Smoke damage in your building

10/24/2022 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Anaheim West, our technicians use specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot.

Smoke Damage In Your Building

Fire and smoke damage can happen to anyone. When a fire breaks out in your Anaheim, CA home or business, the professional restoration teams at SERVPRO of Anaheim West are ready to respond with our 24-hour emergency services. We have the training, equipment, and resources to handle any size fire or disaster. Our goal is to return damaged structures back to preloss condition as quickly as possible. However, not all fires are created equal. Smoke damage from burning wood and other materials can cause extensive damage even if just one object catches on fire - this includes a mattress that is left too close to the wall or an unattended candle that ignites another material.

Property damage caused by smoke and soot is not just limited to fires. 

Any high-temperature burning process can cause smoke and soot damage in your building. These include dryer vents, wood stoves, cooking appliances, and industrial processes such as refineries and lumber mills.

The types of property damage that occur due to smoke and soot are very similar to those caused by fire:

• Debris from the building structure or interior furnishings may be released into the air during a fire but also during other types of combustion processes (like kitchen fires)
• Soot deposits on surfaces like walls, ceilings, and floors can make them look dirty or discolored, obscuring their true appearance; this may have an adverse impact on the resale value of your property

Regardless of the type of fire or smoke damage, everyone has the same questions about how to fix it as well as deep concerns about how much it will cost them.

Here are a few questions you should keep in mind when dealing with your property insurance company:

• What is the damage?
• Does your policy cover smoke and soot removal? If not, then you may have to hire a professional to do this for you. 
• How much will it cost? This can vary widely depending on contractor fees and equipment used, but expect to pay between $1-$10 per square foot ($100-$1,000+). 
• What exactly is covered by my policy? Does it cover rebuilding costs after an accidental fire destroys my home? The answer is “maybe”; each policy varies greatly based on several factors including where your home was built (some areas have stricter building codes than others) how old the structure is (older homes tend not only to require more repairs but also possibly increased premiums due to their riskier nature), etcetera...

At SERVPRO of Anaheim West, our technicians use specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, floors, and contents. We work hard to restore your building back to its preloss condition quickly.

Smoke damage is the result of fire and/or smoke damage. Fire damages the contents of a building, including fabric, wood, and paper products. Smoke damage occurs when heat from a fire causes materials such as ceiling tiles and wallboard to swell or warp. This can cause them to buckle or crumble away from the ceiling joists or studs that support them. The resulting gaps allow smoke, soot, and water vapor to enter your home even through very small spaces.

Smoke can also deposit itself into cracks in drywall, walls, and floors creating an odor problem. When this happens it’s important that we get rid of it before it has time to settle into these areas making removal much more difficult later on down the road if not done right away!

Smoke and soot damages can be extensive even if the fire was small.

Even if the fire was small, smoke and soot can cause extensive damage to your building and its contents.

Smoke from a fire tends to travel along the ceiling, accumulating in voids such as attics, wall cavities, and dropped ceilings as well as within furniture, furnishings, and storage areas. In addition to leaving an unpleasant smell behind, it will also stain surfaces with a black deposit (soot). Soil from ash particles may also fall onto soft furnishings where it can build up unnoticed until you attempt to clean them - this is known as “creosote”.

Conclusion

Smoke and soot damages can be extensive even if the fire was small. At SERVPRO of Anaheim West, our technicians use specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, floors, and contents. We work hard to restore your building back to its preloss condition quickly. Call us today at 714-533-1989 for help with your smoke damage cleanup!

How To Use a Fire Extinguisher in a Commercial Fire

7/22/2022 (Permalink)

If your business in Anaheim, CA, has a fire, your normal inclination might be to immediately put it out. However, while a sense of panic is natural before you grab your fire extinguisher, you need to take a breath and really assess the situation.

If turning something off will immediately stop a fire and you can safely do that should be your first step. If the fire is spreading quickly, get everyone out of the building and call the fire department. But if the fire is small and poses no immediate risk, here's how to use a fire extinguisher effectively and safely.

