Tips to Keep your family safe incase of a Fire

2/15/2023 (Permalink)

Check your smoke alarms to help keep your family safe incase of a fire.

Fire is the leading cause of death in the United States, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). While there are many safety measures that you can take to protect yourself, including installing smoke alarms and fire extinguishers in your home and practicing fire drills with your children, there's one thing that people often forget, testing your smoke detectors and having a fire escape plan incase of a fire emergency.

How often should you test them? That depends on several factors. If you have central air conditioning or heat that automatically kicks on when it senses smoke, then it may be best to test them once a month. Monthly tests are ideal because this allows homeowners time to notice any problems before they become serious issues. Here's what else you need to know about checking your home's safety against fire hazards:

Check your Smoke Alarms Monthly

If you have a hardwired smoke alarm, check the wiring and make sure that there are no exposed wires. If you have a battery-operated smoke alarm, replace the batteries. If you have a combination smoke alarm (a type of device that combines both smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector), replace the batteries for both devices.

Make sure you have enough Smoke Alarms in your home

Smoke alarms, like all electrical devices, have a lifespan. The average smoke alarm lasts about 10 years, but there are other factors that will shorten or extend the life of your smoke detector. If you have an old home with original wiring from the 1970s or 1980s, it's likely that some of your smoke detectors are older than that and need to be replaced.

Any time you see signs of wear on your existing smoke alarms (mushroom-like growth around the base of the device or discoloration to its cover), it's time to replace them with new ones.

How many? Most people need at least one in every bedroom and hallway in their home. Some people install them in kitchens just to be safe. You can never have enough to help keep your family safe.

Have a Fire Escape Plan

• As a homeowner, you should have a fire escape plan.
• Practice your plan with everyone in your household.
• Make sure everyone knows the plan and can get out of the house in case of an emergency. A good way to do this is to practice going through it once or twice a year or when there’s a change in people living in your home (e.g., a new baby).
• Have fire extinguishers throughout the home: one in the kitchen and one near each bedroom door; also have one outside near the furnace room or basement entrance.

Teach Children what to do in case of a Fire

The most important thing you can do is teach your kids what to do in case of a fire. Teach them to get out, stay out and call 9-1-1 from a safe place.

Teach them to stay low to the ground, crawl and avoid smoke. Remind them not to stop and play in the hallways. Show them what it looks like when smoke comes through an open door or window by blowing gently on a piece of paper until it smokes up.

Also teach your kids what a real fire alarm sounds like so they don't mistake it for their toy whistle or something else that makes noise.

Fire safety is important for everyone, but especially for children and the elderly. If you have elderly or children living in your home, ensure your smoke detectors are working properly. Keeping regular checks on your smoke alarms can help protect and keep your family safe.

Why Is Professional Upholstery and Fabric Cleanup Necessary During Fire Damage Restoration in Los Angeles?

12/28/2021 (Permalink)

Fires damage all areas of your business, from drywall to upholstery. SERVPRO has the know-how, equipment, and experience to restore your property.

SERVPRO Ensures Testing and Advanced Cleaning Is Done for Satisfactory Restoration of Your Fabric Items

Upholstery items and fabrics such as draperies are significantly affected during a fire. Even when they survive the flames and heat, they are likely to end up heavily soiled. You can save some upholstery items at your premises with a thorough cleaning.

The sensitivity of fabrics and upholstery items to factors like heat, chemicals, and moisture makes cleaning them during fire damage restoration at your Los Angeles property challenging. However, a professional team from SERVPRO can complete the task faster and safely.

Cleanup by professionals is unique because:        

• Several methods can be used to clean an item
• The materials are pretested before cleaning
• Specialized cleaning equipment is available

The level of soiling and the materials that make up an upholstery item are the two main factors influencing the outcome of a cleaning exercise. Although you can read labels to determine the materials used to make an item, sometimes you might not get accurate information since labels mostly describe the filling material rather than the fabric. Our SERVPRO technicians overcome this by testing the fibers before starting cleaning. With the correct details, it is possible to expedite cleaning.

Some Practical Evaluation Procedures Before Cleaning Fabrics Include:

• Doing a burn test
• Doing a chemical test
• Confirming dye stability

How the cleaning is performed also influences the outcome. For instance, deciding to wet-clean a fire damaged item might not be ideal since water can dissolve the loose soils like soot on the surface of an item, causing them to set. Professional cleaning is done in stages preventing such outcomes. Our SERVPRO technicians first pre-vacuum draperies and upholstery items before starting other cleaning procedures to remove loose soils. We also have specialized upholstery cleaning machines that do thorough cleaning without over-wetting or aggravated agitation.

SERVPRO of Marina Del Rey / Westchester / El Segundo can help with the advanced cleaning resources needed to restore your upholstery or draperies after fire damage. Call us at (310) 333-0654. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

How Can Fire and Smoke Cleanup Services Help Restore My Marina Del Rey Home?

11/3/2021 (Permalink)

Fires start from many sources. No matter the size or scope of damage, SERVPRO can handle all your fire damage restoration needs.

Fire and Smoke Cleanup Removes Airborne Particles and Residues from Your Residence

Every year, various mishaps cause residential fires around the Marina Del Rey area. These fires are often caused by failing to keep a watchful eye on cooking food or simply falling asleep with a lit cigarette. Whatever their cause, though, rest assured that our restoration team can overcome the effects of these accidents.

