Recent Posts

Avoiding Fire Damage Restoration Costs in Salton City Properties

2/25/2024 (Permalink)

burned out interior, destroyed furnishings For house fires in Salton CIty--call SERVPRO for cleanup and restoration. We make it "Like it never even happened."

Learn Common Hazards that Lead to Fire Damage

Salton City is a census-designated place with an exciting history. It sits on the shores of the Salton Sea, an artificial water body formed accidentally when the Colorado River breached a Siphon diverting water to the Imperial Valley in 1905. Although envisioned as a resort community, its desert setting and many abandoned lots give it a somewhat ghostly atmosphere. Salton Sea State Recreation Area is the main draw to the area for its bird watching, fishing, boating, and camping opportunities.

Until the day an incident occurs, fire damage restoration at your Salton City property may seem like a distant reality. Knowing some likely fire hotspots in your house can help prevent such an inconvenient outcome. From our fire restoration experiences, SERVPRO® technicians can point out several areas in your home where fires can originate, threatening your property and your family.

Action-related sources

  • Unattended candles
  • Grease fires and unattended cooking
  • Improper cigarette disposal

Your actions and those of other house occupants may increase the risk of fires. Something as positive as meditating by any family member can raise the risk of fire if the soft glowing flame of a candle that soothes and calms you is improperly managed. Constant attendance and using the right candle holders when doing aromatherapy or setting the mood for a special occasion are some solutions SERVPRO suggests for preventing fires. The same level of caution should extend to other activities, such as constant observation when cooking and using suitable ashtrays to hold or stump out cigarettes, enhancing safety.

Equipment and hazardous material fire sources

  • Flammable liquid storage
  • Improper use of heating equipment
  • Malfunctioning electrical appliances

You may not associate your home with hazardous materials. However, if you store flammable liquids like gasoline, paint, or solvents, they can ignite and spread fires rapidly. Electrical appliances such as dryers, ovens, and toasters can ignite fires if they malfunction or overheat. Regarding heat, your space heaters and furnaces are a potential fire hazard, especially if you do not maintain them properly. Most of these risks are easy to avoid through caution and proactive maintenance.

SERVPRO of El Centro / Salton City offers proactive fire damage restoration solutions. Call (760) 337-5858.

Tricks for Fast Water Damage Restoration in El Centro Properties

2/16/2024 (Permalink)

air movers in utility closet Rapid water extraction and drying mitigate damage to an El Centro home. We are Faster to any size disaster™.

Three Simple Actions That Ease Water Restoration Efforts

El Centro, CA, is the biggest city in the Imperial Valley, covering 11.86 square miles. It hosts the Naval Air Facility El Centro, where the United States Navy and Marine Corps aviation units train. It has numerous educational institutions, including the Imperial Valley Community College, Wilson Junior High School, Kennedy Middle School, and Sunflower Elementary School. The city holds various annual events, including the California Mid-Winter Fair & Fiesta, showcasing the region’s agricultural products, livestock, entertainment, and exhibits. Various parks like Farmers Park and Legacy Park are convenient recreational areas within the city.

After a mishap involving water, fast-tracking water damage restoration in your El Centro property is one of the best steps you can take because it limits the deterioration that follows such incidents. For example, structural wood may swell or rot after moisture exposure. Odors and inconveniences such as discoloration stains are also common. SERVPRO® helps expedite such restoration, whether the incident is major or limited to a few sections of your property.

Simple steps that quicken the restoration

  • Fast water extraction
  • Temperature regulation
  • Humidity regulation

Restoring water damage is not just fixing the things ruined by the moisture exposure. Proactively preventing some changes from happening is also part of the process. Since water spreads through gravity-aided flow, wicking through materials and evaporation into the air where hygroscopic materials absorb it, faster water extraction halts the problems from developing, thus saving time. SERVPRO is well-placed to facilitate such extraction since our crews have powerful truck-mounted extractors, portable extractors, and dry/wet vacuums, responding appropriately to any level of stagnation.

Reversing the changes triggered by water exposure is another essential water damage restoration step. For example, the swelling in wooden floorboards or structural framing is only a preliminary effect. Over time, the wood may warp, necessitating replacement. Better drying approaches can reverse the swelling, saving the material. Our SERVPRO crews better control the drying process by establishing humidity and temperature control.

Essential equipment for temperature and humidity control

The standing water and wet materials supply a steady source of humidity from constant evaporation. Our crews set up dehumidifiers around the property to maintain relative humidity below 60%. 

