Water Damage Timeline

9/16/2021 (Permalink)

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

About SERVPRO of Santee

SERVPRO of Santee specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Be careful! Without proper training, you could be spreading mold throughout your home.

9/10/2021 (Permalink)

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:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of Santee for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of Santee 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 – 858-752-1078

24/7 Commercial Emergency Service

7/29/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO responds to a weekend call at Massage Envy

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Santee/Lakeside provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays. This ensures that your business will be impacted for as few days as possible.

It’s important to respond to water damage quickly because within the first 24 hours your drywall and paint can break down, dyes in cloth can spread and stain surrounding areas, odors start appearing. In addition to this, mold begins to grow and, if untreated, can cause various health issues in your employees. 

Call SERVPRO of Santee & Lakeside today at (619) 258-7200 for assistance with your commercial water damage. Our goal is to make it "Like it never even happened."

Fire Evacuation Preparation

7/6/2021 (Permalink)

Fire season is approaching in Southern California and many homeowners in high risk areas are thinking about putting together their evacuation plan.

Supplies such as 3-days worth of non-perishable foods, first aid kit, sturdy shoes, clothing, and blankets for everyone in your household, important documents (passports, birth certificates, etc.), cash and credit cards, and any prescription medication or eyeglasses/contact lenses. In addition to this, you will want to have a pre-marked map with at least two evacuation routes. 

As fire season progresses, those in high risk areas will want to keep a close eye on the wildfire location by subscribing to text alerts through CalFire (see link below). If the fire is getting close, you’ll want to take time to collect important photos, hard drives, electronics, and portable valuables. Setting these items aside next to your supplies kit will make it easy and quick to grab and go in case of evacuation.

It is all of our responsibility to do our part to prevent wildfires for everyone's safety, but it is also our familial responsibility to have a plan set in place if you live in a high-risk location.

https://incidents.readyforwildfire.org/

Welcome Home!

6/24/2021 (Permalink)

Severe water damage while family is on vacation

Vacations are great to get away from all the stress of the real word. No one ever looks forward to the end of their vacation, coming back to their daily life. This was even more so the case for this homeowner.

Our team responded to a job where a concerned neighbor called because they saw water leaking out of the garage and doors while this family was away on vacation. The water supply line to the washer had too much pressure built up, causing it to rupture. The water soon spread throughout the house, causing severe water damage. This family returned home from their vacation to see every floor covered in inches of standing water that had been accumulating while they were away.

Our SERVPRO of Santee/Lakeside team helped clean & restore the damage. Call us at (619) 258-7200 if you also need help with water damage - big or small

Fire Season

6/15/2021 (Permalink)

The active wildfires here in Southern California are increasing their impact as growing Santa Ana winds add fuel to these devastating blazes that are encroaching in our area. According to the New York Times, new fires broke out in Malibu on December 7, with at least 96,000 acres already burned in the Ventura area and 116,000 acres in Los Angeles County. Evacuations have closed hundreds of schools and forced 200,000 of our neighbors to seek safety. The “Thomas Fire” in the Ventura area continues to burn with the aid of strong winds. This fire has caused the closure of the 101 freeway and a boil-water advisory was issued for Ventura County. Santa Ana winds The Santa Ana winds that are enabling the fires to rapidly increase their reach can have speeds in excess of 60 miles per hour. They are not expected to diminish until Friday into Saturday at the earliest. The National Weather Service has warned of “very rapid fire growth” in this area. SERVPRO Meteorologist Lela Davis said that the Santa Ana winds were already very dry when they reached the Southern California valley, allowing them to quickly pull moisture out of vegetation, increasing the risk for wildfires. For the first time ever, a purple wind warning was issued for today under the color-coded system used to advise about high winds. This purple warning pushed wind expectations from the “high” category to “extreme”. Ready to help Here at SERVPRO of Santee we are monitoring this wildfire situation closely. Our thoughts are with those neighbors who may be put in harms’ way during this event. In many cases, a wildfire can result in a total loss for a home or business, but in others it may be a partial loss, or can result in mild smoke damage. If your home or business is affected by a wildfire, SERVPRO of Santee/Lakeside is Here to Help®. 

About SERVPRO of Santee

SERVPRO of Santee specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Fire or Soot Damage? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help

858-752-1078

Fire Season is Approaching!

6/9/2021 (Permalink)

As we enter fire season in Southern California, property owners in high risk areas must take additional precautions to prevent bushfires. These simple tasks can potentially save lives and hundreds of thousands of dollars' worth of damage.

Perform regular yard maintenance such as mowing the grass, cleaning out dried leaves and weeds (don’t forget the gutters & roofs!), and trimming low branches from any surrounding trees. In addition, you’ll need to be sure to dispose of this natural material waste properly. During fire season, you’ll also want to relocate any flammable items away from your home. This includes wood piles, wooden crates, and outdoor garden furniture.

In addition to taking physical precautions, it is also vital that everyone in the household knows fire safety and children are taught to call 911 to report a large fire.

Our team here at SERVPRO of Santee & Lakeside is always here to help in fire and smoke damage, but it’s up to us all to take preventative action. Call us at (619) 258-7200 if you have any fire or smoke damage.

The Importance of an ERP

5/21/2021 (Permalink)

When things go wrong, oftentimes people get flustered and are unable to make good quick decisions. An ERP (Emergency Readiness Plan) will help you and your staff be prepared in times of distress. This file will serve as a go-to for all information including water shut-off location, insurance contact information, property manager contact information (if applicable), and much more. This step-by-step procedure guides the employee and/or homeowner through the necessary process for the particular damage category.

For example, if the property has a pipe leak, the Emergency Readiness Plan walks the person through the steps to prevent additional water damage, starting with shutting off the water supply. Then, it would direct them to notify any property or store manager and/or insurance contacts. Other important contacts can also be added to the notification list so nothing is missed in a moment of stress and chaos.

If you would like an official ERP set-up for your residential or commercial property, call SERVPRO of Santee/Lakeside today at (619) 258-7200.

Drywall Water Damage Indicators & Repair Process

5/3/2021 (Permalink)

Ramona home has water damaged drywall

Water damage to the drywall is very common, and the longer the property owner waits before repairing the affected areas, the worse the damage is. Common indicators include staining on ceiling or walls, swollen drywall, musty odor, loose or broken tiles in shower or bathroom, and soft and fragile drywall which breaks easily. 

The water damage repair process begins with a SERVPRO of Santee/Lakeside technician identifying the water source. Then, the team can assess the severity of the water damage and remove any water damaged drywall. Finally, the technicians will dry and restore the water damaged areas.

