How to choose a Restoration Company for a Biohazard Cleanup

8/22/2022 (Permalink)

A crime or traumatic event is one of the hardest things to imagine ever happening to you or someone you know. So, when something tragic does happen, it’s an emotionally and mentally draining experience. And if the event has occurred in your commercial property, that’s even more challenging because of the cleanup involved in restoring your property back to normal and ensuring it is safe and sanitary for use again.

Whether you’re facing such an event now that has you stressed, or just considering ways to prepare yourself ahead of time for the challenges of being a property owner, there is no time like the present to learn what’s involved in the cleanup of your business should a crime or trauma occur there. These facts can help you be prepared for the worst and be knowledgeable about how to choose a reputable, compassionate crime scene and trauma cleanup-company so you can make the right decisions for your property and get back to normal life as soon as possible.

Is the company certified for crime scene and trauma cleanup?

Unlike the more common cleanup problems that a property can face, cleaning up after a crime or other trauma has occurred involves a very specific, regulated approach. For example, blood and other biohazard contaminants can pose a serious health risk if not removed and discarded of properly. And there may be other hazards in need of removal, all of which may be regulated by local, state, and federal laws to ensure public safety.

Because this type of property restoration is so specialized and demanding, it’s important to select a crime scene and trauma cleanup company that is appropriately certified by the appropriate municipal authorities. A reputable company will be able to provide you with evidence of current certification and assurances of how they remove and discard materials that may be a health hazard.

Is the company well trained, experienced, and properly equipped?

Restoring property after damage due to a crime or trauma often requires the use of specialized equipment and cleaning materials that aren’t necessarily available at your nearest store. A professional crime scene and trauma cleanup company will have everything they need to do the job right. This includes special cleaning agents to handle hard-to-remove stains, as well as ridding the residue that may be left behind from products such as fingerprint powder, evidence-gathering chemicals, pepper spray, and tear gas.

At SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County, our professional technicians have years of combined experience and training in the use of state-of-the-art equipment to help ensure that your property is properly, thoroughly cleaned so you can rest assured in a job well done.

Does the company assist you with documentation for financial assistance and file insurance claims?

You might not realize it, but property insurance policies often offer coverage for a variety of emergency cleanup scenarios, including crime and trauma-related events. And many municipalities and government agencies offer financial assistance and victim relief funds for disaster cleanup because it’s a public health issue. This can include not just floods and other natural disasters, but crime, suicide, and violence related issues as well.

A good crime scene and trauma cleanup company can help point you in the right direction as you locate the various types of financial assistance that may be available to you in your situation. And they should be willing and able to promptly provide you with any documentation you need to file financial assistance, insurance claims, and related paperwork.

Need Help Fast?

When you’re facing an emergency such as a crime or trauma on your property, you need swift assistance in getting things cleaned up and back to normal quickly, so you can go about your life and business again with peace of mind. The professional, experienced, caring team at SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County is here to assist you in doing just that.

Contact us today. 502.241.6861

What to do during and after a commercial fire

8/16/2022 (Permalink)

Preparing for a home fire is a wise investment, however how many of us prepare for a fire at work?
Below, the fire damage experts from SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County explain what to do during and after a commercial fire.

Safety Steps for Employers & Employees
Contrary to popular belief, fire alarm and a fire sprinkler system are not directly connected. This means that when the fire alarm goes off, the sprinkler system will not necessarily activate at the same time. Moreover, some buildings simply don’t have a fire sprinkler system.

The fire alarm is your primary warning to evacuate the building.

Don’t assume that because the sprinklers aren’t activated that no fire exists. Because commercial buildings lack the compartmented features of a house, the fire has the potential to grow much larger, much faster.

Once the alarm sounds, help inform others that may not hear the alarm. If you’re not working on the ground floor, do not attempt to use an elevator.

Look for the closest stairwell exit. Hold your hand to the door knob (don’t touch it), to check for heat.

If the doorknob feels warm, there may be fire on the other side. If possible, find another exit.

Once outside, do not attempt to go back inside the building. If someone is missing, wait for emergency responders to arrive.

Some commercial fire alarm systems will contact emergency services automatically. Once it’s safe to do so, call 9-1-1 to ensure that help is on the way. Inform first responders of anyone who might still be inside.

How to Handle Fire Cleanup
Burned or damaged buildings are vulnerable to break-ins and other offenses. Once the building has been cleared for re-entry, it’s critical that anything valuable is removed. This includes the personal belongings of employees as well as expensive business property.

Once the valuables have been removed, damaged and destroyed property must be carefully documented. You’ll also need to contact your insurance company.

Business owners who want to be sure they’re getting the most out of their insurance policy trust SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County to document and negotiate with the insurance companies.

In addition, SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County can repair damage, clean, and sanitize a fire-damaged work space as well as restore it to like-new condition—this includes expensive property contents like furniture, electronics, paper documents and more.

Avoid the impulse to clean up the property before a thorough investigation has been completed. Insurance companies will want documentation of everything in your claim. If you clean up evidence, you could lose money in the claims process.

Stay Informed; Be Prepared

Every minute counts when it comes to your business. One of the best ways to avoid further damage after a commercial fire is to stay informed and be prepared.

