Vandalism's Dos and Don'ts

8/16/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Professionals are recognized as leaders at helping property owners quickly recover from fire and water damage. They also provide general cleaning and deodorization services for situations resulting from vandalism including graffiti, egg, spoiled foods and human or animal waste. If you ever encounter an act of vandalism to your home or building, here are some tips on what to do until SERVPRO arrives:

DO:    

Hose or wash egg damage from building exterior as soon as possible.  

Blot freshly spilled food from carpets and fabrics with a dampened cloth or sponge (but don’t over wet). Scrape and blot (don’t rub: it may damage fibers).

Carefully vacuum glass particles from carpets and upholstery     Save containers, which reveal the composition of spilled inks, cosmetics and paints.    

Record all damage and photograph when possible.

DON’T:   

Attempt to remove ink, paint or cosmetic stains.

Operate damaged lamps or appliances.

Discard wood chips, broken pieces from furniture, porcelain or other art objects.

Why SERVPRO of Branch and South Calhoun is the best for commercial Cleaning and Commercial Damage Restoration

8/16/2022 (Permalink)

Did you know SERVPRO is not just for disasters such as floods, water damage, or fires in the home?  We also help Commercial Businesses!

SERVPRO of Branch and South Calhoun employees are certified to clean and sanitize: Upholstery, Carpeting, Flooring, and other hard surfaces.  SERVPRO of Branch and South Calhoun is even certified to remove bio-hazard contaminants such as blood, urine, feces, and other things no one else wants to clean.  Refresh your carpeting and office cubical- we also specialize in odor removal and deodorization!   Additionally, SERVPRO is available after hours if services are needed when customers and/or clients are not present.

SERVPRO means reliable, certified professionals will show up at your door and handle any cleaning or restoration needs you may have.

Give us a call today- we will be happy to help (517)-278-5261

SERVPRO Commercial Cleaning Services (Part 1 of 2)

1/3/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can work around your regular business hours so there will be no disruption or downtime for your office.

Spending extra time and resources to clean and disinfect your office or warehouse space is something you don't always have time to do. Turn to the professionals and let us handle the everyday wear and tear that gradually soils your office. When dirt, odor, and moisture problems go beyond the scope of your regular janitorial staff, you need to call SERVPRO for prompt service.

We specialize in all commercial cleaning services, from removing an odor problem to deep cleaning flooring and carpets, you can rely on us to make your workspace look its very best. SERVPRO can work around your regular business hours so there will be no disruption or downtime for your office. From general cleaning of workspaces to heavy cleaning of warehouse walls and ceilings, we have specialized training, products, and equipment to get your commercial property clean and safe. A clean office promotes employee health and safety, production and overall happiness. A clean business keeps customers coming back.  

SERVPRO wants to help keep your facility clean and a place where people want to work and buy from. We have service agreements that range from weekly cleaning services, quarterly, or by the call. We'll work with you and around your schedule and cater our services around your needs. 

Our commercial cleaning services include:

Biohazard and Sewage

SERVPRO is trained to safely remove biohazards and dispose of them properly following OSHA and health regulations. Water from sewer system backups should be considered very dangerous and is best left to the professionals. Equipped with the necessary safety apparatus and cleaning products, we can help transform these unhealthy environments back into clean and safe workspaces. 

Trauma and Crime Scene Cleanup

Accidents and crime scenes often have blood or other biohazard contaminants that may pose a severe health risk. Our highly trained service professionals will respond immediately and safely clean and disinfect any trauma or crime scene with empathy and respect.

SERVPRO Commercial Cleaning Services (Part 2 of 2)

1/3/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can work around your regular business hours so there will be no disruption or downtime for your office.

Carpet and Upholstery

 A good rule of thumb is to have your carpet and upholstery professionally cleaned every 12 months. Protect your investment by calling us to clean and maintain your carpet and upholstery. Ceilings, walls, and floors are exposed to dirt, dust and other contaminants from inside and outside. Whether they need general maintenance cleaning, or heavy cleaning from smoke or fire damage, SERVPRO has the expertise to do the job right the first time. 

Odor Removal and Deodorization

 We have several different types of deodorization techniques. One of our Project Managers will discuss with you the method that will be most beneficial for your property. Masking the odors and other shortcuts are not what we do. We fully address the source of the odor so it doesn't return. 