The pictured home had water damage to their drywall caused by a pipe like from within the wall. Due to the location of the broken pipe, the drywall had to be completely removed in a few bedrooms which shared the wall. SERVPRO of Santee/Lakeside technicians set in place a few dehydration fans to absorb the moisture and circulate the air in the affected rooms. The carpet flooring had to be removed, but rooms with tile could be dried with fans.

If you find yourself with drywall water damage, call SERVPRO of Santee/Lakeside at (619) 258-7200. Our goal is to make it "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO ERP - Emergency Ready Profile

4/29/2021 (Permalink)

On average 50% of businesses close down following a major storm or natural disaster. Of the surviving businesses, research shows that the majority of them have an Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) in place in preparation for uncertain times. Creating this plan in advance will give your clients and employees the peace of mind knowing that you’re ready for whatever may happen. In addition, by developing a SERVPRO ERP, you greatly minimize the amount of interruption (if any) following a disaster. This plan will explain exactly what to do and what is expected in order to mitigate and help minimize water and fire damage in your business.

• •A no cost assessment of your facility.
  This means there is no need to allocate funds, giving you a great value at no cost.
   
• •A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.
  It will only take a little time to complete and will not take you away from current projects. But it will save a lot of time and money if/when it is needed.
   
• •A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.
  This can help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive by having an immediate plan of action.
   
• •Establishes your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.
  You can rest assured that you have a disaster remediation & restoration team that is recognized as an industry leader and just one phone call away.
   
• •Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin.
  This saves time so we can begin the work of mitigating the damage which can save you time and money.
   
• •Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information.
  Having a quick reference of what to do, how to do it and who to call provides solutions in advance of an emergency so that during the emergency you are ready for whatever happens.

When Was The Last Time You Checked Your HVAC Air Filters?

4/12/2021 (Permalink)

Dirty air filters and ventilation systems are almost always to blame for poor indoor air quality, but it is such an easy fix! In many cases, HVAC systems are left for some time without inspection. Dirty air ducts can not only circulate bad odors, but contaminants such as mold and allergens that may cause health effects for those in the building. 

Keeping your building’s HVAC and ducts clean can increase the air quality in your building and extend the life-span of your equipment. In addition to this, regularly inspected equipment will be very efficient, operating at its peak condition. 

While duct cleaning is not always necessary, the SERVPRO of Santee & Lakeside team is always available to give an inspection and give recommendations regarding any air quality concerns you may have.

Mold & Water Damage in Bathroom

3/22/2021 (Permalink)

Drywall being replaced in commercial bathroom

Most people have some level of mold in their home, but when left unnoticed, mold can become an out-of-control issue. Because mold growth can cause various health effects in those working or living in the building, it is important to get the mold remediated as quickly as possible. In this recent water damage and mold remediation job, the drywall in this commercial bathroom had to be torn out and replaced by our reconstruction team. Our team of trained technicians get the job done right the first time so you can rest easy that your problem is solved!

Call SERVPRO of Santee/Lakeside today for help with your water damage, mold remediation and restoration at (619) 258-7200. Our goal is to make it "Like it never even happened."

Commercial Carpet Cleaning

3/17/2021 (Permalink)

Did you know that your local SERVPRO can also assist you in cleaning carpets? Regular vacuuming can lift dirt and other debris, but deep cleaning using professional grade machinery can lift debris caught deep within the carpet fibers and prevent the growth and spread of bacteria. Regular shampooing and upkeep can also greatly increase the lifetime of your carpets and increase indoor air quality.

Upon arrival, our team of trained technicians will examine the carpets and present the carpet cleaning options that would be best for your carpet type & level of soiling. After shampooing your carpets, we will set up dehumidifier fans to circulate the air and greatly speed up drying time so you can get back to normal faster!

Call SERVPRO of Santee & Lakeside today to schedule a carpet cleaning appointment for your commercial or residential building. Our customers’ happiness is always our top priority!

Your Allergies May Actually Be Mold Exposure

3/1/2021 (Permalink)

Spring is known as allergy season, but what most people don’t know is what they believe to be allergies may actually be mold exposure. Many homes receive water damage over the winter and once temperatures warm up come springtime, it creates the perfect environment for mold to grow and thrive. Consistent inhalation and exposure to mold can cause symptoms and health effects that are very easy to confuse for allergies.

Call SERVPRO of Santee & Lakeside at (619) 258-7200 today if you believe you may have a mold problem in your home. Our team of trained technicians will examine your home to find the original source of water damage. Our team will get the job done right the first time, so you can rest easy that the mold is remediated. We’ll make it "Like it never even happened."

Sink Overflow in Master Bedroom

2/18/2021 (Permalink)

Master bedroom water damage from En Suite Bathroom

Accidents are going to happen, but the last thing on your mind is the health of your drains and pipes. Whether it's hair or a child's toy, bathroom sinks are especially susceptible to clogging. 

In this picture, you see the aftermath of a client’s sink overflowing and damaging the walls and the carpet of their master bedroom. This disaster was due to the sink getting clogged and overflowing throughout the en suite bathroom and master bedroom. Once our team of trained technicians examined the area, dehumidifiers were set up to help prevent secondary damage such as mold.

At SERVPRO of Santee & Lakeside, our highly trained professionals are always available - day or night - to assist in your water damage.

Call us at (619) 258-7200 for any water, mold, fire, or smoke damage assistance. Our goal is to make it "Like it never even happened."

Humidifiers Can be a Mold Breeding Ground!

2/2/2021 (Permalink)

Many of us often use humidifiers in our home to combat the dry air here in San Diego. Humidifiers must be maintained in order to prevent mold growth which can lead to various health effects. 

First, be sure to regularly empty remaining water and rinse daily with hot, soapy water. As weekly maintenance, you can run ½ cup of white vinegar through your humidifier to thoroughly cleanse and remove bacteria from your humidifier machine. You’ll want to do this outside to avoid the harsh vinegar smells from entering your home. 

Finally, while increasing the humidity in your home is excellent for your skin and your health, it can also increase mold growth in your home. If you notice any water damage or moisture in the walls or flooring, it is very important to get a professional examination of the affected area. SERVPRO of Santee & Lakeside has a trained team of technicians who are always ready to assist you in your house’s water or mold damage. Call us today at (619) 258-7200 to make it "Like it never even happened."

Winter Roof Leak

1/29/2021 (Permalink)

Water Damage in an Escondido Home

It does not rain in southern California very often, but when it does it cause havoc not only in our freeways but also in our homes. The sun baked shingles are easily damaged by the wind and rain water quickly finds a way to drip to bedrooms, living room, and any room near flashing, windows or patio doors. Our crew members are well versed in the proper way to tarp a roof, and prevent further damage in the house.

