What Is An Emergency Ready Profile (ERP)?

4/15/2024 (Permalink)

Take steps to mitigate damages to your business during a disaster and have a plan of action with an Emergency Ready Profile (ERP)

Approximately 50% of businesses close down after a single disaster. One of SERVPRO's prominent features is an ERP which is an Emergency Ready Profile. This is a comprehensive plan and offers guidelines for businesses in the event of a disaster. An ERP can mitigate damages to your business and assist you in the event of a disaster.

When you apply for an ERP you get certain benefits that helps you take measures in preparing for a disaster. After applying for an ERP, you are offered a free assessment of your building. This well help evaluate important areas of the building and will help you create a comprehensive guide for evacuation and securing. An ERP consists of key information useful in the event of a disaster. This includes: emergency contacts, escape routes, and priority areas. This allows businesses to create a plan of action and have information readily available in the event of any type of disaster. On top of creating a disaster action plan, an ERP also creates guidelines on steps to take following the event of a disaster and this includes getting back into your building and securing certain areas. 

An ERP is readily available through your mobile phone. It is quick and easy to setup and establishes SERVPRO as your primary restoration company. 

SERVPRO of Monterey Park can give you a free assessment of your building and create a disaster action plan for your ERP. 

Fire Extinguisher Guidelines

4/12/2024 (Permalink)

Make sure you can identify the type of fire extinguisher as each is used for different scenarios.

Here are some basic guidelines on fire extinguishers.

First, let's go over the different types of fire extinguishers.

• A - Used for materials such as cloth, paper, wool, plastics, etc.
• B - Used for flammable and combustible liquids: gasoline, grease, oil, etc.
• C - Used for electrical equipment and appliances.
• D - Used for flammable metals
• K - Used for animal and vegetable oils and fats.

A, B, and C are typically found in residential properties and businesses. D is typically found in factories and K is found in restaurants and kitchens. 

Using a fire extinguisher is highly situational and one should follow this comprehensive checklist on deciding whether or not using a fire extinguisher is appropriate.

• Notify others in the building that there is a fire
• Call the fire department
• Physically able to use the extinguisher
• Small and contained fire
• Safe from fire's smoke
• An exit route or an escape path from the building

When all conditions are met in the checklist above then a fire extinguisher can follow the PASS acronym which is a simple set of instructions in order to operate an extinguisher.

• Pull the pin.
• Aim at the base of the fire. Don't aim at the flames but aim at the combustant.
• Squeeze the lever or handle. Use the extinguisher from a safe distance.
• Sweep the nozzle in order to cover all the area.

Lastly, it is advised to avoid dealing with fire damage yourself. Do NOT try to clean walls or surfaces of fire contaminated areas. Do not try to shampoo the carpets or upholstered furniture. Do not try to clean any electrical appliances within the vicinity. Also do not improperly clean any garments as the smoke odor might set in. Call and consult SERVPRO of Monterey Park for any fire related damages.

Water Damage Instructions

4/10/2024 (Permalink)

Identifying the source of water damage is crucial

Some of the most asked questions about water damage are 'what do I do in the event of water damage?' and 'who do I call when I have water damage?'. We are here to answer those questions a provide specific guidelines to any event of water damage.

Identifying and removing the source of water

Before restoring water damage, you have to identify the source of water first. Sometimes the source of water damage is apparent such as water leaking from a roof. First, try to shut off the water to mitigate further damages and then call your local plumber if the source of the water can't be identified or the water cannot be shut off. This is a crucial step in the process because water damage left unchecked can cause the worst damage to your surfaces and the structure of your home. Long term water damage can also lead to mold growth.

Repairing water damage and restoring your home

After shutting off the source of water, SERVPRO of Monterey Park comes into play. We are responsible for restoring your home back to its original state after the water damage has been done. As mentioned before, identifying the existence of water damage and the location of its source is important because the sooner that's done the less damage will be done to your home. SERVPRO of Monterey Park provides a free damage check to your home and water damage cost report so you don’t have to identify areas of damage yourself. After assessing the water damage, we will restore and replace everything caused by water damage. SERVPRO of Monterey Park covers all repairs from water damage repair so you don’t need to hire specific contractors for each type of structural damage. We also prioritize restoration over replacement so that’s less out of your pocket and we can help restore those irreplaceable valuables.

Deal with Storm Damage in a Timely Manner

4/8/2024 (Permalink)

Whether you have storm damage in your home or in your office, you can count on SERVPRO of Monterey Park as your local restoration company.

