Rising From the Ashes: SERVPRO of Wilshire Center's Journey in Altadena and Palisades

3/13/2025 (Permalink)

Soot removal in action: Pressure washing fire-damaged roofs

Rising From the Ashes: SERVPRO of Wilshire Center's Journey in Altadena and Palisades

The scent of spring should be blooming flowers and fresh air, but for Altadena and Palisades, recent memories are tinged with smoke and loss. As fires ravaged these communities, our hearts ached alongside our neighbors. At SERVPRO of Wilshire Center, we knew we had to step up, not just as a restoration service, but as fellow members of this community.

Imagine returning home to find everything changed. The familiar comfort of your living room replaced by soot-covered walls, the smell of your children's favorite books replaced by the acrid tang of smoke. This wasn't just about damaged structures; it was about shattered lives. Homeowners were displaced, their routines upended, and the emotional toll was immense.¹

That's where we came in. We rolled up our sleeves and got to work. But this wasn't just a job; it was a mission. We understood that restoring a home meant restoring a sense of normalcy, a sense of hope.

The Work Behind the Scenes:

• Clearing the Air: Smoke and soot are insidious. They cling to everything. We used specialized techniques to meticulously clean every surface, from walls and ceilings to treasured family heirlooms.
• Water and Beyond: Firefighting efforts often leave behind water damage, a whole other beast to tackle.² We tackled water extraction, drying, and even mold remediation, ensuring homes were safe and dry.
• Rebuilding More Than Walls: We worked hand-in-hand with trusted contractors to repair structural damage, from replacing insulation in attics to rebuilding entire sections of homes.
• Restoring Memories: Personal belongings are more than just things; they're stories. We carefully cleaned and restored everything we could, from textiles to electronics, returning cherished items to their rightful owners.

It was a long process. Some families were able to return home relatively quickly, while others waited patiently as we worked diligently. And yes, some are still waiting for the final touches, for the return of textiles and those last pieces of their lives.

Community and Hope:

What truly shone through was the incredible resilience of the Altadena and Palisades communities. Neighbors helped neighbors, offering support and encouragement. We witnessed firsthand the power of community in the face of adversity. And we’re so thankful for the patience of all the homeowners.

We’re not just a restoration company; we’re part of this community. We’re here to help you rebuild, not just your homes, but your lives.

Essential Winter Maintenance Tips to Protect Your Property

2/1/2025 (Permalink)

Home is where the warmth is! Stay cozy and safe this winter by prepping your property with our essential maintenance tips.

As the temperatures dip and winter approaches, your property faces unique challenges that can lead to costly damage if left unchecked. From heavy rain in Los Angeles to potential cold snaps, staying proactive is key to ensuring your home or business remains safe, comfortable, and prepared. These winter maintenance tips will help you safeguard your property and avoid unexpected headaches during the season.

1. Prioritize Your Roof

Your roof shields your home from the elements, making regular inspections essential.

• Inspect for Damage: Look for loose or missing shingles, cracked tiles, or other visible damage.
• Clean Gutters: Remove leaves and debris to ensure water flows freely and prevents pooling, which can damage your roof.
• Watch for Water Stains: Inside your home, check ceilings and attic spaces for signs of leaks that could signal trouble.

Why It’s Important: A compromised roof can lead to water damage and mold growth, both of which can escalate into bigger, more expensive problems.

2. Tune-Up Your Heating System

Your HVAC system works harder in the winter to keep your property warm. A little maintenance can go a long way in ensuring its efficiency.

• Replace Air Filters: Clogged filters force your system to work harder, increasing energy bills.
• Inspect Vents and Ducts: Clean them to improve airflow and indoor air quality.
• Schedule a Professional Service: Routine inspections can catch problems before they lead to breakdowns.

Why It’s Important: Maintaining your heating system helps keep energy costs down, ensures your comfort, and reduces the risk of carbon monoxide leaks from faulty equipment.

3. Protect Your Pipes

Even in Los Angeles, temperatures can occasionally dip low enough to freeze exposed pipes.

• Wrap Pipes: Insulate pipes in unheated areas, such as garages, basements, or crawlspaces.
• Seal Gaps: Check for drafts near pipes and seal any cracks or openings that let cold air in.
• Keep Faucets Dripping: During freezing nights, a slow trickle of water can prevent pipes from freezing and bursting.

