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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Archived Blog Posts

Water Floods Commercial Building Overnight in Butterfield Ranch?

2/27/2024 (Permalink)

A floor in a commercial building is flooded. We are leaders in commercial water damage restoration services in San Bernardino County.

When you have a water damage emergency in your commercial property, every minute counts. Water is invasive and can cause significant damage to a property if it is not addressed quickly. Butterfield Ranch businesses can rely on our local Chino/Chino Hills team to restore water damage “Like it never even happened.”

Highly trained team

Our technicians are certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), the non-profit certifying body for the cleaning and restoration industry. Our technicians have the training, equipment, and experience to clean and restore any form of water damage.

Powerful, industrial-grade equipment

Water Extraction Equipment

We use powerful extraction equipment to speed the drying process by removing the bulk of the water from your home or business.

  • Submersible and gas-powered pumps for continuous pumping of high-level water
  • Truck-mounted and portable extraction units perform efficient water removal

Drying Equipment

We use industrial-strength air movers and dehumidifiers to remove the remaining moisture from ceilings, walls, and floors. Proper drying helps to prevent swelling and warping of floors, walls, and furniture.

  • High-speed air movers cause moisture to evaporate at a faster pace
  • Industrial-grade dehumidifiers pull the water vapor from the air

Call Us!

When your commercial business or home in Butterfield Ranch has a water damage emergency, our Chino/Chino Hills team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 909-548-3191.

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

Fire Prevention Safety Tips for Chino Hills Babysitters?

2/20/2024 (Permalink)

A babysitter draws with children. We are leaders in fire damage restoration in San Bernardino County.

If you use babysitters, they need to know how to respond if a fire breaks out in your home. Our local Chino/Chino Hills team offers these babysitting tips from the National Fire Protection Association:

Show the babysitter your home escape plan and make sure the babysitter understands:

  • There are two ways out of every room
  • Where the outdoor meeting place is located
  • The fire department or emergency phone number
  • The address of the home
  • How to unlock all doors and windows
  • Keep your child at least three feet away from the stove
  • Keep your child at least three feet away from the microwave oven
  • Never leave the room while cooking
  • Keeps anything that can catch fire away from the stovetop
  • Keeps pets off surfaces and countertops
  • Get out of the home quickly with your child to safety when the smoke alarm sounds
  • Use the second way out if smoke is in the way
  • Get low and go under the smoke to the exit if an escape must be made through smoke
  • Store matches and lighters out of your child’s reach
  • Your babysitter should not use candles
  • Make sure your babysitter keeps a three-foot “kid-free zone” around space heaters

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business is damaged by fire, our Chino/Chino Hills team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 909-548-3191.

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

Lightning Safety Tips for Sleepy Hollow Residents?

2/13/2024 (Permalink)

Lightning lights up the night sky. We restore storm damage 24 hours a day in San Bernardino County.

Our local Chino/Chino Hills team wants everyone in Sleepy Hollow to stay safe during a lightning storm. If you find yourself outdoors when lightning strikes, it's crucial to prioritize your safety. Here are some tips to stay safe:

Seek Shelter: The safest place during a lightning storm is indoors. Find a substantial, fully enclosed building, such as a house, school, or shopping center.

Avoid Water: Stay away from bodies of water, including lakes, pools, and rivers. Lightning can strike the surface and travel through water.

Stay Away from Tall Objects: Lightning is likelier to strike tall objects like trees, flagpoles, and telephone poles. Stay clear of them.

Don't Take Shelter Under Isolated Trees: Contrary to popular belief, standing under a single tree is unsafe during a lightning storm. Instead, it increases your risk.

Avoid Metal Objects: Lightning can conduct through metal, so steer clear of fences, bicycles, golf clubs, and other metal objects.

Stay Low: If you can't find shelter, crouch down on the balls of your feet with your heels touching. This reduces your contact with the ground.

Stay Informed: Check weather forecasts before heading outdoors, and have a weather app or a portable weather radio with you to stay updated on changing conditions.

Wait It Out: Wait at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder before resuming outdoor activities.

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Sleepy Hollow is damaged during a storm, our Chino/Chino Hills team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 909-548-3191.

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

Heavy Rain and Flash Flooding Causes Storm Damage in Riverside Terrace Chino?

2/6/2024 (Permalink)

A backyard is flooded by heavy rain. We are leaders in storm damage restoration services in San Bernardino County.

Our local Chino/Chino Hills team is a trusted storm damage mitigation and restoration services leader. For many years, Riverside Terrace Chino residents have relied on us to restore their storm damage quickly and efficiently, “Like it never even happened.”

The amount of rain required to cause flash flooding in a low-lying area can vary widely depending on factors such as the terrain, soil type, existing moisture levels, and the rate of rainfall. However, flash floods typically occur when a significant amount of rain falls in a short period, often within hours or even minutes.

As a general guideline, intense rainfall rates of two inches or more per hour can trigger flash flooding in some areas. However, in locations with steep terrain, poor drainage, or saturated soil, even lower rainfall rates can lead to flash floods. Flash floods are highly localized and can be extremely dangerous, so it's essential to stay informed about weather conditions and heed any warnings or advisories issued by local authorities during heavy rainfall events.

Why are we a top choice for storm damage restoration services?

  • 24-Hour Emergency Service
  • Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
  • Highly Trained Technicians
  • A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
  • Independently Owned and Operated
  • Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Riverside Terrace Chino needs storm damage restoration services, our Chino/Chino Hills team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 909-548-3191.

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

Hidden Water Damage Detected in Chino Hills Home?

1/30/2024 (Permalink)

Pipes are exposed inside a wall with water damage. We are leaders in water damage restoration services in San Bernardino County.

Our local Chino/Chino Hills team responds to water damage emergencies throughout the year in Chino Hills. Hidden water damage may not result in immediate flooding. Some pipes may develop slow leaks or cracks over time, which can go unnoticed for a while. These hidden leaks can cause water to seep into wall cavities, ceilings, or floors.

Over time, this moisture can lead to structural damage, rot, and mold growth within your home. Often, the damage becomes apparent only after it has become extensive, requiring costly repairs. These hidden leaks can also be a source of wasted water and increased water bills.

Here are some signs of hidden water damage:

  • Dark or wet spots on the walls or ceiling
  • Wet areas or water pooling on the floor
  • Flaking, cracking, or bubbling paint or drywall
  • Hearing the sound of running water that you can’t place
  • Hearing the sound of dripping water that you can’t locate
  • Visible dripping water you can see but dripping where it should not be
  • Significant increase in your water bill for no known reason
  • Strong, damp, musky odors
  • Visible mold growing

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business needs water damage restoration services, our Chino/Chino Hills team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 909-548-3191.

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

Sandbags Protect Homes from Flash Flooding During Heavy Rain in Sleepy Hollow?

1/23/2024 (Permalink)

Sandbags are shown. We restore storm damage 24 hours a day in San Bernardino County.

Heavy rains can cause flash flooding in Sleepy Hollow, and our local Chino/Chino Hills team wants residents to be prepared for the next big storm. Sandbags can be effectively used to protect against flash flooding by creating barriers that divert or control the flow of water away from vulnerable areas. Here's how to use sandbags for flash flood protection:

Proper Placement: Identify the areas most susceptible to flooding, such as doorways, windows, and low-lying entrances. Place the sandbags in these locations.

Fill Sandbags: Fill sandbags with sand or soil to about two-thirds full, leaving enough space to tie or fold the top of the bag. Do not overfill, as it makes the bags less effective.

Stack Bags Correctly: Lay the filled sandbags lengthwise and stagger the layers like bricks to create a stable and strong barrier. Ensure that the bags are tightly packed and leave no gaps.

Overlapping: Overlap the ends of each sandbag to minimize seepage and improve stability.

Tie Bags: If necessary, tie the sandbags with twine or use plastic sheeting to wrap and secure them in place.

Monitor and Maintain: Continuously monitor the sandbags during the flood event. Add more sandbags as needed or adjust their placement to ensure the barrier remains effective.

Sandbags can be a valuable tool to mitigate flood damage and buy you time to take further safety measures or evacuate if necessary. Be prepared and have enough sandbags on hand before heavy rain or flood event occurs.

Call Us Today!

When your home or business in Sleepy Hollow needs storm damage restoration services, our Chino/Chino Hills team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 909-548-3191.

SERVPRO® franchise is independently owned and operated.

Winter Storm Causes Power Outages in Chino Hills Homes?

1/16/2024 (Permalink)

A person checks the circuit breaker during a power outage. We respond to storm damage emergencies 24 hours a day in San Bernardino County.

Our local Chino/Chino Hills team restores storm damage throughout the year in Chino Hills. Experiencing a power outage can be inconvenient and sometimes uncomfortable, but there are several things you can do to stay safe and make the best of the situation:

Safety First: Turn off or unplug appliances and electronics to prevent damage from power surges when the electricity is restored. Leave one light on so you'll know when the power is back.

Stay Informed: Use a battery-powered or hand-crank radio to stay updated on emergency information and news.

Light Source: Use flashlights, battery-operated lanterns, or LED candles for lighting to avoid fire hazards. Avoid using candles with open flames.

Conserve Phone Battery: Preserve your smartphone's battery by minimizing usage and using it only for essential communications.

Keep Warm: Dress in layers and use blankets to stay warm, especially during winter outages.

Food and Cooking: Consume perishable foods first to prevent spoilage. Use a propane or charcoal grill outdoors for cooking if safe and necessary.

Entertainment: Pass the time with board games, puzzles, books, or other non-electronic forms of entertainment. This is an opportunity for quality family time.

Water: Ensure you have a supply of clean drinking water. If you rely on a well pump, consider storing water in advance.

Check on Neighbors: Look out for neighbors, especially those who may need assistance, such as the elderly or individuals with medical conditions.

Call Us Today!

When your home or business in Chino Hills needs storm damage restoration services, our Chino/Chino Hills team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 909-548-3191.

SERVPRO® franchise is independently owned and operated.

Vellano Home Damaged in Recent Fire?

1/9/2024 (Permalink)

A space heater warms a room at night. We are a top choice for fire damage restoration services in San Bernardino County.

Our local Chino/Chino Hills team restores fire-damaged homes and commercial businesses every year. Fires may break out in Vellano during the winter due to space heaters. Here are some of the reasons why space heaters catch fire:

Contact with Flammable Materials: Space heaters often have exposed heating elements or coils. If these elements come into direct contact with flammable items, they can quickly start a fire. For example, a curtain blowing against a space heater can catch fire.

Overheating: Some space heaters lack built-in safety features to prevent overheating. If the heater's internal components get too hot due to malfunction or a blocked airflow, it can lead to electrical fires.

Electrical Issues: Like any electrical appliance, space heaters can have electrical faults, such as damaged cords or faulty outlets.

Improper Use: Users may place space heaters too close to objects, obstruct the heater's airflow, or leave them unattended.

Old or Faulty Units: Aging or poorly maintained space heaters are more likely to malfunction and become fire hazards.

To reduce the risk of fire damage when using space heaters, follow safety guidelines such as maintaining a safe clearance from combustibles, using heaters with safety features (like tip-over switches and overheat protection), keeping cords and outlets in good condition, and never leaving a running space heater unattended.

Call Us Today!

When your home or business in Vellano needs fire damage restoration services, our Chino/Chino Hills team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 909-548-3191.

SERVPRO® franchise is independently owned and operated.

Odor Removal and Deodorization Services in Chino?

1/3/2024 (Permalink)

A person holds their nose closed to avoid smelling an unpleasant odor. We provide commercial odor removal services in San Bernardino County.

Our local Chino/Chino Hills team is highly trained and certified to locate and remove unpleasant odors scientifically. Locating the source of the odor can be challenging because the odor may not be obvious. Odors can combine from multiple sources, such as hidden leaks, mold growth within walls, HVAC systems, or from accumulated debris in inaccessible areas.

Olfactory fatigue (nose blindness) is a common problem. Employees and frequent visitors to the business may become accustomed to the odor over time, making it less noticeable. This can delay the recognition of the problem, as individuals who spend extended periods in the environment may not perceive the odor as acutely as newcomers or outsiders.

Commercial spaces are often expansive, with multiple rooms, floors, or sections. Odors can vary in intensity and location, making it difficult to localize the source accurately. Air circulation systems can also distribute odors unevenly, further complicating identification.

Additionally, some odors may be intermittent or seasonal, making them more challenging to pinpoint. These factors combined can create a complex puzzle when trying to identify and eliminate bad odors in a commercial business, highlighting the need for professional assistance and specialized equipment to effectively resolve odor-related issues.

Why are we a top choice for odor removal and deodorization services?

  • 24-Hour Emergency Service
  • Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
  • Highly Trained Technicians
  • A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
  • Locally Owned and Operated
  • Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment

Call Us Today!

When your commercial business or home in Chino needs odor removal and deodorization services, our Chino/Chino Hills team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 909-548-3191.

SERVPRO® franchise is independently owned and operated.

SERVPRO®-Certified Cleaning Service Inspires Consumer Confidence in El Prado Businesses?

12/27/2023 (Permalink)

A business is being sanitized. We provide many commercial deep cleaning services in San Bernardino County.

Our local Chino/Chino Hills team is extensively trained and certified to deliver deep cleaning and decontamination services in El Prado. These cleaning services surpass the offerings of conventional cleaning companies. We provide a comprehensive range of deep cleaning services to ensure that your commercial business remains completely free from viruses. Our Certified: SERVPRO® Cleaned program is a proactive pathogen cleaning initiative designed to instill confidence in consumers and employees.

Wondering how the program operates? It revolves around our distinctive 3 C's:

Consult: We recognize that every business has unique requirements, so we tailor a customized cleaning program to address the specific needs of each facility.

Clean: Following the agreed-upon plan, our experts commence a thorough deep cleaning process, utilizing our exclusive EPA-approved hospital-grade cleaning solutions. We consistently adhere to the highest standards of cleaning and decontamination recommended by the CDC.

Certify: You can identify a business that has undergone the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program by the emblem displayed on their storefront. This symbol, along with digital badges and other promotional materials, signifies their commitment to the well-being and safety of their employees, customers, and the community.

Call Us Today!

When your commercial business or home in El Prado needs cleaning and decontamination services, our Chino/Chino Hills team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 909-548-3191.

SERVPRO® franchise is independently owned and operated.

Chino Hills Home Sustains Damage During Recent Storm?

12/19/2023 (Permalink)

Storm clouds gather in the sky. We restore storm damage 24 hours a day in San Bernardino County.

Our local Chino/Chino Hills team responds to storm damage emergencies every year in Chino Hills. We know that our fast emergency response team saves our customers time and money in many cases by minimizing the chances for secondary damage and more time-consuming repairs. When you call us, we will ask you questions to determine the type of equipment and resources to deploy to your location. Here is an example of the questions we will ask when you make initial contact with us:

  • Your name and contact information
  • Your insurance information (if applicable)
  • The street address of the water-damaged home or business
  • When did the flooding or water damage occur?
  • What caused the water damage (if known)?
  • Is there electricity available (on-site)?

Residential Storm Cleanup

We will tarp and board up any areas of the structure exposed to the elements to prevent further damage. When there is water damage, we use powerful, industrial-grade water extraction and drying equipment to remove water rapidly and dry the damaged areas thoroughly. We also monitor and document the drying process to ensure the area is dried completely.

Severe Weather Damage Restoration

Our technicians are on call and ready to respond to your storm damage emergency day and night, 365 days a year. We have the training, equipment, and experience to restore storm damage to pre-damage conditions efficiently.

Call Us!

When your home or commercial business in Chino Hills needs storm damage restoration services, our Chino/Chino Hills team is Here to Help.® Call us today at 909-548-3191.

SERVPRO® franchise is independently owned and operated.

Fairfield Ranch Park Homeowner Prepares Home for Heavy Rain?

12/12/2023 (Permalink)

A person removes debris from rain gutters. We respond to storm damage emergencies 24 hours daily in San Bernardino County.

Fairfield Ranch Park typically experiences a climate with wet winters and hot, dry summers. In December, the weather in this region tends to be relatively cool and wet. While the area is not known for experiencing extreme storms during this time of year, it can still be affected by a few types of weather events.

Our local Chino/Chino Hills team is a leader in storm damage restoration services. The main concern during December is managing rainfall and being prepared for wet conditions, which can sometimes lead to localized flooding, slippery roads, and the need for residents to take precautions while driving and during outdoor activities. To mitigate the potential damage caused by December storms, residents should take several precautions:

Ensure Proper Drainage: Make sure that your property has proper drainage systems to prevent water from pooling around the foundation of your home during heavy rain. Clean gutters and downspouts regularly to ensure water flows away from your house.

Trim Trees and Branches: Regularly trim trees and branches near your home to reduce the risk of falling debris during storms.

Secure Outdoor Items: Secure or store outdoor furniture, equipment, and other objects that could become projectiles during high winds.

Maintain Your Roof: Inspect your roof for any damage or loose materials and repair them promptly. Properly anchored roofing materials can prevent water intrusion from heavy rain.

Surge Protectors: Use surge protectors for electronic devices and appliances to safeguard them against electrical surges caused by lightning strikes.

Emergency Preparedness: Have an emergency kit ready with essential supplies, including flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food, and water. Familiarize yourself with local emergency plans and evacuation routes, even though evacuations are less common during December storms.

Why are we a top choice for storm damage restoration services?

  • 24/7 Emergency Storm Service
  • Residential and Commercial Storm Restoration
  • Highly Trained Storm and Flood Damage Cleanup
  • Easier Insurance Claim Process
  • Faster to any size disaster™

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Fairfield Ranch Park needs storm damage restoration services, our Chino/Chino Hills team is Here to Help.® We typically arrive onsite within four hours of your call for help. Call us today at 909-548-3191.

SERVPRO® franchise is independently owned and operated.

Home Alone for the Holidays: Defending Your Home Against Water Damage

12/11/2023 (Permalink)

a boy in shock with home intruders in the background We are a top choice for water damage restoration services in San Bernardino County.

The holiday season is upon us, and whether you're jetting off to a tropical paradise or visiting family for festive celebrations, it's essential to make sure your home is prepared for your absence. In the spirit of "Home Alone," let's channel our inner Kevin McCallister and strategize to defend your home against a different kind of threat: water damage.

Tip 1: Inspect and Repair - AKA No Booby Traps Allowed! Just as Kevin set up ingenious traps to fend off burglars, you can fortify your home by inspecting for potential leaks and repairing them. Take a walk through your house, check for any suspicious drips, and fix them before they turn into major headaches.

Tip 2: Turn Off the Water Supply - Kevin Takes Charge! Remember when Kevin took charge of his home's defenses? Follow suit by shutting down the water supply before you leave. It's a failsafe way to ensure that even if something goes wrong, the potential damage is minimized.

Tip 3: Check Appliances - Avoid Chaos a la Home Alone Style! Kevin managed to navigate his way around the chaos created by his booby traps. Avoid chaos at home by checking your appliances. Make sure your washing machine, dishwasher, and other water-centric devices won't cause any unexpected floods.

Tip 4: Clean Gutters - Not with a Paint Can! While Kevin used paint cans to fend off the Wet Bandits, we suggest a safer approach. Clean out your gutters to prevent debris build-up, ensuring water can flow freely and reducing the risk of roof leaks.

Tip 5: Set the Thermostat - Keep It Cozy, Not Frozen! Kevin survived a freezing night in the attic, but your pipes might not be as resilient. Set your thermostat to a moderate temperature to keep your home cozy and prevent frozen pipes from causing havoc.

 As you embark on your holiday adventures, channel your inner Kevin McCallister and defend your home against water damage. However, if unexpected water damage does occur, don't worry—SERVPRO Team Brogdon is ready to be your home restoration hero. Enjoy your holiday travels, knowing your home is in good hands!

Contact SERVPRO Team Brogdon in Chino for emergency water damage restoration! Your home is our priority. Call 909-548-3191 for 24/7 emergency Service.

Catastrophic Pipe Failure Floods Home in Riverside Terrace Chino?

12/5/2023 (Permalink)

A person holds a bucket to catch water falling from a leaking pipe in the ceiling. We are a top choice for water damage restoration services in San Bernardino County.

Broken pipes can flood your home at any time of the day or night. Our local Chino/Chino Hills team is a trusted leader in water damage restoration services in Riverside Terrace Chino. For years we have been restoring water damage for the local community. Here are some examples of the kinds of equipment we use to mitigate and restore water damage efficiently:

Moisture Detection and Measurement: We use surface moisture meters, infrared imagery, evasive moisture detectors, and video borescopes to detect and measure the amount of moisture.

Water Extraction Equipment

We use powerful extraction equipment to speed the drying process by removing the bulk of the water from your home or business. For instance, we use submersible and gas-powered pumps for continuous pumping of high-level water, and truck-mounted and portable extraction units perform efficient water removal.

Drying Equipment

We use industrial-strength air movers and dehumidifiers to remove the remaining moisture from ceilings, walls, and floors. Proper drying helps to prevent swelling and warping of floors, walls, and furniture. We may use drying equipment like high-speed air movers cause moisture to evaporate at a faster pace and industrial-grade dehumidifiers pull the water vapor from the air.

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Riverside Terrace Chino needs emergency water damage restoration services, our Chino/Chino Hills team is Here to Help. ®. Call us today at 909-548-3191.

SERVPRO® of Chino/Chino Hills is independently owned and operated.

Ensuring Sweet Success: Baking Safety Tips from SERVPRO Team Brogdon for National Cookie Day

12/4/2023 (Permalink)

a photo of holiday cookies We are trusted leaders in fire damage restoration services in San Bernardino County.

Happy National Cookie Day, baking enthusiasts! At SERVPRO® Team Brogdon in Chino, we're not just experts in disaster restoration – we're also passionate about keeping your home hazard-free during the festive baking season. As you gear up to create delightful treats, here are some essential baking safety tips to ensure your holiday baking is both merry and secure.

1. Perfect Timing for Perfect Treats

Setting timers is not just for professionals; it's a secret ingredient for home bakers too! Avoid over-baking and guarantee a perfect treat by keeping a close eye on your creations. Timers are your allies in the quest for the ideal cookie texture.

2. Clear the Culinary Clutter

A clutter-free kitchen is a safer kitchen. Before you embark on your baking adventure, clear away unnecessary items and create a spacious, organized workspace. This not only minimizes the risk of accidents but also makes the entire baking process more enjoyable.

3. Festive Protection: Gear Up!

Add a dash of festive spirit to your baking attire. Oven mitts and aprons aren't just for show – they're essential tools for keeping you safe from hot surfaces and unexpected spills. Plus, who says you can't look stylish while baking up a storm?

4. Safety, the Essential Ingredient

Test your smoke detectors – because safety should be the primary ingredient in every recipe. Ensure that your detectors are functioning correctly to provide an early warning in case of any unexpected culinary adventures. Safety is the key to a worry-free baking experience.

5. Never Leave the Kitchen Unattended

In the whirlwind of mixing, measuring, and baking, it's easy to get distracted. But here's a golden rule: never leave the kitchen unattended while the oven is in action. Stay vigilant, and you'll avoid potential mishaps, ensuring a smooth baking journey.

Baking Mishaps in Chino? SERVPRO Team Brogdon is Here to Help!

Explore our expert fire damage restoration services tailored for Chino residents. Discover how calling 909-548-3181 can connect you with our skilled team, ready to assist with any unexpected baking mishaps in Chino and ensuring a swift recovery.

Wishing You a Joyful and Safe Baking Experience

As you embark on your National Cookie Day baking adventures, let these safety tips be your guide. SERVPRO Team Brogdon wishes you a joyful, safe, and delicious baking experience. May your cookies be sweet, your kitchen be safe, and your holiday season be filled with warmth and joy!

Butterfield Ranch Commercial Property Exposed to Biohazardous Waste?

11/27/2023 (Permalink)

A technician in a hazmat suit carries a container labeled “biohazard.” We are trained and certified to clean and restore biohazard and chemical spills in San Bernardino County.

Although we are better known for fire and water damage restoration, our local Chino/Chino Hills team also restores biohazard contamination and chemical spills. Butterfield Ranch businesses can rely on us to clean and restore biohazard and chemical spills effectively as we have the knowledge and specialized equipment to ensure thorough decontamination, minimizing health risks and preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Additionally, we follow strict protocols, ensuring the safe restoration of the affected areas.

 Commercial Biohazard Restoration Services 

  • Sewage backups
  • Crime scene residues
  • Suicide/death accidents
  • Homicide cleanups
  • Blood cleanup
  • Accident cleanup
  • Hoarding scenes
  • Animal waste and remains
  • Chemical spills
  • Tear gas cleanup
  • Meth lab cleanup

Here are some tips on what to do and NOT do while waiting for help to arrive:

What to Do After a Contamination

  • Stay out of affected areas
  • Call emergency service personnel if the situation is life-threatening
  • Treat allbodily fluids as if they are contaminated
  • Turn off the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (HVAC) if there is sewage damage

What Not to Do After a Contamination

  • Don’t leave wet fabrics in place
  • Don’t leave books, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpets or floors
  • Don’t use your vacuum to remove water.
  • Don’t use television or other electrical appliances
  • Don’t turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging

Call Us Today!

When your commercial business or home in Butterfield Ranch needs biohazard or chemical spill cleanup services, our Chino/Chino Hills team is Here to Help. ®. Call us today at 909-548-3191.

SERVPRO® of Chino/Chino Hills are independently owned and operated.

Chino Hills Homeowners Benefit from Our 24-Hour Emergency Storm Damage Response Team?

11/20/2023 (Permalink)

Menacing storm clouds are seen above a residential neighborhood. We restore storm damage 24 hours a day in San Bernardino County.

Our local Chino/Chino Hills team is a trusted leader in storm damage restoration services. For years, Chino Hills residents and businesses have trusted us to restore storm damage “Like it never even happened.” Storms can cause property damage at any time of the day or night, so our technicians are on call and ready to respond to your emergency when you need us. When you call for help, we will ask you these questions to ensure we bring the right equipment and resources:

Here are the questions we will ask:

  • Your name and contact information
  • Your insurance information (if applicable)
  • The street address of the water-damaged home or business
  • When did the flooding or water damage occur?
  • What caused the water damage (if known)?
  • Is there electricity available (on-site)?

Why are we a top choice for storm damage restoration services?

  • 24-Hour Emergency Service
  • Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
  • Highly Trained Technicians
  • A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
  • Locally Owned and Operated
  • Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment

Call Us Today!

You never know when a severe storm will cause extensive damage, but when your home or business in Chino Hills has a storm damage emergency, our Chino/Chino Hills team is Here to Help. ® We typically arrive on-site within four hours of your call for help. Call us today at 909-548-3191.

SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills are independently owned and operated.

Broken Pipe Causes Flooding and Water Damage to Wall in Chino Home?

11/14/2023 (Permalink)

women looks at wall with a broken pipe in it When broken pipes cause water damage in your Chino area home, trust SERVPRO of Chino / Chino Hills

When I heard the water gushing inside my wall in my Chino home, I thought I was having an audio hallucination, that is until the large water spot started forming on my wall! Oh no! My neighbor showed me how to shut off the main water valve to prevent further damage and my insurance adjuster told me to call the SERVPRO of Chino / Chino Hills team, and I’m so glad I did!

The team arrived quickly and inspected and tested the area to determine the extent of damage and find out how far the moisture had traveled. Then they used powerful pumps and vacuum units to quickly remove the water from my property. Once the bulk of the water was removed, the team set up air blowers and monitored and documented the drying process to ensure the area returned to normal humidity levels.

Then the area was cleaned and sanitized to remove odors and deodorize my property. And then they performed minor repairs by installing new sheetrock, drywall and painting the wall. Now my home looks like it did before the water damage!

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial property has a water damage emergency and you need water damage restoration services, SERVPRO of Chino / Chino Hills team is Here to Help. ®

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Older Plumbing System Fails and Floods Sleepy Hollow Home?

11/7/2023 (Permalink)

A deteriorating water pipe is leaking water. We respond to water damage emergencies 24 hours a day in San Bernardino County.

Our local Chino/Chino Hills team responds to more water damage emergencies than any other form of property damage emergency in Sleepy Hollow. One common cause of pipe failure is age-related deterioration.

Homes that have older plumbing systems that are made of materials like galvanized steel or polybutylene, can degrade over time. Galvanized steel pipes are prone to rust and corrosion, while polybutylene pipes are known for becoming brittle and being prone to cracking with age. Eventually, these pipes can develop weak points and leaks. In some cases, homeowners may need to proactively replace older plumbing systems to avoid major pipe failures, extensive water damage, and costly repairs.

To prevent these common forms of pipe failure, regular maintenance and inspections of your home's plumbing system are crucial. Additionally, it's important to be aware of the materials used in your plumbing and consider replacing older pipes to avoid potential issues in the future.