SERVPRO precisely knows what fire and smoke cleanup in Marina Del Rey require. Our highly skilled smoke remediation and fire damage restoration experts have successfully remediated thousands of fire damaged homes around the local area. Moreover, they have all the most advanced tools to do house fire cleanup and fire restoration work the right way.

A few of the ways our technicians help restore your residence are by:

• Clearing smoke particle-laden air from your interiors with air movers and high-velocity box fans
• Further cleaning impacted air with sophisticated air scrubbers and ozone machines
• Preventing the further spread of airborne smoke particles around your home by using specialized HVAC cleaning systems to sanitize air ducts
• Employing dry, wet, abrasive, and innovative techniques to remove damaging acidic residues from materials and surfaces throughout your home
• Reconstructing irreparably damaged structural elements, rooms, and other interior areas
• Fully deodorizing your living areas and household contents with powerful, fogger-dispensed, EPA-approved deodorants

It is clear to see why your neighbors at SERVPRO of Marina Del Rey/Westchester/El Segundo are among the best fire and smoke cleanup experts in the region. So, regardless of the severity of your fire-related issue, remember that we are always just a phone call away. Call us anytime at (310) 333-0654 for assistance.

A Small Kitchen Causes Big Fire Damage in a Marina del Rey Home

10/13/2021 (Permalink)

A small fire still produces a lot of smoke and soot. SERVPRO has the tools and cleaners to tackle any size fire damage restoration.

Fires of all Sizes Require Fire Damage Restoration Services in Marina del Rey

Homeowners in Marina del Rey may find themselves needing fire damage restoration services after a seemingly small kitchen fire erupts. Cabinets, food items, and personal belongings all suffer when flames and smoke make their way into every crevice. The smoke damage may even be exacerbated following the arrival of firefighters and the use of fire extinguishers, leaving the kitchen and its surrounding rooms in disarray.

When a Marina del Rey homeowner needs fire damage restoration services, SERVPRO is ready to help. Our reputable staff is available shortly after receiving your call and arrives at your home with equipment and knowledge of fire and smoke damage restoration. Whether the fire itself was protein-based or not, the effects tend to be larger than one would imagine, as smoke and soot travel quickly through the air and the home ventilation system. Documenting the process for insurance purposes is also essential, and you can rely on our team to assist as needed.

Critical to our success is matching each damaged surface to the appropriate cleaning solution. Also important is removing items beyond repair to curtail the spread of fire damage through unaffected areas. Our SERVPRO team applies its ample expertise and industry best practices, including the following, to protect and preserve as much of your home as possible:

• Agitation to help dislodge soot and debris from surfaces
• Application of EPA-approved cleaners keeping in mind the material of each item, i.e., organic vs. inorganic, and the abrasiveness of each cleaning solution
• Use of advanced equipment such as wet-dry vacuums and ultrasonic devices to eliminate the fire’s remains

SERVPRO of Marina del Rey/ Westchester/ El Segundo provides premiere services to homeowners in the area. Contact us at (310) 333-0654 and let us handle your fire and smoke damage restoration and cleanup needs.

How to Incorporate Fire Damage Cleanup in your Busy Life in Los Angeles

9/29/2021 (Permalink)

Fires leave debris and trying to clean it alone can be stressful. DIY restoration often is not effective. SERVPRO is equipped for fire damage cleanup.

Invite a Reputable Fire Restoration Company to Handle the Cleanup in your Los Angeles Home

The hectic pace in Los Angeles leaves homeowners with little time to dwell with fire damage cleanup. When an accident happens, whether in their own home or neighboring property, efficiency is paramount, as is receiving quality services. When mitigating your loss following a fire incident, relying on a certified fire restoration crew is your best option.

Residents can entrust fire damage cleanup in Los Angeles to our certified team at SERVPRO. Our staff trains under the guise of the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), the governing certification body in our industry. It prepares us for the most challenging jobs involving soot, smoke, and water remediation. Our fleet is readily available to procure the staff and equipment necessary to meet your fire damage and restoration needs when you reach our office.

Not surprisingly, fire damage restoration often includes addressing water damage, a by-product of the extinguishing efforts. As we arrive at your home, our SERVPRO team focuses primarily on successfully doing the following: 

• Preventing cross-contamination throughout your home by establishing physical barriers between affected and unaffected areas. Plastic sheeting, negative pressure, and control over the ventilation system all help during this stage. 

• Extracting water and controlling humidity levels using pumps, dehumidifiers, and extractors suitable for water volumes of varying sizes. 

• Applying targeted cleaning solutions to each of your home’s surfaces based on their composition and pre-treatment testing results. 

At SERVPRO of Marina del Rey/ Westchester/El Segundo, we know your time is valuable, so we focus on speed and efficiency. Call us at (310) 333-0654 whenever you find yourself in need and let us leave your home “Like it never even happened.”

How Do I Protect My Los Angeles Residence So It Doesn’t Need Fire Restoration Services?

9/8/2021 (Permalink)

Fires can occur at any time. Protect yourself by making sure your home is equipped with a working fire extinguisher.

There Are Some Actions You Can Utilize to Prevent Fires at Your Los Angeles Home

House fires are relatively common in the Los Angeles area. They can arise from any one of several environmental and human-related causes. Although some residential fires are impossible to prevent, many others are preventable, or their ultimate effects can be substantially reduced in severity.

