How to Keep Your Business Sanitary?

11/22/2023 (Permalink)

Keeping your business open and running can be a challenge during a pandemic. Sanitation of your environment is essential in keeping your staff safe. It is important to clean all communal areas such as rest rooms or break rooms. Keeping shared electronic equipment like tablets, touch screens, keyboards, remote controls, and ATM machines sanitized will help further keep your location clean and safe. Wearing protective face masks that limit the spread of airborne pathogens is also a major step that can be taken to avoid the spread of infection. These few step can help keep your staff healthy and your workplace safe and clean. 

Prepare your Business for Winter Weather!

11/11/2022 (Permalink)

Prepare your business for winter weather!

-Check your business property for downed tree limbs and branches. Weather, such as wind, heavy rain, ice and snow, can cause branches to fall, which could cause damage to the property and potentially cause personal injuries. 

-Inspect property, especially walkways and parking lots, for proper drainage to alleviate flood hazard potential. 

-Inspect all handrails, stairwells and entryways to address and correct potential slippery or hazardous areas. Install mats or non-slip surfaces and post caution signs where water could be present.

-Ask your SERVPRO Professional about starting an Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) for your business. 

What is an Emergency Ready Profile?

It is a "snapshot" of each building owned/managed by a business, that provides critical information for emergency preparation right at your fingertips on your smartphone.  

Tips to Prevent Mold in your Business

11/10/2022 (Permalink)

Why should you worry about mold in your building? According to OSHA, some mold, over time, may cause structural damage to wood along with damage to furnishings and finishes. Use the following tips to help prevent mold growth in your business.

#1: Clean Out the Refrigerator

It can be difficult to keep track of shared refrigerators. Some people will always remember to clear out their leftovers, others won’t. Old food storage containers are a perfect breeding ground for mold. Over time, mold can travel to the shelving and even outside the refrigerator. Consider instituting an office refrigerator policy. If something is left in the fridge by a certain time each week, it goes in the garbage.

#2: Look for And Repair Leaks

Leaks from plumbing, windows, roofs, and more can lead to significant water damage in your business as well as an increased risk of mold growth. If you aren’t regularly inspecting your property, it’s easy for these leaks to go unchecked until they create a larger, more costly problem. Watch for telltale signs of a leak such as lower water pressure; wet spots on the floors, ceilings, or walls; and condensation around window sills and in attic spaces.

#3: Keep It Clean

It’s easy for anyone to get caught up in work and let clutter take over his or her workspace. However, clutter creates lots of hiding spots for crumbs and dust, which are both great food sources for mold. Make sure to clear the clutter and wipe down hard surfaces regularly. Make sure to promptly clean all spills as well. Clean and sanitize break rooms and bathrooms frequently. Both rooms provide ample opportunity for mold growth. These rooms should be cleaned at least weekly depending on how regularly people use each room.

#4: Turn on the AC/Dehumidifier

Leaks aren’t the only way for moisture to accumulate in your business. High humidity levels can lead to moisture and mold as well. On hot days, fans can cool you off, but they don’t do much for humidity levels. Run your AC or a dehumidifier to cut down the humidity in the building.

#5: Clean out Trash Cans

While you might switch out the liners regularly, can you remember the last time you washed out the trash cans? It’s easy for bits of food and condensation to sneak beneath liners into the can, which is all mold needs to grow. Try washing out office wastebaskets about once a month to prevent mold growth.

#6: Take Care of Your HVAC System

Your HVAC system can quickly distribute mold spores throughout your building if there is a problem. Make sure your HVAC system receives regular inspections. Sometimes moisture condenses inside air ducts or leaks drip onto ducts from ceiling tiles, which can lead to mold growth inside the ducts. Make sure to keep the HVAC drip pans clean and unobstructed. Additionally, replace your filters as needed.

#7: Slope the Ground Away from the Foundation

If the ground around your building slopes toward the foundation, water can accumulate and weaken your building’s structure. Additionally, it provides an ideal environment for mold to grow. The ground should slope away from the building. You should also make sure your building follows the local building codes for drainage. Mold is persistent. Even if you follow all the right steps it’s still possible for mold to grow and spread in your building. Fortunately, we have the right experience in mold remediation to make your place of business “Like it never even happened.” Unfortunately, mold doesn’t stay put, it grows quickly. You’ll want to give us a call as soon as you notice it, so we can start the remediation process. Our technicians have the training, equipment, and knowledge necessary to help locate and remediate mold efficiently. If you find mold in your place of business, call us today!

