Be Prepared with The Emergency Ready Profile

2/8/2022 (Permalink)

Business Preparedness with the Emergency Ready Profile

Did you know as many as 50% of businesses never recover following a disaster? The majority of Charlotte NC businesses that do survive had an emergency preparedness plan in place. Being fully prepared with proper planning can bring you peace of mind. When you are "Ready for whatever happens" this provides a solid level of trust with your clients and employees, so that if there is an emergency event and your business is affected by a disaster, you’ll be able to recover as quickly as possible.

By developing an (ERP) Emergency Ready Profile with SERVPRO of NW Charlotte for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business.

• It’s Free. We will provide an assessment of your facility at no cost to you.
  This is a high quality, digital profile with no need for you to allocate funds. This program provides exceptional value with zero cost.
   
• A Profile Document containing critical information needed in an emergency.
  In just minutes, your business can complete the profile without taking time away from current projects, but it will save a lot of time if ever needed.
   
• A Digital Guide to help you get back into your building after a disaster.
  Having a complete, updated Emergency Ready Profile can help minimize the amount of time your business is affected by a disaster by having an immediate plan of action.
   
• Establishes SERVPRO of NW Charlotte as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider. Your business will  have a go-to source with a provider recognized as the industry leader right around the corner.
   
• Identifies the line of command for authorizing restoration work to begin.
  Save time. In the case of a disaster or emergency, we can begin the work of mitigating the damage right away - which can save you time and money.
   
• Provides facility details such as electrical box and water shut-off valve locations, as well as priority areas such as entrances, exits, and priority contact information.
  Your team will be fully ready with a quick reference of who to call, what to do, and how to do it providing you with solutions in advance of an emergency situation so you’re "Ready for whatever happens."
  
  

Get Started Today

Contact us at (704) 393-7890 or email us at sp10068@SERVPROnwcharlotte.com to schedule a consultation.

SERVPRO of NW Charlotte, Lincoln County, Southern and NE Gaston County is a locally owned company with national resources backed by SERVPRO® and is ready to help your business regardless of the size or scope of the damage.

Does your Business have a Disaster Plan?

2/8/2022 (Permalink)

Do you have a Disaster Plan?

If you own a business in Mecklenburg County, developing a disaster plan is a vital part of making sure you are covered in case an emergency were to arise. Having a written plan in place will help your employees stay safe in an emergency situation, keep everyone informed, and help you reopen your business quickly. There are a few key elements that can help you be certain that you are fully prepared.

Path for Building Evacuation & Staying Put 

Depending on the type of disaster you are facing, it may be necessary to evacuate while other disasters may necessitate staying in place. To be fully prepared for whatever situation your business faces, it is important to have a procedure in place regarding both of these things. 

Make sure that you have well-marked evacuation routes in the building in case employees must leave suddenly in the event of a fire or flood, and practice evacuation drills frequently so everyone knows what to do. In the event that you must stay put, pack an office emergency kit with enough food, water and medical supplies to sustain you and your staff until official help arrives. 

Effective Communication Strategy for Employees and Management

In the event of a disaster or emergency, there will likely be a lot of confusion from staff regarding what this means for the business and their livelihoods. Making sure that you and upper management have a strategy for communicating with staff will help you (most importantly) ensure everyone is safe, communicate pertinent information and keep any rumors at bay. 

Outline of the Recovery Process 

For business owners, stakeholders, and management, your livelihood is likely on the line if your business or organization has an unexpected closure.  It’s recommended that you have a recovery plan in place in advance so you can expedite your time to reopening. 

Make sure you are aware of how to start recovery, including knowing your insurance information, and preferred commercial restoration company that you will be using to mitigate damage, restore your property, and get your business reopened as quickly as possible. 

Need Assistance?

If your business has experienced a disaster, you can count on our restoration services. Contact SERVPRO NW Charlotte at (704) 393-7890  to learn more about our commercial restoration process.