Vandalism and Graffiti

 SERVPRO offers emergency services for board up due to broken windows or damaged structure. Often simple acts of vandalism, like breaking a window, can cause significant water and mold damage if not addressed promptly. In addition to removing spray-painted graffiti from exterior walls, we also clean driveways, sidewalks, asphalt, metals, glass, wood, plastic and masonry.

SERVPRO Is Here For You When Water Attacks Your Business

12/29/2021 (Permalink)

We are faster to any disaster and are here to help make things "Like it never even happened."

Water damage in your warehouse can be devastating, no matter how it started. It can cost quite a bit for repairs, plus slow or even shut down your daily operations for a while. It does not take a lot of water to cause extensive damage to your building. It can weaken your foundation, create easy pathways for water to enter in and cause cracks.

If water has entered your building for any reason, water cleanup services from a professional remediation company are needed right away. At SERVPRO, we realize that we must move quickly in these situations to prevent further damage to your structure, such as mold growth.

Roofing can be a significant source of water damage which comes from the outside elements. Although you cannot control the wind and rain, you can make sure that the roof is up to par with condition and code requirements. Make sure that you regularly inspect the roof to check for any missing shingles or damage where rain could seep through and damage contents inside your warehouse.

Your HVAC system also needs to receive maintenance regularly from a qualified HVAC technician. The drain lines, drip pains, and other areas of moisture need to be clear and clean. Otherwise, water can build up and flow over into your structure.

When this happens, SERVPRO techs can use our truck-mounted pumps to get the standing water out. Industrial fans and dehumidifiers are then used to complete the drying process. We monitor these machines daily so we can move them around if needed to achieve the shortest drying time possible.

Even when you are careful, water damage can still occur. There are tools you can get to help you detect the water and perhaps stop further damage. Active leak detection systems typically generate an alarm and also perform a function that stops the water flow. Most of them have moisture sensors to detect a leak. A passive lead detection system, or water alarm, are created to alert you to a possible water leak. They generate an audible alarm tone and may feature a flashing light.

SERVPRO is always standing by to help you restore your building from any water damage emergency. Reach out to us today! We are faster to any disaster and are here to help make things "Like it never even happened."

What Is Your Plan For An Emergency?

12/28/2021 (Permalink)

While each situation is unique, your organization can be better prepared if you plan carefully, put emergency procedures in place, and practice!

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 central 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.

Improve Cyber Security
Protecting your data and information systems may require specialized expertise, but even the smallest business can be better prepared. Use anti-virus software and keep it up-to-date. Don't open emails from unknown sources. Use hard-to-guess passwords. Protect your computer from intruders by using firewalls. Back up your computer data and download security protection updates known as patches regularly.

Hire the Commercial Restoration Pros After The Storm

12/28/2021 (Permalink)

Check out these steps you can take to prepare your business for the unexpected so that you can reduce your downtime and losses.

When it comes to natural disasters in Indiana, we tend to think of floods, tornadoes and damaging storms. Unlike natural disasters like hurricanes, Hoosiers tend not to have any time to prepare for the natural disasters that occur in their backyard. But even though we don’t have days to board up our businesses, there are things we can do to prepare if a disaster should strike our business.

In this blog, we will cover steps you can take to prepare your business for the unexpected so that you can reduce your downtime and losses.

Protect Your Data

If you are like most businesses, you have a lot of data or information saved on your computers. You may have billing, contacts, payroll, taxes, and other documents saved on your computers. You may have CAD files or photos or other data for your clients’ projects. Needless to say, you probably would some money and perhaps lots of money if the data on your computers were destroyed.

While you may not be able to save everything that you and your staff do on your computers, you can save and recover most of it if you save your data in the cloud at an offsite server facility. There are many companies out there that provide backup and recovery services for businesses. It’s important that once you do choose a backup provider, that you use it. Many businesses learn too late that they weren’t backing up their data on a regular basis.

Plan for Loss of Power

Is your business capable of operating if you lose power? It’s not uncommon for Indiana businesses to lose power after big storms. If your business requires power to operate, you may want to have generators available to provide emergency power. You may just need them for lights or you may need them to power heaters or air conditioners in order to protect your inventory from extreme temperatures.

