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Protect Your Company From a Water Damage Disruption | SERVPRO® of Central Garden Grove

11/4/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Central Garden Grove is your local commercial restoration company. We will always be here to help clean up and get you back in business.

Commercial water damage is a hectic situation no business owner hopes to face.

Water damage can affect businesses in more ways than one. Internal sources like a leaky pipe or a plumbing overflow can halt productivity, ruin equipment and weaken your building’s structure. Natural sources can also strike and put you out of business when you least expect it.

Garden Grove business owners should prepare for river overflow, dam failure and coastal flooding. Depending on where your business is located in our area, these hazards can create a disastrous water emergency in your building

No matter where your water damage originates, the losses that result are devastating. Understanding how to respond when water infiltrates your building will help you mitigate damage and get the situation under control fast.

Know Your Building’s Layout

Locate the important water cutoff points around your building. Remember where your fire sprinkler system and main water valve are so you can quickly shut them off when needed.

You should also ensure a few trusted members of your team know how to find and shut off these points. This will guarantee any water emergency is dealt with quickly and can help reduce the risk of damage.

Know the Types of Water Involved

When water damage strikes, the kind of water produced can help you assess how hazardous your issue is. Knowing the severity of what you’re dealing with will allow you to safely respond:

White water: This kind of water is produced following a plumbing failure. It is not classified as contaminated and is safe for you to handle in small quantities.

Gray water: This kind of water is caused by overflowing toilet tanks and clogged sink drains. While it is regarded as contaminated, the water is not hazardous.

Black water: Heavily contaminated black water is usually produced by sewage overflows and storm flooding. This type of water damage is considered toxic and should always be handled by an expert.

Take Action Quickly

When water is leaking into your building, attempt to find the source and swiftly cut it off. Open your doors and windows to dry out your building a bit faster. After this, be sure to notify everyone in your building that the impacted areas are off-limits.

Once the situation is under control, carefully record any damage your building has sustained. This will make the insurance process much easier and will allow you to determine which areas of your property require reinforcement.

Remember to Be Patient

The noticeable water damage in your workplace could be a small portion of a bigger issue. Your building might be hiding water damage in places you can’t see.

At SERVPRO of Central Garden Grove, we can find the water source and immediately begin the repair process. Once we identify the areas of your building that are water-damaged, we can employ cutting-edge technology to quickly dry it out and clean up the mess.

The severity of your losses will determine the duration of the restoration process. So, as our experienced experts work to return your property to its preloss state, try to have patience. Before you know it, you and your team will be back to work!

When disaster strikes your commercial property, we’ll be there to help clean up and get you back in business quickly. Reach out 24⁄7 to get started!

Secure Your Home From These Holiday Decorating Hazards | SERVPRO® of Central Garden Grove

11/4/2022 (Permalink)

Should a fire issue pop-up during this holiday season, SERVPRO of Central Garden Grove will be on call ready to assist.

For many, the holidays are one of the most important times of the year. While gathering with family and friends to decorate the tree and hang holiday lights is a wonderful way to get festive, failing to take the necessary safeguards leaves your home vulnerable to fire.

Garden Grove puts on plenty of events during this time of year. Right at the start of December, Winter in the Grove delivers plenty of holiday activities the whole family can enjoy. Or you could test your ice skating skills at Westminster ICE.

You can enjoy all the holidays have to offer when you prioritize fire safety while decorating. Here are some ways you can protect your Garden Grove home and avoid an emergency during this special time of year.

Top Seasonal Hazards

In the United States, fire departments report that around 790 house fires spark each year due to poor holiday decorating.

Many of these fires started when decorations were too close to heating sources like fireplaces or space heaters and caught fire. Christmas trees and candles are other fire hazards that might ignite a fire in your home.

If you set up a real tree, keep it watered away from any heating sources or open flames. If you use an artificial tree, check for a label that indicates it’s fire-resistant. Remember to unplug your holiday lights before bed no matter what kind of tree your family decorates.

Take Preventive Measures

“The stockings were hung by the chimney with care” is much more than a notable Christmas line! Use it to avoid placing decorations too close to any open flames to prevent creating a fire hazard.

