Recent Storm Damage Posts

How to prepare for a winter storm power outage and storm damage in San Mateo

1/16/2024 (Permalink)

Key takeaways

  • Essential steps to prepare for winter storms in San Mateo.
  • How to manage power outages and minimize storm damage.
  • SERVPRO of San Mateo's role in restoring and protecting your property.

As winter approaches, San Mateo residents face the daunting prospect of power outages and storm damage, challenges that can be both unpredictable and overwhelming. At SERVPRO® of San Mateo, we understand the importance of preparing for these seasonal adversities. This comprehensive guide is designed to equip you with essential knowledge and practical tips to confidently navigate through winter storms, power outages, and their aftermath. We'll also delve into how our expert team at SERVPRO plays a vital role in providing professional water cleanup services, ensuring your home remains safe and secure during these challenging times.

Preparing for winter storms in San Mateo: a comprehensive guide

In San Mateo, winter storms can bring more than just a chill to the air; they can bring significant risks and challenges to our homes and daily lives. Being well-prepared is not just a convenience; it’s a necessity. In this section of our guide, we’ll explore the risks posed by winter storms in our area and provide practical and essential tips for preparing your home. From understanding the potential impacts to taking proactive steps to safeguard your living space, we’re here to guide you through protecting your home against the harshness of winter.

Understanding the Risks

  1. Heavy rainfall and flooding: San Mateo often experiences intense rain during winter storms, leading to potential flooding and water damage.
  2. Power outages: Severe weather can disrupt power lines, leading to extended blackouts.
  3. Wind damage: High winds can damage roofs, windows, and trees, posing risks to property and safety.
  4. Cold surges: Sudden temperature drops can lead to frozen pipes and heating system failures.
  5. Road and transportation disruption: Icy conditions and heavy rainfall can make roads treacherous, affecting mobility and access to services.

Essential preparations for your home

  1. Insulate pipes: Protect your plumbing from freezing by insulating pipes, especially those exposed to external walls.
  2. Secure outdoor areas: Fasten or store outdoor furniture and other items that could be blown away or damaged.
  3. Check roof and gutters: Ensure your roof is in good condition and that gutters are clear to prevent ice dams and water buildup.
  4. Emergency kit preparation: Assemble an emergency kit with essentials like flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, and non-perishable food.
  5. Heating system maintenance: Have your heating system checked and serviced to ensure it’s operational during cold spells.

Navigating power outages during winter storms

Power outages during winter storms are more than inconvenient; they can seriously disrupt San Mateo's unique climate. Navigating these outages with preparedness and knowledge is key to maintaining safety and comfort. This section will guide you through the proactive measures to take before an outage strikes and the best practices to follow during one. 

Before the outage: Proactive measures

  1. Create an outage plan: Develop a plan that includes emergency contacts, a meeting point for family members, and steps to take when the power goes out.
  2. Invest in emergency supplies: Stock up on flashlights, batteries, blankets, a portable radio, and a power bank for charging mobile devices.
  3. Ensure adequate food and water supply: Keep sufficient stock of non-perishable food items and bottled water.
  4. Install surge protectors: Protect your electronics from potential surge damage when power returns.
  5. Learn manual override: For homes with electric gates or garage doors, learn how to operate them manually.

During the outage: safety and maintenance

  1. Avoid opening refrigerators and freezers: This helps maintain cold temperatures and prevent food spoilage.
  2. Use alternative light sources wisely: Utilize flashlights or battery-operated lamps instead of candles to minimize fire hazards.
  3. Stay informed: Keep a battery-powered radio handy to receive weather updates and information from local authorities.
  4. Check on neighbors: Ensure that elderly or vulnerable neighbors are safe and have everything they need.

Minimizing storm damage: expert tips from SERVPRO of San Mateo

At SERVPRO of San Mateo, we understand the challenges and stresses that come with winter storms in our community. Minimizing storm damage is not just about reacting swiftly; it's about having the right knowledge and taking preemptive actions. In this section, we share expert tips and strategies honed from our extensive experience in water removal and storm response to help you effectively minimize the impact of storms on your property. These insights are designed to empower you as a homeowner, equipping you with practical advice on immediate and long-term measures that can significantly reduce storm damage and ensure the safety and integrity of your home.

Immediate actions to reduce damage

  1. Identify and stop water intrusions: Quickly address leaks or flooding to prevent water damage.
  2. Secure loose items: Tie down or bring inside any outdoor items that could be hazardous in high winds.
  3. Document potential damages: Take photos or videos of your property for insurance purposes before the storm worsens.

Long-term strategies for storm resistance

  1. Strengthen your home's exterior: Consider investing in storm windows, reinforced garage doors, and stronger roofing materials.
  2. Tree trimming: Regularly trim trees around your property to minimize the risk of branches falling on your home.
  3. Waterproof your basement: Install sump pumps and ensure proper sealing to prevent flooding.
  4. Regular maintenance checks: Routine checks of your home’s structure and utilities can help identify vulnerabilities before they become problematic in a storm.

SERVPRO of San Mateo's role in storm damage recovery

The road to recovery can be challenging in the aftermath of a winter storm. At SERVPRO of San Mateo, we play a critical role in this journey, providing expert storm damage recovery services. Our team is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to help you navigate the aftermath of a storm. From rapid response and water removal to comprehensive cleanup and tailored restoration, we're dedicated to restoring your property to its pre-storm condition, ensuring your peace of mind and safety.

Rapid response and professional water removal

  1. 24/7 Availability: Our emergency services are available around the clock, ensuring immediate assistance following a storm.
  2. Quick mobilization: We deploy rapidly to storm-affected areas, minimizing the time between the damage occurrence and our response.
  3. Efficient water extraction: Utilizing advanced water extraction equipment, we quickly remove standing water, which prevents further damage.
  4. Thorough moisture elimination: We identify and eradicate hidden moisture beyond visible water, safeguarding against mold and structural issues.

Comprehensive water cleanup and restoration services

  1. Detailed assessment: Every affected area is meticulously inspected to determine the extent of water damage and required restoration efforts.
  2. Professional cleaning solutions: We use professional-grade cleaning and sanitizing agents to ensure thorough water cleanup.
  3. Restoration of damaged areas: From repairing structures to restoring furnishings, we cover all aspects of restoration.
  4. Ensuring comfort and safety: Our goal is to make your property safe and comfortable again, addressing all health and safety concerns.

Tailored water damage restoration process

  1. Customized approach: Every situation is unique, and we tailor our restoration process to fit the specific needs of your property.
  2. Step-by-step procedure: Our process includes emergency contact, inspection, water removal, drying, cleaning, and final restoration.
  3. Ongoing communication: We keep you informed at every step, ensuring transparency and peace of mind.
  4. Quality assurance: Our commitment to excellence ensures the highest quality of restoration work.

Essential safety tips during storm cleanup

Post-storm cleanup is a critical phase where safety must be the top priority. At SERVPRO of San Mateo, we want to ensure you approach this task with the right precautions. This section provides essential safety tips for homeowners engaging in DIY cleanup efforts and helps determine when professional assistance is necessary.

Prioritizing safety in DIY cleanup

  1. Wear protective gear: Always use gloves, masks, and waterproof clothing to protect against debris and contaminants.
  2. Electrical safety: Ensure all electrical sources are turned off in water-damaged areas before starting cleanup.
  3. Avoid structural hazards: Be cautious of weakened floors and walls, and avoid entering severely damaged areas.
  4. Proper disposal of debris: Dispose of debris and damaged materials safely, following local regulations.

When to call the professionals

  1. Extensive water damage: If water damage is widespread or involves structural damage, it’s time to call experts.
  2. Mold concerns: Professional intervention is crucial when there’s evidence of mold growth.
  3. Electrical and plumbing issues: These require specialized skills and should be handled by professionals.
  4. Health risks: If there are health hazards due to contaminated water or materials, professional cleanup is necessary.

Staying prepared and partnering with SERVPRO of San Mateo 

Our expertise in water cleanup in San Mateo and storm recovery equip us to provide unparalleled support when you need it most. We guide, assist, and restore from proactive measures to emergency response. Remember, the key to minimizing storm impact is preparedness and having a reliable team on your side. Don't wait for the next storm to test your readiness. Contact SERVPRO of San Mateo today at (650) 931-6060 to learn more about our water removal services and how we can help you stay prepared for winter storms. 

