Fire Commercial Cleanup Process

10/29/2022 (Permalink)

Fire Commercial Cleanup Process

If you've just experienced a fire in your Norman, OK home or business, you're likely dealing with more than just the loss of property and valuables. Smoke and soot can spread quickly after a fire, causing damage that can last for years to come. Cleaning up from a fire is essential in restoring your home or business to its pre-fire condition, but it can also be dangerous if done incorrectly. That's why it's important to hire skilled professionals who have experience cleaning up after fires and know how best to ensure that no residue remains once the smoke has cleared.

Smoke and Soot Spread Fast

Smoke and soot particles are the most visible sign of a fire. They can spread through a building in minutes after a fire, contaminating everything they touch. Soot particles are often the first priority when cleaning up from a fire because they can cause health issues if inhaled over time.

Starting the Cleanup Process

After the fire damage has been assessed and the fire department has left, it’s time to start cleaning up the mess. The first steps in this process are to clean up any debris and soot from walls, floors, and furniture. This can be done using a variety of methods including vacuuming or wet mopping with water and detergent solution. If you have carpets that were damaged by smoke odor, you may need to shampoo them as well.

Call the Professionals

Once the fire is extinguished and the bulk of the smoke has cleared, SERVPRO of Norman will use special equipment to remove particles from carpeting, curtains, and furniture. They will also vacuum soot and ash with a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner. The vacuum should be cleaned after each use to prevent excessive dust accumulation which can become airborne again when disturbed in some way (such as vacuuming).

Air purification. Professionals use advanced air purification methods to remove smoke and soot particles from your building's interior. They'll use air scrubbers, HEPA filters, and other methods to remove particles.

You can also use a vacuum cleaner (like the Shop-Vac brand) to pull dust and dirt from your carpets and floors after a fire has been put out by firefighters. A wet/dry vacuum is another option for removing debris from flooring surfaces

Hiring a professional to clean your house or business after a fire is the best way to get your home back in shape. Although you may be tempted to tackle the job yourself, it's important to remember that these types of cleanup efforts can be very dangerous and should only be completed by professionals who are trained and equipped with the proper equipment.

When you’ve been affected by a fire, it can be easy to overlook the damage that smoke and soot can cause. But if you want your home or business to return to normal as quickly as possible, it’s important to call in professional damage restoration experts who have experience dealing with these types of messes. These professionals will know exactly how much time is needed for cleaning up after a fire before it’s safe for people to return.

The Potential Income Loss After a Business Fire

7/28/2022 (Permalink)

The Potential Income Loss After a Business Fire

If your company is hit with a business fire, you will have many things to worry about. One of the most serious issues is the potential loss of revenue as your business shuts down for reasons of safety and repairs. For this reason, having a robust interruption insurance policy is often a necessity for many companies. This type of policy is added as a rider to your comprehensive insurance and has the following benefits:

• Pays many of the bills while operations cease
• Replaces lost business income
• Pays some or all of the expenses of a temporary facility
  
  

The coverage typically lasts for the length of the business interruption. In some cases, the coverage will last a few days after the completion of repairs.

The Consequences of Inadequate Insurance
Business insurance is there to help your company manage risks. Without adequate insurance, your company in Slaughterville, OK, is vulnerable to the devastating effects of a fire. Your company could potentially face thousands of dollars of lost income each day your business can't manufacture or sell products or provide services. Without interruption insurance, this could result in missed loan payments as well as missed obligations to vendors. Your credit rating could take a hit and your relationships with vendors could suffer.

The Benefits of Professional Fire Restoration

One way to minimize the impacts of a business fire, is to hire the services of a trusted fire remediation franchise. The SERVPRO company is always Here to Help in any emergency situation.

Trained technicians will arrive on the scene fast and begin to work to get your company operational again. After a fire, they will remove soot and smoke damage and clean and sanitize the building. They will repair all damaged areas of your facility.

Interruption insurance is a vital tool to help your company survive a fire. A fast and efficient cleanup that minimizes the disruption is also beneficial to your company's bottom line.

5 Common Commercial Water Issues

7/11/2022 (Permalink)

Common Water-Related Problems

Staying on top of smaller issues in your commercial building is one of the best ways to prevent them from snowballing into larger problems. Remaining vigilant is especially important when it comes to plumbing issues, such as leaking pipes or backed-up toilets. Make sure you regularly check your building in Eason, OK, for the following common water-related problems.

1. Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure can indicate several different issues, such as leaking pipes. Any water that escapes through the leak naturally won't come out of the faucet where it's supposed to, leading to suboptimal water pressure.

2. Damaged Building Foundation
Structural damage in your building, such as cracked, bulging or otherwise warped foundation, can signal the presence of a serious leak. These deformities are often a result of flood water accumulating within your building's structure and can indicate a hidden pipe break.

3. Clogged Drains
Customers are much less likely to treat your commercial bathrooms with the same respect that they'd treat a residential one. This can lead to many undesirable items getting flushed down your pipes, resulting in clogs. At the very least, this leads to an unsightly bathroom. In severe cases, it can result in toilet backup or sewage overflow.

4. Pinhole Leaks
Pinhole leaks are especially common in older buildings, where the copper or cast-iron pipes aren't built to last as long. These tiny holes can cost thousands in wasted water. Keep an eye out for these silent leaks by watching for a spike in your monthly water bill or a drop in your building's water pressure.

5. Leaking Toilets and Faucets
Much like pinhole leaks, dripping faucets and toilets can slowly, yet steadily, drive up your monthly water bill. Make sure you take the time to inspect your commercial bathrooms to make sure none of the appliances are dripping or leaking. Repair any problems you come across.

Leaking pipes, dripping faucets, and clogged drains are all common plumbing issues for commercial building owners. Staying on top of the issue can help reduce the amount of damage your building suffers and keep your business running smoothly. Contact water restoration experts for professional help.

The Right Way To Restore Water Damage After a Roof Leak

4/19/2022 (Permalink)

The Best Way To Repair Water Damage Caused By A Roof Leak

Water damage to your commercial building in Norman, Ok, comes in many shapes and forms, from minor water leaks to true catastrophes. A roof leak is one of the more common avenues whereby water penetrates your building envelope. As with everything, there is a right way and a less effective way to handle incoming water from your roof system. A trained and experienced storm mitigation franchise in your area is likely to have this scenario down to an efficient process.

First Things First

An experienced crew will arrive quickly at your property and do a fast inspection and assessment of the entire situation. They will then develop a plan to deal with the roof leak and other concerns. They will prioritize what should be done first, focusing on the following concerns:

• The safety of all employees and customers
  
• The presence of standing water
  
• The repair of the damaged roof
  
• The removal of water with wet vacuums
• The drying out of wet areas

By following an orderly process, technicians will complete the most important jobs first. This is done to limit damages and to prevent additional damages.

Last Things Last

When the situation is under control, the technicians will make sure things are in place for a successful restoration of your building. They will replace missing shingles on the roof if necessary. Workers will use safe and effective cleaning agents to wipe down surfaces and remove unhealthy residues caused by the incoming water. 

Wet materials will be thrown out, and the restoration of damaged drywall and other structures will be completed. They will make sure all odors have been addressed, and that no moist areas remain to allow for mold growth. The roof leak will be closed so that any subsequent storms will not result in water damage.

An orderly process by restoration professionals is the smart way to beat any form of storm damage.

