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

We Are the Go To Source for Biohazard Cleanup

4/3/2023 (Permalink)

Sewage back-ups are one of the most common biohazard jobs we perform.

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

How Come the Mold Returned?

4/3/2023 (Permalink)

Our technicians are experienced in mold remediation.

Fix the Moisture Source to Prevent Mold from Returning

Many homeowners say they removed the Mold from their bathroom walls, but it returned several days later. They ask why? Our response is based on the science of drying and years of experience working in damp structures to perform mold remediation. Here’s our answer, “Mold requires moisture to grow. There are always mold spores in the air, both outdoors and within our indoor environments. When a surface becomes damp and when the relative humidity of the indoor air reaches 60% or higher, Mold will grow.”

Why Does Mold Return to the Same Location?

This is another common question, and there is a logical reason why Mold first grew in a particular location and why it returns to that location even after being removed. It’s because the conditions were ideal for mold growth in the first place. The air movement in the room carried mold spores to a specific location where the texture, temperature, and moisture conditions were perfect for a mold colony to develop; these locations are often found on outside-facing walls and usually above or below windows. Bathrooms and kitchens produce steam and are the standard rooms where Mold can become problematic. 

It’s easy to remove mold patches, but new airborne mold spores will settle in the exact locations if the moisture conditions are not corrected. There are ways to prevent this cycle from repeating:

• Ventilate kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms so moisture don’t exceed 60% RH.
• Use dehumidifiers and HVAC systems as necessary
• Install and use powerful exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms
• Be sure that exterior walls are properly insulated
• Inspect for external leaks, including pipe leaks that could dampen a wall
• Maintain indoor temperature so condensation doesn’t collect on exterior walls

SERVPRO of Yuma East, Foothills has observed that a lack of ventilation causes most interior Mold. That means opening doors and windows to ventilate and operating exhaust fans in damp rooms to prevent mold growth. Anytime you need advice about a mold problem or require mold remediation, we are here to help. Our experienced team can be reached at 928-247-1180

Why Did the Mold Return?

4/3/2023 (Permalink)

Mold grows where the conditions are ideal. Wall sections near windows are typical locations to find mold colonies.

Fix the Moisture Source to Prevent Mold from Returning

Many homeowners say they removed the Mold from their bathroom walls, but it returned several days later. They ask why? Our response is based on the science of drying and years of experience working in damp structures to perform mold remediation. Here’s our answer, “Mold requires moisture to grow. There are always mold spores in the air outdoors and in our indoor environments. When a surface becomes damp and when the relative humidity of the indoor air reaches 60% or higher, Mold will grow.”

Why Does Mold Return to the Same Location?

This is another common question, and there is a logical reason why Mold first grew in a specific location and why it returns to that location even after being removed. It’s because the conditions were ideal for mold growth in the first place. The air movement in the room carried mold spores to a specific location where the texture, temperature, and moisture conditions were perfect for a mold colony to develop; these locations are often found on outside-facing walls and usually above or below windows. Bathrooms and kitchens produce steam and are the standard rooms in which Mold can become a problem. 

It’s easy to remove mold patches, but new airborne mold spores will settle in the exact locations if the moisture conditions are not corrected. There are ways to prevent this cycle from repeating:

• Ventilate kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms so moisture don’t exceed 60% RH.
• Use dehumidifiers and HVAC systems as necessary
• Install and use powerful exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms
• Be sure that exterior walls are properly insulated
• Inspect for external leaks, including pipe leaks that could dampen a wall
• Maintain indoor temperature so condensation doesn’t collect on exterior walls

SERVPRO of Yuma East, Foothills has observed that most interior Mold is caused by lack of ventilation. That means opening doors and windows to ventilate and operating exhaust fans in damp rooms to prevent mold growth. Anytime you need advice about a mold problem or require mold remediation, we are here to help. Our experienced team can be reached at 928-247-1180

Helping a Company Recover From a Large Loss is Never Easy.

4/3/2023 (Permalink)

As part of the SERVPRO Storm Team, we have access to all the equipment we need to complete a" large loss" job.

Commercial Property, Damage Recovery Services, are Specialized and Complex

When a disaster strikes a factory, airport, or other large building, the mitigation and restoration is a massive project involving dozens of overlapping moving parts. This highly swirling activity may seem like a whirl-wind, but it is not. It is synchronized in a logical order where one step often leads to another and ends on time (when all goes according to the scope and plan).    

An Overview of the Services that Might Be Utilized During a Large Commercial Disaster:

• Security, Board-up, and Fencing
• Project Scope and Recovery Plan/Cost and Timeline Projections
• Industrial Hygienists & Engineering Reports
• Job Safety Management
• Building Permits and Scheduled Inspections
• Daily Indoor Environmental Testing and Reports
• Daily Progress Documentation / Photos & Diaries
• Daily Progress Briefings
• Publicity Management
• Employee Labor-force Supervision and Hourly Documentation
• Background Checks of All Laborers
• Management of Sub-contractors and Suppliers
• Temporary Power / Generators
• Temporary Lighting
• Data and Communication Systems Recovery
• Temporary Office Pods
• Portable Toilets
• Storage Pods
• Containment Chambers
• Structural Drying / Desiccants / Dehumidifiers
• Structural Cleaning
• Air Filtration and Purification Systems
• HVAC Repair and Cleaning
• Document Drying and Recovery
• Electronic Equipment Recovery & Restoration
• Heavy Equipment Recovery & Restoration
• Controlled Demolition
• Debris Removal
• Reconstruction
• Final Cleanup
• Inventory of Supplies and Materials
• Invoicing and Accounting Documentation

SERVPRO OF Yuma East, Foothills, is trained and approved in commercial cleaning and restoration projects. We also work with other Large Loss Certified SERVPRO Contractors when a significant disaster impacts a facility.  

Our other SERVPRO partners are here for you 24/7. One call to 928-247-1190, and help will be on the way, no matter the size of the disaster.

SERVPRO of Yuma is a SERVPRO STORM TEAM Member..

4/3/2023 (Permalink)

We are a Storm Team Member. We restore small to large properties impacted by adverse weather events.

Remember, Mother Nature is in Control 

We have all heard or read the news headlines about climate change and its daily impact on our lives here in Yuma and our surrounding area. Major natural disasters could also impact our part of the world. Let’s look at these.

Earthquakes

We all know that we live in an earthquake-prone area. That’s why we should be prepared and have emergency supplies like water, food, and a first aid kit. For businesses, SERVPRO of Yuma East, Foothills offers a free emergency-plan to help business owners prepare for whatever happens. Check it out; call us today at 928-247-1180.

Monsoon Rains

We experience an annual monsoon season. Some years it’s more intense than other years. If your home or business is in or near a flood zone, have a supply of sandbags ready. Monitor weather and storm reports and be prepared to evacuate. SERVPRO of Yuma East, Foothills provides flood damage cleanup services. However, without special flood coverage, insurance policies do not usually cover flooding.

Wind Damage

Insurance policies usually cover wind damage, which is good because winds can rip shingles from roofs, toppling trees and power poles, and blow debris around, causing significant property damage. We don’t have to experience a tornado to suffer wind damage. SERVPRO of Yuma East provides cleanup and reconstruction repairs.

Dust Storms

Dust storms are something that happens to people that live in a desert. SERVPRO of Yuma East, Foothills can clean residential and commercial HVAC systems and other damage caused by dust storms.

Wildfires

We tend to think of wildfires as a problem for forested locations. Wildfires can spread through desert and grassland environments, burning crops and structures. Wildfires also produce smoke pollution. SERVPRO of Yuma East, Foothills is well equipped to provide cleanup of the damage caused by wildfires. As SERVPRO Storm Team members, we have traveled to California to participate in wildfire cleanup.

Hail & Freeze Events

As extreme weather events take place all around the globe, it is not unrealistic to imagine our desert area suffering from hail damage or a heavy freeze. This very thing happened in Texas in 2021. It could happen here. Our buildings and infrastructure are not designed to handle a prolonged freeze event. When there is a freeze warning, cover outdoor plants and plumbing fixtures, and be prepared for a loss of electricity and water.

As a proud member of the SERVPRO Storm Team, we’re prepared to travel to other regions that need help with storm damage cleanup. However, we are also prepared to help in our communities whenever required. SERVPRO of Yuma East, Foothills, 928-247-1180.

SERVPRO of Yuma has Professional Equipment for Fire Cleanup.

4/3/2023 (Permalink)

An ultrasonic cleaning machine is "the" ultimate tool for cleaning soot-damaged contents after a fire.

