Water in Your Business

10/17/2023 (Permalink)

If you are a commercial business owner, you know that any type of water damage can be detrimental to your business. It is important when faced with a water damage, fire, mold or any other loss that you can resume normal operations as soon as possible to protect your business. If your business is forced to close until damage repairs are complete your short-term losses will start to add up and your customers may find somewhere else to go which could cause you to lose their business long-term.

SERVPRO of Kearney and North Platte specializes in commercial damage mitigation and repair and can help ensure that damages are kept to a minimum, reducing your total losses. Commercial businesses have unique needs when it comes to damage repairs and the best way to protect your business is to leave damage repairs to the pros.

What to Do If Your Property Floods

When your commercial property is affected by water or flooding, the source of water needs to be addressed before water damage repairs can begin. Water damage can affect expensive or specialized equipment and inventory, and it is imperative to act quickly! SERVPRO of Kearney and North Platte is ready to respond!

In an event of a disaster call SERVPRO of Kearney and North Platte at 308-535-1115. Our SERVPRO® team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year!

What Are My Options when I Have a Commercial Flood?

11/8/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial Water Emergencies in Kearney and North Platte can occur at any time of the year. Sometimes, you may find yourself unable to trade until the situation is under control.

Can I get a business rate reduction as a result of flooding?

In some situations where water intrusion is beyond your control, you may reduce your business rates. However, the surest way to limit losses to revenue is to take a proactive approach to restoration by enlisting commercial water removal experts in Kearney and North Platte. Using a professional service that has experience working on commercial projects can reduce losses as well as providing you with a precise time frame to plan your business activities. Our crew chiefs can inform you of necessary restoration, possible outcomes, and working closely with local insurance adjusters.

Where can I source water displacement pumps to move water out of my premises?

Local hire centers are available to rent displacement pumps temporarily. However, you should ask yourself whether you or your staff are qualified to set up, pump, and dispose of wastewater correctly. Different types of water damage requires different types of equipment. Water with solid waste requires a pump with unique characteristics. Self-priming trash pumps have the necessary lift, volume, and ducts to transport solid wastes. However, it may be illegal to dispose of solid wastes in a regular sewer point, meaning you also need a means of transport to take wastewater to a facility for disposal. SERVPRO has both the equipment and the expertise to remove water from your commercial property following local and state regulations.

What types of water removal equipment are available to SERVPRO technicians, and what are their uses?

• High-pressure pumps provide significant power to transport water uphill and out of the property
• Self-priming trash pumps are capable of passing water with solid waste up to 1.25 inches
• Electric submersible pumps move from 100 to 18,000 gallons per hour
• Weighted extraction tools for removing moisture from thick fabrics or textiles like carpets
• Light wands which are agile enough to reach areas with space restrictions

How can I choose the right extraction tool for water displacement?

Pumping equipment is the most efficient in terms of a gallon per hour (GPH.) Next, extraction tools that are useful once pumping becomes inefficient- usually once standing water drops below two inches. Dehumidification equipment is the least efficient, and we usually reserve it for drying residual moisture or lowering the moisture content of building materials. There are other considerations when choosing your equipment, such as how far water needs transporting to reach your sewer points or storage tanks. A distance of more than twenty-five feet usually requires a high-pressure pump to displace water efficiently.

Does my business insurance cover mold growth?

It is essential to check your insurance policy to be sure of your coverage. Commercial properties usually cover flooding under a separate policy to business insurance. Equally, mold growth is usually only covered if the mold is the direct result of the water intrusion. Crucially, if mold occurs after the event, property managers must prove that appropriate mitigation efforts take place. Our water damage restoration (WRT) technicians can take steps to reduce the likelihood of mold growth. These include maintaining control over relative humidity throughout the service using thermal hygrometers. We can also take precautionary steps to prevent mold growth by applying anti-microbial treatments in the affected area. 

What are the necessary steps to take when there is water intrusion at commercial premises?

• Contact your insurance provider to notify them of the situation
• Reach out to professional restorers as soon as possible- our emergency call-lines are in operation twenty-four hours a day.
• Use local companies to reduce call-out times- we promise to arrive within four hours of notification of loss.
• Wait for crew chiefs to arrive who can communicate closely with both you and your adjuster

When is it safe to reopen my business after a commercial water emergency?

A business is safe to reopen once it returns to a sanitary state. Water can carry microbes into premises, which can cause health and safety concerns. Our team can not only remove the body of water from your property but can also clean, dismantle, and reassemble the affected area. We are using chemical agents that can kill any potential microbial growth, which may include bacteria, fungi, or viruses. Once the property is thoroughly decontaminated and dry, our crew chief can perform a walkthrough. The walkthroughs occur once the restoration is complete, and we can pass on any paperwork to your insurance provider to complete a stress-free claim.