In addition to coordinating a fire safety plan with employees, knowing who to call and when can save you time and money on commercial cleaning and restoration.

SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County is available 24 hours day, 7 days a week . We’ll be there when you need us, so you can get back to work faster after an unexpected disaster.

Call us today to speak to a Mitigation Specialist. 502.232.5213

Things to look for in an Emergency Restoration Company

8/16/2022 (Permalink)

When your commercial property suffers damage due to disaster, it’s vital to initiate comprehensive disaster management services to get your business back in working order as fast as possible.

Fires, floods, and severe storms can seriously damage your commercial property. Following a disaster, prompt professional restoration services can reduce the compounding problems that are sure to arise when moisture isn’t dealt with fast.

• Fire incidents—produce soot and damage due to smoke as well as moisture from firefighting
• Storms and floods—leave behind moisture and can create mold infestation

Here are some things to look for in a commercial emergency restoration management program:

1. 24-Hour Emergency Response Team

Time is a factor when prompt emergency response is needed. The sooner your commercial property’s restoration begins, the better. Look for a company accessible to you seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Rapid response and mobilization of restoration services help you get back to business even after disaster strikes. Faster restoration services lead to decreased impact on your property.

2. Comprehensive Services

Disaster remediation has several types of services necessary to restore commercial properties. Here are some vital ingredients to look for when it comes to disaster remediation:

• Remediation of the disaster incident
• Debris and residue clean up
• Decontamination and deodorization
• If necessary, relocation of property contents to a facility where they can be professionally restored

3. Coordinate with Your Insurance

Look for an emergency restoration company that communicates efficiently and effectively with your insurance adjuster and/or agent. Insurance claims can be a hassle, yet they are vital to disaster insurance coverage. Find a company that will coordinate with your efforts so you can file your claim accurately and promptly. This includes providing you with detailed documentation of the problems and solutions required to get your property back to normal.

4. Digital File Storage and Project Updates

Look for a company that can save photos digitally and record the progress of you job online. This keeps you informed through the cleanup and reconstruction process so you stay in control of the restoration of your business’ property.

5. Equipment

Look for a reputable company with the up-to-date equipment needed to provide you with disaster remediation and reconstruction with excellence.

6. Safe and reliable

Hire a company who follows safety regulations during emergency restoration, and swiftly performs the services you need to get back to work.

7. Experience & Expertise

Find a company with multiple years of experience in restoring businesses after disaster strikes. They should have certifications such as from the IICRC to assure you they can scale up and know how to handle even the worst disaster scenarios.

8. Priority service

Look for a company that will give your commercial property priority service.

9. Costs

Look for a company who can keep costs of restoration fair, with a quick response and an established plan for restoration.

Water Damage in your Commercial Space? Contact the professionals here at SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County. 502.241.6861

Commercial water damage tips

2/16/2022 (Permalink)

The most stressful thing you face during a commercial flood is damage to your electronics and computers holding important information. Along with worrying about the repair costs, you are also concerned about the revenue loss that can go on longer, depending on the damage the building has faced. Eventually, you might have to close the business until such further notice when the building is safe from any electrical shock and fire hazard.

THE FIRST STEP

When talking about damage control, the first step is to survey and assess the property. Depending on what type of water damage you are dealing with such as a burst pipe, over flooded toilet, broken running sink, etc, the building itself becomes a huge hazard. Since you are surrounded with electronics, you might get electrocuted fast and hard.

So, the first thing you need to do is turn off the main power supply switch from the circuit board. This will prevent those electronics from being damaged, where the water hasn’t reached yet.

3 ITEMS THAT NEED TO BE SAVED ASAP

Computers, shelf documents and printer, these are the three items that need to saved immediately in any kind of commercial water damage. While the servers hold all the data, you can easily extract the said data from the computer and call it a day.

As a backup, paper documents are the best way to build your data back up again and methodically store it in the new computers, when the business re-opens.

Finally, commercial grade printers store a copy of every print that you have made since you bought it, which means this electronic is also a data mine that can help you build your data back up again.

CALL WATER DAMAGE PROFESSIONALS

Once you have saved all the electronics and computers that were soaked with water and humidity, the next step is to call a restoration company. These people have the right tools to preserve your electronics at least long enough, so that you can extract data from them.

They use dehumidifiers and blast warm air into the damaged areas, which lowers the level of humidity and decreases microbial growth.

However, the water damage is just half the battle. Even if you think an electronic is beyond saving, set it aside for inspection. Leave no stone unturned because there are various ways to save electronics and restore the data.

No matter how severe the water damage, don't attempt to step foot in deep water where the electronics are placed, that is until you have cut off the main power supply. SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County is a cleaning and restoration service that helps with commercial water damage. These professionals are equipped to handle any kind of situation and will save your electronics and computers in no time. Call us today to speak to a Mitigation Specialist. 502.241.6861

Water and Frozen Pipes

1/12/2022 (Permalink)

As snow continues to fall and winter temperatures fluctuate below freezing, it's possible for your pipes to freeze. Not only do freezing pipes cause a great inconvenience, they also cause major property damage leaving you with extensive repairs.

What Causes Freezing Pipes:

Exterior freezing temperatures cause the water to freeze and expand, creating a blockage. This blockage will cause an increase in pressure and strain your plumbing system. If the pressure gets too great it will cause the pipe to burst. 

