Basic First Aid for Burns

10/10/2022 (Permalink)

Burns are a common injury that can be serious if not treated quickly.

Basic First Aid for Burns

Burns are one of the most common injuries that we see in the emergency room. They're also among the more serious, due to their ability to cause permanent damage as well as pain and scarring. If you're in a situation where someone has suffered from a burn, here are some tips for first-aid care:

First-degree burns affect the top layer of the skin and result in redness, pain, and swelling.

Cool the burn with cool water for at least 10 minutes, or until pain subsides. If blisters form, do not break them unless they are interfering with mobility. Do not apply butter, grease, or lotion to the burn as it will trap heat inside your skin which can cause blistering. Do not apply ice as this will further damage your skin's outer layers by causing more bleeding underneath your flesh.

If a burn is large or deep, seek medical attention. Get immediate medical treatment if the burn covers a large area of your body or if it covers an area of your face, hands, or feet.

Second-degree burns damage the second layer of the skin and result in redness, pain, blisters, and swelling.

First aid for second-degree burns includes removing any clothing that may be stuck to the skin and applying cold water to the burned area for at least 10 minutes or until the pain subsides. Seek medical attention if pain persists after 20 minutes of cold-water application or lasts longer than 72 hours after a burn occurs

Third-degree burns affect all layers of the skin and result in white or charred skin that may be numb to touch.

If you have a third-degree burn, get to the hospital immediately. Do not wait for the pain to go away or for the skin to turn white. If you can’t get to the hospital right away, treat it by applying cool water for at least 10 minutes and remove any clothing that is stuck to your skin. Cover with clean cloths or dressings if necessary and seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Apply cold water to the burned area for at least 10 minutes, or until pain subsides.

Cold water will help reduce pain and swelling. Do not apply ice directly to the skin; instead, use a clean cloth or towel soaked in cool water that you can hold against your skin.

Keep cool compresses on a minor burn for 15 minutes at a time, then remove them for 15 minutes before reapplying if needed. Unless instructed by a doctor or nurse, do not break blisters.

Seeking medical attention for burns.

If your burn is not minor and you have any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention:

• Pain that lasts longer than a few days
• Pain that increases in intensity
• Redness, swelling or blistering

Burns are a common injury that can be serious if not treated quickly. Be sure to seek medical attention immediately in the event of any burns, no matter how small they may seem.

5 Essential Tasks for Office Fire Sprinkler Maintenance

6/1/2022 (Permalink)

Dirt impedes the flow of water from sprinkler heads. Therefore, a critical aspect of sprinkler maintenance is keeping them grime-free.

Maintenance Of Office Fire Sprinklers: 5 Essential Tasks

Sprinkler maintenance is paramount for keeping employees safe in the event of a fire. Besides the danger, failure to douse flames, even small ones, could result in severe structural damage that needs to be fixed by a commercial fire restoration professional. Here are five actions that responsible business owners should take to assure their system is always operating properly.

1. Inspect Non-Electronic Control Valves

Fire sprinklers that do not feature digitized valves need to be open in order to distribute water. Employ a fire prevention expert to make certain yours are positioned correctly.

2. Clear Away Obstacles

Anything blocking your spray’s trajectory during a fire could be catastrophic. All file cabinets and shelving with the potential to prevent flames from being doused should be relocated.

3. Investigate Water Pressure

Fire sprinklers require adequate water pressure. Every three months, have a plumber or service representative reconfirm that yours remain in good standing. It is also a good idea to independently check whether your pressure has been weakened as a result of valves accidentally being shut off.

4. Clean Sprinkler Heads

Dirt impedes the flow of water from sprinkler heads. Therefore, a critical aspect of sprinkler maintenance is keeping them grime-free. Wash each with a non-corrosive degreaser. Pay particular attention to ones in kitchens, where grease is often present.

5. Get Sprinkler Inspections

There is no substitute for a complete fire safety infrastructure review. In-depth examinations are capable of revealing serious matters that may not be readily apparent. Besides improper calibration, difficult-to-observe parts could be corroded or pipes hidden deep within might have broken. Annual inspections help lessen the odds these matters mushroom into much greater troubles.

Proper sprinkler maintenance is a critical element of keeping your staff in Grand Manor, AZ, free from danger. It also assures that destruction caused by blazes is held to a minimum. Be vigilant about making sure your sprinkler system is functioning according to expectations.

Is Your Business Prepared for a Fire?

5/16/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is ready for any Emergency Services in our community at any time. Our teams are trained to assist in any fire damages. Call us!

Is Your Business Fire-Resistant?

There are many ways to protect your Grand Manor, AZ, company, from investing in security to safeguarding your customers' private information, but how well prepared are you for a business fire? Even small fires can spread quickly if safety equipment does not function as it should, but there are a few ways you can prepare your property and employees if a blaze does break out.

Fire Preparation is for Everyone

While choosing a safety officer for each department can help you to better organize a safety plan, every employee can benefit by practicing fire safety and awareness concerning the building's fire equipment and exits. You can keep them updated about new or changing fire safety rules in several ways, including:

• Monthly safety meetings
  
• Digital safety newsletters
  
• Encouraging questions and suggestions regarding safety

When your employees are involved in fire safety, it becomes everyone's priority to reduce the risk of a business fire.

Map Fire Safety Equipment

Many business fires spread quickly and cause a significant amount of damage because employees were not trained how to respond or where to find the nearest fire extinguisher. Mapping your building's equipment, such as fire sprinkler systems and fire extinguishers, can reduce the chance of widespread fire damage.

Create Department Checklists

Safety checks for each department may run simpler when you create and use checklists. Employees can review fire extinguisher check dates, report if an exit sign is missing over a doorway and which new employees require fire safety training. You can also invite a fire restoration and mitigation company representative to speak to your employees about how to reduce the risk of fires and spot possible situations that may lead to a fire.

Preventing a business fire can help you protect your Grand Manor, AZ, commercial property and your employees as well. The more informed and prepared you and your workers are, the greater your peace of mind as a business owner is likely to be.

Prevent Mold Inside Your Business With These Tips

4/1/2022 (Permalink)

If you suspect you might have discovered a mold infestation, give our SERVPRO of Peoria/West Glendale team a call!

With These Tips, You Can Prevent Mold From Growing Inside Your Business

Hiring a team of mold removal specialists to handle any infestation ensures your business's longevity. However, preventing mold growth in the first place can save you plenty of time, money and other valuable resources. Take a proactive approach and follow these tips to stop mold in your Weedville, AZ, location before it starts.

1. Clean the Facility Consistently

A commercial mold cleanup will end up being more expensive and time-consuming than a regular one. Mold spores are attracted to organic matter such wood, leaves and dust since they feed on it. If you neglect cleaning the facility, you will have these nutrients inside, thus attracting mold. Additionally, people and animals entering your building can bring both fungus spores and materials inside the area. Have your crew clean every corner of the location to discourage mold development.

2. Repair Plumbing and Structural Damage

Plenty of mold removal cases occur near leaking pipes, faucets or other components of the building's plumbing system. Mold depends on high humidity to survive and plumbing issues can raise it enough to create problems. Structural flaws such as cracks and holes on the wall and floor can also signal faulty pipes or allow mold to hide and grow. Run building inspections and fix any present and potential issues to decrease the chances of an infestation.