Why It’s Important: A burst pipe can result in extensive water damage, leaving you with costly repairs and an inconvenient mess.

4. Upgrade Your Insulation

Proper insulation is a must for both comfort and energy efficiency during the colder months.

• Inspect Problem Areas: Look for drafts near windows, doors, and attic spaces.
• Add Weatherstripping: Simple fixes like sealing gaps with weatherstripping or caulk can make a big difference.
• Improve Attic Insulation: Proper insulation helps regulate indoor temperatures and prevents ice dams.

Why It’s Important: Keeping your home insulated not only saves on energy bills but also protects your property from condensation and moisture issues.

5. Stay Fire Safe

Winter activities, such as using fireplaces or space heaters, can increase fire risks.

• Clean Fireplaces and Chimneys: Remove soot and creosote to prevent chimney fires.
• Practice Heater Safety: Keep space heaters at least three feet away from flammable materials, and always turn them off when leaving the room.
• Test Smoke Detectors: Make sure alarms are functional and have fresh batteries.

Why It’s Important: Simple precautions can reduce the likelihood of fire-related emergencies, protecting both your property and your loved ones.

6. Prepare for Winter Storms

Even in regions like Southern California, winter storms can bring heavy rains and high winds.

• Trim Overhanging Branches: Prevent falling branches from damaging your roof or windows during storms.
• Inspect Drainage Systems: Ensure water flows away from your property to avoid flooding.
• Stock Emergency Supplies: Keep essentials like flashlights, batteries, and a weather radio on hand for power outages.

Why It’s Important: Storm preparedness helps you avoid preventable damage and ensures you’re ready for unexpected weather events.

Why Winter Maintenance Matters

A little preparation goes a long way in protecting your property and giving you peace of mind during winter. By tackling these maintenance tasks early, you can avoid costly repairs and enjoy a safe and comfortable season.

If winter weather leaves you facing unexpected damage, professional help is just a call away. From water damage restoration to mold remediation and fire cleanup, experienced teams like SERVPRO® are equipped to respond quickly and make it “Like it never even happened.”

Holiday Fire Safety Tips for Homeowners

12/10/2024 (Permalink)

Warm and cozy, but remember: never leave a burning candle unattended. Safety first this holiday season

Holiday Fire Safety Tips for Homeowners

The holiday season brings warmth, joy, and festive celebrations, but it’s also a time to stay vigilant about fire safety. From twinkling lights to glowing candles, the elements that make this time of year magical can also create potential fire hazards. At SERVPRO of Wilshire Center, we want your holidays to be safe, bright, and full of cheer. Follow these fire safety tips to ensure your home stays protected this season.

1. Check Your Holiday Lights

• Inspect all strings of lights for damaged wires, broken bulbs, or loose connections. Replace any that show signs of wear.
• Avoid overloading electrical outlets; instead, use a power strip with a surge protector.
• Always unplug lights before leaving your home or going to bed to reduce fire risk.

2. Use Safe Decorations

• Choose flame-resistant or non-flammable decorations to minimize risk.
• Keep decorations away from open flames, heaters, and other heat sources.
• Ensure items like wreaths, garlands, and artificial trees are labeled as flame-retardant.

3. Practice Candle Safety

• Always place candles on stable, heat-resistant surfaces and keep them away from flammable items.
• Blow out candles before leaving the room or going to sleep.
• Consider switching to flameless LED candles for a worry-free alternative.

4. Keep Your Christmas Tree Hydrated

• Water your live tree daily to prevent it from drying out and becoming highly flammable.
• Ensure your tree is at least three feet away from fireplaces, radiators, and space heaters.
• Dispose of the tree promptly after the holidays to reduce fire risks as it dries out.

5. Stay Safe in the Kitchen

• Never leave cooking unattended, especially when frying or grilling.
• Keep flammable items, such as oven mitts and dish towels, away from hot surfaces.
• In case of a grease fire, use a lid to smother the flames rather than water, which can spread the fire.

6. Test Your Smoke Detectors

• Check smoke alarms regularly to ensure they are functioning and replace batteries as needed.
• Install alarms on every level of your home and near sleeping areas for maximum safety.