Pipes located along the exterior walls of your property may not have the adequate amount of insulation in protecting them from the exterior freezing temperatures. Pipes located in the attic or basement may not be as warm as other areas of the house which can cause a greater tendency to freeze. Lack of use can cause freezing pipes. Leaving for an extended period of time and/ or lowing your interior temperature while you're away, can cause remaining water in your piping system to freeze when exterior temperatures drop below freezing. 

Signs of Frozen Pipes

One of the first signs for the potential of frozen pipes is when exterior temperatures drop below freezing. You can take precautions like adding insulation to prevent vulnerable pipes from freezing. Frozen pipes can show an accumulation of frost on the exterior of the pipe, this warning sign can indicate the pipe is frozen before you even turn on the faucet and there is a lack of running water, this can indicate that the pipe may be frozen. 

If you experience a Water Damage as a result of frozen pipes in your business call SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County today. 502.241.6861 

SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby also services Spencer, Henry and Trimble Counties. 

Commercial Fire Prevention Tasks

10/28/2021 (Permalink)

You’ve heard all of the preventative steps, you’ve prepped your employees, and your commercial space is up to code. However, the easiest prevention methods are typically the most overlooked. Some of the biggest ways to avoid needing fire damage restoration services are usually some of the quickest to check. Inspect these things today and be sure to set reminders accordingly:

• Smoke Detectors. You should check these at least once a month and replace the batteries once a year, or as needed.
• Fire Extinguishers. See the directions on your fire extinguisher to determine when it expires and who you can call to replace them. Extinguishers can last anywhere from five to fifteen years. Also, depending on your fire marshal’s standards, you may have to have your extinguisher certified.
• Fire Exits and Exit Signs. Can guests clearly see exit signs? Can they easily get to them? Consider having a fire drill to ensure guests and employees can easily get out of the building in the event of an emergency. Practice regularly.
• See any State or Local Guidelines. There are some local and state guidelines that businesses have to follow to stay up to code. Take a minute to read up on these laws or talk to your local fire marshal to learn about the guidelines.

Keeping your business, employees, and guests safe is important. Just by taking the time to make sure the basics of fire safety are taken care of, you can protect your investment.

Fire in your Commercial Space? Contact SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby today to speak to a Fire Mitigation specialist. 502.241.6861

Locating Mold in your Commercial Building

4/29/2021 (Permalink)

Locating the sources of moisture—and then removing them—can put an end to your facility’s mold problems once and for all.

Mold is part of our natural environment, which means it can find a home on any surface or in any nook of your commercial space. When mold starts eating away at materials, and affecting the look, smell or even the structural integrity of a building (particularly with wood-framed structures), the problem can quickly become a major issue.

Mold can grow on virtually any substance, as long as moisture or water, oxygen and an organic source is present. Molds reproduce by creating tiny spores (viable seeds) that usually require magnification in order to be seen by the naked eye, and its spores continually float through the indoor and outdoor air.

How mold impacts your building

When mold spores land on a damp spot and begin growing, they digest whatever they land on in order to survive. There are molds that grow on wood, paper, carpet, food and insulation, while other molds feast on the everyday dust and dirt that gather in the moist regions of a building.

Mold begins to multiply whenever excessive moisture or water accumulates indoors, and can run rampant if the moisture problem itself remains uncorrected. While it is virtually impossible to eliminate eradicate all molds and mold spores controlling the moisture in the air can control indoor mold growth.

The good news is that by finding and eliminating that source of moisture, you can reduce the chances of ever getting mold in the first place. 

Mold in your commercial space? Contact the professionals here at SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County. 502.241.6861

Water Damage in your Commercial Space

1/15/2021 (Permalink)

Water Damage In Your Commercial Space

There are numerous situations in which a commercial property might suffer extensive water damage. For example, a flood from a storm or overflowing river bank might deposit massive amounts of dirty water throughout the first floor of a structure. Or, a burst/leaky pipe might cause water to collect in the spaces between the walls or floors in the structure, leading to mold growth and other issues in these hidden areas.

Whether it’s flood water damage or another form of moisture intrusion, what should you do when the commercial property you’re inspecting has water damage?

Confirming the Extent of the Damage

One of the first things you’ll want to do when you discover signs of water damage is verify the extent of the damage. However, a simple visual check probably won’t be enough to reliably establish the full scope of the problem.

Water can soak into many building materials far from the source of the moisture intrusion without creating obvious signs of damage for a long time. So, to accurately establish how far the water has spread, you need a specialized tool for measuring moisture in building materials—such as a moisture meter for building inspection.

Using a moisture meter, you can measure the moisture content (%MC) of the materials near where you noticed the water damage. By continuing to make checks progressively farther from the site of the damage, you can establish how widespread the damage is as well as the severity of the moisture intrusion.

With this information, you’ll be able to determine whether you need to focus on drying out the affected materials, or simply tear them out so they can be replaced with undamaged materials.

Contacting a Water Damage Restoration Expert

If you’re inspecting your own property and do not have experience in water cleanup/restoration work, it may be a good idea to contact a water damage restoration expert to handle the task of dry-out/tear-out for you. This is because water damage remediation work can be too delicate or dangerous for someone without specialized experience or training to risk.