Types of Fire Extinguishers

The 4 basic classes of fire extinguishers found in restaurants are:

• Class A for materials such as wood, paper and cardboard
• Class B for oils, petroleum and grease
• Class C for electronics and electrical
• Class K for a kitchen fire
  
  

The most common type found in businesses and homes is ABC, which covers most fires. However, many commercial kitchens are required to have a Class K fire extinguisher, so employees should know the difference.

The P.A.S.S. Method

Fortunately, handheld extinguishers are easy to use. P.A.S.S. stands for Pull, Aim, Squeeze and Sweep. However, before you use the device, always call the fire department first. If there's no time to call them, there's no time to try to fight the flames!

Grab the extinguisher and pull the pin off the top. It's usually secured with a light tamper-proof ring that should be easy to break with a fairly gentle tug for most people. Aim the extinguisher at the base of the flames and slowly squeeze the handle. Sweep the extinguisher back and forth until the fire is suppressed.

Once the flames are out, you'll need to call a smoke and fire damage restoration expert. Smoke will leave soot everywhere, which usually requires commercial cleaners to remove. Smoke damage can spread throughout a business in minutes.

Safety should always come first when considering using a fire extinguisher. However, if you have the time, you can save tens of thousands of dollars in damage if you're prepared.

Water Pipe Repair and Classifications

7/14/2022 (Permalink)

Cleaning up drywall after a water loss in Southwest Anaheim, CA

A broken pipe at your Southwest Anaheim, CA, business can cause major damage. However, water pipe repair and water damage restoration can have your commercial building back to normal in no time. Luckily, water from pipes is generally not as dangerous as water from other sources. Knowing the three classifications of water can help keep you, your employees, and customers safe.

Water Classifications

Water is divided into three classifications, based on the presumed level of contamination:

• Clean water (category 1) comes from broken pipes, rainwater, etc. This water is not contaminated and does not pose a threat.
• Gray water (category 2) is slightly contaminated. This type of water comes from appliances, aquariums, bathwater, etc. The potential threat is determined by the type of contaminants in the water.
• Black water (category 3) is highly contaminated. Category 3 water comes from sewage, flood waters and other dirty sources. This water should be treated with extreme caution, as it is assumed to be dangerous.

Additionally, water should not be allowed to sit for extended periods. After 24 hours, category 1 water degrades into category 2 water, and category 2 water degrades into category 3 water. Also, when clean water travels downward through a building, such as from a broken pipe on the second floor down to the first floor, it gathers contaminants from the building material and should be treated as category 2 water.

Safety Precautions

When doing water pipe repair or other work in a flooded area, there are several things to remember in order to stay safe:

Turn off the power in the area before beginning work if any electrical equipment has gotten wet. If you have to walk through standing water to do so, hire an electrician.
Do not turn on any water-damaged appliances until they have been cleared by an electrician.
Make sure to keep any cuts or sores you may have from coming into contact with category 1 or 2 water. Wear waterproof bandages, gloves or protective clothing to cover any wounds.

After the water pipe repair, you may need help with water damage restoration. A professional restoration company can help you get your business back to normal quickly and safely.

Is Security Fencing Really Necessary?

5/24/2022 (Permalink)

Is It Really Necessary To Install Security Fencing?

When fire ravages your commercial building in Disneyland Park, CA, the last thing you need is additional stress. This is why installing a security fence around your property's perimeter is not only beneficial but vital to the salvation of your business. You should initiate basic mitigation strategies as soon as possible after the flames have been extinguished. 

A fence serves several purposes to protect the building, its contents, people, animals, and your company's future as you:

1. Comply With Insurance Requirements

Insurance policies typically require claimants to do whatever they can to prevent more damage. This can include putting up a temporary fence, tarping the roof or boarding up windows. These actions will assist in keeping things under control until the insurance adjuster and fire damage restoration experts arrive on the scene. 

2. Prevent Injury to Unauthorized People

Intruders may have no bad intentions when entering your damaged building; they may simply be motivated by curiosity. However, disaster areas are more unsafe than many people (especially children) realize. A security fence can help you avoid a disastrous situation and even a resulting liability lawsuit.