We responded to a job in which the bedroom was impacted due to improperly installed flashing, and rain water found its way to drywall in the master bedroom. Quick into action, our crew mitigated the damage, and dried the structure. Call us at (619) 258-7200, we are always here to help.

We are Cleaning Experts

1/20/2021 (Permalink)

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned. Cleaning Services for San Diego

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:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

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 Santee , 858-752-1078

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-prevent-spread.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fguidance-prevent-spread.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-business-response.html

Water Damage to Kitchen Ceiling

1/12/2021 (Permalink)

Water Damage in this San Diego kitchen's ceiling

SERVPRO of Santee & Lakeside takes great pride in our 24/7 emergency response service. Fast and reliable response is vital when it comes to water damage. While our team of trained technicians are quick to arrive in emergency calls, we will take our time inspecting the extent of the water damage to ensure the best course of action. SERVPRO technicians will use moisture meters, dehumidifiers, and air-circulating fans to ensure the entire area is dried. We will always get the job done right the first time so you can rest easy knowing that your water damage has been mitigated. 

Call SERVPRO of Santee & Lakeside at (619) 258-7200 today for help with your commercial or residential water and mold damage. Our goal is to make it "Like it never even happened."

How to Survive San Diego Winters

12/17/2020 (Permalink)

San Diego Winters

Those living in San Diego are used to sunny skies and warm temperatures. What happens when our beautiful San Diego turns into a stormy city? That’s where we come in to assist you.

Here are some tips on how to prevent the outside rain from coming inside your home:

• Check your roof for any leaks or cracks.
• Make sure your doors and windows are sealed shut.
• Be aware of what is surrounding your house. Any trees that could possibly be knocked over during high winds and crash into your home. If possible, cut any branches that might be at risk of falling off trees.

Here at SERVPRO of Santee/ Lakeside, we will answer any questions you may have about how to prevent storm damage to your home. Just give us a call at (619)258-7200.

Storm Preparation

12/11/2020 (Permalink)

Car stuck after Hurricane Sally 2020

According to noaa.org, 98% of all presidentially declared disasters are weather-related and will result in around 650 deaths and nearly $15 billion in damage per year. The first step to becoming ready for severe weather is understanding the types of hazardous weather that can affect your location. Checking weather forecasts and subscribing to emergency alerts in your area are other ways that you can stay in the loop. Putting together an emergency kit and determining the best evacuation plan for your home and business can give great peace of mind and a head start in case of emergency evacuation or lockdown.

Whether your concern is tsunamis, tornadoes, blizzards, or hurricanes, you can keep SERVPRO in mind for when the time comes that you’ll need water damage meditation and building restoration. Call SERVPRO of Santee & Lakeside at (619) 258-7200 with any assistance regarding water, mold, fire or smoke damage.

Burning Christmas Tree

12/1/2020 (Permalink)

Many families celebrate the holidays with a Christmas tree and, while they are beautiful and festive, they can also be a huge fire hazard! Fire departments across the country respond to hundreds of Christmas tree related calls each year. Follow these next few tips to prevent a Christmas tree bonfire in your living room!

Keeping your live Christmas tree well watered can prevent it from drying out and easily catching fire. A dried-out tree can fully ignite in a matter of minutes, giving the fire enough mass to easily spread to nearby curtains and walls in your home. Simply by ensuring your tree’s water pot is always full can make it far less flammable and prevent a very destructive and potentially life-threatening fire this holiday season.

Some fires are caused by too many strands of Christmas lights being plugged together, thus overloading the electrical outlet. Before plugging in your Christmas lights, be sure to check the voltage maximum on your outlet and refer to the lights manufacturer for other recommendations. Having your lights on a timer can save electricity and prevent these lights from overheating and starting a fire while unattended. 

SERVPRO of Santee & Lakeside is always available to assist with fire and smoke damage, but following these easy safety tips can prevent thousands of dollars in damage and potentially save lives!

COVID Sanitizing Christmas Presents

11/19/2020 (Permalink)

This winter, we all need to be cautious of what we’re bringing into our homes on a daily basis. Over the Christmas season, many homes will be bringing new toys and presents into their home to give to their loved ones. In the chaos of the holiday season, it may slip people's minds to clean and sanitize these items before they have a chance to contaminate other items in the home. 

Different materials require different cleansing and sanitizing. Many plastic kid's toys are dishwasher safe and clothing can be tossed in the washing machine. For other non-porous toys and gifts, soak in a diluted bleach solution for 5 minutes, rinse with fresh water, and allow to air-dry. Other items can be wiped down or sanitized with an alcohol-based spray. 

When in doubt regarding how to clean an item, you can always default to a 2-week quarantine of that item. Simply be sure to purchase the gift at least 2 weeks before Christmas (or the gifting date). You can always wrap the gift right away, so it is contained and ready to set aside for Christmas Day!

Fireplace Safety

11/12/2020 (Permalink)

As winter approaches in San Diego, many of us will start gathering around the fireplace in the evenings. While this is an excellent way to bond with family members, there are steps we need to take to ensure our safety.

Although San Diegans generally don’t use their fireplaces as regularly as other cities do, it’s important to have the ventilation system swept regularly and inspect the flue lining for cracks. If there are any cracks wider than 2cm, you should have it repaired before housing a fire. 

While gas fireplaces are very efficient, they also pose safety concerns. If you have a gas fireplace be sure to double-check that the gas is turned off before going to bed. The gas control key should always be stored in another location to prevent the key from accidentally getting opened and releasing gas into your home. If you have young children, be sure the control key is out of reach or install a lock on the knob.

Finally, while the crackling of the fireplace is half of its charm, it’s important that you take precautions to protect your home against popping embers. Installing a hanging or standing wire mesh screen provides a barrier between the embers and potentially flammable items in your living room. In addition, you may want to place a non-flammable rug in front of your fireplace hearth to prevent any stray embers from singing your carpet or hardwood floors.

Thanksgiving Cooking Safety

11/10/2020 (Permalink)

Each November, families across the country gather to celebrate Thanksgiving by preparing a delicious feast. Without practicing these very important cooking safety habits, this fun holiday can quickly cause a lot of damage and become very hazardous. The National Fire Protection Association has named cooking as the main cause for home fires and injuries with Thanksgiving Day as the highest. In the chaos of preparing such a large dinner, distractions can often cause accidents like these to occur. Keep the following safe habits in mind as you’re preparing Thanksgiving dinner this year.