For example, a professional in water damage restoration is likely to have the right tools and experience to minimize their risks from hazards such as mold spores, exposure to fiberglass insulation, and weakened floors that may collapse—all of which are common hazards in water cleanup and restoration work. Additionally, an expert is more likely to be able to successfully complete dry-out tasks in a way that minimizes the overall damage and risk of future problems.

Trying to handle dry-out and tear-out work without the requisite training and experience can lead to problems.

Drying Out the Affected Area

If you’re determined to handle the dry-out work personally, or the extent of the damage is especially minor, then it may be possible to remove the moisture causing the damage yourself.

However, you’ll need a few specialized tools to make sure you can completely dry out the area, including:

• Wet vacuums (to remove standing water quickly)
• Air movers and/or dehumidifiers (to extract humid air)
• A thermo-hygrometer (to track the humidity in a room)
• Pin and/or pinless moisture meters (to track the moisture content of building materials)

If the structure has a climate control system, then turning up the temperature slightly can help to keep water from condensing—allowing dry-out work to proceed just a bit faster.

When drying out a room in a building with flood damage, it’s important to keep the building as sealed against exposure to outside air as possible. Otherwise, mold spores and other contaminants can make their way inside and, with the help of the excess moisture in the structure, begin to proliferate. Any air movers attached to an opening should be sealed in place in such a way that they constantly force air out and prevent outside air from getting inside.

Any moisture-compromised furniture should be removed and assessed. If it is too water-damaged, it will need to be thrown out and replaced. The same goes for any building materials in the affected area.

Document Everything!

While you’re busy inspecting and trying to repair the damage to your commercial property, be sure to document as much as possible about the damage, its cause, and the steps needed to fix it.

It’s good to do this because you may need to file an insurance claim for the cost of the repairs, and doing so without documentation could result in the claim being denied.

Having a moisture meter that can store readings with a date and time stamp, then transfer the stored data into an easily-presentable report on your computer can be immensely useful. This provides documentation about the extent of the water damage and when it was first inspected—making it a bit easier to prove an insurance claim.

Additionally, taking photographs of the damage can help to further establish proof of the water damage.

If materials or furniture pieces have to be thrown out, keep track of what is being disposed of as well. This may prove useful for determining the extent of your losses for the insurance claim. A water damage restoration expert will likely recommend that you collect thorough documentation as well, since it helps them get paid by the insurance company.

This, of course, assumes that you have an insurance policy on the commercial property that covers the costs of water damage. If your property doesn’t have such insurance, then the costs will have to come out of your pocket.

These are just some of the basic actions to take if your commercial property suffers water damage.

While contacting a water damage restoration specialist is probably the best thing to do, following these simple steps should help you mitigate the damage somewhat. As a basic rule of thumb, if the damage is severe enough to warrant filing an insurance claim, then you should probably hire an expert in water damage cleanup.

Water Damage in your Commercial Property? Contact the professionals here at SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County today to speak to a mitigation specialists. 502.241.6861

Detecting Commercial Leaks

10/7/2020 (Permalink)

How to Detect Leaks in a Commercial Building

To prevent such problems, protect your investment, reduce repair along with remediation expenses, while decreasing the chance of hidden, long-lasting consequences. 

The recent advancements in water leak sensing and shut-off technology make it easy to catch a leak at its source and fix the problem before it is too late. Installing a leak detection system in a commercial building is extremely beneficial, as it allows for the early detection of water leaks and the prevention of water damage.

An integrated automatic water leak system will alert the building management to the precise location of a leak, within minutes of detection (water sensors are working 24/7 to detect water leaks and send an alert as soon as they sense water):

• ⋅ Wireless water leak detectors – The building is retrofitted with wireless sensors that respond with a local alarm and deliver notifications by phone, text and email to the building managers when a leak occurs;
• ⋅ Cloud-based sensors – Cloud-based sensors are placed at sites of potential leaks – sinks, toilets, basements, plumbing chases, etc. – and can combine data from all units into a single portal that is monitored by the building operators;
• ⋅ Automated sensors – These advanced water leak sensors automatically shut off water in certain applications when a leak is detected.

Well-designed water leak detection equipment is easy to install, very affordable, and highly efficient. It ensures business continuity and helps avoid costly repairs.

What to Do When You Find a Leak in Your Commercial Building

It is imperative to seek immediate professional solutions at the first sign of water leakage in your commercial building – the experts will take quick and efficient measures to fix the problem and will prevent water damage to your property and large scale, expensive repairs.

If you find a leak in your commercial space contact the professionals here at SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County to speak to a Mitigation Specialist. 502.241.6861

SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County also proudly serves Spencer, Henry and Trimble Counties. 

Top Causes of Commercial Water Damage

10/2/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage is serious, and if you're not prepared when it happens to you, your business could be shut down for an unnecessary amount of time.

Top 5 causes of commercial water damage

Extreme weather

Unfortunately, flooding can happen very quickly. What starts out as a small storm can suddenly turn into something larger, and cause a lot more damage than anyone anticipated. If your commercial property isn’t in pristine condition, there is a chance that water damage will occur.

For example, a small leak on the roof can turn into a large downpour of water that floods an entire section of the property.

