Catch Water Damage Before It Occurs | SERVPRO of Lompoc

3/8/2022 (Permalink)

Nobody plans for water damage. There’s no water damage “season” we all look forward to like winter holidays—“Ooh, I hope we get a new refrigerator supply hose leak this year!”

And yet, water damage happens on occasion whether we want it to or not. And though it may not choose a defined date or time to occur, if you’re watchful, you may be able to catch some of its likely manifestations before they happen. Let’s check a few spots.

Toilets. There are only a few spots to check your toilet for leaks, and the most common are the flapper (inside the upper tank where the water flows into the bowl) and the valve seal, the rubber ring on the underside of the tank.

Appliances. Any appliance that uses water is going to use hoses and washers that may give way over time. Keep an eye on your fridge, dishwasher and especially the supply hose for your washing machine. Oh, and how old is your water heater? Units over 10 years old have been known to explode.

Clogged gutters. This is one scenario over which you can exert a great deal of control, because it’s a fairly simple matter to check your gutters occasionally and clean out the debris, dirt and leaves that would work together to cause a dam to form in your gutters. Now where’s that ladder?

Roof damage. Your roof’s job is tough. It works hard day after day, taking a beating from the elements, falling tree limbs, squirrels, all kinds of things. Eventually, even the stoutest roof will show signs of wear, and that wear will allow water to pass through to the wood frame and inside to the attic.

Pipes. Pipes can burst in the winter as frozen water expands inside, and other issues like oxidation or loose joints can cause them to fail at other times. You may even have to deal with tree roots intruding into in-ground lines between your house and the main supply at the street.

Blocked garbage disposals. Grease, potatoes and fibrous vegetable skins can all clog your garbage disposal, causing backups and potential damage. And be careful when you plunge, because if your sink’s joints aren’t fully secure (this happens often with PVC), they may separate with intense plunging.

You can’t stop every leak, even at your most vigilant. But keeping an eye on the condition of the various devices that interact with water regularly can make water damage prevention more of a likelihood.

If a water leak erupts into a big problem at home, you’ve got the best team in the business on your side. Contact SERVPRO today so we can get started.

Severe Storm Preparedness

3/8/2022 (Permalink)

• A severe storm is a common occurrence, but should always be revered as a possible threat. Any storm has the potential to cause significant damage or pose a threat to unprotected people. Make sure you are doing everything you can to keep your household safe. 
• Knowing the difference between a watch and warning, rather it be a tornado or severe thunderstorm. Be sure to have emergency supplies stored near by and having a way to tune into emergency broadcasts to be as prepared as possible.

Be Aware of What Watches and Warnings Mean

When severe weather is on the way, local officials will generally issue watches and warnings to keep the public informed about the current conditions, so it is important to know what they mean. A storm watch is issued if conditions are particularly favorable for a storm to develop, but one has yet to occur in the area.

A storm warning is more serious, as it means storms have been spotted on the ground and are a threat to the area. During a storm watch, you can simply stay alert, but during a storm warning, you should take cover immediately

Have Ample Emergency Supplies Stored

If a storm is nearby, it is important to seek shelter and stay put until the threat passes—which is why having everything you need at home is so highly recommended. Be sure you have enough food and water packed for everyone in your family in case utilities go out, as well as flashlights and extra batteries so you have a light source. You should also have a “safe zone” in the home—somewhere you can go that is sheltered from external walls as much as possible where you can wait out the worst of the storm.

Have Multiple Ways to Tune Into Emergency Broadcasts

While most of us rely on our smartphones to get information about the weather, this method can have some drawbacks and is not reliable during severe weather. Because cell reception can be spotty during severe storms and electricity is often unreliable, make sure you have multiple ways to get alerts that do not depend on the traditional power grid. A non-electric weather radio powered by batteries or manually is often a good solution for this.

How to Prevent Moisture from Entering your Building and Causing Damage

10/6/2021 (Permalink)

1. Create a Physical Barrier

In order to decrease the likelihood of water and mold damage to your building, it can be helpful to put a barrier between your building and the elements. A building envelope acts as a water-resistant cover and protects your business from strong winds and heavy rains. In order for the envelope to be of use, it’s often important to make sure the envelope is securely placed around your building before a storm hits.

2. Inspect Your Building Before the Storm

Rain damage can occur seemingly without warning, and it may be necessary to contact storm restoration experts to fix the damage. However, it’s often preferable to prevent damage from occurring in the first place. By inspecting your building before a storm, you are likely to notice if there are any loose shingles, small holes or other areas where water may be able to enter your building. Inspecting the building frequently will allow you to make the necessary changes that can help to prepare your property for a disaster.

3. Clear and Reposition Gutters

If your property’s gutters are clogged or are positioned too closely to your business, the likelihood of water damage and mold growth increases. In order to avoid black mold growth and other issues related to water damage, it can be useful to clear your business’s gutters before a storm. Moving your gutters to ensure the flow of water is not directed at your building’s foundation can also be helpful.

Though storms have the potential to cause major issues for a business, preventing moisture from entering the building can make damage less likely to occur. By creating a physical barrier, inspecting your property before a storm and clearing and repositioning your building’s gutters, you can help to keep your business safe from rain damage.

Commercial Disasters

8/31/2021 (Permalink)

As a business owner, your office is one of your company’s most valuable assets. Most companies cannot afford to close for even a few days, so what do you do if your office or storefront is hit with a flood or a fire? Your friends at SERVPRO of Lompoc deal with these type of scenarios on a daily basis, and they are your first line of defense in the event of an unfortunate disaster at your place of business.

Here are a few of the services offered by SERVPRO of Lompoc:

Water Extraction & Restoration – Water can come in from many sources; a broken pipe, heavy storm, sewer back up and even water used to extinguish a fire.

Mold Remediation – Where there is water and moisture, there is always potential for mold growth. The professionals at SERVPRO are always mindful of this and can help reduce the potential for a mold outbreak in your Lompoc business after a water loss.

Fire Restoration – A fire in your place of business can be devastating. Beyond what the fire consumes, it also leaves caustic side effects of smoke damage throughout the surrounding area. After the fire department has extinguished the fire, call us immediately. Our team of experts are ready to help bring your Lompoc area business to a preloss state, minimizing the time you have to close your doors.

If your business has suffered a fire or water loss or you have a janitorial need, give us a call today. We are always here to help, 24/7 (805) 733-8911

Board-Up services for Portland commercial properties

8/31/2021 (Permalink)

For commercial properties, a sudden interruption to regular operations can be devastating. SERVPRO of Lompoc offers critical emergency restoration services so that no matter the property damage, your commercial property can get back to business.

The first step to emergency restoration and secondary damage protection is securing the property. Our professionals provide Board-Up services for any properties who have compromised entries or openings after damage occurs. 

Board-up services can be needed after a variety of property damage events, such as:

• Weather events like storms, tornadoes, floods, or high winds
• Vandalism, theft, or break-ins
• Rioting, demonstrations that may become unruly, or unrest
• Fires
• Vehicle impacts

For commercial properties, time is of the essence. That is why fast response is a top priority for SERVPRO of Lompoc. Emergency Board-Up services are performed by our Priority Response Team, a department that operates on-call 24/7 so that someone is ready and available to provide EMG Restoration Services at any time, any day.

If your commercial property experiences intrusive property damage, call SERVPRO of Lompoc at (805) 733-8911 as soon as practical.

Kitchen fire safety

8/31/2021 (Permalink)

A favorite activity of many residents in Lompoc, cooking lets us show off our skill and our personalities. It also brings friends and family together, teaches our children a vital but fundamental skill, and promotes our health.

Lompoc's  chefs can protect their kitchens from fire damage by exercising caution when frying foods. Oils can quickly ignite, creating instantaneous flames that can spread quickly. If this happens, turn off the stove's burners as quickly as possible. Using water in attempts to extinguish such fires rarely ends well. Instead, cover the pot to suffocate the flames, or toss several boxes of baking soda on a blazing skillet, which can extinguish the fire, if you act quickly enough.

However, it takes a tremendous amount of baking soda to accomplish this feat. The mistaken use of baking powder, or worse, flour, can create even more problems, as these ignite when exposed to too much heat. Smoking heavily, oil gives off a warning sign when becoming too hot, so reducing the temperature can effectively prevent a grease fire.

Even if a kitchen fire blazes for only a short time and efforts to extinguish it succeed, the smoke can ruin your kitchen. However, the technicians at SERVPRO combine extensive experience with intensive training, so your home always receives the protection it deserves. We can clean your kitchen and adjacent areas in your home, so it sparkles once again. Making homes feel clean and bright again, so homeowners feel “Like it never even happened,” makes our work fulfilling and highly worthwhile.

At times, structural damage to the home occurs because of a fire that raged out of control and spread, but we are always ready for such disasters. Cleaning these situations up to restoring your home through repairs or replacements makes it safe once again to enjoy cooking and providing others with delicious food from your kitchen. Removing the sooty deposits means no malodorous remnants remain to ruin the taste of your food, either.

SERVPRO of Lompoc can be contacted at our local number, (805) 733-8911, any day of the year, and at any hour. We care about those in our community and helping ensure that each family can engage in their daily activities without interruption remains one of our goals.

Smoke and Soot Odor

8/31/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lompoc is an expert on restoring properties after fire damage. The first thing you think of is cleaning the debris, soot, and char damage – but the damage that can linger the longest is the smell. This is why a huge part of our restoration process after a fire is deodorization.

There are a few ways we can do this. For textiles and clothing, we have two large commercial washing machines that can deep clean large loads. If textiles still need odors removed after washing, we have what we call an “Ozone room.” An Ozone room is a containment area where contents can be stored over night where they will be deodorized using an unstable oxygen molecule. Ozone is able to destroy odor particles in materials through oxidation, and works wonders for organic odors and fire odors. It takes time to work, and must be set to operate when no persons are around.