We Have Storm Flooding and Our Sump Pump Failed in San Francisco, Now What?

11/3/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Can Handle Water Removal from Flood Damage to Your San Francisco Home – Call to Have a Crew Deployed ASAP!

While having a sump pump in the crawlspace or basement of your San Francisco home gives you added peace of mind during storm season, there can come a time when the system fails. Whether you had an appliance failure or an outage where your sump pump didn’t turn on, you may be in for some flooding and water damage. The good news is that the SERVPRO crew is available 24/7, and we are happy to come out to your home to take a look so that you can minimize the loss and restore your interior to the pre loss condition.

Is There Anything I Can Do Until You Arrive?

Until SERVPRO’s Green Fleet arrives at your home to help with flood damage in San Francisco, there are numerous measures that you can take to minimize property damage, including:

  • If you can locate the source of the water coming in and stop it.
  • Always avoid hazards, such as unsanitary water, slippery floors, electricity near the water loss zone, and unsafe structures.
  • Put plastic underneath furniture legs or remove furniture to try and prevent rust or permanent staining.

A sump pump failure can happen for several reasons, such as:

  • Power Failure – A power outage is the most common reason for a sump pump failure. Many homeowners like to have their sump pump connected to a back-up generator to be activated manually if the main power to the house is off.
  • Wrong Size Sump Pump – If the wrong size pump gets installed on your property, you will likely run into issues. A smaller pump is just as capable as the larger sizes. However, a sump pump that is too big will work harder than it needs to, or a smaller sump pump installation might not be able to pull out enough water. Each instance can lead to a shorter lifespan.
  • Installation Issues – The sump pump should always be installed according to specific manufacturer recommendations to avoid the potential for severe water damage. If you are not quite sure of the appropriate way to install one, it is better to call in the assistance of a trained technician.
  • Switch Malfunction – A switch issue is a common problem with sump pumps, which can happen when it shifts position in the basin, and it leaves the float ineffective.
  • Not Maintained – It is often recommended that a sump pump gets tested every few months. Yearly service is also best to ensure that your unit will work when it is needed most.
  • Clogged Discharge Line – If the water is unable to exit the property through the discharge line, the sump pump is unable to work. This line must be free from rocks, dirt, and other debris at all times.
  • Appliance Defect – While it might be rare, there is always the possibility that your sump pump is defective. It is best to check and test out the pump upon installation to ensure proper function.

Will My Insurance Cover this Sump Pump Failure?

The failure of a sump pump is usually not covered with a standard homeowner’s policy. In many cases, there will be an endorsement, or an add-on, that you can choose to help with a failed sump pump and back-up. It is always best to consult with your home insurance provider to determine what your coverage might be, if any.

What Can I Do to Avoid Water Damage in the Future?

While it is impossible to avoid a natural disaster, you can be proactive about protecting your property. SERVPRO has enough experience to tell our customers some of the things to do to prepare for the future:

  • Know the flood risk for your area
  • Put together a flood plan in advance
  • Make sure that you always have an emergency kit readily available
  • Have essential documents stored in a safe and dry place
  • Always test out your sump pump and back-up generator periodically
  • Choose a restoration team before the disaster even happens

When you have our number handy, you will have access to emergency flood damage services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We know that a significant storm and flooding event can be overwhelming and devastating. Whenever you have flooding in your home, simply give us a call. We will:

  • Remove and dispose of any materials damaged beyond repair
  • Dry out any contents or provide pack-out services for off-site cleaning
  •   Monitor the entire drying process, ensuring everything is dry in a timely manner

SERVPRO of San Mateo has the resources and manpower to tackle any storm or disaster that leaves you with flood damage. Call us at 650-931-6060, and we can send out a team as soon as possible to get started on an assessment.

Rain vs. Flood Damage

9/30/2021 (Permalink)

Do you understand the difference between rain damage and flood damage?

Rain damage is caused by falling water. A leaky roof or window can cause rain to intrude into your home. Gutters and downspouts can also be a big contributing factor to rain damage. It is very important to clean your gutters and downspouts to keep the rain away from your walls and windows.

Flood damage is caused by rising water. Improper grading, failing drainage, or rising creek water are all examples of how flood damage can occur in your home. Flood damage can also cause cracks to your foundation allowing excess water to intrude into your home.

If you or anyone you know experiences either rain damage or flood damage, contact SERVPRO of San Mateo!  Our team is dedicated to helping you!  Do not hesitate to give our experts a call when disaster strikes! We want to help you restore your home "Like it never even happened."

Preparing Now can Help Reduce Your Need for Water Removal Services in San Mateo

9/22/2021 (Permalink)

When areas in and around San Mateo are affected by severe weather, residents need to know how to protect their homes and other structures. After events cause damage to homes, SERVPRO of San Mateo goes to work making everything “Like it never even happened.” 
 
When a home or business in San Mateo sustains flood damage, the contents of that home also suffer. We have various techniques that get these items clean and sanitary after filthy floodwaters contaminate them. Using cleansers specially chosen for their ability to strip soiling away without damaging the finishes on your objects, we clean up items with hard, durable surfaces. Special basins allow us to clean softer items, including stuffed toys and decorative pillows. Thoroughly rinsing everything we wash helps ensure that filthy soiling no longer contaminates these items.
 
We use a special compartment to help these items dry faster. We take readings to show us when these items reach optimal dryness, so we know when to start the deodorization process. During this step, we implement either ozone gas or hydroxyl gas. Hydroxyl is often preferred, especially in situations involving water. Ozone can cause discoloration when materials retain small amounts of moisture. Hydroxyl gas does not create this problem, and other benefits include its safety around occupants, both plant and animal. We can continue to work in the area when our hydroxyl generator deodorizes your belongings. After we complete the process of restoring the smaller-sized contents of your home, we can also deodorize the rest of your home. Even as our other team removes damaged wall materials and flooring, odors can remain. Eliminating the sources of these smells with Hydroxyl generator or thermal fogging can make working inside your home during restoration much more efficient. It can also keep new materials from picking up these odors.
 
SERVPRO of San Mateo wants to help homeowners. Contact our 24-hour service line by calling (650) 931-6060 whenever your home sustains damage.

When Flood Damage Becomes a Problem in San Leandro

8/11/2021 (Permalink)

Why SERVPRO for Exceptional Service for Cleanup and Restoration After Flooding

When heavy rains cover the Bay Area with precipitation, streets, highways, and homes are at risk of flooding. In the San Leandro area, basements, crawl spaces, and foundations can fill with water, a disaster that non-professionals cannot manage on their own. Our crews of IICRC trained technicians provide support for residents of our community struggling with flooding events.

Forces of nature that cause San Leandro flood damage cannot be resisted, but with a highly qualified team of restoration experts, a home can be returned to preloss condition. Complications arise when areas of land near the bay show signs of sinking and ocean levels may be rising. Climate change and acreage formed of fill and debris can make flooding events even more common. Our skills and experience buoy up our efforts in these stressful situations.

Fast response times are crucial when dealing with lower-level flooding. Building materials can withstand standing water for a brief time. Still, every hour and day without relief increases the possibility that foundation walls and interior paneling, gypsum board, mechanical systems, stored items, and appliances become severely damaged. When our SERVPRO flood remediation team arrives, an interrelated and integrated process starts with complete water extraction and structural drying.

Equipment for Flood Damage Restoration

Each of our service vehicles drives up with submersible pumps and truck-mounted extractors on board. If power is cut to your flooded home, we work off generators on our trucks. This immediate response is vital to a successful outcome. The quality of the water -- clean, gray, or black -- is evaluated by SERVPRO trained and seasoned technicians. The earlier our intervention, the more likely that contamination is minimal. Hazardous items stored in the lower level like paints and chemicals, and any sewer backup, common with heavy rains, can taint the water swiftly.

If the water is gray or black, SERVPRO keeps current with local hazardous waste disposal rules, protecting our customers from miss-stepping and the public from dangerous substances. Once the water exits via our high-efficiency equipment, we use proven disinfectants to inhibit microbial growth in the affected areas. Pumps and extractors make way for air movers, dehumidifiers, and possibly heaters to create the optimum conditions for drying. Our crew determines a drying target based on moisture measurements and industry standards, and we persevere until it is achieved.

