Content Cleaning and Fire Damage

10/1/2022 (Permalink)

Kitchen damaged by fire

Content Cleaning and Fire Damage

We know what it’s like to lose your belongings to a fire. That’s why we offer content cleaning to help you recover from the effects of fire damage. If your clothes have been damaged in a fire, our professional team will spot and clean them for you. We can also advise you on what process is best for any specific piece of clothing or item.

Content cleaning is a service that can be done by professionals if your clothing has been damaged in a fire.

Although it may seem like a daunting task, each piece of content will be pre-spotted, pre-tested and thoroughly cleaned. Contents with smoke residue may need an additional ultrasonic cleaning process.

If you're feeling overwhelmed about how to proceed with cleaning your clothing after this unfortunate event, we've got you covered! We can help you get back on track and make sure that your items are restored to their former glory so that they look as good as new!

Each piece of content will be pre-spotted, pre-tested and thoroughly cleaned.

The first step in the cleaning process is pre-spotting, which involves a thorough inspection of each item to determine what damage it has sustained and whether it can be cleaned. If an item cannot be cleaned, we will discard it. Next, we thoroughly clean all items (including furniture) using our proprietary process that removes smoke residue while also preventing any new soiling from occurring.

Contents with smoke residue may need an additional ultrasonic cleaning process.

The contents of your items can be affected by smoke residue. Smoke can make an item smell like burnt or wet wood, or it may leave behind a yellow discoloration that won't wash out. Smoke residue can also cause the ink on labels to fade, which will make them illegible.

Smoke residue may need to be removed before you clean the item using other methods such as steaming and dry cleaning (using chemicals). Ultrasonic cleaning is one effective way of removing dirt and grime from objects but not all materials are suitable for this type of cleaning process so check with your dry cleaner first!

We'll help you get your belongings back in good shape after fire damage. 

We're here to help with our expert post-fire cleaning services. Whether you need help getting rid of the smell or repairing some of the physical damage left behind by fire, we'll fix everything up, so it looks like nothing ever happened. We'll even make sure all those pesky stains disappear from your carpeting so no one will ever suspect anything was amiss.

Our experience with these situations makes us uniquely qualified to handle any situation involving smoke or water damage. So, whether you've been through a kitchen fire recently or have just gotten back from vacation (and found out about another family member's house burning down), let us do what we do best: restore order after chaos has taken over!

We are proud to say that we offer some of the best prices in town for a wide range of services. We’re confident that our 100% customer satisfaction guarantee will give you peace of mind when dealing with your fire-damaged items, and we can help you get back on your feet quickly after an emergency like this!

Why Hidden Mold Causes Odors and How To Detect It

8/28/2022 (Permalink)

Mold remediation and removal in Westwood Village, CA

An odd smell in your commercial building that you can't locate the source of can be an extremely frustrating experience. There are several reasons why you may be noticing a mold smell on your property, even though you haven't seen any mold. If you discover any, it is important to have mold remediation professionals deal with it before the problem grows.

Reasons You May Smell Mold But Not See It

Fungus smell is often described as a musty odor. If you are smelling mold but not seeing any, it is probably because there are a variety of hidden places mold may grow:

• Behind walls
• Under flooring
• In-ceiling tiles
• Inside storage areas
• Under fabric on upholstered furniture
  
  

Causes of Mold Odor
Mold smell occurs because these fungi produce and release compounds, called microbial volatile organic compounds, that have strong odors and are quickly released into the air. If you are noticing mold or mildew smell in your building, you should investigate any surfaces that have recently been wet and current sources of moisture.

Detecting Hidden Mold
You can find some hidden mold by simply looking for it. However, mold that occurs behind walls, under flooring and other areas may not be able to be detected by visual inspection without tearing out material. Test kits are available that may detect the presence of mold, but usually are not very helpful at identifying the location of it. A mold professional in Westwood Village, CA, can inspect your property and use advanced detection systems, such as infrared cameras, to locate mold that is hidden behind surfaces.

