Preparing Your Business for Restoration After a Disaster

6/11/2024 (Permalink)

If a fire, flood or any other cause damages your business, you can always count on us for restoration assistance.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned as the owner of a business? 

Many business owners say they have found it’s not always possible to plan for the future—or to see an event that will impact your business coming. Others say they’ve had to find new ways to engage with their customers and continue providing services.  These are essential lessons that carry on to other parts of the business, too. It’s crucial to have a plan in place to help you deal with the different types of disasters that business owners can face, like fires, flooding or severe storms. 

Because SERVPRO® Team Miller wants to be a resource for business owners in our area, we’ve put together some powerful tips to help you if you ever need commercial restoration services. 

What You Need to Know About Starting a Restoration Project 

The majority of business owners can open their doors again after a fire or flood damages their business. It’s possible to not only open again but also to be more successful. 

Here’s how we recommend you start the process: 

• Your disaster plan is a crucial component. Invest in a disaster plan before you need it and do everything you can to follow it in the aftermath of a fire, flood or another type of natural disaster. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when your business is damaged, so knowing what you will do in advance helps. You may want to think about moving your business to a backup location so you can continue operating. 
• Document all your damage. You’ll want to take plenty of pre-cleanup photos of your property to show your insurance company. It’s smart to inventory the items inside your business that were damaged, compromised or destroyed. Include the values of these items on your inventory list. 
• Don’t forget to update your community. Providing your suppliers, your employees, your customers and your wider community with regular updates about your progress, a temporary location or your reopening is essential. 
• Set up an ERP with Team Miller. We can prepare an Emergency Response Profile to prevent unpredictable seasonal weather from catching you off guard. The profile sets up priority response, a customized restoration plan before an emergency occurs, a single point of contact for multiple facilities and provides local as well as national coverage. 

If a fire, flood or any other cause damages your business, you can always count on us for restoration assistance. We have crews who are available 24/7 in the event of an emergency.

SERVPRO® Can Help Your Business

6/10/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is to reduce business interruptions and recovery costs.

SERVPRO® is committed to providing expert fire and water cleanup and restoration services to reduce business interruptions and recovery costs. Our team can also provide specialized commercial cleaning services to maintain the best appearance of your facility. 

• Fire, Smoke and Soot Cleanup and Restoration: Pretesting helps us determine what type of fire has taken place. Knowing the types of smoke and their behavior patterns are vital to proper restoration. 
• Water Removal and Dehumidification: Our professionals identify the source and type of water which determines the proper course of action. Drying equipment controls temperature and humidity, minimizing secondary damage. 
• Biohazard and Vandalism Cleanup: SERVPRO franchise technicians are trained to safely and effectively clean biohazardous substances and prepare waste for proper disposal according to OSHA, EPA, and state and local health regulations. 
• Mold Mitigation and Remediation: Our professionals work to control and remediate mold contaminants while protecting your health and safety. 
• Contents Claim Inventory: Accurate inventory helps keep cost low and reduces job completion time. Our professionals can provide an itemized, area-by-area loss inventory. 

Commercial Water Damage

4/19/2024 (Permalink)

In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Flooding and water damage events in commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether it’s dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large-scale event, SERVPRO® works 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® 

SERVPRO® specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a commercial water damage event. Our team has the training, experience, and equipment to handle large commercial flooding or water damage emergencies. Whether your water emergency occurs in a small office building or big box store, we will respond quickly to mitigate the damage and manage the restoration project through to its completion. 

Learn About Sandbags

1/30/2024 (Permalink)

Here is what you need to know about flood dams.

When faced with flooding, you may be considering the possibility of a sandbag wall to protect your business. It is recommended that taking steps to mitigate damage before it occurs to protect the property and reduce clean up times and costs by several restoration companies. A flood dam is one way to do this. Here is what you need to know about flood dams.  

Where to Find Them  

Sandbags can be purchased from local hardware stores or landscaping suppliers. During times of severe floods and storms, quantities may be supplied by your local council. You can contact your local council or visit their website for more information.  When there is significant flooding, sandbags may be in limited supply and may only be issued by the State Emergency Service. It is better to be prepared and purchase sandbags prior to or when made aware of a flood event.  

