Reviving Homes from Flames: SERVPRO's Expertise in Yuma

3/18/2024 (Permalink)

Fire damage is not something that is easy cleaned up. Contact SERVPRO of Yuma for professional services in your home.

Comprehensive Fire Restoration for Yuma Residences

In the unfortunate event of a fire, the aftermath can be devastating. Residents of Yuma have, however, a beacon of hope in SERVPRO®. Known for their expertise in fire damage cleanup and restoration, SERVPRO of Yuma East, Foothills offers a detailed process tailored to the unique challenges of a two-story residence facing first-floor charring and second-floor smoke damage.

The journey toward restoration begins with a thorough assessment of the damage. For a Yuma residence suffering from fire damage, this typically involves:

• First-Floor Charring: SERVPRO's trained professionals tackle structural damage with precision. They remove charred sections of walls, floors, and even ceilings to prevent further damage and prepare for reconstruction.
• Second-Floor Smoke Damage: Smoke can infiltrate far beyond the flames, leaving a pervasive odor and soot. SERVPRO employs advanced cleaning techniques and equipment to remove smoke residue and odors, restoring the air quality and surfaces to their pre-fire condition.

What about water damage?

A critical aspect often overlooked is the water damage resulting from first responders' efforts to extinguish the fire. SERVPRO of Yuma East, Foothills addresses this with:

• Water Extraction and Drying: Prompt water removal is crucial to prevent mold growth and additional damage. SERVPRO uses industrial-grade dehumidifiers and air movers to ensure a thoroughly dried environment.

There are countless reasons to trust our skilled technicians. SERVPRO of Yuma East, Foothills stands by the commitment Here To Help 24/7®, offering:

- Emergency response day or night

- Professional assessment and planning

- Comprehensive cleanup, including soot, smoke, and water

- Restoration and reconstruction to make it "Like it never even happened."

For Yuma residents facing the aftermath of a fire, SERVPRO provides not just a service but a promise of restoration, support, and peace of mind during challenging times. Call us at (928) 247-1180 to initiate fire restoration services.

Water Damage Restoration in Yuma Happens Fast with SERVPRO

2/16/2024 (Permalink)

Depend upon IICRC-certified technicians from SERVPRO to restore your water-damaged Yuma property. Here To Help®

Professional Water Damage Cleanup in Yuma with SERVPRO®

When water damage strikes your Yuma home, acting quickly and seeking professional help is crucial. Professionals have the technology, equipment, and experience to prevent the situation from going out of hand.

SERVPRO's fast response and comprehensive services ensure that water damage restoration in Yuma is swift and effective, minimizing the impact on your property and life. Our technicians use industry-leading tools to restore your water damage "Like it never even happened" as quickly as possible.

Rapid Response After Water Damage is the Key

The first few hours after water damage are critical. SERVPRO understands this urgency and is prepared to respond immediately to your call. With a team of IICRC-certified professionals on standby 24/7, we ensure that help is on the way as soon as you report water damage.

This quick response is vital in preventing further damage, such as:

• The spread of moisture to unaffected areas
• The growth of contamination and mold
• The deterioration of structural elements and personal belongings

Our technicians use state-of-the-art equipment to extract water efficiently from your property. High-pressure pumps and vacuum units swiftly remove standing water, while air movers and dehumidifiers work to dry out the premises quickly. This rapid mitigation process is crucial in restoring your property to its pre-damage condition, reducing the risk of long-term issues.

SERVPRO's Comprehensive Restoration Services

Cleaning up properties after a water incident involves more than just water removal; it requires a holistic approach to return your property to normal.

Our services include:

• Thorough drying and dehumidification
• Cleaning and sanitizing affected areas
• Repairing or replacing damaged structures and items

Our technicians are experienced in tackling different types of water damage, from clean water leaks to sewage backups, ensuring that every restoration process is managed with the utmost care and professionalism.

Call SERVPRO of Yuma East, Foothills, at (928) 247-1180 for a service you can rely on. 

