The Role of Technology in Commercial Water Loss Mitigation

3/11/2024 (Permalink)

In today's digital age, technology plays a pivotal role in every aspect of our lives, including commercial water loss mitigation. As a restoration and mitigation company, embracing technology is essential for staying competitive and providing efficient services. Our team of experts have put together a comprehensive list of ways that technology is changing our industry so that we can serve our customers better.

Advanced Monitoring Systems

One of the most significant advancements in water loss mitigation is the use of advanced monitoring systems. These systems allow for real-time monitoring of commercial properties, helping to detect water leaks and other issues promptly. Some key technologies include:

Smart Leak Detection Sensors: These sensors are strategically placed in areas prone to water leaks, such as near pipes, water heaters, and appliances. When they detect moisture, they send alerts to property managers or restoration companies, allowing for rapid response.

Building Automation Systems (BAS): BAS can integrate with water detection systems to automate responses. For example, if a leak is detected, BAS can shut off the water supply to prevent further damage.

Remote Monitoring Apps: Property managers and restoration companies can use mobile apps to remotely monitor a property's environmental conditions, including temperature and humidity. This helps in early leak detection and reduces the risk of mold growth.

Advanced Drying Equipment

Technology has also improved the equipment used in commercial water loss mitigation. Modern drying equipment is not only more efficient but also environmentally friendly. Some of these innovations include:

Desiccant Dehumidifiers: These dehumidifiers use desiccant materials to absorb moisture from the air. They are highly effective in drying out large commercial spaces and are energy efficient.

Thermal Imaging Cameras: These cameras help identify hidden pockets of moisture by capturing temperature variations. This technology ensures that no moisture is left behind during the drying process.

Moisture Meters: Advanced moisture meters provide accurate readings of moisture levels in building materials, allowing for precise drying strategies.

Data Analytics and Reporting

Technology enables restoration companies to collect and analyze data, providing valuable insights to both the company and the property owner. Key features of data analytics in commercial water loss mitigation include:

Historical Data Analysis: We can analyze historical data to identify recurring issues, enabling property owners to take preventive measures.

Customized Reports: Our team can generate detailed reports for property owners, insurance companies, and regulators. These reports can include information on the extent of the damage, the mitigation process, and the cost of restoration.

Predictive Analytics: Some systems use predictive analytics to forecast potential water damage events, allowing property owners to proactively address issues before they become significant problems.

In conclusion, technology is revolutionizing the commercial water loss mitigation industry. Restoration and mitigation companies that embrace these technological advancements can offer faster response times, more efficient mitigation processes, and better communication with clients. By staying at the forefront of technology, we can provide top-notch services and help property owners protect their investments from water damage.

Understanding Commercial Water Loss and Its Impact

12/4/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage can wreak havoc on commercial properties, leading to costly repairs, business interruptions, and potential health hazards. As a restoration and mitigation company, it's essential to grasp the different aspects of commercial water loss to effectively help your clients. In this blog post, we will delve into the causes, consequences, and mitigation strategies for commercial water loss.

Causes of Commercial Water Loss

Commercial water loss can occur for various reasons, and it's essential to identify the source to address the issue effectively. Some common causes include:

Leaking Roofs: Poorly maintained or damaged roofs can allow rainwater to seep into the building, causing damage to ceilings, walls, and even equipment.

Plumbing Failures: Burst pipes, leaky faucets, and malfunctioning water heaters are common culprits of water damage in commercial properties. The damage can range from minor leaks to catastrophic flooding.

Natural Disasters: Floods, hurricanes, and storms can lead to significant water damage. Coastal and low-lying areas are particularly vulnerable.

HVAC System Malfunctions: Faulty heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems can result in water accumulation and mold growth if not addressed promptly.

Consequences of Commercial Water Loss

The consequences of water damage in a commercial property can be severe and wide-ranging:

Structural Damage: Water can weaken the building's structure, leading to foundation issues, rotting wood, and compromised structural integrity.

Mold Growth: Excess moisture provides the ideal conditions for mold to thrive. Mold not only damages property but can also pose health risks to occupants.

Business Interruption: Water damage often forces businesses to halt operations, resulting in financial losses. This can be especially detrimental for small businesses.

Health Hazards: Standing water can become a breeding ground for bacteria and other contaminants, posing health risks to employees and customers.

Property Loss: Water damage can destroy valuable inventory, equipment, and documents, leading to financial losses.

Mitigation Strategies

As a restoration and mitigation company, here are some ways we help with commercial water loss:

Emergency Response: We provide 24/7 emergency response services to quickly assess the damage and start the mitigation process. The faster you act, the less damage will occur.

Water Extraction: By using advanced equipment to remove standing water and moisture from affected areas we prevent further damage and reduce the risk of mold growth.

Drying and Dehumidification: Our experts implement drying and dehumidification processes to ensure that all moisture is eliminated. This step is crucial to prevent future issues.

Mold Remediation: We address any mold growth to promptly safeguard the health of occupants and prevent further property damage.

Restoration: SERVPRO offers comprehensive restoration services, including structural repairs, electrical and plumbing repairs, and content restoration. Our goal is to return the property to its preloss condition, like it never even happened.

In conclusion, commercial water loss is a serious issue that can have far-reaching consequences for businesses and property owners. To recover from the damage and minimize future risks, call SERVPRO.

What To Do After a Fire to your Business Occurs

5/19/2023 (Permalink)

Take action after Fire

A fire to your business can leave your property vulnerable. Fortunately, installing a security fence and taking other safety measures can help keep your property safe from vandals and wildlife.

Securing the Property

After the fire has been extinguished, do not return to the property until the fire department says it is safe to do so. Once you have access to your property, taking the following actions can help you protect your business:

• Install a security fence
• Board up broken windows and other openings
• Tarp over damaged areas of the roof
  
  

In addition to damage from the fire itself, the firefighters may have broken windows or created other openings during their fire-extinguishing efforts. Therefore, the building could have several entry points for vandals and wildlife. It is important to board up or tarp over these areas. Installing a fence adds another layer of protection. If damage occurs after the fire has been extinguished and the insurance company determines the damage resulted from the building not being properly secured, they may deny that portion of the claim. If anyone enters the property, even without permission, and gets injured, the business could be held liable.