Commercial Deep Cleaning: Workspaces, Office, and Facilities

1/10/2022 (Permalink)

Highly Trained Commercial Cleaning Technicians

During an unprecedented global public health issue, “disinfecting” means more than singing a 20-second tune in your head while washing your hands. With the pandemic affecting our everyday lives in some way, deep cleaning is now incorporated into our routines as part of the new normal.

This especially holds true for corporate and commercial business owners and property managers who are stepping up their sanitizing game to institute and maintain healthy and safe work environments. Proper cleaning and disinfection routines can significantly reduce or eliminate pathogens on surfaces and objects in workplaces, offices and facilities. 

Commercial Cleaning = Peace of Mind 

Business owners in Charlotte can be proactive by adopting a defensive pathogen cleaning program. With many employees now working from home and essential facilities operating with minimal staff, it’s a convenient opportunity for deep cleaning. Knowing a workspace or business has followed exposure and cleaning procedure guidelines provides peace of mind for employers, employees, vendors, clients and customers. They can feel confident the environment was thoroughly and professionally cleaned according to Centers for Disease Controls (CDC) and local authorities. 

Examples of High-Touch Surfaces

In the workplace, frequently touched surfaces are tables, hard-backed chairs, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks, fixtures and electronics (phone receivers and keypads, computers, keyboards, tablets, touch screens, kiosks and remote controls).

Other commercial spaces may include sales counters, water fountains, soda and snack machines, kitchens, break rooms and food areas, bathrooms, meeting rooms and classrooms, shelving and racks, carpets, rugs and drapes, furnaces and air conditioners, stair and escalator handrails, elevators, and playground or fitness equipment.

How Long do Pathogens Stay on Surfaces?

While the World Health Organization doesn’t know how long every virus or pathogen survives on surfaces as an infection threat. Studies suggest viruses may last on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days, depending on the surface type and the environment’s temperature and humidity level.

Commercial Cleaning Levels & Standards

SERVPRO of NW Charlotte, Lincoln County, Southern and NE Gaston County is a member of the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), the certifying body for the cleaning and restoration industry. We adhere to CDC and local authority guidelines related to exposure and cleaning procedures. Our primary cleaning technique includes hand wiping surfaces and fogging, a process that uses an ultra-low volume or electrostatic sprayer to apply disinfectant to surfaces. 

Reactive Cleaning 

When someone known to have a contagious disease has been exposed to the workplace or facility, we recommend enhanced or reactive cleaning. In these cases, we customize services based on the specific needs of a facility. And, we may use a cleaning protocol developed by a third-party industrial hygienist.

Additionally, the CDC recommends opening windows and doors to increase air circulation and closing off all areas used by the infected person. Wait 24 hours (or as long as possible), then clean and disinfect offices, bathrooms, common areas, shared electronic equipment and any other areas the infected person may have used. 

Reactive Cleaning 

When someone known to have a contagious disease has been exposed to the workplace or facility, we recommend enhanced or reactive cleaning. In these cases, we customize services based on the specific needs of a facility. And, we may use a cleaning protocol developed by a third-party industrial hygienist.

Additionally, the CDC recommends opening windows and doors to increase air circulation and closing off all areas used by the infected person. Wait 24 hours (or as long as possible), then clean and disinfect offices, bathrooms, common areas, shared electronic equipment and any other areas the infected person may have used. 

24/7 Commercial Cleaning Assistance

Although SERVPRO of NW Charlotte, Lincoln County, Southern and NE Gaston County is part of a national network of 1,700-plus franchises, we’re locally owned and operated and part of the community. Our highly training cleaning technicians are employees, not contractors, which means our team can respond very quickly and with more resources. For questions, contact us anytime at (704) 393-7890 or request help online. 

Commercial: Why Property Managers choose SERVPRO NWC for Emergencies

9/24/2021 (Permalink)

Property Managers choose SERVPRO NWC for Emergencies

Commercial: Why  Property Managers choose SERVPRO NWC for Emergencies

As the go-between for property owners and tenants, property managers have to juggle many responsibilities -- finding new tenants, fielding questions and complaints, performing inspections, overseeing landscaping and maintenance repairs, securing the property, and ensuring the building’s appearance remains tiptop. 

