Crucial Things You Should Always Have in Your Home Emergency Kit

Name: SERVPRO of Temecula
Address: ., Temecula, CA, 92593
Telephone: (951) 695-3397

5/9/2024 (Permalink)

Whether it's a hurricane, fire, earthquake, flood, or disease outbreak, you need to be prepared with an emergency kit in your car and home. Here's a list of the essential items you'll need in an emergency.

What to pack in a home emergency kit

If time has taught us anything, it's hope for the best but prepare for the worst. The list of possible worst case scenarios now includes Covid-19 and other infectious diseases in addition to the floods, hurricanes, and wildfires that may already be on your radar, depending on where you live.

Keep the kit in a closet or somewhere near an exit door and have another one in your car, Vogel advises.

Here's what experts recommend packing if you need to stay at home or if you need to leave in a hurry:

1. A communication plan

Sometimes we know that a disaster is on its way but often there's no warning at all. Make sure you have a communication plan in place for either scenario and one that takes into account the different times disasters can occur. You and your family could be at school or work or sleeping when disaster strikes.

"What is your plan to meet up, to reconnect with folks?

Have a list of phone numbers in the kit. You should also include an actual place (perhaps a relative's place) where people can gather should cell phones become unavailable.

Finally, make sure everyone in your family, including and especially any kids, are familiar with the plan

2. H2O

You need to store some water, but how much? It depends on the disaster as well as where you are geographically.

"Covid-19 is not going to impact your ability to walk to the sink and turn on the faucet," says Tornetta. A hurricane, on the other hand, very well might.

The general rule of thumb is one gallon of water per person (and per pet) per day, aiming for a total three days' supply, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). That said, children, mothers who are nursing, people who are sick, and people in warmer climates may need more, according to the Department of Homeland Security's ready.gov. The NCDP has a Preparedness Wizard that will help you calculate how much water, and other items, you may need. (Here are the signs and symptoms of dehydration.)

3. Non-perishable food

As with water, experts recommend that you have enough non-perishable food on hand for people and pets to last at least three days, quite possibly more, says Schlegelmilch, who is co-author of the forthcoming book Rethinking Readiness.

Focus on nonperishable items like dry goods and canned goods but some frozen products are also OK. "Even if you lose power, you've got a few days before they start to spoil." "A combination of frozen and nonperishable is fine."

As for what kind of food, items that are protein-packed and can be prepared without electricity, such as tuna, peanut butter, or granola bars. If you or anyone in your family has special dietary needs, make sure you take those into account.

And oh yes, don't forget to have a non-electric can opener or choose cans that have pop-tops.

4. First aid kit

It's important not only to have a well-stocked first aid kit, but the knowledge to effectively use each item in that kit as well, if you aren't sure, get ready-made first aid kits," From American Red Cross. The organization also has a series of apps that can help you build an emergency kit and more. (Here are first aid tricks from ER doctors.)

Also make sure to include contact lens solution, if you wear contact lenses, and asthma inhalers, according to a disaster supplies checklist from the Department of Homeland Security. Also include personal hygiene products and over-the-counter and prescription medications (a seven-day supply, says Tornetta). These days, it would be a good idea to include hand sanitizer, gloves, and face masks, as well.

The American College of Emergency Physicians recommends keeping the kit in a clear, waterproof, plastic container and putting it in a visible place.

5. Multipurpose tool

Simple or complex, multipurpose tools can be lifesavers. "Your multipurpose tool should be able to do what other widely used tools—like a screwdriver, pair of pliers, or scissors—can do," And definitely a can opener, if you haven't invested in pop-top cans.

Your car should also have its own emergency tool kit which includes water and high-energy non-perishable food but also an inflated spare tire, the jack and wheel wrench, jumper cables, reflective triangles and brightly colored cloth. If the weather's cold, add a snow brush, shovel, blankets, and windshield washer fluid.