Advanced Technology for Fire and Smoke Remediation

Cleaning soot and smoke residue after a fire requires special chemicals and advanced technology. That is because the soot composition may contain oils, acids, and other harsh particulates that bond to surfaces. SERVPRO of Yuma has invested in the technology required to clean up a soot and smoke-contaminated environment. The following is a list of the many types of equipment we own. This may be a rather technical article for residential consumers. However, our insurance adjusters and facilities engineer clients appreciate this information. We are presenting this material to demonstrate our commitment to providing excellent service.

• HEPA Vacuums

These special vacuums remove 99.9% of fine airborne particulates and are designed not to exhaust particles back into the air during vacuuming.

• HEPA Air Purification (air scrubbers)

The portable filtration machine sucks air into primary and secondary filters through HEPA filters and then exhausts clean air back into the room. Our devices exchange 500 cubic feet of air or more per minute.

• Ozone Machines

The use of ozone has proven to be an effective deodorization tool for cleaning up fire/smoke, cooking odors, and trauma scenes. How does ozone destroy odors? Ozone reacts with odor molecules by transferring the “extra” oxygen atom of the ozone molecule in gas form to the odor molecule, which changes its composition and no longer has the same chemical makeup. This chemical reaction is called oxidation and is used in various cleaning applications to kill odor.

• Hydroxyl Generator

This adaptation of an Ozone machine can be safely used in rooms where people work or are present. This air cleaning technology is used in the International Space Station and Submarines. 

• Esporta Laundry Systems

The Esporta industrial-grade laundry machine was invented in Canada to clean hockey uniforms and firefighter jackets. The Esporta system can handle the most challenging cleaning assignment, such as soot, yet it’s designed not to rub and wear fibers, which is ideal for more delicate fabrics.

• Ultrasonic Content Cleaning Machines (Pictured)

When a fire spreads smoke throughout an interior environment, the contents often become covered and saturated with a dark black film of soot. An ultrasonic washing system removes the smokey film far more thoroughly than can cleaning by hand. There is no better or faster way to clean objects that can be immersed in a wet solution.

SERVPRO of Yuma East, Foothills is dedicated to using the best technology to produce quality results that meet our customer’s needs.

How Do You Hire A Good Service Provider?

12/9/2022 (Permalink)

Be sure to check out a company before you hire them.

Tips about How to Hire a Service Contractor

Good service providers are concerned with customer satisfaction. They want to turn customers into repeat businesses. Shady companies are about making as much money as possible from each job and customer.

Reputable companies plan to be in business for the long haul. They care about our community and its reputation. In a town the size of Yuma, a bad reputation spreads quickly.

There are many companies that are honest and mean well, but they fail to deliver on quality, or have other serious shortcomings that impact their customers. The typical weaknesses are:

• Not putting estimates in writing
• Late arrival
• Poor communication during the job
• Working messy
• Missing deadlines

Of these five problems, research studies reveal that the lack of clear communication is the basis for 80% of customer complaints about contractors. The remedy seems simple, keep both parties informed by using text memos, photographs of the work, and, most important of all, face-to-face conversations. However, communication failures seem to be part of the human condition and can quickly become the most significant obstacle in developing a stable professional relationship. It is critically important to prevent misunderstandings and disappointments from happening. 

You can have confidence in a vendor you intend to hire by asking potential service providers how they update and inform you about your project from start to finish. Ask them what their policy is when a crew is running late. Do they let you know? Observe how well the prospective contractor communicates with you during their sales process because this is often a strong indicator of how you will be treated after becoming their client.

SERVPRO of Yuma is aware of this blog's five most common shortcomings. We know any one of these problems can be relationship killer. While we are not 100% perfect, we do our very best to provide quality service by providing written estimates, arriving on time, communicating well, maintaining a clean and safe job site, and meeting our promised deadlines.  When a mistake happens, our people will own up to it. Our team members will do their very best to correct the issue. Everyone’s goal at SERVPRO of Yuma is to satisfy our customers, make you happy, and build a solid and positive reputation in Yuma and throughout the area.

For additional information or service, don't hesitate to contact our SERVPRO of Yuma East Foothills office, call 928-247-1180. We’re here to help and “Like it never even happened.”

Is There an Advantage to "start to finish" Service

12/9/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Yuma provides mitigation, demolition, and reconstruction.

Commercial Locations With Property Damage Require Cohesive Service.

What do we mean by cohesive service? We suggest that SERVPRO of Yuma can provide all the benefits to restore a damaged property from start to finish. This is a unique advantage for our clients.

Most contractors are specialists and must bring in sub-contractors to perform specific tasks. When this happens, there are often lag times in the production schedule, and mistakes can quickly occur. This is not the case with SERVPRO of Yuma, our services can flow seamlessly from the first day to the last day, and there will be fewer communication mistakes because we will keep the same production supervisors on the job.

Many of the property damage jobs we repair are for businesses or income property. Companies lose money when they are closed or partially closed, and income property does not make money when tenants aren’t paying rent. That is why emergency damage cleanup and repairs must be completed quickly and adequately. We get it.

Andy Alverez and Richard Rodriquez look forward to discussing your property repair needs and potential future needs with you. Please reach out to 928-247-1180.

A valuable free gift from SERVPRO of Yuma.

12/9/2022 (Permalink)

Business owners can download a free emergency preparedness app from SERVPRO of Yuma.

We Care About Yuma Businesses

SERVPRO of Yuma is committed to helping businesses in Yuma and the surrounding area thrives. We’re part of the community, and having a healthy business environment is as essential to everyone’s quality of life. That’s why we offer a free customized ERP (Emergency Ready Plan) for every business in Yuma, Dome, Fortuna Foothills, and Ligurta.

We know that when a business suffers a major property disaster such as a fire, it is difficult for companies to re-open their doors. We also know that almost half of the businesses that do reopen will go out of business within the following year. Why? It’s not usually because they don’t have insurance. It’s because they don’t have an emergency plan in place to help them be back in business quickly. A slow recovery can be deadly for a company because they lose its customers. Customers go elsewhere and become accustomed to the new business.

Schools, hospitals, and large businesses have extensive disaster recovery plans ready and in place. In fact, these organizations usually have one or more risk managers on staff to manage problems and challenges before they get out of hand and seriously impact the entity.

Small businesses don’t need an extensive plan or a person on payroll to manage potential disasters. However,  emergency preparedness planning should be part of running a business.

FEMA and the Red Cross offer advice on emergency readiness. SERVPRO of Yuma takes it a step further. We have an EPR APP that puts your customized information about your company and facility at your fingertips.

What’s the Gimmick?

None. We believe that if we work with you to customize your business survival and recovery plan, we will build a friendly and favorable relationship. If you ever have an emergency, you would likely opt to call us. It’s that simple. There are no costs of any kind, no contracts, and you maintain and own your information on the APP.

Sounds too good to be true. Call us and let us demonstrate to you that we really care about our fellow business community at 928-247-1180. We’re SERVPRO of Yuma.

Storms are Becoming more Severe

12/9/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Yuma continues to invest in drying equipment.

Is Your Home or Business Prepared For a Storm?

The shift in our climate is causing a worldwide increase and the intensity of various types of storms. Extreme atmospheric temperatures collide to cause stronger tornadoes and hurricanes, and more of them. Draughts cause more wildfires. Heavy rains cause flooding and mudslides. Ice storms and wind damage take a toll too. In many parts of the world, including where we live and work, earthquakes can cause havoc.

Sometimes, people can feel helpless against the power of storms. However, we can take precautions and prepare ourselves for approaching storms. The Red Cross and FEMA websites provide many tips on disaster readiness. These websites offer ideas about having and maintaining an inventory of emergency supplies ready for use and making plans for communicating with family members and business associates during and after a disaster. For example, here in the Yuma area, flash floods are a possibility. Depending upon the location of your home or business, you may want to maintain an inventory of sandbags at the ready.

Consider the SERVPRO Emergency Ready Plan

SERVPRO of Yuma offers an Emergency Ready Plan (ERP) free of cost for business owners and commercial customers here in the Yuma area. Users of the plan are not even obligated to use our service in the advent of disaster. Why do we offer such a valuable plan for free? Because we believe in our community and support our fellow business owners. We also believe that if we spend a couple of hours together customizing your disaster recovery plan, you will have confidence in our capabilities.

Our Emergency Ready Plan is designed to help commercial property owners and businesses to manage events during a storm and after a storm by assisting with the steps for a speedy recovery. The ERP plan is a phone APP that puts valuable data, including contact information of co-workers and emergency response vendors, at your fingertip.  We invite you to take advantage of our ERP offer by calling today for more information or an appointment.

We are SERVPRO of Yuma East Foothills: 928 247-1180

Is Mold a Problem in the Yuma Area?

12/8/2022 (Permalink)

No matter the type of mold growing indoors it needs to be removed appropriately.

How Can Buildings in a Desert Climate Have a Mold Problem?

