Recent Storm Damage Posts

Storm damages

3/8/2022 (Permalink)

A  building can lose its functionality and close its doors permanently after a few days of water damage has ruined equipment beyond repair. SERVPRO has the training not just to respond quickly, but to properly clean and restore a facility to bring it back in line with city health codes, if at all possible. Storm-induced flooding does not have to have a lasting effect on your business.

The first step is getting rid of the water. For standing water, even in a large kitchen and customer service area, our technicians use commercial grade pumps to remove inches and even a foot of water in a matter of hours. With the visible water gone, our response team can tackle the next two items: drying out property and hidden water extraction.

Expensive industrial items such as commercial ovens are usually above most high water points but can suffer damage in a massive plumbing failure. Technicians must completely dry the electronics and heating elements before allowing the owner to use them again. Since it is not possible to disassemble these industrial appliances without violating warranties or possibly damaging them further, our technicians use commercial space heaters and dehumidifiers. 

Both equipment items draw out moisture from the surrounding air and off of nearby surfaces. These techniques leave a dry surface without the chance of threads from towels or pieces of sponge accidentally being left behind to contaminate the next batch of cupcakes. 

As this happens, other technicians dry out the building itself. Water extraction tools draw out moisture from floors, walls, and property items such as display cases. We accomplish this using commercial grade extraction wands that combine heat and vacuum to pull water droplets from between and underneath floor tiles and sections of concrete. Response team members also use the same heaters and dehumidifiers in corners to speed up drying walls, cabinets, and underneath counters. 
SERVPRO understands that every hour your business is closed means income lost and customers go un-served. Count on a strong effort from a component of the SERVPRO large-loss storm team. Despite an improving economy, small business owners are still operating on narrow margins and even a weekend lost can mean not making payroll or loan payments. To prevent this from happening, call us at (323) 667-3100 to restore your business and your livelihood.

Preventing storm Related Water Damage

9/23/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Hancock Park/Hollywood has released these tips on how to protect homes from heavy rain and flooding:

    • Inspect sump pumps – a sump pump removes water that accumulates underneath a home and is one of the best defenses against flooded basements and subsequent costly repairs. All too often, though, homeowners don’t find out their sump pump is not working properly until it’s too late and spring showers are already wreaking havoc on your home. It is recommended that you inspect your sump pump each spring to ensure it’s working properly.
    • Clean gutters and downspouts – leaves and debris from spring storms can lead to clogged gutters and downspouts, and the number one cause of basement flooding is roofs not draining properly. Cleaning your gutters each spring is an inexpensive way to make sure your home is ready for the rain to come. Also, check that downspouts extend away from the home’s foundation by at least three feet, this will help effectively move rain water away from the home.
    • Consider back-flow valves – sewer back-flow valves are small, inexpensive parts that are installed in sewer drainage lines to help regulate water flow. These small valves can save big headaches by preventing sewer water from entering a basement during heavy rain and go a long way to making your basement flood proof.
  • Check for basement leaks – take a few minutes this weekend to inspect both the interior and exterior of your home’s foundation, walls, floors and windows for any cracks that may have developed during the winter months. Even a minor crack can lead to major water damage during a heavy spring shower. You can use a basic waterproof epoxy and a paintbrush or putty knife to patch any small cracks you find.

Storm in LA

9/21/2020 (Permalink)

After a storm here in Los Angeles everything floods. There is nothing we can do about it. From the roads not draining to buildings being flooded. It is going to happen. Restaurants that are on the ground level, inches away from the elements of nature are subject to getting water damage due to the floods going under the doors. Over time water finds itself inside your business. Restaurants need special care because of the food industry laws. When the floors start to mold and the dry wall starts to get soft you should call SERVPRO right away. SERVPRO has years of experience dealing with restaurants and the health laws. If your food letter grade goes down, call SERVPRO today and we will make sure everything is back "Like it never even happened."

Retail store

9/8/2020 (Permalink)

This retail store was affected by the recent back to back storms that hit Southern California. Notice in the before picture that the water leaked into the ceiling and affected a large portion of it inside the showcase area. The store owner was concerned with how much down time it would take to restore their property, as they would be out of business during that time period. However, our emergency service crew was able to complete the job in only 5 days. SERVPRO strives to provide all of our customers with high quality service every time! We care about our clients and work endlessly to get your business back up and running as soon as physically possible. Our Team of experts will work professionally and efficiently day and night to make it "Like it never even happened." 