6. Cash

Covid-19 isn't likely to affect ATMs or credit-card machines, but hurricanes and other natural disasters could put them out of commission.

"The digital systems work pretty well but after Katrina there were prolonged power outages." "You may be in a situation where credit-card machines [and ATMs] are down."

That means you may have to rely on good old hard cash during an emergency.

"Not everybody has enough money to do this but if you're able to set aside a few dollars, it's definitely a good thing,"

Ready.gov recommends having small bills available so you can buy fuel and food.

7. Gas

"Fill up early and fill up often," Hart says. "With Hurricane Irma, we had advance notice—it's important to think, 'What do I need to do to start preparing right now?' Even if you don't know where the hurricane's going, as soon as it's a possibility for you in your area, think about things like gas. Your presence of mind when a catastrophe is far away is much clearer than your presence of mind when you're in the throes of that catastrophe."

Schlegelmilch recommends having your tank at least half full at all times.

And while having extra gas cans may be tempting, bear in mind that this can be a fire hazard,

8. A change of clothes

Or two or three. It's important to have the right kind and amount of clothes you'll need in any given situation.

"Consider protective clothes and outerwear. Think: coats, windbreakers, ponchos, rain jackets," She also notes the importance of items that will wear well across all climates—so anything versatile, durable, and comfortable—is a universally safe choice. "Follow the same three-day rule here, too," she says. "And, as we talked about earlier, remember to change your supply out annually. Our children grow from year to year."

Layers are an especially good idea for any warmer or colder conditions. As are socks in case you get wet.

9. Closed-toe shoes

If you're leaving really quickly, you may not have a chance to pick your ideal shoes but, if you can, take closed-toe shoes. "You might not know exactly where you're going." "If you have to be in a shelter environment or walking through areas, that's just to protect your feet from all of that. If you can only grab one pair of shoes, don't grab the flip flops."

This could be especially important in areas that have been damaged by hurricanes or tornadoes. "There's a lot of debris," says Tornetta. "We want our team to wear closed-toe shoes so there's no chance of getting a splinter or some kind of infection."

10. Low-tech basics

Technology isn't always reliable, especially in a disaster. That means you should have some low-tech options on hand such as a hand crank, battery-powered radio and flashlight, and extra batteries, says Vogel. Garbage bags are good not only for holding trash but also to keep things dry, and matches in a waterproof container are a good idea too.

Light plastic sheeting and duct tape can be invaluable if you have broken windows because of a hurricane or tornado.

Just in case technology does survive the storm, fire, or pandemic, keep some extra portable charging blocks on hand as well. And you should also have a car charger for your cell phone.

11. Important documents

This is important not just during the disaster, but for rebuilding your life after. Having key legal and personal documents can go a long way towards minimizing stress once the immediate damage has passed. Make sure you know the signs that you may be suffering from serious stress.

Legal Aid recommends keeping these papers together so you can grab them in a hurry:

* Identification, be it a driver's license, passport, or another photo ID.
* Insurance documents like life insurance, flood and fire insurance as well as homeowners or rental insurance.
* Legal documents. This includes birth certificates, any child custody or adoption paper, wills, powers of attorney, and the like.

You can scan your documents or take pictures with your smart phone or make photocopies and store those in your evacuation preparedness kit, says Tornetta. "Have an extra copy of your driver's license and social security card. If you have to flee in a hurry, you may forget your ID or your wallet if they're stored in a separate place."

You can also store these documents online, or in a thumb drive.

If you ever need us, call us at SERVPRO of Temecula

951-695-3397

We are Cleaning Experts

5/8/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® is Here to Help during this time of need

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

Kitchen/Food Areas
Bathrooms
Schools/Classrooms
Offices
Retail Spaces
Water Fountains
Shelving/Racks
Sales Counters
Carpets and Rugs
Stair Handrails
Elevator Cars
Playground Equipment
Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Temecula 951-695-3397

Ready, Set, Grill!

