Tips On How To Clean Your Electronics After a Fire

10/3/2022 (Permalink)

Cleaning your electronics after a fire can be very difficult and, in many cases, requires professional help.

Tips On How To Clean Your Electronics After a Fire

A fire doesn’t discriminate, it will damage everything in its path, including your electronics. After a fire, what you should do is remove any electronics that may have been damaged by heat or smoke. This includes anything from computers to cell phones, laptops, and tablets. A device that has been exposed to extreme heat can become damaged internally as well as on the outside. Even if your equipment isn't showing signs of being affected by the fire (such as no visible burn marks or smoke damage), you should clean it with anti-corrosive agents before using it again. Here are a few tips on how to clean your electronics after a fire.

The first step to cleaning electronics after any fire is to dry them out.

Although there are many ways to dry out electronics, we recommend that the first step is to use a hair dryer in the lowest setting. Avoid using vacuums and heat guns as both can damage your electronics. You also don’t want to put them in an oven as this could damage sensitive components inside of them.

Using a soft brush, clean the outside of your equipment and remove soot.

Using a soft brush or non-abrasive cloth, gently clean the outside of your equipment. Do not use water or harsh chemicals. Be careful not to use electronic equipment with damaged circuitry. Remove any protective casing and covers from the damaged equipment before cleaning it so that you can get into all areas of the device more easily.

Use an anti-corrosive solution to clean the electrical parts while they are still wet.

After the fire, you should clean all the electrical parts using an anti-corrosive solution. This will prevent any corrosion from occurring in the future. The best way to clean these parts is by using a cotton swab dipped in a non-corrosive agent such as detergent or vinegar and baking soda solutions.

Clean the exposed circuit board, memory card, and drive heads.

Clean the exposed circuit board, memory card, and drive heads with a cotton swab dipped in a non-corrosive agent. You can use isopropyl alcohol or distilled water to wipe the surfaces, but make sure not to touch any components with your bare hands. Use a cotton swab, not a cotton ball; it will be easier to properly clean the small areas you need to reach without damaging them.

If you have experienced a fire in your home or business, we hope that this post has been helpful. Cleaning your electronics after a fire can be very difficult and, in many cases, requires professional help. If you are in need of fire damage cleanup and restoration services, including electronics cleaning, don’t hesitate and reach out to our SERVPRO of Pflugerville team today!

Please contact us if you have any questions about what to do after a fire or how our cleaning services could help.

The special Techniques Needed for Cleaning Sewer Damage

7/9/2022 (Permalink)

Sewage backup in Salvista, FL

The Special Techniques Needed for Cleaning Sewer Damage

A sewer cleanup in Fort Myers, FL is a highly technical process that involves many factors. To begin with, sewage water is likely to contain pathogens and microbes that are harmful to human health. This necessitates a number of precautionary steps. Employees and customers of the building should be kept clear of the contaminated water. Cleanup workers should wear PPE such as gloves and masks when dealing with dirty water, and they also might want to consider the following vaccinations:

• Hepatitis A and B
• Typhoid fever
• Tetanus
• Polio

Risk factors vary from location to location. Restoration workers who might encounter a sewer backup should consult with medical professionals as well as the company they work for to learn more.

The Principles of a Sewer Cleanup
It is important to understand that the presence of raw sewage in a commercial building is an emergency. A quick response is mandatory. A reputable water remediation company should be called right away. Certified workers will arrive in a matter of hours and immediately go to work to stop the spread of dirty water. A flooded toilet and a flood are handled in a similar manner, though one might contain more water. The technicians will stop the flow of water, contain the situation, remove the water from the building and then clean and restore the affected areas.

The Use of Specialized Equipment
A quality restoration company has many resources at its disposal when dealing with a sewer cleanup. This allows workers to safely remove water from the building and to dry out and clean walls and other building materials. They can also engage in advanced testing to make certain all standing water or excess moisture has been removed from areas that are hard to reach such as attics and behind walls. Restoration technicians have been trained in the proper use of a variety of specialized equipment. Sewer damage presents many complications, but a professional team is up to the challenge.

What To Do When Your Water Heater Leaks

6/1/2022 (Permalink)

When your business is flooded due to a water heater leak, you need an emergency restoration service to mitigate the damage.

What Should You Do If Your Water Heater Leaks?

A leaking water heater can cause a lot of damage if it isn't addressed quickly. Water damage restoration specialists can clean up the water, mitigate damage and prevent mold growth as a result of a failed water heater.

