Recent Posts

Has Your Ontario Home Been Exposed to COVID-19?

9/29/2020 (Permalink)

Two children are shown laying on the floor, reading a book by flashlight. We safely clean and remove viral contaminants from your home in the Northeast Ontario and Kaiser communities.

Self-Quarantining Due to COVID-19?

With the onset of the new coronavirus, COVID-19 pandemic, our kids and family members are spending more time at home than ever. Although we are practicing social distancing and frequent hand washing, some of us are at home self-quarantining due to exposure, or someone in your home might have had COVID-19. According to recent statistics, San Bernardino County has 29,265 or more confirmed cases.

Having a safe, clean, germ-free home environment has never been more important, and SERVPRO® of Northeast Ontario/Kaiser wants the residents of the Ontario and Kaiser communities to know that we are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination and adhere to the standards established by the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

What You Can Expect

When we arrive, we will assess your needs and we will clean all porous and nonporous surfaces, all touchpoints and high traffic areas, and will remove and dispose of all biohazardous materials and supplies used in the cleaning process. We use hospital-grade cleaners and disinfectants to safely eliminate viral pathogens similar to COVID-19.

Call Us

If your family has been exposed to COVID-19,  SERVPRO® of Northeast Ontario/Kaiser wants to help. Call us at 909-390-0238. Our biohazard specialists will clean and disinfect your home in Ontario “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO® of Northeast Ontario/Kaiser is Independently Owned and Operated.

Outrageous Water Bill in Ontario?

9/21/2020 (Permalink)

A man is shown examining his water bill for errors. An increase in your water bill could be an indication of hidden water leaks and damage in Kaiser.

Money Running Down the Drain?

Was your water bill higher than usual? In many cases, water leaks can cause your water bill to skyrocket, and if it does, you’ll want to get to the root cause and correct it quickly. According to the  United States Environmental Protection Agency , (EPA), household water leaks account for more than 1 trillion gallons of water waste nationwide each year. Water leaks, if not addressed in a timely manner can become costly repairs. SERVPRO® of Northeast Ontario/Kaiser has years of experience repairing water damage in the Ontario and Kaiser communities and offers these tips from the EPA on how to identify water leaks in your home:

  • A good method to check for leaks is to examine your winter water usage. It's likely that a family of four has a serious leak problem if its winter water use exceeds 12,000 gallons per month.
  • Check your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter does not read exactly the same, you probably have a leak.

Call Us Today

When you find yourself with a water damage emergency of any size, SERVPRO® of Northeast Ontario/Kaiser wants to help. Call us at 909-390-0238. Our water restoration specialists will restore your water damage in Ontario “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO® of Northeast Ontario/Kaiser is Independently Owned and Operated.

Professional Water Damage Restoration in Ontario?

9/15/2020 (Permalink)

brick wall with water stains When water damage strikes, trust SERVPRO of Northeast Ontario/Kaiser

Water Damage Requires Professional Cleaning

You found the source of the water intrusion into your home and had the leak stopped and repaired, but not before the water had the opportunity to damage your floors, baseboards, walls, furniture, and belongings. Fortunately, SERVPRO® of Northeast Ontario/Kaiser has been helping people repair and restore water-damaged homes in the Ontario and Kaiser areas for years and because they are also licensed general contractors, they can supervise and perform the structural repairs too. A lot of surfaces will require professional cleaning after a water damage event, including furniture, upholstery, clothing, and other restorable belongings. We are contents restoration specialists and depending on the type of surface we may clean your belongings by:

  •  Dry Cleaning
  •  Wet Cleaning
  •  Spray and Wipe
  •  Foam Cleaning
  •  Abrasive Cleaning
  •  Immersion Cleaning

Odor Removal and Deodorization and Sanitizing Treatments

We are trained to identify and eliminate offensive odors. Once we have determined the cause, we will use industrial grade air scrubbers and fogging equipment to remove and deodorize the odor. We do not take short cuts by using masking sprays, and we will safely neutralize and eliminate the odor. We may also use antimicrobial, antibacterial or disinfectant treatments to clean your property if needed.

Call Us

No matter what kind of water damage emergency you have, SERVPRO® of Northeast Ontario/Kaiser wants to help. Call us at 909-390-0238. We’ll clean and restore your home or business in Ontario “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO® of Northeast Ontario/Kaiser is Independently Owned and Operated.

Meth Lab Cleanup in Ontario?

9/8/2020 (Permalink)

caution sign with technician in PPE suite We are state-certified to clean and remove illegal meth lab biohazardous waste and materials.