Having irreparable water damage to your property is a homeowner's biggest nightmare and these are usually the consequences that come with delayed responses to water damage. If water damage is not treated in a timely manner, your property is prone to structural damage, mildew and mold growth, and permanent damage and loss to your important and irreplaceable valuables. That's why SERVPRO of Monterey Park is here to alleviate the troubles that come with water damage followed by floods and storms. We are the experienced professionals when it comes to water damage and natural disasters and we also have the expertise in different types of properties (residential, commercial, etc.). We are also the quickest restoration company on the market and we are on call 24/7 with our services. That being said, SERVPRO of Monterey Park is your go to restoration service and in the event of natural disasters (such as floods and storms). We use the best technology in order to provide a seamless restoration and cleanup service to your property. On top of that, we provide a free of charge Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) that is a comprehensive plan and guide to assist you through the event of a disaster.

Expectations from SERVPRO of Monterey Park

4/2/2024 (Permalink)

What should be expected when you contact us?

First and foremost, expect our 24-hour availability! Whether you are calling day or night, weekday or weekends, and even during the holidays, you can always expect to speak with a real person about the emergency you are experiencing. SERVPRO of Monterey Park is the top choice for many insurance agencies in the San Gabriel Valley area.  

Here is what you can expect during the first several hours after contacting SERVPRO of Monterey Park: 

Quick Response - When a building has been damaged, the response time is an important factor in how time-consuming and how costly restoration will be. SERVPRO is always open, so you can expect to hear back within an hour after you have contacted them about the emergency. Once you have provided them with the necessary information, we will begin preparing to address the needs of your client. 

Arrival Time - Our technicians can be on-site to begin the restoration process within four hours. This fast response can make the difference if your home or commercial business has suffered a great deal of damage. Beginning the process more quickly will result in less damage overall which can end up costing the insurance agency less money. 

Inspection/Verbal Briefing - Once the damage restoration specialists have arrived, they can inspect the home to determine the extent of the damage and decide on the best course of action moving forward. Our team has the ability to let you know in the emergency is claim worthy or not as well. They will provide a verbal briefing so that you are aware of what will happen next. Our team's quick 24-hour response will allow us to begin mitigation as soon as possible to prevent any further damage before we begin work on necessary repairs.

LASIK Center Restoration

3/27/2024 (Permalink)

Replacing all the water damaged floor bases.

A water heater pipe burst above the ceiling of this LASIK Center in Sherman Oaks and the water leaked to all parts of the ceiling. The water damage was not noticed up until the water started flowing down from the survey room. This is a prime example of water damage going unchecked and unnoticed and it's times like these where SERVPRO of Monterey Park are the first on the scene.

Extended water damage can permanently damage structures and in this case, their ceiling tiles had to be replaced along with their floor bases. The paint jobs were also damaged as well. SERVPRO of Monterey Park immediately arrived on the scene and replaced all the ceiling tiles, the permanently damaged drywall, and floor bases. SERVPRO of Monterey Park also added some finishing touches of paint and made the place look spotless and even better than before! 

If you need water damage restoration, give a call to your local premier cleaning and restoration service, SERVPRO of Monterey Park. 

Certified Cleaned by SERVPRO of Monterey Park: Disinfecting Workplaces, Offices, and Facilities

3/25/2024 (Permalink)

Cleaning and Disinfecting a customer's home in Monterey Park, CA

During an unprecedented global public health issue, “disinfecting” means more than singing a 20-second tune in your head while washing your hands. With coronavirus affecting our everyday lives in some way, deep cleaning is now incorporated into our routines as part of the new normal.

This especially holds true for corporate and commercial business owners and property managers who are stepping up their sanitizing game to institute and maintain healthy and safe work environments. Proper cleaning and disinfection routines can significantly reduce or eliminate coronavirus on surfaces and objects in workplaces, offices and facilities. 

Commercial cleaning = Peace of mind 

While the majority of the Monterey Park area businesses haven’t been affected by coronavirus contamination, owners are using this time to stay proactive through commercial cleaning. With many employees now working from home and essential facilities operating with minimal staff, it’s a convenient opportunity for deep cleaning. 

Knowing a workspace or business has followed exposure and cleaning procedure guidelines provides peace of mind for employers, employees, vendors, clients and customers. They can feel confident the environment was thoroughly and professionally cleaned according to Centers for Disease Controls (CDC) and local authorities. 

Examples of high-touch surfaces

In the workplace, frequently touched surfaces are tables, hard-backed chairs, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks, fixtures and electronics (phone receivers and keypads, computers, keyboards, tablets, touch screens, kiosks and remote controls).