3. Reduce the Building's Humidity

Humidity control goes a long way in mold remediation and prevention. Besides fixing plumbing issues and existing water damage, you should also reduce moisture throughout the building. The geographic location of your business can influence the level of humidity and your efforts to decrease it. Make sure the ventilation system works properly and schedule necessary maintenance. Install dehumidifiers at the basement and attic to prevent damp air inside the establishment.

Even though mold removal services can eliminate fungus development and restore affected areas, you can also stop these situations from taking place. Constant cleanliness, maintenance and moisture reduction are effective in halting the emergence of mold.

3 Tips for Preventing Damage During a Flood

2/1/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO helped aftermath of storm damage that hit Long Beach Island, New Jersey. Call us when you need it!

3 Flood-Related Damage Prevention Tips

Flood damage is possible in any building. While it’s certainly more common in a flood plain, any area that receives significant rainfall during a storm could experience some effects. There are ways, however, to prevent damage to your commercial building in Glendale, AZ, during a flood. Here are some tips for keeping your business safe and dry.

1. Build on High Ground

A great location is the best way to prevent flooding. When you are scouting for places to build, consider the relative elevation of your options. If the lowest level of your building is above flood level, it is unlikely to flood due to rising groundwater. Let gravity work in your favor whenever possible.

2. Maintain Your Property

You may not be able to choose a higher location, but you can choose to inspect your property and make timely repairs. Flood damage experts advise that you clean downspouts and gutters frequently, ridding them of debris that may cause water to pool on your roof. Check your roof, walls and foundation for cracks or other weak points where water could get in. Make sure your windows are sealed properly against outside elements.

3. Dry Proof the Building

In addition to making sure there are no vulnerable points where water can enter your building, you can prevent storm damage by actually setting up barriers to water that directs it away from your foundation. Make sure the grade around your building slopes away from its base. This helps storm water flow naturally in the other direction. You can build miniature dams to reroute the flow as well. Finally, install a sump pump in your basement to get rid of any water that does find its way in.

If you can choose the location of your building, higher ground can prevent a lot of flood damage. Even if your property is in the middle of a flood plain, however, you can still take measures to keep it from flooding.

How To Make an Office Fire Escape Plan

1/3/2022 (Permalink)

Every workplace needs a fire escape plan. This plan should be posted throughout a building and shared with all occupants.

How To Create A Fire Exit Plan For Your Office

Every workplace needs a fire escape plan. This plan should be posted throughout a building and shared with all occupants. Be sure to train new employees and perform regular drills to ensure that the emergency escape plan will prove useful in the event of a fire.

Plan Evacuation Routes

Use an accurate floorplan to determine evacuation routes from every room in a structure. It is a good idea to do the following:

• Identify primary and secondary routes
  
• Ensure that routes are reasonable for occupants
  
• Obtain equipment such as an escape ladder

Secondary routes may be less than ideal, but they should still be practical. Keep the age and physical condition of occupants in mind. Post the emergency escape plan at strategic locations.

Test Fire Detection and Suppression Equipment

Many commercial properties are equipped with advanced detection and suppression systems. A fire escape plan should include regular tests to ensure the functionality of detectors and sprinklers. Hardwired alarm systems should have battery backups, and it is important to replace batteries that function as a main or backup power source. Make sure that fire extinguishers are of the appropriate class and filled with suppressant.

Keep Track of Occupants

Every business should maintain a current contact list. This list should include these details:

• Names
  
• Contact information
  
• Departments

Keep this list in a location where it can be accessed remotely or physically removed in the event of a fire. Every business should have a safe location where employees can gather outside. This place should be far enough away from the structure without being downwind.

An office fire escape plan may also identify which employees are responsible for attempting to evacuate critical contents. It is smart to plan ahead and back up important records off-site. If a fire damages a building in Weedville, AZ, rely on a mitigation and restoration company to resume business as soon as possible.

How To Prevent Commercial Water Problems

12/2/2021 (Permalink)

When your commercial property suffers water damage or flooding problems, SERVPRO Is here, we are always ready to help when you need us most.

How Can Commercial Water Issues Be Avoided?

Water-related issues are the second most common type of loss at commercial properties. Many problems are preventable with regular inspections and maintenance. It is better to resolve these issues before extensive water damage mitigation and restoration is necessary. Here are three ways to avoid leaking pipes and other water issues at a commercial building in Glendale, AZ.

1. Regularly Inspect the Building

Inspections on an annual or bi-annual basis can be one of the best ways to ensure that water problems do not occur. Building owners and managers should be aware of the age and condition of the plumbing system in a structure. This knowledge may make it possible to avoid a pipe break. Inspections of the roof and building envelope may prevent other causes of water damage.

2. Look For Signs of a Leak

A leak may not be immediately noticeable but can still result in significant damage. Look for any signs of moisture on floors or walls. A water leak detection service can also use thermal imaging or other expert methods to locate leaking pipes. Water damage mitigation and restoration may be necessary in addition to fixing the cause of the leak.

3. Keep Sewer Lines Clear

Sewer damage can be even more extensive than a supply line leak. Provide disposal guidelines and waste containers in commercial bathrooms and kitchens. A toilet backup will require disinfection and may also necessitate the disposal and replacement of porous building materials and contents. Have drain lines regularly cleaned to reduce the risk of a backup at a commercial structure.

Preventative measures are usually less costly than emergency repairs and damage mitigation. It may be possible to avoid leaking pipes or backups by scheduling regular inspections and maintenance. Building owners and managers should always be aware of the condition of the plumbing and building envelope at a commercial structure in Glendale, AZ.

Timely Intervention: The Key to Mold Prevention

7/22/2021 (Permalink)

Cleaning your air ducts and carpets should be part of your normal building maintenance schedule.

Mold Prevention

If your commercial building in Weedville, AZ, is prone to mold problems, it is likely that you need to adjust your prevention measures. Early detection of the problem and remediation by certified specialists is key to taking care of it. If you want to prevent the problem in the first place, however, engaging in regular maintenance such as carpet cleaning, air purifying and HVAC servicing is helpful.

Early Detection

Water leaks can occur anywhere there is a source, even if you think the source is secure. A building may have cracks, allowing water to seep in from outside. Well-sealed buildings can also experience mold growth, though, as poor ventilation can cause condensation to form when moisture in the air cannot escape. There are several other ways water damage that lead to mold issues can occur:

• Frozen or broken pipes
  
• Loose supply lines
  
• Ice dams causing roof leaks
  
• Poorly planned landscaping or gutter systems
  
• Overflowing toilets or sinks
  
  

No matter what causes the issue, it must be resolved so that mold doesn't grow. If mold spores find a moisture source, you will likely experience a problem.

