Recent Commercial Posts

Top Causes of Commercial Water Damage

7/10/2023 (Permalink)

a white drop ceiling tile showing signs of water damage from a leak Let SERVPRO of Fayette/ S. Fulton help your business take measures to reduce the time that your company is closed after a disaster.

While many cases of water damage in the United States are experienced by homeowners, commercial buildings are also at risk of succumbing to water damage. Water damage is often experienced in blocks by commercial properties. While there is usually a yard between homes, there may only be a few inches of concrete between businesses.

In a place like Covington, we are no stranger to powerful storms that deal serious damage to our properties. We see everything from tornadoes to floods to the effects of hurricanes that hit the coasts.

We face an additional risk for being in such a mountainous state like Georgia, where the frequent elevation change makes it easy for water to pool together and begin flash floods more easily.

It’s common knowledge how disastrous water can be to the structures we have, impacting your business both physically and financially. The best way to minimize water’s effects on your business is to deal with the problems immediately.

Knowing the causes of water damage is also crucial to finding the right solution to the issue. We’ve gathered information on the three main causes of commercial water damage for you to keep an eye out for in your building:

Major Causes of Water Damage

Oftentimes, things that seem like minor issues can actually be growing into a much larger problem for you know it.

minor leak can waste over 22 gallons per day, and a major leak can waste up to five times that amount depending on the size and location.

Roof Leaks

The roof is designed to limit the interior of the building from external elements like heat from the sun, rain during storms and debris that gets blown around. However, a leaky roof actually does the opposite, serving as a funnel for all of the outdoors to enter your building.

As the roof gets older, it also becomes more vulnerable to heavy rain, snow and falling debris that can result in extreme damage or even an entire roof collapse. Make sure to keep an eye on your roof, especially after storms, to better prevent costly roof leaks and the following damage.

Broken Equipment or Appliances

Sometimes, your building may have appliances like a water heater, AC, dishwasher and many others that facilitate the flow of water. Apart from appliances, there are complex piping systems in every building that can suffer damage at any time and cause costly commercial damage.

Major problems happen when these appliances are broken and no one notices. Even worse, if this were to happen during off-hours, it could leak a substantial amount of water and do extreme levels of structural damage before anyone even notices.

Inspecting your piping and appliances regularly can help you stay on top of the problem before it escalates into a destructive event.

Natural Disaster

Apart from roof leaks and broken equipment, water damage happens in commercial buildings due to natural disasters like hurricanes, thunderstorms and heavy rain that causes flash floods. Clogged gutters can also lead rainwater to flow toward the foundation of your building, making it more vulnerable to damage.

Have your gutters cleaned at least twice a year, and inspect your building regularly to identify and address any damage before it gets out of hand.

Commercial water damage is a devastating problem that any business owner can experience. While there is no way to get rid of it entirely, knowing these important causes, and some preventive measures can help you minimize the risk you face.

If you have experienced damage to your business or want to learn more about our commercial damage restoration services, contact us today. We’re here to act fast, 24⁄7.

Commercial Fire Extinguisher Safety and Education

6/23/2022 (Permalink)

two fire extinguishers and red fire hose hanging on interior wall If your property takes on fire damage, rest assured that SERVPRO of Fayette/ S. Fulton is here to help.

Fire safety is a critical aspect of health & safety measures that all businesses must address, and maintaining your commercial property’s fire extinguishers is essential in protecting your employees, property and products from harm.

A fire extinguisher can’t protect anything if nobody knows how to use it. There are many rules and regulations related to fire extinguisher safety, such as the fact that fire extinguishers should be mounted on walls at distances of less than 75 feet that would not be well-known without proper education.

You and your employees must also know how to choose the right extinguisher, as well as how to operate it. This is where it might be valuable to employ some training.

Why Training Is Essential

Let’s take a look at what fire extinguisher training includes and why it’s important:

Fire extinguisher training usually consists of education and practice. You will learn all about the types of extinguishers through lectures provided by a certified instructor. Once you have passed the education portion, you will get to put your knowledge into practice. Generally conducted in an outdoor setting, certified instructors will provide hands-on training teaching you and your team how to use the various types of fire extinguishers.

What would happen if a fire sprung up in your facility today? Would you know how to extinguish it and with the proper extinguisher? Would your employees know how to do this?

This is why training is critical in ensuring your staff has the opportunity to try these devices and techniques before a disaster strikes so that in the case one ever does happen, you all will know exactly what to do.

