Archived Commercial Blog Posts
What is My First Step After a Business Fire?
7/25/2022 (Permalink)
Even a small fire can make a big different
Call The Insurance Company
Your insurance company will need to know the full details of what occurred. Prepare yourself for the first call by collecting as much information as possible. Give the adjuster the extent of the water and fire damages. The following are important point to cover.
- Insurer’s damage documentation requirements
- Scheduling inspection of property with adjuster
- Proof of loss statement deadlines
- Request possibility of extensions and approvals
Don’t Throw Away Your Things
Items can be saved, and you will want to review the list of items damaged to determine what can be salvaged. Leave everything in its place so when the adjuster / inspector arrives onsite they can see the full extent of the damages incurred.
Our experienced franchise professionals frequently save business items after a fire. Special techniques developed in the field can salvage nearly any item from paper records to electronics. When speaking with your designated claims manager and project manager, the entire process is discussed and documented from start to finish.
Call a Remediation and Restoration Professional
We regularly work directly with your insurance and keep you in the know on the details. Call SERVPRO® of Blackfoot/Pocatello at (208) 242-3819, we are 24/7/365.
Keeping your business clean the SERVPRO way
6/21/2022 (Permalink)
Proper mold remediation
A Janitor's duties and responsibilities can include general cleaning of a building and keeping it maintained and in good condition. This can include vacuuming, mopping, sanitizing restrooms, taking out trash and recycling and washing and cleaning windows and mirrors.
Maintenance workers, also known as repair workers, fix and maintain mechanical equipment, buildings, and machines. Tasks include plumbing work, painting, flooring repair and upkeep, electrical repairs and heating and air conditioning system maintenance.
So where does SERVPRO come into play? We're the crew that comes in when your janitorial service or maintenance service can't perform the duties necessary to clean or repair a problem due to lack of equipment, skill, or hazards. SERVPRO of Blackfoot & Pocatello is capable of cleaning carpets, upholstery, drapes, biohazards, floods, fires, ducts, mold, vandalism, crime scenes, water damage, and odors.
We know that your business means a lot to you, and we want to be there for you so that any disaster doesn't keep you out of business. Give us a call and we'll set up a time to come by with our information! We'll do anything from janitorial weekly services, to major accidents and disasters. We also travel all throughout Southeastern Idaho. We're Here to Help®
It's an EMERGENCY!
4/21/2022 (Permalink)
Don't be a statistic.
Did you know that 50% of business that suffer a disaster never reopen?
Preparing your business for a disaster is imperative for a long and strong running company. It's not just having fire extinguishers and an emergency escape plan, but having a real emergency response plan that will help you not be one of the negative statistics.
SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello offers all business a FREE Emergency Response Profile (ERP) for their business (and even a home if you want it!). With no obligations or signatures required, we can come into your business and create a plan that will help your employees know exactly what to do in the event of an emergency.
In your personalized profile, there will be pictures and explanations on where each emergency shut off valve or box is in your facility, and local phone numbers for emergency response and utility work. It gives you employees a sense of control and knowing exactly what's expected of them in the event of a disaster. It doesn't matter if its fire damage, water or flood damage, sewage, or even vandalism, this profile can help them know what to do.
In addition to the profile, there is an APP for any smart phone that with one click of a button will signal SERVPRO to dispatch their emergency crew directly to your business.
It's one of the smartest things you can do to protect yourself and your employees from being without a place to work tomorrow.
Apartment Mold
3/17/2022 (Permalink)
Mold usually comes from moisture within the wall.
When I was young and my friends and I had just started moving out into our own apartments, we didn't really know anything about what to look for when it came to water damage. When the mold appeared on the bathroom wall three months later, we didn't know what to do, so we called maintenance. He came in and inspected it, and we talked for a while and we just assumed the mold was likely from condensation, and that we needed to take less showers. He cleaned it up with bleach, and that was that. Every few months that mold would reappear on the wall, and we'd just spray it with bleach and make it go away.
Fast forward 20 years, now working at a restoration company, I sure know better. I know that the mold wasn't from our showers, but likely from a water leak in the wall next to the toilet. I know now that spraying the bleach only changed the appearance, but didn't treat the mold. And I also know now that the maintenance guy (who was actually pretty helpful) didn't really know what he was looking at either, or how to properly treat it.
I have to say that was my favorite apartment, but I do wish I could go back in time and ask if we could look a little further into the wall.
Here at SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello, that's what we do! We know that most maintenance teams with apartments and property management companies know what they're doing, but there will always be times that they need a hand. That's the best time to call us. If you ever need assistance in an apartment, give us a call. 208-242-3819
Brown Spots On Ceiling Tiles
2/11/2022 (Permalink)
Those brown spots are more than just ugly, they're a sign of something uglier.