Don't Wait!! Call SERVPRO of Rock County to Begin the Process of Removing Water in your Commercial Building

8/25/2022 (Permalink)

A flood can be a nightmare for a customer-facing business. Unfortunately, they are not easy to prevent due to the myriad of potential causes. A customer could leave a faucet on, an aging pipe could finally burst, or even extreme weather conditions could result in flooding. These all can cause temporary closure, and those that happen overnight can be particularly damaging. To limit the loss of revenue and be able to return your staff to work, you can use our professional restoration service.

The job of commercial water removal in Rock County properties is usually one that goes beyond the scope of your janitorial team. SERVPRO of Rock County has access to national resources and can train local technicians while providing them with the right equipment to work on larger job sites. We operate our emergency line twenty-four hours a day to help our commercial businesses in times of need.

A water issue in a property is not always a case of large quantities of standing water. Sometimes a leak can spread out across a large surface area. This excess water is then absorbed into floors or wall cavities, primarily if the problem occurs during the close of business hours. We can conduct mitigation tasks quickly to help to ensure that no lasting damages are sustained to your property.

One method of removing water from a property is by creating airflow. SERVPRO of Rock County uses rapid air movers in a variety of ways to start this process. This equipment works by blasting air out at the surface level which pushes moisture into the air. Working with an open system, the circulation can replace wet air with drier air from outside the property.

Air movers can also be adapted to create circulation in areas of the property that would usually be hard to access. By attaching shrouds to an air mover, SERVPRO of Rock County can re-purpose them to send air currents through wall cavities or beneath floorboards. These steps can often be essential in mitigating microbial growth.

The benefit of professional assistance is that it can help to guard against expensive secondary damages, contact SERVPRO of Rock County at (608) 754-7202.

Commercial Cleaning

8/22/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of the Rock County offers specialty cleaning services ranging from cleaning office upholstery to getting your commercial property clean, safe, and healthy again. Your business represents you.  A clean and attractive business keeps customers coming and leaves a positive impression. We want every inch of your facility to be showcase material. 

Our commercial specialty cleaning services include:
•    Air Ducts and HVAC
If your HVAC has been operating for some time without attention, it could be circulating dust, pollen, odors, dirt, debris, and other contaminants.
•    Biohazard and Sewage
SERVPRO of Rock County is trained to safely remove biohazards and dispose of them properly in accordance with OSHA and health regulations.
•    Trauma and Crime Scene
Many times, crime and accident scenes have blood and other biohazard contaminants that can cause serious health effects. SERVPRO of South Madison County will respond immediately and has the specialized training, protective equipment, and experience to safely clean trauma and crime scenes.
•    Carpet and Upholstery
Even the highest-quality carpet and upholstery can show soiling over time. Protect your investment by calling us to clean and maintain your carpet and upholstery.
•    Drapes and Blinds
We carefully inspect and test fabrics to determine which of SERVPRO’s five cleaning methods is best suited to your fabrics. 
•    Ceilings, Walls, and Hard Floors
Ceilings and walls are exposed to dirt and dust, pet dander, cooking oils and grease, cigarette smoke, and other contaminants. Your heating and air conditioning system can distribute these contaminants throughout your property.
•    Odor Removal and Deodorization
SERVPRO of Rock County teaches IICRC technical classes in the proper removal of odors. Masking and other short cuts do not work when your odor problem is serious or persistent.
•    Vandalism
Often simple acts of vandalism, like breaking a window, can cause significant water and mold damage if not addressed in a timely manner.

Call SERVPRO of Rock County at 608-754-7202 anytime. We offer estimates prior to starting your job and work with your insurance company with covered claims.  If you find your business in need of a cleaning or emergency restoration, call today for your inspection and estimate.

Commercial Property Damage

8/16/2022 (Permalink)

When a fire strikes your commercial property, it's quite likely that you feel yourself start to panic. This immediate reaction makes sense given all of the economic turmoil and property destruction that a fire can cause. However, knowing which steps to take in the face of a Treasure Valley commercial fire can help prevent you from becoming anxious, losing money, and undergoing extensive property damages. To handle a treasure valley commercial fire successfully and speedily, implement the following four tips:

1. Contact A Fire Remediation Expert. 
Once the fire department has doused all of the flames, be sure to call a fire remediation expert. This individual will be able to equip you with a thorough assessment indicating the extent of the damages. Don't ever attempt to handle any of the cleanups, drying, or restoration processes on your own. Doing so could put you in peril of injury and illness.

2. Assemble Your Records. 
In addition to contacting a fire remediation expert, make sure that you assemble your business's essential records. You'll want to have this information with you when you start working with your insurance company. To guarantee that you can have all of your files ready in a safe place, make a point to buy a fireproof safe where they can be stored.