Damaged appliances 

Pretty much every office building has a kitchen or a break room. And typically these rooms have a refrigerator and possibly a dishwasher. When these appliances fail, they can leak a significant amount of water, flooding the entire room or more.

Backed up sewer lines

Bathrooms are another source of possible problems. It is not uncommon for the sewer lines to  back up, releasing contaminated water into the building.

This type of water damage is extremely dangerous because the water is filled with hazardous waste and other contaminants.

Malfunctioning sprinklers

By law, all commercial properties must be equipped with an overhead sprinkler system. This system works in conjunction with the fire alarm, and is typically activated when the fire alarm goes off. This can cause water damage in two ways.

Any time there is a fire and the sprinklers activate, there will be water damage. Secondly, the sprinkler system can malfunction and activate on its own. When this happens, significant water damage can occur because of the fact that the sprinkler system covers the entire building.

Broken pipes 

Broken or cracked pipes are very common in commercial buildings, especially as they age. When these pipes burst open, water rushes out of them, spraying throughout the building. This can cause damage to the ceiling, walls, and flooring, not to mention any furniture or electronics that get in the water’s way.

Obviously you want to keep an eye on the list above. Ongoing maintenance to your commercial property is key to not having water related issues. But if water damage does happen anywhere on your property, you need to take immediate action. After calling your insurance provider, you need to contact a reliable a water damage restoration company, such as SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County. Once onsite , the following process is what you can expect.

First the property will be throughly inspected. This is to determine what caused the damage and make sure that the water has stopped flowing. It should be determined whether the water is contaminated or not. During this stage it is expected to remove all furniture that has been affected, while trying to salvage as much as possible.

Next begins the water extraction process. Pumps and other extracting tools are used to remove all water from the property.

Once all the water is removed, then begins the drying process. If everything is not dried properly, problems occur that result in longer recovery and escalating restoration costs. The restoration company will then set up and monitor the drying process through every phase to ensure that proper drying occurs. Then the tech will document moisture levels, provide moisture maps, and photograph drying for the insurance provider.

When the property has been thoroughly dried, the sanitation process begins. Everything will be cleaned and sanitized because of the mold and other contaminates that form due to standing water.

And finally the rebuild happens. If the water damage destroyed ceilings, walls, or flooring, SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby can rebuild it. 

Water damage isn’t something that you want to happen on your commercial property. However, when it does, you want to hire the right company to clean up the damage and get your business back to normal as quickly as possible. 

Water Damage In Your Commercial Property? Contact the professionals here at SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County today to speak to a Mitigation Specialist. 502.241.6861

SERVPRO OF Oldham/Shelby County also proudly serves Spencer, Henry and Trimble Counties. 

Tips to Prevent Commercial Mold

8/13/2018 (Permalink)

The key to controlling mold growth in commercial buildings, office buildings, manufacturing areas and schools is to prevent moisture problems before they begin. Here are some tips to reduce water and moisture and keep your place free from contamination.

– Fix any plumbing leaks as soon as possible. Standing water is a prime cause of mold growth. Clean and dry wet or damp spots within 48 hours.

– Watch for condensation and wet spots around your building foundation, roofs or ceilings. Fix any sources of moisture as soon as possible to prevent water and structural damage.

– Keep any heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) drip pans clean and flowing properly. Be sure that regular building/HVAC inspections and maintenance are scheduled and performed.

– Condensation forms on cold surfaces when water vapor in the air cools and becomes liquid. You’ll often see condensation on metal pipes, concrete walls, water tanks and windows. You can prevent moisture due to condensation by increasing surface temperature or by reducing the moisture level in the air. Insulation and/or increase air circulation can help do this.

– Dehumidifers can help indoor humidity. It should be below 60% relative humidity or 30-50%, if possible.

– Keep your foundations dry! There should be proper drainage and the ground should away from the building foundation. If rainwater continues to enter your basement from the outside, mold growth can occur. Make sure your gutters and drainage pipes are free of debris, and pointed away from the house.

The first step in commercial mold removal is to test and identify the source of any water or moisture in the building. Once the water source is identified and repaired, then the mold can be removed safely and effectively.

In many cases, the inspections and mold removal work can be performed during a business or school’s off-hours in order to limit any disruptions.

Mold In Your Commercial Property? Contact the professionals here at SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County today. 502.241.6861

Is Rain Water Damage Covered For In Your Commercial Property?

8/8/2018 (Permalink)

Do you know if your Commercial insurance policy covers rain-related water damage? If not, there’s no time like the present to find out, even if you’re not in a flood plain. 

Several areas throughout the U.S. have seen above-average rainfall over the last year. And with summer still going strong, more severe weather may continue to make headlines across parts of the country in upcoming months.

 The fact is that most types of insurance policies do not cover common rain-related damage that can leave your business with hefty cleanup bills.
 

What is “flooding”?

When you think of flooding, you probably think of a stream, river or lake overflowing its bounds and causing damage to surrounding areas and buildings.

For insurance companies, however, it’s not that simplistic. The majority of insurance companies consider any type of surface water—including rainwater that has hit the ground—as flooding.

Most insurance policies also include a flood damage exclusion. That means you will likely have to foot the bill, if water from rain gets into your business location.