Businesses with dropped ceilings know how distracting and unprofessional water stains can be on ceiling tiles. Having a leak in your roof or fire suppression system can cause all sorts of damage. Sometimes it feels like niagra falls is coming down on your desk, but sometimes you don't recognize the leak until you get those ugly brown water spots.
There are plenty of websites that will teach you how to paint and bleach the expensive tiles, but they don't mention what's above them that can be more than just an eyesore.
If your business has those telltale brown spots, there could also be mold in the insulation above it, or even on the top of the tile it's self. So before you head to the hardware store for paint, make sure you have a professional come in and investigate your water damage to make sure you're not putting a bandaid on a water disaster.
SERVPRO of Blackfoot//Pocatello does free local estimates for any home or business that may have water damage. Give us a call and we will let you know what's hiding above the wet ceiling tiles.
Call Today (208) 242-3819
*Mileage will apply to any business more than 30 miles from Pocatello*
Covid Cleanings
1/27/2022 (Permalink)
Protect your employees
The recent global health crisis has changed a lot – most prominently, how we think about cleaning and disinfection. While every site presents unique challenges, exposure scenarios and operational complexities, SERVPRO’s treatments are designed to address each business’ characteristics and minimize the impact to occupants and operations. Implementing a scheduled routine disinfection program designed around your unique goals and challenges will help to protect your staff, your customers, and other visitors to your space. Programs can be structured quarterly, annually, or customized as needed.
With over 50 years of experience, SERVPRO has the training, expertise, and equipment to quickly address biohazard cleanup and disinfection. Their methods go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis. All of their cleanup practices are in accordance with the guidelines provided by the CDC and local authorities, which generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for cleanup process, and disposal of waste.
Call us today for a quote 208-242-3819
We Understand Discretion
11/24/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello is always willing and ready to help any business or homeowner in their time of need. We strive to do our best in making sure that every customer is met with satisfaction. We will handle any type of biohazard cleanup, crime scene cleanup, suicide cleaning, fire cleanup, flood damage, or natural disaster you need help with.
We know that in some circumstances, it's imperative that the crisis remains confidential. That's why we have a strict privacy policy in place that restricts our employees from sharing any information about you or your claim with anyone other than your insurance companies or people you've delegated.
SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello is happy to help you address your situation as discreetly as possible. We will do our best to not bring unnecessary attention to your business or residence, we can park away from the building or behind it. We will use the back door whenever possible. Anything you need to feel confident that your situation is addressed as smoothly as possible.
If you have a situation in which you need assistance, please give us a call and we can help you decide what the best option is.
Why Work With SERVPRO When Worried About Secondary Damage
7/29/2021 (Permalink)
Water damage in Blackfoot, ID.
You are likely to hear a phrase as a business owner after a disaster, such as a flood: secondary damage. The term refers to the damage resulting from the initial problem. For example, while a flood can cause initial water damage, that initial problem can then cause black mold. The way to minimize the risks of secondary issues is by rectifying the initial problem as quickly as possible, often by calling in the experts at SERVPRO in Blackfoot, ID; there are at least three reasons to trust them over other remediation services.
3 Reasons to Work With SERVPRO
1. Certification
The teams with the SERVPRO logo are certified through the IICRC — the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification. The IICRC certification is and should be the industry standard for remediation services. When a company has this specific certification, you can rest assured its technicians are well-trained and capable.
2. One-Stop-Shop
Whether you are dealing with flooding and the threat of high humidity — a cocktail for black mold — or trying to patch your building up after a storm or fire, you want a remediation service that can do it all: mitigation, remediation, and restoration. The professionals in the green van are capable of it all.
3. Local
With more than 1,500 franchises nationwide, you can also count on SERVPRO for the fastest response. The company has franchises in all major metropolitan locations and can promise 24/7 emergency response.
If you are concerned about response times or scheduling conflicts, SERVPRO is your remediation service. You, the customer, are the top priority.
Secondary damage, like black mold, can occur quickly after a flood. To reduce the risk of such damage, it is crucial to call a remediation service that can respond fast. SERVPRO is known for being fast to disasters and for restoring your property "Like it never even happened." If your business is recovering from a disaster, do not hesitate to call on the professionals at SERVPRO.
How To Prepare for a Storm
6/22/2021 (Permalink)
Prepare for a storm to avoid severe damage to your building.
Some storms are unpredictable, but there are some things that you can do to mitigate the damage they can do. By preparing before flood water rises and storms get bad, you can save your business a lot of time and money after the storm passes.
Prepare Your Business For a Storm
Gather Your Information
When you are dealing with a flooded building, the last thing that you want to be doing is searching for much-needed phone numbers and documents. Keep these documents out of danger and in a separate location.
Insurance information
- The number to a remediation company in Blackfoot, ID
- Your insurance agent's number
- Your landlord's number, lease or building information
- A call list for your employees
Each of these things is great to have around after the storm has subsided.