In preparation for Thanksgiving Day, install a smoke detector in the kitchen or, if you already have one, be sure to use the test function to ensure it is still working properly and regularly replace batteries. You can also purchase a fire extinguisher to keep in the kitchen and, if you’ve owned the same fire extinguisher for many years, check to make sure that it is not expired. If you have kids in your household (or kids that will be at your home on the day of cooking) it is a good idea to explain to the children in advance that they are to stay out of the kitchen (or at least three feet away from the stove) to prevent any burn accidents. Communicating this in advance is always best since on Thanksgiving Day they will likely be excited, and distracted, by the company.

When it comes to cooking, be sure that you are not wearing any loose clothing or dangling sleeves that can easily catch fire. Also be sure that cooking food is never left unattended. It only takes a few minutes for a small kitchen fire to grow out of control. If you must step away, turn off the stove to prevent any accidents. Finally, if you plan on deep-drying your turkey dinner, be sure to do this outside and not in your garage. Deep-frying is often very messy and can easily catch nearby things in a garage on fire. 

SERVPRO of Santee & Lakeside is always here to help with fire & smoke damage, but this is often quite costly and inconvenient. Follow these safe cooking habits to prevent fire damage as much as possible

Disaster Recovery Team

10/30/2020 (Permalink)

Disaster Recovery Team ready to help Pensacola, FL Hurricane Sally damage

Did you know that SERVPRO of Santee & Lakeside is part of the Disaster Recovery Team. SERVPRO selects large-loss specialists who are prequalified and strategically positioned nationwide, ready to respond to any size disaster such as the 2017 California wildfires and a multitude of hurricanes and floods. 

Most recently our local team was sent to Pensacola, FL to assist with Hurricane Sally water damage and restoration. Every large loss is supervised by an operations manager to ensure seamless communication and efficient, timely mitigation of damage.

Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year, we are always prepared for the unpredictable! With over 1,700 franchises nationwide, no disaster is too big! Call SERVPRO of Santee & Lakeside at (619) 258-7200 today for help with any job - big or small!

Storm Preparation

10/30/2020 (Permalink)

Car stuck after Hurricane Sally 2020

According to noaa.org, 98% of all presidentially declared disasters are weather-related and will result in around 650 deaths and nearly $15 billion in damage per year. The first step to becoming ready for severe weather is understanding the types of hazardous weather that can affect your location. Checking weather forecasts and subscribing to emergency alerts in your area are other ways that you can stay in the loop. Putting together an emergency kit and determining the best evacuation plan for your home and business can give great peace of mind and a head start in case of emergency evacuation or lockdown.

Whether your concern is tsunamis, tornadoes, blizzards, or hurricanes, you can keep SERVPRO in mind for when the time comes that you’ll need water damage meditation and building restoration. Call SERVPRO of Santee & Lakeside at (619) 258-7200 with any assistance regarding water, mold, fire or smoke damage.

Halloween COVID Safety Tips

10/27/2020 (Permalink)

COVID has thrown everyone for a loop this year, but especially for moms of young children. Moms everywhere have been torn between allowing their children to have a fun summer and keeping their children masked and protected from the coronavirus. Here are a few COVID-19 Halloween safety tips to ensure your children’s safety and a great Halloween!

There is no better day to wear a mask than Halloween! Try incorporating a medical mask into your child’s Halloween costume by purchasing a fun, new mask for them or dying the mask to match the color-scheme of their costume.

It is also very important that we upgrade from the communal candy bowl to an individual candy bag spread out on a table in the front yard. Social distancing by limiting face-to-face interaction and doorbell ringing will also be necessary this year. 

This year we also need to be careful who we decide to go trick-or-treating with. In years past, you may have walked with neighborhood kids, cousins, or friend groups. This year, it will be best to keep the trick-or-treating group as small as possible.

Finally, there are other Halloween festivities that will entertain your kids this Halloween. Your family may choose to forgo trick-or-treating altogether and opt for a fun family night. Examples of activities include carving pumpkins, baking treats, watching movies, and playing fun games. 

Whether your family chooses to go out or stay in this Halloween, the team here at SERVPRO of Santee & Lakeside wishes you all a safe and happy Halloween!

Are You Prepared for Winter Storms?

10/16/2020 (Permalink)

Storm caused tree to fall on Lakeside home

Rain storms in San Diego are generally very mild, however you never know when disaster will strike. When this disaster comes upon people, they are sometimes unprepared for such a harsh winter and the severe damage that rain storms can cause.

During rain or lightning storms, trees can fall on houses, cars, or power lines. 

In the above picture, a tree fell on a Lakeside home causing not only damage to the foundation, but also allowed for an entry point for water. Our team quickly removed the tree and managed to save the wood floors using our drying techniques.

We can prepare, but unfortunately, disasters and accidents are inevitable. Because of that, SERVPRO of Santee / Lakeside is here with 24/7 emergency service to respond to your Storm, Water, Fire, Cleaning & Restoration needs! Give us a call at (619) 258-7200!

Be careful what you wish for - Rain damage

10/2/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technicians use water dehydration fans to dry out water-damaged drywall

Here in California, we all wish for rain until we actually get it. Then we suffer the consequences of the heavy rain we receive, whether it is accidents on the freeway or flooding in our houses. Our homes suffer some of the worst damage from the rain.

For instance, this house had a leaky roof which caused water to damage the entry room and living room carpet, drywall and the header above the front door. The crew was quick to remove all the affected baseboards, insulation and drywall. The team then used the proper drying equipment to effectively dry the affected materials.

At SERVPRO of Santee/ Lakeside, we can help any of your stormy weather needs. Give us a call at (619) 258-7200 for any assistance you may need to get through these rainy times.

Winter-Proof Your Rain Gutters!

8/30/2020 (Permalink)

Throughout this fun-filled summer, the last thing on your mind are the winter storms just on the horizon. As we head into fall, we should set aside time to clean our gutters and prepare our home for the upcoming rainy season. Unkept gutters can cause water damage to the roof, walls, and foundation. In addition, it creates the perfect atmosphere for mold to flourish and pests to build homes. 

To clean your gutters, you’ll want to carefully set up a tall ladder on level ground. Then, you can use an old rag or small shovel to scoop the debris from the rain gutter. After all visible debris is removed, run a hose down the rain gutter to flush away any excess dirt and debris. This step will also show if you have leaks in your rain gutter.

While we can prepare our home to the best of our abilities, unfortunately, accidents and disasters are inevitable. Luckily, SERVPRO of Santee / Lakeside is available 24/7 to assess and repair your emergency storm or water damage. Call us at (619) 258-7200 for any storm, water, fire, cleaning & restoration needs!

Finding the Source of Water Damage

8/14/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technician uses moisture meter to determine the source of water damage

During the initial response our technicians are well verse in following the path of the water based on water source. It’s common to see a broken angle stop from a pressurized line and have the water damage impact rooms that share walls. For instance, the hallway was impacted from a broken angle stop in the kitchen, the water traveled to the hallway, bedroom, playroom, and game room. Using a moisture meter on the common walls confirms the materials impacted by the water source, and the image serves as documentation for the homeowner, property manager, and insurance company.