Restoring the Property

After the property has been secured, it is time to document the damage and begin restoration. Take a detailed photo or video evidence for the insurance company so that they can adequately assess the property. Then remove the water from the fire-suppression efforts. Do this as quickly as possible because mold can begin to grow within 24 hours. Next, clean the smoke and soot from the surfaces. Clean and sanitize affected areas. Throw everything away that cannot be fully dried and cleaned. Finally, begin repairing and replacing damaged items.
From installing a security fence to smoke cleaning, taking care of your commercial property after a fire can be a complicated endeavor. Fortunately, a certified restoration service can help you get your business back to normal quickly and safely.

Is Your Business Office Prepared for An Unexpected Disaster?

2/27/2023 (Permalink)

If you own or manage an office building or other type of commercial space, fire safety and emergency preparedness should be a priority. Being prepared with a well-thought-out emergency plan can not only protect your property but potentially save the lives of the people in the property in case of an emergency. Keep reading below to see if your building is prepared should disaster strike!

Have Functioning Fire Extinguishers Readily Available 

You want to ensure that you have a suitable number of fire extinguishers readily available throughout the building, clearly labeled and accessible. Taking additional time to try and locate an extinguisher during an emergency can create a more dangerous situation and lead to more damage. Your fire extinguishers should be tested on a regular basis to make sure that they are functioning properly, as well as any fire suppressant or sprinkler system. 

Check Your Smoke Detectors and Fire Alarms 

Your smoke detector and fire alarm systems should be inspected regularly to ensure that they are functioning properly in case of an emergency situation. Also, confirm that your building has a clearly marked exit plan so that occupants know to safely exit the building. 

Implement Safety Training 

An important step for safety preparedness is safety training for both homeowners and business owners. Including a fire safety training course in your workplace will help the occupants to know exactly what they do should an emergency of any kind occurs such as a gas leak, a fire, severe weather, or flooding. You can also contact our local Fire Rescue for information available to help implement safety procedures in your place of business. 

Emergency Exits 

Having illuminated emergency exit signs can help direct occupants out of the building in case of an emergency. Make sure that the emergency exit is not obstructed and easily accessible at all times. 

Have an Evacuation Plan

Have your commercial building inspected for any potential fire code issues or potential safety hazards. From there conduct regular fire drills and educate employees on where emergency exits, fire extinguishers are at and how to properly use them. Another useful tool would be setting up your free SERVPRO Emergency Ready Plan. This no-cost assessment of your facility can help you get prepared with any issue that may come along, and if restoration work is required, ensure that the process is able to start as quickly as possible, keeping damages and costs down. 

 SERVPRO of  Lexington & SERVPRO of Cayce / West Columbia is here to help 24/7/365 should disaster strike! Call us at (803)-755-9774 to dispatch a crew or get more information on how we can help make it "Like it never even happened." 

Commercial: Why Property Managers choose SERVPRO Cayce/West Columbia and Lexington for Emergencies

8/12/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial: Why  Property Managers choose SERVPRO Cayce/West Columbia and Lexington for Emergencies

As the go-between for property owners and tenants, property managers have to juggle many responsibilities -- finding new tenants, fielding questions and complaints, performing inspections, overseeing landscaping and maintenance repairs, securing the property, and ensuring the building’s appearance remains tiptop. 

Fortunately, when it comes to handling fire, water and contamination cleanup emergencies, property managers have a secret weapon that’s just a phone call away: SERVPRO’s Disaster Recovery Team. 

We get it. There’s never a convenient time to clean up from fire damage, water damage or a biohazard contaminant. Every minute spent cleaning and restoring a business or property results in lost time, revenue and productivity. 

When a disaster or emergency strike, our commercial services team is ready to respond -- 24 hours a day and seven days a week -- regardless of a commercial property’s size or scope of the damage. 

Wether it’s retail to residential and manufacturing to motels, SERVPRO’s commercial services team helps make it “Like it never even happened,” so property managers can focus on their other roles.

• If a massive storm floods a mom-and-pop ice cream shop, we’ll respond immediately to tackle initial storm cleanup and damage mitigation and rebuild the affected areas. 
• If there’s a funky smell coming from somewhere in a 10,000-square-foot manufacturing plant, we’ll locate the source of the offensive odor and eliminate it. 
• If a fire sprinkler system fails during the grand opening weekend of a retail boutique, we’ll clean the property and manage the restoration process - from start to finish.   
• If an electrical fire breaks out in the middle of the night at a restaurant dining room, we’ll restore it to pre-fire condition -- from fire and smoke damage to odor control and upholstery and fabric cleaning. 
• If a husband and wife test positive for COVID-19 just two days after vacating their high-rise apartment, we’ll get it Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned in no time so it’s ready for the next tenant. 
• If an older apartment building has mold infestation from a slow roof leak, we’ll prevent it from spreading to other parts of the building and remove it through our commercial mold remediation process.

Restoring your Commercial Property After a Water Damage Event

8/12/2022 (Permalink)

Flooding and water damage events at Cayce/West Columbia and Lexington commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large-scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area.

In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility. We understand the importance of minimizing your business’s down time.

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity.

So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need. Contact SERVPRO of Cayce/West Columbia and Lexington 24/7 by calling (803) 755-9774

Have your ducts been cleaned?

2/16/2022 (Permalink)

Have your HVAC has been operating for some time without attention? It could be circulating odors, dust and other contaminates throughout your home or business. Ventilation systems are often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality. You should make it a priority to inspect the ductwork of your home or business. Call SERVPRO of Lexington today, and we are more than happy to inspect the heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit (HVAC) and provide you with advice on what type of cleaning service your system should need.  Keeping your ducts and HVAC unit clean can extend the life of the equipment and make the system function more efficiently, saving you money on the heating and cooling costs as well as providing cleaner air to breathe in your home or business.

Being Prepared and Ready for Whatever may Happen.

1/3/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is always thinking about the future.  They are constantly creating new and innovative ways to not only make a disaster "Like it never even happened," but to also make sure that you are at least somewhat prepared for a disaster.  One of their newest innovations is the Emergency Ready Profile.  Never heard of it?  Well, that's just a shame!

The Emergency Ready Profile is necessary information that can be accessed either via website or mobile app in the midst of a disaster.  This profile contains where water shut offs are, all emergency contacts, and where electricity shut offs are.  Unfortunately, not everyone in your home or workplace knows this information.  Let's say that one of your coworkers decides to stay late in the office.  He or she is the only one there.  There is a plumbing malfunction and the toilet never ceases running.  The coworker does not notice this for hours until the water has seeped into his or her office.  Now, there is a problem.  The coworker panics.  They do not know who they should be calling, where the shutoffs are, etc.  Instead they frantically call their manager.  Meanwhile, the water is still seeping through the office because it has not been shut off.  More water damage is made and perhaps some items even become unsalvageable.  But, a plumbing malfunction did not have to lead to such a disastrous situation.  Some of the damage could have been elevated by one valuable mobile app.  

