Recent Posts

Backyard Fire Pit Safety

8/17/2022 (Permalink)

Window after an interior fire Keep your fire pit far from any structures, brush, and trees.

It’s summertime, and there’s no better time for an outdoor barbecue and some s’mores by the fire pit. If not cared for properly, however, a relaxing night around the fire could turn into a disaster. Use these tips to help keep your summer nights fun!

Positioning

Keep your fire pit far from any structures, brush, and trees. Ensure no branches or leaves hang anywhere above the fire pit so smoke has a clear escape path into the air. Keep the fire on a non-flammable surface such as concrete or sand. Avoid setting up the fire on grass, and never create a fire on a wooden deck.

Preparation

Keep any flammable materials away from the fire. Staying approximately 10-20 feet from surrounding vegetation and brush will help to prevent flames from jumping or spreading. Dig the pit about six inches deep in the center with a two-foot diameter to contain all embers and flames.

Extinguishing

Always use the proper method to extinguish the flames of a fire as described by your local fire marshal/fire department. Water is usually a primary source to extinguish fire. In addition, a shovel can help with putting out the remaining flames and suffocating the fire. Once the flames are drowned with water, stir with shovel until no flames remain. Ashes remain hot for several days, so ensure they are properly disposed and left to cool. Never dispose of ashes in a compost pile or flammable material.

Stay safe this summer and enjoy the outdoors! If you ever have a fire at your home, Call SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield at (661) 326-8422 to help with the restoration, we are 24/7/365.

Keep your Business Mold-Free

8/15/2022 (Permalink)

Machine pumping out mold from closet Mold grows anywhere there is moisture and oxygen. The mold spores are invisible to humans, so you may not even know when mold takes over.

Mold grows in places you cannot even see, and it sometimes grows increasingly worse before it’s noticeable. Mold, however, pollutes the air and can threaten the structural integrity of a structure.

When mold grows on a commercial property, it can be devastating for business owners as they must shut down operations to decontaminate the business. These tips will help prevent mold from growing in your business.

Mold grows anywhere there is moisture and oxygen. The mold spores are invisible to humans, so you may not even know when mold takes over.

  1. Use a dehumidifier: It can be challenging to maintain proper humidity inside your business. To ensure 50% humidity, install commercial dehumidifiers throughout the property.
  2. Repair plumbing issues: As soon as you notice a leak in your business from a roof, pipe, or window, call a restoration company to mend the damages. The longer you wait, the higher the chance of mold growth.
  3. Ensure proper ventilation: If not properly maintained, mold will grow around HVAC systems. Mold spores can spread from vents, so a clean HVAC system will keep mold out.
  4. Stay Vigilant: It’s not easy to notice mold growth in its early stages. By inspecting your property frequently and monitoring high moisture levels, you can notice mold before it becomes a problem. Early signs of mold growth include stains on walls, smells, and marks on floors.
  5. Call a professional: If the mold has spread or you can’t find the origin of the problem, call a professional mold remediation company to assist you.

At SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield, we have a team of certified franchise professionals to take care of your mold problem. Our team is trained with the best equipment and techniques to locate and remove your property of mold and residual pores. Trust SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield for your commercial property mold remediation needs. Call us at (661) 326-8422, we are 24/7/365.

Have Water Damage? Here's What to Do.

8/12/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage from ceiling SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield knows the safe and best way to remove excess water and minimize the chance of mold growth.

Oh no! You notice a leaking pipe or a plumbing issue in your home or business. Don’t fret, SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield is here for you. Before we arrive, however, here are some tips to safely take care of water damage. Keep in mind, these tips apply to clean water only. Sewage water causes different kinds of damage, and it is contaminated, so SERVPRO® treats that damage differently. SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield is the perfect call to begin the water removal process, as our professional team will quickly and properly dry out your home or business from any water damage.

  • When you notice damage occurring, immediately shut off the water source and turn off the power.
  • If safe, remove as much water as possible with a mop and towels to soak up water.
  • Place aluminum foil between wood furniture legs and carpet. Do not keep rugs and furniture upholstery wet against each other, as more damage will occur.

Safety is number one priority, so these steps are only recommended if they are safe to do so. Do not enter a room with standing water, as there could be a risk of an electrical shock. Ensure all power is disconnected as soon as flooding occurs. Do not use an ordinary household vacuum to try and remove water. SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield knows the safe and best way to remove excess water and minimize the chance of mold growth. Call us at (661) 326-8422 to assist you today, we are 24/7/365.

