Is your Columbus Commercial Building Ready For Winter?

8/1/2023 (Permalink)

As the colder months approach around Ohio, commercial property owners and managers should prepare for the challenges that winter brings. Proper winterization is essential for maintaining a safe, efficient, and functional property during the frosty season.

1. Conduct a Winter Maintenance Check:

Before the winter weather sets in, schedule a thorough inspection of the property. Check the roof for leaks, the gutters for blockages, and the windows and doors for proper sealing. Addressing any maintenance issues early can prevent costly damage and energy inefficiencies during the winter.

2. HVAC System Maintenance:

A well-maintained HVAC system is crucial for keeping the property warm and comfortable during winter. Have a technician inspect and clean the heating system, change air filters, and ensure that all components are functioning optimally.

3. Protect Pipes from Freezing:

Frozen pipes can lead to significant water damage and expensive repairs. Insulate exposed pipes and consider installing heating cables in areas prone to freezing. Encourage tenants to keep the property heated, even during periods of vacancy, to prevent pipe-related disasters.

4. Snow and Ice Removal Plan:

Create a comprehensive snow and ice removal plan in collaboration with a reputable snow removal contractor. This plan should include designated snow removal areas, priorities for clearing different parts of the property, and an emergency response plan for severe weather events.

5. Stock Up on Winter Supplies:

Ensure an ample supply of winter essentials, such as salt, sand, snow shovels, and ice melt. These supplies are essential for maintaining safe walkways and parking lots, reducing slip and fall risks for tenants and visitors.

6. Landscape and Tree Maintenance:

Trim tree branches that could potentially break under the weight of snow and ice, posing a hazard to the property and its occupants. Additionally, remove any dead or weak trees that could fall during winter storms.

7. Check Exterior Lighting:

With shorter daylight hours in winter, proper exterior lighting is crucial for ensuring safety and security on the property. Inspect and replace any burnt-out bulbs or damaged fixtures to maintain a well-lit environment.

8. Communicate with Tenants:

Open lines of communication with tenants and inform them of your winter preparation plans. Encourage them to report any maintenance issues promptly and provide them with guidance on winter safety measures.

9. Plan for Power Outages:

Prepare for potential power outages by having a contingency plan in place. Consider investing in backup generators to keep essential systems, such as emergency lighting and security, operational during power disruptions.

10. Review Insurance Coverage:

Review your property insurance coverage to ensure it adequately protects against winter-related risks, such as snow damage, burst pipes, and slip and fall incidents. Make any necessary adjustments to your policy to avoid potential financial losses.

Winterizing commercial properties is a proactive approach to safeguarding investments, maintaining tenant satisfaction, and ensuring smooth operations during the colder months. By conducting proper maintenance checks, preparing for snow and ice removal, and focusing on tenant safety, commercial property owners and managers can navigate winter with confidence. Remember, early preparation and attention to detail are key to a successful and hassle-free winter season for your commercial property.

The Aftermath Of A Commercial Fire

8/18/2022 (Permalink)

Once the fire department has doused all of the flames, be sure to call SERVPRO, the fire remediation experts.

When a fire strikes on 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 Columbus commercial fire can help prevent you from becoming anxious, losing money, and undergoing extensive property damages. To handle a commercial fire successfully, follow the tips below:

1. Contact A Fire Remediation Expert.
Once the fire department has put out 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' 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 Re-enter The Building.
Always ask the fire department or another local authority whether you can re-enter your building. In some cases, a fire can weaken the structural integrity of the commercial property and make it subject to collapse. This is why you need to assure that re-entry is safe for you and your tenants.

If you experience a fire at your commercial property, call our experts at SERVPRO of Fairfield County today at (740) 756-7003!

Preventing Fires At Your Commercial Property

3/9/2022 (Permalink)

Trust our experts!

Fire damage to your business is a serious concern. Even moderate damage can result in your facility being closed for repairs for weeks on end, and this can be financially devastating.

The unfortunate reality is that no business is immune to the risk of fire. Some facilities may be more likely to endure damage from a fire, such as a restaurant that uses open flames throughout the day. However, there are many fire hazards that are present in most workplaces on a daily basis regardless of the type of activities that take place in the building. When you know what these hazards are, you can take proper steps to address and mitigate those risks and prevent possible fire damage and smoke damage.

Electrical Concerns
Damage to electrical wiring can result in sparks that quickly lead to damaging fires. Electrical wiring damage may include frayed cords, such as those connecting desktop computers to the wall power outlets. It may also include damage to internal wiring inside the walls, and these may be damaged by pests and other forces. Electrical fires may also start when power sockets are overloaded or when equipment gets too hot. Periodically review your company's wiring to identify areas of concern that need to be addressed.

Poor Equipment Maintenance
Other hazards in workplaces are related to poor equipment maintenance. For example, failing to service your furnace regularly may result in the accumulation of dust and other flammable debris. A gas leak in the furnace could result in a fire or an explosion. Fire hazards related to poor maintenance may also include dusty, dirty or greasy components, such as air ducts and vents, kitchen exhaust vents and many other features that are used throughout your facility. Scheduling necessary maintenance can decrease fire risk in these areas.

Flammable or Combustible Materials
Flammable and combustible materials are most commonly associated with industrial and warehouse environments, but even restaurants, hotels, dry cleaners and many other types of business may store combustible materials on-site. These materials should remain properly sealed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations at all times.

As you can see, there are numerous fire hazards that could result in serious damage to your business. If your business has already experienced fire damage, it is essential that repair work is completed as soon as possible. SERVPRO of Fairfield County is your trusted leader in the restoration industry. We can quickly restore your building to its previous condition so that operations can resume in your place of business. Call us today!

Why Do I Need an Emergency Ready Profile?

3/9/2022 (Permalink)

This is a free service offered by SERVPRO that provides you with all the information needed in an emergency that you can access directly from our app.

