Christmas Light Safety Tips for Banker's Hill Residents?

12/10/2024 (Permalink)

We are fire damage restoration leaders in San Diego.

Our local Centre City/Uptown teams wish everyone in Banker’s Hill Happy Holidays! We want everyone to have safe and fire-damage free celebrations, and offer these tips from the National Fire Protection Association to keep your home safe from fire:

• Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.
• Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of light strands to connect.
• Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged.
• Turn off all light strings and decorations before leaving home or going to bed.

Winter Holiday Fire Facts:

• U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 790 home structure fires per year that began with decorations, excluding Christmas trees. These fires caused an annual average of 4 civilian fire deaths, 33 civilian fire injuries and $14 million in direct property damage.
• Electrical distribution or lighting equipment was involved in more than two in five home Christmas tree fires.
• Nearly one in five Christmas tree fires were started by lamps or bulbs.
• Roughly two of every five home Christmas tree fires started in the living room.
• Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, followed by Christmas Day and Christmas Eve. 

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When your home or commercial business in Banker’s Hill needs fire damage restoration services, our local Centre City/Uptown teams are Here to Help. ® Call us today at 619-583-2133.

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

Uptown Families Inspect Smoke Alarms During Fire Prevention Week?

10/8/2024 (Permalink)

We are leaders in residential fire damage restoration services in San Diego.

During Residential Fire Awareness Month, our local Centre City/Uptown team wants everyone in Uptown to make sure they have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Here are some smoke alarm safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association:

Installation

• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area (like a hallway), and on each level of the home
• When installing, follow the instructions that come with the smoke alarm
• For the best protection, interconnect all smoke alarms. When one sounds, they all sound. It is essential to have interconnected smoke alarms if you sleep with closed bedroom doors.
• A smoke alarm should be on the ceiling or high on a wall

How to Choose an Alarm

• Purchasing a smoke alarm that a qualified testing laboratory lists is essential. The two most common types of smoke alarms are ionization and photoelectric alarms.
• For the best protection, or when extra time is needed to wake up or help others, alarms or dual sensor ionization photoelectric alarms are recommended
• An ionization smoke alarm is more responsive to flaming fires, and a photoelectric smoke alarm is more responsive to smoldering fires
• Photoelectric smoke alarms are the best to install near the kitchen and bathrooms to reduce nuisance alarms

Call Us Today!

When your Uptown home or business has fire damage, our local Centre City/Uptown team is Here to Help®.  Call us today at 619-583-2133.

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

Clogged Lint Trap Causes Clothes Dryer Fire in Uptown?

9/24/2024 (Permalink)

We restore fire damage “Like it never even happened” in San Diego.

When it comes to household chores, drying clothes seems routine, yet it harbors a hidden danger many overlook: the lint trap. While it may appear insignificant, a neglected lint trap in your clothes dryer can have devastating consequences, including fire.

Lint, a highly flammable material, accumulates rapidly and restricts airflow, causing the dryer to overheat. This overheating can ignite the trapped lint, resulting in a dryer fire that could spread quickly through your home.

Regular maintenance is essential to prevent such disasters. Clean the lint trap after every load to ensure optimal airflow and reduce fire risk. The dryer vent and exhaust ducts must be inspected annually to remove any lint buildup that escapes the trap. Consider professional servicing for a thorough cleaning.

Remember, the small investment of time to clean the lint trap can safeguard your home from potential fires. Don't let a routine task turn into a catastrophic event. Prioritize lint trap maintenance to keep your home and loved ones safe. Our local Centre City/Uptown team is a trusted leader in fire damage restoration services and can perform and manage every phase of the restoration process.

Call Us Today!

When your Uptown home or business has fire damage, our local Centre City/Uptown team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 619-583-2133.

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

Raising Community Awareness of Wildfire Danger in Banker's Hill?

9/3/2024 (Permalink)

We restore fire damage 24/7 in San Diego.

Our local Centre City/Uptown team wants everyone in Banker's Hill to be prepared for wildfire events. As wildfires become increasingly frequent and severe, community awareness is essential to mitigate their impact. Raising awareness involves educating residents about the risks, preparation, and response strategies to ensure collective safety.

Community outreach programs, spearheaded by local fire departments, environmental organizations, and community groups, play a pivotal role in raising awareness. These groups can organize workshops and informational sessions, covering topics such as creating defensible space around homes, preparing emergency kits, and developing evacuation plans.

Public education campaigns are also effective. Utilizing social media, local news outlets, and community bulletin boards can help disseminate crucial information. Messages can include fire weather warnings, burn restrictions, and real-time updates during wildfire events.

Engaging educational institutions in wildfire preparedness initiatives is another crucial element. Programs that teach children about fire safety can instill lifelong awareness and encourage families to adopt safety measures.

Community drills and simulations are not just exercises but crucial tools in enhancing preparedness. By practicing evacuation routes and emergency responses, residents can become more familiar with procedures, reducing panic and confusion during actual events.

Building a culture of preparedness and awareness within the community protects lives and property and strengthens resilience. Collective action and informed residents are vital to mitigating the dangers of wildfires.

Call Us Today!

When your Banker's Hill home or business has fire damage, our Centre City/Uptown team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 619-583-2133.

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

Including Pets in Your California Wildfire Evacuation Plan in San Diego?

8/6/2024 (Permalink)

We respond to wildfire damage emergencies 24/7 in San Diego County.

Our local Centre City/Uptown team is a leader in fire damage restoration services in San Diego. California wildfires can spread rapidly, endangering lives and properties. Including pets in your wildfire evacuation plan ensures their well-being and helps prevent last-minute panic.

One step you can take is to assemble a pet emergency kit. This kit should include essential items such as pet food, water, medications, leashes, carriers, vaccination records, and a recent photo of your pet in case it gets lost. By keeping this kit in an easily accessible location, you'll be ready to grab it at a moment’s notice, ensuring your pet's safety during a wildfire evacuation.

It's not enough to just have a plan. You need to put it into practice. When planning your evacuation route, keep pet-friendly accommodations in mind. Identify shelters, hotels, or friends and family outside the evacuation zone that accept pets. But don't stop there. Practice evacuating with your pets to familiarize them with the process and reduce stress. This way, you'll be better prepared for a real-life evacuation scenario.

Ensure your pets are microchipped and wearing up-to-date ID tags. This increases the chances of being reunited if you become separated during the evacuation chaos. If you have larger animals like horses or livestock, have a plan for their transport and temporary housing.

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in San Diego has wildfire damage, our Centre City/Uptown team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 619-583-2133.

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

Malfunctioning Outdoor Lighting System in Centre City?

7/30/2024 (Permalink)

We are leaders in fire damage restoration services in San Diego.

Our local Centre City/Uptown team responds to fire damage emergencies 24/7, 365 days a year. Outdoor lighting is a functional and aesthetic element of residential properties, however, when this outdoor lighting malfunctions, it can pose a risk of fire damage.

One of the most common and potentially dangerous issues with faulty outdoor lighting systems is electrical malfunctions. Whether it's due to damaged wiring, corroded connections, or faulty fixtures, an electrical issue can lead to flickering lights, intermittent outages, or even sparks.

When dealing with a faulty outdoor lighting system, prompt action is crucial. Homeowners should immediately disconnect power to the affected area and avoid attempting DIY repairs, as electrical work requires specialized knowledge and safety precautions. In such situations, it's highly recommended to seek professional inspection and repair. This not only ensures the safety of the homeowner but also effectively addresses the underlying issue.

In the event of fire damage, our highly trained technicians respond quickly to begin the mitigation and restoration process. They will provide comprehensive solutions to restore the affected area to pre-fire condition.

