Recent General Posts

SERVPRO Franchise Offers Local Businesses Free Emergency Ready Profile

9/19/2018 (Permalink)

When Disaster Strikes, You Can be Ruined or You Can BE READY!

The SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile is a start up approach that provides the critical information needed to begin mitigation and recovery services.  It is designed to serve as a quick reference of important building and contact information.

Did you know that as many as 50% of businesses close down following a disaster?  Of the businesses that do survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place.  Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind.  And knowing you are "Ready for whatever happens" speaks trust to your clients and employees that in the event your business is affected by a disaster, they don't necessarily have to be.

By developing a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action.  Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business.

No one plans on a disaster, but you can plan to be, "Ready for whatever happens".

Preparation is key component for making it through any size disaster, whether it's a small leak, a large fire or an area flood.  The best time for planning for such events is not when the event happens, but well before it happens.  No one ever plans on a disaster, but you can plan for it.  Now is the time to ask yourself, "Are you Ready for whatever happens?"

SERVPRO of Lafayette/Moraga/Orinda offers a complimentary assessment of your facility that can minimize business interruption in the event of a disaster. This assessment provides the critical information needed to begin mitigation and recovery services and serves as a quick reference for important building and contact information. We would like to offer you this FREE service at your place of business. It's called SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile (ERP), and here are some advantages of the program:

  • Includes a concise Profile Document that contains the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.
  • Offers a guide to help you get back into your building safely following a disaster.
  • Provides facility details such a shut-off valve locations, priority areas, and priority contact information.
  • Identifies the line of command for authorizing work to begin.
  • Establishes your local SERVPRO as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider

Call us Today to Get Started 925-299-1323.

IICRC Certified Firm

9/4/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lafayettte / Moraga / Orinda is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

IICRC Certified Firms must

  • Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.
  • Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.
  • Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.
  • Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.
  • Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry

The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.

Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.

About SERVPRO of Lafayette / Moraga / Orinda

SERVPRO of Lafayette / Moraga / Orinda specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: from initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Grill Safety

8/10/2018 (Permalink)

With the weather growing warmer and grilling becoming the cooking method of choice for many people it becomes crucial to remember grilling on Charcoal grills and or gas grills can present a variety of safety hazards. So before you heat up your grill, here's a few tips on grilling safely.

Grill Placement

Never use your grill indoors, in a garage, or under anything that could catch fire.

Place your grill at least ten feet away from your home, or any other structures or buildings.

Keep a spray bottle and fire extinguisher nearby at all times.

Charcoal Grill Safety

Make sure you use your grill in an open space. Charcoal grills burn off dangerous carbon monoxide gas that builds up in closed areas.

Never use any flammable or combustible liquid to start the fire. These starter fluids could cause an uncontrollable flash fire; add more charcoal or use kindling instead.

After grilling, allow charcoals to cool completely, soak them in water, and then store or dispose them in a metal container so they don't reignite.

Gas Grill Safety

DO

  1. Follow the grill manufacturer’s instructions and keep written materials handy.
  2. If the igniter no longer works, replace it in accordance with the grill manufacturer’s instructions.
  3. Keep the top of the grill open until you are sure the grill is lit, even if you have an electronic ignition. 4. Cover disconnected hose-end fittings with plastic bags or protective caps to keep them clean when the grill is not in use.
  4. Store propane cylinders outdoors in an upright (vertical) position.
  5. If you smell gas, and it is safe to do so, turn off the cylinder valve, turning it to the right (clockwise). If you are unable to turn off the valve, immediately leave the area and dial 911 or call your local fire department. Before you use the grill again, have a qualified service technician inspect your grill and cylinder.
  6. Consult a qualified service technician if you are having grill or propane cylinder problems.
  7. Keep your grill clean to prevent flare-ups.
  8. Check for knots or kinks in gas hoses.
  9. Make sure the area around the grill is free of leaves or anything else that could ignite.

DON’T

  1. Smoke while handling a propane cylinder.
  2. Use matches or lighters to check for propane leaks.
  3. Pour an accelerant such as lighter fluid or gasoline on the grill.
  4. Allow children to tamper with the cylinder or grill.
  5. Use, store, or transport propane cylinders near high temperatures (this includes storing spare cylinders near the grill).
  6. Transport propane cylinders in your trunk. Instead, keep in a cool place, such as an air-conditioned car.
  7. Move a lit grill.
  8. Leave a lit grill unattended.
  9. Attempt to adjust any gas containers or hoses while the grill is lit.
  10. Grill in a covered patio or garage, even with the doors open, because gases can build up.

Maintenance and Personal Safety

Check your grill frequently for cleanliness. Make sure no animals or bugs have crawled inside.

Don't allow fat and grease to buildup. A hot grill can ignite fat and grease and start a fire.

What to Do Before, During and After an Earthquake

9/22/2017 (Permalink)

Preparation is the key component for making it through an unexpected disaster.

We all know that earthquakes are a common occurrence in California and other parts of the West Coast regions.  But earthquakes can happen at any time of the year and occur without warning.  After the initial earthquake, the aftershock may follow.  Most are smaller than the initial earthquake but larger magnitude aftershocks also occur.   Earthquakes may cause household items to become dangerous projectiles; cause buildings to move off foundations or collapse, damage utilities, roads and structures such as bridges and dams, or cause fires and explosions. They may also trigger landslides, avalanches, and tsunamis.