The Los Angeles fire restoration experts at SERVPRO have some suggestions for local homeowners looking to prevent or mitigate the effects of fires in their homes. This information should help them avoid the worst fire and smoke damage and escape or lessen the cost of house fire cleanup, smoke remediation, and fire damage restoration. Some of the fire prevention and mitigation measures our trained professionals suggest are:

• Always keeping a watchful eye on things you are cooking and never leaving them unattended
• Always have a working ABC fire extinguisher in the kitchen so you can quickly extinguish small wood, paper, cloth, grease, oil, and electrical fires before they grow too big
• Knowing how to put out various types of fires you are likely to encounter in your home, so you know what to do if the unthinkable ever happens
• Refraining from smoking while lying on the couch or bed
• Not allowing trees or bushes to grow too near your residence and keeping your yard free of clutter and yard debris like leaves and fallen tree limbs
• Teaching your children not to play with fire or cooking appliances

With all that said, if you ever do need fire restoration services, don’t hesitate to call your helpful neighbors at SERVPRO of Marina Del Rey/Westchester/El Segundo for assistance. We are available for your call 24/7 at (310) 333-0654.

SERVPRO Provides a Fast and Efficient Fire and Smoke Damage Service to Marina Del Rey

6/24/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot need to be removed quickly for effective restoration. SERVPRO can be at your home quickly to do the job.

Marina Del Rey Residents Can Save Time and Money by Hiring SERVPRO for Fire and Smoke Restoration

Fire and smoke damage to your Marina Del Rey home can leave soot and residue on walls and ceilings that need professionals to clean. SERVPRO technicians work hard to get the structure and contents clean after smoke damage "Like it never even happened."

Calling in the SERVPRO experts as fast as possible after the fire and smoke damage to your Marina Del Rey home is essential as the longer the residue stays, the harder it gets to clean it. One of the most fundamental aspects of cleaning fire-damaged homes is understanding the science behind the bond between the residue and the surface. SERVPRO technicians have expertise in using various methods to break this bond without damaging the surface being cleaned. 

Cleaning Actions that SERVPRO Techs Use During House Fire Cleanup in Marina Del Rey

SERVPRO techs use four basic cleaning actions during fire restoration:

• Mechanical agitation-Mechanically dislodging the residue by scrubbing is usually the first step during smoke remediation. It is best suited for dry and non-greasy residue. 
• Lubrication-Detergents loosen the bond between the soils and surface by lubricating the rubble, making them 'slide' into the cleaning solution. 
• Chemical action-SERVPRO techs use cleaning products that can interact chemically with the residues after smoke damage. These products oxidize the residue making them easier to clean.  
• Suspension and dispersion-Once the debris is loosened, it is suspended or dispersed into a cleaning product. SERVPRO techs use the scientific principle of 'Like dissolves like' to determine the type of cleaning product they use. 

Call SERVPRO of Marina Del Rey / Westchester / El Segundo at (310) 333-0654 for fast and efficient service. 

Skilled Fire Damage Restoration Efforts Address Every Aspect of Your Marina Del Rey Home

5/11/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot from small fires travel throughout your home. SERVPRO is equipped and trained for any fire damage restoration you need.

SERVPRO is Here to Ensure Fire Damaged Homes in Marina Del Rey Get Prompt Attention and Restoration!

Even if you have a partial fire within your home, there could be other zones impacted by smoke particles that must get addressed. SERVPRO uses IICRC-certified fire and smoke restoration technicians to tackle the fire and smoke damage. The result is your Marina Del Rey property being like-new and without a trace of the blaze that took place.

SERVPRO has a fire damage restoration team in Marina Del Rey that utilizes best industry practices and the most advanced technology. We work carefully yet quickly to ensure corrosive smoke and soot particles do not have a chance to fester. Depending on the materials impacted by soot and smoke, we have various techniques and cleaning solutions that help us achieve the desired results. Some of the steps we take when called for fire restoration include:

• Water extraction to pull up any moisture from extinguishing the flames – done with pumps and extractors in a variety of sizes.
• Total disinfection to help eliminate all potentially harmful bacteria.
• Purifying and deodorizing the air to remove all traces of smoke.
• Removal of all charred debris and unsalvageable materials.
• Controlled demolition to make your interior “Like it never even happened.”

House fire cleanup and fire damage restoration are areas where we thrive at SERVPRO of Marina Del Rey/Westchester/El Segundo. Call us when you need us at (310) 333-0654, and we will dispatch our Green Fleet as soon as possible.

Certified Farmers’ Market in Marina Del Rey

1/11/2021 (Permalink)

We hope to see you at the Farmer’s Market.

Enjoy Fresh Local Produce and Other Goods at the Marina Del Rey Farmers’ Market

Community, local goods, and fresh air are all things that are excellent for the soul. Even during social distancing, you have the chance to enjoy the Marina Del Rey Farmers’ Market. Held every Saturday, this open-air farmers’ market is the best place to go when you want to look for a variety of vendors offering everything from locally grown produce to pre-packaged foods and other items. Of course, face masks are required, and a maximum of 40 patrons will be allowed in the market area at any given time.

• Date:Saturday, January 16th, 2021 (Held every Saturday)
• Time:9 am to 2 pm
• Location:14101 Panay Way, Lot #11, Marina del Rey, CA

More details available on the Southland Farmers’ Market Association website

Grab local produce and other incredible products at this open-air farmers’ market! Here at SERVPRO, we are always available for the community for emergency service. If you need assistance with fire damage removal, you can reach our team by calling (310) 333-0654. We will send out a crew as soon as possible to restore your interior to preloss condition, “Like it never even happened.”