3. Decrease Additional Damage and Theft

Vacant buildings, particularly ones offering easy access, are often targets for trespassers. Some people see it as an opportunity to cause additional damage by painting graffiti, breaking windows or performing other types of vandalism. It is also a convenient moment for stealing property.

4. Block Animals

Wild animals are always looking for shelter or food, so they will take the liberty to explore a vacant building. A fence may not be able to keep all animals out (e.g., birds and bats), but it can keep out a lot of land-dwellers like raccoons and stray cats and dogs. 

No one wants to consider the possibility of a fire destroying their business. However, it's helpful to know beforehand about options like a security fence to protect what's left. Begin creating a fire plan today for a more secure tomorrow.

3 Tips for Fire Prevention

5/2/2022 (Permalink)

3 Fire Prevention Tips

Your Southwest Anaheim, CA, commercial property is likely a major investment and you want to do all you can to protect it. One incident that can cause thousands of dollars in damage to a property and its contents is a fire, which often causes structural issues and work shutdowns that may affect your profits and the livelihoods of your employees. Fortunately, learning a few fire prevention tips can reduce the risk and help you protect your business.

1. Avoid Clutter Buildup

One common cause of business fires is clutter near heat sources and electrical outlets. When items such as empty supply boxes, furniture or trash cans build up near appliances or machinery, the risk of fire increases. Keeping your building clean and free of clutter and allowing a few inches of space between walls and electrical items to reduce the risk of them overheating can prevent sudden fires.

2. Offer Business Fire Prevention Training

Teaching your employees a few simple fire prevention rules can allow everyone to become involved when it comes to spotting potential fire risks. Discuss safety procedures such as evacuation plans and what each department can do to prevent fires and offer prevention training for managers and your safety officers. When your employees understand what might cause fires in the building, they can all take steps to prevent them.

3. Call for Regular Building Inspections

Having your commercial building inspected at least once a year can help uncover issues that may cause a fire. A fire damage and restoration company can assist you with risk assessment reports and point out potential problems that may lead to a serious fire. Have your local fire company or building contractor inspect your company's electrical systems and wiring, as these types of fires are common in commercial buildings.

Practicing fire prevention in your Southwest Anaheim, CA, commercial building can involve your employees as well as professional inspectors. When everyone watches for possible fire risks, it can prevent damage costs and protect the people and property you value as a business owner.

What You Need To Know About Business Interruption Insurance

2/2/2022 (Permalink)

Business Interruption Insurance: What You Should Know?

When there is bad weather in Anaheim, CA, it can sometimes affect your business for a while after the storm has passed. If your place of business suffers damage, you might not be able to operate as usual while you rebuild. If this happens, it can be helpful to have business interruption insurance. Here are a few questions you can ask to see if this type of insurance is something that would benefit you.

1. When Do You Need It?

There are situations when you might need to temporarily close your business, which can result in loss of income. Incidents such as a fire or big storms can cause damage to the building in which you do your business, and you will likely be unable to use this location while it is undergoing emergency restoration. You won’t always be able to prepare for these types of incidents and having insurance can help you with the financial losses you could suffer.

2. What Does It Cover?

While property insurance usually covers physical damages, it cannot help you with any income that might be lost while you rebuild your business. That is where interruption insurance comes in. With this type of insurance, you can expect to be compensated for expenses such as rent and moving costs incurred by temporarily relocating your business, operating expenses and profits that you would have earned if you were able to operate as usual.

3. What Is Not Covered?

This type of insurance can be helpful, but it does have some limits. There are a few things that it won’t cover. These include closures caused by power outages, utilities and unaccounted income. You will also be unqualified for coverage if you have only a partially closed operation where access is limited, but you are still able to conduct business.

When you are considering the type of insurance you need, you probably won’t think twice about getting property insurance, but don’t forget about what happens after the property has been damaged. Business interruption insurance can help keep your company from suffering financially while you rebuild.