Water Damage Causes Numerous Issues Which Requires Knowledgeable & Flexible Response

3/31/2022 (Permalink)

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that 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.

Does Your Business Have A Business Continuity Plan?

2/16/2022 (Permalink)

Develop a Business Continuity Plan
Your organization's risk needs will vary depending on the specific industry, size, scope, and location. Begin by reviewing your business process flow chart, if one exists, to identify operations critical to survival and recovery. Carefully assess your internal and external functions to determine which staff, materials, procedures, and equipment are absolutely necessary to keep the business operating. You should also establish procedures for succession of management.

Review Insurance Coverage
Inadequate insurance coverage can lead to major financial loss if your business is damaged, destroyed, or simply interrupted for a period of time. Insurance policies vary; check with your agent or provider about things such as physical losses, flood coverage, and business interruption. Understand what your policy does and does not cover.

Prepare Your Emergency Plan
Your employees and co-workers are your businesses' most valuable asset. Communication is essential before, during, and after a disaster. Include emergency information in newsletters, on your company intranet, in periodic employee e-mails and/or other communication tools.

Practice the Emergency Plan
Some disasters will require employees to leave the workplace quickly. The ability to evacuate workers, consumers, and visitors effectively can save lives. If your business operates out of more than one location, establish evacuation procedures for each individual building. If your company is in a high-rise building, an industrial park, or even a strip mall, it is important to coordinate and practice with other tenants or businesses to avoid confusion and potential gridlock.

Secure Your Facility and Equipment
Install fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, and detectors in appropriate places. Secure all entry and exit points and plan for mail safety. Plan what you will do if your building, plant, or store is not usable. Secure valuable equipment.

SERVPRO Answers - Can You Be Proactive About Flooding?

2/16/2022 (Permalink)

A mishandled flood can mean dire damage to your business. Not only is the building itself at risk, but important inventory stands to be lost. Preparation is a very important part of stopping any flooding from becoming financially detrimental. These four steps are essential preparation for reducing flood-related problems.

1. Evaluate Special Considerations for the Area

While every business is at risk of an unexpected pipe burst leading to flood damage, some areas may also be at high risk of nearby bodies of water overflowing. A specialty flood insurance policy offers a way to recoup losses in an environment where water can rise and flood the streets.

2. Secure All Computers and Their Data

Networks and computers contain important business or customer data. They should be relocated to an elevated place near no pipes or water-connected utilities. By being high up, they are more protected from ground level flooding.

If the data is extremely important for operations, the computers should be regularly backed up and stored on a secure, remote server or external drive kept off the premises. By doing so, a backup is always available to prevent catastrophic data loss.

3. Keep the Building Maintained

Plumbing and utilities should regularly be inspected by a professional. Any problems identified during an inspection are best treated as soon as possible. If these problems are ignored, a resulting burst pipe can lead to extensive water damage.

4. Plan for Any Imminent Floods

Having a plan for the event of an oncoming black water flood can save your business time and money. This plan should include relocating company vehicles and products, identifying waterproof locations to store important documents, and providing instructions on how to shut off every utility.

Despite stellar planning, water may still damage a commercial property. If damage occurs, an expert water damage restoration crew is worth contacting to remove the water and restore the building back to its original condition. Planning ahead is key for completely preventing or, at the very least, lessening the consequences of flooding. Knowing what to do before will help you after. 

If disaster does strike, give us a call! We are faster to any disaster and are here to help get you back to "Like it never even happened."

We have the safety equipment that is vital to do the job!

3/23/2021 (Permalink)

Along with being a leader in the fire and water cleanup and restoration industry, SERVPRO® of Western Lake County also offers fast, reliable biohazard and crime scene cleanup.

A failure to properly handle and safely remove such hazardous substances can contribute to unhealthy and even dangerous environments. Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences for building occupants, employees, customers, and owners. 

Equipped with the necessary safety equipment and cleaning products, we help turn unsafe environments into clean, safe, homes and offices. We can help with a variety of biohazard, crime scene, or vandalism issues.