Have a Laugh at the Famous J Spot Comedy Club in Los Angeles

12/9/2020 (Permalink)

Fire damage is no laughing matter. We restore your home so you can enjoy laughter at the J Spot Comedy Club.

Cut Loose for the Evening with Friends and Family on West Manchester Avenue in Los Angeles

The J Spot Comedy Club has been a hot spot for comics and up and coming talent since it opened its doors. On Tuesday, December 15th, 2020, Taco Tuesday returns, beginning at 6 PM with safe, distanced fun.

Enjoy some delicious food and hilarious stand up with your closest friends. The cover charge for the event is only $10.00 with a two-drink minimum. Take an evening and appreciate some of the comics growing in popularity throughout Los Angeles County and all of California. You can contact the J Spot Comedy Club at (310) 337-9057.

Recent kitchen fires can have you seriously considering taco Tuesday events all over the city. When you need fire and smoke cleanup for your Los Angeles residence, let our SERVPRO of Marina Del Rey / Westchester / El Segundo team help by calling (310) 333-0654.

Help Support Black-Owned and Operated Businesses in the Greater Los Angeles Area

11/19/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is here for your fire damage restoration needs so that you can enjoy the area’s attractions, like “Black in the Valley Marketplace.”

Visit Los Angeles County’s “Black in the Valley Marketplace”

Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley is home to a large, thriving African American community.  This community has culturally enriched our county, and its several fine businesses have contributed significantly to our region’s overall economic prosperity.  On December 19, help support this vital element of our area by visiting the Zawadi Cultural Collective’s “Black in the Valley Marketplace.”  The marketplace, which takes place on the third Saturday of December, showcases the best local black-owned and operated businesses have to offer. Essential details about the event include:

• It is being held at the Reseda Church of Christ at 7806 Reseda Blvd. in Reseda.
• The event commences at 10 AM and ends at 3 PM.
• It has offerings from about thirty different vendors, including those from local business-minded children.
• Drinks, food, clothing, health & wellness services, arts & crafts, and jewelry are all available for purchase at the marketplace.

As fellow community members, SERVPRO of Marina Del Ray/Westchester/El Segundo welcomes you to this enriching activity.  We also would like to remind people in the community that we are always here to help whenever you need fire damage remediation.  Call us anytime at (310) 333-0654 for assistance.

Enjoy Holiday Lights on the Waterfront near Los Angeles.

11/11/2020 (Permalink)

We are always on call to handle any emergency restoration needs so you can enjoy the holidays.

Experience the "Lighting of the Bay" Event Southeast of Downtown Los Angeles.

Enjoy a lovely Southern California holiday season evening at the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina. The bayside resort, located to the southeast of downtown Los Angeles in Newport Beach, is hosting its 30th annual "Lighting of the Bay" event. Attendees can witness a spectacular sunset followed by a beautiful seaside Christmas light display, all while taking in this luxurious venue's ambiance. Some important details about this activity include:

• The event is held nightly between November 27th and New Year's Eve
• It starts at 5 PM and is free to attend
• The display boasts more than forty LED-illuminated Christmas trees, floats, and decorations

Your neighbors at SERVPRO of Marina Del Rey/Westchester/El Segundo are pleased to announce this festive light display. We would also like to mention to be careful of fire hazards when decorating your own home for the holiday season. With all that said, if your home ever suffers a fire and you need fire damage restoration work done, call us at (310) 333-0654.

What Kind of Cleaning Techniques Can Homeowners Expect to See During Professional Fire Restoration?

9/30/2020 (Permalink)

Did a fire damage your home? Call SERVPRO for fast, effective fire damage restoration.

Trust in the Training and Experience the SERVPRO Team Brings to Residential Fire Damage Restoration in Los Angeles -- We Evaluate Carefully and Use Only Proven Proprietary Products and Industry Best Practices for Premier Results

Uninitiated homeowners first viewing the smoke, soot, and other soiling covering contents and surfaces in a Los Angeles house find their jaws dropping. Very few disasters cause the same level of fear and distress as a home fire, and contemplating the work needed to clean up the mess adds to the anxiety felt. Add the probability of exposure to toxic substances during restoration, and it becomes evident that a professional response is needed.

How Are Fire Residues Different from Everyday Dirt and Grime?

When you let your housework slide a bit, a sponge, mop, and bucketful of sudsy water might be all that you need to take care of the clutter and grimy buildup found in your home. Fire damage restoration in Los Angeles is different, with the soiling not merely a mix of tracked-in mud and accumulated dust. Instead, the residues coating walls, ceilings, counters, and floors are the incompletely combusted remnants of the fire's fuel. The coating on surfaces varies as the available combustible materials change room to room -- wood, paper, plastic, rubber, textiles, food, and grease. The residues float on the air, they "color" the smoke, and eventually, tiny bits settle as soot. Depending on the surface and the soot's characteristics, breaking the bond might be as easy as turning on the vacuum or as involved as applying solvents and "blasting" the residues off the surface with abrasives.

What Are Common Types of Soot Found After Household Fires?

SERVPRO managers and technicians use the training obtained during the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) courses to identify the residues soiling surfaces. In general, the soot falls into the following categories:

• Dry Soot - This type of soot presents when the fire burns hot and fast, usually consuming wood and paper as fuel. The residue is light and ashy, and rarely, or only lightly adhering to surfaces.