The Top 3 Tips To Prepare Your Business for a Disaster

2/1/2022 (Permalink)

The Top 3 Disaster Preparedness Tips For Your Business

When you imagined owning a business in Norman, Ok , disaster preparedness was likely the last thing to cross your mind. However, the fantasy and reality of entrepreneurship are not always the same. In the world of corporate America, business preparedness can mean the difference between success and failure. Here are the top three tips to protect your livelihood in the unfortunate event of a disaster:

1. Protect your employees. In an emergency, safety takes priority. Take steps in advance to optimize the well-being of staff and customers when the unexpected strikes. First, communicate crisis procedures verbally and in writing with employees. Second, practice evacuation and shelter-in place practices with your team. Third, maintain disaster kits that include items such as bottled water, first aid and flashlights.

2. Arrange for business continuity. After a tropical storm or other destructive weather event, restoration professionals work to return your business to preloss condition. During this time, you may not be able to operate from the premises. A good disaster preparedness plan includes backing up data and housing copies of important documents easily accessible off-site. These include customer information, inventory, insurance policies, employee records and financial papers.

3. Safeguard your commercial property and inventory. Protect your investment by ensuring you have the proper insurance coverage. For example, not all general policies include flood damage. Business interruption insurance is also commonly offered as an add-on option. When a storm is looming, take precautions such as boarding windows, securing furniture and moving valuables to a safe location.

Disaster preparedness is crucial for business owners in Norman, Ok. Proper planning protects your employees, commercial property and inventory in a weather catastrophe. Maintain relevant insurance and back up important financial documents off-site in the event your building is not accessible. This level of business preparedness allows you to run your business in an alternate location, while the restoration company focuses on repairing the storm damage to looking “Like it never even happened”.

After Your Commercial Fire

1/6/2022 (Permalink)

Following A Commercial Fire

No business in Norman, Ok, wants to stay down any longer than necessary after a catastrophic fire event. Stay informed about common fire cleanup issues in order to maintain continuity and keep your company running smoothly.

1. Immediate Attention

The first concern for any business owner is the safety of the employees. Once firefighters have left the property, do not enter the property until you have been cleared by an inspector. Do not attempt to wade through lower floors that have been inundated by a fire suppression sprinkler or any other form of flooding resulting from fire damage. Emergency services may have shut off your utilities for safety reasons; do not attempt to restore them yourself.

2. Documentation and Prevention

The next steps involve assessing the damage and preventing ongoing problems. Once it is safe to enter the property, begin an inventory of all affected assets, including electronic devices and sensitive paper documents. Contact your insurance agency to send an adjuster who will confirm your claims and begin the proceedings which will allow you to collect on your policy and begin fire cleanup. Many agencies will require that you consult with an IICRC-compliant fire restoration service to begin more complex activities such as roof repair, smoke damage cleaning, and standing water removal.

3. A Note on Roofing

Unfortunately, fighting a fire frequently involves making holes in roofing materials to prevent hot air from accumulating in the upper areas of the building and intensifying the blaze. This ventilation process prevents fire damage overall, but does require extra attention after the fire has been put out. Place tarps or plywood over the holes to prevent rainwater and other environmental hazards from damaging your assets through exposure. You chosen restoration service can assist with tarp services and other temporary enclosure methods.

No business should endure significant downtime from a fire event. Develop a recovery plan for fire cleanup and review it with your employees and consultants.

4 Steps To Restore a Wood Floor

12/6/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has trained restoration technicians ready to help after water damage.

How To Restore A Wood Floor In 4 Easy Steps

It is important to dry a wood floor as soon as you notice signs of water damage. Water from a leak or pipe burst can cause wood to warp or result in other forms of damage. Here are four steps that may be necessary to restore wood flooring.

1. Remove Water

Removing standing water is the first step to restoring flooring. This may require the use of a pump or wet vac for damage caused by a flood, pipe burst, or leak. Use a mop or towels for slight damage. If a small amount of water has spilled and remained on the floor, spread out newspaper and allow it to absorb water.

2. Dry Moisture

After standing water is gone, use a dehumidifier to draw moisture out of wood. Ventilation can also be helpful. It is necessary to determine whether water has penetrated through the polyurethane coating or another sealing treatment. It may be necessary to tear out and replace the subfloor, taking time to allow the underlying concrete to dry, to prevent mold growth.

3. Sand and Scrape

Once all of the levels of flooring are dry, it is time to work on the appearance and condition of the surface. Wooden planks damaged by water may warp or become discolored. Sanding and scraping may even the surface and remove stains. Rely on the expertise of water damage restoration professionals.

4. Refinish or Retrofit

Wood flooring exposed to water may need to be refinished. Planks with severe damage can be removed and replacements retrofitted. Restoration experts can recommend the best solution for each case of water damage.

Keep in mind that wood flooring may add several days to water damage restoration, particularly in cases of extensive damage caused by a flood or pipe burst. This is necessary to restore the condition of a wet floor and prevent secondary damage, such as mold. Contact a service with experience restoring wood floors at commercial properties in Norman, Ok.

3 Steps for Estimating the Cost of a Fire at Your Business

11/1/2021 (Permalink)

3 Steps for Estimating the Cost of a Business Fire

When your Slaughterville, OK, commercial building is affected by a fire, taking the first steps toward assessing the damage can be difficult. From structural issues to lost equipment and inventory, creating a repair and restoration estimate often includes many factors. However, there are a few steps you can take to approximate the total cost of the damage so you can begin the process of rebuilding your business.

1. Get Help From Your Insurance Company

Contacting your insurance company as soon as possible after a commercial fire can not only be key in getting your claim processed efficiently, it may also help you with your cost estimation. Agents, inspectors, and adjusters have the experience and tools to help you calculate the value of your property and equipment, the extent of the destruction, and what it might cost to hire a fire damage and restoration company to repair your building. This support may help you estimate expenses more efficiently.

2. Include Inventory Losses

If you own a retail shop and much of your inventory was lost in the blaze, it is important to add the total value of these items to your estimation. This includes both stored and displayed stock, so you may want to review your records before you add the sum to the cost of the damage. If some of your inventory can be restored for resale, you can include this expense in your estimated cost as well.

3. Calculate Mitigation and Repair Costs

Once a commercial fire is out, you may be facing mitigation costs that include the hiring of a tarp service to cover a damaged roof and retaining a plumber to repair water lines destroyed in the blaze. Mitigation may prevent further problems with the building, but you may want to discuss the cost of these services with company representatives beforehand.

Creating a damage estimate after a fire at your Slaughterville, OK, business can be a stressful experience. However, knowing which costs to include and how to calculate them may give you peace of mind and help you take the first steps toward rebuilding your company.

How To Know If Your Facility Has Mold

10/4/2021 (Permalink)

No commercial building in Norman, OK is completely immune from developing a mold problem. Mold can occur any time there is excess dampness or condensation inside a facility. If you’re unsure whether there is mold at your commercial property, an indoor environmental specialist can perform a mold test so you can try to catch it early.

A few questions to consider.

1. Has there been any recent water damage? Moisture is the primary source of mold, so whether it’s a leaky roof or the effects of flooding, any kind of water inside your commercial facility can lead to mold growth. 
2. Are the air ducts cleaned regularly? HVAC and other ventilation systems are commonly known to carry mold, so it’s important to find out when they were last cleaned. 
3. Is there a strong odor in the building? Sometimes a musty smell means there is mold present. If your employees report an unpleasant odor, it could be the presence of black mold, which is often smelled before it is seen.