Training and technology help SERVPRO of San Mateo stay ahead of the challenges of flooding events in the Bay Area. Call us at (650) 931-6060 to schedule an assessment of your flood damage scenario.

Roof Damage and Hard To Find Water Problems

8/6/2021 (Permalink)

Roof Damage and Tough-to-Find Water Issues

Wind damage from a storm in San Mateo, CA can blow roof tiles, leaving weaknesses for water to get into your home. When you can see signs of roof damage from a recent storm, it is time to have a full inspection to find additional damage. Roof repair will be critical to prevent interior and structural damages from water that can get in through the damaged areas in the roof.

Outside Wind Damage Clues

You probably suspect that roof damage has allowed water into your home. You may see signs of storm damage on the outside of your home, such as:

  • Bent, broken or discolored shingles
  • Rusting, sagging, or buckling gutters

If you see signs like these, it's time to call an experienced roof contractor to do a full inspection of your roof and begin repairs as quickly as possible to prevent future water problems.

Inside Water Damage

While the roof repair is underway, you may want to look for water damage inside. Where should you look?

• Check interior areas around clogged gutters. They are heavy and pull on fasteners, where water can get in. Clogs also cause pooling around your roof.
• Look for stains on the ceilings. Stay out of rooms until repairs are made, if the ceiling is bulging.
• Get in the attic. Look for damaged wood or drywall, and check for wet or moldy insulation.

If you have wet areas in the attic or home, you must repair and dry the areas as quickly as you can. Mold can develop very fast in moist areas and where water damage has occurred. Once the roof repair is complete, the leak is stopped and you can focus on interior cleanup. Mold cleanup should be handled very carefully to prevent further spread of mold spores in your home. A professional restoration company knows how to set up containment areas while they work to clean mold and water-damaged areas.

Call SERVPRO of San Mateo to make disasters "Like it never even happened."

Ingenious Methods for Flood Prevention

8/6/2021 (Permalink)

Flood Prevention

Humankind has been facing the devastating impacts of high water for centuries. If you own or run a business in Redwood City, CA, you know it is at risk from storms and floods. In recent decades, as society has improved its engineering and technological capabilities, countries have sometimes developed impressive structures to stop flooding.
While these enormous projects are beyond the scope of a single company, they do provide insight into the extraordinary efforts needed to stop rising water. Floods come from many sources, from torrential rains to rising seawater to malfunctioning levees and dams.

World-Famous Efforts for Flood Prevention
Some localities face massive challenges from flooding due to their locations. These are usually low-lying areas close to the ocean or a major body of water. A country might put billions of dollars into these major projects, but this is better than allowing cities and valuable farmland from becoming useless. These four projects are among the most famous in the world for holding back high water:

  • The Hagestein Weir in the Netherlands
  • The Maeslant Storm Surge Barrier in the Netherlands
  • The water gates in Japan
  • The Thames Barrier in England

Depending upon the situation, a major effort is sometimes required to prevent waters from inundating a place. It requires large expenditures, modern engineering, advanced materials and extensive labor.

World-Class Services for Storm Mitigation
Your company could face the impacts of large storms or overflowing storm surges. If this unfolds, the services of a professional restoration team will be useful in many ways. Trained technicians can arrive quickly and remove the water from your building. They can also make sure the building and its contents are cleaned and sanitized according to the highest standards of the cleaning industry.
The impacts of high water on your company can be minimized with professional help. A trained crew will use specialized equipment and proven techniques to restore your facility after storm damage.

Call SERVPRO of San Mateo at 650-931-6060 to make disasters "Like it never even happened."

Can San Leandro Homeowners Speed Up The Flood Damage Process?

6/23/2021 (Permalink)

What should you do after flood damage in San Leandro?

When a storm causes flooding, it often leaves affected homes looking wet, dirty, and uninhabitable. Thankfully SERVPRO is here to help restore your house “Like it never even happened.”

After you call SERVPRO to help with flood damage in your San Leandro home, you might wonder if there is anything you can do to speed up the cleanup process. The short answer is, yes, there are some things you can do, but please be careful. If you are sure it is safe to do so, you can:

  • Remove paper products or anything likely to stain (such as art prints or books) from wet areas.
  • Hang up rugs or natural materials such as leather jackets to dry.
  • “Tent” sofa and chair cushions to allow airflow.

However, flood water can contain contaminants, so please do not attempt any of these unless it is safe. SERVPRO IICRC certified techs are trained to assess for pollutants and will advise you on what level of water damage you have and the best way to clean it. They will also take care of all aspects of cleaning, disinfection, and drying.

If you are worried about fire damage restoration, call SERVPRO of San Mateo (650) 931-6060.

Commercial Storm Damage Restoration

6/21/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial Storm Damage Restoration

Storms and inclement weather can be devastating to any business. Wind damage, heavy rain, and flooding can occur suddenly and cause substantial damage in a matter of minutes. There’s never a convenient time for flooding or storm damage to strike your business. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

be there fast with the help you need.

Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today (650)931-6060

Commercial Restoration Presents Unique Challenges

SERVPRO of San Mateo has the training, experience, and equipment to handle large commercial storm or water damage emergencies. Regardless of your property type or size, we will respond quickly to clean the property and manage the restoration project through to its completion. Learn more about our training and certifications.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

SERVPRO of San Mateo will respond immediately to the storm or flood event affecting your commercial property, regardless of the size or scope of the damage. We are part of a national network of over 1,700 Franchises with special Disaster Recovery Teams placed strategically throughout the country to respond to large scale events and disasters.

We are proud to be a part of our community and strive to provide the residents and business owners in our area the fastest response times and our best work each and every day.

After the Flood: Where Is That Smell Coming From?

6/17/2021 (Permalink)

Unpleasant Odors After A Flood

According to FEMA, 99% of counties in the U.S. suffered some impact from flooding between 1996 and 2019. Regardless of whether it comes from a malfunctioning toilet or a leaky roof, a flood has the potential to cause issues like mold growth and water damage. Cleaning up flood water can involve a great deal of time whether you do it yourself or employ the services of a professional cleanup service in Half Moon Bay, CA, so it can be annoying to observe a lingering odor even after the process. There are three potential culprits for a smell that refuses to leave in the wake of an unexpected surge of water.

1. Mold and Mildew
FEMA states that mildew colonies (generally used to refer to a certain kind of flat mold growth) may begin to cling to and spread across damp surfaces within only 24 to 48 hours. The fungus produces chemical compounds while propagating that release an earthy, musty scent.

2. Bacteria
Flood water is separated into three categories for recovery and restoration purposes:

Clean water (Category 1)
Gray water (Category 2)
Black water (Category 3)

The latter two may carry substances like chemicals. Among their contents, bacteria often reside. These may emit bad odors like the rotten egg one commonly associated with sulfur or others or their breakdown of particles may lead to them. Even after all standing water is removed and everything dried, porous materials like carpeting may retain some of the microorganisms if not properly cleaned, causing the smell to permeate the room.

3. Sewage
Burst pipes are one of the most common reasons for flooding in a structure, and they often contain wastewater. Even if water comes from outside, it may have mixed with sewage loss from storm drains and garbage from the streets, particularly if it is overflow from a nearby body of water.
The best way to avoid unpleasant odors from mold growth and other things in floodwater is to disinfect all affected areas and surfaces thoroughly as soon as possible. Consulting a professional may also help.

To schedule a service call, contact SERVPRO of San Mateo today at (650) 931-6060. 

Click here for more information about San Mateo.

Emergency Ready Kit

6/17/2021 (Permalink)

Build A Kit

After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own for several days. Being prepared means having your own food, water and other supplies to last for several days. A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency.

Make sure your emergency kit is stocked with the items on the checklist below. Most of the items are inexpensive and easy to find and any one of them could save your life. Headed to the store? Download a printable version to take with you. Once you take a look at the basic items consider what unique needs your family might have, such as supplies for pets or seniors.

Basic Disaster Supplies Kit

To assemble your kit store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.

A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:

  • Water (one gallon per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation)
  • Food (at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food)
  • Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
  • Flashlight
  • First aid kit
  • Extra batteries
  • Whistle (to signal for help)
  • Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
  • Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
  • Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
  • Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
  • Manual can opener (for food)
  • Local maps
  • Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
  • Download the Recommended Supplies List (PDF)

Additional Emergency Supplies

Since Spring of 2020, the CDC has recommended people include additional items in their kits to help prevent the spread of coronavirus or other viruses and the flu.