5/1/2024 (Permalink)

Ready, Set, Grill!

Local SERVPRO fire remediation specialist advises Temecula, CA area grill masters to prepare now for a safe, savory outdoor cooking season

Riverside, CA May 27, 2024— For many, the Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of the summer season. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) warns families that the onset of the summer season also marks a rise in home fires started by outdoor grilling activities. According to the NFPA, on average, 10,600 home fires are started by grills each year. July is the peak month for grill fires, followed by June, May, and August.¹

“Sixty-one percent of U.S. households own a gas grill,” says fire remediation specialist George Lingurar of SERVPRO of Temecula. “A total of sixty-four percent own at least one outdoor BBQ, grill, or smoker. The popularity of this outdoor cooking equipment combined with longer, warmer days creates a unique fire hazard that should be taken seriously.”

The time to take precautions is now, adds Lingurar, before the outdoor cooking season is in full swing. The NFPA offers these basic tips for fire-safe grilling:²

For gas/propane grills:

Check the gas tank for leaks before using.
Open the lid on all gas grills before lighting the grill.

For charcoal grills:

Use only charcoal starter fluid to start the fire but never add it or any flammable liquids to a fire that is burning.
Cool coals completely before you dispose of them in a metal container.

For all grills:

Place grill well away from house and deck railings. Don’t place under eaves or branches.
Remove grease and fat buildup from grills and trays after each use.
Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill.
Never leave the grill unattended when in use.

“Basic precautions set the stage for a safe and enjoyable outdoor cooking season,” says Lingurar. “Life is unpredictable, but you can take steps to control the risk of house and property fires caused by outdoor cooking. Whether you are strictly a summer grilling warrior or you use your grill year-round, simple, common-sense actions can help ensure that the only smoke you smell this summer is the sweet aroma of steaks and vegetables grilling.”

SERVPRO of Temecula specializes in fire and water cleanup and restoration services and repair services, helping to remediate damage for both commercial and residential customers. For more information on SERVPRO^® of Temecula, please contact Nichole Mowrey at 951-476-5419 or nichole@SERVPRO10100.com. For more information on SERVPRO, please visit https://www.SERVPROtemecula.com/.

¹ https://www.nfpa.org//-/media/Images/Infographics/Grilling-Infographic2020BIG.png

² https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Publications-and-media/Press-Room/News-releases/2021/NFPA-offers-safe-grilling-tips-and-recommendations-to-prevent-fires-and-injuries

SERVPRO of Temecula 951-695-3397

Protect Yourself From Storm Damage

5/1/2024 (Permalink)

Storms can be severe and leave a trail of destruction in their wake from flooding, strong winds and lightning.

Insurance claim costs are estimated to have reached astronomical amounts, with households suffering millions more dollars of uninsured financial losses dealing with the aftermath of those violent storms.

Worryingly, changing weather patterns means these damaging windstorms could become a regular winter staple, sweeping into parts of the country even earlier in the season. Preparing your home to cope can help to limit the damage that a storm may cause, including from flooding.

Thankfully, weather forecasting has improved and knowing if bad weather is on its way can be helpful in getting your house storm ready.

Did you know?

The annual cost of storm damage can amount to millions each year.
Thunderstorms develop when the atmosphere is unstable – typically forming a ‘cumulonimbus’ (rain/storm) cloud.
These large clouds (often accompanied by large gusts of wind) can form in under an hour if the conditions are right – meaning there may not be much time before the storm hits!

SERVPRO of Temecula offers inspections to make sure your home or business is storm ready. Call us at (951) 695-3397 for more information.

Deep Clean Your Office with SERVPRO® Commercial Cleaning Services!

