Commercial Flood Insurance: 3 Important Facts To Know

7/16/2022 (Permalink)

It is therefore important to consider commercial insurance, specifically flood insurance.

Commercial Flood Insurance

Flooding may spring from a multitude of causes, including structural malfunctions (pipes bursting, waterlines leaking, etcetera), storm surges, overflow of existing water bodies and more. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc, climate change has exacerbated weather conditions around the globe. Floods, which are common and potentially devastating natural disaster events in the U.S., are projected to increase in both frequency and severity as sea levels continue to rise and storms worsen. With this, there will be a correlating spike in the need for the services of a professional cleanup and restoration service inSan Marcos, TX, and other expert contractors. It is therefore important to consider commercial insurance, specifically flood insurance.

1. Flood Coverage Is Usually Not Included in Property Insurance
Many individuals fail to realize that most standard commercial property policies do not include commercial flood insurance. This means damage from flooding (water damage) is not covered.

2. If a Business Meets Certain Criteria, Flood Coverage Is Required
Businesses must have it if they are located in a high-risk flood area and possess a mortgage courtesy of a federally regulated lender. An insured lender may also force them to buy coverage. To find out if a building resides in a high-risk flood area, the owner can look at the FEMA flood maps through the organization's Flood Map Service Center online portal. Letters denote the hazard level, with high-risk zones starting with either "A" or "V," where "V" signals coastal areas.

3. Flood Coverage Is Available From the Government or Private Insurers
Some private companies offer commercial flood policies. The NFIP is another potential source of coverage. Managed by FEMA, it was established by Congress in 1968 and offers insurance to business owners among others. This coverage must be obtained through a professional insurer — a business owner cannot simply purchase it from the government.
With the growing weather and climate change threats on the horizon, proper commercial coverage is more important than ever. All structures are vulnerable to the ravages of flooding. Having flood insurance is a vital precautionary measure.

Understanding Mold in Your Business

6/13/2022 (Permalink)

Buildings can develop mold growth after a storm that causes flooding.

Mold growth can appear on damp surfaces within 24 to 48 hours. Mold reproduces by tiny spores that travel through the air. Once they land in a new location with moisture, they will start to destroy your building in New Braunfels, TX. This can cause a lot of expensive damage. Here are some questions that you can use to understand this fungus.

Why Is There Mold?

Buildings can develop mold growth after a storm that causes flooding. Some of the big problems that occur during storms that lead to mold include:

• Flooding
  
• Sewage backups
  
• Roof leaks
  
• Flooded basements
  
• Open windows
  
• Foundation problems
  
  

How Do You Dry a Building?

The best way to dry your building is to hire a storm restoration company. Otherwise, you can do this on your own with some bleach, fans, and dehumidifiers.

What Do You Need To Clean It?

You will need personal protective gear to clean mold yourself, such as gloves and a mask. Aside from this, you will need standard cleanup items, including buckets, scrub brushes, brooms, trash bags, shop vacs, and sponges. Finally, you will need something to kill the mold, like a detergent or bleach.

What if You Have Health Problems?

Everyone is regularly exposed to mold spores inside and outside of buildings. However, standing water makes the risk from mold spores much greater, so it is better for people who have health problems to avoid working inside buildings that have recently experienced flooding.

How Can You Prevent Mold in the Future?

It is not possible to remove all mold growth from your business. However, there are many ways that you can limit the amount of mold that grows in the future. The best methods include stopping any leaks, keeping your business clean, keeping surfaces dry, and routinely disinfecting areas at risk for mold.
While bacteria may be the first contaminant on your mind after a storm floods your business, you should also be concerned about mold. This fungus can do costly damage, so you need to take the proper steps to dry your building and prevent mold in the future.

What Do You Do if Your Apartment Building Has Mold Contamination?

6/3/2022 (Permalink)

A water leak is probably the most common cause of mold growth.

Floating in the air around us are billions of mold spores. They’re part of the natural environment in New Braunfels, TX, and are generally harmless to humans. However, under the right conditions, toxic black mold can develop and spread explosively.
In an apartment, mold cleanup may be the responsibility of either the landlord or the tenant, depending on the circumstances. It’s important to seek professional mold remediation experts immediately when it’s found since it indicates that ongoing water damage is occurring.

What Is Black Mold?