Fortunately, when it comes to handling fire, water and contamination cleanup emergencies, property managers have a secret weapon that’s just a phone call away: SERVPRO’s Disaster Recovery Team. 

We get it. There’s never a convenient time to clean up from fire damage, water damage or a biohazard contaminant. Every minute spent cleaning and restoring a business or property results in lost time, revenue and productivity. 

When a disaster or emergency strike, our commercial services team is ready to respond -- 24 hours a day and seven days a week -- regardless of a commercial property’s size or scope of the damage. 

Wether it’s retail to residential and manufacturing to motels, SERVPRO’s commercial services team helps make it “Like it never even happened,” so property managers can focus on their other roles.

• If a massive storm floods a mom-and-pop ice cream shop, we’ll respond immediately to tackle initial storm cleanup and damage mitigation and rebuild the affected areas. 
  
• If there’s a funky smell coming from somewhere in a 10,000-square-foot manufacturing plant, we’ll locate the source of the offensive odor and eliminate it. 
  
• If a fire sprinkler system fails during the grand opening weekend of a retail boutique, we’ll clean the property and manage the restoration process - from start to finish.   
  
• If an electrical fire breaks out in the middle of the night at a restaurant dining room, we’ll restore it to pre-fire condition -- from fire and smoke damage to odor control and upholstery and fabric cleaning. 
• If a husband and wife test positive for COVID-19 just two days after vacating their high-rise apartment, we’ll get it Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned in no time so it’s ready for the next tenant. 
  
• If an older apartment building has mold infestation from a slow roof leak, we’ll prevent it from spreading to other parts of the building and remove it through our commercial mold remediation process.

Restoring your Commercial Property After a Water Damage Event

9/24/2021 (Permalink)

Restoring your Commercial Property 24/7

Flooding and water damage events at Charlotte NC commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large-scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area.

In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility. We understand the importance of minimizing your business’s down time.

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity.

So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need. Contact SERVPRO of Northwest Charlotte  24/7 by calling (704) 393-7890.

What every NC business owner should know about flood insurance coverage

6/18/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial Water Damage Restoration

If your commercial property takes a hit - whether it’s an office flood caused by a significant storm or restaurant water damage from firefighting efforts and sprinkler systems - you want to get back to business as soon as possible.

Every hour you spend restoring commercial property after a flood emergency is lost revenue and productivity. And the insurance claims process adds more stress to an already challenging situation. 

Fortunately, local experts can mitigate the damage, manage the restoration project through to its completion, and help you navigate the insurance process: SERVPRO of NW Charlotte, Lincoln County, Southern and NE Gaston County. 

Additionally, SERVPRO is a preferred vendor for many insurance companies. Why? Because adjusters understand our goal is to give our commercial customers the best service possible to get them back up and running quickly. Our professionals provide 24-hour emergency response, quickly identify and mitigate damage, assess the loss, restore the damage, and develop a thorough electronic case file for customers and adjusters.  

However, long before a disaster or emergency strikes, business and commercial property owners should understand the ins and outs of their insurance policies so there are no surprises about coverage. Below are some North Carolina Department of Insurance responses to seven commonly asked questions about flood insurance.

What is the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)?

In 1968, the federal government established NFIP. The Federal Insurance Administration, which is part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, administers the program. NFIP makes flood insurance available to property owners in communities that help reduce further flood losses by adopting and enforcing floodplain management ordinances. Property owners must be within a city, township or county that participates in the NFIP by enforcing floodplain management standards. Flood insurance isn’t just for properties in particular flood hazard areas; nearly 30 percent of flood insurance claims are for properties outside floodplains.

Does my policy cover flood damage to my commercial building and its contents?

Standard commercial property policies don’t cover water damage due to flood; however, some carriers offer limited coverage to premium policies or add it to other policies by “endorsement.” An NFIP policy covers water damage loss that results directly from flood.

I covered for sewage backup if I added an endorsement to my policy?

