Summer Safety Tips from SERVPRO of Ventura

6/11/2024 (Permalink)

summer in ventura

Hello Ventura residents! Summer is upon us, and as we all look forward to enjoying the sunny days and warm nights, it's important to remember that safety should always be a top priority. At SERVPRO of Ventura, we're committed to helping you keep your home and family safe all year round. Here are some essential summer safety tips to ensure your season is fun and accident-free.

1. Stay Hydrated

The summer heat can be intense, and it's easy to become dehydrated when you're out and about. Make sure you and your family drink plenty of water throughout the day. Remember, by the time you feel thirsty, you’re already dehydrated.

2. Practice Sun Safety

Protect your skin from harmful UV rays by applying sunscreen with at least SPF 30, wearing hats, sunglasses, and seeking shade during the peak sun hours between 10 AM and 4 PM. Don’t forget to reapply sunscreen every two hours or after swimming or sweating.

3. Grill Safely

Summer is grilling season! To avoid fire hazards, always grill outside and keep the grill at least 10 feet away from your house, deck railings, and overhanging branches. Never leave the grill unattended, and make sure children and pets stay at a safe distance. Use long-handled tools to avoid burns and check gas grill hoses for leaks before use.

4. Be Water-Wise

Whether you’re at the beach, pool, or lake, water safety is crucial. Always supervise children when they’re in or near water. Ensure everyone knows how to swim and understand the basics of water rescue. Consider learning CPR, as it can save lives in emergencies.

5. Prevent Heat-Related Illnesses

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are serious conditions that can be prevented. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing, take frequent breaks in the shade or air-conditioned areas, and avoid strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day. If you feel dizzy, weak, or nauseous, seek cooler conditions immediately.

6. Fire Safety

Summer is wildfire season in many areas, including Ventura. Create a defensible space around your home by clearing dry brush and vegetation. Keep a fire extinguisher accessible and ensure your family knows how to use it. Follow local fire regulations and be cautious with fireworks, campfires, and outdoor burning.

7. Travel Safely

Summer often means vacations and road trips. Before hitting the road, ensure your vehicle is in good condition. Check the tires, brakes, and fluid levels, and have an emergency kit on hand. Always wear seatbelts, follow traffic laws, and avoid distractions while driving.

8. Bug Protection

Warmer weather brings out the bugs. Protect yourself from mosquito bites by using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants in the evening, and eliminating standing water around your home where mosquitoes can breed. Check for ticks after spending time in wooded or grassy areas.

9. Home Maintenance

Summer is a good time to inspect your home for potential hazards. Check for leaks in your plumbing, inspect your roof for damage, and clean out gutters to prevent water damage. Ensure your air conditioning system is functioning properly to keep your home cool and comfortable.

10. Emergency Preparedness

Natural disasters can strike at any time. Have an emergency plan in place and make sure your family knows what to do in case of an earthquake, fire, or other emergencies. Keep an emergency kit stocked with essentials such as water, non-perishable food, medications, and important documents.

Conclusion

By following these safety tips, you can enjoy a worry-free summer while keeping your home and loved ones safe. If you do experience any damage or need assistance with cleanup and restoration, SERVPRO of Ventura is here to help. Our team of professionals is available 24/7 to provide fast and reliable service.

Stay safe and have a fantastic summer, Ventura!

For more information on our services, visit our website or call us at (805) 656-3911.

Renovation vs. Restoration: What's the Difference?

4/26/2024 (Permalink)

Renovation and restoration might sound similar, but they're actually quite different when it comes to fixing up buildings. Let's break it down in simple terms:

Renovation: Making Things New and Better

Renovation is like giving a place a makeover. You fix up what's broken, update what's old, and make it look nicer. Here's what it's all about:

1. Modernizing Stuff: Renovation is all about bringing things up to date. You might swap out old appliances for shiny new ones, update the paint job, or put in cool gadgets to make life easier.

2. Improving Looks: Ever seen a house get a fresh coat of paint or new floors? That's renovation in action. It's all about making things look nicer and more modern.

3. Making Spaces Work Better: Sometimes, a place just doesn't flow right. Renovation can change that. You might knock down a wall to make a bigger room or add a bathroom where there wasn't one before.

Restoration: Bringing Back the Old Charm

Restoration is like taking a trip back in time. It's about preserving the history and character of a place. Here's what sets restoration apart:

1. Keeping Things Original: Restoration is all about keeping things as close to the original as possible. That means using old materials and techniques to fix things up, so the place still feels authentic.

2. Preserving History: If a building has a lot of history behind it, restoration is the way to go. It's like keeping a piece of the past alive for future generations to enjoy.

3. Respecting the Classics: Think of restoration like a love letter to the past. It's about showing respect for the craftsmanship and style of bygone eras.

Choosing the Right Approach

Deciding between renovation and restoration depends on what you want to achieve with a building:

• Renovation is great for giving a place a modern touch, fixing up wear and tear, and making it more comfortable to live in.