Damage

A broken water heater can inflict damage in several ways:

• Structural damage
• Deteriorating building materials
• Mold growth
• Electrical wiring damage

If your water heater in Punta Gorda, FL, is leaking, you need to contact an emergency restoration service that can get there fast.

Drying Process

The restoration service will first remove all water, thoroughly drying the area. Depending on the amount of flooding from the leaking water heater, they may have to use submersible pumps or vacuums to remove the flooding. After the water has been pumped out of the building, they will use fans to ensure that all surfaces dry fully.

You can help by removing wet objects and taking them outside as soon as you notice the flooding. You can also open doors and windows to help the space dry faster. If the water may be in contact with any part of an electrical circuit, you could be electrocuted if you make contact with the water. If this is the case, do not touch the water. Wait for professionals to arrive.

Mold Treatment

Mold grows quickly in moist environments and could be harmful to the building and its inhabitants. After the area has been dried, the restoration service will clean every surface with antibacterial sprays. This will kill any mold that has already formed, stop further growth and prevent future damage.

Structural Damage

If needed, the repair service will repair any structural damage from the flood. This could include things like damaged drywall or weakened wood beams.

When your business in Punta Gorda, FL, encounters flooding from a leaking water heater, you need an emergency restoration service to mitigate damage. They will dry the area, treat for mold and repair structural damage.

3 Ways Water Can Cause More Damage After a Fire

5/12/2022 (Permalink)

While a local professional should give their input, water in computers and other electronics might mean you need new equipment.

3 Ways Water Can Extend Fire Damage

A fire at your business in Fort Myers, FL is stressful. Your thorough emergency plan protected your staff, but your building is in ruins. You know that you have to submit a claim for all the fire damage, but there is also a lot of damage from the water used to put a fire out. Careful documentation of all damage is the best way to get the results you want from your insurance company. Here are three ways water can cause more damage after a fire.

1. Electronics Can Be Ruined by Water Damage

If the fire was contained in one area of your business, your electronics might be salvageable. A commercial restoration company can take your electronics to be assessed by professionals who are knowledgeable about soot and smoke damage to electronics. However, electronics in the main area of a fire may be in more danger of moisture. While a local professional should give their input, water in computers and other electronics might mean you need new equipment.

2. Carpeting Can Be Salvaged from Flooding

A fire truck's hose pumps hundreds of gallons of water into a property that is on fire to extinguish the flames. Carpet can be professionally cleaned to remove the soot and smoke smell, but water-damaged carpet requires more intensive intervention. Since mold can form within 24 hours of exposure to water, any carpet that is growing mold should be pulled up and thrown out.

3. Walls Can Be Damaged by a Fire Hose

You may have a sprinkler system at your business. Sprinklers prevent fires from spreading rapidly. While sprinklers do some damage, a hose produces much more pressure and, therefore, more damage. The fire damage done to walls may have only produced burn marks while a powerful hose can break down drywall and seep into any porous material and cause mold to grow.

Fire damage is devastating, but more damage can be done by water when fire crews put the flames out. Careful documentation of every inch of your commercial space is essential for filing a claim with your insurance company.

Effective Commercial Fire Cleanup Strategies

1/10/2022 (Permalink)

Fire, soot, and smoke damage are only some of the circumstances that SERVPRO can remediate and restore for you, call us!

Commercial Fire Extinguishing Techniques

A commercial fire can leave behind numerous forms of damage inside any Salvista, FL, business. The cleanup process usually involves several phases, including managing charred and water-logged debris and addressing soot and smoke damage. Fortunately, there are many effective techniques you can employ to help restore your building and alleviate any lingering odor.

Initiating Cleanup Endeavors

Before you can commence ash and smoke cleaning, you should remove both wet and burned objects. To avoid secondary damage, it’s essential that you also discard saturated building materials, such as carpets, drywall and insulation.

Repairing Soot Damage

Soot may cover an extensive area of your commercial building. Because particles can infiltrate tiny spaces, your office may require thorough cleaning. To repair existing soot damage, a professional cleanup and restoration team can utilize a variety of strategies:

• Vacuuming loose particles
  
• Wiping walls and hard surfaces with a dry sponge
  
• Applying a degreaser on oily residue

Addressing Smoke Odor

Even after debris and soot have been cleared away, a smoky aroma may linger inside your building. There are several cleaning tools and techniques available to help alleviate smoke damage. Examples include air filtration devices, thermal foggers and odor counteractants.

HEPA filters are certified to capture microscopic matter, such as soot particles. For this reason, it’s essential that any air purifier employed during smoke cleaning contain this type of filter.

