Month: November 2022

What are the Dangers of Ignoring Biological Hazards

Written by adleverage on November 30, 2022. Posted in Biohazard Cleanup. No Comments on What are the Dangers of Ignoring Biological Hazards

If you need safe, professional cleanup of biological hazards, call the top biohazard cleanup service in Los Angeles, Restorerz Emergency Services, at (323) 997-4978.

A biological hazard, or biohazard, is any biological substance that threatens human health. From blood and fecal matter to bacteria, fungus, viruses, and mold, infectious materials in your home or business are dangerous to the well-being of anyone who enters. Regardless of whether they are present due to an accident, injury, crime, or other emergency, biohazards need prompt attention.

Ignoring biohazards can trigger a cascade of consequences, from serious illness to legal problems. Not following proper cleanup, decontamination, and disposal procedures can also result in severe consequences. Without the in-depth knowledge of appropriate techniques and the right tools and equipment, even your best effort to manage biological agents could make the problem worse.

When you call Restorerz Emergency Services for biohazard cleanup in Los Angeles, you get the expertise and discretion of a trained, certified crew. We’ll remove all infectious materials and sanitize and disinfect the scene, ensuring safety for anyone in the area. Letting us handle the issue also prevents the consequences of not addressing biological hazards correctly.

1. Individual Illness

Handling infectious materials like contaminated blood, vomit, bodily fluids, and fecal matter can spread disease. Pathogens that can make people ill can even contaminate personal items like clothing. Following protocols for handling and cleaning these materials can help prevent the spread of diseases like HIV and hepatitis.

Biotoxins are another concern. Biotoxins are poisonous substances that come from plants, bacteria, animals, and other biological sources. Depending on the substance, reactions can occur even after short-term exposure. Ongoing exposure can cause more severe reactions and increase the resistance of toxins to decontamination efforts. Prompt management is crucial to preventing widespread reactions and illness.

Ignoring the potential for infection from a biological hazard can also put those cleaning up the mess at risk. Anyone who comes in contact with the contaminated materials is at risk for illness unless they have the proper personal protective equipment and training. Assigning or allowing someone without that knowledge to clean up can harm their health.

2. Community Spread of Disease

The COVID-19 pandemic is a prime example of how biological hazards can cause the spread of disease throughout communities. Biological agents like viruses can spread rapidly, infecting anyone who comes in contact with them. Without effective management, these biological hazards create the possibility of widespread outbreaks that disrupt daily life.

It’s not just viruses that can cause a major illness outbreak, though. Mold spores can travel through the air and make people sick. Mold can come from poorly maintained HVAC systems, water damage, and other sources, creating a significant risk to human health.

3. Lawsuits

Ignoring biological hazards or not investing in proper cleanup can spell legal trouble, especially for businesses that put employees or customers at risk for health problems. You are responsible for protecting others’ well-being, and failing to do so can leave you vulnerable to costly lawsuits. You may be liable to pay damages to individuals who can prove their illness is due to your negligence in managing biohazards.

Infectious materials require special handling, and not following protocols creates an ongoing risk. If you know a problem exists but choose to ignore it, the consequences will likely be more severe than if you take responsibility and proactively address the issue. Even if you clean and sanitize after incidents involving biological hazards, you may need more than those efforts to prevent a lawsuit. At the very least, you may face fines and fees from government agencies.

4. Environmental Hazards

Biohazards present risks to human health but can also cause environmental concerns. Proper waste disposal is critical when it comes to biological agents. Items like hypodermic needles, contaminated clothing, and human waste require special handling to avoid the risk of spreading disease. In other words, biohazards don’t belong in regular business or household garbage.

For example, hypodermic needles require special handling. Disposing of them in the regular garbage and not a sharps container can put others at risk for a puncture wound. In addition to causing injury, a needle contaminated with blood or other biological hazards can cause infection and illness.

Improper disposal of biological hazards can contaminate soil, water, and plants. It can also make animals sick, furthering the spread of disease. Professional cleanup crews take all necessary precautions to ensure biohazards are contained, preventing these issues.

5. Health Code Violations

If you run a business, you must comply with local health codes to ensure the safety of clients and employees, and ignoring a known biohazard is a serious violation. It can result in consequences ranging from fines to suspension of your business license. Even if the biological hazard is due to an accident or other emergency unrelated to your business, you’re responsible for cleanup to protect human health.

