Tips to Avoiding Fire Damage

9/29/2024 (Permalink)

Fire can occur at any time inside your home or business. Spring is right around the corner which means the weather will be warming up. The chances of a fire occurring starts to increase. Once summer comes, the fire season in Southern California begins. Weather has been unpredictable lately, so it is always a good idea to prepare for the upcoming changes in temperature. We’ve had 80 degree temps even in the month of December so staying prepared is very important. Some key tips include:

• Keep yourself notified with weather updates
• Have an emergency plan just in case a fire occurs
• Add a smoke detector to your quarters
• Keep an eye out for items that can overheat
• Keep an eye on the stove
• Turn off anything that uses electricity such as fans or televisions if leaving the home vacant
• Be careful not to overuse electricity outlets
• If a fire does occur, evacuate as quickly as possible

If things do go wrong then SERVPRO of South Pasadena/San Marino is available to help. We specialize in dealing with fire damage and we can be reached at (626) 852-9922, we are also available 24 hours, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Remember, it is important to be proactive vs. reactive!

Restoring Your Home with SERVPRO After a Fire

8/29/2024 (Permalink)

Experiencing a fire loss in your home can be a very scary experience. So many thoughts can be racing through your head. Where will we go now? Is everything ruined? What about our family photos, important documents, and precious irreplaceable items? Will we have to move?

It is hard to not feel like all your hard work has gone up in smoke, however, in a lot of cases that seem hopeless. SERVPRO of South Pasadena/San Marino will be here to help you throughout this process and make sure that you are well taken care of.

What will we do?

• Estimates: Team McCann is full of experts who perform a comprehensive evaluation of your property. They will note structural damage and catalog all contents by size, serial number, and other characteristics to ensure nothing is missed. We will then conduct a packout to one of our facilities and assess what is and isn’t salvageable so that we can write proposals for items we can save or recommend for replacement.
• Structural Cleaning: We have professional tools and products that will clear away smoke damage and odors.
• Restoration of Contents: Our team will restore the contents of your property to the best of their abilities to get it back to their original condition. We do hand cleaning, polishing, refinishing, and deodorizing of items. Once completed, we will store your contents until your home is ready for your return. 

We strive to bring you the top of the line services here at SERVPRO. All of your items might not be salvageable, but we can promise to give you the best possible service for your home to help you rebuild and create a new beginning. Give us a call today at 626-852-9922! We offer our services 24/7/365!

Fire Hazard Potentials

8/12/2024 (Permalink)

A fire can originate from a variety of sources and can begin at any moment. Whether it is self caused or natural it can spread quickly. If one does not take action swiftly then their entire building may be lost. There are a variety of things that we use in our homes daily that can cause a fire.

The kitchen is one of the areas where fires are common, after all we use fire to cook with our stoves daily. Having a malfunctioning stove can be problematic. If it leaks gas, it can be hazardous to your health and become highly flammable. Continuously using a dirty stove, over-cooking or leaving food unattended can also cause a sudden flame. The appliances you use daily such as your washer, dryer, microwave, and refrigerator can also be an issue. If they are overused or used incorrectly they can generate an excess amount of heat that leads to a fire. Electrical components are also a potential cause.Electronics such as your television, phone charger, radio,and computer can overheat. It is important to keep certain appliances or electrical components away from direct heat as this will cause them to overheat at a faster rate.

It is never a bad idea to be aware of potential fire hazards around home. If you do happen to ever come across fire damage to your property then SERVPRO of South Pasadena/San Marino will help you deal with your problem. We have experts that specialize in dealing with fire damages. We are available at (626) 852-9922. We are also available 24 hours, 7 days days a week, 365 days per year.

Wild Fire Danger

9/29/2023 (Permalink)

About eight years ago, the city of Glendora experienced a very intense wildfire, in the foothills directly behind the city. About twenty-one miles from the South Pasadena and San Marino communities.

It was started by a group of young men, who had illegally started a campfire. The Santa Ana winds had picked up embers from the campfire and chaos ensued. It is now known as the Colby Trail Fire, named after a hiking trail. In total, it burned over 1,992 acres of land, destroyed 5 homes, and injured one person. 3,600 city residents were evacuated. The fire was so large at one point, residents of South Pasadena and San Marino could easily see it from their homes, and also suffered from poor air quality.