The Emergency Ready Profile is great for anyone and everyone.  But it helps businesses more than anyone.  50% of businesses that go through disastrous situations never reopen their doors.  If some of the damage could be prevented by having informed employees and employers, perhaps that percentage would be lower.  

"Before anything else, the key to success is preparation."  So, why wouldn't you prepare yourself and your business for a possible disaster?  Unfortunately, disasters occur every day, both small and large.  By being prepared, when this day arrives, you will be preventing further damage. 

Being Ready for Possible Disasters within your Business.

10/25/2021 (Permalink)

No one plans on a disaster, but you can plan to be "Ready for whatever happens."

SERVPRO is always thinking about the future.  They are constantly creating new and innovative ways to not only make a disaster "Like it never even happened," but to also make sure that you, the customer, the one in need, is at least somewhat prepared for a disaster.  One of their newest innovations is the Emergency Ready Profile.  Never heard of it?  Well, that's just a shame!

The Emergency Ready Profile is necessary information that can be accessed either via website or mobile app in the midst of a disaster.  This profile contains where water shut offs are, all emergency contacts, and where electricity shut offs are.  Unfortunately, not everyone in your home or workplace knows this information.  Let's say that one of your coworkers decides to stay late in the office.  He or she is the only one there.  There is a plumbing malfunction and the toilet never ceases running.  The coworker does not notice this for hours until the water has seeped into his or her office.  Now, there is a problem.  The coworker panics.  They do not know who they should be calling, where the shutoffs are, etc.  Instead they frantically call their manager.  Meanwhile, the water is still seeping through the office because it has not been shut off.  More water damage is made and perhaps some items even become unsalvageable.  But, a plumbing malfunction did not have to lead to such a disastrous situation.  Some of the damage could have been elevated by one valuable mobile app.  

The Emergency Ready Profile is great for anyone and everyone.  But it helps businesses more than anyone.  50% of businesses that go through disastrous situations never reopen their doors.  If some of the damage could be prevented by having informed employees and employers, perhaps that percentage would be lower.  

"Before anything else, the key to success is preparation."  So, why wouldn't you prepare yourself and your business for a possible disaster?  Unfortunately, disasters occur every day, both small and large.  By being prepared, when this day arrives, you will be preventing further damage.  

Call SERVPRO of Cayce/West Columbia and Lexington today at 803-755-9774 to set up an appointment.

Restoring Your Lexington Commercial Property After A Fire Damage Even

10/8/2021 (Permalink)

Restoring Your Lexington Commercial Property After A Fire Damage Event

Fire and smoke damage events at Lexington commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small fire cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of Lexington

SERVPRO of Lexington specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a fire or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Water Damage in Your Commercial Building!!

8/16/2021 (Permalink)

When water affects your life getting dry is our number one goal. After a flood and water damage getting dried out is a number one priority to minimize dangerous after effects. Did you know that there is a science behind the drying process?

Having the knowledge of physics metrics is essential to restoring a water damaged structure to its preloss condition. While your initial reaction may be to run for the towels and grab a few fans. SERVPRO of Lexington Professionals are trained in the science of drying and follow strict industry approved standards. If your business suffers from water damage, our SERVPRO Professionals will:

Inspect the building to detect every component that is wet, to help prevent secondary damage from happening.

Measure how much moisture is in the wet materials and monitor whether the materials are drying properly.

Speed up mother nature by using professional drying equipment. A wet building will always seek equilibrium an try to dry naturally. When materials are wet moisture will naturally move to drier air. The problem is nature takes too long and secondary damage, like mold can occur while you are waiting for your professional building to dry. We use state of the art monitoring equipment and a proven drying process to speed up the drying time in your business.

Restoring Your Commercial Property!

8/9/2021 (Permalink)

Restoring Your Lexington Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

Flooding and water damage events at Lexington commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of Lexington

SERVPRO of Lexington specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Meet Our Crew: http://www.SERVPROlexingtonsc.com/employee-photos 

Check List on Keeping your Office CLEAN!!

2/8/2021 (Permalink)

For further cleaning call SERVPRO of Cayce/West Columbia and Lexington!!

If you are anything like me, your office sometimes gets the best of you! Well here is a great checklist to help get you started on cleaning, decluttering and getting that office looking and feeling tidy again.

• Clean the bookshelves: Remove all books and belongings off your bookshelf and dust them, starting from the top to the bottom. Don’t forget to dust stuff off before placing them back on the shelf.
• Clean the desk: Dust off any accessories on your desk, with a damp cloth, top to bottom. Make sure to dust off the top and bottom surface of your desk.
• Clean your computer: Working from the top to the bottom, dust the screen and then move to the keyboard. Don’t forget to dust off the printer, fax machine, and any other electronics.
• Dust off any other furniture: Such as filing cabinets, tables, and chairs.
• Vacuum: Move furniture and chairs- vacuum and mop under everything.
• Sanitize your telephone.
• Clean the light fixtures: Dust the light fixtures with an extendable duster or a damp cloth; also, dust-off ceiling fans.
• Clean the windows.
• Clean the curtains or blinds.

Do you know where your supply shut off's are at work?

1/4/2021 (Permalink)

The supply shut off on the outside of a commercial building for emergencies.

When something goes wrong at work usually our first instinct is to call the boss or maintenance. What happens if they happen to be in a meeting or out of the office if you suddenly find yourself with water going everywhere and you need to locate the water shut off, where do you begin to start?

SERVPRO of Cayce/West Columbia and Lexington can help commercial properties in preplanning for a water, fire or storm disaster. By having a plan of action in place prior to any event and including it into your regular training at your office you can help minimize the damage and cost if an unplanned water or fire event happens.  SERVPRO, as a free service to any commercial property in Cayce/West Columbia or Lexington, we would love the opportunity to work with you and create an Emergency Ready Profile.  It will contain all the critical information to help minimize damages and provide the resources for the employees of the company with property details and information.

Call your local SERVPRO of Cayce/West Columbia and Lexington to set up an appointment to meet with one of our highly trained representatives, we are always here to help!

Our phones are answered 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week.

Why You Need An ERP for Your Business

10/9/2020 (Permalink)

The best way to reduce interruption to your business following a disaster is to plan for it now! It is estimated that as many as 50% of businesses may never recover following a disaster. Of the ones that do, an overwhelming majority of them had preparedness plans in place.