Consider adding the following items to your emergency supply kit based on your individual needs:

  • Cloth face coverings (for everyone ages 2 and above), soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes to disinfect surfaces
  • Prescription medications
  • Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives
  • Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution
  • Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream
  • Pet food and extra water for your pet
  • Cash or traveler's checks
  • Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
  • Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
  • Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Matches in a waterproof container
  • Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
  • Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
  • Paper and pencil
  • Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

Maintaining Your Kit

After assembling your kit remember to maintain it so it’s ready when needed:

  • Keep canned food in a cool, dry place.
  • Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers.
  • Replace expired items as needed.
  • Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family’s needs change.

Kit Storage Locations

Since you do not know where you will be when an emergency occurs, prepare supplies for home, work and cars.

  • Home: Keep this kit in a designated place and have it ready in case you have to leave your home quickly. Make sure all family members know where the kit is kept.
  • Work: Be prepared to shelter at work for at least 24 hours. Your work kit should include food, water and other necessities like medicines, as well as comfortable walking shoes, stored in a “grab and go” case.
  • Car: In case you are stranded, keep a kit of emergency supplies in your car.

Restoring Your Oakland Home After A Flood

6/9/2021 (Permalink)

Restoring an Oakland Home After Flood Damage

California homeowners may be surprised to know that every state in the US is vulnerable to flooding--even the more arid zones. Changes in sea level, as well as weather patterns, are enough to create sudden floods that cause damage to homes and infrastructure in one fell swoop. Homeowners with flood coverage may be relieved to have it, but without professional cleanup, the water damage can make their structures host to mold, microbes, and further issues.

If your Oakland residence needs rapid flood damage cleanup, SERVPRO technicians are ready to restore your home to a preloss condition. These professionals receive the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) training to maintain high standards in addressing fire, water, and mold damage as well as restoration of structures. SERVPRO works with you and your insurance adjuster so that cleanup complies with your policy as well as local regulations.

Completing a Proof of Loss for Your Flood Claim
Your insurance adjuster can assist you in the process of completing this portion of your claim. Make sure your proof of loss complies with the needs of the Standard Flood Insurance Policy and file promptly--within 60 days of the flood--to make sure you get compensated in a timely fashion.

SERVPRO technicians can also assist with this process by taking photos of the damage, taking inventory of possessions, and coordinating with both you and your insurance adjuster during the cleanup process. If you have crucial documents that are damaged by flooding, SERVPRO can create electronic copies of the papers so that you always have access to them.

SERVPRO Restores Home Fast
A successful cleanup begins with thorough monitoring of the situation. That is why SERVPRO technicians use a variety of moisture measurement technologies to evaluate the extent of damage before extracting moisture, disinfecting surfaces, and drying your home. Throughout the drying process, professionals can use penetrating and non-penetrating moisture sensors and meters to determine the progress made by the cleanup process. Infrared imaging allows technicians to see behind structures to determine if subfloors, studs, or fiberglass insulation require further drying.

Every surface in your home has an ideal humidity level to maintain its integrity, from hardwood flooring to drywall to your furniture. SERVPRO strives to ensure that items that can be safely restored are handled with the utmost care, and possessions that require replacement are not removed without documentation and the informed consent of homeowners and insurance adjusters.

SERVPRO of San Mateo provides a mitigation service that is Faster to Any Size Disaster. If disaster strikes in your home, you can call (650) 931-6060.

How To File Insurance Claim After a Storm

3/31/2021 (Permalink)

How To File Insurance Claim After a Storm

Dealing with the aftermath of a major storm can be a huge burden in San Mateo, CA. Between handling water damage, restoring your home and returning your life back to normal, filing an insurance claim can feel more complicated than it truly is. While the process may seem intimidating, you can get through it swiftly if you remain organized and follow these four steps.

1. Call Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance provider as soon as you can to initiate the claims process. Confirm what is covered under your policy and the amount of your deductible. Ask your provider what information they need to process your claim and get an estimate for how long the process will take. Be sure to provide them with your contact information in case they have any questions.

2. Make Temporary Repairs
If you notice any damage that requires immediate attention, do not wait for the home adjuster’s visit to make the repairs. For example, if you find a pipe burst or standing water in your home, call a flood cleanup and restoration specialist immediately to keep the damage from escalating. If you fail to fix the issue and more damage occurs as a result, your claim could be denied.

3. Prepare for the Home Adjuster
An insurance claim often requires a visit from a home adjuster. Preparing for the visit in advance will make the visit go smoothly and easily. Create a list of all structural damage ahead of time and be prepared to walk the adjuster through each item on the list.

4. Keep Your Receipts
Keep the receipts from your temporary repairs and submit them with your claim. You should also submit receipts for any additional expenses incurred, such as temporary lodging, if you are unable to stay in your home while the repairs are made.
Insurance claims can feel daunting, especially amid making repairs and trying to mitigate damage and costs. However, if you stay organized and focused on the steps listed above, you will move through the process quickly and without delay.

Bay area High winds causing Damage

1/19/2021 (Permalink)

Strong Winds in the Bay area are causing some major damage. Trees are getting knocked over causing road closures, downed power lines, and damage to property. Some downed power lines are causing bush fires.

Wind speeds between 15 to 25 mph with gusts of 75 mph are raging across the bay area today. High winds are expected to continue for the next couple of days and calm down towards the end of the week with a slight chance of rain on Friday.

In San Mateo county all parks are closed, and Highway 1 is blocked by trees and debris. Power outages are affecting many areas and residents. Firefighters are currently working hard to take care of as many issues as they can.

SERVPRO of San Mateo is Here to Help

If your home is affected by a bush fire call SERVPRO of San Mateo to help. We use advanced technology to remove odor and soot. Our professionally trained technicians will clean your house from top to bottom and restore it too new. We are available 24/7 with emergency services.

Burlingame Officials Discuss Eucalyptus Tree Removal on EL Camino

1/11/2021 (Permalink)

El Camino in Burlingame is getting a new look. City officials have been working with Caltrans on fixing the ongoing issues with the main thoroughfare. The main concern of the residents is the sidewalks, flooding during the rain season, and what is going to happen to the 80 beautiful eucalyptus trees.

To repair the streets and sidewalks Caltrans needs to remove 80 trees. These trees are at least 100 years old and are a favorite of the locals. The tree’s shallow roots make it impossible to do any substantial repairs without permanently damaging the trees and possibly killing them.

“As it stands, there are about 85 trees along El Camino Real. Caltrans has expressed a willingness to replant 60 trees, though the standard approach would only require about 15, according to Brownrigg.” (Austin Walsh Daily Journal)

The $100 million project to restore the sidewalk, draining system, and replant 60 new trees are projected to start in 2023. In the meantime, residents get to enjoy their current 85 trees, while also dealing with busted sidewalks and floods from the rain.

Flood Season Restoration

The project to restore El Camino Road is still 2 years away. Right now, residents are still dealing with floods during the rain season, because of existing infrastructure. If you experience any water damage from flooding call SERVPRO of San Mateo.

Our emergency services will help to get the water damages under control as soon as they happen. When dealing with water damage it is crucial to avoid any further damage to your property. You can call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all the holidays. We are always ready to help stop any damages and restore your home or business "Like it never even happened."

Fire Season Aftermath

1/6/2021 (Permalink)

Fire season this year affected people all over the West Coast. In the Bay area specifically, it took a toll on the entire area with 3 major fires in just the bay area alone, From Vacaville to Santa Cruz. If you lived in an area that was evacuated because it was inches from your house, you probably had damages from it. You might have had direct damage and some of your house got burnt. You might have had indirect damage from smoke and soot. If you have already taken care of any damages that is great, if not it’s not too late and SERVPRO of San Mateo can help.

Fire Damage Restoration

SERVPRO of San Mateo’s professionally trained technicians can deep clean and remove odors from your house to make it like new again. Soot and contaminants can leave residue everywhere and heavy odors. Using our air scrubbers, specialty cleaners, and fog machines your house can be “Like it never even happened.”

If you were directly affected SERVPRO of San Mateo is here to help. Removing anything that is unsalvageable and taking care of any water damage from putting out the fire. Our professionally trained technicians will provide a scope of everything that is needed to remediate the damage, so you know exactly what to expect.

