Recent Commercial Posts

The Cost of Demolition and Repairing a Damaged Structure

3/28/2022 (Permalink)

Many water pipes are hidden under walls, ceilings, floors, and other difficult-to-reach places. When an inside pipe bursts, you may need to demolish a piece of the structure to fix it.

Most property insurance policies, fortunately, cover the expense of ripping out and replacing any component of the structure you remove to repair damage to the plumbing system or an appliance (such as a boiler) from which water or another substance has escaped.

Assume that the supply line for the water fountain is positioned inside a wall in the scenario described above. A piece of the wall must be removed to obtain access to the damaged pipe.

https://www.thebalancesmb.com/damage-caused-by-water-leaks-462680

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

Long-term flooding or moisture

3/2/2022 (Permalink)

Long-term flooding or moisture is likely to harm most interior finishes and contents, although the following methods may be viable if the flooding is brief and cleanup started quickly. Delay permanent repairs until the building has completely dried out, which could take many weeks.

Subfloors

Subfloor layers of submerged plywood or OSB will most likely separate or swell. To keep the new floor covering from buckling, affected parts must be replaced.
Allow the subflooring to dry thoroughly after removing floor coverings, which may take months without a dehumidifier.
Before installing new flooring, inspect it for warping.

Wooden Flooring

Remove a board carefully every few feet to prevent buckling caused by swelling. Consult a carpenter or flooring professional if the boards are tongue-and-grooved.
Before replacing boards and undertaking repairs, properly clean and dry the floor, which could take weeks.

https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/solutions/water-damage-restoration-clean-up-checklist/

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

Sanitation of Food and Water

3/2/2022 (Permalink)

Sanitation of Food and Water

Purify your water until your local water company, utility, or public health department considers it safe, not only for drinking and cooking, but also for washing any part of the body or dishes.

Water: Strain water through a clean cloth or filter, then rapidly boil for one minute, then cool. If boiling is not an option, use new unscented liquid chlorine bleach (8 drops or 1/8 teaspoon per gallon of clear water; 16 drops or 1/4 teaspoon per gallon of cloudy water); stir; let stand 30 minutes. It is not advised to use iodine or purification pills.

Food: Undamaged professionally prepared meals in all-metal cans or retort pouches can be saved provided the labels are removed, the cans are properly washed, rinsed, and then disinfected with a sanitizing solution of 1 tablespoon bleach per gallon of potable water. Finally, use a marker to re-label containers that had their labels removed, including the expiration date.
Utensils: Flood-damaged wooden cutting boards and spoons, plastic utensils, baby bottles, nipples, and pacifiers should all be discarded. Wash metal and ceramic pans, utensils, and dishes thoroughly with hot soapy water before sanitizing them by boiling them in clean water or immersing them for 15 minutes in a solution of 1 tsp chlorine bleach/quart water.

https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/solutions/water-damage-restoration-clean-up-checklist/

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

In additional to the cost of repair, a burst pipe can lead to lost revenue if your business must close for repairs.

11/3/2021 (Permalink)

In additional to the cost of repair, a burst pipe can lead to lost revenue if your business must close for repairs.

A burst pipe or other water-related mishap can be financially devastating for a small business. When a business suffers a flooding or freezing incident, it might have to close to repair the damage, which ultimately means lost revenue. If repairs aren’t taken care of promptly, they can lead to even costlier threats, such as mold growth and structural damage.

If your business experiences a water-related incident, you’ll need to act quickly to mitigate the damage. Small business insurance can also play a crucial role in lessening the financial impact. However, it’s best to prevent such occurrences from happening in the first place. Use these tips to protect your business from flooding and freezing damage.

https://www.insureon.com/blog/tips-for-preventing-water-damage-at-your-business

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

General Severe Weather Safety Practices

10/26/2021 (Permalink)

In a severe weather emergency, all employees should be aware of their responsibilities and the actions they should take to protect themselves and others.

When severe weather is threatening, tune in to local radio or television stations or check local weather reports online.
If a tornado warning is issued or the weather becomes severe, seek immediate cover in the company’s pre-designated shelter area.
If you are unable to reach the pre-designated shelter area, take cover in interior rooms with small or no windows such as restrooms, kitchens or hallways on the lowest possible floor.
Climb under heavy furniture, such as tables and desks, if possible.
Cover your face and head with blankets, coats, jackets, etc. to protect yourself from flying glass.
Stay away from windows and doors and do not use the telephone.
Be prepared to take cover when the following alerts have been issued for our area:

Severe Thunderstorm Watch—Severe thunderstorms are possible.
Tornado Watch—Tornadoes are possible.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning—Severe thunderstorms are occurring.

Take immediate cover when the following warning has been issued for our area:

Tornado Warning—A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar.

https://www.valentgroup.com/severe-weather/

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

Tips for preventing water damage at your business

10/5/2021 (Permalink)

Insulate exposed pipes

When temperatures drop during the winter, especially at night, exposed pipes are vulnerable to freezing. Plummeting temperatures or cold drafts can freeze water inside a poorly insulated pipe, creating pressure and ultimately causing the pipe to burst. A broken pipe can lead to costly flooding or even structural damage.

The best way to prevent frozen pipes is to ensure they’re insulated. Most hardware stores carry pipe insulation. The more insulation you use, the better protected your pipes will be.

Keep heat at sufficient levels

To prevent pipes from freezing, you’ll want to keep an eye on your business’s thermostat. Make sure the thermostat is never set lower than 50 degrees – even on weekends or when the building is vacant. Avoid significant changes between nighttime and daytime temperatures, which increases the risk of your pipes freezing. In addition, be sure to regularly replace batteries in thermostats to ensure they’re operating correctly.

https://www.insureon.com/blog/tips-for-preventing-water-damage-at-your-business

Fire detection systems

9/8/2021 (Permalink)

A smoke alarm, heat detector, and/or flame detector provides an instant alert when fire or smoke is present. Your employees can react quickly when they hear the sound whether they need to use a fire extinguisher or exit the workplace. In accordance with Cal/OSHA regulations, regularly test and maintain your fire detection systems. You also need to make sure these devices are protected from corrosion or other potential damage and provide enough warning time for employees to evacuate the workplace.

In addition to your alarm systems, remind your employees that if they smell something burning, see smoke, or flames to speak up right away.

Hazardous chemical storage

Many workplaces have hazardous chemicals present. These could be as simple as cleaning solutions you store at the office or large containers of hazardous materials stored in warehouses or transported on trucks or ships. In all cases, they pose a risk for potential workplace fires. When storing chemicals, make sure to keep incompatible groups apart. Check the safety data sheets and the hazard labels for further information.

https://www.safeatworkca.com/safety-articles/5-ways-to-protect-your-employees-from-a-workplace-fire/

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

Smoking materials (9%)

9/7/2021 (Permalink)

Smoking materials (9%)

This category will likely shrink in future studies to reflect the fact that fewer jurisdictions today allow smoking in offices as compared to 10 and 20 years ago. As of November, 2019, more than half the U.S. states and numerous cities and counties enacted laws that prohibited smoking in workplaces

How to prepare: Review your office smoking policy, have a safety and evacuation plan

If your office allows smoking, be sure to provide plenty of signs directing smokers to receptacles to safely dispose of hot ashes.

Exposure (4%)

Exposure is the spread of fire from an outside of an area to a structure. Office managers can’t do much to stop outside fires from spreading to their offices. But office managers can prepare for this type of fire and help to minimize the spread of the flames.

How to prepare: Improve passive fire protection; inspect automatic fire sprinklers

Passive fire protection is key. When building or remodeling an office, consider what could be done to slow the spread of the flames if a fire broke out. Also, make sure automatic fire sprinklers are working, and that employees know what to do if a fire spreads into the office.

https://resources.impactfireservices.com/the-6-main-causes-of-office-fires-and-how-to-protect-your-organization

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

Hardware that can help prevent business water damage

9/3/2021 (Permalink)

To help keep an eye on these or other trouble spots, you may want to consider installing a commercial water leak detection system. Leak detection systems can be either active or passive.

