Recent Why SERVPRO Posts
SERVPRO of El Cajon's Commitment to IICRC Certification
8/5/2024 (Permalink)
Will, one of our IICRC trained Technicians here at SERVPRO of El Cajon.
SERVPRO® places a strong emphasis on ensuring our technicians are IICRC-certified, which is a key component of our commitment to providing high-quality restoration and cleaning services. Here's a more detailed look at how we integrate IICRC certification into our operations:
SERVPRO of El Cajon’s Commitment to IICRC Certification
- Extensive Training Program: SERVPRO has a comprehensive training program that includes IICRC certification courses. New technicians often undergo extensive initial training that includes IICRC certifications relevant to their roles.
- Regular Continuing Education: We ensure that our technicians participate in ongoing education and training to maintain their IICRC certifications. This helps us to stay updated with the latest industry standards and techniques.
- Diverse Certifications: Depending on their roles and specializations, our technicians may hold various IICRC certifications, including:
- Water Damage Restoration Technician (WRT)
- Applied Structural Drying Technician (ASD)
- Fire and Smoke Restoration Technician (FSRT)
- Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT)
- Carpet Cleaning Technician (CCT)
- Upholstery and Fabric Cleaning Technician (UFT)
- Odor Control Technician (OCT)
- Customer Assurance: By emphasizing IICRC certification, we provide customers with assurance that our technicians are well-trained and adhere to industry best practices. This enhances the credibility and reliability of our services.
The Role of IICRC Certification
- Quality Assurance: IICRC certification ensures that our technicians follow standardized procedures, which helps maintain a high level of service quality.
- Expertise: Certified technicians are knowledgeable about the latest techniques and technologies in the restoration and cleaning industry.
- Compliance: IICRC standards are widely recognized and often required by insurance companies, this ensures that our work meets necessary compliance standards.
- Professionalism: IICRC-certified technicians demonstrate a commitment to professionalism and excellence.
- Transparency: SERVPRO is transparent about their training and certification processes, often providing information about their technicians' qualifications to customers.
By maintaining a strong focus on IICRC certification, we ensure that our technicians are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to handle a wide range of restoration and cleaning challenges effectively and efficiently.
SERVPRO vs. DIY
7/12/2024 (Permalink)
Why use SERVPRO of El Cajon vs. DIY
Why It Is Important to Use a Remediation Company like SERVPRO® Rather Than Doing It Yourself
When faced with water damage or any other form of property damage, it's tempting to tackle the cleanup and restoration yourself to save money. However, hiring a professional remediation company is often the best course of action. Here are several reasons why it is important to use SERVPRO of El Cajon.
- Expertise and Experience
- Professional Knowledge: We have trained and certified professionals who understand the complexities of water damage, mold growth, and other related issues. Our expertise ensures that all aspects of the damage are addressed properly.
- Experience: We handle numerous cases of property damage daily. Our extensive experience allows us to quickly assess the situation and implement effective remediation strategies.
- Advanced Equipment and Techniques
- Specialized Equipment: We use advanced equipment such as industrial-grade dehumidifiers, air movers, moisture meters, and thermal imaging cameras. This equipment is essential for thorough drying and accurate damage assessment.
- Modern Techniques: Professionals stay updated on the latest remediation techniques and best practices, ensuring efficient and effective restoration.
- Thorough and Safe Cleaning
- Comprehensive Cleaning: Our technicians know how to thoroughly clean and disinfect affected areas, preventing the spread of contaminants and mold.
- Safety Protocols: We follow strict safety protocols to protect both ourselves and the occupants of the property. Handling hazardous materials like mold and sewage requires specialized knowledge and protective gear.
- Mold Prevention and Remediation
- Mold Expertise: Mold can begin to grow within 24-48 hours after water damage. We are skilled in identifying and eliminating mold, preventing long-term health risks and structural damage.
- Preventive Measures: We take preventive measures to inhibit future mold growth, ensuring the property remains safe and healthy.
- Insurance Coordination
- Insurance Assistance: We work closely with insurance companies, helping to streamline the claims process. We provide detailed documentation of the damage and restoration efforts, making it easier to get your claim approved.