If your business requires emergency water recovery, our commercial teams are available. Contact SERVPRO of Kearney and North Platte at (308) 535-1115. 

Back to Business!

11/8/2021 (Permalink)

The restoration and recovery of a water loss in your office happen in phases. Should disasters strike during working hours, you need to find a suitable solution that can keep your facility open to your customers until restoration work can safely begin. A prompt response with our emergency services, including extraction and controlled demolition, can allow the business to remain open until the workday ends, and our SERVPRO technicians can get to work on restoration.

Emergency repairs do not fully resolve the water damage to your offices, and often the full recovery of your property involves the use of many restoration tools, machines, products, and techniques. A priority of our rapid response team arriving at your office building is determining the source of the water damage and addressing it whenever possible. Ruptures to the plumbing after pipes freezing or a broken faucet might allow for substantial water depositing on the floors, and require repair before extraction and drying efforts can be practical.

At first, repairs to the plumbing can begin when our in-house contractors arrive at the office building. Because there are so many desks and other furniture that can get saturated by standing water concerns, extraction is also a vital element to the pre-restoration process. With the appropriate containment strategies in place to encase the drying zones like the damaged bathrooms, we can work to keep your office open until closing time.

While the full measure of restoration work does not begin when our rapid response team first arrives, preliminary actions can reduce total property loss. With efficient drying tools like our air movers and dehumidifiers, we can make short work of compromising water loss effects.

The recovery of your office building, including the containment of the source of the water loss, involves a combination of our experienced SERVPRO of Kearney and North Platte technicians and in-house commercial contractors. From our emergency response to our tireless work to get your doors back open, it is our business to get you back in business. Give us a call at (308) 535-1115.

Cleaning vs Disinfecting at Home

10/4/2021 (Permalink)

Many think cleaning and disinfecting are synonymous but there is a crucial difference between the two. When you clean, you’re simply removing organic dirt, debris, and general soils. Disinfecting is using a higher level of disinfectant product to remove or control the spread of viruses and bacteria. Disinfection isn’t as effective, though, if you don’t clean first prior to applying the disinfectant product!

Follow these 5 tips from our SERVPRO experts to make sure you’re properly protecting yourself and your home.

1. USE EPA REGISTERED DISINFECTANTS

There are consumer products out there that are almost as effective as professional products in the fight against the spread of infectious diseases when used according to the label. All these products are going to be registered by the EPA and will have specific directions on how long the surface must remain wet, how the product should be applied, and what surfaces they can be used on.

2. FOLLOW THE MANUFACTURER’S INSTRUCTIONS

You can have the best cleaning product, but if you don’t know how to apply that product correctly, you’re going to be ineffective. Disinfection can be done effectively at home if you use the right products and follow the label and product instructions.

3. PROTECT YOUR HANDS WITH GLOVES

Basic hand protection when using disinfecting products is always wise. Try to use nitrile gloves or any other type of disposable gloves you can find.

4. USE A MICROFIBER CLOTH, NOT A SPONGE

Microfiber cloths are made up of fibers with multiple surfaces and allow you to have a better contact as you’re cleaning. Household sponges are not recommended, as they can often be breeding grounds for bacteria. If possible, you could even use something that you can dispose of, like disposable wipes or cloths. Otherwise a microfiber cloth is what you should use.

5. CLEAN HANDS AND SURFACES REGULARLY.

Keep your hands washed and regularly clean high touch areas in your home like door handles and light switches. Practicing basic hygiene is what’s going to continue to break the cycle of infection and reduce the virus spread.

Putting these tips into practice can help you reduce levels of contamination.

Tips on Reopening Your Business After a Disaster

10/4/2021 (Permalink)

A natural disaster can occur at a moment's notice. Within seconds, your business can be damaged or destroyed, forcing you to close your doors until you can get back up and running. Unfortunately, businesses that haven’t implemented a disaster recovery plan before the unthinkable happens may likely be unable to reopen their doors after a loss. In fact, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), up to 40 percent of small businesses never reopen their doors after a natural disaster strikes. With lack of planning for financial damages, property destruction, loss of essential business documents and equipment, and taking care of staff needs, it can be difficult for business owners to rebuild when disaster strikes.

Luckily, the experts at SERVPRO are here to help. Use these tips to get your business back on its feet as soon as you can after disaster strikes.

