Ceiling Collapse at vacant commercial building

12/14/2017 (Permalink)

Collapsed Ceiling

At SERVPRO of Indian Wells we assist with water damage work on a daily basis. Sometimes this work is located at vacant commercial properties, this type of property can present challenging work. If the property does not receive routine inspections or proper maintenance then it can incur major repair issues that far out-way the normal cost of ownership.

In this picture we see a property that has been affected by a break-in where the thieves stole copper piping and fixtures. Not only did the owner lack a security system to monitor for such events, the lack of an alert allowed the damage to progress. The result of this theft was that the ceiling collapsed from over-saturation and the repair bill also increased. Add to this scenario the fact the insurance company can view the nature of this damage as negligent or owner absenteeism.

Make sure to inspect and protect your property, otherwise you can find your insurance unwilling to cover losses.

Thousand Palms Xmas party

12/14/2017 (Permalink)

Xmas with 1000 Palms Chamber

At SERVPRO of Indian Wells we enjoy community involvement. We live in an area with nine cities that feel like one great big city with many facets.

One of our smaller communities is the northern city of 1000 Palms, this is a great group with a down home feel. Whenever we get a chance to attend an event we know we are in for a treat. The CEO William Senso always makes his way to many of the valleys events, so it is nice to return the favor and attend his organizations event.

In this picture we see a shot of their annual Christmas party, they offer good food and a very entertaining gift basket raffle. This year’s event was held at the local Rabobank. We even had a guest appearance from Eduardo Garcia from our local state assembly.

Merry Christmas

Computer Fire

12/11/2017 (Permalink)

Burnt monitor

At SERVPRO of Indian Wells we are equipped to handle fire restoration. This type of work can be very difficult because the nature of the damage can be so diverse. Is it a simple kitchen fire with an organic source? Or is it a complex industrial fire with chemical and electrical concerns? Either way we are ready to assist our clients.

In this shot we see a computer fire that started with the monitor overheating. This type of fire leaves a very strong odor and can also have toxic fumes. After the fire is put out the material continues to off-gas, this off-gassing is normally the source of the odor and as a provider we cannot remedy odor issues until the source of the odor has been removed.

Floating Carpet?

12/11/2017 (Permalink)

Carpet being Floated

At SERVPRO of Indian Wells we like to showcase some of the many process we use to restore items rather than replace them. The key to helping both the client and the Insurance Company are providing great service and keeping cost low. One of the ways we reduce cost is to restore rather than replace.

In this picture we see a section of carpet being 'floated', floating is when an air mover is used to push air underneath a carpet to aid in drying it after a water damage. This is not an option in every scenario, but if the water is category 1, and does not contain any potential health concerns then we can dry it in place. This saves the carpet from having to be replaced which can be very costly.

Flooded Hallway

12/11/2017 (Permalink)

Water in the hallway

At SERVPRO of Indian Wells we are capable of handling any size disaster. When we experience a localized catastrophe we can deploy the necessary personnel to assist with the problem. Storm issues are different from a normal water damage, since there are many people affected and the water carry’s a lot contaminants the material affected has to be cleaned or removed.

In this picture we see a shot of flooded hallway in a residence. There is several inches of standing water and sometimes the team is not able to extract the water until the water from outside has receded and drained. When this occurs the material exposed to water can sustain a large amount of damage and instead of restoring we are basically removing. This makes storms a very difficult project.

Local Bank with water damage

12/8/2017 (Permalink)

Inside the Vault

At SERVPRO of Indian Wells we encounter situations that require some discretion through-out the course of our duties.

In this picture we see a how a roofing issue has created a water damage at a local bank. The inside of the banks vault has sustained standard water damage concerns, Wet carpet and drywall. We extracted the water and placed the appropriate drying equipment until the site was dried.

If left unattended the resulting water could cause a mold issue within 24-72 hours. When water damage is left to its own devices it can create additional secondary damage. This damage can go uncovered because the insurance company looks at this situation a potential negligence. Make sure you get your emergency addressed in a timely manner, by a qualified restoration or mitigation expert.

Carpeting Concerns

12/8/2017 (Permalink)

Water Damaged Carpet

At SERVPRO of Indian Wells our everyday duties consist of evaluating what can be saved or restored after the damage has occurred. When you are exposed to as many of these situations as we are you have to understand the limits of your ability. You don’t want to over promise the customer and you want to minimize the cost of the claim.

In this picture we see carpeting that has been delaminated by a water damage, it is non salvageable. The backing on most carpeting is secured by glue that is water based, when this glue comes into contact with water for enough time it separates. If this separation occurs then the carpet loses its ability to stretch when it is being reattached and cannot be reinstalled.