How containment helps the restoration of water damage

8/31/2021 (Permalink)

When water damage occurs in a building, there are certain techniques that restorers implement to achieve restoration goals in a timely manner. Here at SERVPRO of Lompoc, each water loss restoration project plan is organized by a Project Manager. One technique that our PMs implement to reach drying goals is containment.

If you’ve ever dealt with hazardous materials, such as microbial growth, asbestos, or lead, you are likely familiar with containment. It’s a crucial way to do as the word means - contain the contaminated area and create controlled entryways to the affected area, which prevents the spread of cross-contamination to other areas in the building. 

Containments can also be useful in water damage mitigation. Often, it is used to create a controlled airflow and limit the amount of air filtering through drying equipment. 

When a containment is set up in a water loss job, it’s likely because the water loss is already limited to a certain area of the home. When that is the case, restorers will set up a polyurethane wall that reduces the room to a smaller space. They tape in an entryway, often a zipper opening, and set the drying equipment inside the containment.

By doing this, restorers are able to remove moisture from the air and material surface in the source area in a quicker, more targeted fashion. This prevents secondary damage, such as microbial growth, from developing.

If you experience a water loss in your property, call SERVPRO of Lompoc as soon as possible so the right mitigation plan is implemented in a timely manner.

Ready For You

8/31/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lompoc provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster.

We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

• 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 

Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 –(805) 733-8911  SERVPRO of Lompoc

Residential Services

Whether your Lompoc home needs emergency flood damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us.  Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. Learn more about our residential services:

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Storm Damage Restoration
• Cleaning Services
• Building/Reconstruction Services

Commercial Services

There's never a convenient time for fire or Water damage to strike your commercial property in the Lompoc Area. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business.

Securing your property after a flood event

8/31/2021 (Permalink)

While it’s less common to experience flood damage in your home or business in Lompoc, there is still a risk that it could happen on your property. If you ever experience flood damage, there are action steps you can take to protect your property before a restoration professional like SERVPRO of Lompoc responds.

Secure the Property:

• Contact local emergency officials, if the flood is a large weather event.
• Secure main entrances to the building.
• Alert your security company and alarm company of the situation.

Stabilize the Property:

• Open basement or low-level windows to equalize water pressure on the building’s foundation and walls.
• Begin water damage mitigation steps only if local emergency officials deem the structure safe to enter. 
• Notify your insurance agent or Risk Manager to determine insurance policy guidelines and steps to take.

Storm Damage & Preventative Maintenance

8/31/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lompoc prides itself on being a leader in the commercial and residential restoration industry. As storm damage experts, we help home and business owners recover from small incidental damage all the way up to total loss after a major storm.

Storm Damage starts with severe weather, such as hail, heavy winds, hail and most common to our region, rain. The potential a storm has to damage your property is directly related to how protected your property is and if due diligence has been paid to preventative maintenance on your home or property. An example of this would be small leaks that have gone undetected and addressed for a substantial amount of time until they become a much bigger and more expensive issue.

SERVPRO of Lompoc is your local storm damage company and we can help identify some of these smaller issues before they become bigger ones. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, ready to provide you with superior emergency service after a major storm as well as help secure your property and belongings to minimize continued damage.

Call us today to learn more about our services and how we can help your home or business in the event of a storm emergency. (805) 733-8911

After Storm Tips

8/31/2021 (Permalink)

We’ve put together a few tips that you and your family can use in the event of a flood.

• Photograph The Damage. You can never take too many photos. Your insurance company will thank you and you will have a much easier time with your claim if you have good photos.
• Contact Your Insurance Provider. As soon as you have gathered preliminary information, you should contact your home insurance provider. In the event that your vehicle has suffered damage, contact your auto insurance provider.
• Safety First. Be mindful of fallen power lines and take care not to come in contact with electrically charged water.
• Inspect Plumbing. Turn of your water main if necessary. Contact a trusted plumbing contractor if you discover plumbing damage.
• Disconnect electrical appliances that have come in contact with water. Turn off main power at the power source. Contact a electrician if you discover damaged electrical wires.
• Inspect your roof. Heavy rains and wind may have dislodged some of your roofing. If you discover any damage, contact a roofing contractor.
• Contact SERVPRO of Lompoc. If the storm has resulted in flooding, call SERVPRO of Lompoc immediately to start the water remediation process. Secondary water damage can occur in as little as 24 hours.
• DO NOT attempt to remove fallen trees yourself. Contact a reputable arborist if the tree is on your property or the appropriate municipality if it has fallen across public lands or roads.
• Always work with trustworthy local service providers. Unfortunately, there are some companies that attempt to take advantage of storm events. Always obtain a written contract that outlines the service expectations and a breakdown of costs.

SERVPRO of Lompoc specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a storm 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. If storm damage strikes your home, trust the damage restoration industry leader.(805) 733-8911

Understanding the IICRC's 3 Categories of Water

8/11/2021 (Permalink)

What comes to mind when you think of water damage? Chances are, your idea is only one variety of the many different situations that can be described by the label “water damage.” From flooding after a storm to a toilet bowl overflow, everything about the incident, right down to the classification of the water itself, is unique. The water involved in water damage situations can be broken down into three distinct categories, according to the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification. These water categories in water damage situations can be found inside of homes or commercial businesses, which emphasizes the importance of both homeowners and business owners’ understanding of such categories. Keep reading to learn more about the three “Categories of Water” outlined by the IICRC, which will help you to gain a better understanding of the severity and implications of water damage for your home or business, should such a situation ever occur.

The IICRC’s 3 Categories of Water

In their document, “S500 Standard for Professional Water Damage Restoration”, the IICRC categorizes water into three groups based on the water’s level of contamination, as they consider “both its originating source and quality after it contacts materials present on the job site.” The IICRC also asserts that time and temperature can both affect contamination level, which means that water is capable of changing categories.

Category 1- Clean Water

The kind of water that falls under Category 1, according to the IICRC, is “clean water,” which originates from a sanitary source. Therefore, exposure to Category 1 water does not pose a threat to human health. Examples of Category 1 water range from broken water supply lines to uncontaminated rainwater and melted snow or ice. It must be reiterated that Category 1 water can deteriorate in sanitation level to Category 2 based on its exposure to time and temperature. In the event that “clean water” begins to develop an odor, it may indicate that it has become contaminated.

Category 2- Gray Water

Significant contamination is characteristic of Category 2 water. As a result, exposure to or consumption of Category 2 water can lead to discomfort or illness in humans. Discharge and overflows from household appliances, including dishwashers, washing machines, and toilets, often fall under this category. Several unexpected situations, such as broken aquariums and water beds that have been punctured, can also be classified as Category 2. With increased contamination, “gray water” can quickly decline in quality and become “black water.”

Category 3- Black Water

Based on the IICRC’s standards, Category 3 water possesses the greatest amount of contamination. Commonly referred to as “black water,” this variety of water often contains “harmful agents” such as pathogens and toxins, which can lead to health effects if humans consume or come into contact with Category 3 water. Rain from hurricanes and tropical storms, river and seawater runoff, and sewage are all examples of Category 3 water. Water damage professionals should be called to handle Category 3 water situations due to its health effects.

We Have the Expertise That You Need

Fully trained through SERVPRO Industries Inc., which is IICRC-approved, our water damage restoration experts at SERVPRO of Lompoc are ready to help your home or business recover from water damage of any kind. Adhering to the IICRC’s S500 Standards, our services are tailored to your unique needs in accordance with the three “Categories of Water.” Our team of professionals will arrive as soon as all you call us at (805)733-8911 at the first sight of water damage. In addition to our reputable Water Damage Restoration Services, check out our Water Brochure, which further details the steps that we take to restore water damage and the water damage restoration services that we provide, including specialized services like Sewage Cleanup. In the event that your home or commercial business experiences water damage that falls under any of the IICRC’s categories, you can count on SERVPRO to make it “Like it never even happened.”

We are Cleaning Experts! | SERVPRO of Lompoc

8/11/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lompoc is here to help during this uptick in COVID-19 cases. This is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

According to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, our team members are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff performs daily.

The CDC encourages the cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

The CDC recommends the usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call us today!

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Lompoc - (805)733-8911

We take care of it all

7/26/2021 (Permalink)

When it comes to customer service, we make continual efforts to make sure that not only you are satisfied by all parties involved are happy with the services we provide. We stay in constant contact with your insurance adjuster, agent and carrier to make sure all parties involved are informed with the services we provide and the progress that is made during the claim. This is paramount to us! A perfectly satisfied customer is a repeat customer! The relationships that are forged by premier customer service provided to each and every home owner, business owner and insurance agent mean so much to us. It only takes one bad job to cancel out a thousand "great outcomes." We strive to make sure that doesn't happen.

Why Use SERVPRO for Your Disaster Recovery Needs?

7/13/2021 (Permalink)

No one plans for an emergency, but when disaster strikes, it’s good to know who you should call to get help with disaster recovery as quickly as possible. Learn why you should choose SERVPRO for all your disaster remediation needs.

When disaster strikes, be prepared

At different times in life, we may find ourselves in emergency situations that call for quick reactions. In cases where a home or business structure in Lompoc is being compromised by unhealthy and/or unsafe conditions, SERVPRO of Lompoc is the-fast-response you need to get relief.  Tumultuous situations should be handled by professionals with the right tools to do the job efficiently. When you are choosing your clean-up and restoration specialist company, you may be considering a few important things such as:

• Convenient location
• 24/7 availability
• Professionalism
• Efficiency
• Honesty
• Experience
• Latest equipment

Why SERVPRO is the answer for disaster response

In event of an unexpected disaster such as flooding, fire, or strong storm damage situations, remember, we’re here to help.  We want to make the clean-up process as easy as possible for you and reduce the amount of stress you may be feeling. SERVPRO of Lompoc has trained professionals who are quick to respond and apply the latest equipment and techniques to make your disaster look “Like it never even happened.”