Call Us Today!

You never know when your plumbing system will deteriorate and cause extensive flooding, but when your home or Commercial business in Chino Hills has a water damage emergency, our Chino/Chino Hills team is Here to Help. ® We typically arrive onsite within four hours of your call. Call us today at 909-548-3191.

SERVPRO® of Chino/Chino Hills is independently owned and operated.

Butterfield Ranch Home Damaged by Strong Winds During Powerful Storm?

10/24/2023 (Permalink)

Broken siding on a home is the result of storm damage. We respond to storm damage emergencies 24 hours a day in San Bernardino County.

Our local Chino/Chino Hills team is trained and certified to restore storm damage in Butterfield Ranch, no matter how extensive the damage is. San Bernardino County has experienced some powerful storms this year, and after any storm, it is a good idea to inspect your property for visible signs of damage.  Here are three common forms of storm damage to look for:

Debris and Fallen Trees: Check for debris strewn across your property, such as branches, leaves, and other items that might have been carried by the wind. Fallen trees or large branches can also be a clear indicator of storm damage.

Roof and Shingle Damage: Inspect your roof for any visible damage. Look for missing or broken shingles, as well as any signs of lifting or displacement. If you notice exposed areas of the roof or potential leaks, it's a sign that the storm may have caused damage.

Damaged Windows and Siding: Examine all of your windows and siding for cracks, chips, or other signs of impact. Severe storms, especially those with hail or strong winds, can cause damage to windows and siding materials. Look for any visible changes in appearance or structural integrity.

Call Us Today!

When your Butterfield Ranch home or commercial business sustains storm damage, our Chino/Chino Hills team is Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your property damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 909-548-3191.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Kitchen Fire in Chino Hills Home Leaves Behind Smoke and Soot Damage?

10/17/2023 (Permalink)

A cooking pot heats up on a gas stove top. We are trusted leaders in fire damage restoration services in San Bernardino County.

Even small, contained kitchen fires can leave behind smoke and soot damage that will require professional cleaning to restore the damage to pre-smoke damage conditions. October marks Residential Fire Awareness Month, and this year the theme is cooking safety. Unattended cooking is the top cause of kitchen fires in the United States, and the National Fire Protection Association urges people to remain in the kitchen while cooking over an open flame. Additionally, the NFPA suggests:

  • Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol, don’t use the stove or stovetop.
  • Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, boiling, or broiling food.
  • If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the kitchen while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
  • Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels, or curtains — away from your stovetop.

Our local Chino/Chino Hills team is highly trained and certified to restore smoke and soot damage quickly and efficiently. Every fire event leaves behind a unique signature based on what fueled the flames. Our technicians pretest every surface prior to cleaning to ensure they are using the most effective means for removing the oily soot and smoke odor.

Call Us Today!

When your Chino Hills home or commercial business has any fire damage, our Chino/Chino Hills team is Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your fire damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 909-548-3191.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Smoke From Nearby Fire Causes Damage to Commercial Property in Hesperia?

10/17/2023 (Permalink)

Smoke billows out of a window. Commercial businesses rely on us to restore smoke damage in San Bernardino County.

Our local Hesperia/Apple Valley and Barstow/Twentynine Palms, Victorville teams are trusted leaders in commercial fire damage restoration services. Every fire leaves behind a unique signature based on what fueled the flames. Our technicians use advanced equipment and techniques to identify the type of smoke and eliminate smoke odor and residue effectively.

Air Scrubber or Filter

Heating, ventilation, air conditioning system (HVAC) air scrubber or a high-efficiency particulate air filter (HEPA) air purifier can capture larger smoke molecules. There will still be some residual odor from smaller molecules or surface residues.

Ozone Generator

This is a fast and highly effective smoke odor restoration method. These machines emit ozone, which follows the same paths through the air as smoke and oxidizes any residual traces in the air or on surfaces.

Thermal Fogging

This is an intensive treatment involving fogging machines. After residents evacuate, smoke cleaning professionals fill a structure with petroleum distillates that neutralize odors and ventilate the area.

Hydroxyl Generator

This method is a slower and gentler alternative to ozone. These machines rely on ultraviolet light to generate hydroxyl radicals that eliminate smoke odors. It will take about three to five days of continuous operation to achieve the same results as a single ozone treatment.

Vapor Modification

Vapor modification is another odor elimination method that relies on aromatic compounds and a blower or fan to neutralize smoke odor.

Call Us Today!

When your commercial business or home in Hesperia has smoke damage, our Hesperia/Apple Valley and Barstow/Twentynine Palms, Victorville teams will remove the smoke odor and restore your smoke damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 760-244-2566.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Commercial Property in Vellano Suffers Property Damage from Broken Pipe?

10/10/2023 (Permalink)

A burst water main is spraying water and flooding a commercial property. Vellano commercial businesses trust us to restore commercial property damage in San Bernardino County.

Our local Chino/Chino Hills team is a trusted leader in commercial property damage restoration services in Vellano. You never know when a broken or burst pipe will wreak havoc on your commercial business or home. Our restoration technicians have advanced training and use state-of-the-art equipment to mitigate and restore any size of water loss in Vellano quickly and efficiently. Whenever possible, we work to minimize the disruption to your employees and customers.

The Insurance Institute for Business Home and Safety suggests that commercial businesses do the following to minimize the chances of water damage issues:

  • Provide a reliable backup power source to ensure continuous power to the building.
  • Install an automatic excess flow switch on the main incoming water line to monitor and provide early detection of a broken pipe or valve. Use wireless sensors near water sources.
  • Monitor sprinkler systems using a central station to provide early detection of a pipe failure and heat unheated sprinkler control rooms.

Water damage happens at all times of the day and night and can become a costly repair if not mitigated quickly. Our highly trained technicians are on call 24 hours a day and can typically arrive within four hours of your call.

Call Us Today!

When your commercial business or home in Vellano has a water damage emergency, our Chino/Chino Hills team is Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your water damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 909-548-3191.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Protecting Your Chino Home & Business During National Fire Prevention Week

10/10/2023 (Permalink)

Multi-story apartment fire We are trained and certified to restore fire damage in San Bernardino County

October is here, and with it comes National Fire Prevention Week. This annual observance serves as an essential reminder of the destructive power of fires and the importance of fire safety. At SERVPRO Team Brogdon, we believe that being prepared and informed is the key to protecting your home or business. In this blog post, we'll explore some crucial tips for safeguarding your property during National Fire Prevention Week.

The Significance of National Fire Prevention Week

National Fire Prevention Week is observed during the week of October 9th in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. This devastating fire claimed lives and left countless people homeless. The goal of this week is to raise awareness about fire safety and prevention to prevent such tragedies from happening again.

Essential Fire Prevention Tips

  1. Install Smoke Alarms: Make sure your property has working smoke alarms on every level and inside and outside sleeping areas. Test them monthly and replace batteries as needed.

  2. Create a Fire Escape Plan: Develop a clear and practiced fire escape plan for your family or employees. Designate meeting points outside and ensure everyone knows the quickest exits.

  3. Check Electrical Systems: Regularly inspect your property's electrical systems. Replace or repair damaged wiring and outlets promptly. Avoid overloading circuits.

  4. Store Flammable Materials Safely: Keep flammable materials like gasoline, propane, and cleaning products in well-ventilated areas, away from heat sources, and in approved containers.

  5. Maintain Heating Equipment: Schedule professional inspections and maintenance for heating systems, including furnaces and chimneys, before the cold weather sets in.

  6. Kitchen Safety: Never leave cooking unattended, and keep flammable items away from the stove. Make sure you have a working fire extinguisher in your kitchen and know how to use it.

SERVPRO Team Brogdon's Commitment to Fire Prevention

Our dedication to fire safety doesn't stop at providing restoration services; we believe in proactive measures. We offer educational workshops and seminars to empower our community with knowledge about fire prevention and safety.

In case disaster strikes, our highly trained professionals are ready to assist you with comprehensive fire damage restoration services. We work tirelessly to restore your property to its pre-fire condition, minimizing the impact on your life or business.

National Fire Prevention Week is a time for reflection and action. By implementing these fire prevention tips and staying informed, you can significantly reduce the risk of fire-related disasters. SERVPRO Team Brogdon is here to support you in your fire prevention efforts and assist you in times of need. Together, we can create safer, more resilient communities.

Call Us Today!

When your home or business in Chino or Chino Hills has a fire damage emergency, our Chino/Chino Hills team will restore your fire damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 909-548-3191.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Chino & Chino Hills Water Damage Restoration: The Ultimate Guide

10/9/2023 (Permalink)

A step-by-step guide to water damage We restore water damage 24 hours a day in Chino Hills & all of San Bernardino County.

Water damage can strike at any time, and if you live in Chino or Chino Hills, California, you know that the risk of flooding is a constant concern. Whether it's from heavy rains, burst pipes, or other unforeseen disasters, being prepared and knowing what to do after a flood is crucial. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through step-by-step instructions on how homeowners in Chino and Chino Hills can address water damage and when it's essential to call in professionals like SERVPRO for assistance.

Step 1: Ensure Safety

The first and foremost concern after a flood is ensuring the safety of your family and yourself. Be cautious about electrical hazards and potential structural damage. Turn off the power supply to your home if it's safe to do so and avoid walking through standing water until you're sure it's not electrically charged.

Step 2: Document the Damage

Before you start cleaning up, document the extent of the damage for insurance purposes. Take photos and videos of all affected areas, including walls, floors, furniture, and personal belongings. This will help streamline the insurance claims process.

Step 3: Remove Water

The next step is to remove the standing water from your home. You can use a wet/dry vacuum or hire a professional water extraction service for more extensive flooding. Ensure that all waterlogged items like carpets and furniture are removed and placed in a dry area to prevent further damage.

Step 4: Prevent Mold Growth

Mold can start to grow within 24-48 hours after water damage, so it's essential to take steps to prevent it. Begin by opening windows and doors to increase ventilation. Use dehumidifiers and fans to dry out the affected areas. Remove any wet materials that cannot be adequately dried, such as drywall or insulation.

Step 5: Sanitize and Disinfect

After the area is dry, it's crucial to sanitize and disinfect thoroughly to prevent microbial growth and ensure a safe living environment. Use a mixture of water and bleach or a commercial disinfectant to clean all surfaces, including walls and floors.

Step 6: Assess Structural Damage

Inspect your home for any structural damage that may have occurred during the flood. Look for cracks in the walls, warped floors, or compromised foundations. If you find any issues, consult a structural engineer or contractor for assessment and repair.

Step 7: Contact Your Insurance Company

Notify your insurance company of the water damage as soon as possible. Provide them with all the documentation you collected in Step 2 and follow their instructions for filing a claim. This will help you get the financial assistance you need for repairs.

When to Call SERVPRO:

While these steps can help you address minor water damage, there are situations where calling in professionals like SERVPRO is necessary:

  1. Extensive Flooding: If your home has been severely flooded, it's best to leave the cleanup to experts who have the equipment and experience to handle large-scale disasters.

  2. Hidden Water Damage: Water can seep into walls, floors, and other hidden areas, leading to mold growth and structural damage. SERVPRO professionals can identify and address these hidden issues.

  3. Sewage Contamination: If the floodwater is contaminated with sewage or other hazardous materials, it's unsafe to handle without proper protective gear and expertise.

  4. Electrical Concerns: If there is any risk of electrical hazards, it's crucial to have professionals assess and mitigate the danger.

Water damage restoration in Chino and Chino Hills requires a systematic approach to ensure the safety of your home and family. While minor issues can often be addressed by homeowners, it's essential to recognize when professional assistance is needed. SERVPRO is your trusted partner in handling severe water damage situations. By following these steps and knowing when to call in the experts, you can recover from a flood and restore your home to its pre-damage condition.  

Call Us Today!

When your Chino/Chino Hills home or commercial business has a water damage problem, our Chino/Chino Hills team is Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your water damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 909-548-3191.

Broken Pipe Causes Water Damage in Chino Hills Home?

10/3/2023 (Permalink)

A pipe is leaking water. When your home or Commercial business in Chino Hills has a water damage emergency, our Chino/Chino Hills team is Here to Help. ® Call us 909-548-3191

Our local Chino/Chino Hills team responds to water damage emergencies 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Every day over 14,000 water damage claims are made in the United States, and pipe breaks are one of the leading causes of water damage emergencies.

What makes us a top choice for water damage restoration?

  • 24-Hour Emergency Service
  • Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
  • Highly Trained Technicians
  • A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
  • Locally Owned and Operated
  • Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment

Water is invasive and can cause significant damage in as little as one hour. Here are some examples of the kinds of damage water can do to a structure:

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

Call Us Today!

When your home or Commercial business in Chino Hills has a water damage emergency, our Chino/Chino Hills team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 909-548-3191.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Kids Playing with Fire Cause Fire Damage in Riverside Terrace Chino Home?

9/26/2023 (Permalink)

A room in a house shows extensive smoke and soot damage. We respond to fire damage emergencies 24 hours a day in San Bernardino County.

Kids are curious about everything, including fire. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), each year children “playing” with fire are responsible for causing injuries and millions of dollars in damage. Our local Chino/Chino Hills team responds to fire damage emergencies every year in Riverside Terrace Chino, and offers these tips from the NFPA for preventing children from playing with fire:

  • Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children, up high, preferably in a locked cabinet
  • Closely supervise children, making sure that they are kept away from other fire sources, including lit candles, cigarettes, bonfires, and stoves
  • Explain that fire moves very fast and can hurt as soon as it touches them. Tell them that this is why matches and lighters are tools for adults only.
  • Teach young children never to touch matches or lighters. They must tell a grown-up when matches or lighters are found.
  • Establish clear rules and consequences about unsupervised and unauthorized uses of fire
  • Be a good example! Always use fire sources — matches, lighters, candles, fireplaces, and campfires — in a safe manner. Never treat them as toys or children may imitate you.
  • Talk with children about what their friends or other children are doing with fire. What do they see online in video games, TV, movies, and social media? Teach them specific ways to resist peer pressure to misuse fire.
  • Give praise for showing respect and age-appropriate responsible behavior toward fire

Call Us Today!

When your home or business in Riverside Terrace Chino has a fire damage emergency, our Chino/Chino Hills team is Here to Help®. Call us today at 909-548-3191.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Last-Minute Steps for Reducing Wildfire Damage to Your Home in Butterfield Ranch?

9/19/2023 (Permalink)

Smoke from a wildfire fills the sky. We are trained and certified to restore fire damage in San Bernardino County.

Every year wildfires cause damage to thousands of acres of land in California, and our local Chino/Chino Hills team wants everyone in Butterfield Ranch to take preventative steps to reduce damage to their home. If time allows, the Insurance Institute of Business and Home Safety offers these tips to reduce wildfire damage:


DOUBLE-CHECK YOUR HOME IGNITION ZONE

Remove combustible materials from the 0 to five feet zone around your home.

  • Clear dead plants, weeds, grass, or any other combustible materials on and under your deck, and within five feet of your home
  • Move flammable items on your deck and around your home, such as toys, patio furniture, door mats, and trash cans into your home or place them in your pool
  • Move propane tanks used with barbecue grills away from home
  • If you are evacuating, place the propane tank at the curb
  • Remove weeds and other debris from the area around large stationary propane tanks (125 gallons water capacity or more) so there is no combustible material near the tank
  • If you have a combustible fence that attaches to your home, secure the gate in an open position
  • Also, clear vegetation and debris under and within one foot of the fence line in the area within five feet of your home. 

CONSIDER WATER

Connect garden hoses to the spigots but do not leave sprinklers on. It can negatively affect water pressure. Leave buckets of water around your home. 

Call Us Today!

When your home or business in Butterfield Ranch has a fire damage emergency, our Chino/Chino Hills team will restore your fire damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 909-548-3191.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

From Disaster to Delight: SERVPRO's Remarkable Water Restoration Journey

9/13/2023 (Permalink)

Before and after of Shower We restore residential water damage 24 hours a day in San Bernardino County.

Home improvement projects often promise a fresh start, but sometimes they can take an unexpected turn for the worse. In a recent case, a homeowner's bathroom renovation project turned into a catastrophe when a poorly installed shower pan gave way, resulting in a devastating flood that affected not only the bathroom but also the lower level of the house. The situation seemed dire, but that's where SERVPRO, a name synonymous with restoration excellence, stepped in to save the day.

The "Before" Scenario

Before SERVPRO's intervention, the scene was nothing short of a homeowner's worst nightmare. The bathroom, once a sanctuary, had turned into a waterlogged disaster zone. The faulty shower pan was the root cause of the problem, and it had caused extensive damage that seemed overwhelming. The situation required professional expertise and a commitment to restoring the home to its former glory.

The SERVPRO Difference

SERVPRO's team of restoration experts quickly mobilized to address the crisis. With years of experience and a reputation for excellence, we were determined to turn this disaster into a success story. Here's how we accomplished it:

Bathroom Transformation

  • Shower Pan Replacement: The first step in the bathroom's revival was replacing the damaged shower pan with meticulous precision. Our skilled technicians ensured a secure and watertight installation to prevent future mishaps.

  • Modern Elegance: The bathroom received a complete makeover, featuring gleaming tiles and contemporary fixtures. The new design breathed fresh life into the space, giving it a modern and inviting atmosphere.

  • Lasting Durability: Beyond aesthetics, our team prioritized durability. The newly installed shower was built to stand the test of time, providing the homeowner with lasting peace of mind.

Ceiling Revival

The floodwaters didn't stop at the bathroom; they reached the lower level, causing damage to the ceiling. SERVPRO stepped in to restore this space as well:

  • Seamless Ceiling Repair: We patched up the damaged ceiling with expert precision, erasing all visible signs of the water damage. The lower level was once again a safe and welcoming area.

Why SERVPRO?

  • Swift Response: We understand the urgency of disaster situations and respond promptly to mitigate further damage.

  • Cutting-Edge Technology: Our team is equipped with state-of-the-art tools and techniques to handle even the most complex restoration projects.

  • Transparent Communication: We prioritize clear and open communication with homeowners throughout the restoration process, ensuring their peace of mind.

  • Satisfaction Guaranteed: Your satisfaction and peace of mind are our top priorities. We stand by our work and deliver the highest level of quality.

This remarkable before-and-after transformation illustrates SERVPRO's commitment to excellence. We don't just restore homes; we restore lives. When disaster strikes, remember that SERVPRO is here to make it "Like it never even happened."

When your commercial business or home in the Chino Valley has a water damage emergency, our Chino/Chino Hills team is Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your commercial water damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 909-548-3191.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Strong Wind Gusts Cause Property Damage in Sleepy Hollow?

9/12/2023 (Permalink)

A roof with wind damage is shown. We are leaders in storm damage restoration services in San Bernardino County.

Our local Chino/Chino Hills team restores wind damage for residents and businesses in Sleepy Hollow every year. According to the National Weather Service, wind gusts are characterized by a rapid surge in wind speed, sometimes reaching significantly higher velocities than the prevailing winds. The increased force of the wind puts additional stress on buildings, structures, and objects, which they might not be designed to withstand.

Wind gusts can be particularly destructive because of their sudden and powerful nature. Properly securing structures, regularly maintaining trees and vegetation, and securing loose objects are essential measures to reduce the risk of property damage during windy conditions.

Some wind gust hazards include:

Debris, loose objects, and unsecured items outside buildings can become projectiles when caught by strong gusts. These items can fly through the air and collide with buildings, vehicles, or windows, causing damage or breaking glass.

Wind gusts can uproot trees or snap branches, causing them to fall onto houses, vehicles, powerlines, or other structures, leading to extensive damage.

Call Us Today!

You never know when a wind gust will damage your home or business in Sleepy Hollow, but when you need us, our Chino/Chino Hills team will restore your wind damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 909-548-3191.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

National Preparedness Month Readies Elderly Populations in Chino for Disasters?

9/5/2023 (Permalink)

A person checks off items on an emergency preparedness checklist. We are leaders in storm and disaster damage restoration in San Bernardino County.

These days, if not if, but when, the next big storm or natural disaster may impact our community. Our local Chino/Chino Hills team wants residents and businesses to be prepared for any emergency and urges residents to take part in National Preparedness Month.

Every September, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), hosts a wide array of activities and initiatives to raise awareness and promote preparedness for emergencies and disasters. This year’s focus is on addressing the needs of elderly populations. Elderly populations are more vulnerable during a disaster because:

  • They may take regular medications, or use medical equipment
  • They may rely on specialized care
  • They are more prone to heat or cold-related illnesses and dehydration
  • They may live alone or in isolated environments
  • They may face challenges in evacuation or temporary relocation due to mobility issues and transportation limitations

Preparing them includes developing strategies for their safe evacuation, identifying accessible transportation options, and ensuring appropriate accommodations and support services are available at shelters. National Preparedness Month’s Ready Campaign will engage communities to be more inclusive and help them to meet the needs of older adults and ensure they have the preparedness resources they need to stay safe and healthy during a disaster or emergency.

Call Us Today!

You never know when a storm or natural disaster will damage your home or commercial property in Chino, but when you need storm damage restoration services, our Chino/Chino Hills team will restore your damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 909-548-3191.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Curious Cat Starts Fire in Fairfield Ranch Park?

8/29/2023 (Permalink)

A cat is staring at lit candles on a table. We are leaders in fire damage restoration in San Bernardino County.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that each year, pets and wild animals play a role in starting over 750 home fires. Pets can cause fires by bumping into, turning on, or knocking over cooking equipment. Our local Chino/Chino Hills team responds to fire damage emergencies every year in Fairfield Ranch Park, and offers these pet fire safety tips from the NFPA for keeping your furry friends safe around fire:

  • Keep pets away from stoves and countertops
  • Keep pets away from candles, lamps, and space heaters
  • Always use a metal or heat-tempered glass screen on a fireplace and keep it in place
  • Keep pets away from a chimney’s outside vents.
  • Have a “pet-free zone” of at least three feet away from the fireplace. Glass doors and screens can stay dangerously hot for several hours after the fire goes out.
  • Some pets are chewers. Watch pets to make sure they don’t chew through electrical cords. Have any problems checked by a professional.

Call Us!

You never know when a fire will damage your home, but if your home or commercial business in Fairfield Park Ranch has fire damage, our Chino/Chino Hills team will restore your damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 909-548-3191.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Butterfield Ranch Home Flooded by Corroded Water Heater?

8/22/2023 (Permalink)

A leaking water heater is shown. We restore water damage 365 days a year in San Bernardino County.

Failed water heaters are one of the leading causes of water damage insurance claims in the United States. When your water heater breaks down and floods your home, our local Chino/Chino Hills are Here to Help. ® Water heaters have a life expectancy of about ten years, and there are steps you can take to ensure your water heater operates efficiently as follows:

Replace the anode rod.

First, make sure to replace the anode rod before it wears out completely. This “little hero” sacrifices itself to protect your tank, so it's important to give it the attention it deserves.

Keep an eye on the lower section of the tank.

Inspect the lower section of the tank to ensure it doesn't fill up with sediment. If sediment builds up, it can neutralize the anode rod's effectiveness below the sediment layer and potentially lead to rust at the bottom of the tank.

Hire a qualified plumbing professional.

Not everyone is an expert on anode rods, so it’s understandable if you would prefer to forgo replacing them yourself. There are many plumbing professionals who offer services to maintain your water heater.

Call Us Today!

When your water heater breaks down or you have any other form of water damage in your Butterfield Ranch home or commercial property, our Chino/Chino Hills team will restore your water damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 909-548-3191.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Is Your Chino Hills Home Ready for Wildfire Season?

8/14/2023 (Permalink)

A fire truck can be seen with a wildfire burning in the background. We respond to fire damage emergencies 24 hours a day in San Bernardino County.

When your home or commercial business has been damaged by a wildfire, our local Chino/Chino Hills are Here to Help. ® Our technicians are trained and certified to clean, restore, and rebuild homes and commercial properties damaged by wildfire.

Live flying embers can travel distances of up to five miles and start fires. Here are some tips for defending your property from wildfire damage from the San Bernardino County website:

Access and Visibility

  • Make sure the roadway approaching your home is wide enough to accommodate an evacuating car and entering fire truck at the same time (minimum of 26 feet wide and 14-foot vertical clearance). Trim overhanging branches to allow enough overhead clearance for large emergency vehicles.
  • Streets and roads must be marked with clearly visible street signs. Missing or difficult-to-read signs can delay emergency response.

Your address should be easily seen from the street. If necessary, post it at the driveway entrance as well as on your home. The numbers should be at least four inches tall on a contrasting background. Periodically check to make certain that new plant growth has not covered any part of your address.

Call Us Today!

Every year thousands of acres burn during wildfires, so if you sustain wildfire damage in your Chino Hills home or commercial business, our Chino/Chino Hills team will restore your fire damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 909-548-3191.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Sewer Backup Contaminates El Prado Business?

8/7/2023 (Permalink)

An out-of-order sign is seen in a public restroom. We respond to commercial water damage emergencies 24 hours a day in San Bernardino County.

Every moment the doors to your commercial business in El Prado are closed represents lost business and revenue. That’s why our local Chino/Chino Hills are on call 24 hours a day to respond to commercial water damage calls. Sewer water is categorized as “black water,” and it is grossly unsanitary and could lead to severe illness if ingested. Our technicians have the specialized training, equipment, and protective gear required to clean and restore sewage backups safely.

Here are the three categories of water contamination we are qualified to restore:

Category 3: "Black Water"

Sources for category three 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.

Category 2: "Gray Water"

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

Category 1: "Clean Water"

This is water from a clean source, such as a broken clean water supply line or faucet.

Call Us Today!

When your commercial business or home in El Prado has a sewer backup emergency or another form of water damage, our Chino/Chino Hills team is Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your water damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 909-548-3191.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Home in Los Serranos Damaged by Recent Winds?

8/1/2023 (Permalink)

A fence has blown over in a backyard. We restore wind-damaged properties in San Bernardino County.

When powerful winds blow through Los Serranos there is always the potential for property damage. Anything not secured or tied down outside can become a flying missile, damaging anything in its path. Fences can blow over, and tree limbs can sail into windows and damage roofs. Fortunately, our local Chino/Chino Hills teams are trained and certified to restore wind damage. We provide a full range of rebuilding services to bring your home or business back to pre-damage conditions. Here are some of the rebuilding services we offer:

Building and Reconstruction Services 

  • Board Up
  • Carpet Repair and Installation
  • Document Drying
  • Dry Cleaning
  • Drywall Installation
  • Drywall Removal
  • Electrical
  • Electronics Restoration
  • Fine Art Restoration
  • Furniture Restoration
  • General Contracting
  • Hardwood Floor Repair
  • Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Services (HVAC)
  • Linoleum Floor Repair
  • Marble Floor Repair
  • Move Out
  • Painting
  • Plumbing
  • Portable Power
  • Roof Tarp
  • Roofing Services
  • Scalable Resources
  • Temporary Fencing
  • Temporary Warehouse Space
  • Tile Floor Repair
  • Tree Removal

We have extensive experience working on all kinds of residential and commercial properties, including:

  • Homes
  • Apartment Buildings
  • Restaurants
  • Small Office Buildings
  • Large Office/High-Rise Office Buildings
  • Hotel/Motels
  • Small Retail Stores
  • Large Retail/Big-Box Stores
  • High-Rise Residential
  • Manufacturing and Industrial
  • Government/Military

Call Us Today!

Wind damage can happen at any time of the year in San Bernardino County. When your home or commercial business in Los Serranos has wind damage, our Chino/Chino Hills team is Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your property damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 909-548-3191.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Butterfield Ranch Home Saved from Fire Damage by Smoke Alarms?

7/25/2023 (Permalink)

Smoke rises towards a smoke detector. We restore fire damage “Like it never even happened” in San Bernardino. County.

Our local Chino/Chino Hills team is a trusted leader in fire damage restoration services in Butterfield Ranch. Working smoke detectors can alert the household to impending fire danger, giving the occupants time to get out of the house safely. Here are some smoke alarm safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association:

Smoke Alarm Safety Tips
  • A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire. Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home. 
  • Smoke alarms should be interconnected. When one sounds, they all sound. 
  • Large homes may need extra smoke alarms
  • Test your smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
  • Today’s smoke alarms will be more technologically advanced to respond to a multitude of fire conditions yet mitigate false alarms
  • When a smoke alarm sounds, get outside and stay outside
  • Replace all smoke alarms in your home every ten years

Call Us Today!

Smoke alarms are a critical part of a home fire escape plan and play an important role in reducing fire deaths in the United States. When your home or commercial business in Butterfield Ranch has fire, smoke, or soot damage, our Chino/Chino Hills team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 909-548-3191.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

An Unleveled Dishwasher Floods Chino Hills Home?