Active leak detection systems: These commercial leak detection systems usually generate some type of alarm, but also can stop the water flow. They feature some form of shutoff valve and a means to determine that a leak is occurring. Most devices use moisture sensors to detect a leak. Other systems utilize a flow sensor and a timer to determine that something is leaking and the water needs to be turned off. An active leak detection system can operate only for an individual appliance or control a whole property.
Passive leak detection systems: These commercial leak detection systems, also called 'water alarms,' are intended to alert you to a possible water leak. They generally sound an audible alarm tone; some may also feature a flashing light.
Passive systems are frequently battery-operated, stand-alone units. They are inexpensive and easy to install. Some simply sit on the floor, while others may be wall mounted. A moisture sensor is located on the bottom of the unit and activates the alarm when it becomes wet. Battery-operated devices need to be tested regularly, and the batteries should be replaced on a periodic basis.

https://www.statefarm.com/simple-insights/small-business/water-leakage-prevention-at-your-business-precautions-and-fixes

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

Locate your shut-off valve

9/1/2021 (Permalink)

Locate your shut-off valve

If a pipe breaks, you’ll need to act quickly. That means you should know the location of the main shut-off valve for your building’s water supply. Shutting off the main valve will temporarily cut the flow of water to the building, preventing flooding until you are able to fix the problem.

Seal cracks and gaps

Seal any cracks, holes, or other gaps in your building’s exterior and foundation to ensure that cold air doesn’t penetrate your building and warm air doesn’t escape. Caulk, weather stripping, and other sealants can be used to make your building more energy efficient and reduce the risk of frozen pipes.

Keep track of valuable items

Knowing the value of items in your building will help you replace them in the event they’re damaged by a water-related incident. If there’s a risk of flooding, move valuable items from the floor of your business – as long as you don’t put yourself at risk. If flooding does occur, you’ll need to ensure that the building has been safely evacuated and that all employees and customers are able to get to higher ground as soon as possible.

https://www.insureon.com/blog/tips-for-preventing-water-damage-at-your-business

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

Preventing water leakage: building interior

6/1/2021 (Permalink)

Look over your equipment; if you see something that worries you, it's probably time to get involved. Here are some things you can do.

Make sure hose connections are secure on water supply lines to washing machines, ice makers, dishwashers and other appliances that use water.
Re-caulk and re-grout around sinks, showers and tubs. Leaking shower pans and loose or missing tiles should be repaired.
Check and replace washing machine hose every 3-5 years as part of a proactive maintenance program. Sooner if there are signs of cracking, bulging or other deterioration. Consider replacing traditional reinforced rubber hoses with stainless steel braided hoses, for increased durability and longevity. For additional peace of mind, consider a stainless-steel braided hose with a built-in auto-shutoff mechanism.
Follow the recommended maintenance procedures for all appliances and equipment. This includes periodically draining a portion of the water out of the water heater to flush out the sediment in the bottom of the tank. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions. Tankless water heaters also need regular maintenance and servicing as well as water softener and water filtering systems.
Regular maintenance by a qualified HVAC contractor will help keep air conditioner pan drain lines clear of deposits that can clog the line.
When the weather turns cold, a trickle of water from both hot and cold faucets may help prevent frozen pipes Another good idea is to open cabinet doors to allow heat to get to pipes under sinks and appliances near exterior walls.
Insulate water pipes that are exposed to freezing temperatures or drafts, such as those located in garages and basements, to help reduce the chance of leaks from frozen pipes.

https://www.statefarm.com/simple-insights/small-business/water-leakage-prevention-at-your-business-precautions-and-fixes

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

Inspect your roof

5/13/2021 (Permalink)

Examine your building’s roof for damage after storms, or annually in regions that are less prone to storms. Replace any worn materials or other weak areas to ensure that leaks don’t occur during future storms. Check flashing (a type of sheet metal used for waterproofing) and gutters, and clean out any debris that may be blocking drainage. Remove branches or leaves that may have accumulated during prior storms.

Install impact-resistant windows

Impact-resistant glass has been specially treated to help prevent shattering and to provide an extra barrier to safeguard your building from severe weather. While it’s still possible for it to break, it’s less likely to shatter completely, offering better protection from flying glass and debris during a hurricane or hailstorm.

Secure equipment and valuables

If you live in an area prone to strong winds or hail, keep an eye on the weather forecast so that you can protect your valuables before a storm hits. Ensure any high-value items are in a safe and secure area, stored up high and away from windows. Any outdoor equipment should be securely fastened so it’s not lost or turned into a projectile during a storm.

https://www.insureon.com/blog/how-to-protect-your-business-from-wind-hail-damage

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

Preventing water damage at your business

4/8/2021 (Permalink)

Insulate exposed pipes

The best way to prevent frozen pipes is to ensure they’re insulated. Most hardware stores carry pipe insulation. The more insulation you use, the better protected your pipes will be.

Keep heat at sufficient levels

https://www.insureon.com/blog/tips-for-preventing-water-damage-at-your-business

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

What Causes a Leaking Hot Water Heater?

4/6/2021 (Permalink)

What Causes a Leaking Hot Water Heater?

Conventional storage water heater tanks are the most popular type of water heating system for a single-family home, providing a ready reservoir of 20 to 80 gallons of hot water. They operate by releasing hot water from the top of the tank when you turn on the hot water tap. To replace that hot water, cold water enters the bottom of the tank, ensuring that the tank is always full. Water heater tanks are typically fueled by natural gas, propane, fuel oil or electricity.

Water leakage around the base of the tank can be caused by leaking valves, connections, or from the tank itself. Possible causes include:

Faulty T&P (temperature and pressure) relief valve
T&P valve leak due to excessive pressure, overheating or stuck
Leak from overhead or nearby plumbing connection
Leaking water tank (corrosion likely)
In an electric water heater, leakage from a loose heating element bolt(s) or bad gasket

If you are handy and want to tackle repairs to your leaking water heater yourself, the about.com website gives good instructions for fixing leaky gas and electric water heaters. Otherwise, we recommend calling a licensed plumber.

https://blog.diycontrols.com/index.php/how-to-stop-a-leaking-water-heater-before-damage-is-done/

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

First Steps

3/5/2021 (Permalink)

Make sure that everyone is out of danger of new flood crests, fire, and falling buildings. Assume flood water and flooded materials are contaminated.

Flood Insurance Claims

If you have flood insurance, contact your insurance adjuster immediately.

Begin cleanup, salvage, and drying as soon as possible. Do not wait for adjuster. Take photos for use as an inventory. All steps suggested on this page can be taken before an adjuster arrives.
Clean house so the adjuster can see the damage.
Keep damaged materials for proof of loss.
Leave a phone number where you can be reached when the adjuster arrives.
The adjuster will assess damages to the house. The owner should sign a proof of loss statement. Additional damage can be added when found.
Contact governmental offices for information.
If you do not have flood insurance, your homeowner’s insurance likely will not cover the loss. If the flood has been declared a federal disaster by the President, apply for assistance online at http://www.DisasterAssistance.gov

https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/solutions/water-damage-restoration-clean-up-checklist/

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

What Businesses Should Know About Water Damage

11/2/2020 (Permalink)

What Businesses Should Know About Water Damage

Assemble flood/spill control kits.

Having a water damage response kit on-hand will allow for a quick response in case of an accidental water incident; this might include:

High-volume wet vacuum
Discharge hose at least 30 feet long, to be used with the wet vacuum
Heavy duty sorbent brooms
Wide rubber squeegee
Filled sandbags (multiples of these, especially to protect sensitive electrical equipment, if your building is in an area susceptible to flooding)

Store these kits in areas where you’ll need them quickly, such as security or mechanical rooms.