It’s important to create a plan of what to power in order to ensure you have enough generators and enough fuel to keep the emergency power going for a few days. You don’t want to not have enough power or run out of fuel after 6 hours.

Plan to Work Off Site

If your business is flooded or destroyed by a tornado, can it operate elsewhere? If your business works mainly online, then operating your business from laptops at home or elsewhere may not be too much of an inconvenience. If you rely on equipment or materials that are stored at your business, operating remotely may be a little more difficult. Still, it is a good idea to consider creating a contingency plan in the event that your business site is inaccessible. Are there other locations that your business could operate in an emergency? Are there jobs that can be done while your business site is closed? Having these plans planned in advance can help your business avoid any long down times.

Develop An Emergency Plan

As discussed in the previous section, having an emergency plan can save you time and money. Your emergency plan should be available and shared with all of your employees. It needs to contain phone numbers and/or a phone tree so everyone can be kept up to date. It needs to include what to do in case the office is closed. It should include what steps to take if your business is damaged. If you are a large business, you may want to delegate critical recovery roles to certain team members. An effective emergency plan should be thorough and precise and leave no one guessing what to do next.

After The Storm - Hire the Commercial Restoration Pros

One of the first steps you should take after your business has been damaged by flood waters, storms, and/or a tornado is to call the commercial restoration professionals at SERVPRO. They have the tools and expertise to handle any size disaster. Whether it is water damage, fire damage, or other storm damage, they can get to work right away so you can get back to business as usual as soon as possible. Give them a call the next time your business suffers the unexpected from a natural disaster.

SERVPRO Is Your #1 Biohazard Clean Up Team!

8/10/2021 (Permalink)

Biohazard emergencies don’t always occur during regular business hours, and that’s why SERVPRO Professionals are available 24 hours a day, 365 days.

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

Here are some quick Do’s and Don’ts if you ever  encounter a situation where you might be exposed to a biohazard or trauma situation:

Do:

• Stay out of affected areas, you do not want to track any fluids by stepping in it.
• Call emergency service personnel if the situation is life-threatening.
• Treat all bodily fluids as if they are contaminated.

Don’t:

• Attempt to do any clean up yourself.
• Touch or handle items that might be contaminated with bodily fluids.

SERVPRO of Branch & South Calhoun is trained to safely and effectively remove bio hazardous substances and prepare waste for proper disposal according to OSHA, EPA, and state and local health regulations.

Have You Ever Heard Of Biohazard Remediation? SERVPRO Is Here To Help!

8/10/2021 (Permalink)

You can expect an immediate response time, day or night!

Biohazard remediation is not a very common call that we receive and is something that rarely occurs, but if it does occur, it is something that SERVPRO of Branch & South Calhoun can handle.

We come in to make sure that the biological matter and dangerous odors are eliminated all together so that those contaminates do not spread.

Biohazard damages can include: offensive odors (such as skunk), trauma scenes, human decomposition, hoarding removal, and gross/filth removal. None of these are pleasant things that you want in your home. These issues are also something that you should not plan on cleaning up yourself.

SERVPRO of Branch & South Calhoun is professionally qualified to come in and get rid of the issues that biohazard damage can cause. Call us @ (517) 278-5261

SERVPRO Tips: The Seriousness of Storms

12/29/2020 (Permalink)

A serious storm can cause major problems for your business. Roofs are especially vulnerable to damage, and a roof leak can result in damage to other areas of the structure.
Knowing what to look for after a storm can help you spot any problem areas and repair them quickly. The following are some common forms of roof damage that you may encounter:

-Cracked, dented or missing shingles
-Damaged sealant
-Peeling or curling shingles

If your business suffers a damaged roof, the problems can compound quickly. A roof leak, in particular, can lead to water damage and mold growth in other areas of the building. After a storm, it is important to inspect the roof of the building. After taking photos of the damage to submit to your insurance company, use plywood or tarpaulin to patch any weak spots in the roof temporarily. Then call a trusted roofing contractor to repair or replace the roof.