By addressing a faulty outdoor lighting system promptly and professionally, homeowners can ensure the safety and functionality of their outdoor living space without the risk of property damage or safety hazards.

Call Us Today!

When your home or business in needs fire damage restoration services, our Centre City/Uptown team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 619-583-2133.

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

What Can I Do to Stay Safe After a House Fire in Uptown?

7/23/2024 (Permalink)

San Diegans rely on us restore their fire damage.

Our local Centre City/Uptown team is highly trained and certified to perform all phases of fire damage restorations – from the initial cleanup to the final rebuilding phases of reconstruction. Experiencing a house fire can be traumatic and overwhelming. Ensuring your safety and the safety of your loved ones is paramount in the aftermath. Here are some essential tips to follow:

Wait for Clearance: Only re-enter your home when fire officials declare it safe. Structural damage, hidden hot spots, and compromised utilities pose significant risks.

Wear Protective Gear: When you do enter, wear protective clothing such as long sleeves, pants, gloves, and sturdy shoes. A face mask can help protect you from inhaling soot and other harmful particles.

Avoid Using Utilities: Do not turn on gas, electricity, or water until professionals have inspected them. Damaged lines can lead to leaks, explosions, or electrocution.

Document Damage: Take photos and make notes of the damage for insurance purposes. This documentation will be crucial when filing a claim.

Discard Contaminated Food: Dispose of any food, beverages, or medicines exposed to heat, smoke, or soot. They could be contaminated and unsafe to consume.

Call Us Today!

When your home or business in Uptown needs fire damage restoration services, our Centre City/Uptown team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 619-583-2133.

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

San Diegans Take Proactive Steps to Reduce Risk of Wildfire Damage?

7/1/2024 (Permalink)

We are a top choice for fire damage restoration services in San Diego.

Wildfire season is here. Although wildfires are possible at any time of the year in California, Southern California’s peak season starts in late spring and runs until October. Our local Centre City/Uptown team wants everyone to be safe from wildfire damage and offer these safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association:

Immediate Zone

The immediate zone begins at the perimeter of the house and extends five feet from the house. This is the area most vulnerable to embers.

• Clean roofs and gutters of dead leaves, debris and pine needles that could catch embers.
• Replace or repair any loose or missing shingles or roof tiles to prevent ember penetration.
• Reduce embers that could pass through vents in the eaves by installing 1/8 inch metal mesh screening.
• Clean debris from exterior attic vents and install 1/8 inch metal mesh screening to reduce embers.
• Repair or replace damaged or loose window screens and any broken windows. Screen or box-in areas below patios and decks with wire mesh to prevent debris and combustible materials from accumulating.
• Move any flammable material away from wall exteriors – mulch, flammable plants, leaves and needles, firewood piles – anything that can burn. Remove anything stored underneath decks or porches.

Call Us Today!

When a wildfire damages your San Diego home or commercial business, our Centre City/Uptown team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 619-583-2133.

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

Clothes Dryer Starts Fire in Uptown Apartment?

4/9/2024 (Permalink)

We respond to water damage emergencies 24 hours a day in San Diego.

Our local Centre City/Uptown team is trained and certified to restore fire damage. Clothes dryers can cause fire damage for many reasons, including:

Lint buildup: Failure to regularly clean the lint trap and exhaust vent can lead to a dangerous accumulation of lint, which is highly flammable and can ignite when exposed to heat from the dryer.

Restricted airflow: Blockages in the dryer vent system, such as ductwork kinks or debris obstructions, limit airflow, causing the dryer to overheat, increasing the fire risk.

Overloading: Overloading the dryer with too many clothes can strain the appliance and prevent proper airflow, leading to overheating and potential ignition of lint or clothing fibers.

Mechanical failure: Malfunctions in components such as heating elements, thermostats, or motors can cause the dryer to generate excessive heat or sparks, increasing the fire risk.

Improper installation: Incorrect installation or venting of the dryer can contribute to airflow restrictions or create conditions where heat is trapped, increasing the likelihood of a fire.

Lack of maintenance: Neglecting routine maintenance, such as cleaning the lint trap, exhaust vent, and interior components, increases the fire risk due to the buildup of flammable debris and reduced dryer efficiency.

Flammable materials: Drying items contaminated with flammable substances like gasoline, oil, or solvents can create a fire hazard if these substances ignite in the dryer.

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Uptown has fire, smoke, or soot damage, our Centre City/Uptown team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 619-583-2133.

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

24-Hour Fire Damage Restoration Services in San Diego?

3/5/2024 (Permalink)

We are leaders in fire damage restoration services in San Diego.

Our local Centre City/Uptown team has been restoring fire damage in San Diego for years. More home fires occur during the winter months than at any other time of the year. Here are some key safety tips for preventing a home fire from the National Fire Protection Association:

Watch your cooking
Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food.

Give space heaters space
Keep fixed and portable space heaters at least three feet from anything that can burn. Turn off heaters when you leave the room or go to sleep.

Keep matches and lighters out of reach

Inspect electrical cords
Replace cords that are cracked, damaged, have broken plugs, or have loose connections.

Be careful when using candles
Keep candles at least one foot from anything that can burn. Blow out candles when you leave the room or go to sleep.

Have a home fire escape plan
Make a home fire escape plan and practice it at least twice a year.

Install smoke alarms
Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms, and outside sleeping areas. Interconnect smoke alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.

Test smoke alarms
Test smoke alarms at least once a month and replace batteries once a year or when the alarm “chirps” to tell you the battery is low. Replace any smoke alarm that is more than ten years old.

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in San Diego has fire damage, our Centre City/Uptown team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 619-583-2133.

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

How Can I Safeguard My Home from Fire in North Park?

2/20/2024 (Permalink)

We are leaders in fire damage restoration services in San Diego.

Our local Centre City/Uptown team restores fire damage in North Park every year. Fire prevention is not just about having a fire extinguisher; it's a comprehensive approach to safeguarding your home and loved ones. Here are some essential tips to keep your home safe from fire:

Smoke Alarms: Install smoke alarms inside each bedroom and on every floor of your home. Regularly test them and change the batteries at least once a year.

Fire Extinguishers: Have fire extinguishers in key locations like the kitchen, garage, and near fireplaces. Learn how to use them, and ensure they're regularly inspected.

Electrical Safety: Check for frayed wires and overloaded outlets. Don't overload circuits, and replace damaged cords or plugs promptly.

Cooking Safety: remain in the kitchen while cooking and keep flammable materials away from stovetops. Install a kitchen fire suppression system if possible.

Heating Precautions: Maintain heating equipment, such as furnaces and space heaters, and keep flammable objects at least three feet away from heat sources.

Candle and Smoking Safety: Always extinguish candles before leaving a room and designate smoking areas outside the house.

Escape Plan: Develop a family fire escape plan with designated meeting points and practice it regularly.

Home Insurance: Review your homeowner's insurance policy to ensure it provides adequate coverage in case of fire-related damage.

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in North Park has fire, soot, and smoke damage, our Centre City/Uptown team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 619-583-2133.

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

Overloaded Electrical Circuits in South Park Home Cause a Fire to Break Out?

1/9/2024 (Permalink)

We are trained and certified to restore fire damage in San Diego.

Our Centre City/Uptown team is a trusted leader in fire damage restoration services in South Park. Overloaded circuits can start a fire due to the excessive heat generated within the electrical wiring and outlets. When a circuit is overloaded, it means that more electrical current is flowing through the wiring than the circuit was designed to handle. This can occur for several reasons, including:

Multiple Appliances: Plugging too many appliances, devices, or extension cords into a single circuit can increase the electrical load beyond its capacity.