7. Plan for Emergencies

• Create a fire escape plan that includes two exits from each room.
• Practice fire drills with your family to ensure everyone knows how to evacuate safely.
• Keep a fire extinguisher accessible in high-risk areas, like the kitchen and near the tree.

Enjoy a Safe and Happy Holiday Season

Taking these precautions will help ensure that your holiday celebrations are filled with joy and free from fire-related incidents.

If disaster strikes, SERVPRO of Wilshire Center is ready to assist. Our experienced team specializes in fire damage restoration and is available 24/7 to restore your home to its pre-fire condition.

Call us today to learn more about our services. Let us handle the unexpected so you can focus on what matters most—your family and the holidays.

When Your Business Needs Help, We Are Here | SERVPRO of Cheviot Hills/Palms

8/28/2024 (Permalink)

If your business has been damaged due to unexpected conditions, SERVPRO of Cheviot Hills/Palms wants to help. Call us now!

Owning a business is not for the faint of heart, and we are constantly impressed by all of the amazing restaurants, entertainment venues and specialty stores in our community!

We know what it takes to run a successful enterprise, and we are grateful that there are so many great opportunities in the Palms area. We want to help ensure the long-term success of businesses like yours, which is why we proudly offer our restoration and cleaning services to our entire business community!

Restoring Your Business

Disaster can strike at any time, and if you aren’t prepared, it can leave you with serious damages and the potential for long-term closures. No business owner wants that! 

We can help you recover faster so you can avoid those costly closures. We can handle everything from a simple breakroom fire to severe structural damage after a storm or flood. 

Our large-loss recovery team will take you through every step of the restoration process to ensure everything is addressed and the scale of the project matches your needs. We know that every minute you are closed or have to operate in a reduced capacity can have a negative effect on your business, so we work hard to be as quick and as thorough as possible. 

Keeping Your Space Clean 

We would assume that you didn’t open your business to spend all of your free time cleaning it. While a general janitorial staff can handle day-to-day messes, they sometimes don’t have the equipment needed to tackle certain cleaning projects. Our commercial cleaning crew can be your solution to this problem. 

We can handle anything from deep carpet cleaning to odor removal and everything in between. When was the last time you had your air ducts cleaned out? We can handle that, too, and make it a regular occurrence so your business always has the cleanest and freshest air possible. 

Cleaning Up the Hazards

You probably have a plan in place for fires, floods and storms, but do you have a plan for exposure to biohazards? The unexpected can happen at any time and leave you with a seriously dangerous situation that should be handled by professionals. Biohazard substances like sewage, blood and even crime scene residue should be addressed by a trained team with the right safety gear.

We have extensive training in the cleaning and sanitization of situations like animal waste and remains removal, hoarding situations, crime scene cleanup, bloodborne pathogens, and sewage leaks. With the right gear and attention to detail, we can ensure everyone will stay safe and protected from the biohazard situation at hand. 

We are proud to help our community’s businesses thrive! Contact us at SERVPRO of Cheviot Hills/Palms today. 

The Dangers of Compounding Damage After Storms | SERVPRO of Cheviot Hills/Palms

5/28/2024 (Permalink)

Storms can be extremely damaging to your home. That’s why SERVPRO of Cheviot Hills/Palms wants to help you. Call us today to restore your house!

Our homes do an amazing job of protecting us from everyday weather threats. The heat, humidity, strong wind and occasional downpours can make a big impact on our homes while we stay safe and dry inside. 

However, our homes are not invincible! Strong weather elements can cause serious damage to occur in the blink of an eye, leaving you with a destroyed home and a lot of questions. 

Getting started on the cleanup right away is important when it comes to avoiding long-term damage or issues that will only continue to worsen the longer the damage is left unaddressed. 

The Power of Wind

The wind can really pick up speed around here, especially when a storm is brewing off of the coast. Regular storms can bring wind around 30–40 miles per hour, but serious storms like coastal storms or hurricanes can easily top 100 miles per hour or more. 

These sudden bursts of wind can topple trees, overturn trampolines and even rip roofs off houses. Once your home is exposed, water damage can also set it in if it is raining. It can leak down walls or sneak in through broken windows and then you also have to deal with water damage on top of structural damage.