Preventative Measures

Regular maintenance of your commercial property can help prevent mold problems Routine carpet cleaning, particularly in high traffic areas where excess moisture may occur, is necessary. Set up a regular schedule for HVAC testing and cleaning to make sure that your air ducts don't have mold growth. Consider using HEPA air purifiers with activated carbon filters that draw mold spores out of the air to destroy them. Finally, something as simple as placing door mats at each entrance so that employees can leave the spores from outside that have hitched a ride indoors on their shoes at the door.

Air duct and carpet cleaning should be a part of your regular building maintenance plan. By keeping on top of your maintenance schedule and taking care of water leaks when they occur, you are more likely to prevent mold issues.

Top Ways to Mitigate Wind Damage

7/15/2021 (Permalink)

Missing shingles on a roof.

Protect Your Building After a Storm

Wind damage done to your commercial roof in Glendale, AZ, can lead to other problems, such as a roof leak or structural damage. Because you want to stop the destruction from spreading, you may need to hire a commercial storm restoration specialist to help you start the mitigation process as quickly as possible. Mitigation does not resolve the issue but simply protects the scarred area from further damage. Consider implementing these three techniques to help you protect your building as soon as possible after a storm.

1. Cover up the damage. When you have a damaged roof from a high-wind storm, you need to make sure other weather elements will leave your space untouched. This could mean using a tarp and plywood to cover up any holes created by the bad weather.

2. Remove damaged items. Broken fences, weakened tree limbs and crooked chimneys are liabilities. These damaged items could get flung around your property by small gusts of wind. To make sure the fence doesn't smash into your building, the branch doesn't crash onto your roof and the chimney doesn't plummet to the sidewalk, you need to remove the damage. This can help you avoid a roof leak caused by secondary damage.

3. Have an inspection. While you may be able to spot a lot of the problems on your own, other issues may be hidden to your untrained eye. A couple of missing shingles may go unnoticed because you're too busy worrying about the gaping hole in your roofing system. Hiring a professional to inspect your property after a storm can help you locate and mitigate any damage caused by the high winds.

Mitigation is a key part of a storm cleanup. If you try to jump straight into the restoration, you may end up dealing with a roof leak because the destroyed materials were not properly protected from the elements during the repair process.

Business Income Coverage and Fire Recovery

4/30/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage in Weedville, AZ.

A significant fire on your company's premises will likely cause several different types of harm to your business. There is damage caused to your property by flames eating away at the roof and walls. There is harm to the contents of your property, including furnishings, computer systems, paintings and clothes. Finally, there is the likelihood of a shutdown, causing a steep decline in business income. This final impact can be offset with an interruption insurance policy.

The Negative Consequences of a Shutdown

Unfortunately, a business interruption is an all too common occurrence. It can result from such catastrophes as fires, storms, floods, earthquakes and even civil unrest. If your company in Weedville, AZ, can no longer operate, it becomes susceptible to the following:

• Inability to pay employees
  
• Inability to pay bills
  
• Inability to produce goods
  
• Inability to offer services
  
  

Interruption insurance makes up for the gap in your income as a result of a shutdown or slowdown. It provides a lifeline to your company from the moment of a catastrophic fire or other event until repairs are completed and you can resume business as usual. This type of insurance is usually added as a rider to your main company insurance policy.

The Benefits of Professional Fire Restoration
A local fire remediation franchise can also be a lifeline for your company. Trained workers can arrive at your building just hours after the fire has cooled and work quickly to get your business up and running again. No matter how good your insurance is, it is beneficial to have a quick and professional restoration. This will return your building to its original condition in a timely manner. You can also feel confident the work will be done according to industry standards.
Interruption insurance is not mandatory, but it is something every business should consider. It could be an important component of your company's recovery from a disaster.

How To Effectively Prepare for a Disaster

4/16/2021 (Permalink)

You dread the thought that a large-scale emergency could ever occur in your workplace. Many people will never experience one, but this doesn't mean you shouldn't be ready. Proper preparation can reduce feelings of fear and uneasiness. If something terrible does happen, disaster preparedness will help minimize the damage and help you respond appropriately.

Make a Continuity Plan

An incident such as a fire, flood, or massive storm could have severe effects on your business. If you don't have the right procedures in place, you may have to cease operations for a time. This could impact your productivity and people's ability to make a living. Business preparedness should include a continuity plan. This entails:

• Backing up pertinent files on offsite servers or online
• Having plans to allow people to work from home
• Establishing effective communication methods
  
  

Have the Right Supplies

When it comes to disaster preparedness in Glendale, AZ, you can't do without certain items. Your office should have plenty of bottled water in reserves. Keep extra batteries and flashlights on hand. Assemble several first aid kits and make them available throughout the building. Keep a few sets of reliable tools handy as well as sanitary supplies for your employees. Warm blankets and towels may also come in handy.

Know-How To Evacuate

When you were in school, you probably practiced fire alarm drills. You should do the same in the office. At least once a year, go through the evacuation procedures with your employees. Everyone should know how to get out of the building safely in different types of emergencies. Establish a meeting place away from the building.

Coordinate With Others

Talk to other businesses in the area and combine your efforts in emergency preparedness. Know which organizations to call in the event of different incidents. You should be familiar with local disaster response and cleanup teams too.
Every business needs to know the basics of disaster preparedness. If you don't have a plan, start making one today.

Common Places Mold Grows in Commercial Buildings

2/2/2021 (Permalink)

Mold growth is pervasive and silent.

It does not take much for mold growth to occur. Mold is often found in dark, isolated spaces plagued by moisture. Mold can be costly and time-consuming to clean. The best defense against mold is to do everything possible to prevent it from ever happening. Here are a few places to check for mold in your building in Glendale, AZ.

Common Places You Expect To Find Mold

Moisture, a surface, darkness, and organic nutrients from dust are all that is needed for mold to grow. Any area that has frequent exposure to water or high humidity can easily become infested with mold. Places you might expect to find mold include:

• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Carpets
• Windows
• Water heaters
• Air conditioners

Mold may not be out in the open in these areas. Remember that it thrives on darkness. Look under carpets, behind doors, inside devices, and within any cracks and crevices if you smell or otherwise suspect mold.

Places You May Not Think To Look For Mold
The common places you expect to find mold are the places you expect to find water and moisture. The places you may not think to look for mold are the areas of your building you do not associate with water at all. Areas that are rarely seen and are only occasionally inspected are common spots for overlooked mold growth. As these areas are left unchecked for long periods of time, unknown water damage can quickly turn into mold. Ceiling tiles, wall cavities, and wallboard damaged by leaks can easily become infested with mold. They are rarely explored and provide dark, enclosed environments. Ductwork and electrical equipment exposed to moisture or humidity can provide ample places for mold to grow.
Mold growth is pervasive and silent. It can spread before you realize that it exists. Conduct regular inspections of your building to keep mold at bay. A mold restoration specialist can help with cleaning and mitigation of the problem, but once mold is found, it is virtually impossible to eradicate.

Everything You Need To Know About Category 1 Water Damage

1/7/2021 (Permalink)

Category 1 water damage comes from a clean water source

At some point, your business building in Weedville, AZ, might be damaged by clean water. While other types of damage involve contaminated water that originates from the soil or the sewers, there are times where that is not an issue. Learn more about this type of damage, also known as Category 1, as well as where it comes from and how to handle it.