Fire season this year hit the bay area hard. If you sustained damage to your home because of a fire call SERVPRO of San Mateo to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Rain Season Damage

1/5/2021 (Permalink)

Rain season is the most common time for water damage to occur. Leaks in roofs and flood damage can happen fast and cause a lot of damage. Here’s a look at the type of damages you can expect in your home from these rain season disasters.

Leak in Roof

       A leak in your roof can be from roof damage because of old age and repairs needed, or high winds damaging your roof. You can lessen the amount of damaged caused by the leak to your floors by catching it with a bucket, but what about the ceiling and walls? Water damage here might not be visible right away, but if not taken care of can lead to a roof collapse or mold. What if you had multiple leaks or a larger leak in the roof? This is may cause more damage and affect flooring as well.  Trust in SERVPRO of San Mateo to remove any water damage right away so you can have peace of mind.

Flood Damage

      Floods are dangerous and can cause a lot of damage to a house. If the flood left standing water, having that extracted right away can make a large difference in how much damage. The floor and your belongings that rest on the floor will be affected. The extent of wall damage depends on how high the water was. The most important thing is to not try to take care of it yourself. Floodwater is highly contaminated and it's safer to have SERVPRO of San Mateo take care of it for you. We use our moisture readers to determine the extent of the damage and can start the drying process right away with our 24/7 emergency services.

No matter the reason, size, or time of the damage SERVPRO of San Mateo is here to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Storm Damage Restoration

12/28/2020 (Permalink)

Wind damage, heavy rain, and flooding can occur suddenly and cause substantial damage in a matter of minutes. Storms and inclement weather can be devastating to any business. There’s never a convenient time for any damages. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today (650)931-6060

SERVPRO of San Mateo has the training, experience, and equipment to handle large commercial storm or water damage emergencies. Regardless of your property type or size, we will respond quickly to clean the property and manage the restoration project through to its completion. Learn more about our training and certifications.

Should a storm or major event strike, call (650) 931-6060

Clients for the Commercial Large Loss program include the following:

  • The Hospitality Industry
  • Property Managers
  • Universities
  • Municipalities
  • The Pentagon

When Storms or Floods hit San Mateo and the Bay, SERVPRO of San Mateo is ready!

7/1/2020 (Permalink)

Our highly trained crews are ready to respond 24/7 to storm or flood damage in San Mateo and all neighboring cities.

SERVPRO of San Mateo specializes in storm and flood damage restoration. Our crews are highly trained from initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s Corporate Training Facility to regular IICRC industry certifications. We make sure our staff is properly trained in IICRC, employee certification, initial franchise, and e-learning. The past few decades have seen a rapid advancement in the technology and techniques used in the restoration industry. These advancements allow SERVPRO of San Mateo Professionals to restore a property back to preloss condition quickly, reliably, and more effectively. As well as give Customers and Insurance rapid responses on job updates.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost. SERVPRO of San Mateo provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays. You can expect an immediate response time, day or night. No damage is too large or too small for SERVPRO of San Mateo. Our staff is highly trained with the power and knowledge to restore your property "Like it never even happened." We are always ready to help the residents and businesses of our local or neighboring communities be prepared for any type of damage or clean up at any time!

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – (650) 931-6060

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit San Mateo and neighboring cities, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

SERVPRO of San Mateo has experience restoring homes affected by storms and flooding. We can respond immediately with our highly trained technicians who are specialized to restore your home or business back to pre-storm conditions using advanced equipment to prevent secondary damages. SERVPRO of San Mateo provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays with immediate response time, day or night. When a disaster hits you can relay on SERVPRO of San Mateo professionals to restore your property "Like it never even happened," and to protect your most valuable assets.

Have Storm or Flood Damage?
Call Us Today (650) 931-6060

Storm Damage Precautions

7/1/2020 (Permalink)

When your home or commercial property has water damage from flooding or leaks, we have the expertise and equipment to properly restore your property. Our experience and scientific approach to water removal and water cleanup enable us to properly dry and restore your property.

Flood damage, regardless of the source, is often preventable if the right safeguards are taken. Inspection of private and commercial property is the key to keeping homes and businesses dry and secure despite what failed plumbing or mother nature can throw at us. At SERVPRO of San Mateo, we try to make flood damage in San Mateo as rare an occurrence as possible.


Our inspectors are some of the most trained in the restoration business when it comes to keeping your structures water-free. We will identify probable sources of water such as unprotected pipes that could burst or rain gutters that are damaged and need replacing. Once finished, we will provide a list of recommendations and a complete price list of everything that our inspectors suggest. 

When the worst does happen, though, we're ready for it. We maintain a 24 hour, emergency response and removal team available weekends and holidays. Our professional highly trained crews are ready to begin removing water within minutes after arriving at your property and determining both the fastest and least damaging option. 

Once the water has been eliminated, our crews will begin the drying and dehumidification process. We maintain a series of high-speed fans that increase airflow over carpets and furniture to prevent water damage by increasing evaporation. Our commercial-grade dehumidifiers draw the moisture from floors and walls to prevent the warping of floorboards and rot of drywall. 


We Have the Resources to Handle Storms and Disasters

elite large-loss specialists are prequalified and strategically positioned throughout the United States to handle any size disaster. At SERVPRO of San Mateo, the difference is our ability to dispatch trained production professionals and cut costs through the strategic placement and oversight of temporary labor. Get the professionals, call SERVPRO OF San Mateo. Major storms and flooding events can overwhelm many restoration companies. On the other hand, SERVPRO of San Mateo can access resources from 1,700 Franchises across the state and country and even utilize Disaster Recovery Teams for major storms and disasters.

Should a storm or major event strike, call (650) 931-6060

We're Highly Trained Storm Damage Specialists

As leaders in the storm and water damage industry, we have advanced training and expertise, not to mention a tremendous amount of hands-on experience. We use this training and experience to quickly dry your home and restore it back to pre-storm conditions. We make sure our staff is properly trained in IICRC, employee certification, initial franchise, and e-learning.  You can rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property "Like it never even happened."

  • Water Damage Restoration Technician
  • Applied Structural Drying Technicians

We're Faster to Any Size Disaster

When a storm hits your San Mateo home or business, you need help immediately. Our quick response will help prevent secondary damage and help reduce restoration costs. SERVPRO of San Mateo provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays. You can expect an immediate response time, day, or night. No damage is too large or too small for SERVPRO of San Mateo. Our staff is highly trained with the power and knowledge to restore your property "Like it never even happened." We are always ready to help the residents and businesses of our local or neighboring communities be prepared for any type of damage or clean up at any time!

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – (650) 931-6060 

When unexpected weather hits

6/23/2020 (Permalink)

Storms and inclement weather can be devastating to any business or home. Wind damage, heavy rain, and flooding can occur unexpectedly and cause substantial damage in a matter of minutes.

There’s never a convenient time for flooding or any storm damage to strike your home or business. So when an emergency situation arises in your home or business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

be there fast with the help you need.

Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today (650)931-6060

What to do when power is out due to storm damage.

6/23/2020 (Permalink)

When unexpected weather strikes and causes it is important for everyone to be prepared for a power outage that may last for several hours or days after a heavy storm. The National Public Service campaign, Ready Campaign, has shared the following tips regarding power outage:

Before a Power Outage:

  • Build or restock your emergency preparedness kit, including a flashlight, batteries, casa, and first aid supplies.
  • Make sure you have alternative charging methods for your phone or any device that requires power.
  • Charge cell phones and any battery-powered devices.
  • Know where the manual release lever of your electric garage door is located and know how to operate it.
  • Learn about the emergency plans that have been established in your community.

During a Power Outage:

  • Avoid using candles which can cause fires. Only use a flashlight for emergency lighting.
  • Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. Most food requiring refrigeration can be kept safely in a closed refrigerator for about four hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours.
  • Put on layers of warm clothing if it is cold outside. Never burn charcoal for heating or cooking indoors.
  • Only use generators away from your home, and NEVER run a generator inside a home or garage, or connect it to your home’s electrical system. Consult an electrician or engineer before purchasing and installing a generator.

After a Power Outage:

  • Throw away any food that has been exposed to temperatures of 40*F (4*C) for two hours or more. When in doubt, throw it away.
  • If food in the freezer is colder than 40*F and has ice crystals on it, you can refreeze it.
  • Contact your doctor if you’re concerned about medication having spoiled.
  • Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. 
  • Choose foods your family will eat.
  • Remember any special dietary needs.
  • Avoid foods that will make you thirsty.