In the center of the desert, only a short distance from the Mexican Border, temperatures can get extremely high. One would think it’s too dry to have mold problems. Mold problems happen in our homes and commercial structures, and when they do, the problem will often spread quickly.

While many molds have adapted to low humidity and the elevated heat of the desert, these are not usually the molds that typically cause problems for building interiors or are problematic to people. While average outdoor humidity in the Yuma area is around 40% there are three months of the year when our desert has elevated humidity and is more supportive of all kinds of mold growth. For your information, molds that can cause health effects for people require relative humidity above 60%.

The so-called black mold, Stachybotrys, and others are the types of mold that can pose a threat to humans because they produce fine airborne spores that can quickly enter our respiratory system. These molds find enough locations in the desert with adequate moisture to support their growth and survival year around, and they benefit from the Monsoon rain season. Trust us when we say, “airborne mold spores will find their way into wet or damp indoor environments.” Since these molds prefer 60% relative humidity (and above) and temperatures in the 70F to 85F range, they will thrive in a damp indoor environment. Remember, most indoor environments are air-conditioned to this temperature range. Once an indoor environment is wet by a plumbing mishap or groundwater flooding, the interior humidity will quickly elevate to 60% RH and above. Unless HEPA filtration, the HVAC system will move spores throughout the ventilation system. Even if an HVAC system has advanced filtration to capture mold spores the system will blow and move the air in rooms, and that can spread the spores around, causing some of them to settle on wet portions of walls and other surfaces such as paper, cardboard, leather, and certain fabrics such as cotton. These surfaces named, are considered food sources for mold colonies.

Ideal Food Sources for Mold:

Paper

Cardboard

Softwood

Decaying food

Leather

Cotton fabric

As we have explained, mold can indeed become a problem in desert community homes and buildings just like it can become a problem in a temperate or tropical climate. The reason, no matter where we live, our homes and their interior atmosphere are similar, and plumbing leaks, water flooding, and other issues can quickly raise indoor humidity to a level where mold can grow and spread spores.

If you suspect your home or building has a mold problem, please call SERVPRO of Yuma. We are always happy to talk with you and/or make a site visit. If remediation services are required, we may introduce you to an Industrial Hygienist (third party) who can provide a written scope about the remedy. SERVPRO understands how to safely remove mold by following EPA and OSHA guidelines.

Our business phone: 928-247-1180.

Does SERVPRO of Yuma Provide Storm Cleanup?

12/8/2022 (Permalink)

Our Region of the Country is No Stranger to Storms

Yuma and the region are susceptible to Monsoon rains and flash flooding that can impact not only individual structures, the water damage, and flooding can devastate entire communities, including causing loss of life. SERVPRO of Yuma is experienced in providing storm damage responses for rain and water events. We are also experienced in providing qualified services for other types of natural or man-caused disasters.

SERVPRO of Yuma is certified by SERVPRO Industries’ Storm Response Team. As a team member, we have traveled to Texas to perform mitigation and restoration services for freeze damage and flooding. Our trained storm team technicians have also responded to multiple wildfire events throughout the state of California. During a large fire, the air quality usually becomes a serious concern. Because we offer HVAC cleaning, we were assigned to clean the HVAC system at a hospital thoroughly. Our team was pleased to provide this vital service.

When significant disaster events happen, they will rapidly overwhelm the local response services. That’s why the states and the federal government will shift equipment and response personnel to the heavily affected areas. Likewise, property disaster restoration companies often become overwhelmed. That’s why SERVPRO Industries has developed a national storm response team (a support network) to shift resources from around the country to where they are most needed at any given time. Several SERVPRO franchises have been trained to participate in the Storm Team.

At SERVPRO of Yuma and our sister company SERVPRO of El Centro, we are pleased to know that if a large-scale disaster happens in our area, competent help would be on the way to support us in serving our local communities. We hope that you, too, are confident that SERVPRO will be ready to help, no matter how big the storm disaster!

We are always available to talk and to provide service; call… 928-247-1180

Water Damage Cleanup Should Begin Quickly After a Flood

12/8/2022 (Permalink)

Flood water contains bacteria. It becomes more contaminated as time passes.

Why is "Time" Important During Water Damage Restoration?

When a structure has a water flooding event, the EPA says it is vital to begin the restoration process within 48 hours or less because wetness in an indoor environment can produce bacteria growth and cause secondary damage. Secondary damage is damage to contents caused by the elevated indoor humidity caused by flooding. Paper, leather, and other materials may be ruined by excessive moisture. High humidity can also cause problems such as potential mold growth. If the structure already had mold colonies before the recent flooding event, the elevated humidity often stimulates the existing mold to grow and spread its spores. Even if no mold colonies are present before the flooding event, there are already mold spores in the indoor air. These spores can settle on wet building materials and begin to grow. Many studies indicate that mold spores can start to grow in a damp, high-humidity (60% RH and above) as quickly as three to five days. That is why it is imperative to begin mitigation (stop and contain the damage) as soon as possible. Mitigation and restoration companies, such as SERVPRO of Yuma, believe it is best to begin extracting water and drying a wet structure whenever possible within hours of the flooding event. 

Standing water on a floor may be from a clean water source, such as a bathroom sink overflow, or the water may have come from a sewage backup referred to as blackwater. It is easier to extract and dry up "clean water" than to clean up and dry "blackwater." Don't worry; competent mitigation companies like ours will employ the proper techniques and equipment for each type of water damage regardless of the size and extent of the damage.

Please, do yourself a favor; if your property suffers a severe sewage backup, don't attempt to clean it up yourself. Sewage often contains bacteria and nasty chemicals.

Safety Tips For Victims of Water Damage:

- Wet floors are a slip hazard

- Wet structures may present an electrocution risk

- When a room is wet, check inside closets and opposite walls for additional wetness

- Remove books, papers, boxes, and clothing away from wet areas

- Don't attempt to clean up serious sewage spills

- Don't procrastinate in calling for professional help

SERVPRO of Yuma has solved hundreds of water damage problems at homes, businesses, schools, churches, hospitals, and other locations. We will be there 24/7 should you ever need our services. 928-247-1180

Can a Person Have Confidence That A wet Building Can be Dried?

12/8/2022 (Permalink)

Even a small pipe leak can create substantial flooding if it is not repaired promptly.

Modern Restorative Drying Techniques available to Yuma Property Owners are Effective

When portions of a structure become wet it is essential to dry the affected structural materials quickly and thoroughly. How can the property owner know if the restoration company that “dried” the wet building did an excellent job and was able to dry the hidden moisture?

The drying equipment and techniques used by SERVPRO of Yuma are designed to help us apply the scientific drying standards established by the IICRC (the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification.)  These standards are based on several decades of research at test centers and data collected from thousands of jobs. Our employees have graduated from IICRC-certified training programs that teach the standards of care for various water damage situations, including the severity of the “flooding”.

Here are three circumstances to consider:

1. There are certain flood situations where dehumidifying the damp indoor air will be adequate for drying the damp structural materials.

2. In hidden spaces, dehumidified air can be pumped into the wet cavities in the structure by using small tubes and air pumps. Other tubes can be inserted into these cavities to exhaust the damp air by way of vacuum pumps.

3. In other cases, the penetration of water into certain building materials may require that the wet materials be removed by way of controlled demolition In other cases, the penetration of water into certain building materials may require that the wet materials be removed by way of controlled demolition.

Qualified restoration technicians at SERVPRO of Yuma know when to use surface drying techniques, when to use penetration (inner wall) drying, and when controlled demolition is required.

However, the question remains, is it dry?

Using the correct restorative techniques and technology is essential, however, how do we know if the systems worked? Is the structure dry?

Some moisture meters, humidity sensors, and thermal image cameras can detect hidden moisture. These advanced tools are available for the property damage recovery industry. Our SERVPRO technicians use these tools to monitor the moisture reduction from the first day on the job through drying and to job completion.

A customer should feel confident about the drying results when SERVPRO of Yuma has produced the restorative drying process. Furthermore, SERVPRO work orders and contracts provide written guarantees for our customers.

Our goal is always to do the job right and have satisfied customers.  For your water damage and other property damage needs, please call SERVPRO of Yuma at 928-247-1180

Get Your Copy of the EPA Booklet About Mold.

12/8/2022 (Permalink)

The EPA Mold Booklet is free. Be sure to download a copy of it.

Mold, Moisture, and Your Home

The EPA has published a helpful mold guide for homeowners to understand why mold might grow in their homes and how to remove it. The booklet, Mold Moisture and Your Home is available as a PDF download from the EPA.

In this article, we have quoted several vital areas of information from the EPA mold guide to provide you with a quick review of the information. However, we recommend that you download and read the entire booklet!

• “Molds are usually not a problem indoors unless mold spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing.”