Purchase Supplies
No matter if you are at your home or your business, you need to keep a stock of supplies for storm season. Floods can happen quickly, so if you find the flood water rising, you should have some basics on hand. One of the most important things you can have on hand in case of a flood is sandbags. Many municipalities offer free filling when a storm is coming.
Have a Plan
Planning for a storm is always a good idea. Not only does it help you know what you should do, it can help employees as well. If you have a plan that includes what needs to be done before, during and after a flood, you can mitigate the water damage and keep everyone safe.
Once you have a plan, make sure that you go over it with your employees. They can be valuable when you are dealing with a disaster. Make sure all of your employees know what to do and what you plan to do to help them through a difficult time as well.
Storm damage can be devastating to your business, but it doesn't have to be that destructive with a bit of preparation. Flood water and storm damage can both be mitigated and cleaned. You can get your business back on track as long as you have a plan.
Should You DIY Water Pipe Repair?
5/25/2021 (Permalink)
Water pipe repair requires experience
Any type of water damage can be frustrating, but some types of damage are more serious than others. For example, the risks, damage, and cost of repairs for a leaky dishwasher are not the same as those related to major flooding. Water pipe repair may require the work of an afternoon or a professional response over several weeks.
Contact a Professional for Water Pipe Repair
What Are the Water Categories?
Water is often categorized to indicate levels of contamination and safety or risk. Water from any of the categories can damage your property, and categories 2 and 3 pose additional problems:
- Category 1 water is often known as "clean water" and doesn't pose a risk to people and animals. It may come from an overflowing sink or a faucet that doesn't stop dripping.
- Category 2 water starts out clean but picks up contaminants as it passes through other materials or sits too long. For example, if clean water leaks through the floor and drips into the basement, it may not carry dirt, chemicals, and other debris.
- Category 3 water, or black water, is not safe and may carry hazardous chemicals, refuse, and biological contaminants. Only trained water cleanup professionals should handle damage from black water.
Water pipe repair can be a category 1, 2, or 3 issue, so it's important to assess the risk before diving into the cleanup and repair situation.
Can You Afford Further Damage?
When you first discover a broken pipe and after you've shut off the water supply, you must make several quick decisions. Deciding whether to hire a professional to handle the flooded space and the pipe repairs is one of the most important. It is possible to do further damage if cleanup and repairs aren't handled correctly. Contamination from categories 2 and 3 can affect air quality and lead to secondary damage.
Water pipe repair requires experience and an understanding of the risks involved. Put your Blackfoot, ID, commercial property in the hands of professionals when dealing with water damage.
4 Types of Hail Damage
4/15/2021 (Permalink)
A hail storm can cause severe roof damage.
Hail, which is caused when ice forms in storm clouds, is one of the most damaging elements of severe storms. Large hail can cause roof damage in addition to damage to other structures and types of property. These are four of the most common types of hail damage.
Common Types of Hail Damage
1. Windows and Siding
Hail can sometimes fall at angles or be blown by wind causing damage to windows and siding. Hail that is large or blown by high winds can crack or break windows. It may also cause holes, chips or cracks in siding.
2. Roofs
Roof damage is the most common type of damage because the location of the roof makes it the first part of a building most hail will come in contact with. Some hail damage is difficult to see, which can lead to leaks that may result in water damage inside your building that requires remediation. For this reason, it is a good idea to contact a roofing professional in Pocatello, ID, to check your roof for damage after a hail storm. Have any damage to the roof of your building repaired promptly to avoid future problems.
3. Skylights
Skylights are also vulnerable to damage because of their location and because the material is not as durable as most roofing materials. If your building has a skylight, check for cracks in the glass and damage to the seals after storms.
4. Vehicles
Commercial vehicles are often parked in uncovered lots which makes them susceptible to cracked or broken glass, dents and chipped paint from hail. Cosmetic damage to the body of the vehicle may not need to be repaired, but damage to windshields, mirrors and windows can be a safety hazard.
Because hail can cause roof damage and other types of damage that can lead to additional damage if not repaired, it is important to inspect your property after a hail storm. Pay particular attention to these four common types of hail damage.
How To Protect Your Business After a Fire
3/16/2021 (Permalink)
Protect your property after a business fire.
You use a security fence to protect your company before a fire, but did you know you should put one up after a fire as well. Even after extensive fire damage, you must protect your property from:
- Thieves and vandals
- Accidental entry
- The elements
- Curious onlookers
Although not everyone has nefarious purposes when they enter a burned-out property, people can injure themselves and hold you accountable.
Ways to Protect Your Business After a Fire
Call a Cleanup Company
One of the first things you want to do is call a cleanup company in Blackfoot, ID. Not only do they usually work with insurance companies, but they can also help you inventory what needs to be done. Some companies will even secure your property for you. This way you don't have to worry about it.
Put Up a Fence
Make sure you can keep your property safe when you are not there with a solid security fence. Fire damage can be dangerous, and you don't want to be liable if someone gets hurt. It can also keep vandals and looters from stealing your remaining inventory or office equipment.
