How to Prepare for an Earthquake

There are many different levels of earthquakes. Some earthquakes are small and barely register at all. However, others are very strong and can topple buildings and cause destruction and death for buildings and people who live near the earthquake. If you live in an area that is prone to have earthquakes, it is important that you are prepared for them in advance.

Being prepared for an earthquake is one of the best ways to make sure that you and your family is prepared when one does strike and that you will have a plan in order so that you will be able to escape safely. Below are some things that you can do in advance to prepare for an earthquake to strike.

Practice

Just as you would at school, running earthquake drills can be especially helpful for your family, especially if you have children. You should remember to stay away from windows or any glass doors during an earthquake because they have the ability to shatter.

It is best to hide under a sturdy table or desk and hold onto the legs tightly. If you are unable to make it under a table or a desk, crouch in a doorway that is strong or in the corner of a room. You should always make sure that you are protecting your face and your head by covering them with your arms.

In order to remember this, practicing on occasion can be very helpful. By knowing what you are supposed to do in advance, you will be less likely to forget when a real earthquake does occur. This will also help give your children a sense of security because they will have a plan when an earthquake does happen.

 

Protect your Files

Another important thing to do in order to prepare for an earthquake is to keep all your important documents in a fireproof safe. These items would be things like wills, Social Security cards, insurance policies and deeds. You will need to be able to find these items quickly in the case of an emergency and putting them all in one place that is protected from damage is an important step.

 

Prepare Ahead

There are also several things that you can do to prepare for the aftermath of an earthquake. For example, you should always make sure that you have a list of emergency contact numbers handy at all times. This way you will be able to contact someone to help you quickly.

You should also take inventory of the things in your home by making a list and taking photographs of some of your more expensive items. Keep this information in the fireproof safe with your insurance policy.

Preparing an earthquake emergency kit is also advisable. This can include batteries for a radio, a can opener so that you will still be able to eat canned goods, a flashlight and a first-aid kit. The most important thing about being prepared for an earthquake is to make sure that your entire family knows your plan and knows where the supplies are. This way everyone can be prepared and will have a better chance of remaining safe during an earthquake.

 

Call Water Damage Zone today (877) 520-1923  your future bills may be a lot smaller, if you follow these simple tips. You can also visit our sister company for further information on restoration services at Best American Builders.

We specialize in the following services:

• 24/7 Emergency Response, Water Extraction, Water Damage
• Direct Billing to Insurance, Locally Owned and Operated
• Water Cleanup, Water Dry outs, Visual Mold Inspections, Sewage Damage Cleanup
• Sterilizing & Odor Removal, Licensed & Bonded #963976, Reputable Los Angeles based company
• Image from depositphotos, ID 15892692
• Shutterstock Sequence Number: US-041C159DA-1

 

Water Damage Zone, Inc.
Corporate Office
15115 Califa St. Ste. C
Van Nuys, CA 91411

Can Dog’s Pee Attract Mold?

If you have a dog, the chances are high that they have had an accident in the house at one point or another. This is simply a part of being a pet owner and is something that all dog owners fight with from the time they first welcome a dog into their home. While it is possible to train your dog to use the restroom outside, the damage that is created by their accidents can be detrimental to the health of those living in the home.

One issue that can be seen from dogs urinating in a home is the growth of mold. If pee soaks through the carpet, the padding, the baseboard and all the way to the foundation underneath, it can be nearly impossible to clean up. Also, it often takes water to clean up an accident and this can stay soaked into the carpet as well.

In order to protect your home from the mold appearing due to dog pee, it is important that the area be cleaned properly. By following the following steps, you will be able to protect your family and your home from mold by removing the dog urine from your carpet.

 

Find the Pee

Before you get started treating the areas, you will first need to learn where the pee is in the first place. In order to do this, you can use a black light to find spots where your dog might have peed without your noticing. It is best if you can clean the spot immediately and avoid stepping on the area so that it can be better cleaned.

 

Blow with Paper Towels

If the area is still wet, you should try to soak up as much of the urine as you can with paper towels. You can also use other towels if you do not have paper towels on hand, but these are disposable and more sanitary.

 

Spray the Area

Next, you should spray the area with a urine remover. There are many different brands available at pet supply stores and you really don’t need to purchase one that is extremely expensive. Most of the formulas are the same and will work basically the same. Once you have sprayed the area, you will need to allow it to soak for 30 minutes or so.