SERVPRO of Lafayette/Moraga/Orinda wants to emphasize the importance of preparation before an earthquake strike.  By making an effort to be prepared and having a plan of action in place, you can lessen the impact a disaster might have on you, your home and your family.  

Learn and follow these steps now to PREPARE before, during, and after an earthquake.

What to Do Before an Earthquake:

  • Make sure you have a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, a battery-powered radio, a flashlight, and extra batteries at home.
  • Secure items that could fall or move and cause injuries or damage such as; bookshelves, picture frames, mirrors, light fixtures, televisions, computers, hot water heaters, etc.
  • Learn how to turn off the gas, water, and electricity.
  • Make up a plan of where to meet your family after an earthquake.
  • Don’t leave heavy objects on shelves as they can fall during an earthquake.
  • Learn the earthquake plan at your school or workplace.

What to Do During an Earthquake:

  • Stay calm and stay put.
  • If you’re indoors, DROP to the ground; take COVER by crawling under a sturdy table or stand in a doorway. If under a desk or heavy table, cover your head and neck with your arms and HOLD ON until the shaking stops.
  • If there isn’t a desk or sturdy table nearby, crawl away from windows, next to an interior wall. Stay away from glass, windows
  • If you’re outdoors, stay away from building, trees, power lines or anything that might fall.
  • If you’re driving, move away from overpasses, stop slowly in a safe area and stay in your vehicle.
  • Don’t use elevators (they’ll probably get stuck anyway). Don’t run out of the building during the shaking as objects may be falling off the building and cause serious injuries or death.

What to Do After an Earthquake:

  • When the shaking stops, check yourself and others for injuries.
  • If the building is damaged, safely evacuate, go to an open space away from damaged areas.
  • Check water, gas, and electric lines for damage. If any are damaged, shut off the valves to avoid fire and hazardous leaks.
  • Be careful of around broken glass and debris
  • Inspect your chimneys for unnoticed damaged that could lead to fires.
  • Stay away from beaches. Tsunamis and seiches sometimes hit after the ground has stopped shaking.
  • If you’re at school or work, follow the emergency plan or the instructions of the person in charge.

If your home or business suffers from earthquake damage, call our professionals at SERVPRO of Lafayette/Moraga/Orinda.  We can respond quickly and help make disasters, "Like it never even happened."

Any Questions - Call Us Today (925) 299-1323

SERVPRO Board Up and Other Services

9/7/2017 (Permalink)

When fire has finally been put out or the storm has passed, the aftermath can be a traumatic experience.  Often times, the damages resulting from busted doors, broken windows, cracked walls or a damaged roof will require emergency board up and tarp to secure the property from further damage.  Whether the damage occurred from a fire, wind damage, fallen tree or forced of entry, your primary focus should be safety and to take action immediately to protect your property and valuable asset.  By leaving your doors or windows unattended, it can lead to further damage from weather, exposure, vandalism, and theft.

At SERVPRO of Lafayette/Moraga/Orinda, we specialize in cleaning, remediating and rebuilding properties.  If your structure is damaged, our trained and experienced technicians can effectively board up doors, garage, windows, wall openings, roofs, etc. We have the equipment and resources to board up residential and commercial needs.  As a locally owned and trusted restoration company, we can provide 24-hour emergency service and are dedicated to responding immediately to emergency conditions.  Our goal is to help minimize the interruption to your life and quickly make it, “Like it never even happened!”

SERVPRO of Lafayette/Moraga/Orinda professionals can also perform other restoration services to secure your home or business and restore it to its preloss condition in a quick and professional manner. 

  • Board Up
  • Biohazard Cleanup
  • Carpet and Installation
  • Content Move-outs
  • Content Storage
  • Deodorization
  • Document Restoration
  • Dry Cleaning
  • Drywall Installation
  • Drywall Removal
  • Electronics Restoration
  • Emergency Fencing
  • Fallen Tree Removal
  • Fine Art Restoration
  • Furniture Restoration
  • General Cleaning
  • Hardwood Floor Repair
  • HVAC Cleaning Services
  • Inventory
  • Painting
  • Portable Power
  • Post Construction Cleaning
  • Roof Tarp
  • Temporary Power

If You Have Questions or Need Help, Call Us Today – (925) 299-1323

Free Courses!

11/23/2015 (Permalink)

Free CE Courses are available!

At SERVPRO of Lafayette/Moraga/Orinda we offer both credit and non-credit courses for insurance agents, insurance adjusters and Real Estate professionals. The Continuing Education (CE) Courses provide you with information to better service your customers.

These programs are designed to improve your knowledge regarding emergency mitigation. 

Here are some of the CE courses that are offered by SERVPRO

  • Fire Damage Restoration

  • Understanding Mold in the Restoration Industry

  • Restorative Drying for Water Damage

  • Mitigation Awareness Response Seminar

  • Biohazard Cleanup

Continuing Education (CE) Courses are available every few months, yearly. If you are interested in attending a free course call and reserve your seat! 

Questions? Call us today at 925-299-1323