Most commercial property policies don’t cover water damage due to backup of sewer or sump pump; however, many companies will sell this coverage through a separate endorsement or addition to the policy. While silent on sump pump coverage, NFIP policies provide sewer backup coverage when there are general flooding conditions in the area (even if flood water hasn’t touched the property), the flood caused the sewer backup, damage occurs within 72 hours after the flood recedes, and the property value is at least 80-percent.

Is there coverage for the fire damage on my flooded property?

Most commercial property policies exclude flood as a covered cause of loss; however, it gives back coverage for fire and explosion, and in some cases, for theft or sprinkler coverage in the event of a flood. NFIP policies don’t provide coverage for fire or other named perils.

Receding flood waters left debris all over my property. Is debris removal covered?

Most commercial property policies provide coverage for debris removal if a covered peril causes the loss. NFIP policies cover insured debris removal anywhere and non-insured debris only if it’s the insured property. Uninsured debris on the insured’s lawn isn’t covered.

Will insurance cover my lost income if I had to close my business because of a flood?

Most commercial property policies provide business income protection within the policy or by endorsement; however, the coverage only applies to a covered cause of loss. If the policy includes flood coverage, that coverage also applies to business income. NFIP policies don’t cover for loss of use, loss of access, business interruption, additional expense or loss of profits.

Commercial water damage restoration

Regardless of the scope or size of the damage, SERVPRO of NW Charlotte, Lincoln County, Southern and NE Gaston County can respond immediately to commercial water damage emergencies. Our highly trained restoration technicians are employees - not contractors - who use the most advanced water damage inspection and extraction equipment. To learn more, call us anytime at (704) 393-7890 or request help online.

What Does it Mean to be Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned?

2/15/2021 (Permalink)

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

Butter blocks cholesterol. Pet food extends dogs’ lifespan. Vitamins prevent the flu. Shoes help you lose weight. Just because a company claims something in its marketing, it doesn’t make it true. This also applies to companies offering cleaning services to mitigate viral pathogens without the expertise to back it up. 

“There are a lot more people doing ‘COVID cleaning’ now who have no experience with infectious disease control and are not qualified to be doing this service,” said Jason Sadler, mitigation estimating manager for SERVPRO of Northwest Charlotte. “They're just doing it because there’s not much work for them right now and they need to make money somehow.”

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

While Charlotte and surrounding communities start to get back to business, many people are still hesitant about gathering in brick-and-mortar locations such as restaurants, businesses and public spaces. 

Since the pandemic hit, there’s a new sense of what it means to be ‘clean.’ It’s not just standard janitorial, carpet or surface cleaning, it’s about proactive and defensive viral pathogen cleaning for commercial locations.  

“SERVPRO has 50-plus years of experience in biohazard decontamination and biochemical spill remediation,” Sadler said, “So when we say we offer a professional COVID cleaning service, our team has the training and experience to ensure a higher standard of clean.” 

Advanced viral pathogen cleaning program

Because each business and brick-and-mortar facility is unique, the SERVPRO team consults with customers to tailor a commercial cleaning program around their needs. For example, the COVID cleaning needed at a burger restaurant may differ from an insurance office. 

Once a plan is established, SERVPRO’s deep clean experts - armed with air scrubbers, thermal foggers and proprietary EPA-approved hospital-grade solutions - go in and clean and decontaminate following standards set by local authorities and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

COVID cleaning across the country 

SERVPRO of Northwest Charlotte is part of a national network of 1,700-plus franchises. While we’re locally owned and operated and part of the Mecklenburg, Lincoln and Gaston communities, our company also has national accounts spanning the country. Some of our large commercial clients have hundreds if not thousands of buildings in dozens of states.

“These clients have vetted us to perform the same consistent services we’re performing locally for their other locations all over the country because they know they can make a phone call to one person who's going to pick up every time and take care of them,” Sadler said.  

“When you see the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned shield posted on a window or the home page of a business website, you can walk in knowing that business has committed to a higher and safer standard of clean and the facility was cleaned properly by a professional commercial cleaning company.”

