Recent Storm Damage Posts

Brea Storm Damage

2/5/2022 (Permalink)

The Cabinet 1 dehumidifiers drying the damaged area, 2 cabinet space that fell, 3 SERVPRO team in PPE to cleanse the area

We had a call out to a home in city of Anaheim Hills, the client noticed a small leak in their hallway room and got worried it may have caused more damage than they would have imagined. They had no idea something like this would take place but our SERVPRO team wanted to ensure that our clients felt safe and appreciated while we make their home brand new.

This leak wasn’t just form the roof but it leaked into their walls and caused heavy damage. As you see in the photos, the damage made our team excavate and work on the inside of the walls. The damage was so bad that a portion of the roof fell on top of their cabinet space and completely destroyed it.

With heavy rain and an old roof it could be hard to keep the rain out, but if you suspect a leak in your house from a storm call us! Our team is here to serve you and clean up any damage we find.

A Small Leak and Ruined Rug

8/16/2021 (Permalink)

Storm Leak Damage 1 testing the floor damage, 2 pulling up the rug, 3 the overall damage before removal

A storm can come and go in a hurry, and our clients unfortunately had to deal with a flash flood in Lake Forrest. Luckily enough the storm didn’t cause too much damage inside but the unfortunate thing was that it did flood the pipes underneath the house and cause some minor but deep flooding.

In the photo you see, we had to lift up the carpet and get down to the bottom of the flooring to dry out the area. We wanted to do so to ensure that no mold growth would take place and had to place special chemicals on the area to keep it clean.

Although the family did have to replace their family rug, they were thankful that we came out in time because if not, the pipes underneath would have burst had we not called the local plumbers to help us on the job. Although we don’t do plumbing we will do anything to help us get the job done for you and your family.

The Storm in Anaheim Hills

6/10/2021 (Permalink)

Dried up Storm Damage 1 drying the cabinets before removal, 2 after removal of cabinets, 3 internal drying of damaged area

Anaheim Hills is a place where we don’t assume that storms will come through and sweep through an area, but believe it or not it still happens. When a house is not properly prepared for such rain, or even if it comes after a long drought it can cause some serious damage.

Our client gave our office a call because they had their worst fear come through. The storm overcame their home and began to leak from the roof into the walls of their home. Luckily, our SERVPRO team is ready to tackle this job and easily assessed and took care of the job quickly.

To help prevent any rotting wood, we opened up the bottom panel of the walls and directly dried the structure of the home to help it regain its original state. We also do this to prevent any damp areas producing mold growth which can cause health effects if left untreated.

Storms can cause a heap of damage, if you suspect any type of weather damage in your home give us a call so we can assess any possible problem.

Storm Damage in Yorba Linda

6/1/2021 (Permalink)

The thought of storms never really worries us here in California, but sometimes if we don’t properly repair or keep up then we can be blind-sided by the natural disasters of this earth. Our team was called out to Yorba Linda to inspect a house who was just covered by rain.

As we arrived on scene, we found that there was damage to the inner part of their restroom which seemed to take on a lot of water underneath. Luckily, we got there on time and we were able to help sustain any critical damage. Sometimes if it goes untreated the damage caused can be so sever that it won’t be able to be replaced without complete demolition and reconstruction.


Storms can cause massive damage, but our SERVPRO team understands that and knows that we can handle any job thrown our way. Give us a call today if you have suffered from storm damage, or any damage that you may need assistance on.

Brea got some minor Storm Damage

6/1/2021 (Permalink)

The work being done in brea 1 our blockade, 2 testing the actual damage before demolition, 3 the overall structure before remodel

Minor storm damage can also take place as well, especially if you live in a place where maybe heavy rain isn’t something you’re used to than it could cause problems. This resident living in Brea had to deal with a similar problem explained here. They were not ready for a sudden rainstorm and their house was not prepared at all.

Their home was already under a lot of stress and with this sudden storm, it didn’t help when it can to the old structure as well. With the old piping under the restroom, the new water stress levels made it burst and cause damage to the structure of the restroom. With caution, our team entered the site and immediately blocked off the entry ways to help contain any possible air that was harmful to people.

Although the damage was quick, our SERVPRO team wanted to play it safe in order to and keep everyone in the house and our team safe from any type of harmful chemicals in the air.

Brea had some Storm Damage

1/19/2021 (Permalink)

Our Machines Working 1 shows the air purifier, 2 dehumidifier, 3 another dehumidifier working in the kitchen

In Brea our clients were hit with an unexpected rain storm that damaged the flooring of their home. Luckily our team is ready to handle the unexpected problems that come your way.