What can SERVPRO assist with?

We have the experience and broad inventory of recovery equipment to handle disasters of all sizes and types. We have many qualified technicians on our team and collectively have all IICRC-certifications in restoration, remediation, abatement, reconstruction, and disaster recovery.

Our services include the following:

• Fire damage remediation
• Storm damage remediation
• Water damage remediation
• Mold damage remediation
• Professional cleaning and disinfecting services
• Building repairs
• Biohazard cleanup
• Commercial cleaning

If you experience a disaster of any kind, whether you’re a homeowner or a commercial property owner, contact SERVPRO of Lompoc 24/7 at 805-733-8911 to help recover from any disaster you may encounter.

Did You Know We Will Clean & Restore Any Hoarding Scenario ?

4/20/2021 (Permalink)

Hoarding is a serious problem for many people. A hoarder's home may be a very dangerous place. But with the right clean up help, hoarding can easily be defeated and become a thing of the past. If you are concerned that you or a loved one is at risk due to hoarding, call us to help clean it up. Hoarding Causes:

• Biohazardous Conditions
• Water Damage
• Fire Damage
• Blocks Exits For Emergency Personnel
• Mold
• Illness & Injury
• Unsanitary Conditions
• Odor
• Weakened Structural Integrity

Call SERVPRO of Lompoc today to discuss your hazard cleanup options; (805)733-8911.

Ready For Whatever Happens

4/20/2021 (Permalink)

When the storm is a major event, you need more comprehensive restoration support!

SERVPRO of Lompoc is "Ready for whatever happens."

SERVPRO has mobilization teams across the country to travel as needed to support recovery after large storm events.  Need a few hundred of our crews for a month? Only SERVPRO can make it happen!

When localized storms overwhelm local restoration companies, SERVPRO's storm response helps to manage the volume you need served.

Because SERVPRO has answered calls for help in storm situations over the years we have developed a specialized storm team and large loss response network to provide the resources you need - management, crews and equipment to get service to your property when others cannot.

That's why when disaster strikes, so do we!

COMMERCIAL LARGE LOSS PROGRAM

• Best of our best, SERVPRO's Large Loss Response Team recruited to serve your needs
• Elite group of large loss specialists pre-qualified and strategically positions throughout the US (approx. 110)
• Substantial resources through network of 1,800+ locations nationwide
• Six and seven-figure projects routinely assigned to our Large Loss Response Team members
• Clients include: Insurance Companies, Manufacturing Facilities, Hospitality Industry, Restaurants, Property Managers, Universities, Health Care Facilities, Libraries, Churches, Municipalities, Local, State and Federal Government
• Corporate oversight and communication on every large loss filed
• Business interruption minimized due to our timely response
• 24/7/365

Prepare. Plan. Build.

4/20/2021 (Permalink)

Educating yourself, your family and your employees is important. Below we are sharing great resources from Ready.Gov to help better prepare all your stakeholders. Know that SERVPRO of Lompoc Storm Team is also prepared to help, day or night, should you encounter water damage.

• MAKE A PLAN - Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes, so it is important to know which types of disasters could affect your area. Know how you’ll contact one another and reconnect if separated. Establish a family meeting place that’s familiar and easy to find.
• PREPARE TOGETHER - Whether you’re a kid or teen yourself, a parent or loved one, or work with youth, Ready Kids has tools and information to help before, during and after disasters.
• BUILD A KIT - After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own for several days. Being prepared means having your own food, water and supplies to last for several days. A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency.
• CLEANUP - When you are dealing with storm, flood, and water damage, immediate action is crucial. You should choose the company with storm damage experience and expertise that has the resources and equipment to handle the job. SERVPRO of Lompoc can respond immediately to storm and flooding conditions.

Why Do I Need Help with Cleanup After a Fire?

3/17/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO’s Skilled Technicians Use Industry-Proven Methods at Your Lompoc Home to Execute Effective Fire Damage Restoration.

Any fire damage within your Lompoc property can bring about post-event residue and hazardous chemicals. Expert restoration services help clean these stubborn residues and ensure that your interior is left like before the fire incident. Our SERVPRO crew also takes future hazards such as mildew and mold growth into consideration, which might develop if any moisture lingers from first responders extinguishing the flames.

Why Can’t Fire Restoration Be a DIY Project?

There are several reasons that make skilled fire damage restoration in Lompoc better than do-it-yourself methods alone, including:

• Industrial-grade vacuums pull up all traces of soot, smoke, chemicals, and ash.
• Odor eliminators quell odorous particulates from burnt substances like wood, plastic, and other materials.
• We perform a detailed inspection to help us identify and then safely remove any salvageable items for cleaning.
• We know what items are beyond repair and dispose of them properly.
• Controlled demolition using skilled building and reconstruction services allows us to replace any studs, drywall, window panes, and subflooring that had to get removed. 
• Our fire and smoke damage restoration technicians take steps to secure any areas during the renovation by way of plastic sheeting or other protective measures.

Each of these aspects points to the utter importance of calling in the help of restoration pros whenever you have a fire, big or small, within your home. It is vital that you consider all of the hazards involved with fire cleanup and know that our crew always arrives wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Even a small kitchen fire extinguished quickly can leave behind odorous materials that bring a constant reminder of the incident. 

We are Faster to Any Size Disaster here at SERVPRO of Lompoc, and you can count on us for 24/7 emergency service should you require fire damage restoration. To have a crew deployed to your property, call us at (805) 733-8911.

SERVPRO Brings Professional Water Damage Restoration to Lompoc

3/17/2021 (Permalink)

Local Lompoc Residents Trust SERVPRO for Water Damage Restoration

One of the biggest challenges for cleaning up water in a property is locating it. SERVPRO techs accomplish this by using equipment that detects moisture and devices that read heat signatures to determine cool areas that are likely places where water is collected. 

When SERVPRO techs take on water damage restoration in Lompoc homes, the tracking of the water's migration path is a crucial part of the mitigation. After a roof leak, pipe break, or toilet backup, the water in the home can wind up in many places. The techs look for: 

• Seepage under flooring or behind walls
• Evidence of water stains or sagging sheetrock
• Delaminated tiles 

The speed at which the restoration services begin has a direct bearing on the outcome for both the structure and contents, after handling any temporary repairs to halt further water from entering the property, such as found with a roof leak allowing rainwater into the home. SERVPRO techs often perform controlled demolition, removing only the damaged portion of building materials, leaving the rest of the structure intact. This technique saves property owners in terms of replacement materials. 

SERVPRO of Lompoc at (805) 733-8911 handles water damage restoration of any size in Lompoc properties. 

Commercial Business Structure Water Cleanup in Lompoc

3/17/2021 (Permalink)

Can long-term exposure to water damage structural elements?

Clients often observe dampness or even water leaking into an area and ignore it, expecting the moisture to dry naturally on its own. Roof leaks, leaks around windows, or leaks inside walls can weaken structures over time and cause mold to grow in the area under the right conditions.

SERVPRO evaluates the potential damage to structures before beginning water cleanup in Lompoc commercial buildings. Once our experts are satisfied that the structure is safe, our team investigates and identifies the moisture source. We work intimately with your building manager to arrange:

• Repair of pipes or seals around windows, doors, and roof
• Removal and repair of damaged or weakened structural elements
• Water cleanup and restoration, including drying the area and contents as needed

We understand how important it is to resume commercial operations. Our team responds in less than 4 hours to your call and deploys the appropriate resources to return your commercial building and operations to normal as soon as possible.

Home Heating Safety: Space Heaters

3/17/2021 (Permalink)

The U.S. Fire Administration documents that heating is the second leading cause of fires in homes. Here are a few pointers when adding heat to your home through the use of space heaters:

• Make sure your heater has been tested by a recognized testing laboratory.
• Your space heater should have an automatic shut off in the event it tips over.
• Be sure to place space heaters on a flat, sturdy surface.
• Do not leave heaters turned on when leaving or going to sleep.
• Do not leave any items that could potentially burn near the heater. Make sure nothing is within 3 feet of the heater.
• Do not plug anything else into the same circuit as the one used to power the space heater. Overheating may occur.
• Do not plug the space heater into a power strip or extension cord. Plug heater directly into an outlet.

Be sure to utilize these safety tips whenever using an electric space heater. For more info, be sure to check out the U.S. Fire Administration online!

Different Categories of Water

3/17/2021 (Permalink)

As professionals of emergency water mitigation, SERVPRO of Lompoc recognizes and understands the importance of the different categories of water as defined by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification or I.I.C.R.C. The IICRC is responsible for writing the standard and guidelines in many areas of emergency restoration. Knowing how to properly mitigate water damage depends on the category of water. Different categories of water may call for different courses of action during mitigation.

Category 1: Examples include: water supply lines for toilets, appliances, melting ice or snow, and tub or sink overflows with no contaminants present.

Category 2: Examples include: discharge or overflow from washing machines or dishwashers, toilet overflows which contain urine but no feces, broken aquariums, or punctured water beds.

Category 3: Examples include: Raw sewage, flood or seawater, ground surface or rising water from rivers/streams, or wind-driven rain. 

These are but a few examples of each Category of water. Knowing the correct water category will determine the correct method of mitigation in each situation. The professionals at SERVPRO of Lompoc are certified in Water Restoration and will ensure each water damage project is handled properly for any category of water.

