Commercial Water Removal: Technology Matters

11/26/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO uses the best technology to quickly and efficiently dry your home after a water damage loss.

There are potential causes of water possibly flooding your business. Sometimes a pipe breaks or sprinkler systems default and go off overnight causing water to spill into the building all night long. In other scenarios, severe weather possibly causes unwanted, indoor moisture.

The extraction process is a vital step in mitigating moisture damage. SERVPRO's of North Richland and Ashland counties commercial water removal technicians always use the industry's best equipment during extraction. We implement the best procedures to complete the job in a way that does not negatively affect your business.

When first arriving at an emergency water situation our team ensures the work area is safe for our technicians, your employees, and customers. We fix as many hazards in the area as possible. Areas that are not safe to access are blocked off, and danger signs are posted.

Then, the source of the problem is repaired so that water is no longer pouring into the building. If the issue results from faulty sprinklers or a pipe break, a plumber is called and fixes the problem. If rainwater enters due to a broken or exterior wall, we board up the hole in the structure so that no more moisture enters.

Next, we begin the extraction process with either a portable or truck-mounted extractor. Portable extractors are used for places that can be awkward to get into, or if parking a van at your business is not possible. Portable extractors weigh 40 to 90 lbs., hold 5 to 12 gallons of wastewater, and their vacuum power has 140 inches of water lift.

Truck-mounted extractors are used for severe projects that contain large amounts of water. The van that has the extractor gets parked close to an entrance to your business, so that the vacuum hose can be pulled in for extraction. Truck-mounted extractors weigh 500 to 1,100 pounds and have storage tanks that hold from 60 to over 100 gallons of waste. The vacuum lift capabilities for these extractors are more powerful, having between 185.71 to 198.98 inches of water lift.

Sometimes, we complete our extraction work during hours when your business is not open so that extraction does not hinder your normal operations. We may need to extract the water one small section at a time, so part of your business stays open. We work with you to ensure that your business is being properly restored, but we also make sure that you are back up and running as quickly as possible.

For professional help removing moisture from your place of business, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Ashland/Richland.

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.