3 Ways To Prevent Mold at Your Business Property

2/2/2021 (Permalink)

Monitor and control humidity levels throughout your building

Tips That Can Help You Protect Your Business

Mold can do serious damage to your Marathon, FL, business if it goes unchecked. Because most types of fungi tend to grow quickly in moist, humid environments, even the smallest instances of water damage could cause a considerable mold problem. Keeping a few preventative tips in mind can help you protect your business, employees and valued customers.

1. Monitor Humidity Levels
Mold growth tends to increase in humid areas, such as restrooms and in the employee kitchen. Mold does not require sunlight to grow or spread, so if mold happens to take hold here, it can grow unchecked until the odor it releases alerts you to the problem and by then, the growth could be quite large. Monitor and control humidity levels throughout your building and use ceiling or standing fans to prevent high humidity levels.

2. Do Not Delay Flood Repair
Water damage tends to occur most often during incidents of flooding, whether as the result of violent storms or something as simple as a water line break in the employee fridge. Despite the degree of damage, putting off repairs could lead to serious mold issues. If flooding is severe, you may want to call in a mold mitigation and removal service for assistance to ensure the job is completed correctly.

3. Store Documents Properly
One way to practice mold prevention is to store paper documents and records in a way that does not encourage fungi growth. Choose air-tight plastic containers with lids that snap down so moisture cannot affect the documents or hire a digitizing service to transfer paper records onto a cloud storage server. This can help you save space and reduce the risk of mold growth in your building’s basement or ground-floor storage room.
Water damage and high humidity levels can cause serious mold issues at your Homestead, FL, business. Knowing how to prevent its encroachment may help you protect your business and avoid costly repairs that might come with ignoring the problem.

Why SERVPRO is the Best for Commercial Cleaning and Commercial Damage Remediation?

1/10/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Water vacuum clearing up water damage

Did you know SERVPRO is not just for disasters such as floods, water damage, or fires in your home? We also help Commercial Businesses! SERVPRO employees are certified to clean and sanitize: Upholstery, Carpeting, Flooring, and other hard surfaces. SERVPRO is even certified to remove biohazard 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. Please call SERVPRO of Brickell today for a free quote; we would be very happy to serve you on a reoccurring basis.

How To Make Fire Restoration Easier

12/30/2020 (Permalink)

Fire damage restoration in Key Largo commercial building

How To Make Fire Restoration Easier

A fire can do major damage to your Key Largo, FL, business. Fortunately, following the three steps outlined below can help the fire restoration process go more smoothly, so you can get back to work quickly.

1. Contact Insurance Company and Document Damage
After the fire has been extinguished and everyone is safe, your first task is calling the fire insurance company and filing a claim. Follow all instructions your agent gives you, and be sure to document the damage thoroughly.

2. Secure Property
Before you or a certified restoration service begin cleaning up, it is important to secure the property. There may be broken windows and other openings resulting from either the fire or the extinguishing efforts. Board up or tarp over these areas to protect the property from inclement weather and prevent wildlife and trespassers from entering the building. If your commercial building is particularly vulnerable, consider installing a security fence for another layer of protection.

3. Prevent Further Damage
Unfortunately, water damage from the fire extinguishing efforts can lead to mold growth. Additionally, both smoke and soot are corrosive. Leaving any of these elements to sit can lead to further damage and the need for a more extensive fire restoration process. In some cases, insurance companies will not pay for damage that occurred after the fire was extinguished if they feel you did not take adequate steps to prevent it.
Dry up the water within 24-48 hours using pumps or wet/dry vacuums, and begin the soot and smoke cleaning process as soon as possible. Make sure you know what type of soot you are dealing with before you begin cleaning. Using the wrong cleaning solution or technique could make the damage worse.
By contacting the insurance company, securing the property, and preventing further damage, you have ensured that the fire restoration process will go as smoothly as possible. The more quickly you begin cleaning up, the more of your items you will be able to fully restore.