According to the latest industry research, as many as 50% of businesses may never recover following a disaster. Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place. Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind.

Preparation is a key component for making it through any size disaster, whether it’s a small water leak, a large fire or an area flood. The best time for planning for such events is not when the event happens, but well before it happens. No one ever plans on a disaster, but you can plan for it.

By developing a SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. The Emergency Ready Profile is a start up approach that provides the critical information needed to begin mitigation and recovery services. It is designed to serve as a quick reference of important building and contact information.

Call SERVPRO of Fairfield County at 740-756-7003 to get started on your SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile today!

Mold In Commercial Buildings

3/2/2022 (Permalink)

Mold found on back side of baseboards in commercial building.

Just like in your home, you also need to be concerned with mold in commercial buildings. Mold can be found almost anywhere and can grow on virtually any organic substance, as long as there is moisture and oxygen present. When excessive moisture accumulates in buildings or on building materials, mold starts to grow, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or unaddressed. Although it is impossible to completely eliminate all mold and mold spores, but you can control mold growth by controlling the moisture indoors.

In commercial buildings, moisture problems may include:

• Roof leaks
• Landscaping or gutters directing water into or under the building
• Unvented combustion appliances
• Delayed maintenance or insufficient maintenance

As mentioned before, the key to mold control is moisture control. Follow these mold prevention tips:

• Fix any leaky plumbing and leaks in the building as soon as possible.
• Look out for condensation and wet spots. Fix sources of moisture problems as soon as possible.
• Prevent moisture due to condensation by increasing the surface temperature or reducing the moisture level in the air.
• Keep heating, ventilation and air conditioning drip pans clean, properly flowing and unobstructed.
• Maintain a low indoor humidity, below 60% relative humidity, 30-50% is ideal.
• Have your building and HVAC inspected and maintenance regularly.
• Clean up and dry out wet or damp spots within 48 hours.
• Never let foundations stay wet.

Call our SERVPRO of Fairfield County Team for all of your mold remediation needs!

Maintaining Your Fire Sprinkler System

3/2/2022 (Permalink)

If you experience water damage due to a malfunctioning sprinkler head, call our SERVPRO team.

Fires can happen without warning and can cause extensive damage to your commercial property. According to the National Fire Protection Association, property damage from fires totaled in about $12 million in 2012. Luckily we have fire sprinklers that are considered one of the most effective fire suppression systems available. When a building sprinkler system is activated by a fire, they are effective 96% of the time according to the NFPA. That's why it is very important for these systems to be in good condition and maintained regularly.

• Be sure to inspect all control valves to ensure that they are open, accessible, properly locked, and free from any leaks. Examine water and air pressure gauges to make sure they are showing normal ranges in good condition.
• Inspect the condition of sprinkler heads for paint, dust, or obstructions.
• Make sure there is an adequate clearance of at least 18 inches from the height of storage to the sprinkler head. This prevents anything from accidentally knocking into it.
• Have at least 6 spare heads that correspond to the type and temperature rate of the heads in use.
• Inspect all fire department connections to verify caps are in place and that no damage is present.
• Check low points on dry sprinkler systems to remove water to prevent freezing.
• Maintain adequate heat within a dry sprinkler control valve room to prevent freezing.
• Always report damage to any part of a sprinkler immediately.

Keeping Your Store Clean For Customers

2/23/2022 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO Team helps you stand up against harmful bacteria!

Every day more and more shoppers visiting grocery stores, it means more and more hands touching things you’re going to buy. Scary right? By giving more attention to germ-prone areas, store workers play a significant role in preventing the spread of viruses. 

How do you properly clean sections of a grocery store?  Read our store checklist below!

Store Cleaning Checklist

• Shopping carts: As carts are used throughout the day, constantly wipe down the touch areas of the cart (especially the handles) with disinfectant cleaner.  Treat hand baskets the same way.  Nightly power washing serves as a proactive measure to sanitize and prepare the carts for use the next day.
• Checkout aisles: Cashiers (and with the assistance of baggers) should frequently clean the checkout area.  The conveyor belt, rails on each side of the belt, customer counter, and the bagging area should be wiped down at pace with the number of customers passing through. 
• Credit Card Machines: Keep credit card reading machines clean.  Cash and plastic cards are known for harboring germs.
• Restrooms: Public restrooms in a store probably already receive several cleanings per day, but with a recent emphasis on public health, it’s wise to increase the frequency of cleaning.  Customer and employee restrooms should be sanitized throughout the day: floors, doors, stall walls/doors, all handles (including paper towel and soap dispensers), sinks, counters, baby changing sections, etc.  Once the store is empty for the day, a more comprehensive cleaning should be done from top to bottom.  You should sanitize everything.
• Floors: Floors are high-traffic areas, and grocery store floors get even more foot traffic now that restaurant traffic is prohibited beyond carry-out.  For more efficient and thorough floor sanitization, consider using an industrial auto-scrubber.
• Walk-in freezers and refrigerators: Because freezers and refrigeration units house more prepared food these days, it’s a best practice to keep them clean for food safety. Give extra attention to these areas where products are handled by customers.  These areas should be routinely cleaned.  At a time that works best for your store schedule, remove the items from the refrigerator or freezer and clean the surfaces with no-touch products.  This helps mitigate any contamination.

Be aware of places where hands leave behind germs and coughs/sneezes may leave behind pathogens. As always, SERVPRO is here to help!  It can be overwhelming for your team members and our cleaning teams are ready and available 24/7 to proactively clean your business.  Please call us today! 

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

8/11/2021 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO Team provides a higher standard of clean. Call our office today for more information!

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned; A Higher Standard of Clean

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean. Being open for business is just the beginning of our new journey forward. Employees may be hesitant to return to work, and customers may wonder whether the businesses they patron are safe.