• “The mold spores will not grow if moisture is not present. Indoor mold growth can and should be prevented or controlled by controlling moisture indoors. If mold grows in your home, you must clean up the mold and fix the water problem.”

• “Who should do the cleanup depends on several factors… one consideration is the size of the mold problem? If the moldy area is less than about 10 square feet (less than roughly a 3 ft. by 3 ft. patch), in most cases, you can handle the job yourself, following the guidelines below.”

The EPA booklet warns homeowners against self-do-it-cleaning if the mold source was contaminated with sewage, if they suspect the HVAC system is contaminated, and if there is a quantity of mold of more than 10 square feet. The booklet then provides two pages of instructions about how to safely and properly clean moldy surfaces. The instruction discusses how to safely use bleach (if and when it may be needed).

• Avoid breathing in mold or mold spores. To limit your exposure to airborne mold, you may want to wear an N-95 respirator, available at many hardware stores and from companies that advertise on the Internet.

• Wear gloves. Long gloves that extend to the middle of the forearm are recommended. Ordinary household rubber gloves may be used when working with water and mild detergent. If you use a disinfectant, a biocide such as chlorine bleach, or a robust cleaning solution, you should select gloves made from natural rubber, neoprene, nitrile, polyurethane, or PVC.

• Wear goggles. Goggles that do not have ventilation holes are recommended. Avoid getting mold or mold spores in your eyes.

• Cleanup and Biocides. Biocides are substances that can destroy living organisms. Using a chemical or biocide that kills organisms such as mold (chlorine bleach, for example) is not recommended as a routine practice during mold cleanup. There may be instances, however, when professional judgment may indicate its use.

The EPA booklet asks an important question, how do I get rid of mold? Here is their answer:

• "It is impossible to get rid of all mold and mold spores indoors; some mold spores will be found floating through the air and in house dust. The mold spores will not grow if moisture is not present. Indoor mold growth can and should be prevented or controlled by controlling moisture indoors. If mold grows in your home, you must clean up the mold and fix the water problem. If you clean up the mold but don’t fix the water problem, then, most likely, the mold problem will come back."

We can’t say it enough about, Mold, Moisture, and Your Home. It is an outstanding resource. We strongly encourage you to get a personal copy.

Please, understand SERVPRO of Yuma is an expert in resolving moisture and mold issues in homes and public buildings.  

We can be contacted at 928-247-1180

Business Interruption Insurance Explained.

12/8/2022 (Permalink)

Business owners should consider having Business Interruption Coverage.

Business Interruption Insurance… explained.

When a commercial property is damaged, there is often a negative impact on the business(s) housed within the structure. Sometimes, the business interruption will last several days or longer and disrupt the company's income-earning capabilities. In some cases, the interruption to the business is more “costly” than the damage to the structure. That’s why many companies have Business Interruption Insurance for just such an emergency. The Forbes Advisor describes this coverage like this, “Business interruption insurance helps to replace lost business income if you cannot open your business temporarily due to a loss covered by the policy, such as a fire or theft. Let’s say a storm knocks a tree into the front window of your business. Business interruption insurance, also known as business income insurance, would cover costs of lost income to your business until the window gets repaired.”

If you do not have business interruption insurance, you may want to talk with your insurance agent. For more information on the topic, you can also review the Forbes Advisor article.

In the past, SERVPRO of Yuma has worked on commercial property damage losses where business interruption insurance is in effect. In these cases, our responsibility is to perform the cleanup and restoration as quickly as possible so the business can return to work as soon as possible. Various studies have examined the reasons why some companies with adequate insurance go out of business after experiencing a disaster. The loss of customers and sales is a significant factor. The findings made clear that the longer the business is interrupted, the more difficult it will be for the company to recover and survive. Time is of the essence! That’s why, at SERVPRO of Yuma, we will work 24/7 to help restore the commercial property. Whenever possible, we will suggest and implement ways to keep at least part of a damaged company open and working.

Research about the effects of property damage on business recovery also reports that businesses with emergency-ready plans in place before the damage occurs have a substantial advantage in the recovery process and long-term survival.  SERVPRO of Yuma offers a customized emergency-ready plan.  We would be pleased to discuss making a plan for your business, and it’s free!

SERVPRO of Yuma contact information:           928 -247-1180

Avoid Fire at All Cost!

12/8/2022 (Permalink)

When a fire happens, the firefighters often move the contents out of harm's way but often make a mess simultaneously.

How Can You Protect Your Home From Fire?

Preparing and maintaining your home to prevent fires is an excellent way to protect your family and belongings. SERVPRO of Yuma East Foothills has prepared a list of ten helpful tips to help keep you safe.

1.    TEST YOUR SMOKE ALARMS  REGULARLY

Press the test button; if it beeps weakly, you need to change the batteries ASAP.

2.     INSPECT YOUR HEATING SYSTEM

If your heating sources aren’t working correctly, they could trigger a fire. Have them checked by a professional. Make sure your air filters are always cleaned or replaced. If you’re using a space heater – it needs to be positioned away from anything flammable.

3.    KEEP YOUR STOVE AND OVEN CLEAN

 When stoves combust, it is usually caused by oil spilling during cooking or by forgotten food particles on the burner. They can catch fire if you leave a dish towel or cookbook on a burner that you forgot was still hot.

4.    DON’T LEAVE Cooking Food unattended

 A few seconds is all it takes for a fire to break out. Never leave cooking food alone. If you must go, call someone into the kitchen to watch the food until you get back.

5.    ALWAYS CHECK YOUR DRYER

Driers should be inspected every year. Don’t forget to clean out your lint trap every time you put in a new load of laundry. You also want to check behind the machine for lint or clothing items like socks… clean the area and remove clothing items.

6.    MAINTAIN ALL ELECTRICAL CORDS

Before you plug something in, ensure the cord hasn’t been frayed. Replace damaged wires because this is a considerable fire hazard. Check your cord placement. They tend to get hot. Avoid running them under a rug or between your wall and furniture.

7.    PROPERLY STORE FLAMMABLE PRODUCTS

Household cleaners, solvents, and everyday cosmetic items such as hairspray can be hazardous if exposed to a heat source. They can combust. Keep them away from space heaters and other high-heat sources.

8.    PRACTICE CAUTION WITH CANDLES

Be cautious with candles. Keep them far away from curtains, blankets, or other flammable objects. Never put them on an uneven surface like carpets. If you have pets, make sure lit candles stay out of their reach. Blow out candles when you leave the room.

9.    BE CAREFUL WITH YOUR FIREPLACE

 Use a fire screen to prevent sparks from escaping from the fireplace. Don’t burn rubbish in a fireplace. Don’t leave the room with the fireplace blazing. Dispose of the ashes properly. Make sure they are cool. Dispose of them in a metal container designated for the ashes.

10. HAVE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS ON HAND

Fire extinguishers are your best defense weapon when a fire breaks out. Make sure you have at least one in the kitchen and one in the garage. Every family member should know how to use an extinguisher so that if a fire does happen, it can be put out as fast as possible. However, never put your life at risk. Know when to escape

YOU CAN HELP PREVENT HOUSE FIRES!

There is nothing more devastating than losing your treasures to a house fire. Your home is where you make your most memories, so you owe it to yourself and your family to protect it.

If your home ever suffers from fire or smoke damage, contact us to learn how we can help with cleanup and restoration services. We’re SERVPRO of Yuma East Foothills. Contact us at  928-247-1180.

How to Prevent Water Damage in Your Home

12/8/2022 (Permalink)

Sweeping up and or extracting excess water is often the first step in water mitigation.

There are Several Ways to Prevent Water Damage

Water damage is one of the most common and costly problems to affect a home. The good news, there are ways to maintain a home to prevent water damage problems from happening.

1. Remove outdoor plants and trees that are near water and sewage pipes
2. Remove hoses from outdoor faucets when a freeze is anticipated
3. Clean your gutters and downspouts frequently
4. Push rain runoff away from the foundation (especially door and garage entries)
5. Have sandbags ready if your home is in a potential flood zone
6. If you use a sump pump, make sure it is in good working order
7. Inspect your windows for water leaks
8. Look at your roof, or have it professionally inspected
9. Install an intelligent water main shutoff valve

ADDITIONAL TIPS:

• Install smart water sensors
• Inspect appliances that use water/ keep them in good repair
  1. Washing machines
  2. Dishwashers
  3. Ice makers
  4. Water-heaters  
• Know where your main water shutoff is located
• Know how to shut off specific water valves to toilets, sinks, etc.

 The Importance of the Water Main:

Plumbing experts say that the water main shutoff may be the most crucial plumbing feature in the entire house. Your water main supplies water to the other pipes throughout your entire house. Knowing where to shut off the water will minimize any damage if you experience a plumbing emergency inside your home.