What Is Category 1 Damage?

The categories determine the level of contamination found in the water damage. Therefore, category 1 damage has the cleanest water in the system, while categories 2 and 3 usually involve more polluted substances. This distinction is important, as it helps commercial restoration specialists know the extent of the damage and the different tools and techniques they should use to combat it. It is less hazardous than other types, but still requires some protection against electrical connections.

Water Sources
It is important to identify the source when confirming whether the damage was caused by clean water or not. The following are category 1 water sources:

• Defective supply line
  
• Broken pipe
  
• Malfunctioning appliance
  
• Tub or sink spill
  
  

These sources generally use water that is considered safe for people to use due to its cleanliness. If it does not meet the criteria, it belongs to a higher category and is dangerous to you and others.

Handling the Water Damage
The restoration specialists will arrive to your location and work fast before the damage's category increases. They will disable the electrical hazards and stop the water source. After that, they will remove or cover up any items as needed, followed by removing the water from the area Next, they discourage mold growth by drying the surfaces with fans and cleaning it with disinfectants and deodorizers. Finally, they safely dispose of any items they are unable to repair.
Even though a flood or incident involving clean water is relatively safer than polluted water, you should still treat it seriously. Learn about the different categories and talk to a remediation professional immediately.

What To Know About Partial Commercial Fire Losses

1/7/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial fire damage in Peoria, AZ

Here Are Some Things To Know Before You File Your Claim

Not every blaze completely destroys a commercial building. You could instead end up with a partial fire loss. This could include soot or smoke damage that affects equipment and furniture.
Even a partial loss may require the assistance of fire restoration specialists. This, in turn, could force you to contact your insurance provider. 

Inspections
A small fire to your property or a larger blaze in a neighboring building could cause hidden damage. You cannot assume that your premises is safe just because you do not see any obvious problems. Instead, bring in a licensed professional to inspect the area.
Do not just rely on the insurance adjuster to perform the inspection. The engineering professional should check the following:

• Iron and steel structures
  
• Framing and interior walls
  
• Windows
  
• Roof
  
• Heating and plumbing systems
  
  

Cleaning and Restoration
Any damage to the above areas should be addressed right away. Your insurance should pay for the costs of cleaning soot, odors, and smoke that result from the fire. Depending on the extent of the partial fire loss, the remediation could include repairing or replacing damaged items, as well.
The adjuster may try to convince you to save money by wiping dirty surfaces yourself. However, you need a true deep clean to keep your structure intact and safe for employees. You should thus let professionals handle most of the restoration.
File an insurance claim so your provider can cover the remediation costs. Keep the claim open for at least six months in case you notice any additional harm to the premises. Indoor plants, in particular, may die well after the fire ends.
If you suspect that your Peoria, AZ, property had a partial fire loss, have an expert inspect the building for possible damage. You should also have the building cleaned as much as possible. Your commercial insurance may cover the cost of repairs, but contact your provider to clarify the details of your policy.

Tips for Maintaining Your Building's Fire Sprinklers

10/30/2020 (Permalink)

Fire sprinkler maintenance is a vital part of overall building maintenance

Tips To Ensure That Your Fire Sprinklers Are Operating

If you own an office building in Grand Manor, AZ, fire sprinkler maintenance is a vital part of overall building maintenance that can contribute to:

• Physical safety
• Air quality
• Property protection
  

These are some tips to ensure that your fire sprinklers are operating correctly if a fire breaks out at your building.

Schedule Inspections
The National Fire Inspection Association recommends a time table for inspecting each part of your sprinkler system. Inspections should happen monthly, quarterly, annually, and once every five years for some parts.

Check the Water Pressure
If the water pressure is not strong enough, sprinklers can not effectively do their job despite full activation. If you notice weak water flow from sink faucets or toilets, it is probably not strong enough to put out a fire. You may have a plumbing problem that indicates a need for additional sprinkler maintenance measures.

Check Control Valves
Many buildings perform weekly inspections of their fire sprinkler systems' control valves to confirm that they are open. If contractors regularly work in your building, there is an increased risk that a ladder or other equipment will accidentally hit a sprinkler valve and turn it off. Checking sprinkler valves near work areas is a good practice.

Replace Damaged Sprinkler Heads
Leaks indicate a damaged sprinkler head that needs a replacement. A leaking sprinkler head can cause significant flooding and water damage inside your building that may require assistance from a flood restoration company.

Reduce Clutter
Keeping the area around the sprinkler heads clutter-free is vital to their proper function during a fire. Avoid storing or stacking boxes and other objects close to sprinkler heads where they can create a barrier preventing a free flow of water.
Creating and following a strict fire sprinkler maintenance plan that includes frequent inspections is essential for keeping your tenants and property safe from a fire at your building in Grand Manor, AZ.

Fire Damage and Water Damage Go Hand in Hand

9/23/2020 (Permalink)

Fire and water damage in Glendale, AZ

The first 24 to 48 hours after a fire are the most important. Firefighters use high-powered water hoses to contain the fire. So you end up dealing with fire, smoke, and water damage. Before re-entering your commercial building check to make sure it is safe. Sometimes fires can actually flare up from embers days after a fire seems dormant.

The aftermath of a Fire

There are a few things you need to do immediately after a fire.

• Call your insurance
• Assess the damages
• Use boards and tarps to secure the premises
• Start the water cleanup
• Start the smoke cleanup and fire cleanup
• Start repair damages
  
  

Cleanup

After gaining entrance and calling the insurance company, you need to start drying your building out. If you don’t deal with water damage immediately, it can lead to mold and other problems.

Start by removing all of the debris and items you can’t salvage. Move salvageable items to a storage unit, so they don’t become more damaged. If furniture and other items are wet, move them outside so they can dry out.

You may need to bring in industrial-size fans. Circulation not only helps with the water cleanup but it helps push stagnant and possibly hazardous air outside. Remove and wash all draperies. Most fabrics will need dry-cleaning due to smoke and soot damage.

Remove all the water from floors and carpets with a water-extracting machine. Fire restoration companies in Glendale, Arizona, should have all this equipment available with their services. It might be necessary to remove the carpet if it has been more than 48 hours. Mold might already be setting in.

Everything in the building that can be washed needs to be washed. This includes dishes, appliances, and any inventory. A mixture of vinegar and water makes a great cleaning solution.

Fire, smoke, and water cleanup are daunting tasks, but Fire restoration specialists can help you determine what is salvageable and what is not. They can help you get your business back up and running in the shortest time possible.

The Best Business Fire Prevention Tips

4/20/2020 (Permalink)

Train staff in fire safety

The Best Business Fire Prevention Tips

The fire risk of a business varies based on the type of operation and building. Business owners may improve employee safety and reduce losses by implementing these effective fire prevention guidelines.

Assess the Current Hazard Risk Level
Every commercial structure has unique fire risks. These risks are generally classified into one of the following fire hazard levels:

• Light fire hazards have minimal risk of fire
• Ordinary fire hazards have some risk of fire
• Extra fire hazards have a high risk of fire
• Commercial kitchens have the highest risk of fire

The level of fire risk will determine the quantity and classes of fire extinguishers necessary for a structure. Other suppression systems such as sprinklers may also need to be adjusted to correspond to current use patterns to reduce the risk of a business fire.