Candle fires are to blame for around 20 house fires each day, so be sure to light them a safe distance from any flammable materials. If you use a fireplace to keep your home warm in the winter, have it cleaned and inspected before lighting that firewood.

It is important to categorize and assess outdoor decorations accurately. Use insulated nails made for harsh weather to fasten your lights firmly to prevent brush fires caused by dropped lights. Observe any local restrictions on outdoor decorations that may be in place in your neighborhood.

Make sure your smoke alarms are in good working condition, and have one installed in every bedroom for added security. Pass this helpful information down to your loved ones and turn to SERVPRO for professional restoration if a fire breaks out in your home over the holidays.

Have smoke or fire damage in your house? Contact us today to get cleaned up fast.

Keep Your Home Safe From Lightning-Related Flames | SERVPRO® of Central Garden Grove

9/26/2022 (Permalink)

If you are dealing with smoke or fire damage from a recent fire, call SERVPRO of Central Garden Grove to learn about a restoration solution for your i

Homeowners work hard to prevent fires using fire safety tools and practices. But while many house fires start in the kitchen, there are a few other natural hazards that could result in flames. These causes can be more difficult to prevent.

There were over 70,000 damage reports attributed to lightning strikes in 2020. The probability of lightning striking you personally is actually rather low, but the risk to your home is far greater. Additionally, lightning can cause a fire, fry your electrical system or even uproot trees when it does strike.

It’s estimated that lightning strikes around 6,000 times every minute. This makes everyone at risk of a strike.

So, we should all prepare ourselves and our homes for the impact this weather threat can have when a storm is brewing.

What Is Lightning?

Lightning is a huge spark of electrical current that occurs between clouds in the air and the ground. While storms are known to create lightning, they can also occur during volcanic eruptions, severe wildfires and even large snowstorms.

Although lightning is typically associated with severe weather, it can also happen when the sky is clear and the air is dry. “Dry lightning” occurs when there is no rain, and it is a pretty dangerous phenomenon since it regularly starts wildfires. So, in addition to storm preparation, we also need to be fire-prepared.

Protecting Your Home From Lightning Fires

A lightning strike can result in significant property damage, including flames. The heat of the impact itself or an electrical surge brought on by the impact both have the potential to ignite a fire.

After a fire sparks from the strike, it might not be instantly obvious as it will start inside your walls or up in your attic. After the strike, look for scorch marks and notify the fire department as soon as you spot any or smell any smoke.

One of the best methods to avert lightning-related fire is to install a lightning rod. This is a metal pole that can direct the power of lightning away from your home so that it is shielded from the full power of the electrical current and heat produced by lightning.

When Lightning Strikes Nearby

Wildfires and other flames that start outside are frequently brought on by lightning. There are several “peak” seasons for lightning fires in various areas of the country, but lightning strikes generate 9,000 fires annually.

Clear your yard of decaying plants or shrubs, and try utilizing defensible zones to defend your home from lightning strikes and fires. Make sure to install a smoke alarm on every floor of your home so that if a fire breaks out, you will be instantly notified.

If you face the impact of flames in your home, call our experts at SERVPRO. Even though fire cleanup and restoration can be a challenging process, we have the best tools in the business and thorough training to manage every stage of it. We will return you to your house as soon as we can.

Have you experienced smoke or fire damage in your home? Call us today to get the restoration finished fast.

Protect the Interior & Exterior of Your Property From Flooding | SERVPRO® of Central Garden Grove

9/7/2022 (Permalink)

Experienced water damage in your home? Call SERVPRO of Central Garden Grove to get the restoration process started right away.

Flood protection can be lifesaving, no matter where your home is located. Your home might sustain significant damage from even an inch of water, which would be expensive to fix.

Some areas that are not considered to be flood-prone may not be eligible for significant recovery aid from insurance or federal sources. That makes it even more essential to prepare your house and property in advance.

To keep your home and the land surrounding it safe from floods, there are changes you can make both inside and outside. Understanding the local threats our area may encounter is one of the best ways to prepare for severe weather. While we aren’t considered a high-risk area, we do sometimes face flash floods from intense storms, and occasionally, wildfire mitigation efforts can cause water to pool up in the area.

