Recent Storm Damage Posts

Do You Have Your Storm Kit Ready?

10/28/2022 (Permalink)

While your family’s emergency preparedness supply kit and other essentials will be unique to you, there are a few basics that will help to prepare you for success, and get you started on the right track. Your kit should be organized and easily accessible, make sure your kit is easy to carry and contains these basics: water, medical supplies, medications, non-perishable foods, a hand powered radio, a manual can opener, a flashlight, batteries, spare clothing items including socks, blankets, cash, tools including a wrench and pliers, local maps and your emergency plan, contact information, important personal and financial information, and a first-aid kit.

It’s also recommended that you have backpack kits for each individual and secondary kits in cars, school lockers and work locations in case you are separated during an emergency situation. The point about Emergency Preparation is that you never know when or where a disaster could happen. It’s important to take steps now to help make sure you and your family will be prepared with needed supplies and essentials if a disaster strikes later. It’s our goal at SERVPRO of West Concord to be here to help you restore your property after a disaster, but we also want to try and help you be prepared to face a disaster and to take steps to try and avoid one.

If you have experienced a property disaster in the Concord area and require some restoration help, give SERVPRO of West Concord a call at (925) 681-9093.

Did Your Get Your Home Winter Ready?

10/28/2022 (Permalink)

Cold weather can have a huge impact on your home or business if you are not properly prepared. Whether it is heavy rain, freezing temperatures, damaging winds, sleet or snow, all can cause serious and costly property damage. While you cannot control the weather, you can take steps to be prepared and help take the sting out of winter weather.

To help prevent costly damages due to weather, consider taking the following precautions to protect your property before colder weather hits.

  • Check your business property for downed tree limbs and branches. Weather, such as wind, heavy rain, ice and snow, can cause branches to fall, which could cause damage to the property and potentially cause personal injuries.
  • Roofs, water pipes and gutters should all be inspected to ensure they are in proper working order. Gutter downspouts should be directed away from your building. Clear gutters of debris that may have gathered during the fall. Leaves and other obstructions can lead to a damming effect, that can lead to roof damage and interior water problems.
  • Inspect property, especially walkways and parking lots, for proper drainage to alleviate flood hazer potential.
  • Inspect all handrails, stairwells and entryways to address and correct potential slippery or hazardous areas. Install mats or non-slip surfaces and post caution signs where water could be present.
  • Protect water pipes from freezing by simply allowing water to drip when temperatures dip below freezing. If pipes are under a cabinet, leave the cabinet doors open allowing warm inside air to circulate around the pipes. If the building has outdoor faucets, consider shutting water off at the main valve in the basement or crawl space. Once the valve is off, open the outdoor faucet to ensure it drains, preventing any remaining water from freezing in the pipe.

Building An Emergency Plan

10/28/2022 (Permalink)

Choose at least two pre-planned places for your family to meet in case of an emergency. One should be right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, such as fire. The other should be outside of your neighborhood in case you cannot return home or are asked to evacuate.

Hold evacuation drills at home, practice getting out of the house quickly and drive your planned evacuation route. The more you practice, the more confident you will be if you really need to evacuate.

Communication is a key component to your safety; make sure you have an out-of-town contact that will help your household reconnect after an emergency. Store an “In Case of Emergency” contact in your phone, have regular conversations about whom to text or call if you need help and where to go during and after an emergency.

Create a personalized plan and supply kit for your specific daily needs and responsibilities, taking into consideration any additional friends or family that may be included in your emergency plan, such as elderly neighbors or grandparents. Some key factors to consider when creating a supply list are: different ages within your household, medical and dietary needs including medications, children.

What To Do To Be Flood Ready

10/20/2022 (Permalink)

Here in the Concord region of California we can suffer from many types of storm damage. Some of these are wind damage, flood damage, and hail damage. Here are a few quick tips to consider should storm damage hit your home or commercial property.

Wind Damage Restoration

Your roof is particularly susceptible. Roof damage from strong winds may lift roof shingles, cause cracks, or remove part or the entire roof. Harsh winds and rain can shear away asphalt tiles. Flying debris can also cause cracks and holes in your roof and siding. Correcting roof damage may challenge homeowners and business owners after a disaster, especially because a roof leak may not be obvious.

Roof Leaks

A small roof leak can produce damp, moldy conditions inside your home or business. Your best bet is to secure roof repair immediately after the wind damage. Doing so can prevent long term interior damage. A wind damage restoration expert, like the professionals at SERVPRO of West Concord, will help assure the homeowner or business owner receives a comprehensive roof assessment and roof repair services when wind damage hits the West Concord area.

Flood Damage & Recovery

If your home or business is near water or in a low-lying area, flood water damage is a risk. Heavy rains and flooding may cause water damage many miles from the coast or from any large body of water. If the land around your home or business cannot absorb the additional water flooding may happen. Even homes and businesses at high elevations can sustain flood damage if frozen pipes break. Flood pump failures contribute to basement flooding and contaminated ground water in some California locations, too.