If the water intrusion is from a clean water source the walls and other affected building materials can be possibly dried in place. It’s important to follow industry guidelines, our goal is to minimize the disruption and make it "Like it never even happened."

Call us at (619) 258-7200.

Effective & Efficient Equipment

8/4/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO team using effective & efficient water dehydration fans

Water damage equipment has evolved over time, we strive to keep up with the most efficient in the industry. For instance, this image shows the use of air movers that are very useful because of their compact design but also the low amperage usage. It’s very important to distribute the power being used in a house to avoid circuit breakers popping or even creating fire hazards.

Once all the demolition and clean up is completed our technicians are trained to count the equipment necessary, and calculate the amperage needed. Extension cords are used to use outlets in other rooms of the house just to avoid an electrical overload in the affected room. By doing so, it helps the equipment run consistently, and expedite the drying of the structure.

Call us at (619)258-7200, we are always here to help.

Bathroom Water Damage

7/23/2020 (Permalink)

Bathroom Water Damage

The bathroom is one of the most useful rooms in the entire house. However, it can become a headache when a water source or leak is not easily noticed. For instance, in this image, you see a toilet and a shower enclosure. The toilet can leak from the supply line, overflow from the bowl, and possibly leak from the seal. The shower enclosure can leak from the shower valve, showerhead, and the pan.

Based on the nature of the water source, certain procedures need to be followed to prevent cross-contamination. If the source of the water is from a pressurized line and given the right conditions our technicians attempt to minimize the demolition. Call us (619)258-7200, we are always here to help.

We are Cleaning Experts

7/20/2020 (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:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

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 Santee/Lakeside - (619) 258-7200

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-prevent-spread.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fguidance-prevent-spread.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-business-response.html

Commercial Bathroom Sewage & Water Damage

7/18/2020 (Permalink)

Tilly's Bathroom Water & Sewage Damage

There are moments in time when little kids have to use the restroom while you are doing your weekly “to-do” list, even though they were told to go before they left. That’s just what you need to deal with. What happens though when the restroom at that particular store overflows and creates a disaster? That’s where we come in!

Accidents happen, and we are here to help fix them. For instance, this Tilly’s had a sewage leak. You can see that the restroom floor is covered in a disgusting substance….if you catch our drift. But not to fear, SERVPRO of Santee/ Lakeside was quick to respond to the rescue and start performing a quick and efficient cleanup of the damaged area. If you need to get your restrooms looking nice again after being tainted by unmentionable substances due to a sewage blockage, you know who you can call at (619)-258-7200.

With fire damage, often comes water damage!

7/17/2020 (Permalink)

Fire, Smoke & Water Damage due to Sprinkler System

One of the biggest causes of fires is smoking. Many people don’t pay attention when smoking and let the ambers fall anywhere they please. Or sometimes they just carelessly leave a burning cigarette someplace while they go run and do something real quick.

In this photo, you see the result of someone leaving their cigarette unoccupied for just one moment. This caused sprinklers to go off in 14 rooms on the top floor and water leaking down to the 1^st floor in 7 rooms, the hallways, and the lobby. The headboard of the bed was destroyed because of a moment of inattention that could have been a lot worse than it was. SERVPRO of Santee/Lakeside was there to help start the drying process of the aftermath. We are here 24/7 to help assist, just call us at (619) 258-7200.

The Importance of Documentation

7/14/2020 (Permalink)

In our daily working with insurance carriers, property manager, and homeowners our crew habitually takes pre-existing images.   The documentation of the condition of flooring, walls, and furniture is so important to protect all parties involved. 

We had numerous occasions in which a client asked for the pre-existing condition images in order to prevent replacement of floors, and furniture. The insurance carriers limit their exposure by having proper documentation, being able to show the before, during and after photos on a claim.  

In any dispute of damage to the property an image can resolve any accusation, or disagreement.  Specially if the involved parties are trying to reach a reasonable resolution.  Count on us!

Call us (619)258-7200, we are always here to help.

Residential fires can happen anytime!

7/1/2020 (Permalink)

Microwave fire causes kitchen damage

“Honey….do you smell something burning?” Sometimes we all get preoccupied with chasing the dog or the kids around and we forget that we put food in the microwave. It happens to the best of us, but usually we can catch it before anything really bad happens. Unfortunately for this homeowner, it was too late and the microwave went up in flames.

In this picture you can see that some of the microwave melted and parts of the cupboard above the microwave were affected. As always, SERVPRO of Santee/Lakeside was quick to respond to this distressed homeowner’s house to work on restoring the damaged areas. If you also have distractions that end in your home having fire damage, call the fire restoration experts at (619) 258-7200.

La Mesa Dentist Office Water Damage

6/22/2020 (Permalink)

Dehydration Fans drying out La Mesa dentist office waiting room

This La Mesa dentist office called with water damage to the waiting room area as well as offices and storage rooms. Due to SERVPRO of Santee/Lakeside’s fast response 24/7 emergency service, our team of trained technicians were onsite and began repairing the damage before things got worse. SERVPRO technicians will first examine the affected areas and assess the severity of the water damage before bringing out the proper equipment. Sometimes the carpet or flooring must be lifted to properly dry the areas, but other times dehydration fans can be used to thoroughly dry the damaged areas.

When things go wrong, oftentimes there isn’t very much time to spare! Call SERVPRO of Santee/Lakeside for help with any commercial or residential fire, smoke, storm, water, and cleaning & restoration jobs at (619) 258-7200. Our goal is to make it "Like it never even happened," and get the job done right the first time!

Commercial Flooding in Ramona, CA

6/22/2020 (Permalink)

Commercial Flood in Ramona, CA

A flood does not always have to occur in a residential home. We get numerous calls regarding commercial flooding. A number of reasons could be behind us getting called to commercial properties for flooding or water damage, including:

• Heavy rains that leaked through the structures’ house
• Weak pipes in the walls
• Someone forgetting to turn off the sink before leaving the property
• And more!!!

A couple ways that you can prevent your commercial building from being damaged are:

• Fixing any leaks in the ceiling that you may have, before it gets serious, in order to limit water damage that may occur during a heavy rain
• Before you leave, make sure all the sink faucets are turned off to help prevent flooding

You can count on us here at SERVPRO of Santee/Lakeside to come your aid and assist with any damage that may have occurred to your property. Call us at (619) 258-7200.

The Importance of Drainage Maintenance

6/22/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technicians use dehydration fans to dry flooded and water damaged drywall in San Diego home.