Old Wiring: Outdated or deteriorated electrical wiring may not be equipped to handle modern electrical demands, making it more susceptible to overheating.

Damaged Wiring: Wiring that is frayed, cracked, or damaged can experience increased resistance, leading to the generation of heat.

Faulty Connections: Loose or corroded electrical connections can create resistance, resulting in heat buildup at these points.

When a circuit becomes overloaded, the wires can heat up significantly. This excessive heat can melt the insulation around the wires or ignite nearby flammable materials, such as insulation, wood, or paper. The combination of high temperatures and flammable materials can lead to a fire.

Call Us Today!

When your South Park home or business has fire damage, our Centre City/Uptown team is Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your fire damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 619-583-2133.

SERVPRO® franchise is independently owned and operated.

Candle Causes Fire Damage at a Halloween Party in the Gaslamp Quarter?

10/24/2023 (Permalink)

We are trained and certified to restore fire-damaged properties in San Diego.

October marks Residential Fire Awareness Month, a month dedicated to home fire safety. Our local Centre City/Uptown team has been restoring fire damage in the Gaslamp Quarter for many years and offers these Halloween safety tips from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection:

Tips for choosing the right costumes

• Purchase costumes made of flame-retardant material
• Keep hemlines short enough to prevent tripping and avoid loose, baggy sleeves, or billowing skirts
• To be seen easily, costumes should be made of a light color material
• Use glow-in-the-dark reflective tape on your costume
• Use make-up rather than masks, which could obstruct vision

Tips for Halloween night

• Use battery-powered lights - never use candles to light jack-o’-lanterns
• Instruct children to stay away from open flames
• Remove objects from the yard that present a hazard to children (garden tools, hoses, etc.)
• Be extremely careful with cornstalks and other harvest season items. Keep them away from sources of heat. Don’t let them block doorways or stairs.
• Do not allow children to carry sharp sticks or other objects that could cause injury to themselves or to others
• If you are driving on Halloween, take care…watch out for trick-or-treaters who will be too busy to watch out for you
• Closely inspect all candy before allowing children to eat it. Discard any unwrapped treats from a stranger. If in doubt, throw it out.

Call Us Today!

When your home or business in the Gaslamp Quarter has fire damage, our Centre City/Uptown team will restore your damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 619-583-2133.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Pet Dog Starts Kitchen Fire in North Park Home?

9/19/2023 (Permalink)

We are leaders in fire damage restoration services in San Diego!

It only takes a second for a curious pet to start a fire! Each year pets and wild animals are responsible for starting over 750 home fires in the United States. Although unintentional, our furry friends can start fires by bumping into, turning on, or knocking over cooking equipment. Yikes! Fortunately, our local Centre City/Uptown team is a trusted leader in fire damage restoration services, and we have been restoring fire damage in North Park for many years. Here are some tips from the   to keep your pets safe around fire:

• Keep pets away from stoves and countertops
• Keep pets away from candles, lamps, and space heaters
• Always use a metal or heat-tempered glass screen on a fireplace and keep it in place
• Keep pets away from a chimney’s outside vents.
• Have a “pet-free zone” of at least three feet away from the fireplace. Glass doors and screens can stay dangerously hot for several hours after the fire goes out.
• Some pets are chewers. Watch pets to make sure they don’t chew through electrical cords. Have any problems checked by a professional.

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in North Park has fire damage and you need fire damage restoration services, our Centre City/Uptown team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 619-583-2133.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Centre City Takes Steps to Reduce Wildfire Risk?

9/12/2023 (Permalink)

We restore fire damage 24 hours a day in San Diego!

Wildfires can break out at any time during the hot, dry summer months., and our local Centre City/Uptown team wants everyone to be prepared for wildfire. Here are some tips from the National Fire Protection Association to minimize wildfire risk in our community:

• Contact your local planning/zoning office to find out if your home is in a high wildfire risk area, and if there are specific local or county ordinances you should be following
• If you are part of a homeowner association, work with them to identify regulations that incorporate proven preparedness landscaping, home design, and building material use
• Talk to your local fire department about how to prepare, when to evacuate, and the response you and your neighbors can expect in the event of a wildfire
• Learn about wildfire risk reduction efforts, including how land management agencies use prescribed fire to manage local landscapes
• Learn how you can make a positive difference in your community

Call Us Today!

By taking some precautions, should a wildfire threaten your home or commercial property in Centre City, the risk will be minimized, and if your home or commercial business needs fire damage restoration services, our Centre City/Uptown team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 619-583-2133.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

North Park Home Damaged by Smoke from Neighborhood Fire?

8/22/2023 (Permalink)

We restore fire damage 24 hours a day in San Diego!

Our local Centre City/Uptown team has been restoring fire damage in Uptown, San Diego, for many years. Smoke permeates every surface it is exposed to. We pre-test every surface to determine the most effective method for neutralizing and removing smoke odor.

Smoke Odor Removal Equipment

Air Scrubber or Filter: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system air scrubber or HEPA air purifier captures larger smoke molecules. There will still be some residual odor from smaller molecules or surface residues.

Ozone Generator: An ozone generator is a fast and highly effective smoke odor restoration method. These machines emit ozone, which follows the same paths through the air as smoke and oxidizes any residual traces in the air or on surfaces.

Thermal Fogging: An intensive treatment involving fogging machines. After residents evacuate, smoke cleaning professionals fill a structure with petroleum distillates that neutralize odors, and then they ventilate the area.

Hydroxyl Generator: These machines rely on ultraviolet light to generate hydroxyl radicals that eliminate smoke odors. It will take about three to five days of continuous operation to achieve the same results as a single ozone treatment.

Vapor Modification: This odor elimination method relies on aromatic compounds and a blower or fan to neutralize smoke odor.

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Uptown needs smoke damage restoration services, our local Centre City/Uptown team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 619-583-2133.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

South Park Residents Prepare for Wildfire Season?

8/7/2023 (Permalink)

We restore fire damage 24 hours a day in San Diego!

Is your home in South Park ready for wildfire season? Our local Centre City/Uptown team responds to fire damage emergencies every year. To date, there have been 1,943  wildfires of 10+ acres that have burned 6,709 acres of land in California. CALFIRE’s 2023 outlook for wildfire states that tropical disturbances typically associated with an El Nino pattern could lead to increased lightning and thunderstorm activity.

The County of San Diego has amended an ordinance that requires residents to keep their property free from fire hazards. Here is some information from their website for creating and maintaining defensible space:

WHAT IS DEFENSIBLE SPACE?

Defensible Space is the area around a structure where combustible vegetation that can spread fire has been cleared, reduced, or replaced. This space acts as a barrier between a structure and an advancing fire.

HOW LARGE SHOULD THE DEFENSIBLE SPACE BE?

You need to clear combustible vegetation in a 100-foot radius from any structure.  Your local fire agency may require you to clear additional vegetation by a written letter. You  are not required to cross your property line in order to clear 100 feet.  The neighboring property owner may be required to clear the additional distance by the fire agency.

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in South Park needs emergency fire damage restoration services, our local Centre City/Uptown team is ready to respond day and night. Call us today at 619-583-2133.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Centre City Family Escapes Fire Safely Due to Practicing Escape Plan?

7/18/2023 (Permalink)

We restore fire damage 24 hours a day in San Diego!

Having and practicing a home fire escape plan can save lives. Our local Centre City/Uptown team responds to fire damage emergencies every year and we know that fire escape plans work.