Install flood gates.

If your business is located in a flood zone, consider installing flood gates to prevent water from coming into the facility. If permanent measures aren’t practical, you can install temporary flood gates, which can be attached to protect entry doors, windows, and exterior steps leading below grade.

Review your insurance.

Make sure you have appropriate and complete insurance protection in place, so that if you experience a water damage event, you and your business will be adequately insured.

https://www.chubb.com/us-en/businesses/resources/what-businesses-should-know-about-water-damage.aspx

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

Leaks Caused by Freezing

10/9/2020 (Permalink)

Leaks caused by Freezing

A common cold weather hazard faced by business owners is a frozen water pipe. When a pipe freezes, water may slow to a trickle or not flow at all. The pressure inside the pipe from expanding ice may eventually cause the pipe to burst.

Many property policies contain a "freezing" exclusion similar to that found in the ISO property policy. The exclusion precludes damage caused by water, other liquids, powder or molten material that leaks or flows from plumbing, heating, air conditioning or other equipment caused by freezing. This exclusion contains three exceptions. It does not apply to fire protective systems. For example, you own a commercial building that contains a wet sprinkler system (meaning the pipes are filled with water). A severe cold spell hits your area and several pipes in the ceiling freeze—one of the pipes bursts, causing water damage your office furniture, computers, and other personal property.

If you do your best to maintain heat in the building--for instance, you own a warehouse that is heated during the winter months. A power outage causes the furnace to shut off, and a plumbing pipe freezes—the pipe bursts, causing water damage to your equipment and inventory.

If you don’t maintain heat in the building, but you do drain the equipment and shut off the water or other liquid supply--for example, you own an unheated building that you use for storage. Before winter arrived, you drained the water heater and supply lines. Unfortunately, some water remained in the hot water line due to an undetected clog. The pipe froze and then burst. Leaking water caused damage to property you stored in the warehouse.

https://www.thebalancesmb.com/damage-caused-by-water-leaks-462680

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

Building Damage

10/2/2020 (Permalink)

Building Damage

Extreme winds can cause several kinds of damage to a building.

To understand what happens when extreme winds strike, you must first understand that tornado and hurricane winds are not constant. Wind speeds, even in these extreme wind events, rapidly increase and decrease. An obstruction, such as a house, in the path of the wind causes the wind to change direction. This change in wind direction increases pressure on parts of the house. The combination of increased pressures and fluctuating wind speeds creates stress on the house that frequently causes connections between building components to fail. For example, the roof or siding can be pulled off or the windows can be pushed in. Buildings that fail under the effects of extreme winds often appear to have exploded, giving rise to the misconception that the damage is caused by unequal wind pressures inside and outside the building. This misconception has led to the myth that during an extreme wind event, the windows and doors in a building should be opened to equalize the pressure. In fact, opening a window or door allows wind to enter a building and increases the risk of building failure.

https://www.fema.gov/pdf/library/ism2.pdf

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

Tips for preventing water damage at your business

9/17/2020 (Permalink)

Tips for preventing water damage at your business

Insulate exposed pipes

The best way to prevent frozen pipes is to ensure they’re insulated. Most hardware stores carry pipe insulation. The more insulation you use, the better protected your pipes will be.

Keep heat at sufficient levels

https://www.insureon.com/blog/tips-for-preventing-water-damage-at-your-business

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

Responding to Building Water Damage

9/17/2020 (Permalink)

Responding to Building Water Damage

Clean-Up

Wet areas and materials should be dried within 24 - 48 hours. Facilities Management will respond to all water incursions to remove the water and dry out the space. Wet vacs and extractors are used to remove water from the floor and carpet, and dehumidifiers and fans placed in the area. In some cases, wet surfaces, such as dry wall and carpet, may need to be removed.

Open the windows and keep interior doors open to increase air circulation, if the outside air is dry (low humidity).

Empty dehumidifiers when full. Leave dehumidifiers on overnight. Units shut off when full, so you do not need to worry about overflow.

Identify wet papers or other porous materials and either:

discard non-essential papers and other materials
remove papers from boxes, file drawers, piles and spread out to dry
copy wet papers and discard originals unless maintaining originals is required
for large amounts contact Facilities Management to discuss locations for drying
for critical documents (e.g., library archival material or art) contact a professional conservator for instructions.

https://www.mtholyoke.edu/ehs/bldgwaterdam

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

How To Prevent Water Damage In Office

9/17/2020 (Permalink)

How To Prevent Water Damage In Office

Place office equipment and stationary in the right place.
Keep porous material such as boxes and paper away from the floor. Whereas this may appear like common sense, people forget and it always ends up in a mess. Stationary and paperwork should be placed in cabinets that are raised so that in the event of flooding of the floor, nothing is destroyed. It is not a clever idea to pile up paperwork so close to the ground because if water gets in contact with the papers below, it will rise to other papers by adhesive action. Further, computers and other electronic equipment should be raised. It is often a practice of many offices to keep the CPUs under the desk close to the floor, and only the monitor is placed on the table. This should not be the case. After work, ensure that you turn off your computer as more severe water damage happens when the computer is on.

https://www.plumbingservices.com.sg/articles/prevent-water-damage-in-office.html

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

Damage to Fire Protective Systems

9/1/2020 (Permalink)

Damage to Fire Protective Systems

Property policies generally exclude the cost to repair any defect to an appliance or system through which water or other material flows. However, they do cover the cost to repair or replace damaged parts of a fire protective system if the damage results in a release of water, powder, foam, gas, or some other substance used to suppress fires. Policies also cover the cost of repairing or replacing parts of the system that are damaged by freezing.

For example, suppose that you own a warehouse that is protected by a sprinkler system. A sprinkler head becomes corroded and discharges water in your warehouse. The water causes damage to property stored in your warehouse. Your property policy should cover both the damage to your personal property and the cost to repair or replace the damaged sprinkler head.

https://www.thebalancesmb.com/damage-caused-by-water-leaks-462680

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

Understanding the damage caused by water leaks

6/10/2020 (Permalink)

Understanding the damage caused by water leaks

Many property losses experienced by business owners involve water damage caused by leaky pipes. Water can be very destructive whether it seeps from a loose fitting or gushes from a ruptured main. Fortunately, many types of water leaks are covered by a commercial property policy.

What's Covered

Most commercial property policies cover damage to covered property caused by any peril that isn't specifically excluded. While property policies contain a broad water exclusion, the exclusion applies mainly to flood and related perils like surface water, waves, mudflow, and the overflow of a body of water. It makes no mention of leaky pipes.

https://www.thebalancesmb.com/damage-caused-by-water-leaks-462680

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

Dry Out Your Area

5/7/2020 (Permalink)

Dry Out Your Area

If flood or storm water has entered your building, dry it out as soon as possible. Follow these steps: • If you have electricity and an electrician has determined that it’s safe to turn it on, use a “wet dry” shop vacuum (or the vacuum function of a carpet steam cleaner), an electric-powered water transfer pump, or sump pump to remove standing water. If you are operating equipment in wet areas, be sure to wear rubber boots. • If you do not have electricity, or it is not safe to turn it on, you can use a portable generator to power equipment to remove standing water. Note: If you must use a gasoline-powered pump, generator, pressure washer, or any other gasoline-powered tools to clean the area, never operate the gasoline engine inside an enclosed or partially enclosed structure, even if the windows and doors are open. Such improper use can create dangerously high levels of carbon monoxide and cause carbon monoxide poisoning. • If weather permits, open windows and doors to aid in the drying-out process. • Use fans and dehumidifiers to remove excess moisture. Fans should be placed at a window or door to blow the air outwards rather than inwards, so not to spread the mold. • Have your office heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system checked and cleaned by a maintenance or service professional who is experienced in mold clean-up before you turn it on. If the HVAC system was flooded with water, turning on the mold contaminated HVAC will spread mold throughout the office. Professional cleaning will kill the mold and prevent later mold growth. When the service determines that your system is clean and if it is safe to do so, you can turn it on and use it to help remove excess moisture from your office.

https://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Member%20Center/FIles/office_cleanup.pdf?la=en

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

Furnishings and Carpets

4/15/2020 (Permalink)

Furnishings and Carpets

Remove all furniture, bedding, and carpeting to outdoors to be cleaned and dried (or discarded).