Many Glendora and Azusa city residents were very concerned about their homes. Removing dry debris around them and watering their lawns was a tactic that many residents used in the hope to protect their property. 

Fire Protection Strategies

Residents shut their windows and doors to keep falling ash and poor air from coming into their homes. Others take pieces of plywood or tarp and cover the vents on the roof or chimney, in order to prevent embers from entering their housing structures. 

Homeowners with pools would fill up their pools and spas with additional water from their garden hoses. It is not unusual for water-bombing helicopters to pick up water from residents' backyard pools in order to aid in putting out wildfires. It is a small gesture that can be of huge help to the air bombers looking for bodies of water nearby. 

The Colby Fire lasted approximately ten days.

Fire Near South Pasadena/San Marino? Call today!

South Pasadena and San Marino residents are always encouraged to call SERVPRO of South Pasadena and San Marino if their home is ever affected by a fire. SERVPRO specializes in fire restoration and is available 24/7. Owner Joe McCann has a plethora of fire restoration knowledge. He is always a phone call away to help South Pasadena and San Marino, residents.

Fire Season in SoCal

8/30/2023 (Permalink)

In Southern California, it sometimes always feels like fire season. Thankfully, the beginning quarter of 2021 has been fairly stormy and rainy. The California Poppy and Yellow Mustard Seed flowers are in bloom across the San Gabriel Valley. Even, with the rain, Los Angeles country still suffered a 184-acre burn, The Townsley Fire, in January of this year.

April-October:

April through October is considered California's 2nd half of wildfire season. This is mainly because of the Santa Ana winds that come in from the west. The winds not only dry out vegetation, but wind also spreads embers. We have not gotten out of Santa Ana season yet, so stay informed on local weather.

Call SERVPRO:

In the event, your home does suffer fire damage from a wildfire or an in-home fire, be sure to call SERVPRO South Pasadena / San Marino. Joe McCann and his staff are available for emergency services 24/7.

Never Leave Your Stove On

9/19/2022 (Permalink)

We received a call from an insurance representative about a client of theirs that received fire damage in their home. The cause of the loss was a stove that was left turned on, resulting in the cooking pan catching fire. As the tenant was leaving their home they noticed smoke coming out of their window. They ran back inside and attempted to put it out by throwing water on it. By then it was too late, the fire had already grown which made the situation worse. They evacuated the home and waited for the fire department to arrive and put it out. Fortunately the home was saved but not without damage to the kitchen and leaving the owners distressed  from this experience.

Always remember to turn off the stove and cooking equipment when not in use. Not doing so can result in a fire starting and within one minute you can suddenly have a variety of complications and high stress levels. Also, if the fire is too dangerous or you feel you don't know how to properly put one out, then the safest thing to do is to evacuate the home until help arrives. It’s always a great idea to know the number of your local fire department as well, the faster you call them the faster they will arrive. If you ever require assistance in mitigating fire damage, feel free to contact SERVPRO of South Pasadena / San Marino at (626) 852-9922. We are also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. We specialize in fire damage and we always want to help you with your situation.

Kitchen Fires

8/12/2022 (Permalink)

The damage that the soot from the fire caused on the stairs.

We recently received a job involving fire damage. The fire took place in the kitchen and was caused by a pan left on the stove unsupervised. The kitchen, living rooms, and bedrooms were affected by the smoke and soot. Thankfully the home wasn't completely lost and the homeowner reached out to SERVPRO of South Pasadena/San Marino for mitigation. The kitchen area is one of the leading causes of fires. Some things to be aware of to lessen the chances when cooking are

• Don’t leave stove unattended when cooking
• Keep up with stove maintenance; prevents a malfunction
• Make sure there are no gas leaks
• Clean the stove regularly; make sure there is no grease
• Don't set the flame level to unnecessary levels
• If you cook with high heat pay closer attention 
• Keep flammable items away 
• Use appropriate cooking utensils
• Be aware of your surroundings

Fire damages are never fun to deal with. Doing some preventative maintenance and being aware of what's happening around your home are great ways to decrease the chances of a fire taking place. In the unfortunate event that one does bring damage to your property then SERVPRO of South Pasadena/San Marino is here to help. We specialize in dealing with fire damage. We can be reached at (626) 852-9922. We are also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Can Your HVAC Start a Fire?