CREATE A DETAILED NATURAL DISASTER PLAN

If your business is going to survive a natural disaster, you’ll need a detailed preparedness plan in place. Write down a list of immediate solutions you'll implement in the aftermath of a natural disaster. Include items such as:

• Which disasters are likely to impact your business, depending on where it is located
• Locations suitable for employee evacuation
• How to stay in contact with all staff members
• Emergency contact information for each employee
• Plans to protect and/or access vital business records and information
• If there will be an off-site location from which employees need to work until doors reopen
• Contact information for the business’s insurance company, financial institutions, and a reputable disaster restoration company

KEEP LINES OF COMMUNICATION OPEN

As soon as you can, keep your customers and staff informed about what's happening with your business. Provide an estimate of when you'll be able to reopen for business. If excessive damage forces you to temporarily relocate, let others know how to find you. Keep in mind that your ability to recover from a natural disaster might largely depend on how quickly your employees are able to return to work. Reach out to your team, and work with them to make scheduling changes if necessary so everyone can get back to normal as soon as possible.

SEEK OUTSIDE HELP

While FEMA provides financial assistance to businesses that are located in a federally declared disaster area, the process of receiving aid can take some time, especially when an astronomical number of claims are being filed. Have a backup plan in place to ensure you're able to cover the costs of repairs in a punctual manner.

Consider purchasing a flood insurance plan that specifically covers natural disasters. The Small Business Administration (SBA) may also be a good place to turn for help. Through the organization's Office of Disaster Assistance, businesses that are located in declared disaster areas can apply for low-interest, long-term loans to make repairs and replacements.

SET YOUR BUSINESS UP FOR A QUICK RECOVERY

Even just one act of nature can cause a major interruption. Businesses that recognize the importance of having a detailed plan in place to recover after a natural disaster may have a greater chance of survival. Start listing out your steps to rebuilding before disaster strikes to increase your chances of recovering.

If the unexpected does happen, remember that you’re not alone. Count on the experts at SERVPRO to guide and support you throughout the recovery process and help get your business back up and running again as quickly as possible.

Flooding and your Business's Electronics

10/4/2021 (Permalink)

If you're like most business owners, your office electronics are the lifeblood of your company. In the event that a disaster strikes, all your records could be impaired and permanently lost, including invaluable company records, customer information, and even communication.

In the aftermath of a flood, it's important to know what to do to mitigate the effects of water damage on your computer systems and other electronics. If you act quickly enough, you may be able to save more information and get your business back on its feet faster. Find out what you should do after an emergency and when to call on the professionals after your equipment or technology has been damaged by high humidity, directly hit, or completely submerged in water with these helpful tips from SERVPRO.

DAMAGE TYPE: HIGH HUMIDITY

Humidity spikes can occur in a room with standing water or other significant water damage. Surprisingly, delicate electronics like computers, printers, work phones, fax machines and other devices can still be damaged even without direct contact to the water source. That's because in humid conditions, dust can turn into sludge and cling to wiring and circuit boards. This is even more likely if the flooding or high humidity was caused by an office fire that produced smoke damage to electronics.

What to do: In all instances of high humidity water damage, professional electronic restoration services are recommended to bring your equipment back to normal conditions. A professional cleaning provides a better chance that your costly electronics and devices can be fully restored to preloss condition.

DAMAGE TYPE: DIRECT HIT

Electronics can sustain a direct hit from running or splashing water without being completely submerged. This scenario can occur from accidental spills, water overflow, leaks, floods and virtually any other water-related incident. When direct hits to your electronics happen, try to remove them from the water source as soon as possible to prevent permanent damage.

What to do: Often, computer water damage from a direct hit looks worse from the outside than it actually is on the inside. Commercial restoration and cleaning, including an adequate drying period, can remove contaminants left by the water and restore the equipment to proper functioning, usually at least long enough to recover crucial data. However, there is always a risk of circuit board corrosion. Over time, you may need to replace either essential components, or the entire device.

DAMAGE TYPE: SUBMERSION

Submersion occurs when the electronic equipment has actually been completely covered in standing water – and possibly even muddy silt and sediment – for a period of hours or days. This type of damage can happen in serious disasters where people are unable to get to the office for long periods of time, or during weekends or holiday breaks when a pipe may burst and nobody is notified until the next business day.

What to do: Unfortunately, electronics that have been submerged are not usually good candidates for electronic restoration services. This is because most submersion incidents cause the computers to short out and damage the internal circuits beyond repair. While you could potentially replace damaged parts and have the equipment professionally cleaned, it may be prohibitively expensive unless your items were specially designed or extremely costly. In submersion cases, we recommend completely replacing your electronics and notifying your insurance about each damaged item.