Sometimes houses don’t always have the perfect drainage systems. This can cause flooding inside the house, even if the flooding originates in the backyard. Water that comes from outside the house inside is considered sewage water due to how contaminated it can get.

On this property, the constant heavy rain caused the backyard to flood because the drain system could not keep up properly. This, in turn, caused the bathroom to flood, affecting the walls and tile floor. Our crew jumped into action, removing the affected material due to the contaminating water damaging the inside of the bathroom. They set up dehumidifiers in hopes of reducing some of the disaster.

Call us at (619) 258-7200 to fix those pesky drainage problems. That is why SERVPRO of Santee/ Lakeside is here, to help our loyal customers

Out-of-town home has Pipe Malfunction

6/22/2020 (Permalink)

Out-of-town home has a pipe malfunction

Water Heater Leak - 24/7 Emergency Service!

6/19/2020 (Permalink)

San Diego Home Uses SERVPRO's 24/7 Emergency Service

In this cold San Diego weather, we all want to have warm water running through our sinks and showers, but do we want that on our bedroom floor and bed?

In this house, a water heater pipe started leaking, damaging the flooring in the bedroom and garage, as well as the walls surrounding the broken pipe. Our crew quickly responded regardless of the fact that the call was made very late at night. The SERVPRO technicians assessed the damage and set up some of our equipment to begin the drying process.

No matter how late at night your disasters happen, SERVPRO of Santee/ Lakeside will be there to help clean it up. Day or night, 24/7, give us a call at (619)258-7200.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned – A Defensive Cleaning Program

6/15/2020 (Permalink)

Our defensive cleaning program gives your business a way forward by providing your employees and customers ongoing safety and assuredness.

Let us help you get back to business

As our communities re-open, we’re all moving back toward a new kind of normal. The expectations of visitors, customers, and employees who come into our establishments have evolved, and staying safe and well is a top concern. The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, and we’ve developed a program to help your business meet the new higher standard of clean that is now expected.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive cleaning program we’re offering to businesses and commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This proactive viral pathogen cleaning program goes well beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. By choosing Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you, your employees, your customers, and your community can rest assured that you’ve selected a higher cleaning standard – you are Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Extensive training and specialized products

As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration*, we stand on more than 50 years of experience and expertise to help your business become Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.  Beyond fire & water, SERVPRO professionals are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination and chemical spills – always adhering to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities. 

From formulating and creating our proprietary cleaning products, like SERVPROXIDE, at our headquarters in Gallatin, TN, to taking the utmost care while disinfecting, we will ensure you and your business are set up to inspire consumer confidence as the economy continues to reopen.

3 C’s – Consult, Clean, and Certify

When the stakes are this high, you want a partner who has developed an industry leading, proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes over decades. We’ve cleaned up some of the most challenging biohazards imaginable. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned reflects our unique experiences and capabilities. The program is grounded with our unique 3 C’s: Consult, Clean, and Certify.

• Consult – Every business is different, which is why you’ll be assigned a Cleaning Protocol Consultant who understands your business and will create a cleaning program to meet your specific needs. This program will be developed based on your business type, size of space, amount of high frequency touchpoints, foot traffic and congestion points.
• Clean – Based on your specific business needs, your location will undergo a thorough, deep clean, using exclusive cleaning products, according to protocols set forth by the CDC. Our employees have years of experience, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform. 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 hazardous materials.  In the event of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 event, we will be there cleaning within 24 hours to ensure you get back to business as quickly as possible. 
• Certify - Once your business location has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you will gain access to proprietary signage, digital emblems, and other collateral that communicates that you’ve selected a higher standard of clean available to help protect your employees and customers. And because we add the day, month, and year to that proprietary stamp of clean, your guests will know that not only did you choose Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, but that your location is being cleaned regularly at this standard.

Call today for a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation

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 Santee / Lakeside today at  619-258-7200 for your Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation.

Pipe Leaks & Water Damage

6/5/2020 (Permalink)

Water Dehumidifiers Drying Room

Do not assume that the inside of your house will always be one hundred percent dry. Pipes can leak anywhere in your house, even in places where it is supposed to be dry, like your closet.

In this house, the copper pipe in the ceiling above the closet started leaking, thus affecting the walls in the closet and ceiling. The leakage was so bad that the water impacted two bedrooms, a cabinet in the hallway, and the wood floor. Fans and dehumidifiers were set up to properly dry the materials in a timely matter.

It is our mission here at SERVPRO of Santee/ Lakeside to get our jobs done quickly and effectively. Calls us at (619) 258-7200 to get the inside of your house feeling dry again!

Too hot to handle - Literally!!

6/1/2020 (Permalink)

As the evenings cool down we all want to gather with friends and family to roast s'mores in a backyard bonfire! While this is a fantastic summertime tradition, it’s incredibly important to exercise great caution when building a fire in such close proximity to your home. These few tips below will ensure you have the safest backyard bonfire possible!

Building a fire pit with old bricks, stone, or cinder blocks is one precaution to keep the fire contained in a specified area. It’s also important to choose your fire pit location very carefully. You do not want this area to be close to your home, dry trees, brush, or dry fences. Although it’s quite tempting to pile on lots of wood to create a huge, roaring fire, this greatly increases your chances of losing control of your bonfire. Finally, always be alert when handling your bonfire and never leave children or intoxicated adults responsible for tending to the fire.

However, in case of an accident, you can rest assured that SERVPRO of Santee/Lakeside can repair your fire and smoke damage. Give us a call at (619) 258-7200 and let us help make it "Like it never even happened."

The Importance of Response Time!

5/31/2020 (Permalink)

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Santee/Lakeside provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

(619)258-7200

Broken Supply Line Water Damage

5/29/2020 (Permalink)

This broken water supply line causes water damage that quickly flows throughout the house.

One of the fast-flowing sources of water in a home is pressurized leaks or pipe breaks.  The water migration from a broken supply line can spread quickly, and if no one is at home to notice it, it can lead to a costly claim. 

This image shows a kitchen sink that had a broken supply line and the water migrated to the hall, bedroom, and downstairs ceiling. Our crew was on site right away and was able to mitigate the damage.

The lower cabinets, drywall, insulation, and framing were impacted as part of the leak.  With the proper techniques, the countertop can be saved to minimize the disruption to the kitchen and other parts of the house.   

Call us (619)258-7200, we are always here to help. 

Faulty Wiring Causes Fire & Smoke Damage

5/22/2020 (Permalink)

Fire Damaged Air Vent

When a fire breaks out, smoke penetrates into the walls, ceilings, furniture, and even clothes. Unfortunately, the smell of smoke can remain in your home for months and sometimes even for many years if not treated properly. A homeowner in Chula Vista had faulty electrical wiring located in a bathroom air vent which caused a fire. Fortunately, the owner heard the melted air vent drop and quickly put the fire out with an extinguisher.