24-hour emergency services

SERVPRO of NW Charlotte, Lincoln County, Southern and NE Gaston County’s commercial restoration and cleaning technicians are employees, not contractors, which means our team can respond faster to emergencies with the most advanced cleaning equipment and products. To learn more about commercial cleaning assistance or request a free quote, contact us anytime at (704) 393-7890 or request help online.

Smoke: The Most Onerous of Odors

2/8/2021 (Permalink)

Removing Odor from Property

In the battle against stenches, there’s one that defies even the most skilled odor removal and deodorization experts: Nicotine. 

“The key to eliminating odors is to remove the source. But nicotine is made up of very, very small micron-level particulates that can embed themselves into damn near anything,” said Jason Sadler, mitigation estimating manager for SERVPRO of Northwest Charlotte. “So if nicotine is the source and it’s in and on every crack, crevice and surface, it becomes quite the task to try and remove it.”  

Masking and other shortcuts are powerless against cigarettes and cigars, Sadler said, and even extensive cleaning doesn’t offer assurance. 

The stinky reality 

“Let’s say you buy a property where it has been smoked in for years. You’d probably have to remove or replace everything that’s either pushing or pulling air or made of porous materials,” he said. “Things like HVAC systems, exhaust vents in bathrooms and carpet and padding just hold onto that odor and can’t be salvaged.” 

Sadler added, “If you wet wash walls with certain types of cleaning products, you might be able to eliminate a good bit of the odor, but it’s tough to guarantee removal of that nasty yellowing and nicotine or smoking-type odor.”

If you plan to head to a grocery store or big-box retailer this weekend to rent a carpet cleaning machine or take advantage of one of those $99 specials for commercial carpet cleaning, Sadler offers a word of caution. 

“It’s not realistic to think you can bring a machine home and use it to get rid of the cigarette or cigar smells in your carpet. And as far as those commercial carpet cleaning deals go, those are for general cleaning, not nicotine removal,” Sadler said. “Bottom line. Even if it looks cleaner, that doesn’t mean it is cleaner.”

Odor removal and deodorization

The science of identifying and eliminating odors in your property can be complicated because they can come from a variety of sources both inside and outside your building, office or other structure. SERVPRO of Northwest Charlotte has local experts trained to identify and eliminate offensive odors using air scrubbers, thermal foggers and deodorization agents. For questions, contact us anytime at (704) 393-7890 or request help online.

Getting to Know John “JT” Tolin, Mitigation Operations Manager

1/18/2021 (Permalink)

John “JT” Tolin, Mitigation Operations Manager

In our new “Getting to Know ..” blog series, we’ll meet some of the energetic and knowledgeable employees behind SERVPRO of Northwest Charlotte - the ones who help make any size disaster “Like it never even happened.” For Mitigation Operations Manager John “JT” Tolin, working at SERVPRO is a family affair. He oversees project managers, file coordinators and six full-time mitigation crews, including his son, Jakob, a crew chief. JT recently celebrated his fifth anniversary with the company and talked to us about his path to SERVPRO of Northwest Charlotte and some notable commercial cleaning and restoration projects.

Q: How did you get into the field of catastrophic loss restoration?

A: I had been out of the Marine Corps for a few years and was in between jobs. I saw an ad for a service master looking for a crew chief for a cleaning crew. I thought, “If there's one thing Marines know how to do, it's clean!” I answered the ad, and it just snowballed from there. I’m now coming up on 30 years in this business. 

Q: You’ve managed projects all over the country - from 9/11 to natural disasters to oil spills. Which one had the most significant personal impact?

A:  The previous company I was with managed five separate properties and handled five different losses in New York during 9/11. That one hit home for me because I grew up in New Jersey and traveled in the area. I’d look across the river and see the towers all the time. The scope of the devastation and everything else made that a very emotional job to do. 

From a logistics standpoint, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita were the most challenging projects I've worked on - trying to feed, get supplies to, and find housing for 100 people. When we first started working in that area, we had a 2-hour commute each way to-and-from the job sites. We’d work a 10-hour day and then have to drive back to wherever our lodging was. 