Preventing Mold
To prevent future mold problems, dry out anything that is damaged by water within 24 to 48 hours. Repair any leaking plumbing or equipment. Take steps to control excess moisture from condensation in HVAC systems and other sources.
If there is a mold smell in your building, chances are you have mold growing somewhere. A professional inspection can help you identify and remove sources.

Top 3 Reasons Why Irrigation Maintenance Is Important

6/19/2022 (Permalink)

Regular irrigation maintenance ensures the system works as intended or better.

Why You Should Maintain the Sprinklers

Before you use the sprinkler system to refresh the plants outside your Westwood, CA, business, it is important to perform irrigation maintenance. While it can seem tedious and challenging at times, it is important for the well-being of the system and your landscape. Learn about some of the reasons why you should maintain the sprinklers.

1. Prevents Sprinkler Flooding and Other Issues
Outdoor sprinklers are exposed to a variety of dangerous elements that can damage them. Animals, civilian traffic, severe weather and typical wear and tear can damage the sprinkler heads, pipes and valves that compose the system. Issues with these parts can cause improper irrigation that can malnourish the plant life or cause flooding in your property that can be fixed by commercial building restoration specialists. Frequent inspections can help you find these problems so you can fix them immediately.

2. Adapts System to Seasonal Changes
The development of your property's vegetation depends on each season's precipitation and temperature. As part of your irrigation maintenance schedule, you might need to adjust the direction and quantity of the water spread throughout the landscape, as plants might need more water in one season than another. Failing to adapt the system to each season can cause your plants to be either under or overwatered, which can result in dead grass, trees and flowers.

3. Encourages Upgrades That Improve Efficiency
Despite the straightforward purpose of outdoor sprinklers, manufacturers are always improving the ways that water is distributed throughout the property. New irrigation technology, especially when operated by computers, distributes water in a manner that reduces waste and reaches the most territory. Maintenance allows you to observe the current irrigation setup, then decide what components need upgrades and whether to replace the entire system for a more efficient counterpart.
Every device that services your business requires upkeep and your sprinklers are no exception. Regular irrigation maintenance ensures the system works as intended or better, which keeps your landscape and your business healthy.

Why You Should Purchase Fire Insurance for Your Commercial Building

5/11/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial fire in Westwood, CA

Property fires may be more common than you think they are. In 2017, there were nearly 500,000 structure fires in America alone. These fires caused more than $10 billion in damage. While most of these blazes occurred in homes, they can harm commercial buildings, as well. That is why you need to purchase fire insurance for your business.

The Types of Damage During a Fire

Fire is destructive in multiple ways. They can cause damage via:

• Flames
  
• Heat
  
• Smoke
  
  

Most commercial insurance policies will pay for fire damage that results from all of these sources. Insurance can also cover fees charged by fire departments. Any harm that results from fire suppressants, such as fire extinguishers and sprinklers, should be part of your policy, as well.
If you do not have proper fire insurance, you will have to use company profits or assets to cover the cost of fire restoration and smoke cleanup services. Your business could shut down entirely if it cannot afford the remediation. Insurance should thus help your company survive a fire disaster.

The Proper Amount of Insurance

You may be tempted to lower your premium by insuring your property for less than what it is worth. Yet underinsuring your Westwood, CA, property is almost as bad as failing to insure it at all. For starters, you likely will not have enough coverage to pay for the full cost of the restoration. Your insurer may also impose a penalty if you fail to purchase sufficient insurance.
To make sure you insure your property for its actual value, have an appraiser assess the premises annually. When deciding how much insurance to purchase, use the appraiser's calculations rather than your agent's estimations.
Buying fire insurance is one of the most important things you can do as a business owner. It should give you the funds to keep your company afloat following a blaze.

Getting Ready for the Worst: Disaster Preparedness Tips

2/1/2022 (Permalink)

Invest in wind shutters or board windows with plywood.