Your workplace runs the risk of devastating and costly damage if you’re not prepared. While you can’t predict a fire, you can ensure that your employees know what to do to promptly and effectively combat it through proper training. This ultimately minimizes what could have been extensive injuries, damages and expenses.

If your commercial property takes on fire damage, SERVPRO of Fayette/ S. Fulton is here to help. We have teams on deck at all times ready to take your call and begin the restoration process immediately.

Our Commercial Fire Large Loss Restoration Services

6/8/2022 (Permalink)

a large commercial building with extensive fire damage to roof Call SERVPRO of Fayette/ S. Fulton to restore your commercial property after a fire has caused a large loss.

As a business owner, there are a lot of things to be concerned about when it comes to keeping the doors open. One important element of running a business is having a plan when disaster strikes and strikes hard.

Disasters can come in many sizes, but one that is perhaps one of the most concerning is what is called a “large loss” to your commercial property. A “large loss” is defined as a large scale loss that has a considerable financial impact to your business.

What can SERVPRO do about a large loss for your business?

Emergency Response. We have emergency services on deck 24⁄7 to answer the call for whenever you might need us. We will act immediately to contain the damage and start the repair procedure. We’ve worked with commercial organizations of all kinds for more than 50 years, and we are the experts in cleaning up after large-scale damage and getting businesses just like yours back up and running as fast as possible.

Treating the Damage. Our pros in green consist of licensed experts who have been educated in specialized procedures for removing water and treating smoke damage in your commercial property after a fire. Even if the bulk of your building has been affected, we work diligently to rescue what can be restored and detect issues that may be invisible to the untrained eye. Getting your business back up and running is critical, and we do our best to ensure the work is done correctly and thoroughly while working as quickly as possible. With our knowledge and industry-leading equipment, we’re able to do the most comprehensive job in the shortest amount of time.

When you call on SERVPRO for large-loss restoration services, you can count on consistent communication throughout the duration of the job, the highest-quality products and unmatched customer service. We understand the worry that commercial property damage may cause.

The subsequent difficulties caused by smoke, water from firefighting efforts and structural damage might make your business seem irreparable. You can put your confidence in our technicians, who will work hard to treat the damage, identify any objects that need restoration or replacement, and even coordinate with your insurance provider.

Allow SERVPRO of Fayette/ S. Fulton to restore your commercial property after a fire has caused a large loss and interruptions to business. We are on hand 24⁄7, ready to take your call right now.

Your Partners in Business

5/17/2022 (Permalink)

a workspace and cubicle showing signs of water damage SERVPRO of Fayette/S. Fulton is your local commercial restoration expert. Contact us today should you experience any damage.

When running a business, to say that it can be stressful at times is quite an understatement. As a business owner, you know how difficult it can be to have things always run smoothly. Major damages or accidents can cause major losses to a company, and that’s something we want to help you avoid.

That’s why you can count on SERVPRO to become your partner in the business world. We are locally owned and operated, and we will help you work through or recover from anything that can possibly take away from your business. Our goal is to help you and your business continue down the road to success.

Large loss recovery. The top cause of financial loss for businesses across the United States are fires, storms and flooding. These things can and likely will cause large amounts of damage, especially if you wait before dealing with the problem. That’s where SERVPRO can come in with our highly trained professionals to help get you on the road to recovery.

Emergency Ready Plan. Preparation is key, which is why you need to prepare your business before disaster strikes. We will help you create and put the perfect plan into place, so that when disaster comes, you know exactly what to do. There are specific things you should consider when planning, like having an emergency chain of command, alternate meeting or work sites, and how to handle restoration needs.

Cleaning of All Kinds. We can help you with any specialty cleaning needs you have, like biohazard removal,, as well as routine cleaning needs like carpet cleaning or upholstery restoration. No matter what the messy issue is, we will come up with a solution to get it cleaned.

Restoration Services. Whether you’re dealing with storm damage or a small kitchen fire got out of hand, these things require cleanup and restoration services. SERVPRO of Fayette/ S. Fulton has all the bases covered, offering comprehensive restoration services for water damage, fire damage and storm damage, among other emergencies.

Industry Specialization. We have spent years learning about commercial enterprises, so we know that we can help anyone. We know the ins and outs of a variety of industries and stand prepared to handle those needs. Because we understand how important your business is, we will often enclose a work area during restoration so that your business operations aren’t disrupted. Whatever your recovery need may be, and whatever your commercial property may require, trust SERVPRO to get the job done. Contact us today to get started on an Emergency Ready Plan or find out how we can serve your business.