Impact Damage and Recovery

In a major storm practically anything can become a creator of damage to your home or business. Think about trees. Your home may survive storm damage only to have a tree on your property succumb to the wind, hair, or rain and fall onto your house. A neighbor’s outdoor lawn furniture can become wind—blowing projectiles. Extreme wind pressure turns regular outdoor items into tools of destruction. After storm damage, the professionals at SERVPRO of West Concord can do a walk around to look for signs of these types of unusual damage.

The team at SERVPRO of West Concord has specialized training and experience in fire restoration services, natural disaster prevention, water damage, and mold remediation. Our staff is highly trained in building services and property damage restoration. We study IICRC standards and best practices in cleaning and restoration. Call SERVPRO of West Concord (925) 681-9093 at anytime.

Storm Prep Anytime

6/29/2022 (Permalink)

Choose at least two pre-planned places for your family to meet in case of an emergency. One should be right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, such as fire. The other should be outside of your neighborhood in case you cannot return home or are asked to evacuate.

Hold evacuation drills at home, practice getting out of the house quickly and drive your planned evacuation route. The more you practice, the more confident you will be if you really need to evacuate.

Communication is a key component to your safety; make sure you have an out-of-town contact that will help your household reconnect after an emergency. Store an “In Case of Emergency” contact in your phone, have regular conversations about whom to text or call if you need help and where to go during and after an emergency.

Create a personalized plan and supply kit for your specific daily needs and responsibilities, taking into consideration any additional friends or family that may be included in your emergency plan, such as elderly neighbors or grandparents. Some key factors to consider when creating a supply list are: different ages within your household, medical and dietary needs including medications, children.

Protect Pipes Against The Freeze

6/1/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage during a winter storm usually happens when your pipes freeze. When water freezes, it turns into ice. As it turns into ice, the space that the water takes up in the pipe gets bigger. The bigger the expansion, the more pressure that is created inside the pipe. Some pipes may just get bent out of shape, but others will eventually break. Pipes that are most likely to freeze are those outside the home that are exposed to the cold air. Other vulnerable pipes are those indoors that don’t have access to heat, like those under your kitchen cabinets or in the garage.

How to Keep Pipes from Freezing

The best way to handle water damage is to do your best to prevent it from every happening. Although we have seen some pipes still burst even after precautions were taken, the damage that resulted was considerably less. You can’t always prevent things from happening, but you can always be prepared.

  • Insulate exposed and vulnerable pipes. You can do this by installing pipe sleeves or even wrapping the pipes with newspaper.
  • Keep the garage door closed to prevent cold air from coming in.
  • Allow warm air to circulate around the pipes by opening kitchen and bathroom cabinets.
  • Keep your home heated about 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Keep an eye on the weather forecast. Are below freezing temperatures coming your way? If you notice that the weather is going to be getting a bit frigid start taking precautions now.

Our crews are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. SERVPRO of West Concord is available to help! We can be reached anytime at (925) 681-9093.

Restoration Storm In Minutes

4/28/2022 (Permalink)

Storm damage knows no schedule. We respond 24/7/365 to meet residential and commercial customers' cleanup and restoration needs. Whether it be water damage from a flash flood, roof and window damage from wind and hail, or a fire from a lightning strike, SERVPRO of West Concord has the trained personnel and specialized equipment to handle any size job. 

We have the technology, the equipment, and the expertise to handle any size disaster, anytime, and anywhere. Our team is ready to mobilize and start the cleanup and restoration process 24/7. Our large loss services are much like our small scale restoration services, just more extensive and capable. Large loss recovery services include:

  • Water Damage Restoration- Whether from a natural flood or broken water pipes, we can extract the water, dry the damaged area, clean up the mess, and restore your water damaged property quickly and efficiently.
  • Fire Damage Restoration- We have the equipment and resources to handle even the largest of fires. We have the expertise to clean up the fire and smoke and restore any damage to the property. SERVPRO has decades of experience removing smoke odor and fire damage. 
  • Commercial Mold Remediation- Mold can happen slowly or quickly after a devastating flood or sewer backup. Our team has the knowledge and training in mold remediation to ensure mold spores are removed safely and effectively.
  • Commercial Cleanup- Our team can provide deep cleaning for facilities that have suffered a viral outbreak, like the recent Coronavirus outbreak. We can also clean up after sewer backups, vandalism, or just from normal wear and tear. 
  • Storm Damage Restoration- Major storms like tornadoes and hurricanes can bring substantial damage to businesses and homes through flooding, fires, wind damage, and more. Our commercial restoration team is prepared and ready to be on the scene should a major disaster strike. 