Although minor damage manifested, our team got called in to clean and deodorize the bathroom and surrounding rooms. SERVPRO of Santee/Lakeside technicians are experts regarding techniques and equipment to get the job done in the most efficient and quickest way possible.

Call SERVPRO of Santee/Lakeside for assistance with your fire & smoke damage (619) 258-7200.

Is that a cat or a skunk?!

5/22/2020 (Permalink)

Have you been afraid that that your husband would be without his glasses around the house and let the neighbors’ cat inside the house on a rainy day? What if that cat wasn’t actually a cat and it turned out to be a skunk and it was too late to kick it out?

Our team responded to a residence in which a skunk had started a family in the crawlspace of the house, possibly got spooked, and released a nasty odor into the air. This unbearable odor then spread throughout the house, affecting almost every room. Who did they call? They called us here at SERVPRO of Santee/ Lakeside at (619)258-7200 to help rid the residence of the foul stench. (No skunks were harmed in the process of cleaning the property).

Apartment Fire

5/22/2020 (Permalink)

San Diego Apartment Complex Catches Fire

What to do when you are a property manager and have a fire loss? Count on us, there are so many do’s and don’ts for the tenants, insurance carriers, and property owners that you always need a reliable source to help with the complexity of the loss. The cause of the fire is always a priority; the insurance company always depends on a specialist that can determine what started the fire. It’s important to know when the structure was built, the building materials can contain lead or asbestos and a specific protocol needs to be followed. Although our franchise does this type of work regularly, we know that a fire can take an emotional, and psychological toll on all impacted.

Count on us, we are always here to help (619)258-7200. 

Slab Leak in Coronado Home

5/22/2020 (Permalink)

Water Damage in Coronado home.

We received a frantic call that this Coronado home had a slab leak. Due to our 24/7 emergency service, our team of trained technicians was able to quickly respond and begin the restoration process.

The slab leak mainly impacted the wood floor located in the kitchen. The wood floors extended to other parts of the house and our primary goal was to restore the floor in order to avoid replacement and further costs.  

SERVPRO of Santee/Lakeside's trained technicians used moisture detectors to determine the severity of the water damage and aid in extracting water effectively. Using tools such as the moisture detectors as well as dehumidifiers, our team was ultimately able to fully restore the homeowner's flooring.

SERVPRO of Santee/Lakeside takes great pride in responding to a job in a timely manner. Our crew won't reside until we leave it "Like it never even happened." Call us today at (619) 258-7200

Fire Damage - Call SERVPRO of Santee / Lakeside!

5/18/2020 (Permalink)

Garage door torn down by firefighters to get inside burning home.

Sometimes the fire itself isn’t the only thing to cause damage. Oftentimes, firefighters have to make quick decisions in order to save the house and end up inflicting damage on the house as well. In the picture above, firefighters at this San Diego home’s fire had to tear out most of the garage door in order to quickly and safely get their team of firefighters in the building and, ultimately, prevent as much structural damage as possible! Thankfully, there were no injuries or lives lost in this particular house fire, but the damage wasn’t what you’d expect.

SERVPRO of Santee / Lakeside works closely with homeowners or property managers and the insurance company to help restore the property to its original condition. Call us today for any fire, smoke, or soot damage needs at (619) 258-7200

You Can Count on Us For Your Commercial Fire

5/15/2020 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO of Santee / Lakeside technicians are specially trained to examine the fire, smoke, and soot damage on your property. Our technicians will first determine the extent of the damage and then, if there was also flooding and/or water damage, the technicians will work on water removal using dehumifiers. Next, technicians will use specialized equipment to draw out smoke and soot from walls and ceilings. Finally, the team will clean, sanitize, and restore the affected areas.

Fire & smoke damage spreads quickly. You’ll be thankful for SERVPRO of Santee / Lakeside’s 24/7 emergency service. In your time of need, we’ll be there as soon as possible to start evaluating the damage and begin repairs. Call (619) 258-7200 today for any help with your fire & smoke damage.

Emergency Ready Plan - Is Your Business Prepared?

5/11/2020 (Permalink)

Have you considered an ERP (Emergency Ready Plan) for your business? Disasters are very likely to happen when you are away from your office, so our ERP app and folder gives your employees the information necessary to prevent hundreds if not thousands of dollars in damage and waste. The app and folder options both serve as the go-to location for all important information such as utilities contact information and emergency shut-off location and directions. The ERP would also include insurance information, other vital contacts such as the property manager or supervisors, and much more. When disaster strikes, this app or folder gives the employee in the situation the necessary information to react in a calm, level-headed manner. ERP packages come in either a printed folder or a phone app format, so it is very flexible with the needs of you and your business. 

Emergencies and disasters are inevitable, but SERVPRO of Santee / Lakeside wants to help prepare you and your business. Call (619) 258-7200 today to set up your business’s ERP - Emergency Ready Plan!

Summer is mold’s favorite season, too!

5/4/2020 (Permalink)

Don't let this happen to you!

As we head into summer, we may not think about potential mold sources and flare-ups! Ultimately, this is far more important than picking up a new pair of summer sandals, but it is still often overlooked.

Mold can grow anywhere where excess moisture gathers. Common mold sources include roof leaks, improper ventilation, steam or puddling in the bathroom or kitchen, broken pipes, condensation around air conditioning units or vents, insufficient or clogged drainage, and moisture accumulated in crawl spaces or basements. Our trained professionals will be happy to identify the source of the mold and thoroughly clean the affected area.

SERVPRO of Santee/Lakeside offers 24/7 assistance, so you can rest assured that mold won’t ruin your summer! Give us a call at (619) 258-7200.

Prepare Your Family with an Emergency Plan

4/30/2020 (Permalink)

Disaster can strike at any time, but do you have an emergency evacuation plan for your family?

There are four main steps to create a plan and prepare your household for the worst. The first step would be to assess potential disasters in your area - forest fire, earthquake, floods. Next, you’ll want to have a plan regarding how you’ll receive alerts and updates. If this will be done on your phone via news reports, you’ll want to invest in an external battery or car phone charger. You’ll also want to develop a meeting point with your family members, especially for young children who may not have a phone. In preparation for disaster or emergency, your children should also have you or another adult in your household’s phone number memorized in case the family is separated and unable to meet at the designated meeting point. Finally, you’ll want to put together an emergency kit that can be easily grabbed or even stored in your car (see the blog post “Emergency Checklist” for more information).