To further enhance the odor removal process, you can introduce microscopic deodorant droplets into the affected area using thermal foggers. In addition, a dry-cleaning service can apply counteractants to combat any unpleasant smells lingering on upholstered furniture, curtains and rugs.

Completing the Restoration

Because repairing smoke damage can be extremely challenging, completing a thorough fire cleanup may be a daunting task. A professional restoration service has numerous tools and techniques available to help you complete the project and resume normal business operations as quickly and efficiently as possible.

How To Safely Use a Fire Extinguisher

1/5/2022 (Permalink)

There are several different types of extinguishers and each is designed to fight a different type of blaze.

How To Use A Fire Extinguisher In A Safe And Appropriate Manner

A fire extinguisher can be a valuable tool that every business in Charlotte Park, FL, should possess. Because battling a blaze can be extremely dangerous, it’s important to understand proper usage techniques before employing any extinguishing device. Keeping the following details in mind may help you and your staff avert serious injury in the event of a fire.

Verify Extinguisher Type

There are several different types of extinguishers and each is designed to fight a different type of blaze. To help prevent additional fire damage, you should check the device’s label to verify its composition before utilizing it.

While you can use a multipurpose fire extinguisher on a variety of infernos, others have limitations:

• Class A: Suitable for paper, wood and cloth
  
• Class B: Designed for use on flammable liquids, such as gasoline
  
• Class C: Should be used only on electrical fires
  
• Class K: Ideal for a kitchen fire sparked by combustible cooking fluids

Identify Evacuation Path

Before engaging a blaze, you should locate an accessible evacuation path. Position yourself as close to the escape route as possible and ensure that flames and smoke do not block your exit.

Complete the P-A-S-S Procedure

To successfully operate an extinguisher, you must complete four essential steps:

• Pull the pin
  
• Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire
  
• Squeeze it
  
• Sweep from side to side

Keep a Safe Distance

To be effective, you should employ the device within the designated range indicated on the label. Because a blaze can reignite, you should take caution and avoid approaching any extinguished flames. If the inferno spreads or you run out of fluid, you should immediately evacuate the building.

Safety Should Be a Top Priority

To help safeguard your business, minimizing fire damage may be a top priority. However, you should never jeopardize anyone’s safety to accomplish this goal. For this reason, it’s essential to follow key safety protocols when engaging any fire extinguisher.

Plan Now To Minimize Losses From Water Damage

12/13/2021 (Permalink)

Our crew is currently using weighted water extraction equipment to remove water from the carpets in this local office space. Call us if you need us!

Plan Now To Minimize Water Damage Losses

It’s the season for making plans: for your personal life and for your business. Do you have a plan in place for pipe burst cleanup or other surprise water damage that could happen in your building in Charlotte Park, FL? There is really no good time for dealing with such a problem, but being prepared will help you navigate this kind of situation quickly and efficiently.

Water Damage Potential

When making your water mitigation plan, consider the potential reach of water damage. Just one sewage overflow or one broken pipe may result in multiple types of damage and losses, such as:

• Drywall and building materials
  
• Upholstery and furniture
  
• Documents and files
  
• Electronic equipment or machinery
  
• Business interruption

There is no good time for dealing with a pipe burst cleanup situation, yet time is the critical element. Your plan should include immediately contacting a water mitigation and restoration company to minimize loss of materials and revenues.

Time Is the Critical Element

Why is time so important when it comes to water damage? Water removal and drying are the key elements to minimize downtime and damage. Drying is more successful when you start as soon as you mop up or pump out the water. A sewer cleanup company and professional water mitigation team can help act fast by:

• Using knowledge and experience for taking the right action.
  
• Bringing in commercial pumps and industrial air movers to remove water quickly.
  
• Monitoring moisture levels to ensure successful drying before repairs are made.

Mold can begin to spread within as few as 24-48 hours, so removing moisture quickly is not only important for recovering materials but also an important step to prevent secondary damages.

The Resulting Plan

A pipe burst cleanup is a big job that needs done right, and there is not time for learning what to do as you go. Having a plan for water damage recovery can minimize losses of materials and downtime. Water mitigation specialists have experience dealing with water damage and they have equipment that can help you act fast and effectively.

3 Ways Security Fencing Keeps Your Property Secure After a Fire

10/30/2021 (Permalink)

Installing a security fence in your commercial residence after a fire can bring to you peace of mind.

Reasons To Install a Temporary Fencing

After your business in Solana, FL suffers from fire damage, one of the first things you should do is make sure your commercial residence is protected with a security fence. There are several reasons why installing temporary fencing is an important first step.