Mold and mildew are quite different from each other. Mildew grows on the surface of areas exposed to high humidity, including:

• Around windows
  
• On shower walls
  
• Near sinks
  
  

Mold contamination, however, gets embedded below the surface. It grows on absorbent materials, including:

• Drywall
  
• Wood
  
• Fabrics
  
• Paper
  
  

As it grows, it eats the material it’s feeding on to expand the colony. This can weaken the structure and fill the building with a musty odor.

What Causes Black Mold Growth?

Since mold spores are so ubiquitous, it’s very difficult to completely remove them without expensive laboratory air scrubbers. The real key to controlling mold growth is to prevent excess moisture from remaining around materials made of cellulose.
A water leak is probably the most common cause. Letting the toilet or a sink overflow can also cause mold growth, especially if it happens more than once.

Who Is Responsible for the Mold Cleanup?

Black mold can be slimy, shiny or fuzzy, while mildew typically appears powdery. Educate your tenants about what mold looks like. A hidden drip that continues for a long time can cause massive damage to an apartment building, and mold is a sure sign of excess water.
If you or your tenants smell a musty smell in a specific area, unless you see mildew, it’s probably mold growth, and a water source needs to be fixed. In general, it’s the landlord’s responsibility to clean up mold when tenants have taken reasonable care of their apartment.
Mold contamination is easy to remove when caught early. If you have any doubts, your landlord or mold cleanup experts should be able to answer your questions.

4 Things To Expect During Fire Damage Restoration

5/25/2022 (Permalink)

The specialist will use a tarp and other protective materials to cover any holes and other vulnerabilities.

Steps During Fire Damage Restoration

The services of fire damage restoration specialists are necessary after a fire impacts your Nixon, TX, business. However, if this is your first time working with them, you may not know the proper procedures. If you are curious about the process and want to oversee the work, learn more about the steps you should expect during the restoration process. 

1. Damage Assessment
Once the experts make a fast arrival at your property, they will assess the damage. Specifically, they will measure the extent of the fire and smoke damage throughout the location. This process ensures that they will have the necessary information to create a unique plan for your commercial fire case. 

2. Damage Reduction 
Depending on the extent of the damage, the building may be vulnerable to further deterioration during the cleanup and repair. As such, the specialists will use a tarp, fencing and other protective materials to cover any holes, broken windows and other vulnerabilities that could endanger the fire damage restoration efforts. 

3. Property Cleanup
Once the building is safe from additional damage, the next step is the soot, dust and smoke cleanup. These residual materials darken the look of the building, so they are removed with advanced cleaning techniques. Damaged items and equipment are assessed, and if they are deemed irreparable, they are disposed of. Finally, any water damage caused by broken pipes or sprinklers is dried and sanitized. 

4. Property Restoration 
The final and most important step is the restoration itself. Every damaged object and structure is repaired. Some workers can even go one step beyond and improve these features to your specifications, from flooring and walls to furniture and machinery. Anything that is impossible to restore or fix can be replaced with newer counterparts. The company may also provide consultation focused on preventing future incidents. 
Your situation may not resemble the ones experienced by other businesses, but the repairs may follow similar steps. It is important to know the fire damage restoration process to ensure everything goes as planned. 

Commercial Services You Can Count On

12/3/2021 (Permalink)

Wondering how SERVPRO could help you and your business? Take a look at some of our commercial standard service offerings below. 

24 HOUR EMERGENCY RESPONSE SERVICES
- Catastrophic Storm Response

WATER DAMAGE SERVICES
- Water Removal and Dehumidification
- Mold Mitigation and Remediation
- Building Stabilization and Climate Control

FIRE DAMAGE SERVICES
- Smoke and Soot Cleanup
- Pretesting (For Best Cleaning Methods)

BIOREMEDIATION & CRIME SCENE SERVICES
- Vandalism Cleanup

FACILITIES CLEANING & RESTORATION
- Air Ducts and HVAC Cleaning
- Carpet, Upholstery, Drapes, and Blinds
- Ceiling, Walls, and Hard Floors
- Odor Identification and Deodorization
- Post Construction Cleanup and Demolition
- Reconstruction and Construction Drying
- Specialized Media Blasting

CONTENTS CLEANING & RESTORATION
- Move-Outs and Contents Restoration
- Electronics/Equipment Cleaning & Restoration
- Art and Document Restoration
- Data Recovery
- Contents Claim Inventory Service
- Cargo Recovery (Trucking Industry)

TOTAL PROJECT MANAGEMENT
- IICRC Certified
- Mobile Command Centers
- Electronic File Documentation
- Online Data Reporting
- Mitigation Performance Validation

INVOICING
- Detailed Estimates and Digital Pictures
- Expense Reporting

What Can Your Water Mitigation Do?

