Recent Storm Damage Posts

Structure

5/18/2022 (Permalink)

The infrastructure and plumbing is not entirely ready for large scale storm flooding In places like California where storms don't occur often. There have been scenarios such ass the example that is about to be written, where the infrastructure failed and cased massive damage. This example is a case when there was a storm in Southern California and the flood waters that came from the storm filled he storm drains to a point where they went beyond capacity and cracked, this caused the flood water to flood into an apartment building nearby the affected area. This type of damage is sometimes a freak accident such as this is unavoidable, but the best thing to do is always keep in mind that such scenarios can occur, so when disaster strikes you can act quickly. SERVPRO is always ready to help!

Storm Ready

5/17/2022 (Permalink)

There are many types of natural disasters, but a storm is among the worst on a large scale. When a storm hits it can not only affect one home or family but many, even entire communities can be displaced by severe storms. We’ve spoken on measures you can take to prevent damage a be prepared when a storm strikes so for any information on that check out our previous blogs but for any other case, you can contact us at the info above to also create an emergency readiness plan and be prepared to deal with the damage a storm can cause. If you have any other questions about how we deal with storm damage you can again contact us at the info above. Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Flooding is never nice

4/14/2021 (Permalink)

Whether you live on the coast, near a lake, or riverside, the flood will find you. And when it does, it can leave you with years’ worth of damage, not to mention credit card bills and bankruptcy.

Various news stories of commercial and residential properties drowning in murky waters, or sitting empty a year later look abandoned and still reeking with remnants of saturated insulation and mold hanging from the beams, will inject fear into any property owner.

That’s when you call the professionals at SERVPRO® of Hancock Park, to make sure the situation is handled so there are no surprises and no adverse effects on the occupants’ health or safety.

SERVPRO® Cleans Up the Mess after a Flood

Homeowners tell us there is no greater devastation than seeing the house they’ve made a home destroyed by a quick-moving flood. The fact that the flood could have been caused by something as innocuous as a leaking pipe behind the washing machine makes the destruction seem even more senseless. In addition, water renders some materials more susceptible to rot. These are just a few of the many aftereffects of a flood. All of our SERVPRO technicians have been properly trained to professionally clean up the mess after a flood.

SERVPRO® of Hancock Park Should Be On Speed-Dial

The SERVPRO® of Hancock Park team has been trained to respond, swiftly and knowledgably.

Back in the day (as they say), houses were made of straw, stone, or brick. If they weren’t blown down or burned up, they were abandoned by the time the children were grown. Today, the American home is our castle. It reflects our lives, interests, and loves, travels, hopes, memories and the most important people we share it with.

Let’s hope you are not victim of a home-destroying event. But if it happens, don’t panic. Keep our number handy 323-667-3100. We’re here 24/7 to answer the call and make your loss “Like it never even happened.”

Storms and Infrastructure

4/14/2021 (Permalink)

In places like California where storms don't occur often, the infrastructure and plumbing is not entirely ready for large scale storm flooding. There have been scenarios such ass the example that is about to be written, where the infrastructure failed and cased massive damage. This example is a case when there was a storm in Southern California and the flood waters that came from the storm filled he storm drains to a point where they went beyond capacity and cracked, this caused the flood water to flood into an apartment building nearby the affected area. This type of damage is sometimes a freak accident such as this is unavoidable, but the best thing to do is always keep in mind that such scenarios can occur, so when disaster strikes you can act quickly. SERVPRO is always ready to help!

Unexpected Storms

2/11/2021 (Permalink)

In areas that storms don't occur often, an unexpected storm can do more damage than expected. In Southern CA storms are not common place, meaning the population is often not prepared for that type of disaster. While CA building codes are prepared to handle disasters such as earthquakes, storms and flooding are not considered as much meaning damage that comes from flooding and high winds can be much more disastrous. SERVPRO helps by helping our clients create a storm readiness program free of charge for those who wish to be prepared for anything. Realize that almost anything can happen anywhere, so essentially being safe is better than being sorry. If you don't know how to prepare for disaster, contact SERVPRO of Hancock Park and we would be happy to help!