Train Staff In Fire Safety
Once the level of fire risk is known and suppression equipment has been updated to correspond to risks, training is the best way to avoid or limit fire damage. Employees should be trained in safe handling methods for combustible or flammable materials. It is also important to create a fire prevention plan that accounts for suppression efforts, safety protocols, and evacuation routes.

Schedule Regular Facility Maintenance
Maintaining a facility can help to reduce the risk of preventable fires. Electrical fires may be prevented by maintaining major appliances and consulting with trained electricians about wiring issues. Scheduling regular heating system upkeep may also lower the overall risk of fire.
Awareness of the risk level of a business and the condition of a building can go a long way toward fire prevention. Employee training may reduce the number of fires that break out during daily operations and prepare staff to react quickly to threats in ways that reduce safety risks to occupants and the severity of damage to a building in Weedville, AZ.

Understanding Commercial Insurance and Mold Damage

1/9/2020 (Permalink)

Black mold damage on wall in West Glenn Estates, AZ

You don't want to think about it, but eventually, chances are good that some type of incident will affect part of your office building. Disasters such as floods, fires and high winds can inflict severe damage in the workplace. Mold is another common culprit that people in West Glenn Estates, AZ, encounter. You're glad you have commercial insurance; however, your policy may or may not cover the cost to clean up the mold and replace ruined materials.

When You Should Have Coverage

You purchased commercial insurance for situations such as mold growth and the issues it can cause. You can expect your provider to accept and pay on your claim where the appearance of mold comes due to the following:

• Unexpected events such as a burst pipe under a sink or in the ceiling or walls
  
• Sudden appliance failure such as a ruptured water heater or a defective dishwasher
  
• Water left behind in the office after firefighters put out a fire
  
  

Payment Limitations

Be aware that even if your insurance provider accepts your claim, it may not pay the full amount to cover the mold damage. Many policies have coverage limits that don't add up to the full cleanup amount. Paying a professional mold removal company to eliminate mold and replace building materials can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Check with your insurance agent and ask about your policy maximum.

Don't Expect Help

Routine inspections and maintenance of your building's HVAC and plumbing systems are vital. You should also regularly assess the integrity of the roof, foundation and other areas where water could infiltrate the facility. If mold growth starts because you neglected these duties, your insurance agent will deny your claim. You could, however, purchase mold insurance to help you with the repair and cleanup costs.
Commercial insurance can give you peace of mind after a disaster. If you do your part to prevent mold, you shouldn't have to wonder whether your plan will cover any future cleanup and remediation needs.

Category 1 Water Does Not Mean Category 1 Water Damage

1/9/2020 (Permalink)

Water categories

Any broken pipe or supply line in commercial buildings in Peoria, AZ can lead to severe water damage. Experts in commercial restoration know that no two water damages are alike; a lot depends on the category of water involved. If you’re dealing with water damage due to category 1 water, you are exposed to sanitary water. Clean water does not pose a substantial risk to your health. What is category 1 water exactly, and what damage can it cause?

1. What Is Category 1 Water?

Category 1 water starts from a sanitary source. Examples for sanitary sources are faucets, toilet tanks, and drinking fountains. Water that falls into this category poses minimal risk of exposure through inhalation, skin, or oral consumption. Nevertheless, be advised that this water can turn into unsanitary water based on time and temperature. Just because it’s category 1 water doesn’t mean that it cannot cause extensive damage. Clean water can cause four types of water damage.

2. What Are the Main Types of Water Damage?

Class 1 is the easiest to deal with as only small amounts of water are involved. Absorption and evaporation are minimal issues. The damage is limited to one room or one specific area. Carpet is only slightly or not affected at all, and only materials with low porosity have absorbed water.

Class 2 damage is characterized by larger amounts of water and a higher evaporation rate. At least all the carpet in a room is affected and walls are soaked in water up to 24 inches. The structure and substructure have absorbed moisture.

Class 3 water damage means that enough water has filled the area to be evaporated into or absorbed by everything in the room. It’s not uncommon that the water comes from overhead. Walls, insulation, ceilings, carpets, and sub-floors are saturated.

Specialty drying situations fall into class 4. Enough time has passed for water to affect materials with low porosity, including brick and concrete.

Clean water might be sanitary but it can be responsible for extensive damage. As soon as you notice a broken pipe or supply line, it’s important to take action.

4 Facts About Black Water

12/24/2019 (Permalink)

The most serious situation is Category 3 or black water

4 Facts About Black Water

If your business in Peoria, AZ, has experienced any flooding, you will need to assess the type of water damage that has occurred. Water that comes from a safe source such as an overflowing faucet is considered clean and is labeled Category 1. Water that may contain bacteria and comes from a known source such as a dishwasher or washing machine is considered Category 2. The most serious situation is Category 3 or black water.

1. It Can Potentially Cause Harm

Category 3 water contains certain chemicals, sewage, or microbes. If accidentally consumed this type of water can cause extreme harm or even death. Illnesses such as E-coli or campylobacteriosis can be spread through human waste. People may even experience respiratory effects if exposed to airborne endotoxins released by the bacteria.

2. It Can Come From Outside Your Business

While many people know that overflowing toilet water with feces is unsafe to come in contact with, water damage caused by outside sources such as an overflowing river or seawater is also considered Category 3. This is because there is a wide variety of harmful substances or chemicals from outdoors that can have dirtied the water.

3. Clean Water Can Turn Into Black Water

If your business experiences a flood but the water is only Category 1 or 2 water, you still need to act as quickly as possible. Depending on the situation, it can degrade into Category 3 in three days or less.

4. It Needs To Be Professionally Cleaned

You should never attempt to clean Category 3 water on your own. To ensure the area is completely sanitized and that no harm comes to anyone in the building, you should immediately get in contact with a water damage restoration company.
If your business is ever flooded due to a sewage backup or outside source, it is imperative that you act quickly. Never try to clean the black water yourself. Instead, evacuate the area and get professional assistance right away.

How To Respond When Floods Hit Your Business

9/25/2019 (Permalink)

Evacuate the building

How To Respond When Floods Hit Your Business

Any do-it-yourself efforts at cleaning up water damage could come with health risks, the potential for injury, and the likelihood of causing even more damage. When your business has been affected by flooding, even by clean water, it's best to hire professionals to complete the necessary cleanup and repairs. What can remediation technicians offer that your own employees can't?

• Certification from the Institute of Inspection
• Cleaning and Restoration Certification
• Training from an IICRC-accredited school or instructor
• Knowledge of the risks associated with
• Categories 1, 2, and 3 water
• Equipment to quickly put a stop to flooding and complete necessary restoration
• Personal protective gear for situations that require it
  
  

Every flooding situation is different; it may have originated from a broken pipe, heavy rain, or overflowing gutters. However, there are almost always risks associated with unwanted water in your business place.

Steps To Take When the Building Floods

When you do notice pools of water or a broken supply line, there are some steps you should take to keep your employees and customers safe.