10/29/2021 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO® of Guadalupe & Gonzales Counties, our favorite word is YES! No one likes to be told no by a company they need work done from. But many don't realize just how much your Water Mitigation Company can help you. 

Your Average Mitigation Company

They assist with:

• Water & Fire Restoration
• Reconstruction
• Mold Remediation

Your average mitigation company can be a great help in emergencies listed above. But some commercial clients need a little more. They need a company who will say yes, whatever the request is. Is that your mitigation company?

SERVPRO® of Downey is your Solution

We assist with:

• Water & Fire Restoration
• Reconstruction
• Mold Remediation
• Contents Pack back
• Contents Cleaning
• Specialty Cleaning
• Biohazard Cleaning
• Duct Cleaning
• Odor Elimination 
• Debris Removal
• And anything else you can think of!

SERVPRO® of Guadalupe & Gonzales Counties says Yes! If you're a commercial client with specific needs and a company to say yes, consider SERVPRO® of Guadalupe & Gonzales Counties. We're here to help! 830-379-7474

Any Golf fans out there?

5/14/2021 (Permalink)

Here is a little fun fact for you on this Friday:
SERVPRO is the official cleanup and restoration partner of the Pro Golfers Association (PGA). The PGA is the highest level of competition in the field of professional golf and SERVPRO is proud to be a part of their community. Keeping golf courses clean and pristine is optimal for comfort and high-quality tournaments. In past years, SERVPRO has been fortunate to show off our work and perform services for major PGA events such as The Players Championship and The TOUR Championship. We are always happy to help out our friends associated with the PGA because we understand a major draw for playing golf is the beauty and scenic environment a golf course can provide.

In addition to our partnership with the PGA, PGA Golfer Brandt Snedeker became the official our official Brand ambassador of SERVPRO last year. We are thrilled to have Brandt represent us because he stands for our core values and is an excellent professional golfer. Brandt has won several major PGA tournaments and is view respected by his peers. 

If we can provide repair, restoration and clean up services for an entity like the PGA, there is nothing we cannot do for you. We are always here for our local communities and can respond at a moment's notice if you need immediate repair, restoration or clean-up services in your home or business. 

24/7 Emergency Services, 365 days a year. 

How Can I Prevent Mold Growth In My Great Neck Restaurant?

5/12/2021 (Permalink)

Mold growth in your eatery can put you out of business. Contact SERVPRO for mold damage remediation services to get your eatery up and running.

Inhibiting Mold Growth with Precautionary Measures is the Best Course of Action

Cleanliness is critical in any commercial enterprise, but even more so when it comes to the food industries. Mold can develop anywhere there is moisture. An extensive mold infestation means the possibility of the San Antonio restaurant being closed while mitigation takes place.

Is Mold Really in the Air?

Mold spores are everywhere, indoors, and outdoors. The spores are microscopic, and no one can avoid them. The spores themselves are not the problem. The problem comes when the spores connect with moisture. They can then spread rapidly, damaging your building and the content within. Mold can cause health effects. Qualified technicians should handle mold remediation in your San Antonio eatery.

What Precautionary Measures Can I Take?

Preventing mold growth involves being proactive. It is much simpler to prevent the spread than to stop it. Here are some ways your restaurant can prevent mold:

• Schedule routine cleaning.
• Throw garbage out on a regular basis.
• Check for water intrusions such as leaks often.
• Inspect food for mold before allowing it in the kitchen. 
• Seal open containers properly.
• Inspect for visible signs of mold regularly.
• Monitor humidity levels.
• Keep the kitchen clean and dry.

Professional Mold Remediation

The best course of action whenever you think there is a mold problem is to hire professionals. SERVPRO has qualified Applied Microbial Remediation Technicians (AMRT) who can diagnose the problem. They then implement the correct measures to clean your restaurant correctly. Our team uses advanced technology and equipment to detect and remove mold. Some of the methods we use are:

• Soda blasting and dry ice blasting
• Surface cleaning
• Sanding
• Antimicrobial and antifungal applications
• Controlled demolition

Do not let mold put you out of business. Proper remediation can have your restaurant serving up your customer’s favorite meals in no time. Contact SERVPRO of Guadalupe & Gonzales Counties at (830) 379-7474for all your mold remediation needs.