Storm Damage Cleanup and Restoration

2/11/2021 (Permalink)

Storm and flood damage can be devastating. Immediate action is needed, and you need the company with storm damage experience. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have the expertise and the resources to handle any size disaster and can respond immediately to storm and flooding conditions.

Have Storm or Flood Damage?
Call SERVPRO of Hancock Park TODAY!

SERVPRO Professionals

Provide 24/7 Emergency Service
Highly Trained Water Restoration Specialists
Faster to Any Size Disaster
A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
Regardless of the Storm Damage, They Can Help
Storms occur with little warning and can be especially devastating, so you’ll need the company that you can trust to rise to the occasion. Regardless of the type of storm, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals can handle any size disaster. During catastrophic storms and major events, our Disaster Recovery Team can respond quickly with additional resources.
Flooding caused by heavy rains
Hurricanes and tidal surges
Tornadoes and wind damage

LA Storm

10/19/2020 (Permalink)

After a storm here in Los Angeles everything floods. There is nothing we can do about it. From the roads not draining to buildings being flooded. It is going to happen. Restaurants that are on the ground level, inches away from the elements of nature are subject to getting water damage due to the floods going under the doors. Over time water finds itself inside your business. Restaurants need special care because of the food industry laws. When the floors start to mold and the dry wall starts to get soft you should call SERVPRO right away. SERVPRO has years of experience dealing with restaurants and the health laws. If your food letter grade goes down, call SERVPRO today and we will make sure everything is back "Like it never even happened."

Retail store

10/1/2020 (Permalink)

This retail store was affected by the recent back to back storms that hit Southern California. Notice in the before picture that the water leaked into the ceiling and affected a large portion of it inside the showcase area. The store owner was concerned with how much down time it would take to restore their property, as they would be out of business during that time period. However, our emergency service crew was able to complete the job in only 5 days. SERVPRO strives to provide all of our customers with high quality service every time! We care about our clients and work endlessly to get your business back up and running as soon as physically possible. Our Team of experts will work professionally and efficiently day and night to make it "Like it never even happened."

How Storms are Created

1/16/2020 (Permalink)

Some may know what a storm feels like, but not many know what makes storm. There are many things that are required to create a storm which is what meteorologists use to predict the coming of a storm with specialized equipment. What is required to create a storm is first obviously humidity and clouds, coming together to create the precipitation in the storm. The other factor required to create a storm is essentially turbulent air, what this means is when air flowing different directions collide and mix, thi in turn causes lift and high winds. These two factors combine to create a storm, and the higher precipitation and winds there are the stranger a storm will be created. Be sure to stay safe and secure from storms and thanks for letting us share these fun facts with you!

What to do in Case of a Leaking Roof

1/16/2020 (Permalink)

During a storm or rain, you may discover a leak in your roof and this may be cause for worry, here are some things you can do to minimize the damage. First, if possible stop the leak and contain the water damage so it does not spread, possibly damaging other parts of your property. Second, contain the leaking water with some sort of bucket or bowl then remove the water from your home or property. 3rd, call your insurance agent or local restoration such as SERVPRO to come and survey the situation, then your property can be properly serviced, ensuring there is no lasting water damage or mold. Make sure to stay safe out there during a storm or heavy rains and be sure to be aware of a possibly leaking roof!

Better Safe then Sorry

1/6/2020 (Permalink)

Everyone knows the term “Better safe than sorry,” and we think everyone should apply this to their homes as well as their everyday lives, SERVPRO can help prepare you for events like storms with our storm readiness plan. Besides that here are some storm safety tips on how to better ensure your property isn’t damaged in a storm.

Ensure your roof is safe and stable, as a damaged roof can cause a collapse and possible water damage through leaks from the rain.
Repair any broken or damaged walls and windows, as any structural damage in your home or property can possibly become catastrophic issues when stressed by the conditions of a storm, even becoming a hazard to people inside the building
Regularly trim and maintain trees and vegetation around your property to prevent falling and flying debris in high speed winds.
If it applies, check for loose fence posts and foundations to prevent them from falling/flying out of place

Storm Facts

1/3/2020 (Permalink)

We all know storms and lightning are a massive and scary force of nature, but how powerful are they exactly? Let’s find out with some fun facts about the power of hurricanes and storms.