3. Call The Insurance Company Immediately. 
Be sure that you call your insurance company once the fire is put out. This step is important because your insurance agent will work with you to file a claim and determine how much coverage you'll attain for the commercial damages.

4. Get Permission To Reenter The Building. 
Always ask the fire department or another local authority whether you can reenter your building. In some cases, Treasure valley fires can weaken the structural integrity of the commercial property and make it subject to collapse. This is why you need to assure that reentry is safe for you and your employees.

Call SERVPRO For Fast, Friendly Fire Remediation Services 
If your business caught on fire, don't worry. Instead, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Rock County and let us start cleaning up immediately. Acting right now is the key to limiting damages and expediting the restoration process. Choosing our team of industry specialists is the secret to attaining the sophisticated services you deserve. All of our IICRC-certified technicians will work with diligence and determination to get your commercial property back in pristine condition, so call us now at (608) 754-7202.

WInter in the Work Place

1/6/2022 (Permalink)

It’s beginning to get brisk and blustery outside! Time to bust out the winter boots and warm beverages. Whether this season’s weather brings massive snowstorms or just the occasional cold snap—if you own a small business, it’s definitely time to winterize your workplace.

Winterizing your workplace is the best way to prevent injuries like slips, trips, and falls. To promote workplace safety during winter, you can take steps to reduce slippery surfaces, train your workers on winter driving, minimize cold exposure, and have a communications plan. To improve morale during the season, bring in some warm apple cider, call a meeting, and ask your team to help design the ideal winter safety plan for your business.

Winter workplace injuries

Each winter, there is a significant spike in work-related injuries. There were 42,480 workplace injuries and illnesses involving ice, sleet, or snow in just one year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That number includes only those events that caused employees to miss at least one day of work and that were reported to the bureau. This year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) predict a wetted winter with colder than average temperatures in some regions. That’s an ice-cold recipe for weather-related injuries at work.

Implement a winter safety plan

If you operate a business, you know how essential it is to promote safety among your employees. Depending on the size of your workforce and your industry, you may be required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) or by your state regulators to have a safety plan in place. However, even if you are not required to show proof of your safety plan you should still have one. As a business owner, not only does practicing workplace safety protect the members of your team, it also protects your bottom line.

When you put together your workplace winter safety plan, don’t forget to consider the additional risks caused by rain, sleet, and snow. Set aside some work time and call a meeting so that all of your employees can help establish, reevaluate, or familiarize themselves with your safety plan.

Get buy-in from your employees

OSHA, the U.S. entity that protects and regulates workplace safety, recommends enlisting the help of your employees when you create a plan. Having your team member’s help is key because they:

• Know the most about the hazards of their own jobs
• Have the most to gain or lose based on your safety program
• Can help create, implement, evaluate, and improve the program
• May gain a sense of ownership and buy-in with the program

Winter workplace safety tips to get you started

To effectively winterize your workplace, you should gather your employees and ask them to consider all aspects of their workday. Work together to brainstorm potential winter hazards they may experience while at work and on the way to and from the workplace. Write out all their ideas. Next, group the hazards into categories so that you can create a winter safety plan that is catered specifically to your business. Do not forget to consider the different environments your employees work in, such as the office, warehouse, vehicles, roads, or field.

Address slippery areas

• De-ice parking lots, sidewalks, entryways, and outdoor break areas
• Reroute people using caution signs, rope, cones, or tape
• Put mats down over slippery spots
• Mop up any standing water, especially on tile or marble
• Set aside a place for wet umbrellas, raincoats, and shoes

Set up a communications plan

• Monitor severe weather announcements
• Set up a call tree or send a group text message and email blast with weather updates
• Consider canceling work, adjusting hours, or asking employees to work remotely
• Ensure you have a way to connect with workers in the field if severe weather arrives

Promote winter driving safety

• Train employees who operate work vehicles on best practices for winter driving
• Supply work vehicles with ice scrapers, tire chains, emergency kits, and shovels
• When possible, cancel tasks that require driving until bad weather clears

Minimize cold exposure

• Have outdoor workers take breaks and work shorter shifts
• Rotate employees to reduce individual time in the cold
• Set up outdoor heaters
• Save routine, non-essential tasks for warmer months

Provide education about cold stress

• Teach workers that cold stress keeps the body from being able to regulate temperature
• Discuss how cold stress can lead to hypothermia, frostbite, and trench foot
• Advise that people with diabetes, hypothyroidism, or hypertension are more vulnerable to risk
• Request that employees dress in loose-fitting layers of clothing
• Ask employees to stretch and warm-up before working in the cold