1. It Aids the Insurance Process

One of the first steps after a fire is to file a claim with your insurance company. After that is done, an adjuster will typically need to take stock of the remaining property. A fence can help make sure no further destruction or vandalism occurs before the insurance adjuster arrives. This is often crucial to collecting on a claim because insurance may not cover damage that occurred after the fire took place.

2. It Provides Extra Safety

Trespassing may be illegal, and it may be obvious you’re not open for business, but that may not keep passersby off your property while you wait for cleanup and restoration to occur, especially if you still have important documents or goods still waiting to be picked up. Along with shutters that protect your building from intruders, a security fence typically makes it harder for unwelcome visitors to stop by, helping to ensure no accidents from falling materials or slipping on soggy flooring occur, which could otherwise put you at legal, and therefore financial, risk.

3. It Helps Make Cleanup Easier

Once the insurance claim has been settled, the clean-up process can begin. Depending on the extent of the damage done by the fire, this could be a lengthy process. Temporary fencing should continue to keep your commercial residence safe while the restoration is performed.

Experiencing a fire in your Solana, FL, business can be overwhelming, but installing a security fence can give you peace of mind knowing that your commercial residence is secure as the process of repair and rebuilding is started and completed.

Why is Mold Growing Here – Again?

7/19/2021 (Permalink)

Mold growth around air conditioning system.

When mold first appeared in your Fort Myers Shores, FL, business you took immediate and thorough steps to address the problem – only to see it return to the same spot as if nothing ever happened. Mold growth is a pervasive issue both frustrating and endangering to your place of business, threatening property damage and an array of potential health effects. However, it shouldn’t become a recurring issue.

Understanding Mold Growth

Mold spores are a natural occurrence, microscopic in size and present almost everywhere. To grow into the familiar fungal nuisance the spores require four factors:

• Darkness
  
• Moisture
  
• Organic nutrients
  
• A surface to grow on
  
  

Dark places such as HVAC units or ductwork, interior walls, carpet and subflooring are all prime examples of places mold can thrive. The microscopic nature of mold spores doesn’t require significant amounts of water to grow, and when confronting mold in the same location water damage is most often the culprit. Check for remaining water damage in the location of the mold; HVAC systems can leave condensation and poor insulation may leave moisture buildup within the interior structure. Furthermore, check for humidity levels within your building. The EPA recommends indoor humidity levels remain between 30 and 50 percent. High humidity can create water vapor in the air; just enough for mold spores to thrive.

Understanding Mold Remediation

Unfortunately, there is no such thing as complete mold removal. The microscopic spores will always remain, but without the four key factors will not have the opportunity to grow into a colony. Thus, when mold is a recurring problem, it is a sure sign that water damage is still present in that location. To remediate mold, moisture levels must be addressed:

• Fix leaky pipes and malfunctioning HVAC systems
  
• Dry any liquid spills quickly and thoroughly
  
• Regularly utilize a dehumidifier
  
• Consider replacing porous material that mold has grown on
  
  

If you have taken these steps and mold growth is still occurring, a professional mold remediation team may be required. With the appropriate training and high-tech equipment, they can effectively keep mold the microscopic neighbor it should be.

3 Ways To Prepare Your Commercial Property for a Storm

6/30/2021 (Permalink)

Storm damage to a Punta Gorda, FL office

How Do Businesses Prepare For A Storm?

When strong storms sweep into Punta Gorda, FL, they can wreak havoc on your commercial property. This can be distressing, as high winds, heavy rain and flood water have the ability to cause thousands of dollars in damage to your building and its inventory. However, if you know a storm is inevitable, there are a few strategies you can use to prepare and possibly minimize the damage.

1. Back Up All Your Data

Your company’s data can be destroyed in a flash if it is stored in the basement of a flooded building. Paper archives can be especially vulnerable, so you may want to take time to move boxes or file cabinets to a safe location where the information can be transformed into electronic data and stored in the cloud. Avoid archiving information in company computers, especially those on the ground floor and vulnerable to flood water. In fact, you might be better off moving any company computers to a higher floor, if possible.

2. Remove Items From the Floor

Inventory, machinery and valuable company tools that sit at ground level can be susceptible to water damage. You may want to remove these items from the building or put them up on high, stable shelving. Heavier machinery can be lifted up onto stacked wooden pallets, which may keep them dry and unharmed during flooding.