Tips to limit damages

If you’re concerned about the potential costs of a rain-related cleanup, flood insurance is certainly an option however, most likely too expensive to justify unless you’re in a flood plain. So what can you do? First, it’s a good idea to check with your insurance broker to verify whether or not your policy has flood exclusions so that you are aware of what to expect, if you do face damages. On top of that, here are three things you can do to prepare your building:

1) Address potential incursion areas—Flooding typically happens fast, and so there’s a good chance you won’t be able to take quick defensive measures once the water starts flowing. That’s why it’s important to think ahead about where flooding is likely to occur.

For example, businesses commonly keep important documents, servers and other important equipment in basements. Consider the contents in an area and what would happen if they were damaged, and then either move anything important to a new area or take steps to protect it.

2) Check your drains—Make sure the drains around your building are kept free and clear of debris so they don’t clog and lead to pools and flooding when heavy rain comes.

3) Consider a sump pump—If you know you have problem areas that will end up under water, keep a sump pump on hand and make sure it stays in working order.

Remember to be safe

Many people don’t understand that flooding from rainwater may be contaminated with any number of toxic substances. Once rain hits the ground and starts flowing over and through ground cover, streets, sidewalks and building contents, however, it can pick up chemicals and organic matter that are best avoided. That’s why it’s important to keep people safe and out of flooded areas until they are properly cleaned up. And if you are unsure about what might be in the water or you don’t have the resources to quickly clean and dry the area, then it’s a good idea to pull in professional help.

Water Damage To Your Commercial Property? Contact the professionals here at SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County today?

SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County also proudly serves Spencer, Henry and Trimble Counties. 

How Commercial Fire Sprinklers Function

8/7/2018 (Permalink)

Sprinkler Systems are among the most useful tools in your firefighting arsenal. Today’s systems have been shown to reduce deaths and property loss by more than 65 percent.

For this reason, fire sprinklers are certainly something you want in your commercial property! But how do fire sprinklers work? We answer how commercial fire sprinklers save your company from significant damage.

Step 1: Fire Sprinklers Detect Heat

Contrary to popular belief, fire sprinklers are not triggerd by smoke. It’s an easy mistake to make, since heat is carried upward with smoke from a fire. However, if smoke was the trigger, simply burning your toast in the office kitchen could be enough to drench the kitchen with water from an overhead fire sprinkler head.

Fire sprinklers work because high heat triggers the sprinkler system. When a blaze ignites, the air directly above it heats rapidly. This hot air rises and spreads along the ceiling. When the air is hot enough and reaches a sprinkler head, it triggers a chain reaction.

Most sprinkler heads feature a glass bulb filled with a glycerin-based liquid. This liquid expands when it comes in contact with air heated to between 135 and 165 degrees. When the liquid expands, it shatters its glass confines and the sprinkler head activates.

Step 2: Fire Sprinklers Douse the Fire

Each sprinkler head is attached to a pipe that connects to a reliable water source outside the building. When heat activates a sprinkler head, a valve opens, allowing pressurized water from the pipe system to flow out.

It’s important for water in a fire sprinkler system to be pressurized. This allows the water to spray outward in an arc to more thoroughly douse the fire and prevent it from reigniting.

Step 3: Fire Sprinklers Minimize Water Damage

In movies, sprinkler systems operate in a misleading way, leading many people to believe a fallacy that all the sprinklers in a system are tied together and when one is triggered by heat, they all activate.

If this was the case, putting out a fire would simply be trading fire damage for water damage, and it’s not how fire sprinklers work.

Fortunately, sprinkler heads function individually. Most of the time, fires can be completely extinguished after just one or two sprinklers activate. This allows water damage to be confined to the small area where the fire started. Plus, since fire sprinklers douse fires with about six times less water than a fire hose, their quick action is actually less damaging to your property than a visit from the fire department.

Fire Damage In Your Commercial Facility? Contact the professionals here at SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County today. 502.241.6861

SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County also proudly serves Spencer, Henry and Trimble Counties.

Commercial Water Damage

7/2/2018 (Permalink)

Assessment

The first step in our process is an assessment. We want to know exactly what we are dealing with. We assess the entire property to determine the extent of the damage and find the source. From this, we also find out what kind of water is present and document the damage. It's imperative to know if your water was exposed to contamination and how much so that we can best take care of the issue. The documentation helps develop a plan for restoration as well.

Extraction

Once we understand the type of water and the extent of the damage we can start the extraction process. We have state of the art equipment that efficiently extracts the water from your property straight into our trucks. This ensures the water cannot contaminate anything else on your property. We also have equipment that can detect moisture to ensure the complete removal of water from your property. Once we remove all the water from your property, we can focus on the building itself and its contents. We will remove all of the of damaged contents to restore and prepare the area for restoration.

Restoration

At this stage, we can restore your building to its original state before the water damage, including walls, floors, and structures. We ensure that the structure is sound and then begin preparing the inside to get back into working order. Our equipment includes professional air movers that ensure the place is dry and mold free. We also will work to restore all of the items that were damaged by the water. We have a cleaning and storing facility to make sure your things are properly cared for. Once the building and belongings are all restored, we will move everything back in so that you can get back to business.