Practice office safety

• Ensure that space heaters are used properly and kept away from flammable materials
• Unplug all space heaters when not in use
• Decorate for holidays wisely—don’t use candles or hang decor on fire sprinklers
• Use caution with ladders and extension cords when decorating

Winterize your building

• Set faucets to drip to avoid frozen pipes
• Inspect and repair indoor and outdoor insulation
• Have your HVAC system checked and maintained 

With some deliberate planning and participation from your whole team, you can successfully winterize your workplace for safety. Use the opportunity to boost morale and refocus as you face the colder weather months.

As always, if disaster strikes, SERVPRO of Rock County is always here for you. We can be reached 24/7 at 608.754.7202

How can SERVPRO help to clean0up a Commercial Fire!

11/10/2021 (Permalink)

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), a fire department located somewhere in the United States responds to a fire every 24 seconds. Furthermore, it’s estimated that fires each year account for more than $25.5 billion in direct property damage costs. Let’s take a closer look at how SERVPRO Rock County can help you cleanup and recover from a devastating fire, water, mold, storm or commercial property damage event.

Inspection and Damage Assessment for Fires

After our initial outreach and emergency contact with a customer, our team comes to the property to carefully inspect and test adjoining rooms of your property to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. This step is crucial to developing a plan of action that we will follow throughout the remaining steps of the restoration process.

Cleaning and Sanitizing Fire Damage

Once we have created a plan for your property restoration project, our team gets geared up and ready to clean, sanitize, and disinfect all of the restorable items and structures that have been damaged by the fire. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to restore your belongings to pre-fire condition. We’re also trained to remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.

Your Choice for Commercial Restoration Success

Restoration is the final (and most important) step in our process in getting your home or business to its pre-fire condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business. This process uses multiple types of equipment and can take as long as it’s needed for the damage to be completely remediated.

Sticking With the Team at SERVPRO for Your Commercial Restoration Project

Whether you’ve experienced fire, water, mold, storm or commercial property damage, SERVPRO Rock County should always be your choice to restore your property back to its original condition. If you’d like to speak with a specialist on our team today, make sure to call us 24/7 at (608) 754-7202 so that we can understand your unique situation.

How long do you wait to call your local SERVPRO?

11/10/2021 (Permalink)

Emergency situations can sometimes leave us second-guessing our actions during the heat of the moment. In these cases, you need to make sure that you have your wits about you and aren’t scrambling for a solution. Making sure to call for SERVPRO of Rock County at the first sign of water damage instead of waiting might make the difference between potentially thousands of dollars in damages later down the line.

The Benefit of Quickly Acting for your Water Damage

There’s never a convenient time for flooding or water damage to strike your business. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, it’s important to take quick action to avoid negative after-effects from any storm damage you may have shouldered.

The Importance of 24/7 For Commercial Restoration

Water damage can come at any time. Storms, pipe bursts, floods, etc. all happen 24/7. So why deal with a commercial restoration company that isn’t ready to react to issues as fast as they happen? When you call SERVPRO Rock County, you know you will always be speaking with a live operator who will direct your call to the team nearest you that is ready to hop in and start the restoration process. Without this 24/7 call time, any water damage your commercial property has sustained could turn into mold that could spread and cause thousands of dollars in damage.

Commercial Restoration in a Flash

If you suspect that your commercial property has experienced water damaged, take action quickly. The longer you wait the more damage and repair costs you may suffer as a result. Make sure to call the trusted team at SERVPRO Rock County at (608) 754-7202 immediately if you’re in need of ASAP commercial restoration solutions.

Have you had your Ducts Cleaned?

8/30/2021 (Permalink)

Is it time for you to have your ducts cleaned? It is very important to have your commercial ducts cleaned.

Ventilation systems are often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality. Make it a priority to inspect the ductwork of your home or business.

If your HVAC has been operating for some time without attention, it could be circulating odors, dust and other contaminates.

You should routinely inspect the heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit (HVAC).  Keeping them clean can extend the life of the equipment. This can in turn save you money and give you cleaner air to breathe.

However, duct cleaning is not always necessary. SERVPRO of Rock County will make recommendations about the best way to address any indoor air quality concerns. This can save you money and provide peace of mind on the health of your system.

The benefits of servicing your HVAC unit include:

• Helps to restore peak energy efficiency.
• May help to eliminate offensive odors.
• Helps reduce the potential for mold growth.

