Archived Blog Posts
We Clean Viral Pathogens Per CDC Guidelines
11/21/2022 (Permalink)
We have the equipment & training to keep your business safe from viral pathogens.
SERVPRO of Ashland/Richland is available to perform the necessary bio-hazard remediation services to clean, disinfect and sanitize their properties.
We use EPA approved products that follow CDC guidelines for cleaning viral pathogens. If you would like to inquire about our services, we are here to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. SERVPRO of Ashland/Richland is experienced in cleaning office buildings, banks, manufacturing plants, assisted living facilities and single-family homes for COVID-19, other types of coronavirus strains, and other viral pathogens.
We wish all our families, employees and friends to stay safe and healthy. If your home or business is need of a viral pathogen or biohazard clean, SERVPRO of Ashland/Richland will be there for you.
Is Your Business Ready for Disaster?
11/21/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO is there to help you prepare!
As a member of the Ready Campaign’s National Preparedness Coalition, SERVPRO® is proud to present the following information.
How quickly your company can get back to business after a tornado, fire, or flood often depends on the emergency planning done today.
The regular occurrence of natural disasters demonstrates the importance of being prepared for any emergency. While each situation is unique, your organization can be better prepared if you plan carefully, put emergency procedures in place, and practice for all kinds of emergencies. The following are basic measures business owners and managers can take to begin preparing.
A commitment to begin planning today will help support your employees, customers, the community, local economy, and even the country. It also protects your business investment and gives your company a better chance for survival.
Develop a Business Continuity Plan.
Your organization’s risk needs will vary depending on the specific industry, size, scope and location. Begin by reviewing your business process flow chart, if one exists, to identify operations critical to survival and recovery. Carefully assess your internal and external functions to determine which staff, materials, procedures and equipment are absolutely necessary to keep the business operating. You should also establish procedures for succession of management.
Review Insurance Coverage.
Inadequate insurance coverage can lead to major financial loss if your business is damaged, destroyed, or simply interrupted for a period of time. Insurance policies vary; check with your agent or provider about things such as physical losses, flood coverage and business interruption. Understand what your policy does and does not cover.
Prepare your Emergency Plan.
Your employees and co-workers are your business’ most valuable asset. Communication is central before, during, and after a disaster. Include emergency information in newsletters, on your company intranet, in periodic employee e-mails and/or other communication tools.
Practice the Emergency Plan.
Some disasters will require employees to leave the workplace quickly. The ability to evacuate workers, customers and visitors effectively can save lives. If your business operates out of more than one location, establish evacuation procedures for each individual building. If your company is in
a high-rise building, an industrial park, or even a small strip mall, it is important to coordinate and practice with other tenants or businesses to avoid confusion and potential gridlock.
Secure Your Facility and Equipment.
Install fire extinguishers, smoke alarms and detectors in appropriate places. Secure all entry and exit points and plan for mail safety. Plan what you will do if your building, plant, or store is not usable. Secure valuable equipment.
Improve Cyber Security.
Protecting your data and information systems may require specialized expertise, but even the smallest business can be better prepared. Use anti-virus software and keep it up-to-date. Don’t open e-mails from unknown sources. Use hard-to-guess passwords. Protect your computer from intruders by using firewalls. Back up your computer data and download security protection updates known as patches regularly.
Developing an Emergency Ready Profile.
SERVPRO of Ashland/Richland will work with you to establish and Emergency Ready Profile to help you prepare for disaster at no cost to you.
We Handle the Stress of Your Biohazard Clean!
11/21/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO handles your biohazard event with care!
Biohazard Cleanup and Restoration
Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences. A failure to properly remove such substances can contribute to unhealthy and dangerous environments. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals are trained to safely clean and remove biohazardous substances, and dispose of them properly in accordance with OSHA and health regulations.
Equipped with the necessary safety apparatus and cleaning products, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals are here to help transform any unsafe environments back into clean, safe homes and offices.
