Top Causes of Commercial Water Damage

7/10/2023 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & South Whitfield 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.

A 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)

If your property takes on fire damage, rest assured that SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & South Whitfield Counties 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 Gordon, Murray, & South Whitfield Counties 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

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & South Whitfield Counties 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 Gordon, Murray, and South Whitfield Counties 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)

SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & S. Whitfield 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 Thomaston, Forsyth & Fort Valley 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.

SERPVRO assists with large commercial loss

4/21/2022 (Permalink)

If your company encounters any damage to your property, call the experts at SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & S. Whitfield.

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 Gordon, Murray, & S. Whitfield and we’ll respond to your emergency immediately.

How Thorough Should My Business' Severe Weather Plan Be?

4/4/2022 (Permalink)

If you need assistance creating a Safety Plan for your business, give SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & S. Whitfield a call.

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.*

Understanding Fire Sprinkler System Requirements for Commercial Spaces

4/3/2022 (Permalink)

If your business is damaged from a fire, trust the experts at SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & S. Whitfield 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.

The 2 Things Your Business Needs in a Disaster

3/21/2022 (Permalink)

??Let SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & Whitfield 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)

If storm damage ever causes a mess at your business, call the pros at SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & S. Whitfield.

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 Gordon, Murray, & S. Whitfield to handle any and all storm disaster cleanup and restoration.

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

2/23/2022 (Permalink)

No matter what causes the damage, we can handle it. SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, South Whitfield 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 Gordon, Murray, South Whitfield 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 fire can happen to any business. If your workplace experiences any damage from fire, contact SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & South Whitfield 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 Gordon, Murray, & South Whitfield has expert fire restoration professionals who can assist you immediately.

The 2 Most Common Causes of Commercial Water Damage

2/18/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage doesn’t wait for a convenient time to cause problems. SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, S. Whitfield counties 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.

7 Tips for Workplace Fire Safety

1/21/2022 (Permalink)

If a fire should happen, remember the trusted name in restoration, SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & South Whitfield Counties.

Fire safety is a crucial part of running any business. Are you prepared? Run down this quick checklist to be sure.

1. Make an Emergency Action Plan. OSHA has a tool to help you comply with your workplace’s needed proper emergency standards and create an Emergency Action Plan to safely evacuate teams in a fire situation.

2. Train your teams. Once your plan is in place and you feel confident about its effectiveness, make sure your key leaders and teams know it by heart. You may only have about the time it takes to read this blog to escape a burning building, so it’s important that your leaders and teams know instinctively to spring into action.

3. Keep proper fire safety equipment maintained and ready. From fire extinguishers to sprinkler systems, emergency lighting, alarms and more, you’ve got a lot of helpful tools at the office, but they must be kept in good working order, easily accessible and ready to use. What’s more, your key leaders need working knowledge of the PASS Method and how to use any additional equipment.

4. Post all fire routes and exits visibly and clearly. Your exit routes should be carefully planned and then posted clearly, so that employees, customers and personnel can quickly see and understand them in a drill or emergency.

5. Conduct routine fire drills. Having a certain “muscle memory” for fire escapes is helpful, as time is a factor. Regular rehearsal of the plan can save time and even lives during an emergency, because your teams will be less prone to panic when they’re familiar with the drill.

6. Properly dispose any flammable materials. Letting papers or hazardous materials pile up around the workplace is only creating more dangerous fire scenarios and making a fire more likely to start or spread quickly. Always keep kitchens free of grease residue, and properly store or dispose of anything flammable that’s not mission-critical.

7. Eliminate electrical hazards at work. There are numerous potential hazards present at work, from poor grounding of equipment to faulty wiring or power cords. Always make sure any electrical system is properly installed, used and maintained to avoid a hazard.

If a fire should damage your workspace, we’re here to help. Call on SERVPRO to restore your property after a fire.

A Guide to Fire Code Considerations for Your Commercial Space

1/7/2022 (Permalink)

If your business needs help with fire damage, you can count on SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray, & South Whitfield Counties 24/7/365.

If you own or operate a business or other commercial space, understanding how to protect your investment and your employees from harm related to fire damage is a must. Not only are fires extremely dangerous for anyone who is in the area, but they can also be devastating to businesses—it is estimated that over half of businesses are unable to recover from a fire.

Fortunately, businesses are able to take many precautions when it comes to fire prevention, and national commercial fire codes are a great place to start. While each area will have their own local codes that should also be followed, below, we will examine some of the national codes that can help you keep your business safe and operational.

Fire Codes Pertaining to Commercial Sprinkler Systems 

While they are not required in all types of commercial buildings, a commercial fire sprinkler system can be a fantastic way to reduce the risk of a fire severely impacting your business. Typically, the rules for fire sprinkler systems are that they must be installed in any commercial building over 5,000 square feet and any building that is taller than 55 feet in height.

Fire Codes Pertaining to Fire Alarms 

While smaller commercial spaces are not always required to have a fire alarm system, installing them is a simple enough process that it is always a good idea. By alerting people to the fire quickly, your employees and customers will have more time to escape, which could potentially save a life. If possible, it is best to invest in interconnected fire alarms, so that when one is triggered, they will all sound to alert everyone in the area.