- Accurate Estimates: We provide accurate estimates for the cost of remediation, helping you understand what to expect and avoid unexpected expenses.
- Time and Cost Efficiency
- Speedy Restoration: We can often complete the remediation process faster than a DIY approach, minimizing downtime and further damage to the property.
- Cost-Effective: While it may seem cheaper to do it yourself, improper remediation can lead to costly repairs down the line. Hiring SERVPRO ensures the job is done right the first time, saving you money in the long run.
- Structural Integrity and Property Preservation
- Prevent Further Damage: Improper handling of water damage can compromise the structural integrity of your property. Our team of professionals know how to stabilize and restore structures effectively.
- Protect Valuables: Our technicians are trained to handle and restore valuable items, including furniture, electronics, and important documents, preserving their value and functionality.
- Peace of Mind
- Reduced Stress: Dealing with property damage can be overwhelming. Hiring a SERVPRO allows you to focus on other important aspects of your life while our professionals handle the cleanup and restoration.
- Guaranteed Results: We always offer guarantees on our work, giving you peace of mind that the job will be completed to a high standard.
Conclusion
While a DIY approach to remediation might seem appealing, the risks and challenges often outweigh the benefits. Here at SERVPRO of El Cajon we have the necessary expertise, equipment, and efficiency to handle water damage and other restoration needs effectively. By hiring us, you ensure a thorough, safe, and cost-effective restoration process, ultimately protecting your property and well-being.
Why SERVPRO of El Cajon
6/26/2024 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of El Cajon Van
SERVPRO ® is often considered the right choice for restoration services due to several key reasons:
- Our Experience and Expertise: We have a reputation for extensive experience in the restoration industry. We have been operating for decades and have handled a wide range of restoration projects, from water damage to fire damage and beyond.
- Our Highly Trained Professionals: We employ trained and certified technicians who are knowledgeable about the latest techniques and equipment in the restoration field. This ensures that they can handle restoration projects efficiently and effectively.
- Our Quick Response: One of the critical aspects of restoration is a rapid response. SERVPRO is known for our ability to respond quickly to emergencies, which can minimize damage and reduce costs for property owners.
- Our Advanced Technology: Our technicians use advanced technology and equipment for restoration projects. This includes moisture detection tools, drying equipment, and cleaning products that are designed to achieve optimal results.
- Insurance Coordination: Dealing with insurance companies can be complex after a disaster. We assist clients with insurance claims and can coordinate directly with insurance providers to streamline the process.
- Our Comprehensive Services: Beyond basic restoration, SERVPRO of El Cajon offers a range of services including demolition, reconstruction, content pack outs/pack ins, storage, as well as odor removal and cleaning services. This comprehensive approach means we can handle all aspects of the restoration process.
- Our Reputation and Trust: We have built a strong reputation for reliability and trustworthiness in the industry. We are often recommended by insurance companies, property managers, and homeowners who have experienced our services.
Ultimately, choosing SERVPRO of El Cajon means opting for a company with a proven track record in the restoration industry, capable of delivering high-quality results and peace of mind during stressful times.
Efficient Water Damage Restoration: Why Choose SERVPRO of El Cajon
6/8/2023 (Permalink)
Introduction: When faced with water damage, quick and reliable restoration services are essential. SERVPRO of El Cajon stands out as a trusted choice for efficient water damage restoration. Here's why.
Rapid Response and 24/7 Availability: Water damage can occur at any time, and prompt action is crucial. SERVPRO of El Cajon understands this, providing round-the-clock availability to respond quickly to emergencies, minimizing further damage and reducing downtime.
Professional Expertise and Cutting-Edge Equipment: With years of experience and industry-leading knowledge, SERVPRO of El Cajon's highly trained technicians employ advanced techniques and state-of-the-art equipment. Their expertise ensures thorough water extraction, drying, dehumidification, and mold remediation, restoring your property to pre-damage condition.