You Weathered the Earthquake Near Yuma – Now We Can Help

2/12/2024 (Permalink)

When the tremors stop, call SERVPRO to inspect and repair your Yuma property. We're Faster to any size disaster™

SERVPRO® Is Unshaken in Assisting Quake-Damaged Properties

When situations like earthquakes hit the area, we understand the urgency of having experienced and insured professionals ready to help. We have technicians on standby to help with assessment, mitigation, claim services, and cleanup to get your life back to normal. Earthquakes strike without warning, but your restoration process can be a skillful and calculated process conducted by licensed and trained contractors, restorers, and remediators. 

A Phone Call Away from Help

By contacting our team, you can access decorated and experienced restoration professionals directly. With years of experience handling natural disaster damage in the area, we have developed a deep understanding of the unique challenges and practical solutions. We work around the clock to manage the situation, even on multiple fronts with multiple customers, to ensure pressing needs are met, and your property is on track to its former state.

Already Trusted to Help

Even with the earthquake happening around Yuma in the early hours of February 12th, many county residents already know who to call for fast and focused restoration assistance. We have received and responded to multiple reports of water damages, leaks, and damaged appliances causing moisture and water damage in area residences. We have mitigation solutions for extraction, water cleanup, and structural drying. Our response team can also help with:

• Shoring structural damage
• Temporary board-up
• Fire damage
• Biohazard cleanup
• Flood removal

If you are dealing with the effects of an earthquake, a natural disaster, or any emergency that threatens your home or business, count on SERVPRO to help. You can reach our SERVPRO of Yuma East, Foothills team at (928) 247-1180.

Storms Happen. Are You Prepared?

6/8/2023 (Permalink)

A to-go-bag by the front door is a great way to prepare for any emergency.

Do You Have an Emergency To-Go-Bag?

SERVPRO of Yuma East/Foothills encourages every homeowner and family to have an emergency to-go bag. Natural or man-caused disasters can strike with little or no warning. An emergency to-go bag should be part of everyone's disaster preparedness planning checklist. It would help to have a grab-and-go bag or a suitcase for all the essentials.

Most people expect the to-go bag (s) to be placed in an automobile, which is fine. However, remember that the bags will probably also be carried. Thus, size and weight are always a consideration.

Essential items for a to-go-bag include:

• Portable/pocket radio
• First aid kit
• Flashlight
• Portable cell phone battery pack
• Refillable water bottle
• Water purification tablets/LifeStraw
• Multi-tool

Other items to include:

• 2-4 extra batteries (most radios require 2 AA)
• An external hard drive with backups of important files/photos
• A set of keys for your house/car
• Spare glasses/contact lenses
• Lighters/matches
• A copy of your ID
• A list of emergency contacts
• Meal replacement bars
• One change of clothes for each person
• Thermal blankets
• Plastic rain gear

Last-minute additions to your to-go-bag:

• Cash
• Your medicine
• Cell phone / Laptop /I-pad and chargers
• Hard drive backups

Pre-packed emergency go-bags are available for purchase from hardware stores, camping supply companies, and online sources, including the Red Cross website.

https://www.redcross.org/store/preparedness

When you're building or buying your to-go bag, think about your and your family's needs and even your pets. A small package of dried pet food doesn't occupy too much space. So, customize your bag to fit your needs.

The employees at SERVPRO of Yuma East/Foothills are always concerned for the safety of our neighbors. That's the main reason we're in the property disaster restoration industry. If you ever require assistance with property damage problems caused by storms, fires, flooding, and others, we are here to provide cleanup 24/7. You can reach SERVPRO of Yuma at 928-247-1100.

Ready, Set, Grill

5/1/2023 (Permalink)

Be safe when using your BBQ.

SERVPRO of Yuma fire remediation specialists advises Yuma-area grill masters to consider safety during the cooking season.

Firing up the BBQ and Grilling all Year Long is Part of the Joy of Living in Yuma. But, every homeowner should practice safety when cooking outdoors. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) warns families that grilling season also marks a rise in home fires started by outdoor grilling activities. According to the NFPA, on average, 10,600 home fires are started by grills yearly. These fires caused an average of 10 deaths, 160 serious injuries, and $149 million in direct property damage.