Storm Preparedness

How quickly can your company can get back on its feet after a tornado, fire or flood? If you don’t have a disaster preparedness plan, the answer is probably not very fast. Emergency plans aren’t often top of mind when the weather is good, but that’s exactly when you should prepare. Ensure your Beverly Hills, CA, business is ready to weather the worst in the future by following these tips today.

Learn the Risks

Disaster risks are posed by events both manmade and naturally occurring. Some of the top things to plan for include the following situations:

• Hurricanes
  
• Tornadoes
  
• Terror attacks
  
• Flooding
  
  

A good preparedness plan should be effective across all the above and more. Below are a few tips to get you started.

Create a Business Continuity Blueprint

Figuring out how to keep your organization on its feet during disaster is a key, but often overlooked, part of disaster preparation. Start by identifying your business’s critical operations. Determine which staff roles are crucial to keeping your company afloat and which suppliers, shippers and resources are integral to daily business.

Stash Emergency Supplies

Think about the basics as you prepare a storm supply kit. In addition to basic first aid items, your disaster preparedness kit should contain these necessities:

• Fresh water
  
• Flashlight with batteries
  
• Whistle to signal for help
  
• Battery-powered commercial radio
  
• Moistened towelettes
  ·
  

This is just a start. Evaluate your unique needs and build out your business preparedness kit throughout the year.

Secure Your Property

When a storm is imminent, taking basic steps to secure your property can reduce damage. Invest in wind shutters or board windows with plywood. Move garbage bins, furniture and other potential projectiles indoors and secure lids and other moving parts on items that can be brought inside.

Disaster preparedness isn’t glamorous, but it is necessary. Use these tips from top storm preparedness experts to ensure your business isn’t wiped out.

Important Guidelines for Checking Your Fire Sprinklers

1/24/2022 (Permalink)

A fire sprinkler is vital to your safety and well-being.

Checking Your Fire Sprinklers: Important Guidelines

Unfortunately, despite your best efforts, you can’t always prevent disasters from occurring in your Westwood, CA, workplace. There are ways you can prepare for the worst and reduce the risk of serious harm and costly damage. One of the best ways to combat a fire in your office is with a fire sprinkler system. If you don’t currently have sprinklers in your building, it’s time to install some. If you do have them, follow these steps to ensure they’re ready for action.

Overviews of Do’s and Don’ts

When you’re dealing with a potential fire in your office building, you don’t want to take any chances. It’s essential that the sprinklers work correctly and that you maintain them over the years. Keep these guidelines in mind:

• Hire a trusted emergency remediation professional to install this fire suppression system.
  
• Conduct a yearly test of the sprinklers to ensure they work properly.
  
• Schedule an annual inspection from a certified professional.
  
• Don’t do any of these things without the assistance of an expert.
  
  

The Installation

The city in which your building is located probably has certain regulations for the fire code. A professional company will know these guidelines and be able to determine how many sprinklers your office needs based on its layout and size. The company can also install the appropriate size of sprinklers, set to expel the right amount of fire suppressant.

The Inspection

Inspecting your fire sprinkler system won’t just satisfy the local fire marshal but can give you peace of mind that these devices will perform effectively if the time comes. Make sure you schedule these inspections as often as required, or even more frequently if you have concerns.

The Test

Just as a fire drill helps you understand what to do in the event of a fire, a sprinkler test demonstrates how this system reacts in an emergency. A restoration crew can provide any fire sprinkler clean up after the test.

It should be easy to see why a fire sprinkler system is so vital to your safety and well-being. Proper installation, inspection and testing gives you the confidence that you’ll have the protection you need during a fire.

How To Minimize Losses From Business Interruption

12/24/2021 (Permalink)

Flood damage in Beverly Hills, CA.

How to Reduce Business Interruption Losses

How would your business be affected if your building in Beverly Hills, CA, was temporarily unusable due to flooding? Business interruption insurance can help offset some of the financial impacts, but a quick cleanup and restoration are the key to minimizing losses.