The Benefits of Setting Up an Emergency Profile for Your Company

12/23/2020 (Permalink)

Establish an emergency profile for your business

The Benefits of Setting Up an Emergency Profile for Your Company

Preparing for a disaster is the responsibility of every company. It's the smart thing to do as it strengthens the ability of a business to withstand a flood, a fire, or a powerful storm. There are many steps a company can take to better survive a catastrophe. One action is to establish an emergency profile. It doesn't take long to do and it has real benefits. The advantages of this approach are many and far-reaching:

• A profile serves as an insurance policy
• It provides peace of mind for owners and managers
• It protects clients and employees
• It can reduce the impact of a business interruption
• It can minimize the damage from floods and fires
• It can keep a company in business

What It Does
An emergency profile sets up a solid plan of action in the case of a disaster before it happens. The profile begins with an assessment of a company by SERVPRO technicians. There is no cost for the assessment. The goal of this action is to set up a concise document that contains all of the information necessary to respond to a problem. This includes facility information on the location of shut-off valves and priority areas. It also covers chain of command and authorization issues. Finally, it establishes a local water remediation franchise in Key West, FL, as the primary restoration company.

How It Works
An emergency profile gives both the business and the restoration company the information needed to act quickly. Time can be wasted looking for important information and contacting the right managers to give approval to necessary work. The information is contained on an ERP app that can be used on a phone or tablet or computer. A business with multiple facilities can download all the necessary information onto the app and make it available for key personnel. Once the app is downloaded, a company can more easily and quickly navigate critical information to address an emergency.

5 Primary Types of Commercial Fire Sprinkler Systems

12/14/2020 (Permalink)

Deluge sprinkler

5 Primary Types of Commercial Fire Sprinkler Systems

As a commercial building owner, it's very important that you know how your specific fire sprinkler system works. After all, this information is vital when it comes to saving your building in Design District, FL, as well as its contents and occupants, in the event of a major fire. Read on to learn more about the five primary types of commercial sprinkler systems.

1. Dry Pipe Systems
These types of fire suppression systems are common in colder climates, where it's necessary to have a system that keeps the pipes from freezing over in the winter. These systems are filled with air, as opposed to water, and only activate when the sprinkler head turns on. The response time is a bit longer, due to the fact that the water doesn't actively sit in the pipe.

2. Wet Pipe Systems
Unlike dry pipe systems, wet pipe sprinklers do contain pipes that are filled with water. These systems help reduce fire sprinkler cleanup, since each sprinkler head works independently, and only discharges a spray of water when high enough heat levels are detected.

3. Deluge Systems
These systems are similar to wet pipe sprinklers, except each sprinkler head works in unison; once one sprinkler head is activated, the rest of them are as well. These systems are common in industries that tend to work with flammable liquids or other fire hazards.

4. Foam Systems
Much like the name implies, these systems discharge sprays of water and foam in unison. They are highly effective when it comes to fire suppression, and are often used in spaces that deal with hazardous components, such as aircraft hangars.

5. Pre-Action Systems
This type of fire sprinkler combines the benefits that both wet and dry systems have to offer. These sprinklers are beneficial when used in libraries, data centers, museums and other buildings that contain items that are susceptible to fire and water damage.
Knowing how your specific fire sprinkler system works is only half the battle; you also need to make sure you're having the sprinklers tested and inspected on a regular basis. Contact fire remediation experts for more information.

3 Tips to Minimize Water Loss After Filing a Claim

12/14/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage restoration services in Marathon, FL

Three Damage Tips To Prevent Secondary Damage

Entering your Marathon, FL, business and finding large amounts of water from a pipe burst is a dire situation. The longer the water sits, the more damage that can happen. After filing a claim and documenting everything, the will likely be a wait time. Although it is best to discuss what can be done with your insurance agent.

1. Call a Professional
Instead of being overwhelmed while researching cleaning tips, focus your search on finding the right water mitigation and restoration professional. A certified company will have the expertise, equipment and advanced techniques to meet industry standards from addressing structural water damage, cleaning belongings and mitigating mold.

2. Extract Standing Water
After making the necessary calls and contacting help that is Faster to Any Size Disaster, No. 1 on the damage tips is removing excess water. Standing water and waterlogged items mean that moisture is wicking up walls and expanding to other areas of the property. Use buckets to bail out water, towels and rags for smaller wet areas, a wet/dry vacuum once water levels are lowered. Ensure that the extracted water is disposed of outdoors.

3. Start the Drying Process
The second most important action to take to minimize the damage is starting the drying process. Even if you don’t have industrial air movers available, any fans that can be used will help increase airflow. Be sure to move fans regularly so that all areas are hit with air. If possible, use a dehumidifier to bring humidity levels down to a lower percentage.
Although dealing with a major water loss is a situation no one wants to find themselves in, fast action makes a speedy recovery more likely. The above damage tips are ways to minimize the damage from spreading and ensure your business is restored to what it was before.