How Thorough Should My Business' Severe Weather Plan Be?

5/4/2022 (Permalink)

Two people looking at a computer If you need assistance creating a Safety Plan for your business, give SERVPRO of Fayette/S/ Fulton a call today.

If you have not yet done so, adding “create a severe weather plan” to your to-do list is a must as a business owner. Not only is an emergency action plan required by OSHA for all employers, but it is also a good idea for everyone involved.

Being prepared can keep you and your staff safer in the event of a severe weather incident, and can encourage everyone to stay calm in what can quickly turn into a chaotic scenario. However, if you are new to emergency action planning, you may be wondering how thorough your severe weather plan should actually be. While it is important to make sure all of your bases are covered, it is also important to remember that weather is unpredictable by nature and your plan should ultimately reflect that.

The Basic Outline of Your Severe Weather Action Plan

**Determine where everyone will go.** In the event of severe weather that strikes while staff is on-site, it is important that everyone stays put until the threat has passed. You will want to determine in advance what the safest area of your building is, as that is where everyone should go when the weather turns sour. Ideally, this will be a room at or below the ground floor of the building that is free from any windows or external-facing walls.

**Determine what everyone will need.** In the event of severe weather, a power outage is extremely likely. That is why it is important to create an emergency kit for your staff, stored in the area you will seek shelter. This kit should include flashlights, batteries, first-aid supplies and anything else to keep everyone comfortable during a power outage. It is also a good idea to include food and water so no one will need to leave the area prematurely.

**Determine your communication plan.** Trying to communicate with employees during a chaotic scenario is less than ideal, so think in advance about how you will keep them updated. Communicate the severe weather protocol in advance, and ensure that everyone knows exactly what to do if there is an imminent threat.

*If your building is damaged by severe weather, you can count on us. Get in touch today to learn more about our restoration process.*

SERPVRO assists with large commercial loss

4/21/2022 (Permalink)

a two story building showing a total loss from a recent fire If your company encounters any damage to your property, call the experts at SERVPRO of Fayette/S. Fulton Counties.

Floods, fires, blizzards and other extreme weather disasters or workplace incidents may cause enormous damage to warehouses, offices, retail shops and other commercial structures.

Flooding and fire disasters are two of the most common causes of severe economic losses.

COMMERCIAL WATER DAMAGE. Commercial water damage from flooding or other events can be devastating and costly. According to the U.S. government, the average commercial flood claim in the past five years has been around $89,000. Flooding may cause major damage to flooring, building material and drywall, putting the structure at danger. Furthermore, valuable and essential machinery and electronics may be damaged.

When you call SERVPRO, we will arrive as soon as possible to begin removing flood water and prevent it from spreading and creating further damage and difficulties.

SERVPRO professionals are highly trained and prepared to remove huge amounts of standing water and excess moisture from commercial buildings. We can also dry and repair construction materials, documents and electronics that have been damaged.

Our skilled water removal equipment can remove large amounts of standing water, while our cutting-edge drying equipment can remove excess moisture from any afflicted areas of the property. We can restore any of your essential devices (computers, TVs, monitors and so on) and assist in the recovery of lost data if they are damaged. We may also provide comprehensive restoration services if any structural aspects of your building are affected.

COMMERCIAL FIRE DAMAGE. Another disastrous catastrophe that might happen in a business environment is a fire. When they occur, they usually spread swiftly and do significant damage to the property and its contents.

Because damages are caused not only by the fire itself, but also by soot, smoke, firefighting attempts and other byproducts, there is more to clean and restore than the building itself.

We clean up and repair all affected areas after a fire through highly specialized solutions. As well as repairing any structural damage caused by the fire, we can also repair items that have been harmed by soot, smoke or water damage from firefighting efforts as much as possible.

While fires and floods are two of the most prevalent calamities that companies and organizations encounter on their property, there are still a plethora of other large loss events that we can handle. If you are a company owner who has encountered a damaging incident on your property, call SERVPRO of Fayette/ S. Fulton counties and we’ll respond to your emergency immediately.

A Look at Various Types of Business Insurance

4/12/2022 (Permalink)

?Man sitting at desk reviewing paperwork If you are interested in learning more about how to prepare your business for a disaster, contact SERVPRO of Fayette/S. Fulton today to learn more.

A successful business is a fantastic thing, and it certainly does not come about by accident. Business owners are no strangers to the hard work it requires to build a successful enterprise, and whether you are new to the world of entrepreneurship or a seasoned veteran, you know how important protecting your investment is.