Business Interruptions

Business interruption insurance usually covers things like lost income during a temporary relocation, compensating you for revenue you would have made during that time period. This is great, but there are often limitations, including a waiting period and maximums. When you experience large water damage, you may have downtime due to things like:

• Damages to equipment
  
• Damages to office or warehouse space
  
• Inventory loss
  
• Temporary move-out for remediation and repairs
  
  

One of the most difficult financial hardships from a business interruption comes from the loss of long-term customer relationships when customers go elsewhere to fill their needs. Recovery from flooding can have a lasting impact in this way. The best solution to reduce these losses is to minimize the recovery time.

Minimize Recovery Time

A quick recovery is best to reduce losses from direct damages and from lost revenues, as well as those more harmful long-term customer losses. How can you minimize downtime after flooding? Work with a commercial water mitigation specialist. By doing this, you better your chance of a quick and effective recovery by relying on expertise and knowledge that is relevant to your exact needs. You will also benefit from the use of specialized equipment that removes water and dries materials effectively. In contrast, individual contractors are a larger gamble as they may or may not have flood experience, and you may have to work with multiple contractors to meet your needs.

Even though you have business interruption insurance, you can help minimize your losses from a broken pipe or other flood cause by calling a mitigation specialist right away. Working with a specialist is a great way to get back to business quickly so you can continue maintaining existing relationships with customers.

Three Steps To Prioritize After a Fire

11/1/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial fires in Century City, CA.

Fire Restoration Process

Commercial fires in Century City, CA, can be devastating, and knowing what to do after a building experience a fire can be overwhelming. Here are three essential steps to take to begin the fire restoration process.

1. Call an Insurance Company

After the fire has been put out and everyone is safe, you’ll need to alert an insurance company that a fire has occurred as soon as you can. The faster you get in touch with an insurance claims manager about fire insurance, the more quickly the claim can be processed and fire restoration can begin. The insurance company will need to notify an insurance assessor to carry out an inspection of the damage.

Additionally, start taking inventory of any items that were destroyed during the fire and their value. Avoid disposing of any damaged goods until after you have taken inventory.

2. Don’t Touch the Damage

Resist touching or moving around any damage done by the fire until after the scene has been surveyed by a loss assessor, as this could slow or stall the claims process. Plus, damaged areas may still be extremely dangerous. Roofs, walls and floors have the potential to collapse, and all the soot and dirty water in the area can cause sickness. Even though fires have been put out, they have the potential to start again. Reenter the scene only after the fire department indicates it’s safe to do so.

3. Hire a Board-Up Service

Board-up services are companies that have expertise in cleaning and restoring commercial buildings and other related items after disasters like fires. These companies will secure the building against additional damage, repair damage and even provide cost estimates to repair or replace personal and household items. Additionally, they usually offer smoke cleaning, item storage and property cleaning. Ask your insurance agent who he or she recommends.

Commercial fires in Century City, CA, are distressing. Knowing these three steps ahead of time can help you be prepared in the instance of a fire, speed up the fire restoration process and ensure the property is fully cleaned and restored.

Take These 5 Proactive Steps To Prevent Mold in Your Rental Home

7/19/2021 (Permalink)

Keep your gutters clean.

Mold Prevention Tips For Your Rental Home

Mold is a voracious eater that thrives on organic materials and can quickly expand from a small hidden colony of fungus to thousands of spore-producing colonies. When you have a rental unit, it can be difficult to monitor and deal with mold’s growth, but you can be proactive in Westwood, CA, and fight mold before it appears. Here are just a few of the many steps you can take to aid in mold prevention in your rental home.

1. Increase airflow inside the property. The flow of fresh air can be achieved by opening windows and turning on air conditioning or dehumidifiers. As the air circulates, the movement can inhibit moisture and mold growth.

2. If your rental home has a basement, prevent condensation. Musty basements are often filled with dank, dark areas that lack the circulation necessary to prevent colony growth. Install fans or dehumidifiers to enhance air circulation and remove excess moisture.

3. Promptly deal with plumbing leaks to prevent long-term water damage. Once your tenant notifies you of a plumbing problem, call a water restoration team and ask them to repair the broken pipe and remove the flooded water. The longer the water sits, the more chance there is for mold to grow.