You can begin taking precautions for safety once you are aware of the unique threats associated with the weather you may encounter.

Protecting Your Home From the Outside

Even when it comes as a complete surprise, a heavy downpour can suddenly appear, leaving your yard damp and your gutters overflowing. If you’ve taken the effort to prepare the exterior of your property, the potential interior damage can be reduced.

Cleaning your gutters of debris regularly can help make sure they work as intended. Installing an extended downspout to your gutters is an affordable way to keep water moving in the proper direction.

You can use landscaping to keep water from accumulating near your home as well. Gardens can collect moisture from heavy rains when water seeps down into soil and roots instead of it gathering in your yard.

Organic materials like mulch can help boost water absorption and create a slope that directs water away, protecting the structural integrity of your property.

Your property can also be protected from weather-related calamities by making a few renovations if you have the funds to do so. This may entail raising exterior electrical outlets and service equipment in addition to anchoring any fuel tanks that your home may use.

Flood Protection From the Inside

The two things that will make the biggest impact in damage mitigation when it comes to safeguarding your home from external sources of water are strengthening your foundation and sealing your basement.

Make sure to seal any cracks in your foundation if you notice them. A sump pump in your basement could help extract any water that may seep in, and if you are in a high-risk location, a battery-operated one could be helpful if the power goes out.

To safeguard your home from flooding that is not caused by a natural source, some simple house upkeep can make a big difference.

One of the main causes of flooding in houses is faulty plumbing or old, worn-out pipes. To ensure leaks don’t form, stop dripping faucets and maintain a constant eye on plumbing sources. Consider adding a leak sensor, which will alert you if there is more water than there should be in a certain area.

Floodwater, no matter where it comes from, can ruin photographs and other paper materials, so make sure to store essential documents and important items up high in a waterproof container. And an organized emergency plan can help you stay knowledgeable on where to go, who to call and what kind of supplies are available if a flood rushes through your area.

Experienced water damage in your home? Call SERVPRO today to get your restoration completed faster.

How Storms Might Damage Your Home | SERVPRO® of Central Garden Grove

9/2/2022 (Permalink)

When you suffer storm-related damage to your home or business, make SERVPRP of Central Garden Grove your first call.

Extreme storms are a homeowner’s biggest fear. While most current houses are built to take on the effects of severe weather scenarios, almost every home or property will sustain some type of damage when strong storms blow through our area.

Severe winds and wind-related calamities can throw debris all over town and produce freezing rains, snowstorms, lightning and flash floods, based on the time of year and the storm. Each weather event is capable of damaging your property and compromising the structure of your home.

Depending on the kind of storm and the hazards it produces, your home might sustain varying degrees of damage. Many variables influence the extent of possible damage, including the yard around your property, the geography of the area and the state of your house’s foundation or construction materials. (We admit, there’s also a bit of chance involved.)

There is a wide range of weather-related occurrences and risks, but only a handful of these dangers might put your Garden Grove property in danger of being harmed. You should prepare your home for weather such as earthquakes, floods and severe storms.

You should never go back into a storm-damaged home unless safety professionals permit you to. Many kinds of destruction will be evident right away, but there could be danger lurking where you can’t see.

Let’s go over three primary types of storm damage so that you can better plan for them:

Wind

Wind damage takes place when violent gusts of wind blow at absurdly high speeds. Tornadoes and hurricanes are known to produce violent winds, but even thunderstorms are capable of creating winds of up to 100 mph.

Heavy winds can scoop up the debris around your yard and throw it into your car or home. When a storm is on its way, it’s essential to take shelter indoors and keep away from any windows or outside walls in case glass shatters or walls are pierced by debris.

You can also take precautions before a storm rolls through to minimize significant damage due to wind. Keep your yard clean of any branches, large rocks, loose furniture or decaying trees so that strong winds have fewer things to work with.

Water

Water damage is a regular occurrence both during and after a storm. Heavy rainfall during even a small storm can lead to water collecting outside your house, which then can seep through any gaps around your doors or windows.

When the volume of water is significant enough, it might leak into your foundation and lead to severe structural damage.