 

Blot the Area Again

Next, you should repeat the second step where you blotted the area with paper towels. This is basically the same as before, but you don’t necessarily need the area to be completely dry. You will then need to allow the carpet time to dry.

 

Conclusion

Owning a dog is a huge responsibility and homeowners should work hard to make sure that their pets are housebroken. However, while you are going through the training process, it is likely that you will see some accidents occur and will need a way to clean up the mess. By using these simple steps, you will be able to keep your home mold free and smelling fresh.

 

Call Water Damage Zone today (877) 520-1923  your future bills may be a lot smaller, if you follow these simple tips. You can also visit our sister company for further information on restoration services at Best American Builders.

We specialize in the following services:

• 24/7 Emergency Response, Water Extraction, Water Damage
• Direct Billing to Insurance, Locally Owned and Operated
• Water Cleanup, Water Dry outs, Visual Mold Inspections, Sewage Damage Cleanup
• Sterilizing & Odor Removal, Licensed & Bonded #963976, Reputable Los Angeles based company
• Image from depositphotos, ID 15892692
• Shutterstock Sequence Number: US-041C159DA-1

Water Damage Zone, Inc.

Corporate Office

15115 Califa St. Ste. C

Van Nuys, CA 91411

 

10 Tips About Mold Remediation in Sherman Oaks, CA …I bet you didn’t know.

Mold remediation has become a common issue these days. It seems as if every restoration, water damage, & carpet cleaning company offers mold remediation as an option.

However, with so many options for mold remediation in Sherman Oaks -how can you be sure of which provider to choose? Thankfully, Mold Removal Sherman Oaks is renowned for their superior mold remediation and water damage services. The most common misconception about mold removal is that once you remove the visible mold, the problem is gone. This creates a false sense of security for property owners. In many cases, the problem becomes worse when mold is addressed improperly. If you disturb the environment where mold has begun forming and expose it, you risk cross contaminating your home and spreading the mold to more places. Thus, also creating a larger loss and area that needs to be treated which means more money.

Each home and situation requires a well thought out strategy for resolving the problem based on the extent of the contamination and the dwelling’s specific qualities, including: the age of the home, construction methods used, building materials, personal belongings, and furnishings. Such factors play a key role in the forming of a successful remediation plan.

Learn more about Mold Growth:

1. One of main reasons for mold growth is water incursion. Mold can form anytime and anywhere when given the right environment for survival. Mold will normally begin forming in areas with moisture and warm temperature conditions. Found in places such as; wall interiors, attics and basements and caused commonly by plumbing leakage, sink basins, dripping taps, showers, sprinklers, or even simply standing water. These areas are all common for the accumulation of water, condensation and humidity.
   
2. Another important fact regarding mold: Mold when found in its natural environment is not toxic to nature; mold produces toxins that are not poisonous to nature, only when found in an unnatural foreign habitat can it become harmful to humans.
   
3. Mold remediation can easily help rectify this sort of situation. This is most effectively done when you contact Mold Removal Sherman
   Oaks.
   
4. Mold may potentially create health issues; people whom are
   asthmatic; children and elderly or suffer from a compromised immune system are more susceptible to the harmful effects of mold. Too much exposure may cause wheezing, coughing and even asthma.
   

How to remediate Mold?

A common misconception about mold is that “bleach kills it”. However, this does not help in any way. There are essentially three ways to effectively remove and prevent mold.

1. 1^st The first is to locate the source of water that is causing the mold and turn it off
   
2. 2^nd Use biocide as a way to remove mold
   
3. 3^rd Trap the mold
   

Mold Removal Sherman
Oaks uses advance Mold remediation techniques in order to achieve a mold free home.

1. We implement green practices in our mold remediation in order to protect the health of your home and family.
   It is very important that you do not allow exposed mold for too long due to the potentially harmful health effects it may cause.
   
   
2. Homes are not the only places where you can find mold; commercial buildings and large offices are susceptible to mold as well- usually due to faulty water systems.
   
3. Mold Removal Sherman Oaks, we are local, reliable, and honest! With over 20 years of experience in the industry. We are local and available 24/7 for all your water damage emergencies  877.520.1923
   

Origins of Mold:

This is not a recent phenomenon; mold has been a problem since the seventies. Mold originally arose from bad construction processes, building materials and lack of energy efficiency. It becomes necessary to understand how mold can be a nuisance not just to your health but also the health of your home.