We are proud to launch Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned—a cleaning and disinfecting program that SERVPRO offers to commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This is a level of clean that goes way beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. This is proactive viral pathogen cleaning. When businesses chose SERVPRO, their employees, customers, and community can rest assured that they’ve selected a “higher standard of clean”—Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Please contact our SERVPRO of Fairfield County office at 740-756-7003 to have your building Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned. 

Keeping Your Store Clean

2/8/2021 (Permalink)

Every day more and more shoppers visiting grocery stores, it means more and more hands touching things you’re going to buy. Scary right?  By giving more attention to germ-prone areas, store workers play a significant role in preventing the spread of viruses. 

How do you properly clean sections of a grocery store?  Read our store checklist below!

Store Cleaning Checklist

• Shopping carts: As carts are used throughout the day, constantly wipe down the touch areas of the cart (especially the handles) with disinfectant cleaner.  Treat hand baskets the same way.  Nightly power washing serves as a proactive measure to sanitize and prepare the carts for use the next day.
• Checkout aisles: Cashiers (and with the assistance of baggers) should frequently clean the checkout area.  The conveyor belt, rails on each side of the belt, customer counter, and the bagging area should be wiped down at pace with the number of customers passing through. 
• Credit Card Machines: Keep credit card reading machines clean.  Cash and plastic cards are known for harboring germs.
• Restrooms: Public restrooms in a store probably already receive several cleanings per day, but with a recent emphasis on public health, it’s wise to increase the frequency of cleaning.  Customer and employee restrooms should be sanitized throughout the day: floors, doors, stall walls/doors, all handles (including paper towel and soap dispensers), sinks, counters, baby changing sections, etc.  Once the store is empty for the day, a more comprehensive cleaning should be done from top to bottom.  You should sanitize everything.
• Floors: Floors are high-traffic areas, and grocery store floors get even more foot traffic now that restaurant traffic is prohibited beyond carry-out.  For more efficient and thorough floor sanitization, consider using an industrial auto-scrubber.
• Walk-in freezers and refrigerators: Because freezers and refrigeration units house more prepared food these days, it’s a best practice to keep them clean for food safety. Give extra attention to these areas where products are handled by customers.  These areas should be routinely cleaned.  At a time that works best for your store schedule, remove the items from the refrigerator or freezer and clean the surfaces with no-touch products.  This helps mitigate any contamination.

Be aware of places where hands leave behind germs and coughs/sneezes may leave behind pathogens. As always, SERVPRO is here to help!  It can be overwhelming for your team members and our cleaning teams are ready and available 24/7 to proactively clean your business.  Please call us today! 

Where Does Water Damage Start in a Commercial Building?

2/8/2021 (Permalink)

Owning and managing a commercial building in Fairfield County, Ohio means that you have a lot on your plate and are extremely busy. You probably want to avoid reacting to problems, but instead you’ll want to anticipate problems and be prepared.

When It Comes to Water Damage, How Do You Do That?

Drainage

Bathrooms and kitchens in a place of business get a lot of foot traffic.  This means that your drains and toilets are doing a lot of work, so you should do what you can to keep them flowing and avoid flooding. Schedule your maintenance crew to check on them regularly and consider conducting a camera-scope inspection every so often.  Some tips to avoid a clogged toilet:

• Buy thinner, commercial grade toilet paper.
• Post signage about what can go in the toilet.
• Provide plenty of labeled waste receptacles.

Pipes

First, you should look into what type of pipes you have. If they’re older, they might be polybutylene, copper or galvanized iron. These materials are prone to damage and don't last forever. Please consider replacing if this is the case. Regardless of material, it is important to check them for corrosion or leaks on a regular basis because even the smallest drip can accumulate and bring headaches. Winter is not over and this time of year can also be hard on pipes, so be sure to keep your building warm enough to avoid freezing and broken pipes.

Fire Sprinklers

Sometimes your sprinklers can be triggered to go off without a fire. A warm light nearby or even some burnt food in the microwave may cause the blaze. This can cause water damage, especially if not taken care of right away. You should have a water damage restoration company like SERVPRO of Fairfield County picked out so you can move forward right away with water repair should something like this happen. It’s even more important if the incident was in a carpeted area, because this may eventually turn into a mold problem. There's a lot to manage in a large building. If you know what to add during a regular maintenance routine and some simple preventative measures, your life will be much easier.

Commercial Water Damage

2/3/2021 (Permalink)

Do you know what the process looks like to get your business back to normal after a water loss?

Although it is not something most people ever consider, water damage can happen, and it can cause considerable damage if not treated promptly. If you find a pool of water in your building, you will need to take immediate action to minimize damage to your property. As a business owner in Fairfield County, you may want to hire a professional remediation company to clean up the mess. Here are several things that must happen to get your business back to normal.

1. Stop the flow of water. The most important thing you can do to minimize the damage is to stop the flow of water. You can do this by shutting off the main water valve.

2. Extract the Water Now that you have stopped the water flow, you can see how much water there is left to clean up. If it is only a little, you may be able to use a towel or mop to clean up the moisture. However, if it is more than a little, you may need to hire a professional remediation company to extract the water using specialized equipment.

3. Determine the extent of the water damage. Water can easily seep between cracks and into porous surfaces. This can lead to problems in drywall, subfloors, and other materials. A moisture meter can be used to identify water inside these areas.

4. Remove unsalvageable items. There may be some objects that have sustained enough water damage that they will need to be replaced. These items can be identified and removed before the drying process begins.

5. Dry the area. It is important to dry out the area as quickly as possible so that mold does not have a chance to form. Professional drying equipment can be used to speed up this process.

If something like this ever does happen and you need professional help, don't wait to give SERVPRO of Fairfield County a call. We will make it "Like it never even happened."

How to Prepare For The Unexpected

2/3/2021 (Permalink)

Has your business ever considered what would happen if a flood occurred overnight and you walked into the facility the next day to a mess? 