To keep water from ruining your property or the inside of your home, try using strategic landscaping that can direct water away from your home instead of it accumulating next to it. You could also build a rain garden, which is a creative way to change up the look of your yard and keep all that rainwater from creating a huge mess.

Also, you should regularly clean out your gutters of debris so they function as intended and keep the water from weighing down your roof. Backed-up gutters could lead to water building up and finding its way inside from the top, leaking down to ground level.

Impact

“Impact damage” is another prevalent form of storm damage that can severely impact your home. This destruction manifests itself as toppled trees and debris being flung around by strong winds into your house.

It’s basically anything that impacts or comes in contact with your property or the items you own.

The easiest method to prevent this kind of catastrophe is to trim the trees surrounding your house and make sure any dead trees are removed so that Mother Nature doesn’t bring them down on your home.

Weather-related tragedies cost over $145 billion in losses in the United States alone in 2021. By preventing these common calamities before they occur, these techniques can keep your home safer while saving you a ton of time and money.

If your home sustains damage after an extreme storm, the experts at SERVPRO of Central Garden Grove have a solution. Our restoration professionals can inspect the damage and work with you throughout the entire restoration process to return your home to its pre-storm state.

When you suffer storm-related damage to your home or business, it’s important that you know who to call! Contact us today to get your storm damage restoration started faster.

Prevent Backyard Fires From Getting Out of Hand | SERVPRO® of Central Garden Grove

7/20/2022 (Permalink)

If you have experienced fire or smoke damage, contact SERVPRO of Central Garden Grove.

There’s nothing better than relaxing by the campfire with your family on a warm summer evening. S’mores, hot dogs and scary stories are just a few of the family activities you can enjoy around the bonfire.

We use these backyard fires to prepare meals, for our own enjoyment, bug control or as a way to clear out dead debris, but even the most contained fires pose a threat. The National Park Service states that around 85% of wildfires are ignited by humans.

California is the most wildfire-prone state in the nation, with over 9,000 wildfires in 2021. California is a very dry state, which affects how quickly these fires can spread and increases their severity.

Of course, you’re still able to light your tiki torches, toast your marshmallows, burn your lawn trimmings and barbecue your burgers, if local laws allow you to. As long as you make sure to follow a few safety precautions every time you burn, you can keep enjoying your backyard fires and reduce the spread of unintentional flames.

Recreational Fire Hazards

Every outside fire has its own set of hazards, but campfires, grills, fire pits and fireworks are some of the most prevalent causes of igniting flames outdoors. Improper usage of grills leads to around 8,800 home fires annually.

Before firing up the grill, check the propane tanks and gas lines that fuel it prior to starting it, and always attend to your grill, even after you’re done using it.

When constructing a campfire, build it in a safe area away from any buildings or vehicles, and only use a lighter or a match to keep your fire burning. Once your campfire is ready, be sure only to use wood to keep the flame going and supervise embers even after you’re done roasting hot dogs.

Fire pits are an easy way to create the feel of a campfire in your own backyard, but this piece of equipment should be used with the same caution as a normal campfire. If you are able to move your fire pit, make sure to locate it away from any overhangs and keep it off of a wooden patio.

While it might seem like an easy way to get rid of construction or household debris, you should only burn approved firewood.

Other Outdoor Fire Hazards

Even with the threats they hold, fire and flammable materials can still be put to good use. During the fall, if your lawn collects a large number of leaves and you don’t have trash disposal or a street pickup option, burning your yard debris might be the only solution to tidying up your lawn.

Before burning anything, make sure your local authorities allow you to burn debris, to begin with. Be aware of any active burning and apply for a permit if necessary. A burn ban is immediately put in place when Orange County’s drought index exceeds 500. This ban will be announced through the local news and social media so keep an eye out for any alerts.

Cleaning dead leaves and yard trimmings is actually a helpful way to safeguard your home from wildfires, as well as strategic landscaping to slow the spread of flames before they can reach your doorstep. Knowing what you can safely burn and understanding the basic fire safety principles can help you keep any backyard flame under control.

We all use our sheds and garages to store materials like gas to fuel our vehicles and yard tools, but irresponsible storage can have disastrous consequences. Make a point to only use authorized containers to keep gas in, and place your containers out of the reach of any children. Gas should only be used for its intended purposes as well, so if you are unable to light your bonfire, don’t turn to your gasoline container for any assistance.