Tips for Commercial Fire Safety

8/25/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Rock County wants to share the following information about commercial fires and how safety equipment helps to lessen the damage and can assist in preventing any bodily injury. According to the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association), one of the most common causes of commercial fire is electrical and lighting equipment. This type of fire is not easily predicted, as the lighting equipment can look totally fine on the outside.

Tips and Information:

• If there is a lot of smoke inside the building, cover your mouth and nose and do your best to not inhale any of it
• Building sprinklers should be examined and tested every 5 years
• There should always be a fire extinguisher in reach inside of a commercial building and they must be checked annually to ensure they are in working order
• If an office building is on fire, exit the building immediately and do not try to fight the fire yourself
• Wet pipe sprinklers installed in the ceilings of commercial buildings are very effective in helping to fight the fire(s)

In the unfortunate event that a commercial building does catch fire, rest assured that SERVPRO of Rock County is prepared to help clean up any fire damage the building/area has sustained.

SERVPRO of Rock County is independently owned and operated.https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Data-research-and-tools/Building-and-Life-Safety/US-Structure-in-Office-Properties

Recovering from a fire!

8/25/2021 (Permalink)

The same way you would not expect a firefighter to come back to provide cleanup services, most employees do not expect their employer to directly restore a business following a fire-related emergency. Despite this, the primary business owner does have a responsibility to ensure that the proper fire damage restoration steps are taken before workers return to the premises. Most importantly, perhaps, is that action is taken quickly, as additional negative effects can result from the impact of smoke and water damage if not addressed immediately.

Read on to learn more about what exactly is involved when it comes to restoration services and commercial fire damage cleanup!

Simple as 1, 2, 3? The Top Bases to Cover for Employee Safety

Although it is completely understandable to feel overwhelmed following a commercial fire that has damaged your business, there are basic steps you can plan for to get you through to re-opening day. When you tackle the process piece by piece, recovery becomes much more manageable.

1)  First Steps: Assessing the Damage and Initial Safety Work

One of the most important steps to take before cleaning up or completing basic return-to-work tasks is making sure you document the extent of damage done to the property for insurance purposes. Particularly for businesses, this can be a complicated process that is best left to the professionals, like those at SERVPRO of Rock County. Our fire damage cleanup professionals will thoroughly document the extent of fire, water, soot or other damage to guarantee you the highest return for your lost or ruined items.

In addition, you can rely on the experts to verify the safety of your property to be sure windows, the roof, or support walls have not endured additional damage. The goal of the game is damage prevention, which requires significant investigation before any cleanup processes are initiated.

2)  Next Up: Tackling Soot, Smoke and Water Removal

You may be surprised to hear that carpets, rugs, and fabrics are technically the largest air filters in your commercial property or office building! In reality, these surfaces are much more prone to absorbing malodors, including smoke and soot. Specialized techniques, tools, and cleaners are required to remove these from walls, ceilings, and other surfaces before employees can return to work.

Don’t forget about the potential for water issues to develop as a result of the flooding that naturally results from firefighter response units. Being able to rely on a professional team to identify potential problem areas where mold could take root will put you and your workers at ease. Don’t be afraid to ask us about the ways we can ensure water, smoke, and soot will be eradicated from your property!

3)  Wrapping Up the Process: Cleanup, Restoration, and Repair

Once you have addressed major structural items and large-scale cleaning needs for rugs, carpets, and fabrics, you can begin to move on to the cleaning of other restorable items and structures. Depending upon the nature of the item, professionals will need to recruit special tools, cleaners, and equipment to remove odors while bringing your materials back to life.

Similarly, even typically normal-to-tackle tasks like painting can be hindered by the reality of chipping, peeling, or bubbling paint, which typically results from water and fire damage. In the event large-scale scraping, sanding, and refinishing is needed, you can begin to see the benefit of calling in a professional team like SERVPRO of Rock County to take care of business.

Deep Clean Covid Cleaning

1/4/2021 (Permalink)

During a global pandemic it is important to ensure the safety and sanitation of your facility. When having employees work in the same location or by using the same tools and equipment, the risk of exposure increases. Cleaning your facility can be time consuming and you may experience a loss of productivity. SERVPRO has the ability to clean your commercial space by using state of the art sanitation equipment and cleaning solutions. Providing highly trained professionals we tackle the issues at hand and do not stop until we have provided a full and complete sanitation. We provide deep cleaning solutions to industries that have been exposed to Covid including service vehicles. When it come to the health of your work environment, it is always better to error on the side of caution. SERVPRO is always available to answer your call and any questions you may have. 

