Why Insurance Adjusters Should Use and Recommend SERVPRO

7/24/2020 (Permalink)

When homes are damaged in natural and other disasters, it is always in an insurance company's best interest to make sure that any damage is fixed properly the first time. When flood or water damage does not receive proper remediation, it can lead to much more severe and long-term damage. When insurance adjusters recommend companies that address damage properly and appropriately, they not only help protect the homeowner's property and save their company from having to pay even more expensive claims down the road but they also help strengthen and build stronger relationships with their clients. Here are three reasons why insurance adjusters should use and recommend SERVPRO to all of their insurance clients. 

1. Locally Owned and Operated, Nationally Known

SERVPRO is a chain of locally owned and operated franchises that make up a network of over 1,700 operators across the US and Canada. That means we all benefit from understanding the unique needs of the communities and geographical areas we serve as well as having access to a wealth of information and experience from other franchise owners across the country. With that many franchise owners all working together, you can rest assured that the needs of your clients will be handled quickly and professionally. 

2. Workers Ready and Waiting

Unlike other types of structural damage, water damage must be addressed immediately to have the best outcomes. When hurricane season hits or other natural disasters strike, other companies can be overrun with requests and it can take several days or even weeks to get teams out to help mitigate the damage. This leaves anxious homeowners susceptible to being taken advantage of by a number of scam artists that quickly move into the area in the wake of any natural disaster. SERVPRO, on the other hand, can call upon any number of regional franchises to get additional help in place whenever and wherever it is needed, so your clients get the high level of expertise they deserve.

3. Start to Finish Service

We understand that it's not enough to just simply do a great job restoring the homes of your customers. It is also important to keep costs low, provide a clear paper trail of all work performed and even save you the headache of dealing with multiple vendors. We offer a National Call Center that is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to help you promptly handle all claims. We also pre-screen all vendors to ensure they are fully qualified, insured and licensed when necessary. Our Claims Information Center maintains a complete electronic job file, which we can provide to you at any time and within hours of any claim. The file includes a detailed estimate, digital loss photos as well as a "First Notice of Loss" and scanned forms and paperwork which can be delivered either by email or hard copy. We don't just provide a superior level of service to your clients, we also offer that same superior level of service to claims adjusters as well. 

We understand that to be the best in the business, we can't just offer superior restoration service. We also have to offer superior service to insurance companies to help you gain a competitive advantage. All franchisees are trained to IICRC standards in Fire and Water Cleanup and Restoration as well as offering continuing education classes to both Franchise Professionals and Insurance Clients at our state of the art IICRC Approved Training Facility. Our performance standards are both measured and well-documented, which can help provide increased value to you, your shareholders, managers, and customers.

Workplace Fire Safety & Prevention Checklist

5/17/2019 (Permalink)

Most Oceanside residents already have a fire plan for home, but does your employer have one? Do you know your part in keeping the workplace safe?

According to the National Fire Protection Association, U.S. fire departments respond to over 3,000 fire on office properties per year.

Like at home, it’s your responsibility to take the necessary steps to keep your office environment safe. While there are specific measures employers should take to protect their staff – every employee should do their part to prevent fires.

Some employers are required by law to have an emergency action plan in place; however, it’s smart for all companies to create and share a strategy with staff in the event of a fire.

Employers should:

• Teach employees about fire hazards in the workplace – provide proper training in fire prevention and protection
• Inform employees of office housekeeping procedures for storage and cleanup
• Go over rules for controlling ignition sources such as smoking
• Provide for proper cleaning and maintenance of heat-producing equipment
• Require fire safety plan review with all new employees
• Alert the entire staff when changes are made to the fire safety plan
• Inspect office equipment on a regular basis
• Keep fire equipment in plain sight
• Prohibit smoking at and around work areas
• Have an alarm system that consists of visual and audible signals
• Post reporting instructions and local Fire Department codes around the office
• Conduct regular fire drills
• Include disabled employees in the fire emergency planning process
• Appoint a fire safety leader

Employees should:

• Keep work areas clean and free from clutter including waste paper and trash
• Replace damaged electrical cords
• Help maintain machinery to prevent overheating
• Never overload circuits
• Make sure papers and books are not piled on top of computer monitors
• Always report malfunctioning electrical equipment
• Make sure heat-producing equipment is far away from anything that could burn including copiers, fax machines, coffee makers and computers
• Remember to get rid of trash regularly so it does not accumulate
• Keep dock areas neat and clean
• Know the location of fire alarm pull stations and extinguishers
• Smoke in designated areas only
• Become familiar with the proper exits and emergency procedures
• Follow building security measures to prevent arson fires – lock up and report suspicious individuals
• Never block sprinklers, firefighting equipment or emergency exits
• Keep emergency telephone numbers and the office address readily available
• Never run extension cords across doorways or where they can easily be stepped on or run over by chairs and other furniture
• Avoid plugging more than one extension cord into an outlet

Wireless Emergency Alerts - Stay Informed Of Weather Alerts in Oceanside

5/16/2019 (Permalink)

How can Oceanside residents stay informed about emergencies in their communities? WEAs!

Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) are free notifications delivered to you mobile device as part of a public safety system provided by authorized government-alerting authorities. The alerts are designed to inform you of imminent threats to safety or missing persons alerts in your area (e.g.  AMBER Alerts). 

Government partners include local and state public safety agents, FEMA, the FCC, the Department of Homeland Security, and the National Weather Service. A WEA can be sent to your mobile device when you may be in harm’s way, without downloading an app or subscribing to a service.  WEAs may be used to share extreme weather warnings, local emergencies requiring evacuation or immediate action, AMBER Alerts, and Presidential Alerts during a national emergency.

This is America’s wireless industry helping to build a Weather-Ready Nation through a nationwide text emergency alert system, called Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), which will warn you when weather threatens.

The great piece of this is that there is no signup required, and Alerts are sent automatically to WEA-capable phones during an emergency. With WEA, alerts may be sent to your mobile device when you may be in harm’s way.

A WEA will look like a text message. The WEA message will typically show the type and time of the alert, any action you should take, and the agency issuing the alert.  The message will be no more than 90 characters.  WEA message will include a special tone and vibration, with both repeated twice.

The National Weather Service will send the following types of messages:

• Tornado and Flash Flood Warnings
• Hurricane, Typhoon, Dust Storm and Extreme Wind Warnings

Of course, Oceanside does not receive some of these extreme weather conditions, but SERVPRO of North Oceanside recommends staying ALERT for WEAs!

SERVPRO of North Oceanside is hiring.

4/24/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Oceanside is seeking an experienced technician.  Company vehicles are used as well as uniforms are provided.  Pay is competitive with benefits following a probation period.  Experience is needed with an IICRC WTR certification is a plus.  Call us at (760) 721-8929.  

Reasons You Should Invest in Preventative Maintenance Repair for Your Furnace

11/9/2017 (Permalink)

The furnace is your ultimate companion during winter. This is because it keeps the entire house warm and can protect you from the freezing cold. On the other hand, the furnace is like any other machine it can break down when you need it the most. Such malfunctions can be kept at bay by investing in preventive maintenance.

Move out/Pack Out

5/12/2016 (Permalink)

Move-Outs/Pack-Outs

If your home requires extensive restoration or cleaning, SERVPRO of North Oceanside can conduct an organized, efficient move-out of the affected area. Move-out will provide several benefits, including:

•  A quicker remodeling process
•  Protecting items from potential damage
•  Protecting contents from further on-site damage

When restoration is completed, they will work with you to coordinate the move-in according to your needs. The services offered upon move-in may depend on your insurance coverage.