Hidden Mold!

Does your building smell moldy... but you don't see any mold? You're not alone! Mold can hide in many different places, such as the back side of dry wall, wallpaper, paneling, the top side of ceiling tiles, the underside of carpets and pads, etc. It can even be hidden inside walls, around pipes (with leaking or condensing pipes), on the surface of walls behind furniture (where condensation forms), inside ductwork, and in roof materials above ceiling tiles (due to roof leaks or insufficient insulation). With so many different places to search, where do you start investigating...?

The truth is... you probably shouldn't! Distrubing mold growth can potentially lead to some very serious health problems. Molds produce allergents (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins). Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores can cause varying responses ranging from allergic reactions to serious respiratory complications. Are you willing to take a chance?

Mold mitigation is usually best left to an experienced professional who has been trained to deal with mold and has the equipment to do it safely. Although it is impossible to get rid of all mold and mold spores indoors, trained professionals can help to control mold growth and can provide ideas on how to prevent it in the future.

If you need professional assistance, please call Servpro of Point Loma at 619-275-2802. We're here to provide recommendations 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

*** Servpro of Point Loma is a Ready San Diego Business Alliance Member. Feel free to contact us anytime for safety tips! ***

The Hidden Dangers of Christmas

It's hard not to enjoy this time of year! Lights, tinsel, ornaments, Christmas trees, presents, lights on display... everything about it is festive! We talk a lot about peace on earth and spreading good... but we don't often discuss the hidden dangers that Christmas can pose (and no, we're not talking about your waist line!).

Servpro of Point Loma has put together a list of potential hazards and dangers that you and your family should be aware of. Please take a moment to look them over... this list can make the difference between a holly jolly Christmas and a very bad near year!

Hidden Dangers of Christmas
Christmas Trees

• A very dry Christmas tree can present a fire danger and cause fire damage. When purchasing a natural tree, cut 1/2" off the trunk so that the tree can soak up the water. Keep a constant supply of water in the stand. Natural trees can "drink" a lot of water, especially when first set up.
• The tree itself may be a danger to your pet if your decorations are edible or the tree is sprayed with insecticide or preservatives, but the stand the tree goes in is even more dangerous. A dog will often, if it can get under the tree, drink the water in which the tree sits. This water, if left for some time, will grow bacteria that can make your dog sick if it drinks that water, and if the tree has been treated to make it stay fresh longer, that will seep into the tree water and is poisonous to animals.

Christmas Tree Lights

• It is important to keep any heat sources away from the tree and use only UL listed light strings if you do decorate the tree with lights.
• If you decorate your tree with electric lights your animal can become entangled in them and your animals may chew on the lights or the electrical cord and be badly burned or even electrocuted.

Ornaments

• The glass ornaments that you hang on your tree may fall off and break, getting glass on the floor that you pet can step on and cut its paws
• Plants such as mistletoe berries, holly and poinsettias are either poisonous or can cause irritation.

Baked Goods and Treats

• If you put candy canes on your Christmas tree, animals will often eat the candy canes wrappers along with the stolen candy! The same goes with Christmas cookies. This will make your dog vomit at least, and may require a trip to the veterinarian.

Gifts

• Any gifts that you put under your tree may become chew toys for your dog. And if there is anything dangerous in those packages it will inevitably be checked out by your dog if not chewed on.

And last but not least...
Most Common Accidents

• Parents stabbing themselves with scissors they have grabbed instead of screwdrivers to assemble toys
• People cutting themselves with knives which they are using to open presents too quickly
• Children falling off rocking horses or smashing new bikes into walls
• Tripping over toys and trailing cables in the rush to try out new computers and other appliances
• Gravy exploding in microwave ovens, hot fat spilled on the cook as they try to grapple with a big turkey and nasty cuts when chopping piles of vegetables
• Tipsy party guests toppling down stairs or crashing to the floor when they miss their seat at the dinner table

Have a happy and safe holiday from your friends at Servpro of Point Loma!
Sources:
http://petcaretips.net/dog-christmas-trees.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-331881/Hidden-dangers-Christmas.html
http://www.ci.roseville.mn.us/index.aspx?NID=1415

*** Servpro of Point Loma is a Ready San Diego Business Alliance Member. Feel free to contact us anytime for safety tips! ***

You Tube Videos!