SERVPRO of El Centro / Salton City facilitates fast yet effective water damage restoration. Call (760) 337-5858. Here To Help®

The Experienced Team to Help After an Earthquake Near El Centro

2/12/2024 (Permalink)

Earthquake Picture When earthquakes cause property damage around El Centro--call or click SERVPRO to mitigate water, fire, and structural damage. Here To Help®

Don't Be Shaken by a Quake--Call SERVPRO®

Earthquakes can cause untold damage to your home in more ways than you might initially realize. While you might first look for broken contents and ruined belongings, the full scope of its effects might only be apparent after thoroughly inspecting the property. Violent natural disasters like earthquakes impact homes and businesses in several ways, including:

  • Water Leaks – Pipes can break loose, rupture, or be pulled apart in weak spots to create a rapidly worsening water damage event. 
  • Damaged Appliances – Appliances and water heaters can be heavily damaged by the shaking and movement of an earthquake, disconnecting hoses, or separating them from their water sources. 
  • Electrical Fires – Water and moisture damage can create electrical shorts that cause fires. 
  • Biohazard Threats – Backups from the sewer and other drainage lines can create contaminated water cleanup for affected houses. 
  • Structural Damages – The greatest initial threat in homes after an earthquake is structural weakness and compromise requiring reinforcement, board-up, and repairs. 

When Disaster Strikes – We Are the Team to Call 

Our SERVPRO team has prided itself on being Faster to any size disaster™, from the wildfires that often affect our area of California to natural disasters like unexpected earthquakes, as communities experienced early on February 12th. Though felt as a shaking of the terrain, with perhaps a few books flying off a shelf, structural damage can lead to significant damage. We have technicians ready to help you right now. We can overcome whatever your home might experience after these emergencies, including leaks, smoke and fire damage, flooding, structural damage, and repairs.

Mitigation and emergency response are points of pride for our decorated team. When you call us, we first assess the damage to your property. This effort involves a thorough inspection to identify all areas affected by the earthquake. Based on our findings, we then develop a comprehensive plan to address each issue, from water leaks to structural damage. We aim to reach our entire service area within hours to assess your situation and provide rapid and reliable solutions for returning life to normal. Don’t be afraid to call SERVPRO of El Centro / Salton City today at (760) 337-5858.

No Todos Los Incendios Son Iguales- Deje que SERVPRO lo Guíe

3/15/2023 (Permalink)

Fire damaged kitchen. A kitchen fire.

Fuego en Tu Hogar en El Centro

Todos somos susceptibles a los incendios en nuestros hogares. En un abrir y cerrar de ojos un accidente puede suceder si es que no tenemos cuidado. Un incendio puede ser el resultado de una vela desatendida o una barbacoa situada demasiado cerca de las ramas de un árbol, y las consecuencias lo pueden dejar abrumado. Una vez que los bomberos apagan las llamas usted tiene que descifrar cómo exactamente va a restaurar el daño causado por el fuego y por los agentes utilizados para extinguirlo. 

Nuestro equipo de SERVPRO está certificado para ayudarlo a combatir los daños causados por incendio en su hogar en El Centro. Nuestros técnicos son certificados por IICRC para lidiar con estas situaciones y estudian el camino de las llamas y el humo. Entender el proceso de combustión nos permite entender el camino que tenemos que tomar para eliminar el hollín y humo que dejo en su estela. Entender la diferencia entre la quema de materiales naturales y sintéticos nos ayuda a personalizar un plan de acción especifico a sus necesidades. 

Mitigar sus pérdidas siempre es el horizonte de nuestro equipo de SERVPRO. Esta protección es es la razón por la cual aplicamos las soluciones de limpieza basados en el tipo de superficie que estamos limpiando para evitar más daños. Por ejemplo, cuando se queman materiales naturales tales como la madera, el residuo es muy fino y se deposita en superficies porosas como la tapicería. Si al limpiar aplicamos agua, el daño se agrava al penetrar aún más la superficie. Nuestro equipo pone mucho cuidado en entender la superficie, el tipo de residuo y en hacer una prueba antes de aplicar la solución de limpieza a cabalidad. Esta rigurosa metodología nos ayuda a prevenir pérdidas subsecuentes y a proteger sus pertenencias. 

El daño causado por el fuego puede ser abrumados, pero usted puede controlar su alcance con un buen plan de restauración. SERVPRO of El Centro/Salton City está aquí las 24 horas del día, 7 días a la semana cuando sucede la emergencia. Solo llámenos y déjenos dejar su casa como que nada hubiera pasado. 760-337-5858

Más información sobre El Centro.

Fire in an El Centro Home

3/1/2023 (Permalink)

screwed up house fire The soot from a fire can cause as much or more damage as the flames.

Not All Fires in Your Home are the Same - Let SERVPRO Walk You Through It

We are all vulnerable to fire damage to our homes. In just the blink of an eye, an accident can happen if we are not cautious. A fire can result from a candle left unattended, or a barbecue grill placed too close to overhanging branches, and the consequences can leave you feeling dismayed. Once firefighters put out the flames, they need to figure out how exactly to restore the damage caused by the fire and by the extinguishing agents used to put it out.
 