What we do is we enter the home ready to clean and dry any problems that may have occurred during this incident. No problem is too hard for us to handle, give us a call today so we can help you and your family out. The storm moved around their belongings but after our team dried up the foundation we got in there and reorganized to help them out.

The thing with storms is that they can come unexpected especially here in Southern California region. We take extra steps in checking out the home to make sure that all the damage that took place is something we handle properly and keep your home a safe home. Our priority is that you come home in a home safer than you had it before. 

Yorba Linda Storm Damage

1/5/2021 (Permalink)

Dehumidifiers after the Storm 1 office being treated, 2 lifted carpet to get a deeper clean in, 3 dehumidifiers getting the bigger office

In Yorba Linda, we had a call from a client that experienced major flooding after a recent storm that took over for a couple days. The storm had led to a leakage in their facility which they called us out there to inspect and see what the total damage was.

Luckily they called us out just in time for us to stop and catch further damage to the structure of the building and only allowed it to seep into the carpet floor of the building. We know that here in California storms can come and go quickly but it can also be devastating to businesses if we are not prepared.

This storm damage came in from the warehouse doors and led straight into the offices. Since the storm was really out of the blue they were not prepared to stop it but luckily our SERVPRO team is always ready to handle any job that comes our way. We know storms aren’t our usual problem to go through but when it does come we will be there for you.

A Storm that Did Enough Damage

9/16/2020 (Permalink)

Small Storm damage 1 shows us drying the outside of the affected area and 2 shows how we got inside the walls and dried from the inside as well.

Our client gave us a call with a bit of concern and uncertainty about possible storm damage in his home. We wanted to make sure that there wasn't any type of damage so we made the visit to keep his mind at ease and our client happy.

Here at SERVPRO we like to ensure that our clients are safe from any type of damage to their home. We also like to keep the cost of our clients' repairs down and so you will see that we do our best to keep any work to a minimum with maximum effectiveness. 

Luckily our client gave a call just in time so we were able to keep the cost of our clients' work down and they really appreciated it. Once we arrived on scene we saw that the storm had damaged the inner wall of the house between the living room and bathroom. We made the small incision to dry and apply our solutions to the inside to prevent any future mold growth. 

Storm damage doesn't always come from a big hurricane; even a heavy rainstorm can create damage within a home. Take necessary steps to help prevent any type of damage done to the home.

Hurricane rolls through North Carolina

8/13/2020 (Permalink)

top left is under the house, top right mold growth on wood that was removed, bottom left is the dehumidifiers and drying Shown is the work and damages that occurred. We dried both top and bottom of the house to cure structure. The mold growth was removed.

Our client was a retired Sherriff out of state who needed our help after a devastating hurricane ran through his city. His house was located in North Carolina and was on a raised foundation due to the structure of the home and the land it was on. Due to the hurricane water began to gather under the house and seeped up the foundation of the house which led to the water evaporating and caused damage to the structure of the home.

The damage that took place was mold that grew into all effected areas within the home and damaged the hardwood floors, cabinets, and other parts of the home. Since he was retired and a hardworking man, he started on the demolition of the home before calling our team but realized that it may have been too big of a task for him to handle. As we got there our SERVPRO crew took over and helped him finish the job. We dried up the crawl space with dehumidifiers and treated the structures for the removal of mold to help ensure a safe place to live. Even though there was damage to the structure and the inside of the home was damage the wind from the hurricane destroyed anything more than that.

SERVPRO served the client with the utmost excellence and he was happy to have us there. Our client referred us out to his friends that lived near by just in case they too were facing a similar problem to the one he was facing. Since we were out of state our client was a little hesitant on trusting us and our scope of work but once we proved to him that we could get the job done correctly he was pleased with us and trusted us 110% to work on his home.

SERVPRO of Yorba Linda/Brea - Preparing for Wildfires

5/8/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Yorba Linda/Brea - Preparing for Wildfires

Summer is right around the corner and with higher temperatures comes the risk of wildfires. Governor Newsom has issued a proclamation declaring May 3-9 as “Wildfire Preparedness Week” in the State of California. Residents interested In learning about how to prepare for wildfire season and which steps to take to ensure adequate defensible space around homes and building, can go to www.ReadyForWildfire.org and through the improved Ready for Wildfire web-based app. Please visit these resources to learn more about wildfire prevention.