Could Your Business Survive an Interruption?

5/12/2021 (Permalink)

Is your business prepared to cope with business interruptions? Does your business feel anxiety when the internet is down? What if something more serious happens? Imagine that you walked in one morning and saw two inches of water on the floor. What would you do? As a business owner, it is vital to always be prepared for the unexpected. Fortunately, you are reading this blog, so hopefully you know to call SERVPRO the minute you notice water damage! How will you deal with this emergency quickly and efficiently? You need a plan - and our FREE Emergency Ready Profile(ERP) app gives you a foundation to start with!

Let’s say that you had a fire in your business and the stock inventory of the raw materials you use is destroyed. Let’s list out the resources that are needed in this event.

• 911 Fire dept
• SERVPRO of Guadalupe & Gonzales Counties
• Insurance company with policy numbers (what if those files were damaged)
• Key personnel within your organization
• Landlord (if you rent)
• Vendors of the raw materials

You may also need other resources to be able to contact them about restoring services or repairing services. Within the ERP you can load the account mgr. and account number so that you have them pull up your records quickly and know what services you have. These would include.

• The Electric company
• The Water / Sewer company
• Gas company
• Internet service provider

The ERP is customizable, this allows you to place key personnel and contacts that you need all at your finger tips to call right away. These may include.

• HR director for your company
• Maintenance mgr.
• IT Mgr.
• Trades service companies you have a relationship with such as HVAC, Plumber, General Contractors.

This may not be an all-inclusive list here, but having the list of resources and their related account numbers / contacts will make for faster communication. This will result in getting back to business faster. The ERP app is available to have on your phone and or print it out and place right beside / integrate with your current operations manual or employee handbook. We don’t schedule disasters but we can be ready for them when they show up unexpectedly. Call SERVPRO of Guadalupe & Gonzales Counties to schedule a walk through and ask for any assistance you need with the SERVPRO Mobile Ready App. 830-379-7474

3 Essential Steps After a Business Fire

4/30/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial fire damage in Seguin, TX

Three Steps To Take In The Aftermath Of A Fire

A fire can be very disruptive to your office in Seguin, TX. Getting back to business as usual as soon as possible takes a lot of work. You may need to deal with smoke damage, replacing equipment, and employee injuries. When you're dealing with disaster, it's easy to get overwhelmed. Here are three steps you need to take in the aftermath of a fire at your business.

1. Turn Off Utilities
As soon as you are safely able to, it is essential to get all utilities turned off to prevent further damage.

Gas and electricity should be turned off at the meter.
Water should also be shut off at the main valve if you are able to access it safely.
If you aren't sure how to do so, contact the utility company's emergency line for instructions.

2. Contact Your Insurance
You should notify your insurance of the incident as soon as you can. They can get a claim started right away and send an adjuster to review the site, take photos and begin to assess fire and smoke damage and other harm to the building. The adjuster can give you further instructions on what other steps you should take to ensure you protect your future insurance coverage and are reimbursed for the current damages.

3. Arrange Clean Up
Once you have the go-ahead from your insurance company, get started on cleaning up right away. Soot damage can quickly become permanent without the proper technique. You'll need to remove any irreparably damaged belongings right away and start a deep clean of every surface. If there is a lot of smoke cleaning to be done, don't hesitate to contact a professional for emergency restoration services.
The quicker you can get your business back up and running, the sooner you can financially recover. Make sure you take these essential steps to begin repairing smoke damage and get things moving in the right direction immediately.

Types of Commercial Cleaning Services in Schertz

11/24/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO offers many types of commercial cleaning services, including enhanced janitorial service and sanitization. Call for a free estimate.

The need for cleaning and sanitization at commercial properties is now a greater concern than ever. A clean and sanitary environment provides a sense of security to anyone who steps foot in your facility. Employees working there as well as any customers visiting need to feel confident that the environment they’re entering is safe.

As expectations of what “clean” means are elevated, basic janitorial services are no longer good enough.  Today, workers and consumers are demanding a higher level of cleanliness. 