Commercial Services: Food Service Facilities

3/17/2021 (Permalink)

When a business experiences an emergency caused by fire or water damage, one of the biggest concerns is down time and loss of revenue. This is especially true within the food service industry. SERVPRO of Lompoc understands that timely response is of the utmost importance for limiting business interruption. Within four hours of the initial call, SERVPRO professionals can be on-site to begin restoration services. In addition to emergency response for fire and water damage, SERVPRO of Lompoc is able to provide cleaning and sanitizing relating to the COVID-19 virus. These services and procedures follow and adhere to CDC guidelines. 

We'll make sure all surfaces are restored and sanitized to health and food safety specifications, and you are able to get back to business quicker!

SERVPRO of Lompoc has experience working in a variety of food services related facilities such as:

• Food Manufacturing
• Food distribution centers
• Fast food restaurants
• Fine dining restaurants
• Senior living facility kitchens
• School cafeterias

Whatever type of food service facility, SERVPRO of Lompoc is here 24/7/365 to assist with your emergency and make it "Like it never even happened."

Why SERVPRO? Always Ready

3/17/2021 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Lompoc, we understand fire and water damage emergency are never planned and they never occur at a good time. Emergencies rarely occur Monday through Friday between the hours of 8AM-5PM. If they could be predicted, there would be far fewer fire and water damage emergencies to remedy.

At SERVPRO of Lompoc, we're ready to assist with your emergency 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year. Whether it be a weekend, holiday or the middle of the night, our emergency restoration team is available to provide service. 

Timely response is important when mitigating fire and water damage which is why our team is ready to respond when contacted. After hours emergencies are dispatched to our on-call staff who immediately communicate with our clients when we will arrive at the job site for emergency mitigation. We're simply a phone call or computer click away.

SERVPRO of Lompoc, ready for whatever happens, no matter when it happens!

Why SERVPRO? Communication is Key

3/17/2021 (Permalink)

Whether it be a fire or a flood, unexpected emergencies are traumatic and can be difficult to process immediately after. For a property owner, many thoughts and concerns are constantly racing thought their minds as to how to quickly and safely return building conditions to normal. However, by contacting the professionals at SERVPRO of Lompoc, you can be sure to be clearly and carefully guided through the process from start to finish.

From the initial call to SERVPRO of Lompoc, clients can expect clear and consistent communication from our office staff, Project Management Team and our restoration technicians. Our staff keeps our customers up-to-date with each step of the process along the way. What to expect, how long will it take, what do we need to know, what's the next step? Communication is made daily with the client until the project is completed. 

At SERVPRO of Lompoc, we will provide clear and concise communication to make your disaster "Like it never even happened." 

Storm Prep: Build a Disaster Supply Kit

3/17/2021 (Permalink)

When it comes to combating oncoming storms, the best offense is a good defense. In other words, being prepared for storm damage is of the utmost importance. Whether it be a snow, ice, rain or windstorm, having a plan in place and a disaster supply kit assembled, will have you one step ahead when they strike. Here are a few recommendations for your Disaster Supply Kit:

• Water (one gallon per person per day for a minimum of 3 days)
• Food (no less than a three-day supply)
• Battery powered radio
• Flashlight 
• First aid kit
• Additional batteries
• Cell phone with chargers/battery backup
• Toolbox
• Pet food (if there are pets in the household)
• fire extinguisher
• Change of clothing for the appropriate weather and sturdy shoes
• Matches (preferably in a waterproof container)
• Writing utensil and paper
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
• Paper towels, plates, cups, and plastic eating utensils.

Other tasks that should be kept in mind prior to a storm:

• Fill your vehicle's gas tank
• Check your vehicle's tires
• Have cash on hand
• Charge your phone
• Plan alternate evacuation routes if necessary
• Gather important documents in a waterproof bag
• Have an extra set of keys
• Move your valuables to the highest level of the home

These are but a few items and tasks that can help you better be prepared when a storm is on its way. Of course, safety is of the utmost importance and should be your top priority. If your home or commercial property experiences fire, water, smoke or mold relating from storm damage, be sure to contact SERVPRO of Lompoc and we'll be there to assist you. Always here to help!

Preparing For An Unexpected Hailstorm

3/17/2021 (Permalink)

Hailstorms can happen year-round and can vary greatly in severity. Hail can be anywhere from .2 inches to 6 inches in size and weigh more than 1 pound. Annually, hailstorms cause close to $1 billion in damages mainly to roofs and cars. While hailstorms are not easily predicted, there are a few ways to prepare for them to lessen future damage. The first thing to check is your roof. You will want to look for any missing or worn shingles and get those replaced. If you know hail is on the way, try and get your car to the garage or a covered area if possible. Hail can be the bigger than a baseball and can fall from the sky up to 100 mph, yikes! During a hailstorm, you will want to stay inside and avoid skylights or any other glass windows/doors in your home. If you haven’t yet, check with your insurance carrier to see what is covered on your current policy and consider adding hail damage.

Tips for Cleaning Dryer Lint

3/9/2021 (Permalink)

Having a washer and dryer in your home is convenient, but improper maintenance can pose a unique fire threat. To prevent a lint fire in your home in Lompoc, you need to keep the combustible material away from heating elements. The best way to do this is to clean the lint out of the dryer on a frequent basis.

When to Clean the Dryer Lint

After Each Use

Every time you use your dryer, lint builds up on the removable screen. To prevent fire damage, you need to remove the lint at the end of every dry cycle. There are several ways to do this:

• Gather lint by hand
• Brush lint off screen with cleaning brush
• Vacuum lint off screen with hose attachment

If you are already using the vacuum hose to remove lint from the screen, go ahead and vacuum the inside area where the screen belongs before replacing it. This removes any lint that fell away when you were pulling the screen out. It's also a good idea to wash the screen with warm water occasionally, especially if you use fabric softener, as it can build up and clog the spaces that allow air to flow through.

Every Six Months

Even if you are diligent to clean the screen after every use, a lint fire could still happen if too much builds up in the exhaust hose or the machine itself. Fire restoration specialists recommend that you clean your dryer thoroughly every six months. After unplugging the machine, detach the exhaust hose from the wall and vacuum it out. Then remove the back panel of the machine and vacuum the accumulated lint out of its interior. Not only does this help prevent a dryer fire, it also helps your machine perform better.

Clothes create lint as they dry, and it's important to keep it away from the heating elements in the dryer. Regular maintenance can help prevent a lint fire and keep your dryer running well.

Home Water Damage - What Will My Insurance Cover?

3/4/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage is a common insurance claim among homeowners. If you are about to make a claim on water damage to your home it’s good to know what to expect. There are some items that homeowners generally have an easier time making water damage claims for than others. 

Problem Areas

There are some losses that homeowners typically run into problems when trying to make a water damage claim to their insurance company. These include loss that resulted from gradual damage. 

What Is Gradual Damage

Gradual damage is anything that happened over the course of a prolonged period, as opposed to an accident, or sudden damage, which happens as the result of one single event.

Will My Insurance Cover My Gradual Damage?

Loss such as leaky ceilings due to plumbing defects, water damage caused by cracks in the foundation, and in some cases, mold, fall under the category of gradual damage. These things are generally not covered by insurance. However, there may be some exceptions. For example, if mold was the result of another claim that was covered under insurance, but was not properly fixed, the insurance company would likely cover it.

Will My Insurance Cover My Water Loss?

On the other hand, if the water damage is sudden and accidental you’ll probably have a much easier time getting covered for the damages. This is the true nature of insurance – to cover accidents. Of course, everything is dependent upon the language of the policy that you purchased, but this is the very nature of insurance: coverage for sudden and accidental loss. A good practice for homeowners is to keep a record of all repairs and transactions for services that are made to your home.

About SERVPRO of Lompoc.

At SERVPRO of Lompoc we are not only experts at restoring your home "Like it never even happened," but we are also experts at dealing with insurance companies. For a stress-free claims process, SERVPRO can help manage the insurance paperwork and process. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you through the entire recovery process today!

Call SERVPRO of Lompoc

805-733-8911

Lompoc Water Damage Undermines a Building's Structure

3/4/2021 (Permalink)

Rain and water runoff can cause substantial Lompoc water damage to building structures, personal property, home furnishings and family heirlooms. However, it doesn't take flooding for water penetration to ruin personal possessions or cause structural damage. Leaky pipes or roofs, water from water heaters and appliances, and water intrusions caused by fallen branches or clogged gutters can generate tremendous damage and cleanup problems. Putting out a minor or major fire can cause severe water damage as well.

What You Can Do to Prevent Water Damage

You can't guard against every possibility, but you can reduce the risks of water damage by keeping your gutters and downspouts in good repair and trimming bushes and trees around your home. Installing a sump pump helps to keep your basement dry, and you might consider installing sensors to detect water penetration in the vulnerable areas of your home. Inspect your pipes, insulation, roof and HVAC system annually. Ensure that your doors and windows have flashing in good repair with functioning seals.

The Signs of Water Damage

Water damage isn't always immediately noticeable, so inspecting your home regularly is important. Small leaks in out-of-the-way areas can weaken structural integrity, destroy valuable personal items in storage areas and damage hardwood floors and carpets beyond repair. Proactive inspections and attention to trouble spots can prevent Lompoc water damage or minimize the harm done after water penetration or flooding.

Finding hidden leaks or water damage often takes some detective work. Look for stains on walls, ceilings and floors or buckling walls and floors. Crumbling wood around baseboards, windows and doors are a key sign of water penetration. Another sign of water damage is smell; if a room, attic or basement smells musty, it's likely that water penetration has caused some damage.

Heavy rains can cause flooding and roof damage while weakening key barriers to water penetration throughout your home like doors, windows, outside roofs and interior ceilings. Standpipes can overflow and cause water to penetrate the ceiling even when you can't find damage in other areas. Slow leaks, blocked gutters, malfunctioning appliances, slow soil drainage and burst pipes in hidden areas can result in standing water and cause tremendous Lompoc water damage.