Here at SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County, we understand that time is money. We work quickly and efficiently to ensure that you are back in business and soon as possible. Water damage is not your friend, but we can be. We are available 24/7 so that when you need us, we can be there to help. Our process is thorough, and our equipment is top of the line so that you can rely on us. If your business has recently experienced water damage give us a call today. 502.241.6861

SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County also proudly serves Spencer, Henry and Trimble Counties. 

Fire Sprinkler Damage

2/15/2018 (Permalink)

While fire sprinklers are valuable tools for stopping fires and saving lives, they can occasionally malfunction. When this happens, you will want to call in the experts at SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County. With our fast response and advanced equipment, we can save your business and belongings from fire sprinkler water damage and get your life back to normal quickly.

Time is of the essence with water damage. Call us anytime and we will quickly respond with a team of water damage cleanup and restoration experts. We provide the following fire sprinkler water damage services:

• Rapid response time
• Water extraction
• Drying and dehumidification services
• Mold growth prevention and remediation 
• IICRC certified water damage experts
• Licensed, bonded, and insured
• Competitive rates
• Great customer service

Understanding Water Damage from Fire Sprinklers

Fire sprinklers release 8 to 24 gallons of water per minute. The good news is that usually only one fire sprinkler will discharge and not all of the sprinklers. Because fire sprinkler water comes from above, it will saturate flooring, walls, and any furniture or objects in its path. The level of saturation can make it a challenge to dry the water, which is why it is so important for the job to be tackled by experienced professionals with the right equipment.

Damage from malfunctioning fire sprinklers is usually considered Category 2 water damage because it may contain chemicals which could harm your health. If the water damage is not taken care of quickly though, the moisture can cause mold and bacteria growth, causing the problem to evolve into Category 3 water damage.

Water damage is also classified by how difficult it is to remove the water. Because of how thoroughly water sprinklers can saturate structures, it is often considered Class 3 or Class 4 water damage, which are the worst classifications.

What to Do if Your Fire Sprinkler Accidentally Discharges

Fire sprinkler systems are generally very reliable. When they do accidentally discharge, it is usually because their parts have overheated, frozen, or become corroded. If a fire sprinkler gets hit or bumped, it could also cause an accidental discharge. Quick response fire sprinklers are known for being more sensitive than their counterparts and could get damaged during transport or installation.

If your fire sprinkler system accidentally discharges, your first step will be to stop the water. You can do this by turning off the water main. Then make sure that the site is safe. If electronics or outlets have gotten wet, then turn off the electric breaker for the area or the main as well.

Next, you will want to get on the phone and make two calls: one to a professional water damage cleanup service and another call to the fire sprinkler manufacturer to report the accidental discharge.

In cases of accidental discharge, the fire sprinkler manufacturer may be responsible for paying for damages. You will need to take documentation of damage done by the fire sprinklers. If the damage is extensive, then you may need this documentation for an insurance claim.

What to Expect
We understand that dealing with water damage from fire sprinklers can be stressful, which is why we strive to make the process as easy as possible for you. Our technicians will carefully explain the cleanup process and how long it will be expected to take. We will also outline any concerns, such as saving hardwood floors or preventing mold growth.

Fire Sprinkler Damage In Your Business? Contact the professionals here at SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County today to speak to a Mitigation Specialist. 

SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County also proudly serves Spencer, Henry and Trimble Counties. 

4 Common Causes of Commercial Fires

12/21/2017 (Permalink)

While it may seem like these commercial fires are always ruled human error, it is not always the case. Let’s take a look at some of the common causes of commercial fires.

Arson

Arson is one of the leading causes of fire damage, death, and workplace injuries in commercial buildings. But arson doesn’t just affect business owners or the company. It can injure or kill workers and fire fighters, result in loss of a job for workers, and easily spread to other buildings and public utilities nearby. Arson might be instigated by the owner for insurance purposes, unhappy workers or clients, vandalism, to hide bigger crimes, or by mentally unstable individuals.

Human Errors

Not every fire caused by a human is meant maliciously. A smoldering cigarette or forgotten coffee pot could be the reason behind a human error fire. The risk of fire increases as more people enter the building and use the equipment. The equipment itself is not usually the cause of the fire, but instead the misuse of the equipment.

Water Heaters, Boilers, and Furnaces

While there are strict codes regulating the installation, use, and maintenance of this equipment, sadly it is not always followed. Improper installation and lack of maintenance can trigger a fire in your building. Combustible materials like chemicals, paper and trash should never be stored in the same area as this equipment.

Electrical Fires

Electrical appliances or systems can start a commercial fire, but sadly people are often at the root of this fire as well. When businesses hire unqualified individuals to modify electrical outlets or circuitry, it can lead to problems. Electrical code violations are often committed by unreliable builders or workers. These code violations can lead to fires in your building. Another cause of electrical fires is the electrical equipment itself. Equipment that is misused or overloaded can often cause fires as well as a lack of proper maintenance.

Fire or Smoke Loss In Your Business? Contact the professionals here at SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County. 502.241.6861

SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby also proudly serves Spencer, Henry and Trimble Counties. 

Commercial Air Duct Cleaning: 7 Reasons Why It's Worth It

8/9/2017 (Permalink)

Commercial Fire Damage

8/7/2017 (Permalink)

Commercial Fire Damage

When a fire damages your commercial property, every day that your doors are closed costs you money. SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby understands that time is money. Our certified technicians work quickly and efficiently to restore your property so you can get back to business.