Enhanced Janitorial Commercial Cleaning Services in Schertz, Cibolo, and Seguin

SERVPRO of Guadalupe & Gonzales Counties specialized in biohazardous and deep cleaning before COVID-19 was an everyday worry for our community.  We routinely performed:

• Bloodborne Pathogen Cleanup
• Crime Scene Cleanup
• Infectious Disease Cleanup
• Homicide and Murder Cleanup
• Unattended Death and Suicide Cleanup

When Coronavirus arrived in Texas, our biohazard cleanup technicians were already trained and prepared to handle the virus.  We combined the same, effective techniques we had been using for years with the appropriate EPA-registered disinfectant.  Within days, our franchise was serving:

• First Responders in Schertz, Cibolo, Seguin, Nixon and More
• Local Municipalities in Guadalupe & Gonzales Counties
• Essential Businesses, including Shipping, Crucial Manufacturing, Car dealerships, Restaurants, Schools, and Nursing Homes.

Since March of 2020, we have cleaned and sanitized thousands of square feet after a positive COVID-19 diagnosis.  As of this writing, we continue to respond to calls every day, seven days a week.  

While we were cleaning instances with a positive diagnosis, the need and demand for proactive cleaning became a service nearly all of our customers asked us about. As a result, we developed our newest program - Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned. 

Free Estimates for All Types of Cleaning Services

We offer free estimates for commercial cleaning in Schertz, Cibolo, Seguin, and all surrounding communities.  Call or contact us online anytime to schedule a specialist to visit your property. 

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned Schertz

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is an enhanced commercial cleaning service.  A Cleaning Protocol Specialist visits each of our client's commercial properties and creates a custom, tailored plan that fits their needs perfectly.  

We take into consideration everything that matters to the success of our business clients, including:

• The most convenient cleaning hours to avoid business interruption. 
• Type of cleaning needed: wipe-down with a detergent solution and/or sanitization 
• Type of flooring. 
• Type of surfaces. 
• Trash removal. 
• Cleaning frequency: daily, weekly, bi-weekly, etcetera. 
• And much more

What each of our clients ends up with is a uniquely personalized cleaning program that will be executed the way they need it to be, at the right time, with the exact needs they have. Cleaning dates are pre-scheduled, billing is automatic, and our clients have no need to worry about their properties being taken care of from now on. 

Learn more about our Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program here. 

The recurring commercial cleaning services we offer include any of the following. 

Commercial Carpet Cleaning

Commercial carpets typically get a lot of wear and tear on them, so keeping up with daily vacuuming is a must. Frequent cleaning can help extend the life of the carpet’s fibers, reduce dust, and may also help with indoor air quality. 

Eventually, even the best-vacuumed carpets will start to show symptoms of needing a deeper clean.  Depending on the frequency of the carpet’s use, we recommend carpet deep cleaning starting on a bi-weekly basis, although some of our clients have even chosen for weekly deep cleanings.  

Deep cleaning uses a carpet detergent solution and hot water to shampoo, wash and vacuum the contaminants in the carpet out. The result is a fresh-smelling, clean, and refreshed carpet. 

Commercial Hardwood or Tile Cleaning

Most commercial buildings have different types of flooring--usually, they have a combination of carpet, tile, and concrete.  We have the right detergents and machines for any type of flooring our clients have, including hardwood and tile.

Just like vacuuming is necessary for a carpet, moping is necessary for non-porous flooring on a regular basis. Less frequent, but still necessary, are waxing and buffing. 

Surface Cleaning and Disinfection 

There are two types of surfaces: porous and non-porous. 

Non-porous surfaces absorb liquids. These include upholstered chairs and sofas. These are cleaned by frequent vacuuming and then a deep washing when necessary. 

Porous surfaces do not readily absorb liquids, and these include most countertops. These are cleaned with a detergent solution and a wipe-down. Surfaces that are exposed to greases and oils may also need a deeper cleaning. 

Glass Cleaning

Glass is a non-porous surface, and some clients add this type of cleaning to their service list if they have glass doors or walls.  We use a specialized glass cleaning agent to leave a streak-free clean. 

Trash Disposal

All trash cans are emptied and relined with a commercial liner or bag.  

Commercial Building Sanitization

Besides cleaning, our final step involves sanitization of all surfaces--both porous and non-porous.  We use a proprietary, EPA-registered disinfectant that is safe to the touch.  

We’re a SERVPRO in Your Community

Our franchise was established in 2009, and we have restored thousands of properties in the communities we live in.  We have helped many of our neighbors in need of custom commercial cleaning, and we can help you, too. 