Time is of the Essence 

The quicker you call us, the less secondary damage may occur. The faster we respond, the less amount of business interruption will occur. There's never a convenient time for fire, water, or storm damage to strike your business. We understand that business downtime means lost revenue and no productivity. We'll arrive fast and work diligently to get your business back up and running as quickly as possible. 

Our Commitment to the Customer

So when an emergency arises in your home or business, give us a call, and we'll be there fast with the help you need. Our goal is to be "faster to any disaster" meeting our customer's needs. We are here to help make it "Like it never even happened." 

We're only a call away! Faster to any size disaster. This is not just another tag line for SERVPRO—it is a commitment to be there when you need them most. If you should suffer a fire, water, storm, or mold damage, give SERVPRO of West Concord a call for a fast response to any and every disaster.

Making Your Home Winter Ready

11/9/2021 (Permalink)

Cold weather can have a huge impact on your home or business if you are not properly prepared. Whether it is heavy rain, freezing temperatures, damaging winds, sleet or snow, all can cause serious and costly property damage. While you cannot control the weather, you can take steps to be prepared and help take the sting out of winter weather.

To help prevent costly damages due to weather, consider taking the following precautions to protect your property before colder weather hits.

  • Check your business property for downed tree limbs and branches. Weather, such as wind, heavy rain, ice and snow, can cause branches to fall, which could cause damage to the property and potentially cause personal injuries.
  • Roofs, water pipes and gutters should all be inspected to ensure they are in proper working order. Gutter downspouts should be directed away from your building. Clear gutters of debris that may have gathered during the fall. Leaves and other obstructions can lead to a damming effect, that can lead to roof damage and interior water problems.
  • Inspect property, especially walkways and parking lots, for proper drainage to alleviate flood hazer potential.
  • Inspect all handrails, stairwells and entryways to address and correct potential slippery or hazardous areas. Install mats or non-slip surfaces and post caution signs where water could be present.
  • Protect water pipes from freezing by simply allowing water to drip when temperatures dip below freezing. If pipes are under a cabinet, leave the cabinet doors open allowing warm inside air to circulate around the pipes. If the building has outdoor faucets, consider shutting water off at the main valve in the basement or crawl space. Once the valve is off, open the outdoor faucet to ensure it drains, preventing any remaining water from freezing in the pipe.

When winter weather strikes, call SERVPRO of West Concord to strike back! We can provide anything from temporary heat, desiccant dehumidification to water damage cleanup and repair. 

Winter Here? Keep Those Pipes From Freezing

11/9/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage during a winter storm usually happens when your pipes freeze. When water freezes, it turns into ice. As it turns into ice, the space that the water takes up in the pipe gets bigger. The bigger the expansion, the more pressure that is created inside the pipe. Some pipes may just get bent out of shape, but others will eventually break. Pipes that are most likely to freeze are those outside the home that are exposed to the cold air. Other vulnerable pipes are those indoors that don’t have access to heat, like those under your kitchen cabinets or in the garage.

How to Keep Pipes from Freezing

The best way to handle water damage is to do your best to prevent it from every happening. Although we have seen some pipes still burst even after precautions were taken, the damage that resulted was considerably less. You can’t always prevent things from happening, but you can always be prepared.

  • Insulate exposed and vulnerable pipes. You can do this by installing pipe sleeves or even wrapping the pipes with newspaper.
  • Keep the garage door closed to prevent cold air from coming in.
  • Allow warm air to circulate around the pipes by opening kitchen and bathroom cabinets.
  • Keep your home heated about 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Keep an eye on the weather forecast. Are below freezing temperatures coming your way? If you notice that the weather is going to be getting a bit frigid start taking precautions now.

Our crews are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. SERVPRO of West Concord is available to help! We can be reached anytime at (925) 681-9093.

Ready Storm Plan

10/13/2021 (Permalink)

Keep Emergency Kits on hand

There are many things you can do to prepare for a bad storm or other emergency.  One of these is to have a Home Emergency Kit/Car Emergency Kit on hand.  These kits are usually a collection of basic household/automobile items that you will need in an emergency, whether it’s a bad storm, a fire, or any other unexpected emergency. Try to assemble your kit as soon as possible so that it will be ready in case of an emergency and don't forget to rotate new items in so when you need it there will not be expired or out-of-date items.  You can also purchase premade kits from The Red Cross or other resources.

Have an emergency plan prepared

Depending on the severity of a storm or other event, it may take some time for help to arrive. Services like electricity and phone might be cut off for over a week. Emergency plans should be prepared with this information in mind. In addition to your emergency kit, which should include flashlights, batteries, and water, make an overall emergency plan with your family. Determine a place to meet if you need to leave your home in a hurry. Assign each member of your home with a task to make sure everyone gets out safely, including pets. SERVPRO offers an Emergency Readiness plan for businesses, but households should have a plan as well.