Wildfires can damage hundreds of homes in its path and spread quickly thru a moving flame front. Burn patterns can be unpredictable and there are many factors that can influence fire behaviors such as weather conditions and topography. A wildfire can result in a total loss for a home or business in some cases or in mild smoke/ash damage and only partial loss in others.

After a wildfire impacts a community, the residual contaminants and pollutants can pose a health hazard. To free your property of these potential hazards such as smoke, ash and soot, cleaning should be safely performed by a professional. If your home or business is affected by a wildfire, SERVPRO of Yorba Linda/Brea is Here to Help®. SERVPRO of Yorba Linda/Brea specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event.

Have a question about fire, smoke or soot damage? Call us today – 714-701-0207

When Storms or Floods hit Orange County, SERVPRO is ready!

5/8/2020 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of Yorba Linda/Brea, we specialize and have experience with storm and flood damage restoration. Our staff is trained and we utilize commercial-grade equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Our fast response is what sets us apart. We are locally owned and operated, which enables us to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response can prevent secondary damage such as mildew growth and may ultimately reduce the overall restoration cost.

We have the resources to handle any size flood or storm damage. When a storm impacts the community, we can scale our resources to help with any storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and mobilize personnel from a network of 1,700 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

If you have questions regarding Storm or Flood Damage, call us today 714-701-0207.

Winds in Orange County: Winter 2020

1/8/2020 (Permalink)

Fully Equipped A fully equipped SERVPRO truck arrived in an Orange County home to provide restoration services.

Gusty Santa Ana winds have hit Orange County by surprise. Winds are reaching up 65 mph, according to several weather forecast sources. Such high winds, are hazardous and may cause damage to your property.

Winds may seem harmless but they are not. They can potentially blow down nearby trees that can fall onto your property and create major damage. Also, they can carry large and heavy objects that can destroy your home.

Besides property damage, it may cause perilous driving conditions. Semi- trucks could potentially fall over and flying debris may obstruct your view or land on the road, wreaking havoc.

It is advised that when heavy winds are blowing your way to take shelter in the lower levels of your property and stay as far away possible from fragile windows. Also, try to remain indoors as much as possible to avoid large flying objects such as branches from injuring your body.

We are faster to any size disaster, here at, SERVPRO of Yorba Linda/Brea, Anaheim Hills, and Norwalk.

If you are experiencing storm damage, please feel free to call us for immediate assistance at 714-701-0207.

Prepare for Disasters: Winter 2020

1/2/2020 (Permalink)

Special Equipment Special equipment being used as part of the restoration process at a property in Orange County.

The winter season is in full swing, the days are getting colder and rainfall is expected. Winter is a great time to bundle up and stay warm in the comfort of your home, however are you prepared for when disaster strikes?

A Few Ways to Prepare for Disasters

- Build a grab and go supply kit with enough items to cover each person/pet living under the same roof for 3 days.

Include the following:

    • Clean water
    • Non-perishable food/utensils to eat with (Ex. Canned foods, long shelf life products, and dehydrated foods)
    • First-Aid supplies
    • Prescribed medications
    • Diapers/formula for young children
    • Copies of important/legal documents
    • Cash
    • Misc. Items: Toiletries, blankets/clothes, batteries, flash lights, emergency contacts information, etc.

- Have an evacuation plan

    • Practice evacuation in your own home and have a plan B
    • Learn evacuation routes for your location

We can’t avoid disasters from taking place, and while being prepared is extremely important it can only help so much. We here at SERVPRO of Yorba Linda/ Brea, Anaheim Hills, and Norwalk, are experts in restoration services. We are fully equipped for when disaster strikes. We use special equipment and tools to inspect and restore property damages.

If you are experiencing storm, water, or fire damage at your property, SERVPRO is only one call away.

For immediate assistance please call us at 714-701-0207

Testimonial Letter - Hurricane Michael

12/27/2018 (Permalink)

Photos from Mrs. Gonzalez' restoration project. Rain and mold damage meant demoing all the drywall and stripping out all the carpeting and padding.

This fall, like many people across the nation, we were watching the news with concern as news of Hurricane Florence and the damage it did to North Carolina and Florida was shown on the news.  SERVPRO of Yorba Linda/ Brea has sent our team members to hard-hit regions before.  We knew that our talents and expertise would be important this year, too.

As soon as we could, we packed up several trucks, and sent our licensed, certified and crew of technicians on a cross-country trek to bring a little sunshine to these hard-hit areas.  We were able to help a lot of people during the month that we were there.  The following letter is a testimonial from someone who wanted to share her gratitude with us.  We wanted to share it with you.