Mold can hide in many places indoors, such as under carpet, inside walls and paneling, and in piping and insulation. It has also been found behind wallpaper, but it’s important to be cautious about investigating it without an indoor environmental specialist present; once exposed, mold spores can spread easily. It only takes two to three days for mold to grow indoors. If you do suspect a mold outbreak at your commercial facility, stay away from suspected areas until experts can come and perform the necessary tests. 

If a mold breaks out but goes undetected for a long time, the more damage it can cause. That could disrupt your operations and impact you financially. If your building has suffered any water damage, watch for mold signs. The sooner it’s discovered, the sooner an indoor environmental specialist can come in to clean it up. 

Everything You Need to Know About Mold Contamination

2/2/2021 (Permalink)

If mold containment feels too daunting to tackle on your own, not to worry — SERVPRO is Faster to Any Size Disaster

The last thing you want to do after dealing with water damage, whether from a broken pipe, a flood, or any number of other causes, is turn around to find yourself with a mold problem. In the event that you do find mold growth in your business' building, however, it is important to know how to properly contain it so that its spread is slowed while you wait for your local Noble, OK, mold cleanup professionals to arrive. It can grow on almost any type of surface, including, but not limited to:

• wood
• drywall
• carpeting
• linoleum
• plaster

How Mold Spreads

Mold growths appear when mold spores, which are the fungus equivalent of plants' seeds, land on a hospitable surface of almost any kind. The spores prefer a moist, dark environment, and once they take hold, they can begin to spread at incredible speeds. As soon as 24-48 hours after water damage has occurred, mold contamination will likely begin to take over the affected area.

Why Mold Containment Matters
Because mold is so fast to grow, and because it is able to spread onto almost any moist surface, it is a good idea to take steps to contain your mold growth while you wait for professional mold cleanup help to arrive. Otherwise, the mold spores will jump from one surface to another until large swaths of your building are contaminated, whereas taking proper action such as installing a HEPA Filtered Negative Air machine can nip the problem in the bud. A HEPA filter is a powerful machine that sucks in all the surrounding air and pulls particles like spores out before releasing the air back into the room, thereby reducing the risk of mold spores floating onto a new surface.
If mold containment feels too daunting to tackle on your own, not to worry — SERVPRO is Faster to Any Size Disaster and will guide you through the mold cleanup process from start to finish.

5 Reasons You Need a Fence Around Your Business

1/19/2021 (Permalink)

Here Are the Top Reasons to Install a Security Fence Around Your Business

Many business owners wonder why a fence around their building is a necessity. Fencing is a great option for keeping people out of burned-out buildings that need remediation, preventing encroachment, and improving your business's market value.

1. Security
The most important reason to install a fence is added security. Fences can protect your expensive equipment and employees. This is important with the amount of crime that takes place in Corbett, OK. Installing a fence is a simple proactive measure that can prevent your business from being targeted by these criminals. That's because a fence is a deterrent for burglars.

2. Property Lines
Installing a fence can help clearly mark your property lines. Property lines can become a big problem for businesses that encroach on each other. Install a fence to prevent encroaching.

3. Privacy
Privacy is one of the most common reasons business owners install a fence. This can offer you a barrier from the rest of the world, so you don't have to worry about people watching you while you work. High fences are the best for offering privacy.

4. Aesthetics
A security fence can actually make your business more appealing. Some materials can offer a visually appealing fence, which can increase your building's market value. If your fence is planned perfectly, you won't have to worry about sacrificing security for looks. Just remember to choose the materials that work best for your building. Look for something that matches but is still durable.

5. Market Value
A high-quality functional fence will increase your business' value. If you decide to sell that site, you will get more because of the security, privacy, and appealing looks.
These are some of the many reasons you should install a security fence around your business. The most compelling reasons include adding security, preventing encroachment, and improving your building's value.

When the Dreaded Sewer Backup Happens

12/23/2020 (Permalink)

Here's What To Do If It Happens To You

If there’s anything that can fill you with dread, it’s discovering you have a sewage issue in one of your commercial properties. There is never a convenient time for it to happen, and you are probably not equipped to handle much more than a common toilet backup. Fortunately, there are experts in sewer clean up out there, and they’re only a phone call away.

1. Protect Yourself and Turn Off the Water.
If it is a matter of a simple flooded toilet, all you probably need are some rubber gloves and shoe protection to get in there and turn the toilet valve off. A major sewer backup, on the other hand, is a much more serious situation. Depending on the extent of the problem, gloves, plastic booties, goggles and a face mask are in order. Make your way to the main water valve and turn it off.

2. Contact a Sewer Cleanup Specialist in Slaughterville, OK
Most companies in this field are on call 24 hours a day, every day of the year. This is an emergency situation, so don’t delay in reaching out. The sooner you call, the less likely it is that there will be residual damage after it’s cleaned up.
Following the initial cleanup, certified water damage technicians will decontaminate the premises using EPA-approved, hospital-grade cleaners to remove all pathogens, in accordance with CDC guidelines. They're also trained in identifying and removing all odors, so there's no need to worry you’ll be living with the aftermath for weeks to come.

3. Call Your Insurance Company.
This is where it gets a little tricky. Some insurance policies cover sewer issues, but many do not. Luckily, you can buy a separate insurance rider that will protect you if it happens again; so, if you haven’t already purchased one, now’s the time to do it.
At one time or another, you will probably experience an event that requires sewer cleanup. Hopefully, it will be a minor inconvenience, but even if it's a total disaster, there's no need to panic. There are qualified professionals in Norman, Ok, on-call and ready to help.

SERVPRO Works in a Warehouse's Favor in Lexington

9/23/2020 (Permalink)

Quick Response Can Greatly Benefit the Outcome After Water Damage Has Occurred

When a warehouse or agricultural business has been flooded or taken significant water damage, safety, speed, and thoroughness in restorations are all factors that cannot be compromised. SERVPRO carries the technology, tools, and personnel to handle these complex and often large-scale disasters quickly and cost-effectively, without ever sacrificing on quality and transparency. If your warehouse has taken on substantial water damage, rest assured that we are up to the task of handling the damages.
 
Fast and Heavy Water Removal
 
Many Lexington commercial warehouse water damage cases occur in food and agricultural buildings, making water removal a big and demanding job when it is required. SERVPRO stocks the sort of heavy-duty equipment needed to pump out water in high volumes, and to dry the area completely once standing water has been removed. In buildings with large floor spaces or underground levels, we often bring in multiple truck-mounted pumps to get water out within hours. Once that is complete, our fleet of air movers and dehumidifiers moves in to finish the drying process.
 
Safety Precautions and Preventative Measures
 
Many warehouses contain perishable or hazardous materials, requiring specialized care to handle and dry. We have a broad range of certifications to our name, enabling us to tackle even the most unique and potentially dangerous floods and water damages. We also work closely with you and insurance companies to make sure that any particular safety requirements for the building are fulfilled to their fullest extent during restorations.
 
Fast Response Times and Intensive Service
 
A common problem that plagues damaged buildings is a lack of commitment from the restoration company. Some companies will delay their response times either out of incompetence or to directly increase damages and costs for you. We employ a strategy of fast responses and mitigation to drive down costs and get your warehouse back in operation in as little time as possible.

