Recent Posts

Steps you can take in a wildfire

3/24/2022 (Permalink)

Facts brought to you by the US Forest Service

  • Remain calm.
  • Flammable materials such as wood move in safe place away from the house.
  • Back vehicles into the garage facing the outside, and roll up all the windows. Never try to find shelter inside your vehicle.
  • Close the garage door, but leave it unlocked. If electric, disconnect it so that the door can be opened manually.
  • Open the entrance of your yard in order to facilitate the access of the fire fighters and vehicles.
  • Shut off any fuel tank and gas cylinder.
  • Close all exterior vents. Close all exterior doors (don´t lock them) and windows.
  • Attach pre-cut plywood panels to the exterior of windows and glass doors.
  • Make sure that all garden hoses are connected to faucets, and attach a nozzle set on “spray”
  • Prop a ladder against the house so fire fighters have easy access to the roof
  • Tune in to a local radio station and listen for instructions
  • Make sure all family members are in the same room of the house.
  • After the passing of the fire get out of the house and extinguish immediately small fires. For any smoke, water or fire damage cleanup call SERVPRO of Watsonville/Hollister (831) 275-1901

SERVPRO of Watsonville/Hollister Certifications

3/24/2022 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of Watsonville/Hollister we are always prepared and armed with the necessary certifications to get any water or fire damage cleaned up and restored. Our technicians are highly trained in many types of cleaning and restoration processes. At SERVPRO we are dedicated to doing the best and most quality job possible in order to ensure that all damages are fully taken care of. SERVPRO of Watsonville/Hollister prides itself on its amazing team members. We are proudly certified by the following:

AMRT - Applied Microbial Remediation Technician

ECTP - Employee Certification Training Program

ASD - Applied Structural Drying Technician

WRT - Water Damage Restoration Technician

RRRP - Lead-Based Paint Activities and Renovation

OSHA - 10-hour General and/or Construction Industry Training Program

IICRC - Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification

Our Franchise allows us to keep up to date with all the new and up and coming equipment in the restoration industry. The equipment that we use allows us to provide the type of quality of work that is expected by the SERVPRO franchise.

When Storms or Floods hit Monterey County SERVPRO is ready!

3/24/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Watsonville/Hollister 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 Monterey County we can scale our resources to handle large storm or flooding disasters. 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 (831) 275-1901

Our highly trained crews are ready to respond 24/7 to storm or flood damage in Monterey County. 

SERVPRO Water Damage Tips

3/24/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Watsonville/Hollister knows exactly what to do in the emergency of a water loss!

What would you do if you came home from work to a house that was filling up with water? Or woke up in the middle of the night to a mini lake in your living room? 

Water damage only becomes a problem when it’s happening to you or your loved ones. Luckily, there are some prevention tips to help ensure that this doesn't happen to you. Unfortunately, even the most prepared can’t guarantee they will never experience this problem. That being said there are still some things that you can do to prevent any further damages from being done. The following are a few helpful tips.

1.Disconnect hoses- Water that is backed up in the hose can freeze and create a water block. If this happens disconnect the hose and let it thaw out, otherwise running water could burst the pipes underground or in the walls.

2.Clean Gutters/Down Spouts- This should done at least twice a year to prevent clogging and flooding as well as to prevent ice damns from building up.

3.Maintain Trees/Vegetation- Always pay attention to the types of trees or plants that are on your property or that you plan on planting. Different types of trees or plants have different types of root systems that can wrap around or break underground water pipes.

4.Know Your Water Main- The location of your water main should be known by everyone who lives on the property, so that in case of an emergency the water line can be shut off to prevent further damages. Also, if the house will be left for long periods of time its good practice to shut of water main.

5.Check Appliances Regularly/Fix Anything Immediately- Check all appliances regularly for any leaks and if there is an issue fix it immediately. Most damage that is accidental or sudden is covered by the homeowner’s insurance policy but damage that is caused by lack of maintenance is not.

6.Upgrade Washing Machine Hose- A leak or break in an old brittle washing machine hose is one of the most common causes for a water loss. 