"Sixty-one percent of U.S. households own a gas grill," says Rick Isaacson, SERVPRO Industries, LLC CEO. "A total of sixty-four percent own at least one outdoor BBQ, grill, or smoker. The popularity of this outdoor cooking equipment combined with longer, warmer days creates a unique fire hazard that should be taken seriously."

The NFPA offers these essential tips for fire-safe grilling for gas/propane grills: 

• Check the gas tank for leaks before using
• Open the lid on all gas grills before lighting the grill

For Charcoal Grills:

• Use only charcoal starter fluid to start the fire but never add it or any flammable liquids to a fire that is burning
• Cool coals entirely before you dispose of them in a metal container

For All Grills:

• Place the grill well away from the house and deck railings. Don't place it under eaves or branches
• Remove grease and fat buildup from grills and trays after each use
• Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill
• Never leave the grill unattended when in use

For Deep Fryers:

U.S. fire departments respond to more than 1,000 fires involving deep fryers yearly. There are, on average, five deaths and 60 injuries every year. More than 900 homes and $15 million in property damage are blamed on the careless use of deep fryers, according to the NFPA.

• Keep deep fryers more than 10 feet from the house or structure
• Stay away from any flammable materials like tall grass or trees
• Never leave your deep fryer unattended
• Protect the chef by wearing oven mitts  
• When working with hot grease and flammable material, keep children or animals at a safe distance.
• Have pots to smother flames and a fire extinguisher handy. NEVER use WATER on a grease fire.

NEVER GRILL INDOORS:

Charcoal and gas grills produce large amounts of carbon monoxide, which can be deadly. Even small amounts of carbon monoxide can kill you. This might seem obvious. However, at least a dozen people die yearly from using outdoor grills inside homes and structures.

At SERVPRO of Yuma East, Foothills, we encourage you to be safe when you cook outdoors. Over the years, our company has responded to several fire cleanup jobs caused by outdoor grilling. That's why we hope you will be safe and not have to employ our fire and smoke cleanup services.

For more safety information, visit: the 123HELP APP

To reach SERVPRO of Yuma East/Foothills, call 928-247-1180

SERVPRO of Yuma Cleans HVAC and PTAC systems

4/3/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Yuma cleans PTAC cooling and heating unit in hotel rooms.

The Value of Packaged Thermal Air Conditioning in a Desert

Imagine life in the Yuma area without AC. That's why Packaged Thermal Air Conditioning (PTAC) units provide comfort for hotel guests, residents of senior living communities, and everywhere else they are in use. The benefits of a fully functional PTAC system cannot be understated. However, a PTAC unit that is not functioning correctly will be a constant source of guest (resident) unhappiness and complaints. Like all appliances, PTAC units require servicing and care to operate reliably at peak efficiency.

A recent industry survey revealed that the average lifetime of these units is about seven years. However, with proper care, PTAC units can last up to ten years. Energy efficiency technology and performance have improved dramatically in the past few years and may entice consumers to replace older units sooner. These newly manufactured units are now charged with an EPA-mandated alternative refrigerant, R-410A, which is less harmful to our atmosphere and the ozone layer. Testing reveals these new models are more efficient and will last longer than the previous technology when correctly cared for.

How Often Should a PTAC Unit be Cleaned?

Whether you have old or current PTAC units, they should be cleaned at least once each month or more often in a new facility or rooms with carpeted flooring. Dirty filters will decrease HVAC operating efficiency by as much as 20% while reducing energy costs. A dirty PTAC filter will also increase your energy costs.

SERVPRO of Yuma East, Foothills (and our El Centro location) provides commercial HVAC cleaning, including regular cleaning programs for PTAC units. Please, call our office so we can discuss your requirements and hopefully help you maintain and extend the useful life of your PTAC appliances. 

Our experienced technicians can be reached at 928-247-1180

How Important is Indoor Air Quality?