Know who to call to help with storm damage

Should your home experience significant damage during a storm, know who you can contact quickly to come out and assess and repair the damage. SERVPRO offers storm damage cleanup and restoration. With 24-hour emergency services offered, we’re “faster to any disaster”, with our highly trained technicians ready to help. Locally owned and operated, SERVPRO can help with storm, water, fire, or mold damage. Keep our information on hand as part of your emergency preparedness.

Be Ready Ahead Before The Storm

10/13/2021 (Permalink)

It is difficult to know if a storm that is forecasted to move through an area will be severe enough to cause damage before it arrives. Storms—as well as the damage they cause—can vary wildly, which is why we always recommend taking an approach grounded in advanced preparation to remain as safe as possible.

By taking steps to protect your home, you can be certain that no matter what type of storm moves through your area, you are as protected as possible.

Be as Protected as Possible From Storms

Prepare your home as much as possible. Though the nature of storm damage might seem erratic, by doing some preparation work in advance to protect your property, you can ensure you are taking the right steps to mitigate any possible damages. Trimming back any dead or overhanging trees is a great start, as is securing any objects that could possibly become loose during a storm. Many homeowners also have whole-home generators installed, allowing for utility usage if your power is out.

Create a family communications plan. When your family is all at home when severe weather is forecasted to come through the area, you can move as a group to your designated sheltering area and be certain you are all safe. However, if a storm catches one or more of your family members while they are out and about, it is important to have a communications plan so you can check in and be certain that everyone is safe.

Make sure your emergency kit is stocked. The best thing you can do to be prepared for any emergency is to have an emergency kit in your home, and storms are no exception. Your emergency kit can house everything your family might need, both during the storm and after the fact. Items like flashlights, batteries, first aid supplies, food and water are all good to keep on-hand just in case.

Consider getting a weather radio. Having cell phones has made it much easier to receive emergency weather alerts no matter where you are, but in case of severe weather, it is always good to have a backup such as a weather radio. Storms can cause power outages and even knock out cell towers, so having a weather radio that is either powered by replaceable batteries or a manual system is smart.

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

The Storm Timeline

10/13/2021 (Permalink)

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  SERVPRO arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

  • Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
  • Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
  • Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
  • Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

  • Drywall begins to swell and break down.
  • Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
  • Furniture begins to swell and crack.
  • Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
  • A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

  • Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
  • Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
  • Metal begins to rust and corrode.
  • Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
  • Paint begins to blister.
  • Wood flooring swells and warps.
  • Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

  • Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
  • Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

Ways To Prevent Pipes Freeze

10/8/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage during a winter storm usually happens when your pipes freeze. When water freezes, it turns into ice. As it turns into ice, the space that the water takes up in the pipe gets bigger. The bigger the expansion, the more pressure that is created inside the pipe. Some pipes may just get bent out of shape, but others will eventually break. Pipes that are most likely to freeze are those outside the home that are exposed to the cold air. Other vulnerable pipes are those indoors that don’t have access to heat, like those under your kitchen cabinets or in the garage.

How to Keep Pipes from Freezing

The best way to handle water damage is to do your best to prevent it from every happening. Although we have seen some pipes still burst even after precautions were taken, the damage that resulted was considerably less. You can’t always prevent things from happening, but you can always be prepared.

  • Insulate exposed and vulnerable pipes. You can do this by installing pipe sleeves or even wrapping the pipes with newspaper.
  • Keep the garage door closed to prevent cold air from coming in.
  • Allow warm air to circulate around the pipes by opening kitchen and bathroom cabinets.
  • Keep your home heated about 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Keep an eye on the weather forecast. Are below freezing temperatures coming your way? If you notice that the weather is going to be getting a bit frigid start taking precautions now.

Our crews are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. SERVPRO of West Concord is available to help! We can be reached anytime at (925) 681-9093.

Which Phone Should You Use In An Emergency - Landline or Cell Phone?

6/3/2021 (Permalink)

In the event of an emergency, most people know that they should call 911.  This patches us through to our local emergency responders who are dispatched to a specific location.  But with the introduction of cell phones into our daily lives in the 1980’s, a crinkle was added to the 911 dispatch system. 

Previously, all 911 calls coming from cell phones were automatically routed to the California Highway Patrol 911 dispatch centers, which overloaded the call centers and slowed down responses to potential victims.  Now cell phones use either GPS or cell tower triangulation so that a dispatch center can be identified and the call is routed to the proper location. 

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) does have jurisdiction over state freeways and handles emergency calls on these roadways.  So some cell calls made from city streets that are near a freeway will be routed to the CHP.

One way to ensure that a 911 operator can pinpoint your location is to use your landline to make a 911 call whenever possible.  A landline is plugged into a specific address, so an Emergency Response Team will know exactly where to respond. 

However, if you find yourself in an emergency situation and you only have your cell phone, use it to call 911.  Your call will be routed to an emergency response team who will send help to your location no matter how you place your call.

Remember, don't delay calling 911 in the event of an emergency.  The professionals who are answering the phone will find you help whether you are calling on a landline or a cell phone.  Reach out, call and stay safe.

