon particulates resulting from incomplete combustion from substances like wood, oil, or coal.
Soot contains harmful properties from whatever was burned. This can include chemicals, metals, soils, and dust which cause a lingering black substance and horrible smell that is difficult be rid of. Due to its acidic nature, it can even break down your electronics and render them useless. It is a substance which can be extremely damaging to your home and air quality if not cleaned and removed quickly. These harmful characteristics are another reason why it is important to have the professionals at SERVPRO of Arleta, Hansen Hills clean it from your fire damaged business or property.
Finding Smoke and Fire Damage Professionals in Arleta / Hansen Hills
Post fire, the removal process for soot from your home can become an arduous and time-consuming process and potentially dangerous depending on the substances burned. With SERVPRO’s proven system, our franchise professionals come in with the right equipment and knowledge to tackle any sized loss. The cleanup / removal process requires protective equipment, professional tools, and extensive expertise and knowledge. It’s best to leave the disaster restoration to the professionals.
You want to re-enter your home knowing that it is safe for you and your family. The highly skilled technicians at Professional Fire Restoration will make sure to thoroughly clean and remove any soot particles left behind from a fire to ensure you and your family are entering a home that is safe. If you have experienced smoke or fire damage in your home, contact us today.
Choosing the Right Water Restoration
12/27/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO Project Manager performing inspection.
A professional water damage company offers many benefits to both business owners and homeowners. Licensed work is one of the biggest advantages of hiring a water damage restoration company as they are licensed under local government. This means that their methods of restoration have been reviewed and are legally accounted for. Post work being performed, should you find some problem with the electrical restoration or other physical repair work, then you can easily locate the agency and request additional repair work. Government Agency registration is one of the most important aspects of a professional company and is of immense benefit to clients.
- Reputation is important! Review the online reputation of the selected water damage restoration company you go with. Do not choose a company under the radar, but one with an established presence on the web and in the community.
- Tried and true, effective and fast protocols. Immediate action during emergencies proves the reliability of any emergency remediation service.
- Well established and fully geared. SERVPRO of Arleta, Hansen Hills has the infrastructure to handle any sized loss, commercial or residential.
- Best Working Tools and Resources. One advantage of a licensed water damage company is that they are likely to have access to the best tools of the trade. This is because a licensed agency will be able to apply for authorial permission to get some of the best water damage control equipment that is available in the market. All in all, opting for a well renowned water damage company is a sure way to restore your home effortlessly.
Whether it is a natural flooding incident or some other flooding damage, water damage poses some major risks to your home. By hiring a professional water damage company, you will not only minimize risks but also ensure you the restoration services are handled correctly.
Holiday Emergency Services
12/23/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO equipment setup
With holidays coming and going throughout these winter months SERVPRO of Arleta, Hansen Hills
knows that these times are the worst possible moments to deal with the headache of a fire or water loss. Everyone should be with their loved ones this holiday season. We would much rather everyone be with their loved ones celebrating the joyous season. However, disaster waits for no one and never occurs at convenient times.
We are here to help! Even on holidays our teams are available and working around the clock. No job is too big, too small, too far, and too much of a hassle for us to handle. We have the infrastructure to handle any sized loss. If you suffer from a holiday water and/or fire loss this holiday season, be sure to call the professionals at SERVPRO first.
What To Do When Your Property Floods
12/23/2021 (Permalink)
Hydrometer Reading by SERVPRO Technician
Property damage adds up fast. Whether you are dealing with a burst pipe or a flash flood, water fills up your house within minutes and spreads through each room, causing significant structural damage. Know what to do when your property floods.
Stop the Water Supply
Try to identify the source and prevent additional flooding from happening. It is important to remember to stay safe. If the cause of loss is in unsafe area call a professional to assist you.
If the leak is coming from a flash flood or natural disaster, there could be little you can do to stop the flow of water. However, you may be able to slow the water down. A best practice method for minimizing impact is to start from the bottom and work your way up. If you can, try to place sandbags around the base of your external doorways. This is a good method to reduce flood impact.