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.

Most contingency plans are made up of three main components: incident response, disaster recovery, and business continuity. The SERVPRO ERP addresses incident response and disaster recovery. Think about potential disasters that could affect your facility. Now ask yourself: Are you ready?

Our SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile is a start-up approach that provides important information needed to begin mitigation and recovery services.

Why the SERVPRO ERP?

• 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 SERVPRO of Cayce/West Columbia and Lexington as your disaster mitigation solutions in advance of an emergency so that during the emergency you are “Ready for whatever 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 for what to do, how to do it and who to call provides happens.”

If you're interested in having an ERP done for your business (at no cost to you!), OR if you have more questions about the Emergency READY Profile, give SERVPRO of Cayce/West Columbia and Lexington and call today 803.755.9774.

Commercial Mold Tips

10/8/2020 (Permalink)

If your commercial building recently experienced water damages, you are probably unsure of the next step. Not only are you worried about property damage from the water, but you also must worry about mold in your business. Mold can affect indoor air quality, can cause significant property damage, and can cause a foul smell that even the best deodorization techniques cannot get rid of! Follow these tips if you are dealing with residential or commercial mold.

1. Get Rid of Moisture - This is the very first step! Before the mold can be properly addressed, as much moisture as possible needs to be removed. If there is standing water, it can be dangerous to walk into your home or commercial property, so please make sure you can safely enter the building or structure.
2. Protect Yourself - You just never really know what can be floating around in standing water that can hurt you. For example, electrical wiring. You do not want to endure an electrical shock. Once you know you can safely enter, protect yourself by wearing protective clothing, such as gloves and a face mask.
3. Hire a Professional - The best thing you can do is leave it to the experts. Rely on a team of professionals to help get your home or business back in tip-top shape. Experts can come in and assess the true extent of the damage and help ensure all the molds are properly remediated. We promise it could save you a lot of time, money, and headaches in the future. 

SERVPRO of Cayce/West Columbia and Lexington is ready to help you ensure your commercial property is cleaned and ready to support your business. Give our team a call at 803.755.9774

Benefits to Commercial Carpet Cleaning

8/5/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Cayce/West Columbia and Lexington wants to share some reasons to have your carpets professionally cleaned. Commercial cleaning can be a lot of work, especially if it’s a large carpeted area. Let us help you with that. Call us at 803-.755-9774.

Having your carpets and rugs cleaned makes for a nice appearance for your customers.

The dust, dirt, and other debris that finds its way into the carpet fibers can eventually get into the air where it can cause odors and even respiratory infections. So therefore having your carpets and rugs professionally cleaned improves the air quality of the office/building.

Rented carpet cleaning machines are not always effective as they are used over and over by many different people and clean with harsh chemicals that leave an unpleasant smell and a residue in the carpet that attracts even more dirt and debris.  It is always better to hire a professional for that reason alone. 

SERVPRO of Cayce/West Columbia and Lexington offers free quotes for carpet cleaning. We can come out, measure, give you a quote, and proceed with cleaning while we are there once we have your approval. We have a very flexible schedule and can usually get you scheduled the week you call

Water Damage in the Workplace

8/5/2020 (Permalink)

Many commercial structures have a larger volume water entering the premises through plumbing supply lines, and at a higher rate of water pressure. The quantity of outgoing sewage is also greater than a typical residence, as well. Commercial buildings tend to be of larger square footage, so entry points for water intrusion through areas like the roof, exterior walls or windows are commensurately greater in number.

Water intrusion in commercial buildings can damage high-value equipment like computers and building services such as HVAC, lighting, elevators, and security equipment. Common long-term consequences of water damage; like the growth of toxic mold, may be even more problematic due to the larger occupancy of the business or commercial enterprise. When a greater number of people with a wider range of sensitivity are exposed to mold and bacteria spores, health impacts may be significantly magnified, perhaps leading to an enforced closure of the facility until the situation is fully remediated.

Typical issues from water intrusion in the commercial environment include:

• Water from roof leaks penetrating through ceilings. Chronic leakage through the roof may proceed unnoticed for long periods, hidden by suspended ceiling panels or in electrical or HVAC service areas above.
• Ruptures of water supply lines typically release clean (white) water.  Sewage backups or leaks in drain pipes release toxic (black) water that may be a biohazard and require evacuation of the premises.
• Flooding from external sources can result from heavy rains, storms such as hurricanes, rapid snow melt or local overflowing lakes or rivers.
• Moisture intrusion through the building envelope is typically more subtle. Humid outdoor air may be drawn in through structural cracks and gaps. Over a period, chronic dampness forms in spaces like wall voids, unventilated attics and service areas, spawning hidden mold growth that persists unseen.

For professional remediation of water intrusion in commercial buildings and prevention of secondary damage such as mold growth, contact SERVPRO of Cayce/West Columbia and Lexington at 803-955-0342.

Sewage backup at the IGA

2/26/2020 (Permalink)

our production technicians at SERVPRO of lexington getting equipment out of the trucks to start the sewage clean up at the IGA.

Commercial Sewage at the IGA

Sewer backups should be considered an emergency since the water can contain bacteria and other microbes that can cause serious illness. SERVPRO of Lexington has technicians that are professionally trained to clean up with specialized equipment to safely clean up the contaminated water.

SERVPRO of Lexington were able to assist the IGA with their sewage back up. They got out there and started cleaning up as soon as they arrived to get all the contaminated water out. SERVPRO of Lexington franchise is always happy to help in your time of need.

Clean water:

• Clean water can come from a broken water supply, that is not contaminated.
• If the clean water is left untreated it can cause the water to turn into gray water and in worse cases it can turn into black water.

Gray water:

• Gray water is contaminated and could cause some discomfort or illness.
• It can be caused from a dishwasher overflow, toilet overflow with urine, and even your washer machine.

Black water:

• Black water is very contaminated and could cause serious illness. Any contact should be avoided.
• This can be caused from flooding of rivers or streams, water from beyond the toilet trap, water from the water bowl with feces, and standing water that has begun to grow microbial.

Above the Ceiling

1/13/2020 (Permalink)

Commercial Cleaning – Don’t forget the Area Above the Ceiling!

It’s a common practice for many hotels, restaurants, and healthcare facilities to plan and budget for hiring a commercial cleaning company for quarterly, semi-annual, or annual cleaning of carpets, floors, and even equipment, to ensure that their guests, residents, patients, and even visiting family members will not only enjoy and provide favorable reviews about their experience, but also that they will not be exposed to any potential health hazards because of the proactive measures that were taken.