8/8/2022 (Permalink)

Fires are a devastating experience, when they occur they are sudden and unexpected so it is difficult to prepare for one. We are in the middle of Summer here in Southern California. The average temperatures are above 90 degrees and in some places over 100 degrees. Right now air conditioning units are in high usage. This makes sense because one wants to be comfortable and cool in their own home. However, the strenuous usage can actually become a fire hazard. The wiring systems from your HVAC unit could be faulty, it can have a short circuit, and since they require so much energy then it can cause an electrical overload. Thus leading to fires. Doing some preventive maintenance is key as it may prevent future complications. Some fires have also begun because the air conditioning units are left on while people are away from home. This can be avoided  by simply turning it off or not leaving it unsupervised for high periods of time. Using the air conditioning unit less frequently also reduces the stress put on the electrical system as well, thus decreasing the chances of a fire taking place.

Air conditioners are great to have, especially when it is hot. But if they are not properly used then they can become a hazard. If they were to start a fire then you can potentially be dealing with a variety of issues and expenses. SERVPRO of South Pasadena/San Marino specializes in fire damages. In the unfortunate event we are always willing to help and set you on the right path. We can be reached at (626) 852-9922. We are also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Space Heaters

3/21/2022 (Permalink)

Spring has finally arrived. You think to yourself the weather is warm and now I can enjoy the sunshine. But then you quickly realize that it still gets chilly in the morning and during the night  when you are getting ready for bed. Due to the lingering cold weather, you don’t quite put away your heater as you use it in the morning and night time to warm yourself up. However, it is important to remain cautious of space heaters at all times even if they are used less frequently. Because they provide you with warmth and comfort it is easy to forget that space heaters are a high risk of starting a fire.

There are several things you can do to minimize the risk of a fire when using a space heater. First, you want to make sure that it is in good condition. If it is flawed there is a higher chance it can overheat or damage the outlets it is connected to, possibly causing sparks. Also be aware of using a power strip, as it may damage anything connected to it. If so, then those items will also run a risk of causing a fire. To reduce the chances of your space heater falling over it should be placed on a flat surface or the floor.  Also, they shouldn't be placed on a flammable surface. For example, if it is placed on a cabinet made of wood there is a higher chance it can start a fire due to the heat contacting the wood. Wherever you place it, make sure to keep it at least a couple feet away from anything that is easily flammable. This includes curtains, clothing, your bed, cotton materials, papers, and so on. 

Remember that if you are using a space heater do not leave it unsupervised for long periods of time as it can become dangerous quickly. If you ever have any fire damage then SERVPRO of South Pasadena/San Marino is experienced in dealing with fire damages and we can help you deal with your problem. We are available at (626) 852-9922. We are also available 24 hours, 7 days a week, 365 days per year.

Fire Season

8/13/2021 (Permalink)

Fire Season! If you live in California, you might have heard of it. If you live in Southern California, you have definitely heard of it! What is it? What is it caused by? SERVPRO South Pasadena/San Marino is here to let you know what’s what. 

Did you know that there are actually two fire seasons?! Well, it’s true. The first fire season occurs from June through September and stems from the warmer and drier weather. These fires primarily happen in the inland forests. The second fire season occurs from October to April and is driven by the Santa Ana winds. Due to the winds, the fires spread quicker and happen in more urban areas. Fires started by the second season are what we at SERVPRO South Pasadena/San Marino would most likely see in action.

The best thing you can do is to prepare you and your house for a possible fire. This means having an emergency plan and a to-go bag. SERVPRO of South Pasadena/San Marino is clearly the best choice you can make when it comes to fire & smoke damage and we service all throughout the Los Angeles, Orange, and San Bernardino Counties. If you need more information and a specific plan for your house, call us now! (626) 852-9922!