Returning Home: How to Remove the Smoky Smell from your Property

8/10/2022 (Permalink)

A ceiling with smoke damage Deodorizing and sanitizing a home or business after a fire is not an easy task, and you should not have to be forced to do it yourself.

If you’ve ever been around a campfire or experienced an indoor fire, you’ll know exactly what that lingering smoky smell is like after the fire’s been put out. When you suffer from a home or business fire, it’s important to minimize as much of the remaining odor as possible before SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield arrives. These tips will be helpful in maintaining the healthiest living conditions as possible after a fire occurs.

Tip 1: If safe, open any windows to increase airflow and circulation. Additionally, keep doors open to allow air to flow through and out of the structure.

Tip 2: Replace air filters. Toxic smoke particles and soot can become trapped in air filters, which results in unhealthy air being released after a fire. Replace the filters to avoid the spread of the odor.

Tip 3: Deep clean the affected areas. Kitchen counters, curtains, windows and carpets are commons places for smoke particles to stick after a fire. Target these areas to remove the remaining odor from smoke damage.

SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield is the expert fire restoration team for you! Deodorizing and sanitizing a home or business after a fire is not an easy task, and you should not have to be forced to do it yourself. Here at SERVPRO®, we have a team of experienced professionals with advanced odor removal products and equipment that will take care of your fire-related needs. Let our team make your home or business look like the fire “Never even happened.” Call SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield at (661) 326-8422, we are 24/7/365.

Stay Safe from Fires in the Workplace

8/5/2022 (Permalink)

A kitchen after a fire If a fire does occur in your business, call SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield to get the restoration process underway.

A fire is never fun. At the office or workplace, fires can cause danger to personnel in addition to property damage. Read these tips on basic fire prevention to stay as safe on the job as possible.

Steps of Prevention

  • Ensure all staff is properly educated on fire prevention procedures, evacuation routes and fire hazards.
  • Maintain a clean workspace to reduce the risk of fire.
  • Be aware of potential combustible materials and flammable items.
  • Keep a working fire extinguisher in the business and know its whereabouts.

General Safety

  • Dispose of combustible or flammable materials in and around the workplace.
  • Keep combustible materials in approved containers and away from other flammable items.
  • Keep fire extinguisher in an accessible place not blocked by furniture or clutter.

Preventative Safety

  • Keep fire equipment up to date, receive inspections on a regular basis.
  • Have a working alarm system with both sound and lights.
  • Be aware of local authority and fire department information for easy contact when necessary.
  • Keep staff up to date on training, be aware of what’s going on.
  • Work with SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield to create an emergency response plan for your business.

If a fire does occur in your business, call SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield to get the restoration process underway. We know a fire can be devastating, and that is why we take great care in restoring as many of your items as we can. No job is too big for SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield. Call today at (661) 326-8422, we are 24/7/365.

Flooded Property? Act Fast!

8/4/2022 (Permalink)

A flooded hallway The sooner you begin the recovery process to stop the flood, the more likely you will be to save damaged items and foundation.

When you experience a flood in your home or business, it is important to act fast and not delay. Water damage quickly builds up and will become more devastating as time goes on. The sooner you react and clear the contents from the flooded area, the more likely they are to be restored to previous conditions. Your items and possessions are important to you, and that’s why SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield is here to help!

The sooner you begin the recovery process to stop the flood, the more likely you will be to save damaged items and foundation.

To prevent further damage and the potential for widespread mold build-up, call SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield within the first 48 hours that you notice flooding. After giving us a call, take these steps to prevent a greater problem:

  1. Turn off the electricity. It can be extremely dangerous if your property is flooded and there are items with electrical current nearby. Do not touch flood waters or any surrounding electronics until you’ve turned off the power first.
  2. Contact your insurance company. Each insurance policy may differ, but homeowner’s insurance typically covers damages due to water leaks and plumbing malfunctions.
  3. Remove water as fast as possible. By now, SERVPRO® will be on their way to begin the water extraction and restoration process. Until then, and if safe, you can try removing water with a shop-vac, “floor sucker” or bucket.

Once SERVPRO® has arrived, our experienced team will take over and determine the next steps to ensure your home or business is dry and safe. Don’t hesitate, call SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield as soon as you notice flooding or additional signs of water damage. Our number is NUM, we are 24/7/365.

Catching Water Damage Before It's Too Late

8/1/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO team removing wood with water damage To avoid severe damage after weeks or even months of water buildup, the key is to act fast in getting expert help.

Often, water will create problems in a building without being noticed in the slightest. Water damage can accumulate fast, the longer a leak goes on the higher the affected cost will be. To avoid severe damage after weeks or even months of water buildup, the key is to act fast in getting expert help. Water can ruin flooring, furniture and walls, but it can also cause more severe damage to structural components within the property.