What You Need To File a Claim After a Fire

4/20/2020 (Permalink)

Restoration experts in Lexington, OK

What You Need To File a Claim After a Fire

If your commercial building in Lexington, OK, catches fire, there will probably be considerable costs involved in mitigating the fire damage. When you file your insurance claim, you want to make sure that the policy you pay for will work well for you when you need it. To do that, you need to be able to give as accurate an account of the damage as possible. There are several practices you can put in place now to prepare.

Baseline Information

Your insurance adjuster may take pictures or videos of the damage upon arrival after the fire. To understand the full extent of the damage, however, your provider may find it helpful to see where you started. Document items that could be damaged in a fire:

• Picture or video tour of the building before the fire
  
• Receipts for equipment, including date of purchase and cost
  
• Itemized list of upgrades to the building since time of purchase
  
• Blueprint of the building's original structure
  
  

Keeping an accurate account of what your building looks like before fire damage gives your adjuster a baseline with which to compare the destruction. Make sure you document everything and store it in the cloud or in a remote location, just in case you need it.

Restoration Experts

You likely keep a record of emergency personnel handy so that you can find contact information easily when you need it. Add fire mitigation specialists to that list. These experts are trained to respond quickly when there is a problem. They can help you document the damage, assess what needs to be done and give you an estimate of what the restoration process will cost. They can even work with your insurance company by providing an itemized list of necessary repairs and keeping your provider updated with any changes along the way.
Mitigating fire damage can be costly. If you have all the information you need and know who to call when disaster strikes, you have a better chance of filing a successful insurance claim.

Understanding the Difference Between Mitigation and Restoration

3/20/2020 (Permalink)

When storm season hits Eason, OK, your commercial building may suffer some damage. The process of getting your building back to its original, functional state can be a long one. There are two main parts to this process, and the length of time it takes the flood cleanup company to complete it depends on many factors.

Mitigation

The first thing that storm restoration experts must do is mitigate the damage to your property. Mitigation generally involves four main tasks:

• Removing damaged items
  
• Tearing out ruined building materials
  
• Drying out the affected area
  
• Disinfecting every remaining surface
  
  

The main goal of mitigation is to get rid of the damage to the building. Damage can be anything from disintegrated drywall to bacteria or mold growth. Before any rebuilding can take place, everything that cannot be salvaged must be removed. Then whatever remains must be cleaned. If you call the flood cleanup company quickly after the building is damaged, mitigation can usually be completed in a few days.

Restoration

Once all the damage is gone, restoration can begin. This part of the process can take much longer than mitigation. Even if there is a lot of damage to remove, mitigation is fairly straightforward. Restoration depends on finding the right materials to make your building look "Like it never even happened". The contractor in charge of your building's restoration details each task that needs to be done. One thing that can speed up the process is to find a restoration company that also handles mitigation. With one team working on the same project, the transition between the two can go more smoothly.
A storm that floods your building can leave behind a lot of damage. Once the damage is cleaned up, you still need to restore your building to its former state. A flood cleanup company that also specializes in restoration can simplify this potentially complicated process.

How Quickly Does Mold Spread?

1/9/2020 (Permalink)

Black mold, a common fungus, spreads quickly

How Quickly Does Mold Spread?

Black mold, a common fungus, spreads quickly. This is because, in nature, this microbe is a natural decomposer; therefore, when it encounters water and organic matter, it can produce quickly, often within one to two days. It attacks your company's structuring; and, if left unattended, can destroy drywall and wooden structures, creating quite the expensive repair job. As a business owner in Corbett, OK, remain vigilant. Consider the following three things to mend the situation and keep this from happening to your establishment again.

Locate the Trouble

Ceiling leak issues are not always immediately noticeable. Often starting as something small, they continue sometimes for months, with water simply accumulating in the attic or crawl space. If you notice moisture or wet rings, hire a roofing expert and mold remediation team to investigate the problem. Not only should the hole be closed off to prevent additional damage, but then inspected to determine the extent of pollution.

Treat the Space

Black mold necessitates swift removal. Ask for antimicrobial spray to kill the spores. Then, have professionals tear out any affected porous items and dry out the region. Holes may be cut in surrounding areas to determine how far fungus has gone. Bring in industrial dehumidifiers to pull out the excess humidity, and do not progress until testing reveals it's fully aired out. Wipe off walls, have fixtures sanitized and see to it that any polluted objects receive replacement.

Schedule Regular Checks

Try to prevent allowing a roof leak to grow. If you own the building, schedule routine inspections, checking for any issues with the flash or shingles. Immediately fix these complications. If you rent, work with the landlord or manager to have then look over the roofing. Doing this could help prevent future predicaments.
Black mold advances swiftly, so if you suspect contamination, seek expert assistance right away. Have the region evaluated, looking for hidden trouble. Patch the roofing, and extract the impacted material.

3 Situations When Your Business Should Get Flood Insurance

12/24/2019 (Permalink)

3 Situations When Your Business Should Get Flood Insurance

If you have a business in Lexington, OK, then you probably have some sort of insurance coverage to protect your building from multiple types of damage. However, if you don’t have additional flood insurance, you may want to consider adding it to your policy. The following are a few situations when you should do this.

1. When You Are Located in a High-Risk Area

There are many areas that often experience flooding. If your building is located in one of these areas, then flood insurance can be very useful. In some cases, those with buildings in high-risk locations might even be required to purchase additional coverage. This will likely be the case if you have a mortgage on the building with a federally insured or regulated lender.

2. When You Want Complete Coverage

While your commercial insurance will cover a large variety of damage, both from accidents and natural events, it will usually not include flood damage. Floods can cause a lot of damage which can be expensive to repair. For this reason, your insurance company will likely require you to pay more for this kind of coverage.

3. When You Get Severe Weather

Even if you are not in an area where flooding is considered likely, you may want to consider purchasing the additional insurance if there are many severe storms. A large amount of rain can cause water levels to rise, resulting in flood damage. The same can also occur after a snowstorm when the snow begins to melt. If this happens too quickly and the water has nowhere to go, it will likely cause damage to your building.
Purchasing flood insurance for your business will ensure that you are prepared for any situation. If your building is damaged and you need a cleanup and restoration service to make repairs, the money you get from your claim can help pay for this. Otherwise, you may be stuck paying for restoration on your own.

What To Know About Sewer Damage Cleanup

9/25/2019 (Permalink)

3 Steps To Clean Safely and Efficiently Sewer Damage

If your business in Spring Hill, OK, faces a potential sewer cleanup, you may be wondering how to go about the process. Here are three steps that can help you not only clean up the mess thoroughly, but safely and efficiently as well.

1. Call a Restoration Service

If you find your business is in need of a sooner clean up its best to contact a water damage restoration service as quickly as possible. Sewage cleanup can be tricky for a number of reasons, however professional services have the tools and knowledge required to do so properly. They will be able to instruct you as to the necessary steps and safety precautions.

2. Sewage is Black Water

Because water from a flooded toilet, sewage main, and other similar sources are categorized as Black water, certain safety precautions have to be observed when conducting a sewer cleanup. Black water is any source of water that could have bacteria in it including that from fecal matter. As such proper safety gear must be worn during the process, and the area must be thoroughly sanitized afterwards.