3. Have a Restoration Plan in Place

It can be difficult to gauge how much damage your business may suffer before a flood, so it is wise to have a restoration plan in place before a disaster happens. Contact your local flood damage and mitigation service to discuss what the company’s technicians can do for you in the event that your building takes on the damage. Discuss possible services like odor cleanup and mold mitigation.

Flood water and high winds in Punta Gorda, FL, can damage your commercial building and put you in serious debt. However, careful planning and having a mitigation and restoration strategy in place may help you come through a flood with the least possible amount of damage.

3 Pitfalls of Lacking Interruption Insurance

5/25/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial fire damage in Charlotte Park, FL.

What Is A Risk Associated With Business Interruption

A business that is unprepared for the worst-case scenario may experience instability if an unforeseen event prevents operation for days or weeks at a time. While property insurance covers damage to a structure in Charlotte Park, FL, general commercial policies do not include interruption insurance. Here are three potential pitfalls that could be experienced by business owners lacking business interruption coverage.

1. Liability for Ongoing Expenses
An owner of a business who does not have interruption insurance may have to pay for ongoing expenses after a business fire. Meeting payroll, making lease payments or keeping the utilities on may cost thousands of dollars over one or more weeks of closure.

2. Revenue Loss During Closure
A business owner may also experience a partial or total loss of revenue during closure. If it is possible to operate out of an alternative location on a temporary basis, it may be possible to get around the need to make a business interruption claim. Otherwise, making an interruption claim can offset lost income.

3. No Recourse After Shutdowns
A business owner with interruption insurance can choose whether to make a claim. If the owner decides to do so in order to offset continuing expenses or lost revenue, these costs should be covered as soon as interruption insurance kicks in after the typical 48-hour waiting period. Business owners who lack this coverage have no option but to pay all costs above and beyond fire cleaning, which is covered property damage.
Business interruption coverage may be available as a rider or endorsement to a general commercial property insurance policy for a location in Charlotte Park, FL. If these options are not available, business owners can take out a separate policy. While interruption insurance raises the total cost of insuring a business, the peace of mind these policies provide in the event of a disaster is worth the expense.

How To Check for Moldy Air Ducts

1/26/2021 (Permalink)

Are there signs of mold growth in your air duct?

Here Are A Few Ways To Check For Mold

Mold is present everywhere. Outdoors, it's safe and natural; indoors, it can be problematic. One area of your business in Fort Myers, FL, that may have escaped your mold prevention efforts is your HVAC system. Mold readily grows in moist environments, and the ductwork, drip pans, and coils of your heating and cooling system could provide the ideal climate for mold growth. Here are a few ways to check for mold during your monthly HVAC cleaning regimen.

1. Follow your nose
A musty or mildew smell is often one of the first signs of mold growth. If you notice a moldy odor, turn off your HVAC system for a little while. If the smell dissipates when the system is off but comes back as soon as you turn it on, you likely have mold growing somewhere in the air ducts or drip pans. While it may be tempting to clean all of the parts that you can reach yourself, there are parts of an HVAC system that could be damaged by improper mold cleanup methods, so leave the HVAC cleaning to a pro.

2. Trust your eyes
Plan time for a regular visual inspection of the accessible elements of your heating and cooling system. Are there signs of mold growth? A blocked drain, pooling water, or condensation on the exterior of your air ducts could all be signs of potential mold growth.

3. Call a professional
Whether you see signs of mold or think you smell it, the best thing to do is call a mold remediation specialist to complete a thorough assessment. They will have a plan for cleaning vents, drain pans, and coils. They can also provide tips and strategies for preventing future mold problems.
Regular HVAC cleaning and maintenance will help to prevent most mold problems. However, if you think that your HVAC system could have mold, hiring a professional to complete a thorough assessment is the best bet for proper remediation.

4 Tips To Prepare Your Company for a Fire

1/13/2021 (Permalink)

Protect your company from a fire

4 Tips To Prepare Your Company for a Fire

Your company in Bayshore, FL, should have a plan for both fire prevention and fire preparation. Both will be focused on preventing a fire from ever happening in your building, but the fact is fires do happen to even the most conscientious companies. When a fire does break out, it is important to take actions that will prevent death and injury, that protect property, and that provide a blueprint for recovery. Essential elements of a preparation plan include several key provisions:

• Location of resources such as fire extinguishers and alarms
• Information on who to call in an emergency
• Evacuation of clients and customers to safe areas
• Information on priority areas to be protected

A thorough disaster preparation plan can be used for fires as well as floods and major weather events. A few modifications will be needed for each category of disaster.