4. Diminish moisture in bathrooms by hardwiring the exhaust fan to the light switch. By reducing the amount of liquid in the air after showers, you can prevent condensation from feeding hidden mold spores. Mold prevention can be essential in moist bathrooms.

5. Inspect gutters and downspouts twice a year. As gutters fill with debris, rain can backup and overflow onto the ground near the building. Downspouts can also move and redirect water near the building instead of away from it. Pooling water can breed mold in basements and crawlspaces.

Mold prevention in a rental unit can be difficult unless you become proactive. Since property owners have limited access to their tenant’s homes, request your tenants contact you at the first sign of mold growth. Together, you can prevent future mold damage to your property.

Are Flood Cuts Necessary?

6/29/2021 (Permalink)

A flood cut may be a necessary part of the flooding cleanup process.

How Do You Cut Drywall After Flooding?

If your commercial building in Westwood Village, CA, was affected by flooding after a big storm, you may hear your repair team talk about making a flood cut. You know you may have to throw out damaged materials, but is it really necessary for the commercial storm cleanup crew to cut out sections of your drywall? To better answer this question, you need to consider the following:

• What is a flood cut?
  
• How does it help?
  
• How is it done?
  
  

Answering these questions may help you realize that this cleanup technique isn't as scary as it sounds.

Understanding What It Is

Before you can know if this tear-out is necessary, you need to know what it is. A flood cut is the removal of drywall that has gotten wet. Usually, the cut is made 12 to 18 inches above the flood line to ensure all damaged materials are taken out.

Looking at the Benefits

Now that you know what it is, how does it help your remediation? Drywall is an extremely porous material, which means it sucks up the water and holds it in. If there's any contamination, your drywall is now also contaminated. Removing the building materials that were touched by the floods removes excess moisture. It also helps your cleanup crew see behind the wall to know if the insulation is damaged or if there are problems with your plumbing.

Considering How It Is Done

When flooding affects your commercial building, a flood cut may be necessary. Chances are your cleanup crew won't go around to every room removing pieces of drywall. Instead, only the bottom portion of the building material will be touched. This cut only happens in rooms that were affected by the floodwaters. Your cleanup crew may make a mark on the drywall and use special equipment to cut out the bottom portion.

A flood cut may be a necessary part of the flooding cleanup process. This technique helps remove excess moisture and reduce the chances of mold growth.

3 Types of Commercial Insurance Your Business Needs

4/22/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial fire damage in Westwood, CA.

Three Types Of Policies Businesses Should Purchase

There are many different types of commercial insurance and the terminology can be confusing to some business owners. The exact types of insurance you will need will depend on the type of business you own and your risk management strategy; however, these are three common types of policies that most businesses should purchase.

1. Commercial Property Insurance
This type of insurance protects the physical assets of your business, such as the building you operate out of, office furniture, computers, manufacturing equipment, inventory and other items. Some types of property, such as vehicles, are typically excluded because those items are usually covered by a separate policy. Typical causes of loss covered by commercial property insurance include fire damage, sudden and accidental discharge of water, wind damage and explosion. In addition to paying for the repair or replacement of damaged property, this type of insurance may cover cleaning and restoration services.

2. Business Liability Insurance
Liability insurance is another common type of commercial insurance. Some types of liability insurance may be required by law in Westwood, CA. Liability policies provide coverage for the money you are legally liable to pay to another party due to the negligent actions of you or your employees. These policies can be general liability policies that cover liability that isn't specifically covered by another policy or policies that cover specific types of liability, such as product liability, malpractice, or automobile.

3. Commercial Auto Insurance
This type of policy covers damage to your company vehicles from collisions, weather, theft and other causes of loss. It also provides liability protection for money owed due to the negligence of someone driving one of your company vehicles.
Every business does not require every type of commercial insurance available. However, these three types are required by most businesses. If you are unsure which policies you need to purchase, an insurance professional can assist you.