Just posted 3 new videos to youtube.com! Enjoy...



*** Servpro of Point Loma is a Ready San Diego Business Alliance Member. Feel free to contact us anytime for safety tips! ***

Fire and Smoke Damage Tips

Did you know that the first 24 hours after a fire can make the difference between restoring versus replacing your property and personal belongings? The following are tips you should consider until help arrives...

DO:

• Limit movement in the structure to prevent soot particles frombeing embedded into upholstery and carpets
• Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork
• Place dry, colorfast towels on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator completely and prop doors open to help prevent odors
• Coat chrome faucets, trim and appliances with petroleum jelly or oil
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpet

DO NOT:

• Wash any walls or painter surfaces
• Shampoo carpet or upholstery
• Clean any electrical equipment
• Consume any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored close to the 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.
• Send clothing to dry cleaner since improper cleaning may set smoke odor

As a leader in fire and water cleanup and restoration, Servpro of Point Loma's number one goal is to return your property to its preloss condition. Whatever your circumstance, we are committed to making it "like it never even happened". Call us if you have questions... 619-275-2802. We're here to help!

*** Servpro of Point Loma is a Ready San Diego Business Alliance Member. Feel free to contact us anytime for safety tips! ***

When the Sun Comes Out, Will Your Place Be Dry?

The rainy season has officially begun! Where rain falls, water damage tends to follows. Have you done everything you can to prevent water damage? Servpro of Point Loma is here to help!

10 Ways to Prevent Water Damage:
1. Clean and inspect gutters regularly
2. Keep downspouts clear of any blockage
3. Repair or replace roofing as needed
4. Be sure soffit vents are clean and unobstructed
5. Check for any cracks or peeling paint - these could indicate moisture retention
6. Fill low spots around building foundation with clean fill dirt
7. Create slope away from structure to drain runoff properly
8. Trim plants around building to avoid growth of mold or mildew
9. Make sure landscaping has adequate drainage
10. Apply a waterproofing coating to interior or exterior basement walls
If you have a water damage or are interested in preventing one, SERVPRO of Point Loma can be your solution. We have the expertise, training and equipment available to help you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year!! We hope we'll be your first choice to meet your restoration needs! Call or email us today at 619-275-2802 or servpro9729@gmail.com.

*** Servpro of Point Loma is a Ready San Diego Business Alliance Member. Feel free to contact us anytime for safety tips! ***

Servpro of Point Loma is now on YouTube!!

Hey! Are you a YouTube fan? Check out Servpro of Point Loma's latest video...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHOwRFTcQ2k&feature=email

*** Servpro of Point Loma is a Ready San Diego Business Alliance Member. Feel free to contact us anytime for safety tips! ***

Water Damage - Emergency Tips For Your Home

What would you do if you came home from work this evening to find a foot of water inside your home? Would you panic? Would you know who to call for help? Would you have your emergency numbers immediately available or would you have to wade through the water to search for your list? Flooding and water damage is almost always accidental and unexpected. Planning emergencies like this and knowing what immediate steps should be taken can greatly reduce the amount of damage your home will sustain!

The following list of tips will help in any water damage situation:


WATER DAMAGE FROM CLEAN WATER

• Shut off the source of water if possible or contact a qualified party to stop the water source
• Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building (only if access to the power distribution panel is safe from electrical shock)
• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting
• Move paintings, art objects, computers, documents, and other materials that are valuable to a safe, dry place
• Use wooden clothespins to keep furniture skirting off damp floors
• Hang draperies with coated hangers to avoid contact with wet carpeting or floors
• Hang furs and leather goods to dry seperately at room temperature
• DON'T enter rooms with standing water where electrical shock hazards exist
• DON'T enter affected areas if electrical outlets, switches, circuit breakers or electrical equipment are exposed to water. *** ALWAYS AVOID ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARDS ***
• DON'T leave books, newspapers, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpets or floors. They may cause staining.
• DON'T use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water!
• DON'T use TV's or other appliances while standing on wet carpets, flooring, or concrete
• DON'T turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet
• DON'T enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water