Other commercial spaces may include sales counters, water fountains, soda and snack machines, kitchens, break rooms and food areas, bathrooms, meeting rooms and classrooms, shelving and racks, carpets, rugs and drapes, furnaces and air conditioners, stair and escalator handrails, elevators, and playground or fitness equipment.

How long does coronavirus stay on surfaces?

While the World Health Organization doesn’t know how long COVID-19 survives on surfaces as an infection threat, it appears to behave like other coronaviruses. Studies suggest coronaviruses may last on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days, depending on the surface type and the environment’s temperature and humidity level. 

Products to eliminate germs and viruses 

Several chemical germicides are effective when used in proper concentration for a sufficient length of time, including chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, detergents (soap), iodine-based antiseptics and alcohols. The Environmental Protection Agency provides a helpful list of registered disinfectants and products for use against contagious disease.

If you don’t have access to a disinfectant product, you can clean with a chlorine bleach solution. For floors and more substantial surface cleaning, use five tablespoons (1/3 cup) bleach per gallon of water. For spray bottle applications, mix four teaspoons of bleach per quart of water. You can also use any alcohol solution that has at least 70% alcohol.

Techniques for cleaning and disinfecting workplace surfaces

CDC offers these everyday steps for cleaning and disinfecting. 

• Always wear gloves to protect your hands from harsh chemicals.
• Never mix cleaning products. 
• Always clean with a detergent or soap and water solution before disinfecting. This removes particles on surfaces, which reduces the viral load before disinfection begins. It allows the disinfectant to be more effective against the remaining virus.
• To properly disinfect using Clorox or Lysol wipes, be sure to clean only one item at a time. To sanitize the surface, let it remain visibly wet for 10 seconds. Sanitizing reduces germs to a generally safe level. To disinfect, use enough wipes to keep the surface wet for four minutes, which will kill all surface germs.
• Always follow the directions on disinfectant products by letting the liquid remain on the surface while it does its cleaning job. If you spray cleaner on a surface, then immediately wipe it off with a dry paper towel, it reduces its germ-killing effectiveness.
• For homemade chlorine bleach solutions, use a cloth to apply it to surfaces and let it stand for 3 to 5 minutes before rinsing with clean water. 
• When cleaning soft surfaces, such as carpet, rugs and drapes, use soap and water or safe-to-use cleaners. If possible, launder the items according to the manufacturer’s instructions (using the warmest appropriate water setting) and let the pieces dry completely. 

Commercial Cleaning Services

SERVPRO of Monterey Park is a member of the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), the certifying body for the cleaning and restoration industry. We adhere to CDC and local authority guidelines related to COVID-19 exposure and cleaning procedures. Our primary cleaning technique includes hand wiping surfaces and fogging, a process that uses an ultra-low volume or electrostatic sprayer to apply disinfectant to surfaces. 

We focus on three levels of disinfecting: proactive, high-touch and enhanced or reactive cleaning. Proactive cleaning measures, such as a single wipe of high-touch surfaces and fogging applications, are suitable for facilities without any known cases of COVID-19 exposure. A workplace or facility that may have been exposed through an employee or vendor will require multiple wipes of high-touch surface areas and fogging. 

Reactive cleaning 

When someone known to have a contagious disease has been exposed to the workplace or facility, we recommend enhanced or reactive cleaning. In these cases, we customize services based on the specific needs of a facility. And, we may use a cleaning protocol developed by a third-party industrial hygienist.

Additionally, the CDC recommends opening windows and doors to increase air circulation and closing off all areas used by the infected person. Wait 24 hours (or as long as possible), then clean and disinfect offices, bathrooms, common areas, shared electronic equipment and any other areas the infected person may have used. 

24/7 Commercial Cleaning Assistance

Although SERVPRO of Monterey Park is part of a national network of 1,700-plus franchises, we’re locally owned and operated and part of the community. Our deep cleaning experts are employees, not contractors, which means our team can respond very quickly and with more resources. For questions, contact us anytime at (626) 656-6577 or request help online.

Commercial Water Restoration Presents Unique Challenges

3/18/2024 (Permalink)

Disinfecting a local business here in Monterey Park, CA

SERVPRO of Monterey Park has the training, experience, and equipment to handle large commercial flooding or water damage emergencies. Whether your water emergency occurs in a small office building or big box store, we will respond quickly to mitigate the damage and manage the restoration project through to its completion. Learn more about Learn more about our training and certifications..

• Water Damage Restoration Technician
• Applied Structural Drying Technician
• Odor Control Technician
• Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning Technician

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

SERVPRO of Monterey Park can respond immediately to your commercial water damage emergency regardless of the size or scope of the damage. We are part of a national network of over 1,600 Franchises with special Disaster Recovery Teams placed strategically throughout the country to respond to large scale events and disasters.