Commercial Building Disaster Preparation

12/2/2020 (Permalink)

Being ready for any kind of situation that may affect your business is one way to save time and money when disaster strikes. SERVPRO offers services that can easily prepare you and your working staff for issues including fire, water damage, mold and more. We created an ERP (Emergency Ready Program) that takes the guess work out of locating the most important components of your facility. For example: If a pipe burst in your commercial building, do you know where the main valve is to cut the water line? Do your employees? If there was a fire, do you have a map locating all emergency exits with a path to follow to each? If you answered 'no' then you and you business may benefit from this program. Call us today for more information. 

Commercial Building Fire Restoration

11/10/2020 (Permalink)

Clean up after a fire can be a daunting task. Whether it is from a large scale loss or minor smoke damages, it must be cleaned properly to avoid cross contamination or illness. Smoke residue can contain harmful chemicals that can transfer among employees. It is important to have your space sanitized and repaired to the highest standards. SERVPRO has the tools and experience needed to restore your commercial space from the initial disaster, to the finishing touches. Fires can occur for many reasons and at any time of the year. It is important to know what to do and who to call when disaster strikes. SERVPRO is available at all times to answer your questions and get you and your business back on your feet.

Commercial Building Water Damage Repair

11/10/2020 (Permalink)

Commercial building water damages can be sustained at any time of year and for many different reasons. From water back up from a storm or a burst pipe in freezing weather, water can and will find a way to make a scene. Time is money when water is involved. The longer water stays stationary, the bigger the restoration will most likely be. When water comes into contact with hardwood flooring, it could be only a matter of hours before it becomes unsalvageable. SERVPRO has the equipment necessary to begin restoration immediately. Extracting the water from all surfaces, insulation and drywall will be needed to ensure potential mold growth from forming. When facing restoration needs, call SERVPRO. We are available to answer your questions and get you back on your feet, faster. 

Preparing Your Business For Disaster

8/31/2020 (Permalink)

September is Emergency Preparedness Month which is a perfect opportunity to re evaluate your businesses plan for action in the case of a catastrophic event. Having an emergency plan prepared before the event of an emergency can keep the situation under control and can better ready your employees on the steps to take. Knowing your insurance policy is crucial prior to property damage. Not all policies are the same and you may find yourself footing the bill on repairs. Having important documentation backed up electronically can be an important step to take as to not lose valuable information. This could include business licenses, contracts, leases, mortgage paperwork and legal documents. SERVPRO has the ability to set your business up with a personalized EMERGENCY READY PROFILE which could assist you in organizing your company in the event of a disaster. Call us today

Keeping Clean in the Age of Covid

8/31/2020 (Permalink)

Keeping your business open and running can be a challenge during a pandemic. Sanitation of your environment is essential in keeping your staff safe. It is important to clean all communal areas such as rest rooms or break rooms. Keeping shared electronic equipment like tablets, touch screens, keyboards, remote controls, and ATM machines sanitized will help further keep your location clean and safe. Wearing protective face masks that limit the spread of airborne pathogens is also a major step that can be taken to avoid the spread of infection. Staying home and away from others when exhibiting symptoms is a necessity in stopping the further spread of covid to the community or to your workplace. These few step can help keep your staff healthy and your workplace safe and clean. 

Commercial Building Board Up

8/27/2020 (Permalink)

When your business experiences the effects of fire damages or an extreme weather related event such as downed trees, it is important to board up the facility against outside elements. Animals invade and can occupy a space in a very short amount of time, furthering the damages and creating a new scenario of clean up and restoration. Having your building properly secured also helps prevent theft of belongings or vandalism to the property. Moisture from rainfall or exposure to snow can increase the chances of further damages such as mold growth. Water, when given an access point can seep into parts of your facility that were not originally affected, increasing the cost of repairs as well as extending the amount of time it will take to rebuild. SERVPRO is always available to answer your call, and any questions you may have.

Commercial Loss

1/2/2020 (Permalink)

When owning a business, any number of things could occur. Simple issues could result in huge losses. Preventing all unfortunate circumstances from happening might not be plausible, but basic preventative steps could mean the difference between success and stress. In colder months, be sure to regulate the temperature in all spaces of your commercial building, inside and out. Pipes exposed to freezing temperatures have the possibility of rupturing, leading to multiple types of repairs being needed. Be sure to inspect and maintain duct work to prevent the build up of foreign materials that could result in a fire. Always be sure to keep staff fully trained in emergency protocols and have detailed information available as to what steps should be taken in the event of property loss. These simple steps could save you time and money.  