4 Common Sources of Commercial Water Damage

10/30/2020 (Permalink)

Commercial water damage in Brickell, FL

Four Water Problems Your Company May Face

Over the course of several years, it's not unusual for your company to experience one or two problems associated with a water leak. These problems can be large or small. A broken pipe at the wrong time and place could become a major headache, while a leaky faucet can be taken care of in less than an hour. Some problems happen to company's across the U.S. over and over again. Here are four water problems that your company in Brickell, FL, might face at some time in the near future.

1. Fire Sprinkler Discharge. A fire sprinkler system on your property can stop a fire quickly and limit fire damage. The water flow from the system will saturate areas of your property with hundreds if not thousands of gallons of water. In many cases, this will require the services of a water mitigation team to come in and remove standing water and dry out surfaces.

2. Broken Pipe. A plumbing line break can spill a large quantity of water into your building, resulting in localized flooding. The source of the water can be either clean water or dirty water. Either way, it needs to be cleaned up as quickly as possible and the source of the leak fixed.

3. Bathroom Issues. With all of its pipes and sinks and toilets, your company restroom is often a place of water leaks. A toilet overflow or a leaky pipe can damage flooring and other structures. A quick water repair is the best way to limit damage.

4. Supply Line Break. This happens in buildings with older plumbing systems. It can be hard to predict when it will happen, but regular maintenance by a plumbing contractor could limit your vulnerability to this problem.
A broken pipe or other plumbing issue can be expensive and cause secondary damage to your building. Watching out for common problems and acting quickly can reduce the severity of each problem.

What To Expect During a Business Fire Restoration

4/19/2020 (Permalink)

Fire restoration in a Long Key, FL commercial building

What To Expect During a Business Fire Restoration

After a fire or smoke damage has affected your Long Key, FL, business it may be time to contact a local fire damage restoration service. There are a few things you can expect to see during the restoration of the property. Here’s what you may want to know.

1. Damage Assessment

One of the first steps a restoration crew will take is a damage assessment. They will inspect the space to see if any water damage has occurred if there’s any danger of mold growth, how extensive the fire damage is, and if any soot damage is present. Once they know what damage types are where they can begin taking the appropriate steps for restoration.

2. Item Cleaning

A restoration service may also be able to offer item cleaning for any items affected by smoke damage. Different items may require different cleaning solutions, but in most cases, they should be able to be restored. Even electronics and paper files may be salvageable. If you have questions about these items and if restoration is possible for them, talk to the professionals working on the restoration.

3. Property Restoration

Once the damage has been assessed and the items removed from the space, the restoration can begin. The area will be thoroughly dried, and the crew will begin replacing any materials that cannot be cleaned and restored. They may even bring in an ozone machine to help with smoke cleaning. One the cleaning and repairs are finished they can repaint the space so that it looks like the fire never occurred.

A local restoration service may do a few things when restoring your business property from fire or smoke damage. You may see them perform a damage assessment to document where and what types of damage have occurred, clean the various items that may have been harmed by smoke or flame, and take the steps needed to restore the property. Remember, if you have any questions a professional can help.

First Aid Kit 101 for Businesses

3/20/2020 (Permalink)

Every business should have separate kits for first aid and emergencies

Disasters can come in many forms and are typically unexpected. Business and property owners in Islamorada, FL, need to be prepared for the worst at any time. Flooding or storm damage can result in needing to provide shelter, food and first aid for more than 24 hours. Even if a small incident happens, knowing what to do is vital. Instead of feeling the stress of the situation, keeping a well-supplied first aid kit and emergency kit can make taking control of it easier.

Supplies Needed

Every business should have separate kits for first aid and emergencies. A basic first aid kit should include:

• Varied sizes of gauze pads and bandages
  
• Adhesive and triangular bandages, as well as adhesive tape
  
• Moist towelettes, cotton balls and hydrogen peroxide for cleaning wounds
  
• Medical tools including scissors, tweezers, splints, elastic wraps, and latex gloves
  
• A resuscitation bag or pocket mask
  
• Emergency service directions
  
• A minimum of one blanket
  
  

Along with first aid preparedness, a business should also maintain an emergency kit. These often include the following items:

• At least one gallon of water per person that can last up to three days
  
• A three-day supply of non-perishable food and can opener
  
• Battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA
• Weather Radio
  
• Cellphone charger and backup battery
  
• Tools to turn of utilities
  
• An emergency plan that includes maps and contacts
  
• Survival supplies including a flashlight, first aid kit, whistle, and extra batteries
  
• Plastic bags with ties
  
• Disposable cleaning towelettes
  
  

Proper Management
Once you have an emergency and first aid kit stocked, it’s not something that can just be forgotten. It’s a good idea to designate someone to maintain first aid supplies and do a monthly check. Kits should be accessible, and employees, vendors and other guests should know their location. Managers and other key personnel should also be trained in dealing with an emergency or injury to ensure the right steps are taken.
While a first aid kit is something easily overlooked, it’s important to keep it maintained to ensure peace of mind.