The Effects of Water On Materials

Is it damaged or just affected? This is one of the most common challenges a water restoration professional faces today. Many water damage restoration  pros have arrived at a loss only to find themselves being told by a customer that “They want new carpet”! or “The walls all need to be replaced”, and so on sand so forth. “Just because something has become wet does not necessarily mean it needs to be replaced” because it has become damaged. If you are lucky and tend to it immediately you might be able to have the damages repaired instead of having to replace completely.

Left untreated, ongoing damages may occur due to continued absorption of humidity into items that previously were just affected by water.

If water evaporates too quickly into warm interior air without a corresponding reduction in humidity, this often may result in an increased potential for damages to occur to materials. Your most likely to have this occur when the humidity levels are above 60%.

Time and reduction of humidity are of great importance and are key factors in whether or not you cause any secondary damages to occur. It is important to respond quickly and try and reduce the humidity levels in the area down below 40% within the first 24 hours. Establishing these drying goals and determining dry standards for affected materials is the most reliable way to prevent secondary damage  along with knowing you have successfully returned the structure and its contents to an acceptable condition.

Call Water Damage Zone today (877) 520-1923  your future bills may be a lot smaller, if you follow these simple tips. You can also visit our sister company for further information on restoration services at Best American Builders.

 

We specialize in the following services:

• 24/7 Emergency Response, Water Extraction, Water Damage
• Direct Billing to Insurance, Locally Owned and Operated
• Water Cleanup, Water Dry outs, Visual Mold Inspections, Sewage Damage Cleanup
• Sterilizing & Odor Removal, Licensed & Bonded #963976, Reputable Los Angeles based company
• Image from depositphotos, ID 15892692
• Shutterstock Sequence Number: US-041C159DA-1

Water Damage Zone, Inc.

Corporate Office

15115 Califa St. Ste. C

Van Nuys, CA 91411

Benefits of Adding a Room

Adding a room to your home can give you a lot of benefits.  It adds to the value of your home.  It can be a special addition like a man cave, living area or bathroom.  Regardless of what you choose, an extra room in a home can be added in a seamless way that will look like it was always a part of the home.  As your family grows or interests change, a room addition can help make your home more comfortable.

More Space

The first benefit of an addition would be the obvious increase in space for the home.  In terms of the addition, you are only limited by your imagination on what you want to accomplish with this addition.  Once you decide what you want the room to be, then you will be able to work with a licensed contractor in order to ensure things like insulation, wiring, windows, presentation are all done according to your wishes.

 

Increase The Value

One of the greatest benefits to a room addition is the positive effect on the value of the home.  In many cases, the cost of the room addition is the value that can be added to the value of the home.  This is primarily dependent on the type of room you are adding.  The greater value and benefit of the room will lead to a greater value to the home.  These kinds of additions and room extensions that add the most value are the bathroom and kitchen.  These are high-traffic, high-use areas of the home, and if you take care to increase their potential then they will repay you for any investment.  If you are adding a room with the intent on selling the home, make sure that you research what kinds of rooms are adding value to homes in your neighborhood.  If these homes have sold, and you see a trend then it gives you an idea of what kind of room to add.

 

Make It Your Own

The key to any room addition is to make sure that you find a contractor that can design the room with you and deliver on what you want in the room.  The intent of the room is that you are going to use it, so make sure that you get what you want.  The room has to be an area that you want it to be, so make the most of it!

Call Water Damage Zone today (877) 520-1923  your future bills may be a lot smaller, if you follow these simple tips. You can also visit our sister company for further information on restoration services at Best American Builders.

We specialize in the following services:

• 24/7 Emergency Response, Water Extraction, Water Damage
• Direct Billing to Insurance, Locally Owned and Operated
• Water Cleanup, Water Dry outs, Visual Mold Inspections, Sewage Damage Cleanup
• Sterilizing & Odor Removal, Licensed & Bonded #963976, Reputable Los Angeles based company
• Image from depositphotos, ID 15892692
• Shutterstock Sequence Number: US-041C159DA-1

 

Water Damage Zone, Inc.
Corporate Office
15115 Califa St. Ste. C
Van Nuys, CA 91411

Landlord’s Responsibility Regarding Mold

 

The good news is that when it comes to protecting residents against mold, California is one of the top states. The Toxic Mold Protection Act sets up the requirements that the landlord must abide by if one of their apartments is found contaminated with mold. The tenant is not usually at fault for a mold condition in an apartment as long as the landlord was aware of its presence.