Reach Out to a Professional
Remember you are not alone. We are here to help. When the unexpected does happen count on SERVPRO of Arleta, Hansen Hills to guide and support you through the recovery process and help get your home or business back up and running again as quickly as possible.
Choosing the Right Restoration Company
11/3/2021 (Permalink)
Crew cleanup.
Companies which are local to your area are usually the most accessible in emergencies. Local restoration companies understand your area better, allowing them to trace the common causes of damages in your area quickly. Local professional restoration companies often find the cause of loss faster than other companies.
Vet your chosen restoration company and make sure they are licensed and insured. If they are uninsured and not licensed, they are not professional. Before hiring anyone ask for their credentials. A reputable/transparent company will have their credentials readily available and be happy to share. Being licensed means the company has met the regulations for their profession and are currently not in any legal disputes.
Confirm the Company’s availability. The more time that transpires the more damage will occur. Over time water can cause more wood rot and structural damage can occur. When having remediation work performed make sure to receive an appropriate timeline of when the work will transpire/finish.
Hiring a damage restoration company for your home or business is a stressful decision, especially when speed is of the essence. Choose a company that holds its proper certifications, is local, available, and meets insurance requirements.
Why Use Professional Mold Remediation
11/1/2021 (Permalink)
Water on floor.
When searching for the best way to carry out mold remediation services, hire a trustworthy professional to perform the mold remediation for you. Professional mold remediation is about results, giving value that not only corrects problems but also prevents them.
- Professional Mold Testing
One common cause of mold is from a combination of humidity and air conditioning. When HVAC systems try to cool down a home or business amidst humidity, air condenses inside vents. If mold occurs in your home, the source needs to be uncovered, the problem areas you don’t see require investigation, and the enlistment of professionals to remove that mold for good. From the onset, address the problem right by contacting a mold remediation expert. Rest assured that our highly trained technicians will deliver a proper mold assessment.
- Address the Mold Problem Right
When you’ve found a professional mold remediation company you can place absolute confidence in, the level of experience shown will be immediate. Our Step One involves completely assessing and documenting the moisture problem. Step Two is to properly treat and clean all affected areas.
- Helpful Tips
When hiring a mold removal specialist, you’ll receive multiple tips to prevent future mold problems and secure safe and proper ventilation. As mold problems require specialized expertise, you’ll want a good communicator in the field who is both dependable and honest. Meet the professionals at SERVPRO, who have serviced thousands of satisfied business owners and home owners.
- Save Money
Saving money is important, especially when it comes spending on repairs. The longer a problem lies unaddressed, the costlier it is going to be when it finally is fixed.
Mold Attacks in Arleta, CA
2/28/2021 (Permalink)
This mold was hiding behind cabinets that had not been moved in a while.
This Arleta company experienced two water leaks in their roof within a month of each other during a really bad rain season. With water damage comes mold, especially in a situation like this where they were hit hard with water in their offices. The mold came quietly and was hard to find, mostly hidden behind cabinets and on the walls behind decorations. It was not until our technicians started the water mitigation they realized the bigger problem at hand, mold.
SERVPRO of Arleta/Hansen Hills was able to handle the extensive process and remove all the mold that was encasing the office. This before picture shows the mess left behind after all the water damage, we were able to work through the entire process and get the office ready for reconstruction.
Got Mold? We Are The Experts In Mold Remediation!
2/23/2021 (Permalink)
Garage platform and car lift assembly located in Calabasas, California, where our team performed detailed cleaning and disinfecting. Our team utilized botanical disinfectants and photo-documented before during and after for complete transparency. Upon removal cleared all subterranean drains. Our team utilized a high-pressure steam pressure washing system.