7.Check Home’s Water Pressure- Purchase a water gauge at a local hardware store set it up on an outside faucet, turn it on to full blast and read gauge. The average house’s water pressure is from 40 to 70 psi.

8.Monitor Water Bill- One way to ensure that there are no leaks or issues with water pressure around your house is by always checking the water bill for random changes in monthly consumption.   

In the unfortunate event that you experience a water loss emergency SERVPRO is ready to make it "Like it never even happened."

Call Us at (831) 275-1901

What to do until help arrives

3/23/2022 (Permalink)

If you have a water damage from a clean source such as water supply lines, sink overflows, tub overflows, or appliance malfunctions, here are some things to do before SERVPRO arrives. 

  • Shut off the source of the water. 
  • Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building if the access 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 
  • Remove to a safe, dry place any paintings, art objects, computers, documents, and other materials that are valuable or sensitive to moisture. 
  • Use wooden clothespins to keep furniture skirting off damp floors 
  • Hang draperies with coated hangers to avoid contact with wet carpeting or floors 

IICRC Certified Firm

3/23/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Watsonville/Hollister is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo. 

IICRC Certified Firms must 

  • Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.
  • Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.
  • Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.
  • Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.
  • Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry 

The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals. 

Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace. 

About SERVPRO of Watsonville/Hollister

SERVPRO of Watsonville/Hollister 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 and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: 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 Watsonville/Hollister is Hiring!

3/23/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Watsonville/Hollister is currently hiring Production and Cleaning Technicians. 

Primary Role: Perform services as assigned, following SERVPRO production guidelines. Communicate with the customer to make sure that all needs are met. Support crew chief and other production personnel as needed. Clean and maintain vehicles, equipment, warehouse and office areas as needed. 

Results Expected: Production processes are performed according to guidelines and work orders. Communications to crew chief and customer are timely. Jobs are completed at or beyond customer expectations. Vehicles, equipment, and facilities remain clean, orderly, and working properly. 
 
The requirements for this position: 

  • Must have a professional appearance and great attitude. 
  • Ability to pass a criminal background check with no felony convictions or misdemeanors involving violence or theft. 
  • Because we provide 24-hour emergency services, must be willing to be on call, as needed. 
  • Some night and weekend work is required. 
  • Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds. 
  • Must have a high school diploma or a GED certificate. 

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. This company does not and will not discriminate in employment and personnel practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, national origin, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. 

 
Please call 831-275-1901 for more information or email your resume to office@SERVPROmp.com 

Flood Knowledge

3/23/2022 (Permalink)

What is a flood? 

Floods occur when large amount of water overflows over dry land. They may result from prolonged or very heavy rainfall, severe thunderstorms, monsoon rains, or tropical cyclones. People, who live near rivers, or in low-lying coastal areas, live with the greatest threat of floods. 

Common types of flooding 

  1. Slow onset floods 
  1. Rapid onset floods 
  1. Flash floods 

Flood warnings 

Usually, a reasonable warning period is possible except in case of flash floods. 

Common terms used by the meteorological department to describe the warnings for flooding are as: 

  1. Minor flooding: Causes inconvenience, closing small roads and low-level bridges. 
  1. Moderate Flooding: Low-lying areas inundated, requiring removal of stock, equipment and evacuation of isolated homes. Main road and rail bridges may be covered. 
  1. Major flooding: Higher areas inundated, towns and properties isolated, and extensive damage. 
  1. Local flooding: Intense rainfall, some high run-off, but usually no flooding in main streams; 
  1. Significant river rises: This warning is issued if it is not certain that the initial flood levels will be exceeded in the main streams. It makes people aware that appreciable rises are expected. 

After a Flood 

The following are guidelines for the period following a flood: 

  • Listen for news reports to learn whether the community’s water supply is safe to drink. 
  • Avoid floodwaters; water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage. Water may also be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines. 
  • Avoid moving water. 
  • Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car. 
  • Stay away from downed power lines, and report them to the power company. 
  • Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe. 
  • Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters. 
  • Use extreme caution when entering buildings; there may be hidden damage, particularly in foundations. 
  • Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewage systems are serious health hazards. 
  • Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left from floodwater can contain sewage and chemicals. 

SERVPRO is always here to guide you in the right direction after any disaster. 