Calling a professional biohazard cleanup service ensures you comply with health codes. They will decontaminate and sanitize the area, ensuring it’s safe without putting your employees at risk.

Get Help Managing Biological Hazards from the Professionals of Restorerz Emergency Services

At this point, you might be asking, “What is biohazard cleanup, and how is it different from other cleaning?” Essentially, it’s a type of cleaning that takes into account the individual hazards and risks they cause and uses advanced cleaning, decontamination, and disposal methods to protect human health. It requires special techniques and equipment to eliminate danger and ensure compliance with all applicable safety codes and rules.

If you’re dealing with biological hazards in your home or business, you need help and fast. Don’t ignore the issue or wait to get help with it. Call the experts of Restorerz Emergency Services at (323) 997-4978, and a crew will arrive within 60 minutes to evaluate the situation and create a plan to address it. The infectious materials will be safely collected and disposed of, and you can rest easy knowing your space is clean and safe.

Why It’s Important to Remove Soot after Fire Damage

Written by adleverage on November 20, 2022. Posted in Fire Damage. No Comments on Why It’s Important to Remove Soot after Fire Damage

Has a fire left your home with soot and smoke damage? Call the trusted professionals of Restorerz Emergency Services at (323) 997-4978 for fast cleanup and restoration.

It can happen to anyone: You’re cooking dinner, and the next thing you know, a grease splatter leads to a raging fire. Containing and extinguishing the flames quickly is important, but it doesn’t mean that fire damage won’t spread throughout your home. Smoke and soot particles can spread to areas that weren’t not directly affected by the fire and cause health issues and additional damage if you don’t remove soot immediately.

Dealing with soot residue and smoke damage requires specialized equipment and techniques. When homeowners need fire damage restoration in Los Angeles, they call Restorerz Emergency Services for fast, professional service. These experienced professionals can be at your home in 60 minutes or less to remove soot from walls, eliminate smoke odors, and restore your home to its pre-fire condition.

When you leave fire cleanup to the professionals, you avoid making the problem worse with ineffective cleaning methods. You can also avoid the following impacts on your home and family’s health.

1. Breathing Problems

Fires produce soot when the fuel source (whatever is on fire) doesn’t burn completely. The black, powdery substance sticks to surfaces. It also ends up in the HVAC system, meaning that the next time you turn on the heat or AC, the soot particles will fill the air — and your family will breathe them in.

Breathing in soot can irritate the lungs and cause serious respiratory conditions in humans and animals. If anyone in your family already has a breathing issue like asthma or COPD, breathing in soot can make it worse and even lead to a medical emergency. It’s also possible for soot particles to enter the bloodstream, causing complications like heart attacks in people with heart disease.

These potential health hazards mean that proper safety equipment is necessary during cleanup to remove soot. Attempting to clean up yourself without the right gear can make you sick, so leave the job to the professionals.

2. Skin and Eye Irritation

Coming in contact with soot particles after a fire can also irritate your skin and eyes. Soot contains many hazardous substances, including acids, metals, and chemicals that can cause painful skin irritation. It’s especially important to remove soot particles embedded in fabrics or anything else that comes in contact with the skin to prevent reactions.

Soot particles in the air can also irritate your eyes, making them red and itchy. Fire damage cleanup can release more microscopic particles into the air and increase discomfort.

3. Odors

One of the longest-lasting impacts of any fire is the ashy, smoky smell that can linger for weeks or months. Even if the smoke damage isn’t immediately visible, the smell of smoke is hard to miss. Smoke odors come from soot particles trapped in fabrics and carpets, and without prompt cleanup, the particles penetrate the fibers and become harder to remove.

A professional restoration service has the equipment to remove soot from soft surfaces and eliminate odors. Furniture, carpets, window treatments, and other fabrics will smell fresh without any signs of smoke odors or soot residue.

4. Stains

Surveying the scene after a fire, you’ll see smoke damage and notice soot on surfaces. If you don’t remove soot immediately, the damage will worsen, with stains appearing on surfaces after a few days. Walls and floors can develop yellow smoke and soot stains. Not removing soot residue will leave porous materials like granite with permanent discoloration. Soot residue can also permanently tarnish metal surfaces.

Using the proper cleaning and restoration methods and equipment is critical to preventing soot stains. Otherwise, you risk spreading the particles around or not fully removing them, increasing the risk of permanent damage.