One of the best ways you can protect your business investment is by making sure that you are properly covered with your commercial insurance. We are all too familiar with how devastating a flood, fire or other disaster can be for a business, but with careful planning, you can significantly mitigate your risk.

Understanding Different Types of Business Insurance

General liability insurance: General liability insurance is the base of all other commercial insurance coverages, but it is a rather important one. General liability protects you from a variety of damages, including many types of property damage. As your business grows, it is important to be sure to revisit your coverage regularly so you can have the most amount of protection possible.

Flood insurance: Business owners are often surprised to discover that flood insurance is its own category of coverage, and all too many discover this the hard way. It is vital to make sure that you have the proper coverage in the event of a flood. That way, if there is a natural disaster, you can be certain you are covered if a flood impacts your business and causes damage.

Commercial property insurance: If you have a high investment in property or physical assets for your business, commercial property insurance is something to consider. This provides coverage in addition to your general liability insurance, and can become useful in the event that there is a fire, severe weather event or other type of damage at your business’ property that causes damages.

Business interruption insurance: If there is a fire at your business, or a natural disaster that interrupts operations, being able to make up for those losses is a must. Oftentimes, general liability insurance will not cover lost income in the event of a closure, but business interruption insurance will.

If you are interested in learning more about how to prepare your business for a disaster, we can help. Contact us today to learn more about commercial restoration or to get tips about what to do if you experience damage at your business.

The 2 Things Your Business Needs in a Disaster

3/21/2022 (Permalink)

Servpro construction crew ??Let SERVPRO of Fayette/S. Fulton guide you toward preparedness, and get the best cleanup and recovery team in the industry.

You spend a lot of time getting your business ready—ready for launch, ready for your customers, ready for holiday shopping, for the new product unveiling, the list goes on. But how much thought have you put into getting your business ready to deal with a disaster?

All too often business are completely taken aback and derailed after a major disaster event disrupts their routine. In fact, 40–50% of small businesses never reopen after being disrupted by a natural disaster. For businesses whose margins can be razor-thin, it’s devastating to have to close for days, even weeks at a time.

When disaster strikes, you need two things in place.

A Business Interruption Plan

You need to know if, how and where you can continue doing business if your main location is temporarily disabled or unavailable.

Take time to develop a communications plan to reroute phone calls, update your website and share messaging in other ways. Establish backup vendor relationships and alternate-site workspaces, and practice the plan in case the day you need it should ever arrive.

A SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile

A disaster you’re prepared for has less of a chance of impacting you to a crippling degree. That’s why it’s so important to have a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile.

When we help you assess your risk and create a no-cost plan, you can have the peace of mind knowing a set of procedures can automatically spring to action should a disaster come.

Your SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile will include risk assessment, a compilation of critical emergency information, protocols and chain-of-command communications for emergency services, and crucial information for you and your teams. It will also enable SERVPRO get to work immediately on recovering your business and restoring your facilities so you can get back to work in your home base.

You can’t prevent natural disasters, but you can prepare for them. With a little planning, you can keep your business on track even in an evacuation or crisis.

Let your local SERVPRO guide you toward preparedness, and get the best cleanup and recovery team in the industry on your side when you need us most. Contact us today to get your READY Profile started.

Reduce the Chance of Commercial Storm Damage

3/18/2022 (Permalink)

top of building with missing roof shingles from recent storm If storm damage ever causes a mess at your business, call the pros at SERVPRO of Fayette/S. Fulton.

Without warning, high-velocity winds from severe weather can damage your business. No storm’s timing or severity can be fully predicted.

Tornadoes are a common occurrence here in Georgia. Tornado winds can reach up to 300 mph in the most powerful tornadoes. Wind speeds of this magnitude can lift vehicles into the air, tear houses and businesses apart and turn shattered glass and other debris into dangerous projectiles.

It might feel like there’s nothing that can be done to prevent the full severity of storm damage, but a few simple precautions can be taken to help reduce the chance of property damage and save you money on repairs and missed productivity.

The Roof

It is critical to ensure your roof can hold up against storm damage. Storms may cause shingles to fly off or be broken by hail and debris.