• Wet Soot - These residues result when plastics and rubber, common materials around any household, burn or smolder. Damp fabrics and padding burns slowly, also resulting in this type of soot. The residue is thick and sticky.

• Protein-Based Soot - When exposed to high heat and flames, food and grease create a thin and transparent residue which travels on air currents and inside HVAC systems to settle far from the kitchen. The remnants are highly malodorous and adhere tightly to surfaces, although the coating is not evident to the eye. Rather than soot per se, the residue is the dehydrated remains of superheated food and oils.

How Do Professionals Approach Soot Residue Removal?

Once the SERVPRO crew members identify the type of soot residue, we evaluate the surfaces affected for durability. This consideration ensures the solution used for cleaning away the residue does not ruin the wall, counter, hood, appliance, woodwork, or other affected material. Then we use our IICRC foundation in cleaning to capture and remove the residues and dispose of them properly.

What Are the Elements of Cleaning Used by Fire Restoration Experts in Los Angeles?

The success of SERVPRO's interventions relies on scientifically derived best fire damage cleaning practices, determined by certified technicians matching cleaners and methods to the soots and surfaces. Adapting the following four fundamental elements result in suspended residues ready for removal:

• Temperature - Heat speeds chemical reactions in cleaning products. Temperature adjustment depends on the product used and the heat durability of the residue-coated surface. 

• Agitation - Restorers use agitation to spread cleaning solutions over surfaces and to dislodge bonded residues. Examples of agitation tools include: 

• Clean terry cloth towels
• Feather dusters and brushes of all kinds
• Positive and negative air and water pressure
• Sonic vibrations in ultrasonic machines

• Chemical Action - SERVPRO's proprietary cleaning products create chemical reactions between residues and surfaces. Restorers select products depending on the action desired: 

• Dissolving (water-based residues dissolve with water-based cleaners / oil-based residues dissolve with oil-based cleaners)
• Emulsifying (suspending residues that might be a combination of water and oil-based -- some soaps and detergents work for this action)
• Bleaching
• Oxidizing
• Changing pH
• Digesting

• Time - Permitting the chosen product to "dwell" or remain in contact with the residue for variable periods allows the product to break the bond between the soot and the surface.

Fire restoration products, equipment, and techniques deliver research-based results when in the hands of the talented and trained crews of SERVPRO of Marina Del Rey / Westchester / El Segundo. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster -- call us around the clock at (310) 333-0654 to promptly start the restoration process.

How Can SERVPRO Save Me Time and Money on Fire Damage Repairs?

8/31/2020 (Permalink)

Fire damage is expensive. Don’t burn money trying to restore your home yourself. Call SERVPRO!

Your Local Marina Del Rey SERVPRO Endeavors to Save You Time and Money by Always Trying to Restore Damaged Property, Instead of Simply Replacing Everything

Many locals dream of one day owning a condo in Marina del Rey.  It is, perhaps, the perfect place for boat owners in the greater Los Angeles area.  The community's well-appointed marina offers excellent facilities for keeping a personal leisure vessel and provides ready access to Southern California's nearby Channel Islands.  With all that said, however, all this luxury and convenience also comes with some risks.  The closeness of local residential units, coupled with the region's powerful hot, dry Santa Ana winds, makes them especially prone to rapidly spreading fires.  Luckily, though, your local SERVPRO is dedicated to returning impacted homes to their pre-fire condition in a time-saving and cost-effective manner.

What Time and Cost Saving Practices Does SERVPRO Employ?

Our Marina del Rey fire damage restoration service does various things to save you time and lower your overall expenses.  These range from relatively simple practices to more advanced measures and include:

• Quickly performing emergency mitigation work to limit further fire damage
• Effectively inspecting and pre-testing surfaces for cleanability before any work is commenced, so that time and money are not wasted trying to restore things that are beyond any restoration efforts
• Avoiding replacing anything that can be successfully repaired
• Only performing necessary work that is approved by you and your insurance adjuster
• Offering additional specialty services that can save expensive artwork and electronics

Operating in this fashion, we help you avoid costly repairs and replacements through advanced planning and our specialized expertise.

What Are SERVPRO's Primary Restoration Services?

As previously noted, SERVPRO always tries to save and restore impacted materials instead of merely replacing them.  When our technicians perform their restoration work, they focus on doing four primary things, including:

• Cleaning structural elements like floors, baseboards, walls, and attic rafters
• Eliminating soot residues from ventilation systems to prevent them from further spreading around your home
• Removing fire-related wastes from household contents
• Deodorizing your home and its contents

All these efforts help preserve your residence's original structural elements and your most cherished belongings.  Also, they serve to restore your home in record time and cost-effectively.

How Do You Eliminate Persistent Foul, Fire-Related Odors?

One of the most critical issues related to preserving and restoring Marina del Rey fire-damaged structural elements and household contents is eliminating their unpleasant odors.  SERVPRO technicians eliminate, mask, or otherwise neutralize persistent odors through a variety of methods like:

• Forcing smoky air out of fire-damaged residences with high-velocity box fans
• Pulling impacted air from home interiors with powerful air movers
• Cleaning dirty air, filled with odorous particles, with state-of-the-art air scrubbers
• Using HVAC cleaning systems to rid ventilation networks of smelly residues that could be spread throughout a home
• Neutralizing odors with ozone generators and the aerosolized natural oils of Vaportek systems
• Deodorizing affected carpeting and upholstered furnishings with professional-grade injection devices
• Employing ultra-low volume foggers to neutralize odors in impacted materials with atomized deodorants and thermal foggers to counteract airborne odors in confined spaces with a deodorizing mist

After completing all these measures, fire-related smells are often eliminated.  Better yet, homeowners are usually unable even to detect that a fire ever occurred in their residence.     