At times though, during this planning process, one area that can get overlooked, is above the drop ceiling in the kitchens, dietary, dining, and possibly even patient service areas.  There are several reasons these areas can be so critical.

1. There is typically more heat in many of these areas, due to the equipment in use, as well as moisture from hot water and steam from dish machines, etc…
2. Pests are attracted to these areas because of the smells, food and nesting materials they can find, and the darkness and lack of activity.

Contamination from rodent hairs, urine, and feces, is a concern and not to mention the damage they can do from gnawing on electrical wires and other parts of the structure.

And while it may be a common practice for these types of facilities to require their pest control providers to visually inspect the ceilings during their visits and to document any evidence of any of these issues, there is often a disconnect as to who should be responsible for cleaning up what is found.  Very often the documented issues that are found are not taken care of because the pest provider does not offer that type of cleanup service, and the facility itself does not have the manpower or expertise to effectively address these types of issues.

So, the area could remain contaminated, which could contribute to the possibility of several problems:

1. Any maintenance that requires removal of any ceiling tiles could expose the workers and employees to possible health issues related to rodent contamination.
2. Food safety could be compromised below the affected areas
3. Rodent issues could develop to the point where customers or employees start to see live rodents, because the pest company was unable to determine if there was ongoing activity in the building because the original evidence that was documented was never cleaned up!

So, what does all of this have to do with SERVPRO?  Well, I’ll tell you…SERVPRO not only has a team of service professionals capable of quarterly, semi-annual, or annual cleaning of the floors, carpets, equipment, and even walls, but they also have their own products for cleaning and disinfecting the area above the ceiling. Not only that; they are experts at identifying water damage and mold, so while they are working above your ceiling, they can also determine if there are any areas where mold be growing, or water leaks may be evident.

This is a proactive service that while it may not be visible to your guests, residents, visiting family members, and even your own valued employees; it could be more valuable for the protection of “your brand” than any of the other services mentioned.

Why? Because no one wants to find out after the fact that…

1. You have a rodent issue that is being seen by your customers or employees (and of course, posted on social media), that may have been prevented, because your pest technician noticed new evidence of pest activity, because the old evidence had been removed with the last cleaning.
2. Mold can cause health effects. 

So, while SERVPRO will not provide any type of rodent or pest control/elimination service, nor give any recommendations as to how to prevent such issues, we will proactively provide the cleaning of these critical areas, so that you can

• Get more accurate reporting and better service from your pest program provider because you have provided a clean environment in a key area, where any new activity can be recognized and addressed.
• Proactively monitor this critical area and minimize any damage that might be caused by water leaks; such as the development of mold, weakening of the structural integrity of the building due to excessive moisture, or even ceiling tile replacement due to water damage.

While it is true that many of the services SERVPRO offers are reactive in nature, and that our goal is to be, Faster to any Disaster and to make it "Like it never even happened," it’s also true that, “An Ounce of Prevention, is Worth a Pound of Cure!”  That is especially true when it comes to “Brand Protection.”

YOUR BRAND IS WORTH PROTECTING! Let SERVPRO help you make sure that nothing is overlooked…

Not even the area: ABOVE THE CEILING!

Do you know where your supply shut off's are at work?

10/10/2019 (Permalink)

The water supply line to your commercial property is vital for ensuring you have a clean business that your customers will want to visit. Unfortunately, sometimes accidents happen. If your water supply line bursts, you could find yourself with a large mess to take care of. Use these tips to help you get through the pipe burst cleanup process.

Shut Off the Water Supply

The first thing you need to do when you notice a burst pipe is to shut off the water supply. This may be found in several areas:

• Near the sink

• Behind the toilet

• In a basement or utility space

• At the main valve near your water meter

Clamp the Pipe Shut

Next, you’ll need to close off the burst in the pipe. Do this by applying a repair clamp to the area. While each package will have its own instructions, the process typically includes adding a rubber sleeve to the leak and then bolting a clamp over the sleeve. If you do not have a repair kit, you can use rubber from an inner tube or similar item with an adjustable hose clamp. This is only a temporary fix, so be sure to call a professional plumber as soon as you clamp the pipe to stop supply line leaking.

Have Questions? Call Today – (803)755-9774

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. We are also your business’s best resource for mold remediation.

Emergency Ready Profile

10/2/2019 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) will help insure you and your business are ready for whatever happens.

In the event of an emergency, the SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile, can help minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action in place for your commercial facility. The ERP is a comprehensive document containing critical information about your business, including: Emergency Contact Information, Shut-off Valve Locations and Priority Areas. The ERP is also accessible online using your computer or tablet; download SERVPRO's free Ready Plan app to access this information at any time using your smartphone or tablet.

The ERP also establishes SERVPRO of Lexington as your preferred SERVPRO franchise in the event of a disaster. Having a plan in place helps minimize the amount of time your business is inactive following a disaster.

The ERP is a no-cost assessment that requires little time, and can same you a lot of time and money in the future.

Call SERVPRO of Lexington today and schedule yours!

Is your workplace prepared?

7/31/2019 (Permalink)

Although an emergency escape plan is not required for all businesses under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), it recommends your building have an emergency action plan to protect yourself, employees, and your business during an emergency situation. OSHA suggests the following steps when developing such a plan.

Organize emergency preparedness procedures and share them with your employees.

Once a plan is developed, post evacuation procedures, including routes and exits, where they are easily accessible to all employees. Ensure that all exits are marked and well lit, wide enough to accommodate the number of evacuating personnel, and unobstructed and clear of debris at all times. 

Conduct office evacuation exercises and drills. Designate a safe spot outside of the facility where employees can regroup, recover and conduct a head count. Once completed evaluate how well the plan worked. You may need to make improvements.

Speeding up Mother Nature

7/31/2019 (Permalink)

When water affects your life getting dry is our number one goal. After a flood and water damage getting dried out is a number one priority to minimize dangerous after effects. Did you know that there is a science behind the drying process?

Having the knowledge of physics metrics is essential to restoring a water damaged structure to its preloss condition. While your initial reaction may be to run for the towels and grab a few fans. SERVPRO of Lexington Professionals are trained in the science of drying and follow strict industry approved standards. If your business suffers from water damage, our SERVPRO Professionals will:

Inspect the building to detect every component that is wet, to help prevent secondary damage from happening.