What You Need to Know About Commercial Property Insurance

12/29/2020 (Permalink)

Commercial insurance is a policy that can protect your business from unexpected disasters

Here Is An Overview Of This Type Of Insurance

Whether you own or lease a building, you need commercial insurance. This can cover the cost of remediation professionals for your structure, contents, and exterior features. Having this can offer your business much-needed relief after a disaster.

What It Is
Commercial insurance is a policy that can protect your business from unexpected disasters. This includes events such as fires, storms, explosions, system failures, theft, and vandalism. It typically does not cover the cost of damage after a flood or earthquake unless you have purchased an add on.

How Much It Costs
The exact amount that your commercial insurance policy will cost is based on the many facets of your building in Beverly Hills, CA. The main factors that impact cost include:

• Exact address
• Construction materials
• Occupancy limits
• Fire and theft protection systems

When looking for a policy, you should gather all of this information to get the most accurate cost estimates. This will help you decide on a policy that fits your budget and offers all the features you are looking for.

What It Covers
Your policy will cover your building, its contents, and any exterior features you have. This means that your computers, furniture, equipment, important documents, and inventory will be covered if it was stored inside your building. Additionally, any signs, fencing, and landscape features surrounding your building will be insured. Depending on the policy you choose, any damage that spreads from your business to surrounding buildings could be covered. If you have purchased additional coverage, these items will still be protected in the event of a flood or earthquake.
Purchasing a commercial policy will help protect your business from any unexpected disasters. The cost that you pay will depend on several factors, although anything inside and outside of your business will be covered in the event of any fire damage or other disasters.

4 Steps To Take If Your Business Experiences Sewage Damage

12/14/2020 (Permalink)

Call a professional restoration company to cleanup a sewer damage

Four Things To Do If You Find Sewage Damage In Your Business

Discovering sewage damage in your Century City, CA, business can be both harrowing and disgusting. However, you'll need to be on your toes for the sewer cleanup. If it's more than a simple floor leak, specific measures need to be taken. While a restoration company can do the cleaning, there are a few procedures you may carry out. Here are four things to do if you find sewage damage in your business.

1. Unplug and Turn Off Nearby Electronics
First and foremost, it's essential to get rid of any safety hazards around the sewer backup. Make sure anything that runs on electricity is turned off and/or unplugged. Here are some items to look out for in a business setting:

• Computers
  
• Chargers
  
• Televisions
  
• Video Equipment
  
  

Don't try to use anything electronic that was in the area. If the water touches one of these items, the surrounding area could become dangerous.

2. Open Windows
Mold is a serious concern after sewage damage occurs. Therefore, airing out your space is an essential task if you want to deter it. The fresh air also helps to get rid of any putrid smells from, for instance, a flooded toilet.

3. Remove Endangered Items
Anything that's been contaminated by the sewage should be left to the professionals, but it's prudent to remove non-contaminated items from the area. If the water keeps leaking, it's liable to reach more of your property. Keep in mind that contaminated items might be restorable.

4. Inspect the Damage
The entire sewer cleanup process will go faster if you know what needs to be done. Without coming in contact with the sewage, try to see what damage has been caused. Make sure that restoration experts know your findings. If you can tell that something can't be restored and must be replaced, you'll be able to start that process immediately.
Sewage damage is never pretty, but it doesn't have to be debilitating. Stay attentive and know what steps to take. Once the sewer cleanup is over, you can know you did your best for the business.

4 Common Types of Water Damage That Could Hit Your Business

11/7/2020 (Permalink)

Toilet overflow in Westwood Village, CA

Here Are Four Of The Most Common Water Problems Businesses Face

Sooner or later most businesses face a water loss of some sort. It can be hard to predict exactly what your company in Westwood Village, CA, will encounter, but a few problems do show up with regularity. For example, damaged pipes often result in water leaking into walls and onto floors. A leak could be slow and steady or it could be bigger and release a large volume of water in a short time. With many leaks, the solution is simple: Call in a respected water remediation franchise to restore your building and its contents.  