7/18/2023 (Permalink)

A kitchen floor is flooded. We restore water damage 24 hours a day in San Bernardino. County.

Our local Chino/Chino Hills team responds to more water damage emergencies than any other form of property damage in Chino Hills. Leaking dishwashers are a leading cause of water damage claims in the United States. Dishwasher flooding can cause damage to floors, cabinets, and baseboards, and encourage mold growth. Dishwasher leaks are caused by a number of reasons. Here are some tips for preventing dishwasher leaks:

·      Be sure the dishwasher is level

·      Follow the manufacturer’s directions for installation

·      Load dishes following the manufacturer’s guidelines

·      Routinely inspect the door gasket and seal. If you see a lot of steam emanating from the dishwasher, you probably have a leaking door seal.

·      Do not overload the dishwasher

·      Do not leave the home while the dishwasher is running

Our Water Damage Restoration Process

Every water damage emergency varies, but we follow this comprehensive six-step process for  every water damage job:

Step 1: Emergency Contact

Step 2: Inspection and Damage Assessment

Step 3: Water Removal/Water Extraction

Step 4: Drying and Dehumidification

Step 5: Cleaning and Repair

Step 6: Restoration

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Chino Hills has a water damage emergency, our Chino/Chino Hills team is always Here to Help. ® Call us today at 909-548-3191.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Los Serranos Home Damaged by Wildfire?

7/11/2023 (Permalink)

A wildfire is raging. We restore fire damage 24 hours a day in San Bernardino County.

Wildfires happen every year in California. Our local Chino/Chino Hills team is trained and certified to perform a full range of fire damage restoration services in Los Serranos. No matter how extensive the fire damage may be, we can perform every step required to bring your home back to pre-fire condition. We follow this comprehensive process for every fire damage customer we serve:

Step 1: Emergency Contact

Our representative will ask questions regarding the fire damage event that will help us respond immediately with the appropriate equipment and resources. 

Step 2: Inspection and Assessment

Step 3: Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service

We will board up missing windows and walls and place tarps on damaged roofs. 

Step 4: Water Removal and Drying

The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes most of the water. We then use dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the remaining water and complete the drying process. 

Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot

We use specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces. 

Step 6: Cleaning and Sanitizing

We clean, sanitize, and disinfect all of the restorable items. We’re also trained to remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.

Step 7: Restoration

Restoration may involve minor repairs, or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Los Serranos has fire damage, our Chino/Chino Hills team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 909-548-3191.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Butterfield Ranch Business Suffers Water Damage from Fire Sprinklers?

7/5/2023 (Permalink)

A fire sprinkler dispenses water into a building on fire. We restore commercial water damage 24 hours a day in San Bernardino. County.

The National Fire Protection Association reports that fire sprinklers are proven to minimize the impact of fire in commercial properties and homes. When a small electronic device set to charge overnight overheated and set off our fire sprinkler system, our offices in Butterfield Ranch were soaked by the fire sprinklers. Fortunately, all of the damage was water-related, so after the Chino Valley Fire District first responders cleared the scene, our insurance adjuster told us to call the local team in Chino/Chino Hills.

The Chino/Chino Hills technicians arrived quickly and began the mitigation process and restoration process immediately. They moved office furniture and electronics and removed the water from the floors using powerful, industrial-grade water extraction equipment. They removed the damaged drywall in the ceiling and set up powerful air movers and blowers to dry the area thoroughly. The drying process was monitored and documented, and once the area was completely dry, a crew came in and replaced the damaged drywall, repainted the ceiling, and cleaned the office furniture. Now you would never know there had been any water damage in our building!

Call Us Today!

When your commercial business or home in Butterfield Ranch has a water damage emergency, our Chino/Chino Hills team is Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your commercial water damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 909-548-3191.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Summer Thunderstorm Causes Property Damage in Chino?

6/27/2023 (Permalink)

Thunderclouds fill the sky. We respond to storm damage emergencies 24 hours a day in San Bernardino. County.

Chino, California, is known for its sunny weather and low humidity, getting about 17 inches of rain each year with occasional thunderstorms during the summer. Our local Chino/Chino Hills teams are on call to respond to storm damage emergencies 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Here are some thunderstorm safety tips from the National Weather Service:

Nowhere outside is safe when thunderstorms are in the area. Run to a safe building or vehicle when you first hear thunder, see lightning, or observe dark threatening clouds developing overhead. Stay inside until 30 minutes after you hear the last clap of thunder.

When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors

  • Stop all activities
  • Seek shelter in a substantial building or a hard-topped vehicle
  • Wait thirty minutes after the storm to resume activities
  • Stay off corded phones. You can use cellular or cordless phones.
  • Don't touch electrical equipment or cords
  • Avoid plumbing. Do not wash your hands, take a shower or wash dishes
  • Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches
  • Do not lie on concrete floors or lean against concrete walls

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in has storm damage, our Chino/Chino Hills team is Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your property damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 909-548-3191.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Kitchen Underwater from Plumbing Failure in Los Serranos?

6/20/2023 (Permalink)

A kitchen floor is flooded. We are leaders in water damage restoration services in San Bernardino. County.

Water damage emergencies can happen at any time of the day or night and the water can cause serious damage to a home if it is not mitigated quickly. Our local Chino/Chino Hills teams are on call and ready to respond to flooding and other water damage emergencies 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The team uses powerful, industrial-grade water extraction equipment capable of removing hundreds of thousands of gallons of water from a flooded area quickly, saving our customers time and money by avoiding more labor-intensive and costly repairs. We also use powerful air blowers and dryers and monitor and document the drying process to ensure the area is dried completely and restored to normal moisture levels.

Water Damage Restoration Process

We follow this comprehensive, six-step remediation process for every water damage customer we serve:

Step 1: Emergency Contact

Step 2: Inspection and Damage Assessment

Step 3: Water Removal/Water Extraction

Step 4: Drying and Dehumidification

Step 5: Cleaning and Repair

Step 6: Restoration

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Los Serranos has a flooding emergency, our Chino/Chino Hills team is Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your water damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 909-548-3191.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Butterfield Ranch Home Damaged by Strong Winds?

6/13/2023 (Permalink)

A person’s hair is blown about by strong winds. We are leaders in storm damage restoration services in San Bernardino. County.

Strong winds can cause serious damage to homes and businesses in Butterfield Ranch. These winds can turn anything not tied down into damaging flying projectiles. Our local Chino/Chino Hills teams restore wind-damaged properties every year. Here are some tips from the National Weather Service (NWS) for preparing for a high-wind event:

  • Make a list of items outside your home you will need to tie down or put away so that they don’t blow over or fly away through a window. When NWS issues a high wind or severe thunderstorm watch, immediately secure these items to avoid damage or injury once the wind starts picking up.
  • Update your emergency kit and be sure to include enough food and water to last for three days for each person in your home
  • Trim tree branches away from your house and power lines
  • Secure loose gutters and shutters
  • Identify an interior room of your house, such as an interior bathroom, that you can take shelter in during high wind warnings
  • If you live in a mobile home, identify a sturdy building you can go to if the NWS issues a high wind or severe thunderstorm warning
  • Charge batteries of all essential items such as cell phones and booster packs, weather radios, and power tools such as a reciprocating saw, which you may need to clear debris

Call Us Today!

When your Butterfield Ranch home or commercial business has wind damage, our Chino/Chino Hills team is Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your wind damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 909-548-3191.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Chino Hills Homes Damaged in Recent Storm?

6/6/2023 (Permalink)

Roof damage on a hoom We restore storm damage 24 hours a day in San Bernardino. County.

Chino Hills has received 29.68 inches of rain, that’s 222 percent above normal rainfall for this season. Our local Chino/Chino Hills teams have been busy restoring water-related storm damage for residents and commercial businesses. With all the unpredicted weather events in California this year, who knows when another storm will roll through?

Here are some tips for preparing for the next big storm from the City of Chino Hills:

  • Check the roof for leaks, damage, or displaced tiles and pay special attention to areas where separation could occur, such as around the chimney
  • Assemble an Emergency Supply Kit as recommended by the American Red Cross
  • Sign up for San Bernardino County's Telephone Emergency Notification System (TENS) alerts
  • Consider purchasing flood insurance, many homeowner policies do not cover flood damage
  • Create a list of items ahead of time to take with you if you are asked to evacuate
  • Consider items such as keys, cash and credit cards, photos, insurance papers, computers, prescriptions, phone chargers, and pet supplies
  • Keep debris clear from rain gutters, downspouts, and drains so water can flow and drain properly
  • If your home and yard are prone to erosion in heavy rains, consider implementing erosion control mechanisms such as sandbagging and wattles
  • Have a supply of sandbags and other flood prevention materials such as plastic sheeting, plywood, and tarps on hand

Call Us Today!

When your Chino Hills home or commercial business has storm damage, our Chino/Chino Hills team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 909-548-3191.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Water Damage Causes Ceiling to Collapse in Fairfield Ranch Park Home?

5/30/2023 (Permalink)

A ceiling is damaged by water intrusion. We restore stormwater damage 24 hours a day in San Bernardino County.

Sometimes water leaks are not apparent until you see the tell-tale signs of water stains or actual holes in your walls or ceiling. Yikes! Our local Chino/Chino Hills is a trusted leader in water damage restoration services. We have been restoring water-damaged properties in Fairfield Ranch Park for many years. Sometimes water damage is extensive and requires rebuilding services to complete the restoration.

We are licensed contractors in California (license number 935856) and can perform a full range of rebuilding services. This eliminates the headache of having to juggle multiple trades and schedules and gives our customers peace of mind knowing they have one qualified company managing the entire restoration from start to finish.

Restoration Phase

During the restoration phase, we complete the final step to return your home or business to its pre-water damage condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall and installing new carpets, or may entail major repairs, such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

Call Us Today!

When your Fairfield Ranch Park home or commercial business has a water damage problem, our Chino/Chino Hills team is Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your water damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 909-548-3191.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Leaking Shower Pan Damages Bathroom Floor in Butterfield Ranch?

5/23/2023 (Permalink)

The shower pan of a shower stall is shown. We restore water damage 24 hours a day in San Bernardino County.

Leaking shower pans are responsible for over half of shower stall water damage incidents, according to a study conducted by the Insurance Institute of Business and Home Safety (IBHS). So how can you tell if your shower pan is leaking? Our local Chino/Chino Hills team is a trusted leader in water damage restoration services in Butterfield Ranch. We suggest routinely inspecting your shower pan and making repairs as needed to prevent or minimize water leaks or damage. Here are some loss prevention and maintenance tips for showers from the IBHS:

Inspect the tile and grout every six months, paying attention to loose or cracked tiles or cracked and crumbling grout lines. Repair as needed.

Test the shower pan every year by:

  1. Blocking the drain
  2. Fill the shower stall with about one inch of water
  3. Use a pencil to mark the waterline
  4. Leave the water standing in the shower pan for 8 hours
  5. If the water level decreases, contact a plumbing professional

Call Us Today!

When your Butterfield Ranch home or commercial business has a water damage problem, our Chino/Chino Hills team is Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your water damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 909-548-3191.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Water Leak Causes Mold Outbreak in El Prado Home?

5/16/2023 (Permalink)

Mold is shown growing in a Petrie dish. We are leaders in mold remediation services in San Bernardino County.

Our local Chino/Chino Hills team is trained and certified to mitigate and restore mold damage in El Prado. Mold is often a symptom of water damage. We will locate and address any leaks or excess moisture issues as part of the remediation process to reduce the chances of the mold returning once the remediation process is complete.

Here are some of the signs that you may have mold damage:

  • Strong, musty odor
  • Recent water damage
  • Fluffy white or black spots on clothing
  • Stinky, damp carpeting
  • Water leak inside of a wall
  • Water leak inside a cabinet
  • Leaking water tank
  • Leaking water heater
  • Leaking water supply line
  • Spotting on upholstered furniture
  • Spotting on drapes or fabric blinds
  • Spotting on wallpaper
  • Bubbling paint on walls
  • Dark spots on walls
  • Musty smell from an air conditioner
  • Visible mold growing on wall or floor tiles

Mold Removal Process

  1. Emergency Contact – 909-548-3191
  2. Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment
  3. Mold Containment
  4. Air Filtration
  5. Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials
  6. Cleaning Contents and Belongings
  7. Restoration

Call Us!

When your El Prado home or commercial business has a mold outbreak, our Chino/Chino Hills team is Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your mold damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 909-548-3191.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Leaking Pipe Causes Water Damage in Butterfield Ranch Home?

5/9/2023 (Permalink)

A pipe is leaking water into the palm of a hand. We restore water damage emergencies 24 hours a day in San Bernardino County.

Our local Chino/Chino Hills team responds to water damage emergencies throughout the year. You never know when a broken or burst pipe will wreak havoc on your commercial business or home. Our restoration technicians have the advanced training, state-of-the-art equipment, and experience to mitigate any size water loss in the Butterfield Ranch quickly and efficiently and with minimal disruption to your family or employees and customers. The Insurance Institute for Business Home and Safety suggests that homeowners and businesses:

  • Provide a reliable backup power source to ensure continuous power to the building
  • Install an automatic excess flow switch on the main incoming domestic water line to monitor and provide early detection of a broken pipe or valve. Use wireless sensors near water sources.
  • Monitor sprinkler systems using a central station to provide early detection of a pipe failure and heat unheated sprinkler control rooms

Call Us Today!

You never know when a pipe will break and flood your home. Water damage can happen at any time of the day or night. When your Butterfield Ranch home or commercial business has a water damage emergency, our Chino/Chino Hills team is Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your water damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 909-548-3191.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Fairfield Ranch Park Home Damaged by recent Winds?

5/2/2023 (Permalink)

A tree and powerlines have fallen during a wind storm. We respond to storm damage emergencies 24 hours a day in San Bernardino County.

Our Chino/Chino Hills team has been busy this year responding to all kinds of storm damage emergencies in Fairfield Ranch Park, where some residents experienced property damage from severe winds. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration offers these helpful tips to help you prepare in advance for a windstorm:

  • Trim tree branches away from your house and power lines
  • Secure loose gutters and shutters
  • Identify an interior room of your house, such as a basement or interior bathroom, that you can take shelter in during high winds warnings
  • If you live in a mobile home, identify a sturdy building you can go to if the National Weather Service issues a high wind or severe thunderstorm warning
  • Charge batteries of all essential items such as cell phones and booster packs, weather radios, and power tools such as a reciprocating saw, which you might need to clear debris
  • Update your emergency kit and be sure to include enough food and water to last for 3 days for each person in your home
  • Make a list of items outside your home you will need to tie down or put away so that they don’t blow away or fly through a window. When the National Weather Service issues a high wind or severe thunderstorm watch, immediately secure these items to avoid damage or injury once the wind starts picking up

Call Us Today!

When your Fairfield Ranch Park home or commercial business has wind damage, our Chino/Chino Hills team is Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your property damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 909-548-3191.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Be Prepared: Fire Safety Tips and Services for Chino and Chino Hills Homeowners

4/28/2023 (Permalink)

fire safety tips We respond to fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Chino Hills & San Bernardino County.

Fire prevention and safety should always be a top priority for homeowners in the Chino and Chino Hills area. A house fire can occur at any time, and it can cause significant damage to your property and harm to your loved ones. While no one wants to experience a fire, it is essential to be prepared and take steps to prevent fires from occurring.

One of the easiest ways to prevent fires is to ensure that your fire alarms are functioning correctly. You should check your fire alarms regularly to ensure that they are in working order. It's recommended that you test your smoke alarms every month to ensure that they are working correctly. Don't forget to replace the batteries annually to keep them working correctly.

Another essential step to prevent fires in the Chino and Chino Hills area is to be cautious with the use of open flames, such as candles, fireplaces, and outdoor fire pits. Make sure to keep flammable items away from open flames, and never leave them unattended. If you use space heaters, make sure to keep them away from flammable materials and turn them off when you leave the room or go to bed.

In the event of a fire, it's crucial to have a plan in place in the Chino and Chino Hills area. Make sure that everyone in your home knows how to evacuate quickly and safely. Have a designated meeting place outside of the home, and make sure that everyone knows where it is.

Even with the best prevention and safety measures in place, accidents can still happen. That's why it's important to have access to 24/7 emergency fire damage restoration services in the Chino and Chino Hills area. These services can help minimize the damage to your property and help you get back on your feet as quickly as possible.

At SERVPRO, we understand the importance of providing fast and efficient emergency fire damage restoration services in the Chino and Chino Hills area. Our team of experts is available 24/7 to assist you in the event of a fire. We can help with everything from initial cleanup to reconstruction and restoration services.

If you experience a fire in the Chino or Chino Hills area, don't hesitate to call SERVPRO Team Brogdon at (909) 548-3191. Our team is ready to assist you with emergency fire damage restoration services in the Inland Empire community, including Chino and Chino Hills. Remember, fire prevention and safety should always be a top priority in the Chino and Chino Hills area, but if the worst does happen, we're here to help.

Leaking Refrigerator in Sleepy Hollow Home Causes Water Damage?

4/25/2023 (Permalink)

A refrigerator’s freezer is clogged with ice buildup. We respond to water damage emergencies 24 hours a day in San Bernardino County.

Refrigerators can cause water damage for a few reasons, and they don’t necessarily have to break down to do so. In my case, the ice in my freezer melted during a recent power outage and leaked underneath my unit, so the water leak was not apparent for a few days – enough time to seriously damage my hardwood floors. If we had noticed sooner, we would not have had such bad damage.

Fortunately, our insurance adjuster in Sleepy Hollow told us to call the team in Chino/Chino Hills, and I’m glad we did. Their team arrived quickly, moved the refrigerator, pulled up the soggy flooring, and dried the damaged area completely. They also supervised the replacement of the damaged floor, subfloor, and baseboards underneath the refrigerator. Now, you would never know we had water damage in our kitchen!

Water Damage Restoration Process

Step 1: Emergency Contact

Step 2: Inspection and Damage Assessment

Step 3: Water Removal/Water Extraction

Step 4: Drying and Dehumidification

Step 5: Cleaning and Repair

Step 6: Restoration

Call Us Today!

When you discover water damage in your Sleepy Hollow home or commercial business, our Chino/Chino Hills team is Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your water damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 909-548-3191.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Heavy Rains Cause Storm Damage to Home in Vellano?

4/18/2023 (Permalink)

Colorful umbrellas prevent people from getting wet during a rainstorm. We restore storm damage 24 hours a day in San Bernardino County.

Our local team in Chino/Chino Hills has been responding to storm damage emergencies in Vellano for many years. After any storm, it is a good idea to inspect your home or commercial business for signs of water damage. Water is invasive and can cause significant damage to a structure in as little as one hour when left unmitigated.

When you observe indications of storm damage, such as missing roof shingles, broken rain gutters, or water spots forming on your walls or ceilings, fast mitigation is required to minimize the chances of secondary damage and more time-consuming repairs. Our professionals can perform a full range of construction and building services when required to restore a property.

California State License Board (CSLB) #: 935856

  • Board Up
  • Carpet Repair and Installation
  • Document Drying
  • Dry Cleaning
  • Drywall Installation
  • Drywall Removal
  • Electrical
  • Electronics Restoration
  • Fine Art Restoration
  • Furniture Restoration
  • General Contracting
  • Hardwood Floor Repair
  • HVAC Services
  • Linoleum Floor Repair
  • Marble Floor Repair
  • Move Out
  • Painting
  • Plumbing
  • Portable Power
  • Roof Tarp
  • Roofing Services
  • Scalable Resources
  • Temporary Fencing
  • Temporary Warehouse Space
  • Tile Floor Repair
  • Tree Removal

Call Us Today!

When you have stormwater damage in your home or commercial business in Vellano, our Chino/Chino Hills team is Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your storm damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 909-548-3191.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Brutal Winter Storm Brings Damaging Winds to Chino Hills?

4/11/2023 (Permalink)

Menacing storm clouds and a yellow sign reading “warning” are shown. We respond to storm damage emergencies 24 hours a day in San Bernardino County.

Last month the National Weather Service issued winter storm warnings and wind alerts in San Bernardino County. Wind speeds ranged from 38 to 65 miles per hour over the mountain passes.  Our local team in Chino/Chino Hills is trained and certified to restore storm damage caused by wind. Storm damage can happen at any time of the day or night. You can depend on an immediate response from our highly trained technicians, who are available 24 hours, seven days a week.

Our storm damage specialists are trained and certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).

We are storm and water damage specialists who get started promptly to get your property dry and back to pre-storm condition. Using advanced equipment and scientific drying techniques, we document the drying process to validate that your home or business is ready.

  • Water Damage Restoration Technician
  • Applied Structural Drying Technicians

Our national network can mobilize quickly to anywhere in the United States and Canada.

In addition to our own resources, we can access equipment and personnel from over 1800+  Franchises across the state and country. We can even call upon strategically located Disaster Recovery Teams for catastrophic storms and major events.

Call Us Today!

When your Chino Hills home or commercial business has wind damage, our Chino/Chino Hills team is Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your property damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 909-548-3191.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

What is the Process Used to Remove Mold from my Home in Los Serranos?

4/3/2023 (Permalink)

Mold grows on a wall. We are leaders in mold remediation services in San Bernardino County.

Los Serranos residents trust our local team in Chino/Chino Hills to mitigate and remove mold from contaminated surfaces, furnishings, and clothing. We follow the same comprehensive process for every customer we serve.

  1. Emergency Contact

We’ll ask you questions to determine the necessary equipment and resources.

  1. Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment

We follow local and state laws regarding inspection and documentation based on your unique situation.

  1. Mold Containment

We may use advanced containment procedures like negative air chambers to isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process.

  1. Air Filtration

We utilize powerful “air scrubbers” and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while mold remediation is in process.

  1. Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials

We use antifungal and antimicrobial treatments to eliminate mold colonies and to help prevent new colonies from forming.

  1. Cleaning Contents

We clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, and other restorable items affected by mold.

  1. Restoration

Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet, or it may require the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

Call Us!

When your Los Serranos home or commercial business has a mold problem, our Chino/Chino Hills team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 909-548-3191.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Baby Sleeps Through Mold Remediation Services in Chino Hills?

3/28/2023 (Permalink)

A technician treats a wall covered in mold. We clean surfaces and belongings exposed to mold in San Bernardino County.

Our local team in Chino/Chino Hills technicians are trained and certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) to mitigate and remove mold from contaminated surfaces, furnishings, and clothing. We go above and beyond to ensure our customers are completely satisfied with our work. Here is a recent Google review from one of our happy mold remediation customers:

“So happy to have used SERVPRO for our mold mitigation and remodel. They went above and beyond to help get our home back to normal. They were so nice and even worked quietly when our baby slept! Highly recommend!” Emmy Jerez

Positive: Professionalism, Punctuality, Quality, Responsiveness

Services: Water removal, Remodeling, Mold mitigation, Water damage-related cleanup & repair

Restoration

Sometimes mold remediation involves the removal of drywall, subfloors, and other building materials. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may require major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

Call Us Today!

If you notice a musty odor, or if you have had water damage recently, you may have a mold outbreak. When your Chino Hills home or commercial property has a mold problem, our Chino/Chino Hills team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 909-548-3191.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Bad Odor Keeping Customers Away from Fairfield Ranch Park Business?

3/21/2023 (Permalink)

A customer smells a bad odor in the lobby of a building. We deep clean and deodorize commercial properties in San Bernardino County.

If a customer walks into your lobby, plugs their nose, and walks out again, you know you have an odor problem. Unfortunately, many odor issues are the result of a combination of odors that may build up over time, so you and your employees may have become “nose blind” to them, but your customers haven’t. Our local team in Chino/Chino Hills has been removing bad odors from Fairfield Ranch Park businesses for many years.

Odor identification and removal can be challenging as odors may derive from many sources inside and outside the building. Our technicians are trained and certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) to identify and eliminate offensive odors. We never mask odors or take shortcuts as these methods do not work.

Odor Identification

The first step is to identify the source of the smell and locate where the odor is contacting surfaces. Sometimes the odors originate from more than one location in the building.

Odor Elimination Process

Once we identify the cause of the odor and determine the conditions where it contacts surfaces, the odor can often be removed over time without a trace. Our technicians use several odor removal products capable of thoroughly penetrating surfaces to neutralize unpleasant scents.

Call Us Today!

When your Fairfield Ranch Park business or home has an odor problem, our Chino/Chino Hills team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 909-548-3191.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

High Winds Cause Damage to Garage Door in Chino Hills?

3/14/2023 (Permalink)

A damaged garage door is shown. We respond to wind damage emergencies 24 hours a day in San Bernardino County.

Earlier this year, strong winds and heavy rain wreaked havoc. Our local team in Chino/Chino Hills responded to many wind and storm-related emergencies. One customer sustained wind damage to their garage door. Here is their Google review:

“Great service. Mohammad was very nice and did the job quickly. Our garage was damaged due to high winds, and they patched it up for us. Thank you.” Marrissa Padilla

Storms can cause property damage any time of the day or night. That’s why our technicians are on call to respond to storm damage emergencies 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Upon arrival, we will tarp and board up any areas exposed to the elements to prevent further damage.

When rebuilding services are required, we can provide this continuity by supervising a full range of restoration services that will bring a building back to full functionality.

  • Board Up
  • Carpet Repair and Installation
  • Document Drying
  • Dry Cleaning
  • Drywall Installation
  • Drywall Removal
  • Electrical
  • Electronics Restoration
  • Fine Art Restoration
  • Furniture Restoration
  • General Contracting
  • Hardwood Floor Repair
  • HVAC Services
  • Linoleum Floor Repair
  • Marble Floor Repair
  • Move Out
  • Painting
  • Plumbing
  • Portable Power
  • Roof Tarp
  • Roofing Services
  • Scalable Resources
  • Temporary Fencing
  • Temporary Warehouse Space
  • Tile Floor Repair
  • Tree Removal

California State License Board (CSLB) #: 935856

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Chino Hills suffers wind damage, our Chino/Chino Hills team is Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 909-548-3191.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Air Conditioning Unit Causing Water Intrusion in Sleepy Hollow Home?

3/7/2023 (Permalink)

Rain pours down during a winter storm. We respond to storm damage emergencies 24 hours a day in San Bernardino County.

Have you checked your air conditioner unit for signs of water intrusion? This is an often overlooked area where rain can enter a home and cause damage. Our local team in Chino/Chino Hills is on call to respond to water damage emergencies 24 hours a day, 365 days a year in Sleepy Hollow. Here are some helpful tips from the Institute of Business and Home Safety for protecting your home from heavy rain:

Check wall air conditioners

Internal Drain

If the air conditioning unit has an internal drain, make sure the pipe size is adequate and water is running and flowing freely in order to handle a high volume of water.

Caulking of Air Conditioning Unit Sleeve: Look for any gaps, cracks, or other damage that indicates improper caulking around the edge of the sleeve to the exterior of the building. This increases vulnerability to water entry.

Orientation: Tilting the air conditioning unit sleeves slightly (two degrees) towards the exterior wall can significantly reduce the water’s entry.

Weather Stripping: Proper weather stripping between the air conditioning unit and the sleeve can reduce the water from entering.

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Sleepy Hollow has rain damage, our Chino/Chino Hills team is Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 909-548-3191.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Why Are We a Leader in Commercial Cleaning and Restoration Services in Butterfield Ranch?

2/28/2023 (Permalink)

A business person gives the thumbs-up sign. We are leaders in commercial cleanup and restoration services in San Bernardino County.

Our local team in Chino/Chino Hills is committed to keeping Butterfield Ranch businesses operational and looking their best. Although we are better known for fire and water damage restoration, we also provide a full range of commercial cleaning services to keep your business looking its best.

We are committed to providing the highest level of support and services for all our valued customers. Property damage can happen anytime and for many reasons: fire, water, storm, mold, vandalism, chemical spills, biohazard contamination, you name it! Our technicians are trained and certified to provide a full range of cleaning, restoration, and rebuilding services.

What makes us a leading choice for cleaning and restoration services?

  • 24-Hour Emergency Service
  • Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
  • Highly Trained Technicians
  • A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
  • Locally Owned and Operated
  • Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment

Cleaning Services

  • Air Ducts and Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
  • Biohazard
  • Carpet and Upholstery
  • Ceiling, Walls, and Hard Floors
  • Drapes and Blinds
  • Odor Removal and Deodorization
  • Sewage and Toilet Overflow
  • Trauma and Crime Scene
  • Vandalism and Graffiti

Restoration Services

  • Water Damage Restoration
  • Fire Damage Restoration
  • Mold Remediation
  • Storm Damage Cleanup
  • Building Services

Call Us Today!

When you need deep cleaning services in Butterfield Ranch, our Chino/Chino Hills team is Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your business or home “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 909-548-3191.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Mold Problem in El Prado?