Measure how much moisture is in the wet materials and monitor whether the materials are drying properly.

Speed up mother nature by using professional drying equipment. A wet building will always seek equilibrium an try to dry naturally. When materials are wet moisture will naturally move to drier air. The problem is nature takes too long and secondary damage, like mold can occur while you are waiting for your professional building to dry. We use state of the art monitoring equipment and a proven drying process to speed up the drying time in your business.

Emergency Ready Profile

8/1/2018 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) will help insure you and your business are "Ready for whatever happens."

In the event of an emergency, the SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile, can help minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action in place for your commercial facility. The ERP is a comprehensive document containing critical information about your business, including: Emergency Contact Information, Shut-off Valve Locations and Priority Areas. The ERP is also accessible online using your computer or tablet; download SERVPRO's free Ready Plan app to access this information at any time using your smartphone or tablet.

The ERP also establishes SERVPRO of Lexington as your preferred SERVPRO franchise in the event of a disaster. Having a plan in place helps minimize the amount of time your business is inactive following a disaster.

The ERP is a no-cost assessment that requires little time, and can save you a lot of time and money in the future.

Call SERVPRO of Lexington to inquire about your ERP today (803)955-0342

Getting Back To Work: Commercial Water Damage Restoration

8/1/2018 (Permalink)

Commercial water damage restoration not only restores a building. It restores jobs and income to the people employed there, products or services to customers, and a healthy environment for everyone who utilizes the structure. If it’s not done right, or on time, the ultimate result can be the closing of a facility, relocation elsewhere, and severe impact to a private business or public organization’s bottom line. Because the scope of water damage in commercial settings is frequently wider and more extreme than in a residential scenario, water damage remediation specialists with experience specific to commercial buildings are positioned to provide effective emergency service when the need arises.

Here’s a typical protocol utilized in commercial water damage restoration:

• All areas contacted with water are inventoried, including affected building materials and furniture. Any wet carpet must be located and identified.
• Wet ceiling tiles may be removed and discarded after the event. Ceiling tiles usually are not salvageable.
• A moisture meter should be utilized to check for water-damaged drywall. Disinfection and mold control techniques may need to be initiated.
• Wet electrical components are assumed to be hazardous. A qualified maintenance technician or electrician should cut off power to affected areas. Inspection by a building inspector or electrician is required to determine the need to replace wet wiring, circuit breakers, outlets and light fixtures.
• Upholstered furniture wet by flood water, roof leaks, or sewage should be discarded. Furniture contacted by drinking water can be air-dried if done within 24 hours. Laminate or hardwood furniture can be cleaned with a disinfectant solution and reused; particle board furniture may be discarded.
• Carpet contaminated by sewage must be disposed. Carpet wet by drinking water or rain water through roof leaks may have water extracted and then be sterilized.

For experienced commercial water damage restoration, contact the professionals at SERVPRO of Lexington(803)955-0342

4 Ways to Prepare for a Fire

6/25/2018 (Permalink)

No one expects a fire to envelop their commercial property. However, having a fire preparation plan in place can help you and your employees react smartly if a fire does happen. Here are four things you may want to do to prepare for a fiery disaster.

1. Create an Evacuation Plan: Everyone who spends time in a building should know how to get out in case of a fire. You may want to hold regular trainings to ensure everyone knows the best exit routes. You can also designate an area for people to evacuate to. This allows you to take a head count and make sure everyone made it out.
2. Have Inspections: If your building is up to code, you may be able to reduce the fire damage that takes place. You can have a professional come out and inspect your building. They can look at the sprinkler system and smoke alarms to ensure your safety devices are working.
3. Know Where to Turn: Part of fire preparation is knowing what you would do in the event of a fire. Flames can do serious damage to your building, so you need to know who you would call to fix up fire damage. Finding a reputable fire restoration team before a disaster is a great idea.
4. Prohibit Dangerous Activities: Some businesses may have a higher risk of fires, so disaster preparation is even more important. If employees smoke on the property, there is the potential of an improperly discarded cigarette starting a fire. As the building owner, you should ban dangerous activities that increase the chances of a fire.

Having a fire preparation plan can get you and your tenants ready for a disaster, but there still may be some challenges if a fire does ever break out. Remember, people react differently under stressful situations, so it's a good idea to make sure everyone knows what to do in the case of an emergency

Preparing Your Business for Bad Weather: 3 Helpful Tips

6/25/2018 (Permalink)

When bad weather comes, protecting your business from the elements can reduce the risk of costly accidents and damage. From a raging heavy storm to freezing rain and frigid winds, bad storms can be powerful enough to freeze your building’s pipes, damage your roof and cut off your power lines. However, there are a few actions you can take to shield your building and employees from harm once temperatures start to plummet. 

1. Allow Employees to Work From Home 

Shutting down your business due to bad weather can negatively impact your business’ finances. However, you can keep operations humming by allowing your employees to work remotely. Data wranglers, researchers and website designers can all work from the comfort of their homes and do not have to put themselves in danger in the event of a bad storm. You may want to have a remote contingency plan in place beforehand, so work can continue smoothly upon notice of a work from home day. 

2. Be Aware of Weather Warnings 

Using weather apps and streaming news services can keep you abreast of any possible bad storms and allow you to take action when it comes to protecting your business. For example, if temperatures are projected to drop into the single digits, a pipe burst in your building’s basement or bathrooms could cause a serious flood. Being aware of upcoming weather conditions can give you time to install additional insulation or contact a storm damage and flood cleanup service to retain their services as a precaution. 

3. Inspect Your Roof 

Knowing whether your building’s roof could withstand a powerful wind storm can help you avoid a costly repair bill in its aftermath. Heavy rains can cause weak sections of the roof to collapse, and missing shingles may cause moisture to seep into the attic. It is wise to have the roof inspected before bad weather arrives. 

Bad weather and frigid wind can affect your business in a variety of ways. However, being prepared in the face of an ice or snow storm may help you protect your property and employees.

Benefits to Commercial Carpet Cleaning

6/13/2018 (Permalink)

Commercial cleaning can be a lot of work, especially if it’s a large carpeted area. Let us help you with that. Call us at 803-755-9774.

Having your carpets and rugs cleaned makes for a nice appearance for your customers.

The dust, dirt, and other debris that finds its way into the carpet fibers can eventually get into the air where it can cause odors and even respiratory infections. So therefore having your carpets and rugs professional cleaned improves the air quality of the office/building.