The lightning in a storm is an enormous amount of electricity, if you crunch the numbers it averages out to around 10 billion watts! That’s enough power to sustain a small towns electricity for a whole day.
The previous fact was about a single bolt of lightning, now listen to the energy produced by a hurricane. The average hurricane, meaning not even a large one, can produce more energy than the whole planet uses every day many times over, to put that into perspective that’s around the same power as 10 thousand atomic bombs!
Now you may wonder, what happens if im struck by lightning? Well most times it is fatal to be struck by lightning but there have been reported cases of people surviving being struck by lightning and surviving, even cases of people being struck multiple times throughout their lives! What are the chances of that?

Hurricane Michael Statistics

10/15/2019 (Permalink)

An overhead image of Hurricane Michael's destruction.

Storms can be quite a scary disaster but sometimes the proportions are quite unbelievable. A great example would be Hurricane Michael, a storm that hit in Florida from October 7-11, 2018. This was a category 5 storm that caused immense damage and devastated many homes and buildings. Here are some mind boggling statistics on Hurricane Michael.

Wind speeds reached up to 160 mph near the storms center, enough to knock you off your feet!
1584 buildings where reportedly damaged, with 809 buildings reported completely destroyed.
$25 billion in damages where caused by the storm.
Tragically, 16 deaths where reported as caused from the storm.

These statistics show that being prepared for the worst is in your best interest if you live in a area where storms frequently hit.

Protect Your Roof During a Storm

10/1/2019 (Permalink)

Protect your home's roof!

Southern California is not the typical place for heavy storms and torrential downpours, but it's best to be prepared for anything. People caught in high speed winds and heavy rains can suffer serious roof damage if they are not prepared. Here are some ways to counteract the problems that could come your way.

During a storm scenario you should always make sure your doors and windows are closed and tightly secured, this is not only to avoid flooding but to maintain the air pressure. When doors and widows are broken or left open the air pressure in the house, causing the roof to act as a parachute warping and distorting it.
Take inventory of your home and it;s current condition in case of a loss by taking pictures of your belongings and home. These could prove to be very useful when an insurance claim is filed.
Trim trees around your home, untended trees on your property could cause branches or the tree itself to fall and damage your propery.

Does Your Home Insurance Cover Weather & Storm Damage?

4/5/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Hancock Park/Hollywood will work with your insurance to facilitate the restoration process & get your home in its original condition

Winter Storms, spring thaws, water damage and other losses caused by weather variations are often covered by your home insurance. Fortunately, many homeowners are insured and can make a claim if they sustain damage from a winter storm, spring thaw or cold snap. Depending on the type of policy you have, several types of risks and damage arising from weather may be covered and you may be able to get help and compensation for losses from your insurance company.

What Kind of Weather Related Damage Is Covered by Insurance?

The most common causes of winter storm or weather damage include:

Hail Damage
Roof Damage
Water Damage
Sewer Back Up
Freezing Pipes
Fallen Trees - There are many reasons a tree might fall, and whether or not it caused damage to property becomes important for the purpose of paying a claim. Different policies offer different types of coverage.
Ice dams forming on the roof
Weight of snow and ice on the roof causing damage
Wind damage (Which can include fallen trees and shingles or bricks flying off buildings and roofs)

Loss or displacement due to power failure (which may include food loss, depending on your type of policy)
Flooding due to melting snow, a sudden thaw, or excessive rainfall
Water infiltration into the home. This may or may not be covered depending on how the damage is happening. Always call to find out what you might be eligible for.

Although not all damages are covered by standard insurance, most of the above items are.

The major exception to most policies is flood damage. Flood damage is not usually covered by the home insurance company in the United States; you can find out more about flood insurance frequently asked questions here.

Storm Water Damage Emergency Tips

4/5/2018 (Permalink)

Regardless of the amount of storm damage caused to your property, SERVPRO of Hancock Park/Hollywood can help!