Fire Tips and Tricks

8/13/2021 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO South Pasadena/San Marino, we pride ourselves in being an informative online resource that you can go to time and time again. The topic we will focus on today is fire preparedness in your home. Is there anything I can do when it comes to being prepared? Absolutely. Here are some tips and tricks on preparedness for house fires. 

1. Smoke alarms in every room
2. Test the smoke alarms frequently (every month is fine) 
3. Have a fire escape plan and practice it 
4. Invest in a fire extinguisher (if possible) 
5. If a fire does occur, get out and call for help 

We hope that these tips helped you make your home safer. SERVPRO of South Pasadena/San Marino is clearly the best choice you can make when it comes to fire & smoke damage and we service all throughout the Los Angeles, Orange, and San Bernardino Counties. Call us now! (6260 852-9922.

Downtown Pasadena Fire

3/25/2021 (Permalink)

Kitchen Fire in Pasadena Business

Water Leaks to Electrical Fire

Electrical wiring can be found in nearly every modern building and supplies important electricity to ensure our lives run efficiently. On the downside, there are risks associated with wet wiring. One of the most common fire jobs we see at SERVPRO of South Pasadena/San Marino is caused by electrical fire damage. These are usually the cause of the exposed wire coming in contact with water. 

List of Potential Causes

Electrical outlets may come in contact with water through a leaking roof, sudden flooding, or a big rainstorm. In an establishment in downtown Pasadena, a burst pipe flooded the upstairs and caused water to leak down to the kitchen below. Unfortunately, the electrical appliances were affected which caused an electrical kitchen fire. This is an unfortunate instance where water and fire damage happen at the same time. In homes, smaller-scale water issues such as a splash or leaking pipe can allow water to easily come into contact with an electrical outlet or worn-down wire. In cases where a recent flood has occurred, we strongly recommend that electricity to the home be shut off until professionals arrive. This reduces the risk of further damage occurring.

Water and Fire Damage Restoration Professionals

Joe McCann and his team of qualified technicians have had over 16+ years of experience in the restoration industry. If you experience a flood or burst pipe in your home or business and are unsure of what to do, call our team at SERVPRO of South Pasadena/San Marino and we'll walk you through the restoration process. Our crew is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week because we have a strong commitment to our customers. If you need a restoration company you can trust, call SERVPRO Joe today (626)-852-9922.

Brush Fire Season

3/4/2021 (Permalink)

Technician Sanitizing Home and Cleaning Soot from Blinds, Cabinets, Roof, Floor, Chairs, Couches, Tables, etc.

Southern California Living

Living in Southern California, residents are very aware of the impact the Santa Ana
winds can have during brush fire season. Increased wind speeds can dramatically
change the outcome of a fire.

SERVPRO Reminders

SERVPRO of South Pasadena and San Marino would like to remind residents of the San Gabriel
Valley and surrounding areas tips to keep your home safe during fire season.

• Keep trees pruned. Wildfire can spread to treetops. Check with your local
  fire department to determine the appropriate amount trees should be
  trimmed.
• Always clear debris from around your home. Leaves and dead foliage should
  always be removed from gutters, porches, decks, and other outside areas.
  This also applies to dry, overgrown grass. These items make perfect fuel for
  a traveling fire.
• Keep front, back, and side yard lawns properly hydrated.
• Have an emergency plan set in place for your home. Important documents should be
  readily available in case of evacuation.
• If you are a pet owner, have emergency
  supplies set and ready to go.
• Any outdoor furniture or wooden gardening boxes
  should be moved away from your home, as far as possible.
• Close all doors and
  windows to prevent embers from entering your home. Make sure garden hoses are all
  connected to a water source – they can be useful to firefighters.
• Fix or replace broken roof tiles and cover exterior attic vents. This helps
• Prevent ember penetration.
  
  

Call Joe McCann

In the event that a wildfire does damage your home, please call SERVPRO South Pasadena and San Marino. Joe McCann and his team are able to handle any sized fire restoration
job. Joe has a plethora of Fire Restoration knowledge! Stay updated on all Santa Ana wind and fire alerts in your area.