To ensure that your business’ roof is protected against wind damage, get it assessed for a variety of factors, including the following:

  • Shingles have a high wind and impact resistance rating
  • Shingles are snugly secured and fitted together
  • The roof sheathing is set firmly in place
  • The connection between the roof and the walls is sufficiently secure to prevent the roof from being lifted off by high winds and updrafts
  • HVAC equipment, skylight and pipelines are securely fastened and will not blow away

Exterior Walls and Doors

Different types of exteriors are more or less prone to damage from storms than others. In fact, steel siding is known as one of the most durable siding options available, as it can withstand harsh storms and damaging winds.

Some commercial spaces can be primarily glass, brick or concrete exteriors, which all have different levels of tolerance to storm damage. To make sure your building’s exterior is protected from wind damage, check the following:

  • The structure is well-sealed to prevent wind from entering gaps and crevices and damaging the interior of your business
  • Siding and windows are attached securely
  • All entry doors are triple-hinged and protected with a deadbolt lock
  • Overhead doors are well-reinforced and capable of withstanding heavy winds

Outdoor Areas

Many commercial properties have exterior spaces, from walkways to playgrounds. Perhaps you have outdoor benches, tables and chairs or potted plants.

Check the following to ensure that the areas around your property are protected against damaging winds and storms:

  • Storage sheds and structures are securely anchored
  • Everything you keep outdoors (equipment, inventory and supplies) is either secured or readily moved inside
  • Dumpsters, outdoor lighting fixtures and fences are secured
  • Large bushes and trees in close proximity to your structure are healthy and pruned
  • Outdoor advertising or signage are secured

You’ve worked hard to get your business to where it is today. If storm damage ever causes a mess at your business, call SERVPRO of Fayette/S. Fulton to handle any and all storm disaster cleanup and restoration.

 

Whatever the Disaster, We’re Here to Help Your Business

2/23/2022 (Permalink)

black soot damage on concrete patio from recent fire No matter what causes the damage, we can handle it. SERVPRO of Fayette/S. Fulton are your local restoration experts.

Even on a normal day, it’s difficult to operate a business. With so many competing demands for your time and attention, it’s easy to see why managing or owning a business might be a little stressful.

Consequently, if something were to interrupt business like damage from a natural disaster, you might need some experts to step in and lend a hand.

SERVPRO is the industry leader when it comes to commercial disaster cleaning, recovery and restoration. Our goal is to help you get back on your feet after a crisis by handling the cleanup and restoration process so you can continue to focus on what you need to do to keep your business going.

No matter what causes the damage, we can handle it:

Smoke and fire damage. The NFPA estimates that U.S. fire departments respond to an average of 3,340 fires in office properties per year that cost an annual average of over $110 million in property damage. We can take care of everything from the demolition and reconstruction of your building to the elimination of smoke odors.

Water damage. Damage caused by water seeping inside the building from any number of things, such as a storm, leaky roof, broken pipes, an overflowing water heater and other unanticipated problems, can cause issues from carpets getting saturated to drywall getting destroyed and even structural integrity potentially becoming compromised. No matter what happens, we’ll get you back up and running quickly and thoroughly.

Weather-related disaster damage. Natural disasters affect one out of every three businesses, and many of them are not prepared. One way to be prepared is to know what to do between disaster and the completion of your restoration. We can set your business up with a SERVPRO Emergency Ready Plan, which will help you know exactly what to do if disaster should strike.

Regardless of the nature or severity of your needs, we can assist you in getting back to business as quickly as possible.

Contact SERVPRO of Fayette/ S. Fulton when you’re ready to have the best in disaster cleaning and recovery on your side. We’re here to assist you in preparing for or recovering from a catastrophe.

Have a Strong Commercial Fire Safety System

2/18/2022 (Permalink)

a green fire exit sign above flames from fire A fire can happen to any business. If your workplace experiences any damage from fire, contact SERVPRO of Fayette/ S. Fulton counties.

Fires can cause serious damage and inconvenience to businesses. Ensuring that you are prepared for a fire before it happens will protect your employees and your facility.

With these four critical components, you can construct a solid fire safety system that will help curb a fire if one happens to spark up at your workplace.

Smoke and Fire Alarms

When it comes to fire safety in the workplace, the first and most important line of defense is a working fire and smoke alarm system. Everyone is alerted when the fire alarm goes off, indicating that there is a possible threat and that an emergency evacuation is required.

Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers are really only helpful for small fires, but knowing how to use one could prevent extreme damage to your facility. When using fire extinguishers, you and your employees should use OSHA’s “PASS” system:

P—Pull the pin on the extinguisher

A—Aim at the base of the fire

S—Squeeze the handle

S—Sweep at the fire, and move side to side

Sprinkler System

The usage of a sprinkler system is important as well. Sprinkler systems can be programmed to activate when the temperature reaches a specific level and can douse even very large flames.