Necessary Precautions to Prevent the Spread of Mold in Your Commercial Facility

1/23/2020 (Permalink)

Mold growth on a wall in Brickell Key, FL

Precautions To Take While Removing Mold on Your Own

While it is natural to want to protect your business and facility, it is also necessary to know your limits, especially when it comes to mold. Fungal growths, especially significant ones, may require the expertise of remediation specialists in Brickell Key, FL. However, if you do choose to remove the infestation on your own, there are a few precautions you should take.

• Protective clothing and equipment
  
• Plastic and garbage bags
  
• Ventilation
  
• Professionals
  
  

Protective Clothing and Equipment

The first thing you need to consider is your safety. While a mold problem may seem minor initially, as you continue to remove the contaminated surface, it is quite possible you will expose a significant infestation. Therefore, you should always wear a protective suit, gloves, goggles and a respirator when working with mold.

Plastic and Garbage Bags

Next, you will need plastic sheeting and garbage bags, the thicker, the better. If the mold is in a specific room, then close the doors, windows, and vents in the affected space. Next, hang plastic sheeting over the doors, windows, and vents in the space to protect them and prevent spores from spreading. As you remove pieces of the mold affected areas, place them into the garbage bags and seal them.

Ventilation

Before you begin removing pieces of the contamination, make sure that ventilation is controlled. You will want to open a window to the outside but restrict airflow and movement inside. Therefore, turn off the HVAC system and, again, close and seal vents.
Professionals
Last, if you have noticed significant mold growth in your facility, then call a professional. Mold removal is a specialized skill that requires training. Do not attempt mold removal unless you are licensed.
While you may want to protect your business, don't risk your safety. Mold can be toxic, which is why hiring a licensed and certified mold remediation professional is typically best.

Flood Damage to Your Business

12/16/2019 (Permalink)

Floods can be the cause extensive headaches, even with preparation.

Floods can be the cause extensive headaches, even with preparation. They can happen with little to no warning and hit you with the responsibility of a lengthy, expensive restoration process. You could be facing a mountain of repair bills and extended interruption to your business. Another way to view floods, is that it can also be a rebirth. Large-scale damage to your business is an opportunity to rebuild and minimize potential future damage and disruption caused by future floods. If your business has sustained flood damage, do not panic. Think of it as a chance to fortify your business against future flood damage rather than nothing but a misfortune. If your business does get damaged by a flood, there is no need to worry. SERVPRO of Brickell is here and we will do everything in our power to get your business back up and running in no time.

Cleaning Your Building

12/16/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has the specialized training and products to get your property back to business.

You don’t have time to worry about the common wear and tear that gradually soils your office. When grime, odor, and moisture challenges go beyond the scope of your regular janitorial staff, you should call SERVPRO of Brickell for prompt service. Whether it’s removing an odor problem or deep cleaning flooring or carpets, you can rely on us to make your workspace look its very best. SERVPRO of Brickell offer cleaning services ranging from cleaning restaurant hoods to removing biohazard contaminants. 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

Emergency Readiness Plan

11/14/2019 (Permalink)

The Emergency Readiness Program is a contingency program in case of a disaster.

Disasters resulting in business interruption can devastate companies. It's estimated that 50% of businesses that close due to a disaster never reopen, but the few that due had some type of plan in place. Disasters and emergencies always strike without warning. Planning ahead can help save thousands of dollars in secondary damage but, also minimize business interruption.

The ERP:

The Emergency Readiness Program is a contingency program in case of a disaster. Provides a NO COST assessment of your facility. Also, critical information needed during an emergency will be at hand. Most contingency plans are made up of three main parts: incident response, disaster recovery, and business continuity. Establishes approved building access in advance for companies like SERVPRO of Brickell to accelerate the recovery process, so that we can make it “Like it never even happened.”