The first step to developing a fire escape plan is to come up with a plan that works for everyone in the home. Here are some fire escape planning tips from the National Fire Protection Association to help you create an escape plan for your family:

• Make a home escape plan. Draw a map of your home showing all of the doors and windows. Discuss the plan with everyone in your home.
• Know at least two ways out of every room, if possible. Make sure all doors and windows leading outside open easily.
• Have a designated place (tree, mailbox, light pole) a safe distance away from the house where everyone should meet.
• Practice your home fire drill at night and during the day with everyone in your home, twice a year
• Practice using different ways out
• Teach children how to escape on their own in case you can’t help them
• Close doors behind you as you leave

Call Us Today!

When your residence or commercial business in Centre City needs fire damage restoration services, our local Centre City/Uptown team is ready to respond 24 hours a day. 365 days a year. We’ll restore your fire damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 619-583-2133.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Is Your Home in South Park Prepared for Wildfire Season?

7/5/2023 (Permalink)

We restore fire damage 24 hours a day in San Diego!

With all the rain we have received this year comes more fuel for wildfire season. Our local Centre City/Uptown team urges North Park residents and businesses to take steps now to clear overgrown foliage and create defensible space around their properties.

The County of San Diego website says that defensible space around the home should be a 100-foot radius from any structure. You are not required to cross your property line to clear the 100 feet as the neighboring property owner may be required to clear the additional distance by the fire agency.

Additionally, the National Fire Protection Association suggests choosing fire-resistant building materials and limiting the amount of flammable vegetation in three home ignition zones.

• Trim branches that overhang the home, porch, and deck
• Prune branches of large trees up to 6 to 10 feet from the ground
• Remove plants containing resins, oils, and waxes
• Use crushed stone or gravel instead of flammable mulches o to 5 feet around the house
• Keep your landscape in good condition

Call Us Today!

Wildfires are common in Southern California, and with some effort, North Park residents and commercial businesses can minimize the risk of wildfire damage to their homes and properties. Our local Centre City/Uptown team is on call 24 hours a day to respond to fire damage emergencies. Call us today at 619-583-2133.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Clothes Dryer Fire Damages Home in Banker's Hill Neighborhood?

4/25/2023 (Permalink)

We are leaders in water damage restoration services in San Diego!

I smelled something burning and followed the trail to my laundry room where I was frightened to see fire coming out from underneath my clothes dryer! A wire had come loose and sent sparks that caught lint underneath my dryer on fire! I acted quickly by turning off the power and using my fire extinguisher to out the flames. Luckily, most of the damage was contained in my laundry room.

Our local Centre City/Uptown team responds to fire damage emergencies in Banker’s Hill every year. According to the National Fire Protection Association, lint and dust are two factors that contribute to clothes dryer fires in the United States.

• In 2010-2014, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 15,970 home structure fires involving clothes dryers or washing machines each year
• These fires caused annual averages of 13 civilian deaths, 444 civilian injuries, and $238 million in direct property damage
• The vast majority of fires (92 percent) involved clothes dryers
• The leading items first ignited in dryer fires were dust, fiber, or lint (26 percent of total) and clothing (26 percent), while items first ignited in washing machine fires were part of the appliance itself, including wire or cable insulation (26 percent), appliance housing or casing (24 percent), and drive belt (11 percent)

Call Us Today!

When your home or business in Banker’s Hill has fire damage, our local Centre City/Uptown team has the training, equipment, and experience to clean and restore the damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 619-583-2133.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Christmas Tree Fire Prevented in Centre City Home?

1/3/2023 (Permalink)

We respond to fire damage emergencies in San Diego.

Happy New Year! Is your Christmas tree still in your house? The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) urges residents to get rid of their trees after Christmas or when the tree is dry. Our local Centre City/Uptown team responds to fire damage emergencies every year in the Centre City area during the holiday season. Here are some tips from the NFPA for preventing Christmas tree fires:

After Christmas

Get rid of the tree after Christmas or when it is dry. Dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage or placed outside against the house. Check with your local community to find a recycling program. Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and make them last longer.

Christmas Tree Fire Facts

• Electrical problems cause almost one-third of home Christmas tree fires
• Although Christmas tree fires are not common, when they do occur, they are more likely to be serious
• A heat source too close to the tree causes more than one in every five fires

San Diego County Christmas Tree Recycling

In San Diego County, Christmas trees can be recycled curbside on trash collection days. They will also post a list of drop-off locations in the county.

Call Us!

When you have a fire damage emergency and need cleanup and restoration services, our local Centre City/Uptown team will restore your damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 619-583-2133.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Holiday Lighting Safety Tips for South Park?

12/13/2022 (Permalink)

We are trusted leaders in fire damage restoration in San Diego.

Do you know that most home fires occur each year on Saturdays and Sundays in December and January? Our local Centre City/Uptown wants everyone in South Park to have safe and fire-free holiday celebrations and offer these tips from the National Fire Protection Association  to ensure you have a happy holiday season:

Holiday Decorating

• Be careful with holiday decorations. Choose decorations that are flame-resistant or flame-retardant.
• Keep lit candles away from decorations and other things that can burn
• Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both
• Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read the manufacturer’s instructions for the number of light strands to connect.
• Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged
• Keep decorations away from windows and doors

Holiday Entertaining

• Test your smoke alarms and tell guests about your home fire escape plan
• Keep children and pets away from lit candles
• Keep matches and lighters up high in a locked cabinet
• Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop
• Ask smokers to smoke outside. Remind smokers to keep their smoking materials with them so young children do not touch them.
• Provide large, deep ashtrays for smokers. Wet cigarette butts with water before discarding them.

Call Us Today!

Our local Centre City/Uptown team is Here to Help ®  when you have a fire damage emergency in South Park. Call us today at 619-583-2133.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Halloween Party Fire Safety Tips for Banker’s Hill?

10/3/2022 (Permalink)

We are leaders in fire damage restoration services in San Diego.

Our Centre City/Uptown team wants everyone in Banker’s Hill to have a fun and fire-damage-free Halloween. Here are some Halloween Safety Tips from the National Fire Protection Association to keep you and your loved ones safe from fire:

• When choosing a costume, stay away from long trailing fabric
• Provide children with flashlights to carry for lighting or glow sticks as part of their costume
• Dried flowers, cornstalks, and crepe paper catch fire easily. Keep all decorations away from open flames and other heat sources like light bulbs and heaters.
• Use a battery-operated candle or glow stick in jack-o-lanterns. If you use a real candle, use extreme caution. Make sure children are watched at all times when candles are lit. Be sure to place lit pumpkins well away from anything that can burn and far enough out of the way of trick-or-treaters, doorsteps, walkways, and yards.
• Remember to keep exits clear of decorations, so nothing blocks escape routes
• Make sure all smoke alarms in the home are working
• Tell children to stay away from open flames, including jack-o-lanterns with candles in them. Be sure they know how to stop, drop and roll if their clothing catches fire.

Call Us Today!

When your Banker’s Hill home or business has fire damage, our local team in Centre City/Uptown is Here to Help.® Call us today at 619-583-2133.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Smoke Alarm Maintenance and Safety Tips for Centre City Residents?

9/9/2022 (Permalink)

We are trusted leaders in fire damage restoration services in San Diego.

Our Centre City Uptown team is trained and certified to restore fire damage no matter how severe the damage. When working, smoke alarms save lives by alerting the household of the impending danger so they can get out quickly. Here are some smoke alarm safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association:

Smoke Alarm Safety

• A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire. Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home. 
• Smoke alarms should be interconnected. When one sounds, they all sound. 
• Large homes may need extra smoke alarms
• Test your smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
• Today’s smoke alarms will be more technologically advanced to respond to a multitude of fire conditions yet mitigate false alarms
• When a smoke alarm sounds, get outside and stay outside
• Replace all smoke alarms in your home every ten years

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Centre City has fire damage, our local team in Centre City/Uptown is Here to Help.® We’ll restore your fire damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 619-583-2133.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Rebuilding Services for Fire-Damaged Homes in North Park?