Illegal Drug Labs in Ontario

I know a property manager that had to deal with the aftermath of an illegal methamphetamine lab after an explosion took out a window and part of a wall in one of her apartment units. After the City of Ontario Police Department and the Ontario Fire Department completed their inspections and reports, she was left with the aftermath of the property damage. Not only did she need someone to come out and secure the broken window in the middle of the night, she also had to get someone to repair the structural damage and clean the awful chemical residue and odor out of the apartment. Fortunately, SERVPRO® of Northeast Ontario/Kaiser is California State-certified to clean and remove meth lab debris and chemicals. When it comes to safely removing and disposing of chemical contaminants, we have the specialized training and are on call and ready to respond 24 hours a day, every day.

Crime Scene Scenarios

We safely remove crime scene materials including fingerprint powder and other evidence-gathering chemicals to safely restore your business after a crime scene investigation. We follow state and local guidelines for the safe removal of harmful chemicals and residues produced by illegal “meth lab” drug manufacturing.

Call Us

No matter what kind of biohazardous contaminants you are dealing with, SERVPRO® of Northeast Ontario/Kaiser can help. Call us at 909-390-0238. We’ll clean and restore your business “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO® of Northeast Ontario/Kaiser is Independently Owned and Operated.

Tips for Escaping a Structure in the Event of a Fire in Northeast Ontario

8/26/2020 (Permalink)

escape plan When fire strikes your Northeast Ontario/Kaiser area home, trust us.

SERVPRO of Northeast Ontario/Kaiser knows a small flame can turn into a large fire in a matter of minutes.  Sometimes, a portable fire extinguisher is not enough to save your Ontario  home or business and the only thing you can do is escape.  

Lives are more important than objects, so get yourself and others out of danger.

SERVPRO of Northeast Ontario/Kaiser Offers these Tips for Escape: 

  • Make an escape plan ahead of time. Make sure everyone knows the plan
  • Make sure that all doors and windows open easily
  • Plan at least two different ways of escaping every room
  • When you leave, close the doors and windows to shut in the flames
  • Practice the plan
  • Do not stop to pick up valuables. You can replace objects
  • Make sure your plan includes a place to meet that is a safe distance from the home
  • Do not turn off smoke alarms when you cook.  You may need the warning
  • If you have to go through smoke, crawl under it



SERVPRO of Northeast Ontario/Kaiser reminds you to call the fire department once you are outside the home.

SERVPRO of Northeast Ontario/Kaiser is independently owned and operated. 

Links:

https://www.nfpa.org/public-education/by-topic/fire-and-life-safety-equipment/fire-extinguishers 

https://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Files/Public-Education/Resources/Safety-tip-sheets/EscapePlanningTips.ashx?la=en 

Storm damage in Northeast Ontario/Kaiser

8/26/2020 (Permalink)

storm and lightning bolt over river When storm damage strikes your Northeast Ontario/Kaiser area home, we are Here To Help.

Thunderstorms are beautiful, but they can also be dangerous.  They can cause severe damage to your home and property in Northeast Ontario/Kaiser. Thunderstorms include lightning and can:

  • Include winds over 50 MPH
  • Create hail
  • Cause flash floods
  • Cause tornadoes

In most places, a thunderstorm can happen at any time of the year and at any time of the day.

SERVPRO® of Northeast Ontario/Kaiser knows you cannot prevent a thunderstorm, but you can prepare:

  • Know the risk for thunderstorms in Northeast Ontario/Kaiser
  • Sign up for your community’s warning system 
  • Cut down or trim trees that may fall on your home or office
  • Install surge protectors, lightning rods, or a lightning protection system

SERVPRO of Northeast Ontario/Kaiser repeats the warning, “When thunder roars, go indoors”.  You don’t have to wait for the thunder. If there is a thunderstorm warning, go inside. Once there:

  • Unplug appliances
  • Do not use landline phones in office or home
  • Pay attention to alerts and warnings

If you can’t get inside a building:

  • If you are swimming or in a boat, get to land immediately.  Find shelter
  • If you are in a car, don’t touch anything metal
  • “Turn around. Don’t Drown. '' Avoid flooded roads. 6 inches of moving water can knock you down. One foot of moving water can sweep away your car. 

A lightning strike during a thunderstorm can leave a wake of destruction in its path. This can range from minor electrical issues to fire damage. Lightning is also a major cause of injury or death from weather-related dangers.  Most people survive being hit by lightning, but they often have long-term problems. 

SERVPRO of Northeast Ontario/Kaiser is independently owned and operated. 

Links:

https://www.ready.gov/thunderstorms-lightning

https://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/1527866280447-8ee0ba123e9a7b91c75b97dfb62cb657/ThunderStorm_May2018.pdf 

Be prepared for power outages from storms in Northeast Ontario/Kaiser

8/26/2020 (Permalink)

cartoon of house with tree on the roof SERVPRO of Northeast Ontario/Kaiser is the team to trust.

Managing Without Power in Northeast Ontario/Kaiser

SERVPRO of Northeast Ontario/Kaiser has seen storm damage lead to power outages.   

