Whenwater damage isn’t dealt with of properly and in a timely fashion, it can ruin your home or business. Most people don’t realize the extent of the damage and attempt to remove the water on their own. While they may save money up front, the long-term expenses and health risks aren’t worth it. Here are some reasons why you could hire a water damage specialist team to help you in this sort of situation.

Professional advice

The average homeowner simply can’t tell whether or not water has ruined drywall, carpeting, furniture, draperies, and appliances. Water restoration specialists have the knowledge and the right devices, such as hydrometers, to determine the extent of the water and moisture. From there, they can give professional options and advice about how to deal with each item in the house. You’ll know if restoration is an option and when it’s best practice to throw something away. It's best to act quickly and not take chances with your health.

 

Using the right equipment

Water damage remediation is most effective when using industrial level equipment including air blowers and water and moisture detectors. Restoration specialists also use industrial strength chemicals, sanitizers, and deodorizers. Advanced restoration techniques and tools minimize secondary water damage, ensuring that your home will be restored to its pre-flood condition. Household chemicals and household remedies simply don't have the same effect.

 

Mold remediation

One of the most dangerous aspects of water damage is harmful contaminant growth including mold, mildew, bacteria, and fungus. This growth can start within 24 hours of water damage. If you don’t have extensive experience and the right gear, equipment, and chemicals for cleaning and getting rid of these contaminants, you may end up doing more harm than good. Airborne contaminants can bring about a wealth of health problems such as allergies and asthma. Professional mold removal eliminates these risks.Mold has been shown to contribute to many long-term negative health effects.

As of August 10, 10,000 firefighters continued to battle 17 individual fires throughout California. The continuing heatwave and in Northern California thunder strikes continue to make their job difficult. There have been brief moments of relief firefighters. At night temperatures have cooled down slightly and high humidity in Northern California has aided their efforts but so far the fires are only about one quarter contained.

 

The risk of dry thunderstorms and dry lightning continues to elevate the fire danger. The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for parts of California due to potential dry lightning and gusty winds.

 

Over the weekend there have been several thousand lightning strikes, especially across the Sierra and Central Coast. The sparks from a lightning strike can smolder for several hours or days before they get enough heat and energy to spread into a wildfire. This means the risk for wildfires continues even after the storms have passed. Everyone is encouraged to report a potential blaze as soon as it is sighted.

 

With fire activity remaining high, CAL FIRE is asking all residents and visitors to California to be extra cautious in the outdoors. Nearly 95 percent of all wildfires that CAL FIRE responds to are caused by the activity of people. One Less Spark this week means One Less wildfire. Learn more at www.ReadyForWildfire.org.

 

After a few years your home can start to show signs of wear and tear. Doors start to squeak, floorboards start to rise and the windows don't close like they used to. Here is a list of some repairs that you can carry out to avoid more serious and costly repairs later on. The more well prepared your house is for the unexpected and natural disasters the better prepared you are to deal with them as well.

• Basement

The basement is susceptible to water damage and mold. If you begin to see peeling paint on walls, that is a sign of potential trouble. To avoid this, clean the down spouts regularly. While cleaning in a basement it is advisable to wear a face mask so you do not breathe into many mold spores.

• Roof/Attic

Water leaking into your home can cause mold and mildew, among other things. To avoid serious damage to your roof/attic, inspect it every half a year.

• Gutters

Damaged gutters can cause wet or flooded basements. To avoid problems, clean your gutters at least twice a year.

• Windows

Window damage can cause higher heating and cooling costs, as well as an increased risk of burglary. To avoid problems, get rid of any damaged caulk. It is a costly solution but you may want to consider tinting your Windows. This will in the end lower your air conditioning bill as tinted windows let less heat into your house.

• Bathrooms

Leaks, dripping faucets, and running toilets are all bad signs. If there are signs of trouble, you can tighten pipe connections and/or get rid of bad pipes.

• Fireplace

Fireplace damage can cause serious problems, including carbon monoxide. One way to avoid issued would be to install carbon monoxide detectors near the fireplace.

• HVAC

To avoid problems with your HVAC system, be sure to replace your air filters every few months. That will also improve its performance. If you wish to save money you can purchase filters that only need to be cleaned rather than replaced.

• Sewer

If you are starting to notice that the drains are clogged, or running slowly, rent a sewer snake at the first sign of problems and clean the outlet pipe. Be aware that hair is often the culprit and gloves should be worn.