This is another of the concerns that a client should have on prolonging the response time and starting mitigation on a water damage.

Avian Feces clean-up

12/8/2017 (Permalink)

Birds in the shop

At SERVPRO of Indian Wells we provide a variety of clean-up services to our clients- Water, Fire, Mold, General Cleaning, HVAC, Tree removal and Bio-Hazard. Bio Hazard encompasses a broad spectrum of clean-up work from small blood stains to crime scene clean-up and animal based clean-up.

In this picture we see a commercial property that has experienced a small roof collapse. The roof collapse was minor as the opening was used by birds to then nest at the site. During the nesting the birds left a large volume of feces throughout the building which presented cleaning and heakth concerns. Birds are known to carry certain viruses or pathogens which can cause severe medical issues.

Warning: If you inhale the feces during clean-up you can possibly contract a virus. This is why you should let a trained professional with the appropriate personal protection equipment, namely a full face respirator, handle the clean-up.

Commercial Board-up

12/8/2017 (Permalink)

Repaired broken window at a business

At SERVPRO of Indian Wells we work on commercial projects all the time. Sometimes the projects can be large in scale , a flooded country club, or they can be minor, a broken rear office window. Either way we are there to help when the client needs us.

In this picture we see a shot of a rear office window that had been repaired after a break-in. Besides securing the building for safety concerns, the other issue that is presented is broken glass. If the window is broken from the outside chances are that there will be glass inside if the room is carpeted, even low-rise commercial carpeting, there is no way to guarantee that all the glass has been removed. So unfortunately the occupant may have to replace the carpet because of glass shards that are lodged in the fibers of the carpet.

Always work with a professional when dealing with any damages that require restoration. Most companies will inspect and offer verbal opinions on what may be done.

How to get rid of odor issues

9/30/2016 (Permalink)

Hydroxyl on the Job

At SERVPRO of Palm Springs and SERVPRO of Indian Wells we are ready at a moment’s notice 24/7/365.

In this picture we see a shot of our hydroxyl machine. This device is used to safely eliminate odor issues through the use of a

" ...multi-nanometer optical device that produces a different nanometer frequency simultaneously. " -QCI LLC

This means that the equipment can be setup in a dwelling that is occupied. Traditionally, single frequency devices produce an excess of ozone on one particular range, when this is inhaled overtime it can have dramatic effects with negative consequences.

Over exposure to ozone can also have an effect on plastics, deteriorating the structure of affecting the finish.

Choose a professional that will use the right tools on the job.

Call SERVPRO, "Like it never even happened."

Ensuring steady and even power for your job.

9/30/2016 (Permalink)

What is a Spider Box?

At SERVPRO of Palm Springs and SERVPRO of Indian Wells we can handle any size job.

In this picture we a shot of a power distributor or a spider box. A spider box used on a jobsite when the availible power source infrastructure is inadequate for meeting the scope of the project.

The spider box helps to balance the demand of the load.

If it is not used and a home is not equipped properly a vendor will experience gaps in the service. Since we are not onsite to monitor the job progress during the entire project, it is important to ensure that what is placed onsite performs up to expectations.

The spider box will keep circuts from breaking and machines from turning off. You want things to do what they are supposed to.

Power outage concerns

9/30/2016 (Permalink)

What happens in the 'fridge when the power goes out?

At SERVPRO of Palm Springs and Indian Wells we encounter a variety of clean-up situations.

In this picture we see a shot of a refrigerator at a residence where the power had gone out. Once the organic material comes to room temperature mold and decay set in. You can also experience pest infestation.

This home was a rental property and the incident was not reported until a resident in a neighboring unit complained of odor issues.

If you happen upon this scenario, Do NOT OPEN THE FRIDGE!!!  This will break the seal and release a huge amount of off-gassing.

We typically shrink-wrap the unit, lay down protective covering on the floor, and dolly to a disposal vehicle.

Sometimes these units can be saved, but that service is cost-prohibitive.

Call SERVPRO, "Like it never even happened".

Hospice Cleaning

9/27/2016 (Permalink)

Hospice Cleaning

At SERVPRO of Palm Springs and SERVPRO of Indian Wells we are here to help with any size disaster.

In this photo we see a shot of a residence where a lovd one has moved on.

During the hospice portion of persons life , the home can fall into a state that requires poffessional attention.

It is not uncommon for this process to be an emotional and physical overload for some.

 We are here to help any aspect of the cleaning job. We provide disposal services for any of the contents that are to hard to handle.

We also clean the structure in accordance with the IICRC standards that are set forth for our industry.

SERVPRO, we are here to help with any size...or type...of disaster.

Fallen Tree removal

9/27/2016 (Permalink)

Fallen Tree

At SERVPRO of Palm Springs and SERVPRO of Indian Wells we are here to help with any size disaster.