Comprehensive Services and Insurance Coordination: SERVPRO of El Cajon offers a full range of water damage restoration services, including assessment, mitigation, cleanup, and repairs. They also handle insurance claims, working directly with insurance companies to streamline the process and alleviate the burden on homeowners.
Conclusion: For efficient and reliable water damage restoration, SERVPRO of El Cajon is the trusted choice in El Cajon.
Why SERVPRO
6/2/2022 (Permalink)
So why SERVPRO: Why Choose us We here at SERVPRO of El Cajon know that your situation is unique. This is why we will give every damage and every structure, we are certified to give every attention to our customer to come up with the best solution possible to make you happy. We will not leave you in the dark, communication is our number one goal to a successful atmosphere. We will guide you every step of the way through each and every process. Our goal is to restore your house to its original condition as quickly as possible. We will keep working until you are satisfied with the results. WE here at SERVPRO of El Cajon strive to do the best for our customer. WE strive to do the best work to please our customers. WE strive to lessen the stress for our customers. And WE strive to make every customer feeling satisfied. We work with all insurance companies and offer free mold inspections.
Human Waste (Sewage, Blood and other/or bodily fluid)
6/2/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO does more than water and fire restoration. This why you should choose SERVPRO
Reduce, reuse, recycle or treat waste instead of disposing of it. Try to reduce, reuse, recycle or treat your waste instead of disposing of it. If you must dispose of it, make sure it ultimately goes to a permitted hazardous waste management facility, also called a treatment, storage or disposal or recycling facility.
Do:
- Stay out of affected areas.
- Call emergency personnel if a life threatening situation is occurring.
- Treat all bodily fluids as if they are contaminated.
- For sewage damages, turn off the HVAC system.
Don't:
- Attempt cleanup of any kind.
- Touch or handle items that might be contaminated with bodily fluids.
- Eat, drink, smoke, apply cosmetics or handle contact lenses in affected area.
If exposed to any type of harmful waste, OSHA recommends a post-exposure medical evaluation. Please consult your local health department or physician.
shut off valves
6/2/2022 (Permalink)
Do You Know Where your Shut-off Values are? Well you Should?
All homes are equipped with gas and water emergency shut-off valves. They are an important part of your home’s mechanical system, and it’s vital that you know where they are located before an emergency occurs.
How to Locate Your Home’s Shut-Off Valves
Shut-off valves are often hidden from view, and they vary in location, shape, and number based on the age of your home, your community’s local codes, and more.
- Gas Valve: If your home has natural gas, the main shut off valve is located just before the gas meter. Also called a street-side valve, it’s typically rectangular in shape. Gas companies would prefer that you not touch this valve but, rather, use the house-side main shut-off valve located after the meter. If you live in a newer home with a high-pressure gas system, you’ll see a flexible copper pipe that runs from the meter to another location in your house. In this case, your shut-off valve is most likely next to your furnace or water heater.
- Water Valve: Just about all water meters have one main shut-off valve that cuts off all water to the main house. Water meters can be in the basement, crawl space, or near the furnace or water heater. For much older homes without a meter, the shut-off valve will be located on the main water supply pipe that comes into your home.
We offer these free to all our customers call us today to pick up your tag. 619-447-7776
SERVPRO Tips
8/3/2021 (Permalink)
Safety tips with dealing with a flooded home
If you’ve never dealt with a flooded home before, the cleanup process can be a scary prospect. However, before even thinking about restoring your flooded home, it’s vital that you take the following safety precautions
- Don’t go back until it is safe. Wait for a broadcast saying it is safe to return to your area. When returning home, make sure to pay close attention to all caution and do not enter signs – they mean what they say. Entering a flooded area is dangerous even after the flood has passed.
- Notify your emergency contact. Make sure to contact a close friend or family member and let him or her know you are okay. It doesn’t hurt to let them know that you are returning to your home to assess damages, too. This should be a top priority on your flood safety checklist.
- Watch for wildlife. After a flood, wild animals will likely be dislocated – some may even enter your home. Make sure to check your surroundings, and beware of poisonous snakes or other critters in your area.