What you can do until help arrives

After any water damage situation, your primary focus should be safety:

Is it safe to stay in the house?
Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!

What To Do After Flooding

Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
Gather loose items from floors.

What NOT To Do After Flooding

Don't leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
Don't leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
Don't use your household vacuum to remove water.
Don't use television or other household appliances.
Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.

Commercial Storm Water Damage

2/27/2018 (Permalink)

Storm damage happens to offices too! Let SERVPRO of Hancock Park/Hollywood make it, "Like it never even happened."

Damage to your commercial property due to a flood and other types of water damage can mean lost revenue and potentially, lost customers.

If your business requires water damage restoration due to broken plumbing, flooding or as a result of fire suppression, time is absolutely of the essence. That's why SERVPRO of Hancock Park/Hollywood is on call 24/7 to provide your business with a reliable lifeline when water damage restoration is needed. Let us partner with you to help minimize business interruption and get you, your employees and your customers back to business as quickly as possible.

There is a sense of urgency associated with a flood or other types of water damage. That's because fast, effective water remediation prevents the further complication of mold. At SERVPRO of Hancock Park/Hollywood, we have the labor, equipment and expertise to handle disasters both large and small, from water damage due to a plumbing leak to large loss situations due to major flooding. Our commercial water damage restoration expertise spans all industries, from retail and hospitality, to healthcare, government and industrial clients.

After the Storm: How to Check Your Property for Damage

2/27/2018 (Permalink)

Looking for a professional restoration company to repair any damage to your home due to a storm? Contact SERVPRO of Hancock Park/Hollywood!

The storms have stopped and the wind is calm. Outside the skies begin to clear, revealing downed trees, misplaced outdoor furniture, and random pieces of debris. From your window, your property appears unharmed. But is it really? What about the roof? The windows? The new siding and gutters?

There's no telling what kind of property damage a storm can bring. Even if it appears your property survived the wicked winds, taking a walk around your home could reveal a hidden problem you might not have seen otherwise.

Here's a quick checklist of what you should look for, courtesy of the National Storm Damage Center:

1) Window Damage
Get up close and personal with your windows, checking for shattered glass, broken panes, or damaged frames. Look carefully for small holes or cracks in unsuspecting areas.

2) Roof Damage
Check for loose or cracked shingles. If you have an asphalt roof, unidentified dark spots could be storm damage. Determine if any debris is lodged under shingles, too.

3) Clogged Gutters
Heavy rains can down limbs, bringing with it leaves and small branches that can clutter your gutter. Check for fragments jammed along the gutter and in the downspout.

4) Exterior Damage
Siding can tear loose, paint can peel, and stucco can break free. Even brick can suffer the wrath of a bad storm. Take a walk around your home and check for any potential damage. Holes, breaks, and splitting are common side effects of a storm. Discoloration of siding or brick is another symptom.

Identifying any immediate damage can save you time and money, especially if the damage is excessive and requires a call to your insurance company. Waiting to repair your home can create more costly problems somewhere down the road.

Protecting Your Home from Storm Water Damage

2/27/2018 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO of Hancock Park/Hollywood help you be, "Ready for Whatever Happens"

During a storm, you can go outside and observe how the water flows. Take note of the different grades and slopes and whether they divert the flowing water away from your home. Look for any low spots that collect or pool water and for any steep slopes that have indications of surface erosion.

Consider the steps needed to protect your property from water runoff. Rain that falls on roofs, driveways, patios, roads and other impervious areas moves across the ground surface at greater speeds. The property adjacent to these areas could be more susceptible to damage. Frozen soil can also increase risk of damage by preventing water from being absorbed by the soil. Replacing impervious areas with pervious surfaces, such as permeable paving stones or pavers, can also help.