In this photo we see a shot of a fallen tree that has affected the rear portion of the residence.

Fallen tree removal is requires a certain level of skill. If the tree is not approached properly secondary damage can occur.

Factors at play, Type of tree, age, health, manner in which it has fallen and adjacent affected structures.

During the process you have to pre-manage the outcome and support the process throughout the stages.

By this we mean that you need to break it down into pieces you can handle. Remeber that trees weigh quite a bit and that gravity is at play during the job.

Slab Leak in the night

9/27/2016 (Permalink)

We found the Leak

At SERVPRO of Palm Springs and SERVPRO of Indian Wells we are here to help with any size disaster.

In this photo we see a shot of a slab leak that has affected the interior of the residence.

The loss was actually discovered in the middle of the night. The homeowner moved to get out of bed and was greeted with sevral inches of warm water.

When a slab leak occurs it usually perks up through the concrete and spreads out into the home. If the volume of water and time are left unchecked you can awake to a similar situation.

Slab removals are also frustrating in that they require a re-flood of the site. The resaon behind thr re-flood is to locate the souce of the loss. The pipes in the slab are pressurized with water and then the air leaks out where the break in the line is...Along with any remaining water in the lines.

Luckily we are onsite and ready to etract as soon as it perks up.

SERVPRO, "Like it never even happened."

La Quinta Candidates Forum

9/21/2016 (Permalink)

La Quinta City Candidates

At SERVPRO of Palm Springs and SERVPRO OF Indian wells we are involved in our Community.

This a photo from today's City of La Quinta - Candidates Forum.

Our speakers in today's events are:

Linda Evans- Mayor

Kathleen Patrick - Council

Kristy Franklin - Council

Victoria Llort - Candidate      

Steve Sanchez - Candidate

The event was held at Ernies Clubhouse in PGA west. The topics covered were in regards the future of the city, Tax increases and other pertinent information.

They also spoke about the need to increase the citys ability to handle flooding as was the case 2012 and 2014.

It is important as a local business, to stay informed on matters that impact us all.

We are committed to going the distance and seeing things through.

SERVPRO, "Like it never even happened!"

Break-in Clean-up at a Bank

9/21/2016 (Permalink)

Security door does it job, Just like SERVPRO!

Recently we were called out to service a client after hours.

A local bank had experienced a Break-in, after gaining entrance through the ceiling, they attempted to enter the Teller's area seeking items to steal.

During the incident a security door was put to the test. Typically these areas are hardened with multiple layers of material designed to repel intrusion.

Luckily the door did its job and beyond the property damage sustained, no additonal issues were encountered. The suspects where unaware that the bank had secured its funds in its vault, as is common practice.

We conducted an inpection, cleaning and then rebuilt the damaged areas to pre-existing conditions.

SERVPRO, we assist with a variety of cleaning services and are availible to our clients 24/7/365.

For all your Commercial Cleaning needs!

Security door does it job, Just like SERVPRO!

Fire at a Gas Station

9/21/2016 (Permalink)

Smoke damage at the Island

We received notice through our corporate channels that the owner of a local Gas Station had there business affected by an RV fire near the fuel pumps.

Once the vehicle had been cleared from the scene they were left with extensive smoke damage. This required the appropriate protocol and handling to mitigate the issue effectively.

To avoid pro-longed business interruptions, SERVPRO was called out to take care of it.

They used 'dry-cleaning' methods to initially process the affetced material. They used cherry-pickers to reach the over-head areas and power washers to clean all the surfaces. Any liquid captured during the course of service was properly disposed of.

The key to doing it right the first time is to inspect throughout the process and manage the communication, this sets it up for the win.

Flooding at Local Hotel

9/21/2016 (Permalink)

Flooded Hallway at local Hotel

During the 2014 stom event here in the Coachella valley, multiple cities where affected quite heavily. As is the case with a storm - the availible provider network can become compromised. This is where we shine as an organization.

We were able to activate Strom Team and have the neccesary resources deployed from our fellow franchises here in Socal region. We are happy to say that over 20 franchises where able to send vehicles and staff to help.

Among many projects that, SERVPRO was called to assist with a hotel that had one of the auxilliary wings under water. There where over 20 rooms affected and almost (1) feet of standing water.

After the water extraction and removal of affected materials, they were all set to be rebuilt.

Ready for any size disaster, SERVPRO!

Bio-hazard clean-up at Casino

9/21/2016 (Permalink)

HEPA Filter and Containment

One of our local casinos was affected by a septic issue that created a very foul odor throughout an entire floor of the building.  

When a hospitality facility has a concern which may impact there customer base, they need to know that it will be taken care of quickly and effectively.