5. Corrosion

The acids in soot particles that cause skin and eye irritation can also wreak havoc on metal. After a fire, metal surfaces in your home, like doorknobs, faucets, and even plumbing pipes, can corrode if you don’t remove soot. At the very least, soot will permanently tarnish the metal.

Metal surfaces need special cleaning and treatment after soot exposure to prevent long-term damage. Although applying cooking oil can temporarily protect metal surfaces from corrosion, a professional, detailed cleaning will restore them to their original condition.

6. HVAC Problems

As mentioned, soot particles can enter your HVAC system and affect the air quality inside your home. That’s not the only concern, though. Your HVAC system has many metal parts, including ductwork, that are vulnerable to damage from the corrosive soot residue.

Calling a smoke damage and fire cleanup specialist to inspect and clean your HVAC system is critical to preventing long-term problems. The acidic soot particles can cause widespread damage to the system components, eventually causing malfunctions or even a total breakdown. A damaged HVAC system is a fire hazard itself, so having it checked out after a fire should be a priority.

Call Restorerz Emergency Services for Fast, Professional Smoke Damage Cleanup

A fire in your home is a stressful experience. Even when the fire department contains the blaze and damage is minimal, the lingering soot residue and smoke odors are a lasting reminder of what happened. You may be able to clean up some of the mess, but unless you have the training and equipment to remove soot, your family and home are still in danger.

For that reason, one of the first things to do after fire damage is to call the professionals of Restorerz Emergency Services for help. Our team of trained and certified professionals is standing by to remove soot and smoke, eliminate odors, and restore your property after an emergency. As the top fire smoke restoration service in Los Angeles, you can count on us to be there quickly to clean up and get your home back to normal. To request immediate assistance, dial (323) 997-4978, and we’ll be on our way.

Why You Need a Professional for Biohazard Cleanup in Santa Monica

Written by adleverage on November 18, 2022. Posted in Blog. No Comments on Why You Need a Professional for Biohazard Cleanup in Santa Monica

You may be the type who doesn’t mind getting their hands dirty. Many homeowners try to clean up water damage, mold, and other issues themselves. But biohazard cleanup is a serious business and there are many risks if you don’t take the proper precautions. We’ll explain in more detail why you should hire a professional for biohazard cleanup in Santa Monica, Los Angeles, or anywhere there’s a biohazardous situation.

It Is Not a Typical Cleanup Job

Biohazard cleanup isn’t like mopping a kitchen spill or sopping up a carpet stain. The job requires more advanced knowledge, skills, and equipment than cleaning up ordinary dirt and grime. Trained professionals must be called in after a dead body has been found, someone sustained a traumatic injury, or a chemical spill has occurred. They’re often relied upon to clean up crime scenes or laboratories where accidents have occurred. Homes impacted by floodwaters and other disasters may require biohazard cleanup as well.

Potential for Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens

Serious diseases and biological pathogens may be present at a scene where biohazard cleanup is required. Human feces, urine, blood, and other bodily fluids can be dangerous if mishandled. Failing to clean these up properly risks being exposed to hepatitis A or C, E. coli, HIV, rotavirus, and other serious, potentially deadly diseases.

A biohazard cleanup professional is equipped with everything from respiratory protection to special footwear to prevent infection and the spread of body fluids, contaminants, and pathogens. They may use masks, gloves, and eye protection. In addition, they’re equipped and trained to properly block off affected areas.

Permanent Damage Can Occur Without Proper Cleanup

Some biohazards can permanently stain materials if not cleaned up quickly and properly. In the case of porous materials, certain contaminants can not only discolor them but also cause deterioration and structural weakening. Such issues can have major impacts on the aesthetics and value of a property. When biohazards are absorbed into building materials, strong odors can become permanently embedded, even if all visible traces of the material have been removed.

Biohazard Cleanup Professionals Are Properly Equipped

They have equipment and tools no one else has. For example, those who clean up crime scenes can use special solvents to re-liquify and disinfect dried blood. Biohazardous materials that may contain bacteria and other pathogens are placed into specially designed plastic containers or hazmat bags. Ozone machines and other high-grade deodorizers and equipment can effectively eliminate bad odors.