4/22/2024 (Permalink)

Cleanliness is paramount, especially in commercial spaces. Wherever you go in Temecula, from bustling offices to vibrant restaurants, maintaining a pristine environment isn't just about appearances; it's about ensuring the health and safety of everyone who walks through the door. This is where SERVPRO of Temecula commercial cleaning steps in, offering a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet the unique needs of businesses. Whether you require routine deep cleaning and sanitization or find yourself facing unexpected challenges like a flood in the bathroom or a microwave fire mishap, SERVPRO of Temecula has the experience and resources to restore your space and keep the business going!

Deep Cleaning and Sanitization:

At the heart of SERVPRO of Temecula's commercial cleaning services lies a commitment to thoroughness and excellence. Our team understands that a clean environment isn't just about what meets the eye; it's about eliminating hidden germs and pathogens that can compromise the health of your employees and customers.

Using industry-leading techniques and eco-friendly products, our professionals delve deep into every corner of your space, targeting areas that are often overlooked during routine cleaning. From high-touch surfaces to hard-to-reach crevices, we leave no stone unturned to ensure a safe and hygienic environment for all.

In today's climate, the importance of sanitization cannot be overstated. With SERVPRO of Temecula, you can rest assured that your commercial and office space receives the highest standard of cleanliness, providing peace of mind in uncertain times.

Emergency Response:

Disasters can strike when you least expect them, threatening to disrupt your business and wreak havoc on your commercial property. Whether it's a toilet flood in your bathroom or vandalism leaving behind unsightly graffiti, SERVPRO of Temecula is here to help.

Our team of trained professionals is available 24/7 to respond swiftly to emergencies, minimizing downtime and mitigating further damage. It doesn’t matter where you are, we can go throughout the Temecula area and we’ll be there before you know it! In the event of a flood, we utilize advanced water extraction techniques and industrial-grade drying equipment to restore your space to its preloss condition. If there is ever a fire mishap, SERVPRO of Temecula stands ready to assist with our specialized fire damage restoration services. Our experienced technicians are trained in the latest techniques to effectively remove soot, smoke residue, and odors from your property. When faced with graffiti or other forms of vandalism, our specialty cleaning services can remove even the toughest stains, leaving your surfaces looking as good as new. Using advanced equipment and proven methods, we work diligently to restore your space to its preloss condition, minimizing downtime and allowing you to resume normal business operations as quickly as possible.

Specialty Cleaning:

In addition to our standard cleaning services, SERVPRO of Temecula offers a range of specialty solutions to address specific needs. Whether you're dealing with stubborn grease buildup in your kitchen or lingering odors that just won't go away, our team has the expertise and equipment to tackle even the most challenging cleaning tasks.

From air duct cleaning to odor removal, we tailor our services to meet your unique requirements, delivering results that exceed your expectations every time. With SERVPRO of Temecula on your side, you can trust that your commercial space is in the hands of professionals who are dedicated to excellence in every aspect of their work.

SERVPRO of Temecula commercial cleaning offers a comprehensive solution for Temecula businesses seeking to maintain a clean, safe, and inviting environment for their employees and customers. From routine deep cleaning and sanitization to emergency response and specialty cleaning services, our team is committed to delivering exceptional results that enhance the overall success of your business.

When you choose SERVPRO of Temecula, you're not just selecting a deep cleaning service; you're investing in reliability. With our proven track record of excellence and dedication to quality, you can rest assured that your commercial space is receiving top-tier care from a team of professionals committed to exceeding your expectations.

Restoring Your Temecula Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

1/11/2024 (Permalink)

Flooding and water damage events at Temecula commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of Temecula

SERVPRO of Temecula specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. 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's Infectious Disease Precautions

1/10/2024 (Permalink)

It is important to us that our customers know the steps SERVPRO of Temecula is taking to reduce the risk of team member exposure to the virus. These precautionary steps we have taken as a company include:

All tools and equipment coming into your property have been cleaned and disinfected.
All workers wear personal protective equipment to protect themselves while performing work.
We’ve all been provided with training to safely work in contaminated environments.
We’ve all been provided with training to identify coronavirus symptoms and carefully monitor ourselves and our co-workers.
We have stringent safety and health policies and procedures; and we continually strive to follow and improve our safe work practices.