SERVPRO was able to setup containment barriers to encapsulate the affected area. We sealed of the venilation to stop further spead of OV particles. We then set up HEPA filters and negative air to improve the air-quality.

Once the area was sealed, cleaned and stabilized: it was ready for the Casino's maintainence staff to alleviate the remaining issue.

We can fix the problem ourselves or work with others to do it as a Team

SERVPRO, "Like it never even happened!"

Ceiling collapse in medical office (#2)A follow-up picture to our initial Ceiling collapse

9/21/2016 (Permalink)

Radiology lab affected

Water Damages strike all walks of life, here we see the impact on a medical facililty radiology examination room

When dealing with sophisticated equipment that requires intelligent handling, work with established professionals to ensure the right results.

We realize that the importance of communication when working with clients and additional service providers; when many people are involved - its important to work together for the benefit of the client.

This communication comes in the form daily 'Stakeholder' emails and project updates. Incidents will occur with all things, its important for all parties to stay on the same page and to respect the situation.

We take care of you, so you can take care of others.

SERVPRO, "Like it never even happened"

Ceiling collapse in medical office

9/21/2016 (Permalink)

When the 'Sky' falls in-doors, call SERVPRO for help.

SERVPRO was contacted by a large medical office that had experienced a water damage over the course of the weekend.

An overhead sprinkler riser failed and the resulting water damage affected the drop-down ceiling. The ceiling collapsed under its own weight, which is common.

We were able to assist with the clean-up and removal of all debris. Placement of drying equipment and monitoring of this process, We then conducted a heavy-cleaning based on the type of business and the need for certain levels of cleanliness. With medical establishments, the focus is on avoiding the spread of infectious disease. 

We understand that patient care is at the forefront for Healthcare providers, we are there to help you keep your promise.

"Like it never even happened," Go green!

CET - Career Fair day

8/29/2016 (Permalink)

CET career day

SERVPRO is always looking for a few good people to help out with on our our mission. We are especially impressed by people who seek out education and training. Like any good employer we believe that that interdependence is the format for an effective Team.

Here we are at a Career fair for some students at the Center for Employment Training. We conducted multiple initial interviews for Production and Administrative positons. We then setup secondary interviews at our facility.

Go out and meet your potetial employees, not all resumes reflect the candidate, Get eyes on them and ask questions. We all shine in different ways.

We have been hiring from CET for several years and find the quality of their candidates to be much better than other hiring streams. This is a testament to the staff which takes a very old-fashioned approach to complete and throrough training.

Hire for attitude , Train for aptitude

Whats in your Kitchen ?!?

8/29/2016 (Permalink)

Pizza and Kiwanis, Community involvement at its best

SERVPRO is all about giving back, from the multiple charities we donate to; and to all the fun events we lend a hand at - 'Givers Gain' is our constant mantra.

The 'Slice of La Quinta' annual pizza contest, is an event for the City of La quinta'. Normally it is for local restaurants...But,  We took home the prize for "Best Crust".

Here is our marketing manager (Chris Bennett on the right) with a few pizza pies and a Kiwanis pamphlet.

We thank our local La quinta Costco, they where nice enough to donate the (25) pizza boxes that we needed.

This is a really fun event, and if your like our marketing manager - there is never a 'Bad Pizza'.

Once the work is done, its time for fun.

Golfing with The guys

8/29/2016 (Permalink)

Coachella Chamber of Commerce

Here in the Coachella valley, Golf is more than just a 'great way to ruin a good walk'. Its a way for folks to relax and form stronger bonds over some friendly competition. How a person plays the game, can be very telling.

The golf tourney was held at the Terra Lago course in North Indio, we were able to set-up a vendor booth and offer refreshments to the players.

We tend to set-up at several tourneys throughout the year, so keep your eyes peeled for the Big Green tent with the Orange house; we always give the coolest stuff.

Here we have Assmebly member Eduardo Garcia and the Mayor of Coachella Steven Hernandez. Great Guys, out having a well deserved break.

SERVPRO, always there to share the love.

Christmas Cookies

8/26/2016 (Permalink)

Joyce Donaldson former Indio Chamber of Commerce CEO, enjoying some cookies.

For several years, our team has gotten together on the holidays to show the valley how we are different.

We bake and assemble over 1200(it grows each year) cookies to hand out to business partners and fellow vendors.

The funnest part of the project is delivering the items to all of our contacts. We are spread out through a very large service area, but it feels like a small community; this means that people talk. We hope they share the joy with there staff...I hear some even makes it home to family.

Its important to give and share with all aspets of the Service industry. We cant do it alone, so why should we celebrate alone.

Give until it hurts and wake-up again, and do it all over.