Flooded carpets and rugs are best replaced since flood water may contain contaminants. Flooded carpet pads should always be discarded and replaced.
Remove water-logged rugs, carpets, and pads within 48 hours after flooding subsides.
If salvage is attempted, spread out rugs and carpets outdoors. Hose off. If soiled, professionally clean or work in carpet shampoo with a broom. Rinse well with a solution of 1 gallon water and 2 tablespoons liquid household chlorine bleach to sanitize (if colorfast). If carpet is wool, do not add bleach.
Dry the carpet and subfloor thoroughly as quickly as possible. If carpet is installed damp, it can mildew.
Carpet might shrink, but a professional may be able to stretch it.
All upholstered furniture and mattresses contaminated by flood water should be discarded. If an upholstered furniture piece is valuable, the stuffing and upholstering will need to be replaced. Solid wood, metal and plastic furniture may be cleaned and restored. Hose off any mud, clean, sanitize and let dry completely out of direct sunlight.

https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/solutions/water-damage-restoration-clean-up-checklist/

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs

Tile and Sheet Flooring

4/15/2020 (Permalink)

Tile and Sheet Flooring

If a submerged wood subfloor swells or separates, flooring will need to be removed. (Asbestos tiles should be removed only by a trained professional.)
If the subflooring is concrete, removal of the floor covering will hasten drying of the slab, but it might not be necessary if it would ruin an otherwise unharmed material.
If water has seeped under loose sections of sheet flooring, remove the entire sheet. Ease of flooring removal depends on the type of material and adhesive. Contact a reputable dealer to find out what product and technique (if any) will loosen the adhesive.

Cleaning Wall Finishes, Woodwork, & Floors

To reduce mold and damage, clean and dry as soon as flood waters recede. Do not sand or scrape lead-based paint. Use a phosphate-free, all-purpose, or disinfecting cleaner. Wash from top to bottom. Rinse with clean water.

One-half cup of household chlorine bleach to a gallon of water can be used on nonmetallic, colorfast surfaces as a disinfectant (to kill surface mold and bacteria) after cleaning, but it will not prevent new mold growth on materials that stay damp.
Dry thoroughly and quickly. If the utilities are on, use the air conditioning or heater, fans, and a dehumidifier or desiccants to speed drying.

https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/solutions/water-damage-restoration-clean-up-checklist/

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs

For Homes, Businesses, Schools & More…

3/6/2020 (Permalink)

For Homes, Businesses, Schools & More…

After the flood waters recede and the clean-up has been done, most folks want to get back into their homes or businesses and start rebuilding. The problem is that wood that has been submerged in water has likely absorbed a large amount of water. Rebuilding too quickly after a flood can cause continuing problems such as mold growth, insect infestations, and deterioration of the wood and wall coverings.

Flood waters are not clean water; therefore, most porous building materials must be removed and replaced with new materials.

Caution!

Inspect for structural and electrical damage from outside to determine if it is safe to enter.
Electrical safety is extremely important in floods. Check for fire hazards and gas leaks. Use battery-powered light sources.
Never mix chlorine bleach with ammonia or vinegar.
Wear sturdy shoes, rubber gloves, and eye protection.
Be watchful for fire ants, snakes, or other animals.
If mold is present, wear a respirator that can filter spores.

https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/solutions/water-damage-restoration-clean-up-checklist/

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

protect your business from wind and hail damage

11/5/2019 (Permalink)

Strong winds and hailstorms can cause significant damage in very little time to a business’s property, resulting in costly repairs and potentially a lengthy business disruption. Beyond the typical structural damage from a storm, gale-force winds can push trees or projectiles onto buildings, and hail can shatter windows and damage your exterior.

Protect your business with adequate wind and hail insurance coverage

A destructive storm can hit anywhere, but certain areas of the country are more likely to experience windstorms – a fact that may be reflected in your business’s insurance coverage. Wind and hail insurance claims are covered through commercial property insurance, which can help you pay to repair or replace damaged property, including equipment, supplies, and structures. A business owner's policy (BOP), which is specifically designed for small businesses, bundles commercial property with general liability insurance at an affordable price, and can also potentially pay for business property damage in the event of a storm.

If you’re in an area with a high risk of windstorms, review your policy language carefully with your Insureon agent. If you’re located in a high-risk zone, you may be able to purchase coverage as an endorsement to your standard small business insurance policy. This could mean a higher premium but more coverage in the event of a serious storm.

https://www.insureon.com/blog/how-to-protect-your-business-from-wind-hail-damage

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

Unexpected water

10/10/2019 (Permalink)

You probably don’t expect to walk into the office in the morning and find yourself knee deep in water, but there is always the chance that it could happen. Flooding is an absolute nightmare for businesses because it means that you’ll have to shut down operations until you can get the office sorted out and fix all of the damage. That’s going to cost you a lot of money in repairs and you need to account for the loss in earnings as well and that will quickly add up. That’s why it’s important that you react quickly and get the business back up and running as soon as possible.

Switch Off The Water Supply

If the flood is caused by a leak, you need to limit the damage by switching off the water supply as soon as possible. Usually, the water supply valve will be located on the outside of the building somewhere and you’ll need a key to operate it. It’s important that you know where the valve is and you keep the key in an easy to access location so you’re already prepared should a flood occur. If you’re wasting time trying to find out how to switch the water off, the office will sustain a lot more damage.

https://www.extremeuncertainty.com/7-steps-to-take-if-your-office-is-flooded/

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

Unexpected events

10/10/2019 (Permalink)

Unexpected events such as natural disasters, water main breaks, sewage back-ups and other events can cause buildings to flood. There are a number of questions that building occupants, clean-up workers and their representatives need to consider before going in.

What makes working in a flooded or previously flooded building potentially hazardous? When returning to work in a building that has been affected by a flood, there is the potential for several hazards to be present including: -Structural stability, -Sewage back-up or flood water intrusion, -Electrical or heating system damage from water intrusion, -Water damage leading to mold growth, and -Water damaged building materials containing lead and asbestos.

Is the building structurally sound and safe to enter? Extreme events can cause buildings to be structurally unsafe to enter. Minor flooding typically does not structurally affect a building. In rare, worst-case scenario situations, buildings can be at risk of collapse. If you feel the building is unsafe to enter, don’t go in BUT do not refuse to work and go home. Be part of the solution, speak with your local leadership and your supervisor to get a structural or civil engineer to verify if the building can be occupied. If your employer refuses and you feel that you are in imminent danger contact the nearest PESH office.

https://cseany.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Working-in-and-Cleaning-Up-Flooded-Buildings.pdf

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs

Difference between in laboratory biosafety levels 1-4

9/30/2019 (Permalink)

Biological Safety Levels (BSL) are a series of protections relegated to autoclave-related activities that take place in particular biological labs. They are individual safeguards designed to protect laboratory personnel, as well as the surrounding environment and community.