Maintaining Your Commercial Space

12/3/2019 (Permalink)

A long row of pipes and spigots with connective tubing over a drain on the floor where a leak had begun

As any business owner can tell you, minor problems can become catastrophic if left unattended. A small water leak can cause thousands in damages. It is vital to have problems addressed when they arise to avoid further issues and a bigger price tag. Water loss can come in many forms and not all are covered by insurance policies. If neglect was the main cause of water damages to your property, you will be left with the responsibility of covering the costs. Leaking pipes left unnoticed can cause extensive harm to the surrounding areas. Be sure to keep your pipes well maintained and stay alert for any signs of cracks or leaks, especially in the colder months. The roof of your space should be taken into consideration as well. Even newer commercial buildings can see damages occur from extreme weather. Heavy snows or ice storms run the risk of putting added weight and stress on a structure. Keeping these pieces of information in ,mind can save you time, effort and money.   

Hazardous Materials Cleanup

11/19/2019 (Permalink)

Red Bio hazardous sign

Most commercial buildings house multiple items that can be considered hazardous materials. From strong cleaning solutions to large scale industrial units, chemicals that are harmful can be anywhere. Our highly skilled and trained group of professionals at SERVPRO have the knowledge and capability to preform large scale clean up. Hazmat and bio- hazardous situations can be stressful and confusing. Our team has the right tools to access the situation and begin repairs immediately. Having state of the art equipment and continues education helps keeps us prepared and trained for any occurrence that arises. It is important to be aware of your facility and to have prior knowledge of where certain items are located. Knowing these key pieces of information can potentially prevent you from having a bigger problem on your hands. 

The Cost Of Weather

11/12/2019 (Permalink)

Banner displaying Winter weather

With extreme weather of every category taking its toll across the country, there has been a significant increase of property damages. Those affected have seen economic losses that have been increasing with the severity of weather events. When running a business in locations that feel the effects of polar vortexes, cold snaps and heavy snowfalls, the risk of commercial property damages rises. Frozen pipes from freezing temperatures have the potential to burst, causing monetary loss. Heavy snowfalls also contribute to property loss as the weight can be a factor in roof collapse. Power outages are another factor in the extent of potential loss as it can mean no heat would be available to your space. It is important to be prepared for any event and to become familiarized with your insurance policies. SERVPRO is ready day and night to help you get back on your feet. 

Keep it clean: Commercial buildings

8/28/2019 (Permalink)

Being a business owner, one understands the importance that your facility's image has on you clientele base. Having a clean and organized space for conducting business is essential. Our trained and experienced team of technicians know how to safely and efficiently sanitize any location, big or small. From hospitals to high school gym rooms, our crew has seen and cleaned it all. Having state of the art equipment, we are able to handle large areas in a reduced amount of time. Duct work throughout your business should be routinely cleaned and maintained. We have the tools and skill needed to get to those hard to clean areas and take the work off your hands. Our network of local businesses have been loyal to our services and we are proud to serve our community. 

Ducts to Ducts.

8/28/2019 (Permalink)

Duct cleaning is an essential part of building maintenance. Over time, dust and impurities can corrode the inner parts of you ventilation system, causing numerous problems and potential health hazards. Poor quality of air in a business setting can trigger those suffering from asthma or cause breathing issues to those who do not. Our facility at SERVPRO of Rock County houses state of the art equipment used to clean and maintain duct work in multiple states of disarray. Having decades of experience, we have seen and dealt with it all. Without a thorough cleaning of your ventilation system, mold can be circulated through the air, making air conditions hazardous. Always call for advice from experts before handling any project to avoid causing further repairs that may need to be addressed later. 

It's Elemental

1/8/2019 (Permalink)

Mother Nature is a force no one can reckon with. The elements are an unpredictable enemy that anyone who owns property needs to take into constant consideration. With little or no warning, a natural disaster can wipe your business off the map within the blink of an eye. It is vital to be prepared for what could potentially be in store in your future and the damage control you can have prepared for these very situations. Listed below are a few examples of how you can defend your assets against the unforeseen elements.

Risk Assessment:  Where you are located can dictate your plan of action. If you are living in an area prone to flooding or located where tornadoes are common it might seem obvious in what coverage you require. A risk assessment is an important tool as it can identify the lesser probable causes of loss. Just because some events are less likely to occur than others, does not prevent the possibility of them happening. The best offense is a great defense. So be prepared.