A power outage can:

  • Disrupt communication
  • Make transportation difficult
  • Shut down water pipes
  • Close businesses, grocery stores, gas stations, banks, ATMS, other services
  • Lead to food spoilage
  • Lead to contaminated water
  • Disable medical devices

During a power outage in Northeast Ontario/Kaiser, be sure to:

  • Keep freezer & refrigerator doors closed. It will reduce the chance of food spoilage
  • User generators only outdoors and away from windows
  • Disconnect appliances/electronics. Power surges can destroy equipment
  • Have already set up plan to refrigerate medicines
  • For people who use power wheelchairs, have a backup battery.  You may also need a manual chair
  • The local power company should already know that someone in your home relies on medical devices
  • Do not use a gas stove or oven to heat your home or business
  • If travel is safe, go to another location for proper heating or cooling
  • Check on your neighbors.




Links:

https://www.ready.gov/individuals-access-functional-needs

https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/poweroutage/index.html

Staying Healthy around Standing Water in Northeast Ontario/Kaiser

8/26/2020 (Permalink)

home with flood water When waters rise, we are the team that meets them.

Staying Healthy Around Standing Water in Northeast Ontario/Kaiser:

Standing water of any kind in Northeast Ontario/Kaiser can be a powerful source of disease. Floods can be worse due to the amount of water involved. Even small puddles can pose a risk. 

Different kinds of debris can be found in flood water such as dead animals, rotted plants, and sewage, to name a few. If you have water damage inside your home, watch for debris in the home as well to include rotted food and electrical problems. 

Viruses and bacteria can cause illnesses. To reduce your chances of catching something, SERVPRO of  Northeast Ontario/Kaiser suggests:

  • Washing dirty clothes and towels in hot water. Use bleach if possible
  • Remember that you can shake hands with an infected person and get infected
  • Do not allow children to play in the flood water
  • Wash children’s hands before meals
  • Disinfect toys before letting children play with them
  • Use bleach or other disinfectants on hard surfaces
  • Keep your hands washed

Cuts and rashes can become infected. Protect yourself and others in Northeast Ontario/Kaiser:

  • Avoid flood waters if you have an open rash or a cut
  • Clean cuts or rashes. Cover them with a waterproof bandage
  • Clean cuts with soap and clean water
  • If a cut becomes red, swollen, or is oozing, get medical attention

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Links:

https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/emergency/extreme-weather/floods-standingwater.html

Possible Causes for Water Damage in Northeast Ontario/Kaiser

8/26/2020 (Permalink)

S bend in a water pipe When water damage strikes, SERVPRO of Northeast Ontario/Kaiser is Here To Help.

Causes & Categories of Water Damage in Northeast Ontario/Kaiser:

An old poem has the line, “water, water, everywhere”. When you need to say this in your home or office, you know there is trouble. You may be looking at water damage. There are several different possible causes of water damage in Northeast Ontario/Kaiser.

Causes can include:

  • Leaky dishwashers or washing machines
  • Clogged pipes
  • Leaking roofs
  • Broken toilet pipes
  • Heavy rain
  • Snow or ice

The amount of water damage depends on the amount of water and on the cause of the damage. 

It is also important to start cleanup as soon as possible. The longer your home or business is water-logged, the more damage.

Categories of Water Damage in Northeast Ontario/Kaiser:

  1. Clean water. It might come from an overflowing sink or a broken appliance. The water does not pose a threat to people. Keep in mind that any water will become contaminated after it stops flowing.
  2. Gray water. This water is contaminated from the get-go. It comes from broken toilets or sump pumps. It might not look dirty, or it might be brown.
  3. Black water. Like gray water, it might not look dirty. One major source of black water is broken sewage pipes. Another source is any water that has been standing still. 



***

Links:

http://www.thewaterpage.com/water-damage-effects.htm

How to Get Flood Insurance in Northeast Ontario/Kaiser.

8/26/2020 (Permalink)

Cartoon house in a life preserver SERVPRO of Northeast Ontario/Kaiser is Here To Help when water damage strikes.

Water Damage & Insurance in Northeast Ontario/Kaiser.

Did you know that most property insurance does not cover flood damage?

Most insurance rates vary by company. While the rules for insurance varies by state, flood insurance is an exception.

Some homeowners’ policies will cover water damage if the damage comes from:

  • sewer or drain backup
  • sudden & accidental damage from plumbing, heating systems, or air conditioning 

The policy might also cover mold remediation, but not if a flood caused the problem.

How to get flood insurance in Northeast Ontario/Kaiser:

  • Check whether your community participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). You can still get flood insurance if you live in a low-risk area. The insurance will cost less if you live in a low-risk area.
  • Find an insurance agent in City or County. The NFIP is the only flood-insurance provider, but the government does not sell it. Buy the insurance through an insurance agent. The NFIP sets the rates.
  • If your insurance agent doesn’t know about the NFIP, call the help center at  1-800-427-4661

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Links:

https://www.usa.gov/property-insurance 

www.fema.gov