These levels, which are ranked from one to four, are selected based on the agents or organisms that are being researched or worked on in any given laboratory setting. For example, a basic lab setting specializing in the research of nonlethal agents that pose a minimal potential threat to lab workers and the environment are generally considered BSL-1—the lowest biosafety lab level. A specialized research laboratory that deals with potentially deadly infectious agents like Ebola would be designated as BSL-4—the highest and most stringent level.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sets BSL lab levels as a way of exhibiting specific controls for the containment of microbes and biological agents. Each BSL lab level builds upon on the previous level—thereby creating layer upon layer of constraints and barriers. These lab levels are determined by the following

Risks related to containment
Severity of infection
Transmissibility
Nature of the work conducted
Origin of the microbe
Agent in question
Route of exposure

The reason biosafety levels are so important is because they dictate the type of work practices that are allowed to take place in a lab setting. They also heavily influence the overall design of the facility in question, as well as the type of specialized safety equipment used within it.

https://consteril.com/biosafety-levels-difference/

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

restoration & clean up

9/19/2019 (Permalink)

Walls

Open flooded walls, even if they appear undamaged, to prevent mold, odor, and structural decay later.

Remove water from the structure as rapidly as possible. Ventilate.
Remove baseboards, and cut holes in wallboard to drain uninsulated walls.
Remove the interior surface of insulated walls to a point above water height. Discard flooded drywall.
Undamaged paneling may be propped open or reinstalled after cleaning.
Remove and discard all wet fibrous insulation.
Clean out mud. Wall studs and plates may be sprayed with disinfectant (1 cup bleach/gallon water) to kill any existing mold and fungi.
Speed dry with dehumidifiers and fans.
Leave walls open until they have thoroughly dried, which may take up to a month.
Select replacement materials that will withstand future floods (such as rigid foam insulation, removable wainscoting, ceramic tile, etc.).

https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/solutions/water-damage-restoration-clean-up-checklist/

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

Cleaning after a water damage

9/19/2019 (Permalink)

Appliances and Equipment

Download and carefully review the publication, “Evaluating Water-Damaged Electrical Equipment,” by NEMA.org.

Furniture

Take furniture outdoors to clean.

Brush off mud. All parts (drawers, doors, etc.) should be removed. Remove or cut a hole in the back to push out stuck drawers and doors. Discard flooded padding.
Use commercial furniture-cleaning products designed for the type of material. Do not refinish or wax until thoroughly dry.
Dry slowly out of direct sunlight because sun will warp furniture. It may take several weeks to several months to dry.

Preventing Mold

Aggressively control mold in the weeks and months after the flood.

When power is available, continuously use air conditioning (or heat in winter) plus a dehumidifier, if possible, to remove humidity.
In an unair-conditioned home, open windows and use fans to circulate air.
Turn on electric lights in closets, and leave doors open to facilitate drying.
Try to reduce activities that add moisture to the indoor air, and use exhaust fans when cooking and bathing.

https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/solutions/water-damage-restoration-clean-up-checklist/

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

Water Damage Restoration & Clean Up

9/18/2019 (Permalink)

Make sure that everyone is out of danger of new flood crests, fire, and falling buildings. Assume flood water and flooded materials are contaminated.

Flood Insurance Claims

If you have flood insurance, contact your insurance adjuster immediately.

Begin cleanup, salvage, and drying as soon as possible. Do not wait for adjuster. Take photos for use as an inventory. All steps suggested on this page can be taken before an adjuster arrives.
Clean house so the adjuster can see the damage.
Keep damaged materials for proof of loss.
Leave a phone number where you can be reached when the adjuster arrives.
The adjuster will assess damages to the house. The owner should sign a proof of loss statement. Additional damage can be added when found.
Contact governmental offices for information.
If you do not have flood insurance, your homeowner’s insurance likely will not cover the loss. If the flood has been declared a federal disaster by the President, apply for assistance online at http://www.DisasterAssistance.govor by calling 1-800-621-FEMA(3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired.

https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/solutions/water-damage-restoration-clean-up-checklist/

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

5 common causes of commercial fires

6/21/2019 (Permalink)

From 2007 to 2016, these five causes were identified as the most common reasons behind commercial fires.

Cooking/Kitchen Appliances- Because kitchens are an extremely high-risk zone, strong effort should be taken to ensure they are more than adequately protected. Sprinklers, alarms and easily accessible fire extinguishers are an absolute must.
Arson/Intentional- While you can’t prevent arson completely, you can take precautions to limit the damage and opportunities:

Make sure trash cans are emptied every day.
If possible, keep dumpsters away from the building so a dumpster fire can’t spread to the building.
Keep trees and shrubs trimmed to make them harder to set on fire and so arsons can’t use them for cover while setting a fire.
Put up motion detection cameras or lights in dark or normally unused areas so any fires can be caught and put out faster.
Install smoke/fire curtains near the doorways of the areas most likely to be used for arson.

Human Error/Unintentional- Some examples of an unintentional fire include cigarettes being improperly discarded, employees leaving heating equipment too close to walls or flammable surfaces, forgetting to blow out a candle, keeping a messy workstation or improper use of electrical devices (e.g. extension cords).

HVAC System Malfunction- Roughly 9% of fires happen when an HVAC system malfunctions. This includes central heating systems, as well as water heaters, space heaters, and other appliances.

Heating systems should be regularly inspected, especially during winter when they are used most heavily. And always ensure flammable materials are kept well away from heat sources.

Electrical Malfunction- About 7% of fires are linked to an electrical system malfunction, often due to problems with wiring in the building. These fires are more likely to occur in older buildings with questionable wiring.

https://smokeguard.com/blog/2019/february/06/how-to-avoid-the-top-5-causes-of-commercial-building-fires

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs!

Paper Worthy

5/6/2019 (Permalink)

Oklahoma uses the experts at SERVPRO of Grand Prairie

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is a trusted leader in the Fire and Water restoration industry with over 1,700 franchises. We recently received a call from Oklahoma regarding a commercial fire, first thing we did was loaded our trucks and headed for Oklahoma. When you call SERVPRO of Grand Prairie our highly trained and experienced technicians will respond quickly to mitigate the damage and manage the restoration project through its completion. If your business experiences a fire loss, call the fire and water damage restoration experts so we can make you feel “Like it never even happened” and get you back in business. SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here 24 hours a day 7 days a week for all of your restoration needs.

The Number and Causes of Office Fires

11/1/2018 (Permalink)

The Number and Causes of Office Fires

Every year, office fires cause over a hundred million dollars in property damage and several deaths. As much as the idea of wasted money and destroyed capital, we mourn the loss of even one person’s life infinitely more. Evacusafe US is dedicated to the mission of keeping everyone safe, especially those who are mobility impaired. As we work to provide every office in America with the safety equipment they need to keep their staff safe, we also want to help everyone reduce their need to actually use it. The more we all know about what causes office fires, the more we can do to prevent them. Strive for the best; prepare for the worst.

Number of Fires

From 2007-2017, there were an average of 3,340 fires in office buildings each year. That’s almost 10 every day. And it represents tens if not hundreds of thousands of employees. Any fire is a dangerous event so every fire should be taken very seriously. That means no matter the size of the fire, everyone needs to get out of the building safely and quickly. For those with mobility issues, this can be a moment of panic and danger. It’s very easy to head straight for the exit, forgetting that the person in the office next to you is in a wheelchair. And even if you do remember, do you have the equipment you need to get them out of the building without the help of an elevator?

According to the 2010 US Census, 30.6 million Americans have a disability that makes it difficult for them to walk or climb stairs. That’s just shy of 10%, which means that if the average office building has just 50 employees, 16,700 Americans needed assistance getting out of harm’s way. We would love to see every building outfitted with the proper safety equipment to ensure that every single one of them got out safely and efficiently.