SERVPRO is HERE TO HELP ease the stress of this kind of loss. We are available 24/7/365 and always have a live person answering our phones to make sure you receive the help needed right away. Another way you can have peace of mind is by contacting a SERVPRO of Fairfield County representative to come out and provide a complementary Emergency Ready Profile (ERP). This profile doesn't take much time to complete and will give you access to all of your building's shut off valves, as well as compiles all of your emergency contact numbers in one place.  The app is easy to use and will be a life saver when a disaster strikes. To learn more about the ERP process please give us a call at (740) 438-7369.

Be Prepared For Winter's Challenges

2/3/2021 (Permalink)

The winter months can create significant challenges for property managers. Snow and ice don’t have the predictability of grass and shrubs.  Furthermore, grass and shrubs don’t cause ice damming and pipe freezes.  

How you react to the challenges of winter can set the tone of your relationship with HOAs and association boards come spring and summer. Your clients are more likely to forgive circumstances that are out of your control.  As long as they know that when mother nature strikes, you are there trying to get their home a quality fix, in a timely manner.

SERVPRO of Fairfield County recognizes the need to be prepared, this is why when we partner with property managers we help them build a comprehensive recovery plan. This way you can react confidently and quickly in the face of a disaster. Winter months aren’t the time for training in front of upset tenants. Our crews have received technical and service training to help them take the proper course of action while remaining empathetic to the situation.

Our office works with our partners to make sure documents flow through the right channels which simplifies settlements, whether there is an insurance claim or the job is a direct pay. We also anticipate and recognize coverage issues so that tenants and owners understand how the claim will be settled.

The SERVPRO of Fairfield County restoration brand is the most recognized and respected brand in the mitigation industry. And SERVPRO is equipped with the manpower and equipment to handle any situation.. You can feel confident you are calling the right people when you contact SERVPRO. After all, no one gets fired for hiring the industry leader.

COVID-19 Cleaning in Your Commercial Space

2/1/2021 (Permalink)

As if the struggles of operating a business or commercial space were not significant enough already, COVID-19 has taken these difficulties to another level. Short staffed, stressed and suspicious are no ways to be productive in the workplace. Sick and quarantined employees take a toll on each of our processes. The stress of masks, homeschooling and worry over our loved one’s safety distract us from our day to day duties. To make matters worse we must constantly be suspicious of the virus’ presence. Fear not, SERVPRO of Fairfield County is here to help.

When COVID-19 first showed up in America, SERVPRO was one of the first on the scene. Featured in most national news outlets, we went in to disinfect after an outbreak in a Washington state nursing home. SERVPRO was already prepared from decades of biohazard cleanup and had the tools and experience to get the job done. Since then our franchises across the county have led the fight by running to the fire and cleaning businesses who have had positive infections and suspected in cases.

Here in Ohio it has been no different. We used EPA approved processes and products to get your team back to work safer and faster. We are the COVID cleaning experts in the area. So if your business becomes exposed with this terrible virus, rest assured that SERVPRO of Fairfield County has the skills, products and experience to disinfect your workplace.

Does Your Business Have an Emergency Plan?

1/8/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Ready Plan Mobile App gives business owners help at their fingertips

Does your business have an emergency plan? Do your employees know what to do or who to call in the event you are not there? Disasters can strike at any time and interrupt your business and cost you money. Even the smallest event such as a power outage can cripple your day to day operations. SERVPRO can set up a plan for your business for FREE. A no cost Ready Plan App is available to business owners which will allow you and your employees access to help you get the assistance you need quicker and more efficiently. 

The Ready Plan is an emergency preparedness tool for business owners allowing for the creation of an Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) containing critical facility information to help speed up response time.

Contact SERVPRO of Fairfield County at (740) 756-7003 today!

Why Choos SERVPRO to Clean Food Service Establishments?

1/8/2020 (Permalink)

Time and Safety Are Our Top Priorities When Cleaning and Restoring Restaurant, Kitchen and Food Service Facilities

Time is of the essence when disaster strikes your restaurant or manufacturing facility, but so is safety. Our professionals have been trained to be mindful of regulations and potential hazards while maintaining efficiency as they restore your business. You can trust Team SERVPRO to be mindful of your time and budget, as well as the safety of you and your patrons. 

Types of Facilities:

• Food Manufacturing Facilities
• Food Distribution Centers
• Fast Food Restaurants
• Senior Living Facility Kitchens
• Educational Cafeterias

Our professionals are available 24-7/365 to help remediate any damage, regardless of the cause, scale of the loss, or the size of your facility. 

Trust Us to Adhere to Health Regulations When Cleaning and Restoring Your Food Services Facility

From large distribution centers to small mom-and-pop restaurants, SERVPRO professionals are trained to be mindful of the complicated health codes, food safety regulations, and environmental concerns when restoring your business. We’ll work to ensure that all surfaces are restored and sanitized to legal specifications, so that you can get back to business and your patrons can get back to enjoying good food.

Our Experience Includes:

• Total Project Management 
• Facilities Cleaning and Restoration
• Flooding and Water Damage Cleanup
• Restaurant Cleaning
• Restaurant Kitchen Cleaning
• Restaurant hood Cleaning
• Odor Removal
• Mold Removal 
• Biohazard Remediation
• Air Ducts and HVAC Cleaning
• Smoke and Soot Cleanup
• Document and Records Recovery
• Electronics/Equipment Restoration

Tip to Reduce Winter Water Damage for Businesses

12/5/2019 (Permalink)

Winter weather and freezing temperatures here. In this blog, we will go over the most common types of water damage to businesses in the winter and what to do right now to prevent winter damage to your business.

Top Causes of Water Damage to Businesses in Winter

Winter weather can be harsh and damaging to businesses. The strong winds and moisture in the form of snow, hail, and/or rain can lead to all types of problems. Strong winds can cause roof and siding damage to businesses. When the strong winds are accompanied by snow or rain, water can find ways into your business causing water damage. 