8/23/2022 (Permalink)

We provide seamless restoration services in San Diego.

Our Center City Uptown team is licensed to provide building and construction services in California. North Park businesses have peace of mind knowing they have one company managing the entire project from the initial cleanup phase to completion.

General Contractor License #: 1037786
California State License Board (CSLB) #: 1037786

Building and Reconstruction Services 

• Board Up
• Carpet Repair and Installation
• Document Drying
• Dry Cleaning
• Drywall Installation
• Drywall Removal
• Electrical
• Electronics Restoration
• Fine Art Restoration
• Furniture Restoration
• General Contracting
• Hardwood Floor Repair
• Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Services (HVAC)
• Linoleum Floor Repair
• Marble Floor Repair
• Move Out
• Painting
• Plumbing
• Portable Power
• Roof Tarp
• Roofing Services
• Scalable Resources
• Temporary Fencing
• Temporary Warehouse Space
• Tile Floor Repair
• Tree Removal

We restore all kinds of commercial buildings and workplaces, including:

• Small Office Buildings
• Large Office/High-Rise Office Buildings
• Apartment Buildings
• Restaurants
• Hotel/Motels
• Small Retail Stores
• Large Retail/Big-Box Stores
• High-Rise Residential
• Manufacturing and Industrial
• Government/Military

Call Us Today !

Fifty percent of commercial businesses never reopen after a fire or water damage loss. We work to get your business operational again quickly, and whenever possible, we schedule our work to minimize the disruption to your employees and customers.

When your North Park commercial business or home has fire damage, our local team in Centre City/Uptown is Here to Help.® Call us today at 619-583-2133.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Minimal Fire Damage Due to Use of Home Fire Extinguisher in Banker’s Hill?

8/16/2022 (Permalink)

We restore fire, smoke, and soot damage in San Diego.

Our Center City Uptown team sees the difference a fire extinguisher can make when a fire breaks out in Banker’s Hill. Here are some fire extinguisher safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association:

Use a portable fire extinguisher when the fire is confined to a small area, such as a wastebasket, and is not growing; everyone has exited the building; the fire department has been called or is being called, and the room is not filled with smoke.

• To operate a fire extinguisher, remember the word PASS:
• Pull the pin. Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you, and release the locking mechanism
• Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire
• Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly
• Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side
• For the home, select a multi-purpose extinguisher (can be used on all types of home fires) that is large enough to put out a small fire but not so heavy as to be difficult to handle
• Choose a fire extinguisher that carries the label of an independent testing laboratory
• Read the instructions that come with the fire extinguisher and become familiar with its parts and operation before a fire breaks out

Call Us Today !

When your Banker’s Hill home or commercial business has any fire damage, our local team in Centre City/Uptown is Here to Help.® Call us today at 619-583-2133.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Fire Alarms for People Who Are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing in Banker's Hill?

6/14/2022 (Permalink)

We respond to fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day in San Diego.

Our Center City Uptown team restores fire damage in Banker's Hill every year. People who are deaf or hard-of-hearing require special fire alarms. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) offers these alarm safety tips for people who are deaf or hard of hearing:

• Smoke alarms are available for people who are deaf. These alarms use strobe lights to wake the person. Vibration notification appliances, such as pillow or bed shakers, are required and are currently activated by the sound of a smoke alarm.
• As people age, their ability to hear high-pitched sounds decreases. Research from NFPA's Research Foundation showed that older adults are unlikely to respond to alarms with strobe lights.
• Older adults or other people who are hard of hearing (those with mild to severe hearing loss) can use a device that emits a mixed, low-pitched sound. In its current form, this device is activated by the sound of a traditional smoke alarm.
• Always choose equipment that has the label of a recognized testing laboratory
• Make sure everyone in your home understands and reacts to the signal (light, vibration, or sound) used in their situation
• All smoke alarms should be tested at least monthly. Replace smoke alarms and equipment for people who are deaf or hard of hearing according to manufacturer's recommendations.

Call Us!

When your Banker's Hill home or commercial business has fire damage, our local team in Centre City/Uptown is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 619-583-2133.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Kids Playing With Fire in Centre City?

5/9/2022 (Permalink)

We respond to fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day in San Diego County.

Our Centre City Uptown team has been restoring fire damage in the Centre City area of San Diego for many years. According to a report published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), United States fire departments responded to 30,460 fires each year caused by children playing with fire between 2014 and 2018. Here are some more NFPA statistics:

Ages of children who started fires by playing with fire:

• Most fires caused by playing with fire are started by children, many under the age of ten
• Adults (18 years and older) were responsible for just 1 percent of the home structure fires caused by playing with fire
• Fires that were started by children five years old or younger accounted for a disproportionate share of the deaths, although the fire setters were not necessarily the victims in these fires

Home structure fires caused by playing with fire by month:

• Fires caused by playing with fire were highest during the school vacation months of June, July, and August, as well as in March
• Although one-quarter of the home fires caused by playing with fire occurred in the cold weather months of January, February, and March, these fires accounted for half of the civilian deaths

Call Us!

Fire damage can happen at any time of the day or night in Centre City. When your home or business needs fire damage restoration services, our local team in Centre City/Uptown is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 619-583-2133.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Fire Damage Inventory Saves Hillcrest Residents Time and Money?

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

We restore fire damage 24-hours a day in San Diego.

Fires can happen at any time in Hillcrest, so having an up-to-date home inventory will be helpful if things need to be restored or replaced. Our Centre City Uptown team offers this info from the Insurance Information Institute for creating a home inventory:

Use technology to make your home inventory easier

• Take pictures – Create a photo record of your belongings. Capture important individual items as well as entire rooms, closets, or drawers. Label your photos with what's pictured, where you bought it, the make or model—whatever information might be important to replacing and getting reimbursed for the item. Use your smartphone or digital camera—some give you the capability to put in the description of the item when saving the photo.
• Tape it – Walk through your house or apartment, videotaping and describing the contents. For example, you might describe the contents of a kitchen cabinet: "Poppies on Blue by Lenox, service for 12 that includes a dinner plate, salad plate, bowl, cup, and saucer. Purchased in 2015."
• Use an app – There are many mobile app options that can help you create and store a room-by-room record of your belongings.

Call Us Today!

When you need help restoring fire damage in your Hillcrest home or business, our Centre City/Uptown team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 619-583-2133.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Showerhead Leaking in Centre City?

4/5/2022 (Permalink)

We respond to water damage emergencies 24-hours a day in San Diego.

Our Centre City Uptown team responds to more water damage emergencies each year than any other form of property damage. Knowing how to fix a leaking shower head can save you money, and it may prevent more extensive repairs later. Here is some information from the Environmental Protection Agency about shower head leaks:

Showerhead Leaks

A showerhead leaking at ten drips per minute wastes more than 500 gallons per year, and that's the amount of water it takes to wash 60 loads of dishes in your dishwasher. Some leaky showerheads can be fixed by making sure there is a tight connection between the showerhead and the pipe stem and by using pipe tape to secure it. Pipe tape, also called Teflon tape, is available at most hardware stores, is easy to apply, and can help control leaks. For more complicated valve leaks in showers that drip when not in use, contact an experienced handyperson or licensed plumber.