1. Leaking Pipes. The connections between pipes often spring a leak, resulting in water spreading into the office or the plant. This could cause damage to equipment and electrical systems.

2. Damaged Pipes. Your plumbing conduits can fail for a number of reasons. For many types of pipes, age will eventually cause them to break down enough for a hole to form. When this occurs, it is crucial to stop the flow quickly and then to remove any standing water. A professional team of technicians has the equipment and experience to clean up the mess.

3. Flooding. A flood in your facility could be the result of heavy rains or overflowing streams or be from a major plumbing malfunction. Either way, a flood could bring in contaminated water that requires advanced techniques to remove it and to disinfect all surfaces.

4. Toilet Overflow. This common problem should be addressed as soon as possible as it presents a slip and fall danger for employees and could also create unsanitary conditions. Once the toilet is fixed, the area should be cleaned and disinfected.
Damaged pipes and other water problems result in disruptions and extra expenses for a company. A fast cleanup minimizes damages and enables your company to resume normal operations.

Commercial First Aid Kit Requirements

8/19/2020 (Permalink)

Keeping commercial property safe is important, but a business owner's first priority should be employee and customer safety.

As a business owner, you're responsible ensuring the safety of, not only your commercial property, but also all of the employees and customers within. One of the most important requirements regarding safety involves keeping an adequately stocked first aid kit on site. Keep your employees, customers and building in Beverly Hills, CA, safe by ensuring that your emergency kits are up to the following standards:

Minimum Required Items
The United States Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has clear guidelines regarding the minimum required contents for each commercial building's first aid kit. The following items must be included in order to fit the requirements:

Two sets of differently sized gauze pads (4x4" and 8x10" respectively)
Gauze roller bandage (minimum 2" wide)
Band-aids or similar brand of adhesive bandages, including triangular-shaped bandages
Scissors
Tweezers
Properly sealed moist towelettes, or other approved wound cleaning agents
One or more blankets
At least one pair of latex gloves
A roll of adhesive tape
Equipment that can be used to resuscitate an unconscious person(s), such as a resuscitation bag, pocket mask or airway
At least one splint
Two elastic wraps, minimum
Instructions that can direct the reader to contact emergency assistance

The above list is approved for an emergency kit that is located at a small work site (two to three employees). If your work site hosts more employees, you must provide multiple emergency kits to account for the increased personnel. Alternatively, you could increase the amount of supplies in each kit. These terms are non-negotiable, according to the United States Department of Labor.

Property and other physical possessions are replaceable, but human lives are not. Providing an adequately stocked first aid kit, containing the above items, is paramount to ensuring employee and customer safety. It could mean the difference between life and death in the event of an emergency, such as a severe storm or flood. Contact your local storm remediation experts for more information.

You Need Our Experts When Your Beverly Hills Business Suffers Water Damage

6/18/2020 (Permalink)

Who To Call When You Face Water Damage In Your Beverly Hills Business

It's easy to believe that a leaking pipe in your wall or a faulty faucet is not a major problem. However, faulty plumbing in your Beverly Hills convenience store can burst overnight and can turn a small leak into a disaster for your business. A burst pipe can output hundreds of gallons per hour, causing widespread damage to your building's structure, so it is important to quickly contact professionals who can halt the spread of water.

SERVPRO water damage restoration technicians (WRT) are experienced in mitigating commercial water damage in Beverly Hills businesses and make sure to efficiently deal with water-related emergencies. We are flexible in our scheduling and can arrive during times best suited for your business, such as during off hours or during ebbs in the flow of customers. When we arrive, we can identify the source of the spillage and plug it. However, if the pipe has a significant leak, then it is recommended that you contact a plumber. Once we stop the source of the water, we can begin removing any standing water present in your business with the use of industrial-grade wet vacs.

Withstanding water gone, we can inspect your walls with moisture meters to determine if water has penetrated your wall cavities. If water is discovered, structural cavity drying equipment can be used to circulate air inside wall cavities, helping dry the interiors.