What You Can Do If You Have Water Penetration

As home restoration specialists, we know that water damage isn't always preventable no matter how vigilant you are. Flash floods, burst pipes, damaged water heaters, broken appliances and even the mistakes of playing children can result in water penetrating your home. No matter what precautions you take in the Lompoc area, you can still get water damage in dozens of unexpected ways. Our experts at SERVPRO provide water removal, cleanup services and invaluable advice that can minimize the consequences of water damage.

Emergencies don't happen conveniently, so we offer 24-hour emergency service from our locally owned and managed office. We live and work where you live, but we have the national resources and local staff to restore your property in Lompoc. We have the latest drying and water removal equipment to get your property dry. If you have emergency water intrusion, flooding or Lompoc residential water damage from any source, call SERVPRO of Lompoc at (805) 733-8911.

Spring into Your Spring Cleaning with SERVPRO

3/4/2021 (Permalink)

Spring cleaning is a tradition that kick-starts efforts to “restart” your cleanliness prior to some of the busiest times of the year: the spring and summer seasons. While many people deep clean their homes, this is also a great time to clean and organize your work space.

SERVPRO of Lompoc can help facilitate your spring cleaning to the best conditions you have ever seen. In addition, our professionals are trained to use state-of-the-art equipment to remove soils hiding deep within your carpet. Not only can we complete air duct and HVAC cleaning, we can meet your cleaning needs through our stain removal and stain resisting applicators. 

Improve your living and work space this spring. Choose SERVPRO of Lompoc to assist you with your home and/or business spring cleaning. We will have it sparkling in no time, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO's Relationships

3/1/2021 (Permalink)

Involvement by our SERVPRO team at all levels in the community cannot be understated. One of these levels is at the city and county economic level. Every town and city has a vested interest in trying to help their local business survive and thrive, providing much needed jobs to the members of their communities and also providing economic stimulus and tax revenue generation. 

These needs get interrupted when disaster strikes a business and it is vital to get their operations back up and running, as quickly as possible, "Like it never even happened." This is where the relationships you form with SERVPRO prior to the disaster striking are so important. Does your business already have a SERVPRO Representative (SMR) assigned to you? If not, complete a internet search for your local SERVPRO franchise and ask for one to be assigned to you. This SMR will go through the process of educating your business about all that they can do in advance of the coming disaster, to help you prepare so that when it happens, it is not as costly to you in downtime and lost production.       

There are many different ways to get involved with your community business members. Building relationships with our local businesses is key for when large events happen at this level, those leaders run in small circles and great relationships are needed here, so those business leaders can get their business's back up and running and restore their communities to like it was before the disaster.... "Like it never even happened." 

Commercial Fire Deodorization

3/1/2021 (Permalink)

This is a large commercial fire damage we produced as a result of an electrical malfunction. SERVPRO of Lompoc had a first responder on site quickly to expedite cleaning, demolition, and deodorization scope and planning. As this was located at a gymnasium, the vast majority of space was warehouse, with built-in tiered offices and party rooms. Total affected space in the building was 15,500 square feet, which made for an enormous amount of volume to conduct final deodorization. After weeks of demolition and specialized cleaning, we conducted thermal fogging for the final deodorization. Our two technicians donned their proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), and fogged the entire cubic area of the gym. The photo shows the fogging after disperse, with the capability of it penetrating into high and small cavities.

Smoke Alarms

3/1/2021 (Permalink)

Fire prevention is one of the most important things for you and your family. Ensuring that your home has smoke alarms are one of the first steps in fire prevention. According to the National Fire Protection Association, 3 out of 5 home fire deaths were caused because of no smoke alarm or no working smoking alarm. Smoke alarm cut the risk of people dying. Hardwired fire alarms operated 94% of the time versus battery powered alarms. The battery may tend to fail because of missing, disconnected or dead batteries. Ionization smoke alarm is more responsive to flaming fires and can detect a fire faster during the night hours when you are sleeping to give you extra time to safety assist or waken others to evacuate from a fire.

Disaster in Your Business

7/19/2020 (Permalink)

Have you had a disaster in your business that requires a Restoration Company?

Cleaning and restoring commercial properties require a unique blend of training, experience, and equipment. SERVPRO of Lompoc has the resources and expertise to give you excellent results while minimizing the disruption to your clients. We can help make it “Like it never even happened.”

• 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 & Industrial
• Government/Military

Have Questions? Call Today – 805-733-8911

Sump Pump Failure In Your Home

7/19/2020 (Permalink)

Our highly trained technicians are ready to respond immediately to flood or water damage at your Lompoc property. We have the experience, expertise, and training to restore your home or business quickly and properly. We use advanced inspection and extraction equipment to find the water and remove it as quickly as possible. Our technicians will monitor and document the drying process to ensure your property is back to normal.

SERVPRO of Lompoc is locally owned and operated, so we are part of this community too. When you have a flooding or water emergency, we’re already nearby and ready to help. We take pride in being a part of the Lompoc community and want to do our part in making it the best it can be.

Be Ready: Storm Damage

7/16/2020 (Permalink)

Severe weather can happen anytime. 

Storm Damage includes hazardous conditions produced by thunderstorms, strong winds, large hail, & flooding.

Know your risk:
Landslides
Floods
Thunderstorms & Lightning

Develop an emergency plan based on your local weather hazards and practice your plan.

• Make a family emergency plan
• Be informed about emergency alerts

What can you do when your Lompoc, CA home suffers water damage? 

If your home or business suffers damage from a storm, know who to call to quickly get help.

When you are dealing with storm, flood, and water damage, immediate action is crucial.  You should choose the company with storm damage experience and expertise that has the resources and equipment to handle the job.

SERVPRO of Lompoc responds immediately to your flood and storm damage emergencies. We have the storm damage restoration experience and specialized equipment to restore your home or business back to pre-storm condition. SERVPRO of Lompoc can respond immediately to storm and flooding conditions.

Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s Corporate Training Facility to regular IICRC industry certifications, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. Our training program includes the following:

• IICRC Training
• Employee Certification Training
• Initial Franchise Training
• e-Learnings
• Continuing Education Classes

SERVPRO of Lompoc is locally owned and operated ready to respond to any of your storm damage incidents.

Proactive Cleaning & Disinfecting

7/15/2020 (Permalink)

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a cleaning and disinfecting program that SERVPRO offers to commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This pandemic has changed what it means to be clean and being open for business is just the beginning of everyone’s new journey forward. Employees may be hesitant to return to work, and customers may wonder whether the businesses they visit are safe. If a building or structure is sanitized and disinfected as part of the CSC program, a window decal shield will be left there, as well as a separate window decal which should be dated by the franchise to let everyone know when it was last sanitized and disinfected. This can be scheduled as a one time or recurring service. This is a level of clean that goes way beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning, it is proactive viral pathogen cleaning. Beyond fire and water, SERVPRO professionals are trained and experienced in bio hazard decontamination. When businesses choose SERVPRO, their employees, customers, and community can rest assured that they have selected a “higher standard of clean.”

Fireplace Safety

7/15/2020 (Permalink)

A cozy fire crackling in the fireplace or wood stove is the perfect thing to get rid of the winter chill. Here are some tips to keep in mind so that you may enjoy your fire safely:

• A fire screen will help protect you and your floors from any sparks that may try to fly out

• Keep flammable items at least three feet from open flames

• Have a professional perform the installation of your fireplace or wood stove and be sure that it is to code

• Have your chimney and fireplace/stove cleaned regularly to your local codes

• Always use the appropriate type of wood and fire starters for your fireplace. The dryer the wood the better as this will provide a cleaner burn and result in less creosote build up

• Regularly clean the ashes out of your fireplace and be sure that the ashes are cool before placing in a metal container. Keep the ashes away from your home, garage and porch

Generator Safety

7/15/2020 (Permalink)

Generators can be very helpful to have on hand in the event of a power outage during severe weather. Follow these steps from the American Red Cross to ensure safe handling of your generator:

• To avoid electrocution, keep your generator dry and do not use in wet conditions (i.e. a flood). Have it running on a dry, flat surface under a shelter such as a canopy-like structure (i.e. a tarp supported by poles). Do not touch the generator if your hands are wet.

• Never run a generator inside your home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area. The same goes for grills, camp stoves, or other gasoline, propane, natural gas, or charcoal-burning devices.

• Using fans or opening your doors and windows won’t prevent carbon monoxide (CO) buildup in your home. CO can’t be smelled or seen so it is critical when running a generator to use caution to prevent exposure. If you start to feel sick, weak or dizzy while using a generator, get to fresh air immediately.

• Install CO alarms on every level in your home in central locations and outside sleeping areas. These will provide early warnings of rising CO levels.

Fire Safety Tips- Using Your Fireplace Safely

7/15/2020 (Permalink)

Spring is here, but there will likely be a few more cold days ahead where you may want to build a cozy little fire in your fireplace. Here are some important tips to keep in mind:

1. Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to prevent sparks from flying out.
2. Be sure the ashes are cool before placing them into a metal container and keep the ashes away from your home, garage and porch.
3. Keep any flammable items at least three feet away from the open flames.
4. Always use the appropriate type of wood and flame starters when using your fireplace. The dryer the wood the better.
5. When installing your fireplace be sure to have a qualified professional perform the installation.
6. Make sure you have your fireplace inspected and chimney cleaned according to your local codes and by a professional.

Water Damage in your Business in Lompoc?

7/14/2020 (Permalink)

Has your business suffered Water or Flood Damage?  

Call SERVPRO of Lompoc Today – (805)733-8911  We will respond with timely mitigation and we offer 24 Hour Emergency Service!