Remember, if your business has sustained flood or water damage, it is never safe to just turn on your electronics afterward to test them. You run the risk of electrical shock, and even further damage to your equipment. That's why you should call on us. Our water damage restoration services work quickly with the innovative tools and expertise necessary to fix your equipment. Contact the professionals at SERVPRO to learn how we can get your business back up and running fast.

Getting Your Business Up and Running After a Hurricane

10/4/2021 (Permalink)

After any severe natural disaster, many people are left wondering how to even start picking up the pieces, both literally and figuratively. If you’re a business owner, you not only have to worry about repairing your home, but also your commercial property – your livelihood. If your building experienced severe water damage, use these hurricane damage recovery tips from the experts at SERVPRO to get your business up and running as soon as possible.

FIRST THING'S FIRST: STAY SAFE

Safety should always be your number one priority – business owner or not. Even after the rain stops and the flood water begins to recede, the dangers of flooding still loom. You may not be able to see potential electrical hazards, gas leaks and water contaminants with an untrained eye, which is why you should avoid entering your property until an inspector determines the structure is safe.

STEPS TO RESTORE YOUR BUSINESS AFTER A FLOOD

After you're given the OK to reenter your place of business, follow these five steps to safely examine the damages and start your commercial property's recovery and restoration.

1. Contact Your Insurance Provider

Begin the claim filing process for any major damages as soon as possible. We know that dealing with insurance can be a long, frustrating and daunting process. That's why it's best to place a call to your insurance agent right away. You can always call back with more details on the damages later, but the sooner you start, the better.

2. Wear Safety Gear

If your property survived the storm, it may have some battle scars. Since there will likely be debris, broken glass and flood water inside, you'll need to wear the proper protective gear during cleanup, including gloves, closed toe shoes and possibly waders. Try to cover any exposed skin to reduce the risk of scratches, cuts and infection.

3. Survey the Damage

Seeing your business damaged by a flood can be devastating. It's OK to feel sad or overwhelmed – in fact, it's completely normal. Take you time to process the extent of the storm's impact. As you assess the scope of the damage, remember to take pictures of any damage you see and to make detailed notes for your insurance claim and company records.

4. Clear Rubble and Salvage What You Can

Remove unharmed or repairable items and store them in a safe, dry place until the restoration of your building is complete. If the rest of the debris is safe to handle, clear away rubble so you can begin repairs. Make any minor fixes if you can, but don't be afraid to ask for help.

5. Find the Right Professional Help

Flood damage restoration experts know how to tackle jobs of all sizes and get your business back in shape quickly. Find a company like SERVPRO, who can guide you through the entire restoration process and have proven experience helping businesses recover after hurricane flood damage.

Where is your sprinkler shut off?

11/6/2020 (Permalink)

Sprinkler systems are commonly installed in commercial and industrial buildings. They save life and structure when a fire occurs. They do cause water damage though when putting out the fire or when the system malfunctions.  This is when SERVPRO is Here to Help. We come in and dry the structure when a system malfunctions. Fire sprinklers are activated when the mercury liquid-filled bulb bursts between 135 and 165 degrees. It is thought by many that they are triggered by smoke.  They are actually activated by heat. Failures occur with sprinkler heads commonly when the line freezes from cold weather or the head gets hit or pulled on by something.  We are here to help when you need it most and want to help prevent issues before they arise. It is always a good idea to know where your sprinkler line shut off valves are located in case you have a malfunctioning system and know who services these systems for your facility.

SERVPRO of Kearney & North Platte specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!

Call us at (308)535-1115

Tips for disinfecting your office.

11/6/2020 (Permalink)

Keeping a clean office environment should be a priority for your company. This will prevent the spread of germs and keep people healthier year-round.

Here are four tips for disinfecting your office:

1.) Wipe surfaces in one direction.

If you wipe a surface one direction and then go back the opposite direction, you are going to spread the germs right back on the surface. A swift wipe in one direction will be most effective in removing germs from a surface.

2.) Make sure you're using the right chemicals.

Make sure you are using the right chemicals for disinfecting. Each cleaning product should be labeled with its intended purpose. 

3.) Make sure you get to all of the high-tough areas.

High-touch areas should be at the top of your list for disinfecting. This includes things such as chairs, stair railings, telephones, restroom surfaces and coffee pot handles/dispensers.

4.) Make handwashing a priority in your business.

Stressing the importance of handwashing in your office will go a long ways in preventing the unnecessary spread of germs.

SERVPRO of Kearney & North Platte specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!

