Santa Cruz County - Be Prepared when Storms Strike!

8/2/2021 (Permalink)

2020 CZU Wildfires started with a Dry Lightning storm - remember to stay safe prep your family for emergency situations!

As Santa Cruz County comes closer to the anniversary of the tragic 2020 CZU Wildfire, it is important to remind ourselves how to stay prepared for potential Dry Lightning storms or any emergency. Being prepared for anything will help you and your loved ones stay calm in stressful situations. Below are some items to keep readily accessible in emergency situations:

• Water (one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation)
• Food (at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food)
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
• Flashlight
• First aid kit
• Extra batteries
• Whistle (to signal for help)
• Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
• Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
• Manual can opener (for food)
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

Contact SERVPRO of Santa Cruz at (831) 457-1997 for fire or water mitigation services as soon as possible and our trained technicians will respond with urgency!

SERVPRO of Santa Cruz Assisting in Storm Damages

6/1/2021 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Santa Cruz ASAP to assist with your water damage!

Rain storms can be the cause of a variety of different types of property damage. In the picture here, you can see the result of a leak deriving from a home’s skylight after a major rain storm. Skylight leaks may occur due to improper installation or from a sealing or flashing failure. Whatever the reason, if you are experiencing ceiling discoloration, bulging, or water actually dripping down from the ceiling – the very first step you should take would be to have a roof company install a roof tarp as soon as possible to stop additional damage while awaiting a permanent solution. After a roof tarp is installed, your second step should be to call SERVPRO of Santa Cruz to assist with the interior damages and dryout! Our expert technicians are ready to respond to your storm damage needs 24/7, call us today!

SERVPRO of Santa Cruz, (831) 457-1997

Preparing for Wildfire Season in Santa Cruz County

5/10/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Santa Cruz - your go-to company for fire restoration

As the hot summer months approach quickly, many Santa Cruz County residences may feel anxiety surrounding the possibilities of another Wildfire season. The aftermath of the 2020 CZU Wildfires is still very fresh for much of our community and the fear of the continued dry conditions leading to more fires in the area is very real. It is always a good idea to stay prepared and understand the steps to keep safe for these possible disasters.

If your area is prone to wildfires, stay prepared by:

• Knowing your neighborhood exit routes and shelter locations.
• Discuss a plan of action with your household so everyone knows what to expect if evacuations are necessary.
• Have an arrangement for your pets and livestock predetermined as not all emergency shelters accept animals.
• Keep emergency supplies organized on hand and ready to easily transport as needed.
• Register to receive local evacuation alerts and weather condition notifications.

If your area is experiencing a wildfire, remember these safety tips:

• Attempt to keep smoke out of your home and reduce respiratory smoke exposure.
• Use high efficiency filters for central air conditioning systems and set your fresh air intake to recirculate mode to prohibit outside air from entering.
• Prepare for possible long-term power outages with supplies of batteries, flashlights, water, food with extended shelf life, etc.
• Keep updated on current conditions and heed Emergency Alert System evacuation notifications.

Now that the wildfire flames have been put out, ensure to follow these safety tips on what to do after a wildfire:

• Do not return home until after authorities have cleared the area.
• Continue to monitor the air quality reports in the area, use N95 respiratory protection as needed, and pay close attention to any health effects.
• Understand that embers and ash may still be hot. Child should avoid affected areas if possible and should not assist in cleaning. Adults should ensure to wear various protection if in affected areas, including gloves, long pants, long sleeves, goggles, shoes, etc. Wash ash off as soon as possible if in your mouth, eyes, or on the skin.
• Be aware of driving and building hazards. Access affected areas during daylight to better see pending hazards.

Experiencing a community catastrophe like a Wildfire is devastating. SERVPRO of Santa Cruz professionals understand how traumatic these situations are and have assisted in numerous fire cleanups spanning the past 20 years. We are here to help guide you through each step of the way.

If you’ve experienced fire damage, do not hesitate to contact our representatives for assistance today. SERVPRO of Santa Cruz (831) 457-1997, here for you 24/7.

How to Avoid a Disaster During a Power Outage

11/12/2020 (Permalink)

Use these best practices during power outages!

It’s important to prepare for and protect our Santa Cruz County homes, businesses and families during power outages as the winter months approach, as many hazards can go unnoticed.

Candles left unattended can quickly turn into a tragedy, possibly creating a structure fire. The safer option would be utilizing flashlights or other battery-operated lighting options that avoid the presence of an open flame. This means keep extra batteries on hand. If candles are your only option, it is vital to never leave the fire unattended and that the candle is placed in a fireproof holder stationed away from any flammable materials and or drafts.

Fire hazards are not the only disaster lurking during power outages. Carbon Monoxide poisoning from indoor grills or generators are also extremely dangerous. If these appliances are used in enclosed areas (including homes, garages or sheds), the outcome could be lethal. Carbon Monoxide gas can go unnoticed as it cannot be seen, smelled, nor tasted. A person may not realize they are being poisoned until it’s too late. It is essential to use these items exclusively outside in a well ventilated area and operated according to manufacturer’s instructions.

If you have experienced any fire, soot or property damage to your Santa Cruz County home or business, rest assured our experienced technicians and customer services representatives are here to help 24/7. Please call our office today (831) 457-1997.

When Rains and Storms hit Santa Cruz, SERVPRO of Santa Cruz is ready!

11/8/2019 (Permalink)

Don't wait to call SERVPRO of Santa Cruz if your home is affected by rain damage.

SERVPRO ofSanta Cruz technicians are highly trained to assist in the restoration of your property after being affected by storm and flood damages. We have specialized equipment and knowledgeable staff ready to dispatch day or night.

Faster Response

Being locally owned and operated allows for a quicker response time with the right resources. Mitigating damages as fast as possible is extremely important, lessening the damage, fighting against further damage, and keeping total restoration costs down.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When winter storms start up in Santa Cruz, we’re one phone call away with access to equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 831-457-1997.

Don’t let a Power Outage Nuisance Turn into a Disaster

10/11/2019 (Permalink)

Ensure proper safety measures are taken if candles must be used.

As many of our homes and businesses lose power in Santa Cruz County, it is important to make smart decisions in protecting your property and your family. Unattended candles can quickly make a power outage turn into a disaster, possibly causing a fire at your home. If your power is out, it is a much safer idea to utilize flashlights or other battery-powered fixtures. If candles must be used, it is necessary to ensure the candle is never left unattended and is placed within a fireproof lantern or holder and placed far enough away from anything that has the potential to catch on fire.

In addition to fire hazards, power outages can also create dangers in carbon monoxide poisoning from indoor grills or generators. These items when used in a confined indoor area (including sheds or garages) can be fatal. Carbon monoxide leaks cannot be seen, smelled nor tasted, therefore many do not realize they are being poisoned by its side effects until it is too late. On top of ensuring to use these items exclusively outdoors, it is also a good idea to unplug appliances and keep your property well ventilated to further protect against exposure. 

In the unfortunate event you have experienced fire damage or any other disaster at your property, our highly trained customer services representatives and technicians are here to help; please call our office 24/7 at (831) 457-1997.