To Whom it May Concern:     I would like to tell you what a wonderful, kind, considerate and professional crew you have. My name is Stephanie Gonzales. My family was one that was impacted by Hurricane Florence. I am a nurse who was locked in during the hurricane at NHRMC. After spending a week locked in at the hospital, I returned home to discover that my house had been damaged by wind driven rain. My husband and sons had gone to my parents house to ride out the storm and stayed there because of the power outages. When I went to inspect the damage, we discovered that mold had already begun to grow on the master bedroom wall. I took all the right steps, I immediately went to my insurance company to start a claim, I went to the storm recovery area and signed up to get someone to come tear out the damaged part of my house. Now, I waited, and waited and waited. The company originally contacted by my insurance company called me once and I never heard back from them. It took more than another week to get power back on because our substation was under water. The tear out teams were back logged, so I waited some more. I finally heard from the tear out team from Missouri only to find out that because I had insurance they would not do my tear out. I was devastated. I asked my insurance agent what to do next and was given another company for tear out and also permission to get whoever I needed to get my house repairs started. After finding out the latest recommended company was not taking on new clients I saw the SERVPRO truck parked across from BB&T. I made the best call of my life! I gave my information to the call center who would give my information to the project manager working in our area. I was to relieved to get a call back in just a couple of days!    This is the beginning of my experience with Cesar Arcila.  Cesar and I exchanged a couple of phone calls as we arranged our schedules to meet up at the house to survey the damage and get an idea of the work ahead. When we met at the house I was wearing a respirator mask because I am allergic to the mold and had already had a very bad experience from the mold exposure with a lesser mask. Cesar was very understanding and we even moved the post survey conference outside so I could remove my mask. Cesar listened to all my concerns and fear about the mold. He was very compassionate and understanding and addressed every concern. When we met Monday to arrange payment and sign papers Cesar again conducted the business outside to limit my exposure to the mold. I was very touched by his concern and understanding. I hung around because I wanted to see that the tear was finally going to happen, not because I doubted Cesar, but because I had waited for seemed an eternity to get anyone to help me. Cesar seemed very understanding and even made sure to introduce me to the team that would be taking care of our home. The men on the team were Edgardo, Santiago, Raul, Angel and Moses. All of them men smiled, shook my hand and reassured me that everything would be ok. When I would stop by to get the mail, if any of the crew was there, they would always stop and smile and greet me.    There was a miscommunication with my insurance company but I gave then Cesar's contact information so they could speak to each other. Cesar made sure to reach out and let me know that he had a discussion with the adjuster and that they agreed the work being done was standard operational procedure and that I was being taken care of.    After the work was completed, I went and inspected and am very comfortable with the work done and that my house is now dry and mold free. I even walked around in the house with no mask. I signed the completion form on line but it would not let me fill-in the rating of SERVPRO but you would have gotten all 10's from me. I had already planned to write a letter to express my thanks to these 6 men. I know they are 3000+ miles from home to help me get back into my home. I do not have the words to fully express what I feel. But I pray for heaps of blessings for each man. I pray for continued success for SERVPRO.    Please make sure a copy of this letter gets into each man's file so they can know the impact they have made on my family's lives. Know that these men and the company they represent turned a feeling of despair and abandonment into one of happiness, gratitude and hope as I start to plan what the finished product will look like. I will have to take after photos so you can see the house fully restored.                                                                                                                                                    Thank you again,                                                                                                                        Stephanie Gonzales

Water Damage Restoration in Yorba Linda, CA

12/26/2018 (Permalink)

Storm damage at a day care center was no match for your neighborhood restoration team at SERVPRO, Yorba Linda/ Brea.

Recently we got a nice reminder about the old saying regarding rain in California, “It never rains.  It pours.”   For most of us, the rain was a welcome gift – it’s been so dry!  However, for one of our customers in Yorba Linda, it was an example of ‘too much of a good thing.’

A community church and daycare center had suffered some water damage when the roof leaked and the seals around their door frame and windows failed.  Ultimately, four rooms and a hallway were damaged due to the rain. 

Our restoration work included the use of several water extractors, removal of base boards, dry wall demolition, removal of damaged carpeting as well as their laminated, floating flooring.

While we were at work, it was not possible for the church to continue its daycare operations and we knew that this was impacting not just the church, but also the parents who relied on the day care services to care for their children during work hours.  We took a job that easily could have taken six days to complete and finished the work in three days.  Sometimes customers face a choice between speed and effectiveness.  That was not true in this case.  We applied some unique approaches to this project, such as using containments in order to seal off rooms so dehumidifiers and air movers could do their work in less time.  We also used water extractors on this job. 