Sewage Backups

Sewage backups and dark water intrusions are more than smelly deposits – these damages also introduce harmful microorganisms into a structure. We remove the sewage, contaminants, and moisture, and help ensure the structure is properly cleaned, disinfected, and deodorized.

Blood Borne Pathogens

Our technicians remove and dispose of bodily fluids, tissue, and other potentially pathogenic substances resulting from accident, trauma, crime, or death. We thoroughly clean, disinfect, and deodorize the structure.

Crime Scene Residues

From fingerprint powder and evidence gathering chemicals to tear gas and pepper spray residues, we can clean and restore your property and contents.

Vandalism

We provide general cleaning and deodorization services for situations resulting from vandalism including graffiti, egg, spoiled foods, and human or animal waste.

We offer 24/7 service; so don’t hesitate to call us day or night to start the restoration process. If your business experiences damage of any kind, we’ll make sure your property is cleaned up and ready for business.

Busted Pipe? Toilet Overflow? SERVPRO is Here to Help!

2/1/2021 (Permalink)

Whether you are dealing with a busted pipe or toilet overflow, water damage in your commercial building is never fun. When this happens, there are so many things to think about that people often become overwhelmed and miss some important steps. Preparing your team and yourself ahead of time and having a proper protocol in place can make a big difference. Be sure to follow these guidelines when dealing with this type of problem.

Identify the Source

Cleaning up the mess is extremely important, but if you don't identify the source, the issue will keep happening. One of the most common sources of the leak in a commercial building is broken pipes. Besides that, you may be looking at a flooded toilet or roof damage. Getting the problem fixed right away may help you avoid larger issues down the road.

Take Safety Measures

If you are dealing with contaminated water, you need to take the proper safety precautions. Sewage contains bacteria and viruses and should be dealt with accordingly. Clearly mark the area off and wear the right equipment when cleaning up. You may want to call a professional to come to help you in this situation.

Document the Damage

Do not try to leave the water damage in place for the insurance company to come look at. Instead, you should take photographs from every angle before you begin the water cleanup. Leaving it can actually lead to more problems, which the insurance agents may view as neglect. Be sure to call them as soon as possible to get the ball rolling.

Depending on the size and severity of the water damage, you may be able to handle it yourself. If you are dealing with unsanitary water, such as a toilet overflow, or if you are at all uncomfortable identifying and fixing the leak, you may want to call a professional water restoration company to come to help you.

So call us today! We are faster to any disaster and are here to help get you back to "Like it never even happened."

Ask The Experts: How do I know if my commercial building is a flood risk?

2/1/2021 (Permalink)

Dealing with water damage isn’t something that your neighbors will envy you for. It can be absolutely devastating for your commercial property, not to mention the possibility of being temporarily displaced, and business put on hold. In preparation for the possibility of a flood in your area, here are a few precautionary steps to ensure you are prepared.

1. Know your flood risk.

It’s important to keep track of your region’s flood risk. There are a number of factors that can determine your flood risk, but keep in mind that nowhere in the United States is free of flood risk. If you live in a coastal city during hurricane season, your flood risk will dramatically increase. Other areas with typically high flood risk include low-lying areas near bodies of water or downstream from a dam or levee.

2. Know your insurance options.

When it comes to natural disaster-type flash floods, typical commercial insurance policies often will not cover the damage. Flood insurance is a separate policy purchased through FEMA, so it’s important to keep that in mind if you do live in an area with high flood risk. It’s also important to familiarize yourself with local disaster restoration companies and choose the one you prefer beforehand since the time to act must be immediately after the flood. 

3. Know the signs of water damage.

Some floods are more severe than others, and in those cases, it will be obvious when your business has been affected. In other cases, however, water damage can be more insidious and it’s important to recognize the signs, as well as knowing the different types of water that can damage your home. Blackwater, for example, is highly contaminated and will cause severe odor and mold damage to your property if not treated immediately. Flood water is, in every case, considered black water. Grey water can also cause damage but is derived from appliances and pipes in your building.