The Power of Water

Water damage is frustrating because it will only continue to worsen the longer you wait to address the issue. It will continue to leak and seep along any cracks or crevices in your home and can become stagnant behind your walls. 

Simple puddles or water spots can be cleaned up by yourself, but if the water gets behind your walls or under your floors, it can be virtually impossible to get at on your own. If any sort of moisture is left behind, mildew can begin to form and even mold can take hold. Over time, this can become a health hazard for your entire family.

How We Can Help

We are here 24/7 to respond to your call for help, and we will get moving as soon as you reach out to us. We know that the longer we wait, the higher the risk of compounding damages and a worsening situation, so we get started right away. 

We will secure your home, protect it from further damage by laying down tarps and boarding up windows, and then we get to work removing the water and damaged debris. 

Once your space is dry, we can tackle structural repairs. We can handle everything from a simple broken window to an entire roof replacement. SERVPRO of Cheviot Hills/Palms can truly do it all! We can help you recover faster and more thoroughly after suffering storm damage.

Don’t let storm damage linger in your home. Contact us at SERVPRO of Cheviot Hills/Palms today

Taking Control of Water Leaks at Home | SERVPRO of Cheviot Hills/Palms

2/28/2024 (Permalink)

When water damage invades your home, SERVPRO of Cheviot Hills/Palms is Here to Help®. Contact us now!

Water has a mind of its own and can cause some serious issues for your home and property. Once a leak starts, the water can quickly seep down your walls, get under your floors and spread everywhere in your home.

The longer the leak is unaddressed, the worse the problem can become! Addressing leaks quickly can help you avoid the more serious damage, and you can avoid serious issues like structural troubles or even mold infestations.

How Leaks Happen
We don’t get a lot of rain here, but when it does rain, it can cause serious issues. If the ground is really dry, it can cause flooding to occur and water can quickly get into our basements. 

Water leaks are also common inside the home through various issues. Burst pipes, faulty appliances and even a slow drip from your sink can all cause serious damage over time.

If you notice a new puddle on your floor or come home to an obvious water problem, try to stay calm and avoid walking through the water. Locate where the water is coming from and find the appropriate water valve to stop the flow of water. 

If the leak came from an appliance, consider shutting off power to the appliance as well so it can’t start back up again and leak the rest of the water in the pipes onto your floor. After that, give us a call! 

What to Do Next

We will get started on your restoration from the moment you call us. Our team is highly trained and ready to respond to whatever sort of situation you have discovered. We will ask a lot of questions about the damage to make sure we have the right crew and right equipment, and then we will get going on our way to your home. 

While you wait for us to arrive, you can certainly start the drying process on your own! Open some windows to ventilate the area or turn on a fan to get the air circulating. Our industrial-strength equipment will be able to take care of the entire drying process, but every little bit helps. 

How SERVPRO® Can Help 

Once we arrive at your home, we will get to work on locating the source of the leak and setting up our equipment to dry out your space. We will get out our air movers and blowers to remove the standing water, and we will use thermal cameras to detect hidden moisture behind your walls. 

After your space is dry, we will get started on any necessary repairs. Water is known to swell or warp floors, create soggy drywall and soak through carpet, so we will focus our attention on addressing any sort of repairs that are needed. 

We will work hard to make sure your home is returned to its preloss condition as quickly and as efficiently as possible. Call us day or night for immediate assistance with your water damage situation!

A fast recovery is always crucial after suffering from a water disaster. Contact SERVPRO of Cheviot Hills/Palms today. 

SERVPRO® Can Make Your Dream Home a Reality | SERVPRO of Cheviot Hills/Palms

11/29/2023 (Permalink)

Are you looking to make your home renovation dreams a reality? SERVPRO of Cheviot Hills/Palms is here to do it. Call us today!

Have you been saving up for a remodel or dreaming of a new addition or kitchen for your space? One of the best parts about being a homeowner is all of the personalization you can do to make your house a home. 

However, it can also be overwhelming to tackle large projects on your own or juggle multiple contractors to get the work done. That’s where we come in!

In addition to our top-notch restoration services, SERVPRO of Cheviot Hills/Palms is also a fully licensed construction company. We can take your dream and turn it into reality quickly and confidently.