All roofs are going to be exposed to the elements every day and night for the life of the roof. While a strong storm can damage a roof in a very short period, long-term exposure to heating/cooling cycles and rain will degrade roofing materials over time. As the roof ages, it becomes more vulnerable to storm damage. Regular inspections by a trusted roofer can help keep your roof in good shape for years. Metal roofs, in particular, are very sturdy and may last up to fifty years. Asphalt shingles, however, generally last less than twenty years.
A certified restoration company can help you with all your storm damage needs. In addition to treating any water damage inside the building, they may be able to tarp over your damaged roof and recommend a reputable roofing contractor to help with a roof leak and other damage.

So give us a call! We are faster to any disaster and are here to help make things "Like it never even happened."

Why SERVPRO? Getting Your Business Back As Fast As Possible

12/29/2020 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO, in addition to offering services to homeowners, we specialize in emergency cleaning and restoration for commercial businesses in these counties, too.

Unfortunately, there's never a convenient time for damage to strike your business. Whether it’s fire, water, or mold damage, every hour you spend cleaning up yourself is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. Call the experts – we’re available 24/7 and because we are locally owned and operated, we’ll get there fast and start helping you immediately.

We specialize in the following types of emergency services:

• Commercial Water Damage Mitigation & Restoration
• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration
• Commercial Mold Remediation
• Commercial Storm Events

We Have What It Takes To Restore Your Commercial Property

At SERVPRO, we know that cleaning and restoring commercial properties requires a unique blend of the right training, hands-on experience, and specialized equipment. We have the resources and expertise to give you excellent results while minimizing the disruption to your clients and your business.

We service the following types of commercial businesses:

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

Our Specialty Commercial Cleaning Services

Whether you need to remove a pesky odor problem or you need to deep-clean flooring or carpets, you can depend on SERVPRO to get the job done right – the first time. We’ll respond to your call quickly and get to work immediately – making your business look its very best.

We offer a wide range of commercial cleaning services. From removing biohazard contaminants to removing lingering odors like cigarette smoke, SERVPRO has the specialized training and products to get your property back to business as soon as possible. We will help make it “Like it never even happened.”

Some of our commercial cleaning services include:

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

So give us a call! We are faster to any disaster and will make things "Like it never even happened."

Ask the experts: Do I need a scheduled cleaning?

12/19/2020 (Permalink)

We were out early on a Sunday morning visiting a commercial client for a monthly facility cleaning. This particular client requires we clean the premises outside of their regular business hours when they are closed and there are no employees in the building. Did you even know SERVPRO provides scheduled cleaning services? Most people are not aware of this service and assume we only handle disaster restoration clean-up after a flood, storm or fire. But our general cleaning services are second to none. Our technicians are professionally trained and have access to a vast array of SERVPRO equipment, cleaning solutions and techniques. If your business is in need of a weekly, monthly, annually or even one-time cleaning services we can help! Our professionally trained cleaning technicians can handle any industry, such as commercial, industrial, service businesses, warehouses, government buildings and more. Schedule your cleaning today!

Ask The Experts: What To Do When Disaster Strikes a Commercial Setting

12/17/2020 (Permalink)

One definition of a disaster is a serious disruption, occurring over a relatively short time, of the functioning of a community or a society involving widespread human, material, economic or environmental loss. When we talk to people in the commercial setting they think of a disaster as a major weather-related event. 

A disaster in a commercial setting is anything that causes disruption to business or causes damage to services or goods that negatively impact profitability. 

Failed Plumbing: Just like your home, a commercial building is just as susceptible to failed plumbing. Frozen pipe bursts are common in the winter because people may times try to cut cost and may not keep the property from freezing. The strain on plumbing because of everyday harsh use also can weaken the plumbing and make it vulnerable.

Appliances & Equipment: From a simple water heater malfunction to major machinery using high water pressure. Appliances and equipment, even with the best maintenance sometimes fail. Evaluate the equipment in your commercial building. If you are a restaurant or food service provider you may be more at risk.

Sprinkler System Malfunction: Have regular maintenance performed on your sprinkler system annually. This the best way to prevent malfunctions.

Roof Leaks: Okay this one is kind of weather-related. But it doesn’t take a huge thunderstorm to leave water in your building if you have roof issues. A regular shower can do a great amount of damage if the roof allows it to leak inside.

At any point, your commercial property is faced with a disaster call SERVPRO and let our trained professionals take the hassle off your hands. We are faster to any disaster and ready to take our expertise and put it to work for you! 

Ask The Experts: What Do I Do When Disaster Strikes My Business?