Call us at 308.535.1115

Why the IICRC is Important

10/28/2020 (Permalink)

IICRC

What is the IICRC? The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification is a nonprofit organization for the cleaning and restoration industry. Our SERVPRO team members study IICRC best practices guidelines for fire damage, water damage restoration, and mold remediation. It is a certification and standard-setting organization. IICRC standards are developed to provide the highest quality concepts, terminology, and procedures recognized in the cleaning and restoration industry. There are many certifications that our team members earn and our SERVPRO team of franchise professionals make sure to keep up with the certifications as technology and material changes. Our team members take the certifications to be prepared for any situation and to properly address the problem and apply efficient and thorough mitigation for your business or property.

SERVPRO of Kearney & North Platte specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!

Call us at 308.535.1115

We Are Here For You When Fire Damage Strikes

10/28/2020 (Permalink)

House Fire

The damage caused by a fire doesn’t end when the flames have been extinguished.  When dealing with fire damage, homeowners often see their possessions that they spent their lives working for along with the roof over their heads destroyed, leaving them searching for a safe place to stay while they figure out what's next. Meanwhile, businesses can find themselves in financial struggles and unable to deliver their goods and services leaving them exposed to potential loss of clients, marketing share and potentially not re-opening. Rapid fire damage restoration can hold the key to limiting the emotional and financial struggles caused by a fire. SERVPRO understands this and knows how important it is to get your lives back to normal and businesses back open.

EVERY 65 SECONDS!

According to the latest numbers from the National Fire Protection Association, a structure fire is reported every 65 seconds. When a fire alarm sounds, emergency responders and fire departments answer the call for help with rapid response and deployment to the scene of the fire. When the fire is out and the smoke clears, SERVPRO team members respond, ready to help with the same rapid response and quick deployment to your damage home or business – 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU ALWAYS

At SERVPRO, we never take a day off because we know fires happen anytime, all the time and we are to serve you!

Call us today 308.535.1115.

Why Would You Want Commercial Insurance?

10/28/2020 (Permalink)

Commercial Insurance

If you own or run a business in it’s extremely important to have a commercial insurance policy to protect your assets from a potential catastrophic fire or other catastrophe. This type of insurance may prove invaluable in many ways after an emergency. Here are a few reasons you may want to consider having commercial insurance.

1. Commercial Insurance May Cover Restoration Costs

In most cases, a fire or water restoration process at your business can include a number of costs for both the structural repairs, fire damage cleanup, the contents cleaning, document restoration, and any additional services that might be restored. That can be a lot of different services you may not have initially realized will be necessary to restore your business to it's original condition before the damage occurred. Commercial insurance takes these types of repairs into account and may include them under your policy.

2. Commercial Insurance May Recommend a Restoration Service Provider like SERVPRO

Another important aspect of commercial insurance is the fact that in many cases the carrier may have a preferred cleanup and restoration service provider they work with or contract. These providers are usually industry certified restoration professionals who may have a number of tools that allow them to communicate and work with your insurance provider. This means you won’t have to waste time looking for a trusted company, as your insurance agent or adjuster may already have their number on file.

3. Commercial Insurance May Cover Secondary Damages and Business Interruption

If your policy includes secondary damage coverage you may find that the cost of some unexpected repairs may be covered. Secondary damages are damages that occur as a result of the initial problem. For example, the need for a smoke cleanup, or water damage repairs could occur along with or after an initial fire damage.

Maintaining a commercial insurance policy for your Kearney & North Platte business can be a good idea for a number of reasons. A commercial policy may be able to cover a number of costs associated with cleanup and repairs, including the services from a restoration provider. Your insurance provider may even recommend a specific team for you to work with like SERVPRO. Additionally, depending on your policy, secondary damages may also be covered which can help with unexpected damages, not to mention monies for lost revenue due to business interruption.

When you need a board-up call SERVPRO.

10/19/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Board up

Situations such as vandalism and graffiti can be very upsetting and overwhelming for homeowners and businesses. Vandalism and graffiti can range from relatively minor pranks to malicious destruction of property. Often simple acts of vandalism, like breaking a window, can cause significant water and mold damage if not addressed in a timely manner. Here at SERVPRO, we have the capability to help with this property damage. We can do a board-up which is done after a storm, fire, or vandalism incident where the building is exposed to the elements. It is meant to prevent further damage from happening to the facility. It minimizes property loss by securing the building and taking care if restorable/reusable elements. A natural disaster can leave your facility vulnerable to problems such as vandalism, theft, and unwanted entry.

SERVPRO of Kearney & North Platte specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!

Call us at 308.535.1115