Are There Any Additional Services SERVPRO Offers to Save or Restore, Instead of Replace, Homeowners' Furnishings and Other Possessions?

Our experts always try to save and restore whatever items they are authorized.  We offer services to keep track of and protect all your possessions, as well as ones to restore even your most expensive or irreplaceable items.  Company workers can create a categorized inventory of all your home's contents, labeling contents according to their salvageability.  They can move-out and store your sensitive items in a warehouse while your condo is being restored.  After a fire and before work is commenced, we can also board-up the doors, windows, and other openings of your residence to prevent further damage from the elements and vandals.  If your valuable electronics or irreplaceable artworks are impacted by fire, our technicians can either subcontract the restoration work to specialists or, if permitted, they can perform the work themselves.

Residential fires are a traumatic experience for those that suffer them.  They are generally unpredictable and can occur when you least expect them.  No matter what you do to avoid these nightmarish situations, you can never eliminate one's risk.  Also, even the most prepared homeowners are often caught off guard by a sudden home blaze.  With all that said, though, rest assured that there are friendly neighborhood restoration services that can help you recover from a fire.    

So, if a fire ever impacts your home, call a local service dedicated to helping you overcome it.  Call SERVPRO of Marina Del Rey/Westchester/El Segundo at (310) 333-0654 for assistance.

Can Appliance Maintenance Prevent the Need for Fire Damage Restoration?

7/23/2020 (Permalink)

Overloaded outlets are a common source of fire damage. Inspect your outlets often.

Los Angeles Residents Can Reduce the Need for Fire Damage Restoration with Regular Appliance Maintenance

People living in Los Angeles are often busy. The rushed pace of life means that some household tasks might get pushed to the bottom of the to-do list. It is easy to keep up with everyday cleaning or perform visible maintenance tasks and forget less apparent jobs.

No one in Los Angeles wants to deal with fire damage restoration. The aftermath of a fire is often smelly, costly, and distressing.

Why is appliance maintenance essential?

Electrical appliances are a fire hazard. However, most devices are perfectly safe if they are well-maintained.

Checking your appliances can help reduce the risk of fire damage to your home. It does not take an extended length of time, and it is worth the small amount of time spent when you consider the cost and inconvenience of a home fire.

Which tasks should I carry out?

Here are some tasks SERVPRO recommends you carry out regularly:

• Inspect all electrical cords for signs of fraying or damage
• Ensure all appliances are working correctly – if one is sparking or malfunctioning you must either dispose of it safely or fix it immediately
• Keep ovens and hobs clean and in good working order.
• Stay up to date with professional heating and boiler checks.

Make these tasks part of your regular house cleaning schedule, so you do not forget them. Preventing a fire now is much better than dealing with the aftermath of one.

How can SERVPRO help if there is a disaster?

Sometimes even if you are careful, fire breaks out. In the event of a fire, our teams arrive on the scene quickly. Our aim is always to leave your home, “Like it never even happened.”

Fire damage restoration can be messy and even dangerous due to nasty chemicals, or structural weaknesses. We equip our team members to handle any size of fire and to do so safely and efficiently.

Our teams take care of everything:

• Initial assessment
• Cleaning all surfaces
• Fixing structural issues resulting from the fire
• Deodorizing your home

You do not need to feel uneasy about a thing – we have got it in hand.

For help with fire damage restoration, call SERVPRO of Marina Del Rey / Westchester / El Segundo at (310) 333-0654.

More about Los Angeles.

Don't Let Your Possessions Go Down the Drain After Flooding in Santa Monica, Contact SERVPRO.

4/28/2020 (Permalink)

Seeing any part of your Los Angeles property engulfed in flames can be nerve-racking.

Move-Outs Eases The Stress Of Mitigating Fire Damage In Los Angeles

Seeing any part of your Los Angeles property engulfed in flames can be nerve-racking. Although seeing the flames go out can bring your anxiety down, it is rarely the end of your problems. Experts advise property owners against handling fire debris on their own or even operating appliances that were in the affected environment until they are certified safe to use. Smoke and ash can find their way inside appliances, resulting in damage if used before cleaning. You can ensure curiosity does not get the best of you by moving the contents in the affected area to a different location.

Move outs present many advantages to the process of restoring fire damage in Los Angeles, but they must be done correctly to actualize these benefits. One reason our SERVPRO technicians might opt to move items is to ensure we clean and deodorize them properly, which may not be possible if done at your property. Depending on the materials the fire burns, the resultant smoke residue might require chemical action or extended cleaning time to dissipate. Using these cleaning agents within your property might cause other inconveniences or unintended damages.

When the fire affects parts of the structure, you have to involve a contractor. If our SERVPRO team moves the contents from the affected area, the remodeling crew can work faster saving a few days or hours. This simple action can save you or the insurer some money.

As stated earlier, move-outs have to be done correctly to be beneficial. Our SERVPRO team understands this, so we only opt for this when necessary. Taking proper inventory of the items before moving them helps make the process easier. That is why we use custom inventory templates that contain everyday items in a typical pack-out, easing the inventory process. We classify items based on the level of damage if the reason for moving them is restoration. We can also classify them by the location they are if the reason is to protect them from further damage. This way when we return them it can be "Like it never even happened."