Leading Causes of Fires in Offices

Most fires are caused by just a few different factors. In fact, according to the National Fire Protection Association, three out of four office fires were caused by just one of six things:

Cooking Equipment: 29%
Electrical Distribution & Lighting Equipment: 12%
Heating Equipment: 11%
Arson: 10%
Smoking Materials: 9%
Exposure: 4%
Electronic, Office, or Entertainment Equipment: 3%

Armed with this information, we hope you will have greater insight into your office risk factors and can take some necessary precautions to lower the risk of fire, thereby lowering the risk of injury or death in the event of a fire. Let’s take a look at these causes individually and review what can be done to make them safer.

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here 24/7 365, for all of your restoration needs

What Every Employer Should Know

10/16/2018 (Permalink)

Look for Signs of Mold

With all of this attention, you may think that mold infestation is something new or uncommon. It is not. Mold is present in all buildings in some form and quantity. However, certain species of mold spores, in large enough concentrations, can be toxic. Although the health problems of mold exposure are in debate, there is literature tying some health effects to mold exposure. People with immune-compromised systems may experience permanent health effects.Physical symptoms related to exposure to mold or sick building syndrome include eye, nose and throat irritation; respiratory complaints; skin irritation; nausea; dizziness and fatigue. Alert your human resources department and/or office manager to be aware of any such symptoms. If numerous employees complain, or if employees complain of moldy smells, put the building owner on notice and request an investigation. If you own the building, consider hiring an air quality investigator. Although these symptoms could result from other factors, it is important to address them.

Look For the Cause

Mold needs water or moisture and oxygen to grow. Water does not have to flow into the building for there to be enough moisture to promote the growth of mold. Although one-time leaks or burst water pipes may not be a problem if repaired, even a one-time leak, if not properly addressed, can cause unacceptable mold growth. There are a number of potential causes of moisture or water entry:

Lack of building maintenance
Poor building design or construction
Using wet building materials
Leaky pipes, windows, or doors
Regular, or even one-time flooding
Simple plumbing mistakes
Excessive humidity and condensation
Improper landscaping design or maintenance outside the building, causing water to flow toward the building
Any other serious water related problem
Address Moisture or Water Issues Promptly

If your building is experiencing water penetration, consistent moisture or leaks, demand that the landlord investigate the cause and promptly provide you with an action plan. If the landlord does not act, put it on notice that you intend to act and that you will hold it responsible for the costs. Give notice to your insurer. Do the same if you are the building owner.

Call in professionals to make an assessment. To stop further mold growth, the landlord or you must investigate and fix the source of the water or moisture. Ask for the help of contractors, the building designer and environmental experts to assess, identify and repair the source. A number of companies investigate mold and will come up with action plans to address it. Responding to mold involves more than just determining and fixing the source of the water. Often several experts must be retained, including experts in toxicology and epidemiology. Expert testing may cost thousands of dollars. If mold is found in large enough concentrations, the building must be cleaned and remediated to ensure the safety of the occupants before they return. Once the problem is fixed, ask the expert to certify that the building is "clean," or demand such a certification from the landlord.

https://www.ehstoday.com/mag/ehs_imp_36553 SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs

Cleaning After Fire

10/1/2018 (Permalink)

Cleaning After Fire

The October 2017 California Fires in Northern California were devastating. Northern California will be dealing with the death and destruction of recent wildfires for years. The immediate life-safety concerns about fire are obvious and frightening, but what many don’t realize is that returning to fire damaged buildings is also hazardous. Cleaning after fire is part of recovery, but done wrong this activity may do more harm. If you’re returning to a fire damaged community follow these fire restoration tips to reduce your health risks.

After you have dealt with the initial raw emotions of fire loss, after you have contacted your insurance company and relatives and emergency personnel that are worried about you, it is time to cleanup and rebuild. FEMA has a checklist for “returning to normal” after a fire. If hiring professionals is not in the budget or you want to get back home before the pros show up, read these tips for cleaning after a fire.

Immediate Threats When Cleaning After Fire

These basic measures may save your life when you return to cleanup after a fire.

Do not reenter a fire stricken area or building unless a professional has verified it is safe to enter. Fires may reappear and you don’t want to be stuck in the danger zone. Do not go around police/fire barricades or ignore evacuation orders.
Do not approach downed power lines or attempt to work around electrical wires.
If the structure has been significantly impact and there are any concerns about the structural integrity of the building, do not enter until an expert or structural engineer okays the building.
Do not enter areas with standing water. There may be hidden dangers in the water.
Hire a professional fire restoration company – if you can. Here is a checklist for hiring a contractor after a fire. Talk to your insurance first.

https://healthybuildingscience.com/2017/10/18/cleaning-after-fire/

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here 24/7 365 for all of your restoration needs

What to Do After a Fire Shuts Down Your Business

9/18/2018 (Permalink)

Although many of us go through great efforts to fireproof our home, we rarely bring this outlook into the workplace. While there’s no replacement for a little bit of forethought and diligence, a fire at your place of business doesn’t have to mean the end of your company altogether. In fact, approximately 60 percent of all U.S.-based businesses reopen their doors after a disastrous fire. Some companies have even gone on to achieve a great amount of success and profitability after such an event.

What to Do After a Fire

Determine the Responsible Party

The first thing you should do in the wake of a fire at your business is determine the responsible party. This depends on a number of different factors, including whether you lease or own the building, the exact cause of the fire and even your specific amount of insurance coverage. Keep in mind that some insurance policies only cover the contents of the structure and not the materials used in the actual construction of the building.

Sometimes, you may need to wait until an investigation has been completed by your local fire department, police department or insurance company. If this is the case, make sure to maintain communications for further information and instructions.

Safeguard and Secure Your Remaining Property

If the fire has caused significant damage to the exterior walls, doors, windows or roof of your building, you’ll want to act quickly in order to safeguard and secure your remaining property. Smoldering remains should be fully extinguished and any large holes should be temporarily patched. Not only will this prevent vandalism after the fact, but a little bit of effort can go a long way towards minimizing the overall amount of damage caused.

Contact Anyone Who May Be Affected

Next comes the daunting task of contacting anyone who may have been affected as a result of the fire. This includes employees, board members, external partners and, in some cases, customers. If any activities or services need to be postponed or suspended, make sure to communicate that news, too. The last thing you want to do after a fire is to leave your valuable employees and business partners in the dark about the future of your company.

Furthermore, don’t forget to contact your insurance agent as soon as possible. A simple call or email will typically suffice, though large claims may require face-to-face consultation or even an on-site inspection of the damaged property.

Get Your Documentation in Order

Your insurance company will require proof regarding any claimed losses as a result of the fire, so be sure to have any pertinent documentation, including receipts, user manuals and credit card statements, at the ready. You may even want to take digital pictures or video of your property. Not only can this be used in determining your overall losses, it could serve as hard evidence in case any court proceedings should follow.

Repair and Restore Damage

If the structure isn’t a total loss, you might be able to rebuild, repair and restore your business back to its original state. Extensive smoke damage, for example, can typically be cleaned up through a number of different tools so you can go on with business as usual after the restoration.

Initiate the Recovery of Sensitive or Critical Data

Depending on your exact case, you may need to take steps to recover any sensitive or critical data that was lost in the occurrence. Damaged servers, hard drives and even personal computers can all hold data critical to the day-to-day operations of your business.

If the situation warrants, you may even consider hiring a third-party that specializes in data recovery and restoration, specifically in the event of fire. Such individuals are more likely to be equipped with the right hardware and software tools than a company that offers general disaster recovery services. Most data recovery experts will also be able to work with you in order to introduce techniques in disaster recovery planning and data loss prevention.

Getting Back to Business

Once everything has been restored to order, it’s finally time to get back to business. Make sure to outline a comprehensive fire safety plan when moving forward, just in case your business experiences another fire. You might also consider increasing your insurance coverage for the future. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

https://smallbiztrends.com/2016/07/what-to-do-after-a-fire-business.html

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs

Is Your Business prepared for a flood?