What Does Our Construction Process Look Like?
We are a full-service team, which means we can handle any project that you have the vision for. We can take over a DIY gone wrong to help fix the issues and finish it for you, or we can take your dream that is on paper and bring it to life.

We have a project manager who oversees the entire process to make sure everything is done up to code and within regulation. We will start by drawing up the plans, evaluating the space and pulling necessary permits. 

When all of that is done, we will get right to work on the construction process. Our crew proudly remodels bathrooms and kitchens, finishes basements and can confidently add new additions to your already existing home. 

Our Services Speak for Themselves
We know that it can be a little scary to have contractors come into your home and work on it, which is why we focus on providing high-quality customer service every step of the way. We will chat with you because we truly want to get to know you through this process and to help you relax as we work. 

Our team is highly trained, and we are always learning new techniques and procedures to give you the highest quality product possible. We will even work with your insurance company if needed to make sure everything is being documented correctly as we go. 

We are so confident in our skills that we will keep working and remodeling until you are 100% satisfied with the final product. Our crew will work hard for you no matter what type of project you hire us for.

We are Here to Help® with your latest construction project. Contact SERVPRO of Cheviot Hills/Palms today. 

What to Do During a Flash Flood | SERVPRO of Cheviot Hills/Palms

11/29/2023 (Permalink)

The aftermath of flash floods can be disastrous. That’s why SERVPRO of Cheviot Hills/Palms is Here to Help®. Contact us now!

Our community is not known for heavy and frequent rainstorms, which is actually why we are more likely to suffer from flash flooding situations from time to time. If we are going through a drought, the ground gets really hard and dry and cannot keep up with any heavy rain that falls. 

If the ground can’t absorb the water, it will back up onto streets and flow through our community and into basements with ease. 

While flash flooding situations certainly can be scary, you can prepare for them to avoid serious damage! Incorporate these tips into your preparations the next time a flash flood warning is issued. 

Preparing for the Water

Stay connected to the local authorities and listen to the daily forecasts so you are always in the know. If a flash flood warning is issued or we are predicted to get a lot of rain in a short amount of time, that should be your signal to start preparing your property and home. 

Clean up your yard to remove anything that could easily be swept away by the water. Outdoor lawn equipment, yard tools and even children’s toys should be taken inside or stored in the garage, and consider pulling your car into the garage as well. Even just a few inches of fast-moving water can sweep away objects and damage your car.

Tie down the things that can’t be brought inside like trampolines, grills and patio furniture, and then head inside to get your house ready. Remove anything fragile or sentimental from the lowest level of your home and pull things away from the wall in case water starts leaking from your ceiling. Locate your emergency kit, and find a safe location on a higher level to ride out the storm. 

Dealing With Floodwater

If your home does start to flood when the storm comes to town, stay calm and avoid the area while the water is rushing in. Eventually the storm will move on and you will be able to assess the damage. 

Avoid walking through the water, since floodwater can contain toxic chemicals, storm runoff and even sewage. Get us on the phone right away, and take photos of any damage you see. These images will become a great starting point for your insurance company. If you must walk through the damage, wear appropriate clothing that will protect your skin. 

Once we arrive, we will get right to work extracting the standing water and addressing any structural damage that you suffered as a result of the water. Water can easily warp floors, ruin walls and soak through ceilings and can make your home dangerous to live in. We can tear down compromised sections of your home and rebuild it completely. We will make sure every inch of lingering moisture is removed and your home is returned to its pre-flood state as quickly as possible.

Call us immediately if you suffer from flood damage this season. Contact SERVPRO of Cheviot Hills/Palms for quick assistance. 

When Disaster Strikes, Consider Us Your Solution | SERVPRO of Cheviot Hills/Palms

11/29/2023 (Permalink)

When disaster strikes, SERVPRO of Cheviot Hills/Palms is Here to Help® and be your number one choice. Call us today!

No one expects to suffer through home damage, but it is a reality that many of us face throughout a normal year. Water damage caused by a leaky dishwasher, broken windows during strong storms and even fire damage caused by a kitchen mishap can happen at any moment!

Choosing a reliable company to come help you recover is one of the most important choices to make. After all, your home is in their hands. That’s where we come in. SERVPRO of Cheviot Hills/Palms is the restoration company that you know and trust to get you through hard times.