It is also a great idea to shut off your water main if you leave your home for an extended period.

Maintain Appliances:

Appliances are the most common cause of in-home water damage. Check and maintain your appliances regularly for leaks according to the manufacturer’s directions. A water supply hose typically has a life expectancy of about five years. Replace yours regularly to avoid a mighty mess and expensive damage.

Install Water Detection Devices:

A water detector is a small electronic device that sounds an alarm when its sensor is in contact with moisture. Install it near water heaters, sump pumps, washing machines, dishwashers, and toilets to prevent extensive damage.  Some of the most advanced sensors can be connected to WIFI to send an alert signal to a smartphone. These devices are available at hardware stores and online retailers.

For more information about water damage and how to prevent it, please visit 123HELP.

Accidents Happen:

Even with the best planning and maintenance, a home may suffer from a water damage emergency. If that happens, SERVPRO of Yuma provides water damage restoration services 24/7. We are just a phone call away… 928-247-1180

Changing Weather Impacts Everyone.

12/8/2022 (Permalink)

Extreme weather seems to be the "norm." When it impacts you, SERVPRO of Yuma is here to help.

You Can Be Prepared for Severe Weather!

We have all heard or read the news headlines about climate change and the daily impact it has on our lives here in Yuma and our surrounding area.

• “A Pacific storm aiming first for the northern half of California and then moving south is picking up moisture from the tropical Pacific, making it a potent atmospheric river of precipitation also known as a "pineapple express.”

• “Seven million people were under flash flood alerts in California, Nevada, and Arizona where as much as 10 inches of rain was possible, according to NBC News forecasters.

• “Rates of rainfall from the storm could exceed one-half inch per hour, leading to life-threatening flash floods and mudslides in areas where recent wildfires created burn scars, they said.”

The weather events that are intensifying and breaking 100-year records are:

• High and low temperatures
• Flooding
• Wildfires
• Wind and dust storms

Other events could take place, including freezing and even tornadoes. We can’t change the weather, but we take actions to prepare our properties to withstand storm damage.

There are many homeowner tips available on the Internet for home and building owners, such as keeping roofs well-maintained and many others. Commercial property owners and income property owners of multi-unit buildings can have SERVPRO of Yuma produce a customized and free ERP (Emergency Ready Plan). This APP helps property owners know how damage can be avoided or minimized. The ERP helps a building owner manage recovery if damage occurs.  For information, please get in touch with our office at 929-247-1180

What Happens to a House After a House Fire?

12/8/2022 (Permalink)

How are the Contents Cared for After a Structural Fire?

Good question. When a fire happens, most people look at the apparent damage, which is the damage to the structure. The fire’s impact on the unique contents is an afterthought unless expected for the victims of the fire.

When flames or severe heat damage furniture, clothing, plastics, and other contents, the damage is often “total.” When contents are damaged beyond repair, the insurance company declares them a total loss. The restoration company will document these items on a total loss inventory list. Valuable items with extreme damage may be retained and stored for fire investigators or insurance company adjusters to inspect. Other items will be disposed of.

However, when the source of the damage to the contents is smoke and soot, the contents can often be restored. In many cases, soot, odor, and discoloration can be successfully removed when the items are cleaned and treated quickly.

The makeup of the smoke and soot impacts the difficulty of the cleaning and restorative process. For example, some soot will have a high-acid composition, others will leave oily deposits, and each is cleaned and removed in their way. The longer these substances remain on items, the more damage they can do.

There are times when our content cleaning specialists at SERVPRO of Yuma are not able to quickly determine if a particular content can be cleaned and restored. In this case, we perform a cleaning test on a small portion of the item. If the test results are successful, our technicians will complete the cleaning.

Sometimes, we will hire specialist contractors to work with us to restore valuable contents, especially on large fire cleanup projects where time is a critical component to the ultimate success of the recovery.

Services by Cleaning Specialists:

• Electronic equipment
• Clothing, leather, and fabric cleaners
• Area rug cleaners
• Fine art restoration
• Document recovery

SERVPRO of Yuma takes every fire damage job seriously. Successfully cleaning a family’s contents and personal treasures is meaningful and satisfying to us. We want to make every property damage event we restore “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of Yuma: 928-247-1180

How Many Types of Mold Are Out There?

12/8/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO mold remediation workers are dressed in TYVEK to protect from repeated mold exposure.

Mold is Part of the Fungi Kingdom

Mold is part of the fungi kingdom. Many people equate fungi to mushrooms. However, the fungi kingdom is more expansive than that. Fungi have a different cell structure than plants or animals. Fungi typically reproduce through tiny spores, microscopic cells that can survive through harsh conditions and sometimes replicate to produce more genetic copies. This ability to quickly reproduce and survive extreme conditions is why mold is so hard to eliminate! Mold comes in more than 100,000 species. Specific molds can survive in every climate, and molds are found everywhere on our planet, from rainforests to deserts and beyond.

If You See Mold, Don’t Panic!

There are stories told about “black mold”, these people are talking about a specific mold named  Stachybotrys Chartarum. However, just because a mold is black doesn’t mean that it’s Stachybotrys Chartarum. There are one hundred thousand different kinds of mold that come in all colors, even pink, yellow, and blue!  Don’t automatically assume your home has Stachybotrys Chartarum.

However, if there is visible mold in your home (no matter the species) you will want to remove it or have professionals such as SERVPRO of Yuma assist you with the remediation (safe removal).

Once visible mold has been remediated, the problem is not always solved. Unless the cause of mold growth is addressed, the mold will probably return in time. And the cause of mold growth is triggered by dampness and elevated humidity. These issues can be fixed. Often, it’s a matter of employing proper insulation, heating, or ventilation.  SERVPRO of Yuma and East Foothills understands how and why mold grows. We can provide a total remediation service:

• Address the cause/source
• Remove the mold

We perform inspections and provide quotes for the appropriate services. If you are concerned about or suspect your home has mold issues please, contact us at 928-247-1180

Is SERVPRO of Yuma Customer Based?

12/7/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO trains technicians to be courteous.

Training and Experience Make the SERVPRO’s Team More Efficient!

Yes, we are customer and client based. Training and experience result in a high level of efficiency and positive teamwork. Our office staff and supervisors in SERVPRO of Yuma/East Foothills treat our repair and restoration employees with the ultimate respect, which creates a positive work environment. Every employee feels valued, and they know their roles in the company are essential. Our operating philosophy is “during the typical workflow, we all take turns interacting with the customer. At that moment in time, we are the most important employee, and our goal is always to provide the best service possible.” At SERVPRO of Yuma/East Foothills, these are not just words. We show our employees how important they are to SERVPRO and to our customers by:

• Continually investing in employee training
• Team members celebrate their training and earning certifications
• Ensure employees follow safety rules to reduce risk and injury
• Team members participate in community activities and events

How Does a Business Prosper When the Employee Culture is Positive?

Everything happens for good! When businesses treat their staff well, the turnover rate of employees decreases. Long-term employees train and inspire newer ones. explaining. Employees respectfully interact with each other, helping others on our team grow as professionals, building their skills, and increasing their confidence in their ability to perform each new job to the customer’s satisfaction.

We invite you to meet our employees. We are pleased to answer questions about any property maintenance or repair concerns. If you have a property emergency, please call. Please be aware that SERVPRO of Yuma/East Foothills performs property damage repair 24/7. Contact our office any time of the day by calling: 928-247-1180.  

Does SERVPRO of Yuma provide 'Large-Loss Work'

12/7/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has the equipment to produce large cleanup projects.

Is SERVPRO of Yuma Capable of Serving Commercial Clients?

First, let’s define “commercial” restoration projects. Commercial property damage cleanup jobs are performed for businesses rather than individual homeowners. Commercial jobs, that are paid for by insurance come under a different payment schedule and are managed by the commercial and large-loss experienced adjusters.  

There are commercial jobs that involve peoples’ homes and apartments. For example: repairing property damage at an apartment building or a condominium association would be classified as commercial projects because apartments are “income property” and condominiums are state-certified corporations.

Commercial restoration projects tend to be much larger than single-dwelling residential jobs.  The mitigation and restoration work performed by commercial experienced technicians and their sub-contractors often includes document and data recovery, electronic equipment salvage, and the repair of heavy manufacturing equipment. This means that a company providing commercial service must maintain a substantial inventory of restorative drying equipment and have rapid access to other resources to restore a large structure quickly.  

Another essential and specialized aspect of performing commercial work is employing strategies to keep a business open and functioning during the recovery period. In fact, commercial insurance policies often include a clause to ensure a percentage of lost revenue during a disaster event. Thus, insurance companies will reward vendors who can keep a business operating or get them reopened quickly. This is called business interruption insurance.