Our SERVPRO team is certified to help you address fire damage to your home in El Centro effectively. Our IICRC-certified technicians prepare for these situations by studying and understanding the path each fire and smoke takes. Understanding the ignition process lets us draw our path to eliminating the smoke and soot the fire leaves in its wake. Knowing the difference between synthetic and natural burning materials helps us tailor an action plan for your needs.
 
Mitigating your loss is always at the core of what our SERVPRO crew does. This protection is why we apply cleaning solutions based on the surface we are cleaning, which helps avoid further damage. For example, when natural materials burn, such as wood, the residue is very fine and settles deep into porous surfaces like upholstery. If cleanup efforts include water, you risk sinking the residue even further into the porous surface and causing further damage. Our team takes great care in identifying the surface and the type of residue and testing cleaning solutions before full application. This rigorous methodology prevents extended losses and the preservation of your belongings.
 
Fire and smoke damage can be disruptive, but you can control the extent of the damage with well-designed restoration techniques. Sometimes, when a fire happens, volunteers from the Red Cross will visit the fire scene to provide assistance to the occupants. To learn more about the Red Cross, visit 123HELP.

SERVPRO is here to help 24/7 when an emergency happens. Just call us at (760) 337-5858 and let our experts leave your home “Like it never even happened.”

What is Commercial Water Damage?

3/1/2023 (Permalink)

Stacks of ugly gree SERVPRO equipment SERVPRO of El Centro is prepared to help with any size cleanup project, even large commercial jobs!

SERVPRO Restores Water-Damaged Businesses in El Centro and the Imperial Valley

Most water damage restoration companies are familiar with and comfortable performing residential work. However, it takes experience and an investment in equipment to effectively produce "commercial" water damage cleanup jobs. Commercial jobs are almost always much larger than water damage projects in a home. Furthermore, the stakes are greater because commerce is interrupted. Commercial jobs demand adherence to tight deadlines and finding ways to keep a damaged building open and the company operating during the cleanup.

SERVPRO’s El Centro water damage restoration team responds quickly to return businesses to a pre-damage state. This 24/7 commitment minimizes downtime for business owners so they can open their doors safely and rapidly once more.

SERVPRO Drys and Restores  Water-Damaged Facilities

One of the most crucial elements in performing a commercial water damage cleanup is providing restorative reconstruction once the mitigation (drying) is completed. Being able to manage a job seamlessly from the initial emergency arrival through to completion is an advantage. It's cost-effective and a time saver.

SERVPRO of El Centro and Salton City performs water damage restoration when homeowners call (760) 337-5858.

Desert Trails RV Park en El Centro

3/1/2023 (Permalink)

nice RV home` Un viaje de primavera con tu familia al Desert Trails RV Park suena como una gran idea.

Desert Trails RV Park en El Centro es una Alternativa Fácil y Segura para las Vacaciones de Primavera

Puede que no piense en El Centro como un destino turístico esta primavera, pero hay mucho que ver a su alrededor. La ciudad tiene la suerte de tener más días soleados al año que cualquier otro lugar del país situado bajo el nivel del mar. Su ubicación cerca de San Diego, Palm Springs y la frontera con México lo convierte en un excelente lugar para visitar durante unas vacaciones en familia. Para hacerlo aún más cómodo, Desert Trails RV Park and Golf Course le da la bienvenida para estacionar su RV y hacer nuevos amigos mientras vacaciona. Mientras esté en Desert Trails, puede disfrutar de las siguientes amenidades:

  • Caminatas, caza y pesca en las áreas circundantes.
  • Posiblemente pueda disfrutar del del equipo de demostración de vuelo de Blue Angels si están en su base durante su visita.
  • Disfrute del campo de golf, el único campo iluminado en todo Imperial Valley

Como el resto de la nación, los establecimientos comerciales en El Centro realizan una limpieza profunda con regularidad. Muchos de ellos confían en SERVPRO para brindar servicios de limpieza y restauración, especialmente cuando ocurren eventos inesperados, como inundaciones e incendios.

Protéjase y proteja a sus seres queridos llamando a SERVPRO de El Centro / Salton City al (760) 337-5858 y permítanos encargarnos de la limpieza y desinfección de su negocio. Al finalizar su trabajo, su lugar se verá  como si nada hubiera sucedido.

Scoping water damage before working in an El Centro Home.

2/2/2023 (Permalink)

Black tool bag on a toilet seat. Note the black tool bag on the toilet seat. The bag contains a set of moisture-detection tools.