Tip: It's also a good idea to check and, if needed, replace the washer or "o" ring inside the showerhead while making this repair.

Call Us!

Water damage can happen at any time in your Centre City home or business, and when it does, our Centre City/Uptown team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 619-583-2133.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Fire Extinguisher Safety Tips for Little Italy?

3/29/2022 (Permalink)

We respond to fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day in San Diego.

Our Centre City Uptown team restores fire damage every year in Little Italy. Knowing how to use a portable fire extinguisher can save lives. Here are some fire extinguisher safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association:

Use a portable fire extinguisher when the fire is confined to a small area, such as a wastebasket, and is not growing; everyone has exited the building; the fire department has been called or is being called, and the room is not filled with smoke.

• To operate a fire extinguisher, remember the word PASS:
• Pull the pin. Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you, and release the locking mechanism
• Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire
• Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly
• Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side
• For the home, select a multi-purpose extinguisher (can be used on all types of home fires) that is large enough to put out a small fire but not so heavy as to be difficult to handle
• Choose a fire extinguisher that carries the label of an independent testing laboratory
• Read the instructions that come with the fire extinguisher and become familiar with its parts and operation before a fire breaks out

Call Us Today!

When you have fire damage in your Little Italy home or business, our Centre City/Uptown team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 619-583-2133.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Smoke-Damaged Ceiling in Centre City?

2/8/2022 (Permalink)

Our technicians are highly trained to restore fire-damaged surfaces and items in San Diego.

It is incredible how much damage even a small fire can cause to a home or structure. Along with the fire debris, there will be soot, smoke, and water damage caused by the firefighting efforts. Each fire has a unique signature based on what burned during the event.

At SERVPRO® of Centre City/Uptown, our fire restoration technicians have the training and certifications to perform a wide range of cleaning and restoration services. We pretest every surface and item before cleaning to ensure we are using the more effective method.

Cleaning Methods

• Dry Cleaning - used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean before wet cleaning
• Wet Cleaning - an effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues
• Spray and Wipe - effective for items that can’t withstand wet cleaning
• Foam Cleaning - used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned
• Abrasive Cleaning - involves agitation of the surface being cleaned
• Immersion Cleaning - contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product

Call Us!

When your Centre City home or commercial business has fire damage, SERVPRO® of Centre City/Uptown is Here to Help. ® Our technicians are on-call 24-hours a day and typically arrive within four hours of your call. Call us today at 619-583-2133.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Firepit Fire in Hillcrest?

1/5/2022 (Permalink)

We are trusted leaders in fire damage restoration in San Diego.

SERVPRO® of Centre City/Uptown offers these tips for Hillcrest residents for having safe and fun, fire-damage-free outdoor recreational fires from the National Fire Protection Association:

It is important to remember that embers blowing from a backyard fire pose the same threat to your home as if they are from a wildfire.  Start with these simple steps to reduce the ignition risk, like:

• Cleaning out gutters of seasonal debris
• Clearing away leaves and needles in the 0-5 foot “immediate zone” around the house
• Moving any flammable material away from wall exteriors, like mulch, flammable plants, firewood piles
• Remove anything flammable stored underneath decks or porches

Rules for outdoor recreational fires in San Diego:

• A recreational fire of a maximum of 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height must be a minimum of 25 feet from a structure. A fire in an approved container can be no less than 15 feet from a structure. Conditions that might cause the fire to spread must be eliminated.
• The fire must be constantly attended while burning. A fire extinguisher or other extinguishing equipment shall be available to be used immediately.
• Portable outdoor fireplaces are to be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and shall not be operated within 15 feet of a structure or combustible material

Call Us Today!

Hillcrest residents and commercial business owners can rely on SERVPRO® of Centre City/Uptown to restore fire damage, “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 619-583-2133.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Space Heater Fire in Banker’s Hill?

11/29/2021 (Permalink)

We are leaders in fire damage restoration services in San Diego.

Now that the weather in Banker’s Hill is getting cooler, many San Diegans are using space heaters to take the chill from the air. SERVPRO® of Centre City/Uptown offers these heating safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association:

• Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or portable space heater
• Have a three-foot “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters
• Never use your oven to heat your home
• Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters, or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer’s instructions
• Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional
• Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed
• Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel-burning space heaters
• Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container. Keep the container a safe distance away from your home.
• Test smoke alarms at least once a month

Call Us Today!

Banker’s Hill residents and commercial businesses can rely on SERVPRO® of Centre City/Uptown’s technicians to arrive on-site within four hours of your call. We’ll restore your fire damage, “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 619-583-2133.

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Pet Evacuation Plan in Centre City?

11/3/2021 (Permalink)

We are trusted leaders in fire damage restoration in San Diego.

Most people have emergency plans in place, but does your evacuation plan include your furry friends and other pets? SERVPRO® of Centre City/Uptown responds to fire damage emergencies throughout the year in Centre City, and we know that many San Diego residents are pet lovers, like us! The National Fire Protection Association offers these tips for pet evacuations:

• Make sure your pets are included in your family’s evacuation plan
• Build an evacuation kit for each pet in your household
• Ensure each kit is a size and weight that can be quickly loaded into a vehicle when packing to evacuate.

Here are some pet emergency kit tips from the American Red Cross:

• Sturdy leashes and harnesses
• Food, drinking water, bowls, cat litter/pan, and a manual can opener
• Medications and copies of medical records
• A first aid kit
• Current photos of you with your pet(s) in case they get lost
• Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems, and the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to foster or board your pets
• Pet beds and toys, if easily transportable

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business needs fire damage restoration services, SERVPRO® of Centre City/Uptown has a team of technicians on call and ready to assist you 24-hours a day. No matter when you call us, we’ll restore your fire damage, “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 619-583-2133.

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Fire Alarms for People Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing in San Diego?

10/11/2021 (Permalink)

We restore fire damage in Uptown, San Diego.

People who are deaf or hard of hearing cannot rely on hearing a smoke or fire alarm to alert them to a fire. SERVPRO® of Centre City/Uptown responds to fire damage emergencies throughout the year in San Diego and offer these safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA):

• Smoke alarms are available for people who are deaf (those with profound hearing loss). These alarms use strobe lights to wake the person. Vibration notification appliances, such as pillow or bed shakers, are required and are currently activated by the sound of a smoke alarm.
• As people age, their ability to hear high-pitched sounds decreases. NFPA’s Research Foundation showed that older adults are unlikely to respond to alarms with strobe lights.
• Older adults or other people who are hard of hearing (those with mild to severe hearing loss) can use a device that emits a mixed, low-pitched sound. In its current form, this device is activated by the sound of a traditional smoke alarm.
• Always choose equipment that has the label of a recognized testing laboratory
• Make sure everyone in your home understands and reacts to the signal (light, vibration, or sound) used in their situation
• All smoke alarms should be tested at least monthly

Call Us Today!

When you need fire damage restoration services, SERVPRO® of Centre City/Uptown is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 619-583-2133. We’ll restore your fire damage in San Diego, “Like it never even happened.”

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Fire Damage Safety Tips for Old Town?

9/6/2021 (Permalink)

We respond to fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day in San Diego!

Old Town Residents Want to Know

When my smoke alarm went off in the middle of the night, I remember the rush to get everyone out of the house safely. Thankfully everyone was safe, and the fire was contained to one room. SERVPRO® of Centre City/Uptown responds to fire damage emergencies throughout the year in Old Town and we offer these tips from our website on what to do while waiting for help to arrive:

What To Do After A Fire

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets
• Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls, and woodwork
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery, and carpet traffic areas
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open
• Clean and protect chrome with a light coating of petroleum jelly or oil
• Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves
• Change the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit (HVAC) filter.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers

Call Us!