Storm Damage

5/14/2021 (Permalink)

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  SERVPRO arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

  • Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
  • Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
  • Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
  • Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

  • Drywall begins to swell and break down.
  • Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
  • Furniture begins to swell and crack.
  • Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
  • A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

  • Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
  • Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
  • Metal begins to rust and corrode.
  • Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
  • Paint begins to blister.
  • Wood flooring swells and warps.
  • Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

  • Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
  • Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

Storm Readiness Plan

4/20/2021 (Permalink)

Keep Emergency Kits on hand

There are many things you can do to prepare for a bad storm or other emergency.  One of these is to have a Home Emergency Kit/Car Emergency Kit on hand.  These kits are usually a collection of basic household/automobile items that you will need in an emergency, whether it’s a bad storm, a fire, or any other unexpected emergency. Try to assemble your kit as soon as possible so that it will be ready in case of an emergency and don't forget to rotate new items in so when you need it there will not be expired or out-of-date items.  You can also purchase premade kits from The Red Cross or other resources.

Have an emergency plan prepared

Depending on the severity of a storm or other event, it may take some time for help to arrive. Services like electricity and phone might be cut off for over a week. Emergency plans should be prepared with this information in mind. In addition to your emergency kit, which should include flashlights, batteries, and water, make an overall emergency plan with your family. Determine a place to meet if you need to leave your home in a hurry. Assign each member of your home with a task to make sure everyone gets out safely, including pets. SERVPRO offers an Emergency Readiness plan for businesses, but households should have a plan as well.

Know who to call to help with storm damage

Should your home experience significant damage during a storm, know who you can contact quickly to come out and assess and repair the damage. SERVPRO offers storm damage cleanup and restoration. With 24-hour emergency services offered, we’re “faster to any disaster”, with our highly trained technicians ready to help. Locally owned and operated, SERVPRO can help with storm, water, fire, or mold damage. Keep our information on hand as part of your emergency preparedness.

Prepare in Advance for Severe Weather

11/3/2020 (Permalink)

It is difficult to know if a storm that is forecasted to move through an area will be severe enough to cause damage before it arrives. Storms—as well as the damage they cause—can vary wildly, which is why we always recommend taking an approach grounded in advanced preparation to remain as safe as possible.

By taking steps to protect your home, you can be certain that no matter what type of storm moves through your area, you are as protected as possible.

Be as Protected as Possible From Storms

Prepare your home as much as possible. Though the nature of storm damage might seem erratic, by doing some preparation work in advance to protect your property, you can ensure you are taking the right steps to mitigate any possible damages. Trimming back any dead or overhanging trees is a great start, as is securing any objects that could possibly become loose during a storm. Many homeowners also have whole-home generators installed, allowing for utility usage if your power is out.

Create a family communications plan. When your family is all at home when severe weather is forecasted to come through the area, you can move as a group to your designated sheltering area and be certain you are all safe. However, if a storm catches one or more of your family members while they are out and about, it is important to have a communications plan so you can check in and be certain that everyone is safe.

Make sure your emergency kit is stocked. The best thing you can do to be prepared for any emergency is to have an emergency kit in your home, and storms are no exception. Your emergency kit can house everything your family might need, both during the storm and after the fact. Items like flashlights, batteries, first aid supplies, food and water are all good to keep on-hand just in case.

Consider getting a weather radio. Having cell phones has made it much easier to receive emergency weather alerts no matter where you are, but in case of severe weather, it is always good to have a backup such as a weather radio. Storms can cause power outages and even knock out cell towers, so having a weather radio that is either powered by replaceable batteries or a manual system is smart.

Leading The Way in Storm Damage Restoration

11/2/2020 (Permalink)

Storm damage knows no schedule. We respond 24/7/365 to meet residential and commercial customers' cleanup and restoration needs. Whether it be water damage from a flash flood, roof and window damage from wind and hail, or a fire from a lightning strike, SERVPRO of West Concord has the trained personnel and specialized equipment to handle any size job. 

We have the technology, the equipment, and the expertise to handle any size disaster, anytime, and anywhere. Our team is ready to mobilize and start the cleanup and restoration process 24/7. Our large loss services are much like our small scale restoration services, just more extensive and capable. Large loss recovery services include:

  • Water Damage Restoration - Whether from a natural flood or broken water pipes, we can extract the water, dry the damaged area, clean up the mess, and restore your water damaged property quickly and efficiently.
  • Fire Damage Restoration - We have the equipment and resources to handle even the largest of fires. We have the expertise to clean up the fire and smoke and restore any damage to the property. SERVPRO has decades of experience removing smoke odor and fire damage. 
  • Commercial Mold Remediation - Mold can happen slowly or quickly after a devastating flood or sewer backup. Our team has the knowledge and training in mold remediation to ensure mold spores are removed safely and effectively.
  • Commercial Cleanup - Our team can provide deep cleaning for facilities that have suffered a viral outbreak, like the recent Coronavirus outbreak. We can also clean up after sewer backups, vandalism, or just from normal wear and tear. 
  • Storm Damage Restoration - Major storms like tornadoes and hurricanes can bring substantial damage to businesses and homes through flooding, fires, wind damage, and more. Our commercial restoration team is prepared and ready to be on the scene should a major disaster strike. 