Board Windows and Doors
Boarding windows and doors can help keep both people and the elements out. It is crucial to keep your building or office secure from those that do not belong and don't know fire safety rules. In some cases, your insurance may not pay for damages if you do not take the proper precautions.
Cover Holes With Sheeting
You need to keep any undamaged areas safe from water and storms even after a fire. If water enters through holes in the roof, it could cause mold or mildew to grow in areas not damaged by fire. This will result in costly mold damage remediation.
Even if you don't have a security fence before the fire, you need one afterward. Simple precautions such as fencing, boarding and tarping can help save your property from further damage and save you money in the long run.
How To Prevent Plumbing Disasters
2/22/2021 (Permalink)
Perform regular plumbing maintenance to avoid severe water damage.
Plumbing problems in your commercial building in Blackfoot, ID, can be expensive and time-consuming to fix. The best way to ensure to save both time and money is to have a solid preventative maintenance plan. By avoiding plumbing disasters from the start, you can safeguard the structural integrity of your building.
3 Ways to Prevent Plumbing Disasters
1. Find a Qualified Plumber
You don't want to wait until you have a broken pipe to find a plumber you can trust. It's important to establish a relationship with a qualified local professional. There are several ways you can narrow your search:
- Ask other business owners for recommendations
- Look at online reviews
- Interview top choices to gauge availability and estimated response time
- Verify licensing and insurance
2. Schedule Regular Maintenance
Once you find a plumbing company, schedule a maintenance consultation. The technicians can do a walkthrough of your building to inspect for any existing plumbing problems and propose solutions. They can also help you create a checklist of things to watch for when you do your own monthly inspections, such as an unusually high water bill (indicating a leak somewhere) or dark spots on ceiling tiles.
3. Fix Problems Quickly
If you see warning signs of water damage, don't wait to call for repairs. Turn off the water main and call the plumber to repair the leak and water restoration specialists to clean up the damage. By catching problems early, you protect your building from the additional damage that standing water often causes and keep the issue from spreading to other areas.
A regular maintenance schedule with a reliable plumber you can trust is an essential part of caring for your commercial property. You can't fix plumbing problems you don't know about, and you probably won't find issues if you don't know what to look out for. Best of all, maintenance can help you keep water leaks and floods from occurring in the first place.
Protect Your Commercial Property From Fire
1/18/2021 (Permalink)
Know how to use a fire extinguisher quickly and effectively.
When a fire breaks out in your commercial property, you want to know that your renters and anyone else using your property can operate a fire extinguisher in case of a fire. Although many people are aware of the P.A.S.S. acronym, remembering the steps and remaining calm enough to use it requires some practice. As a property owner in Blackfoot, ID, you can take steps to prevent fire damage in your buildings:
- Clearly post safety signs
- Hold regular fire safety training sessions
- Maintain fire safety equipment
Sometimes, these steps are skipped because property owners assume that the presence of extinguishers and other safety equipment is sufficient.
3 Steps to Prevent Fire Damage in Your Commercial Property
1. Post Signs That Encourage Safety
Throughout your building, you should have signs posted that clearly point out where extinguishers are, the designated routes for evacuation, and specific hazard areas. For example, a kitchen fire may occur when a microwave is used inappropriately. Avoid this situation by posting a sign that outlines the right way to use the microwave and warnings about using it incorrectly.
2. Train Tenants To Use Extinguishers
If you want your tenants to use a fire extinguisher quickly and effectively when a fire breaks out, you need to provide consistent trainings. Give renters a hands-on experience and opportunities to practice, so they don't freeze up under pressure when flames break out. Make sure that your renters understand the differences between fires and extinguishers for proper use.
3. Maintain Your Property and Safety Systems
Finally, you need to provide routine maintenance for fire safety equipment. This includes a sprinkler system and extinguishers. If you find signs of damage, consider reaching out to fire damage remediation experts for structural repairs and advice about additional clean up steps that may be required.
Protect Tenants and Your Property
As a property owner, you are responsible for ensuring that your buildings are safe, clean, and habitable. This often includes maintaining a certain standard of fire safety. This includes posting fire safety signs, training tenants to use safety equipment, and properly caring for that equipment.
When Pipes Burst, Share the Cleanup With Professionals
12/16/2020 (Permalink)
Bursting pipes can cause severe water damage
Water damage is a problem that bothers many property owners across the United States. With this in mind, you need to know how to respond before you're facing a broken pipe and the resulting flooding. One of the most important things to understand is that most of the burst pipe cleanup and repairs should be handled by professionals.
What Can You Do?
There are some steps you can take to reduce further damage while you're waiting for water damage cleanup and repair professionals.
4 Steps To Reduce Further Damage After Bursting Pipes
- Turn off the water, probably at the building's main water shutoff
- Shut off the electricity. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination.