In the next emergency or disaster you face, you can be there for your family and SERVPRO of Santee / Lakeside can help repair your home damage! Give us a call at (619) 258-7200 for any storm, water, fire, cleaning & restoration needs!

Emergency Checklist

4/29/2020 (Permalink)

Living in beautiful San Diego can sometimes give us all a false sense of security that emergencies won’t happen. Disasters such as fires, earthquakes, and storms can strike at any time and it’s so important to be prepared for evacuation with an emergency checklist! 

Whether you have young children in your family or not will drastically affect your emergency supplies checklist. For example, if you have a young baby, you’ll need to be sure to pack formula and/or baby food for your child. Otherwise, your basic emergency kit would include bottled water, spare batteries, flashlights, vitamins & prescriptions, nonperishable foods, personal hygiene items such as toothpaste and hand sanitizer, and a basic first aid kit. 

In the next emergency, you can focus on caring for your family and SERVPRO of Santee / Lakeside will focus on repairing your home damage! Give us a call at (619) 258-7200. We’re here to help!

Protect Valuables with a Fireproof Document Safe

4/27/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Santee/Lakeside will always be here to repair fire and smoke damage, but sadly we cannot repair or replace valuable and irreplaceable documents and belongings. You’ve installed smoke detectors and trained your children to call 911 and “Stop, Drop, Roll”, but have you considered storing your important documents and other valuable belongings in fireproof storage?

It is recommended to keep insurance policy documentation, bank account information, and other certificates such as passports or social security cards which may be difficult to replace if damaged. You may also choose to store bank safety deposit box keys, hard drives, family keepsakes, cash, or jewelry in your home or business’s fireproof storage. 

If you have fire or smoke damage call SERVPRO of Santee/Lakeside at (619) 258-7200. We’ll make it "Like it never even happened."

Coronavirus Commercial Cleaning & Disinfecting

4/22/2020 (Permalink)

Jazz up your storefront with one of our window clings!

We are all eager to get back to our normal lives and re-open our businesses, but we should all take the proper safety measures to clean, disinfect, and sanitize any potentially infected areas. SERVPRO has been performing bioremediation services using EPA approved products and following the CDC cleanup guidelines. Because of the highly contagious nature of this virus, a thorough cleaning and disinfecting is a very important precaution to take regardless of whether there have been confirmed cases on the property or not!

In this time of uncertainty, one thing that you can always be confident in is SERVPRO of Santee/ Lakeside! We’re happy to help you clean and disinfect your business. Give us a call at (619) 258-7200 to give your customers peace of mind and stop COVID-19 in its tracks!

Confined Space

2/28/2018 (Permalink)

There are pretty strict guidelines for employees to work in crawlspaces.  Our crew members have the understanding, knowledge, and skills necessary for the safe performance of the duties assigned under this a house. 

The proper certifications are important for not only employee safety but also to ensure the services are being performed according to industry standards.

The technicians are trained to be careful with the common building materials in the crawlspace.  Copper pipes, drain pipes, electrical wires, and other cables are often in the way of the wet insulation.  Having proper lighting, and protective gear is imperative for safe working conditions.  Our technicians always have to be careful to keep an eye out for rodents, spiders, and other creatures that call crawlspace home. 

Call us (619)258-7200, always here to help. 

Unusual Weather

2/27/2018 (Permalink)

Rain, Rain...

We are blessed by the San Diego weather, it's been unusually cold but we don't have to worry about thunderstorms like in other parts of the country. 

The death toll rose to at least five on this past Sunday after severe thunderstorms swept through the central U.S., spawning a tornado that flattened homes, gale force winds and widespread flooding from the Upper Midwest to Appalachia. 

The widespread flooding often because a major problem for any structure.  Our team always has the resources to assists with water and mold remediation. 

Combined Claims Conference

2/27/2018 (Permalink)

Live and Learn

The Combined Claims Conference is a two-day program offering continuing education for insurance industry.  it includes members such as independent adjusters, attorneys, investigators and brokers. 

The conference includes three separate educational tracks: Property, Liability, and Special Investigations Unit (SIU). It's a great conference to get updated on the ever changing insurance policies, and networking with our industry partners. 

Fire Prevention

9/22/2016 (Permalink)

Fire Prevention - Santee Fire Station 4 - In training.

SERVPRO’s support through the Disaster Responder program demonstrates our commitment to help families prevent, prepare for and recover from disasters. This October we will recognize the two-year anniversary of an important initiative to reduce deaths and injuries from home fires, the disaster Red Cross responds to most frequently every year.  As the American Red Cross Home Fire Campaign reaches this significant milestone, the Red Cross and the community partners have already saved at least 111 lives, and have made at-risk communities from coast-to-coast stronger and safer by installing more than 473,000 smoke alarms, replacing more than 32,000 batteries and creating nearly 170,000 escape plans. 

The crew the picture was in training, some insurance carriers no longer write home policies in Santee and Lakaside due to previous devastating fires.  These guys are ready, just like our crew!!

Fire Prevention - Santee Fire Station 4 - In training.  

CA Mold Bill

8/4/2016 (Permalink)

The mold bill was passed last year.  Here is a quick explanation from Sen. Holly Mitchell

On Friday, Oct. 9, Gov. Jerry Brown approved SB 655 by Sen. Holly Mitchell, D-Los Angeles.

What does this mean for the rental housing industry?

While the new law does add “visible mold” to the list of conditions that can make a property substandard or untenantable, SB 655 offers property owners a number of protections from bogus claims of mold contamination:

• Visibility: The mold growth must be visible.  No more air tests that tenants and their attorneys attempt to use to delay evictions and avoid the payment of rent.
• Confirmation: The mold must be determined by a health officer or code enforcement officer to rise to a level that endangers the life, limb, health, property, safety or welfare of the public or the occupants. No more last minute tenant self-declarations that the mold exists.
• Location: The law excludes from the substandard code mold that is minor and found on surfaces that can accumulate moisture as part of their properly functioning and intended use – such as bathroom showers and window sills.
• Notification: The owner must have received notice that the mold exists in order to have any obligations under the law.
• Responsibility: The owner is not on the hook if the tenant caused the mold by failing to properly clean the unit or failed to use electrical fixtures to like bathroom fans to keep mold out.
• Accessibility: The law makes clear that the landlord has the right to enter the property to make repairs and clean up any reported mold. In some situations today, a landlord receives notice, but the tenant refuses to allow the owner in to address the issue.

Red Cross

2/24/2016 (Permalink)

DISASTER

PREPAREDNESS ACADEMY

SDG&E Energy Innovation Center
4760 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard
San Diego, CA 92117
Click for map/directions

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2016

8:00AM - 3:00PM