Insulation is a key component in stabilizing store temperatures to ensure that food does not go bad. However, insulation can lose its resistance to heat flow after exposure to water, making it more difficult and costly to keep temperatures level. SERVPRO can assist you with the process of stripping and replacing your insulation, if necessary.

Wooden shelving in your convenience store can warp and crack as a result of water damage, and metal shelving can rust. SERVPRO WRT teams can assist you with drying your shelving and can deploy dehumidifiers and air movers to speed up the drying process.

If you are threatened by commercial water damage, then call SERVPRO of Beverly Hills / Westwood at (310) 390-7540.

For more about Beverly Hills click here.

Property Management and Storm Preparation

5/8/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Beverly Hills/Westwood is your trusted leader in storm restoration services.

Property management is a significant responsibility. Depending on the facility you oversee, you are charged with caring for the safety of managers, employees, residents and consumers. Storm preparedness is an essential part of your job, and it typically encompasses four critical areas for you and your employees:

Playbook
Shelter areas
Procedures and responsibilities
Recovery plan

Prepare a Playbook

The first thing you want to do to prepare for possible weather disasters is to create a playbook for you and other key managers. This book should include contact information for staff and emergency responders. As well, it should designate responsibilities for crucial team members to ensure the safety of teams. There should also be a page in your playbook dedicated to the protection and containment of essential documents and files.

Designate Shelter Areas

Next, every property manager needs to designate appropriate shelter and exit points. It is vital to inform all staff of these areas and run practice drills to ensure familiarity. One of the most significant aspects of storm preparedness is having emergency shelters and escape routes.

Determine Procedures and Responsibilities

It is necessary as a property manager to understand your limitations. Depending on the size of your property, it may be impossible for you to handle all storm preparations and evacuations. Therefore, it is best to distribute specific procedures and responsibilities to other managers.

Develop a Recovery Plan

Finally, it is crucial to develop a recovery plan to minimize business interruption. You can contact a storm restoration company in Beverly Hills, California to discuss the specifics of restoring the facility.

Storm preparedness is a crucial part of every property manager's job. By having preparations in place, you can minimize the panic and chaos that storms tend to bring. Also, by establishing a clear recovery plan, you can reassure employees that business will return to normal. In addition be sure to talk with a recovery expert so you can better prepare for possible disaster.

6 Fire Preparedness Tips

4/12/2020 (Permalink)

Fire sprinkler system in a Beverly Hills, CA building

Tips For Businesses To Consider To Avoid Or Handle A Fire

Unfortunately, a fire can happen at any time. While businesses Beverly Hills, CA, can never truly fortify themselves against one, especially in cases of a lightning strike, there are fire preparation strategies to prevent accidental fires and limit fire damage. Below are six tips for businesses to consider to avoid or handle a fire.

1. Equipment

The first line of defense for when the unthinkable happens is having the right equipment and ensuring it is accessible. If a building is equipped with a sprinkler system, regularly inspect it to ensure it will work when it needs to. Ensure fire extinguishers, alarms and control panels are not blocked.

2. Waste Disposal

A key component of a disaster preparation is establishing protocol for the disposal of any hazardous materials, which can range from chemicals to oils and include combustible materials.

3. Storage

Any hazardous or flammable materials need to be properly stored. They should be kept in a dry, secure location with good ventilation.

4. Cleanliness

Along with the aesthetic appeal of a clean building, reducing clutter and keeping things organized to minimize the spread of a fire, as well ensures that exits are not blocked.

5. Plan

Every business should have an emergency and evacuation plan. A fire preparation plan should include a hierarchy of people in charge in order to ensure the plan goes smoothly. They can coordinate calling for help and important details needed to keep everyone safe and minimize damage.

6. Communicate

A plan only works if people know about. Ensure the plan is regularly communicated and conduct drills to ensure the plan goes smoothly in case of a real incident. It is also important to conduct equipment demonstrations to ensure everyone knows how to use fire extinguishers and other tools.
Fire preparation can minimize risk and ensure the situation is handled in the best possible way. Even if a fire does break out, there are fire and smoke damage professionals that can help restore your business back to its glory.