Additional Elements of Fire Preparation
It is important to contact your insurance company soon after a fire. An agent can inform you on what is and is not covered, as well as provide information on the claims process. A valuable part of preparation before a fire is to develop a relationship with a company that specializes in fire restoration services. Doing this ahead of time allows the company to become familiar with your property. This enables a crew to come in after the fire and work on reducing fire damage.

Components of Reducing Fire Damage
A fast response by professionals is one key to minimizing the impact of a fire. If firefighting crews use water to put out the blaze, technicians can remove the water through the use of vacuums and large fans. They will also use advanced techniques and equipment to clean a building of soot and smoke damage. Certified workers will also restore structurally damaged areas of the property. Effective fire preparation has many facets, with one overriding goal in mind: to protect your company from a fire.

How To Prepare For Water Removal From Your Flooded Fort Myers Restaurant?

1/6/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage can be a severe blow to your business if you are a restaurateur in Fort Myers, FL

How To Prepare For Water Removal

Water damage can be a severe blow to your business if you are a restaurateur in Fort Myers, FL. Not only do you lose business, but if the water is not removed efficiently, it can also cause some serious secondary damage. Although restaurants are vulnerable to water damage incidents, many restaurant owners are not prepared for such a disaster.

The best way to limit the damage after a flooding incidence in your Fort Myers, FL restaurant is to have a procedure in place for when it inevitably happens. Make sure that you have a protocol that your staff can follow as soon as such an incidence occurs. Here are several tips that can assist you to prepare for a water damage incident.

Make A Plan
First, you need a plan. Make sure that your plan has the contact information of first responders in case of such an event and all your staff members are aware of the plan. Make sure that you have all the relevant information in the plan regarding your insurance company and your restoration company. Make sure that your staff knows to call SERVPRO as soon as possible to limit the damage due to any water-related emergencies.

Check Your Facilities For Signs Of Damage
Another important thing to do is to check for early signs of water damage on a periodic basis. Make sure that you schedule a walk-through of your restaurant every few days and look for early signs of water damage such as broken fixtures and clogged drains. Talk to our professionals to learn more about how to spot these early signs. SERVPRO's IICRC certified professionals have years of experience and can help you spot the early signs.

Call In The Experts As Soon As Possible
The best way to ensure minimal damage to your restaurant is by seeking professional help at the earliest possible stage. Once we receive a call from you, the SERVPRO team of expert technicians springs into action. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster and make sure that you get back to serving your customers in no time.

How To Avoid Water Damage To Your Business

1/4/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial water restoration services in Fort Myers Shores, FL

Steps In The Water Mitigation Process

If you own a business in Fort Myers Shores, FL, there is an inevitable chance that your building will experience some kind of plumbing issue that can potentially leave lasting damage. To begin a pipe burst cleanup or other water source leakage, stop the main source of water flow, if possible. You may then need to call in water damage repair specialists to help you minimize damages.
It's important to know the proper steps in the water mitigation process to avoid any lasting damages to your business.

Inspection and Identification

A restoration company will come and inspect the damage, as well as identify the source if you haven't already. Some common sources of plumbing issues include:

• Burst pipe
  
• Supply line leaking
  
• Toilet overflow
  
  

You may need to call in a plumber to make any repairs that are necessary. After the source is identified and they have assessed the damage, they may then begin water cleanup.

Extraction
The next step for pipe burst cleanup is to extract standing water as soon as possible to avoid any long-term water damage. Experts will come in with specialized equipment to do this safely and effectively. They may use a wet vac or a submersible pipe.

Drying
After as much water as possible has been extracted, the area will need to be dried out. The water damage specialists will use commercial-grade fans and dehumidifiers. If your office has a carpet, the carpet will need to be lifted to dry as quickly as possible to prevent mold and bacteria.

Cleaning and Restoration
Depending on the damage done, some items may need to be thrown out or removed and professionally cleaned. The area will need to be disinfected and deodorized to remove any unpleasant odors. After the pipe burst cleanup process is done, you will be ready to begin to restore your building. This may include steam cleaning carpets, getting new drywall, or repainting walls.
Although a major plumbing issue can be overwhelming for your business, you can minimize damages by taking the right steps.

Why Landlords Should Be Concerned About Mold

12/29/2020 (Permalink)

Mold damage in a Bayshore, FL home

For landlords, an outbreak of mold can be a big headache. For one thing, the presence of mold should be cleaned up as quickly as possible. Another concern is the possibility of lawsuits coming from a tenant or from multiple tenants. This can be a serious drain on finances and on time. The truth is, a mold infestation has spurred more than a few lawsuits against building owners, contractors, architects, and engineers. Making things even more difficult for property owners, mold insurance claims are complicated by fungus exclusions that often limit coverage for cleanup and repairs. In this environment, landlords and property owners should always closely consult with their insurance agent to make sure they have the right coverage.