WATER DAMAGE FROM CONTAMINATED WATER

• Avoid all contact with sewage and items contaminated by sewage
• Wash your hands thoroughly after contact with contaminated items
• DON'T spread contaminated water by walking unnecessarily on damaged or wet areas
• DON'T turn on HVAC system if there is a possibility of spreading contaminated air
• DON'T use household fans to dry the structure. This will spread contaminants
• DON'T use products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to the contaminated areas

IF YOU COME INTO CONTACT WITH HARMFUL WASTES (sewage, bloodborne pathogens, etc):

• Stay away from affected areas
• Call an emergency service professional ASAP
• Treat all body fluids as if they are contaminated
• DON'T attempt cleanup of any kind
• DON'T touch or handle items that might be contaminated with bodily fluids

*** Servpro of Point Loma is a Ready San Diego Business Alliance Member. Feel free to contact us anytime for safety tips! ***

My Insurance Adjuster Said I Have a Gray Water Loss... What's That?!

This morning we received an email from one of our neighbors in Bay Park. We thought all of you might benefit from the response we provided. Read below!

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Hi Mike,

We woke up this morning to find our kitchen and living room floors were completely soaked with water. Upon closer inspection, we discovered that our dishwasher had sprung a leak overnight! What a mess. We called our insurance company this morning... based on the information we gave our adjuster, he said we have a "gray water loss". What is that?

Thanks,
Mark Watman
PS - What time can you be here? We have approval from the adjuster for you to start cleaning up this water damage! Hurry!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Good morning, Mark,

Sorry to hear about your dishwasher. I will be there at 9 AM sharp to assist you (if that time works for you). Just give me a call to confirm - 619-275-2802.

There are 3 major types of water loss:

Clean water losses (category 1) originate from a source that does not pose substantial harm to humans. Examples of clean water sources may include:

- broken water supply lines
- melting ice or snow
- falling rainwater
- toilet bowls that do not contain contaminants or additives

As time elapses, "clean water" can turn into "gray water"... especially if the water has come in contact with soil or other surfaces.

Gray water losses (category 2) originate from a source that contains a significant level of contamination. Gray water carries microorganisms that have the protential to cause discomfort or sickness if consumed by or exposed to humans. Examples of gray water sources may include:

- discharge from dishwashers or washing machines
- overflows from toilet bowls with some urine (no feces)
- sump pump failures
- broken aquariums
- punctured water beds

Time and temperature can affect category 2 water contamination levels significantly. For example, gray water in flooded structures that remains untreated for longer those 48 hours may change to a black water loss.

Black water losses (category 3) contains pathogenic agents and is grossly unsanitary. In fact, our industry recommends that any persons with compromised immune systems, respiratory problems or allergies, or who are under 2 years of age or elderly must remain off a job site until the building is judged safe for occupancy. Examples of black water sources include:

- sewage and other contaminated water
- toilet backflows that originate from beyond the toilet trap
- all forms of flooding (seawater, ground surface water, rising water from rivers or streams)
- water that has been contaminated with pesticides, heavy metals, or toxic substances

Hope the information helps! If you want to know more about it, let me know. I can bring some additional literature with me this morning.

Mike Sprague
Servpro of Point Loma
619-275-2802
servpro9729@gmail.com
http://www.servproofpointloma.com/

*** Servpro of Point Loma is a Ready San Diego Business Alliance Member. Feel free to contact us anytime for safety tips! ***

Information on the H1N1 Virus

As flu season approaches, the H1N1 virus, also commonly referred to as Swine Flu, is on everyone's mind. The office staff here at Servpro of Point Loma you might benefit from the latest and greatest information available on the H1N1 virus. We hope this article helps to keep your family safe this flu season!

WHAT IS NOVEL H1N1(SWINE FLU)?

Novel H1N1 (referred to as "swine flu" early on) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. This virus is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. ON June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) signaled hat a pandemic of novel H1N1 flu was underway.

IS NOVEL H1N1 CONTAGIOUS?