Ask The Experts: Why Your Business Needs An ERP

12/21/2020 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile is a startup approach that provides the critical information needed to begin mitigation and recovery services. It is designed to serve as a quick reference of important building and contact information.  By working with SERVPRO’s Emergency READY Profile, your business can reduce the amount of damage a disaster can cause to your commercial building. SERVPRO is the leader in water and fire damage response and can help you quickly get your property back to preloss condition.

The SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile Advantages:

• A no-cost assessment of your facility. This means there is no need to allocate funds, giving you a great value at no cost.  
• A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency. It takes minimal time to complete and will not take you away from your other current projects. But it will save a lot of time if ever needed.  
• A guide to help you get back into your building following an unexpected disaster. This helps minimize the amount of time your business is inactive by having an immediate plan of action.  
• Establishes SERVPRO as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider. You have a provider that is recognized as an industry leader and is close by to help you.
• Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin. This saves time, so we can begin the work of mitigating the damage which can save you time and money.
• Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas, and priority contact information. Having a quick reference of what to do, how to do it and who to call provides solutions in advance of an emergency so that during the emergency you are “Ready for whatever happens.” 

The Best Way to Reduce Business Interruption Following a Disaster is to Plan For it NOW!

Did You Know?

As many as 50% of businesses close down following a disaster, according to the latest research. Of the businesses that survive, many of them had a preparedness plan in place.  Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind. And knowing you are “Ready for whatever happens” speaks trust to your clients and employees that in the event your business is affected by a disaster, they don’t necessarily have to be.

So give us a call today and let us help you make sure you have a plan should disaster strikes! 

When mold strikes your business, SERVPRO is here for you

12/19/2020 (Permalink)

Just like in your home, you also need to be concerned with mold in commercial buildings. Mold can be found almost anywhere and can grow on virtually any organic substance, as long as there is moisture and oxygen present. When excessive moisture accumulates in buildings or on building materials, mold starts to grow, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or unaddressed. Although it is impossible to completely eliminate all mold and mold spores, you can control mold growth by controlling the moisture indoors.

In commercial buildings, moisture problems may include:

• Roof leaks
• Landscaping or gutters directing water into or under the building
• Unvented combustion appliances
• Delayed maintenance or insufficient maintenance

As mentioned before, the key to mold control is moisture control. Follow these mold prevention tips:

• Fix any leaky plumbing and leaks in the building as soon as possible.
• Look out for condensation and wet spots. Fix sources of moisture problems as soon as possible.
• Prevent moisture due to condensation by increasing the surface temperature or reducing the moisture level in the air.
• Keep heating, ventilation and air conditioning drip pans clean, properly flowing and unobstructed.
• Maintain a low indoor humidity, below 60% relative humidity, 30-50% is ideal.
• Have your building and HVAC inspected and maintained regularly.
• Clean up and dry out wet or damp spots within 48 hours.
• Never let foundations stay wet.

So if disaster strikes, just give us a call! We are faster to any disaster and ready to put our expertise to work for you! 

Commercial Cleaning by SERVPRO

1/22/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Western Lake County specializes in Commercial Cleaning Services. Even with regular janitorial cleaning of your space, your office can fall victim to grime, odor, and other wear & tear. We are happy to help with anything from deep cleaning your office floors to water damage from a recent storm.

We can help with the following businesses:

• Small Office Buildings
• Large Office/High-Rise Office Buildings
• Apartment Buildings
• Restaurants
• Hotel/Motels
• Small Retail Stores
• Large Retail/Big-Box Stores
• High-Rise Residential
• Manufacturing & Industrial
• Government/Military

We have the specialized training and products to get your property back to business. Our cleaning services include the following:

• Air Ducts and HVAC
• Biohazard and Sewage
• Trauma and Crime Scene
• Carpet and Upholstery
• Drapes and Blinds
• Ceilings, Walls, and Hard Floors
• Odor Removal and Deodorization
• Vandalism

Have Questions? Call Today – (219) 922-9300