Overall, we are taking the appropriate measures to ensure we don’t cross contaminate our customers, our co-workers, or our families. We cannot make any guarantees that the virus could not enter your property, but we can tell you that we have taken every possible measure to protect customers and team members alike.

Whether it is a water loss, fire damage, or a cleaning request, please know that SERVPRO of Temecula is still here for the entire Temecula community 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 951-695-3397

Certified: SERVPRO® Cleaned – a defensive cleaning program

1/9/2024 (Permalink)

Let us help you get back to business

As our communities re-open, we’re all moving back toward a new kind of normal. The expectations of visitors, customers, and employees who come into our establishments have evolved, and staying safe and well is a top concern. The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, and we’ve developed a program to help your business meet the new higher standard of clean that is now expected.

Certified: SERVPRO® Cleaned is a defensive cleaning program we’re offering to businesses and commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This proactive viral pathogen cleaning program goes well beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. By choosing Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you, your employees, your customers, and your community can rest assured that you’ve selected a higher cleaning standard – you are Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Extensive training and specialized products

As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration*, we stand on more than 50 years of experience and expertise to help your business become Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned. Beyond fire & water, SERVPRO professionals are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination and chemical spills – always adhering to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities.

From formulating and creating our proprietary cleaning products, like SERVPROXIDE, at our headquarters in Gallatin, TN, to taking the utmost care while disinfecting, we will ensure you and your business are set up to inspire consumer confidence as the economy continues to reopen.

3 C’s – Consult, Clean, and Certify

When the stakes are this high, you want a partner who has developed an industry leading, proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes over decades. We’ve cleaned up some of the most challenging biohazards imaginable. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned reflects our unique experiences and capabilities. The program is grounded with our unique 3 C’s: Consult, Clean, and Certify.

Consult – Every business is different, which is why you’ll be assigned a Cleaning Protocol Consultant who understands your business and will create a cleaning program to meet your specific needs. This program will be developed based on your business type, size of space, amount of high frequency touchpoints, foot traffic and congestion points.
Clean – Based on your specific business needs, your location will undergo a thorough, deep clean, using exclusive cleaning products, according to protocols set forth by the CDC. Our employees have years of experience, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for cleanup process, and disposal of hazardous materials. In the event of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 event, we will be there cleaning within 24 hours to ensure you get back to business as quickly as possible.
Certify - Once your business location has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you will gain access to proprietary signage, digital emblems, and other collateral that communicates that you’ve selected a higher standard of clean available to help protect your employees and customers. And because we add the day, month, and year to that proprietary stamp of clean, your guests will know that not only did you choose Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned,but that your location is being cleaned regularly at this standard.

Call today for a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation

We’re Here to Help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – until life is back to normal in the communities we all call home.

Call SERVPRO of Temecula today at 951-695-3397 for your Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation.

Is your business a part of our “Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned“ program?

1/8/2024 (Permalink)

Is your business a part of our “Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned“ program? SERVPRO of Temecula offers a cleaning and disinfecting program to commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This is a level of clean that goes way beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. When businesses choose SERVPRO, employees, customers, and the community can rest assured that they’ve selected a “higher standard of clean” — Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

For a quote call us at 951-695-3397

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive cleaning program that goes beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning, it’s a higher standard of clean. This is proactive viral pathogen cleaning that helps ensure the cleanliness of the restaurants, businesses and public spaces in the communities we all call home. Our SERVPRO professionals are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination and chemical spills - always adhering to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities

Faster to your Temecula Water Damage

1/2/2024 (Permalink)

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Temecula provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more. SERVPRO of Temecula arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 –951-695-3397

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

Drywall begins to swell and break down.
Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
Furniture begins to swell and crack.
Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
Metal begins to rust and corrode.
Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
Paint begins to blister.
Wood flooring swells and warps.
Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.