Rain storms

12/9/2019 (Permalink)

Lately, we have been dealing with nonstop storm rains and unfortunately, a lot of homes and businesses have been affected in all types of ways. The storm has affected from flooding to trees being knocked over. Most people may think it is not important to have there home be dried after water damage but it is the best way to avoid any secondary damages such as having the water continue to travel or have water sit inside the walls until it turns into mold

When dealing with water damage whether it be in your home or business we make sure to make the process as easy as possible. We do this by following the specified steps.

Step 1: Emergency Contact

Step 2: Inspection and Damage Assessment

Step 3: Water Removal/Water Extraction

Step 4: Drying and Dehumidification

Step 5: Cleaning and Repair

Step 6: Restoration

The weather is unpredictable but you can always count on SERVPRO of San Mateo to be there to help. You can rest assured knowing we are here to help minimize the interruption to your life and quickly make it "Like it never even happened". We do this by having crews be available 24/7 including all holidays. Don't let the water stop you from spending time with your loved ones. Call SERVPRO of San Mateo at (650)931-6060 or you can even send an email with pictures at office@SERVPROsanmateo.com

Break down of Large Loss

12/9/2019 (Permalink)

Emergency management officials often say that the best time to prepare for a disaster is before any threat is on the horizon. Being proactive by creating and testing a disaster plan for your business allows you to have everything needed in place, increasing the odds that your company will survive the storm and be able to get back to business quickly after a catastrophe. There are several things you need to do when crafting a disaster recovery plan.

The SERVPRO of San Mateo Commercial Large Loss Division is composed of our best of the best in restoration. Our elite large-loss specialists are prequalified and strategically positioned throughout the United States to handle any size disaster.

Every large loss is supervised by a commercial operations manager to help ensure seamless communication and timely mitigation.

At SERVPRO of San Mateo, the difference is our ability to dispatch trained production professionals and cut costs through the strategic placement and oversight of temporary labor. Get the professionals, call SERVPRO of San Mateo.

Some disasters are universal; for example, fire is always a threat. The risk of other disasters, like hurricanes or earthquakes, varies depending on your location. First, determine what types of disasters are most likely to impact your business. Then, identify how various disasters would affect your operations and plan accordingly. Emergency management agencies in your area are a good resource.

Review your insurance and make certain that you understand exactly what it covers. Does it provide sufficient compensation for physical losses? Will you be able to restore crucial materials and equipment? Is flood damage covered? What about business interruption?

Certain business functions are absolute necessities. Who and what will you need to keep things functioning in the wake of a disaster? Work up a list of responsibilities and assign them to your employees so that everyone is prepared to respond effectively.

Communications often break down in a crisis, so it is important that you have a plan in place. Draft a list of emergency contacts and store them in multiple locations. Know who will provide notifications and how they will do so.

Make it standard procedure to back up all critical data regularly. Backups should be stored in an off-site location. Copies of insurance policies, legal papers, and other important records should also be stowed safely.

Prepare to protect your technology by developing a recovery plan for your information technology. Make certain that it includes a way to regain Internet access, resource requirements, data restoration plans, and procedures for the recovery of computers, wireless devices, networks, servers, apps, and your data.

What happens if a disaster renders your location unusable? What arrangement would allow you to keep operating? Is telecommuting a possibility? Would you rent facilities or temporarily share space with other businesses?

What suppliers and other businesses are vital to your operations? Identify alternative vendors so that you will know where to turn if a regular one is unable to deliver due to an emergency. Also, identify a restoration company that can help you get your company’s premises back to normal.

Every emergency is unique, and following the directives of the emergency management authorities in your area is essential for the safety of you and your employees. When it’s time to begin the recovery process, count on SERVPRO of San Mateo. We can respond quickly with highly trained restoration technicians who employ specialized techniques and equipment to restore your business or home to pre-disaster conditions.

When Storms or Floods hit San Mateo and neighboring cities, SERVPRO of San Mateo is ready!

6/17/2019 (Permalink)

Our highly trained crews are ready to respond 24/7 to storm or flood damage in San Mateo and neighboring cities.

SERVPRO of San Mateo specializes in storm and flood damage restoration. Our crews are highly trained from initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s Corporate Training Facility to regular IICRC industry certifications. We make sure our staff is properly trained in IICRC, employee certification, initial franchise, and e-learning. The past few decades have seen a rapid advancement in the technology and techniques used in the restoration industry. These advancements allow SERVPRO of San Mateo Professionals to restore a property back to preloss condition quickly, reliably, and more effectively. As well as give Customers and Insurance rapid responses on job updates.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost. SERVPRO of San Mateo provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays. You can expect an immediate response time, day or night. No damage is too large or too small for SERVPRO of San Mateo. Our staff is highly trained with the power and knowledge to restore your property "Like it never even happened." We are always ready to help the residents and businesses of our local or neighboring communities be prepared for any type of damage or clean up at any time!

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – (650) 931-6060

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit San Mateo and neighboring cities, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

SERVPRO of San Mateo has experience restoring homes affected by storms and flooding. We can respond immediately with our highly trained technicians who are specialized to restore your home or business back to pre-storm conditions using advanced equipment to prevent secondary damages. SERVPRO of San Mateo provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays with immediate response time, day or night. When a disaster hits you can relay on SERVPRO of San Mateo professionals to restore your property "Like it never even happened." and to protect your most valuable assets.

Have Storm or Flood Damage?
Call Us Today (650) 931-6060

Storm Damage Precautions

5/20/2019 (Permalink)

When your home or commercial property has water damage from flooding or leaks, we have the expertise and equipment to properly restore your property. Our experience and scientific approach to water removal and water cleanup enable us to properly dry and restore your property.

Flood damage, regardless of the source, is often preventable if the right safeguards are taken. Inspection of private and commercial property is the key to keeping homes and businesses dry and secure despite what failed plumbing or mother nature can throw at us. At SERVPRO of San Mateo, we try to make flood damage in San Mateo as rare an occurrence as possible.


Our inspectors are some of the most trained in the restoration business when it comes to keeping your structures water-free. We will identify probable sources of water such as unprotected pipes that could burst or rain gutters that are damaged and need replacing. Once finished, we will provide a list of recommendations and a complete price list of everything that our inspectors suggest. 

When the worst does happen, though, we're ready for it. We maintain a 24 hour, emergency response and removal team available weekends and holidays. Our professional highly trained crews are ready to begin removing water within minutes after arriving at your property and determining both the fastest and least damaging option. 

Once the water has been eliminated, our crews will begin the drying and dehumidification process. We maintain a series of high-speed fans that increase airflow over carpets and furniture to prevent water damage by increasing evaporation. Our commercial grade dehumidifiers draw the moisture from floors and walls to prevent warping of floorboards and rot of drywall. 


We Have the Resources to Handle Storms and Disasters

elite large-loss specialists are prequalified and strategically positioned throughout the United States to handle any size disaster. At SERVPRO of San Mateo, the difference is our ability to dispatch trained production professionals and cut costs through the strategic placement and oversight of temporary labor. Get the professionals, call SERVPRO OF San Mateo. Major storms and flooding events can overwhelm many restoration companies. On the other hand, SERVPRO of San Mateo can access resources from 1,700 Franchises across the state and country and even utilize Disaster Recovery Teams for major storms and disasters.

Should a storm or major event strike, call (650) 931-6060

We're Highly Trained Storm Damage Specialists

As leaders in the storm and water damage industry, we have advanced training and expertise, not to mention a tremendous amount of hands-on experience. We use this training and experience to quickly dry your home and restore it back to pre-storm conditions. We make sure our staff is properly trained in IICRC, employee certification, initial franchise, and e-learning.  You can rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property "Like it never even happened."

  • Water Damage Restoration Technician
  • Applied Structural Drying Technicians

We're Faster to Any Size Disaster

When a storm hits your San Mateo home or business, you need help immediately. Our quick response will help prevent secondary damage and help reduce restoration costs.  SERVPRO of San Mateo provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays. You can expect an immediate response time, day or night. No damage is too large or too small for SERVPRO of San Mateo. Our staff is highly trained with the power and knowledge to restore your property "Like it never even happened." We are always ready to help the residents and businesses of our local or neighboring communities be prepared for any type of damage or clean up at any time!