1. Evacuate the building. A wet floor and electrical outlets pose a risk of electrocution, even if the moisture comes from a clean water source. If the water is contaminated, however, coming into contact with it could lead to illnesses. Finally, a lot of water could hide potential dangers, causing employees to trip or injure their legs while passing through.
2. Take the emergency kit and address any injuries sustained during the flood.
3. Make sure that employees and customers have all safely evacuated.
4. Contact appropriate emergency personnel.
   Call your insurance agent and a water damage repair and recovery professional.
5. Stay out of the building until authorities have given you permission to return.
   
   

Don't try to clean up the effects of the flood on your own. There are too many risks to yourself and the property; it's best to turn this task over to professionals.

Are You Prepared?

Hopefully, you'll never have to worry about a flood on your Glendale, AZ, commercial property, clean water or otherwise. However, it's best to have an emergency plan and kit in place. If you haven't made these plans, move this task to the top of your to-do list.

Advantages of a Pre-Action Sprinkler System

8/26/2019 (Permalink)

Why Choose A Pre-action Sprinkler System For Your Business?

If your business contains valuable property and you need a fire sprinkler system that will function no matter the temperature in the building, a pre-action sprinkler system may be right for you. The last thing you want is a fire that you can’t suppress because the sprinkler pipes in your unheated structure have frozen. Pre-action sprinkler systems are recommended for many situations:

Working in Cold Environments

Pre-action sprinkler systems don’t store water in the pipes like wet pipe sprinkler systems, so there’s no chance of pipes freezing and bursting or just failing altogether. This makes these systems useful in unheated buildings and structures such as warehouses and parking garages.


Protecting Irreplaceable Contents

This type of fire suppression is ideal for buildings with irreplaceable water-sensitive contents such as archives, museums, libraries and places with valuable electrical equipment.


Avoiding False Alarms

Pre-action fire sprinkler systems involve a two-phase process, safeguarding against unnecessary activation. An independent detection system identifies smoke, heat and/or flames, which automatically opens the pre-action valve. This valve allows the release of water into the pipes. Then soldering in the individual sprinkler heads melts, triggering them to release water onto the fire. If a sprinkler head triggers first, it only sounds the alarm; no water enters the pipes until the detection system activates. You may also want to consider a double interlock pre-action system for an added layer of protection.


Preventing Water Damage

Because these systems don’t store water in the pipes, water won’t flow if a pipe or sprinkler head breaks. This means that they are much less likely to activate during natural disasters.

While a pre-action sprinkler system is more costly and requires more labor than other types of fire suppression systems, the peace of mind can be worth the extra expense. If your business in Peoria, AZ, contains priceless items or expensive equipment, you may want to invest in this type of fire sprinkler system. Should your business experience a fire, you can feel confident that fire damage restoration specialists can take care of all of your fire damage and fire sprinkler cleanup needs, leaving the building “Like it never even happened.”

How To Prevent Old Pipes From Clogging

6/21/2019 (Permalink)

Your polybutylene pipes may need extra care to drain properly

Here are Some Common Causes of Pipes from Clogging

All plumbing systems eventually need repair, but older systems may have more problems than those installed in the last 20-25 year. If your commercial building in West Glenn Estates, AZ, was built between the late 1950s and the early 1990s, chances are good that you have polybutylene pipes. While inexpensive to manufacture and install, these pipes tend to clog quickly, which can lead to deterioration and the need for water remediation services. Here are some of the common causes of clogs and how you can prevent them.

Causes

A sink clog is a localized problem that can usually be remedied with a drain snake. If you have a sewer line clog, however, the problem can get a little trickier to handle. Sewer line clogs can be caused by a number of factors:

• Buildup of drain sludge
• Root invasion from trees
• Inefficient system design
  

You may not be able to afford to tear out your whole system and install a new one, and if it's a rental, you probably aren't allowed to do so even if you can afford it. There are some things you can do to combat these issues, though.

Prevention

Preventing main line clogs in your polybutylene pipes involves regular maintenance. There are several things you can do to minimize your risk of clogs and the water damage they can cause:

Use an enzyme treatment. Unlike harsh chemical drain cleaners, enzymes eat away at the sludge that builds up in your drain. For best results, use them on all your drains at once.

Use a root treatment. You may not want to remove all your trees, but you can flush a root killer down your toilets to neutralize the roots that are invading your pipes.
Use caution when putting things down the drain. Other than water and soap, very few things should be put down the drain. Educate everyone in your building about proper drain care.

Your polybutylene pipes may need extra care to drain properly. With regular maintenance, you can prevent many main line clogs.

When Is Mold Covered by Insurance?

4/25/2019 (Permalink)

A water loss in this commercial bathroom also resulted in mold

When you buy property in Glendale, AZ, you need a commercial insurance package that covers as many potential pitfalls as you can imagine. Most commercial policies include at least limited coverage for mold, but there may be exclusions in your policy you need to know about. The difference between a mold problem that is covered and one that is not may depend on a few factors.

Secondary Damage

Most policies will cover mold remediation services that are needed as a result of a covered loss. Such losses may include:

• Busted pipes
  
• Toilet overflow
  
• Roof leak
  
• HVAC malfunction
  
  

If the mold damage in your building is a direct result of an issue that your insurance policy covers, the assessment, remediation and restoration of the molded area is likely to be covered as well.

Exclusions

Most commercial insurance policies have exclusions for mold. Mold cannot grow in an environment that lacks sufficient moisture or food to sustain it. Therefore, many providers view general fungus growth as an outcome of neglect. For example, an HVAC system that isn’t cleaned regularly may harbor a lot of dust that mold spores can latch onto and use as fuel to grow. Your insurance company is unlikely to pay for problems you can easily prevent.

If you live in a particularly humid region, it may be wise to invest in mold insurance. Humidity levels can instigate the growth of mold. You can certainly help prevent the problem by running dehumidifiers throughout your building, but having extra coverage just in case mold appears can’t hurt.

If a mold growth in your building sprouts from water damage that is covered by your property policy, remediation of the mold is probably covered, too. While commercial insurance policies may have exclusions for mold, there are certain circumstances in which they may offer limited fungus coverage. Your insurance agent can help you understand exactly what your policy covers and can advise on additional coverage that may be useful to you.

After Your Commercial Fire

1/12/2019 (Permalink)

Contact a fire cleanup company in Glendale, AZ

Common Fire Cleanup Issues

No business in Glendale, AZ, 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.

Immediate Response Can Reduce Water Damage Exposure

12/31/2018 (Permalink)

When you have water damage to your building in Peoria, AZ, you need to act fast, but you need your actions to count. Here are important steps to take when you are cleaning up from a flood.

1. Call an expert. Commercial water damage restoration specialists have the expertise and knowledge to get you through the cleanup and recovery process. Since time is so critical, call them before you do anything else.

2. Make sure it’s safe. While you are waiting for help to arrive, you can begin cleanup. Before you do, make sure it is safe. Turn off electricity before entering a flood water area, and don’t use lights or appliances that have been in contact with water. If flooding is caused by black water, protect your body from direct contact.