Here's a twist…many commercial customers, including government facilities, are self-insured. That means they pay vendors directly from funds set aside for emergencies. Providing services for self-insured agencies requires that contractors have registered with government contractor programs, adhere to a long list of regulations, and agree to standards and rules for employee pay. Since we are on the topic of money, it should be noted that commercial customers seldom make a down payment. This causes commercial restoration contractors to have sufficient operating capital or an established line of credit to be able to finance the work, including a significant loss project that can be hundreds of thousands of dollars and more.

SERVPRO of Yuma is commercial and large-loss experienced and capable! We invite business owners and managers, government and public agencies, and large industries in our area to meet us and discuss disaster-preventative contingencies. Please, contact us at 928-247-1180

Fires cause different types of smoke damage.

12/7/2022 (Permalink)

Kitchen fires can put greasy soot into the air that will deposit on surfaces throughout a home.

THERE ARE FOUR TYPES OF SMOKE.

Beyond just the fire damage, residual smoke and soot can cause a great deal of damage. Soot often contains impure carbon-based residues, creating a hazardous situation. Soot is basically un-burnt hydrocarbons. It’s the residue of the materials that were on fire. Many structural building materials, such as plastics, contain adhesives and petroleum-based (carbon-based) components. Carpeting and laminate flooring are an example of this. When these materials are not fully combusted, particulate carbon and gases are released into the air and become residues that eventually cling to or settle on interior surfaces as soot.

Four common types of smoke damage (dry smoke, protein residue, fuel/oil residue, and wet smoke) are caused by different circumstances like the fire’s temperature and fueling materials. The cleanup and restoration process varies slightly for each kind of smoke/soot contamination.

• Dry Smoke
  Dry smoke is created by fast-burning, high-temperature fires that are typically fueled by paper or wood. Its powdery texture means it doesn’t smear when being wiped up. It’s relatively easy to clean compared to more dense smoke and soot residue. However, dry smoke usually produces very small particles of soot that can work their way into cracks or porous materials which can make it difficult to remove the smoke odor.

• Protein Residue
  A cooking mishap can cause protein residue particles to be carried into the smoke. This type of smoke can be essentially invisible with no noticeable soot or streaking, but it can permanently discolor paint and other finished surfaces. While it may be challenging to see protein residue, it’s not hard to smell it. I left untreated, the unpleasant odor will intensify over time and can permeate your entire home or business and the contents within.

• Fuel/Oil Residue
  Fuel/oil residue, also called petroleum residue, thankfully isn’t seen too often in home or business fires unless petroleum products were being stored in the space. However, it’s not uncommon for a building with an oil-burning furnace to have a “puff back” where it doesn’t ignite properly and ultimately releases smoke and soot into the surrounding space. This means you can deal with fuel residue smoke damage even when there hasn’t been a fire. Petroleum residue is sticky, dense, and especially difficult to clean. Its odor is strong and offensive, efficiently ruining upholstery and carpets when not cleaned promptly.

• Wet Smoke
  Wet smoke damage comes from low-heat, smoldering fires. Both plastic and rubber produce this contamination when they are burned. These incredibly smelly fires usually have fewer flames but produce thick, black smoke. Because wet smoke residue is sticky and dense can completely cover your home or business’s surfaces. This soot residue is challenging to remove without special equipment and cleaning agents because it tends to smear during the cleaning process.

How does  SERVPRO of Yuma restore smoke damage to your home or business?

There are three main ways to deal with smoke damage after a fire:

• cleaning, resurfacing and replacing. When possible, we clean your space by removing the smoke residue from all existing items, avoiding the high costs of replacing them. This is often the case with smaller blazes that leave behind minimal damage.

• When the smoke residue is worse or has been given time to permeate your space, we will attempt to salvage or repair existing items to return them to their pre-fire state. This involves advanced cleaning or re-painting, re-carpeting, re-upholstering, and so on.

• In extreme cases, we will replace all non-salvageable items and provide reconstruction services. This is the last choice solution because of its high cost, but it’s necessary when the damage is severe. Please understand: If an insurance company is involved, then an insurance adjuster will have the final say on what is to be salvaged or replaced. 

Please get in touch with our office if you ever experience a fire and smoke damage emergency. The sooner we are invited to help, the faster you can return your structure to its preloss condition. Please understand during a disaster, first and foremost, we work for you, and we’re also experienced in successfully interacting with insurance companies. We’re  SERVPRO of Yuma East Foothills. 928-247-9811

We Invest in Our Business to Better Serve You

11/17/2022 (Permalink)

New vehicles and equipment help us serve you fully by providing the tools our employees require to do their job and earn consumer trust.

Consumers Don't Always Understand What Goes into Building a Business.

At SERVPRO of Yuma East, Foothills, we aim to please our customers by delivering outstanding service. That means we must have the equipment, vehicles, and tools that our technicians can use to support a 24/7 operation.

Property disasters, storm damage, and other mishaps rarely happen at a convenient time. They tend to come in bunches, making what we do very challenging. 

However, despite the challenges, SERVPRO of Yuma East Foothills works hard to be the best mitigation and restoration resource in the entire area. That's why we continue to hire great people and invest in our infrastructure. 

• Vehicles
• Tools
• Advance restoration equipment
• Training
• Facilities

We are dedicated to growing and being your best resource when property damage strikes. Please, consider calling SERVPRO of Yuma East, Foothills for all of your specialty cleaning and restoration needs. 

Mold in the Desert?

11/9/2022 (Permalink)

Black mold on walls in an indoor setting should be removed.

Buildings in a Desert Climate Can Have a Mold Problem Too!

In the center of the desert, only a short distance from the Mexican Border the temperatures can get extremely high. One would think it’s too dry to have mold problems. Mold problems happen in our homes and commercial structures, and when they do, the problem will often spread quickly.

While many molds have adapted to low humidity and the elevated heat of the desert, these are not usually the molds that typically cause problems for building interiors or are problematic to people. While average outdoor humidity in the Yuma area is around 40% there are three months of the year when our desert has elevated humidity and is more supportive of all kinds of mold growth. For your information, molds that can cause health effects for people require relative humidity above 60%.

The so-called black mold, Stachybotrys, and others can threaten humans because they produce fine airborne spores that can quickly enter our respiratory system. These molds find enough locations in the desert with adequate moisture to support their growth and survival year-round and benefit from the Monsoon rain season. Trust us when we say, “airborne mold spores will find their way into wet or damp indoor environments.” Since these molds prefer 60% relative humidity (and above) and temperatures in the 70F to 85F range they will thrive in a damp indoor environment. Remember, most indoor environments are air-conditioned to this temperature range. Once an indoor environment is wet by a plumbing mishap or groundwater flooding, the interior humidity will quickly elevate to 60% RH and above. Unless HEPA filtration, the HVAC system will move spores throughout the ventilation system. Even if an HVAC system has advanced filtration to capture mold spores the system will blow and move the air in rooms and that can spread the spores around causing some of them to settle on wet portions of walls and other surfaces such as paper, cardboard, leather, and certain fabrics such as cotton. These surfaces named, are considered food sources for mold colonies.

Ideal Food Sources for Mold:

Paper

Cardboard

Softwood

Decaying food

Leather

Cotton fabric

As we have explained, mold can indeed become a problem in desert community homes and buildings just like it can become a problem in a temperate or tropical climate. The reason, no matter where we live, our homes and their interior atmosphere are similar and plumbing leaks, water flooding, and other issues can quickly raise indoor humidity to a level where mold can grow and spread spores.

If you suspect your home or building has a mold problem, please call SERVPRO of El Centro and Salton City. We are always happy to talk with you and/or make a site visit. If remediation services are required, we may introduce you to an Industrial Hygienist (third party) who can provide a written scope about the remedy. SERVPRO understands how to safely remove mold by following EPA and OSHA guidelines.

Consejos e Información de SERVPRO para Daños Causados por el Agua en Yuma

10/8/2022 (Permalink)

Para más información sobre la ciudad de Yuma, haga clic aquí.

Daños Causados por el Agua en su Hogar en Yuma Pudieran Deformar sus Ventanas

Su hogar en Yuma pudiera verse afectado por el agua por distintas razones. Por ejemplo, el uso diario del agua en baños y cocinas produce vapor de agua. La humedad ambiental en forma de vapor de agua puede asentarse en su casa y causar problemas también. Filtraciones alrededor de sus ventanas causadas por lluvia o por la condensación del agua pueden afectar los marcos de sus ventanas y hacerlas difícil de abrir o cerrar.

Las ventanas del hogar siempre deben estar seguras para evitar riesgos, pero las ventanas de propiedades en Yuma que han sufrido daños causados por el agua pueden tener dificultades al cerrarse. Una manera de ayudar a solucionar el problema es la instalación de un deshumidificador. La instalación de ventiladores y escapes de vapor en zonas como baños y cocinas puede ser incluso más efectivo para evitar la necesidad de instalar deshumidificadores más adelante. Claro está que los sistemas de ventilación deben estar instalados correctamente para expulsar la humedad de su hogar de manera adecuada.