Restaurants storm

9/8/2020 (Permalink)

After a storm here in Los Angeles everything floods. There is nothing we can do about it. From the roads not draining to buildings being flooded. It is going to happen. Restaurants that are on the ground level, inches away from the elements of nature are subject to getting water damage due to the floods going under the doors. Over time water finds itself inside your business. Restaurants need special care because of the food industry laws. When the floors start to mold and the dry wall starts to get soft you should call SERVPRO right away. SERVPRO has years of experience dealing with restaurants and the health laws. If your food letter grade goes down, call SERVPRO today and we will make sure everything is back "Like it never even happened."

Infrastructure damage

9/8/2020 (Permalink)

In places like California where storms don't occur often,  the infrastructure and plumbing is not entirely ready for large scale storm flooding. There have been scenarios such ass the example that is about to be written, where the infrastructure failed and cased massive damage. This example is a case when there was a storm in Southern California and the flood waters that came from the storm filled he storm drains to a point where they went beyond capacity and cracked, this caused the flood water to flood into an apartment building nearby the affected area. This type of damage is sometimes a freak accident such as this is unavoidable, but the best thing to do is  always keep in mind that such scenarios can occur, so when disaster strikes you can act quickly. SERVPRO is always ready to help!

Commercial Storm Damage

9/8/2020 (Permalink)

Damage to your commercial property due to a flood and other types of water damage can mean lost revenue and potentially, lost customers.

If your business requires water damage restoration due to broken plumbing, flooding or as a result of fire suppression, time is absolutely of the essence. That's why SERVPRO of Hollywood Hills/Los Feliz is on call 24/7 to provide your business with a reliable lifeline when water damage restoration is needed. Let us partner with you to help minimize business interruption and get you, your employees and your customers back to business as quickly as possible.

There is a sense of urgency associated with a flood or other types of water damage. That's because fast, effective water remediation prevents the further complication of mold. At SERVPRO of Hollywood Hills/Los Feliz, we have the labor, equipment and expertise to handle disasters both large and small, from water damage due to a plumbing leak to large loss situations due to major flooding. Our commercial water damage restoration expertise spans all industries, from retail and hospitality, to healthcare, government and industrial clients.

Be Ready For ANYTHING

1/13/2020 (Permalink)

As time passes the Earth's climate zones slowly shift from place to place, meaning that areas that have yet to experience certain weather patterns will start to experience them. This means that areas that previously had minimal risk of catastrophic weather may now be at a higher risk. This fact will have a great impact on places that are now more likely to experience weather events such as storms. These areas may not have the proper infrastructure to properly contend with the harsh conditions of a storm, for example of the thousands of houses that are already built in these newly high risk areas, very few will be built to withstand the conditions that a storm may bring such as high speed winds, flying debris, and a torrential downpour. This could cost hundreds of millions in potential property damage. To be better prepared be sure to see if your home or property is ready for such harsh conditions and contact your local SERVPRO and create an emergency readiness plan.

Storm Readiness Kit

9/20/2019 (Permalink)

Be ready for anything.

If you live in an area where storms are common, or want to be prepared for any potential storm or similar disaster, its best to have a kit ready for when disaster strikes so you may be better prepared to face a potentially long period of time without access to food, water or amenities. Here are some recommendations of items that may help you in a dire situation. 

  • Waterproof container to hold all items
  • Three days worth of water
  • Dry or canned non-perishable foods
  • Extra clothes 
  • Flashlight
  • Pet food
  • Extra mobile phone
  • Copies of important documents
  • First aid kit

These Items may possibly make a life or death difference in disaster scenarios, make sure you are prepared for anything because disaster could strike at any time.

Gutter Problems

9/9/2019 (Permalink)

Remember to clean your gutters after rains or winds.

A problem that may come as a surprise during a storm is your gutters, though there are many other more important issues during a storm that may need your attention your gutters can also cause a lasting problem if forgotten about. During a storm debris can be blown onto your property from high speed winds, causing your gutters to be filled and block water from properly flowing though them. When gutters aren't functioning properly, water can build up in vulnerable areas and possibly leak through into your property causing many types of damage. These damages could include moisture throughout your property which could cause mold, electrical and wiring issues, and damp and soft drywall. Always make sure to clean out your gutters to make sure your property is well taken care of.

Unexpected Storms

9/6/2019 (Permalink)

Unsuspecting storms can be disastrous.