SERVPRO of Monterey Park proudly serves Monterey Park and surrounding areas.

Weathering the Storm: SERVPRO of Monterey Park's Guide to Storm Damage Restoration

1/3/2024 (Permalink)

For immediate assistance or to learn more about our storm damage restoration services, contact SERVPRO of Monterey Park at 626-656-6577

As nature unleashes its fury in the form of storms, the aftermath can leave a trail of destruction, testing the resilience of homes and businesses. Storm damage can manifest in various ways, from flooding and water intrusion to structural issues and debris accumulation. In such challenging times, the expertise and prompt response of professionals become paramount.

Understanding Storm Damage

Storms can wreak havoc on properties, causing both immediate and latent issues. From compromised roofs and broken windows to flooded interiors, the consequences of a storm can be overwhelming. To navigate this difficult terrain, it's crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of the types of damage that can occur.

SERVPRO's Approach to Storm Damage Restoration

At SERVPRO of Monterey Park, we understand the urgency and complexity of storm damage restoration. Our team is equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to assess and address a wide range of storm-related issues. Our step-by-step process ensures a thorough restoration, bringing your property back to life.

1. Emergency Response: When disaster strikes, time is of the essence. Our emergency response team is available 24/7 to assess the situation and initiate immediate action to prevent further damage.

2. Assessment and Planning: Our experts conduct a detailed assessment of the storm damage, identifying areas that require attention. We then formulate a customized restoration plan tailored to your property's specific needs.

3. Water Removal and Drying: Efficient water removal and drying are pivotal in preventing mold growth and structural damage. Our advanced equipment ensures a swift and thorough extraction process.

4. Structural Repairs: From roof repairs to addressing compromised foundations, our skilled technicians are well-versed in handling a spectrum of structural issues caused by storms.

5. Debris Cleanup: Storms often leave behind a trail of debris. Our team diligently clears and cleans the affected areas, ensuring a safe and habitable environment.

6. Insurance Claims Assistance: Navigating the insurance claims process can be daunting. SERVPRO of Monterey Park provides support and documentation to help streamline the process, easing the burden on property owners.

Choose SERVPRO for Peace of Mind

When storms strike, SERVPRO of Monterey Park is your trusted partner in storm damage restoration. Our commitment to excellence, coupled with swift and effective solutions, ensures that your property is in capable hands. Let us help you weather the storm and restore your home or business to its pre-storm condition.

For immediate assistance or to learn more about our storm damage restoration services, contact SERVPRO of Monterey Park at 626-656-6577. We're here to serve our community and provide peace of mind in the face of adversity.

Call SERVPRO of Monterey Park For Your Sewage Backup

12/4/2023 (Permalink)

Flooded bathroom with contaminated water caused by sewer backup in a Monterey Park home

When flooding occurs in your Monterey Park, CA home, facing the cleanup process can be unsettling. Different types of floods may require different cleaning strategies. When a backed-up sewer causes a flood at your home, you may have to call in professional cleanup and restoration experts to handle the situation safely, and knowing what to expect when they arrive can help you feel more comfortable about the results.

The three types of contaminated water:

Category 1: "Clean Water"

This is water from a clean source, such as a broken clean water supply line or faucet. If left untreated, category 1 water can quickly degrade into category 2 or 3 water depending upon such factors as time, temperature, and contact with contaminants.

• Water from a clean source like a broken water line
• If left untreated, can degrade into category 2 or 3

Category 2: "Gray Water"

This water has a significant level of contamination that could cause discomfort or illness if ingested. Sources for category 2 water may include washing machine overflow; toilet overflow with some urine, but no feces; or dishwasher overflow.

• May contain bacteria and viruses
• Can quickly degrade into category 3 if left untreated

Category 3: "Black Water"

This water is grossly unsanitary and could cause severe illness or death if ingested, and any contact should be avoided. Sources for category 3 water could include flooding from rivers or streams, water from beyond the toilet trap, water from the toilet bowl with feces, or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth.

• May contain untreated sewage, harsh chemicals, and microbes
• Water from flooding rivers or sewer backup

Contaminated water in your home is an emergency. It should be removed from the home as fast as possible by a company trained by the best industry standards. Certified water damage technicians will use specialized equipment to extract the water, then dry out the area with powerful fans and ventilation. All areas and contents affected by the flood waters will need to be cleaned and sanitized with approved cleaning agents. Some items might need to be destroyed. The recovery process includes the elimination of odors from the home.

Sewage Backup or Toilet Overflow? Call Us Today – (626) 656-6577