Q: When and how did you join the SERVPRO of Northwest Charlotte team?

A: Just over five years, ago I was with another restoration company, working on the road and traveling extensively. A friend of mine knew (SERVPRO owners) Danny and Penny called me and said, “I know someone who’s looking to fill an operation manager’s position. Are you interested?” I said, “Sure, let’s talk.” It was that easy. 

Q: Tell us about your role as mitigation operations manager.

A:  Our project managers are on the job with the crews every day, while also reaching out to adjusters and serving as a go-between with customers. I communicate with the managers and crews every day about the status of every job. I read all the notes in our system to make sure we’re communicating with the customer and documenting everything properly. Near the end of a project, I connect with the customer and ask, “Did everything go OK? Do you have any questions? Are there any issues I can help you with?" Hopefully, the project has gone smoothly, but I'm here to help resolve it if there's a problem.

Q: At times, you’re juggling 20 different projects at once. How do you keep track of everything?

A: SERVPRO has a proprietary work center software system called DryBook, which was developed in conjunction with insurance companies. It allows us to capture and monitor all the steps of a restoration project according to industry best practices and standards. Everything is documented and most rates are pre-negotiated with the insurance companies - what materials need drying or removal, what equipment is placed at a job, and the dry standard for specific materials. It also generates reports and billing details for customers, which makes it easier for them and us.

Q: When it comes to catastrophic loss restoration, why do certification and continuing education matter? 

A: It helps to make sure we're meeting all of the insurance company and industry standards, which are continually changing, along with EPA guidelines and OSHA standards. We know what the dry standard is, we know what is clean is, we know the correct way to remove mold. And we also have the latest technology, treatments and equipment for moisture detection and measurement, water extraction, drying, sanitizing and odor removal.

Q: What else do you think gives SERVPRO of Northwest Charlotte a competitive edge? 

A: Excellent leadership from Danny and Penny and well-trained employees with positive attitudes. We’re to have a team of quality people who treat our customers with empathy and respect, focusing on excellent service, mutual respect and fairness. Most of our technicians and crew chiefs have been here two-plus years, so we’re not continually training new people and don't have a lot of turnovers. We also try and keep the same crew on the job from start to finish. That helps with consistency and communication and gives the customer a comfort level. Most of our new people are here because we’re continuously growing as a company. 

We’ve also developed valuable relationships with insurance adjusters and commercial property management groups in the area. They’ll call us and say, “I've got a problem customer. Can you go fix it?" Or, "I've got a big fire, and I need it taken care of properly." They know we're going to do the job properly and take care of the customer, which makes them look good.

Q: What’s the most frustrating aspect of your job?

A: Managing people's expectations can be the most challenging part at times. It's sometimes difficult to get people to understand we’re not an emergency service, like a fire department, where we are waiting for calls. Some customers expect us to be at their home or business in 15 minutes but we may be in the middle of working on another job. We need to close out what we’re doing and unload and reload the truck with everything we need before we can get to them. While they wait, we encourage customers to review our emergency tips on fire damage, water damage, biohazard and sewage damage and mold damage    

Q: Share a story about a local project that required complicated coordination and logistics.

A: A couple of years ago, there was an accidental fire in the Johnson & Wales University gym. It was an interesting job because there were 30-foot ceilings and we needed lifts to clean them. We were working with all our contractors who were doing demolition in the gymnasium while others were cleaning. But we had to keep everything separate, so there wasn’t any cross-contamination. It took about three weeks to get them cleaned up to reopen their facility and let students back in.  

Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?

A: I like the chaos of my job. I like it when we're busy and I have to coordinate the guys and move the chess pieces around the board. I like the challenge of having six teams and 20 jobs to do - making sure they all get taken care of, and they all get done well. 

Q: Finish this sentence: “If I didn’t work at SERVPRO of Northwest Charlotte, I’d love to spend my days … ”

A: Riding my motorcycle with my wife and brewing beer.

How Long Does it Take to Repair a Home After a Fire?