In areas where storms don't occur often such as California, many properties are not prepared for a sudden storm that may roll through unexpectedly, meaning if properties in that area that are unprepared or ill equipped for a storm can sustain heavy damage. There are many things property owners can do to prepare for storms, and SERVPRO will even help, with our emergency readiness program we can help you prepare for any disaster with no cost to you. Being ready for a disaster is important whether you own a home or business, this is because if disaster strikes your life or business may be on hold for a long time and cost you even more if not properly prepared. We are always happy to uphold our amazing service!

Wind from Storms can Cause Massive Damage

9/6/2019 (Permalink)

Damages from high speed winds.

Storms have a few components to them, wind being one of the most dangerous being wind. During a storm wind speeds can exceed 50-60 mph and at which point they start to become damaging. Damages caused by high speed winds can be anything from flying debris hitting your property, falling trees, flying bushes and branches. these types of incidences can cause serious damage by hitting or falling on your property, even possibly destroying it. This is why its important to always have a plan of action for when disasters such as storms strike, which SERVPRO can help with. We can help you create a readiness plan at no cost to you, so when disaster strikes you are always prepared. We are happy to uphold our amazing service to our clients!

Storms and Infrastructure

9/6/2019 (Permalink)

Flooding from a storm.

In places like California where storms don't occur often,  the infrastructure and plumbing is not entirely ready for large scale storm flooding. There have been scenarios such ass the example that is about to be written, where the infrastructure failed and cased massive damage. This example is a case when there was a storm in Southern California and the flood waters that came from the storm filled he storm drains to a point where they went beyond capacity and cracked, this caused the flood water to flood into an apartment building nearby the affected area. This type of damage is sometimes a freak accident such as this is unavoidable, but the best thing to do is  always keep in mind that such scenarios can occur, so when disaster strikes you can act quickly. SERVPRO is always ready to help!

Does your Home Insurance Cover Weather & Storm Water Damage?

4/5/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Hollywood Hills/Los Feliz will work with your insurance to facilitate the restoration process & get your home in its original condition

Winter Storms, spring thaws, water damage and other losses caused by weather variations are often covered by your home insurance. Fortunately, many homeowners are insured and can make a claim if they sustain damage from a winter storm, spring thaw or cold snap. Depending on the type of policy you have, several types of risks and damage arising from weather may be covered and you may be able to get help and compensation for losses from your insurance company.

What Kind of Weather Related Damage Is Covered by Insurance?

The most common causes of winter storm or weather damage include:

  • Hail Damage
  • Roof Damage
  • Water Damage
  • Sewer Back Up
  • Freezing Pipes
  • Fallen Trees - There are many reasons a tree might fall, and whether or not it caused damage to property becomes important for the purpose of paying a claim. Different policies offer different types of coverage.
  • Ice dams forming on the roof 
  • Weight of snow and ice on the roof causing damage
  • Wind damage (Which can include fallen trees and shingles or bricks flying off buildings and roofs)
  • Loss or displacement due to power failure (which may include food loss, depending on your type of policy)
  • Flooding due to melting snow, a sudden thaw, or excessive rainfall
  • Water infiltration into the home. This may or may not be covered depending on how the damage is happening. Always call to find out what you might be eligible for. 

Although not all damages are covered by standard insurance, most of the above items are.

The major exception to most policies is flood damage. Flood damage is not usually covered by the home insurance company in the United States; you can find out more about flood insurance frequently asked questions here.  

Storm Water Damage Emergency Tips

4/5/2018 (Permalink)

Regardless of the amount of storm damage caused to your property, SERVPRO of Hollywood Hills/Los Feliz can help!

What you can do until help arrives

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

  • 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!

What To Do After Flooding

  • Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
  • Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
  • Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
  • Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
  • Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
  • Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
  • Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
  • Gather loose items from floors.

What NOT To Do After Flooding

  • Don't leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
  • Don't leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
  • Don't use your household vacuum to remove water.
  • Don't use television or other household appliances.
  • Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.

Commercial Storm Water Damage

2/27/2018 (Permalink)

Storm damage happens to offices too! Let SERVPRO of Hollywood Hills/Los Feliz make it, "Like it never even happened."

Damage to your commercial property due to a flood and other types of water damage can mean lost revenue and potentially, lost customers.