3. The Area Should Be Sanitized

If you experience a sewer backup at your place of business it's important to have the area thoroughly sanitized after the cleanup process. This helps prevent the spread of bacteria that could cause further problems, and helps keep you and your employees safe. During the sanitation process certain cleaners may be used, and the restoration service may inspect areas other than that where obvious damage occurred. This is partially to ensure that no water damage has seeped into unseen areas such as behind walls or under flooring where it can present future problems.
Because a sewer cleanup can be a tricky process due to the black water nature of sewer contamination, and the necessity of sanitation, it's important to contact a professional restoration service if you experience problems of this nature. Not only will these professionals have the proper tools, but they should be able to answer any questions you may have as well.

Proactive Plumbing Tips for Business Owners

6/20/2019 (Permalink)

Commercial office with water damage due to a burst pipe

Commercial buildings are prone to certain types of plumbing problems. Many people filter through your building in Slaughterville, OK, and you can't watch the whole structure all the time. There are some measures you can take, however, to prevent some common water issues.

Frequent Inspections

All fixtures wear out eventually, and those in public buildings see more traffic than others. Regular inspections can help you identify problems, such as:

• Broken pipe - Look for water stains on ceilings and walls.
  
• Clogged toilet - Make sure each toilet expels the contents of the bowl when flushed.
  
• Blocked drain - Check sinks for slowed or stalled draining.
  
• Hidden leak - Monitor your water bill for unexplained spikes.
  
  

In addition to these issues, any time you see water where it shouldn't be, it is likely you have plumbing problems of some kind.

Reliable Partners

You don't want to wait until you have a problem to find someone to fix it. Establish a relationship with a local plumber early. Then, when you need plumbing help, you know someone to call who can be there quickly. It is also a good idea to find water restoration experts who can mitigate the damage caused by the leak. Then all you have to do when you discover a problem is make a couple of calls and turn off the water main to avoid additional damage.

Timely Maintenance

Sometimes leaks happen, and there's no way to prevent all of them. The best way to avoid extensive damage from a broken pipe is to address it quickly. The sooner you call professionals who can get it fixed, the less damage you will have in the long run, and you can avoid mold growth and other secondary damage as well.

You may experience a few plumbing problems in your building. If you are vigilant about inspections and routine maintenance, however, you can minimize the damage they cause.

Why Does Mold Smell?

4/12/2019 (Permalink)

It isn't uncommon for properties to have distinctive smells. Think of the difference between stepping into a dentist's office versus a legal firm, for example. Some aromas are just a reflection of the work that goes on within the building, such as in a flower shop. Additionally, environmental factors influence the smells within a building. However, a musty odor shouldn't be dismissed as the result of a rainy day. That distinctive odor could be carrying a mycotoxin.

What Smells?

A mycotoxin is any toxic substance that is produced by a fungus, such as mold. If you've ever gone down into an unused cellar, you may have noticed a distinctive musty smell. For many property owners, that scent immediately leads to concerns. The substances produced during active mold growth include:

• 1-octen-3-ol, or "mushroom alcohol"
  
• Geosmin, often smelled after rain
  
• 1-butanol
  
• Borneol
  
• 3-octanone
  
• 2-hexanone
  
  

It's interesting to note that some of these aroma-making substances are used in the production of perfumes, such as 1-octen-3-ol. However, this fact shouldn't prevent you from hiring a mold remediation specialist if you notice the scent in a closet on your property.

Testing for Trouble

These professionals will probably run a few different tests to determine the extent and severity of the problem. They are likely to test for MVOCs, or Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds, often a primary source of that musty odor, and for high humidity levels, a source of mold growth. With the information from these tests, the specialist will create a mold remediation plan that probably involves reducing moisture levels in trouble spots, completing repairs around your property, and initiating preventative strategies, such as HEPA filtration devices.

Take Note:

It's important to remember that a given mycotoxin may produce smells without presenting any real impact on building occupants. As you work closely with mold remediation technicians in Lexington, OK, you'll learn more about why mold causes odors and how to prevent further growth.

Steps To Take in Spring for Irrigation Maintenance

12/31/2018 (Permalink)

After a long winter in Eason, OK, spring brings with it the promise of new growth. In order to achieve this growth and see landscape flourish, it is time to turn those winterized sprinklers back on. The winterization process is an important step in irrigation maintenance, but it is also very important to make sure you take the necessary steps before turning your sprinkler system back on. Making sure you do a thorough check of your system can aid in avoiding unwanted sprinkler flooding. Use the following steps as a guide.

1. Inspect Sprinkler Heads

Sprinkler heads are the most prominent part of your sprinkler system. The fact that they reside above ground means they can easily be broken. It is important to check that all sprinkler heads are in place and in good working order. A missing head can lead to a geyser of water shooting out, resulting in flooding. Simply replace any broken or missing heads.

2. Turn Your Water On Slowly

When it comes time to turn your sprinklers back on, you want to ensure you turn the water on at the valve slowly. Turning the water on too fast can cause pressure issues in your pipes that can lead to a burst. Allowing the water to flow slowly into the pipes avoids pressure buildup.

3. Check the Pipes

Checking the pipes is usually the most important part of your irrigation maintenance. With the pipes being underground, it can be difficult to check them. Once you have turned your sprinkler system back on, keep an eye on the system. If water is bubbling up around a sprinkler head, or if you see a sunken area on the ground, these are key signs that your pipes may need to be fixed. The most obvious sign is flooding and pooling. If pipes are not promptly fixed, they can require water damage repair.

Irrigation maintenance is paramount to keeping your sprinkler system in good working order. Fixing issues now can save a headache down the road.

3 Differences Between Mitigation and Restoration

10/19/2018 (Permalink)

Water mitigation in Etowah,OK

During a storm, your building may suffer some damage. When this happens, it can be good to know the difference between mitigation and restoration before hiring a flood cleanup company.

Mitigation vs. Restoration: What Are They?

Understanding what mitigation and restoration are and how the processes pertain to the cleanup and repair of your building is important. Here are some differences between the two:

1. Mitigation comes first. If your building has been harmed during a storm, one of the first things you should do is make sure it will not sustain any further damage. During mitigation, a flood cleanup company can provide services, such as removing water and boarding up windows, to keep water from spreading and increasing the problems with your building.
2. Mitigation is usually finished quickly. With mitigation, the company does not usually make any repairs to your building. The job here is simply to prevent any further harm. Because of this, the mitigation process is done as quickly as possible so that restoration can begin, as the restoration company can only start repairing your building after mitigation has finished.
3. Restoration can be lengthy. Repairs are done during the restoration process, so it can often take much longer than mitigation. Depending on the extent of damage during the storm, the restoration process can take months to complete.

Mitigation vs. Restoration: Which Do You Need?

If your building has suffered damage during a storm in Etowah,OK, you may be wondering which of these services you need. The answer is that you will likely need both. Having mitigation done before you begin repairs can save a lot of work and trouble in the long run. If you begin repairs without mitigation first, you may end up needing to do more fixes than you would have otherwise.

Mitigation and restoration are services that go well together since they each offer something that the other does not. When you are searching for a flood cleanup company, it may be a good idea to find one that offers both services.

Secondary Water Damage Explained

9/27/2018 (Permalink)

Supply line in a bathroom burst causing water damage in an office in Etowah, OK

If you've had a burst pipe, toilets backing up, or other flooding problems in your Etowah, OK, business, a call to the plumber is only the beginning of clearing up the mess. Significant damage may occur due to the water and excess moisture. It's important for this to be cleaned up as soon as possible. Failure to do this can lead to secondary damage, which can include hidden structural problems and black mold. These can be extremely expensive to eliminate.