2/21/2023 (Permalink)

A closeup of microscopic mold spores is shown. We are leaders in mold mitigation and removal services in San Bernardino County.

Our local team in Chino/Chino Hills can help when you discover a mold outbreak in your home or commercial business. Our technicians have the training, equipment, and experience needed to remediate mold problems in El Prado, no matter how extensive the infestation is. Everything in the compromised area will require professional cleaning to minimize the chances for the mold to return once the remediation process is complete.

We specialize in restoring contents damaged by mold. Our expertise and “restore” versus “replace” mentality can help you save money while preserving precious keepsakes that can’t be replaced. We pretest your contents to determine what items can be restored back to their condition before the water and mold damage. We utilize several methods of cleaning your contents, including:

  •  Dry Cleaning - Used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to wet cleaning
  •  Wet Cleaning - An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues
  •  Spray and Wipe -Effective for items that can’t withstand wet cleaning
  •  Foam Cleaning - Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned
  •  Abrasive Cleaning - Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned
  •  Immersion Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product

Call Us Today!

When you have a mold problem in your El Prado home or commercial business, our Chino/Chino Hills team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 909-548-3191.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Heavy Rain and Potential Flooding in San Bernardino County?

2/14/2023 (Permalink)

Sandbags stand in a row. We are leaders in storm damage restoration in Butterfield Ranch.

Last month, the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District issued warnings for heavy rain and potential flooding as the county expected to receive two to three inches of rain overnight, offering free sandbags and sand throughout the county. Our local team in Chino/Chino Hills can help when you have a storm damage emergency.  Our technicians have the training, equipment, and experience needed to restore storm damage in Butterfield Ranch, no matter how extensive the damage is. Here are some helpful tips for the best placement of sandbags:

  • Clear debris from the area where you want to build the barrier. Don’t build on uneven ground as sandbags need to settle flat.
  • Place the sandbags lengthways/parallel to the direction of the water flow. Ensure the open end of the bag is folded under the filled portion of the bag.
  • Flatten down each row of bags with your foot to eliminate gaps, create a tight seal and support the structure of the wall. Lay the rows like brickwork with each bag overlapping the one below by half.
  • When there are more than four rows, build the wall in a pyramid shape three times wider than it is tall. Seal the wall with plastic sheeting for added protection on the “wet” side and secure it with a row of sandbags across the top and along the bottom edge.

Call Us Today!

When you have storm damage in your Butterfield Ranch home or business, our Chino/Chino Hills team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 909-548-3191.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Strong Winds Damage Homes in Chino Hills?

2/7/2023 (Permalink)

A “wind advisory” road sign is seen. We are leaders in storm damage restoration in San Bernardino County.

Last month, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a wind advisory for San Bernardino County. Strong winds are known to be dangerous as anything not tied down can become a flying projectile, damaging anything in its path.

Our local team in Chino/Chino Hills can help when your home or commercial business suffers wind damage. Our technicians are on call 24-hours a day to respond to storm damage emergencies. We have the training, equipment, and experience needed to restore wind damage, no matter how extensive the damage is.

Here are the definitions of wind alerts from the NWS:

High Wind Warning: Take Action! Sustained, strong winds with even stronger gusts are happening. Seek shelter. If you are driving, keep both hands on the wheel.

High Wind Watch: Be Prepared! Sustained, strong winds are possible. Secure loose items and adjust plans as necessary so you’re not caught outside.

Wind Advisory: Take Action: Strong winds are occurring but are not so strong to warrant a High Wind Warning. Objects outdoors should be secured, and caution should be taken if driving.  

Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Take Action! A thunderstorm is happening or is imminent in the warning area. Severe thunderstorms have 58 miles per hour wind gusts and or hail one inch or larger. Seek shelter inside a sturdy building.

Call Us Today!

When you have storm damage in your Chino Hills home or business, our Chino/Chino Hills team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 909-548-3191.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Dangerous Black Water Contamination in Riverside Terrace Chino?

1/31/2023 (Permalink)

The lid of a sewer maintenance hole is shown. We clean and restore sewage spills in San Bernardino County.

Sewer water is grossly unsanitary and can carry infectious viruses and dangerous bacteria that can cause serious health problems. Fortunately, our Chino/Chino Hills technicians are trained and certified to safely mitigate and restore sewer backups. We have the specialized equipment and protective clothing required to restore sewer damage, no matter how big the job is in Riverside Terrace Chino. Here are the three classifications of water contamination we remediate:

Category 1: "Clean Water"

This is water from a clean source, such as a broken clean water supply line or faucet.

  • Water from a clean source, like a broken water line
  • If left untreated, it can degrade into categories two or three

Category 2: "Gray Water"

  • It May contain bacteria and viruses
  • It can quickly degrade into category three 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 three, "black water," 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

Call Us Today!

When you have a sewer backup in your Riverside Terrace Chino home or business, our Chino/Chino Hills team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 909-548-3191.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Oh No! Chemical Spill in Chino Hills?

1/24/2023 (Permalink)

Barrels of chemicals leak into a yard. We clean and restore chemical spills in San Bernardino County.

Although our Chino/Chino Hills team is better known for our fire and water restoration services, our technicians are also trained to clean, decontaminate, and restore dangerous biohazards.

These include the following:

  • Chemical spills
  • Sewage backups
  • Crime scene residues
  • Suicide/death accidents
  • Homicide cleanups
  • Blood cleanup
  • Accident cleanup
  • Hoarding scenes
  • Animal waste/remains
  • Tear gas cleanup
  • Meth lab cleanup

Biohazard spills require professional decontamination services. Here are some safety tips from our website:

What to Do After a Contamination

  • Stay out of affected areas
  • Call emergency service personnel if the situation is life-threatening
  • Treat allbodily fluids as if they are contaminated
  • Turn off the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (HVAC) if there is sewage damage

What Not to Do After a Contamination

  • Don’t leave wet fabrics in place
  • Don’t leave books, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpets or floors
  • Don’t use your vacuum to remove water
  • Don’t use television or other electrical appliances
  • Don’t turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging

Call Us Today!

When you have a chemical spill or biohazard contamination in your Chino Hills home or business, our Chino/Chino Hills team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 909-548-3191.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Fast Emergency Water Damage Response Saves Los Serranos Businesses Money!

1/17/2023 (Permalink)

A hose connected to water removal equipment diverts the flood water to a street drain. We respond to commercial water damage emergencies 24-hours a day in San Bernardino County.

Don’t Let Water Damage Slow Your Business Down

When water damage happens, fast action must be taken to minimize the potential for more costly and time-consuming repairs. Our Chino/Chino Hills team is on call and ready to respond to commercial water damage emergencies day and night, 365 days a year in Los Serranos.

Highly Trained Technicians

Our technicians are highly trained and certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification, the nonprofit certifying body for the cleaning and restoration industries. We have the training, equipment, and experience to restore commercial water damage, no matter how big the job is.

Emergency Water Removal

We use industrial-grade water extraction equipment to remove most of the water. This helps the drying time and prevents secondary water damage and mold and bacterial growth.

  • Moisture detectors, hygrometers, and other meters measure the extent of moisture saturation
  • Infrared cameras find “hidden” water behind walls and ceilings
  • Submersible and gas-powered pumps are used for the continuous pumping of high-level water
  • Truck-mounted and portable extraction units perform efficient water removal

Call Us Today!

Commercial water damage can happen at any time and for many reasons. When you have a water damage emergency in your Los Serranos business or home, our Chino/Chino Hills team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 909-548-3191.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

What Are Some Visible Signs of Storm Damage in El Prado?

1/10/2023 (Permalink)

Storm clouds obscure the sun. We restore storm damage 24-hours a day in San Bernardino County.

Our Chino/Chino Hills team responds to storm damage emergencies every year in El Prado. Strong winds and winter storms can cause damage to structures, so we advise residents and businesses to inspect their properties for visible signs of damage after any major storm or high wind event. Here are some of the indicators of storm damage:

  • Debris on the roof
  • Dents in your siding
  • Clogged or broken rain gutters
  • Visible damage to the roof facia
  • Visible signs of the roof flashing
  • Water spots on your ceiling or walls
  • Cracked, dented, or lifted roof shingles
  • Missing roof shingles

Sometimes storm damage is not readily apparent, so be sure to check the attic space and look for any wet spots indicating roof damage, and look for leaks by searching for any traces of water on the floor or insulation. Listen for any dripping sounds that will confirm a water leak. Unclog  rain gutters immediately and check downspouts to ensure water can drain away from the home's foundation.

Call Us Today!

Storm damage can happen any time inclement weather blows in. When you have a storm damage emergency in your home or commercial business in El Prado, our Chino/Chino Hills team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 909-548-3191.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Oh No! Chemical Spill in Chino Hills?

1/6/2023 (Permalink)

Barrels of chemicals leak into a yard. We clean and restore chemical spills in San Bernardino County.

Although our Chino/Chino Hills team is better known for our fire and water restoration services, our technicians are also trained to clean, decontaminate, and restore dangerous biohazards.

These include the following:

  • Chemical spills
  • Sewage backups
  • Crime scene residues
  • Suicide/death accidents
  • Homicide cleanups
  • Blood cleanup
  • Accident cleanup
  • Hoarding scenes
  • Animal waste/remains
  • Tear gas cleanup
  • Meth lab cleanup

Biohazard spills require professional decontamination services. Here are some safety tips from our website:

What to Do After a Contamination

  • Stay out of affected areas
  • Call emergency service personnel if the situation is life-threatening
  • Treat allbodily fluids as if they are contaminated
  • Turn off the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (HVAC) if there is sewage damage

What Not to Do After a Contamination

  • Don’t leave wet fabrics in place
  • Don’t leave books, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpets or floors
  • Don’t use your vacuum to remove water
  • Don’t use television or other electrical appliances
  • Don’t turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging

Call Us Today!

When you have a chemical spill or biohazard contamination in your Chino Hills home or business, our Chino/Chino Hills team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 909-548-3191.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Dead Christmas Tree Fire Avoided in Chino?

1/3/2023 (Permalink)

Dead Christmas trees lay on the ground waiting to be recycled. We respond to fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day in San Bernardino County.

Our Chino/Chino Hills team wishes everyone in Chino a Happy New Year! Is your dead Christmas tree still in the house? The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reminds residents to remove their trees after Christmas or when the tree is dry. Here are some tips from the NFPA for preventing Christmas tree fires:

After Christmas

Get rid of the tree after Christmas or when it is dry. Dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage or placed outside against the house. Check with your local community to find a recycling program. Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and make them last longer.

Christmas Tree Fire Facts

  • Electrical problems cause almost one-third of home Christmas tree fires
  • Although Christmas tree fires are not common, when they do occur, they are more likely to be serious
  • A heat source too close to the tree causes more than one in every five fires

Chino Christmas Tree Recycling Services

Christmas trees will be collected beginning December 26 at no additional charge. Here's more information from Waste Management:

  • Trees longer than four feet tall must be cut in half
  • Please remove all decorations, including tinsel, lights, ornaments, and tree stands
  • Flocked trees will be collected by the trash truck but cannot be recycled

Call Us Today!

When you have a fire damage emergency in your home or commercial business, our Chino/Chino Hills team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 909-548-3191.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Happy Water Damage Customers in Chino Hills?

12/27/2022 (Permalink)

People are giving the thumbs-up sign. We respond to water damage emergencies 24-hours a day in San Bernardino County.

Water damage emergencies are the most common form of property damage in the United States. Our Chino/Chino Hills team is on call and ready to respond to water damage emergencies 24-hours a day. We are committed to providing the highest level of service and support possible. Here are some recent Google reviews from some of our water damage customers:

“The Chino/Chino Hills company is great to use, and this is the second time I have had to use them, and I would recommend them to anyone.” Carl Boyd

Services: Mold mitigation, Water damage-related cleanup & repair

Positive: Professionalism, Punctuality, Quality, Responsiveness, Value

“Paul, Luis, and the whole crew were respectful, professional, on time, and considerate of our family’s space while the work was being done. As terrible as it was to have the repairs, I would use them again in a heartbeat.” Lydia Cegarra

Service: Water damage-related cleanup & repair

Positive: Professionalism, Punctuality, Quality, Responsiveness

Call Us Today!

Water damage can happen at any time for any number of reasons. When you have a water damage emergency in your Chino Hills home or business, our Chino/Chino Hills team is Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your water damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 909-548-3191.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Christmas Tree Fire in Fairfield Ranch Park Home?

12/20/2022 (Permalink)

A lit Christmas tree is shown. We respond to fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day in San Bernardino County.

Our Chino/Chino Hills team wishes everyone in Fairfield Ranch Park happy holidays! According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), December is one of the nation’s peak months for home fires. Electrical problems cause almost one-third of home Christmas tree fires. Here are some Christmas tree safety tips from the NFPA: 

PICKING THE TREE 

  • Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched 

PLACING THE TREE 

  • Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 2 inches from the base of the trunk 
  • Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents, or lights 
  • Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit 
  • Add water to the tree stand. Be sure to add water daily. 

LIGHTING THE TREE 

  • Use lights that a qualified testing laboratory lists. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use. 
  • Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read the manufacturer’s instructions for the number of light strands to connect. 
  • Never use lit candles to decorate the tree 
  • Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed 

Call Us!  

When you have a fire damage emergency in your Fairfield Ranch Park home or business, our Chino/Chino Hills team is Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your fire damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 909-548-3191. 

Franchises are independently owned and operated. 

Commercial Water Damage in Los Serranos Business?

12/13/2022 (Permalink)

A properly working downspout takes water away from a commercial property. We respond to commercial water damage emergencies 24-hours a day in San Bernardino County.

Our Chino/Chino Hills team mitigates and restores commercial water damage 24-hours a day, 365 days a year in Los Serranos. The?Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety?offers these tips for protecting your business from?heavy rain: 

Check wall air conditioners 

If your property uses wall air conditioners: 

  • Ensure the size of internal drain pipe is adequate and water is flowing freely 
  • Ensure there is proper caulking and weather stripping around the unit 
  • Ensure the unit is installed with a 1/4-inch bubble tilt toward the outside 

Inspect and clean the roof drainage system 

Do this at least twice a year, ideally during spring and fall. This includes all gutters, interior drains, and scuppers. 

Trim trees 

Keep trees trimmed and away from the roof to prevent branches from rubbing against the roof and leaves from accumulating and clogging the drainage system 

Remove debris 

  • Remove loose objects and accumulated debris—including anything left by contractors—from the roof that could end up in the drainage system 
  • Also, check under and around all roof-mounted equipment, satellite dishes, antennas, and solar panels for debris that could disrupt the drainage system’s water flow or cause ponding 

Call Us Today!  

When you discover water damage in your Los Serranos commercial business or home, our Chino/Chino Hills team is Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your commercial property damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 909-548-3191. 

Franchises are independently owned and operated. 

Flash Flooding Causing Property Damage in Chino?

12/6/2022 (Permalink)

Flash flood waters are shown. We respond to storm damage emergencies 24-hours a day in San Bernardino County.

Our Chino/Chino Hills team mitigates and restores storm damage 24-hours a day, 365 days a year in Chino. According to the National Weather Service:

  • Most flash floods are caused by slow-moving thunderstorms that repeatedly move over the same area or heavy rains from tropical storms and hurricanes
  • These floods can develop within minutes or hours depending on the intensity and duration of the rain, the topography, soil conditions, and ground cover
  • Flash floods can roll boulders, tear out trees, destroy buildings and bridges, and scour out new channels
  • Flash flooding can trigger catastrophic mudslides

Flood Condition Driving Safety Rules

  • Avoid already flooded and high-velocity flow areas. Do not attempt to cross flowing streams. If you enter a flowing stream and the water gets above your knee, TURN AROUND DON’T DROWN.
  • Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams and washes, particularly during threatening conditions
  • If floodwaters rise around your car, but the water is not moving, abandon the car and move to higher ground. Do not leave the vehicle and enter the moving water.

Call Us Today!

When you have a flash flood or another storm damage in your Chino home or commercial business, our Chino/Chino Hills team is Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 909-548-3191.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

What Happens During the Water Removal Process in Fairfield Park Ranch?

11/29/2022 (Permalink)

A hardwood floor is saturated with water. We restore water damage 24-hours a day in San Bernardino County.

When you have a water damage emergency in your Fairfield Park Ranch home, you will want to hire a company that can remove the water quickly and efficiently. Our Chino/Chino Hills team uses powerful water extraction equipment to quickly remove hundreds or thousands of gallons of water from your home.

Here is some information from our website about our water removal process:

Move-Out and Pack-Out Services

When your home requires extensive restoration or cleaning, we can conduct an organized and efficient move of your belongings to protect your belongings from further damage.

Emergency Water Removal

We use industrial-grade water extraction equipment to remove most of the water. This helps the drying time and prevents secondary water damage and mold and bacterial growth.

  • Moisture detectors, hygrometers, and other meters measure the extent of moisture saturation
  • Infrared cameras find “hidden” water behind walls and ceilings
  • Submersible and gas-powered pumps are used for the continuous pumping of high-level water
  • Truck-mounted and portable extraction units perform efficient water removal

Inspect the Carpet Pad and Carpet

We inspect the carpet and pad and determine if they should be removed to protect the subfloor.

  • Inspect Carpet Pad and Remove it If Needed
  • Inspect Carpet and Remove If Needed

Call Us Today!

When you have a water damage emergency in your Fairfield Park Ranch home or commercial business, our Chino/Chino Hills team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 909-548-3191.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Home Cooking Safety Tips for Sleepy Hollow Families?

11/21/2022 (Permalink)

A person is upset that the Thanksgiving Day turkey is burnt. We restore fire damage 24-hours a day in San Bernardino County.

You’re not alone if you’ve ever had a cooking fire in your Sleepy Hollow home. Cooking fires are one of the leading causes of home fires in the United States, and more cooking fires happen each year on Thanksgiving Day! Fortunately, our Chino/Chino Hills team is trained and certified to restore fire damage, no matter how big the job is. Our technicians are on call 24-hours a day to respond to fire damage emergencies.

We wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving and offer these cooking safety tips from theNational Fire Protection Association:

  • Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol, don’t use the stove or stovetop.
  • Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, boiling, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
  • If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking
  • Keep anything that can catch fire (oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels, or curtains) away from your stovetop

Call Us Today!

When you have a fire damage emergency in your Sleepy Hollow home or commercial business, our Chino/Chino Hills team is Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your fire damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 909-548-3191.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Trauma and Crime Scene Cleanup Services in Chino Hills?

11/15/2022 (Permalink)

Yellow crime scene tape blocks entrance into an active crime scene investigation. We restore crime scenes 24-hours a day in San Bernardino County.

Have you ever wondered who cleans up crime and accident scenes? We do! Our Chino/Chino Hills team is trained and certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) to clean and restore trauma and crime scenes. These events leave behind blood and other biohazard contaminants that can cause serious illness. 

Additionally, crime scene investigations leave behind fingerprint and evidence-gathering chemicals that are difficult to remove without the right cleaning agents. Our technicians follow Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines and protocols.

 Crime Scene and Trauma Cleaning Services

  • Fingerprint powder and evidence-gathering chemicals
  • Tear gas and pepper spray residues
  • Fire extinguisher residue
  • Blood, bodily fluids, and tissue remnants

Crime Scene Residues

We can clean and restore your property after a crime scene investigation, from fingerprint powder and evidence-gathering chemicals to tear gas and pepper spray residues.

Bloodborne Pathogens

We remove and dispose of bodily fluids, tissue, and other potentially pathogenic substances resulting from accidents, trauma, crime, or death. Our trained Professionals clean, disinfect and deodorize the structure.

Illegal Drug - “Meth” Labs

Many of the chemicals used in producing illegal drugs, such as “meth,” are volatile and can leave harmful residues throughout a structure. Our technicians follow federal and state guidelines to clean all surfaces properly.

Call Us Today!

When you have a crime or accident scene in your business or home in Chino Hills that requires professional cleaning services, our Chino/Chino Hills team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 909-548-3191.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Industrial Grade Equipment Restores Water Damage Quickly in Vellano?

11/8/2022 (Permalink)

A person is holding a pot up to catch a water leak while calling for emergency services. We restore water damage 24-hours a day in San Bernardino County.

Our Chino/Chino Hills team uses advanced technology and powerful, industrial-grade equipment to restore water damage in Vellano quickly. Water is invasive, and the longer it remains unmitigated, the more time-consuming and expensive repairs may become. We also document and monitor the drying process to restore the area to normal humidity levels. Here are some examples of the equipment we use:

Moisture Detection and Measurement

  • Surface moisture meters
  • Infrared imagery
  • Evasive moisture detectors
  • Video borescope

Water Extraction Equipment

We use powerful extraction equipment to speed the drying process by removing the bulk of the water from your home or business.

  • Submersible and gas-powered pumps for continuous pumping of high-level water
  • Truck-mounted and portable extraction units perform efficient water removal

Drying Equipment

We use industrial-strength air movers and dehumidifiers to remove the remaining moisture from ceilings, walls, and floors. Proper drying helps to prevent swelling and warping of floors, walls, and furniture.

  • High-speed air movers cause moisture to evaporate at a faster pace
  • Industrial grade dehumidifiers pull the water vapor from the air

Call Us!

Water damage can happen at any time and for many reasons. Pipes break, supply lines fail, and sewers van back up at any time of the day or night. When you have a water damage emergency in your Vellano home or business, our Chino/Chino Hills team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 909-548-3191.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Why Are We Faster to Any Size Disaster in El Prado?

11/1/2022 (Permalink)

Road and roadside scenery streaks by a fast-moving vehicle. We respond to property damage emergencies 24-hours a day in San Bernardino

Faster to Any Size Disaster in El Prado

Fast mitigation can make the difference between a quick restoration job and a more labor-intensive and expensive repair when you have a fire or water damage emergency. Our Chino/Chino Hills team is on-call and available 24-hours a day to respond to property damage emergencies in El Prado. We follow the one-four-eight-hour rule, meaning:

One hour: we will respond to your call within one hour or less

Four hours: we will be onsite within four hours of your call

Eight hours: we will contact your insurance adjuster within eight hours of your call

Disasters never happen at a convenient time, and they are often stressful and chaotic experiences for everyone in the household or workplace. We will always treat you with the empathy and respect you deserve and treat your belongings with great care and consideration. We have established relationships with all major insurance companies and can help with the insurance process and paperwork. No matter how extensive the damage is, you can rely on us to keep you informed on our progress until the job is completed.

Call Us Today!

When you have a fire or water damage emergency in your El Prado home or business, our Chino/Chino Hills team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 909-548-3191.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

High Wind Warning in Riverside Terrace Chino?

10/24/2022 (Permalink)

An umbrella is torn from a hand during a wind gust. We restore storm damage 24-hours a day in San Bernardino County.

Riverside Terrace Chino is no stranger to severe weather events. High winds can topple trees and create flying projectiles that damage homes and businesses. Our Chino/Chino Hills team is trained and certified to restore storm damage quickly and efficiently.

In February, Santa Ana winds blew through San Bernardino County at speeds of up to 70 miles per hour and higher. Here are some tips for minimizing wind damage from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA):

High Wind Warnings 

  • Are issued when sustained winds of 40 miles per hour or greater or gusts up to 58 miles per hour or greater are expected
  • These high winds are usually associated with severe thunderstorms and hurricanes

Preparing for High Winds

  • Be sure your property is secure
  • Remove any dead trees or overhanging branches near structures
  • Remove loose objects outdoors, on patios, roofs, or balconies that could blow away.
  • Shutter windows securely and brace outside doors
  • Bring in unsecured objects from patios and balconies and secure objects that could blow away and cause damage or injury

Call Us Today!

Wind and storm damage requires immediate mitigation to minimize the chances of further damage. Our Chino/Chino Hills team is on call and ready to assist you 24-hours a day with storm damage emergencies. Riverside Terrace Chino residents and businesses can rely on us to restore storm damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 909-548-3191.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Commercial Kitchen Cleaning Services in Butterfield Ranch?

10/17/2022 (Permalink)

A pristine commercial kitchen is shown. We keep businesses looking their best in San Bernardino County!

Butterfield Ranch businesses benefit from the wide array of deep cleaning services we provide. Our Chino/Chino Hills team is trained and certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). We go above and beyond what a regular janitorial service can do. We clean from top to bottom: floors, ceilings, walls, carpets, furniture, upholstery, light fixtures, windows, drapes, blinds, and more. When we’re through, your business will sparkle and smell fresh!

Commercial Cleaning Services

  • Air Ducts and Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC)
  • Biohazard and Sewage
  • Trauma and Crime Scene
  • Carpet and Upholstery
  • Drapes and Blinds
  • Ceilings, Walls, and Hard Floors
  • Odor Removal and Deodorization
  • Vandalism

We have experience working in all kinds of workplaces and buildings:

  • Small Office Buildings
  • Large Office/High-Rise Office Buildings
  • Apartment Buildings
  • Restaurants
  • Hotel/Motels
  • Small Retail Stores
  • Large Retail/Big-Box Stores
  • High-Rise Residential
  • Manufacturing and Industrial
  • Government/Military

Call Us Today!

When your Butterfield Ranch business or home starts to look tired, dull, or dingy, o ur Chino/Chino Hills team is Here to Help. ® Consumer and employee confidence has never been more critical to the success of a business. Your customers and employees will appreciate knowing you care about the cleanliness of your operation. We offer cleaning, sanitizing, and deodorizing services tailored to meet your unique needs. Call us today at 909-548-3191.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Fire Safety Tips for Los Serranos Trick-Or-Treaters?

10/11/2022 (Permalink)

Children in costumes celebrate Halloween. We restore fire damage 24-hours a day in San Bernardino County.

Our teams in Chino/Chino Hills want everyone in Los Serranos to have a fun a s safe Halloween celebration this year. Here are some Halloween safety tips from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection:

Tips for Halloween night

  • Use battery-powered lights - never use candles to light jack-o’-lanterns
  • Instruct children to stay away from open flames
  • Remove objects from the yard that present a hazard to children (garden tools, hoses, etc.)
  • Be extremely careful with cornstalks and other harvest season items. Keep them away from sources of heat. Don’t let them block doorways or stairs.
  • Do not allow children to carry sharp sticks or other objects that could cause injury to themselves or to others
  • If you are driving on Halloween, take care…watch out for trick-or-treaters who will be too busy to watch out for you
  • Closely inspect all candy before allowing children to eat it. Discard any unwrapped treats from a stranger. If in doubt, throw it out.

Tips for choosing the right costumes

  • Purchase costumes made of flame-retardant material
  • Keep hemlines short enough to prevent tripping and avoid loose, baggy sleeves, or billowing skirts
  • To be seen easily, costumes should be made of a light color material
  • Use glow-in-the-dark reflective tape on your costume
  • Use make-up rather than masks, which could obstruct vision

 Call Us Today!

When your home or business in Los Serranos has fire damage, our Chino/Chino Hills team will restore your damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 909-548-3191.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Water Damage Emergency in Chino Destroys Ceiling?

10/4/2022 (Permalink)

A ceiling with water damage is shown. We respond to water damage emergencies 24-hours a day in San Bernardino County.

Our Chino/Chino Hills team has been restoring water damage in San Bernardino County for many years. Water is invasive and can cause severe damage in as little as one hour. Here is a water damage timeline from our website that describes the damage that water will do over time:

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

Call Us Today!

Water damage can happen for many reasons: pipes break, plumbing systems fail, and sewers can back up any time of the day or night. Our Chino/Chino Hills team is Here to Help ® when your home or commercial business in Chino has a water damage emergency. Call us today at 909-548-3191.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Repair your Roof

9/1/2022 (Permalink)

One of the most frequent calls we receive during our rainy season is to tarp a roof that is letting water into the home.  You should inspect your roof every year to check for any damage. Ensure to repair any cracked, displaced or broken tiles. You should also remove any dirt that has built up underneath the tiles to prevent drainage blockage. It would be best if you also replaced or repaired damaged roof sheeting. More importantly, also, ensure to inspect the inside of your roofing. If there is light shining through your roof, it could indicate a damaged roof. It's not easy to work on the roof on your own. So, it's important to contact an expert who understands everything to do with roof maintenance and repair.

Save time with remodeling and restoration with this one tip

6/1/2022 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills we perform and completely execute commercial and residential construction ourselves.

Whether a remodel or restoration, our services eliminate the client's stress over juggling numerous repair crews as we construct everything in-house. 

Our team has streamlined the project coordination process, which means our client will have a single contact from our team to plan the project and answer all questions. 

We understand that remodeling and restoration can be stressful, and your goal likely is to ensure that your property is operable as soon as possible. This is the single reason why recruiting an organization that executes everything in-house from beginning to end is vital to the timely completion of your project, due to our ability to coordinate construction work at the same time we're mitigating. 