The homeowner was referred to our office by a very prestigious and well-known luxury home builder. We also have pressure washers that will recover the water if contaminated and/or the city requires water drainage to be in a sanitary drain. We are very cognizant of the drought that plagues California and used only the necessary amount of water when pressure-washing both residential and sophisticated commercial or industrial building structures.
Sometimes we pressure wash inside of commercial/industrial concrete tilt-up buildings. We have performed this type of work in the city of Vernon and throughout the greater Los Angeles area. We are a preferred vendor for the California Department of Motor Vehicles and perform their exterior cleanup.
Six Steps To Take To Avoid Costly Repairs To Your HVAC System This Winter
2/23/2021 (Permalink)
Whether you’re living in Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Brentwood, Venice, Santa Monica, or even in Pasadena, Glendale, or somewhere in North Hollywood, we all need tips on taking care of our HVAC systems to avoid any issues that will cost us in repairs.
First, let’s start with what does HVAC stand for?
HVAC - H stands for Heating. A heating element or a heater is an object with the purpose to emit heat to reach a higher temperature.
HVAC - V stands for Ventilation
Ventilation is the continuous process of air exchange and air circulation within the house of the building. Controlling inside temperature, removing moisture, odors, smoke, heat, carbon dioxide, and replenish oxygen.
HVAC - AC stands for Air-Conditioning
Air conditioning is in charge of heat removal and cooling of closed spaces, buildings, and houses.
Now, that we are up to speed on this important element in our homes and businesses. Here are six simple steps you can take to avoid costly repairs to your HVAC system this wintertime:
- Have your air conditioner’s pressure checked out.
- Clean the filters and equipment.
- Replace air filters.
- Test your thermostat.
- Check for leaky doors and windows.
- Check your carbon monoxide detector, and change the batteries
Everyone here at SERVPRO of Arleta/Hansen Hills hopes these property care tips were helpful. If you ever have any questions, please give us a call anytime!
We are always here to help!
City of Los Angeles Certificate of Appreciation
2/23/2021 (Permalink)
We are proud to be serving our community!
It was such an honor to receive a Certificate of Appreciation for the work our SERVPRO has done for the City of Los Angeles, California. Absolutely privileged to have Councilman David Ryu to tour our facility. We were also happy to be able to help and donate much-needed gloves, masks, and supplies to our front line medical workers that are fighting this pandemic.
We are professionals that are uniquely prepared during this unprecedented time to clean and disinfect your home or business 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 performs 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:
- Retail Spaces
- Water Fountains
- Shelving/Racks
- Sales Counters
- Kitchen/Food Areas
- Bathrooms
- Schools/Classrooms
- Offices
- Fitness Equipment
- Carpets and Rugs
- Stair Handrails
- Elevator Cars
- Playground Equipment
Faster to Any Size Disaster
11/6/2020 (Permalink)
SERVPRO is a leader in the restoration industry and its professionals are faster to any size disaster. SERVPRO of Arleta/Hansen Hills is a trusted leader in the restoration industry and we pride ourselves on truly being available 24/7 to all of our customers. We understand that a fast response is very crucial and can change the outcome of any water loss; this helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs. Every situation is different and we take our professional time to act quickly but within reason to make sure all losses are handled properly. Our clients can rely on us to get crews mobilized and in action, and get there faster to any size disaster. No matter how big or small you think your loss is you should always call a SERVPRO professional.
IICRC
11/1/2020 (Permalink)
IICRC, the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoring Certification, is a nonprofit organization that develops and publishes standards detailing the proper procedures for safe cleaning and restoration. SERVPRO of Arleta/Hansen Hills prides ourselves on having our technicians as well as office staff be IICRC certified. Being up to IICRC standards allows all of our employees to have the best knowledge industry standard training giving each and every one of our customers the best service. We are constantly holding classes for employees and professionals to be up to date and work towards new certifications in areas such as: Applied Structural Drying, Commercial Drying, Fire and Smoke, Mold Removal, etc. This helps us to ensure that no matter what the situation, clients can always rest assured that they are choosing the best restoration company.
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