Indoor Air Quality Concerns After a Fire in Your Los Angeles Home

Among the greatest concerns for your Los Angeles home after a fire is the lingering smoke and soot damage that can affect the breathable air inside. While these situations are often managed easily by our technicians on site, those that choose to assess the damage to their property on their own or continue to expose themselves to these risks throughout the early stages of restoration do not fully appreciate the severity of contamination, toxins, smoke, or other hazards that could exist in the air.

Even with a localized incident in your residence, the fire damage/odor concerns in Los Angeles that remain pose a lingering threat to the occupants of the home and to the technicians assigned to restore these damages. Our SERVPRO professionals have specialized equipment designed to improve indoor air quality and the safety of the breathable air within the home following a fire in the early stages of restoration. Once we arrive at your home, we can start with our mitigation tactics to preserve structural elements and the contents of your house.

Once these initial steps have gotten taken, we can utilize our specialized equipment to begin immediately improving the quality of the air by pulling particulates, debris, soot, and smoke particles out of the environment with air scrubbers and hydroxyl generators. These tools reduce the number of potential contaminants, germs, and harmful substances circulating in the environment to help keep our technicians and the occupants of the house safe through the preliminary stages of restoration.

Additionally, our SERVPRO professionals can utilize tools like our thermal foggers to significantly reduce or eliminate harsh odors in the affected areas of your home.

Call SERVPRO of Marina Del Rey / Westchester / El Segundo at (310) 333-0654. We are available 24/7 to advise and help you restore your damaged property.

Click here for more about Los Angeles.

I Have a Fire Damage From A Candle, Can SERVPRO Help Me?

4/22/2020 (Permalink)

Seeing any part of your Los Angeles property engulfed in flames can be nerve-racking.

A Lit Candle Can Cause Fire Damage In Your Los Angeles Home

Candles are always a fire damage hazard but, when they are attended, they can cause very little harm. However, it is when candles are left unattended that problems begin to arise. Leaving a candle on its own inside of your bedroom may seem like it is not a big deal, but if there is anything relatively flammable close by, the candle can cause it to catch fire as well. In fact, one of the most common objects inside of a bedroom to catch fire because of a candle is window drapes.

A candle caused fire damage to your Los Angeles bedroom by catching a wall decoration on fire. From there, the fire jumped to the drapes next to the decoration and then to makeup products that were on a vanity table underneath the drapes. Fires can spread very quickly, but it was fortunate that this particular one was contained before it could do further damage. However, it leaves you with the obstacle of the damage it did cause. When it comes to fire damage, it is best to reach out for help as soon as possible, as remediating it is time-sensitive. The longer that you wait, the harder it is to remediate all of the damage successfully.

When you contact SERVPRO, we make an effort to arrive at your home as soon as we possibly can. After a brief investigation of the damage, our technicians can begin the remediation process. SERVPRO can start by disposing of all of the ruined makeup products, the drapes, and the decorations that were burned up. From there, our IICRC-certified techs can use advanced cleaning techniques to tackle the mild fire damage inside of your bedroom.

Depending on the soot and how hot the fire burned when it caused it, a different cleaning technique may be required. SERVPRO can decide on rather to clean the soot from the various surfaces of your room by either using abrasive, lubricative, or chemical cleaning techniques. When using cleaning solutions, SERVPRO can start by using a spray-and-wipe method to continually remove soot from the impacted surface slowly, either by lifting it with lubrication or dissolving it chemically.

To address the foul smell in your bedroom, our techs can run an air scrubber while they work, equipped with a carbon filter. Once they are finished, they can leave your home confident that it feels like it did before its pre loss state.

Should a fire impact your home, never wait to get help. Call (310) 333-0654 to speak with SERVPRO of Marina Del Rey / Westchester / El Segundo. Day or night, 24/7, our technicians are always prepared to rush to your home and assist you.

Click here for more about Los Angeles.

Is It Safe to Restore My Fire Damaged Marina Del Rey Home?

4/13/2020 (Permalink)

Fire damage is one of the most stressful events a homeowner can face. We can help. Call us today.

Our SERVPRO Professionals Get Trained to Address Threats and Risks in Post-Fire Restoration of Homes and Businesses. 

Once first responders have cleared your home, it might be tempting to immediately rush back inside to assess the damage and what must occur to restore the property. As alluring as this might feel, many hazards might exist inside that could put you and the occupants of your house at risk.

While there might be multiple layers of fire damage in Marina Del Rey homes, there are some situations that are more threatening and pressing than others. Addressing these concerns is not something that unskilled homeowners should attempt on their own, but rather leave to the capable hands of trained Fire & Smoke Restoration Technicians (FSRT) on our SERVPRO team. Some of the potential threats that can exist after a structure fire include:

• Structural Compromises
• Air Quality Concerns 
• Soot Particles 
• Noxious Odors

What is Fire Mitigation? 

Mitigation is a process designed to limit the damage to your property and, ultimately, the expenses that you or your insurance company must pay to restore the house. Fire mitigation is vital to make losses “Like it never even happened.” Necessary steps in this process include:

• Debris Removal
• Air Cleaning
• Surface Cleaning
• Controlled Demolition

How Can I Remove Odors from my Home? 