Landlord Responsibility

Landlords are responsible to disclose all information about mold in their apartments to the residents. If there are people looking to live in the apartment, this information must be given as well. If there is mold in the apartment the landlord is also responsible for making an effort to remove the mold and prevent it from reoccurring. This means making any necessary repairs to the apartment.

Knowledge of Mold

Landlords must maintain their property and an awareness of any mold condition. If they don’t provide notice they are still liable for the removal of the mold. This can be maintained as long as it’s reasonable that the landlord knows that the mold problem exists. The landlord should be performing maintenance on the property regularly anyway, so it is reasonable to assume that they would be alerted to any developing mold condition.

In Reasonable Time

All of these repairs must be made in a reasonable time frame. This means that the mold must be removed as soon as possible. The amount of time to eliminate the condition may vary but the landlord is required to treat the situation immediately. The landlord cannot wait to have the mold removed as the condition will worsen over time. Typically, it only takes a few days.

 

Call Water Damage Zone today (877) 520-1923  your future bills may be a lot smaller, if you follow these simple tips. You can also visit our sister company for further information on restoration services at Best American Builders.

We specialize in the following services:

• 24/7 Emergency Response, Water Extraction, Water Damage
• Direct Billing to Insurance, Locally Owned and Operated
• Water Cleanup, Water Dry outs, Visual Mold Inspections, Sewage Damage Cleanup
• Sterilizing & Odor Removal, Licensed & Bonded #963976, Reputable Los Angeles based company
• Image from depositphotos, ID 15892692
• Shutterstock Sequence Number: US-041C159DA-1

 

Water Damage Zone, Inc.
Corporate Office
15115 Califa St. Ste. C
Van Nuys, CA 91411

Give your home a face lift with Water Damage Zone and Restoration Inc of Encino

Get free estimates for Mold Removal

Water Damage Zone & Restoration Inc of Encino is one of the best companies in the Los Angeles area that handles mold removal. Once mold develops on walls, floors and carpets, even the attempt of trying to clean the mold can increase risk to the spread of spores, which means more risk of damage to property as well as more health problems. The team at Water Damage Zone & Restoration Inc  of Encino is well adept with a methodical process that includes mold testing and cleanup that will ensure no mold spores are spread around or even left around.

We guarantee that our work will please you. All our technicians handling mold removal are well trained to understand the complexity and the delicate nature of this job. One wrong step and mold can spread rather than be removed. And this is why; we also discourage our customers from trying out anything before we can reach them for help. We offer a free estimate for mold removal after a thorough check of the property. If you find that are rates are not reasonable, you are not under any obligation to hire our services, though we are sure that you cannot find a more reliable service than ours who will also offer guarantee for their work”, states a team member.

Mold removal is very important, because mold can cause various health hazards. Mold produces irritants and allergens that when touched or inhaled cause allergies. Some symptoms are like fever or flu, while others will involve sneezing, coughing wheezing, a runny nose and red eyes that are watering. For those prone to respiratory infections like Asthma and Bronchitis, mold can be especially dangerous. This is why it is best to hire the services of Water Damage Zone & Restoration Inc – Experts at mold removal at the most reasonable rates.

Water Damage Zone is based out of 15115 Califa St, Van Nuys CA, 91411. To find out more about the services provided one can visit the website http://waterdamagezoneinc.com/ or call on (877) 520-1923.

Water Damage Santa Monica also serves the following areas: Canyon County, Rolling Hills, Burbank, Redondo Beach, Los Angeles, Torrance, Santa Clarita, Westchester and many others cities surrounding in the Los Angeles county area.

Water Damage Zone and Restoration, inc is specializing in the following restoration services:

• WATER DAMAGE
• MOLD REMOVAL
• SEWAGE CLEANUP
• FLOOD DAMAGE CLEANUP
• FIRE/SMOKE CLEANUP
• 24 Hour Emergency Service

Moldy Food Products

Pay attention to moldy foods while grocery shopping. Consuming moldy foods can make you sick and cause respiratory problems. Your safest bet is to discard any food product with mold growth on it. If you have salami or dry cured ham it is normal to have surface mold just scrub it off. Check all jarred items for mold before use. Certain cheeses the mold can be cut off no less than an inch back from where the mold started. Mold spreads quickly in fruits and vegetables so it’s important that you thoroughly clean the areas where moldy food was kept.