There are many causes of water damage:

  • Leaky roof: An old or damaged roof may suffer from rainfall leakage, leading to the accumulation of damage over time.
  • Broken pipe or gutter: Broken plumbing can cause leaks or gushes of water when not handled properly. You may notice a broken pipe due to backups in the toilet or sink, but bursts are not always apparent.
  • Condensation: Over time, air conditioning units can leak if not properly maintained. When this happens, small water droplets penetrate the foundation of buildings, leading to mold.

By responding quickly to water leaks, you increase the chances of preventing further damage. Water damage can become significantly worse in a matter of hours, but taking the proper steps will put you in the right place to stop the problem. Call SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield at (661) 326-8422, we are 24/7/365.

How We Respond to your Calls

7/27/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO truck outside of a home SERVPRO® can guarantee to make it “Like it never even happened.” Call us today and let us help you.

Did you suffer a disaster in your home or business and don’t know what to do next? Well, after safely removing yourself from the scene, you can begin taking steps forward. It’s difficult to know how to proceed following fire, water or smoke damage, but our team of experts at SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield will help you through the dilemma. Call SERVPRO® as soon as you can and let us assist you!

When You Call

We have a supportive team of representatives ready to answer your call. They will likely ask you a variety of questions which will help SERVPRO® determine the resources and equipment necessary to assist you. By answering our questions, you are allowing our representative to best prepare for response to your disaster.

Some Questions to Expect

  • Name and contact information (Phone number, email address)
  • Street address of home or business
  • What year was the structure built?
  • What type of damage has occurred? (Flood, fire, water, etc.)
  • What caused the damage? (If known)
  • Is there electricity and water available?
  • Your insurance company?

SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield

SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield is here for you. With the best training in fire, water and smoke cleanup and restoration, we guarantee our SERVPRO® staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your home or business. In addition to our restoration services, we also offer mold mitigation and deep cleans of properties. SERVPRO® can guarantee to make it “Like it never even happened.” Call us today and let us help you. No disaster is too big or small. Call SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield at (661) 326-8422, we are 24/7/365.

Call SERVPRO® After Your Interior Flood

7/25/2022 (Permalink)

Machine vacuuming flooded water SERVPRO® is the best choice for restoration after water damage.

Even the slightest amount of flooding or leaking pipe can cause an unimaginable amount of damage. Water can begin damaging floors and furniture as soon as it hits them, so fast action is required to protect your home or business. At SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield, our rapid action and trained staff will achieve the best results in making your hardwood floors like new again. SERVPRO® is the best choice for restoration after water damage.

Potential Damage to Hardwood Floors

  • Crowning: The planks arc upward due to excessive moisture
  • Cupping: The planks bend downward and curve due to excessive moisture
  • Buckling: Planks lift from place in the floor

To avoid this damage, SERVPRO® responds as quickly as possible to begin water cleanup and removal. Our team at SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield is given industry leading training to handle the extraction, drying and replacement of flooring that has been damaged thus far. We use controlled methods to remove specific flooring safely. Additionally, our team will contain the water to further control contamination of unaffected areas. Following our restoration and treatment of the damaged area, we sanitize the home to ensure it’s “Like it never even happened.” Call SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield at (661) 326-8422. We are the best water restoration team, ready 24/7/365!

Get Your Business Back Up and Running!

7/22/2022 (Permalink)

Burnt materials outside after a fire In addition to restoring your property, SERVPRO® will help with the complicated insurance process to make for a simple experience.

At SERVPRO®, we understand how disheartening it can be to close your store or restaurant doors due to water or fire damage. That is why our franchise professionals work diligently to return your property to its preloss condition as quickly as possible. Having to shut down business operations due to an unforeseen problem can be seen as a shock to your employees, so it’s important to know that SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield is your community specialist in disaster recovery. Seeking professionals when there is damage to your property is best for a complete job. At SERVPRO®, we have the right infrastructure in place necessary to handle the smallest to largest problems. Additionally, our staff is made up of experienced franchise professionals who know just what to do to when water, fire or other damages occur.

Our team works hard to restore as much property as possible. We always limit damage to the best of our abilities, and we will save as much as we can. In addition to restoring your property, SERVPRO® will help with the complicated insurance process to make for a simple experience. We will work with you every step of the way, from the initial disaster to the end of restoration, the team at SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield is ready to answer your calls 24/7/365. Give us a call at (661) 326-8422.