Rented carpet cleaning machines are not always effective as they are used over and over by many different people and clean with harsh chemicals that leave an unpleasant smell and a residue in the carpet that attracts even more dirt and debris.  It is always better to hire a professional for that reason alone.

SERVPRO of Lexington offers free quotes for carpet cleaning. We can come out, measure, give you a quote, and proceed with cleaning while we are there once we have your approval. We have a very flexible schedule and can usually get you scheduled the week you call.

Sewage Emergency

3/7/2018 (Permalink)

Sewer backups are a common biohazard that can affect  businesses. Water from sewer backups should be considered very dangerous. The water is unsanitary and may contain bacteria and viruses that could cause serious illness.  SERVPRO of Lexington has the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to safely clean and restore this type of contamination.

There are three types of contaminated water, understanding what type of water you are dealing with is critical to ensuring proper cleanup.

• Category 1: Clean water- Clean water is from a clean source, such as a broken pipe, or other water source. If clean water is left untreated, allowing bacteria to grow, it quickly can turn to category 2 or 3.
• Category 2: Gray water- Gray water has significant amounts of contaminants that could cause illness. Category 2 water may come from washing machine overflow, toilet overflow with some urine, or a dishwasher overflow.
• Category 3: Black water- Black water is highly contaminated and filled with fungi, bacteria, chemicals and more. Black water is typically caused by sewage damage, flooding, or any type of natural disaster. Black water should always be handled by trained professionals.

What to do after a Contamination:

1. Stay out of affected areas.
2. Call emergency service personnel if the situation is life-threatening.
3. Flood water can contain sewage, pesticides, and other contaminants.
4. Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
5. Treat all bodily fluids as if they are contaminated.
6. Turn off the HVAC system if there is sewage damage.

What Not to do after a Contamination:

1. Don’t leave wet fabrics in place.
2. Don’t leave books, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
3. Don’t use your household vacuum to remove water.
4. Don’t use television or other household appliances.
5. Don’t turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where the ceilings are sagging.

Sewage backups and dark water intrusions are more than nasty, smelly deposits- these damages also introduce harmful microorganisms into a structure. When you have a water damage, don’t leave your property to chance, call  of SERVPRO of Lexington, we will remove the sewage, contaminants, and moisture, and help ensure the structure is properly cleaned, disinfected, and deodorized.

Commercial Building Fires

3/6/2018 (Permalink)

Top Causes of Commercial Building Fires

To reduce the risk of fire in your commercial workspace, it’s important to know the top causes of fires and take the appropriate steps to reduce the risk. Below we cover the top causes of fire in commercial and office spaces.

Electrical Fires

Electrical fires are common in office spaces, data centers, and server rooms where faulty electrical equipment, frayed wires, and overloaded plugs can easily cause fires. Hot running equipment like computers and heavy industrial equipment can also easily cause a fire by running too hot.

To prevent electrical fires, you can take several preventive steps. One step is not to overload electrical sockets. While an overloaded power socket could trip your breaker and cut off the power, it could also cause sparks that could catch papers or carpet or other combustible materials on fire.

If you use an extension cord, be sure to check it for any frays or damage. Never use a damaged extension cord as it can cause a short and start a fire. If you are using equipment that can get very hot, make sure they are well ventilated and that they aren’t dusty or dirty. Dust is highly combustible and can easily start a fire if a spark occurs in your equipment.

Flammable & Combustible Materials

Many Fort Mill businesses use flammable liquids and materials in their commercial spaces. It’s important to always store any flammable liquids in their proper storage containers. It’s even more important to make sure they are completely sealed as the vapors are what usually cause a fire.

If flammable liquids and materials aren’t sealed, vapors can build up in the space where they are stored. If a spark from turning on a light or from static occurs, this could not only cause a fire but an explosion.

Train your staff on how to properly store, use, and dispose of any flammable liquids and/or materials. If flammable liquids are spilled, make sure you properly clean them up as well as ventilated the space where they were spilled. Remember that it’s the vapors that are most dangerous.

Human Error

We all make mistakes, unfortunately, some mistakes can cause fires. Improper use of equipment, spilled liquids on electrical equipment, forgetting to turn off heat generating equipment, and mishandling flammable liquids are just a few ways that mistakes by your staff can lead to fires.

While mistakes will be made, you can reduce common ones by training your employees on the dangers of fire in the workplace. Common practices like never leaving food cooking in the microwave or on the stove unattended. Unplugging space heaters before leaving the office. Not placing drinks where they could spill on electronics. And if a fire should occur, it’s important to educate your employees on what to do.

General Negligence

Negligence isn’t the same as human error. Negligence in the workplace is not following proper safety procedures. Negligence can occur throughout your Fort Mill business. Improperly storing and sealing flammable liquids can cause a fire. Storing papers and flammable materials too close to heat generating equipment can cause a fire. Blocking ventilation of electronic equipment like computers can cause them to overheat and start a fire. Not properly disposing of cigarette butts can quickly lead to a fire.

Reducing the chances of fire caused by general negligence, and an understanding of potential risks, teaching your staff to work according to safety procedures can help. If you don’t have standard operating procedures for your work, you may want to create some. Standard operating procedures can include ways to reduce the risks and how to avoid them.

Arson

The last common cause of business fires is arson. While it may seem like arson from vandals seems unpreventable, you can take steps to reduce the chance of it occurring. Make sure your business is properly lit at night to discourage vandals from approaching your business.

If you have areas of the business that are hidden by bushes or trees, you may want to consider trimming them back. Surveillance cameras in areas that have little traffic can help keep trouble at bay.

Commercial Fire Damage? Call Us Today –(803)955-0342

Commercial Water Supply Lines

3/6/2018 (Permalink)

The water supply line to your commercial property is vital for ensuring you have a clean business that your customers will want to visit. Unfortunately, sometimes accidents happen. If your water supply line bursts, you could find yourself with a large mess to take care of. Use these tips to help you get through the pipe burst cleanup process.

Shut Off the Water Supply

The first thing you need to do when you notice a burst pipe is to shut off the water supply. This may be found in several areas:

• Near the sink

• Behind the toilet

• In a basement or utility space

• At the main valve near your water meter

Clamp the Pipe Shut

Next, you’ll need to close off the burst in the pipe. Do this by applying a repair clamp to the area. While each package will have its own instructions, the process typically includes adding a rubber sleeve to the leak and then bolting a clamp over the sleeve. If you do not have a repair kit, you can use rubber from an inner tube or similar item with an adjustable hose clamp. This is only a temporary fix, so be sure to call a professional plumber as soon as you clamp the pipe to stop supply line leaking.