You’ll likely need a professional inspector to provide regular inspections to ensure sprinkler and standpipe systems are properly maintained and running. As with any emergency equipment that is not used every day, ensuring it is in working condition regularly is essential.

Emergency Lighting and Signage

Conditions may be hectic and confusing during a fire. The building’s electrical power also often goes out. It might be difficult to see or navigate the building due to power outage, sprinklers going off, as well as smoke in the air.

People are more likely to be able to see well enough to leave the building and find safety if the facility is equipped with backup emergency lights that turn on automatically, along with lighted exit signs.

A fire can happen to any business. If your workplace happens to be affected, SERVPRO of Fayette/S. Fulton counties has expert fire restoration professionals who can assist you immediately.

The 2 Most Common Causes of Commercial Water Damage

2/18/2022 (Permalink)

a black keyboard showing signs of water damage Water damage doesn’t wait for a convenient time to cause problems. SERVPRO of Fayette/S. Fulton is ready 24 hours a day.

When you’re running a business, it’s easy to let a few things slip your mind. Perhaps checking your facility for water damage is one of those tasks. Water damage can sneak in quietly, but can pack a big punch if it isn’t found and treated quickly.

Water damage can cause expensive losses for business. Thankfully, it’s not impossible to find and address water damage early on, before it gets to be a major issue.

There are a lot of ways water can creep into your facility, but these two are the most common:

Leaks in the plumbing system. A pipe breaks, an appliance hose ruptures or if your facility has a fire, the suppression sprinkler system turns on and drenches your facility in water.

Pipes may also unexpectedly leak during freezing conditions due to frozen water. Burst pipes are sometimes difficult to detect since they are not as visible from the surface and may not always result in obvious puddles of standing water.

Water stains near piping areas or the development of musty odors are evidence of plumbing leaks. You might notice the stains on the ceiling, running down the walls or on your floors.

Roof leaks. Leaky roofs are often the result of severe rainfall combined with insufficient or incorrect roof drainage. Excessive rainfall, such as that seen during natural disasters, may often result in widespread damage when it leaks inside.

This sort of damage has the potential to develop further if it goes unnoticed with fewer people in the facility, like overnight or on a weekend. Roof damage may also result in secondary damage such as unsightly mold development, if left unattended for an extended period of time.

Commercial property insurance typically provides coverage for unforeseen pipe bursts, malfunctioning appliances and sprinkler system water damage caused by a property fire. Insurance also often includes coverage for damage to major equipment, which is crucial in the event of roof water leaks.

Water damage doesn’t wait for convenient times to cause problems, and we don’t wait for convenient times to respond. If water damage creeps up at your commercial property, SERVPRO is ready 24 hours a day and seven days a week to help.

Protect Your Business With a Water Damage Prevention Plan

1/7/2022 (Permalink)

disaster recovery plan being held by a person sitting at desk SERVPRO of Fayette/S. Fulton is the best cleanup and recovery team in the industry. Contact us for any restoration needs.

Water damage events like floods, leaks and burst plumbing can cause serious damage and create serious headaches for your business—from ruined documents to moldy walls and carpet, there’s a wide range of problems a surprise water situation can cause. But surprisingly few business owners have an actual plan to prevent water damage, even though it can save multiplied thousands in business interruption and other costs.

Many if not most workplaces have a fire plan, but statistically speaking, you’re more likely to have to deal with water damage than a destructive fire, so it’s definitely in your interest to plan ahead and do everything you can to protect your business assets and teams from the damage a water event could cause.

What Should Your Water Damage Prevention Plan Look Like?

Every business is different, and every location and context varies so there’s not a be-all-end-all solution that fits every workplace. It’s vital to understand the needs of your particular business, the extreme weather possibilities in the north Georgia area and even seasonal changes that could increase water damage risks.

But there are a few things that should be included in any water damage prevention plan, including:

  • Routine exams and insurance inspections, which can monitor present water risks and leaks and make recommendations about what may be needed going forward with regard to keeping your likelihood of an event low.

  • A task force of leaders who have been prepped, trained and equipped with knowledge and tools like water intrusion response carts.

  • Expert knowledge of your water shutoff locations and workings, and whether your shutoff involves one main valve or multiple shutoff zones. Make sure teams know who is authorized to enact main water shutoff in the event of a leak emergency.