When it comes to water damage restoration, there are a few things home owners can do to mitigate the damage.  In the event of a plumbing disaster, the first, and most important thing to do is get the water shut off.  Immediately phone your insurance company and start the process of getting a licensed, certified, reliable restoration team to your home ASAP.  SERVPRO has established the reputation for being the premier service firm in its industry over the past thirty years.  Here locally, SERVPRO of Yorba Linda/ Brea has been in continuous operation for the past twelve years and over that time we have established ourselves as the #1 SERVPRO franchise in California.  Our success demonstrates the exceptional results and how loyal the community has been to us because we always exceed expectations.

Don’t take our word for it though!  Here’s what a recent customer had to say about the water restoration work we did at his home:  “At the end of May, we had a flood in our hall bathroom when a pipe broke.  I couldn’t believe the mess we had.  We had damage in our hallway, bathroom, and a bedroom and bedroom closet.

My neighbor had recently experienced something similar and had a good experience with SERVPRO so I called them too.

Would definitely recommend them to anyone.  Quick, professional, and they went the extra mile to take care of us.”  Phil Meditz, La Mirada.

You’ll find many more quotes, just like that one when you visit our webpage:    https://www.SERVPROyorbalindabrea.com/testimonials

With All Our Experience, We Serve the Community When They're In Trouble.

12/26/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Yorba Linda/ Brea's reputation speaks for itself. #1 in California because we care and because we're the best at what we do.

We watched the news of the approaching nightmare for a week.  As the forecast turned into certainty and certainty turned into devastation, our team at SERVPRO Yorba Linda/ Brea felt a conviction that we had to act.  Sitting this one out was not an option so we filled our trucks with equipment and made the long, continental drive from the west coast where life is mostly warm and calm toward an east coast that was being battered by a massive storm.  

Our team spent three weeks there, helping the victims of hurricane Florence gain a foothold on lives that had suddenly turned upside down.

We met a widow named Cynthia Summerfield on that trip.  Her home had experienced overwhelming mold damage after the rain and flooding her Florida home had experienced and she was that time living in assisted living in a nearby hotel.  Cynthia's health was already compromised; she was constantly dragging on her inhaler to breathe more easily.  The extensive mold that had gripped every room in her home required that we gut her home.  Sections of her roof had been ripped off by violent hurricane winds.  

It took us over a week to complete the work we did there; demolition of nearly all the drywall, spraying all the exposed studs with microbial spray and scrubbing them clean of every last inch of mold.  We had to dry the entire structure.  Her nearly roofless home had to be tarped since the heavy demand for roofer services meant a long delay before anyone would get to her house.  

Mrs. Summerfield needed a friend who would calm her, keep her informed and reassure her that everything was going to work out all right.  

Our project manager, Caesar Arcila, ended up staying at the same hotel our customer was in and they met daily over breakfast for updates.

For us, we know that the 'people end' of the business is as important as the 'technical' side of our work.  SERVPRO Yorba Linda/ Brea has been at it for a dozen years.  We've become the #1 SERVPRO franchise in California.  Our reputation for caring, expert, prompt, and complete solutions to our customers needs has been the key.  

We specialize in restoration services in areas of commercial structures, water, fire and storm restoration and mold remediation.

Mrs. Summerfield wrote us a heart-felt letter of thanks which you can read on our website.  Follow the link.

For all your restorations, we hope you'll let us serve your family or business.  As our SERVPRO promise says, we'll make you feel "Like it never even happened."

Dealing with Storm Damage

8/25/2018 (Permalink)

Southern Californians may be dealing with more storm damage in the winter of 2018/ 19.    Temperatures will be colder than usual this year and we’re expecting more rain. 

El Nino weather is predicted for the winter of 2018/19

The National Weather Service is predicting that 2019 will be an El Nino year and temperatures in Southern CA will be colder than usual.  In normal El Nino years, the general effect on California is increased rainfall with accompanying floods, landslides, and coastal erosion. The effects are variable across the state and are more predictable in Southern California.

So, if things hold true, we could be seeing a lot more rain than usual in communities like Anaheim, Brea, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Irvine, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, San Clemente, and so on.  Knowing what to do in these circumstances will be very important.

Potential Storm Damage and Water Damage

Storm Damage

With colder temperatures, hailstorms may be prevalent.  Ranging from pellet-size to softball size, hail can do expensive to correct damage.  For instance, dents and dings on cars, roofing/ shingles and other parts of the home and property. 