• Restoration is perfect for buildings with a rich history or unique character. It's about preserving what makes them special for years to come.

In the end, whether you're renovating a house to make it feel like home or restoring a historic building to its former glory, knowing the difference helps you pick the right path to make your property shine.

Festive and Safe: Essential Christmas Tree Safety Tips

12/15/2023 (Permalink)

Essential Christmas Tree Safety Tips

As the holiday season approaches, homes across Ventura are beginning to sparkle with festive decorations. Among these, Christmas trees stand as a beloved centerpiece. However, while they bring joy and warmth, they can also pose safety risks if not handled properly. At SERVPRO of Ventura, we're committed to helping you enjoy a safe and merry holiday season. Here are our top tips for Christmas tree safety.

1. Choosing the Right Tree:

Real vs. Artificial: Both real and artificial trees have their pros and cons. Real trees bring a natural look and scent but require more maintenance and can be a fire hazard if not cared for properly. Artificial trees are easier to maintain and generally safer in terms of fire risk, but they don't offer the same authentic feel???.
Freshness Check for Real Trees: If you opt for a real tree, ensure it's fresh. Fresh trees are less likely to catch fire. Look for vibrant green needles that are hard to pluck and don't break easily.

2. Proper Placement and Setup:

Away from Heat Sources: Place your tree at least three feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, or heat vents, as these can dry out the tree and increase fire risk?.
Stable Stand: Use a sturdy stand to prevent the tree from toppling over. Make sure it can hold enough water to keep the tree hydrated.

3. Lights and Decorations:

Inspect Lights: Check your Christmas lights for frayed wires or other damages. Use lights that have been tested and approved by safety certification organizations.
Turn Off Before Bed: Always unplug tree lights before going to bed or leaving the house.
Non-flammable Decorations: Use non-flammable or flame-retardant decorations.

4. Tree Maintenance:

Water Regularly: For real trees, keep the stand filled with water to prevent the tree from drying out, which increases fire risk.
Disposal: Dispose of your tree when it begins dropping needles. Dried-out trees are a significant fire hazard and should not be left in the home or garage, nor placed outside against the house?.
5. In Case of Emergencies:

Have a Plan: Ensure your family knows what to do in case of a fire. Keep a fire extinguisher handy and ensure your smoke alarms are working.
SERVPRO of Ventura Services: Remember, if you encounter any fire damage this holiday season, SERVPRO of Ventura is here to help with professional fire damage cleanup and restoration services.

By following these simple tips, you can enjoy the beauty and tradition of a Christmas tree without compromising the safety of your home and loved ones. From all of us at SERVPRO of Ventura, we wish you a safe, happy, and fire-free holiday season!

HOMEOWNERS SHOULD WORRY ABOUT RAT INFESTATION

1/20/2023 (Permalink)

rat infestation

If you’re like most people, you cringe at the thought of rat infestation. These rodents don’t generally have a reputation for being cute and cuddly, so thoughts of rats in the attic or crawl space cam be unsettling. But the rats aren’t the only reason you should be concerned about rats in your house.

Seeing a rat from a distance can be disturbing to some. For such small pests, rats can do a surprising amount of damage. They tend to chew and gnaw their way through a variety of different materials including wooden structures, cardboard boxes and even plastics. In some cases, you might actually see a rat’s body. Whether the rat is alive or dead. Rats can carry also pathogens that may transmit disease to humans, including hantavirus. These pathogens can be transmitted through the rat’s urine and droppings which become airborne as they break down and contaminated to dust.

As many business know, a rodent infestation can be very problematic. In addition to causing health hazards, rodents can adversely affect the structural integrity of your commercial property. The local team of experts at SERVPRO of Ventura is trained to safely remove biohazards and dispose them properly in accordance with OSHA and Health regulations. Equipped with recommended safety and specialized cleaning products, we can change unhealthy environment. Call us at (805) – 656 - 3911.

PREPARE YOUR HOME FOR THE SEASON WITH OUR FALL MAINTENACE CHECKLIST

10/10/2022 (Permalink)

home during fall season

As the season begins to change, it’s time to prep your home for falling leaves, cooler weather and the cold, brisk air of an autumn nigh returns to our lives. With fall comes colder and less predictable weather. The kind of conditions that can cause structural damage to your home or if you’re not careful. But do not worry, you can enjoy everything you love about autumn worry free. Most of the tasks listed below are well within the average homeowner’s ability. But even if you’d rather hire professional to handle them, it can be well worth the expense. You’ll save money in the long run by preventing costly damage to your home.

1. Clean your gutters

For starters, cleaning out your gutter is a great way to start your fall preparations. You don’t want any more fallen leaves and debris to clog up your gutters, which can cause external water damage to your roof or internal leaking.

2. Seal up air leaks

A home with air leaks around windows and doors is like a coat left unbuttoned. Gaps in caulk and weather stripping let cold air into your warm home and sealing up a drafty house can save to 20 percent on heating bills.