5/17/2019 (Permalink)

The Fire Damage Repair Process

PHASE 1: MITIGATION AND DEMOLITION – 3 WEEKS

First, the mitigation vendor will come out to assess the level of damage in the home. The affected rooms will be tested for soot and smoke damage by using special sponges or gloves, and a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuum and deodorizer will be used to clean the air. The mitigation vendor will also explain what the demolition and rebuild phase may consist of (if applicable) and determine whether it makes sense to do more complex tasks such as flood cutting, a process that determines the water accumulation in drywall, or tearing down walls and ceilings, and removing floors. These tasks may be necessary when a severe fire occurs as water damage can occur from extinguishing the fire. Lead and asbestos testing may also take place depending on the state the house is in and the year it was built.  

PHASE 2: GENERAL CONTRACTOR AND SUBCONTRACTOR – 3-6 MONTHS

Once the home has been mitigated, the next step is called “build back” which encompasses the repairs required to return the home to pre-fire condition. The build back phase is when a general contractor comes in. He or she will assess the damage, write an estimate and send it to your insurance carrier adjuster (if you’re filing a claim). Keep in mind it can take some time to negotiate cost (up to 2-3 months), but once all parties agree and you sign a work authorization, work can begin.

 The general contractor often takes on subcontractors to rebuild other parts of the home, such as installing flooring or drywall (or uses an architect for larger losses), so you can get the type of flooring, roofing, etc., you want in your newly restored home.

When all work is complete, you and your contractor will perform a final walk through to review the repairs and you will be asked to sign a Certificate of Satisfaction, which is documentation needed to close out the job.

The Amount of Time Depends on the Amount of Damage

Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all time estimate for the restoration process. It depends on the size of the house, severity of damage and vendors involved. A small house with light damage could be fixed in a couple of days, whereas a larger job requiring a full gut (or complete rebuild) could take six months or more. It’s always helpful to ask for a scope of the work involved as well as an estimate, so you have a better sense of what to expect for your specific situation. 

Here are some other things to consider when a home fire occurs:

• Permits can prevent demolition from happening. For example, you may have to hold off on a rebuild if the building fails lead or asbestos testing.
• Repairs can take time, but it’s also important to be aware of your timeline, especially if your insurance company is covering alternative living expenses (ALE). For example, if you’ve spent 5 months negotiating costs and only have 9 months of ALE, you would have already spent more than half of your ALE before the restoration process began.
• Hire a trustworthy mitigation vendor with proper credentials and good reviews. If the mitigation is not done well, it can create more work for the general contractor.
• Avoid cleaning prior to speaking with a professional company, as it could cause further damage.
• Collect all sentimental items to handle/clean yourself to avoid potential accidents while professionals are there.

Does My Business Need Flood Insurance?

5/9/2019 (Permalink)

Commercial Flood Insurance

Natural disasters can be devastating to businesses. While damage caused by some types of natural events—such as lightning or wind—will usually be covered by commercial property insurance, you need a special policy if you want protection from flood damage. This Q&A will help you understand this type of coverage and determine if your business needs it.

Frequently asked questions about flood insurance

Q. Does my commercial property insurance include flood coverage?

A. No. Damage from flooding, including flooding generated by hurricane-generated storm surge, typically is not covered under a standard commercial policy, including a Commercial Package Policy (CPP) or a Business Owners Policy (BOP). Flood insurance is available from the federal government’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

Q. What does flood insurance cover?

A.Flood insurance covers damage to your building and contents caused by flood. This includes losses resulting from water overflowing rivers or streams, heavy or prolonged rain, storm surge, snow melt, blocked storm drainage systems, broken dams or levees, or other similar causes. To be considered a flood, waters must cover at least two acres or affect two properties. Generally if water comes from above—for instance from rain or melting snow overflowing gutters and leaking onto your inventory—you’ll be covered by your standard commercial property insurance.