If your business requires water damage restoration due to broken plumbing, flooding or as a result of fire suppression, time is absolutely of the essence. That's why SERVPRO of Hollywood Hills/Los Feliz is on call 24/7 to provide your business with a reliable lifeline when water damage restoration is needed. Let us partner with you to help minimize business interruption and get you, your employees and your customers back to business as quickly as possible.

There is a sense of urgency associated with a flood or other types of water damage. That's because fast, effective water remediation prevents the further complication of mold. At SERVPRO of Hollywood Hills/Los Feliz, we have the labor, equipment and expertise to handle disasters both large and small, from water damage due to a plumbing leak to large loss situations due to major flooding. Our commercial water damage restoration expertise spans all industries, from retail and hospitality, to healthcare, government and industrial clients.

After the Storm: How to Check Your Property for Damage

2/27/2018 (Permalink)

Looking for a professional restoration company to repair any damage to your property due to a storm? Contact SERVPRO of Hollywood Hills/Los Feliz!

The storms have stopped and the wind is calm. Outside the skies begin to clear, revealing downed trees, misplaced outdoor furniture, and random pieces of debris. From your window, your property appears unharmed. But is it really? What about the roof? The windows? The new siding and gutters?

There's no telling what kind of property damage a storm can bring. Even if it appears your property survived the wicked winds, taking a walk around your home could reveal a hidden problem you might not have seen otherwise.

Here's a quick checklist of what you should look for, courtesy of the National Storm Damage Center:

1) Window Damage
Get up close and personal with your windows, checking for shattered glass, broken panes, or damaged frames. Look carefully for small holes or cracks in unsuspecting areas.

2) Roof Damage
Check for loose or cracked shingles. If you have an asphalt roof, unidentified dark spots could be storm damage. Determine if any debris is lodged under shingles, too.

3) Clogged Gutters
Heavy rains can down limbs, bringing with it leaves and small branches that can clutter your gutter. Check for fragments jammed along the gutter and in the downspout.

4) Exterior Damage
Siding can tear loose, paint can peel, and stucco can break free. Even brick can suffer the wrath of a bad storm. Take a walk around your home and check for any potential damage. Holes, breaks, and splitting are common side effects of a storm. Discoloration of siding or brick is another symptom.

Identifying any immediate damage can save you time and money, especially if the damage is excessive and requires a call to your insurance company. Waiting to repair your home can create more costly problems somewhere down the road.

How Can You Protect Your Home from Storm Water?

2/27/2018 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO of Hollywood Hills/Los Feliz help you be, "Ready for Whatever Happens"

During a storm, you can go outside and observe how the water flows. Take note of the different grades and slopes and whether they divert the flowing water away from your home. Look for any low spots that collect or pool water and for any steep slopes that have indications of surface erosion.

Consider the steps needed to protect your property from water runoff. Rain that falls on roofs, driveways, patios, roads and other impervious areas moves across the ground surface at greater speeds. The property adjacent to these areas could be more susceptible to damage. Frozen soil can also increase risk of damage by preventing water from being absorbed by the soil. Replacing impervious areas with pervious surfaces, such as permeable paving stones or pavers, can also help.

Other questions you might consider:

Is storm water that falls on impervious surfaces diverted away from your house? This is the work of things like roof gutter downspouts, driveways, walkways and patios. Runoff from these surfaces should be directed to an area that has the ability to absorb or slow the surface flow, such as landscaped areas, and away from your house.

Does your driveway or other impervious surface have a negative pitch back toward the house? Consider installing trench drains or area drains to help prevent pooling and divert water away from the house.

Do you have retaining walls on your property? If so, it is important that the walls have a drainage system in place to alleviate pressure behind the wall. Periodically clean weep holes to ensure they are not clogged. Surface water should not be allowed to cascade over the top of the wall and instead should be diverted to the end of the wall or around it.

Is a portion of your house below ground level, such as a basement? Make sure any sewer and water lines, or any other pipes or lines that penetrate subsurface walls, and foundation cracks are properly sealed. Basements that are prone to water intrusion should have a water collection system in place, such as a sump pump system. 

Do you have a sewer or septic system and property with known high water tables? Have the system checked by a professional. If the groundwater rises too high, it can affect the efficiency and operation of the system. In some cases, this may lead to sewer back up or waste leaching above the ground or back into the house.

Make sure that your house exterior is maintained, including roofing, flashings, weather barriers, windows, doors and sealants.

While you cannot prevent against all damage from storm water runoff during large acts of nature, these steps can help protect your home when storms do hit.