Commercial cleaning estimates are free. Call us anytime. We’re Here to Help. 830-379-7474

SERVPRO® Solutions: Matterport Scanning

10/27/2020 (Permalink)

The Matterport PRO 2 Camera is 134 megapixels and shoots with 3D accuracy using infrared sensors.

At SERVPRO® of Guadalupe & Gonzales Counties, we pride ourselves in offering the best solutions for our clients’ needs. To accomplish this we are always seeking out new forms of technology and solutions to better serve our customers.

One of our latest technologies is the Matterport 3D Camera. The Matterport 3D scanning system allows us to capture a space and create a virtual 3D model. 

How It Can Benefit You:

• Virtual Walkthroughs - Due to COVID-19, many insurance adjusters and facility managers have suspended their in-person walkthroughs. The Matterport system provides us with the capability to share that space with them virtually, allowing them to view the property as if they were there in person.
• Insurance Claims - Using a 3D scan of your space may be helpful when handling insurance claims. It could show items and possessions that may be damaged. If you ever have a claim, it would be an invaluable tool in capturing the loss
• Measurement Tool - During a loss, we want to provide the most accurate information. The Matterport system uses infrared sensors to capture data. This data can be measured within the system to provide the most accurate estimate.

Can you utilize the Matterport 3D system? Most businesses can. For more information on the Matterport system, please call our office or reach out online.

Your Commercial Property Has Water Damage: Now What?

5/7/2020 (Permalink)

How to Respond to Water Damage at your Business

There are a plethora of situations where your business might suffer from a water damage loss. Perhaps a recent thunderstorm resulted in a flood that has left dirty water in your office, or maybe a pipe burst and now water has collected in the space between the wall and floors of the structure of your building. No matter what the original cause was you now have the problem of water damage. What should you do?

Identify the Source and Confirm the Extent of Damage

One of the first things you want to do when you notice signs of water damage is to determine the cause or entry point of the water. Some of the most common causes of water damage are a burst water heater, appliance drain lines, and a burst pipe. If you can find the cause of the water intrusion, make a note of it and photograph it if possible. This will help in the future if you decide to file a claim with your insurance company. If the source of the damage is related to any plumbing fixtures it is best to call a professional to come and repair as soon as possible. There is no point in beginning the restoration process before the source problem has been fixed.

After identifying the source, you will want to verify the extent of the damage. It is easy to see visible signs, such as soaked carpets or a wet ceiling. However, a simple visual inspection will most likely not be enough to reliably establish the full amount of damage. This is because water can soak into various building materials far from the source of where water has been noticed, without creating obvious signs for a long time. When this happens, it is not uncommon for mold to begin to grow if not addressed quickly. To accurately measure how far the water has spread, you will need a specialized tool for measuring moisture in buildings, called a Moisture Meter. By using a moisture meter, you can measure the moisture content (% MC) of the materials near where the water damage has been observed. By making continuously further check from the site of the damage you can determine the severity of the moisture intrusion. This information will help if you know if you need to focus on drying out the affected materials or remove and replace them instead.

Contacting a Water Damage Expert

If you are inspecting your own business property and don’t have any previous water clean up or restoration work, it is most likely in your best interest to call a water damage restoration company to handle the dry-out/tear-out for you. This is because water damage remediation work can be a delicate and dangerous situation, especially for someone without specialized experience or training. A professional water damage company will have the right tools and experience to minimize their risks from hazards such as weakened floors that might collapse, mold spores, and fiberglass insulation. Additionally, an expert is more likely to complete the dry-out tasks in a way that minimizes the overall damage and risk of future problems.

Drying Out the Affected Area

If you are determined to fix the problem yourself or the damage is minimal, it might be possible to remove the moisture yourself. If this is the case, you will need the following specialized tools to help you do an efficient job:

• Wet Vacuums (To remove standing water quickly)
• Air Mover and/or Dehumidifiers (To extract humid air)
• Thermo-hygrometer (To track the humidity of a room)
• Pin and/or Pinless Moisture Meters (To track the moisture of materials)

If you have climate control in your building, turning the temperature up slightly might help to keep the water from condensing and speed-up the dry-out work. You will want to make sure that you keep the affected area sealed off from exposure to the outside air as otherwise mold spores and other contaminants can get inside the structure and begin to grow. Any air movers in openings should be sealed in place in a position that forces air from the affected room out and prevents outside air from getting inside. Any contents or furniture that has been affected by the water should be removed from the room. You will need to further assess to see if they can be salvaged.