The Best Ways To Avoid Mold

To limit the possibility of mold insurance claims and lawsuits, a landlord can take a number of proactive steps. The first involves keeping an eye on the general condition of the property by taking the following steps:

• Stay on top of water problems
  
• Fix roof leaks and plumbing problems at once
  
• Inspect the property regularly
  
• Stay attuned to complaints of mold growth
  
  

A fast response will often shield business owners from lawsuits. If fungus growth does occur, a quick mold remediation program can take care of the problem in a matter of days.

The Best Methods for Removing Mold
A local mold response team in Bayshore, FL, can arrive at the property in a matter of hours and begin the mitigation process. The team of highly-trained technicians will inspect and assess the property and go to work removing the mold from the building. They will also treat the underlying cause of mold, which is usually a water or humidity problem. An experienced franchise will have information on handling mold insurance claims. This will allow any payments from a mold claim to be handled expeditiously. It will also avoid any delays in the process.

Your Key To Success in Commercial Water Cleanup in Fort Myers

8/3/2020 (Permalink)

Water Cleanup for Fort Myers Restaurant Bathrooms 

Water loss incidents can originate from many different points of your Fort Myers restaurant, and with the heavy use of areas like the bathroom, this area becomes highly susceptible to these damaging scenarios. While situations like sewage backup and more traumatic events require skilled professional biohazard cleanup and recovery and also require your building to shut down for restoration, clean water incidents do not pose this risk when the symptoms begin to get addressed right away. 

Knowing what to do in these emergencies can help with the mitigation process to come, but also helps to improve the efficiency of water cleanup for your Fort Myers restaurant. With a reputation at stake that hinges on much more than the quality of food on served plates, your customers depend on you to manage internal disasters immediately and confidently. Take these steps right away while management contacts our SERVPRO team: 

• Immediately prevent foot traffic to this area of your restaurant using the appropriate signage. 
• Get the maintenance department involved in determining the source of the damage and what accessible shutoff valves exist to prevent further water flow and damage to the bathroom area. 
• With the water shut off, you can begin to sop up any standing water with conventional water removal methods like mops and wet-vacs if accessible. 
• If moisture and dampness have only occurred on areas like tiled flooring and backsplashes, these areas can get dried with towels and other conventional drying approaches. In more widespread cases, renting professional drying units like air movers and dehumidifiers can help speed up the drying process. 
• If you are unsure of the severity of the spread of water damage, you can rely on the sophisticated discovery tools of our SERVPRO team. We can quickly identify moisture pockets and dampness to address these risks appropriately. 

With the right response to the emergency, you often do not need to close your doors to your customers. If the damage becomes too widespread, you can count on the fast response of our SERVPRO of N. Ft. Myers / Punta Gorda team. We can make it “Like it never even happened,” if you call (941) 575-5910.

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After Your Commercial Property In Fort Myers Experiences A Fire Damage Emergency, Our Crew Is Here To Help!

7/18/2020 (Permalink)

Solving Commercial Fire Damage In Fort Myers

It is not uncommon for a busy restaurant to experience a kitchen fire. Firefighters can contain a fire to a small area, but damages can be inflicted on appliances and ventilation. In some situation, billowing smoke can enter the dining area leaving behind soots or smoke residues. Often these residues come from protein fires which involve the burning of animal fats. What is left behind is a thick set residue and a very unpleasant odor that could force temporary closure.

We can provide a crew of professionally qualified restoration experts for commercial fire damage in Fort Myers. Our experience in working with commercial property managers is extensive as well as working closely with insurance adjusters local to the area. In the case of soot and smoke deposits, acting quickly is essential. Firefighting procedures involve water which can cause soot to set into fabrics causing permanent damage.

SERVPRO restoration method involves conducting a thorough pre-test of the affected area to decide which techniques and equipment are going to be most effective. Different types of material burn at different temperatures, meaning that no two fires are the same. Testing soots can help us to clean more efficiently as well as prioritizing certain aspects of the routine. Fabrics, for example, are likely to be treated first due to the greater risk of permanent damage if left to sit.