• Electrical System

To avoid any problem, replace two pronged outlets and make sure the light bulbs aren’t loose. If you suspect any water damage be sure to call a professional electrician.

• Exterior Walls

Be sure to scrape, patch, and repaint problem areas. The exterior paint of the house is your house is first line of defense against the weather.

In past weeks’ news, wildfires and the threat of fire damage have dominated the headlines. Now,  with the incoming El Niño weather fronts, concerns over flooding have overtaken the headlines. Only hours after a wildfire along Cajon Pass was contained, the same region experienced record-breaking rainfalls that washed out an interstate in the area.

“It's a sweet promising start,” said Bill Patzert, climatologist for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, about the rainfall but then added: “Except for all the damage it does…. Be careful for what you wish for. Great droughts usually end in great floods.”

Riverside County Supervisor John Benoit had another take on the recent flooding.

“This is the worst damage I've ever seen from rain,” he said as he looked over the twisted metal rebar from the collapsed bridge. “You build for the 100-year event. But sometimes nature tells you, ‘Hey, we are still in charge.' ”

Damage Done

Whether fire or flood damage is your primary concern, it’s important to maintain contact with your insurance company to learn the proper reporting procedures. You never know when you’ll need to call upon the aid of a restoration services provider.

With summer underway, California residents are well aware of the persistent risk of fire damage to their homes, especially from wildfires. What many do not know, however, is that many of these fires are done deliberately out of malice. According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, 1 in 5 wildfires have been attributed to arson since 2007. Just last year, over 1000 wildfires were started deliberately.

“We investigate all fires, and arson is one potential cause of many,” saidCalFire Investigator Jennifer Ricci, adding, “There has to be an ignition source. That's our job — to figure out that ignition source.”

One individual that was recently arrested is connected to nearly 11 wildfires since 2012.

“To commit arson during these drought conditions is an exceptionally heinous act and we will seek prosecution to the fullest extent under the law,” said Chief Ken Pimlott, director of CalFire.

Regardless of the source, once fire gets going, it’s a challenge to stop. It’s important that California residents be prepared for any fire regardless of source.

“All fires are destructive,” said Ricci, adding, “Whatever causes that fire, the end result is the same. The fire doesn't know the difference.”

According to the National Fire Protection Association, arson is the most frequent cause of household fire damage other than fires from appliances such as heating and cooking devices. Deliberate fires are usually done with either destructive intent or the intent to collect on insurance money.

It’s heating up here in Temecula, and swim suit season is in full force. However, with the Southern California summer comes the Southern California fire risk. Already in the recent days of Summer 2015, Temecula residents have been put on notice regarding potential fire risk to the area. The warning serves as a reminder that the homes of Temecula locals are always at risk of fire damage. Is your family ready for when fire damage strikes? Statistics from the American Red Cross suggest that it probably isn’t.  Luckily, there are some easy steps to take to ensure better preparedness.

Keep Your Property Clear

The Department of Forestry and Fire Protection advises homeowners to minimize the presence of flammable brush and material near your home, effectively creating a “buffer space” between the house and any brush in the area. Removing dead plants from your lawn, moving firewood piles away from the house, and trimming overhanging branches can all contribute to an anti-fire “buffer space”. This space should range from 30 to 100 feet depending on the size of your property.

Make a Plan

With how frequent wild fires occur in Southern California, The Department of Forestry and Fire Protection also advises homeowners to have an emergency plan in place for when fire strikes. The steps in this plan are as simple as establishing a meeting place for family members after evacuation, establishing escape routes, and arranging emergency contacts. Despite an emergency plan’s simplicity, a shocking amount of families don’t have one in place. By sitting down with your family and hashing out a simple emergency plan, you can ensure that when disaster strikes, everyone will be prepared.

Contact Your Insurance Provider

When a wildfire does strike, there won’t be much you can do to hold back the flames and prevent fire damage. Instead, ensure that you have a homeowner’s insurance policy that covers fire damage, and know what the procedure is for when the worst happens. You might not be able to stop a wildfire already happening, but you can make sure that any fire damage dealt to your home can be easily repaired once the worst has passed.

In Your Hands

Not a lot of Temecula residents are prepared for when fire damage and wildfires strike. Make yourself the exception! By taking precautionary measures with your property, arranging an emergency plan with your family, and keeping up to speed with your insurance property, you can maximize the safety of both your loved-ones and property.