- Prepare for a collapsed floor or roof. When entering your home for the first time after a flood, be sure to use caution. A section of the roof might have collapsed, or could be close to collapsing. Similarly, the floor will be wet and weak, putting it at a high risk for giving out beneath you. Don’t let young children venture into your home before you have thoroughly checked all rooms.
- Be aware of gas leaks or electrical damage. Leaking gas can lead to explosions, and exposed electrical can mean shock if you touch standing water. Flood safety means staying clear of your home if you smell gas or see damaged electrical wires.
- Dispose of chemicals properly. Once inside your home, make sure to dispose of household chemicals and cleaners properly. Don’t dump them into the street, since this will contaminate the water and prove dangerous for your home and those of your neighbors.
- Protect your body. According to the Red Cross, proper flood safety measures involve wearing protective gear during cleanup. You should wear gloves, a face mask, long sleeves, and heavy footwear when handling objects that have seen flood damage.
- Throw out contaminated foods. Even canned goods that have been immersed in water are no longer safe for consumption. You must throw out all water damaged food items in order to protect your family from food poisoning or exposure to toxic chemicals that were transferred by the flood water.
- Check your water supply. Your water supply could be contaminated as a result of a flood. In order to adhere to flood safety measures, call your local health department for more information.
- Take pictures. Document all damages you come across in your home so you have an accurate estimate of your losses.
- Call your insurance company. Share with your flood insurance company all photos and documentation related to your flood damages.
- Find out if you can get financial assistance. If your location has been declared a disaster area by the government, you will likely have access to public aid and financial assistance when it comes to repairing your home.
- Get the water out. If your home saw flood damage to only a small portion of a room, you can likely remove the water yourself with a wet vac. More serious amounts of water require a sump pump, and you should leave the job of removing large quantities of water up to a professional. Just be sure to remove all standing water, or to call a company that can do it for you. Standing water can quickly become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other dangerous pests.
- Prevent or remove mold. Mold happens fast, within the first 24 to 48 hours. If an item has been wet for less than this time frame, it can be salvaged. However, it’s hard to dry out larger items like couches and mattresses. It is likely that these will need to be gotten rid of. Take pictures of all water damaged items before discarding so you have a record for insurance purposes.
- Seal off the damage. If you have broken windows or collapsed sections of roof, it’s your job to seal off those areas of your home to prevent further damage. Plywood and tarps are good temporary solutions in times of crisis.
When fire or water damage take control of your life, we help to take it back.
8/3/2021 (Permalink)
we will walk with you, step-by-step, with your insurance company and literally leaving your property “Like it never even happened."
No disaster is small when it's your property.
When fire or water take control of your life, nobody helps you take it back like SERVPRO Professionals. You have access to a 24 hour response team highly trained in caring for both structure and contents. Because even it is just a small fore or it does not look like much water the clean up can be way over your head. Don't risk cleaning it up your self, as improper handling can lead to more serious problem later.
Service Response Guidelines
1 Within one hour from notice of loss, a SERVPRO Professional will contact you to arrange for service.
4 Within four hours of loss, a SERVPRO Professional will be on site to start mitigation services (if necessary).
8 With eight business hours, a verbal briefing of the scope will be communicated to the appropriate person be a SERVPRO Professional.
When fire or water take control of your life, we help you take it back. "Like it never even happened."
Employee Anniversary
2/8/2021 (Permalink)
You made it!
Congratulations to Amanda our office manager.
Today makes 14 years that Amanda has started with SERVPRO. Amanda is IICRC, Dry Book certified, and Xactimate certified. We are proud to have Amanda here this log she can take a tricky situation and turn it into a simple one, having us in shock.
Amanda we appreciate so much your support over our 14 years at SERVPRO, I look forward to the next 14 years working with you.
So now lets do a little jig to say...take a bow, get some wow and have a day just like you....simply the best. Keep up the good work, we are so proud to have you working here. We hope you do as well.