Time is of the Essence 

The quicker you call us, the less secondary damage may occur. The faster we respond, the less amount of business interruption will occur. There's never a convenient time for fire, water, or storm damage to strike your business. We understand that business downtime means lost revenue and no productivity. We'll arrive fast and work diligently to get your business back up and running as quickly as possible. 

Our Commitment to the Customer

So when an emergency arises in your home or business, give us a call, and we'll be there fast with the help you need. Our goal is to be "faster to any disaster" meeting our customer's needs. We are here to help make it "Like it never even happened." 

We're only a call away! Faster to any size disaster. This is not just another tag line for SERVPRO—it is a commitment to be there when you need them most. If you should suffer a fire, water, storm, or mold damage, give SERVPRO of West Concord a call for a fast response to any and every disaster.

How to Prevent Roof Leaks

10/25/2020 (Permalink)

Maintenance is crucial for the longevity of your roof. Being exposed to all elements of weather can take a toll on your roof. What can you do if your roof is leaking? Inspecting it yourself can seem daunting, and hiring a roofer may be costly. Is there a simpler solution?

What to Do During a Storm:
If you catch a leak during a storm...

  • Locate the Source of the Leak

If you don't have a leak detector, infrared camera, or infrared camera app, you can locate the source manually.

Leaks most commonly occur near roof protrusions such as chimneys, vents, plumbing, or anything protruding through your roofing material. Look closely for water staining. If it's currently raining you may be able to trace the drips.

  • Prevent Further Damage

Once you've located the leak, take the necessary measures to prevent further damage. Use a bucket or pan to collect dripping water. If water is pooling in ceiling, a small puncture will relieve the pressure and allow the water to drain.

Use roofing materials such as traps, sandbags, or boards to cover the leak and prevent water from entering home.

Prevent Future Leaks to Your Roof:
1. Check the Attic

Common attic problems could be a direct culprit to your roof leaks. During your next roof inspection, don't forget to check the attic. Signs of Mold, Soaked insulation, Stains around Nails, or Clogged Intake Vents will be clear signs.

2. Inspect, Inspect, Inspect!

Gutters, Shingles, and Protruding Parts can all lead to leaks. Clogged gutters can cause a water back up under your shingles or other roofing materials. Shingles need to be properly secured, and missing/broken shingles need to be replaced. As we learned earlier, protruding parts are the main culprits of roof leaks. Make sure the seals are tight so water can't leak through.

Is Your Home Winter Ready?

10/22/2020 (Permalink)

Cold weather can have a huge impact on your home or business if you are not properly prepared. Whether it is heavy rain, freezing temperatures, damaging winds, sleet or snow, all can cause serious and costly property damage. While you cannot control the weather, you can take steps to be prepared and help take the sting out of winter weather.

To help prevent costly damages due to weather, consider taking the following precautions to protect your property before colder weather hits.

  • Check your business property for downed tree limbs and branches. Weather, such as wind, heavy rain, ice and snow, can cause branches to fall, which could cause damage to the property and potentially cause personal injuries.
  • Roofs, water pipes and gutters should all be inspected to ensure they are in proper working order. Gutter downspouts should be directed away from your building. Clear gutters of debris that may have gathered during the fall. Leaves and other obstructions can lead to a damming effect, that can lead to roof damage and interior water problems.
  • Inspect property, especially walkways and parking lots, for proper drainage to alleviate flood hazer potential.
  • Inspect all handrails, stairwells and entryways to address and correct potential slippery or hazardous areas. Install mats or non-slip surfaces and post caution signs where water could be present.
  • Protect water pipes from freezing by simply allowing water to drip when temperatures dip below freezing. If pipes are under a cabinet, leave the cabinet doors open allowing warm inside air to circulate around the pipes. If the building has outdoor faucets, consider shutting water off at the main valve in the basement or crawl space. Once the valve is off, open the outdoor faucet to ensure it drains, preventing any remaining water from freezing in the pipe.

Tips For Building Your Emergency Plan

10/22/2020 (Permalink)

Choose at least two pre-planned places for your family to meet in case of an emergency. One should be right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, such as fire. The other should be outside of your neighborhood in case you cannot return home or are asked to evacuate.

Hold evacuation drills at home, practice getting out of the house quickly and drive your planned evacuation route. The more you practice, the more confident you will be if you really need to evacuate.

Communication is a key component to your safety; make sure you have an out-of-town contact that will help your household reconnect after an emergency. Store an “In Case of Emergency” contact in your phone, have regular conversations about whom to text or call if you need help and where to go during and after an emergency.