Q. What isn’t covered by flood insurance?

A. Property outside your building generally will not be covered. For instance, landscaping and septic systems will not be covered. In addition, flood insurance will not cover damage to your business vehicles, but this can be included in the optional “comprehensive” portion of your business vehicle insurance. Financial losses caused by business interruption or loss of use of insured property are also not covered.

Q. Do I have to purchase flood insurance?

A. If your commercial property is located in a high-risk flood area and you have a mortgage from a federally regulated or insured lender, you are required to purchase a flood insurance policy.

Q. How do I determine my risk for flood damage?

A. Location is the most important factor for weighing your risk for flood damage. Is your business located in or near a flood zone? (Flood map search tools can be found FEMA.) In what part of the building is your businesses equipment and inventory located? Anything housed on a lower floor, for instance, will be at greater risk.

Q. Where can I purchase flood insurance?

A. Flood insurance is available from the NFIP and some private insurers. However, NFIP coverage can only be purchased through an insurance professional; you cannot buy it directly from the federal government. To find a local insurance professional who is familiar with the National Flood Insurance Program, contact the NFIP at 888-379-9531 for an agent referral.

Q. How long does it take to get flood coverage?

A. Typically, there’s a 30-day waiting period from date of purchase before your policy goes into effect.

Q. Does my flood policy cover mold?

A. Damage from mold and/or mildew resulting from the after-effects of a flood is covered, but each case is evaluated on an individual basis. Mold/mildew conditions that existed prior to a flooding event are not covered, and after a flood, the policyholder is responsible for taking reasonable and appropriate mitigation actions to eliminate mold and mildew.

Q. How much flood coverage can I get?

A. Commercial flood insurance provides up to $500,000 of coverage for your building and up to $500,000 for its contents.

Q. What if I need more coverage?

A. You can purchase what’s called excess insurance coverage to rebuild properties valued above National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) limits. Excess coverage includes protection against business interruption.

Get Your Commercial Automatic Toilet to Stop Flushing

5/1/2019 (Permalink)

1. Uncover the screwdriver slot. Most flushometers have a screwdriver spot for a flat head screwdriver. You may have to uncover this spot. Once you do, use a screwdriver to turn off the water coming from the flushometer.
2. Remove the top lid. Once you have the water stopped, you need to make sure you won't be dealing with this toilet flood issue in the near future. Your toilet-fixing expert can use a wrench to remove the top lid of the flushometer. Some water may come out when you remove the cover.
3. Clean the gasket. With the lid removed, you can now see the gasket. You may notice built up sediment or a clogged weep hole. This device should be able to stop a toilet, but if it is too dirty it may cause a toilet overflow.
4. Get the flushometer ready again. After the gasket has been properly cleaned, you need to get it ready to function again. Replace the cover and top lid. Then turn the water back on.

Taking care of your commercial property means fixing toilet overflow issues and reacting quickly to other potential hazards. No matter what kind of water-related issue you have, you should make sure to react quickly to avoid major water damage to your business. Knowing who to call in a time of crisis can save you a lot of time.

Getting Rid of the Smell After a Fire

5/1/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Fire Restoration

Smoke is Sneaky

Once you've been given the go-ahead to reenter the building, you may need the judgment of fire damage professionals to determine what items can be salvaged. Because smoke can permeate various parts of an indoor space, it's essential that you get a proper inspection. Smoke also produces small amounts of carbon in the air, ultimately creating soot, and completely removing the odor from some items can prove challenging.

There Are Different Types 

In addition, be aware that there may be multiple soot damage culprits, as there are different types of smoke: 

• Dry smoke
• Wet smoke
• Protein fire residue

Although any kind of smoke damage is a hassle to deal with, wet smoke – involving plastic or rubber – can be sharper in odor and harder to address. Dry smoke involves wood or paper and can also be difficult to clean. Protein fire residue, which can be subtle, has a familiar, pungent odor. 

Porous Materials are Vulnerable

Every surface likely needs attention after a fire, but the permeable ones are usually trickiest. Items such as curtains, rugs, and other upholsteries probably need to go to the dry cleaner. Another task on your list should involve keeping your cleaned items out of the building until a proper smoke cleaning is complete.