At SERVPRO of Lompoc we have the proper commercial equipment and expertise on handling water damage losses to commercial facilities to help your building get back up and running with as minimal down time as possible.

Whether you experience a water loss from flooding or a plumbing malfunction the general mitigation  process is the same, though each water damage has a unique solution.  Please feel free to click on these steps that we have listed below to learn more about the process.  

Step 1 - Emergency Contact

Once you contact our office at 805-733-8911 the restoration process begins. Our representative will guide you through the first notice of loss and may ask several questions to help us better understand the equipment and resources needed to respond to your commercial water damage.

Step 2 - Inspection and Water Damage Assessment

A Project Manager or Water Damage Technician will determine the scope of your water damage at this stage. We inspect and test your commercial facility to determine the extent of the water damage and to see which areas it has affected and traveled to make sure we ensure proper mitigation and restoration.

Step 3 - Water Removal / Water Extraction

The water removal process begins almost immediately with extraction which removes the majority of the water.  Once the extraction of any standing water is completed, the necessary equipment is set including commercial fans and dehumidifiers.  We also have a variety of other commercial equipment including a trailer mounted Desiccant Dehumidifier that includes a generator when needed.  The water removal and drying out of the structure helps prevent mold growth.

Step 4 - Cleaning and Sanitizing

We clean any affected restorable items and structures damaged by the water. We have different techniques of cleaning based on the situation. Our professionals are trained to provide sanitizing treatments and to remove odors and deodorize your property.

Step 5 - Restoration

Restoration is the process of restoring your home or business to its pre-water damage condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall and installing new carpet or may entail major repairs, such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

Have you had a Fire?

7/14/2020 (Permalink)

Have you suffered a fire or smoke damage at your season home on Lompoc? At SERVPRO of Lompoc, we realize the importance of getting you back into your home as soon as possible so you can enjoy your summers on the lake! Here are some safety tips to follow to help speed up the process and before a professional Restoration Company is contacted to start the cleaning services.

After any fire damage situation, your primary focus should be safety first:

• Is it safe to stay in the house?
• Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
• Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
• Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!

Have Smoke or Fire Damage to your home on Lompoc? Call 805-733-8911

Have you had a fire in your home in Lompoc?

7/14/2020 (Permalink)

Have you suffered a fire or smoke damage in your home in Lompoc?  Here are some safety tips to follow before a professional Restoration Company is contacted.

After any fire damage situation, your primary focus should be safety first:

• Is it safe to stay in the house?
• Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
• Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
• Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!

Have Smoke or Fire Damage to your home in Lompoc? Call 805-733-8911

Proactive Spring Cleaning- We are the Specialists!

7/14/2020 (Permalink)

Spring is in the air!

At SERVPRO of Lompoc we are trained in adhering to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.  Along with the warmer weather and the recent outbreak comes the tradition of a proactive deep cleaning, a time to organize and clean the environments—home, business, office—we encounter on a daily basis. At SERVPRO of Lompoc we offer specialized cleaning services to assist you during this time—or any season. Perhaps you are selling a home and want to vanquish years of cigarette smoke odor that won’t go away, or want to see if your ducts or HVAC system needs to be cleaned. Dryer vents, deodorization and ducts are important to address during your deep cleaning. SERVPRO of Lompoc also offers the following cleaning services:  carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning, ceiling and wall cleaning and more. Whatever your deep cleaning needs, SERVPRO® has you covered. Call us today to discuss or schedule your necessary spring cleaning needs!

Lompoc Fire Restoration

7/14/2020 (Permalink)

Your Belongings and Fire Damage

Fire damage, including smoke and soot, affects not only the structure of your house but also your belongings. SERVPRO of Lompoc understands your family’s furniture, clothing, keepsakes, and other belongings make your house more than a structure; they make it home.

If You Have Questions or Need Help, Call Us Today – 805-733-8911

Contents Restoration

SERVPRO of Lompoc specializes in restoring contents damaged by water, fire, or 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 belongings to determine what items we can restore to pre-fire condition. We use 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

Lompoc Water Damage

7/14/2020 (Permalink)

Our highly trained technicians are ready to respond immediately to flood or water damage at your Lompoc property. We have the experience, expertise, and training to restore your home or business quickly and properly. We use advanced inspection and extraction equipment to find the water and remove it as quickly as possible. Our technicians will monitor and document the drying process to ensure your property is back to normal.

SERVPRO of Lompoc is locally owned and operated, so we are part of this community too. When you have a flooding or water emergency, we’re already nearby and ready to help. We take pride in being a part of the Lompoc community and want to do our part in making it the best it can be.

Have Water or Flood Damage?
Call Us Today – (805)733-8911

What are those Noisy Water Pipes Saying?

4/15/2020 (Permalink)

What is that noise?!

We all know the noises our home makes. That cracking when it is quiet, the sound of someone walking around in the attic or the quiet drip of the shower even hours after it has been used. Our homes all have a set of familiar noises! However, not all those sounds can be good for your home or your wallet! Especially, the sounds coming from your water pipes may be a warning. While a whistling faucet may simply require a new washer to quiet down, if you have a hissing, whistling sound in multiple fixtures and a hammering noise coming from your pipes, you could be headed for a pipe break! Residential water pressure is usually around 80 psi, but sometimes municipalities have to increase pressure for nearby non-residential facilities. When this happens in the Lompoc, CA area the increased water pressure can damage your home’s plumbing. In addition to the irritation of noisy pipes, high water pressure can:

• Erode pipes
• Reduce life expectancy of fixtures
• Increase water bills
• Result in leaks
• Cause a pipe burst

Why Should you Board-Up?

4/15/2020 (Permalink)

Fire Board-Ups can Save you Time and Money

If you have experienced a fire, there are several reasons why you might want to board up structural damage or windows. Aside from the safety side of choosing to board-up your damage property, it can also prevent additional losses due to looting and make the fire cleanup process quicker. SERVPRO of Lompoc offers full-service restoration specialists who can also assist in board-up services.

In a commercial setting, there may still be viable stock on the premises. If products that appear viable remain in the building, you should consider boarding up. These items may require assessment and cleaning and may not be fit for sale, but having them properly processed rather than stolen can be helpful for insurance purposes.

Protect electronics and other valuables. Depending on the extent of the fire damage, you may be able to restore some electronics or other valuable property to working condition.

Keep out the elements. If the structure of your property has sustained extensive damage, you should try to keep the elements out to prevent additional damage. Exposure to additional water, wind, or sunlight can compound the damage caused by smoke residue and soot.

Limit soot damage. It is generally a good idea to reduce foot traffic on the scene of a recent fire. When soot gets embedded into carpeting or upholstery, it can be much more difficult to restore these materials to a pre-fire condition.

We are Cleaning Experts

4/13/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today—SERVPRO of Lompoc, 805-733-8911

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-prevent-spread.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fguidance-prevent-spread.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-business-response.html

Call the cleanup team that is faster to any size disaster.

4/13/2020 (Permalink)

The first 48 hours after a fire damage can make the difference between restoring versus replacing damaged property and personal belongings. Rapid response and timely mitigation can help prevent fire damage from creating long-term problems.

SERVPRO of Lompoc Franchise Professionals understand returning to normal is your primary concern. SERVPRO Response Teams are trained in caring for both you and your property. By responding quickly with a full line of fire cleanup and restoration services, SERVPRO of Lompoc franchise professionals can help you get your home or business back up and running quickly and help protect your property and belongings. If your home or business suffers a fire damage, contact SERVPRO of Lompoc franchise professional to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

We are SERVPRO and we're always here to help!

4/13/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO’s network of more than 1,700 Franchises is ready to help in the event a fire, water or mold loss occurs. Call on a restoration system serving insurance companies and their insureds, as well as thousands of commercial property owners in North America. You can trust the SERVPRO® Brand, too!

Being prepared for a Storm and Flood.

4/13/2020 (Permalink)

Sometimes a storm can bring some serious water damage, even a flood. Are you prepared for a flood? Most people aren’t, so here are a few tips to be storm and flood ready!

• Water (A 3+ day supply; one gallon per person per day.)
• Food (3+ day supply of non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food.)
• Flashlight
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
• Extra batteries
• First Aid Kit
• Medications (7 – day supply) and medical items (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, cane)
• Multi-purpose tool
• Sanitation/personal hygiene items
• Copies of personal documents
• Cell phone with chargers
• Family and emergency contact info
• Extra Cash
• Emergency blanket
• Map(s) of the area
• Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)
• Pet supplies
• Tools/supplies for securing your home
• Extra set of car keys and house keys
• Extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes
• Rain gear
• Insect repellent and sunscreen
• Camera for photos of any damage

Learn about ERP

4/13/2020 (Permalink)

No matter where you live, it is important to be informed and prepared for any natural disaster that may occur. Natural disasters often strike without warning, leaving behind a trail of destruction and devastation. Though Mother Nature's disasters are often unpredictable, there are steps you can take to ensure you are prepared.

Contact SERVPRO of Lompoc to establish an Emergency READY Profile (ERP) for your property. SERVPRO's ERP serves as a quick reference document, detailing important building and contact information for your property in the event of an emergency. The ERP is an ideal supplement to any existing preparedness plan, or may be used as a standalone document. Knowing what to do and who to call in advance is the key to timely mitigation, and can minimize the effects of any weather-related disaster, water, or fire damage to your business.

When disaster strikes, make sure you have experienced professionals on the line. No matter how big or small, SERVPRO of Lompoc will be ready to help make your property damage "Like it never even happened."

Coronavirus

4/2/2020 (Permalink)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to respond to the novel Coronavirus outbreak. SERVPRO franchise professionals are uniquely prepared during this unprecedented time to clean and disinfect your home or business according to the protocols set forth by the CDC. The CDC encourages cleaning of counters, tabletops, doorknobs, and other high-touch surfaces with a hospital-grade disinfectant.