Business Interruption Insurance: When you lose your ability to earn income do to damaged property your business interruption insurance will cover most of your loss. Some scenarios are straightforward as in water damage due to a burst pipe or structural damage caused by a fire. Natural disasters are not as specific. Secondary issues such as closed roads due to down trees can cause a loss of income and a basic interruption plan will not cover these situations. It is very important to look into supporting insurance that can be added on to cover such events.

FEMA Funding: Flooding is one of the most common side effects of natural disasters. While rain might be covered by your Business Owner's Policy, once it settles in any location it is no longer considered rain and is now defined as flood water. Flood water can only be insured by The Federal Flood Insurance Program which is administered by FEMA. 

Consider all options: When insuring your commercial building it should be of highest priority to be sure all options have been considered. Be completely aware of the threat that the elements pose and the steps you can have in place to insure your property should disaster strike.

Warming up a cold space

12/4/2018 (Permalink)

Commercial buildings typically lack a certain ‘cozy’ feeling and the winter months truly showcase how dull the environment can become. Drafty windows, harsh lighting and cold floors can add to the discomfort of spacious building interiors. Luckily, there are simple and inexpensive ways to battle the cold, and warm up your environment.

Lighting: Bright, overhead lighting can be zapping your office of precious needed color and subtle warmth. Try using softer lighting options that lessen the strain on your eyes. Small table lamps and accent lighting are great options to utilize.

Carpeting/Rugs: Cement or hard flooring is not optimal to retain heat. Adding throw rugs and sections of carpeting can add texture and help soften the cold coming from below. They also add an aesthetic appeal against any hard surface.

Plants: Having live plants present in any indoor space during winter months is known for its health benefits.  Not only do they help purify toxins in your home you may be unaware of they also add a pleasant contrast to the colorless landscape outdoors.

Caulking drafty windows: Do a walk about to all windows that are a barrier to the elements. If you can feel a difference in temperature or pressure a great way to shore up the exposed areas is with caulking. Meant to fill in the cracks and weak areas of seal, they help better insulate your space.

Winter in Wisconsin can arrive early and exit late. With these simple tips your commercial space will become a small escape from the outside world. As always, SERVPRO of Rock County is here to help!

Consider This

11/13/2018 (Permalink)

Selecting flooring for your commercial space can be more multi-faceted than you might first expect. There are many contributing factors to consider when making the final decision. Do you require a smooth surface for machinery to easily glide across? Will you or your work staff be on their feet for long hours? These are major questions you should be asking yourself to determine which flooring would work best. Typically, there are three different types of surfaces most commonly used in commercialized space.

• Concrete Etching: This option can leave your floor with warmth and rich earthy tones. As cement has a tendency of not retaining or being able to hold paint or stain, etching is done to create pores in the surface, allowing stain to hold.

• Epoxy Coating: Most commonly used in commercial settings, Epoxy coatings cover wide surface areas of hard material such as concrete or steal. It creates a barrier over the surface which seals and aids water resistance. It consists of an epoxy resin that is crossed with a co reactant or hardener.

• Vinyl Planking: Luxury planking has become a hot topic of debate in recent years for its upswings and draw backs. Visually, vinyl planking is unmatched. The variety of textures and options are forever changing and updating. Structurally though, it is not nearly as strong as its competition. It also is not as environmentally friendly as the access pieces that remain unused after installation typically ends up in the trash. Harsh cleaning chemicals are also known to warp vinyl after prolonged exposure.

As with any project, there are many options to weigh and decisions to make to prevent any unexpected issues present themselves. As always, SERVPRO of Rock County is here to help you with any questions or assistance you may need! Give us a call today!

A time to be prepared

11/9/2018 (Permalink)

Commercial losses on a large scale can come quickly and carry a heavy price tag. Something as simple as a leaky roof or a drippy pipe can cause thousands in reconstructive damages and repairs. As some disasters are natural there is little that can be done to prevent injury to your building or to have an exact plan in place for preventative measures. On the other hand, there are many steps that can be implemented ahead of time that can greatly reduce the amount of time needed to recover.

• Most importantly is to have an emergency plan on hand and constructed ahead of time to refer to in case disaster strikes. This should include the contact information for your nearest SERVPRO facility, as we can help assess and repair commercial damages on large and small scales on any type of disaster you may be facing.
• Know where all vital power sources and water sources are located in your facility. This includes your main water shut off valve and circuit breakers as cutting these off can be major contributors to salvaging your property.
• Have all vital insurance and business information prepared in an emergency folder for easy and swift access to prevent the delay of repairs and to expedite the time it takes to start the repairs.

These are just a few steps that can be taken to lessen the difficulties you may experience after Commercial building loss. SERVPRO of Rock County is just a call away and are here for you should you need us.