Happy Anniversary Amanda. Thank you
Employee of the Year
2/4/2021 (Permalink)
Amanda and her 12 year lunch
Amanda Cressey our office manager is our employee of the month for the month of February. Amanda, has been with the company for 12 plus years. Chuck our owner said that Amanda is organized, efficient and that she works hard on the right things. He was impressed with the amount she accomplished in a day. Team members especially appreciated the leadership role that Amanda has assumed when the team struggled with direction and the allocation of resources. You are a big plus for our company
So, Amanda thanks once again. We really appreciate your top notch efforts on behalf of SERVPRO of El Cajon. We appreciate the effort that you make to maintain a positive attitude even when faced with a challenging situation. Please keep up the good work.
Award
2/4/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO awards
Charles M Macha, the owner has been with SERVPRO of El Cajon for 20 years. He has received several awards for outstanding sales performance.
Chuck is also has certificate for Xactimate, mold/sewage remediation, IICRC certified, contractor state license board, and building asbestos certificate.
Charles is a dedicate owner and strives to do what is best for his customers. Giving chucks history with SERVPRO you can count on him and he will make sure your disaster "Like it never even happened."
Hoarding Cleaning Tips
11/20/2019 (Permalink)
In this photo you can see that the owner is a hoarder who loves to collect clothing.
Going through a hoarder’s stuff is somewhat similar to a scavenger hunt, only without the fun usually involved in the game. You may find some valuable items in the hoard but instead of being thrilled you will be sad and sorry for the person suffering from a severe anxiety disorder that prevents him/her from assessing the true value of his/her possessions, making informed decisions, and having a normal lifestyle. The affected individual will be most probably a friend or relative of yours, so the cleaning process will not only be very time-consuming and exhausting, but also rather emotional and difficult for you to deal with.
Tips:
Get hold of disposable gloves, dust masks, and goggles to avoid exposure to mold, parasites, and other health concerns that may be present in a hoarder's home. Wear sturdy shoes and a hard hat when you enter the house.
You are recommended to start with the bathroom, as you will need free access to clean running water and soap. Besides, you can finish the task really quickly.
Get rid of all the trash in a room first (not only obvious garbage but also items that are too damaged or too filthy to be used again)
When you have disposed of all the useless stuff, it’s time to address the piles of items that might be used again. Separate them in groups of similar items and decide which of them you’d like to keep and which ones you are going to donate.
When the house is free of trash and clutter, you can finally begin the intensive cleaning. This will be a very time-consuming and laborious process.
If the hoarder will be moving back to his/her home after the cleanup help the affected person maintain a clean and clutter-free living space – create an easy-to follow maintenance plan, visit often, and provide further assistance if necessary.
SERVPRO Frachise Professionals understand that no damage is small when it comes to your home
6/24/2019 (Permalink)
Your home is truly a reflection of you, your taste and your personality. Suffering damage to your home can feel like a part of you has been damaged as well. We recognize a loss can make you feel vulnerable or robbed of part of your life. Your loss is unique in how it started, the emotions experienced and the extent of the damage.
When damage affects your home, you want it to be restored to pre loss condition. You cannot afford to let the marketability of your home be affected. That is why SERVPRO Professionals have professionally restored property for over 40 years.
SERVPRO is the trusted choice for hundreds of insurance companies nationwide, because they know SERVPRO Professionals have the experience to do the job right.
- Recognized Industry Leader in Fire and Water Cleanup and Restoration
- SERVPRO Professionals Serving America Since 1967
- Over 1,700 Location Nationwide
IICRC Approved School for 5 Cleaning and Restoration Categories:
- Fire
- Water
- Carpet
- Upholstery
- Applied Structural Drying
Bowlng league (the gutter cleaners)
5/28/2019 (Permalink)
The crew bowling
SERVPRO Of El Cajon had joined a 12 week bowling league. We show up to bowl, socialize, and of course to win!
Week by week we socialize and put our name out there. Meeting other businesses and changing business cards. Our social media girl will show up and give away free Promotional items and talk to other owners.
Our team consist of the owner Chuck Macha, office manager Amanda, storm team manager Guy, and our newest member Craig who is our marketing manager. Our subs are our social media girl Amy and our technician Danny. Our average is 170 to 95. this is more of a fun league then a competitive league.
When we are not busy taking care of damage properties our other technicians like to come and show their support.