3. Start removing water. Grab mops, sponges and rags to start the water cleanup process while you wait for the professionals to arrive.

4. Protect key documents. Make sure your most important documents are removed from ground level to reduce exposure to water.

5. Protect furniture. Wooden furniture is porous and absorbent and needs to be set up on blocks or foil so that it doesn’t remain in contact with a soggy floor.

6. Remove carpet and rugs. Experts will help you decide if rugs and carpets can be saved, but removing them will increase your chances. If you can put them outside to dry, go ahead and start that.

7. Gather personal belongings. Picking up personal items from the floor will help make sure the room is ready for the experts to use their commercial pumps and water removers to minimize water damage.

Restoration experts will do all these, but you can increase your chances of saving items by taking action while you wait.

Fast Action Makes a Difference

Broken pipes can wreak havoc in your building, but you can help reduce your losses by having a plan in place to contact professional help and to start cleanup immediately.

Essential Supplies for Every Commercial First Aid Kit

10/19/2018 (Permalink)

Every business in Weedville,AZ should have a first aid kit

While every business in Weedville,AZ, should take precautions to prevent them, injuries can happen anywhere and at any time. To protect staff and customers, every business should have a first aid kit on hand, stocked with supplies to treat a variety of situations.

Open Wounds

To address cuts and other bloody injuries, your commercial kit should include several types of bandages and dressings:

• Adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes
• Roller bandages
• At least one triangular bandage
• Sterile pads
• A trauma pad to treat larger wounds

Scissors, adhesive tape and antibiotic and antiseptic ointments should also be readily available.

Protective Gear

It’s also important to have several forms of protective gear on-hand to protect individuals rendering first aid assistance. This includes a CPR barrier and exam gloves. Hand sanitizer or antiseptic wipes are also essential first aid kit supplies.

Additional Equipment

Cuts and other open wounds are not the only potential injuries that can occur at the office or job site. To be prepared for possible muscle, eye, bone and skin injuries, every commercial emergency kit should also include the following items:

• A cold pack
• Burn dressings
• A protective eye covering
• Emergency eye and skin wash
• Materials to construct a temporary splint

Because not every employee may be trained in proper first aid techniques, your kit should also include a first aid guide to help your staff efficiently manage any injury.

Keep Kit Updated and Accessible

In the event of a serious emergency, quick action is essential. For this reason, your company’s emergency kit should be readily accessible, and every employee should know its location within the building. It’s also important to routinely inspect and restock the kit as necessary to ensure vital supplies are consistently available.

No one plans on getting hurt at work, but sometimes accidents happen. Whether the injury is minor or significant, a commercial first aid kit can provide critical supplies when they are most needed. An emergency supply kit may be particularly essential in crisis situations resulting from fires, floods and other damaging storms.

Broken Pipes and Water Cleanup: Cleaning Your Business After Water Damage

9/14/2018 (Permalink)

If you experience broken pipes causing flooding in your business be sure to call in the experts to help mitigate the issue.

Broken pipes often lead to extensive water damage, and the water cleanup process can be all-encompassing, especially for a business that has to remain shut until all is restored. Luckily, the cleanup process is pretty straightforward, and, while only suggestions, the steps below can help to make an overwhelming process a manageable one.

Ready the Pumps

You are likely aware of this first step, as it is common knowledge that the longer water stays in a building, the more damage it inflicts; therefore, you should get rid of any excess water as soon as possible. Many home improvement stores will allow you to rent large water pumps and wet vacs, which can help in reducing water levels quickly.

Clear Out the Waste

After removing the water, there will be items and materials that may need to be discarded. For instance, if sewage contaminated the excess water, you will likely want to throw away any porous items. Additionally, it may be necessary to remove drywall up to the level that the water rose, because insulation can lead to mold and mildew growth.

Dry and Dehumidify

Once all of the water and damaged items have been removed, preventing further water damage, you can begin the process of drying the space. You can take another trip to the home improvement store of your choosing and rent air movers, dehumidifiers, and possibly industrial fans. These tools can help speed up the drying process, which can take a couple of days.

Call In the Experts

If you find that this process may be too overwhelming, you can check with Peoria, 
Arizona emergency management offices to see about a list of potential restoration specialists that specialize in flood damage.

Water damage, especially from burst pipes, can be stress-inducing. However, when you break the cleanup process into manageable pieces and maybe decide to call somebody in, it becomes a little easier to deal with. This process can help you cope with the temporary loss of business.

What Does my Commercial Fire Insurance Cover?

8/22/2018 (Permalink)

Fires can wreak a lot of havoc on a building, but they don't have to completely undermine your business.

Your business in Peoria, AZ, needs protection against various perils it could encounter, such as natural disasters, fire damage, water damage or theft. Your property insurance covers many of these perils. It can protect you from having to pay out of pocket for mitigation services, repairs or item replacement. Here are a few things you should be able to expect from your property insurance policy.

Item Replacement

If your building catches fire, many of the items inside are bound to be ruined beyond repair. A good property policy will pay to have items essential to your business replaced. Such items could include:

• Office furniture
• Production equipment
• Office machines
• Inventory

Check with your agent to see if any exclusions apply before you sign off on the policy. You want to know what you can expect before disaster strikes.

Building Repair

Your commercial property insurance should pay to repair any fire damage to your building. Fire mitigation involves assessment, smoke and soot cleanup and sanitation. To streamline the process from start to finish, you can hire professionals who specialize in both mitigation and restoration. Make sure that you have enough insurance coverage to pay for the whole repair process.

External Mitigation

Many property policies also include structures outside the building that are affected by the fire. Fences may need to be repaired. The landscaping may have to be restored. Storage structures that are still a part of your property are likely to be covered under your property insurance, as are many of the items inside the structures that are damaged. Be sure to include external damage when you document your losses for your insurance adjuster.

Fires can wreak a lot of havoc on a building, but they don't have to completely undermine your business. Your property insurance is designed to cover most of the fire damage that may occur on your property. Make sure you know exactly how far your policy extends. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROpeoriawestglendale.com/.

Broken Pipes and How to Respond

6/20/2018 (Permalink)

Of course, the best course of action is to prevent frozen and eventually broken pipes in the first place.

Broken pipes are a major concern in areas where temperatures drop and raise in Peoria, AZ. As water freezes in the pipes, it expands and puts a lot of pressure on those pipes, whether they are made of metal or plastic. Even very strong, metal pipes can succumb to the pressure of expanding frozen water. The resulting water damage can take place rapidly and when you least expect it.

Broken Pipes at Work

Take a look around your business. Are there exposed pipes, such as those attached to hose bibs or on water sprinkler lines? Look for pipes in the basement or in uninsulated cabinets. Pipes running along exterior walls could also lead to water damage if they are allowed to freeze.

What can you do if there are broken pipes and you're facing significant water cleanup?

• Stop the flow of water.
• Disconnect any power supply and remove electronics and business equipment.
• Contact your insurance company and a restoration professional.
• Pump out water and set up fans and dehumidifiers.
• Treat the entire area with a disinfectant to kill germs and prevent mold growth.
• Dispose of water-logged items.