How They Work  

In most cases flood dams work by directing water flow away from the threatened area. Many people choose sandbags because they are easy to build protective barriers. Dry sand is loaded into the bag, and the bag is then folded and placed to create a wall. When the water reaches the wall, it is absorbed by the sand which then becomes heavier, harder to move, and creates a tighter seal.  

Where to Place Them  

When creating a sandbag barrier to protect your business it is recommended to construct it in a way that directs the flow of water rather than trying to block it. This will put less force on the wall and keep the water moving to a safe drainage location. Consider setting the barrier up so that the water flows downhill and away from the property, or into a drainage ditch or open field where it can disperse safely. Sandbags should also be placed over floor drains to prevent backflow of grey water entering the building. They can also be used in front of doorways/roller doors.  

When to Use Them  

One of the best ways to reduce flood damage is to know when to use a flood dam. In most cases you may want to consider the use of sandbags any time you believe flooding may pose a high risk to the property.  

When making a sandbag wall or using another flood dam type to protect your company it is important to understand how they work and where to place them to direct water flow. Using these tools properly may help you reduce the amount of damage your business could face in the next big storm.

We Can Treat Commercial Fire Damage

1/17/2024 (Permalink)

If you experience commercial fire damage, it is crucial to work with professionals who can help you restore your property.

If you experience commercial fire damage, it is crucial to work with professionals who can help you restore your property. However, fire damage can take many different forms. Watch out for the following types of Saginaw commercial fire damage and call the experts as soon as possible to prevent the damage from getting worse. 
 
One of the first and least dangerous types of fire damage is known as Class A fire damage. This kind of damage can occur on any property, and it is often the result of a solid catching fire and spreading throughout. The fire damage from Class A fires has quantifiable sources, and the solids may include rubber, plastic, paper or cloth. This damage may spread from a single source, and it is often easy for individuals to contain it if they are quick and isolate the burning source with a fire extinguisher. 
 
Class B fire damage is another variety, and it is one of the most dangerous types that could occur. Class B fire damage typically results from flammable liquids or from solids that have become liquefied. These are commonly caused by melted plastics and waxes as well as various types of oils, including petrol and grease. While they are often caused by materials similar to cooking oil, cooking oil fires do not often count as Class B fires. These fires often spread quickly and cause tremendous damage because of water displacement issues. 
 
Class C fire damage involves flammable gases and similar substances. These can include fires caused by gas leaks such as hydrogen or propane, or they may be due to deposits of natural gas. They can spread quickly through the property and result in a great deal of sudden surface damage. More often than not, this type of damage is explosive and can cause tremendous destruction to the property's structure. It is one of the most common examples of Saginaw commercial fire damage, and it may result in a long-term loss if not handled quickly. 
 
Finally, Class D fire damage is a common variety of fire damage that occurs in industrial locations. It is typically caused by combustible metals. Some of the most common metals involved include sodium and potassium, and this type of fire is large and encompasses the work area. This damage can result in a variety of harmful ambient effects, so if you experience this sort of damage, it is crucial to have it taken care of as soon as possible. If left unattended, unwanted chemicals may become airborne and result in a variety of problems around the work area.

Invest in Carpet Cleaning for Your Business

1/9/2024 (Permalink)

These tasks will help you keep your carpets looking great, your business running smoothly, and your clients or customers happy.

Keeping your carpets clean will prolong its life. Businesses see a lot of foot traffic and with that comes dirt and debris. Here are a few preventative measures that can be taken to help make your carpets business ready.  

• Using mats on the outside of doors and rugs on the inside can help reduce what is tracked inside. 
• Keep sidewalk areas swept free of dirt, leaves, and grass clippings. 
• Vacuum high traffic areas on a daily basis and all other areas as needed but at least every 2-3 days. 
• Have a specific plan in place for spills or spots when they happen. 
• Have high traffic areas professionally cleaned at least once a month and all other areas every 3 months.   

Doing these tasks will help you keep your carpets looking great, your business running smoothly, and your clients or customers happy. SERVPRO® can help keep your commercial carpets clean. Call us to get a quote today.