If you're looking for quality workmanship from a cohesive team, SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills is more than happy to ensure that your property is in even better shape than it was before!

Benefits of deep cleaning your floors

6/1/2022 (Permalink)

Did you know that SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills can deep clean your floors? From carpet, to wood, vinyl, porcelain, tile and everything in-between, we have you covered. 

Now, to elongate the preservation of your flooring, it’s important to clean them regularly as you see fit, but it’s even more important to deep clean your flooring at least once per year.  

Throughout the year, foot traffic brings in damaging dirt and water, which wears heavily on the surface. It’s said that about 70 to 80 percent of a floor's grime comes from front door foot traffic. 

Our state-of-the-art equipment and proprietary cleaning products will not only remove hard to remove dirt and grime, but also eliminate odors - completely restoring the vibrancy of your home. 

As we step out of the wet winter season and into the blazing hot summer, now is the perfect time to pay extra attention and take care of those floors!

Give us a call anytime, we’re available to you 24/7!

Fire Season

5/5/2022 (Permalink)

What even is wildfire season anymore? In past decades fire season typically ran from July to October before peaking in August; now, fire season is almost year-round. 

With California having been in a drought for the past 22 years and receiving very little rain in 2022, many are anticipating hefty wildfires across the state.

In April 2022, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California announced a new mandate slated to begin in June that limits outdoor watering to just once per week, one of the strictest water conservation mandates in history. 

Although we cannot control the weather or the water, we can proactively prepare for the hot and dry summer months that lie ahead of us. 

Here are four acts you should be doing now to prepare for wildfires:

  • Remove dead and dry vegetation from your yard
  • Ensure that roofs, gutters, and decks are free of all vegetative debris
  • Confirm that flammable objects and liquids are at least 30 feet away from the structure
  • Remove tree branches and shrubs hanging over the roof

These small precautions can be the difference between a home burning and a home being saved during a wildfire. If you have any questions or if your home has suffered a wildfire, SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills is here to answer your call 24/7. 

Water Damage Process

5/5/2022 (Permalink)

What would you do if you walked into work and were standing in 3 inches of water?

In most instances the first person who comes in to an office or retail space is not the person who knows who to call if they come into a water damage. It is so important to make sure everyone is aware of where the water shut-off is as well as who the first call should be. 

In most instances your maintenance department would be the first call, but in MORE instances, SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills should be your first call.

Let us (SERVPRO) be the ones that help you navigate and assess damages, help you get the proper information to your insurance carriers/agents in order to determine coverage and facilitate mitigating damages.

Spring Cleaning

5/3/2022 (Permalink)

We’ve heard it for years and joked, “Oh, you’re doing your spring cleaning?” But, spring cleaning is actually very important to your health and overall wellbeing. 

During the winter months, houses often garner buildup on windows from rain and snow, along with extra settled dust on the inside due to not enough air flowing throughout your home. 

Performing a spring cleaning doesn’t have to be hours and hours of nitty-gritty cleaning, by creating a small list of chores that were neglected during the winter months, it’ll streamline your flow and help you prioritize the most important tasks. 

Here are two reasons you should get on the spring cleaning bandwagon today!

Improved air quality

Unless you’ve been dusting, opening windows, and running an air purifier all winter long, chances are that a lot of dust has settled inside your home. 

When spring rolls around, allergies are at an all-time high due to pollen floating throughout the air as new plants begin to bloom, so it’s imperative to dust and wipe down surfaces throughout your home to improve the air quality on the inside. 

Strengthened immune system

Dust, mold, mildew, etc., can cause sinus issues in the spring and summer months if not remediated. Vacuuming all rugs, deep cleaning carpets and floors is vital in removing particles from surfaces around your home that will strengthen your immune system. 

Help is Here

3/28/2022 (Permalink)

Any water or fire loss to a commercial building can be devastating to a business's productivity. SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills’ goal is when mitigating a commercial loss, we get the situation taken care of as quickly as possible so your business can continue, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO’s technicians are professionally trained to be mindful of any legal and environmental concerns and we strive to fully restore all affected areas. At SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills we understand that every day we spend restoring is a day lost in your production, so we will do our best to facilitate the optimal conditions to restore your building to preloss conditions as timely as possible. When a situation comes to your business, please give us at SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills the opportunity to serve you so you will be back in business “Like it never even happened.”

Three of the most common causes of commercial fires

3/28/2022 (Permalink)

Did you know that, on average, U.S. fire departments respond to over 3,300 office fires per year?

Some of the most common causes of commercial building fires include cooking and heating equipment, electrical and lighting equipment, and smoking materials (yes, lit cigarettes disposed of incorrectly), all of which can be avoided. 

Property owners must be aware of the fire risk posed in commercial buildings and relay the message to employees occupying these buildings on being mindful of fire risks in the workplace. 

We recommend distributing a memo to employers occupying your commercial property with fire safety literature and best practices to avoid fire damage in the future. 

If your business experiences a fire loss, call the fire and water damage restoration experts 24/7 at SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills, and we’ll respond immediately to get your building back to its normal operations. 

Sinking Foundations

2/8/2022 (Permalink)

Many regions across the nation are already experiencing heavy rainfall, and we're not even near the peak of winter.

We've already begun to see and hear about property's foundations sinking across America due to heavy rainfall. 

Heavy rainfall can cause the soil around and underneath a property to expand, and when a hot summer or drought follows, it leaves a gully. This can leave an open area for the foundation to sink into. 

Though the sinking process of a foundation can take years, here are five signs your property's foundation is at risk:

  • Cracks around doors and windows
  • Leaning chimney
  • Cracks in concrete floor or drywall
  • Stair-step brick cracks
  • Jammed doors and windows

It's crucial that you keep an eye out for a sinking foundation year-round and take proactive measures to preserve your home's foundation. 

A few ways to prevent foundation water damage is by ensuring gutter downspouts release water away from the property's foundation; watering your lawn regularly, along with your foundation to prevent soil shrinkage; and plant trees and vegetation away from your foundation. 

If you have any questions, visit SERVPROchinochinohills.com.

Sinking Foundations

2/8/2022 (Permalink)

Many regions across the nation are already experiencing heavy rainfall, and we're not even near the peak of winter.

We've already begun to see and hear about property's foundations sinking across America due to heavy rainfall. 

Heavy rainfall can cause the soil around and underneath a property to expand, and when a hot summer or drought follows, it leaves a gully. This can leave an open area for the foundation to sink into. 

Though the sinking process of a foundation can take years, here are five signs your property's foundation is at risk:

  • Cracks around doors and windows
  • Leaning chimney
  • Cracks in concrete floor or drywall
  • Stair-step brick cracks
  • Jammed doors and windows

It's crucial that you keep an eye out for a sinking foundation year-round and take proactive measures to preserve your home's foundation. 

A few ways to prevent foundation water damage is by ensuring gutter downspouts release water away from the property's foundation; watering your lawn regularly, along with your foundation to prevent soil shrinkage; and plant trees and vegetation away from your foundation. 

If you have any questions, visit SERVPROchinochinohills.com.

Top Tips to Prevent Fires

2/8/2022 (Permalink)

No matter the season, house fires should always be a concern to property owners and renters alike. It’s essential to prepare for house fires by purchasing a fire extinguisher, but it’s even more imperative to prevent them from destroying your home. 

Simple things like blowing out candles and keeping space heaters away from other items in your home are good habits to develop to prevent house fires, but it’s not enough. 

Here are our top four tips to help you prevent a future house. 

Test smoke detector

Smoke alarms can seriously be the difference between life and death. The U.S. Fire Administration recommends replacing smoke detectors every ten years. They also suggest testing the detector once a month while replacing the batteries once every two years. 

Store flammable items in a safe place

Many people are unaware of how many household items are flammable. Items like paint thinner, gas, nail polish, hairspray, aerosol cans, rubbing alcohol, and cooking oil are all flammable. It’s important to safely store these items away from sparks and flames to avoid a house fire. 

Inspect appliances and wiring

We recommend regularly inspecting home appliances and wiring to maintain functionality and prevent fires. Easy things like making sure the lint is removed from the dryer, ensuring your air conditioner and heating units are cleaned each season, inspecting the chimney, keeping the kitchen free of grease, and walking around your entire property ensuring no wires are exposed can save you from the headache of a house fire.  

Educate your household on fire safety

For many people, learning about a house fire and how to prevent them isn’t important to them, until it happens to them. Don’t be these people. 

Educate your entire household on the simple fire safety tips mentioned above. It’s also worthwhile to teach each member of your home how to utilize a fire extinguisher in case of an emergency; knowing how to operate an extinguisher can save your home from needing to be completely restored. Also, if you don’t know how to operate a fire extinguisher, your local fire department would be happy to assist you. 

Fire Safety while Traveling

2/8/2022 (Permalink)

We are all thinking of getting back to our summer traveling, taking our families on that DREAM vacation. While we plan and prepare there is one area that most of us don’t think about – Fire Safety in our hotel rooms.

According to an article on Sandy Springs Volunteer Fire Department website, 3,900 hotel or motel fires occur each year. So, while we prepare for that summer trip we should take into account these tips to make sure we keep our families safe in our hotel/motel rooms:

  • Choose a hotel/motel that has both fire sprinklers and smoke alarms.
  • When checking in ask the front desk what the fire alarms sound like.
  • When entering your room, review the fire evacuation plan located near the door.
  • Take the time to find the two nearest exits and count the doors between your room and the exit. Make sure the exits are unlocked and if not, report this to management right away.
  • Keep the room key by the bed and take it with you in the event of a fire.
  • If an alarm sounds, leave right away, closing all doors behind you. Always take the stairs, never take the elevator.
  • If you must escape through smoke, get low and crawl under the smoke to the nearest exit.

These few tips can help you rest assured that your family is safe during your summer vacation.

Tips provided by U.S. Fire Administration and National Fire Protection Association.

What is a Restoration Tech?

2/1/2022 (Permalink)

When we speak to clients about our highly trained restoration technicians, they often ask, “What’s a restoration technician?”

We figure that you may have the same question and want to fill you in. 

Restoration technicians play an imperative role in recovering properties and bringing them back to a habitable state after a disaster strikes, like a fire, flooding, and even mold. 

Our restoration specialists at SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills are always in the field, answering clients’ calls to assess what belongings and portions of a property can be saved after a disaster. They also lead and kickstart the process of water and debris cleanup. 

What makes our restoration technicians the best out there is the attention to detail, communication, and empathy they show to each client we serve. 

Restoration technicians are not only important to our organization; they’re highly important to our communities, especially when disasters strike.

Plumbing Issues that Lead to Water Damage

2/1/2022 (Permalink)

Did you know a large portion of water damage in properties comes from plumbing issues?

It’s so important for property owners to inspect the plumbing systems in their homes or buildings at least once per year, especially on properties that are over 20 years old. 

Being proactive with plumbing systems may seem like an inconvenience but will ultimately save you money in the long run, as routine maintenance can lead to the detection of a future problem. 

Pipes used for plumbing typically have a lifespan between 20 and 70 years. Brass pipes can last for about 70 years, while copper pipes last about 50 years, and steel pipes can survive anywhere between 20 and 50 years. 

While there is no telling the exact lifespan of the piping in your property, you can tell if a pipe is damaged by warped and discolored floorboards, which usually indicates water leakage. 

Your friends at SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills are here for you every step of the way. Should you need an inspection or have a plumbing emergency, give us a call at (909) 548-3191.

Our commercial restoration services set us apart from the competition

2/1/2022 (Permalink)

There is no job that’s too big or too small for SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills.

When damage strikes your place of business, we prioritize restoring the property as quickly as possible while minimizing client disruption and operation interferences.

Water damage…we got you, fire damage…we can handle it, mold remediation…we can fix it, storm damage…we can make it look "Like it never even happened."

Some of our specialties include drying your documents, which we know often holds critical and confidential information, along with electronic restoration. 

Our cleaning services for commercial buildings include: 

Small Office Buildings

Large Office/High-Rise Office Buildings

Apartment Buildings

Restaurants

Hotel/Motels

Small Retail Stores

Large Retail Stores

High-Rise Residential

Manufacturing & Industrial

Government and military building 

Our team of professionals are available to all commercial buildings 24/7 and will work diligently to bring your business back to life. 

Top Three Causes of Water Damage in the Winter

2/1/2022 (Permalink)

As we step into colder temperatures, with snow, rain, and everything in-between, this is also the season of water damage.

Often people think that only large amounts of snow and ice can be detrimental to their home or that temperatures have to be extremely low to cause damage, but this could not be further from the truth.

Even in sunny Southern California, where the winters are generally mild, water damage can still happen; and we see it every year.

From roof leaks to frozen pipes and outdoor water sources, there are a handful of potential water disasters waiting to happen in the winter; and you should know what they are.

Here are the top three!

Roof leaks

The most popular form of water damage that our SERVPRO professionals restore every single winter comes from roof leaks.

One of the common issues we see that leads homeowners to experience roof leaks is gutter system blockage from frozen water. It’s imperative that you clean out the water gutters on your roof before it starts snowing or raining heavily.

What happens is that many times these water gutters experience ice buildup or blockage, thus leaving melted ice to infiltrate underneath the roof shingles or tiles, which places stress on the roof and causes leakage.

It’s vital to respond to roof leaks as soon as it begins, as it can lead to mold and even structural damage, which will be even more challenging to repair and take longer to restore.

Frozen pipes

Frozen pipes are another item in and around houses that cause significant water damage during the winter season.

Frozen pipes can build up pressure quite quickly actually, which may lead to cracks and flooding once the ice melts.

You can get ahead of this issue by caulking cracks and holes that you find in the exterior walls to prevent cold air from getting to the pipes. Be sure to shield pipes with towels or insulating tape to prevent them from becoming frozen.

As a rule of thumb, anytime temperatures reach 20 degrees or below, pay close attention to your pipes and continue regularly running water throughout your home to keep them from becoming frozen.

Outdoor Water Sources

As temperatures continue to drop, it’s imperative to turn off all outdoor water sources, including hoses. After turning off outdoor hoses, be sure to drain all remaining water that may be lingering inside to avoid freezing, cracks, or breaks while in the cold; and then store hoses in a dry garage or shed.

Also, turn off all outdoor water valves in the winter and allow hose bibs to drain to avoid breaking any pipes in subfreezing temperatures.

Remember to enjoy the cooler temperatures that the winter season brings us, but be sure to remain proactive in protecting your home from water damage as much as you can. Should you run into a roof leak, a busted or frozen pipe, your friends at SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills are here to restore your property 24/7.

Call us at (909) 548-3191 or visit SERVPROchinochinohills.com to learn more! 

Prevent Mold after Winter Storms

1/4/2022 (Permalink)

Prevent future mold growth with these tips

Many of us have been there…battling mold in a new house or a home we’ve lived in for many years. It’s awful. 

If you’ve already dealt with this issue in the past, now is the time to be proactive and protect your family and yourself from mold with these five simple tips:

  • Open all windows in your house every week
  • Measure the indoor humidity
  • Utilize household exhaust fans, especially in bathrooms
  • Do not ignore wet spills
  • Fix water leaks ASAP

It’s important to note that when a house experiences any water damage, mold infestation can arise quickly and spread throughout a home in under 72 hours. Start protecting your home today!

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to give SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills a call at (909) 548-3191.

Why Trust SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills?

12/1/2021 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Chino / Chino Hills, we pride ourselves in excellent customer service and outstanding communication with every client that we have the privilege to assist.

We are here to serve you, help you through the restoration process, listen to every concern,  and address those concerns in a timely manner to get you back into your property as soon as possible.

Our entire team prides itself on being communicative during every step of the process, so you know the details of the service being performed at your property. Unlike others, we take the time to explain the process and ensure that you, the owner, understand what each step of the process will look like.

The SERVPRO team is diligent and pays such close attention to detail; it’s truly what sets our team apart from the rest. This is not just work, this is our passion; being able to restore homes and businesses in our community and beyond.

The different types of storm damage, which one is the worst?

12/1/2021 (Permalink)

Often it isn’t until a storm hits your home that a homeowner understands that there is an array of types of storm damage.

From wind damage, to tree damage, rain damage, and of course heat damage, they all vastly differ from one another…but these are all areas our team of professional experts has knowledge and experience with.

Now, to answer your question, which type of storm damage is the worst? Well, to be transparent, wind and rain damage often go hand in hand; and if you have a tree in your yard during a major storm, it can cause much damage to your home or property as well.

In sunny Southern California, which is where SERVPRO of Chino / Chino Hills is located, along with many of our clients, properties in our area often experience lots of heat damage.

Did you know that extreme heat can be as harmful to your roof as other extreme weather conditions, such as a storm?

With the sun beating on the roof of your home for prolonged periods, months on end in SoCal, it can cause your roof’s tiles or shingles to curl up, crack, and age prematurely.

If you’ve noticed any curling or cracking of tiles or shingles on your roof, reach out to our team as soon as possible.

IICRC Trained

10/13/2021 (Permalink)

We are confident that we can handle the biggest water damage that occurs at your property or building.

Our team of water restoration specialists are each certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration (IICRC). Through this certification process, our team has studied and researched best practices in water restoration, fire restoration, mold remediation, carpet and upholstery cleaning, and other cleaning and restoration courses.

The IICRC sets the standard, globally, for the inspection, cleaning, and restoration industries.

Also, our tremendous experience in water damage gives our team the ability to completely restore your home or building in an efficient and timely manner to quickly bring your property back to pre-water damage condition.

Our water damage restoration process begins with:

  • Your phone call to our team
  • Inspection
  • Water removal
  • Drying
  • Cleaning and sanitizing
  • Restoration

Don’t hesitate to reach out to SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills at 909-548-3191 with any questions!

Flooding

10/4/2021 (Permalink)

Hundreds of thousands of homes experience water damage every single year across the United States.

Although in Southern California, we’ve been faced with droughts for quite some time, we are never really in the clear. The next big storm can come in minutes and significantly damage your property via leaks in the roof, flash flooding or ground water which can cause flooding, mold, and more.

About one in 50 insured homes endure property damage from rain or freezing temperatures every single year.

Unfortunately, there is nothing we can do to prevent rain and storms from coming our way, but we can be prepared and equip our clients with important information and contacts for when this problem arises at your property.

For more information, call SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills at (909) 548-3191.

What to do if a Fire starts

8/29/2021 (Permalink)

If a fire starts in your property, it’s important to ACT fast…and it’s imperative that you and your family understand what to do if this happens to your home.

First, make sure everyone in the home is aware that there is a fire, yell, “Fire!” and demand that every person evacuates the home. Designate a member of your family to call 911.

When evacuating your home, if heavy smoke is present, get low (underneath the smoke) and exit. Avoid touching doors where knobs are hot to the touch; evacuate through another route if you can.

Fires move quickly, so it’s important for all adult household members to know how to use a fire extinguisher. If the fire is sizable, unleash the fire extinguisher, but if the fire has traveled to multiple parts of the home, quickly evacuate.

Many homeowners don’t know this, but your local fire department can show you how to properly use a fire extinguisher, fill it up and inspect it for any possible malfunctions.

To learn how to operate a fire extinguisher, visit https://rdcrss.org/3gC04nX.

Inspect your property after Fire

8/29/2021 (Permalink)

After a fire ravishes through your home or building, it's essential to inspect your property, but it's even more important to remain safe in the process.

When visiting your property after it's damaged by fire, do not walk past ANY colored tape on doors, windows, walls, etc., unless directed to do so by authorities; this is for your safety.

If you have any children, we recommend you leave them with a relative or friend while completing the personal home inspection to mitigate any more distress this experience may cause them.

What to look for in the inspection

In this process, professionals will inspect your property, but they will have you (the owner) visit the site to assess the damages soon after.

When inspecting your property after a fire, you should:

  • Check for structural damage
  • Access utilities and major systems
  • Inspect electrical, plumbing, and heating systems
  • Eliminate household items and cleaning products

"Contact your insurance agent. Do not discard damaged goods until an inventory has been taken. Save receipts for money spent relating to fire loss. Your insurance agent may provide immediate help with living expenses until you are able to return home and may offer assistance for repairs."

American Red Cross

SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills can help you with the property inspection process, it's essential to remain vigilant and pay close attention to detail and as trained professionals we can make sure this happens.  

What to Do?

8/29/2021 (Permalink)

The dreaded experience of having your commercial building damaged by water is one our team sees far too often.

When water overflows from a sink, maybe a toilet, a pipe bursts, fire sprinkler system, it’s imperative that you contact SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills as soon as possible to quickly mitigate the unique challenges that water restoration presents.

Leaving a commercial property flooded for an extended period of time could result in the rotting of wood, mold and bacteria growth, rusted steel, swelling of composite woods, de-laminating of materials, and more.

Commercial building water restoration involves our team performing a prompt inspection, followed by removing water and materials, drying, cleaning and sanitizing, and water damage repair.

Should you experience water damage to your commercial property, don’t panic, give us a call 24/7. Our highly trained and certified team of professionals will transform your building back to its original form and get your employees back to work.

Waterfalls

8/29/2021 (Permalink)

Waterfall in Ouray CO This ones a beauty in Ouray CO

Who doesn’t love to look at and listen to a beautiful waterfall? I know I do. When on vacations I try to find them just to go relax and take in the soothing ambiance. What isn’t so great about a waterfall, is when its in your home. Not in the form of a natural beauty, but in the form of gushing water from a pipe burst or overflown toilet, sink or tub on the 2nd floor of your home.

This type of “waterfall” can make your home a disaster in no time and you need to mitigate quickly. The first thing to do of course is find the source of the “waterfall” and stop it, whether that be to pull the drain plug and turn off the faucet or turn the water off at the main into the home – but get it stopped. Secondly, make sure everyone in the home is safe and then your next call should be SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills. Our trained professionals will come in and remove the water, assess the damages and begin the dry down process so you can get your home back to preloss conditions.

How Can SERVPRO Help?

8/27/2021 (Permalink)

Let’s face it, disasters happen and we all need to have a plan in place to mitigate those disasters as quickly as possible. For any business owners you need to make sure first you have a good Leader in place who can react quickly, make sure the staff is safe and then get help in the door as soon as possible to begin the initial assessment of damages. With SERVPRO as your first call we can help get you back to normal operation with as little disruption as possible.

How can SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills help you get back to normal operation? Let me count the ways here:

  • Mitigate the damages when a water disaster event happens.
  • Clean-up and restore your facility when a fire or smoke damage event happens.
  • Remediate mold infestations when they occur due to prolonged moisture.
  • Remediate asbestos and lead when found to be present.
  • Sanitize and disinfect your office, warehouse or retail space from COVID contamination.
  • Restore documentation

When any of these events happen in your place of business or home, let SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills be your first call – 909-548-3191!

Why?

8/27/2021 (Permalink)

Two male techs in white tyvek Getting it Done Right!

Let’s talk about WHY SERVPRO. I am going to list just a few of the reasons WHY you would want to make SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills your first call:

  • We are faster to any disaster – responding within the first hour and on the road to help you.
  • We are empathetic, trained professionals who understand the drying process for water damage and the emotional turmoil you are dealing with.
  • We are an IICRC Restoration Company, who is dedicated to getting the job done right.
  • We have more than 50 years collectively as a company handling any type of disaster that may come your way.
  • We can handle water damage mitigation, fire damage clean-up, mold remediation, asbestos abatement, lead abatement, document restoration, etc. with trained professionals.

Don’t hesitate to call SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills at 909-548-3191 when your next disaster happens and we will make it "Like it never even happened."

Back to School

8/27/2021 (Permalink)

Techs in tyvek in warehouse Sanitizing and Disinfecting!

Back to school this year has had a very different meaning and feel. The past year and a half, most all schools have been virtual or staggered schedules. This year all students are back on campus and there is a strong focus on making sure everyone stays healthy.

Besides the obvious of not sending your students to school when they are under the weather and especially if they are running a fever (this applies to teachers and ancillary staff as well), but making sure they have a safe, clean environment to come to every day.

One of the things we at SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills pride ourselves in is being a Certified SERVPRO Clean Firm. What this means is we have been trained and have access to the proprietary cleaning agents to help disinfect and sanitize our homes and businesses (schools). When in doubt, don’t take the hard road – call SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills at 909-548-3191 and let us be your “easy button”.

Oh What a Mess

8/27/2021 (Permalink)

Monsoon season is coming to an end hear in Southern California, or so it seems. However, Mother Nature has a way of changing her mind often. We recently had a Monsoon hit our territory in the high desert which caused a significant amount of damage to homes and businesses.

When a high volume of water comes gushing in a hurry, there is nothing you can do to stop it. The chore when it happens is then to find someone who can come and help clean up the mess and dry down the affected areas.

This is what we at SERVPRO do – we should be your first call when a water damage happens, whether it be due to storm or a busted pipe. Call SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills at 909-548-3191 and we will help mitigate the damage and make it “Like it never even happened.”

Polar Vortex

8/27/2021 (Permalink)

Two Servpro Trucks Big or Small, we do it All!

Earlier this year Texas encountered a very rare freeze event – we call it the Polar Vortex Event. Thousands of homes and businesses were devastated by this event. They lost power, which caused pipes to freeze and then when thawing out, the pipes burst flooding entire homes and buildings.

Our Team at SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills was able to travel to this event (we were based in the Fort Worth area) and in 3 weeks, boots on the ground, our production staff worked 12 to 15 hour days and were able to help 65 customers dry down their homes.

We worked with customers that had 1 room affected and we worked with customers that had over 5,000 sq. feet homes fully affected. These customers were sometimes waiting for over 3 weeks for help to arrive due to the shear number of calls received and structures affected. They were very appreciative of the work we do and the fact that our crews, as tired as they were, had the empathy to hold their hands through this very trying time.

Just want to say “Hats Off” to our amazing team for traveling to this event and being away from their families for a month to help these customers in Texas. Great Job!!!!

Fire Season Tips

7/13/2021 (Permalink)

Fire Storms seem to be the topic of the day in California during this hot, dry summer. SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills wants to share some tips to protect your home against a fire. The last thing anyone needs this year (or any year) is to suffer a devastating loss due to a fire.

 Farmers Insurance recently published some tips that we would like to share that you can easily implement to safeguard your home or business.

  1. Remove dead vegetation and lower branches from trees.

This seems like obvious upkeep, and we all know we need to do this to keep up the appearance of our homes, but we've all fallen victim to what I like to refer to as "the honey-do blues." This ailment is of the mental variety and seems to afflict anyone who has ever trimmed branches, pulled weeds, or had to do any amount of landscaping work. Fear not, fellow sufferer! This simple act can help hedge (pun fully intended) the risk of fire damage to your home.

  1. Keep the gutters, roof, and outdoor spaces free of debris like leaves and twigs.

In keeping with the first point, dried and dead vegetation can pose a risk of combustion. This is less than desirable when said vegetation is on your house.

  1. Move firewood at least 30 feet from the house.

Firewood in southern California? Maybe not. However, the point still stands to reason when you consider that some people store other combustible materials in and around their houses and garages.

  1. Use roofing materials that are resistant to fire (Class A).

Many of the houses in and around the Chino area are on the older side. Homes built in the region that are more than 30 years old are likely due for a new roof. Aside from being safer, your roof is also important to the efficiency of your home overall. This might be a good time to look into replacing old composition shingle roofs with newer and safer technology. Slapping another layer of shingles on isn't going to fix the problem in the long run.

  1. Install metal angle flashing at the edge of your roof and in areas where your roof meets a patio cover or awning.

Guess what doesn't burn in the event of a house fire? You've got it; metal. This helps prevent the fire from quickly spreading across your roof and making its way into your home.

  1. Install dual-pane windows as opposed to single-pane.

This one is important for a multitude of reasons. The first and most relevant to this article are the fire safety benefits. Modern dual-pane windows use tempered glass that is designed not to blow up and send glass shards flying in the event of sudden exposure to extreme temperatures. Tempered glass is also a great idea if you have kids or large animals running around in your home, as it is much more difficult to break or crack than traditional single-pane glass.

 Fire season is always a problematic time of the year for California, but you are ensuring that your home is better suited to deal with any potential threats with these tips. Additionally, if the worst-case scenario were to happen and your home did indeed suffer fire damage, you can rely on SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills to help restore your home to preloss conditions. With over 50 years of experience in the fire and water damage restoration industry and over 1,400 franchises across North America, SERVPRO is amongst the premier companies in our respective fields. Our technicians are all IICRC-certified professionals that go above and beyond to not only restore your home; we restore your peace of mind.

If you have experienced a fire in your home, give us a call today at 909-548-3191 to schedule one of our technicians to assess your property. It is our job to make it "Like it never even happened."