Often, wind storms can create more damage.  The fall is usually our windiest time of year when the Santa Ana winds can blow at more than 80 mph, damaging roofs, trees, and more.  If undetected, roofs that are damaged in the fall, can be leak problems when the rains hit and rain creates interior water damage.  Following the heavy winds property owners should check for:

  • Missing shingles, shutters or pieces of siding
  • Blown out windows
  • Cracks, chipping and splitting in siding, stucco, paint or wood
  • Dings and dents on roofing, siding, door frames and windowsills/windowpanes

Water Damage

Water damage might be harder to identify because it doesn’t always show up like we think it could.  Look for visible signs such as

  • Water spots or discoloration on ceilings
  • Walls or surfaces
  • Soggy and/or expanding wood
  • Leaks in the ceiling or roof
  • Damp, musty odor (indication of mold growth)

What to Do Next

If you suspect you’ve got storm-related damage, the best thing to do is call SERVPRO of Yorba Linda/ Brea.  We’ll come with a sense of urgency and provide you a complete consult and estimate for the restoration services.  In many cases, we’ll help you contact  your insurance provider, if you haven’t already called them.  Most of our work comes from provider references, we work with all the major carriers. 

As soon as we’re given the green light, we’ll start the drying out process.  Because mold thrives in wet or moist conditions, it’s important to act immediately.  Also, in many cases, we can avoid things like wood paneling and flooring from warping.  Water extractors are used to completely drain any standing water.  Air movers are used to thoroughly dry carpeting, walls, ceilings etc.  If the interior of your walls has become wet, we provide demo services to expose the studs and hasten the drying out time.    If mold growth has already started, we will build air-tight containments around any spaces where it exists to prevent spores from being disturbed and moving to other locations of the house through your structure’s airways.  These  containments are part of larger engineering controls which also include special HEPA filters that clean the air to EPA standards.    

SERVPRO of Yorba Linda/ Brea is the #1 SERVPRO franchise in California.  We’ve achieved this by being committed to important company values.  We treat every customer’s disaster with urgency.  Our technicians are certified; you’ll be serviced by highly experienced and knowledgeable experts in restoration services.  We are consistent in the quality of our work because we know our reputation depends on it.  Our integrity is our most valuable asset.  We don’t over-promise or under-deliver.  When we make you a promise, you can count on it.

Find out more about what our customers have said about our work by visiting our testimonials page:  http://www.SERVPROyorbalindabrea.com/testimonials

Need immediate assistance?  Call us at 714-701-0207.

We’ll make you feel “Like it never even happened”!

Staying Safe During a Storm

8/25/2018 (Permalink)

Priorities, people!  The most important thing is staying safe during a storm.  There will be plenty of time to review the damage, later.  In our modern, technology-driven age, we can sometimes forget how powerful the forces of nature are.  Here’s a few tips on how to protect your family and friends.

If You’re Outdoors

Find Shelter Fast

In the event that you’re caught in a thunder and lightning rainstorm, the best way to reduce the chances of danger is to get inside a protective structure.  If you can see lightning, there’s a chance it can hurt you.   Make sure and bring your pets inside with you and protect them, too.

Things to definitely avoid:  standing under a tree and being near powerlines.   Lightning is attracted to tall objects and  you could get hurt, either by the tree if it should crack or the lightning could hit you, too.  High voltage powerlines can come down in heavy storms and once down, move like writhing snakes.  People have been killed because they were ‘whipped’ and electrocuted by powerlines.

Should a protective building not be near, get in a car with metal roof and sides.  Metal is a great conductor of electricity.  Better to have the voltage go around you instead of through you!

Stay Off your Landline

Lightning has been known to travel through telephone wires.  Shocks from landlines are actually the leading source of lightning-related injuries. 

Avoid Potentially Wet Areas

This includes swimming pools and even showers and bathtubs.  Water is also an excellent conductor of electricity.  So is metal plumbing.  Lightning can run through metal pipes and shock you if you touch a metal faucet at the time it strikes.

What if You Can’t Get Inside?

There are just some times when there are no protective structures.  In these cases, the following rules apply:

Get to a lower elevation.  Lightning strikes less often at lower elevations.

Avoid being in situations where you are the tallest object.  This could include open meadows, athletic fields, golf courses etc.  Remember, the tallest objects in an area are practically ‘lightning targets’.  Don’t be one!

If you feel a staticky sensation in your hair, it could be that a lightning strike is imminent.  In this case, assume a crouched position transferring your weight to the balls of your feet with your shoes touching.  Next, tuck your head and cover your ears (make yourself as small as possible). This will improve the odds of avoiding a direct hit.  When the staticky sensation passes, make a ‘bee line’ for the nearest car or building.