 

Call Water Damage Zone today (877) 520-1923  your future bills may be a lot smaller, if you follow these simple tips. You can also visit our sister company for further information on restoration services at Best American Builders.

We specialize in the following services:

• 24/7 Emergency Response, Water Extraction, Water Damage
• Direct Billing to Insurance, Locally Owned and Operated
• Water Cleanup, Water Dry outs, Visual Mold Inspections, Sewage Damage Cleanup
• Sterilizing & Odor Removal, Licensed & Bonded #963976, Reputable Los Angeles based company
• Image from depositphotos, ID 15892692
• Shutterstock Sequence Number: US-041C159DA-1

Water Damage Zone, Inc.
Corporate Office
15115 Califa St. Ste. C
Van Nuys, CA 91411

Water Damage Zone is Here for You!

portrait of four business executives standing in an office

Call Water Damage Zone today (877) 520-1923  your future bills may be a lot smaller, if you follow these simple tips. You can also visit our sister company for further information on restoration services at Best American Builders.

We specialize in the following services:

• 24/7 Emergency Response, Water Extraction, Water Damage
• Direct Billing to Insurance, Locally Owned and Operated
• Water Cleanup, Water Dry outs, Visual Mold Inspections, Sewage Damage Cleanup
• Sterilizing & Odor Removal, Licensed & Bonded #963976, Reputable Los Angeles based company
• Image from depositphotos, ID 15892692
• Shutterstock Sequence Number: US-041C159DA-1

 

Water Damage Zone, Inc.

Corporate Office

15115 Califa St. Ste. C

Van Nuys, CA 91411

The Growth of Mold in Cars

Mold. It grows in your basement, kitchen, and bathroom; you may not expect it to also grow in your car. When it begins to grow in your car it can cause all of the same problems for your health that it does when it grows in your home. If you believe that mold is growing in your car, then there are several things that you can do to figure out where it is coming from.

Look for Moisture

Whenever there is mold, there is moisture. By figuring out where the moisture is coming from you can begin to diagnose the mold problem in your car. Moisture can find its way into cars in many different ways. When you find any wetness, dry it immediately so that it won’t create further problems. Use cleaners to remove any mold from the car and also fix any broken parts that are allowing moisture into the care.

Cleaning Your Car

When you clean your car it is important to make sure that it gets dried completely when you’re done. Make sure to leave windows cracked to allow moisture to leave the car. If it’s warm outside, then making sure that the moisture is gone is even more important. The heat and moisture will cause humidity inside of the car that allows mold to grow even more quickly than it normally would.

Transporting Moldy Materials

It is important to note that you risk getting mold in your car whenever you transport plants, wood, or other outdoor materials. Cleaning your car regularly will prevent these spores from beginning to grow and spread inside. If you know that you’re going to be transporting mold contaminated objects, then it is best to cover the interior of your car with plastic sheets to prevent its spread.

Mold in Air Conditioners

Many have experienced a musty smell coming from the vents in their car. Air conditioners are one of the top sources for mold in cars. It starts by growing in the vents when moisture becomes trapped inside of the ventilation system. The air coming from outside of the car is loaded with mold spores, dust and other pathogens. These become trapped inside of the car and create the necessary conditions for mold growth.

Removing Car Mold

The first thing you need to do in any mold case in a car is to find the cause of the mold and repair it. By doing this you will ensure that moisture doesn’t continue to find its way into your car. Use a HEPA vacuum to clean out your car and also disinfect it with cleaners to completely remove any traces of mold. If this doesn’t work, take your car to a mold removal specialist that has access to the special tools they need in order to completely remove it so that it doesn’t grow back.

 

Call Water Damage Zone today (877) 520-1923  your future bills may be a lot smaller, if you follow these simple tips. You can also visit our sister company for further information on restoration services at Best American Builders.

We specialize in the following services:

• 24/7 Emergency Response, Water Extraction, Water Damage
• Direct Billing to Insurance, Locally Owned and Operated
• Water Cleanup, Water Dry outs, Visual Mold Inspections, Sewage Damage Cleanup
• Sterilizing & Odor Removal, Licensed & Bonded #963976, Reputable Los Angeles based company
• Image from depositphotos, ID 15892692
• Shutterstock Sequence Number: US-041C159DA-1

Water Damage Zone, Inc.
Corporate Office
15115 Califa St. Ste. C
Van Nuys, CA 91411