Better to have and need not

5/4/2021 (Permalink)

By now, if you’ve been reading our blogs on a somewhat regular basis, you know that SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills focuses on many different things almost constantly. We exercise caution in dangerous situations, we work until the job gets done (even with 4 jobs happening simultaneously), and we are sympathetic and professional on someone’s worst day. Losing your home or business to a fire is a very serious and often heartbreaking affair, which is exactly why we only hope to meet you under positive circumstances. In light of that sentiment, we have compiled some fire safety tips to help you avoid a potentially terrible situation from taking place.

First and foremost, one must never forget the basics. Things like turning burners off when unattended, never walking away from lit candles, and never allowing children or pets near a grill. These simple things have a tendency to slip our minds at times and, unfortunately and on rare occasion, these simple oversights can lead to tragedy. It only takes one mistake.

Second, make sure you keep fire safety equipment near areas that are potentially prone to fires. This includes places like kitchens, near grills, fireplaces, etc. Typically, a fire extinguisher of the correct type is sufficient. Fast action with an extinguisher may be the difference between a charred cabinet and countertop and a whole-home loss.

Lastly, if the worst-case scenario does indeed happen, be sure to call SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills as soon as possible. While losing property to a fire can be traumatizing, you can at least have the comfort of knowing that your home is in good hands with our professional and courteous technicians.

Trust us, it’s better

4/23/2021 (Permalink)

If I’ve learned anything in this business (and I have), it’s that sometimes you have to accept the lesser of two evils as a necessity. For example, say your house experiences a fire. More often than not, the fire department will do everything in their power to attempt to save as much as they possibly can. In doing this, there is often collateral damage done to soft goods and electronics due to the water needed to extinguish the fire. On the surface it may seem like you have dodged a major bullet, and you have! Your home was mostly unharmed from the fire and rather than dealing with the heartbreaking task of digging through cinders and ash, you now just have to deal with some water damage. Right?

Well, mostly right. Water is insidious and while it is definitely better than fire damage, it still poses its own set of issues. Mold, for instance, can grow in as little as 24 hours if wet areas behind drywall aren’t tended to quickly. Mold can cause a litany of effects, none of which are cheap.

Here’s my advice to you: call SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills as soon as possible. Not only are we experts in fire damage restoration, we are experts in water mitigation. We can help get your home back to preloss conditions in no time flat. It’s just one more way we can help make it “Like it never even happened.”

It’s that time of year!

4/23/2021 (Permalink)

With the COVID pandemic coming to a close and summer coming in hot (you’ll pardon the pun) many businesses will be returning to business as usual (again, pun). What does that mean for your business? It means busy offices, bustling break rooms, and chaotic lobbies. It means people returning in droves, anxious to get back into the swing of things after over a year of being away. It also means it’s time for some spring cleaning.

SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills is your one-stop shop for all things clean. Yes, we offer things like COVID-19 cleanings and wipe downs, but we also offer commercial duct cleaning. Right now, more than ever, people are concerned with respiratory health. Even those who aren’t concerned with becoming ill may still have seasonal allergies and after a year or so of vacancy or reduced capacity, you can bet on the colony of dust bunnies that have taken up residence in your duct space.

SERVPRO is one of the most recognized names in our industry because we focus the same amount of energy on every job, big or small. Whether you’re in a high rise hotel with 10 different A/C units or a small office that houses three employees, SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills treats every job with integrity, decency, and swift action.

Give us a call today to set up your commercial cleaning and let’s all get back to work!

A name you can trust

4/23/2021 (Permalink)

With so many restoration companies on the internet, have you ever wondered why SERVPRO is always among the first to show up in a search, or why insurance companies trust us with their large and small-scale fire, water, and mold losses?

Simply put, we are one of the most trusted and oldest companies in the industry. The word “old” can sometimes be used in a derogatory manner, lending to the notion that we are outdated or not up to snuff with newer brands. This is not the case. SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills stays up to date with not only the latest in restoration methodology and products, but the technology that is required in today’s landscape. Products like the 360-degree infrared camera (known as a Matterport) seamlessly sync up with our smart phones and tablets to create a digital representation of your home or business, allowing both us and your insurance agent to get an inside look at your project without unnecessary trips. Another great example of our ever-evolving process is our line of proprietary cleaning and deodorization products. SERVPRO holds the patent on over 100 products specifically designed to help us help you.

Whether its fire, water, biohazard, mold, biological material, or any other type of loss, rest assured that when you work with SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills, you’re working with the best.

Don’t let it get this bad

4/23/2021 (Permalink)

Fires are life-changing. They often happen quickly and with little to no warning. On the off chance that someone has advanced warning that a fire is imminent, there are certain steps that can be taken to protect your business.

  • Keep the correct fire extinguisher nearby in all rooms: did you know there are different types of fire extinguishers for different types of fires? Some extinguishers are useless against certain types of fires. For example, using a standard type A fire extinguisher on a grease fire will only temporarily snuff the flames, if at all. Make sure you have the correct types of extinguishers at hand.
  • The best way to choke out a fire is to deprive it of oxygen: if a fire hasn’t grown too large and it is safe to do so, try to cut off the flow of new oxygen to a fire. Think of clapping a pot over another pot in the event of a small flare-up on a stove top. Fire needs oxygen to grow and without it, it will flicker out.
  • Call 911 first, even if you’re reasonably sure the fire won’t grow out of control: time is everything in a fire. It is the difference between a few scorched chairs or a destroyed kitchen and completely losing your office space.

Fires happen, and that’s just a fact of life. If your business experiences one, give SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills a call today. We can help make it “Like it never even happened.”

The worst time to realize you don’t have a plan is when it’s too late.

4/22/2021 (Permalink)

Purely hypothetical situation: you are hard at work at your office. You have opened three new accounts in the past two days and are hard at work, typing away and building out new profiles for your customers. Thunderstorms have been rocking the local area for the past few days, wreaking havoc on your morning commute and flooding the freeways. However, you barely notice the rain and wind battering your office windows. Suddenly, you smell smoke. You hear yelling from an adjacent office. People are yelling “fire!” and without thinking, you grab your bag and head for the nearest emergency exit. This exact eventuality has been a focal point of the company’s disaster preparedness trainings over the past few years.

You make it out in one piece, with all of your coworkers present and accounted for. The only casualty of this event was your desktop computer with your new acquisition’s information on it. Surely, the customers will understand why there was a bit of a delay on their services.

This situation has happened time and time again, sometimes with tragic results. All too often, people overlook disaster preparedness. Just because something bad hasn’t happened yet doesn’t mean something never will.

SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills knows this all too well. Between floods, fires, and everything in between, we have seen the effects of accidents and freak storms on both homes and businesses. That is why we offer our Emergency Readiness Plan (ERP) service. An ERP is essentially your cheat sheet for disaster preparation. One of our trained professionals will work with you on outlining escape routes, water valve shutoffs, phone numbers to pertinent parties to call in case of an emergency, and so much more. We compile all of this information into one consolidated packet so there is no guesswork or tracking down of miscellaneous information that may be necessary.

We are committed to safety for both our team and yours. Give us a call today to schedule your ERP.

Jack was all hopped up on the car wash

4/22/2021 (Permalink)

In light of the events of 2020, a lot of things changed. Some things that many consider societal norms were fundamentally altered, including the ways we communicated and gathered. While many of these restrictive aspects of the “new normal” have begun to slowly slip away into the distant past, some elements have stuck around for the foreseeable future. For instance, online video conferencing as a means of holding high-occupancy meetings via platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams has become not only normal, but somewhat tedious.

Being all too aware of this fact, SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills decided to try and add a fun spin to virtual meetings. We began hosting live Zoom call events centered around holidays and the festivities that would typically go along with them. A great example of this was our Easter event, entitled “A Very Hoppy Easter”. Our marketing team members dressed up in bunny ears, with one of our staff members (Jack) even going so far as to don a full-body bunny costume complete with ears and a tail. The fun didn’t stop there. The winner of the Zoom call was awarded a gift basket, which included a full car wash and auto detailing job. Since we are always trying to outdo ourselves, Jack showed up to the car wash wearing the bunny costume and washed the car while wearing it. The video of this car wash can be found on our Instagram.

Yes, SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills takes our work very seriously but we also know how to have a good time. Ultimately our goal is to make people happy with the work we do, whether that means performing a water mitigation job or washing your car in a full bunny costume.

Pie Anyone?

4/21/2021 (Permalink)

As of today, SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills is now a full-service bar and bakery. Yes, we have a passion for restoration, remediation, and reconstruction and yes, we are one of the oldest and trusted brands in the industry, but our real passion is good cakes and great shakes!

Despite our position as leaders in the industry with over 1,900 franchises across North America, our line of proprietary and patented cleaning agents, and our world-class service and expertise, we no longer offer restoration services. Instead, when a customer calls in with a pipe leak, we take a more modern approach to remedying the problem. Why stress about a little bit of moisture and mold when you can indulge yourself in one of our patented culinary offerings?

For instance, try our Mitigation Mudslide with a slice of Wall-and-Almond pie. Don’t have a sweet tooth? No problem. Sip on a Rebar-Tini and kick back and let that leak run wild!

Yes, we could stick with what we do best and help homeowners make it “Like it never even happened,” but we felt we needed to follow our hearts and do what drives us most.

In case you were wondering, I wrote this on April 1st and yes, you have been fooled. SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills will always be your go-to resource when disaster strikes, be it large or small-scale. A Mitigation Mudslide does sound good, though.

Bio Cleaning

3/30/2021 (Permalink)

With multiple vaccines and other treatment options for COVID-19 now readily available to anyone who wants them, we have seen a steady decline in biohazard / pathogen cleanings. It seemed like this time last year we were doing two or three a day, with the foggings and wipe-downs peaking near the beginning of autumn. Sufficed to say, we are overjoyed with this sudden lapse in those particular jobs; the cause is one to be celebrated.

That being said, SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills is still offering these wipe-downs for any and all causes, not just COVID-19. Prior to the start of the pandemic and subsequent outbreaks, SERVPRO was among the top companies offering bio-remediation services. With over 50 years of knowledge and expertise under our belt, we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our teams abide by all current CDC guidelines and we only use the latest and most effective proprietary products in our cleanings.

Things are getting back to normal. If your business is getting ready to reopen and you want to take precautionary measures to keep your staff safe, give our office a call today.

Game Day or Flame Day

3/2/2021 (Permalink)

It’s Friday night. You have waited the entire week, constantly daydreaming at work about this very moment. Tonight, you and your buddies are going to kick back, make some buffalo wings, and watch the game. You even have a nifty new appliance you’ve been dying to use: a portable deep fryer.

Now you’re no Emeril Lagasse, but you have eyeballs and you can follow directions easily enough. You pull the frozen chicken drumettes out of the bag, reading a recipe you got online. It says to only cook a certain amount of wings at a time. You weigh out the (approximate) correct amount, submerge them in the heated oil, and wait.

While standing around, one of your buddies suggest that you also make mozzarella sticks to accompany the buffalo wings. You have two bottles of ranch dressing that aren’t going to eat themselves.

You weigh out (again, approximately) the same amount of frozen cheese sticks, remove the wings, and drop the cheese sticks into the now much hotter oil. The ice crystals on the mozzarella sticks react with the 400 degree oil, causing oil to bubble and pop violently. Some of the oil gets on a kitchen rag, immediately setting it ablaze. You try to get the dish rag into the sink under water, panicking. The oil continues to pop and spit, setting other nearby soft goods on fire. Before long, the fire is out of control. You try to extinguish it, but the fire has spread too far too fast. You run out of the house to safety and call the fire department.

So much for game night.

While this situation could have been avoided, mistakes happen. When they do, rest assured that SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills have you covered. We repair kitchen fires all the time and while they are never fun to deal with, they can be resolved and you and your buddies can always try for game night again. Just be sure to heed those directions next time!

Polar Vortex

2/17/2021 (Permalink)

As of this writing, Texas is currently experiencing what’s been dubbed as a “polar vortex”. In plain language, it is incredibly cold. Sub-zero temperatures have fallen across the state, leading to all types of issues. The topic being discussed most at length is the power and water crisis. With temperatures being below freezing nearly constantly statewide, much of the power structures (renewable and fossil fuel) have literally frozen and are no longer operational. This has led to all types of issues and state officials have found themselves in a bind.

While California is not exactly known for being a haven for snowy weather and freezing temperatures, weather patterns have been steadily becoming more and more unpredictable. Areas in southern California already produce snow storms and are very familiar with the ramifications inherent to such weather.

Aside from things that can’t be addressed on an individual basis (the power grid, water supply, etc.), there are small things homeowners are currently doing in an effort to stop these cold snaps from wreaking havoc on their homes and businesses. Here is a short list of easy things you can do right now that may help prevent your property from taking damage:

  • As the weather gets colder, be sure to open your faucets to prevent them from freezing. Moving water is much less likely to freeze and cause a pipe burst.
  • Run your heater. Higher temperatures will prevent ice from forming or accumulating in central areas in your home or business.
  • Prepare for the worst. In the event California experiences a similar event to Texas, be sure you have an emergency preparedness kit ready. Canned food, candles, and other such items will definitely come in handy if we lose utility services.

Again this is an unlikely scenario and with these tips, you should be able to mitigate most if not all damage a winter storm may bring. If all else fails and you find yourself in a situation where your home or business has experienced damage, be sure to call SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills. While cold weather brings a unique set of challenges to the table, it’s nothing that our team of trained professionals can’t handle.

Cleaning the Fourth Wall

2/16/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is a pretty awesome company to work for.

We have an awesome reputation, great support systems, an incredible staff, and best of all, we are innovators. Did we invent something? You bet. We have over 100 proprietary products that we use on the various types of services we perform. Did I mention those services? We restore houses after fire and water events, sure, but did you know that we do graffiti cleanup and bio-remediation? What about reconstruction and mold abatement? The list goes on and on.

My personal favorite aspect of working for SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills is interacting with customers. Are they always happy to see us? No. As a matter of fact, having us over to your home or business is typically a sign that something bad has happened. The way I see it, we are there to help get your life back on track. That’s why one of our slogans is “Like it never even happened.” While the process may sometimes take a little while, we always deliver on that promise. We take it very seriously and make sure to treat each customer like family.

Yep, SERVPRO is a pretty neat place to work. Heck, they even let me talk about how awesome they are in blogs!

While I hope we never need to meet, I look forward to it if the need arises. Feel free to call us any time, day or night (yes, we’re open 24/7) and we will be there.

A Case of Arson

2/16/2021 (Permalink)

Cases of arson spiked in 2020. Between the violent riots that occurred in the summer and the unsteady socioeconomic environment across much of the United States, many homeowners and businesses lost their property to fire.

House fires are always traumatic for a homeowner. Regardless of the reason the fire started, the outcome is usually the same: loss of property, loss of personal belongings, and potential injury or death. Fire moves rapidly once it starts, especially when aided by a propellant such as gasoline or alcohol. This is common in cases of arson.

So as a home or business owner, what should you do in the event of a suspected arson fire? The most important thing to consider is the safety of you and your family but what should you do after everyone is accounted for?

In the event of any type of fire, time is of the essence. If possible, grab absolutely essential things or any keepsakes that can be safely retrieved. After everyone is out, immediately call the fire department. The best case scenario is they are able to mitigate the amount of damage your property takes.

Regardless of the amount, your home will sustain damage. This is where SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills comes in. Contact your insurance company and let them know that you want to have SERVPRO perform the necessary work on your home or business. With over 50 years in the industry, we are the best choice for restoring your home to preloss conditions.

Blown Away

2/11/2021 (Permalink)

A Queen song I heard earlier today got me thinking. The song is “Bohemian Rhapsody” and the lyric was:

“Thunder bolts and lightning, very frightening!”

Two things crossed my mind.

  1. If you can’t see thunder, what does a thunder bolt look like?
  2. They forgot to add “wind” to the equation.

Now all lame jokes aside, wind is one of the more commonly destructive force when it comes to storms in southern California. We are all aware of the so-called Santa Ana winds that come around every spring, and we have all seen a dirt devil at least once. These things are common to us. What is less common but still occurs occasionally are thunderstorms that bring winds of 65+ miles per hour.

Large, historic storms like Hurricane Katrina and the El Nino of 1997 were always expected to cause widespread damage. These storms lasted days and battered the United States relentlessly, resulting in billions of dollars of destruction and loss of life. A lot of this damage was brought on by flood waters and (you guessed it) high wind speeds. Many residential areas and businesses alike were destroyed virtually overnight.

When, not if, the next big storm hits California, will your business be prepared? Have you made an evacuation plan? If your business suffers broken windows or some other type of wind damage, do you have a company that you can call to work alongside your insurance and repair the damage? SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills should be one of the very first calls you make. With over 50 years of experience and 1,500 franchises across the globe, we have the knowledge and expertise to deliver world-class results.

While Freddy Mercury may have been one heck of a vocalist, he definitely was not in the restoration business.

The Swimming Pool Nobody Asks For

2/10/2021 (Permalink)

When I wake up in the morning, the first thing I do is slide open my curtains and look outside. The next two hours or so of my life are predicated on what I see in that brief instant. For example, if I see sunlight beaming down and am nearly blinded by the sudden contrast in light, I know I have a very good chance of making it to the office early. If I see grey skies and wet concrete, I know that things may be a bit more complicated.

California is notoriously random when it comes to weather patterns and due to that (and the sheer amount of people in the state), rainy days can cause quite the headache on the freeways. While I love the rain, I’m not a huge fan of the traffic and subsequent car accidents it causes. Rain isn’t just a nuisance on the road; it can also cause trouble closer to home.

Picture this: you leave for work, knowing that a previously unmentioned storm will cause you to be a bit late for work. You rush out, not paying any attention to the things that you normally would on a more temperate day. One of those things happened to be leaving the sliding door in your master bedroom open. Normally, this wouldn’t be that big of a deal, except that this storm happened to cause flash flooding in your neighborhood. Now the back half of your home is under 4 inches of water. Oh winter, you cruel mistress.

Luckily, SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills is used to receiving these types of calls. While this may be a once-in-a-lifetime event for most, our trained technicians know exactly what to do in such scenarios.

If rainwater or any other type of aquatic intruder has made its way into your home or business, give us a call today. We can get everything back to preloss conditions and make it “Like it never even happened.”

Into the Flood Again

2/10/2021 (Permalink)

Owning a business in 2020 was hard.

Aside from the normal stressors of being an entrepreneur being ever-present in daily operations, we had the COVID-19 pandemic (and its subsequent lockdowns and restrictions) to contend with. 2020 was very difficult, indeed. One aspect of life that didn’t change or slow down at all was water losses. If anything, we saw an uptick.

Businesses considered non-essential were closed down for a few months following the initial lockdown orders. In that time, toilets still ran, sinks still leaked, and storms still battered the inland empire. Needless to say, without human intervention, many small problems quickly became much larger ones. As more and more business owners began reopening, more and more calls came in.

An important aspect of owning a business is the well-being and safety of your staff. An equally important thing to consider is the condition of your workplace environment. Many people learned that the hard way last year.

Always remember to routinely check common culprits. Is there a leak somewhere in your sink or toilet lines? Do you smell a musty or earthen odor in the bathroom or break room? Have you ensured that your smoke alarms are all in working order? These and other small things can help to prevent a major disaster down the line.

In the event that something does happen, you’re not completely out of luck. SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills is here 24/7, 365 days a year to have your back.

Business is tricky but with a little bit of help, we’ll keep it running smoothly.

Lightspeed Water Loss

2/8/2021 (Permalink)

A white room with a SERVPRO employee in a black shirt measuring the wall while sitting on the ground. Prime that Wall Quick

Experiencing a water loss is always a frustrating and sometimes scary situation. With the uncertainty of what lays ahead, potential incurred costs, and a million other factors, it is one of the more stressful situations a home or business owner can find themselves in. Now imagine those same circumstances, but add in the fact that you are trying to sell your home. Not terrified yet? Go ahead and add the fact that the home is already in escrow and the prospective buyer is slotted to come walk the property in 5 days.

How’s that for a tricky situation?

If this sounds oddly specific, it’s because it is drawn from a real-life scenario that SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills just dealt with. The homeowner called in and explained that an unexplained leak had worked its way into two separate rooms and effectively destroyed a common wall. He also informed us that the home was already on the market and potential buyer was going to be there to look at the home on the following Monday. We received the call on the Tuesday prior to the showing. Crunched timeline? Check. Unknown cause of loss? Check. We got to work right away.

As it turned out, an upstairs bedroom wall had taken water damage from a clogged rain gutter. Our team made cuts and began drying the two rooms immediately. Luckily for everyone involved, the wood beneath the drywall took to the drying extremely well. Everything was good to go by the third day.

Next step: remove all of the air movers and begin hanging drywall. After that was complete, an initial coat of paint was applied to blend the drywall patch. Next: Paul (construction manager extraordinaire) measured the room for crown molding and applied it. Last step: touch-ups and final looks.

Did we do it? You bet!

SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills is a premiere restoration and reconstruction service and no job is too big or small (or fast) for us.

Fire or Water?

1/14/2021 (Permalink)

One of the things I find most interesting about this line of work (restoration and reconstruction) is the inherent ironies that go with it. For instance, I can’t tell you how many fire jobs I have snapped photos at or shot video of in the pouring rain. Another good example of this is visiting a loss wherein a window was broken or a roof was damaged from hurricane speed wind, only to arrive to a still, hot spring afternoon with no movement to speak of.

Now these are admittedly not the norm but when you live in southern California, what exactly is the norm when it comes to odd weather patterns?

That being said, I wanted to remind everyone that just because it hasn’t rained yet¸ rest assured that it most certainly will. At the time of writing this article, it is 68 degrees and sunny but my phone tells me there is rain imminent in the not-too-distant future. I wouldn’t believe it if I didn’t see it happen every year.

It is wise to always be cautious with sources of open flame. It is wise to always prepare for floods. It is wise to always keep an eye out for wet spots or mold growth. Most importantly, it is wise to always keep SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills on speed dial. In the case of an ironic (or perfectly expected) mishap, rest assured that we have you covered.

What Was That Noise?

12/28/2020 (Permalink)

A large hole in a business office with white walls. Debris is scattered in the foreground. Oh Holy Ceiling

There are a few sounds that human beings recognize immediately. When a horn beeps behind you on the road, you immediately straighten up and look around you to see who honked. When a cat begins purring, you know you have a happy cat. Some sounds are not immediately recognizable. For instance, when rain leaks through a slow leak in your roof, gets into your attic and insulation, then causes a large portion of your ceiling to collapse, you may not be able to pick it out immediately. You will, however, know that the loud crack and splash of debris and water onto the floor below is definitely not a good thing.

Luckily, the team at SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills is quite familiar with both the sound and effects of this type of water damage. If you’re unlucky enough to experience such an instance, give us a call today at (909)548-3191. We are here to help, and you heard it here first.

Santa Ana Fires

12/4/2020 (Permalink)

The one thing California can always be sure of is what is commonly known as Santa Ana winds. This weather event typically kicks up around mid-Autumn and stays through the beginning of winter but this year, they seem to be a bit spotty in their frequency. SCE and other utility providers have issued multiple “Red Flag Warnings” in light of the wildfires that have broken out due to old lines and poor maintenance practices. These warnings indicate an imminent power shut-off in selected areas to mitigate the risk of wildfires breaking out.

As if we needed something else to worry about in 2020.

Is there a silver lining? You bet. SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills is at the ready and here to help. With over 50 years of experience in both wind damage and fire damage restoration, homeowners and business owners alike can rest assured that whether debris from wind damages your home or a wildfire event damages your business or personal property, SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills is your go-to resource to get your life back on track and to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Cozy Fire

11/2/2020 (Permalink)

Although it may be hard to believe, southern California seems like it may actually experience a real winter this year. October has experienced fluctuating hot and cold spells, with the cold spells becoming longer and more frequent. That can only mean one thing for the high desert: fireplaces will be getting some use this winter.

While homes built in California in recent years do not have fireplaces, a large number of the homes in the Chino Valley were built prior to the environmental laws that banned fireplaces and were therefore grandfathered in. While it is nothing short of awesome to curl up with a book next to a raging (controlled) fire, SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills has some quick tips we’d like to share with you to make sure you stay safe while doing so.

Per https://www.hgtv.com/lifestyle/clean-and-organize/fireplace-maintenance-and-safety, here are some hot tips to make sure you enjoy your fireplace:

  • Fireplaces should not be used as furnaces. Use a fireplace for a short-duration fire — no longer than five hours.
  • Keep the glass open to allow air to be drawn up to cool the chimney, but keep the screen closed to prevent sparks from jumping onto the carpeting.
  • Never leave a fire unattended when children are in the house. Adults, even if near, should not allow children to play near or with fire tools and equipment.
  • Open a window when using the fireplace to prevent the room from becoming smoky. The air coming in from the window will go up the chimney.
  • Before making a fire, open the glass doors, pull aside the screen curtains, and place the kindling, newspaper and logs inside. Next, open the damper and a window. The window needs to be open only a few inches. You can check to make sure the smoke will go up the chimney properly by lighting a match, quickly blowing it out and watching the smoke to see whether it's going up and out.

If you experience a fire in your home or business, call SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills immediately. We are here to help.

Third Quarter Rain

10/7/2020 (Permalink)

With fall just around the corner, southern California will no doubt be experiencing our annual three days of rain again soon.

All joking aside, we have one of the more bizarre and inconsistent climates in the United States. October is typically the turning point from Sonoran Desert levels of heat to a milder, only-sometimes-causes-a-sunburn heat to torrential downpour. Even then, there are caveats and nuances to this wonderful coastal oasis we call home.

SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills most often deals with water loss events. Although always true, there are different underlying causes. For example, the end of spring into the first part of autumn typically brings a lot of appliance-centric types of losses. This includes things like kitchen sink floods, plumbing issues that back up toilets, washers that feel the need to wash the entire bottom floor of your home, etc. The rest of the year (right around now) consists of more and more issues involving rain or stormy weather in general. Rain can cause problems with flooding but it can also get into cracks and crevasses in homes, introducing moisture into areas it shouldn’t be and resulting in mold.

Whether your Chino Hills home experiences damage from rain causing mold, hail breaking a window and allowing rain to come into your home, or wind destroying your roof, SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills is here to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Ah-Choo

9/8/2020 (Permalink)

“AH-CHOO!”

This should be a familiar sound to those of us with allergies. Southern California is known for its beautiful landscapes and scenic mountain and ocean views. It is one of the many perks to living in the Golden State. However, as with any good thing, too much of a good thing can be bad.

One of the less often considered aspects of owning a home or business is duct cleaning. That is, unless of course, you are a sufferer of allergies. When the runny eyes, the scratchy throat, and the sneezes begin their unrelenting assault on your senses, people will do just about anything for some relief. While there are many modern medicines that stifle the effects of allergies, the best thing to do in these types of scenarios is to fix the issue at its source. One of those sources is almost assuredly your home or business air quality.

SERVPRO has been cleaning ducts for over 50 years. We hang our hat on being one of the world’s leading cleaning and restoration companies, and there is a reason we are known as such. With an entire product line dedicated to cleaning allergens and pathogens as well as neutralizing odors and irritants from the air, it’s no wonder that SERVPRO continues to uphold the reputation that put us on the map.

Aside from dander, pollen, dust, and potentially mold, it is never a bad idea to perform a duct cleaning in case there has been an intrusion by rodents or birds. These animals are known to sometimes carry harmful bacteria and are in and of themselves allergenic to some people.

Has it been a while since your home or business’ last deep cleaning of the air ducts? Give SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills a call today at 909-548-3191 and set up your duct cleaning today.

Clean that Gym

8/18/2020 (Permalink)

“Great to see you! We’ve missed you. Please make sure to maintain your distance from other members, sanitize your equipment before and after every use, wash your hands, don’t breathe too hard, make sure to wear one of our protective bubble suits, and be sure to wear a mask. Have a great workout!”

Okay, so this is a bit embellished, but similar conversations may or may not be taking place in gyms across the state right now. As one might expect, a slew of challenges arises when dealing with gyms and COVID-19 precautions. SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills is here to address some of these challenges.

  1. How can you keep me safe at a gym during a pandemic?

Fitness clubs are educating their team members on how to appropriately clean equipment both before and after a member uses it.

  1. That isn’t reassuring at all! Aren’t they just using Clorox and hand sanitizer?

Well… yes. As gyms are typically not trained in bioremediation or emerging pathogens, owners are defaulting to typical household cleaning products. The CDC is unsure whether or not these chemicals are effective against COVID-19 100% of the time.