If You’re Driving

Don’t Touch

The safest car to be in during a lightning storm is one where the entire cabin is composed of metal – something that isn’t found as commonly anymore.  Non-metallic materials actually increase the chances that the passengers may be injured.  In the event that the car is hit, the current may pass through the vehicle’s electrical systems, the GPS, cell phone chargers, car door handles, foot pedals, steering column and steering wheel.

The best advice in a situation like this is not to touch anything metal in the car’s cabin during the storm – including the radio. 

Drivers should also avoid driving through standing water.  Engines can easily stall in as little as 6” of water.  This increases the chances of being hit by another vehicle or getting caught in a flash flood.

Moving Past the Storm.  Restoration Services.

While these tips will not protect your property, they could save your life!  In the event that you should require water or storm damage restoration after the storm has passed, SERVPRO of Yorba Linda/ Brea is here to help.  We’ve been serving the Orange County community for eleven years and have become the #1 SERVPRO franchise in California during this period by staying true to our values. 

There when you need us.  We’re here for you when you need us most.  In many cases, we’ll be at your door within an hour of your call.

Share our knowledge.  Experience has shown us that what most people want is to understand what is happening all through the restoration process. 

Integrity.  You’ve been through something horrible.  Now you need someone you can trust.  Our word is our bond.

Someone you can count on.  Most of our business comes from word of mouth referrals.  To keep that going, we know we’re only as good as our latest job.  You’ll always receive our very best work.

Respect for your property and possessions.  You can trust us to carefully move, and cover everything in our work area to protect what you’ve worked so hard for.

Find out more about what our customers have said about our work by visiting our testimonials page:  http://www.SERVPROyorbalindabrea.com/testimonials

Need immediate assistance?  Call us at 714-701-0207.

We’ll make you feel “Like it never even happened”!

Steps Every Property Owner Should Take to Minimize Home or Business Damage From Rain, Wind and Fire!

7/20/2018 (Permalink)

With 11 years experience helping Southern California home and business owners with storm damage restoration, SERVPRO of Yorba Linda/ Brea is #1 in CA.

There are steps every Orange County, California property owner should take to minimize the damage to a home or business.  From Anaheim to San Juan Capistrano, home and business owners face rain or wind or fire storms every year.  Some really unlucky people may actually face more than one type in a single year.  Here are some steps you can take to avoid the need for water damage restoration, fire damage restoration, mold remediation, and storm damage restoration due to storms.

There are steps you can take in good weather that will help you when things turn stormy.

Check Your Roof:  How storm-ready is your roof?  Check with the shingles and look for loose or curled shingles where wind can tear loose shingles away and rain can leak through to the inside causing damage.  Check all aspects of the rooftop to ensure that there is no damage in any way to shingle, no soft spots, and no surface divots. One crack in your roof can lead to a roof leak and then further internal damage.  A tightly sealed roof can help you avoid water damage restoration services.

Review Your Yard’s Drainage:  Will heavy rains drain toward or away from your home?  Grading your lot so that the rain flows towards a drain placed away from the house is a great way to avoid indoor flooding.  This is another way to avoid water damage restoration services.

Check your chimney and sump pump annually:  Your home’s chimney and sump pump are two vital areas that can allow rain damage.  Check each of these annually and when a storm is in the forecast, check again.  Be certain that the chimney bricks have no gaps and that they are tightly sealed.   A faulty chimney can admit both rain and embers that could lead to water damage or fire damage.

Clear gutters and downspouts:  Annually, check to ensure you are not collecting debris in your gutters or rain spout.  Debris can lead to overflow.  Since the downspouts can easily be pushed around during the year, make sure they all lead away from your home’s foundation.

Trim Trees and Shrubs:  Trim away from the home.  Look for weak branches that might fall and damage your roof or break windows.  This is especially important in regions which are prone to wildfires. 

Protection From Hail:  In regions where hail may be a factor, make sure outdoor furniture and other items are covered and protected.  Keep doors and windows completely closed during the duration of the storm.  If you have a garage, keep your vehicles inside with the door completely closed.  If you don’t have a garage, use plastic rain tarps to protect the paint and all glass.  Using a thick blanket under the tarp can be very helpful in minimizing possible dents. 

Wind Damage Prevention:  These useful tips will help minimize property damage during Southern California’s worst windstorms.