Where There Is Fire There Is Smoke

When the contents of your business are effected by fire the damage is visually noticeable. On the other hand, smoke and soot harder to detect. Smoke can find its way into hidden places causing damage you are unable to see. Our professionals will make sure all smoke and soot damage is removed from your property.

Trust the Professionals at SERVPRO Oldham/Shelby

Even the smallest fire can cause extensive damage. Large or small, our professionals will remove all signs of fire damage from your commercial property. Our trained and experienced professionals will work around the clock so that you and your employees can get back to work as soon as possible.

Our professionals know how to take care of fire damage and what decisions need to be made to minimize your loss. SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby will save you time, money and the headache when it comes to dealing with fire damage.

Don’t let fire damage get the best of you and your business! Our professionals are available 24 hours a day so you can relax and regain peace of mind knowing that your business is in the best of hands.

Call SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby today! We guarantee that you will be satisfied with our fire damage cleanup and repair work.

502.241.6861

What NOT to do after a Commercial Water Damage

8/4/2017 (Permalink)

Here's what NOT to do after commercial water damage:

1. Do not enter a room with standing water in it until all electricity has been turned off.
• Live wires touching water can electrify the water, making standing water in the room very dangerous. Make sure all electricity is disconnected or off prior to entering a room with standing water.
2. Do not use a regular household vacuum to remove water.
• Regular household vacuum's are not meant to handle large volumes of water. Sucking up standing water with a household vacuum will definitely break it and potentially cause it to short circuit.
3. Do not attempt to lift tacked down carpet without professional help.
• Wet carpet is very heavy. Not only could you hurt yourself trying to remove damp carpet but carpet also contains a variety of tacks that can hurt you if you are not trained in pulling it up correctly.
4. Do not use electrical appliances when carpet or flooring is still wet.
• Exposure to water can cause electrical appliances to short circuit or fail. Since they are not manufactured to be "water proof", water can easily get into vunerable areas in the appliances and greatly increase your chance of electrocution or fire.
5. Do not touch or disturb any visible mold.
• Mold spreads very easily. Make sure you call a mold damage specialist to handle the cleanup and removal of mold so as to not cause harm to yourself or your employees.

While most of the water has dried out from recent flooding, we want you to keep these points in mind so you can be water damage smart the next time heavy rains come around! 

Commercial Water Damage? Contact SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby at 502.241.6861

Protect Yourself From Commercial Water Damage

8/3/2017 (Permalink)

Protect Your Business From Commercial Water Damage

Your family depends on your business. So do your employees, as well as your customers and community. So the thought of commercial water damage caused by extreme weather or plumbing failure is scary. A little planning and a few precautions will help you breathe a little easier.

Commercial Water Damage Tip: Think it Through

Start by asking yourself, “What if?”

That’s a powerful question when it comes to reducing commercial water damage risk. For instance, what if a water main bursts and floods your office? This always leads to more questions, such as how will you ensure the safety of your employees and customers? Or how will you prevent or eliminate business disruptions that might result in cash flow problems? How will you communicate with employees during emergencies or periods of disruption (say, when a pipe bursts and requires the main power to be shut off during repairs)? Make notes of your answers to all your questions, because organizing this information is the basis for the next key step in preventing and minimizing commercial water damage: making a plan. SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby can help you do just that.

The SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile 

By developing a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business.

• 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 will only take a little time to complete and will not take you away from current projects. But it will save a lot of time if ever needed.
   
• A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.
  This can help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive by having an immediate plan of action.
   
• Establishes your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.
  You have a provider that is recognized as an industry leader and close by.
   
• 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."

Call SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby/Trimble/Henry/Spencer today to set up an appointment for your READY profile. 502.241.6861

Contents Cleaning For Companies

7/28/2017 (Permalink)

Disasters can happen every day. As prepared as you might be for a natural or man made disaster, the effects of fire, smoke, and flooding can severely damage a building and its contents. The damage caused to your furniture, electronics, and artwork will typically require a professional grade cleaning and disinfection process. That’s why we are proud to provide contents cleaning services. These services will help restore any of your building’s contents that may have been affected by natural disaster, including your electronics, furniture, artwork, and more. Our services will help you minimize downtime so you can reopen your doors and get back to business quickly. 

Our staff is specially trained and committed in handling these situations quickly, effectively, and with great precision. We will treat your building’s contents with great care and concern as if they were our own. You can count on SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby to get the job done discreetly and as quickly as possible, helping you to get back to what you do best as soon as possible.  Call us today to speak to Contents Cleaning Professional. 502.241.6861

No Job is Too Large

4/11/2016 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO Commercial Large Loss Division is composed of our best of the best in restoration. Our elite large-loss Specialists are pre-qualified and strategically positioned throughout the United States to handle any size disaster. Every large loss is supervised by a commercial operations manager to help ensure seamless communication and timely mitigation.

Commercial Building Restoration Services

2/5/2016 (Permalink)

Commercial Building Restoration Services

We are available 24 hours a day to get your business back up and running. Our expertise includes Restoration Services for Fire and Water Damage. Including Electronics Restoration and Document drying. We are also your business's best resource for mold remediation.