Document Everything

Make sure to document the cause of the damage, the extent, and what steps you took to fix it. If as you are working you decide that materials or furniture must be thrown out, keep track of your losses. It is incredibly important to photograph all these things. This is because if you file an insurance claim, it will help you tremendously. These are just a few steps to help, however as a general rule of thumb, if your property has water damage severe enough for you to file an insurance claim, you should call a professional such as SERVPRO of Guadalupe & Gonzales Counties. They will handle the dry-out/tear-out process, pack and inventory all of your contents and furniture, and document the entire thing. They even work directly with your insurance.

If your commercial property has experienced a water damage loss, call SERVPRO of Guadalupe & Gonzales Counties for help now! 830-379-7474

COVID-19 Commercial Cleaning and Disinfection in Guadalupe County, Texas

5/7/2020 (Permalink)

For Professional Cleaning and Disinfection Services Call SERVPRO of Guadalupe & Gonzales Counties 830-379-7474

SERVPRO's Cleaning and Disinfecting Protocols and CDC Recommendations for Safety During the Coronavirus Pandemic

SERVPRO of Guadalupe & Gonzales Counties offers cleaning services including the removal of biohazard contaminants, such as COVID-19. We have specialized training and products to help get your property back to business.

We are Here to Help Get Your Business Back to Normal

SERVPRO of Guadalupe & Gonzales Counties is being called on by numerous businesses and community leaders to perform the necessary bioremediation services to clean, disinfect, and sanitize their properties. SERVPRO uses EPA approved products and follows the CDC guidelines for cleanup practices. If you are interested in inquiring about our services we’re here to help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week, while life gets back to normal in the communities we all call home.

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line meet this standard and carry the EPA-registered emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC.

Fast Response For Minimal Business Disruptions

SERVPRO of Guadalupe & Gonzales Counties can respond quickly and effectively to help minimize business interruption to your company. Our professionals are uniquely prepared during this unprecedented time to clean and disinfect your home or business according to the protocols set forth by the CDC. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff performs on a daily basis.

In accordance with the CDC, SERVPRO recommends the daily cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and tables at a minimum. These same surfaces are also mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces as well.

The CDC also recommends regular cleaning of the following areas/items:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevators and Escalators
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

SERVPRO professionals are trained to perform a proactive cleanup that involves facility or structure cleaning and disinfection. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning, and disinfection of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for the cleanup process, and disposal of waste.

Tips For Keeping the Workplace Safe

Encourage your employees to…

Practice Good Hygiene

• Stop shaking hands – use other non-contact methods of greeting
• Clean hands with sanitizer or wash their hands frequently
• Avoid touching their faces and cover coughs and sneezes
• Disinfect surfaces like doorknobs, tables, desks, and handrails regularly
• Increase ventilation by opening windows or adjusting the air conditioning

Be Careful with Meetings and Travel

• Use video conferencing for meetings when possible
• When not possible, hold meetings in open, well-ventilated spaces
• Consider adjusting or postponing large meetings or gatherings
• Assess the risks of business travel

Handle Food Carefully

• Limit sharing food with others
• Strength health screenings for cafeteria staff and their close contacts
• Ensure cafeteria staff and their close contacts practice strict hygiene

Stay Home if...

• They are feeling sick
• They have a sick family member in their home

About Coronavirus

The CDC is responding to an outbreak of a respiratory disease caused by a novel(new) coronavirus that was first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, and has spread to 60 locations(as of this publication), including cases in the United States. The virus known as “coronavirus disease 2019” (abbreviated “COVID-19”) is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person or through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

Sources/Further Reading:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html

www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-business-response.html

www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/summary.html

For Professional Cleaning and Disinfection Services for your Business, Call SERVPRO of Guadalupe & Gonzales Counties

830-379-7474 

4 Tips to Prepare Your Business For Water Damage

5/5/2020 (Permalink)

If your business ever experiences water damage call SERVPRO of Guadalupe & Gonzales Counties at 830-379-7474

Simple Steps To Prepare Your Commercial Business For Water Damage

The thought of water damage occurring in your business can be daunting. In fact, 40% of commercial businesses lack a thorough plan for what to do when a situation like this occurs. Water damage does not have to be scary though. In fact, alleviating your fears can be simple. All it requires is following simple precautions and taking the time to do a little planning. Here are 4 Tips to help you protect your commercial business from water damage.