Faster To Any Disaster

11/14/2019 (Permalink)

Call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Commercial water damage affecting your business can be very scary. As much as 50% of businesses never recover from an unexpected disaster. That's where we come in.

When you choose a water cleanup or fire cleanup provider, you want to make sure you select someone you can trust. When you choose SERVPRO of Brickell, you're choosing a company that's licensed, insured, and has a trusted reputation among the community.

Our team will arrive onsite within an hour to help mitigate damage and get right to work with water extraction if needed. 

We will be with you every step of the way, and we will work to always do the right thing. It's our guarantee! 

Call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We're the guys that hospitals, restaurants, HOAs, medical buildings and clinics, and others choose to do their emergency water cleanup.

We can be reached at 305-643-0710, 24/7/365.

ERP Ready App

11/1/2019 (Permalink)

Let me ask you a question, if you’re at lunch and your office staff panicking about a broken pipe, would you be able to direct them how to shut-off the water from under the sink? Whether you’re away for lunch, on vacation, or if it’s afterhours, it would be nice to have access to your building data and emergency contacts directly on your phone 24/7. SERVPRO has developed an app that allows you to organize all that information and have it at your fingertips. Right now, you’re probably wondering why SERVPRO of Brickell is willing to help you organize all that information on your mobile device for free. Well, SERVPRO is a national sponsor of the American Red Cross’ Ready Rating program, and as apart of our community service, we help local businesses prepare for disasters. Our mobile app is part of our overall preparedness plan, but it’s our way of helping you get started.

Timely Claims Imperative to Getting Back Up an Running

9/24/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage in a Key West, FL building

When a broken pipe, flooding or other natural disaster happens, it has the potential to have long-lasting effects on a business. Along with dealing with damaged property, including data vital for operations, the cleanup itself could require a short-term closure. Business interruption insurance offers a way to recoup some lost revenue while the doors are closed. Even with this added protection, time is of the essence.

Types of Coverage

If your business has had large water damage, there is a good chance that it may need extensive repairs. When that work requires closing, most business interruption policies are designed to compensate for lost earnings, based on financial history, and expenses that don’t stop just because of a disaster. Deciding what is the best insurance will depend on many factors, including potential risks for your business in Key West, FL. In general there are three types of coverage:

1. Business Income Coverage – Basic coverage for lost income and recurring utility payments during restoration.
   
2. Extra Expense Coverage – Like its name, this provides coverage for additional expenses beyond the basic level. This may cover payroll, temporary moving costs or other expenses incurred during repairs.
   
3. Contingent Business Interruption Insurance – For businesses reliant on a supplier, this will cover lost profits if the supplier faces a disaster.
   
   

Recovery Steps

Once the flooding, fire or other disaster subsides, quick action is necessary to get your business back on track. Considering it typically takes 48 hours for insurance to kick in, it is important to contact your insurance agent and restoration professionals as soon as possible. When it is safe to start taking action, consider the following for a smooth claim:

• Have insurance policies on hand to review.
  
• Follow all policy guidelines.
  
• Document and organize losses, which may include taking photos and gathering receipts, and ensure they are covered in the policy.
  
• Track any business expenses during the claim.
  
  

Flooding doesn’t just end when the when the water goes away. Proactive steps can help protect your business when the unthinkable happens.

How Often Should You Clean Your Carpet?

12/28/2018 (Permalink)

While every home is different, most homes should have the carpet cleaned a minimum of once a year. We usually recommend every 6 months though. This will help keep your carpets in great condition, especially if you have children, pets or heavy traffic. The amount of traffic your carpet receives will determine how often vacuuming is necessary. Vacuuming a few times per week reduces the dirt that is likely to end up in the roots of your carpet. Spot cleaning is also an essential part of keeping your floors clean. Having your carpets cleaned can help eliminate microorganisms that come from things like dust mites, food particles, soil, pollen and bacteria, improving the indoor air quality of your home and adding to the life of your carpets, helping you have a healthier home.

Why SERVPRO is the Best for Commercial Cleaning and Commercial Damage Remediation?

12/17/2018 (Permalink)

Did you know SERVPRO is not just for disasters such as floods, water damage, or fires in your home? We also help Commercial Businesses! SERVPRO employees are certified to clean and sanitize: Upholstery, Carpeting, Flooring, and other hard surfaces. SERVPRO is even certified to remove biohazard 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. Please call SERVPRO of Brickell today for a free quote; we would be very happy to serve you on a reoccurring basis.