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – (650) 931-6060 

Flood Damages

5/17/2019 (Permalink)

Storm Damage Cleanup and Restoration

SERVPRO of San Mateo has experience restoring homes affected by storms and flooding. We can respond immediately with our highly trained technicians who are specialized to restore your home or business back to pre-storm conditions using advanced equipment to prevent secondary damages. SERVPRO of San Mateo provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays with immediate response time, day or night. When a disaster hits you can relay on SERVPRO of San Mateo professionals to restore your property "Like it never even happened." and to protect your most valuable assets.

Have Storm or Flood Damage?
Call Us Today (650) 931-6060

The aftereffects of flood damage in San Mateo can be as costly and potentially deadly as the flood itself. If your home or business has been hit by a flash flood or has experienced burst water pipes or a sewage system backup, or weather disaster you know what an ugly, inconvenient mess it can be. If it's not addressed correctly and promptly, it can lead to your building being judged unsafe, and it could be condemned. To avoid the loss of property and the inconvenience this will cause, it's an excellent idea to contact a local cleanup and restoration service who can help you fix the situation.

We Can Address All Types of Flooding Damage


No matter what caused the flooding to your home or business, we are equipped to fix it. Our team of friendly, knowledgeable technicians have been highly trained to identify and correct all known types of flooding damage. Our service team members have all of the necessary training and certifications to qualify them for the task of flood damage cleanup and restoration. Let us know the nature of the problem, and we will respond to your call immediately. We are available to help at any time of the day or night.


Dealing with Flood Damage in San Mateo


Flood damage in San Mateo is no laughing matter. Your business is losing money each day that it isn't up and running. You may still be paying your employees for work they are unable to perform because they can't enter an unstable and potentially unsafe building. If the flood damage occurred to your home, you and your family are likewise experiencing the discomfort and expense of having to stay elsewhere. For these reasons, it's best to immediately call a local cleanup service that can restore your property back to its original condition.


What to Expect from an Initial Analysis of Flooding Damage


When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO of San Mateo Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO of San Mateo Representative will ask several questions:

  • Your name and contact information
  • Your insurance information (if applicable)
  • The street address of the water-damaged home or business
  • When did the flooding or water damage occur?
  • What caused the water damage (if known)?
  • Is there electricity available (on-site)?

24 Hour Emergency Service

In many cleaning and restoration situations, immediate action is needed. With over 1,700 U.S. and Canadian Franchise locations, SERVPRO is strategically positioned to be faster to any size emergency. An immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.  SERVPRO of San Mateo provides emergency services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays. You can expect an immediate response time, day or night. No damage is too large or too small for SERVPRO of San Mateo. Our staff is highly trained with the power and knowledge to restore your property "Like it never even happened." We are always ready to help the residents and businesses of our local or neighboring communities be prepared for any type of damage or clean up at any time!

Storm Damage Information

5/16/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of San Mateo has experience restoring homes affected by storms and flooding. We can respond immediately with our highly trained technicians who are specialized to restore your home or business back to pre-storm conditions using advanced equipment to prevent secondary damages. SERVPRO of San Mateo provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays with immediate response time, day or night. When a disaster hits you can relay on SERVPRO of San Mateo professionals to restore your property "Like it never even happened." and to protect your most valuable assets.

Surviving a natural disaster that strikes your home or business is only the beginning; recovering from the event inevitably brings new challenges. While property owners carry insurance to protect their investments and facilitate recovery, failure to understand the finer points of these policies can set the stage for frustration and hardship. What exactly is the role of insurance in disaster recovery? It is a surprisingly difficult question; the answer varies widely depending on numerous factors. These factors include the insurance policies in place, the type of disaster, the geography of the area and its history of disaster.

THE FLOOD PROBLEM

While property owners should always be aware of what their insurance does and does not cover, there is one type of disaster that demands special attention: flooding. The most common form of disaster, floods can be triggered by hurricanes, storms, landslides, earthquakes, and other catastrophes, and the damage they cause is typically not covered by standard homeowner insurance policies. Unfortunately, many property owners do not realize that fact until it is too late. According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, a third of U.S. heads of household mistakenly believe that flood damage is covered by a standard homeowner policy; it is a costly misunderstanding that can leave property owners without the financial means to recover after a disaster.


The Federal Emergency Management Agency says that flood claims averaged over $2.9 billion a year. Unsurprisingly, residents living in high-risk areas made the majority of the claims; after all, statistics show that a home in these locations has a 1 in 4 chance of flooding during a 30-year period. However, individuals living in other places can still suffer damages. One-fifth of flood claims are made by people living in lower-risk areas.

UNDERSTANDING FLOOD INSURANCE

A mere 20 percent of the homes in the United States that are at risk for flooding are covered by flood insurance. Why do so few people have coverage for flooding? Part of the problem is that most private insurers will not offer flood insurance because they simply cannot make the economics work thanks to a concept known as adverse selection. What is adverse selection? Simply put, it means that the people at greatest risk are most likely to buy insurance. Normally, insurers offer coverage to a large number of customers, charging each a small fee. Not everyone will suffer damage, and the amount the insurers collect allows them to pay for the claims filed by those who do while still making a reasonable profit. However, in a perfect example of adverse selection, the people who tend to purchase flood insurance are also the ones who live near large bodies of water and have the greatest risk of suffering flood damage. Individuals who view flooding as unlikely are generally uninterested in buying flood insurance. As a result, the pool of people willing to pay for flood insurance is not large enough to generate sufficient funds to meet the demand created by people making flood claims. 


If private insurers do not offer flood insurance, what can property owners concerned about flooding do? Policies are available that are backed by the federal government’s National Flood Insurance Program. Here, participating communities agree to meet FEMA's guidelines for reducing flood risk. In return, they receive the promise of federal help if a flooding event occurs. Both property owners and renters who live in a participating area can buy flood insurance. Costs vary widely. The price tag for this type of policy is determined by the deductible selected, the amount of coverage purchased, the condition of the property and its location.

PROTECTING YOUR PROPERTY FROM FLOODING

How would you recover if your home or business was damaged by flooding? Ensuring your home or business is one of the best ways to protect your property and increase the chances that you will have the assets you need to recover from a disastrous flood. Be sure that you understand your policy, and do not wait until a storm is imminent to buy flood insurance. In most cases, there is a 30-day period between when the policy is purchased and when it goes into effect. 
If flooding or some other type of disaster does damage your residential or commercial property, SERVPRO of San Mateo can help. We are capable of responding rapidly to catastrophes of all shapes and sizes. As trusted leaders in the restoration industry, we understand that delay can result in additional damage. That is why we are available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. Our highly skilled technicians are trained in water damage restoration and structural drying, and they have the professional equipment needed to get the job done properly. If you need assistance recovering from a disaster or would like to learn more about our services, contact SERVPRO of San Mateo today.  

Have Storm or Flood Damage?
Call Us Today (650) 931-6060

Catastrophe

12/28/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of San Mateo Catastrophe Response Capabilities

 When catastrophe strikes – whether in the form of a sudden force of nature or devastating manmade event – SERVPRO of San Mateo enacts a rapid response to deploy a team of catastrophe response experts best suited to assess the damage and get to work.

With trailers of equipment placed strategically throughout the country, our Catastrophe Response Team (CAT Team) is poised to respond swiftly – ready to launch a coordinated effort to restore business as usual. We will work with you to assess damage and outline project scope, including necessary emergency services. At SERVPRO of San Mateo we always respect environmental and hazardous abatement protocols, provide thorough documentation, and work hard to minimize disruptions and protect occupant safety.

The experienced, versatile professionals at SERVPRO are well-versed in catastrophe response services, including:

  • Environmental Remediation – removal and disposal of hazardous waste
  • Demolition – assessment of damaged areas to determine what can be restored or returned to operation, then removal of charred/wet debris and structural materials
  • Odor Removal – deployment of new technologies and chemicals to control odors on both a short and long-term basis, minimizing further physical and physiological damage
  • Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems – cleaning, deodorization, and encapsulation of HVAC systems to reduce or eliminate the need for replacement after smoke and soot damage
  • Electronic Data Processing Equipment – halting of initial corrosion, then chemical and physical reconditioning
  • General Cleaning of Contents and Furnishings – thorough cleaning of floors, walls, ceilings, fixtures, windows, furniture, draperies, upholstery, small contents, wall hangings, books, etc.
  • Encapsulation of Structural Surfaces – application of pigmented sealer to surfaces that cannot be cleaned or restored back to original condition, to eliminate future odor problems
  • Removal and disposal of hazardous waste, and other dangerous materials.