Trained Professionals Work Quickly

Prompt cleanup reduces the risk of anyone being exposed to hazardous materials. There may be legal concerns as well, such as after a crime takes place. Meanwhile, the longer it takes to clean up a biohazard, the more expensive cleanup may be later. A biohazard cleanup professional is prompt and efficient, which helps to avoid any of these issues.

Biohazard Cleanup in Santa Monica Requires a Permit In California

In California, a biohazard cleanup company must obtain a permit before it can handle blood and other body fluids, body parts, or other biohazardous materials. There are no certification requirements. However, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employees in law enforcement, health care, bioremediation, and other sectors who could potentially be exposed to bloodborne pathogens to complete the proper training. A trained professional is also conditioned to handle the demand, long hours, and stress (seeing the aftermath of a crime or traumatic event) associated with the job.

Contact Restorerz for Biohazard Cleanup Services

The #1 biohazard cleanup company in Los Angeles, Restorerz has a team of trained professionals equipped with the latest tools and methods to clean up bodily fluids, hypodermic needles, contaminated clothing, pathogens, and hazardous agents. We collect and properly dispose of materials per the latest health and safety guidelines. To request biohazard cleanup in Santa Monica or anywhere in Southern California, contact us online or call 323-970-4705.

How to Mitigate Water Damage from Roof Leak

Written by adleverage on November 10, 2022. Posted in Blog. No Comments on How to Mitigate Water Damage from Roof Leak

Roof leaks are not only an annoyance but can also cause significant water damage to your walls and ceiling. These leaks can gradually compromise your home’s infrastructure and facilitate the growth of mold and mildew. The faster you address water intrusion, the less damage it will do.

The team at Restorerz Emergency Services has created this guide on how to mitigate water damage from a roof leak. Contact us today for water damage restoration in Los Angeles!

Identify the Leak Source

When you notice a leak, first identify the leak source. The faster you identify the leak, the faster you can mitigate the damage.

The best place to start looking for leaks is the attic. Search for signs of moisture or standing water in this space. Most of the time, water from roof leaks runs down trusses and beams before it falls on the ground, so the leak might not be directly over the water puddle.

Try to Stop the Leak

Make every effort to stop or mitigate the flow from the leak. Clean up as much water in the attic as you can, and clear the roof leak hole from any loose tiling or debris.

You can perform temporary roof leak repairs by securing a tarp with screws or duct tape. If there are larger cracks, seal them with caulking for a temporary fix.

If the leak has entered your house, place buckets under the drips of water. Remove carpets and furniture in the affected area. You can also use a fan or dehumidifier to remove moisture and prevent the onset of mold or mildew.

Check for Water Damage

Once you have managed to stop the leak, go back to the source and identify the scope of the damage. The level of damage is the difference between being able to repair the damage and having to replace entire areas.

Experts identify four levels of water damage:

Level 1 damage consists of minimal absorption and evaporation. This water damage is usually salvageable and relatively easy to clean.
Level 2 water damage involves medium absorption levels and high evaporation loads. Items may reach up to 40% water intrusion. Level 2 water damage may require professional care to repair.
Level 3 water damage entails high absorption and high evaporation. Items with level 3 water damage have more than 40% saturation and may face severe damage.
Level 4 water damage is the highest level of water damage and involves complete water intrusion. Level 4 water can cause permanent damage to a structure. Due to its severity, this water damage requires specialized techniques for water removal and damage restoration.

Level 3 and level 4 water damage are the most serious categories and will require professional help.

Salvage What You Can

Once you identify the water damage level, save as many salvageable items as you can. Start with small items like boxes, books, and textiles that you can easily remove from affected areas.

After removing these items, place them in front of fans and air-dry them until they are dry to the touch. Make sure to avoid direct sunlight when drying items.

For larger items like furniture, remove as much water as possible with towels. After, dry the furniture textile with a hair dryer or a large fan. Start salvaging as quickly as possible for the best chance of saving your possessions.

Call a Water Restoration Expert

After taking the above steps, call a water restoration expert to fix water damage from a roof leak. A water restoration contractor can remove all water and restore any areas that sustained water damage. The restoration professional will also thoroughly assess the leak and restore any rotted wood and materials.

Common Causes of Roof Leaks

Below are some of the most common causes of roof leaks.

Missing Shingles

Missing shingles are a common cause of water leaks, as they create holes that allow water infiltration. Roofing shingles can loosen due to heavy rainfall or high winds. Inclement weather can damage shingles or rip them off entirely, depending on the severity.