Cuando el personal de SERVPRO se encuentra con marcos de ventanas afectadas, comenzamos a manejar la situación eliminando cualquier exceso de humedad que se detecte. Esto lo hacemos contando con mediciones precisas de los niveles de humedad en los marcos de dichas ventanas. Dependiendo de la magnitud del daño, quizás podramos restaurar el marco de la ventana a su estado original. Muchas veces sólo podemos restaurar una parte del marco debido a la extensión del problema; otras veces es necesario instalar una nueva ventana. Con un poco de suerte, podemos extraer la humedad, minimizar la deformación y sellar de nuevo el marco de la ventana con el sellador apropiado. Sin embargo, resguardar la seguridad de su familia y su tranquilidad es nuestra prioridad.

El caso contrario, cuando las ventanas son muy difíciles de abrir, es igual de riesgoso. Si su familia no puede abrir una ventana, su vida corre peligro en caso de un incendio a la vez que no puede gozar de los beneficios del aire circulante. No poder escapar de un incendio debido a que la ventana está atascada es una razón muy válida para que su familia sienta pánico y ansiedad. Restaurar y reparar las ventanas es un paso muy importante para resguardar la seguridad de su familia.

Empresa Local Con Recursos Nacionales

Mi Casa se Inundó; ¿Qué hago ahora?

10/4/2022 (Permalink)

¿Daños por inundaciones por tormentas en su casa de Yuma? Llame a SERVPRO de inmediato.

Llame a un servicio professional para eliminar el olor causado por el agua que inundo su casa de Yuma.

La necesidad de limpiar después de una inundación es bastante evidente. El lodo, la suciedad y los escombros pueden estar esparcidos por su casa, y usted sabe lo que debe hacer para restaurarlo. A medida que realiza un inventario del daño y determina lo que puede conservar y lo que necesita eliminar, considere también llamar un servicio professional para garantizar que su ambiente no se haya convertido en un caldo de cultivo para las bacterias. Desinfectar y desodorizar con soluciones industriales es esencial para protegerlo de futuras complicaciones.

Cuando el daño por inundación afecta su hogar en Yuma debe llamar a SERVPRO para que lo guíe en el proceso de restauración. Nuestros técnicos se especializan en la eliminación de agua y el saneamiento de su hogar y prestan mucha atención a las amenazas que se esconden detrás de un desastre natural. Cuando nos permite entrar a su hogar, usted cuenta con nuestra experiencia y sabiduría sobre los pasos necesarios para proteger a su familia y comenzar la reconstrucción después de la tormenta.

¿Por qué hay un mal olor en mi casa después de que se inunda?

La mayoría de las veces, el olor es consecuencia de las bacterias que invadieron su hogar. Aunado a su absorción por superficies porosas, el olor a humedad puede hacerse insoportable. En algunos casos, nuestro equipo de SERVPRO descubre que el moho ya se está formando en su hogar debido al exceso de humedad, lo cual también desprende un olor. En todos los casos, el tiempo es esencial. Cuanto más rápido elimine los rastros de la tormenta, más mitigará su pérdida. Entre los métodos utilizados por nuestro equipo para limpiar el aire y eliminar los olores residuales, podrá ver los siguientes-

• Depuradores de aire: interactúan con las moléculas de olor y las neutralizan
• Capsulas desodorantes: las dispersamos por su casa para contrarrestar los olores.
• Generadores de ozono: aplican partículas eléctricas en el aire para ayudar a descomponer las moléculas de olor.

SERVPRO de Yuma East Foothills es más que un equipo de limpieza. Somos líderes en abordar todos los aspectos del proceso de restauración después de una inundación. Llámenos al 928-247-1180 e invítenos a dejar su casa como que nada hubiera pasado.

Our Skilled Crew Is Here To Help After a Flood In Yuma

10/3/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Yuma has a cellphone App for commercial customers to be prepared for an emergency.

Restoration After Flood Damage in the Yuma Area is More Than Just Cleaning Up

The Southwest has been in a drought and Monsoon Rains has been unpredictable.  Weather patterns continue to surprise us each year. The consequences of this years’ storms have been severe with flooding in Yuma and other nearby communities

If your property experiences a flooding emergency, please include SERVPRO of Yuma East Foothills as part of your essential part of your recovery plan. Our team is available 24/7 to arrive at your home or business and assess the damage. Floodwaters pose specific dangers to your health due to the bacteria they carry into buildings. We follow Industry best practices and quickly identify and remove soft goods that absorb microorganisms.  We provide what are called flood cuts to wallboards  to removed ruined materials. We make straight and neat cuts to facilitate the ease of reconstruction. Our team can clean, dry, and apply anti-microbial treatments to exposed framing and hard surface to prepare for cosmetic reconstruction (plaster, paint, carpeting, and other floor coverings.)

SERVPRO of Yuma and the surrounding areas is much more than a cleanup service. Homeowners and business owners can rely on us to be their partners in all aspects of the storm damage restoration process.

Even before a property disaster such as flooding takes place you may want to learn about our Emergency Ready Plan for business owners, and commercial property owners.

SERVPRO of Yuma East Foothills serves our surrounding area with storm damage cleanup, water and fire emergency mitigation, mold remediation, odor control, and many other specialty cleaning services.  

Call us at 928-247-1100

A Stores’ Ceiling Collapses. No Injuries!

10/3/2022 (Permalink)

A SERVPRO of Yuma technician is hard at work cleaning up plaster and insulation debris.

A Plaster Ceiling Falls in a Downtown Store

In the Yuma Area, we have many old buildings that were constructed with lath and plaster. In recent years many of these old ceilings have been covered with insulation and plasterboard to modernize their appearance and improve on insulation efficiency.

Our technicians recently responded to an emergency property damage at a business in downtown El Centro. It was a souvenir and gift shop housed in a building that is almost 100 years old. Their lath and plaster ceiling had been retrofitted many years ago with sheets of plasterboard.

At closing time, the customers were at the checkout counter near the front door when a large portion of the plasterboard ceiling collapsed. The heavy coat of plaster spread across the sheets of plasterboard and a layer of blown-in insulation fell onto displays, shelves, and the floor below. Nobody was injured. SERVPRO of El Centro and SERVPRO of Yuma (sister companies)  are performing the cleanup and the build-back. 

How did such a property disaster happen without a major earthquake?

The Imperial Valley experiences dozens of small earthquake tremors every day. The constant vibration loosened the nails and wore away the plaster from around the nails that held the plasterboard to the framing and the original ceiling above. Current building codes and construction processes use screws to securely anchor plasterboard. Unfortunately, screws were not used at this location.

Manmade property disasters happen every day that’s why we business owners here in the Yuma area know that SERVPRO is ready 24/7 to be of assistance.

Please, call anytime for help at 928-247-1180

Evite Daño por Incendio a Toda Costa!

9/9/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Yuma can help.

Cómo Puede Usted Proteger Su Hogar Contra Un Incendio?

Estar preparado y mantener su hogar para prevenir incendios es una forma excelente de proteger a su familia y sus pertenencias.  SERVPRO of Yuma East Foothills ha preprado una lista de 10 recomendaciones para ayudarle a mantenerse seguro.

1.    PRUEBE SUS ALARMAS CONTRA INCENDIO CON REGULARIDAD

Presione el botón de prueba, si el sonido es leve, es probable que sea necesario cambiar las baterías cuanto antes.

2.     INSPECCIONE SU SISTEMA DE CALEFACCION

Si su sistema de calefacción no está trabajando adecuadamente, podría ocasionar un incendio.  Programe revisions anuales con un professional.  Asegúrese de que sus filtros de aire estén siempre limpios, o reemplácelos.  Si utiliza un calentón portátil, asegúrese de que no apunte hacia ningún material inflamable.

3.    MANTENGA SU ESTUFA Y HORNO LIMPIOS

Cuando las estufas se prenden solas, usualmente es causado por derrames de aceite cuando se está cocinando, o porque se quedaron pequeños pedazos de comida en el quemador.  Si deja una toalla o libro de recetas sobre el apagador que todavía está caliente, puede comenzarse un incendio.

4.    NO DEJE COMIDA COCINANDO SIN ATENDER

Todo lo que se necesita es unos cuantos segundos para que se comience un incendio.  Nunca deje comida cocinando sin attender.  Si necesita salir, llame a alguien a la cocina para que pueda attender la comida mientras usted regresa.