What is Secondary Damage?

In a nutshell, secondary water damage is any damage that's not caused directly by the flooding incident. This damage can manifest in a number of ways, including:

• Vinyl and other types of flooring pulling up from the floor
• Finish damage and buckling of wooden floors
• Mold growth, such as trichoderma and stachybotrys chartarum (black mold)
• Sagging and cracking sheetrock or drywall

This secondary damage occurs when the primary damage is not addressed properly, or the damage isn't found for a long while. Lingering high humidity may also be a culprit; if proper dehumidification techniques aren't used, moisture can remain to cause big problems.

How to Prevent Secondary Damage

If you are able to enter the building, you can take some immediate steps to help contain the damage. Ventilate the area as well as possible with AC in the summer, or by opening windows and turning on the heat during the winter. Remove as much water as possible by mopping and moving saturated rugs outside or to another dry area. Remove any items such as furniture, electronics, and documents as well.

The only way to be certain that you won't have to deal with secondary damage is to call a professional water damage restoration company right away. They will immediately do an inspection to assess the extent of the damage, then use specialized equipment to make sure everything is completely dried and disinfected to prevent any spread of harmful pathogens such as bacteria or black mold. They will also be able to make any necessary structural repairs and get your building back to its former condition. Armed with the information outlined above and the help of a professional restoration service, you can make sure that secondary damage is avoided.

Dealing With Water Damage From a Commercial Fire

8/14/2018 (Permalink)

If you're dealing with a fire to your Norman, OK, business, chances are you've sustained significant water damage as well. Pipes or water heaters may have burst, and most likely more than one fire hose was used to subdue the blaze. Carpets and upholstery are probably saturated, and there's a looming threat of mold if the situation isn't taken care of right away. You'll need to call a professional fire restoration company as soon as possible to see to the water and fire damage. They will do the necessary emergency cleanup right away to make sure that further problems don't occur.

The restoration company will follow these steps:

• Damage inspection
• Water removal
• Drying and dehumidification
• Cleanup and sanitization
• Damage repair

Inspecting Damage

Before any kind of fire damage cleanup can begin, the restoration company needs to know where exactly the damage is, and how severe it is. They will carefully inspect every part of the damaged structure before any water is removed.

Water Removal

To make sure that no further damage is sustained, any standing water needs to be removed as soon as possible. The restoration company will use industrial-strength pumps and vacuums to eliminate as much moisture as possible. At this point, air movers and dehumidifiers are brought in to purge any remaining moisture.

Cleanup and Sanitization

The next essential step is to make sure that no microbes or mold remain to pose a health threat. Any items that can be saved, such as furniture or office equipment, will be sanitized using a variety of specialized cleaning and disinfecting techniques.

Damage Repair

When all the moisture is removed, and all surfaces have been cleaned and sanitized, the final phase of repair and restoration will start. The actual process can vary, from carpet replacement and drywall repair to large reconstruction jobs.

It's an unpleasant fact, but if you've had fire damage your place of business, you're almost always going to have to deal with water damage as well. But with the help of a reputable restoration company, you'll be able to quickly get your business back on track. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROnorman.com/.

How to Protect a Business from Fire and Other Disasters

5/22/2018 (Permalink)

This is a common question, but it has a disappointing answer. Try as you might, you cannot protect a business from a major disaster. This would include major fires, earthquakes, floods, tornadoes and other natural disasters. This is not to say that you cannot be prepared. Disaster preparation falls into two categories.

Keep Small Problems Small

Fire preparation is a perfect example of this. The business should have professionally installed smoke, fire detectors and alarms connected to the nearest fire station. These should be on battery backup along with emergency lighting to help with evacuation. It should have sprinkler systems in common areas where paper, plastic and other combustible materials could catch fire. It should have special fire suppression systems in computer rooms and anyplace where there are motors, generators, air conditioners or any other heavy electrical equipment. Implementing all these prevention measures will minimize fire damage and hopefully allow the business to continue operating after an incident.

Have a Recovery Plan

Every business should do disaster planning. If a business decides that it will cease to exist after a major disaster, then that’s the plan. You will find that most businesses do not have a comprehensive plan. Many have looked at setting one up with the best of intentions, but the costs are prohibitive. They finally decide on backing up the computer systems nightly, sending one copy off site weekly and figure the rest out if the disaster happens. Fortunately, the fire preparation measures above are usually enough to minimize the most common form of disaster, fire.

Recovery

The end of the disaster marks the beginning of the recovery. If the disaster was a fire, then this is when you get to see how well the fire preparation measures worked. Regardless of what type of disaster the business experienced, much of the recovery is the same. A qualified specialist from Norman, OK will need to be brought in for the cleanup and restoration. Visit http://www.SERVPROnorman.com for more information on commercial fire damage. 

What To Do When a Toilet Overflows

4/18/2018 (Permalink)

Most buildings have bathrooms available for both workers and customers. However, there is a chance that the toilets in these bathrooms can overflow and cause a lot of water damage. Toilet overflow can happen when the fixture is clogged or mechanically damaged, but it can be quickly stopped before things get drastic. Here are a few tips that can help you know how to stop a toilet from overflowing and what to do about the water that has already spilled.

How To Stop the Overflow

If the tank won’t stop releasing water into the bowl, locate the toilet’s water valve and shut the water off. The valve is usually directly behind the fixture. After that, try doing the following things:

• Clean up as much water as you can with towels or a wet vacuum.
• Remove any items that were exposed to the water.
• Open the windows to help dry out the area.

You can reduce water damage by acting immediately and efficiently.

Inspect the Damage

After cleaning up as much as you can, try to figure out what happened. It might have been a clog, or maybe a pipe is damaged. If you are inexperienced with plumbing, call the professionals in Norman, OK, to help you out. If the toilet flood was especially bad, call a water damage company to help you prevent mold and further damage.

Be Careful Around Sewage

If the toilet overflow involves sewage, use protective clothing such as gloves or watertight boots to clean up the water. Sewage is potentially harmful and should not come into direct contact with your skin. Be sure to properly disinfect the entire area once the water is removed.

With these tips in mind, you can handle this situation with control. Prevent future toilet overflow problems by cleaning your building’s bathrooms often and by doing frequent plumbing inspections. It doesn’t hurt to have a plunger nearby, too. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROnorman.com/.

Commercial Fire Prevention Tips for Norman

3/26/2018 (Permalink)

Suggestions from SERVPRO to Prevent Commercial Fires in Norman

Substantial fire damage in Norman  Commercial buildings and retail stores are environments where outbreaks of fires occur with too much frequency. When we talk about fire prevention and fire safety, it usually revolves around a house, keeping it intact and secure. The protection of our family is always paramount, so we practice fire drills and exit strategies just in case of a fire damaging event. But what about fire safety in a Norman commercial business setting? SERVPRO offers fire prevention tips for businesses and discusses ways to avoid fire damage at work.

Commercial Fire Damage Tips. Keep employees, co-workers, and customers safe by preventing a fire from breaking out at your place of business. Also, we will discuss some tips to help reduce fire damage and property loss in an office environment.

Preventing Workplace Fires. There are many threats to a business owner's livelihood and safety– some preventable and others not. Though every fire cannot be prevented, there are some steps you and your employees can take to reduce the risk of a fire starting in the workplace.