4/3/2023 (Permalink)

Having excellent indoor air quality is critical to businesses

New Report Indicates Office Employees are Highly Concerned about Indoor Air Quality

Honeywell Building Technologies has released results from their second annual study on workers' perceptions and feelings about the health and safety of the air quality in their office workspace. The study surveyed over 3,000 office employees who typically work in large buildings with 500 or more employees. The study occurred across the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, India, and the Middle East. The following information summarizes the key findings of the Honeywell study.

Unhealthy Indoor Environments Can Drive Employees Away

With more persons returning to offices, business owners need to know how employees feel about their workspace's indoor air quality.

• 89% of the persons surveyed in the six regions of the world believe that indoor air quality impacts their health and well-being.
• 91% of Americans believe the quality of the air they breathe has a direct impact on their health and well-being.
• 74% of respondents believe indoor air is less healthy than outdoor air.
• 65% of American respondents said they would consider leaving their job over an unhealthy indoor environment.

There is a Lack of Knowledge About Indoor Air Quality

Despite the agreement that safe IAQ has significant health benefits,  U.S. office workers do not understand the factors contributing to Indoor Air Quality. Nearly three in five surveyed U.S. office workers (57%) cannot correctly identify the factors contributing to IAQ. Over three-quarters (77%) have little or no knowledge of their building's IAQ.

Thanks to educational information concerning Covid, the public knows that viruses are spread more easily within indoor environments. However, there is little information about other factors that affect indoor air quality, such as airborne particulates caused by carpet fibers, dust, dander, gases, cleaning chemicals, moisture (humidity), and mold spores. Indoor air quality testing usually only happens when a fire, chemical spill, sewage backup, or flood event occurs. Perhaps routine air testing should be conducted every quarter in a building with a certain number of employees.

There are remedies to improve our indoor air quality in office spaces and public buildings and including the following:

• Air filtration using HEPA technology and Ultraviolet light
• Frequent clean air exchange
• The use of HEPA vacuuming during routine office cleaning
• Reduce dependency on certain cleaning chemicals and products
• Emphasize the use of EPA and CDC-approved cleaning products
• Install cleanroom technology where appropriate
• Regular cleaning of HVAC and air handling systems
• Air quality testing

SERVPRO of Yuma East, Foothills, provides HVAC cleaning in commercial and public buildings, including cleaning PTAC units.

We can also provide air quality testing during and after the cleanup of smoke damage, biohazard events, sewage backups, water damage, and mold remediation. We use many of the cleaning agents that are EPA and CDC-approved or recommended.

SERVPRO of Yuma East, Foothills, has completed cleaning projects in hospitals, medical offices, hotels, and senior living communities where indoor air quality is always top of mind. We are always available to consult or help with mitigation projects. For details, call 928-247-1180.

SERVPRO of Yuma East, Foothills has a Mission.

4/3/2023 (Permalink)

We invest in new equipment and vehicle to stay industry current and increase our capabilities.

We Want to be a Yuma Based Business That Makes a Difference

"We are strongly based in the region; I'm first generation American, the first in my family to be born here in Yuma," says Andy Alverez." He added I'm proud to be connected to the Hispanic and Anglo communities." His family owns SERVPRO of Yuma East, Foothills, and his original SERVPRO franchise in El Centro. In early 2022, Andy purchased a Yuma building for his cleaning facility to house industrial-grade laundry and content cleaning equipment. The building will serve as the base of operation for his crew to service his Yuma territory.

The goal for SERVPRO of Yuma East is to focus on hiring local talent whenever possible and train and educate every employee to be among the best in the restoration industry anywhere. Andy invests in technical and customer service training for his employees and advanced training and consulting/coaching for himself and key managers. The reason? He explains, "The mitigation and restoration industry and sales and marketing methods are constantly changing. Sure, our SERVPRO Franchise Corporate office provides outstanding training to the 1,700+ operators in our system, but I want more personalized assistance and attention that only a freelance consultant can provide."