Please refer to our Biohazard Emergency Tips - Until Help Arrives Guide and follow these tips to protect yourself and your property.
Please feel free to call your local SERVPRO of Ashland/Richland.
419-207-8449
We are here in your time of need to make your disaster "Like it never even happened."
Understanding Water Damage: The Causes & How to React
11/21/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO will help make your water damage loss "like it never even happened!"
Flooding and the subsequent water damage it causes can be a major pain for business and home owners. While you may hope to never have to deal with water damage, the fact is you may want to know a bit about the process surrounding floods. You can work with one of our residential water damage specialists to learn more about the damage and cleanup, or you can turn to this quick guide.
Why It Happens
Water damage can be caused by a myriad of situations, including the following:
- A burst pipe or other plumbing issues
- Water collection in basements, crawlspaces or attics
- Natural disasters
- Problems with a dishwasher, washing machine or other appliances
- Sewer backups
Understanding a bit about why water damage takes place may help you prepare for the problems.
How To Clean Up
The cleanup process after a residential flood may vary based on the source of the water damage. If it was a pipe bursting, for example, you may have to remove your belongings from the house to allow them to dry out. Carpets and other flooring may also have to be torn out to better clean up the damage done by the water. If the damage was done by a sewer backup, the cleaning process may require a few more steps. Because your needs may vary so much, it is important for you to work with a team that knows what to do no matter the situation.
What To Know About Restoration
After you have cleaned up the initial mess of the flooding, the work may not be over. Depending on the extent of the water damage, your home may need to be restored. For example, if some of the drywall had to be taken out to avoid mold growth, the restoration will include replacing the drywall. The size of the restoration can vary based on the source of the water. A water line problem, for example, could encompass a larger portion of your home than a leaky shower.
Learning more about water damage can help you better prepare for floods, a burst pipe, or other sources of excessive water. It's better to learn about the issues before you have to deal with them.
Making a Claim
The process for making a claim for water damage is pretty much the same for flood or non-flood damage.
- Stop the water flow or leaks if possible.
- Of course, if your home is flooded by a raging river, that is likely impossible until the water recedes. However, if you have a burst water pipe, you need to take steps to stop the leak. Turn off the water main or get the pipe repaired quickly.
- Contact your insurance company as soon as possible.
- Most insurance companies offer a 24/7 claims number. The customer service representative can help you get the claim started and tell you the exact next steps the insurance company will need you to do.
- Take pictures and/or video of the damage.
- You need to have a visual record of the damage to the building and its contents. This is critical for your claim.
- Make reasonable repairs to the property to secure it from further damage.
- This includes covering holes in the roof, securing windows with plywood, etc.
- Start getting the water out.
- If you have water remaining inside the building, you can start removing it. You can do this yourself or have a water extraction company do it. Keep all receipts since insurance may cover those costs.
- Don't throw anything away.
- The adjuster will need to see all damaged property.
- Write down all your interactions with the insurance company.
- This includes time, date, who you spoke with, and the details discussed. Always follow up in writing on important discussions.
- Keep a central file that includes your interaction log, documents receivedfrom the insurance company, copies of the photos taken, and copies any correspondence you send.
As a 24/7 business SERVPRO of North Richland and Ashland County is committed to responding to home and business owners' needs, in the case of emergency. Whether it is water damage from a broken pipe, flooding from a downpour, or any other type of damage to your home or business, SERVPRO of North Richland and Ashland County is ready to respond “faster to any size disaster.”
Why is speed so important when it comes to flooding?
Because, the sooner restoration begins, the less damage occurs. Given time, water damages become more complex as water flows in your structure and contents. Also, with time, water infiltrating your home or business can give mold the moisture it needs to grow.
Call SERVPRO of North Richland and Ashland County 24/7 to handle your water damage emergencies making them, “like it never even happened.”
419-207-8449
24/7 Emergency Service