Storm Damage Clean Up & Restoration

2/27/2018 (Permalink)

If storm water does damage to your home or business, call in the experts, SERVPRO of Hollywood Hills/Los Feliz 323-667-3100

Storm and flood damage can be devastating. Immediate action is needed, and you need the company with storm damage experience. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have the expertise and the resources to handle any size disaster and can respond immediately to storm and flooding conditions.

Have Storm or Flood Damage?
Call SERVPRO of Hollywood Hills/Los Feliz Today 323-667-3100

SERVPRO Professionals

  • Provide 24/7 Emergency Service
  • Highly Trained Water Restoration Specialists
  • Faster to Any Size Disaster
  • A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry 
  • Regardless of the Storm Damage, They Can Help
  • Storms occur with little warning and can be especially devastating, so you’ll need the company that you can trust to rise to the occasion. Regardless of the type of storm, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals can handle any size disaster. During catastrophic storms and major events, our Disaster Recovery Team can respond quickly with additional resources.
  • Flooding caused by heavy rains
  • Hurricanes and tidal surges
  • Tornadoes and wind damage

If your home or business has been affected by a land slide, who do you call?

4/7/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Hollywood Hills/Los Feliz will be there to make it “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of Hollywood Hills/Los Feliz, of course. Our technicians are highly trained in damage restoration and can clean just about anything.


Many parts of a home or business may be damaged during a landslide. Whether it's a priceless family heirloom or important office paperwork, SERVPRO of Hollywood Hills/Los Feliz has the specialized equipment and products to make it "Like it never even happened."


Our water damage restoration technicians are IICRC certified and readily available when emergency strikes. We also have a team of construction experts who can get your home or business up and running again. 


SERVPRO of Hollywood Hills/Los Feliz can do it all. There is no job too big or small and we make your needs our highest priority. Why deal with multiple contractors when you can work with one company that will handle everything?


If you are faced with damage to your home or business due to a landslide call SERVPRO of Hollywood Hills/Los Feliz today.


Over the past couple years, flooding has been a major problem in and around the Hollywood Hills/Los Feliz area. Storms can roll through bringing strong winds, thunder and lightning, and torrential rain. The large amount of rain is not absorbed by the ground quick enough, so the water runs off and accumulates in low-lying areas. Water will also run into creeks, rivers, and ponds causing them to swell, which means that the water levels to rise. Both bodies of water and low-lying areas can quickly accumulate water and the water can rise very fast.


If the forecast is calling for heavy rain, it is a good idea to stay up-to-date on the threat level. A flood or flash flood warning means that flooding is possible and you should be prepared to possibly carry out your emergency plan. A flood or flash flood watch means that flooding is occurring or will occur soon. If your home or business is prone to flooding, you will be told to evacuate the area.


When planning for an emergency, the first step is getting basic supplies together. Some of these items include water, canned food, first aid supplies, and batteries for radios and flashlights. These items should be kept together in a separate area from where they would usually be stored, and everyone in your home or office should know where it is located in the event that an emergency were to occur. It is also a good idea to keep important documents – birth certificates, medical records, insurance cards - in this box/area. If a flood warning is issued, fill your gas tank and move your emergency items into your car. If you do not own a car, make arrangements with family, friends, or neighbors for transportation. Gather family and pets, if possible. If your pets will not fit in a car with you, or if you own livestock and are unable take them, find a safe area to move them to. You should also adjust refrigerator thermostats to the coolest possible temperature in case the power goes out.


If you are told that you need to evacuate your home or business, you should leave as soon as possible; never ignore this order! It is advised to turn off your water, electricity, and gas and to unplug appliances, if you have time, to reduce the possibility of additional damage occurring to your home. Those of us who have grown up in the area, have heard the saying a thousand times – “Turn Around, Don’t Drown”. Don’t ever attempt to walk or drive through flood waters. You cannot be sure of how deep the water actually is, nor can you properly gauge the strength of the moving water.


Flooding is common in our area and being prepared is essential to avoid making a bad situation worse. If your home or business experiences flood or water damage, call our team in green! 


 

With spring showers on the way, experts say local homeowners should start looking into how to prevent water damage now.

4/7/2017 (Permalink)

If you have any further questions/concerns or if you have water damage, call SERVPRO of Hollywood Hills/Los Feliz . (323) 667-3100.