CDC has determined that novel H1N1 is contagious and is spreading from human to human.

HOW DOES NOVEL H1N1 SPREAD?

Spread of novel H1N1 virus is thought to occur in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something - such as a surface or object - with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

HOW LONG CAN AN INFECTED PERSON SPREAD THIS VIRUS TO OTHERS?

People infected with seasonal and novel H1N1 flu may "shed virus" and be able to infect others from one day before getting sick to seven days after. This can be longer in some people, especially children and people with weakened immune systems and in people infected with the new H1N1 virus.

WHAT CAN I DO TO PROTECT MYSELF FROM GETTING SICK?

As you may already know, a vaccine is available to help combat the effects of H1N1. If you're interested in receiving the vaccine, the County of San Diego has published a website with more information for you: http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/Portal/flu/H1N1vaccine.html

The CDC recommends that medical providers give priority for the vaccine to certain target groups:

• Pregnant women
• Caretakers of infants under six months old
• Children and young adults six months to 24 years old
• Adults 25 to 64 years old with underlying medical conditions
• Health care workers

There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza such as:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick.

HOW LONG CAN INFLUENZA VIRUS REMAIN VIABLE ON OBJECTS (SUCH AS BOOKS AND DOORKNOBS)?

Studies have shown that influenza virus can survive on environmental surfaces and can infect a person for two to eight hours after being deposited on the surface.

WHAT KILLS INFLUENZA VIRUS?

Influenza virus is destroyed by heat (167-212 degrees F). In addition, several chemical germicides, including chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, detergents (soap), iodophors (iodone-based antiseptics) and alcohols are effective against human influenza viruses if used in the proper concentration for a sufficient length of time. For example, wipes or gels with alcohol in them can be used to clean hands. The gels should be rubbed into hands until they are dry.

WHAT SURFACES ARE MOST LIKELY TO BE SOURCES OF CONTAMINATION?

Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk, for example, and then touches their own eyes, mouth, or nose before washing their hands.

HOW SHOULD WASTE DISPOSAL BE HANDLED TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF INFLUENZA VIRUS?

To prevent the spread of influenza virus, it is recommended that tissues and other disposable items used by an infected person should be thrown in the trash. Additionally, persons should wash their hands with soap and water after touching used tissues and similar waste.

HOW CAN SERVPRO OF POINT LOMA HELP?

If you would like professional assistance with cleaning a facility that has been exposed to H1N1, please give us a call at 619-275-2802. Servpro of Point Loma is here to help!

http://www.servproofpointloma.com/

*** Servpro of Point Loma is a Ready San Diego Business Alliance Member. Feel free to contact us anytime for safety tips! ***

Welcome to Servpro of Point Loma!

SERVPRO of Point Loma is located in sunny San Diego, California. Specializing in water, fire, smoke and mold damage remediation, removal, repair, and restoration.

We will do our best to keep you up to date on all the latest fire and water related disasters in the Southern California area. Updates will be posted here and you can also follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/ServproMike.

You may find it useful to subscribe to our blog as we may be posting specials when we are in your neighborhood. If you'd like to stop by to meet our staff, give us a call at 619-275-2802! We'd love to hear from you!

PS - keep your eyes peeled for us, San Diego County! Our green trucks will be in the following neighborhoods today:

Point Loma
Loma Portal
Point Loma Heights
Ocean Beach (OB)
Midway
Fleetridge
Roseville
La Playa
Peninsula
Mission Bay
Mission Bay Park
Bay Park
Linda Vista
Clairemont
South Clairemont
Mission Village
Mission Valley
Serra Mesa
Old Town
National City
Coronado
Coronado Cays
Imperial Beach (IB)
Cabrillo National Monument
Harbor Island
Shelter Island
San Diego Airport
US Marine Corp Recruit Depot
US Coast Guard Station
Fort Rosecrans
Sunset Cliffs
Vacation Isle

If you spot us in your neighborhood, give us a call! We'll give you a 10% off on your next cleaning service...

*** Servpro of Point Loma is a Ready San Diego Business Alliance Member. Feel free to contact us anytime for safety tips! ***