Have Questions? Call Today – (803)955-0342

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. We are also your business’s best resource for mold remediation.

Restoring Your Lexington Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

6/20/2017 (Permalink)

Commercial Water Damage Events Present Unique Challenges.

Restoring Your Lexington Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

Flooding and water damage events at Lexington commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of Lexington

SERVPRO of Lexington specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Meet Our Crew: http://www.SERVPROlexingtonsc.com/employee-photos 

Restoring Your Lexington Commercial Property After A Fire Damage Event

6/20/2017 (Permalink)

Commercial Fire Damage Events Present Unique Challenges.

Restoring Your Lexington Commercial Property After A Fire Damage Event

Fire and smoke damage events at Lexington commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small fire cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of Lexington

SERVPRO of Lexington specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a fire or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Restoring Your Lexington Commercial Property After A Water Damage

6/9/2017 (Permalink)

Commercial Water Damage Events Present Unique Challenges.

Restoring Your Lexington Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

Flooding and water damage events at Lexington commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of Lexington

SERVPRO of Lexington specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Taking Care of Business

3/6/2017 (Permalink)

Taking Care of Business:

Small business owners invest a tremendous amount of time, money and resources to make their business successful, yet, many owners fail to properly plan and prepare for disaster situations.

As a business owner, you are a leader in your community and with that comes a lot of responsibilities. You must set an example for your employees, customers, and community to follow.

Having a plan in place may help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive and get you right back in the building after a disaster.

You can protect your business by identifying the risks associated with disasters, and creating a plan for action should a disaster strike.

In the event of an emergency, the SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile, can help minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action in place for your business. The ERP will include critical information about your business, such as: Emergency contact information, Shut-off Valve locations and priority areas.

Preparation is the key to making it through any size disaster, whether it is a small water leak, a large fire or an area flood. The best time to plan for such events is not when the event happens, but well before it occurs. Now is the time to ask yourself, “Are you Ready for whatever happens?” 

The ERP is accessible to you at no cost. For more questions concerning the ERP and planning for a disaster call your SERVPRO of Cayce/ West Columbia and Lexington and let us help you make it, “Like it never even happened.”

Ready for whatever

8/17/2016 (Permalink)

No one plans on a disaster, but you can plan to be "Ready for whatever happens."

SERVPRO is always thinking about the future.  They are constantly creating new and innovative ways to not only make a disaster "Like it never even happened" but to also make sure that you, the customer, the one in need, is at least somewhat prepared for a disaster.  One of their newest innovations is the Emergency Ready Profile.  Never heard of it?  Well, that's just a shame!

The Emergency Ready Profile is necessary information that can be accessed either via website or mobile app in the midst of a disaster.  This profile contains where water shut offs are, all emergency contacts, and where electricity shut offs are.  Unfortunately, not everyone in your home or workplace knows this information.  Let's say that one of your coworkers decides to stay late in the office.  He or she is the only one there.  There is a plumbing malfunction and the toilet never ceases running.  The coworker does not notice this for hours until the water has seeped into his or her office.  Now, there is a problem.  The coworker panics.  They do not know who they should be calling, where the shutoffs are, etc.  Instead they frantically call their manager.  Meanwhile, the water is still seeping through the office because it has not been shut off.  More water damage is made and perhaps some items even become unsalvageable.  But, a plumbing malfunction did not have to lead to such a disastrous situation.  Some of the damage could have been elevated by one valuable mobile app.  

The Emergency Ready Profile is great for anyone and everyone.  But it helps businesses more than anyone.  50% of businesses that go through disastrous situations never reopen their doors.  If some of the damage could be prevented by having informed employees and employers, perhaps that percentage would be lower.  

"Before anything else, the key to success is preparation."  So, why wouldn't you prepare yourself and your business for a possible disaster?  Unfortunately, disasters occur every day, both small and large.  By being prepared, when this day arrives, you will be preventing further damage.  

Call SERVPRO of Lexington today at 803-755-9774 to set up an appointment with Denea Laurier.  She will come by and set up the Emergency Ready Profile for you, your household or your business, free of charge.  As they say, the best things in life are free! 

HVAC Duct Cleaning

8/10/2016 (Permalink)

Has your HVAC has been operating for some time without attention? It could be circulating odors, dust and other contaminates throughout your home or business. Ventilation systems are often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality. You should make it a priority to inspect the ductwork of your home or business. Call SERVPRO of Lexington today, and we are more than happy to inspect the heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit (HVAC) and provide you with advice on what type of cleaning service your system should need.  Keeping your ducts and HVAC unit clean can extend the life of the equipment and make the system function more efficiently, saving you money on the heating and cooling costs as well as providing cleaner air to breathe in your home or business. 

EMPLOYEE OF THE QUARTER Part Deux

4/15/2016 (Permalink)

More fun answers from TREY SHIREY about our EMPLOYEE OF THE QUARTER questionnaire.

Miscellaneous:

What is under your bed? Dust

Favorite Hobby? Racing

If you could have a super power what would it be? X-Ray Vision

What is your biggest Pet Peeve? Don’t really have one, if I have to pick people who annoy me.

Pick and Choose:

Coffee or tea? Tea

Chocolate or Vanilla? Vanilla

Salty or Sweet? Sweet

Trucks or Cars? Trucks

Summer or Winter? Winter

Hugs or Kisses? Kisses

Morning or Night? Morning

TREY SHIREY is an important member of our family here at SERVPRO of Cayce/ West Columbia and Lexington and always has a joke to brighten our day. I hope you enjoyed learning about our EMPLOYEE OF THE QUARTER as much as we enjoy having him as part of our team/ family. 

Winterize Your Business

12/26/2013 (Permalink)

The winter months may call for businesses to take some standard precautionary measures to help protect their property. These measures include basic maintenance checks and preparation to help ensure your business and employees remain safe. Some basic precautionary tips include:

• Check your business property for down tree limbs and branches. Weather, such as wind, heavy rain, ice and snow, can cause branches to fall, which could cause damage to the property and potentially cause personal injuries.
• Ensure gutters are clean and secure. Leave or debris accumulates causing a damming effect on gutters, which could lead to roof problems and water damage.
• Inspect property, especially walkaways and parking lots, for proper drainage to alleviate flood hazard potential.
• Inspect all handrails, stairwells and entryways to address and correct potential slippery or hazardous areas. Install mats or non- slip surfaces and post caution signs where water could be present.