SERVPRO of Hollywood Hills/Los Feliz has released these tips on how to protect homes from heavy rain and flooding:



  • Inspect sump pumps – a sump pump removes water that accumulates underneath a home and is one of the best defenses against flooded basements and subsequent costly repairs. All too often, though, homeowners don’t find out their sump pump is not working properly until it’s too late and spring showers are already wreaking havoc on your home. It is recommended that you inspect your sump pump each spring to ensure it’s working properly.

  • Clean gutters and downspouts – leaves and debris from spring storms can lead to clogged gutters and downspouts, and the number one cause of basement flooding is roofs not draining properly. Cleaning your gutters each spring is an inexpensive way to make sure your home is ready for the rain to come. Also, check that downspouts extend away from the home’s foundation by at least three feet, this will help effectively move rain water away from the home.

  • Consider back-flow valves – sewer back-flow valves are small, inexpensive parts that are installed in sewer drainage lines to help regulate water flow. These small valves can save big headaches by preventing sewer water from entering a basement during heavy rain and go a long way to making your basement flood proof.

  • Check for basement leaks – take a few minutes this weekend to inspect both the interior and exterior of your home’s foundation, walls, floors and windows for any cracks that may have developed during the winter months. Even a minor crack can lead to major water damage during a heavy spring shower. You can use a basic waterproof epoxy and a paintbrush or putty knife to patch any small cracks you find.

Flooding is Never Nice

2/28/2017 (Permalink)

For storm and/or flood damage contact SERVPRO of Hollywood Hills/Los Feliz!

Whether you live on the coast, near a lake, or riverside, the flood will find you. And when it does, it can leave you with years’ worth of damage, not to mention credit card bills and bankruptcy.


Various news stories of commercial and residential properties drowning in murky waters, or sitting empty a year later look abandoned and still reeking with remnants of saturated insulation and mold hanging from the beams, will inject fear into any property owner.


That’s when you call the professionals at SERVPRO® of Hollywood Hills/Los Feliz, to make sure the situation is handled so there are no surprises and no adverse effects on the occupants’ health or safety.


SERVPRO® Cleans Up the Mess after a Flood


Homeowners tell us there is no greater devastation than seeing the house they’ve made a home destroyed by a quick-moving flood. The fact that the flood could have been caused by something as innocuous as a leaking pipe behind the washing machine makes the destruction seem even more senseless. In addition, water renders some materials more susceptible to rot. These are just a few of the many aftereffects of a flood. All of our SERVPRO technicians have been properly trained to professionally clean up the mess after a flood.


SERVPRO® of Hollywood Hills/Los Feliz Should Be On Speed-Dial


The SERVPRO® of Hollywood Hills/Los Feliz team has been trained to respond, swiftly and knowledgably.


Back in the day (as they say), houses were made of straw, stone, or brick. If they weren’t blown down or burned up, they were abandoned by the time the children were grown. Today, the American home is our castle. It reflects our lives, interests, and loves, travels, hopes, memories and the most important people we share it with.


Let’s hope you are not victim of a home-destroying event. But if it happens, don’t panic. Keep our number handy 323-667-3100. We’re here 24/7 to answer the call and make your loss “Like it never even happened.”

Flash Flooding Tips, Water Damage Safety

2/28/2017 (Permalink)

When Disaster strikes let SERVPRO of Hollywood Hills/Los Feliz make it, "Like it Never Even Happened"!


Before:



  • Build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.

  • Elevate the furnace, water heater and electric panel in your home if you live in an area that has a high flood risk.

  • Consider installing "check valves" to prevent flood water from backing up into the drains of your home.

  • If feasible, construct barriers to stop floodwater from entering the building and seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds.

  • More:

  • What to do before a flood.


During:


(Excerpted from ready.gov )



  • Be aware that flash flooding can occur. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move.

  • If you must prepare to evacuate, you should do the following:


    • Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so. Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.

    • Secure your home. If you have time, bring in outdoor furniture. Move essential items to an upper floor.


  • Be aware of stream, drainage channels, canyons and other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without typical warnings such as rain clouds or heavy rain.

  • If you have to leave your home, remember these evacuation tips:


    • Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.

    • Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and the vehicle can be swept away quickly.

    • Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams, rivers or creeks, particularly during threatening conditions



 


 

Storm Waters Can Cause Major Damage

2/27/2017 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Hollywood Hills/Los Feliz for extracting storm water

Businesses can suffer much less damage from a severe storm than a residence and still have to close their doors permanently. Each hour and day of clean-up are more important to saving not just a building, but an income and a contributor to the community as well.


