Crime Prevention Tips

11/19/2022 (Permalink)

Important crime prevention tips.

Upstanding citizens cannot remove a criminal’s desire or ability to commit a crime, but they can help prevent crime by removing the opportunity. Here’s how:

• Always lock your vehicle - even if it’s parked in your driveway.
• Close your garage door.
• Leave valuables at home.
• Never leave valuables in a vehicle or even locked in a trunk as criminals may be watching.
• When in doubt, call the Police. They would rather have a false alarm then have anyone become a victim because they didn’t feel comfortable calling 911.

Business Owners:

• Leave cash register draws empty & open overnight so criminals looking in can see there is no money to steal.
• Keep your safe & merchandise away from view of those looking in overnight.
• Change your access codes & passwords frequently - especially if you’ve disclosed them to anyone else.
• Use unmarked bags for bank drops & do them at different times of day, different days of the week. Criminals will observe your habits & can strike if they see a pattern.
• Great customer service helps deter crime. No one wants to steal with people watching.

For more helpful tips visit the official Safer Cerritos page: http://www.safercerritos.com/crime_...

Be safe Cerritos citizens & friends & family!

Emergency Supply List for Your Cerritos Home

11/19/2022 (Permalink)

• Prescription medication & glasses
• Infant formula & diapers
• Pet food & extra water for your pet
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification & bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
• Cash or traveler’s checks & change
• Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or information from www.ready.gov
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.
• Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants & sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.
• Household chlorine bleach & medicine dropper - When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
• Fire Extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Feminine supplies & personal hygiene items
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates & plastic utensils, paper towels
• Paper & pencil
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

Keeping Your Cool When Your Southern California AC Starts Leaking

11/19/2022 (Permalink)

Maintaining Your AC and Preventing Flood Damage in Southern California 

During these hot summer months, having an air conditioning unit that works properly is very useful. A problem we have seen is when AC units are left unchecked and cause water damage in a home through slow leaking. The team at SERVPRO of Cerritos/Hawaiian Gardens wanted to briefly explain the way an air conditioning system works within a home. 

1. An evaporator coil captures air from outside and cools it, forming moisture during this process.
2. Moisture from the coil drips onto a drain pan then down through a drain line to route out the liquid and leave you with refreshing temperatures.

If not properly maintained, a clogged drain line results in moisture being backed up and overflowing. Another reason AC can cause water damage in a home is when the drain pan itself is faulty and moisture slips through. 

There are several other factors that can cause Air Conditioning systems to cause home water damage. We encourage you to see this article on Popular Mechanics for more information. Should you experience this type of water damage in your home or business, the professionals at SERVPRO of Cerritos/Hawaiian Gardens will be there to assist you. 

When an Odor Wont Go Away in Your Cerritos Home!

1/12/2022 (Permalink)

Detecting and Deterring Odor in Your Cerritos Home

When an odor persists in your Cerritos home, what can be done? Rather than living with the stench, easy measures can be taken to start eliminating common sources. If and when the odor still persists, our team of local Certified Clean experts are here to help! But first, what can you do?

• Common Sources of Odor

The first step is to check common sources of odor. The most common is unused drains. When drains are not regularly flushed out or cleaned, they become dry which allows residue to dry up and emit an evaporated odor back up through the plumbing. 

Another common issue is moisture buildup not being properly vented. If a source is causing steam or high levels of humidity, this can easily yield mildew buildup when not properly vented. High amounts of mildew can produce odors as well as become harmful when left unattended for long periods of time. 

• How to Deter

If drains are unused it is recommended to flush them out using a vinegar solution at least once a week. 

If using a source with high amounts of steam, it is recommended to keep windows fully open or vent out the humidity by other means. Other valuable tools include an Air purifier which filters out harmful elements in the air.

• When the Scent Persists

If you have tried the above mentioned alternatives and an odor still persists, call SERVPRO of Cerritos. Our technicians are trained to the industry standards and can detect signs that may not be seen by the untrained eye.

Our inspections are free of charge during business hours, call 562-916-7646 or find us online today!

First Time Cerritos Homeowners Safety Tips

2/12/2019 (Permalink)

First time Southern California homeowners can experience mixed feelings when moving in. At first it may be exciting to make the space feel like home. Very close if not at the top of the priority list though, is keeping all in the residence safe. These few vital steps are key to increasing safety for any resident and eliminating opportunity for crime.

• Have an Alarm System

Alarm systems are configured so that, when set off, representatives from the alarm service can notify local authorities as swiftly as possible. In addition, most alarms come with a sign to post in front of your home. This alone is an effective deterrent to thieves.

• Lighting

'Ok time to go, shut the lights off...right?' Saving energy is recommended, however, some interior lighting is another vital factor to notifying any individuals with ill intent that the home is active.  Realtor.com recommends using different lights at different times and staying away from leaving the same light on often. 

• TV Watchers - The Real Heroes

Finally, with the TV on at a suitable volume the noise it emits is another sign of an occupied and safe home. So don't forget to set the DVR and have an extra batch of popcorn ready!

While owning a home for the first time can be an exciting experience, these steps will help keep all in your home safe. 

Record-Breaking Storms Impact Southern California

1/14/2019 (Permalink)

As storms hit the California Coast, road closures and areas recently affected by wildfires become a risk. The information below will help you stay up to date as this week of rain continues.

• Facts and Figures

People living in areas recently affected by wild fires should be ready for possibilities of mudslides and flashflooding.

Los Angeles and Orange Counties are expected to start with 1-2 inches of rain while valleys and the Inland Empire areas are expecting more.  

In addition, mountain regions are projected to have 6-12 inches of snow. 

• Know your area
  

Multiple road closures have caused severe traffic delays, these include:

 - I-5 shutdown at Grapevine

- Pacific Coast Highway shutdown in Malibu Mudslide

• What's Next?

Two more storms are forecasted to pass through. The first being expected to move swiftly starting late Tuesday. In addition, the heaviest storm will impact the west coast Wednesday and Thursday.

We ask all to remain alert when commuting and take all necessary precautions to have a safe week!