3. Install a programmable thermostat

Installing a programmable thermostat is both affordable and easy to do on your own. Control your home’s heating and cooling while you’re on the go with a programmable thermostat. Set the temperature in each room with just a tap on your smartphone.

4. Inspect your furnace

A furnace filter collects dust and over time, it needs to be cleaned. Most can be vacuumed, but if it’s a disposable filter, you might need to replace it after one or two cleans.

5. Inspect your roof

Few homeowner problems are more vexing than a leaky roof. Once the dripping starts, finding the source of the problem can be tome consuming. Stop problems this fall before winter winds turn them from annoyances into disasters.

6. Ward off gas problems

Keeping a gas heater in good shape is both a safety and a cost issue. An improperly maintained heater can spew toxic gasses into the air of your home, or it could simply be costing you more to operate. Have a professional check these devices annually.

Make sure that your home is prepared for the fall season. Preventative maintenance now will save money on expensive emergency repairs and wasted energy costs. For professional cleaning services, please call us SERVPRO of Ventura at (805) 656-3911.

DETOX YOUR ENVIRONMENT

7/30/2019 (Permalink)

DETOX YOUR ENVIRONMENT

Your home or your environment might contain hundreds of toxins that are risk to health. But there are many ways to reduce the effect on you and your family’s health. Here are few tips to purify your home.

1. REFRESH THE AIR

 Indoor air is 5 times more polluted than outdoor air.  Do not use synthetic air freshener; open the window to refresh the air in your home. Always clean the Air condition with non-toxic products. Try to put indoor plants inside your house, it help clean the air.

2. REMOVE SHOES BEFORE ENTERING THE HOUSE

Dirt in your house comes from shoes, including harmful substances such as pesticides and lead. Store your shoes in an entryway cabinet.

3.REMOVE DUST

Use a microfiber cloth in cleaning furniture and use a HEPA vacuum cleaner. Mop all floors.

4. PREVENT MOLD GROWTH

 Keep moisture levels to a minimum to stop the growth of mold and mildew. Check the areas where mold most commonly grows.

5. PURIFY WATER FILTER

 Filter tap water to eliminate toxins by using a carbon. Use a showerhead filter to remove potentially harmful chemicals.

6. MONITOR CO LEVELS

Use a certified CO detector to check your home for carbon monoxide leaks in furnaces and other home appliances. It is important to remember that a person can be poisoned by both a small amount of carbon monoxide over a longer period and a large amount of carbon monoxide over a shorter amount of time.

7. REDUCE PLASTIC USAGE

Plastics contain the toxic compound, a hormone disruptor. Choose products that are BPA-free especially when it comes to food containers. Do not use plastic containers in the microwave.

8. CHOOSE PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS WISELY

Many toiletries, cosmetics and other personal care products are loaded with toxin. Choose alternatives made with natural ingredients.

Small changes in your home or environment can have a big impact on your long-term health.You know SERVPRO of Ventura as a leader in Fire and Water Cleanup and Restoration, but our professional residential cleaning services can help you in mold remediation, deodorization, and other services to purify your home environment. Our experts are ready to assist in the cleanup to provide deep cleaning services for your home.

Here at SERVPRO of Ventura we are proud to serve. We stand ready to mobilize our team to help out during any kind of crisis. Call us at (805) 656-3911 for assistance.

Winter Time: Protecting Pipes Before

10/17/2018 (Permalink)

We all know that water expands when it freezes; unfortunately, your pipes don't. When water freezes and expands, it puts pressure on whatever contains it, and with enough pressure, your frozen pipes will burst, causing a very costly water damage in your home. Here are ways to protect pipes in freezing weather.

• Protect your pipes before the temperatures dip below freezing to save yourself from water damage. Especially important to remember if you're planning to leave your home for an extended period during the winter. An unattended home is a dangerous situation if you don't take the appropriate steps to winterize the house leaving.

• If you're leaving home for more than a few days, you should drain your pipes of water. Draining is done through your main water supply. This prevents any water in the tube from freezing and backing up into the tap and then your pipes.

• Wrap heating tapes around your pipes.

• Ensure adequate insulation in common problem areas of the home, including attics, basements, and crawlspaces that contain pipes. Adding insulation to your home also reduces your heating bill. You can also add insulation to your pipes. It isn’t enough to prevent pipes from freezing but it will slow the transfer rate of heat to cold. Wrap the pipes in foam rubber insulation, or you can even use a ¼ inch layer of newspaper in areas that are less exposed to the cold.

Give SERVPRO a call anytime that you need us at (805) 656-3911.

Our Highly Trained Restoration Specialists can restore your Ventura County Home

5/2/2018 (Permalink)

We are an IICRC Certified Firm

SERVPRO of Ventura 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. 

24 hour emergency services

8/23/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Ventura provides 24 hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any size disaster in Ventura, CA.  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 size 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 today 805-656-3911