9/17/2018 (Permalink)

Business checklist! Are you prepared for flooding? If you answer no to any of the questions overleaf, there may be more you can do to protect your business. The individual sections will give you valuable information on effective actions you can take to prepare for a flood. Know if you’re at risk Do you know if you're at risk of flooding? Are flood warnings available in your area? Do you know how you can receive flood warnings? Preparing a flood plan Do you know how your business will respond to a flood? Do you have a list of useful numbers including Floodline, local authority and insurance company? Do you know how to shut off your gas/electric/water supplies? Are your stock, fittings and valuable equipment stored above flood level? Have you developed flood contingency plans with suppliers and/or clients? Can you call someone to help you in the event of a flood? Staff training and evacuation Are you aware of correct flood safety procedures for you and your staff? Have you trained your staff on flood safety procedures? Can your staff work quickly and efficiently to protect your business in the event of a flood? Protecting your property Have you installed flood protection products? Do you have a stockpile of useful materials including plywood, plastic sheeting, sandbags (unfilled), sand, nails, hammer, shovel, blocks of wood and a saw? Have you installed non return valves in your toilets and drains? Do you and your staff have high ground where you can park your cars? Are your electrical sockets above flood level? Do you have computer equipment in the basement? Flood insurance Do you have sufficient insurance cover in the event of a flood situation? Do you know what information your insurer will require to support a claim? Evacuation Do you have an easy way to let your staff know about an evacuation? Do you know which roads will stay open in your area during a flood? Have you identified where staff can shelter in the event of a flood? Could you control staff panic during a flood?

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/410606/LIT_5284.pdf

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here 24/7 365, for all of your restoration needs

Steps to take after a flood

9/13/2018 (Permalink)

MY BUSINESS FLOODED, NOW WHAT?: STEPS TO TAKE AFTER A FLOOD

How can a flood affect your business?

Health and safety risks such as:

Structural damage
Electrical damage
Sharp glass and metal debris
Sanitary hazards from standing water
Contaminated drinking water
Damaged cropsEmotional hardship: Mental health professionals are kept on hand when FEMA and Red Cross respond to flood disasters because flood victims can experience difficulty coping with their situation and may have anxiety, depression, fear, anger, frustration, sadness, and grief.Steps to take after the flood
It is not possible to reverse the effects of a natural disaster, but you can minimize the impact on your business by keeping a level head and doing everything in your power to get back to business as soon as possible. You will be shaken up and overwhelmed after the flood, but there are tips to protect your right to recover.
Economic loss: Flood damage puts a huge strain on victims financially. When a business is flooded, operations are at a stand-still.
Loss of life: Death is the most devastating affect flood damage can have on you or your business.

When your property is safe enough to return, shut off your gas and electricity. Contact your service providers if you are unsure how to do so.
Remove your belongings from the water to avoid more damage. While collecting your belongings, list all damage you find.
Get in contact with your insurance agent or insurance company immediately. If you have flood insurance for your business, your agent will help you make a claim, and an adjuster will later contact you. The quickest way to make a claim may be online. Check your policy for an e-mail address where claims can be made. Keep following up for a claim number.
Document all damage immediately by taking photos and video to assist in identifying the true extent of the damage for your insurance claim. This should include structural damage, personal property damage, and standing floodwater levels. Send these records to your insurance company. Don’t forget to document the date and time of your calls, who you spoke to, and all contact you make with your insurance company.
Start cleaning up. Unsanitary items float around in flood waters so it is important you wear gloves and clothing that you can throw away after the cleanup Don’t discard any items until you check with your insurance company first. Shovel any debris and mud outside. Disinfect all surfaces with a solution of one-fourth cup of chlorine bleach and a gallon of water to kill germs and prevent mildew. Open your doors and windows to allow the air to circulate to protect your premises from possible mold growth. Try salvaging important files and documents by rinsing off any debris, drying and then freezing in plastic freezer bags. Cover roof damage with a tarp.
People notice when a business is left unattended. If your premises are unsuitable to be in and are going to be unattended for any period, you should secure your premises as best as you can to prevent further loss and damage.
Don’t forget about your customers. Depending on the type of business you run, contact your customers and advise them of your situation. This will reassure them of your long-term commitment and will be more willing to understand.
Gather your business records that will prove the value of damaged equipment and inventory. You also want to collect proof of income your business was generating before and after the disaster which includes tax returns, monthly sales tax returns, business contracts, and any other financial statement pertinent to calculating the projected income of your business.
Create separate cost codes specific to the flood damage and allocate all related expenses to this code. Record the cost if you will be conducting business from a temporary location, detailed records of business activity, and any other costs incurred maintaining your business during repairs. This will help you organize and make it easier to track the final costs.
You will need to file a Proof of Loss with your insurance company within 60 days after the date of loss (or within any extension made in writing by the Associate Administrator for Federal Insurance and Mitigation) if you have a Standard Flood Insurance Policy. The NFIP or insurance company will not issue payment without this.
When the insurance adjuster is inspecting your business for flood damage, he may rely on you to point out and provide information about the extent of your flood damage. Make it know that the damages you have noticed so far, may not be the only damage because some may not be visible right away.
Do not sign the proof of loss attesting to damage if you do not agree with the amount of damage reported by the insurance adjuster or the amount they are offering to cover the damages. When you sign proof of loss, you are swearing the information provided is correct. Do your own research and contact a trusted contractor. Have them give you written estimates to repair and replace the property and all damages.
https://www.carlsonattorneys.com/news-and-update/business-flooded-steps-take-floods/

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs

Restoring Your Grand Prairie Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

3/28/2018 (Permalink)

Our local SERVPRO of Grand Prairie technicians hard at work for our fellow Texas business owners!

Flooding and water damage events at Grand Prairie 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 Grand Prairie

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie 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.

5 Frequently Asked Questions About A Commercial Water Damage

12/15/2017 (Permalink)

Water damage can be a traumatic experience for commercial howners. Being informed about the causes, consequences, and ways to handle water damage can help you overcome the problem more efficiently. Here are five frequently asked questions and answers about water damage:

What causes water damage?

Water damage can occur after natural disasters, such as thunderstorms or hurricanes that cause flooding, from pipe bursts, appliance malfunctions, roof leaks, foundation leaks, septic tank overflows, poor drainage, and more. Flash flooding, pipe bursts, and sewage backups are especially dangerous as they can produce several inches of water in less than a day.

Why is water damage dangerous?

Floodwater that comes from outside and from sewage backups contains dangerous contaminants like viruses and bacteria. If the water isn’t drained within 24-48 hours, structural damage and mold growth can ensue. Even water leaks that infiltrate your home slowly can cause damage to the building and lead to mold growth. Mold left unchecked will spread quickly through the home.

What should I do after a flood, or sewage or water leak?

Firstly, contact a water damage restoration company as soon as possible. Don’t wait as water can cause mold and irremediable damage to the wood, walls, and carpet in your home. Afterwards, contact your insurance company to start the claim process. If safe, shut off the utilities in your home to avoid further damage. Don’t enter your home if it has suffered structural damage. Don’t walk through floodwater if electricity hasn’t been turned off and to avoid contaminants.

How do certified technicians typically handle water damage?

The first thing professionals do is remove damaged materials that will either be restored or discarded. Materials include baseboards, insulation, furniture, carpeting, upholstery, carpet padding, fragile woods, drywall, and more. After the damaged items are removed, the technicians begin drying out the water and disinfecting the areas. Specialized tools like air movers and dehumidifiers are typically involved in the drying process. Professionals will also handle mold damage in the restoration process. Mold-infected surfaces will be disinfected and restored as quickly as possible to prevent it from spreading.

Will my commercial insurance cover water damage?

Commercial insurance provides coverage for damage that is sudden and accidental (such as water heater ruptures or pipe bursts). However, flood damage, no matter the source of the water, is NOT covered by standard commercial policies. Flooding can occur from storms, sewer backup, and overflowing rivers, ponds, lakes, and oceans.