Pooling Water

Flat roofs sometimes have problems draining water, leading to standing pools. These pools can leach into your roofing materials, causing structural damage and leaking into your attic and walls.

Even if you have waterproofed materials on your roof, water from a standing pool can leak its way through the seams. Large debris, such as tree branches, could prevent your roof from draining properly.

Clogged Gutters

Clogged gutters are another major source of roof leaks. Gutters can clog because of plant material, dirt, and other debris.

When gutters have clogs, they cannot drain water properly from your roof. Instead, water flows out of the gutters and down the sides of your walls.

Clogged gutters can force water back onto your roof, increasing the chances of a leak. Regular cleaning of your gutters can prevent blockages and potential leaks.

Burst Pipes

Another common culprit behind a leaky roof is a burst pipe somewhere in your walls or ceiling. Burst pipes can result from many elements, including hard water, old age, high water pressure, and accidental impacts.

Leaking pipes tend to create a more consistent flow of water than roof damage from rain. If you have a leaking pipe, shut off your water supply to stop the excess water flow immediately.

Roof Impact

Impacts on your roof from rocks or tree branches can punch holes in your roof, creating channels for water infiltration. Debris can also trap water and prevent it from draining properly off the roof and into your yard.

A roofing company can repair holes or other trauma to the roof.

Contact Us Today!

Cleaning up water damage is intense if you don’t know where to start. If you have water damage from a roof leak, you’ll need a professional to take care of the issues. Restorerz Emergency Services offers 24/7 emergency water damage restoration and repair services in Los Angeles, CA, and the surrounding areas.

Contact Restorerz online or call us today at (323) 973-1055!

Why Is Board Up Service So Important?

Written by adleverage on November 7, 2022. Posted in Blog. No Comments on Why Is Board Up Service So Important?

It’s not uncommon to see homes impacted by weather, fire, water damage, vehicle accidents, or other events boarded up. Offering protection, board up service is also an important part of the restoration process. Whether your windows are broken or intact, it has numerous benefits, including:

Storm Protection

During a hurricane or windstorm, impacts by debris or the force of the wind can shatter windows. Shards of glass and debris can then enter your home, Wind can also do major damage indoors. It can put pressure on the walls and roof, potentially compromising the structure of your home. Boarding up the windows provides a high degree of protection and can save money later.

Your Insurance Company Will Appreciate It

Boarding up your home protects it against further damage. The reduced risk means an insurance company is less likely to have to pay out more. Without additional protection, there’s a chance an insurance company can refuse to cover the damage or may even drop your coverage.

Protection After a Fire

The heat from a fire can shatter and destroy windows. That means whatever is left is vulnerable to rain, hot or cold temperatures, and other elements. Board up service protects what remains and allows you to get started with the rebuilding or restoration process.

Protection After Vehicle Impacts

Vehicle accidents most often happen on roads. But they can damage homes when a car veers off a street and hits a structure. The results often include shattered windows and broken walls. Boards can cover up damaged areas and protect the rest of your home until it can be repaired.

Deterrence of Vandalism and Theft

When your home is damaged, it is an easy target for vandals and thieves. Intruders can cause even more damage and loss. Plus, if they are injured while in the building, there could be liability issues. Boarding up provides a strong seal and layer of protection, so you can restore your home without worrying about criminals.

Protection of Vacant Properties

Whether a property is foreclosed, abandoned, or vacant for some other reason, broken windows can lead to additional damage and put the site at risk of vandalism. This can reduce property value and deter potential buyers. Boarding up can retain the value and appeal of an unoccupied building, and buy time—it protects the property until it is repaired or sold.

Board up service is an effective preventative measure. Even when your home or business is in harm’s way or has been structurally compromised, it protects the building until the danger has passed or restoration is completed. Boarding up can save your property and significantly reduce long-term costs. You want a skilled professional to seal up vulnerable entry points including doors and windows, which is why you can count on Restorerz.

Schedule Board Up Services with Restorerz

Restorerz is trusted for professional board up services throughout Los Angeles. We provide board up and tarp services no matter what caused the damage. Available 24/7, we can respond in 1 hour or less in emergencies and our IICRC-certified experts will get to work. We even offer deductible assistance and collaborate with your insurance company. To get started, contact us online or call 323-826-5977.