Earthquake Ready

9/16/2024 (Permalink)

An earthquake can happen at any moment. An earthquake happens when shifting rocks deep underneath the earth’s surface causing the ground to shake. The aftermath of an earthquake can cause the following fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches. There should be a family emergency communication plan. The plan should consist of family member contact information and any school information if there is an underage family member.  A meetup place should be set up in case family members get separated. There should be a supply kit and should have food and water for several days. Heavy items like bookcases, refrigerator, water heater, televisions etc. are recommended to be secured. Any heavy items should be stored on lower shelves Its recommended that if you are driving during an earthquake to pull over and stop and set parking brake. When you’re in bed during an earthquake you should turn face down and cover your head and neck with a pillow. If you happen to be outdoors during an earthquake you should stay away outdoors and away from buildings. Inside during an earthquake its recommended to stay and not go outdoors and avoid doorways.

Natural Disaster Safety

8/11/2020 (Permalink)

Are you ready for a natural disaster?  Here are some simple steps to prepare yourself for potential emergencies. Make sure you have a fully stocked first aid kit. There should be at least a gallon of water per day per person and a minimum of 3 days’ worth. The water will be used for drinking or any sanitation needed. A three-day supply of nonperishable food. Also, you will need a manual can opener for the food. Flashlight and battery-powered radio with extra batteries. A whistle in case you need to signal for help. A dusk mask that will help filter any contaminated air. For personal sanitation, it's recommended to have moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties. Have a local map. Make sure your cell phone is charged but if not have a backup charger charged. At least one up to date fire extinguisher and inform everyone in your house its location. It is recommended to learn how to properly use a fire extinguisher. Know how to turn off the utilities and have wrenches and pliers to do so if it is needed. The natural gas should be turned off if you smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing noise and everyone should get outside quickly. If you ever need to turn off the natural gas, make sure you have a qualified person turn it back on. The mainline should be turned off if there are concerns for cracked lines and should only be turned back on once authorities say it's safe to drink. If your electricity needs to be turned off its recommended to shut off the circuits individual before turning off the main circuit.

SERVPRO Guidelines

4/2/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Thousand Oaks continue to provide services during the COVID-19 event. SERVPRO Thousand Oaks has developed procedures within our business to maintain health and safety for our employees as well as our customers. Here at SERVPRO we are monitoring our employees for any potential exposure. Our representatives are required to engage in good health precautions such as wearing gloves and masks. Transparent communications are critical, and the following questions will be asked to all our customers. Have you or any family member in your household exhibiting and signs of sickness? Are you or any members of your household under quarantine? Please note that if any of the answers are yes then a mutual decision will be made. Here at SERVPRO we hope you and your family are safe and sound during this event.

Technology can be our friend in emergencies

9/26/2019 (Permalink)

Society has reached the point where technology is making it easier to be preparade for emergencies. Although we cannot simply rely on technology during an emergency there is some key thing, we can do incase gadgets are usable.  The following is some key tip we can use to make sure we are tech ready for an emergency.  There is a FEMA app for download or text method that can be used to help you get weather advisory or preparation tips.  Its always advised that you follow your local government on any social media platform you use to get up to date official information on before, during and after a disaster. A few methods to use after a disaster to inform your loved ones your safe is text message, social media and email. Some social media platform has created a way to make yourself safe after a disaster near your living area.  Another option to telling family and friends your fine after an emergency is to register with the Red Cross safe and well. If you have been advised sever weather is on the way make sure to fully charge all your electronic devices. If possible, keep a backup power source to recharge your phone to stay connected for important information. Make sure to minimize your use of devices during a power outage by changing setting to low power or airplane mode. It’s suggested to keep in your car a phone charger and a backup power supply. We hope these tips have been informative and SERVPRO of Thousand Oaks hope you stay safe in any emergency.

During an Earthquake

8/26/2019 (Permalink)

Living in California it’s always a good time to make sure you know what to do during an earthquake.  Unfortunately, this is not a natural disaster that gives you any warning.  An earthquake can cause a building to collapse and create heavy items to fall that can result in injuries and property damagers.  Earthquakes can cause fires, road damages, tsunamis, landslides and avalanches.  Make sure incase of an earthquake you protect yourself by drop, cover and hold. If you happen to be in a vehicle during an earthquake pull over and stop and set parking brake. If you happen to be in bead during an earthquake turn your face down and cover your head and neck with a pillow.  Stay away from buildings if you happen to be outdoors during an earthquake. SERVPRO of Thousand Oaks hope you stay safe incase of an earthquake.

Carbon Monoxide

8/15/2019 (Permalink)

Do you have a carbon monoxide detector? This is considered a silent killer because you cannot smell but if there are high levels it will be deadly. More than 150 people die accidently from CO poising. The reason carbon monoxide is so harmful when breathed because it causes displaces oxygen in the blood and deprives the heart, brain and other vital organs of oxygen. When large amounts of CO can cause you to lose consciousness and suffocate. There are everyday items that you use that can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Its recommended to have your heating system inspected yearly by a train service technician. A portable generator should never be indoors and should be setup outside. Do not use a gas range or an oven for heating. An idling cat that is left running in the garage. If you have any of the following symptoms please seek medical attention headache, fatigue, shortness if breath, nausea and dizziness.  SERVPRO recommends you invest in a carbon monoxide detector to prevent any poisoning.

Let’s talk Asbestos.

8/30/2018 (Permalink)

We have had several water loss or fire loss that fall under the range of needing asbestos testing. SERVPRO Thousand Oaks requires that a house that has disturbance of possible material be tested before any equipment or more removal can be performed. If by chance the material has not been disturbed, we may be able to place equipment base on the circumstance. We will recommend that an accredited asbestos professional perform testing. SERVPRO does not perform the testing but can recommend a local company to perform this service. After testing is perform the results should be returned within 24 hours based on lab turn around. In some instance SERVPRO Thousand Oaks can dry down an affected loss with out disturbing the affected material (this instance would only be if loss is cat 1.) Sometime there is factor that regardless of the class of water loss that materials will need to be removed. If the asbestos results come back negative we will be able to remove affected material that is not dry. Under other circumstance when the loss does come back positive we will recommend a company that services Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park and Westlake Village (Ventura county side.) Please contact us with any questions.

National Preparedness Month

8/23/2018 (Permalink)

With September being national preparedness month here is some basic emergency supply ideas. Every person should have a gallon of water per day, with a 3 days supply. Have at least three-day worth of non-perishable food supply. A battery powered or hand-held crank radio to be inform of any alerts. Flashlight with extra batteries. A stocked first aid kit. Have a whistle incase you need to signal for help. Dusk mask to prevent inhaling containment air. Plastic sheeting and duct tape in case a temporary shelter needs to be made. Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal hygiene. A wrench or pliers to be able to turn off utilities if needed. A can opener to open and canned food. A local map, fire extinguisher and matches in a waterproof container. Feminine products, prescription medication, glasses, animal food, infant formula and diapers. Important family document and cash and traveler’s check. Sleeping bags and warm blanket per person. A mess kit, paper and pencil and activities to keep busy with. Most important SERVPRO of Thousand Oaks hope you and your family are safe and prepared.

Our Highly Trained Restoration Specialists can restore your Thousand Oaks Home

6/12/2017 (Permalink)

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

IICRC Certified Firms must

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

The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry

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

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

About SERVPRO of Thousand Oaks

SERVPRO of Thousand Oaks specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: from initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.