The strong winds and freezing temperatures can also lead to burst pipes in your business. If there is a draft or crack in the roof or walls, the extreme temperatures and winds can quickly freeze your water and drain pipes leading to burst pipes and frozen clogs. The extreme temperatures can also cause the saturated ground to freeze which can cause melting snow to seep in or flood your business. 

The last culprit that can cause extensive water damage to your business is an accumulation of snow on your roof and around the foundation of your business. Snow can quickly accumulate and pile up on your roof leading to a roof collapse or minor damage that can allow snowmelt to enter into your business causing major damage.

How to Prevent Winter Water Damage at Your Business

While the weather is still nice outside, it’s important to take some quick and easy steps to reduce the risk of water damage to your business when winter comes around. The first thing that you want to do is to check the roof of your business. You want to make sure there is no damage to the shingles or roofing where water and/or cold temperatures could get in. Check any caulking and seals for cracks or damage. If you have a gutter system for the water to drain off the roof, check to make sure the drainpipes and gutter system are not obstructed.

You also want to check the perimeter of your business for cracks in the foundation. If you do find cracks or broken seals, you will want to make sure you get them caulked and sealed before winter strikes. You also want to check the gutters downspouts to ensure that they are facing away from your business and allowing water to flow away from the foundation. 

The last area you want to check is inside your business. If you can examine the roof from inside, you can check for any damage or previous signs of water damage. You want to make sure the roof is solid and supported in case there is a large accumulation of snow or ice on it. If you find signs of water leaks and damage, you will want to make sure that they have been fixed. 

You also want to check the insulation of the roof and building to make sure the entire building is properly insulated to prevent cold air from entering and freezing the pipes. If you have pipes that may be exposed to lower temperatures, you will want to make sure they are properly wrapped and insulated. If you find any drafts where the wind or outside elements can enter, you will want to not only seal the draft off but also insulate around it. 

If Your Business Suffers Water Damage, Call the Pros 

Even after following all of the above tips, there is still a chance that your business could suffer water damage from severe winter weather. The harsh winds could damage your roof allowing melted snow to leak into your building causing water damage, mold damage, and possibly worse. If that should happen, you can trust the pros at SERVPRO of Fairfield County to clean up and repair the damage quickly. They have the knowledge and equipment to handle any type and any size of damage to your business. Give us a call anytime 24/7 if your business should suffer damage this winter.

Fire Prevention Tips for Your Workplace

12/5/2019 (Permalink)

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 72% of all structure fires occurred in home structures in 2017. While home fires are the most common, fire in commercial structures are still prevalent. In 2017, there were 120,000 non-residential structure fires with 18,000 occurring in stores and offices. With this many fires occurring in workplaces, it’s important to take some steps to keep your business safe. Below we cover some of the top things you can do to keep your office and your staff safe from fire.

#1 Keep Electrical Power Panels Accessible

In the event of a fire, you may need to cut the power to prevent further damage and risk of an electrical shock especially if it is an electrical fire. Does your staff know where the power control panel is? Is it easy to reach or is it hidden behind boxes in a storage closet? If it isn’t easy to reach, move boxes and obstructions out of the way so it can be quickly accessed.

#2 Keep Exits and Stairways Clear

Stairways seem like the perfect place to store mop buckets, equipment,  and boxes that you don’t need anytime soon. Stairways also happen to be the worst place to store anything. In the event of a fire, your staff needs to be able to freely and quickly exit out of your building through the use of stairways, exit doors, and exit pathways. If boxes are blocking them or they trip over a mop bucket, this could spell disaster. Keep these areas clear and make sure your staff does the same.

#3 Keep the Office Clutter-Free

In the previous tip, we talked about the clutter in the exits and stairways, but clutter anywhere in an office can be a bad thing. If a fire should start in your office, it needs fuel to grow. One of the most common materials in an office, paper, is the perfect fuel. Try keeping your desks and storage rooms clear of non-essential documents. If you do have papers that you need to keep, store them in metal desk drawers or file cabinets as these will help reduce the risk of them fueling a fire. Paper file boxes stacked to the ceiling in an office closet or storage room is the perfect fuel that can turn a small fire into a major disaster in an office.

#4 Proper Disposal of Oily Rags and Materials

This fire risk is more common in industrial and mechanical businesses where the staff is using rags to wipe away oil and residue from machines and themselves. If you are working around flammable chemicals and oils and using rags to wipe off the residues, make sure that you have proper metal containers to collect the rags and dispose of them in a safe manner on a regular basis. It’s also important to have a fire extinguisher nearby in case a fire occurs in the waste receptacle.

#5 Keep All Electrical Equipment Maintained and Clean

Have you ever taken a look at the back of your television or computer and have seen all the dust? That dust can easily combust if the television or computer overheats. Dust doesn’t just occur in your home, it occurs in your office too. That is why it’s important to regularly clean and remove any excess dust on your computers, monitors, machines, appliances, and other electrical equipment. In some businesses where there is excessive dust, you may have to clean the electrical equipment more often. You can help reduce the dust by having your air ducts cleaned and changing out the air filters on a more regular basis.

#6 Keep the Mechanical Rooms Clear

If your office has a mechanical room where the HVAC system, furnace, generator, sprinkler valves, fire pumps, and/or other building mechanical systems are located, do not use it as a storage room. The mechanical room should be clean and clear of any debris or items that are not part of the mechanical systems. These systems do have a high risk of overheating and sparking a fire. Don’t help by storing paper boxes and garbage or flammable chemicals in the mechanical room.

If You Should Suffer a Fire, Contact the Professionals

The above tips are just a few of many that you should follow and be aware of to reduce the risk of a fire happening in your office. Even if a fire should occur, following these tips can help to reduce the overall damage that could occur by limiting fire hazards. You can’t prevent fires from occurring completely but you can make the risk much lower. If you should suffer from a fire at your office, store, shop, or other commercial space; give the fire damage restoration professionals at SERVPRO of Fairfield County a call. You can also contact us for any water or mold damage also. We have the knowledge and equipment to handle any size disaster. We're available any time and any day when fire, water and storm disasters strike.