We Pride Ourselves on Our Customer Experience

Our reviews speak for themselves! We know how scary it is to suffer through a home disaster, and it can cause some pretty intense emotions after the fact. 

We fully understand all of the emotions that come with the reality of home damage situations, and we work hard to meet you where we are at. Our team is full of friendly, compassionate and caring individuals who will help you every step of the way.

We will explain every process and procedure that is going to happen and work alongside you to develop your restoration plans. We also have a project manager that will act as your liaison throughout the process to listen to concerns, help navigate insurance claim information and keep everyone on track. 

We Take Care of Everything

One of the frustrating parts about having work done on your home is having to navigate all of the different contractors to get your single job done. Working with plumbers, electricians, builders and even cleaning crews can make your head spin! That’s why we are proudly a full-service restoration company, meaning that you will only ever need to work with us to get your job done. 

We can handle every project on any scale, and we will be your point of contact throughout the process. If we need to pull in another contractor to help, we will handle it and be sure the right permits are being pulled and the codes are being followed. You can say goodbye to those complicated contracts and negotiating all of those frustrating bids!

We Offer a Smoother Restoration

Another frustration when it comes to overcoming home damage is working with your insurance company. Insurance claims are notoriously tricky to understand and get right, so let us handle it for you instead. We will make sure you are getting the most money and most reliable repairs possible.

We know that it can be jarring to have crews working on your house while you are there getting things done, which is why we have flexible scheduling to fit the needs of your busy family. You don’t even have to be home while we are working if you don’t want to be! Our goal is to make your restoration as seamless and as positive as possible.

We are the top choice when it comes to your restoration needs. Contact SERVPRO of Cheviot Hills/Palms today.

Getting Out: Building a Reliable Escape Plan | SERVPRO of Cheviot Hills/Palms

11/28/2023 (Permalink)

Has your home been damaged by a disastrous fire? Call SERVPRO of Cheviot Hills/Palms today! We are here to restore your space.

No one wants to think about the potential of suffering a house fire, but unfortunately, it is a serious reality for thousands of Americans across the country every year. Fire can break out at the most unsuspecting time, leaving you in a panic with only minutes to get out of your home safely.

All homes should have a reliable escape plan, and it should be reviewed annually to make sure everyone in your household understands what to do and where to go. Our team explains some easy ways to create your fire escape plan below!

Creating the Plan  

Grab a piece of paper and draw up your house, including all of the rooms with their windows and doors. Have your kids lead you around your house and point out each exit point in each room. 

Since windows are a reliable way of exiting your home in an emergency, window safety and responsibility should be addressed now as well. Once all of the exits are identified, head outside and choose an exterior meeting location. It should be easy enough to get to so that everyone can make it there quickly, but far enough away to be removed from the danger. A mailbox across the street or a neighbor’s porch are both good options.

If you live in an apartment or a high-rise, you still need to make a map of your home and locate the regular exits. However, you also need to know where to go once you are out in the hallway. Find the stairs and also the fire escape location. You should also be sure to find an exterior meeting location once you are out of your complex. 

Putting the Plan Into Action   

Now that you have your plan, it’s time to do a little practicing! Have your kids find different places in your home and act out a normal day. Push the test button on your smoke alarm, and have your kids take you through their emergency exit strategies for the rooms they are in. 

As they safely exit their rooms, have them get down and crouch or crawl their way down the hall, simulating what it would look and feel like to stay below the smoke line. Make sure they understand the dangers of fire smoke and to stay as low as possible. Once you are all outside safely, head to your meeting location and explain how to call 911 and what to tell the dispatcher.

Steps to Recovery

House fires are known for creating extensive damage, even if they remain relatively contained. You could be dealing with debris, soot, smoke and even water damage due to the fire fighting efforts. Our team is here to ensure you recover faster and more thoroughly. 

We will clean, sanitize and repair the entire affected area, and we will make sure that all of the soot residue and smoke odors are removed from your home as well. Our team will return your home back to its pre-fire condition in no time at all. 

Suffering a house fire can be devastating. Let SERVPRO of Cheviot Hills/Palms handle your entire restoration and recovery!