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! ***