Tips to Keep Your Business Warm & Dry in Winter

12/5/2019 (Permalink)

With the cold winter upon us, your business is increasingly vulnerable to water and storm damage. This damage can come in many forms and shapes from frozen pipes, collapsed roofs, condensation, foot traffic, snow, and ice-covered sidewalks, and power outages. While you can’t stop a blizzard from coming or keep the temperatures from dropping below zero, you can take some preventative steps to reduce the risks of winter weather damaging your business and hurting your employees.

• Get a Backup Generator

With strong winter storms, ice and wind can wreak havoc on trees and power lines. As ice accumulates on tree branches, they eventually break and fall knocking down power lines and killing the power to your business. If the power is out for an extended amount of time and the temperatures are below freezing, the temperature inside your business can drop causing the water pipes to freeze and burst resulting in extensive water damage.

To reduce the risk of a power outage happening, you can invest in a backup power generator that will kick on if your business should lose power. Hopefully, the generator has enough fuel to keep your business heated until the power is able to be restored. It’s important to know how long your generator can run and to be sure to refuel it if the power is out for an extended time.  

• Keep Your Sidewalk and Parking Lot Clear

Keeping your sidewalk and parking clear of snow and ice will not only help reduce the risk of slip and falls by your employees and customers, but it will also help reduce them from tracking it into your business and soiling your floors. While you can hire a service company to shovel your parking lot and sidewalk, many of them won’t be able to keep them clear if the snow continues. That is why it’s important to have a few people at the office in charge of keeping, at least, your sidewalk clear. Salt on your sidewalk and parking lot can help melt any snow and ice and provide a grip for employees and customers walking into your business.

• Keep Floors Dry

Employees and customers coming in and out of your business during the cold, wet winters will undoubtedly be tracking in water and dirt throughout the day. It’s important to check the floors and doormats on a regular basis to ensure they stay as clean and dry as possible. Not only will this help eliminate any slip and falls but it will also keep the water and dirt from causing further damage. Wet floors can lead to water and mold damage to your business. For busy entrances, you may want to switch out floor mats with new ones throughout the day to keep the water and dirt at bay.

• Leave Sinks Dripping During Extreme Cold Temperatures

If you have any bathrooms or sinks located near exterior walls or colder areas, like a warehouse or garage, you will want to take a couple extra steps during extremely cold temperatures. If you know that the temperatures will be dropping to near or below zero, you will want to make sure your sinks are dripping water. The dripping water ensures that the water in the pipes leading to the sink are moving and don’t have time to freeze and burst the pipes. This is also a good tip to do at home also.

• Check Pipes to Ensure They’re Insulated

If you have exposed water pipes in areas of your business that aren’t as well heated, you may want to insulate the pipes to ensure they don’t freeze. Many burst pipes in businesses are found in warehouses, garages, and near entrances that are constantly being opened. Insulating these pipes can also be beneficial during the hot summers as the insulation can prevent condensation on the pipes which can also lead to water damage.

• Seal or Close Up Any Drafts

It doesn’t take much of a crack for the cold air and winds to find their way into your business. While that doesn’t seem troubling, if that crack is near a pipe, it could be big trouble. During a cold day, take a walk around your business and check for drafts. You can either check by feel using your hand or use a temperature gun to find any cool spots. If you’ve done any renovations or upgrades, like running cables from the outside into your business, you want to check for any holes or penetrations in the exterior walls that may not have been sealed up completely.

• Remove Excess Snow and Ice from Roofs and Awnings

During heavy ice and snow storms, you will want to make sure the snow and ice don’t collect too much on your roofs, overhangs, and awnings. The weight of the snow and ice can cause collapses which can lead to extensive damage to your business. If you have a flat roof, you will want to check the roof after the storms to ensure the snow and ice are melting and that the water is running off and away from your business. Not only can the weight of the snow collapse your roof, but the melting snow can also pool up and leak down through cracks or holes in your roof and/or exterior.

• Keep Interior Temps Above 60 Degrees

The last tip is to help reduce any risks of your pipes freezing and bursting. It is advisable to keep the interior temperature at or above 60 degrees in your business. While this shouldn’t be a problem in areas where your employees or customers are usually present, this could be a problem in garages, attics, basements, exterior buildings, storage areas, and warehouses. You may need to add insulation, more ducts to carry the heated air, or additional heaters to keep these areas sufficiently heated. It is usually these ignored or less trafficked areas of your business that will lead to frozen and burst pipes. And because these areas aren’t used or seen, the water damage can be quite substantial.

Keep Your Business Protected from the Cold Ohio Weather

By following the tips above and keeping an eye on the temps in your business, you can greatly reduce the risk of water and mold damage from a burst pipe this winter. But if you should experience water damage to your business, it’s important to act quickly to reduce any further damage and call the water damage restoration experts at SERVPRO of Fairfield County. We have the expertise and know-how to fix the damage and takes steps to prevent it from happening again. Give us a call any time and any day for your fire, water and mold damage problems.

Securing Your Damaged Building Quickly

12/4/2019 (Permalink)

If your Fairfield County business ever happens to become ablaze, the results can be quite catastrophic. Whenever our SERVPRO technicians work on a commercial fire damage project, the first step is usually boarding up your building. The addition of heat to your shopping center can cause windows to break. Once your shopping center's structure is exposed to the outside more problems can develop.

For example, your commercial fire damage can get much worse when burnt materials get exposed to elements of the outdoors. Moisture coming in from the outside can cause soot residues to soak deeper into your building materials. When the interior of your shopping center is exposed to nature, objects from the outside can ruin your building materials and structural components.  The above reasons are why calling in SERVPRO immediately after something burns is vital.