For years I owned a successful property damage restoration business. Pay-per-click fees were outrageous then and now. The power and control Google exerts over small businesses are unfair. I feel your pain. I have been a business and marketing consultant for restoration and property repair companies for five years. In 2021, I met Lane Nesper, a former marketing director for a restoration contractor and the founder of the 123HELP APPa startup designed for the Greater Phoenix market. The APP provides valuable information to make homeownership more accessible. It offers direct dial, and instant connection to quality vetted contractors in multiple trades. Contractors pay a modest monthly fee to become approved service providers in one or more districts. There are no pay-per-click fees, royalties, or commissions. It's a win-win for homeowners and contractors. I joined the 123HELP APP Startup Team as an advisor and contributor because this is an innovative and incredible alternative to the status quo. I had to play a part. If you are a Valley of the Sun contractor providing emergency property repair and non-emergency services, do yourself a favor and call Lane Nesper at 866-901-4123. To download the APP, go to www.123helpapp

SERVPRO of EL Centro Performs Trauma Scene Remediation.

1/2/2023 (Permalink)

Man in TYVEK SERVPRO is equipped to perform bio-hazard clean-up.

For Trauma Scene Cleanup, Reach Out to SERVPRO of El Centro for Prompt and Compassionate Assistance.

No one expects or can predict the need to clean up a trauma scene in El Centro. Many trauma scenarios can happen and result in the need for professional help to respond to the cleanup of the situation's aftermath.  Not just any cleaning company can provide you with the required level of services. It requires a company experienced in trauma scene recovery. 

What Are the Specific Circumstances Considered to be Trauma Scene Cleanup?

  • General crime scenes

Includes the removal of evidence gathering residues such as teargas, pepper spray, chemicals to highlight organic wastes and splatter, and fingerprint powder, among others)

  • Suicide, homicide, and unattended death 

Includes bodily fluids and tissue removal on surfaces and spaces where those substances migrated (cracks, crevices, subfloors, building cavities). It can require the use of agents to illuminate the migration of infectious and otherwise dangerous substances.

  • Infectious disease, viral, and microbial contamination

Includes specialized cleaning treatments using EPA-registered products to remove microbial from the indoor environment thoroughly.

  • Illegal Drug Distribution or Manufacturer 

Includes containing and clean-up of the space and residues with exceptional care because the remnants and residues of drugs can be deadly when inhaled or contaminate a person's skin.

Should I Perform the Cleaning Myself?

Consumer cleaning products are inadequate for safely and thoroughly removing the types of residues found at trauma scenes. A person can unwittingly put themself and their family in harm's way by not knowing the risks and the correct protocols. Because of the many potential dangers, our employees wear personal protective equipment (PPE) to guard against infection, ingestion, absorption (through skin contact), or inhalation of the biohazards encountered. Our professional trauma scene cleanup technicians are trained and have earned certifications in this discipline. This is not a job for the amateur.  

Who Pays for the Cleanup?

Insurance policies often cover the cleanup costs. Public agencies may take on the cost or recommend funding sources in other situations.

Trauma Scene Cleanup Technicians Understand the Emotional Difficulties 

As part of their training, our technicians learn about the emotional toll that crimes and trauma scenes take on you, your loved ones, and your business associates. Expect our crew to treat you and the others with respect, empathy, and compassion during every project.

The specially trained and certified trauma cleanup team at SERVPRO of El Centro / Salton City is ready 24/7 to deliver professional services promptly and compassionately. Call us at (760) 337-5858 

Even a Small Water Leak can Become a Large Problem

1/2/2023 (Permalink)

Homeownership has its rewards, but when bursting pipes leave your home flooded.

No one expects to see water gushing from a broken pipe into a previously dry room.  How do you stay safe and sane after a pipe breaks?

The best thing to do when a broken pipe causes water damage in El Centro, CA is to call a professional. Remember, a flooded room can cause the following:

  • Water damage to walls, furniture, and belongings
  • Damage to insulation, which must then be replaced
  • Growth of mold and bacteria hazardous to your health

Standing water can also attract insects, so it is important to address the broken pipe and flooding as soon as possible. The following tips will help you stay protected throughout the process while providing you with peace of mind.

Stay Calm and Turn Off the Water

It can be easy to panic, but try to stay calm and remember that the first step when you have bursting pipes must be to stop the flooding. You’ll need to find the stop valve on the water main to turn off the water. You can usually find this where the main water service line connects to your house. You should ensure everyone in your family knows where the individual shutoff valves are located for sinks, toilets, and all indoor water features to quickly reduce or stop continued flooding in an emergency. Then call SERVPRO for cleanup help.

Trust the Professionals to Dry the Area

Even if the water damage from bursting pipes initially seems minor, you should contact a professional water restoration company when you have water damage in El Centro, CA. There may be hidden damage inside walls and under floors. Professionals will ensure the area is dry and free from mold and bacteria, keeping you and your family safe.

Visit SERVPRO of El Centro/Salton City for more information about water restoration, or better yet, call us at 760-337-5858.