For more information call 805-733-8911 to talk to a local SERVPRO franchise professional.

Make a Resolution to Better Prepare for Disasters Needing Commercial Water Removal in Your Lompoc Business

2/20/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO realizes that the demands of running a business keep business owners and managers in Lompoc busy. We also understand that unexpected disasters can force a company to falter or even fail. We want business owners in our area to succeed and encourage each one to become better prepared for such crises. We can help your business survive a disaster by decreasing the time it takes to recover.  

Many disasters that affect businesses require commercial water removal in Lompoc as part of the mitigation process. Our READY Profile Plan helps businesses of all sizes and types, from small storefronts to major manufacturing facilities, service providers like gymnasiums, restaurants, and schools, to speed up the restoration work. This Plan, once completed, cuts away the time needed to communicate the scope of the problem, as well as help us in preparing to serve your business during a crisis.  

Restoration to dry conditions after a water leak, flood or fire must happen for other mitigation efforts to achieve their full effectiveness. Damp conditions destroy many building materials while also providing an ideal environment for unwanted lifeforms like vermin and microbes. Our goal is to remove any water present in your business after a disaster. Having a Plan with us helps us immensely in setting up our machinery.  

When leaks in your plumbing caused the problem, we can refer to the Plan's details. Entryways and other openings play a role in how we position our extraction machines, air movers, and dehumidifiers. Placing these machines in specific ways facilitates peak performance, ensuring they dry structure, contents, and the air, all at optimal rates.  

Water removal does include extracting water with pumps and other direct removal machinery. We use a range of devices to both remove moisture and measure the steadily decreasing moisture throughout your business. We recommend starting the new year prepared for disasters by calling SERVPRO of Lompoc at (805) 733-8911 to complete your business' READY Profile Plan.

Steps to Take During Commercial Water Removal in a Lompoc College

2/20/2020 (Permalink)

Several disasters can occur in a college, including water damage. Since many buildings exist in an institution of higher learning, the dangers of water damage vary. For example, a water intrusion problem in the administrative block can differ from one that occurs in a gymnasium or lecture hall. Students and staff members can face various risks during a water loss.

Water can ruin the structures and contents of the affected buildings, and slips and falls can happen because of wet and slippery floors. Performing commercial water removal in Lompoc college can prevent the risk of electric shock and health risks from contamination in the water. It can also prevent secondary damage such as rotting, oxidation, and mold growth. To clean up and dry the affected areas quickly and adequately, you can work with a professional restoration company such as SERVPRO.

In the unfortunate event of water damage at a college, notifying the facility manager is vital. The operations manager can take the following steps while waiting for professionals to arrive:

• Determine the source of the flooded water. It could be from sink overflows, broken pipes, or other issues.
• Stop the source of the water leak.
• Determine if there are any other risks at the facility like electrical hazards, slip hazards, and other injury risks.
• Communicate to students and staff at the college about the disaster.

When we arrive, we can handle the job efficiently since we have advanced equipment and experience. We can inspect the affected buildings thoroughly to document the water category. Our restorers can document primary damage, pre existing damage, and potential secondary damage. Preexisting destruction can include rotting flooring and peeling paintwork.

We can also determine which materials are salvageable and the level of personal protective measures to take. We use moisture detection devices to find the location of saturation. We can inspect everywhere the water could have moved through the buildings. Our SERVPRO crew can complete the cleanup and drying process quickly to prevent secondary damage. We can also apply disinfectants like formaldehyde, phenol, qua ternaries, chlorine's, and alcohols to affected areas such as floors and walls to kill microbes.

After a water loss incident, you need prompt, professional aid. SERVPRO of Lompoc can help restore your college to preloss state. Call us at (805)733-8911. We can deal with the water loss to make it “Like never even happened.”

Commercial fire damage restoration for Restaurants in Lompoc

2/20/2020 (Permalink)

A busy restaurant kitchen is full of potential fire causing hazards, including naked flames, butane gas, oils, animal fats, and other flammable materials. As a business manager, your responsibility in the immediate aftermath of a fire is to get your commercial services back up and running with as little loss of revenue as possible. In places that serve food, professional restoration services are even more essential to ensure that health and safety standards are met.  

A restaurant manager with commercial fire damage in Lompoc, you may find that soot, smoke, odors, and surface damages are too extensive to be restored by your regular cleaning contract. SERVPRO provides a commercial service to businesses with trained fire restoration technicians that know what to do to get your restaurant back to its preloss condition. We can dispatch a team of trained technicians alongside an experienced crew chief to ensure your business can re-open as quickly as possible. 

Larger commercial recovery operations after a fire are usually affected by two factors that affect cleanability. Impingement is a process where increasing air temperature creates air perpetual air movement during a fire. This phenomenon is why smoke creates a billowing effect during a fire. In terms of restoration, impingement causes smoke residues to contact vertical surfaces at high speed resulting in a splatter effect. In an enclosed environment, like a kitchen, heat can also cause the finish on appliances to melt, char, or bubble. 

SERVPRO fire restoration technicians can use mechanical cleaning equipment, like air whips, to loosen the heavy soot caused by impingement before dissolving them in oil-based solvents for a clean finish. Appliances may require a more concentrated effort using corrosive cleaning agents to remove both finish and soiling. The resulting clean equipment can then be refinished to get your contents back to their pre-fire condition. 

Temporary closures can have a significant impact on revenues, especially during busier times of the year. Contact SERVPRO of Lompoc at (805) 733-8911 for a commercial recovery team. 

Our Experts Can Help With Smoke Damage From Your Lompoc Chimney

2/20/2020 (Permalink)

Many older buildings in our service area still have working chimneys and fireplaces. Tar and creosote may have built up on the inside of the chimney after years of use. Occasionally the tar and creosote catch on fire, causing a chimney fire, which can have devastating consequences if not dealt with quickly. The fire department has lots of experience putting these fires out, however in the process sometimes cause damage to the home.

SERVPRO has been in business in Lompoc, providing fire damage restoration for over two decades. We have dealt with almost every situation that can be imagined. Our team's experience and training provide our customers with rapid recovery and restoration while mitigating the overall damage.

Damage from Chimney Fires
At the very least, firefighters have tramped through your home with their gear tracking in dirt and water. However, there has been a fire in your chimney, which usually means smoke damage throughout the house. Hopefully, they were able to douse the fire before the fire spread from the chimney into your home or sparks ignited your roof and caused even more damage. There may also be fire retardant chemicals around your fireplace and on your roof.

Restoration vs. Replace
The objective at SERVPRO is always to restore your home vs. replace furniture, personal items, and flooring. This approach reduces the total losses of the fire claim with your insurance company. Quick action by our team with air movers can remove the majority of smoke residue from the home before it has a chance to settle and adhere to soft and hard surfaces.

The restoration team identifies the type of surface and the type of smoke residue in your home. Factors such as temperature, agitation levels, chemicals involved, and time form part of the decision regarding how to clean each item and remove smoke residue.

Fast action can significantly reduce the damage from smoke residue in your home. We aim to return your home to its original condition, “Like it never even happened.”

Call SERVPRO of Lompoc at (805)733-8911 for 24/7 service. 

We Are Available 24/7 In Lompoc After A Flood

2/20/2020 (Permalink)

When many Lompoc homeowners think of flooding scenarios, it is often a rushing wall of water pouring in from the rising creeks and streams throughout our service areas. As much of a possibility as this natural flooding might be, there are other more pressing concerns for your home this winter that could threaten your property without flooding out the entire neighborhood as well. Understanding a few of these risks and what you can do about them can save your property from excessive, costly damages.

While in some situations, flood damage to Lompoc homes cannot get avoided, there are precautionary measures that can get taken when you recognize areas where your property lacks the appropriate protection. With the high volume of water loss incidents and flooding situations our SERVPRO team gets asked to restore and recover every winter, it is evident that homeowners are not as prepared as they might believe for the harsh conditions of the season.

Frozen Pipes

The insulation of various areas of your home can be a direct point of concern during the winter months. Not only can poor insulation result in higher heating expenses, but it can leave exposed pipes of your plumbing more susceptible to freezing. This solidification is even more possible when the water flow has stopped overnight, and temperatures drop well below freezing. The expansion of water freezing in the pipes can cause vulnerable areas to burst, allowing water to flow from the broken pipes until you reach the shutoff valve.

Ice Dams

Ice dams can also get tracked directly to poor insulation of the attic floor in your home and underneath the roof. When areas of the roof get warmed during bitter temperatures outside, melting snow can freeze along the eaves of the roof and continue to build on itself. As it moves back up the roof, it can force itself underneath shingles and remove them, leaving vulnerable areas for snow melt to penetrate the attic space.

Our SERVPRO professionals can appreciate the severity of both of these situations, as they both require varying forms of extraction and drying to start immediately. In addition to the water loss and flood damage recovery that our team can begin, we also have a team of in-house contractors to address the rebuilding of damaged roofs and the repair of burst plumbing to make these conditions “Like it never even happened.”

Document Drying

2/18/2020 (Permalink)

When you walk into a flooded room, your first concern may not be damp paper, but once you’ve cleared the room, you may find that to be one of the tricker problems you face. After all, a towel can dry your filing cabinet, but what do you do with all the files inside?

First Steps

The most important step to take is to freeze your documents immediately. Freezing halts the destruction of the paper—it won’t undo damage, but it prevents any further deterioration by the physical effects of water or the growth of bacteria and mold. This will work whether you have cabinets full of client files or just family photos that you’re trying to preserve.