  • Upkeep of service company contracts and authorizations—in other words, make sure you’ve connected with SERVPRO for your free Emergency READY Profile.

  • Installation of modern wireless leak detection equipment, which can alert you at the first signs of a problem.

You can’t prevent everything, but being prepared can minimize your water damage and business disruptions. If water damage becomes an issue for your business, contact SERVPRO and we’ll be there right away to help.

Understanding Fire Sprinkler System Requirements for Commercial Spaces

1/7/2022 (Permalink)

sprinkler head side view If your business is damaged from a fire, trust the experts at SERVPRO of Fayette/S. Fulton Counties to make it "Like it never even happened."

If you own a business or other type of commercial space, fire safety is extremely important. Not only is adhering to fire codes a must to allow for your continued operation, but it is also key that you do everything you can to protect your staff and your customers who are working and doing business inside the space.

Preparations can also reduce the impact of a fire, and given that over half of businesses are not able to recover after a fire emergency, doing what you can to reduce a fire’s impact is a prudent move.

One vital element of safety and harm reduction is a fire sprinkler system. While fire sprinklers are not *always* required in commercial buildings, they are more often than they are not—and even if they are not required in your specific situation, it is likely worth having them installed given that sprinklers are effective in stopping 88% of commercial fires when they are installed.

How Do I Know if I Need Fire Sprinklers in My Commercial Space? 

While every area will have local fire codes for businesses that may vary, some of the national guidelines are included below:

* Fire sprinklers must be installed in any new commercial building exceeding 5,000 square feet, or any building that is renovated to contain 5,000 square feet after construction.

* Buildings more than 55 feet in height must have fire sprinklers on every floor.

* Self storage buildings must have fire sprinklers installed, except in single story facilities with no indoor corridors.

* If the municipal water pressure to the building is not adequate to pressurize the sprinkler systems, a fire pump should also be installed.

If you are unsure about whether you need a sprinkler system in your commercial space, or you have questions about the system you have, your local fire department will likely be able to connect you with the right person to make an assessment. In addition to installing fire sprinklers, they can help you determine if your fire escape routes, fire exits and fire extinguishers are up to code as well.

If your business is damaged from a fire, we can help. Contact us today to learn more about our commercial restoration services for businesses impacted by fires, floods and more.

September is National Preparedness Month

9/20/2021 (Permalink)

cell phone with ERP app Contact SERVPRO® of Fayette/S. Fulton Counties to find out more on how to be ready when a disaster strikes with the Emergency READY Program.

As a business owner, insurer or property manager, you are a leader in your community and have the opportunity to set an example for your employees, policyholders, and customers to follow.

September is National Preparedness Month (NPM). This year for NPM, join your community in preparing for emergencies and disasters of all types, and leading the efforts to encourage your community as a whole to become more prepared. Disasters happen?and not only do they devastate individuals and neighborhoods, but entire communities, including local businesses of all sizes.

The 2021 theme is "Prepare to Protect. Preparing for disasters is protecting everyone you love."

As an employer in your community, having a business continuity plan can help protect your company, its employees, and its infrastructure, and maximizes your chances of recovery after an emergency or disaster happens. You can do this by taking three simple steps:

  • Plan to stay in business
  • Encourage your employees to become ready
  • Protect your investment

We must work together to ensure that our families, businesses, places of worship, and neighborhoods are ready for the unthinkable.

There are many supporting resources available at ready.gov/september where you can find vital information on how to begin preparing your business for a disaster, as well as addressing unique needs during an emergency situation. You can also contact SERVPRO® of Fayette/S. Fulton Counties professionals to find out more on how to be ready when a disaster strikes with the Emergency READY Program®.

*Restoration Newsline Vol 32, Iss 9

Spotlight on: Document Restoration

7/21/2021 (Permalink)

cardboard boxes of folders and documents SERVPRO of Fayette/S. Fulton Counties is your leader in document restoration.

As a leader in the restoration industry, SERVPRO® of Fayette/S. Fulton Counties knows timely mitigation is the key to reducing severity and recovering damaged items. Water-damaged paper goods can rapidly deteriorate. Without proper handling, valuable files and irreplaceable documents could be lost forever. Let SERVPRO's Document Restoration Team help you recover your damaged paper goods before it is too late.