- Remove as much water as you can with mops, towels, and a wet/dry vacuum.
- Open windows and doors to create airflow that removes humidity from the air.
Quick action is one of the most effective ways to prevent lasting and/or secondary damage. After completing these assignments, the rest of the work should be left to professionals.
What Should Professionals Do?
Why is it so important to let Blackfoot, ID, water restoration companies handle pipe burst cleanup and repairs? If you have a tight budget, this may be a more cost-effective approach. However, there are several reasons not to take this route:
- Floodwater, from a pipe or other source, could carry sewage, chemicals, and other contaminants. A trained sewer cleanup company has the equipment and training to deal with black water.
- Moisture often makes its way into the walls, under the carpets, and into other unseen areas. Professionals know the signs that indicate potential mold growth and are prepared to prevent it.
- A burst pipe can quickly shut down your business, and you'll have plenty to do trying to get your daily operations up and running again.
Ultimately, trying to clean up flooding could end up causing further damage and increasing the recovery costs.
When Should You Call a Restoration Company?
In addition to burst pipe cleanup services, contact professionals when you see that water has caused wall or floor damage. If you suspect mildew, and if you want to prevent mold growth, give a restoration company a call for thorough, effective results.
How To Prevent Wind Damage to Your Commercial Property
11/13/2020 (Permalink)
Regular roof maintenance can keep your building safe from wind damage.
When high winds hit Blackfoot, ID, is your commercial property ready to handle them? From preventing a busted window to stopping a roof leak before it can start, regular roof maintenance and inspections can keep your building and grounds safe from wind damage.
3 Places to Perform Regular Maintenance to Avoid Wind Damage
1. Roof
Wind damage prevention starts from the top down. In order to avoid a damaged roof:
- Ensure the sheathing and all shingles are nailed down tight.
- Look for any gaps or missing shingles and fill them.
- Check that any rooftop elements are secure, such as pipes, skylights and chimneys.
- Confirm that the roof and walls are firmly fastened to one another, which can prevent an updraft from dislodging the roof.
2. Window, Doors and Exterior Walls
While wind damage may be synonymous with “roof leak” in many people’s minds, it’s just as important to protect the rest of your building’s exterior if you want to avoid making a call to your local wind damage restoration company. Here’s what you need to do:
- Make sure siding is attached firmly.
- Ensure that windows are connected tightly, too.
- Use deadbolt locks on all exterior doors.
- Inspect walls for cracks that might let in water or debris.
3. Outdoor Property
When high winds are on the horizon, it can be easy to forget about your building’s outdoor elements, such as sheds and dumpsters, as well as the potential for damage from nature. Before you finish battening down the hatches, take the following steps to secure your surroundings:
- Move any inventory, supplies and equipment that you can inside.
- Be sure all outbuildings are anchored to the ground.
- Ensure all signage is adequately anchored to the ground or the building.
- Keep nearby trees trimmed and remove dead branches promptly.
- Inspect any other outdoor elements, such as fencing, lights or dumpsters, to ensure that they’re secure.
Regular maintenance is crucial for preventing a roof leak or ruined equipment during a storm. Taking a few minutes every month to check in with your commercial property’s defenses is well worth the effort in the long run.
Protect Your Hardwood Floor From a Burst Pipe
10/15/2020 (Permalink)
Mopping up water.
After investing in a wood floor, a pipe burst can be a very frustrating and expensive experience. In addition to worrying about structural damage and wet belongings, but your wet floor could become warped and stained. Water is one of the worst causes of damage to hardwood, especially.
How can you avoid this type damage to your Blackfoot, ID, property?
3 Ways To Protect Your Hardwood Floor From Water Damage
1. Routine Maintenance
Naturally, preventing water damage begins with the way you care for your floors on a daily basis. You can do several easy things to avoid damage from daily mishaps:
- Pick up wet rags, damp carpeting, and any other source of moisture as soon as possible. Better yet, provide a place for those items to go instead of on your wood floor. Make sure that any spills are wiped up right away.
- Monitor the humidity levels in your building and adjust them as necessary. Summer temperatures usually bringing higher humidity levels, and winters tend to be dryer. Neither situation is great for your hardwoods.
- Use appropriate cleaning products for your floor; there are many specifically intended to care for hardwoods. As you clean, avoid leaving puddles or wet spots behind.
Unfortunately, you can't prevent all damage, so you need to know what steps to take following a pipe burst.
2. A Quick Response
The key to preventing serious harm is understanding that a quick and immediate response is crucial. Start by shutting off the water at the main shutoff valve to the building. Next, provide ventilation, so the water and moisture can begin to evaporate. Contact water damage cleanup and repair professionals and your insurance provider for some general tips and warnings.
3. Mops and Towels
After taking these steps, it's time to start carrying out and mopping up any water. Be very careful when handling water-logged possessions. These can be very heavy, and you could cause further damage if possessions aren't handled correctly. A pipe burst can cause a lot of trouble for your floors, but your quick response can prevent lasting damage.