5.    SIEMPRE REVISE SU SECADORA DE ROPA

Se recomienda que inspeccione su secadora de ropa por lo menos una vez al año.  No olvide limpiar la trmpa de la pelusa cada vez que empiece una tanda de ropa en la secadora.  Trate de revisar atrás de la secadora por si hay pelusa, or ropa pequeña como calcetines.  Limpie el área y retire la ropa olvidada.

6.    MANTENGA TODAS LAS EXTENSIONES ELECTRICAS EN BUEN ESTADO

Ante de que conecte cualquier aparato eléctrico, asegúrese de que el cordon está en buen estado.  Reemplace los cables dañados, ya que son un gran peligro de incendio.  Revise la colocación del cable.  Pueden tender a calentarse.  Evite corer cables bajo tapetes, alfombras o entre la pared y sus muebles.

7.    ALMACENE TODO PRODUCTO INFLAMABLE APROPRIADAMENTE

Líquidos para limpiar, solvents y cosméticos comunes como hairspray pueden ser peligros si se exponen a una fuente de calor.  Pueden ser combustibles.  Mantenga estos líquidos alejados de calentones portátiles y otras fuentes de calor..

8.    tenga precaucion con velas

Sea cuidadoso con velas.  Mantengálas alejadas de cortinas, cobijas u otros artículos inflamables.  Nunca coloque sus velas en una superficie desigual o insegura, como alfombras.  Si usted tiene mascotas, asegúrese de que las velas estén fuera de su alcance.  Apague las velas cuando salga del cuarto.

9.    TENGA CUIDADO CON SU CHIMENEA

Use una pantalla contra fuego para prevenir que se escapen chispas de su chimenea.  No queme basura en su chimenea.  No salga del cuarto cuando el fuego esté llameando.  Disponga de las cenizas adecuadamente.  Asegúrese de que no estén calientes.  Retírelas en un contenedor de metal designado para cenizas.

10.         MANTENGA EXTINGUIDORES A LA MANO

Los extinguidores contra incendios son su mejor herramienta cuando un incendio empieza. Asegúrese de tener por lo menos uno en la cocina y uno en el garaje.  Se recomiendo que todos los miembros de la familia sepan cómo usa un extinguidor, para que si un incendio llegara a pasar, se puede apagar tan pronto como sea possible.  Sin embargo, nunca arriesgue su vida.  Sepa cual es la mejor manera de salir y escaper un incendio.

usted puede prevenir incendios en el hogar!

No hay nada tan devastador como perder sus pertenencias en un incendio.  Su hogar es donde usted tiene la mayoría de sus mejores recuerdos, y merece que usted y su familia estén protegidos.

Si algún dâa su hogar sufriera un incendio, y daño por humo, llámenos para aprender como le podemos ofrecer nuestros servicios de limpieza y restauración.  Somos  SERVPRO de Yuma East, Foothills. Nos puede localizar llamando a número: 928-247-1180. Estamos aquí para ayudarle.

Los Básicos de Restauración después de Daño por Agua.

9/9/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Yuma 24 horas / 7 dias.

Porqué es tan importante el “tiempo” durante un incidente de Restauración después de Daño por Agua?

Cuando hay un incidente de inundación en una estructura, la EPA (Agencia de Protección Ambiental/Environmental Protection Agency) ha determinado que es vital comenzar con el proceso de restauración dentro de las primeras 48 horas o menos, porque la humedad puede causar que bacteria crezca y cause daño secundario.  Se le llama “daño secundario” al daño a los artículos en su hogar causados por los altos niveles de humedad causados por la inundación.  Materiales como papel, piel y otros materiales, se pueden arruinar por los niveles elevados de humedad en el interior de su hogar.  Altos niveles de humedad pueden causar problemas como crecimiento de moho. Si la estructura ya contenía colonias de moho antes del evento de inundación, los niveles elevados de humedad usualmente estimulan el moho existente y promueve la propagación de sus esporas.  Aún cuando no hay colonias de moho presente antes de el evento de inundación, podría ya haber esporas de moho en el aire.  Estas esporas se pueden desarrollar en un edificio mojado más fácilmente y comenzar a crecer.

Muchos estudios indican que las esporas de moho pueden desarrollarse en un área de humedad elevada (60% RH o más) en tan poco como de tres a cinco días.  Por eso es muy importante iniciar con la mitigación (detener y contener el daño) tan pronto como sea possible.  De hecho, compañías de mitigación y restauración como SERVPRO de Yuma East, Foothills, creen que siempre es mejor comenzar a extraer agua y secar una estructura mojada dentro de las primeras horas después del incidente de inuncación, siempre que sea posible. 

El agua estancada en un piso puede proveer de una fuente de “agua limpia”, como un derrame sobre un lavabo de baño, o el agua puede proveer de una cañería de drenaje, que normalmente se denomina “blackwater”. Es bastante más fácil extraer y secar “agua limpia” que limpiar y secar “blackwater.” No se preocupe, en compañías competentes de mitigación como la nuestra, utilizamos las técnicas adecuadas y el equipo correspondiente para cada tipo de daño por agua, independientemente del tamaño y el alcance del daño.

Por favor, si su propiedad sufre un daño por agua proveniente de un drenaje, no trate de limpiarlo usted mismo.  Los drenajes por lo regular contienen bacterias y productos químicos repugnantes.

Consejos de Seguridad para Víctimas de un Incidente de Daño por Agua:

- Los pisos mojados son resbalosos

- Las estructuras mojadas pudieran presenter un riesgo de electrocución

- Cuando un cuarto esté mojado, revise el interior de los closets, y las paredes del lado opuesto a las dañadas para revisar si hay humedad adicional

- Retire todos los libros, papeles, cajas y ropa de las áreas mojadas

- No intente limpiar usted mismo agua proveniente de un drenaje

- No vacile en llamar para pedir ayuda professional

SERVPRO de Yuma East, Foothills,ha resuelto cientos de problemas por daño de agua en casa, negocios, escuelas, Iglesias, hospitals y otras ubicaciones.  Estamos para servirle 24 horas/7 días por semana por si necesita de nuestros servicios.  Sólo llámenos al: 928-247-1180

• Los pisos mojados son resbalosos
• Las estructuras mojadas pudieran presenter un riesgo de electrocución
• Cuando un cuarto esté mojado, revise el interior de los closets, y las paredes del lado opuesto a las dañadas para revisar si hay humedad adicional
• Retire todos los libros, papeles, cajas y ropa de las áreas mojadas
• No intente limpiar usted mismo agua proveniente de un drenaje
• No vacile en llamar para pedir ayuda professional

SERVPRO de Yuma East, Foothills,ha resuelto cientos de problemas por daño de agua en casa, negocios, escuelas, Iglesias, hospitals y otras ubicaciones.  Estamos para servirle 24 horas/7 días por semana por si necesita de nuestros servicios.  Sólo llámenos al: 928-247-1180

Are you Breathing Dirty Indoor Air?

8/11/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Yuma HVAC equipment being used to clean HVAC ducting in a hospital.

HVAC and PTAC Cleaning for Healtheir Indoor Air

SERVPRO of Yuma East Foothills provides HVAC cleaning, drier vent cleaning, and cleaning of PTAC (packaged thermal air-conditioners).

Are you breathing dirty air in your home or office? According to the EPA, indoor air can be two to five times dirtier than outdoor air. Household dust can contain animal dander, mites, mold, pollen, and other contaminants. All of this gets cycled through your heating and cooling system.

There are circumstances when ducting can be unusually dirty. Such as after a fire, water damage event, or pest infestation. By naming these issues, we’re not intending to be gross or use scare tactics. We simply want to assure you we have the skills and equipment to provide solutions to resolve these unhealthy problems.

We effectively clean your air duct system using the negative-air cleaning method which is ideal for both residential and commercial locations. The negative-air method blocks all the air return and vent openings and cuts into the ductwork near the air handling unit. Brushes are also inserted into the ducting to loosen the dust and dirt from the ducting walls.  A large vacuum hose is then inserted into the ductwork to extract and capture the dust and dirt. We have ideal cleaning systems for homes, and our commercial duct cleaning equipment can tackle any size job. Our commercial grade equipment delivers extraordinary results for:

• Schools
• Hospitals
• Senior living facilities
• Medical/dental facilities
• Offices
• Hotels
• Other locations

Dryer Vent Cleaning:

It’s so easy to forget about the dust and debris buildup in a dryer vent. We can help by providing a scheduled routine of dryer vent cleaning for hotels, commercial laundries, apartments, vacation homes, and others. Yes,  we perform dryer vent cleaning for our residential clients too.

Packaged Thermal Air Conditioners.

SERVPRO of Yuma East Foothills has technicians trained in cleaning PTAC units used in hotels and other locations. We offer attractive rates for regularly scheduled cleaning. Estimates are always free. Please, call us at 928-247-1180.