  1. That’s crazy! I definitely don’t feel safe.

That’s where SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills comes in. Between our technicians being fully trained to IICRC standards of bioremediation and our proprietary suite of cleaning products like SERVPROxide, the nastiest of gym equipment doesn’t stand a chance.

Rather than read through a theoretical conversation, give us a call today so we can further explain our Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned service to you directly. Our office can be reached at (909)548-3191.

It's a Big Deal

8/18/2020 (Permalink)

Since COVID-19 began, it is not uncommon to see businesses struggling to remain open. Larger cities like Los Angeles have been hit especially hard with bars, gyms, and restaurants in a constant state of flux. This is a byproduct of strict regulatory orders imposed by Governor Newsom set in place to help slow the spread of the virus.

Even though the future of California remains uncertain and seemingly bleak, things are beginning to return to normal. While it is hard to focus on business in scary times like these, business owners have a duty to ensure their customers feel safe when things do eventually settle down. Many business owners are requesting that SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills do a preventative cleaning or even a decontamination cleaning, in the event that a staff member or customer has shown to be COVID-positive. SERVPRO’s new Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned Program covers all of this and more. Business owners will be given a window decal with the date of the cleaning on it so customers and staff can see that precautions have been taken to ensure their health and safety.

Things may be tough right now but rest assured, we will pull through and get back on track. In the meantime, give us a call at (909)548-3191 to learn more about the new Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned Program.

Hot Dang!

8/18/2020 (Permalink)

Fun fact of the day: Food is one of the most dangerous things to cook. Well, to be fair, the food isn’t the dangerous part. The process of cooking is. In fact, kitchen accidents are one of the leading causes of house fires. According to www.firstalert.com, these are the top three causes:

  1. Cooking

Oil fires and stove burners are like peanut butter and jelly. Many of these fires are avoidable but due to the fact that people attempt to snuff them using water as opposed to the correct type of fire extinguisher (Class B or K, or an all-purpose Class A, B, C type), they still end up growing until they are unable to be put out easily. A fire extinguisher (or multiple fire extinguishers) can literally be a life-saver, so make sure you have one handy.

  1. Heating

You’d be wan to find a Californian that doesn’t look for any excuse to burn a log in their fireplace or fire pit. Unfortunately, very few people take care of and maintain them. Creosote (the dark brown or black substance that forms as a byproduct of burning organic matter in an enclosed area) is extremely flammable and very hazardous, and it is a leading cause of preventable house fires. Make sure the area is free of creosote and debris that may accidentally catch fire.

  1. Smoking in bed

Aside from being a bad habit and killing many people annually, cigarettes may also pack a punch to your home. An average of 18,100 (www.nfpa.org) house fires begin annually due to people falling asleep while smoking.

If a house fire occurs for these or any other reason, SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills is here to help make it “Like it never even happened.” With over 50 years in the industry, you can trust us to make it right, day or night. Give us a call today at (909)548-3191.

A Fire is More Than Just a Fire

8/18/2020 (Permalink)

Wildfires are terrifying. They are also a fact of life for Californians. While SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills handles small, isolated fire loss events on a fairly frequent basis, they pale in comparison to the occasional large-scale losses. Entire homes reduced to soggy carpets and scorched walls play host to countless memories and personal belongings that have been destroyed by water or warped beyond recognition by flames, leaving heartache and a giant mess for the occupants.

In these types of events, adrenaline and emotions run high and have a tendency to overshadow the full reality of the situation. Things like lodging are covered by most homeowners insurances, but what about toothpaste? Entertainment? The things that make life livable are the small things that tend to get overlooked in major catastrophes.

SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills has enough experience to know that house fires are incredibly stressful and, typically, life-changing events. For this reason, we will walk with your family through the entire process as if you were our family. While a fire is always a major tragedy, SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills is trying to soften the blow a bit while we return your home to preloss conditions.

If you have experienced a house or commercial fire, give us a call today at (909)548-3191.

Flash Floods and the Damage Done

8/18/2020 (Permalink)

Flash floods are never the same story twice.

One may cause flooded gutters while the next one may completely decimate roadways and, even worse, your home.

The Inland Empire receives a decent amount of rain annually, but once in a while the skies open up and really let us have it. The winter of 2013/ 2014 brought with it not only above-average amounts of rain, but also a small amount of snow. If that doesn’t tell you how unpredictable the weather is here, I don’t know what will.

SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills is no stranger to flood damage. Water from backed up storm drains and broken roof shingles can wreak utter havoc on older homes built in the early 80’s and late 70’s, which account for much of San Bernardino and Riverside counties, respectively.

Luckily, our technicians are ready and able to handle any size water loss job. We have helping hands at over 1,700 locations nationwide.

If you have experienced a flood in your home or business, give us a call today at (909)548-3191. We can make it “Like it never even happened.”

Windy Daze

8/18/2020 (Permalink)

When you think of southern California, you probably don’t think of tornadoes. While anything is possible, not everything is probable. While we have had a few tornadoes over the years, they are peanuts compared to the Midwest’s “tornado alley”.

Granted, we definitely get high winds that cause a lot of headaches. In November of 2019, the city of Hesperia experienced high winds that toppled street signs and mailboxes, amongst other things. Winds like this often affect the more wide open areas, like Fontana, Rialto, and much of the high desert.

While high winds don’t strike fear into the hearts of people like a spinning mountain of debris and terror, the effects can be much the same. High winds throw rocks and debris through windows, damage roofs, and can even flip cars over.

Luckily, SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills is here to make sure that if and when high winds do strike, you aren’t left alone to pick up the pieces. Our technicians are trained in disaster recovery and cleanup, no matter the scale.

If your home or business has been damaged by wind, give our office a call today at (909)548-3191.

Swimming in the Kitchen

8/18/2020 (Permalink)

Ah, summertime in sunny southern California.

S’mores, barbecues, and long swims in the pool are commonplace and part of the joys of living in such a temperate climate. However, water damage takes no vacation days, nor does it go easier on homeowners just because the sun is out.

Kitchen floods are by and large the most common type of water loss that SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills responds to. Points of origin include dishwashers and refrigerators, but sinks are the more common culprit. Hypothetical situation: everyone is in the backyard swimming. While washing dishes in the kitchen, little Bobby runs in to tell you he just stuck a double backflip cannonball into the pool. He doesn’t just want you to see, he needs you to see right now, at this very instant, pronto, “come on mom, I’ve been practicing all day”, now. You follow him outside and watch in sheer terror, dreading the things that might go wrong. What if he slips? What if he accidentally runs into the fence? What if he… He lands it! You applaud and watch as he does every variation in the book. You’re so proud. They grow up so fa-

The sink is still running. It has been for nearly half an hour.

As you run inside, you nearly slip on an inch of water. It has covered your kitchen and saturated your hardwood floors.

Well, better call SERVPRO.

It’s alright to have fun in the sun but when flood water rains on your parade, give SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills a call at (909)548-3191. We can restore your home to pre-double backflip conditions and make it “Like it never even happened.”

Plumbing Bummers

8/18/2020 (Permalink)

Everybody has a story about having needed help from a plumber at some time or another, whether it was for sewage and septic backups or busted pipes. Once the plumber finishes, we then come in and do the clean-up and dry-down.

In our line of work, we break up different types of water losses by category.

Category 1 water losses are “clean water” events. Things like water lines feeding into toilets, sinks, or refrigerators fall into this category. It simply means the water has no biological contaminants and poses no threat to health or safety.

Category 2 water losses are mildly contaminated water losses. Things like dish soap in water would make it qualify as category 2.

Category 3 water losses are considered “grossly contaminated”. Contaminants may include fecal matter, blood, or other biological threats.

When a septic or sewer line backs up and causes damage in your Inland Empire home, know that SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills is at the ready and willing to help. Our technicians are on standby 24 hours a day, 365 days a week. We will not only make sure your home is safe and clean; we will make it “Like it never even happened.”

The Course of a Day

8/18/2020 (Permalink)

Everyone has the same 24 hours in a day.

Some people work in offices, some people work on farms, some people raise children, some people seemingly spend all of it on Instagram. After all, those selfies and pictures of dinner aren’t going to take themselves.

The professional technicians at SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills spend their time a bit differently. At 3 AM, most people would be fast asleep, given that they don’t work an overnight job. Our technicians have to be at the ready in case a new loss occurs, be it fire, storm, water, or biological.

Weekends usually spell freedom for most people working a 9 – 5 job. The technicians at SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills may find themselves cataloguing personal belongings at a major fire loss, or demolishing drywall at a water loss.

Regardless of the day or time, SERVPRO truly takes no days off when it comes to responding to your home or business in the event of a loss event. We can proudly make claims like “available 24/7” or “Like it never even happened,” because we hold ourselves to high standards and are not satisfied with “good enough”. It is the reason we have over 1,700 locations nationwide and over 50 years in the restoration business.

If you have experienced any type of loss, give us a call today at (909)548-3191.

What to do in the Event of...

7/24/2020 (Permalink)

Small roof or wall leaks from storm damage are usually a small problem, but they can progress into a much larger issue. Not addressing a small leak may allow moisture to accumulate, causing mold to form. It may also damage the interior of a wall, as well as insulation and the non-porous latex paint commonly used in home interiors.

Obviously, not every single incident involving water qualifies as an emergency, however any type of water incident can cause bigger problems. The majority of major problems arise from allowing a water damage to go untreated. If you are quick to dry the affected area out thoroughly and make sure there is no residual moisture left you will minimize the potential for bigger problems.

Say you have a small leak in your roof during a storm event that lets water into your home or business, there are a few things you can do to help minimize the damage until help can arrive, for instance:

  • Use a shop vac to help remove standing water
  • Use towels (shop towels, paper towels, or regular towels) to help absorb the water
  • Put some air movement on the affected areas such as a ceiling fan or box fan

These tools and products are generally accessible in your home or office until the professionals of SERVPRO arrive to help assess the damages and complete the drying process.

Also, be sure to cut off the source of water to keep the damage from reoccurring if possible.

Leaks can be a real pain in the neck, especially once they grow into something more problematic. Fortunately, the trained water mitigation experts at SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills are available 24/7 to assist you if need be. Give us a call today at 909-548-3191.

COVID 19 Disinfecting

4/27/2020 (Permalink)

Tech in PPE using a fogger Disinfecting a Work Site

One of the most important things to all of us at SERVPRO of Chino / Chino Hills is safety and education. We have taken many precautionary measures, including:

  • Any tools or equipment we bring on to your property will be disinfected.
  • All of our employees are required to wear PPE any time they are interacting with potentially infected materials or areas.
  • Safety training has been provided to all employees.
  • All employees are required to know the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 infection.
  • SERVPRO requires all employees to abide by health and safety guidelines set forth by the CDC.

We take the risk of infection to elderly people, family members, children, and co-workers very seriously. While there is no way to completely guarantee the virus will not make its way on to your property at some point, rest assured that SERVPRO of Chino / Chino Hills has taken every precaution possible to avoid cross contamination.

Whether it is a water loss, fire damage, or a cleaning request, please know that SERVPRO of Chino / Chino Hills is here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Ceiling Fan

4/14/2020 (Permalink)

I know it sounds crazy, but you can use your ceiling fan to warm your home.

To be specific, a ceiling fan running clockwise will push warm air back down into your home. Have you ever heard the phrase “heat rises”? That is scientifically accurate. According to the laws of thermodynamics (which have proven to be a reliable source), air closer to the ceiling is warmer than air by the ground. Via todayshowhomeowner.com, “The reason the fan is set to rotate clockwise on low is to keep from creating a strong draft, which would cool you down just like it does in summer. Instead, the air near the ceiling is pushed up and outward, causing it to circulate down near the perimeter of the room. Since the air at floor level is warmer, the thermostat can be set lower, saving money and helping the environment at the same time. Any heat generated by the fan’s motor is a bonus in the winter, so you can keep it running whether you are present in the room or not.”

SERVPRO of Chino / Chino Hills cares about our customers. We do much more than simply clean up fire and water damage. We are specialists when it comes to mold, biohazard, and more. We are fully equipped to handle any sized disaster or cleanup, whether it is a small pipe leak behind a wall or a major structure fire.

About SERVPRO of Chino / Chino Hills:

SERVPRO of Chino / Chino Hills specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a storm damage, fire, and smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Clean Spaces

4/13/2020 (Permalink)

Have you ever heard the phrase “cluttered house, cluttered mind”?

That applies to your workspace, too! It is very important to keep your business clean.

Benefits of a clean professional environment

  • Health: Frequently cleaning high-traffic areas like desks, doorknobs, and phones can help prevent the spread of germs. This reduces the chance of illness spreading.
  • Reduced Stress & Anxiety: Studies show that structure and order are good for helping the mind relax and focus. Keeping a clean and organized workspace is paramount for both productivity and mental well-being.
  • Safety: Cleanliness can reduce the likelihood of a fall, trip, or slip in the work area. That could lead to time off and a loss of revenue.
  • Increased Productivity: A clean work environment will heighten overall productivity because employees are less distracted by clutter and disorganization.
  • Increased Satisfaction: Overall, a clean environment will make the employees as well as visitors feel as if hygiene is important to the company.

The average employee spends more waking hours at work than they do at home. With that in mind, having a clean and inviting environment is very important. If it has been a while since your office or business has been deep-cleaned, give SERVPRO of Chino / Chino Hills a call at 909-548-3191.

Health and Safety Protocols

4/13/2020 (Permalink)

Amidst the unprecedented events taking place around the world, it is important to keep our work environments clean and safe. Here are a couple things as a business to ensure this: 

  • Practice good hygiene
  • Stop shaking hands
  • Wash hands frequently and use hand sanitizer
  • Avoid touching your face including nose, eyes & mouth
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes
  • Disinfect highly touched areas like doorknobs, tables, desks, handrails and keyboards/tablets regularly
  • Open windows or adjust air conditioning to increase ventilation
  • Avoid unnecessary travel
  • Use videoconferencing
  • If not possible, hold meetings in open, well ventilated areas

Stay home if you are:

  • Able to work virtual
  • Feeling sick
  • Have a household member who is feeling sick

The safety and health of our employees and those we interact with is crucial to all of us here at SERVPRO of Chino / Chino Hills! If you need your business cleaned and / or disinfected, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 909-548-3191.

Broken Pipe Water Damage

4/13/2020 (Permalink)

Even the cleanest of water from the newest of pipes could be considered detrimental to your home in the event of a loss. We call clean water losses “Category 1”. This includes water from supply lines or faucets. Typically, there is no contaminants present. If your Chino / Chino Hills home experiences a flood or leak, here is what you need to know.

Water can become contaminated with time

Just because water starts clean and unpolluted does not mean it will stay that way long. In fact, mold can begin to grow within 24 to 48 hours. The water may come into contact with pollutants and environmental hazards the longer it sits. Category 1 water may very quickly become Category 2 (mildly contaminated) or even 3 (grossly polluted).

Water creates a hazardous situation

Not only can water carry dangerous pollutants, it can also cause slips and falls. Additionally, water is an excellent conductor for electricity. If there is an electrical hazard near the water, stay away from the affected area and shut the power to your home off.

Water is destructive

The longer your leak or flood is left unattended, the more damage it will cause. Water can seep into walls, floors, and furniture causing structural damage and mold.

Even without the threats of Categories 2 and 3 are not present in Category 1, any water damage is bad water damage. SERVPRO of Chino / Chino Hills is here to help you day or night, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

What do I do when my pipe bursts?

4/13/2020 (Permalink)

When you experience a pipe leak or burst in your bathroom, chances are that your mind doesn’t immediately jump to calling your insurance company. After all, the stress of dealing with a pipe burst doesn’t leave a lot of mental real estate for such things. However, your insurance company should be the very first thing on your mind. After all, this is why you have homeowner’s insurance in the first place, right? SERVPRO of Chino / Chino Hills has some useful tips to help you navigate these treacherous waters.

Step 1 - Damage Control

Think of this step as you gathering evidence for a court case. Document everything, take pictures, even save weather reports. If the problem is internal (from a pipe), try to mitigate further damage by turning your homes water off. Think of it as a four-step process:

  • Turn off your water
  • Turn off the electricity
  • Ventilate the space
  • Remove what you can

Step 2 - Call It In

Before you do anything else, call your insurance company. Clarify and understand what your policy covers. Having an All-Perils policy typically covers pipe bursts. Floods, unfortunately, are typically added separately. Aside from the obvious damage that water causes structurally, mold may also begin to grow within 24 – 48 hours. For this reason, your company may recommend a restoration company.

Step 3 - Gather Evidence

Insurance companies will at this point send out an adjustor in order to see the damage, as well as check to see what your policy will cover. Being prepared for the visit will make things run a lot more smoothly and move the process along faster. At this point, hand over your gathered evidence as well as any estimates you may have received from plumbers.

You want the insurance company on your side during an event like a pipe burst or flood. Having your ducks in a row and being prepared streamlines the process and reduces stress for all parties involved.

What to do When

4/13/2020 (Permalink)

Business owners are very busy people. Sometimes disasters happen that are outside of our control, like floods and fires. These things can make you feel helpless. Luckily, restoration companies like SERVPRO have the knowledge and tools to get your business back on track.

Advantages of Calling the Pros

SERVPRO of Chino / Chino Hills is not only trained in disaster restoration; we are certified in it. Whether it's a fire, flood, storm damage or something else, a disaster does not spell the end of your business. The company provides the following benefits:

  • The right equipment.
  • Industry-standard techniques.
  • We respond 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

For Widespread Disasters

For smaller scale losses, our team can typically handle the situation within a day or two. Of course, in the most severe circumstances, more time and work are required. We also have access to 1,700 franchises across the country, so there is truly no disaster that is too big for us to handle.

The Process

Planning is everything. On our first visit, we will assess the situation and lay out our next steps. Technicians will share this information with you so you know the time frame and how it will affect your business. Next, team members clean up the damage. This may entail removing water or addressing smoke damage. Crews will salvage any materials they can. Restoration may include rebuilding the roof, foundation or other areas of the building such as flooring, walls or ceilings.

Given SERVPRO’s track record of success and happy homeowners, you can have complete peace of mind knowing that your home is in good hands.

Natural Disasters

4/13/2020 (Permalink)

Natural disasters like fires, earthquakes, or floods, can be traumatic and major events. This is especially true when your home is damaged. Typically, when this occurs, insurance companies will suggest a restoration and / or mitigation company like SERVPRO to assess the damage and begin repairs. The faster, the better.

After the initial event that causes the damage, you are left with worry, stress, doubt, and uncertainty about what to do next. At this point, most people call their insurance provider to see what can be done.

Our team has always made it a priority to have the best and most current training for home restoration. Our teams have IICRC-certifications for fire and smoke restoration, as well as odor removal. With so many different variables that can occur during a major loss event, it is crucial to ensure that SERVPRO technicians are knowledgeable in restoration practices.

SERVPRO of Chino / Chino Hills can preliminarily assess the damage to your home, which provides helpful insight to insurance companies. This speeds up the process of getting your home back to normal.

If you have experienced any type of loss, including fire, water, storm, or earthquake, give us a call at 909-548-3191. We are here to help.

DryBook Counts

4/13/2020 (Permalink)

People in the Chino / Chino Hills area know SERVPRO. They’ve seen our bright green vans and trucks helping their friends and neighbors. One of our big claims to fame (as well as one of our slogans) is that we are “Faster to Any Disaster”, and it is true!

One of the tools that makes us so reliable is DryBook. The SERVPRO DryBook is a proprietary tool that manages industry requirements on drying to validate your restoration is done to standard. This tool allows us to restore your home to preloss conditions in a faster and more efficient manner.

When a disaster puts the things that matter most to you on the line, you want to contact the team that is faster to any disaster. Whether a job is big or small, our team will be there to help make it “Like it never even happened,” so you can get back to your home or business and on with your life.

Fireplace Safety

4/13/2020 (Permalink)

Spring in southern California is a strange time of the year. Many people refer to it as “Winter part 2”, as the weather sort of bobs and weaves between dry heat and wind and torrential downpour. On the more gloomy days, people like to kick back in front of the fireplace and watch TV or read a book. While we here at SERVPRO of Chino / Chino Hills condone this, we also want you to be safe. This is a short list of tips to make your fireplace experience is a good one.

  • Ensure the metal screen in the front of the fireplace is free of damage and working properly. This will stop stray sparks and embers from getting out.
  • Make sure that all ashes are cool to the touch before disposing of them. Ash can easily reignite, causing a fire.
  • Maintain distance between the fireplace and any flammable surfaces.
  • Do not use sappy or wet wood in a fireplace. This causes excessive smoke. In addition, superheated sap inside of the wood may pop and explode, sending sparks into the air.
  • Only allow professionals to maintain and inspect fireplaces and chimneys.

For additional tips and guidelines, consult a professional or visit the National Fire Protection Association’s website: www.nfpa.org

Pipe Burst

2/20/2020 (Permalink)

Pipe under sink Sink pipe in the cabinet under a bathroom sink.

A pipe burst in your Chino / Chino Hills home can be a real headache and cause extensive damage. Luckily, the water inside of pipes is typically clean meaning that in the event of a burst or rupture, most items affected can be saved.

In the restoration industry, clean water is referred to as either “white water” or “Category 1 water”. It originates from pipes, supply lines, faucets, and other sources. While the water may start uncontaminated, it can very quickly become contaminated if left untreated. Debris and other contaminants can rapidly make a bad situation worse. Take these steps immediately after a clean water pipe burst to prevent further issues from arising:

Address the source of the water

In other words, remove the water. If an area is flooded, turn off the homes water and immediately begin trying to dry out the affected area. Household fans and dehumidifiers are your best friend in these types of situations. If the humidity is low outside and weather conditions permit, open windows and doors to allow airflow into the affected area.

Save what can be saved

Dry wall and carpet can be dried out and saved. It is important to make sure these materials are completely dried out, otherwise you run the risk of mold growing. Mold is a much more complicated issue, so I really want to emphasize completely dried out.

Clean water flooding is no big deal and can typically be a fairly painless undertaking to resolve. That being said, when clean water becomes contaminated, the situation can get very sticky very fast.

In the event of water contamination

There are different degrees of contamination. For instance, “gray water” or “Category 2 water” is identified as having non-infectious or minimally harmful substances (laundry detergent, soap, etc.) present. “Black water” or “Category 3 water” is highly contaminated and presents an obvious health risk. Flood waters and sewage lines fall into this category. For both Category 2 and 3 water events, the cleanup process is mostly the as clean water flooding, with a few additional steps. Anything that could have possibly come into contact with the contaminated water must be properly and thoroughly cleaned and sanitized. Carpet and drywall (and any type of porous material) will have to be torn out and replaced. Non-porous objects can usually be cleaned with an antimicrobial solution and are considered safe after being sanitized.

Whether your home floods due to a pipe burst, roof leak, or any other source, you want the best of the best to help you get your home back to normal quickly and safely. SERVPRO of Chino / Chino Hills is here to help 24/7, 365 days a year.

Chimney

2/20/2020 (Permalink)

Fire Damaged House Fire damaged house from a chimney fire.

According to the NFPA, $25.6 billion worth of property damage occurred as a result of fires in 2018, $8 billion of which came from house fires. A common cause of these issues is chimneys and fireplaces. Fires that burn for too long and too hot in a fireplace are an obvious risk factor for fires, and creosote buildup only serves to exacerbate problems.

If your home suffers fire damage due to a fireplace or chimney-related disaster, IICRC-certified SERVPRO of Chino / Chino Hills technicians are ready to mitigate damage and odors to return your home to preloss conditions. No matter the size of the fire, SERVPRO professionals can mitigate both short and long-term damages while minimizing the need for costly replacement of possessions, furniture, and other materials.

Warning signs for chimney fires

There are some telltale symptoms that a chimney or fireplace may pose an elevated risk for a house fire. Damaged rain caps (also known as dampers) are a good indicator of compromised safety. The high heat from fires burning can cause warping and discoloration.

Creosote, a dark, oily substance that comes from burning wood resin, leaves deposits that expand and create a residue while it burns. Since chimneys are often very hot (even in the absence of a fire), creosote can easily ignite and lead to a house fire.

Clay flue tile liners are typical. Even though this type of tile is rated to withstand extremely high temperatures, they do have their limits. Chimney fires are capable of burning as high as 2000 degrees, which is far too hot for these tiles.  Prolonged exposure may crack or damage them.

How SERVPRO Can Help

SERVPRO of Chino / Chino Hills has many different countermeasures to deal with soot and creosote buildup. To tackle more substantial situations, our technicians may use Roto pads or brushes to dislodge soils. Creosote can be removed with blast media like baking soda, ground corn cobs, or sand. Smaller issues can be addressed with cleaning tools like dry cleaning sponges, dusting cloths, and other dry or wet cleaning techniques.

Whatever the condition of your chimney, the technicians at SERVPRO of Chino / Chino Hills are here to help 24/7, 365 days a year.

Storm Shutters

2/20/2020 (Permalink)

This winter in Southern California has been one for the books. Between sporadic bouts of rain, random days of 80 degree weather, and gusts of wind hitting 80 miles per hour, it seems California is unsure of what season it is. While SERVPRO of Chino / Chino Hills is fully prepared to help homeowners tackle any type of storm loss, there are a few things that we recommend for avoiding potential issues. One of these includes the installation of storm shutters. Here are three factors to consider when shopping around.

  1. Type

Decisions, decisions! Storm shutters come in a variety of flavors, and there are different advantages for each one. The more permanent version is attached to your home and sits on the side or above a window opening. This type can swing over or slide down in the event of wind or any other type of storm conditions, providing protection to the window. Temporary shutters are also an excellent and appealing option for those that do not wish to make permanent alterations to their home. This type of panel is storm-resistant but rather than being permanently affixed to a structure, they can be stored away during the more dry seasons (the other 340 days of the year). Storm shutters can greatly alter the appearance of a home and while some homeowners are okay with that, others prefer the ability to remove them. Variety, after all, is the spice of life.

  1. Material

Did you know shutters came in different types of materials? Many people think of the more traditional slatted wood type when they think of residential shutters. While these are probably the most common in Southern California, they are not the only type. Areas that often experience high winds or heavy rains may instead use a more heavy-duty metal shutter. These are particularly useful in areas that see hurricanes and monsoons. Southern California homes are better suited for wood or even lightweight cloth shutters, which can also be used to reduce sunlight or provide a degree of privacy.

  1. Position

As I mentioned earlier in this article, shutters can hang in different positions or orientations. Folding shutters or accordion style units may swing inward from the sides, while others may sit over the window and swing or slide down. The style you end up with will depend on both preference and the severity of weather in your given area.

Shutters are awesome. They work well and can be an excellent addition to your homes aesthetic. Their functionality has led them to remain mostly unchanged for decades. When considering protection for your windows, take into account what other aspects the shutters will alter as well as what makes sense for your particular situation.

While we hope to never have to meet you in the event of storm damage, SERVPRO of Chino / Chino Hills is here for all of your restoration needs, 24/7, 365 days a year.

Wet Smoke

2/20/2020 (Permalink)

Burned synthetic material Burned synthetic material and residue

Think of all of the synthetic materials that are commonly found in households, including your own. Polyester, nylon, rayon – the list goes on and on. While these materials pose no threat in normal conditions, by introducing excessive heat (such as in a fire), chemicals are released during the combustion process in the form of thick, acrid smoke. Synthetic smoke residue is typically oily and difficult to remove, which is why we refer to them as “wet smoke deposits”. In high-temperature / high-pressure situations like a structure fire, wet smoke can molecularly bond with the surfaces that they come into contact with. Attempting to remove them with typical household cleaners can prove to be an impossible feat.

While you may be tempted to try and resolve wet smoke damage in your Chino home without the assistance of a professional restoration company (cough, SERVPRO, cough), when plastic or synthetic materials are among the debris, it may be a wise decision to enlist the help of a trained expert. Unlike water-based staining and soiling, wet smoke can spread around quickly, wreaking further havoc in your home. The proprietary chemicals and solvents that SERVPRO of Chino / Chino Hills uses are specially formulated to break down and clean up wet smoke damage.

Typically, the majority of surfaces in a home have finishes on them. These finishes vary in composition. Floors may be varnished, while appliances may be sealed. At high temperatures, these finishes can melt and release chemicals into the home while also bonding with wet smoke in a fire. It can prove rather difficult (if not downright impossible) to fully remove wet smoke damage by using regular household cleaners.

To fight staining that has bonded at a molecular level, SERVPRO of Chino / Chino Hills uses a process known as “dissolution”. Dissolution is a technique that involves applying a particular chemical to a surface that dissolves both the finish and the soot attached to it. Once that happens, both the solvent and the soot can be removed at the same time. This process is extremely effective at restoring your home to preloss conditions because it allows for an even surface to refinish after the process is complete.