Electrical fires make up a sizable percentage of reported fire outbreaks each year and, regarding property damage, are among the most costly. Fortunately, electrical fires are one of the most preventable types. For starters, never overload an electrical outlet or power strip. Stay within the parameters of amperage allotted to your business establishment. If more juice is necessary, SERVPRO suggests that you hire an electrician to boost the electrical load. Outlets are made to handle specific workloads, and the more electronics you plug into them, the higher the risk of a fire-causing power overload. Heavy appliances, such as photocopiers, break room refrigerators, and large numbers of computers or servers can draw large amounts of current. Never plug more than one major appliance into an outlet, as you run the risk of overloading the circuits.

Flammable material and chemicals should always be secured in well-ventilated storage areas away from electrical outlets, power strips, and areas that experience higher-than-normal levels of heat, such as an oven or water heater. Clutter, in general, creates a large fire hazard, since it can act as fuel for fire and rapidly spread flames. A messy office can also prevent access to emergency exits at work, making it difficult for employees and customers to evacuate and difficult for emergency workers to perform rescue and fire extinguishing efforts. Always keep entry and exit points clear. The same goes for electrical panels – if an electrical fire occurs, you will want to shut off power immediately. If the electrical panel is blocked, the fire will have time to spread before you can turn off the electricity.

Be sure to schedule time with your local fire marshal to inspect fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, and fire suppressant sprinklers on a regular basis. Of course, no amount of preparation and care can guarantee 100% prevention of fire damage  in your workplace in Norman. Have SERVPRO on your speed dial for immediate response to any commercial fire damaging event.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

SERVPRO of Norman can respond immediately to your commercial fire damage emergency regardless of the scope or size of the damage. We are part of a national network of over 1,650 Franchises with special Disaster Recovery Teams ready to help you in Norman. We are faster to any size disaster. (405) 292-0808

The Basics of Business Interruption Insurance

3/19/2018 (Permalink)

Many business owners in Norman, OK have disaster insurance, commercial building insurance and even personal property insurance, but not many consider business interruption insurance. Interruption coverage can be as crucial as a flood or disaster policy, and perhaps even more so. Whereas most insurance policies cover physical damages, they do not cover intangible losses, such as lost revenue and lost customers, that are the result of a closed business or a necessary rebuild. If you don’t have interruption coverage for your business, here are a few good reasons you should consider purchasing a policy today:

• It covers lost income that results when you are forced to leave the premises for an extended period.
• It covers the revenue you would have earned based on earning reports from previous years.
• It covers operating costs that may or may not continue post-disaster, such as electricity.

Cover Your Bases With a Sound Policy

Unfortunately, there is no telling how long you will be out of business post-disaster. If your building was subject to a flood, you may only be closed for the week that it takes the water remediation team to clean out your structure and its contents. However, if your Norman, OK building was in the path of a tornado or a hurricane, you may have to rebuild entirely, which could take months.

Even a week of lost income can be financially damaging; months of lost revenue can mean the end of your business. Bearing that in mind, you should consider investing in a policy that covers your company for more than a few days. Most business interruption policies allow the insured to cover losses for a period of restoration up to 720 days.

Don’t Let a Disaster Close Your Doors — Get the Coverage You Need

If you live in a disaster-prone area, the smartest thing you can do for your business and your livelihood is to invest in interruption coverage. The right policy can cover losses during the entire time it takes to rebuild and reopen your doors. Visit http://www.SERVPROofnorman.com for more information on commercial storm damage. 

Water Damage and Fire Damage Go Hand in Hand

2/8/2018 (Permalink)

When you’re recovering from a fire on your commercial properties in Lexington, Oklahoma, it's natural to wonder why you incurred both fire damage and water damage at the same time. While you might have a basic understanding of the role of water in fighting a destructive fire, it's helpful to comprehend what happens when a fire starts to burn. The mechanics of fire suppression rely on such an understanding, and this knowledge also gives you greater insight into the restoration and cleanup process.

Why Does a Fire Burn?

While most people learn principles that make fire work in high school science classes, this knowledge also forms the foundation for both basic and advanced firefighting techniques. Fires need four crucial components to start and keep burning:

• Fuel (sometimes called a “reducing agent”)
• Energy, in the form of heat
• An oxidizing agent (commonly oxygen)
• A chemical reaction

What accounts for a blaze’s destructive nature that leads to massive fire damage is its dependence on these four elements. So long as there are plentiful supplies of fuel, heat and oxygen, a fire's chemical reaction will continue, permitting it to burn, grow and spread.

How Is a Fire Extinguished?

Fire suppression focuses on robbing the flames of one or more of these elements. When delivered in huge quantities through a fire hose, water both significantly reduces a fire’s heat and takes away oxygen as it transmutes from liquid to vapor form at extremely high temperatures. Unfortunately, this enormous amount of water also floods buildings and wreaks havoc on its own.

Even with groundbreaking modern methods for quenching a blaze, the most expedient way to kill a fire is with a huge amount of water. That’s why flooding and excess water occurs with most fire damage on your commercial properties in Lexington, Oklahoma. This combination is why a restoration professional’s job includes extracting water, soot, odors and smoke from your property along with completing essential repairs.

For more on water and fire damage visit us at http://www.SERVPROofnorman.com.

4 Steps to a Sewage Cleanup

1/17/2018 (Permalink)

A sewer backup is a nightmare for business owners in Norman, OK. Any flooded toilet or backed-up sewage is black water. This is water filled with bacteria and pathogens. Since it is dangerous for your building, it is imperative that you have experts in charge of the sewer cleanup. Here are the four steps that they are likely to follow.

1. Response

Always call someone at the first sign of a sewage backup at your company. A professional should respond immediately and act as soon as possible. Experts know the risk of contaminated standing water. They want to help you get rid of it quickly. Keep in mind that it only takes about 24 hours for mold or mildew to grow after a flood.

2. Inspection

Once the company arrives, they will inspect the building to judge the scope of the damage. The restoration company can use this information to design a cleanup plan. They will look for signs of water damage, mold and trapped water.

3. Cleanup

The sewer cleanup can be broken into several steps. First, the non-salvageable items are disposed of. After, the professionals can clean and remove salvageable contents. After the contents are taken out and cleaned, they will focus on the building itself. Demolition may take place next. They may have to remove drywall, carpeting and paneling.

4. Restoration

Once the experts clean and disinfect your business, you can focus on the restoration. This is the step where you can replace old furniture, reinstall carpets and choose new paneling. The goal is for your company to be as good as new.

Sewer cleanup is a long process. It is important to stick with it throughout the process because each step is important to the well being of your building, yourself and your patrons. If you do not clean up the contaminated water correctly, it can lead to worse damage.
 Visit http://www.SERVPROofnorman.com for more information on commercial water damage.

Safe Flood Clean Up for Businesses

12/2/2017 (Permalink)

Safe Flood Clean Up for Businesses

When a building is impacted by a flood, proper clean up is critical. When it is a commercial building, clean up can be both a bigger task and a bigger safety concern. Water that is considered to be contaminated can pose dangers to employees, customers or residents of the building. That’s why it is important for every commercial property owner in Norman, OK to know more about water extraction and content cleaning.

What Is Contaminated Water?

Commonly referred to as “black water,” toxic flood water requires more than just extraction. It contaminates everything it touches, including the air, with things such as hepatitis and E. coli bacteria. Because mold and bacteria begin growing in as little as 24 hours, the situation can worsen very quickly, so it’s important to act immediately.