3 Things You Should Expect From a Mitigation Company
8/25/2020 (Permalink)
24 hour access to SERVPRO.
A burst pipe in your client's building doesn't politely wait until business hours to occur. When this happens, the business owner needs a water restoration company in Pocatello, ID, that can address the problem at any hour of the day. A 24 hour call center and technicians who are available around the clock are two of the things that ensure SERVPRO is Faster to Any Size Disaster. Here are three things you should be able to expect from the company handling the damage to your client's building.
3 Things To Expect From The Company Handling Water Damage
1. Quick Response
No matter how good the remediation services a company offers, it doesn't help building owners if they don't answer the phone. Even if damage happens in the middle of the night, they need to be able to expect a fast response within one hour of reporting it. Waiting until the next morning can lead to more problems.
2. Speedy Arrival
After the initial call, technicians should spring into action. Depending on the type and severity of the problem, it may take a little while to collect all the equipment and assemble the team needed to tackle it. With 24 hour access, however, it is reasonable to expect an arrival within four hours of the initial call. A speedy arrival is possible when a mitigation company is always open.
3. Timely Debriefing
The first thing technicians do when they arrive on the scene is survey the damage. This assessment often involves listing all problems directly caused by the event as well as related fallout in adjacent areas. Everything that needs to be restored must be documented. No matter how vast the damage, however, within eight hours, the building owner should be able to sit down with the project lead and discuss the work needed to repair the building.
When commercial property sustains water or fire damage, time is of the essence. Your clients need 24 hour access to a mitigation company that can handle it in a hurry.
4 Ways To Protect Your Business From a Flood
7/24/2020 (Permalink)
Flood damage can be prevented.
Are you worried about the next flood season? Do you often wonder how you can protect your commercial building from storm damage and business interruptions? Contact a water remediation company in Blackfoot, ID, to discuss possible strategies for your company. However, in the meantime, consider the basic strategies recommended by FEMA and other protective agencies to prevent flood damage.
4 Strategies To Prevent Flood Damage
1. Elevate Essentials
If you know that a storm is coming or that a flood is imminent, move high-priority items to higher ground. Computers, appliances, electronics and files can and should be moved to a second story, or at the very least placed in the most elevated position you have available.
2. Build Barriers
You can use sandbags to create temporary barricades around your property. Make sure to place the bags around vulnerable spaces, like doors and windows. The goal of makeshift barricades is to divert the water away from these sensitive areas.
You can also use landscape design to create natural barriers around your building. Consider speaking with a landscaper to determine the best ways to implement natural borders for the prevention of flood damage.
3. Flood Proof
There are many methods to flood-proof your building, but the most cost-effective is to install pumps and seals. You can also use diversion valves in your plumbing to help prevent backups during heavy rains.
4. Move
While not the most cost-effective option, if you find that your commercial property is continuously combatting floods, consider moving to higher ground. FEMA produces flood maps to show the most vulnerable areas to flooding, if possible, try to find a dryer area to move your business.
Flood damage can be detrimental to your business. It often results in business interruptions and recovery expenses. If you would like to avoid as much damage as possible, then contact a local water remediation company to discuss strategies you can implement that are specific to your facility.
5 Factors That Contribute to a Fire Remediation Estimate
7/22/2020 (Permalink)
Fire damage to your commercial property in Blackfoot, ID, can be devastating.
When you call a commercial fire restoration company out to your property, you likely only have one thing in mind: how much is this going to cost? Unfortunately, there is no straight answer for a quick estimate with fire damage. The extent of the damage plays a significant role in the price, but there are at least five other factors to consider.
Factors That Contribute To An Estimate For Fire Reemediation
1. Board Up and Tarp Services
Mitigation is one of the earliest expenses to a fire restoration effort. The mitigation company from Blackfoot, ID, will come out immediately to your site and help you determine what is necessary. Plywood is used to cover most vertical holes in your structure, and tarps are used to cover large holes in your roof. Depending on the extent of the damage, minimal mitigation work may be required.
2. Security and Fencing
Another aspect of the mitigation process is the protection of your property from potential vagrants or wildlife. In many fire remediations, property owners feel better if a fence is at least put around their facility. However, for added security, the remediation company you hire may provide surveillance or in-person security for a price.
3. Waste and Damage Removal
The next expense to consider in the estimate is the removal of waste and damage. Crews will get to work pulling out water-damaged carpeting, smoke damaged walls and insulation. Beyond the removal, an extensive cleaning effort will commence after the debris is removed.
4. Reconstruction
Rebuilding your property is the final expense. The company you hire will inspect and assess the structure and integrity of the building. Everything will be reinforced, and the crew will replace all that needs to be. When complete, your property will look as it did before the fire.