Vacuum freeze drying is the most efficient and effective way to salvage water-damaged documents. SERVPRO® of Fayette/S. Fulton Counties uses sublimation, turning a solid directly into a vapor, skipping the liquid stage, to avoid causing more damage to the documents. An example of sublimation is dry ice: dry ice is made of carbon dioxide (not water.) When dry ice is exposed to normal atmospheric conditions, it begins to sublimate, turning directly from its solid stage into its gaseous stage, bypassing the liquid stage.

This process can recover even the most delicate items, from documents to photographs and x-rays, to entire business archives. SERVPRO of Fayette/S. Fulton Counties' goal is to make this process as simple as possible for our customers!

*Source Restoration Newsline Vol 32, Iss 7

Training Your Employees on Fire Safety in the Workplace

7/21/2021 (Permalink)

white wall with red fire alarm If you have fire damage to your business, you can depend on SERVPRO of Fayette/S. Fulton Counties.

Owning a business presents a large liability for multiple reasons. While you have many things you must plan for, planning for an emergency event such as a fire should certainly be part of your routine. Every year, fires lead to around $10 billion in overall damages, and if your business is not prepared before one happens, these damages can devastate you.

One of the best ways to boost the overall fire safety of your workplace is by training your employees to be conscious about it. When they are empowered to practice fire safety themselves, you can significantly lower your risk and ensure everyone is working together to create a safer office space.

Tips to Empower Your Employees to Be Fire-Safe

Create a fire safety committee. Installing a properly equipped fire safety committee in your office is a great way to tackle fire safety problems and allow you to delegate some of the planning so it does not all fall on you. A fire safety committee can plan evacuation drills, suggest improvements around the office and communicate other fire safety efforts with the staff at large so everyone is in the loop.

Make sure everyone knows the fire protocol. Fire alarms can incite panic in even the most prepared of individuals, but knowing what to do can significantly reduce the fearful instincts they might inspire. Be sure that you have regular workplace fire evacuation drills in order to help your employees be prepared for a real-world fire scenario. Everyone in your building should feel comfortable navigating emergency exit routes and getting to safety when a fire starts anywhere in the building.

Have a fire extinguisher seminar regularly. Fire extinguishers are an effective way to stop an electrical or other small fire in its tracks before it becomes out of hand—but only if your staff knows how to use them. Make sure to train everyone on their operation (you can often have local fire officials pay a visit to do this), and clearly mark where they are throughout the office so everyone is empowered to take action at the first sight of a spark.

If you have fire damage to your business, you can depend on us. Contact us at any hour to learn about our commercial restoration process.

Preparing for a Disaster Makes Good Business Sense

7/20/2021 (Permalink)

brick building with empty parking lot SERVPRO of Fayette/S. Fulton Counties is your local expert on getting your business back up and running following a disaster.

There are many things that business owners must think about throughout their day-to-day operations, and for many of them, adding something extra onto this task list may seem impossible.

While this is understandable, when it comes to preparing for a disaster, it is imperative that business owners make the time to consider it. Many businesses do not get the chance to recover from a disaster, and, while you can’t plan for everything, it is important to prepare for what you can.

Not only will disaster planning help you and your employees stay safer in advance of and during a disaster, but it also makes good businesses sense. Disaster recovery can be too difficult for businesses who have not prepared, rendering them unable to reopen. However, by thinking ahead and utilizing your resources, you can reduce the likelihood that this scenario will happen to you.

So, how does disaster preparedness help your bottom line as a business owner? When you know which commercial restoration company you will work with, you can quickly pursue restoration to prevent further damage. Knowing your what resources are available to you can get your business operational is a little time as possible.

SERVPRO of Fayette/S. Fulton Counties is your local expert on getting your business back up and running following a disaster. We can help you prepare before a fire or water loss by creating an Emergency Readiness Plan (ERP) for you and your staff. This will ensure that everyone knows who the primary contacts and decision makers are, where all shut off valves for water/electricity/gas/etc. are located, and how to get SERVPRO personnel en route to your facility.

There are many other resources you can utilize. For example, after a disaster is declared, the Small Business Administration provides loans for business owners to help with the cost of recovery. If you know what options are available to you in advance, you can apply right away when the time comes to receive these funds as quickly as possible.

It is to be expected that you will have to close your doors for at least a bit while you have the damage restored and prepare to resume operations again. By planning ahead, you can significantly reduce this time. Efficiency is key to getting your doors reopened quickly so you can continue to do what you love.

If your business is damaged in a disaster, we are here to help you. Contact SERVPRO of Fayette/S. Fulton Counties about commercial restoration 24⁄7 to learn more or to report damages to your business after a disaster.