Before lighting any outdoor fire, be sure to check local weather forecasts and local laws. If conditions are very windy or dry, light that fire another day, and save the marshmallows for later.

And if your home is impacted by an outdoor fire, contact our experts at SERVPRO. Our team has years of experience dealing with the aftermath of fires and can work hard to restore your home or its former glory.

Burn safely outdoors. And save some chocolate for us! If you have experienced fire or smoke damage, contact us today to get restoration started faster.

Steps To Take If A Pipe Breaks In Your Home

7/20/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Central Garden Grove to fix your broken pipe today! 714-591-0646

Broken pipes are one of the leading causes of water damage in homes.  Every home contains numerous pipes that can burst or break, it's important to fix broken pipes quickly to prevent water damage and mold growth.

Call SERVPRO of Central Garden Grove, your certified water restoration professional to come inspect and restore the water damage caused to your home.

Steps to take once you are aware that a pipe has burst.

1. Switch off power to your home, if it's safe to do so.

2. Turn off the main water supply valve.

3. Call your insurance company to confirm coverage.

4. Remove any items that can be salvaged.

5. If there is water damage to your home, we recommend you call SERVPRO of Central Garden Grove.

Our team uses advanced cleaning and drying equipment to leave your home "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO Is A Licensed Contractor

7/20/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Central Garden Grove can help you get things back to normal from start to finish!

Did you know that SERVPRO of Central Garden Grove is a licensed contractor?

We have over 15 years of construction experience, are licensed, bonded and insured.  We have the experience from a small house remodel project all the way to building from ground up.

When your home is left looking in complete disarray after a fire or you have a water leak that has caused major damage to your home, we are your one stop shop and will fix your home back to normal.  We will do the clean-up and water mitigation and will do any repairs or reconstruction needs without you needing to look around for one additional service in reconstruction.  We will get the job done from start to finish.

SERVPRO of Central Garden Grove is committed to delivering a high level of service and quality to our customers. 

Give us a call today at (714) 591-0646!

Everything to Know About Weather Alerts | SERVPRO® of Central Garden Grove

7/12/2022 (Permalink)

If you suspect any damage to your home from a recent storm, call SERVPRO of Central Garden Grove.

There are many types of weather alerts, around 42 kinds to be exact. Each warning is separated into seven distinct categories. This can all be difficult to comprehend in the middle of severe weather!

Understanding the significance of a weather alert issued in our area can help you prepare properly. You’ll also be able to protect your home from the dangers associated with the weather. Being knowledgeable about all kinds of weather scenarios is helpful, but it’s also important to be aware of what weather may affect our community.

<h4alerts-are-issued">How Alerts Are Issued

Weather forecasts are used to predict the severity, location and weather conditions. These forecasts influence the types of alerts that are issued in specific areas. So, who chooses when these community warnings should be sent out?

The National Weather Service is in charge of forecasting the weather and issuing any required weather warnings. These notifications are issued by six regional offices around the United States, allowing for more accurate weather predictions and alerts depending on a specific location. For example, Garden Grove’s weather alerts are sent out from the Western Region headquarters located in Salt Lake City.

NWS weather forecasters use a variety of information to develop forecasts, including ground radars, weather balloons, sensors and even ocean buoys. This data aids in predicting how severe conditions will be, allowing for more precise and detailed forecasting.

<h4most-important-alerts-to-understand">The Most Important Alerts to Understand

Know the distinction between a weather “watch” and a “warning.” This is wording that practically all weather alerts utilize, including thunderstorms, heavy winds and snow storms.

A watch means you should stay tuned to weather conditions and prepare for any possible severe weather. Watches often cover a large area, while a warning is more location-specific and may only cover a county or city. A warning means that weather conditions are approaching and you should take action to protect yourself and your home.

Staying up-to-date on your area’s most common weather conditions can help you better understand these local alerts that may be issued during these dangerous conditions. In California, for example, there are many beautiful beaches located around the state. They can cause threats such as coastal and tropical storms, thus individuals living near these beaches should keep an eye out for these storm warnings.