5. Insurance
Your insurance policy will inevitably help to reduce the expense of the fire restoration, but there are too many variables to consider to specify how much the insurer will cover. The best thing is to contact your insurance agent.
If you are dealing with the aftermath of a fire, contact a remediation crew as soon as possible. They will provide a real-time estimate.
Emergency Readiness Program for Commercial Business
7/13/2020 (Permalink)
Emergency Ready Program
SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello believes every business should have an Emergency Readiness Program, also known as an ERP.
Emergency Readiness Program
ERP’s allow SERVPRO to help both commercial and residential properties in case of any time of emergency. An ERP allows you to minimize business interruptions by having an action plan ready to go.
Here at SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello we have been trained to help you with the first few steps. Such as, turning off the main water and gas lines and turning off the electrical panels.
Benefits of having an ERP
Having an ERP doesn’t cost your business a time, it is there to get your business back on track. This approach is a great investment of your time and is designed specifically with the owner and customer in mind. If you or someone you know would like to have an ERP done, please don’t hesitate to call SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello.
Restoring Commercial Property after a Water Damage Event
7/10/2020 (Permalink)
Leaking pipes can lead to severe water damage.
Flooding and water damage events at can lead to commercial properties 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 Blackfoot/Pocatello
SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello 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.
Why you want an IICRC Certified Restoration Company
7/8/2020 (Permalink)
SERVPRO is an IICRC-certified restoration company.
When water damages your commercial property, you want professionals to help get your business back on its feet. SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello works closely with insurance companies to get you back on your feet as fast as possible. As business owners know, contacting a professional restoration company is usually the first step to restoring your building. With so many other restoration companies out there, it can be hard to pick the one that will be perfect for you and your business. It is important to know that hiring an IICRC-certified company will have advantageous. Before is more information about being an IICRC company:
- What does IICRC stand for and what is it?
The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is a professional certification organization within the restoration, cleaning, and inspection industries.
- How does a company receive an IICRC certification?
To receive an IICRC certification, restoration companies have to follow specific criteria. Some of the criteria include:
- Provide consumers with accurate data
- Conduct business processes with integrity and honesty
- Ensure that a trained technician is present for all work assignments
- Ensure that a continuing education program is in place
- Maintain policies for written complaints
- Hold liability insurance
Why it is important to choose an IICRC-Certified company?
There is a wide variety of forms water damage can take. Some of them include flooding, a burst pipe, and sewage backup. No matter the cause, water can leave a lot of damage to your building. In fact, standing water can lead to severe property damage as well as mold issues.
SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello offers service 24/7 for all of our customers.
Commercial Property Water Damage
7/8/2020 (Permalink)
Broken pipes are a common reason for flooding in a commercial building.
Business owners usually think their commercial property will be damaged by a major storm coming through their area. However, many forget that there are other risks out there. List below are common reason for flooding in a commercial property.
4 Common Reason for Flooding in Commercial Buildings.
- Malfunctioning sprinkler systems
Some older office and retail buildings still have outdated sprinkler systems that work in conjunction with fire protection systems. While such sprinklers can come in handy during a fire emergency, they can also cause commercial flood damage if they are faulty or in need of replacement. This could easily damage inventory and business assets.
- Damaged appliances and equipment
This cause of commercial flood damage is more common in restaurants and catering facilities, as well as any business that has appliances and equipment that make use of water. If the appliance fails and sends water across your building, especially during late hours when no one is around, you may come back to work and face a water emergency.
- Broken pipes and plumbing
Just like in a residence, if the plumbing system in your workplace fails water damage could be the result.
- Backed up sewer lines
This is another cause of commercial water damage that often catches business owners by surprise. Should the sewer line to your building back up or become damaged, realize the potential dangers of contaminated Black Water which can cause health effects and ruin products and office furnishings.
Emergency Ready Profile
8/27/2019 (Permalink)
Disasters do not wait for the right time!
Did you know that as many as 50% of businesses may never recover following a disaster?
The companies that do survive most of them had a preparedness plan in place. Pre-planning can save you from losing your company after a disaster and also give you a peace of mind.
By having an Emergency Ready Profile (also known as a ERP) you will have an immediate plan of action, that will help you have less interruption in your companies day to day business.
Being prepare is the key component for making it through any size of disaster, whether it’s a small water leak or a flood. No one ever wants or plans for a disaster to happen, but when it happens your first question to yourself is usually “what do I do now"? With this preparation you will know what to do and who to call.
An ERP is a startup approach, that provides the information needed to being the recovery services. It is there to serve as a quick reference of building information and who to contact. By working with our Marketing Team, your business will benefit from years of experience in reducing the impact of the disaster, that struck your property. SERVPRO® is a leader in Water Damage and Fire Damage response and we will help you quickly return your property back in working order in no time.
Listed below are the advantages of having an Emergency Ready Profile:
- No cost assessment of your facility
- A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of a disaster
- It will only take a few minutes to complete and save you a lot of time if ever needed in the future.