  • Dispose of landscape debris.
  • Remove or secure smaller loose items:
  • Anchor larger items safely to the ground.
  • Reinforce windows, doors, and garage doors: Garage doors are particularly susceptible to wind damage.  High winds can damage or blow them, creating a high pressure situation which can damage the roof as well.  Reinforce the door by using braces across the back or replace with a stronger door and tracks.  Modifications should be done by an installer.

SERVPRO of Yorba Linda/ Brea has been restoring our customer’s homes and businesses for over eleven years.  Our focus on urgency, integrity, cleanliness, knowledge, commitment to consistently excellent work, and our ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with our customers and colleagues has made us the #1 SERVPRO franchise in California!    To read testimonials from our customers, click here.  https://www.yelp.com/biz/SERVPRO-of-yorba-linda-brea-anaheim.   Need storm damage restoration services NOW?  Give us a call; 7614-701-0207.

Like it never even happened.

Is Your Orange County Home or Business Storm Proof?

7/20/2018 (Permalink)

Prepare for next season's storms. Get to know SERVPRO of Yorba Linda/ Brea. Visit us online to learn more: http://www.SERVPROyorbalindabrea.com/

How storm  proof is your Orange County, Calilfornia home or business?  Since storms are a fact of life, every home and business owner needs to be protected.  It’s very important to choose an insurance carrier and an insurance plan that is going to give you the protection you need. 

Water damage restoration may be necessary after your home or business has been through a storm.  The cost of this service is usually covered by your property insurance policy.  Known and respected for the high quality and consistency of the restoration work we do, SERVPRO of Yorba Linda/ Brea has developed excellent relationships with most insurance carriers; many of these companies actually send us referral work on a regular basis. We want you to be prepared for calamities like these so we’ve developed this simple primer on property owner’s insurance policies for homes and businesses.

In Orange County, from Anaheim to Yorba Linda and everywhere in between, its up to each home and business owner to select the degree of coverage that may be needed.  Most insurance policies will offer different levels and types of coverage.  In our experience, one aspect of coverage that may be overlooked is loss of use (reimbursement of expenses that may be incurred if restoration requires the occupants to vacate for a number of days).  

The most common events that are covered include:

  • Fire and smoke
  • Lightning strikes
  • Windstorms and hail
  • Explosion
  • Vandalism and malicious mischief
  • Damage from an aircraft, car or vehicle
  • Theft
  • Falling objects
  • Weight of ice, snow or sleet
  • Water damage
  • Image of lightning striking above homes.

Each policy contains various elements which determine the type of coverage in the policy.  These include: 

  • Main structure – There is a base policy – the amount of money the insurance company will provide to repair or replace the structure – and riders – which add to the total available funds so that there is sufficient coverage when labor and materials extend beyond the base policy.
  • Additional structures – These are additional structures, apart from the main structure, which are also on the same property. Examples could include a shed, boat house, barn, mother-in-law quarters, etc.
  • Contents – This includes all personal belongings. However, very expensive items usually need to be covered with additional riders.
  • Liability – Damage sustained to someone else’s property is covered here up to the stated policy limits. For instance, if a home has a pool that overflows and damages the structure of the next door neighbor’s yard, liability insurance could cover that expense.
  • Loss of use – A home that is damaged beyond repair will require another dwelling for the family while repairs are made. The homeowner is reimbursed from this component.

A few other tips about insurance carriers

  1. Company reputation –High ratings are based on actual company performance in important categories, including claim handling. Low ratings indicate a significant number of customer complaints filed with the state insurance commissions.
  2. Customer service model – Central customer service offers basic support for the homeowner. This model is acceptable to some policyholders. Local agents offer guidance throughout the term of the policy and make recommendations to change coverage when events cause concern.
  3. Claims process – Rapid response following loss is essential for the homeowner. Experienced claims adjusters provide sufficient estimates to cover necessary repairs to the property. The claims record is in important consideration to prevent legal battles with the insurance company.
  4. Deductible – This is a ‘pay now/ pay later’ issue. High deductibles will reduce the annual premium paid for home insurance. Different deductibles will influence the annual premium significantly.

SERVPRO of Yorba Linda/ Brea has been restoring our customer’s homes and businesses for over eleven years.  Our focus on urgency, integrity, cleanliness, knowledge, commitment to consistently excellent work, and our ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with our customers and colleagues has made us the #1 SERVPRO franchise in California!    To read testimonials from our customers, click here.  https://www.yelp.com/biz/SERVPRO-of-yorba-linda-brea-anaheim.   Need storm damage restoration services NOW?  Give us a call; 7614-701-0207.