Odor removal can severely impact comfortable living, and that is why neutralizing smoke and burning scents in the house is one of the standard restoration tasks of our SERVPRO team. We have multiple tools that can help with this process, including our thermal foggers. These foggers vaporize deodorizing compounds and counteractants to eliminate or neutralize odors on contact.

Fire losses present multiple layers of damaging effects that professional restorers must continuously work to resolve and restore. Whenever fire disasters occur in your home, you can trust our fast responding and experienced SERVPRO of Marina Del Rey / Westchester / El Segundo team. Give us a call at (310) 333-0654.

More about Marina Del Rey.

When Smoke Rises to the Attic of Your Los Angeles Home

2/25/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke rises, and a fire in any part of the home can spread fire damage to the attic. Call SERVPRO for fast, effective remediation.

Fire Damage is the Minor Part of Los Angeles Home Restoration

When fire damage occurs in a home, in many cases, the fire gets put out before it levels the property. This cleanup is particularly challenging when the fire occurs in a confirmed space such as an attic or closet.

A homeowner with fire damage in Los Angeles called SERVPRO to assist with the cleanup of his unfinished attic. A small electrical fire had charred the exposed wood framework and left behind significant odors.

Containment to Stop Any Further Soot Spreading

The technicians put up plastic barriers over the attic doorway to stop any dust or soot from entering the home any more than it already had before the homeowner brought in the techs.

Cleanup of Charred Items

The homeowner cleaned up the initial fire loss in the attic but left behind many items with burn damage. The insulation in the attic remained and smelled strongly of smoke. SERVPRO technicians used a specialized vacuum attachment to collect the ruined insulation in a bag for disposal. 

Smoke Damage 

SERVPRO techs identified a large area of smoke damage on the attic ceiling and walls near the place the fire started. They tested the residues to confirm it was dry smoke and used dry cleaning sponges to lift it off the surface. This action helped to reduce the pungent odor in the attic substantially. 

Specialized Cleaning for Wood

The wood beams in the attic had carbonized buildup from the fire and needed removal. The techs chose to use an application known as "dry-ice blasting." This treatment uses CO2 pellets fed into a hopper, and then compressed air forces them out with great force. They rasp away the charring without marring the raw wood and leaves no moisture since the dry ice sublimates directly from the solid into a gaseous state. Our SERVPRO techs eliminate additional wetness to the treatment area.

Final Odor Control Measures

To ensure the attic has no residual odors, the technicians use air scrubbers during the cleanup to capture airborne soot particles. Afterward, the use of thermal fogging ensures that any remaining odorous molecules get neutralized. Odor-masking of surfaces with special primer paint can prevent the escape of airborne molecules.

SERVPRO of Marina Del Rey / Westchester / El Segundo at (310) 333-0654 has specialized equipment and advanced restoration methods to bring homes back to their preloss condition, "Like it never even happened."

More about Los Angeles.

Fire Damage In Your Los Angeles Kitchen

1/27/2020 (Permalink)

Let our crew save your fire damaged home

Cleaning Up Fire Damage in a Los Angeles Kitchen

Kitchen fires are the most common variety of home fires in the United States, and also one of the least reported, depending on their severity. However, without professional mitigation from trained technicians, kitchen fire damage can leave behind much more than soot deposits on walls and ceilings. The chemical changes that occur during a kitchen fire can affect your food supply, textiles, furniture, and much more.

If your Los Angeles kitchen needs a reliable fire damage mitigation service, you can count on the IICRC-certified technicians at SERVPRO to assist you. This team's state-of-the-art fire damage mitigation equipment includes EPA-registered antimicrobials as well as industrial-grade drying equipment to tackle water damage after firefighting efforts. SERVPRO is dedicated to restoring possessions whenever possible to help save homeowners time and money.

What to Dispose of After a Kitchen Fire

• Nonperishable food items. One reliable rule of thumb after a kitchen fire is to get rid of items stored in cardboard, thin plastic bags, or cloth. Canned or jarred foods can also become inedible when heat activates bacteria inside the packaging.
• Room temperature perishables. A well-sealed refrigerator can maintain safe temperatures for perishable food for as long as four hours without power. However, if you notice any unusual odors, visible soot penetration, or if food has been stored above 40°F for more than two hours, it may be time to throw it out.
• Burnt clothing. Any clothing that is burned should be thrown away, particularly if fire damage has affected children's clothing.
• Cosmetics and medication. After a fire occurs, carefully inspect first aid items, prescriptions, and cosmetics for signs of heat exposure, soot residue, or other damages, and dispose of them as needed.

How SERVPRO Restores Homes

The most crucial part of fire damage mitigation is forming a plan of action tailored to the situation. SERVPRO technicians work with homeowners and insurance adjusters to figure out which items are salvageable and which ones may need replacement, restoration, or removal. This team's goal is to save as much of your possessions as is feasible through cleanup, repair, or refinishing.

Sometimes demolition is necessary to save a structure if it has heavily charred or contaminated structural materials like drywall and wood. Removed materials are stored in plastic to prevent odors from spreading throughout the rest of your home. Essential architectural items, like subflooring or wooden studs, may require removal after a fire, but they can often be restored if soot penetration is no more than 1/4" past the surface of the wood.

SERVPRO of Marina Del Rey / Westchester / El Segundo is a team you can count on to be Faster to Any Size Disaster. Call (310) 333-0654 today for a fast disaster cleanup service from an experienced team.

For more about Los Angeles click here.