12/14/2020 (Permalink)

When disaster strikes a business or commercial property, SERVPRO has scored high ranks with our clients, we understand the importance of ensuring a business or commercial is in operation as soon as possible. In many cases we are able to isolate the area where the disaster has struck and the business can remain in operation. Recently we were called to a disaster at a hotel where water from persistent rains flooded the lobby. Upon arrival our first goal was to clean and restore as much of the lobby as possible. We knew that by doing so we could allow the hotel to operate and service their customers as we continued to mitigate and dry the public areas of the business. Our team built temporary barriers to block the view of the equipment and the crew as the mitigation work was underway, 24/7 until the lobby was 100% recovered.

So if disaster strikes, give us a call! We are faster to any disaster and will make things "Like it never even happened."

Water Damage: Commercial Basement Edition

12/13/2018 (Permalink)

Last week a local commercial building suffered a large water loss. In this particular instance, the SERVPRO team was called after hours to respond to the unpleasant surprise for the local building. The SERVPRO team responds day and night and is always "faster to any disaster". 

In this case, the water affected a large portion of the basement in a massive building. The basement had concrete and carpet floors that were affected by the water. Unfortunately, some of the area was an office building. Luckily, the SERVPRO team responds very quickly and they were able to minimize the water seeping into the carpeted area. 

The first night the SERVPRO team responded, the water level was higher than expected. But in just a few short hours SERVPRO had the water drained and were beginning to clean the area. After the water was drained, they could begin the drying process. Luckily, our team has all of the necessary equipment and we were out of there in just a few days! 

SERVPRO Helps Commercial Businesses

12/11/2018 (Permalink)

Did you know SERVPRO is not just for disasters such as floods, water damage, or fires in the home?  We also help Commercial Businesses!

SERVPRO of Branch and South Calhoun employees are certified to clean and sanitize: Upholstery, Carpeting, Flooring, and other hard surfaces.  SERVPRO of Branch and South Calhoun is even certified to remove bio-hazard contaminants such as blood, urine, feces, and other things no one else wants to clean.  Refresh your carpeting and office cubical- we also specialize in odor removal and deodorization!   Additionally, SERVPRO is available after hours if services are needed when customers and/or clients are not present.

SERVPRO means reliable, certified professionals will show up at your door and handle any cleaning or restoration needs you may have.

Give us a call today- we will be happy to help (517)-278-5261

HVAC: Keeping It Clean At Home & Work

12/7/2018 (Permalink)

Your HVAC unit has to do with cooling and heating your home. Maintenance for your HVAC system is essential if you want your unit to run correctly for a substantial amount of time. Cleaning your HVAC system also entails duct maintenance as well.

Cleaning the ducts and vents means that they will be cleaning separate elements in the HVAC unit. It is important to clean multiple areas in the unit because it is unknown what lurks in your ducts. So, when turning on the air conditioning unit, those who have allergies may react from the dust, dander, or mold in the unit.

There are many advantages of cleaning your ducts/ HVAC unit. One benefit is having a more efficient system which will result in lower utility bills. Another benefit is having a healthier living environment. Keeping up with the system will also keep up the longevity of the unit, just like a “tune up” with a vehicle would improve its life span.

Your local SERVPRO franchise is offering a HVAC/duct cleaning special. The special is for $450 per unit. If interested in the benefits of keeping up with your HVAC unit, contact your local franchise today.

When Vandals Strike

12/6/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Professionals are recognized as leaders at helping property owners quickly recover from fire and water damage. They also provide general cleaning and deodorization services for situations resulting from vandalism including graffiti, egg, spoiled foods and human or animal waste. If you ever encounter an act of vandalism to your home or building, here are some tips on what to do until SERVPRO arrives:

DO:    

Hose or wash egg damage from building exterior as soon as possible.  

Blot freshly spilled food from carpets and fabrics with a dampened cloth or sponge (but don’t over wet). Scrape and blot (don’t rub: it may damage fibers).

Carefully vacuum glass particles from carpets and upholstery     Save containers, which reveal the composition of spilled inks, cosmetics and paints.    

Record all damage and photograph when possible.

DON’T:   

Attempt to remove ink, paint or cosmetic stains.

Operate damaged lamps or appliances.

Discard wood chips, broken pieces from furniture, porcelain or other art objects.