A board-up is the process in which a structure gets sealed from exposure to the outside to prevent further issues. Whenever we first get to your business, we can seal your structure using durable materials to protect your building from weather or intrusions.  In some, states boarding up your shopping center requires a contractor license; in these situations, we have the option of supervising a subcontractor for the boarding up process.

When boarding up a building, various tools and materials are needed. Covering materials include exterior grade plywood, roofing tarpaulins, and a roll of polyethylene sheeting. Roll insulation may be required, depending on the damage. Miscellaneous nails, screws, bolts, nuts, staples, and furring strips often get used for fastening cover materials. Tools used to erect covering materials usually include hammers, hand saws, power saws, staple guns, power cords, and standard toolbox tools (screwdrivers, wrenches, etc.)

When securing your business, we can utilize a few different options to properly seal openings created by the blaze.  Covering over the opening with plywood by attaching it to the surface around the opening makes installation easy, but provides less security since materials can easily get pulled off. Cutting plywood so that it gets inserted into a hole in your structure offers more protection. Another option includes plywood being bolted to two-by-fours so that the wooden covering is held in place by tension.

SERVPRO of Fairfield County serves businesses in Pickerington, Lancaster, Baltimore, and surrounding cities. Call us at (740) 756-7003 with your property damage needs so we can protect your assets. Our training and experience gives us what we need to make things “Like it never even happened.”

Emergency Ready Profile

10/11/2018 (Permalink)

Emergency Ready Profile 

As many as 50% of businesses may never recover following a disaster.  Of the businesses that survive, the majority of them had a preparedness plan in place. SERVPRO of Fairfield County can help you make that plan!  

By developing a SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is key for SERVPRO of Fairfield County to help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business.  

Emergency READY Profile Advantage 

• A no cost assessment of your facility 
• A concise profile document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency 
• A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster 
• Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin 
• Provides facility details such as shut off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information 

Call SERVPRO of Fairfield County to get started right away! (740) 756-7003

Commercial Fire Damage Restoration

10/11/2018 (Permalink)

Fire damage is especially devastating for a business or commercial property. In addition to the fire and smoke damage, significant water damage from firefighting efforts and fire suppression systems may occur. Every hour spent restoring your business back to pre-fire condition is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. If your business experiences a fire loss, call the fire and water damage restoration experts at SERVPRO of Fairfield County and we’ll respond immediately to get you back to business quickly!

SERVPRO of Fairfield County has the training, experience, and equipment to handle large commercial fire damage emergencies. Whether your fire emergency occurs in a restaurant, motel, or office building, we will respond quickly to mitigate the damage and manage the restoration project through to its completion.

• 24 Hour Emergency Service 
• Faster to Any Size Disaster
• A Trusted Leader in the Fire and Water Restoration Industry with over 1,700 Franchises
• Highly Trained Fire and Water Damage Restoration Specialists

Commercial Fire Damage? Call Us Today – (740) 756-7003.

Hotel Disaster

10/10/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Fairfield County knows that disasters at a hospitality facility are devastating. That’s why we are critical in assuring normal operations resume as quickly and safely as possible. Whether the cause is a coat hanger on a sprinkler, a fire, a natural disaster, or a traumatic event, SERVPRO of Fairfield County will work with your management and maintenance staff to prioritize spaces, isolate the damage,and restore the area to your complete satisfaction. All while minimizing the inconvenience to your guests and employees.  

We are prepared to help remediate any damage, regardless of the cause, scale of the loss, or the size of your facility. 

SERVPRO of Fairfield County is available 24-7/365 ready to help. 

Call us now at 740-756-7003 

Document Restoration For Your Business

10/10/2018 (Permalink)

Disasters happen. And unfortunately, some of your most valued business contents-important documents and books-could be lost forever! As a leader in the restoration industry, SERVPRO of Fairfield County knows that mitigating your businesses important possessions in a timely matter is extremely important and crucial to    recovering your damaged belongings. 

SERVPRO of Fairfield County has years of experience and state-of-the-art technology to recover your businesses important documents before it is too late. 

We offer a range of services including drying, cleaning/disinfecting, re-jacketing, digitizing, and deodorization. 

Need your valuable documents restored? Call SERVPRO of Fairfield County today (740) 756-7003

Proudly serving your businesses in Lancaster, Pickerington, Baltimore, and surrounding areas.

Remember that we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Church Cleaning

10/10/2018 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of Fairfield County, spiritual matters are a priority. So we know that cleaning your place of worship is extremely time consuming, and sometimes grime, odor, and moisture challenges can go beyond the scope of your regular janitorial staff. We want you to use our services as a tool to help keep your main focus on ministry.

SERVPRO of Fairfield County understands the scheduling demands of churches and we will accommodate to meet your time requirements. We are pleased to offer additional cleaning for special events, such as weddings.

Clean carpets will give your church a whole new look and smell for any special occasion. We will not only get the out the dirt you see, but also remove the unwanted dust you don't.

We have specially trained technicians and products to get your church looking brand new again. We have over 40 years of experience in the industry.

You can rely on SERVPRO of Fairfield County to make your church look its very best. 

Helping Schools

10/10/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Fairfield County wants to help our surrounding schools provide clean, healthy environments for our children. Educational institutions can depend on SERVPRO of Fairfield County for fast, thorough service in the event of a fire, water or mold damage. With 24-hour emergency response, SERVPRO of Faifield County provides mitigation, cleanup, and restoration services to reduce recovery costs and to help ensure minimal interruption to your curriculum. We also provide expert cleaning for emergencies or special needs exceeding routine janitorial capabilities, including stain removal, upholstery and drapery dry cleaning, indoor air quality and vandalism cleanup. Education is extremely important and we want to make sure our schools are provided with work done right and done fast. So our children can get back to learning! 

Call SERVPRO of Fairfield County (740) 756-7003 today. 

Commercial Carpet

10/2/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Fairfield County (740) 756-7003...Here to help!