SERVPRO of Yuma East, Foothills, serves a unique population. We know that 60% of the people in Yuma are Hispanic (58K people). We respond by having a majority bi-lingual workforce. Yuma County has a year-round population of approximately 200,000+ residents. During the winter, our population increases by about 90,000 due to the sun-seeking Winter Visitors that we affectionately know as "Snowbirds." We have become experts at drying and cleaning wet or moldy RV homes and manufactured housing. We also know how to remove smoke and odor contamination from the surfaces and the finish materials used in these living environments. Every property damage repair we produce is vital to us; it's not about the size or cost of the project; it's about helping our year-round and wintertime residents. Our mission is simple… to make a difference.

SERVPRO provides Sewage and Biohazard Remediation

4/3/2023 (Permalink)

Sewage is the most common Biohazard problem to be cleaned up by SERVPRO of Yuma

Everyday Cleaning Chemicals Can Become a Biohazard Scene When Misused

A biohazard is defined as a chemical or any hazardous substance when it contacts human or animal life. Examples of familiar biohazard sources are industrial chemical spills, toxic smoke, sewage spills, and trauma scene cleanup where bodily fluids have been spilled. There are many others. Even cleaning agents such as bleach are biohazards when spilled or misused. All biohazard events, from small to large, must be treated and cleaned up with caution.

The US EPA and OSHA provide cleanup guidelines for many bio-hazardous situations. The manufacturers of numerous chemicals also provide safety sheets that instruct cleaning companies on how best to remediate contamination involving their products. The labels on the containers alert consumers about how to use these products properly and what to do when “accidents” happen.

SERVPRO of Yuma East, Foothills frequently remediates sewage spills and trauma scenes in Yuma county. Our technicians are trained and equipped to work safely in these conditions to contain the pollution and not contaminate themselves or spread the problem beyond the cleanup area.

Toilet overflows can be nasty. Sometimes the water and waste are from wastewater pipes and flow into one or two homes or businesses. Or, in multi-story buildings, the ground floor units can be contaminated from above. Sewage water always contains bacteria and is nothing for the amateur to deal with on a do-it-yourself basis. Before you attempt to clean up any hazardous scene, call tom or the office. We are pleased to provide advice; if need be, we can quickly be onsite to resolve the problem correctly and safely. SERVPRO of Yuma East, Foothills: 928-247-1180

SERVPRO provides Sewage and Biohazard Remediation

4/3/2023 (Permalink)

Sewage is the most common Biohazard problem to be cleaned up by SERVPRO of Yuma

Everyday Cleaning Chemicals Can Become a Biohazard Scene When Misused

A biohazard is defined as a chemical or any hazardous substance when it contacts human or animal life. Examples of familiar biohazard sources are industrial chemical spills, toxic smoke, sewage spills, and trauma scene cleanup where bodily fluids have been spilled. There are many others. Even cleaning agents such as bleach are biohazards when spilled or misused. All biohazard events, from small to large, must be treated and cleaned up with caution.

The US EPA and OSHA provide cleanup guidelines for many bio-hazardous situations. The manufacturers of numerous chemicals also provide safety sheets that instruct cleaning companies on how best to remediate contamination involving their products. The labels on the containers alert consumers about how to use these products properly and what to do when “accidents” happen.

SERVPRO of Yuma East, Foothills frequently remediates sewage spills and trauma scenes in Yuma county. Our technicians are trained and equipped to work safely in these conditions to contain the pollution and not contaminate themselves or spread the problem beyond the cleanup area.

Toilet overflows can be nasty. Sometimes the water and waste are from wastewater pipes and flow into one or two homes or businesses. Or, in multi-story buildings, the ground floor units can be contaminated from above. Sewage water always contains bacteria and is nothing for the amateur to deal with on a do-it-yourself basis. Before you attempt to clean up any hazardous scene, call tom or the office. We are pleased to provide advice; if need be, we can quickly be onsite to resolve the problem correctly and safely. SERVPRO of Yuma East, Foothills: 928-247-1180