At this stage, it is important to pack the documents as carefully as possible. If you throw them in the freezer while folded or rolled, they will remain in that shape even after drying and cleaning. Make sure that they’re flat enough to put in a file folder once you get them back.

When you call SERVPRO of Lompoc and ask for help, we’ll transport the paper in its frozen state to our document restoration center. 

Safely Drying Documents

SERVPRO uses sublimation to dry water damaged documents. This is the physical process that happens when the water in an object goes from solid straight to gas without becoming liquid in between. This prevents paper from being re-damaged once it thaws.

This is the only method for document drying that is approved by both the National Archives and Records Administration and the General Services Administration

SERVPRO Document Restoration Services

SERVPRO of Lompoc can provide you with document restoration services beyond just drying. We can decontaminate papers that are exposed to hazardous conditions, such as a sewage spill. We can digitize documents if your office decides that you want a backup in case anything happens again. If you decide that you don’t need the documents back, we can securely destroy them and provide you with a certificate of destruction.

Most importantly, we and all members of the document restoration team are HIPPA Master Certified, which means that patient records and private information are in a secure chain of custody while they are being restored.

At SERVPRO of Lompoc, we want to make it “Like it never even happened,” after an emergency. From the floors to files, we’re here to help.

Water, Water, Everywhere!

2/18/2020 (Permalink)

An Unwelcome Surprise

Imagine coming home from vacation, opening your front door, and seeing water on the floors and drywall scattered across your furniture and electronics as the ceiling is crumbling down. As you walk through your home, going up squishy stairs, you realize your whole home is flooded.

Your home is where you take refuge from the world. Home is where you're surrounded by memories. When your home is threatened by water damage, it can be a traumatic event. What do you do next? 

When we asked SERVPRO customers to describe our team, the one word that kept coming up was “hero.” We are here to help, with compassion, expertise and urgency.

About SERVPRO of Lompoc

SERVPRO of Lompoc is a full-service restoration company.  We provide emergency 24/7 mitigation services and complete reconstruction services. We make it “Like it never even happened.”  So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

SERVPRO of Lompoc specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. No matter what size disaster, from single story and a complete high-rise, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge and resources to restore your property.

The Do’s and Don’ts with Fire and Smoke Damage.

2/18/2020 (Permalink)

Fire damage can be scary , until help arrives here are some tips to help minimize damage.

Do’s:

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpet.
• Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Place dry, colorfast towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator completely and prop doors open to help prevent odor.
• Wipe soot from chrome on kitchen and bathroom faucets, trim and appliances, then protect these surfaces with a light coating of lubricant.
• If heat is off during winter, pour RV antifreeze in sinks, toilet bowls, holding tanks and tubs to avoid freezing pipes and fixtures.
• Wash both sides of leaves on the house plants.
• Change HVAC filter, but leave system off until a trained professional can check the system.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers to stop particles of soot from getting in or out of the HVAC system.

Don’ts

• Attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting SERVPRO of Santa Maria.
• Attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture without first consulting SERVPRO.
• Attempt to clean any electrical appliances (TV sets, Radios, etc.) that may have been close to fire, heat or water without first consulting an authorized repair service.
• Consume any food or beverages that may have been stored close to fire, heat or water. (They may be contaminated.)
• Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. Wiring may be wet or damaged and cause electrical shock, and air movement may create secondary damage.
• Send garments to the dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set in smoke odor.

Going on Vacation? Make Sure to Do These Things to Minimize Chance of Water Damage.

1/31/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage occurring while a family is away from their home for long periods of time can be a devastating occurrence that can be quite costly. With this knowledge, SERVPRO of Lompoc have released a report on things you can do to minimize water damage when you are away from your home.

SERVPRO has been helping clients in Lompoc for years when it comes to disaster restoration and cleaning. If you ever experience water damage in Lompoc, whether commercial or residential, SERVPRO should be your first call as they have been doing it for half a century, along with offering many other forms of cleaning and restoration. Check out their website for more information of call them at 805-922-5457 if you have any questions.

How to Prevent/Minimize Water Damage in Your Home While on Vacation
Water damage is one of the most common and horrific things that can happen to your house. There are many possible causes and catalysts for water damage, so it is always a good idea to keep an eye out for them. However, when you and your family are on a well-deserved vacation, it’s impossible to keep an eye out for them. With that in mind, here are some great ways to lessen the chance of your home suffering water damage while you are away.

The first and most obvious thing to do is check the house for leaks. Even a tiny leak can turn into something much worse over the few days you are gone, get them tightened up. Also, use this time to inspect any appliances to make sure all hoses are tight and nothing looks off. Make sure the sump pump is working too, or you could be in for a huge clean-up when you return.

Now that everything is in working order and there are no obvious signs of damage, the next thing you should do is find someone who wouldn’t mind checking on your house for you while you’re gone. This is important as they would be able to turn your water off to minimize the damage if a pipe bursts or a leak starts. If no one can check on your home for you, it is a good idea to turn the water off before you leave to ensure nothing horrific can take place.

Remember, SERVPRO should be your first call if you discover water damage in your Lompoc home. They can help you in a professional and timely manner to get your house back to 100%.

Mold can spread though a home in as little as 48 hours.

1/31/2020 (Permalink)

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 at 805-922-5457

SERVPRO of Lompoc provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration services.

1/31/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lompoc 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 at 805-733-8911

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 Lompoc 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 Lompoc

SERVPRO of Lompoc 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.

SERVPRO of Lompoc 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 at 805-733-8911

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 Lompoc 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 Lompoc

SERVPRO of Lompoc 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.

Lompoc Smoke and Soot Cleanup

11/14/2019 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Lompoc will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – (805)733-8911

Santa Barbara Wildfire Damage Event

11/14/2019 (Permalink)

The active wildfires here in Southern California are increasing their impact as growing Santa Ana winds add fuel to these devastating blazes that are encroaching in our area. According to the New York Times, new fires broke out in Malibu on December 7, with at least 96,000 acres already burned in the Ventura area and 116,000 acres in Los Angeles County. Evacuations have closed hundreds of schools and forced 200,000 of our neighbors to seek safety. The “Thomas Fire” in the Ventura area continues to burn with the aid of strong winds. This fire has caused the closure of the 101 freeway and a boil-water advisory was issued for Ventura County. Santa Ana winds The Santa Ana winds that are enabling the fires to rapidly increase their reach can have speeds in excess of 60 miles per hour. They are not expected to diminish until Friday into Saturday at the earliest. The National Weather Service has warned of “very rapid fire growth” in this area. SERVPRO Meteorologist Lela Davis said that the Santa Ana winds were already very dry when they reached the Southern California valley, allowing them to quickly pull moisture out of vegetation, increasing the risk for wildfires. For the first time ever, a purple wind warning was issued for today under the color-coded system used to advise about high winds. This purple warning pushed wind expectations from the “high” category to “extreme”. Ready to help Here at SERVPRO of Lompoc we are monitoring this wildfire situation closely. Our thoughts are with those neighbors who may be put in harms’ way during this event. In many cases, a wildfire can result in a total loss for a home or business, but in others it may be a partial loss, or can result in mild smoke damage. If your home or business is affected by a wildfire, SERVPRO of Lompoc is Here to Help®. 

About SERVPRO of Lompoc

SERVPRO of Lompoc 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.

Fire or Soot Damage? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help

(805-9733-8911)

When Storms or Floods hit Santa Barbara County SERVPRO is ready!

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SERVPRO of Lompoc 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 Santa Barbara County, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 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 805-733-8911

Restoring your Lompoc Commercial property after a Water Damage Event

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Flooding and water damage events at Lompoc 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.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of Lompoc

SERVPRO of Lompoc specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a 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.

Lompoc Residents: Follow These Mold Safety Tips If You Suspect Mold

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If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of Lompoc for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of Lompoc specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business.  Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – (805)733-8911

For Immediate Service in Lompoc, Call SERVPRO

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SERVPRO of Lompoc provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster in Lompoc. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

• 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 

Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 – (805)733-8911

Residential Services

Whether your Lompoc home needs emergency flood damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us.  Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. Learn more about our residential services:

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Storm Damage Restoration
• Cleaning Services
• Building/Reconstruction Services

Commercial Services

There's never a convenient time for fire or Water damage to strike your Lompoc commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business.

• Commercial Water Damage Restoration
• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration

Lompoc 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

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SERVPRO of Lompoc 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 - (805) 922-5457

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 Lompoc 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 Lompoc

SERVPRO of Lompoc 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.

Faster to your Lompoc Water Damage Event

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Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. [SERVPRO of Lompoc 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 Lompoc arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – (805) 922-5457

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 Lompoc

SERVPRO of Lompoc 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.

Does Your Lompoc Home Have A Mold Problem

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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 – (805)733-8911

SERVPRO of Lompoc knows what to do if mold in your home.

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It’s estimated that more than 1 million types of mold exist, yet less than 10 percent have actually been named. This means mold is very common in both indoor and outdoor environments. While mold and humans can sometimes co-exist without issue, there are certain species of mold that can cause health effects for some people.

If the right conditions exist, mold will grow.  Those conditions include:

• Water - Different mold types require varying amounts of liquid before growth begins.   
• Temperature - Normal indoor temperatures will promote mold growth.
• Time - Initial mold colonizers can take hold within one day after being exposed to an adequate water supply.

Mold growth can occur in any home, so it’s important to keep an eye out for situations that might promote mold activity. Roof/chimney leaks, wet basements, or condensation from ducts that dampen surrounding insulation are just a few examples of issues that make a house a prime target for mold growth.

If you suspect mold in your home, call SERVPRO of Lompoc to assess the situation. We have the knowledge, tools and track record to effectively remediate mold in your home or business.

If you suspect mold, call us today at (805) 733-8911.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of Lompoc for mold remediation services.