A  building can lose its functionality and close its doors permanently after a few days of water damage has ruined equipment beyond repair. SERVPRO of Hollywood Hills/Los Feliz has the training not just to respond quickly, but to properly clean and restore a facility to bring it back in line with city health codes, if at all possible. Storm-induced flooding does not have to have a lasting effect on your business.

The first step is getting rid of the water. For standing water, even in a large kitchen and customer service area, our technicians use commercial grade pumps to remove inches and even a foot of water in a matter of hours. With the visible water gone, our response team can tackle the next two items: drying out property and hidden water extraction.


Expensive industrial items such as commercial ovens are usually above most high water points but can suffer damage in a massive plumbing failure. Technicians must completely dry the electronics and heating elements before allowing the owner to use them again. Since it is not possible to disassemble these industrial appliances without violating warranties or possibly damaging them further, our technicians use commercial space heaters and dehumidifiers. 

Both equipment items draw out moisture from the surrounding air and off of nearby surfaces. These techniques leave a dry surface without the chance of threads from towels or pieces of sponge accidentally being left behind to contaminate the next batch of cupcakes. 

As this happens, other technicians dry out the building itself. Water extraction tools draw out moisture from floors, walls, and property items such as display cases. We accomplish this using commercial grade extraction wands that combine heat and vacuum to pull water droplets from between and underneath floor tiles and sections of concrete. Response team members also use the same heaters and dehumidifiers in corners to speed up drying walls, cabinets, and underneath counters. 

SERVPRO of Hollywood Hills/Los Feliz understands that every hour your business is closed means income lost and customers go un-served. Count on a strong effort from a component of the SERVPRO large-loss storm team. Despite an improving economy, small business owners are still operating on narrow margins and even a weekend lost can mean not making payroll or loan payments. To prevent this from happening, call us at (323) 667-3100 to restore your business and your livelihood.

Safety and Mitigation of Storm Damaged Possessions Are Crucial

2/27/2017 (Permalink)

Safety first when it comes to storm floods!

When natural floods occur, the essential boundaries between humans and the elements are broken down. The pressure and force of moving water are often enough to cause serious damage to purification and sewage systems. In the most extreme cases, chemicals and toxic waste end up in the floodwaters which infiltrate homes.


This is why it's really important for homeowners to seek professional advice. At SERVPRO, we deal with incidents of severe water damage on a daily basis. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster. Our job is not just to reverse the storm damage and restore your home to its original condition; we'll also make it safe again. This means eliminating all traces of toxic materials in the water and your home.


If your home has recently flooded, there are a few things that you can do to keep yourself safe until the SERVPRO team arrives. 

Find Alternative Shelter 
If possible, find a clean, dry place to stay while the flooding in your home is being repaired. It isn't healthy to remain among damp furniture, carpets, or drywall, even if there is no standing water. There may be bacteria, pathogens, and chemicals on the walls and floors. Call SERVPRO, explain the severity of the flooding and we'll make our way to the property as quickly as possible. 

Keep Your Hands Clean 
If you have had contact with floodwater, you need to wash your hands thoroughly. Do this every time you get your hands wet and then leave the site. Don't prepare or touch food until you've washed with soap and water. If the flooding isn't too severe, you may be able to move items outside of the property and away from the saturation points. Where possible, store them away from unaffected possessions, as they may need disinfecting. 

Drink Bottled Water 
SERVPRO strongly advises you to steer clear of the main water supply, until we have verified (in conjunction with local authorities) that it is safe to drink. Flooding can infect the water supply with chemicals and toxins. All homeowners should drink bottled water or, at least, boil their water before drinking. 

Reach Out for Help 
Flood repair and restoration experts from SERVPRO provide more than just practical help. We are a valuable source of information and support. Our technicians can tell you everything that you need to know about flood damage restoration. They will be frank and honest about what can be salvaged (usually a lot) and what is too degraded to be saved. They will work closely with you to inventory your possessions and clean, restore, and repair as many items as possible. If you have insurance coverage, the final disposition of storm damaged items is your decision to make.

All forms of flooding can be stressful, but natural flooding has a tendency to make homeowners feel helpless. With the support of SERVPRO of Hollywood Hills/Los Feliz, you don't have to be. We can help you take back control and get repairs started quickly. Call us 24/7 on (323) 667-3100.