The best way to avoid water damage is to take steps to prevent it. For flood water damage repair and mold remediation service, contact SERVPRO Grand Prairie at 972-602-1112.

Emergency Board Up

12/14/2017 (Permalink)

Emergency Board Up Services

If your home or business incurs storm or fire damage resulting in an opening in your building you may be in need of emergency board up services. Any openings in the structure needs to be properly boarded up to protect the building from weather and illegal entry. Your insurance policy also requires you to be proactive on protecting your home or business after any type of damage has occurred, otherwise the insurance company could account any further/secondary damage to the structure as negligence.

Not every situation requires the most extensive board up that the U.S Fire Administration have in their board up procedure manual, such as after a fire where the entire home is destroyed and is considered a complete loss. While each emergency board up is different, let’s take a look at how to properly board up a structure after damage has caused an opening in the building.

Determining How Much Protection Is Needed

Openings in the basement, first floor doors, windows and any point of entry accessible from a porch, fire escape or other potential climbing point require additional security measures. These openings should be barricaded with plywood, 2x4s, bolts and nails.
Openings that are at least 10′ from ground level which are not accessible from a porch, fire escape, roof, or other climbing point can be secured with nails in each brace, and every 12″ around the perimeter. For these openings the plywood should be fitted so that it rests snugly against the exterior frame, butting up to the siding on wood frame buildings and up to the brickwork on brick buildings. It may be necessary to remove the staff bead so this fit can be flush and tight.

Boarding Up

Cut plywood to fit over the window and door openings, flush with outside of the molding. Note: For buildings with metal door and window frames the alternative is to cut the plywood and 2x4s to fit the inside of the door frame buffed up against the band molding.
Cut the 2x4s to fit the horizontal dimension of the plywood. You will need two 2×4 exterior and two interior braces for each window and three sets for each door. Note: For buildings with metal doors and window frames the 2x4s for the outside will be cut to the dimensions of the plywood, fitting inside the door frame, against the band molding. For the inside the 2x4s will be cut to the outside dimension of the door or window frame.
Pre drill 3/8th inch holes in the plywood and the braces.
The holes will be placed approximately 1/3 of the length of the brace from each outside edge of the door and window jam.
The two window braces will be placed 1/3 of the distance from the top and the bottom of the window.
The three door braces will be placed; one in the center of the doorway, and one half the distance from the center to the top and to the bottom of the doorway.
Place the plywood over the exterior opening and nail to the frame. Note: For metal frames place the plywood and braces inside the frame against the band molding.
Place the 2×4 braces over the interior and exterior of the door or window.
Place the large washer over the carriage bolt and place the bolt through the holes.
Place washer and nut inside and tighten securely. Torque the nut so that it slightly compresses the interior 2×4.

Need Emergency Board Up Services? Contact SERVPRO Grand Prairie today to schedule an appointment - 972-602-1112

Christmas Count Down- 12 Days till Christmas!!!

12/12/2017 (Permalink)

Here are some fun facts about Christmas:

1. Christmas supposedly marks the birth of Jesus Christ on December 25. But there is no mention of December 25 in the Bible and most historians actually believe he was born in the spring.

2. December 25 was probably chosen because it coincided with the ancient pagan festival Saturnalia, which celebrated the agricultural god Saturn with partying, gambling, and gift-giving.

3. Many of the popular Christmas traditions today found their roots in Saturnalia: Branches from evergreen trees were used during winter solstice as a reminder of the green plants that would grow in spring when the sun gods grew strong.

4. These evergreen branches became the foundation of our Christmas tree. Germans are thought to be the first to bring “Christmas trees” into their homes at the holidays and decorate them with cookies and lights. 5. The Christmas tree made its way to America in the 1830s but wasn’t popular until 1846, after Germany’s Prince Albert brought it to England when he married Queen Victoria. The two were sketched in front of a Christmas tree and the tradition instantly became popular. Royal fever was real even back then. 6. The well-known reason we give presents at Christmas is to symbolize the gifts given to baby Jesus by the three wise men. But it may also stem from the Saturnalia tradition that required revelers to offer up rituals to the gods. 7. Because of its roots in pagan festivals, Christmas was not immediately accepted by the religious. In fact, from 1659 to 1681, it was illegal to celebrate Christmas in Boston. You were fined if you were caught celebrating. If you are need of commercial carpet cleaning, mitigation services, or duct cleaning before Christmas gets here please feel free to call SERVPRO Grand Prairie at 972-602-1112.

Birth Of Jesus

12/7/2017 (Permalink)

"For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6

As the holiday season comes into full swing we begin to contemplate on the true meaning of Christmas. Yes, it is a joyful time of giving, family, friendships, and gatherings but the true meaning of Christmas is the birth of a precious, humble, loving baby. A baby who becomes a man . A man without sin, a man who will lead billions, a man who knows no wrong, a man who is our counselor, a man who loves unconditional, a man who died for our sins. During this season we are reminded that it is not about receiving but about giving. From everyone at SERVPRO Grand Prairie we would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas.

During this season we tend to get under the stress of making sure everything is perfect for our family and it is the worst time to come to your business to a water damage. if you are need of water mitigation services please feel free to contact us at 972-602-1112.

Do you have water throughout your commercial building? Call SERVPRO of Grand Prairie

8/18/2017 (Permalink)

Having a water damage in your place of business can be very stressful, let us help!

If you have a fire or water emergency, please call us now at (972) 602-1112

Recent Commercial Posts

The Cost of Demolition and Repairing a Damaged Structure

Long-term flooding or moisture

Sanitation of Food and Water

In additional to the cost of repair, a burst pipe can lead to lost revenue if your business must close for repairs.

General Severe Weather Safety Practices

Tips for preventing water damage at your business

Fire detection systems

Smoking materials (9%)

Hardware that can help prevent business water damage

Locate your shut-off valve

Preventing water leakage: building interior

Inspect your roof

Preventing water damage at your business

What Causes a Leaking Hot Water Heater?

First Steps

What Businesses Should Know About Water Damage

Leaks Caused by Freezing

Building Damage

Tips for preventing water damage at your business

Responding to Building Water Damage

How To Prevent Water Damage In Office

Damage to Fire Protective Systems

Understanding the damage caused by water leaks

Dry Out Your Area

Furnishings and Carpets

Tile and Sheet Flooring

For Homes, Businesses, Schools & More…

protect your business from wind and hail damage

Unexpected water

Unexpected events

Difference between in laboratory biosafety levels 1-4

restoration & clean up

Cleaning after a water damage

Water Damage Restoration & Clean Up

5 common causes of commercial fires

https://smokeguard.com/blog/2019/february/06/how-to-avoid-the-top-5-causes-of-commercial-building-fires

Paper Worthy

The Number and Causes of Office Fires

What Every Employer Should Know

Cleaning After Fire

Immediate Threats When Cleaning After Fire

What to Do After a Fire Shuts Down Your Business

What to Do After a Fire

Determine the Responsible Party

Safeguard and Secure Your Remaining Property

Contact Anyone Who May Be Affected

Get Your Documentation in Order

Repair and Restore Damage

Initiate the Recovery of Sensitive or Critical Data

Getting Back to Business

Is Your Business prepared for a flood?

Steps to take after a flood

Restoring Your Grand Prairie Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

About SERVPRO of Grand Prairie

5 Frequently Asked Questions About A Commercial Water Damage

Emergency Board Up

Determining How Much Protection Is Needed

Boarding Up

Christmas Count Down- 12 Days till Christmas!!!

Birth Of Jesus

Do you have water throughout your commercial building? Call SERVPRO of Grand Prairie

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

About SERVPRO of Grand Prairie

Categories

Recent Posts