What Standards Do Water Cleanup Specialists Follow?

Because of the hazards of cleaning up flooded areas, water restoration experts follow specific standards to ensure full decontamination:

Removing porous materials, such as wood, drywall or carpeting
Eliminating microbes on non-porous surfaces, such as concrete or glass, and salvaging the materials
Cleaning and treating air
Preventing mold grow
Monitoring for contaminants

Why Use a Water Damage Repair Expert?

The chemicals, tools and equipment necessary for proper decontamination are tools of the trade for restoration technicians. When combined with their training and expertise, it makes them a valuable resource for anyone facing water damage. Technicians are also typically available around the clock because they know emergencies caused by floods aren’t limited to normal working hours.

Commercial property owners in Norman, OK want to keep their buildings safe, and if they know more about content cleaning and black water decontamination, they can better prepare to react when flooding occurs. Arming oneself with knowledge and relying on experts to help clean up flood waters is a smart move that can save money in the long run. Visit http://www.SERVPROofnorman.com for more information on flood damage.

SERVPRO Has High Standards When Dealing With Mold Damage To Your Hall Park Nail Salon

6/11/2017 (Permalink)

For Mold Remediation in Businesses in Hall Park, Rely on SERVPRO

Mold damage is a potential problem for any business owner. Visible growth looks unsightly and gives your business a dirty look that does not appeal to customers and can lead to losing clients or getting a bad review on YELP, Facebook, or TripAdvisor. Mold can also have health effects, so the presence of fungus makes for a less healthy environment for your staff and customers alike.
 
Another concern about mold damage to your Hall Park nail salon is the harm it does to your premises and belongings. The fungus thrives on moisture and use materials such as drywall, carpet, or upholstery as a food source. That means that molds can eat on your nail bar chairs and rugs, and even your walls.
 
It is important to contact remediation experts to deal with fungi problems in your salon. Remediation experts such as SERVPRO have the necessary training and equipment to remediate the problem as quickly as possible and restore your business to a better state. Whether a small shop in a strip center or a large commercial building, the process is similar.
 
We recognize the importance of having standards and guidelines that we adhere to when dealing with mold. Sticking to set guidelines ensures that our process is the best it can be and provides reassurance to our customers that everything we do is to the highest standard and guided by consistent principles.
 
One of the standards which all SERVPRO teams adhere to is the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) Mold Remediation Guidelines. EPA guidelines were initially developed especially for schools and commercial enterprises. EPA guidance states that we must follow these steps:
 
1. Clean and dry moldy materials. Our teams achieve this by first establishing containment to prevent airborne spores spreading, and then by thoroughly cleaning as many items as possible. We apply powerful detergents where necessary and use HEPA vacuuming, scrubbing, and ULV fogging to cleanse the area. We use air movers and dehumidifiers to encourage evaporation and lower humidity.
 
2. Discard items that cannot be cleaned. An article which cannot be cleaned provides further food for mold and increase the risk of it spreading, which is why SERVPRO disposes of such items safely.
 
3. Dry non-moldy items within 48 hours. Even items that have not been damaged by mold might still be wet if your nail salon has a leak, a humidity problem, or suffered a flood or water damage. Our teams use air movers and dehumidifiers to dry everything to an acceptable level.
 
Mold in your business needs to be dealt with swiftly. Call SERVPRO of Norman at (405) 292-0808 today for assistance.

About Hall Park, click here.

How SERVPRO Uses Ultrasonic Cleaning After Fire Damage to Your Noble Auto Parts Store

5/9/2017 (Permalink)

Quick Response and Remediation can Reduce Loss After a Fire at Your Business

Fire damage is a serious concern for local business owners. A fire starts more easily than most people imagine. All it takes is a spark, or a faulty appliance to start a blaze. After a fire occurs, the main worry for most business owners is how to restore and save the contents of their business. After all, inventory is not cheap, and you do not want to have to pay to replace all of it unless necessary. That sort of bill can run a business into big trouble. That is why SERVPRO is here to help with the fire cleanup and restoration process and help leave your store “Like it never even happened.”
 
Commercial fire damage to your auto parts store might wreak havoc with the different auto parts you carry. There is also a risk of it damaging any repair or diagnostic equipment you happen to use. Seeing for-sale items coated in soot is disheartening. However, do not give up hope. Thanks to our leading ultrasonic cleaning technology, SERVPRO can clean soot damaged auto parts and in many cases can restore them as good as new.
 
Let us take a look at how ultrasonic cleaning works. Conventional cleaning methods rely on scrubbing, rubbing, or immersion in cleaning solutions to try and scrub away or dissolve the residue. For some soot damaged materials, this is effective. However, for others, soot has penetrated too deeply, and something else is needed.
 
Ultrasonic cleaning uses sound waves to remove dirt or particles from materials. It is suitable for many kinds of materials, including auto parts, and is tough enough to clean even heavy duty items or badly discolored parts. The secret is a process called “cavitation.” First, we immerse store items that need cleaning in liquid. The ultrasonic cleaner uses sound waves to cause the formation and bursting of microscopic bubbles in the liquid – this is cavitation. As the bubbles burst over the surface of every wrench, spanner, radiator or wiper blade, the cleaning action penetrates deep to remove soot.
 
We fully train our IICRC-certified technicians to choose the best cleaning solution and products to use in the ultrasonic cleaning process for optimum results.
 
If you are concerned about cleaning up soot in your auto parts store, give SERVPRO of Norman a call today at (405) 292-0808.

Commercial Flood Damage and Your Hall Park Marriage Counseling Practice

3/22/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Returns Your Property to Normal After Flooding

Best practices and legal requirements that focus on the medical fields have also changed how counseling is carried out. Now, counseling clients are provided the same protections that medical patients are given. With increased paperwork, privacy protections, and other enhancements to your practice, a flood can put much of this at risk of loss, and that can put your practice at risk of sanctions. SERVPRO can help you avoid additional problems in addition to the ones that flooding normally causes.

Hall Park offices have flooding for various reasons, and this flooding often results in commercial flood damage that can affect buildings for months afterward. If cleanup efforts are not commenced immediately, damage can continue for much longer, and it can even spread beyond the area that was initially damaged by the water.

In counseling practices, notes are often taken during each session, assisting in a continuity of care that can follow a client if he or she decide to begin services with another counselor, as well as providing a history that can help diagnose problems and form avenues of treatment. During a flood, the increased humidity can damage these notes and other documents. SERVPRO has document drying services that can save these, helping ensure that privacy and other legal requirements can be met.

Flooding can make your office inaccessible for an extended period. It is during this time that intruders might decide to enter to see what can be stolen. Because of this too-often occurrence, we also provide temporary fencing. This can often be enough of a deterrent that no break-ins happen. Fencing off your building from those who would enter the property can also protect you from subsequent injury lawsuits.

Document drying and temporary fencing are only part of the methods we use to restore an office that is damaged by flooding. Flooring must be completely dried and cleaned, followed by sanitizing. Walls may need to be replaced with new drywall and painted. Furniture is also often dramatically affected by flooding, and we can restore yours to like-new condition. We understand that your practice is a reflection of you as a professional, as we aim to give you the best possible results.

Calling SERVPRO of Norman at (405) 292-0808 should be your first step in regaining your practice's functionality and protecting your patients' rights to confidentiality and privacy. We are always here, no matter when you may need us.