Storm Damage & Wind Damage

12/28/2018 (Permalink)

Storm Damage is No Match for SERVPRO of San Mateo

In catastrophe situations following a community-wide disaster with widespread need, SERVPRO of San Mateo’s ability to quickly rally manpower and equipment to respond to any-sized storm is unrivaled in the industry. Every large loss is supervised by a commercial operations manager to help ensure seamless communication and timely mitigation.

Storm Clean Up and Recovery

An unexpected tornado can bring wind damage and hail damage. Storm damage caused by a powerful hurricane can cause severe property damage and flooding. A wintry blizzard can cause wind damage and ice damming.

In an instant, Mother Nature can unleash powerful weather patterns, leaving behind substantial storm damage to your home or business. Wind, water, hail and downed trees are just some of the things that can expose your property and contents, whatever their size, to the elements. It is at this time that immediate storm damage restoration is key to your property’s safety and recovery.

The SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team can provide help whether you're dealing with a tornado, hurricane, blizzard or flood. The SERVPRO System has a network of strategically positioned storm teams on standby should a disaster strike near you. Available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, we are prepared for the unpredictable.

With the ability to mobilize local command centers, along with the resources of more than 1,700 Franchises nationwide, no disaster is too big. Recent mobilizations of the Catastrophic Storm Response Teams include:

  • 2014 Polar Vortex
  • 2012 Sandy
  • 2010 Nashville floods
  • 2008 Ike
  • 2007 Chicago floods
  • 2007 Ohio floods
  • 2007 California wildfires
  • 2005 Katrina/Wilma/Rita

Storm Damage Clean Up and Restoration

12/17/2018 (Permalink)

Storm Damage Cleanup and Restoration

Restoring storm- and flood-damaged properties is the cornerstone of our business. Our highly trained professionals use specialized equipment and advanced training to quickly restore your St. George property to pre-storm condition. We’re dedicated to responding immediately, which helps to minimize secondary damage.

Have Storm or Flood Damage?
Call Us Today (650)931-6060

Why Choose SERVPRO of San Mateo?

We're Faster to Any Size Disaster

A fast response is crucial to flooding and storm damage, because it reduces secondary damage and restoration costs. Storms don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. Our technicians will respond immediately, day or night, to help Lubbock business owners and residents.

Learn More

We're Highly Trained Storm Damage Specialists

We are storm and water damage specialists who get started promptly to get your property dry and back to pre-storm condition. Using advanced equipment and scientific drying techniques, we document the drying process to validate your home or business is ready.

  • Water Damage Restoration Technician
  • Applied Structural Drying Technicians

Learn More

We Have the Resources to Handle Storms and Disasters

We can access the resources and personnel of 1,700 Franchises to handle major storms and disasters. We also have access to special Disaster Recovery Teams strategically located throughout the country to respond to catastrophic storms and events.

Learn More

Locally Owned Company with National Storm Resources

As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of Southwest Lubbock is strategically located to respond quickly to your water or flood damage event. When a major storm or flood event occurs, we can call upon our national network of 1,700 SERVPRO Franchises and special Disaster Recovery Teams if we need additional resources or personnel.

We proudly serve San Mateo, CA, and surrounding areas.

Commercial Storm Damage Restoration

12/6/2018 (Permalink)

Commercial Storm Damage Restoration

Storms and inclement weather can be devastating to any business. Wind damage, heavy rain, and flooding can occur suddenly and cause substantial damage in a matter of minutes. There’s never a convenient time for flooding or storm damage to strike your business. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

be there fast with the help you need.

Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today (650)931-6060

Commercial Restoration Presents Unique Challenges

SERVPRO of San Mateo has the training, experience, and equipment to handle large commercial storm or water damage emergencies. Regardless of your property type or size, we will respond quickly to clean the property and manage the restoration project through to its completion. Learn more about our training and certifications.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

SERVPRO of San Mateo will respond immediately to the storm or flood event affecting your commercial property, regardless of the size or scope of the damage. We are part of a national network of over 1,700 Franchises with special Disaster Recovery Teams placed strategically throughout the country to respond to large scale events and disasters.

We are proud to be a part of our community and strive to provide the residents and business owners in our area the fastest response times and our best work each and every day.

Storm Flooding in San Mateo and the Bay Area

2/2/2018 (Permalink)

Flooding Caused by Excessive Rainfall During Storms

After a storm or natural disaster, the aftermath can be detrimental to you both emotionally and financially.  Storm cleanup and water damage restoration to your property can be stressful without the help of qualified technicians leading the way. With storm season approaching us, rain and high winds can affect San Mateo and other parts of the Bay Area. When these winter storms occur, there’s a possibly of power outages in your area due to winds knocking down electrical poles or other causes.

It is important for families to be prepared for a power outage that may last for several hours or days after a heavy storm. The National Public Service campaign, Ready Campaign, has shared the following tips regarding power outage:

Before a Power Outage:

  • Build or restock your emergency preparedness kit, including a flashlight, batteries, casa, and first aid supplies.
  • Make sure you have alternate charging methods for your phone or any device that requires power.
  • Charge cell phones and any battery powered devices.
  • Know where the manual release lever of your electric garage door is located and know how to operate it.
  • Learn about the emergency plans that have been establish in your community.

During a Power Outage:

  • Avoid using candles which can cause fires. Only use flashlight for emergency lighting.
  • Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. Most food requiring refrigeration can be kept safely in a closed refrigerator for about four hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours.
  • Put on layers of warm clothing if it is cold outside. Never burn charcoal for heating or cooking indoors.
  • Only use generators away from your home, and NEVER run a generator inside a home or garage, or connect it to your home’s electrical system. Consult an electrician or engineer before purchasing and installing a generator.

After a Power Outage:

  • Throw away any food that has been exposed to temperatures of 40*F (4*C) for two hours or more. When in doubt, throw it away.
  • If food in freezer is colder than 40*F and has ice crystals on it, you can refreeze it.
  • Contact your doctor if you’re concerned about medication having spoiled.
  • Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. 
  • Choose foods your family will eat.
  • Remember any special dietary needs.
  • Avoid foods that will make you thirsty.

The following items are suggested when selecting emergency food supplies. You may already have many of these on hand.

  • Salt-free crackers, whole grain cereals, and canned foods with high liquid content
  • Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, vegetables and a can opener
  • Protein or fruit bars
  • Dry cereal or granola
  • Peanut butter
  • Dried fruit
  • Nuts
  • Crackers
  • Canned juices
  • Non-perishable pasteurized milk
  • High energy foods
  • Vitamins
  • Food for infants
  • Comfort/stress foods
  • Don’t forget to pack a can opener and other utensils needed!

For more information and tips on how to prepare for and respond to an emergency visit

 https://www.ready.gov/about-us

SERVPRO of San Mateo has the experience, the expertise, and the advanced training that enables us to get your property restored quickly and thoroughly. For your emergency restoration services call us 24/7 for prompt service. (650) 931-6060.

Lighting Affects the Bay Area and San Mateo

2/2/2018 (Permalink)

Lighting and Stormy Conditions Affect the Bay Area

On Monday, September 11, the Bay Area was hit with a late-summer storm that brought thousands of lightning strikes, rain and high winds. The strong winds knocked down several wires in the South Bay, leaving several homes and businesses without power.

We must begin to prepare for the upcoming storm season that fall may bring. These storms can potentially create numerous water and damage losses for your home or business. It is important to inspect your home or business for water damage to prevent it from creating mold or further damage to the structure.

The heavy winds of these storms can knock down trees causing severe damage to your property. Storm and flood damages require specialized techniques and adequate equipment. If your residential or commercial property is affected by a storm, you will need a company with storm damage experience and expertise. Trust SERVPRO of San Mateo to take care of it. Call us 650-931-6060.

Locally Owned Company with National Storm Resources

SERVPRO of San Mateo is locally owned and operated, so we are part of this community too. When you have a flooding or storm emergency, we’re already nearby and ready to help 24/7. We take pride in being a part of the San Mateo community and want to do our part in making it the best it can be.