Smoke travels into clean air rising toward the ceilings of the property. Where there is ventilation or an air duct, thick smokes can enter leaving behind soot and odor. SERVPRO has technicians with multi-disciplinary training including HVAC & Air Duct restoration. We can enter, assess and restore these crucial elements to help get your business get back to work as quickly as possible.

The most successful way of tackling odors is by finding the source. At times, an odor may linger after appliances and surfaces are clean. SERVPRO can bring in industrial grade thermal foggers to deodorize the area thoroughly. Thermal foggers vaporize solvent which acts as a pairing agent, finding and attaching itself to odor particles. These particles are then neutralized.

Temporary closures can impact revenues. Contact SERVPRO of N. Ft. Myers / Punta Gorda at (941) 575-5910 now.

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Commercial Flood Damage Restoration Leaves Fort Myers Shores School Clean and Safe.

2/11/2020 (Permalink)

Let us help keep our young minds in their Fort Myers Shores classroom, not out do to flood water.

SERVPRO will help keep your Fort Myers Shores schools waterless from a flood.

A flooding incident in Fort Myers Shores affected many properties, including a school, halting learning activities. The incident caused many problems both inside and outside the school structures requiring a concerted effort to restore normalcy at the institution. SERVPRO has sufficient experience dealing with flooding problems, making it easier to address such incidents.

Unlike other commercial flood damage incidents in Fort Myers Shores, the water around the institution receded fast, creating a perfect opportunity to accomplish various restoration tasks. For instance, we managed to inspect the damages left by the flooding outside the buildings where we discovered various types of debris, including bricks and mud pushed by the water from other areas. Our SERVPRO technicians managed to remove the rubble quickly using a mini land-mover and pressure washers.

The damages inside the structures were intensive because of the wide variety of materials susceptible to water damage. We also had to protect the interiors from further loss because some of the windows were shattered, and a wall in one of the classrooms had a gaping hole. Such openings allow weather elements, small animals, and even vandals, unfettered access into the building. Our SERVPRO technicians managed to board up all openings using plywood and two-by-four planks of wood.

The floodwaters had soiled the interior sections in most of the buildings requiring cleanup, decontamination, and drying. Our SERVPRO technicians first removed unsalvageable materials such as books, drywall, insulation, and other materials for disposal. We then embarked on the cleaning process using a combination of methods, including mechanical agitation with brushes and chemical action using professional cleaning agents. Deodorizing the affected areas and applying disinfectants and antimicrobial agents ensured that the affected areas were not only clean but also looked and smelled clean.

The damage left by a simple flooding incident can seem overwhelming. Call SERVPRO of N. Ft. Myers / Punta Gorda at (941) 575-5910 to help with the cleanup and other restoration processes making it, "Like it never even happened."

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We Get You Back In Business In Fort Myers After A Flood

1/24/2020 (Permalink)

Our air movers worked rapidly to increase the evaporation rate and salvage these floor covers after a flood hit this property.

Advanced Resources Ease Clean Up after Commercial Flood Damage Incident at Fort Myers Gas Station 

A night of heavy rain left many businesses in Fort Myers grappling with various forms of flood damages. One of the gas stations was completely marooned, with inches of groundwater covering most of the surfaces. The water left layers of mud and other fine wastes inside the structure and the paved section around the pumps and parking sections.

It was an uncommon type of commercial flood damage in Fort Myers since most of the materials in areas affected by the water could withstand exposure. For example, the hard tiled floors inside the convenience store could withstand extended water exposure due to their non-porous nature. However, there were still problems to address because of the soling that necessitated extensive cleaning efforts. Apart from inconveniencing the staff with cleanup work, there were hours of downtime when the station could not serve customers.

Efforts by our SERVPRO team augmented what the employees had already started. The most notable change was the speed at which pressure washers cleaned off the mud from the outdoor paving compared to the hose and brooms the employees were using before we arrived. By spraying water at high pressure, up to 3000psi, pressure washers push off the mud from the surfaces as well as crevices such as grooves where the paving blocks join, leaving an area clean with just a few passes.

Inside the convenience store, we had to perform extra steps to complete the cleanup. After cleaning the dirty floor, we had to sanitize the area using disinfectants and antimicrobial cleaning agents to eliminate the contaminants left by the flood damage. A quick round of inspection helped establish no faults in the electrical systems or moisture in hidden cavities. Our SERVPRO technicians finished the process by setting up air movers to speed up the drying of moisture from the store.

Even with minimal damage to items, flooding still poses other challenges. Call SERVPRO of N. Ft. Myers / Punta Gorda at (941) 575-5910 to help handle any aspect of an incident, "Like it never even happened."

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