Mold Myth Busting 101

3/23/2022 (Permalink)

Its name evokes images of green rot. Mold is a menacing pollutant existing naturally in the environment. But it's the last thing you want growing in your home. 

Like most people, you probably know that indoor mold ruins homes and threatens health. And you might agree that the first step to eliminating mold is locating its sources. But do you know where to look for mold? Or even that using a popular disinfectant to clean it can do more harm than good? Chances are, you've been duped by these mold myths that should be laid to rest: 

A Clean Home is Mold-Free. 

A dirt-free home is no guarantee against mold infestation. Mold thrives in closets, dark corners, and drywall, a common construction material in homes today. Its microscopic spores sail through the air, so you can't see them or know where they land. 

Your home has no moldy odors. 

It's true that gasses produced by mold give off a musty odor. But it's false to assume that having no odor means your home isn't infested. Not all molds produce smells. And if mold is lurking in a basement, its smell doesn't enter the air you normally breathe. It's there, and you never knew it. 

Your home's basement never floods. 

Wet basements are a major source of mold. But they're just one of many in your home. Other mainsprings for mold are humidifiers, leaky pipes, dryers that vent indoors, bathrooms and cooking areas that aren't ventilated, even carpets in a basement. 

Bleach can remove mold. 

A powerful disinfectant, bleach wipes away mold on glass, metal, or plastic surfaces. But while its chlorine component doesn't penetrate to the sources of mold in drywall and wood, the water contained in bleach does. And--you guessed it--that water lingers beneath the surfaces, providing more than enough food for mold to grow. 

SERVPRO of Watsonville/Hollister 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 and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: 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. Our management team has over 35 years of combined experience in the restoration industry.

Do you have a fire extinguisher?

3/23/2022 (Permalink)

Do you have enough fire extinguishers?

Fire engulfs an automotive supply shop, destroying inventory consisting of mainly shocks, struts, starters, alternators, and batteries. The fire ignited due to a chemical container failure affecting surrounding items. 
 
You may think that fire damage like this would put them out of business, but you'd be wrong. Replacing inventory is relatively easy, the hard decision here is locating a quality company to perform the services you need to restore the structure of your building. There are several unique challenges faced during different fire situations, and we have experience dealing with all of them.
 
SERVPRO technicians overcome various cleaning challenges, daily. A burning building consists of several complex reactions between different elements. We learn that fire damage presents different cleaning and restoration situations that depend greatly on how these different elements interact during the progress of a fire. When dealing with the removal of smoke residues, we consider several factors. 
 
Type - More porous surfaces allow particles and odors to penetrate further and are harder to clean. Non-porous surfaces such as those covered in enamel paint are easier to clean than a flat latex paint would be. While synthetic fibers attract more residue than natural fibers, synthetics are easier to clean. 
 
Age - As time progresses, old paint, fabrics, and carpeting become more porous, and adhesion to surfaces become weaker, making old surfaces harder to clean. 
 
Heat - Generally, hotter fires make surfaces expand, allowing residue and odors to penetrate more efficiently. While heat also chars materials or melts the finish on a surface, making refinishing required to restore the surface properly. 
 
Moisture - The right conditions help residues set faster and permanently stain surfaces. Fire suppression systems and Firefighting efforts, along with damp weather and normal condensation on various surfaces combine with smoke residues, causing surfaces to become discolored. 
 
Material - Different materials produce different kinds of residues. Synthetic materials such as plastics and rubber create a wet, smeary residue that stains surfaces. Wood and other natural materials leave behind a dry residue that is easier to clean. 
 
Air Pressure - As the temperature of fire increases, air expands, creating pressure systems that force smoke and soot into cracks and crevices. 
 
Impingement - During a fire, the surrounding air becomes hotter, causing increased movement. This fast-moving air collides with surfaces throughout the structure, causing residues to collide with vertical surfaces, leaving behind more difficult stains. 
 
With knowledge of these different factors that cause changes during a fire event, SERVPRO technicians work hard to deliver the services you need to restore your business to a quality preloss condition. 
 
Contact SERVPRO of Watsonville/Hollister 831-275-1901