Fires can happen at any time, and when you require fire damage restoration services for your home or business, SERVPRO® of Centre City/Uptown has a team of highly trained technicians ready to respond 24-hours a day. Call us today at 619-583-2133. We’ll restore your fire damage in Old Town, “Like it never even happened.”

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Candle Fire in Banker’s Hill Bedroom?

8/30/2021 (Permalink)

Never leave a burning candle unattended in San Diego!

Banker’s Hill Bedroom Candle Fire Blunder

My bedroom was transformed into a spa-like setting when I lit all of the candles. Unfortunately, a gust of wind sent my gauzy curtain into the flame of a candle and started a fire in my pretty bedroom. Fortunately, we were able to put the fire out and call SERVPRO® of Centre City/Uptown.

Candles' flames create ambiance, but they can be dangerous if improperly used. Here are some candle safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association:

• Use candle holders that are sturdy and won’t tip over easily
• Put candle holders on a sturdy, uncluttered surface
• Light candles carefully
• Keep your hair and any loose clothing away from the flame
• Don’t burn a candle all the way down. Put it out before it gets too close to the holder or container.
• Never use a candle if oxygen is used in the home
• Have flashlights and battery-powered lighting ready to use during a power outage. Never use candles.

Call Us Today!

When you need fire damage restoration services, SERVPRO® of Centre City/Uptown has a team of highly trained technicians ready to respond 24-hours a day. Call us today at 619-583-2133. We’ll restore your fire damage in Banker’s Hill, “Like it never even happened.”

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Fire Escape Planning Tips for North Park?

8/11/2021 (Permalink)

We are leaders in fire damage restoration services in San Diego.

SERVPRO® of Centre City/Uptown responds to fire damage emergencies in North Park throughout the year. The National Fire Protection Association urges people to make a fire escape plan to include:

• Draw a map of your home showing all doors and windows. Discuss the plan with everyone in your home.
• Know at least two ways out of every room, if possible. Make sure all doors and windows leading outside open easily.
• Have an outside meeting place (like a tree, light pole, or a mailbox) a safe distance away from the home where everyone can meet
• Practice your home fire drill at night and during the day with everyone in your home, twice a year
• Practice using different ways out
• Teach children how to escape on their own in case you can’t help them
• Close doors behind you as you leave as a closed-door may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire
• Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area
• Install alarms on every level of the home
• Households with children should consider drawing a floor plan of your home, marking two ways out of each room, including windows and doors

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business needs fire damage restoration services, SERVPRO® of Centre City/Uptown has a team of highly trained technicians ready to respond 24-hours a day. Call us today at 619-583-2133. We’ll restore your fire damage in North Park, “Like it never even happened.”

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Kitchen Fire in Banker’s Hill?

6/7/2021 (Permalink)

We respond to fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day in San Diego.

Cooking Safety Tips for Banker’s Hill

The leading cause of cooking fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking. SERVPRO® of Centre City/Uptown offers these cooking safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association:

Cook with Caution

• Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol, don’t use the stove or stovetop.
• Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, boiling, grilling, or broiling food
• If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove
• If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking
• Use a timer to remind you that you are cooking
• Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains — away from your stovetop

If you have a small grease cooking fire and decide to fight the fire...

• On the stovetop, smother the flames by sliding a lid over the pan and turning off the burner, and leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.
• For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed

Call Us Today!

SERVPRO® of Centre City/Uptown has a team of emergency fire restoration technicians ready to respond to your call 24-hours a day. Call us today at 619-583-2133. We’ll clean and restore your fire damage in Banker’s Hill, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO® of Centre City/Uptown is Independently Owned and Operated.

3 Steps To Take After a Fire in Your Home

5/6/2021 (Permalink)

We can restore any sized fire damage that may occur in the San Diego area.

If your home in San Diego, CA is affected by a fire, you will likely want to begin the fire restoration process as quickly as possible. There are several measurements you can take to help quicken the restoration process.

1. Contact Your Insurance Provider

After a fire has occurred in your home, it’s often helpful to contact your insurance provider in order to learn what your fire insurance will cover. Though every insurance company is different, damage from a fire is often covered, at least in part, by insurance. By talking with someone at your insurance company, you can also learn about the next steps your company may require you to take in order to complete your claim.

2. Avoid Causing Further Damage

Although you may be tempted to enter your home as soon as possible after a fire, this isn’t always the best idea. By entering your home after a fire, you could potentially worsen any structural damage, which could slow down the fire restoration process. Additionally, disturbing soot in the home could damage property and could cause respiratory issues. It’s often best to allow professionals who have the proper equipment to remove items from your home.

3. Request Board Up Services

When a home has been damaged by a fire, it’s often important that the home is protected in order to prevent more damage from occurring. Boarding up your home can help keep out wind and rain in addition to making it more difficult for thieves to enter the home. Once your home has been boarded up, the process of smoke cleaning and making structural fixes can begin.

The fire restoration process can often be made easier if you know how to properly make a fire claim and keep your home safe. If you need assistance restoring your home, it could be helpful to get in touch with fire damage restoration professionals.

How To Protect Your Home After a Fire

4/1/2021 (Permalink)

Home suffered a fire in San Diego, CA.

Protecting Your San Diego Home After A Fire

If your San Diego home has suffered a fire, it is important to protect the property from further damage. You can do this by being sure to board up and otherwise secure the property and beginning the restoration process as quickly as possible to minimize the likelihood of mold growth and other secondary damage.

Secure the Property
After the fire has been extinguished, the first step is protecting the property from wildlife, inclement weather and vandals. The following supplies often play a key role in securing homes affected by fire damage:

• Tarps
• Plywood
• Fencing

Tarps and plywood are used to cover and board up broken windows and other openings caused by the fire. Security fences are sometimes installed as an additional layer of protection to keep animals and humans from entering the property.

Restore the Property
After the emergency board-up and other security measures have been completed, it is time to begin restoring the property. An experienced restoration service is often an invaluable resource in getting your home back to pre-fire condition.
In most cases, there will be water from fire sprinklers, water hoses or other sources used to extinguish the fire. Such excess moisture can lead to mold growth within 24 hours, so it is important to dry it up as quickly as possible.
When everything is dry, either you or a restoration service needs to begin cleaning up the smoke and soot and making repairs to fire-damaged objects. Depending on your skill level, you may be able to do some repairs yourself. More delicate objects, such as antiques and electronics, generally need professional attention to be restored to pre-fire conditions.
A post-fire board-up and other security measures can protect your property from outside threats. Quick and thorough restoration can protect your home from secondary damage, such as mold growth, corrosion and structural issues, caused by fire and extinguishing efforts.

Fire Damage Restoration Process

1/22/2021 (Permalink)

If you have fire damage in San Diego, call SERVPRO of Centre City / Uptown.

Every fire damage event is a little different, and requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate our process for the “typical” fire damage emergency in San Diego, CA.

Step 1: Emergency Contact

The restoration process begins when you call us. Our representative will ask questions regarding the fire damage event that will help us respond immediately with the appropriate equipment and resources. 

Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment

We carefully inspect and test adjoining rooms of your property to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. This step is crucial to developing a plan of action. 

Step 3: Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service

Fire damage can often compromise windows, walls, and roofs. To maintain security and to protect against further damage, we can board up missing windows and walls and place tarps on damaged roofs. 

Step 4: Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)

The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. We then use dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the remaining water and complete the drying process. 

Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces

We use specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces. 

Step 6: Cleaning and Sanitizing

We clean, sanitize, and disinfect all of the restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to restore your belongings to pre-fire condition. We’re also trained to remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.