Avoid Frozen Pipes

You can avoid some trouble by recognizing and thawing frozen pipes before they become broken pipes. If you turn a faucet on and you've only got a trickle, the water is probably frozen. Leave the faucet open and slowly apply heat to sections of the pipe. Continue running water through the faucet and warming the pipes until you have full water pressure.

Water Damage Prevention in Peoria, AZ.

Of course, the best course of action is to prevent frozen and eventually broken pipes in the first place. Do this by draining water from all sprinklers before temperatures drop, remove hoses from spigots, close inside valves, drain hose bibs, and add insulation to basements and external walls. Look around your business for other areas where insulation and pipe sleeves could prevent damage.  For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROpeoriawestglendale.com/.

3 Reasons To Have a Fire Mitigation Company Complete a Rebuild

5/18/2018 (Permalink)

These are just a few advantages to working with the same service from inspection and assessment to cleanup and completed restoration.

When you are dealing with the aftermath of a fire in a commercial property, you may wonder whether you should hire separate contractors for inspection, fire mitigation, and restoration or rely on one company. Here are three reasons you should ask your insurance adjuster about a company that provides complete inspection, fire damage assessment, cleaning, and restoration services.

1. Start down the road to restoration with one service call. The days, weeks, and months following a fire are often hectic and stressful. If you rely on a single service, you will only have one schedule to keep track of, and you may avoid long lapses between the completion of inspection and assessment and the start of cleanup and restoration.

2. Prevent lines from getting crossed or dropped. Relying on the same service can prevent the confusion that often results from hiring separate specialists for each stage of the fire damage remediation process. You can count on a one-stop commercial restoration shop to follow the best plan for restoring your property.

3. Follow a restoration strategy designed for your situation from start to finish. A certified restoration service can identify and take steps to restore the extent of the damage. If you are not sure whether a service is making the best decisions, you may call in an outside expert. Even if something is not right, you will have an easier time identifying accountability because you have only worked with one company.

These are just a few advantages to working with the same service from inspection and assessment to cleanup and completed restoration. Property losses and lost profits from a closed business can be costly. Choose a company that provides a complete array of commercial fire mitigation services in Peoria, AZ, to start and finish the fire damage remediation process so that you can reopen your business as soon as possible. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROpeoriawestglendale.com/.

What Happens After Your Commercial Building Is Damaged in a Storm?

3/21/2018 (Permalink)

Storms can cause a lot of problems in Peoria, AZ.

They may lead to water, wind or hail damage to your commercial building. Some of the damage caused by storms can be extremely serious. Water damage, for example, can lead to structural problems if left untreated or if not taken care of properly. If your building is damaged in a storm, what should you expect the storm restoration team to do?

• Remove Water: The first step in the restoration process is to get rid of the standing water in your building. This may require fans, wet vacuums and other commercial-grade equipment. Typically, a fast response and removal are better than waiting around.
• Remove Wet Materials: Once the standing water has been removed, wet materials also need to be taken care of. Sometimes, you may have to tear out drywall, carpets and other pieces of your building. This removal process helps reduce the mold and bacteria growth that may be associated with untreated water damage. Some furniture and porous equipment may also need to be disposed of.
• Dry Out Structure: After the waterlogged materials have been taken out of the area, you may think it's time to start fixing things up. However, you need to make sure everything is completely dry before starting the repair process. Airing out the building can help remove the small pockets of moisture caused by flooding.
• Restore the Building: The final step in the storm restoration process is actually fixing up the building. Depending on what sort of tear out was necessary, you may need to patch drywall, replace carpets and get new furniture.

Storm damage doesn't have to completely take over your life. When you turn to a restoration team in Peoria, AZ, they can take care of every aspect of the cleanup process. From water removal to material tear out, you can trust the professionals to properly deal with any type of storm damage.

Fire in Your Commercial Building

1/10/2018 (Permalink)

Commercial Fire Damage

When it comes to commercial fire damage you need to get the estimate of the extent of the commercial damage and ensure you engage a restoration company to do the work.

In case the restoration process is not carried out in a good manner when a commercial fire damage occurs the smoke smell might remain for some weeks. Apart from causing stains in the walls, the smoke smell might linger for months or never go away.

The smoke damage from a commercial fire damage situation should be dealt with by professionals from a restoration company.

SERVPRO of Peoria / West Glendale have certifications in the smoke and fire restoration industry, although it is not necessary to have them to cleanup after fire.

Visit http://www.SERVPROpeoriawestglendale.com for more information on fire damage.

Commercial Board Up Services

1/10/2018 (Permalink)

Securing Fire Damaged Buildings

A property that has undergone commercial fire damage needs to be boarded up professionally to secure its premises. Locks, doors, and windows can all be damaged in a fire and require securing in order to continue fire damage restoration.

A professional should board up any property that may be compromised. Boarding up any compromised doors and windows allows the property owner to rest assured that intruders will not be able to access their already damaged property and cause any additional damage afterwards.

Fire damage restoration is a difficult process and requires a team of professionals inaccessible to most individuals. A fire in a home or a fire in a business is difficult enough to manage legally and emotionally. The physical burden of restoration should be left to a professional.

Visit http://www.SERVPROpeoriawestglendale.com for more information on fire damage.

Commercial Equipment for Commercial Fires

1/10/2018 (Permalink)

Commercial fire damage can be reversed even if it is significant. A professional must evaluate and assess the fire damage and give the property owner an estimate. They can then decide whether or not fire damage restoration is the correct choice. Fire cleanup and sometimes be more efficient if damaged items are replaced rather than restored. Smoke damage and soot damage can be especially stubborn.

Fire cleanup professionals are able to remove large debris that may require cranes or other heavy machinery. Fire cleanup often involves debris that is damaged beyond restoration that needs to be disposed of, which may require a special permit depending on the location of the fire damage. It is imperative that a licensed professional with the experience and training manage the disposal of large debris.

Visit http://www.SERVPROpeoriawestglendale.com for more information on fire damage.

Will the Smoke Smell Ever Be Gone?

1/10/2018 (Permalink)

Smoke damage and soot damage can be professionally restored with a variety of techniques that require specialized equipment and expertise. Property owners usually seek to replace damaged items, but soot damage and smoke damage are usually reversible with some deep cleaning using rotary scrubbers or steam.

A restoration company would work together with a property owner to decide what is and is not salvageable after extensive fire damage. A smoke smell is usually the hardest to remove. A professional should be consulted before disposing of anything that may hold company value. Commercial fire damage can render industrial equipment unusable until it is cleaned. A fire cleanup professional should be consulted before disposing of any such equipment as state and local regulations may be invoked when it comes to a fire in a business. In any case, a business should be boarded up for security.

The smoke smell that persists long after a fire can also be treated professionally by an air purifier, ozone machine, or fogger. Smoke smells permeate all fabric and carpeting and will require special treatment in order to remove.

Visit http://www.SERVPROpeoriawestglendale.com for more information on fire damage.

Restoring Your Glendale or Peoria Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

10/4/2016 (Permalink)

Flooding and water damage events at Peoria and Glendale commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of Peoria/W. Glendale

SERVPRO of Peoria/W. Glendale specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.