The following was copied directly from: http://www.IICRC.org/consumers/care/commercial-carpet-cleaning/

“Commercial carpet receives many times the traffic of typical residential carpet. That's why it's important to select (fiber, construction, pile design, color) and install commercial carpet that fits a building user's needs. However, once that carpet is properly selected and installed, its durability and lasting beauty is highly dependent on the ongoing maintenance and cleaning programs.

The first critical component in programmed maintenance and cleaning is routine vacuuming coupled with rapid response to spots and spills. Carpet serves as a "sink" or collection point for everything that is tracked in or settles out of the air. Qualities such as sound absorption, slip resistance and soil-trapping ability makes it the most desirable floor covering in many buildings. Ultimately, however, even the best maintained carpet must be thoroughly cleaned to empty the "sink."

This is where IICRC-certifed technicians come in. They have the equipment, training and experience not only to empty the "sink," but also to restore the color and beauty of commercial carpet, while improving overall indoor environmental quality in the building.”

Office Cleaning

10/2/2017 (Permalink)

You don’t have time to worry about the common wear and tear that gradually soils your office. When grime, odor, and moisture challenges go beyond the scope of your regular janitorial staff, you should call SERVPRO of Fairfield County for prompt service. Whether it’s removing an odor problem or deep cleaning flooring or carpets, you can rely on us to make your workspace look its very best

SERVPRO of Fairfield County offers cleaning services ranging from cleaning restaurant hoods to removing biohazard contaminants. We have the specialized training and products to get your property back to business. Our cleaning services include the following:

• Air Ducts and HVAC
• Biohazard and Sewage
• Trauma and Crime Scene
• Carpet and Upholstery
• Drapes and Blinds
• Ceilings, Walls, and Hard Floors
• Odor Removal and Deodorization
• Vandalism

SERVPRO of Fairfield County (740) 756-7003….here to help!

We service Lancaster, Pickerington, Carroll and surrounding communities.

Why Call Us For Your Business Damage?

9/22/2017 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of Fairfield County, we can help if your business or commercial property floods. You may be wondering why you would need us. Sometimes the damage of water is not as simple and just cleaning up the water. Call us 24/7/365 at 740-756-7003.

Though the water seepage will stop once the source of water has been identified and plugged, the problem does not end there. It is essential to determine the appropriate water extraction method, which may range from the use of a wet-dry vac unit to more heavy duty equipment like submersible pumps. Once this has been completed, the process of drying and dehumidification should start. Often times, affected surfaces and areas look dry once the water has been extracted and removed, but there remains hidden water and moisture.  This would call for the use of drying and dehumidifying equipment. As such, carpets, walls, and flooring require removal, drying, cleaning, and disinfecting.

Commercial Carpet Cleaning

9/22/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Fairfield County at 740-756-7003 is here to help!

The following was copied directly from: http://www.IICRC.org/consumers/care/commercial-carpet-cleaning/

“Commercial carpet receives many times the traffic of typical residential carpet. That's why it's important to select (fiber, construction, pile design, color) and install commercial carpet that fits a building user's needs. However, once that carpet is properly selected and installed, its durability and lasting beauty is highly dependent on the ongoing maintenance and cleaning programs.

The first critical component in programmed maintenance and cleaning is routine vacuuming coupled with rapid response to spots and spills. Carpet serves as a "sink" or collection point for everything that is tracked in or settles out of the air. Qualities such as sound absorption, slip resistance and soil-trapping ability makes it the most desirable floor covering in many buildings. Ultimately, however, even the best maintained carpet must be thoroughly cleaned to empty the "sink."

This is where IICRC-certifed technicians come in. They have the equipment, training and experience not only to empty the "sink," but also to restore the color and beauty of commercial carpet, while improving overall indoor environmental quality in the building.”

Keeping Your Commercial Kitchen Clean

9/22/2017 (Permalink)

“If you wish to maintain your restaurant kitchen in good condition, you need to ensure routine cleaning. You can either do it yourself or get it done by any commercial kitchen cleaning services. According to experts, the major reason why kitchens get messy is because of the lack of regular cleaning. When you run a commercial kitchen, hygiene and order are essential factors to ensure. You can even be sued unless you maintain your commercial kitchen in good condition.

By keeping the kitchen tidy and ordered, you can impress your customers or visitors. A properly maintained kitchen will surely appeal to your customers. They would mention about it in their communication, which in turn can enhance your reputation.”

For more information, please continue reading at: http://originalorkopina.com/blog/commercial-kitchen-cleaning-services/significance-of-keeping-commercial-kitchens-clean/

Tips to Prevent Commercial Losses

9/22/2017 (Permalink)

“Most people think water damage only occurs from flooding after days of heavy rain. Damage can occur even on a sunny day, leaving your property soaked. Whether the culprit is a broken plumbing pipe, leaking roof, or backup of the sewer system, the damage can be devastating and costly.”

“Roofing – Deteriorated, missing or damaged roofing materials and ice dams can all allow water to enter through the roof and cause damage to the interior of the building and the contents. Inadequate attic insulation and ventilation can speed up the roof’s deterioration and cause ice dams to form in the winter. Exposure to wind, snow, ice, rain and foot traffic can also affect a roof’s ability to keep water out. Businesses often have flat roofs and mechanicals such as heating and air conditioning systems located on the roof, which also present unique challenges.”

Please continue reading this entire article at: https://static1.st8fm.com/en_US/content_pages/1/pdf/us/Loss%20Control%20for%20Business.pdf as this was just a little snippet to get you started.

SERVPRO of Fairfield County at 740-756-7003 is here to help! Let our professional team do the cleanup with the proper procedures to keep you, your home, or company safe.

Restoring Your Fairfield County Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

9/19/2016 (Permalink)

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

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

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

About SERVPRO of Fairfield County

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

Have Questions about Commercial Water Damage?
Call Us Today – 740-756-7003