Storm Damage Clean Up & Restoration

2/27/2018 (Permalink)

If storm water does damage to your home or business, call in the experts, SERVPRO of Hancock Park/Hollywood 323-545-6615

Have Storm or Flood Damage?
Call SERVPRO of Hancock Park/Hollywood Today 323-545-6115

SERVPRO Professionals

Provide 24/7 Emergency Service
Highly Trained Water Restoration Specialists
Faster to Any Size Disaster
A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
Regardless of the Storm Damage, They Can Help
Storms occur with little warning and can be especially devastating, so you’ll need the company that you can trust to rise to the occasion. Regardless of the type of storm, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals can handle any size disaster. During catastrophic storms and major events, our Disaster Recovery Team can respond quickly with additional resources.
Flooding caused by heavy rains
Hurricanes and tidal surges
Tornadoes and wind damage

If your home or business has been affected by a land slide, who do you call?

4/7/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Hancock Park/Hollywood will be there to make it “Like It never even happened.”

SERVPRO of Hancock Park/Hollywood, of course. Our technicians are highly trained in damage restoration and can clean just about anything.

Many parts of a home or business may be damaged during a landslide. Whether it's a priceless family heirloom or important office paperwork, SERVPRO of Hancock Park/Hollywood has the specialized equipment and products to make it "Like it never even happened."

Our water damage restoration technicians are IICRC certified and readily available when emergency strikes. We also have a team of construction experts who can get your home or business up and running again.

SERVPRO of Hancock Park/Hollywood can do it all. There is no job too big or small and we make your needs our highest priority. Why deal with multiple contractors when you can work with one company that will handle everything?

If you are faced with damage to your home or business due to a landslide call SERVPRO of Hancock Park/Hollywood today.

Over the past couple years, flooding has been a major problem in and around the Hancock Park/Hollywood area. Storms can roll through bringing strong winds, thunder and lightning, and torrential rain. The large amount of rain is not absorbed by the ground quick enough, so the water runs off and accumulates in low-lying areas. Water will also run into creeks, rivers, and ponds causing them to swell, which means that the water levels to rise. Both bodies of water and low-lying areas can quickly accumulate water and the water can rise very fast.

If the forecast is calling for heavy rain, it is a good idea to stay up-to-date on the threat level. A flood or flash flood warning means that flooding is possible and you should be prepared to possibly carry out your emergency plan. A flood or flash flood watch means that flooding is occurring or will occur soon. If your home or business is prone to flooding, you will be told to evacuate the area.

When planning for an emergency, the first step is getting basic supplies together. Some of these items include water, canned food, first aid supplies, and batteries for radios and flashlights. These items should be kept together in a separate area from where they would usually be stored, and everyone in your home or office should know where it is located in the event that an emergency were to occur. It is also a good idea to keep important documents – birth certificates, medical records, insurance cards - in this box/area. If a flood warning is issued, fill your gas tank and move your emergency items into your car. If you do not own a car, make arrangements with family, friends, or neighbors for transportation. Gather family and pets, if possible. If your pets will not fit in a car with you, or if you own livestock and are unable take them, find a safe area to move them to. You should also adjust refrigerator thermostats to the coolest possible temperature in case the power goes out.

If you are told that you need to evacuate your home or business, you should leave as soon as possible; never ignore this order! It is advised to turn off your water, electricity, and gas and to unplug appliances, if you have time, to reduce the possibility of additional damage occurring to your home. Those of us who have grown up in the area, have heard the saying a thousand times – “Turn Around, Don’t Drown”. Don’t ever attempt to walk or drive through flood waters. You cannot be sure of how deep the water actually is, nor can you properly gauge the strength of the moving water.

Flooding is common in our area and being prepared is essential to avoid making a bad situation worse. If your home or business experiences flood or water damage, call our team in green!

With spring showers on the way, experts say local homeowners should start looking into how to prevent water damage now

4/7/2017 (Permalink)

If you have any further questions/concerns or if you have water damage, call SERVPRO of Hancock Park/Hollywood 323-545-6115

SERVPRO of Hancock Park/Hollywood has released these tips on how to protect homes from heavy rain and flooding:

Inspect sump pumps – a sump pump removes water that accumulates underneath a home and is one of the best defenses against flooded basements and subsequent costly repairs. All too often, though, homeowners don’t find out their sump pump is not working properly until it’s too late and spring showers are already wreaking havoc on your home. It is recommended that you inspect your sump pump each spring to ensure it’s working properly.