Create a personalized plan and supply kit for your specific daily needs and responsibilities, taking into consideration any additional friends or family that may be included in your emergency plan, such as elderly neighbors or grandparents. Some key factors to consider when creating a supply list are: different ages within your household, medical and dietary needs including medications, children.

What's In Your Storm Kit?

10/16/2020 (Permalink)

While your family’s emergency preparedness supply kit and other essentials will be unique to you, there are a few basics that will help to prepare you for success, and get you started on the right track. Your kit should be organized and easily accessible, make sure your kit is easy to carry and contains these basics: water, medical supplies, medications, non-perishable foods, a hand powered radio, a manual can opener, a flashlight, batteries, spare clothing items including socks, blankets, cash, tools including a wrench and pliers, local maps and your emergency plan, contact information, important personal and financial information, and a first-aid kit.

It’s also recommended that you have backpack kits for each individual and secondary kits in cars, school lockers and work locations in case you are separated during an emergency situation. The point about Emergency Preparation is that you never know when or where a disaster could happen. It’s important to take steps now to help make sure you and your family will be prepared with needed supplies and essentials if a disaster strikes later. It’s our goal at SERVPRO of West Concord to be here to help you restore your property after a disaster, but we also want to try and help you be prepared to face a disaster and to take steps to try and avoid one.

If you have experienced a property disaster in the Concord area and require some restoration help, give SERVPRO of West Concord a call at (925) 681-9093.

Rain Tips!

10/20/2019 (Permalink)

Safety Tips for Driving in Heavy Rain

  • If you must drive in the rain, drive slowly and steadily. Pull over and stop if it is raining so hard that you cannot see.
  • Do not drive through floodwaters.
  • Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control or possible stalling.
  • One foot of water will float most vehicles.
  • Two feet of rushing water can sweep away most vehicles – including SUVs and pickups.
  • Stay off your cell phones while driving.

Safety Tips for Walking or Cycling on Urban Trails

  • When rain is falling, it’s best not to walk or bike near a river or stream, even on urban bike and walking trails; water flow can quickly increase and flooding can occur without notice.
  • Move to higher ground and never go into a culvert! If you are on a streamside trail during a rainstorm use the alternate trail up to street level to avoid underpasses and culverts.
  • Never take shelter in a culvert, under a bridge, or in an enclosed space, especially in low elevations by rivers and streams. Always go to higher ground out of the flow of water.
  • If lightning is present, do not stand under or near an isolated tree or group of trees.

Key Points for Building Your Emergency Plan this Month

10/19/2019 (Permalink)

Choose at least two pre-planned places for your family to meet in case of an emergency. One should be right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, such as fire. The other should be outside of your neighborhood in case you cannot return home or are asked to evacuate.

Hold evacuation drills at home, practice getting out of the house quickly and drive your planned evacuation route. The more you practice, the more confident you will be if you really need to evacuate.

Communication is a key component to your safety; make sure you have an out-of-town contact that will help your household reconnect after an emergency. Store an “In Case of Emergency” contact in your phone, have regular conversations about whom to text or call if you need help and where to go during and after an emergency.

Create a personalized plan and supply kit for your specific daily needs and responsibilities, taking into consideration any additional friends or family that may be included in your emergency plan, such as elderly neighbors or grandparents. Some key factors to consider when creating a supply list are: different ages within your household, medical and dietary needs including medications, children.

What You Need in a Disaster Supply Kit

10/19/2019 (Permalink)

While your family’s emergency preparedness supply kit and other essentials will be unique to you, there are a few basics that will help to prepare you for success, and get you started on the right track. Your kit should be organized and easily accessible, make sure your kit is easy to carry and contains these basics: water, medical supplies, medications, non-perishable foods, a hand powered radio, a manual can opener, a flashlight, batteries, spare clothing items including socks, blankets, cash, tools including a wrench and pliers, local maps and your emergency plan, contact information, important personal and financial information, and a first-aid kit.

It’s also recommended that you have backpack kits for each individual and secondary kits in cars, school lockers and work locations in case you are separated during an emergency situation. The point about Emergency Preparation is that you never know when or where a disaster could happen. It’s important to take steps now to help make sure you and your family will be prepared with needed supplies and essentials if a disaster strikes later. It’s our goal at SERVPRO of West Concord to be here to help you restore your property after a disaster, but we also want to try and help you be prepared to face a disaster and to take steps to try and avoid one.

If you have experienced a property disaster in the Concord area and require some restoration help, give SERVPRO of West Concord a call at (925) 681-9093.