Fire Codes Pertaining to Fire Extinguishers 

All businesses are required to have fire extinguishers on the premises, but how many and where they should be located varies based on the size and nature of the commercial space in question. Additionally, business owners are required to have fire extinguisher training with all employees at least once per year to be certain that everyone is aware of how to use a fire extinguisher and comfortable with the best practices.

If your business needs help with fire damage, you can count on us. We are here 24 hours a day to help you recover in the aftermath of a commercial fire. Contact us today to learn more.

Keeping Track of Fire Safety at Your Business

1/3/2022 (Permalink)

If you are dealing with the aftermath of a fire at your business, you can depend on SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray & South Whitfield Counties.

For business owners, there are few things more important for the safety of you and your staff  than ensuring you have the right fire protections  in place. Fires can be absolutely devastating for businesses, with over half never being able to  recover after the damage—but fortunately, there are plenty of ways to decrease the likelihood that  you will ever experience a fire at all.

All businesses are subjected to certain fire codes  set forth by the National Fire Protection  Association, which provide a great guideline for  making sure you are being as safe as possible. In addition to adhering to fire codes when you are first starting out, it is also important to make sure you are regularly auditing your fire safety efforts to be sure nothing slips through the cracks. Below, we have listed out some helpful tips for  doing just that.

Keeping Track of Your Fire Prevention Efforts in the Workplace

Make sure you have enough (working) fire extinguishers. It is required that all commercial spaces have fire extinguishers on the premises, though how many and where they are located will vary depending on your specific situation. That being said, it is important to check your fire extinguishers regularly—while they do have a long shelf life, there will be an indicator on each one that will let you know if it is time to be replaced.

Check or install commercial sprinkler systems. While not every business is required to have a sprinkler system, they can be a great investment for any commercial space. Sprinkler systems are extremely effective at stopping fires quickly, so even if your business is not technically required by codes to have them, it might be worth considering having a sprinkler of some sort put into place.

Be sure you are reviewing fire safety with your staff. Fire safety efforts are great, but if your staff is ill-prepared for a fire, they can be all for naught. Make sure you are regularly going over fire routes, fire exits, evacuation protocols and fire extinguisher use with your staff. That way, everyone will know exactly how to take action in the event that a fire begins, which can eliminate confusion in a panicking situation.

If you are dealing with the aftermath of a fire at your business, you can depend on us. Contact us today to learn more about our fire restoration services.

Understanding Fire Sprinkler System Requirements for Commercial Spaces

12/31/2021 (Permalink)

If your business is damaged from a fire, contact us about our commercial restoration services for businesses impacted by fires, floods and more.

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  our 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  that you can to reduce a fire’s impact is a prudent move.

One vital element of safety and harm reduction is 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, for 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.

Ensuring Your Business Has the Right Pandemic Protocols

9/21/2021 (Permalink)

If your business is in need of a deep cleaning, contact SERVPRO of Gordon, Murray and South Whitfield Counties.

Over the past year, business owners in Gordon, Murray, and South Whitfield Counties and the surrounding communities have reevaluated many things about doing business.

That’s understandable. After all, no one saw a pandemic coming.

But now that one is here, business owners have to navigate the murky waters of providing services, staying open and safely serving their customers and clients.

Some of these resources may be able to help you do just that.

Things to Consider

Many businesses have already been looking into remote work policies for employees who can do their jobs remotely. But here are some thoughts from HR experts to help businesses navigate this unprecedented time.

Reevaluate your work from home policies. Of course, not every job can be done from a home office. But some can. Experts recommend evaluating the duties your employees are performing and decide what can and can’t effectively be done in a remote office.

Find tools to help with productivity. Many employers worry about what working from home will do to productivity. Luckily there are apps, tools and management systems available to help you and your employees monitor things.

Consider your PTO policies, too. Employees might need more flexibility during this time. Not many people leave town on vacation, but people might need extra leave time to deal with online learning and childcare issues.

Some jobs and businesses do have to account for some degree of in-person service. (Restaurants are a great example of this type of business.)

In that case, then it’s a good idea to look to CDC guidelines for updates about social distancing, masking and hygiene best practices.

You can use this information to guide how your own business is dealing with the pandemic.

If you need cleaning assistance at your business, we’re here. We have crews who are available ²⁴⁄₇ in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time to learn more about our cleaning services and how we can help you.

Decluttering Your Office

7/26/2021 (Permalink)

A clean workspace can help productivity by decreasing stress.

A clean environment is a healthy environment. Improve your living and workspaces this spring. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you declutter your office.

• Divide your workspace into zones. Determine how you want and need to use the space and set up zones for your daily functions. This will provide a foundation for a more efficient use of space.
• Keep only what you need at arm's length. Boxes of pens, stacks of papers, and old coffee cups need to go. Rid your desk of visual clutter.
• Create a daily system for organization. Consider creating hanging files or baskets.
• Sort through your catch-all "junk" drawer. Go through your drawers every six weeks and clear out anything that is out of place or isn't being used.
• Eliminate digital clutter by organizing your work inbox. Keep icons on your desktop to a minimum.

If you need a little help, don't worry, SERVPRO® of Gordon, Murray and South Whitfield Counties professionals have the tools to make your home or business sparkle in no time.