Even though wet smoke damage may seem like an easy undertaking, it can prove to be quite a challenging feat to tackle. Let the pros at SERVPRO of Chino / Chino Hills take care of it. We are here to help 24/7, 365 days a year.

Water Heater

2/20/2020 (Permalink)

Water heater A white water heater inside a closet

A life without hot water is a difficult life, indeed. Water heaters are a wonderful feat of modern design but unfortunately, nothing good lasts forever. The average lifespan of a water heater is right around ten years, give or take. When they do start to peter out and prepare for that trip to the Great Garage / Heater Closet in the Sky, they give some hints. Here are 5 of the most common:

  • Ten years have passed since it was installed
  • Rust spots that you can see on the outside of the tank
  • Noise from the heater
  • Water leaking from the heater
  • Water isn't getting hot

Using the serial number, you can easily identify in what month and year your heater was manufactured.  The first two numbers in the whole number reflect the month, with the next two, the year.  Knowing this valuable information should give you a pretty good idea as to how close it is to meeting its life expectancy.

Rust is known for affecting steel, the material that your heater is more than likely made of.  Rust can slowly spread and eat through steel and serves as a warning sign for imminent leaks.  If rust starts showing up in your water, it is safe to assume it is not only on the outside, but the inside as well. Time to swap it out. 

The older a water heater is, the louder it will become as it tries to heat up.  These noises are typically caused from mineral buildup and sediment deposits.

Another major culprit behind leaks is the thousands of heating cycles that a tank undergoes. This causes the interior of the tank to turn brittle.  Additionally, fittings and connections may be compromised or loosened due to prolonged temperature and pressure fluctuations. Heating difficulties may be a symptom of a poorly adjusted thermostat or heating element burning out.

The good news is that water heater issues can be addressed and tackled head-on by the technicians at SERVPRO of Chino / Chino Hills. We are here to help 24/7, 365 days a year. 

Water Damage

2/20/2020 (Permalink)

water standing in business Commercial water damage with water still standing

Large commercial properties pose a unique set of challenges when it comes to flooding. Seeing as how not all restoration firms are created equally, business owners often refer to larger and more reputable outfits to address their restoration needs. These firms respect your priorities by assisting you in minimizing downtime, loss of productivity, and disruption. 

The average Southern California apartment contains many different items and features that can be affected and damaged by flood waters. One must also take into account that apartment complexes typically share common walls and therefore affect neighbors and fellow tenants. Some common issues that occur include:

  • Water damage to ground floor apartments
  • Inaccessible entry and exit points
  • Water damage to sheds and garages
  • Disruption of utility services like gas, water and electricity
  • The need to seek temporary housing
  • Backup of drainage or sewerage systems

Property owners and landlords often see losses, as well. While tenants are relocated during repairs, rent is now being paid and revenue is lost. Lawsuits posed from loss of personal property are also common.

Secondary water damage in an apartment building, like the growth of mold, can cause serious health effects to your tenants. SERVPRO of Chino / Chino Hills can respond to your flooding emergency quickly to prevent these problems. We assess the destruction to understand your unique needs while emphasizing speed and thoroughness.

Our technicians remove standing water from affected apartments using self-priming trash pumps and high-pressure pumps. Our crew can also remove any salvageable contents that the water did not affect. If a flood becomes a Category 2 or 3 event we will also dispose of any porous materials, such as drywall, upholstery, and carpeting. These items will be disposed of properly.

Our technicians can also remove wet carpeting and pad, and any drywall or plaster that is saturated with the floodwater. We can also remove wall insulation like fiberglass, mineral wool, and wood fiberboard. Our technicians can also remove all debris and clean up the affected apartments thoroughly. We can use various water damage restoration products like antimicrobial agents, sanitizers, and disinfectants to stop or limit the growth of microbes. 

Machines like air movers and dehumidifiers are also extremely effective in drying affected areas. SERVPRO has multiple proprietary tools to resolve all aspects of a flood, including the refinishing of wood or other sealed or finished materials.

Floods happen. When they do, SERVPRO of Chino / Chino Hills is here to help 24/7, 365 days a year.

LA Fitness Stairs

2/10/2020 (Permalink)

Stairs to LA Fitness Leg Day at SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills

Los Angeles is a big place.

So big, in fact, that LA County is home to more than 1% of the entire population of the United States (more than 3,900,000 to 329,000,000, according to a 2019 census conducted by the United Nations). With that many people, businesses like grocery markets, gyms, and restaurants in high-traffic areas are constantly buzzing with patrons. Many places stay open 24 hours a day or are, at the very least, open for much of the day to accommodate everyone’s busy schedules. Things move very fast in Los Angeles County, because they have to.

Recently, SERVPRO of Chino / Chino Hills was contacted by an LA Fitness branch in the city of Glendale, about 8 miles outside of Hollywood. The location had experienced a major pipe failure in the upstairs women’s locker room / sauna; water had soaked through not only the ceiling tiles but had made its way down the walls, into the floor, and into the basketball court and spin-cycle class below. The only sections left unaffected by the leak were the weight equipment area, and the upstairs cardio area. The management staff was clearly upset by this, and they requested that we address the problem as swiftly as possible. Two on-call technicians were dispatched immediately to assess the site and begin the drying process the same night.

The following day, two trucks were dispatched to the site to assess the situation more thoroughly. I myself was present, along with three technicians. Our mission, had we chosen to accept it, was to identify all of the affected areas and weigh the likelihood of restoration versus demolition and reconstruction. Before we left the office, one of the technicians had described the location to me, informing me that this was going to be a particularly… physically demanding job. He told me that he and the other tech were unable to get as much done as they normally would have been able to due to there being “a lot of stairs”. I had imagined a staircase similar to what you would normally see at a gym of LA Fitness’ caliber which is ten or so stairs up, a landing, and then ten more stairs leading to the second level.

This was inaccurate.

We arrived to a bustling downtown area with no parking spot in sight, which is to be expected in Los Angeles. We parked a block away and walked to the site. After actually seeing the business, I now understood what the challenge was. While I was correct in my assumption of there being stairs from the bottom to top floor inside of the gym, I had sorely underestimated what “a lot” of stairs was. The gym was on the second floor in a bazaar / outside market. The stairwells leading up to the second floor was roughly 30 stairs, give or take a few. That being said, stairs are no match for the technicians of SERVPRO of Chino / Chino Hills. We hauled dehumidifiers and air movers into the gym, traversing the stairs back and forth and getting in about a year’s worth of cardio in the process.

The leak had damaged quite a bit of material. After testing and marking the appropriate spots for demolition, we packed up and departed. While sitting in the truck, one of the technicians looked over at me and laughed. I asked him what was so funny, and he just shook his head. I kept asking why he was laughing and he finally said “There was an escalator on the backside of the building”.

I take solace in knowing I did not skip leg day at the gym that day.

Los Angeles is a big and fast place, but SERVPRO of Chino / Chino Hills is ready for anything. We are here to help 24/7, 365 days a year.

Weird Winter

2/10/2020 (Permalink)

This winter has been a weird one. The rain seems to come in waves (you know me and my puns) and then vanish without a trace. Heck, much of Southern California is having freeze warnings as I type this. SERVPRO of Chino / Chino Hills has seen a steep increase in water damage from roof leaks, accounting for roughly 85% of the work we do overall. Roof leaks are a serious pain in the neck, even when they aren’t necessarily catastrophic. To make matters worse, they seem to occur with almost spitefully bad timing.

Roof leaks happen for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to:        

  • Amateur construction
  • Holes made by rodents
  • Missing or loose shingles or tiles
  • Damaged underlayment

Let’s not forget the giant holes in your roof, commonly known as “sky lights”. While often allowing natural light into a large room, they also allow water in. After all, they are merely sealed holes.

Water leaves stains. More often than not, the first sign of a leak is the telltale discoloration or dark spot that typically occurs along a wall or ceiling. Many people believe that this indicates mold and while this is sometimes true, it is not always the case. Mold can begin growing within 48 – 72 hours, but it requires ideal conditions. It is more common to begin seeing the signs after several days.

Sometimes, roof leaks escalate into something more serious. Roofs can collapse if the structures holding them up are compromised by water and / or age. Attic insulation also plays a key role in these types of losses. Traditional insulation is a fluffy pink variety of woven fiberglass, and it is very absorbent. After it has had its fill and the weight becomes too much for the structure to support, it will let you know by ripping apart your ceiling and spitting debris and drywall all over your house. Definitely not a subtle hint.

The good news is that SERVPRO of Chino / Chino Hills is here to help, whether your roof has a slow leak or the entire roof comes crashing down. Winter is an unpredictable beast and when things go wrong, we are here to help.

Under Water

2/10/2020 (Permalink)

Imagine this – it's Monday morning, and you’re late to work (I know, heavy imagination skills required). The barista at a certain coffee shop was feeling extra chipper today, and she absolutely had to fill you in on the goings-on of her new puppy. You show up to the office at 6:15 AM, and you were supposed to be there at 5:30 AM. You walk in expecting to get a swift chewing-out, and ready to apologize / explain why you decided you no longer want a new puppy, but those things don’t happen. In fact, there is nobody in the office at all.

The entire place is under a foot of water.

While this particular scenario is made up, very similar ones have taken place. What would you do in this situation?

Make a plan.

First, ask yourself some "what if?" scenarios. The one outlined above is a good example; how would you alter it to match your situation? Would your employees know what to do? How would you keep them safe? Once you’ve asked yourself these questions, brainstorm with other decision makers and formulate a strategy. The plan should include safety protocols, procedures to follow, and whether or not it’s possible to continue operating the business as usual. Many people depend on management not only to operate the business, but ensure their safety.

Here is a list of important things to consider in your plan:

  • Emergency contacts that are accessible from onsite or remotely
  • Emergency procedure and protocol (where to go in case of a fire, earthquake, how to safely exit the building, etc.)
  • List of emergency contacts for the business as well as individual employees
  • List of vendors and data backup to be alerted as soon as an event takes place.

Sometimes, things go wrong. SERVPRO of Chino / Chino Hills is on standby, and we are fully equipped to handle any size commercial loss event 24/7, 365 days a year.

Storm Events

1/29/2020 (Permalink)

Truck and building Repairing roof damage from storm event

One of the reasons Southern California is such a desirable place to live is our stable climate. Mild, seventy-five degree days in the middle of November are par for the course here, and you can visit the beach on just about any day of the year. In my thirty years of living in California, I can most certainly recall some downright hot Christmas mornings.

Once in a great while, however, the weather changes dramatically. Some of the more notable storms in our recent history include:

  • The 2014 North American Storm Complex, which produced not only rain, hail, and high winds, but snow.
  • 2017’s floods, which were the worst the state has seen in 122 years.
  • 2018 winter storms, which came shortly after the Thomas Fire and caused not only rain water damage, but also caused massive mudslides in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, leading to multiple evacuations.

As residents of Southern California, we sometimes lose sight of the fact that we live in a coastal state that sees real devastation from the weather now and then. Even our normal winter and spring storm systems can sometimes wreak major havoc. Many of the ranch-style homes that make up around 75% of the suburbs here were built in the 70’s and 80’s and have never had major components (such as roofs, attic insulation, or windows) replaced or updated. Chances are likely that if a glaring issue has never arisen, many homeowners simply pay no attention to such things.

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!”

Unfortunately, after a heavy and usually unexpected downpour, sometimes it is broke.

Many of the modern composition shingle roofs of today come with a 50 year guarantee. Manufacturers use cutting edge technology to ensure not only long-term strength and integrity, but technical updates to ensure proper installation. In years past, such was not the case. Many small issues, like poor production technique, cheap materials, or nail blow-through from substandard installation contribute to larger issues for homeowners down the line. Best-case scenario, small leaks will form and begin to drip into attic insulation. Wet insulation is essentially useless, and eventually that moisture will work its way down into your ceiling. This causes bubbling of the paint, warping of the wood and if left unchecked, eventually mold. Water also has an annoying tendency to spread down into walls, potentially causing mold deposits to form behind drywall. Sufficed to say, this can be a major headache to deal with.

While many precautions can be taken to avoid these issues (replacing an old roof or windows to prevent possible water entry, sandbags to prevent flooding, etc.), most people don’t have the time, money, or patience to address such things. The good news is that even though life happens, SERVPRO of Chino / Chino Hills is here to help you through the worst of it. We offer world-class restoration, drying, and mold remediation services so you can stop worrying about Mother Nature and get back to business as usual.

Mold and Mildew Concerns

1/29/2020 (Permalink)

Mold Mold on floor joist

When something goes wrong in your home, it is natural to expect the worst. Many homeowners in the Chino/Chino Hills area are well-educated in regards to mold and the problems it can cause and while many of the homes in the area are relatively new, mold does not necessarily stick to a timeline. Trapped moisture behind a wall that has gone unnoticed or ignored can rapidly become a more serious (and expensive) issue.

Recently, our office was contacted by a homeowner in Chino Hills who was experiencing a chronic illness brought on by what was suspected to be a mold issue. After several rounds of antibiotics, she had had enough. We dispatched two technicians to the home to do an initial inspection in the garage and bathroom areas, respectively. We discovered a roof leak that had spread down into one of the walls and effectively destroyed the drywall. While seemingly a fairly black and white situation with a simple enough solution (cut open the wall, remove affected materials, dry out the wall’s interior), there was one glaring inconsistency: the affected wall was nowhere near the bathroom and the source of the earthen odor that is common with mold.

Our technicians deduced that since the roof had leaked in one place, it was reasonable enough to assume that it had leaked in another. After inspecting the bathroom, they discovered that the downstairs bathtub was being used as a storage area for extra towels and washcloths. Over the years, the bathtub faucet had dripped water onto the washcloths and they had begun to mold. The homeowner had no idea, due to the fact that the washcloths were buried beneath other items. The inspection showed no other signs of moisture in the bathroom, and the odor began to fade as soon as the washcloths were removed.

The homeowner was not only happy, but relieved. After so many rounds of heavy-duty medications and not knowing the culprit, she could finally find closure and begin to recover.

Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the ones that are overlooked. This situation is more common than you may think. In the midst of a seemingly major event, it is important to take a step back and assess the situation from a calm perspective. More often than not, it is an easy fix. If it is a major problem, your local SERVPRO of Chino / Chino Hills is here to help, 24/7, 365 days a year.

Fire Event

1/29/2020 (Permalink)

House fire Roof impact of house fire

Some aspects of life in Southern California are unavoidable.

Taxes on just about everything you can imagine, rush hour never really ending, and worst of all, the unpredictable fluctuation of the cost of living. With Los Angeles county alone being home to one-tenth of the country’s population (35,000,000 compared to 350,000,000), these annoyances don’t seem to annoy people enough to leave, and why would they? Between the sprawling beaches and the gorgeous mountain views, there is a lot to be desired.

Unfortunately, with all the mountains and wild growth, California is also predisposed to wildfires. A sobering fact of life for residents up and down the Golden Coast, wildfires are one of the most dangerous and damaging aspects of life for Californians. In 2018 alone, California experienced one of the deadliest and most destructive fire seasons on record. The resulting damage was more than $3,500,000,000 ($3.5 B), 1,893,913 acres burned, and 103 fatalities. Some of the more well-known and notable fires include:

  • The Camp Fire, which was the most destructive wildfire in California history and destroyed over 18,800 structures.
  • The Woolsey Fire, which burned 96,949 acres of land and resulted in 40 deaths.
  • The Holy Fire, which affected both Orange and Riverside counties, respectively, and burned for over a month straight.

Some of these fires were caused by arson; others were ignited by natural causes such as lightning. All of them were incredibly destructive and for many homeowners, resulted in a total loss of property and possessions. Thousands more structures were affected and while they were not completely demolished, they were left with serious external and structural issues. Smoke damage in a home is not confined to only discoloration and a lasting odor; it can make you physically ill. Everything from runny noses and watery eyes to upper respiratory issues and compromised immune systems have resulted from soot and smoke particulates.

Water damage is another unavoidable aspect of a structure fire. After the flames have been extinguished, much of a home or business may be left with severe water damage or flooding. This may affect everything from carpeting to ceilings, and much of the time, walls and the internal components such as studs and insulation.

While wildfires are a major contributing factor to burn damage in California, many fires also begin within the home. Burning candles left unattended, faulty wiring, and cooking equipment are all common culprits of house fires. While smaller in scale, these fires can still have disastrous effects. Much of the time, homeowners may be at work or asleep when the fire starts, allowing it to grow in size and intensity very quickly.

Fires are an unavoidable fact of life in Southern California. While we hope you never have to experience one firsthand, SERVPRO of Chino / Chino Hills is ready to help if you do. Our team of trained technicians is on standby 24/7, 365, and we are here to help get things back to normal.

Fire Season

10/21/2019 (Permalink)

California has seen devastating fire storms in the past couple of years and now that fire Season is upon us SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills would like to offer you all a few tips to help protect your homes in the event a wildfire sparks in your neighborhood.

  1. Keep your trees and shrubs pruned.
  2. Be sure your irrigation system is functioning properly.
  3. Clear dead and dying vegetation from your property.
  4. Clean your gutters.
  5. Do not keep firewood stacked too close to your home.
  6. Properly store flammable liquid.
  7. If requested by law enforcement to evacuate, leave your home. It is better to keep your family safe, than to get caught off guard.
  8. Keep your wallet or purse, keys, phone and power cords easily accessible to take on your way out the door.
  9. Make sure your family has an escape route that includes a meeting place in the event the family gets separated.

Here’s wishing everyone a safe Fire Season!

We Are an IICRC Certified Firm

9/17/2019 (Permalink)

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) logo We are an IICRC Certified Firm

SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills is an IICRC Certified Firm.

What does that mean?

IICRC stands for The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification. In the restoration industry IICRC determines the standards and provides training and certification to restoration companies.

How can you tell if a firm is IICRC certified?

IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

What should I choose an IICRC Certified Firm?

• Firm must present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.

• A technician who has been formally trained and passed all required tests is required on all jobs.

• Technicians participate in continuing education programs to keep up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.

• Liability insurance, to protect all parties in the event of an accident, is maintained.

• Firm must maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

More about IICRC

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

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

About SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills

As stated, we are an IICRC Certified Firm. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. We believe in continuous training: from initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification. If your home experiences fire, smoke or water damage you can rest assured with SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills. Our staff is equipped with the knowledge and technology to restore your property.

Act Fast! Call SERVPRO Chino/Chino Hills for Immediate Service

8/12/2019 (Permalink)

When water damage occurs an immediate response is needed.

We are dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster in the Chino Valley. SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills provides 24-hour emergency service to residences and commercial properties so we can respond immediately to your emergency.

  • 24-Hour Emergency Service
  • Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
  • Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
  • A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
  • Locally Owned and Operated
  • Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment 

Our trained technicians can respond quickly to assess and begin remedying the damage.

Residential Services 

Whether your home experiences flood damage or you discover a mold problem, you can depend on us. We respond immediately to assess your property and get to work. We can restore your home quickly so that you can continue living with minimal interruption. Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look it's best.

Commercial Services

When your commercial property is in need of cleaning or restoration services an instant response is important. Often every hour spent cleaning is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. We have the training and expertise to respond promptly.

Get back to business with SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills. 

Learn more about our Commercial Services, click here.

Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 – (909) 548-3191

When Storms or Floods hit Chino, SERVPRO is ready!

7/12/2019 (Permalink)

Our highly trained crews are ready to respond 24/7 to storm or flood damage in the Chino Valley.

SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit the Chino Valley, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of over 1700 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today (909) 548-3191

Does Your Chino Valley Home Have A Mold Problem?

6/6/2019 (Permalink)

Act fast! Mold can spread through a home in as little as 48 hours.

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

  • Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
  • Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
  • Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
  • Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
  • Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
  • Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – (909) 548-3191.

Chino & Chino Hills Residents: We Specialize in Flooded Home Cleanup and Restoration!

3/11/2019 (Permalink)

An immediate response to flooding helps to minimize the damage as well as the cleaning and restoration costs.

A home can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Homes with basements are especially prone to flooding because they often built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your Chino home could flood, including: 

  • A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
  • Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
  • Storm sewer backup
  • Sanitary sewer backup
  • Foundation drainage failure
  • Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
  • And many more

Have Questions About Home Flooding?

Call Today - (909) 548-3191

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

The bottom line: a flooded home can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

We are Flooded Home Specialists:

  • We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
  • We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
  • We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
  • Our Technicians are Highly-Trained in Water Restoration Techniques
  • We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
  • Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help (909) 548-3191

Faster to your Chino Water Damage Event

2/18/2019 (Permalink)

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills 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 of Chino/Chino Hills arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage as well as the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – (909) 548-3191

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.

About SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills

SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Chino and Chino Hills 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

1/9/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in San Bernardino County

SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - (909) 548-3191

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

  • Your name and contact information
  • Your insurance information (if applicable)
  • The street address of the water-damaged home or business
  • When did the flooding or water damage occur?
  • What caused the water damage (if known)?
  • Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills

SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Certifications

  • AMRT - Applied Microbial Remediation Technician
  • ASD - Applied Structural Drying Technician
  • CCT - Carpet Cleaning Technician
  • ECTP - Employee Certification Training Program
  • FSRT - Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technician
  • HST - Health and safety Technician
  • IICRC Certified Firm
  • RRRP - Lead-Based Paint Activities and Renovation
  • WRT - Water Damage Restoration Technician

Top 5 Reasons to Choose SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills When You Have Water Damage

11/15/2018 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO Chino / Chino Hills team is ready and capable.

SERVPRO of Chino / Chino Hills provides cleanup and restoration services to residential and commercial facilities in the Chino Valley. Our services include water damage restoration, fire damage restoration, mold remediation, storm damage restoration, cleaning services, building services and commercial services.

When it comes to water damage there are several reasons why you should call us. Here are our top 5 reasons to call SERVPRO of Chino / Chino Hills at (909) 548-3191 when you have water damage.

#1 We’re Nearby

The SERVPRO of Chino / Chino Hills facility is located in Chino near the intersection of Edison Ave. and Central Ave. We are centrally located and always ready to respond to local flood or water damage emergencies.

In addition to being close by, owners Rick and Rhonda Brogdon, are also proud to be active members of the Chino community. Locally owned with national resources, our customers get the best of both worlds.

#2 We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster

A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces cost. We already mentioned that we are located in Chino. In addition, SERVPRO of Chino / Chino Hills provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – including all holidays. Call us day or night and we respond immediately.

#3 Advanced Training

Experience matters. All of our technicians are highly trained in property damage restoration and they have access to our advanced equipment.

Training includes The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), which sets the standard for the cleaning and restoration industries; as well as best practices in water restoration; fire restoration; mold remediation; carpet and upholstery cleaning; and other cleaning and restoration courses. Learn more.

#4 Advanced Equipment and Techniques

Besides the powerful pumps and vacuums that help us move lots of water quickly we also use specialized equipment that helps us do a variety of things like detect hidden moisture or extract water. By investing in the latest technology and equipment we can restore your home more quickly and minimize costs. We also use professional-strength cleaning, sanitizing, and deodorizing products to complete the job.

#5 Confidence

When the job is done our technician provides validation and documentation that your property is dry and the job is complete so you can feel confident, safe and comfortable. SERVPRO is well respected across the U.S. and Canada. At SERVPRO of Chino / Chino Hills, we are proud to provide the amazing SERVPRO service to our own community.

More Reasons to choose SERVPRO Chino / Chino Hills

There are many more reasons why you should choose SERVPRO Chino / Chino Hills including that we are straightforward, we are professional, we help save money, we answer all questions and concerns, we help manage insurance paperwork, and more.

If you experience water damage call us at (909) 548-3191.

Mold

2/28/2017 (Permalink)

Mold problem? SERVPRO of Chino / Chino Hills will make it like it never happened.

Molds are part of the natural environment, and can be found everywhere, indoors and outdoors. Mold is not usually a problem, unless it begins growing indoors. The best way to control mold growth is to control moisture. The EPA website provides guidance about mold and moisture for homes, schools, multifamily and commercial buildings. Molds can have a big impact on indoor air quality.

Ten Things You Should Know about Mold

  1. Mold can cause health effects.
  2. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
  3. If mold is a problem in your home or school, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.
  4. Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth.
  5. Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60%) to decrease mold growth by:
    • Venting bathrooms, dryers and other moisture-generating sources to the outside
    • Using air conditioners and de-humidifiers
    • Increasing ventilation
    • Using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing and cleaning
  6. Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
  7. Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely. Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, that are moldy, may need to be replaced.
  8. Prevent condensation: Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.
  9. In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting (i.e., by drinking fountains, by classroom sinks, or on concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation).
  10. Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance,so long as moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.

Mold Cleanup

If you already have a mold problem - ACT QUICKLY. Mold damages what it grows on. The longer it grows, the more damage it can cause. Who should do the cleanup depends on a number of factors. One consideration is the size of the mold problem. If the moldy area is less than about 10 square feet (think of a roughly a 3 ft. by 3 ft. patch), in most cases, you can handle the job yourself. However:

  • If there has been a lot of water damage, and/or mold growth covers more than 10 square feet, consult EPA guide Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings. Although focused on schools and commercial buildings, this document is applicable to other building types.
  • If you choose to hire a contractor (or other professional service provider) to do the cleanup, make sure the contractor has experience cleaning up mold. Check references and ask the contractor to follow the recommendations in EPA guide Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings, the guidelines of the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), or other guidelines from professional or government organizations.
  • If you suspect that the heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC) system may be contaminated with mold (it is part of an identified moisture problem, for instance, or there is mold near the intake to the system), consult EPA guide Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned? before taking further action. Do not run the HVAC system if you know or suspect that it is contaminated with mold - it could spread mold throughout the building.
  • If the water and/or mold damage was caused by sewage or other contaminated water, then call in a professional who has experience cleaning and fixing buildings damaged by contaminated water.
  • If you have health concerns, consult a health professional before starting cleanup.

Floods and Flooding

During a flood cleanup, the indoor air quality in your home or office may appear to be the least of your problems. However, failure to remove contaminated materials and to reduce moisture and humidity can present serious long-term health risks. Standing water and wet materials are a breeding ground for microorganisms, such as viruses, bacteria, and mold. They can cause disease, trigger allergic reactions, and continue to damage materials long after the flood.

EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency): https://www.epa.gov/mold

The water damage restoration process

2/21/2017 (Permalink)

Water damage restoration specialist of SERVPRO

SERVPRO has a six-step restoration process that all clients are brought through. This process assures that the home or office is always restored to a clean, sanitary state as quickly and as efficiently as possible. Chino / Chino Hills water damage restoration clients have had this six-step process applied to their water damage disasters.


The six-step process is:


1) Initial contact


SERVPRO is proud to offer 24-hour emergency response. Here at SERVPRO, we understand that, when dealing with water damage emergencies, every minute counts. When you call, the SERVPRO representative will ask specific questions regarding your particular water damage emergency.


2) Inspection and assessment


The restoration process will officially begin with a detailed assessment of the damage by a SERVPRO professional. There are different classification levels of contamination that will determine what steps are required to complete the restoration.


3) Water extraction/removal


The water extraction process will remove the majority of the water from the home or office. If extensive restoration is needed, SERVPRO can conduct a “move out” to safely and efficiently move out belongings. SERVPRO professionals will inspect and determine if carpet or carpet padding will need to be replaced.


4) Drying/dehumidification


After the water removal process, floors and walls will need to be dried and dehumidified fully to prevent warping or potential mold damage. Using specialized equipment, SERVPRO professionals will remove the last trace amounts of moisture in the home or office.


5) Cleaning/sanitizing


After extracting the water and fully drying the surfaces, SERVPRO professionals will clean the surfaces as well as belongings like furniture and personal items that may have been damaged by the water. Servrpo professionals will also deodorize with industrial scrubbers and fogging equipment.


6) Restoration


The final step in the process is restoration, which may include things like minor repair to drywall, installing new carpet, or other reconstruction.


SERVPRO is based in Chino / Chino Hills, but has provided services to clients for LA County and the Inland Empire damage restoration in the past. SERVPRO’s professional water damage restoration experts have been trained to strict industry standards, and use state of the art industrial equipment. It’s SERVPRO’s goal to make it seem, “Like it never happened.”


Call SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills water damage specialists today at (909)548-3191

Chino and Chino Hills 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

1/18/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in Chino, Chino Hills and beyond

SERVPRO off Chino/Chino Hills is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today – (909)548-3191

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

  • Your name and contact information
  • Your insurance information (if applicable)
  • The street address of the water-damaged home or business
  • When did the flooding or water damage occur?
  • What caused the water damage (if known)?
  • Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills

SERVPRO of Chino/Chino Hills specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Restoring your Chino Hills Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

5/5/2016 (Permalink)

Flooding and water damage events at Chino Hills commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

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