How to Prevent Frozen Water Pipes

10/18/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage during a winter storm usually happens when your pipes freeze. When water freezes, it turns into ice. As it turns into ice, the space that the water takes up in the pipe gets bigger. The bigger the expansion, the more pressure that is created inside the pipe. Some pipes may just get bent out of shape, but others will eventually break. Pipes that are most likely to freeze are those outside the home that are exposed to the cold air. Other vulnerable pipes are those indoors that don’t have access to heat, like those under your kitchen cabinets or in the garage.

How to Keep Pipes from Freezing

The best way to handle water damage is to do your best to prevent it from every happening. Although we have seen some pipes still burst even after precautions were taken, the damage that resulted was considerably less. You can’t always prevent things from happening, but you can always be prepared.

  • Insulate exposed and vulnerable pipes. You can do this by installing pipe sleeves or even wrapping the pipes with newspaper.
  • Keep the garage door closed to prevent cold air from coming in.
  • Allow warm air to circulate around the pipes by opening kitchen and bathroom cabinets.
  • Keep your home heated about 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Keep an eye on the weather forecast. Are below freezing temperatures coming your way? If you notice that the weather is going to be getting a bit frigid start taking precautions now.

Our crews are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. SERVPRO of West Concord is available to help! We can be reached anytime at (925) 681-9093.

Types of Storm Damage

10/18/2019 (Permalink)

Here in the Concord region of California we can suffer from many types of storm damage. Some of these are wind damage, flood damage, and hail damage. Here are a few quick tips to consider should storm damage hit your home or commercial property.

Wind Damage Restoration

Your roof is particularly susceptible. Roof damage from strong winds may lift roof shingles, cause cracks, or remove part or the entire roof. Harsh winds and rain can shear away asphalt tiles. Flying debris can also cause cracks and holes in your roof and siding. Correcting roof damage may challenge homeowners and business owners after a disaster, especially because a roof leak may not be obvious.

Roof Leaks

A small roof leak can produce damp, moldy conditions inside your home or business. Your best bet is to secure roof repair immediately after the wind damage. Doing so can prevent long term interior damage. A wind damage restoration expert, like the professionals at SERVPRO of West Concord, will help assure the homeowner or business owner receives a comprehensive roof assessment and roof repair services when wind damage hits the West Concord area.

Flood Damage & Recovery

If your home or business is near water or in a low-lying area, flood water damage is a risk. Heavy rains and flooding may cause water damage many miles from the coast or from any large body of water. If the land around your home or business cannot absorb the additional water flooding may happen. Even homes and businesses at high elevations can sustain flood damage if frozen pipes break. Flood pump failures contribute to basement flooding and contaminated ground water in some California locations, too.

Impact Damage and Recovery

In a major storm practically anything can become a creator of damage to your home or business. Think about trees. Your home may survive storm damage only to have a tree on your property succumb to the wind, hair, or rain and fall onto your house. A neighbor’s outdoor lawn furniture can become wind—blowing projectiles. Extreme wind pressure turns regular outdoor items into tools of destruction. After storm damage, the professionals at SERVPRO of West Concord can do a walk around to look for signs of these types of unusual damage.

The team at SERVPRO of West Concord has specialized training and experience in fire restoration services, natural disaster prevention, water damage, and mold remediation. Our staff is highly trained in building services and property damage restoration. We study IICRC standards and best practices in cleaning and restoration. Call SERVPRO of West Concord (925) 681-9093 at anytime.

Is Your Property Winter Ready?

10/17/2019 (Permalink)

Cold weather can have a huge impact on your home or business if you are not properly prepared. Whether it is heavy rain, freezing temperatures, damaging winds, sleet or snow, all can cause serious and costly property damage. While you cannot control the weather, you can take steps to be prepared and help take the sting out of winter weather.

To help prevent costly damages due to weather, consider taking the following precautions to protect your property before colder weather hits.

  • Check your business property for downed tree limbs and branches. Weather, such as wind, heavy rain, ice and snow, can cause branches to fall, which could cause damage to the property and potentially cause personal injuries.
  • Roofs, water pipes and gutters should all be inspected to ensure they are in proper working order. Gutter downspouts should be directed away from your building. Clear gutters of debris that may have gathered during the fall. Leaves and other obstructions can lead to a damming effect, that can lead to roof damage and interior water problems.
  • Inspect property, especially walkways and parking lots, for proper drainage to alleviate flood hazer potential.
  • Inspect all handrails, stairwells and entryways to address and correct potential slippery or hazardous areas. Install mats or non-slip surfaces and post caution signs where water could be present.
  • Protect water pipes from freezing by simply allowing water to drip when temperatures dip below freezing. If pipes are under a cabinet, leave the cabinet doors open allowing warm inside air to circulate around the pipes. If the building has outdoor faucets, consider shutting water off at the main valve in the basement or crawl space. Once the valve is off, open the outdoor faucet to ensure it drains, preventing any remaining water from freezing in the pipe.

When winter weather strikes, call SERVPRO of West Concord to strike back! We can provide anything from temporary heat, desiccant dehumidification to water damage cleanup and repair.