Step 7: Restoration

Restoration is the final step—getting your home or business to its pre-fire condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

How To Prepare for a Fire at Home

1/12/2021 (Permalink)

We are fire restoration experts, ready to respond to your call

Ways You Can Prepare Yourself For a Fire In Your Home

It’s often important to prepare for an emergency in your home in San Diego, CA, and having a fire escape plan can help keep you and your family safe. There are several ways in which you can prepare yourself for a fire in your home.

1. Take Preventative Steps

Having tools in place that can alert you to a fire quickly can be a key part of preparing for a fire. It can sometimes be helpful to test your fire alarm to ensure you and others in your home know what the alarm sounds like. Additionally, you should make sure to replace the batteries in your smoke alarm at least once yearly and replace your alarm once every ten years.

2. Know How To Escape

A key part of emergency preparation involves creating a plan to escape your house. While you hopefully will never have to use your fire escape plan, having a plan in place saves you the time of having to decide how to escape. Often, it’s best to have multiple routes of escape in case you are unable to enter a certain area. Consistently practicing your emergency escape plan will make it quicker and easier to escape if the need arises.

3. Plan a Meeting Place

In addition to knowing how to get out of your home quickly if needed, it’s also often wise to plan a place for you and your family to meet once you are all out of the house. It can be helpful to choose a place that is a safe distance from your home, such as a neighbor’s mailbox, to meet. With everyone agreeing to meet at one place, you will easily be able to see who is out of the house, and you will be able to provide emergency responders with accurate information.

Having a fire escape plan can help you and others in your home feel prepared in the event of a fire. If your home has been damaged by a fire, you might find it helpful to work with fire restoration experts.

Homeowners Shouldn't Skip Emergency Board Up Procedures

12/10/2020 (Permalink)

Board up services in San Diego, CA

The Following Are Three Reasons This Step Cannot Be Postponed

After a blaze, residents are dealing with an overwhelming situation. Their place of comfort has been harmed, perhaps creating a deep feeling of loss as well as high levels of stress. It may be tempting to head to family and friends, thinking you can deal with the problem tomorrow. Waiting is problematic for several reasons. Homeowners in San Diego, CA, should board up the fire-ravaged property as soon as possible. The following are three reasons this step cannot be postponed.

1. The Land Is Vulnerable
The sparks created holes within the roofing and walls. In addition, the firefighters may have busted open windows to increase air and put in additional water. These efforts minimized the conflagration's destruction, but it left the premises exposed to other concerns. Animals may sneak in, making a new home within the walls. Rain can now seep inside, creating more moisture issues. Your emergency board up procedures block this from happening. Tarp and plywood secure the area. Contact a fire restoration company for professional assistance in this area.

2. Insurance Demands It
Walking away without protecting the home could permit the insurer to avoid paying for a fire claim. This step is considered negligence. Owners have the ability to safeguard. Not doing so, makes further complications personal responsibility. Board up before leaving to secure much-needed funding.

3. Liability Is a Concern
The fire damage peaks people's curiosity. Neighbors, particularly kids, might find it intriguing to look around. After all, easy access is tempting. The situation is dangerous. Walls and beams could be unstable. Glass might cover the floor. Someone could become cut or seriously injured. While owners may not have granted permission to enter, the refusal to close up the location could lead to a lawsuit down the road.
Allowing the house to remain vulnerable leads to headaches down the road. Board up a home first. Then, take some time to recoup. Both steps are important. Allowing the house to remain vulnerable leads to headaches down the road.

Can Cleaning Restore Smoke-Damaged Electronics?

11/18/2020 (Permalink)

We have the proper tools and experience to restore your fire damaged property.

Electronics damaged by fire will likely need to be replaced, but it may be possible for fire cleanup experts to restore appliances and devices that have only sustained smoke damage. There are several methods that may restore the functionality of items exposed to smoke.

Clearing Out Corrosion

Smoke contains acidic compounds and water vapor that combine to cause corrosion on metal components such as circuits. Electronics cleaning experts may:

• Remove corrosion
• Prevent short-circuiting
• Reduce the risk of an electric fire

It is unsafe to use electronics that have corroded components. It is safest to rely on the expertise of fire cleanup experts in a controlled off-site location than to attempt to clean corrosion.

Cleaning off Black Film

Another telltale sign of smoke damage is a black film that forms across internal electronic components. This film is caused by smoke and soot and:

• Adheres to dirt or dust
• Can cause overheating
• May prevent devices from functioning

Cleanup professionals can also safely remove this black film, which may restore the normal functionality of electronics. It is important to use specialized cleaning and repair equipment to avoid further damaging delicate parts.

Safely Testing Electronics

You may run the risk of starting another fire by attempting to test electronics damaged by excessive heat or smoke. It is safer to allow experienced professionals to attempt to clean damage and then test items in an off-site facility. In addition to testing, these specialists can provide:

• Data recovery or backup
• Proof of damage or loss
• Restored electronics

It is best to hand off electronics to a content cleaning service to have restoration attempted elsewhere. Items with irreparable damage should be claimed as losses and replaced.

Electronics cleaning experts are likely to have the best results when it comes to restoring electronics. Rely on a fire cleanup firm that provides off-site content cleaning and storage in San Diego, CA.

How to protect your pets during a fire emergency

5/8/2020 (Permalink)

This is Toby, our furry family. He is the SERVPRO of Centre City/Uptown shop dog, who comes to work with Josh, our Operations Manager, every day!

Our pets are not just our pets; they are our family.  We need to be extra careful to protect Fluffy and Fido in case of a fire. Pets can become disoriented and scared during a fire emergency.

It is important that you designate one person to take care of the pets during the event of a fire emergency. Make sure that this person knows what to do in the event of an emergency.

Here are some tips to keep your furry family members safe:

• If possible put your furry family member in their carrying case.
• Make sure to give them plenty of water and food.
• Lastly, make sure to give them plenty of affection and love. Pets usually scare easily during an emergency.

SERVPRO of Centre City/Uptown is here to help you with all your fire remediation and restoration needs. We can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 619-583-2133.

Space Heater Fire? Call the experts! SERVPRO to the rescue!

4/29/2020 (Permalink)

This photo shows a San Diego home that had a fire several months ago. SERVPRO was referred by the insurance company to assist with the cleanup.

Did you know that unattended space heaters cause many fires per year? They do! In fact, according to…”NFPA urges the public to use portable space heaters with caution. ... Between 2011 and 2015, portable and stationary space heaters accounted for more than two of every five (43 percent) U.S. home heating fires and five out of six (85 percent) home heating fire deaths.”

Here are 4 tips to avoid such a tragedy:

1) Do not plug any other electrical devices into the same outlet as the heater.

2) Place space heaters on level, flat surfaces.

3) Never place heaters on cabinets, tables, furniture, or carpet, which can overheat and start a fire.

4) Always unplug and safely store the heater when it is not in use.

SERVPRO of Centre City/Uptown is here to help you with all your fire restoration needs! We are fire cleaning and restoration experts. We will come out and access the damage, pack your belongings for safekeeping, and provide you accurate estimates of the costs. We are here 24/7/365 at (619) 583-2133.

We hold several IICRC designations, which is the organization that sets the standards for water and fire restoration.

Who is the best fire cleanup company in San Diego?

1/22/2020 (Permalink)

This is a photo of a recent fire that SERVPRO performed the cleanup and demolition for. It was a burned out warehouse in San Diego.

SERVPRO of Centre City/Uptown in San Diego is one of the top water remediation and fire restoration companies in San Diego.