<h4your-home-during-a-storm">Protecting Your Home During a Storm

While following weather updates is the safest approach to secure your house and life during adverse weather, there are a few other actions you can take right now to help limit the damage.

Cleaning your gutters and restraining any outdoor items are two methods for protecting your home from the dangers that weather, such as floods and powerful winds.

Create a safe space with supplies and have an emergency exit plan for your family. Find a safe place to seek refuge that is well-stocked with essential supplies, and have an evacuation plan in case your family needs to escape.

If a storm blows through your area and damages your home, contact our repair experts at SERVPRO. We are accessible 24⁄7 to assist you in devising a strategy for restoring your house to its pre-storm condition.

Staying informed about the weather conditions in your area is a surefire way to stay safe. Learn about the many warnings that may be issued in our community and beyond so you can weather the next storm.

Experienced storm damage to your home or property? Contact us today for a quick response!

What Kind of Disaster Could Impact Your Business? | SERVPRO® of Central Garden Grove

7/12/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Central Garden Grove is your local commercial disaster team. Contact us to learn more about our commercial damage restoration services.

Our country runs on our local businesses. Whether it’s the one you work for or the one you frequent regularly, these businesses give a lot to our communities.

On a typical day, business owners have a lot on their plate, handling the ins and outs of running a commercial entity. When calamity hits, it can be devastating to a company’s productivity and income.

The amount of damage caused by natural disasters is continuously growing over time. In fact, the NCEI reports that over the last five years, the United States has suffered an average of $153 billion worth of damage annually. This is a significant increase from the last recorded period.

Garden Grove commonly experiences weather like earthquakes, strong winds and even wildfires. An earthquake blew out power all over Garden Grove in 1999. Power outages are never convenient for business, and with severe weather such as this, you never know when the power will be restored in the workplace.

To protect your business, be ready for any crisis that could occur on your commercial property. We’ve put together information that will help you better understand what kinds of workplace emergencies you should be prepared for.

<h2damage">Water Damage

Excessive water or moisture infiltrates businesses around the nation daily. These water emergencies might be caused by the weather or even internal problems in your office, such as a plumbing malfunction. Both of these forms of water damage can lead to costly repairs.

Flooding that starts on the outside, such as from flash floods or even dams breaking, can infiltrate your property’s doors and windows, causing damage to your facility’s foundation. Consider using your landscaping to direct water away from your business if you have space around it, as this is a smart way to safeguard your business.

Water damage can develop into a bigger concern when leakage occurs in appliances or burst pipes. Make an effort to inspect your plumbing for any signs of leaks and check your walls and flooring for wet spots and warping. Taking these steps on a regular basis will help you stay ahead of the damage and avoid pricey repairs.

<h2damage">Storm Damage

Storms have a constant impact on businesses, and when severe weather wreaks havoc on a whole region, numerous businesses might be impacted at the same time. Even mild storms can result in power disruptions that can shut down your business for hours, if not days.

Major storms can rip entire infrastructures apart, tearing away a company’s roof and exposing the inside of your building to storm hazards.

Storms can create winds of up to 10 to 45 mph, but a severe storm like the ones common during hotter seasons can produce wind gusts of over 100 mph! Storms like this can rip trees out of the ground, topple large vehicles and throw debris all over the place.

Precautions like storm-proof windows are a great way to reduce the chance of damage during a storm, but these measures can be expensive.

But low-cost efforts can also help. Inspect your building for any cracks or gaps that may allow rain or flood waters to seep into your property and have them sealed to help prevent water damage. Before a storm, secure any outdoor equipment, inventory or furniture to keep strong winds from picking up and damaging these valuable items.

<h2who-to-call">Know Who to Call

Commercial damage can take numerous forms, the most prevalent of which are water and storm damage. Businesses are frequently forced to close for repairs or possibly to close permanently as a result of these tragic incidents.

Thankfully, we are available around the clock and can respond quickly to any disaster. Our skilled staff can be on the job immediately to help you devise and implement a restoration plan to get you back in business!

If you have experienced damage to your business or want to learn more about our commercial damage restoration services, contact us today. We’re here to act fast, 24⁄7.