Clean gutters and downspouts – leaves and debris from spring storms can lead to clogged gutters and downspouts, and the number one cause of basement flooding is roofs not draining properly. Cleaning your gutters each spring is an inexpensive way to make sure your home is ready for the rain to come. Also, check that downspouts extend away from the home’s foundation by at least three feet, this will help effectively move rain water away from the home.

Consider back-flow valves – sewer back-flow valves are small, inexpensive parts that are installed in sewer drainage lines to help regulate water flow. These small valves can save big headaches by preventing sewer water from entering a basement during heavy rain and go a long way to making your basement flood proof.

Check for basement leaks – take a few minutes this weekend to inspect both the interior and exterior of your home’s foundation, walls, floors and windows for any cracks that may have developed during the winter months. Even a minor crack can lead to major water damage during a heavy spring shower. You can use a basic waterproof epoxy and a paintbrush or putty knife to patch any small cracks you find.

Flooding is Never Nice

2/28/2017 (Permalink)

For storm and/or flood damage call SERVPRO of Hancock Park/Hollywood!

Whether you live on the coast, near a lake, or riverside, the flood will find you. And when it does, it can leave you with years’ worth of damage, not to mention credit card bills and bankruptcy.

That’s when you call the professionals at SERVPRO® of Hancock Park/Hollywood, to make sure the situation is handled so there are no surprises and no adverse effects on the occupants’ health or safety.

SERVPRO® Cleans Up the Mess after a Flood

SERVPRO® of Hancock Park/Hollywood Should Be On Speed-Dial

The SERVPRO® of Hancock Park/Hollywood team has been trained to respond, swiftly and knowledgably.

Let’s hope you are not victim of a home-destroying event. But if it happens, don’t panic. Keep our number handy 323-545-6115. We’re here 24/7 to answer the call and make your loss “Like it never even happened.”

Flash Flooding Tips, Water Damage Safety

2/28/2017 (Permalink)

When disaster strikes let SERVPRO of Hancock Park/Hollywood make it, "Like it Never Even Happened"!

Before:

Build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
Elevate the furnace, water heater and electric panel in your home if you live in an area that has a high flood risk.
Consider installing "check valves" to prevent flood water from backing up into the drains of your home.
If feasible, construct barriers to stop floodwater from entering the building and seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds.
More:
What to do before a flood.

During:

(Excerpted from ready.gov )

Be aware that flash flooding can occur. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move.
If you must prepare to evacuate, you should do the following:

Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so. Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
Secure your home. If you have time, bring in outdoor furniture. Move essential items to an upper floor.

Be aware of stream, drainage channels, canyons and other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without typical warnings such as rain clouds or heavy rain.
If you have to leave your home, remember these evacuation tips:

Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and the vehicle can be swept away quickly.
Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams, rivers or creeks, particularly during threatening conditions

Storm Waters Can Cause Major Damage

2/27/2017 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Hancock Park/Hollywood for extracting storm water

Businesses can suffer much less damage from a severe storm than a residence and still have to close their doors permanently. Each hour and day of clean-up are more important to saving not just a building, but an income and a contributor to the community as well.

A building can lose its functionality and close its doors permanently after a few days of water damage has ruined equipment beyond repair. SERVPRO of Hancock Park/Hollywood has the training not just to respond quickly, but to properly clean and restore a facility to bring it back in line with city health codes, if at all possible. Storm-induced flooding does not have to have a lasting effect on your business.

The first step is getting rid of the water. For standing water, even in a large kitchen and customer service area, our technicians use commercial grade pumps to remove inches and even a foot of water in a matter of hours. With the visible water gone, our response team can tackle the next two items: drying out property and hidden water extraction.

Expensive industrial items such as commercial ovens are usually above most high water points but can suffer damage in a massive plumbing failure. Technicians must completely dry the electronics and heating elements before allowing the owner to use them again. Since it is not possible to disassemble these industrial appliances without violating warranties or possibly damaging them further, our technicians use commercial space heaters and dehumidifiers.

Both equipment items draw out moisture from the surrounding air and off of nearby surfaces. These techniques leave a dry surface without the chance of threads from towels or pieces of sponge accidentally being left behind to contaminate the next batch of cupcakes.