Tip # 1: Think It Through

The first step in creating a plan for what you will do if your business experiences water damage requires a simple thought exercise. Ask yourself, “What If”. By asking this question you will be able to explore all of the problems that you might face before they ever become a reality.

For example, ask yourself “What if the water main bursts and floods your office?” Considering this situation will lead you to think of more questions. This might include, how will you ensure the safety of your employees and customers? How will you prevent or eliminate business disruptions that might result in cash flow problems? How will you communicate with your employees during an emergency and/or disruption in the business?

As you consider the problems that will need to be addressed, make a note of the solutions that you come up with. Documenting and organizing this information is the basis for the next step in preventing and minimizing commercial water damage: making a plan of action.

Tip #2: Make A Plan

Use the solutions you came up with for your “What If” questions to create the foundation of an emergency plan for your business. A good plan should provide safety for anyone who might enter your business and will set forth processes and procedures for carrying on business during a variety of challenges.

At the very least your plan should include the following:

• An Emergency Contact List
• Emergency Procedures for you and your employees to follow directly after a loss occurs
• Emergency Staffing Instructions that can be distributed so that your employees are aware of what to do if this situation were ever to occur
• Vendor List and Contact Info
• Data backup plans and other resources to support business operations in the case that you must temporarily or permanently close or relocate business operations.

Creating an actionable plan before an emergency takes place will allow you and your staff to respond to the issue in a prepared and timely manner. This will help to mitigate loss and might even save you thousands of dollars in the long run.

Tip #3: Regularly Perform Inspections

It is no surprise to anyone that as time goes on stuff gets old and as a result, it can break or fail. When plumbing or water-management equipment fails, the resulting water damage restoration costs can pile up fast. Many property managers agree that water damage can be one of the costliest disasters to repair. Because of this, the operative word for commercial water damage prevention is maintenance.

Routinely inspect all visible plumbing on your property, test basement sump pumps, check exterior gutters and downspouts, regularly muck out drainage ditches and storm drains, and ensure that your roof structures are in good shape. Consistently checking these aspects of your commercial property will help you gauge the health of your water management systems and be able to fix a potential problem before it becomes a costly disaster.

Tip #4: Call SERVPRO of Guadalupe & Gonzales Counties

An essential aspect of an emergency plan is knowing how to get help when you need it. SERVPRO of Guadalupe & Gonzales Counties is a locally owned and operated damage restoration company based out of Seguin, Texas. Our team has years of experience in commercial water damage restoration and will be able to help your business get back on its feet in no time. If you ever experience a water damage loss at your business, please do not hesitate to give us a call!    

What are the Differences Between Janitorial Services and Commercial Cleaning for COVID-19?

5/1/2020 (Permalink)

With Texas businesses re-opening after the Coronavirus Pandemic, SERVPRO of Guadalupe & Gonzales Counties is being called on by numerous business and community leaders to perform the necessary bio-remediation services to clean and sanitize their properties for COVID-19.

SERVPRO of Guadalupe & Gonzales Counties professionals are uniquely prepared during this unprecedented time to clean and sanitize your business according to the protocols set forth by the CDC. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis. 

Here are 4 things that show how our cleaning is different than janitorial cleaning: 

IICRC Certified. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is the non-profit certifying body for the cleaning and restoration industry. Not only is SERVPRO of Guadalupe & Gonzales Counties IICRC certified as a firm, but most members of our staff carry several IICRC certifications. 

Cleaning Experts. The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets,  and tables at a minimum. Most of our cleaning tactics will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis 

The CDC also recommends regular cleaning of the following areas/items: 

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks 
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevators and Escalators
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

Cleaning Products. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line meet this standard and carry the EPA-registered emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.  

Our proprietary cleaning agents are EPA-certified, hospital-grade disinfectants that have demonstrated effectiveness against viruses similar to Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19) on hard, non-porus surfaces. 

We carry multiple hospital-grade disinfectants and provide our personnel with proper PPE. Not only does this protect everyone, but it also protects the building and people in it.   

Cleaning Procedures. SERVPRO of Guadalupe & Gonzales Counties technicians are experts in infectious disease cleanup and bio-hazard cleaning. Our proven cleaning procedures and protocols have been used to clean and sanitize rhinovirus and norovirus in the past. We are implementing similar protocols, and we are "battle tested" in regards to virus cleanup. 

Bring the professionals in! Call SERVPRO of Guadalupe & Gonzales Counties (830) 379-7474