- A guide to help you get back into your property following a disaster
- This will minimize the amount of time your business is inactive by having an immediate plan of action
- Establishes us as your professional disaster mitigation and restoration provider
- Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin.
- Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information.
You can be ruined or you can be ready! Call today for your free ERP!
Understanding the type of Water Damage in your Commercial Property
8/27/2019 (Permalink)
Dealing with water damage in your business in Blackfoot/Pocatello can be very time-consuming. Whether it be replacing a water pipe, having issues with a toilet, or outside water coming in you will find it helpful to understand what type of water damage has occurred.
- The Source of Water - Here at SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello use one of the primary ways to classify water damage. If water comes from an appliance and is clean, it is considering category 1 damage. Water that comes from broken pipe and has contaminants is considered to be category 2. Water that contains sewage and has biohazards is labeled as category 3.
- How long has the water sat? - Category 1 water can turn into category 2 if not quickly removed. The best rule of thumb is to take care of the water leak as soon as possible!
- Dirtiness of the Water - How clean the water is, is another major contributor that determines the category we put the water damage into. For instance, category 2 water is water that has some amount of hazardous material. Even if the water lose started out as clean water and it seeps through the floor or wall it will then count as category 2 due to contaminants **Fun fact: if the water damage is large enough the categories of the water can change from one section to another in a commercial building.
Do you need to Ozone your Commercial Property?
7/25/2019 (Permalink)
Commercial deodorizers may help fight some airborne pungent odors, but to eliminate other foul odors, it may be necessary to do an ozone treatment. Ozone is used to destroy undesirable smells just about anywhere, in full-time and vacation homes, apartments, basements, nursing homes, cars, trucks, buses, boats, classrooms, locker rooms, offices, and gymnasiums. Ozone is also approved by the FDA to be used in food processing plants to scrub yeast and mold spores from the air because of its great deodorizing and disinfecting abilities.
SERVPRO'S ozone generators are extremely effective because they produce O3 which attacks odors at their source, even if they are clinging to walls, fabrics and ductwork. SERVPRO ozone generators intentionally produce the toxic gas, ozone, that is used for commercial and residential applications. When contaminates such as odors, bacteria or viruses contact ozone, their chemical structure is changed to a less odorous compounds. As more ozone attacks the remaining compounds, they are eventually destroyed. This process is called oxidation. Ozone essentially reverts to harmless oxygen after it is used.
So, if you are dealing with smoke odors, pet odors, musty odors, tobacco odors, or food and cooking odors? Give SERVPRO® of Blackfoot/ Pocatello a call at 208-242-3819.
About SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello
SERVPRO™ of Blackfoot/Pocatello specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke 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
Have Questions about Ozone treament? Call SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello Today – 208-242-3819
Bio Hazard Cleaning Services
7/18/2019 (Permalink)
One service that we offer at SERVPRO® of Blackfoot/ Pocatello is Bio Hazard cleanup. That includes: Crime Scene clean up, Natural death/Decomposition scenes, suicide, accident events, animal related damage along with a variety of other damages that are a result of BIO contamination.
Dealing with Bio Hazards is not only scary and a major health risk. Let our knowledgeable and trained staff be the ones to take care of you through this circumstance.
About SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello
SERVPRO™ of Blackfoot/Pocatello specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke 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
Have Questions about Biohazard cleanup? Call SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello Today – 208-242-3819
What the advantage of hiring a restoration company with IICRC certification.
7/15/2019 (Permalink)
When damages accrue to your commercial property, you want professionals to help get your business back on its feet as fast as possible. SERVPRO™ of Blackfoot/Pocatello works closely with your insurance companies to get you back on your feet as fast as possible. As business owners know, contacting a professional restoration company is usually the first step to restoring your building. With so many other restoration companies out there, how do you choose one over the other? It is important to know that hiring an IICRC-certified company will have advantageous. Before is more information about being an IICRC company:
- What does IICRC stand for and what is it?
The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is a professional certification organization within the restoration, cleaning, and inspection industries.
- How does a company receive an IICRC certification?
To receive an IICRC certification, restoration companies have to follow specific criteria. Some of the criteria include:
- Provide consumers with accurate data
- Conduct business processes with integrity and honesty
- Ensure that a trained technician is present for all work assignments
- Ensure that a continuing education program is in place
- Maintain policies for written complaints
- Hold liability insurance
- Why it is important to choose an IICRC-Certified company?
There is a wide variety of forms water damage can take. Some of them include flooding, a burst pipe, and sewage backup. No matter the cause, water can leave a lot of damage to your building. In fact, standing water can lead to severe property damage as well as mold issues.
About SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello
SERVPRO™ of Blackfoot/Pocatello specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke 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
Have Questions about Commercial Water Damage? Call SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello Today – 208-242-3819
24/7 Emergency Service