As this happens, other technicians dry out the building itself. Water extraction tools draw out moisture from floors, walls, and property items such as display cases. We accomplish this using commercial grade extraction wands that combine heat and vacuum to pull water droplets from between and underneath floor tiles and sections of concrete. Response team members also use the same heaters and dehumidifiers in corners to speed up drying walls, cabinets, and underneath counters.

SERVPRO of Hancock Park/Hollywood understands that every hour your business is closed means income lost and customers go un-served. Count on a strong effort from a component of the SERVPRO large-loss storm team. Despite an improving economy, small business owners are still operating on narrow margins and even a weekend lost can mean not making payroll or loan payments. To prevent this from happening, call us at (323) 667-3100 to restore your business and your livelihood.

Safety and Mitigation of Storm Damaged Possessions Are Crucial

2/27/2017 (Permalink)

Safety first when it comes to storm floods!

When natural floods occur, the essential boundaries between humans and the elements are broken down. The pressure and force of moving water are often enough to cause serious damage to purification and sewage systems. In the most extreme cases, chemicals and toxic waste end up in the floodwaters which infiltrate homes.

This is why it's really important for homeowners to seek professional advice. At SERVPRO, we deal with incidents of severe water damage on a daily basis. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster. Our job is not just to reverse the storm damage and restore your home to its original condition; we'll also make it safe again. This means eliminating all traces of toxic materials in the water and your home.

If your home has recently flooded, there are a few things that you can do to keep yourself safe until the SERVPRO team arrives.

Find Alternative Shelter
If possible, find a clean, dry place to stay while the flooding in your home is being repaired. It isn't healthy to remain among damp furniture, carpets, or drywall, even if there is no standing water. There may be bacteria, pathogens, and chemicals on the walls and floors. Call SERVPRO, explain the severity of the flooding and we'll make our way to the property as quickly as possible.

Keep Your Hands Clean
If you have had contact with floodwater, you need to wash your hands thoroughly. Do this every time you get your hands wet and then leave the site. Don't prepare or touch food until you've washed with soap and water. If the flooding isn't too severe, you may be able to move items outside of the property and away from the saturation points. Where possible, store them away from unaffected possessions, as they may need disinfecting.

Drink Bottled Water
SERVPRO strongly advises you to steer clear of the main water supply, until we have verified (in conjunction with local authorities) that it is safe to drink. Flooding can infect the water supply with chemicals and toxins. All homeowners should drink bottled water or, at least, boil their water before drinking.

Reach Out for Help
Flood repair and restoration experts from SERVPRO provide more than just practical help. We are a valuable source of information and support. Our technicians can tell you everything that you need to know about flood damage restoration. They will be frank and honest about what can be salvaged (usually a lot) and what is too degraded to be saved. They will work closely with you to inventory your possessions and clean, restore, and repair as many items as possible. If you have insurance coverage, the final disposition of storm damaged items is your decision to make.

All forms of flooding can be stressful, but natural flooding has a tendency to make homeowners feel helpless. With the support of SERVPRO of Hancock Park/Hollywood you don't have to be. We can help you take back control and get repairs started quickly. Call us 24/7 on (323) 667-3100.

If you have a fire or water emergency, please call us now at (323) 545-6115

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Retail store

How Storms are Created

What to do in Case of a Leaking Roof

Better Safe then Sorry

Storm Facts

Hurricane Michael Statistics

Protect Your Roof During a Storm

Does Your Home Insurance Cover Weather & Storm Damage?

Storm Water Damage Emergency Tips

Commercial Storm Water Damage

After the Storm: How to Check Your Property for Damage

Protecting Your Home from Storm Water Damage

Storm Damage Clean Up & Restoration

If your home or business has been affected by a land slide, who do you call?

With spring showers on the way, experts say local homeowners should start looking into how to prevent water damage now

Flooding is Never Nice

Flash Flooding Tips, Water Damage Safety

Storm Waters Can Cause Major Damage

Safety and Mitigation of Storm Damaged Possessions Are Crucial

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