Recent Commercial Posts
What are the Risks of Lead?
7/28/2022 (Permalink)
Lead is a scary word for a lot of people, much like Mold has become. Like Mold, Lead is everywhere. Can it harm us? If so, how do we keep ourselves free from harm?
What Is Lead?
According to EPA, Lead is a naturally occurring element. While it has some beneficial uses, it can be toxic to humans and animals causing health effects.
How It's Used:
Lead can be found in almost all parts of our environments, including in Air, Soil, & Water. Lead can also be found in a variety of products found in and around our homes or businesses, most notably in Paint.
Lead in paint has many benefits. It drys faster, shines better, blocks sound & radiation, and prevents the growth of mildew. Along with paint, ceramics, plumbing materials, solders, gasoline, batteries, ammunition, cosmetics, and toys have been found to contain lead.
When Lead Becomes Toxic:
Lead enters the body through inhalation or consumption, those are the only ways. Lead becomes toxic when disrupted.
Ex. Lead paint in a home is not harmful unless the paint is peeling or chipping. If the paint is disrupted, lead dust can spread in the air and into your lungs. Children may be tempted to eat paint chips or rub their hands on the walls where disrupted lead paint is present. This presents health effects to the child.
Adults and Children absorb lead, children absorb it quicker.
Identify Effects of Lead:
Lead attacks almost every part of your body. Lead effects can be unnoticeable too. A BLL (Blood Lead Level) test will give an approximation of how much lead is in your blood.
Lead in Your Business:
Yes, lead is probably in your business now, whether in the form of paint or products. That doesn't necessarily make it harmful.
Visit the EPA & CPSC websites for more information on Lead and certain items that can be possibly harmful to you.
Call SERVPRO of Tustin for Lead Remediation at your home or business. SERVPRO of Tustin is trained and certified to safely handle Lead and properly dispose of it. (714) 480-1340
Does Your Business Have an ERP?
6/8/2022 (Permalink)
According to FEMA, around 40% of businesses fail to reopen after a disaster. To make things worse, the United States Small Business Administration found that over 90% of businesses close within 2 years of a disaster. These statistics may be alarming, but you can lessen the impact of a disaster if you make preparations in advance. One of the easiest ways to prepare is by creating an Emergency Ready Profile (ERP).
All of Your Business’s Vital Information
An Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) is a document comprised of all of your business's vital information.
It includes...
- Emergency Contact Information
- Utility Shut-off Locations
- Other information you or your employees might need in an emergency situation.
Your local SERVPRO franchise will create an ERP for your business—free of charge! A representative will come in and ask a few questions, then get the necessary information regarding shut-offs and emergency exit points. The whole process should take no more than a few minutes of your time!
After your representative compiles the documents, they will present both a physical and a digital copy of the ERP. And in some cases, they will give a copy to your local fire department to have for their own records.
Recovering Your Business
After a disaster, your priority should be to get your business back to its normal operations. Fortunately, an ERP allows you the opportunity to quickly respond and take crucial actions. So if you want to get an ERP for your business in the LA or OC area, call SERVPRO® of Tustin today at (714) 480-1340!
Top 3 Causes for Commercial Fires
4/21/2022 (Permalink)
Is your facility taking the proper safety precautions?
A commercial building needs to be prepared for whatever happens. A building generating business and revenue can't lack safety measures for its property. One of the top risks to mitigate is Fire Damage. Commercial Fires happen more often than the news may tell. Here are the Top 3 Causes for Commercial Fires.
1. Cooking Equipment
Cooking equipment = restaurants. High temperatures, grease, and oil make kitchen fires all too common.
If your property is a healthcare facility or any other facility with cooking equipment, is a fire extinguisher near? Remember, think safe & think smart.
2. Heating Equipment
Some commercial buildings require heating to operate effectively. Heating from mechanical equipment, furnaces, boilers, and radiators is at risk of overheating and starting a fire.
- 14% of these fires take place in industrial or manufacturing properties.
3. Electrical & Lighting Equipment
Electrical wiring and lighting can be found in just about any and all buildings. Some wiring can be older or defective than others, causing overloaded circuits, loose connections, faulty fuses, imbalanced electrical loads, and many other electrical or lighting problems.
- 12% of these fires take place in office properties.
Keep your commercial building safe. Regular inspections and maintenance help mitigate the risk of fire damage. The additional use of Fire Extinguishers and Fire Sprinklers keeps the risk low.
SERVPRO® of Tustin are professionals in Cleaning, Restoration, & Construction. If a fire has impacted your building in any way, call us at (714) 480-1340.
3 Things You Should Know About Mitigation Companies
4/12/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO® of Tustin is here to help!
Our SIU department has collected the following data throughout its operation, we thought we'd share this important data to keep customers informed about other mitigation companies.
Our Special Investigation Unit (SIU) has performed over 1500 investigations for Insurance Carriers, Property Managers, Cities, etc, we have aggregated & analyzed the data from the last couple of years.
Here Are 3 Things All Customers Should Know:
1. Over 90% of the time the customer was OVERCHARGED an average of 40-60%.
2. Industry standard for drying is 3-5 days (per IICRC). In most cases, mitigation companies are charging for 10 days or longer. Have you ever asked them “Why”?
3. 99% of the time mitigation companies cut the drywall, have you ever asked "Why"? In many instances, IICRC guidelines recommend “in-place drying” since it is safe and reduces cost.
Mitigation and/or restoration companies stand to make a lot less money on each project. However, the benefits to you are reduced: Cost(s), Business Interruption, and Overall Collateral Spend.
Accidents happen, but that doesn’t mean you have to be a victim! - If you feel you have been overcharged, send us an old estimate and we’ll do a ‘quick review’ for free. Maybe you are one of the lucky 10%.
SERVPRO® of Tustin is here to help you through this process, to keep you informed, and to make sure you're getting the best service possible.
For appointment or consultation information, call SERVPRO® of Tustin for your disaster recovery needs. From Fire and Water Damage to sanitization, we are there to assist you. Call us at: (714) 480-1340
Sewage Backup in Villa Park Business?
7/16/2021 (Permalink)
We respond to sewer backup emergencies 24-hours a day in Orange County.
SERVPRO® of Tustin and SERVPRO® of Orange/Villa Park responds to commercial property sewer backups throughout the year in Villa Park and offer these tips from the Insurance Information Institute for preventing sewer backups in your sewer lateral and in the city main:
- Properly dispose of grease
Cooking oil should be poured into a heat-resistant container and disposed of properly after it cools off, not in the drain. Washing grease down the drain with hot water is unsatisfactory. As the grease cools off, it will solidify either in the drain, the property owner's line, or in the main sewer causing the line to constrict and eventually clog.
- Properly dispose of paper products
Paper towels, disposable (and cloth) diapers, hygienic wipes, and feminine products do not deteriorate quickly and can cause a great deal of trouble in the property owner's lateral as well as in the city main.
- Periodically cut tree roots
If you have continuing problems with tree roots in your lateral, you may have to regularly have the roots cut by a professional.
- Replace your line with a new plastic pipe
Plastic pipe will prevent tree roots from entering your line so replace your line and tap with a new plastic pipe.
- Install a backwater prevention valve to prevent sewer backflows
Call Us Today!
When you have a sewer backup emergency, SERVPRO® of Tustin and SERVPRO® of Orange/Villa Park are ready to respond 24-hours a day. Call us today at 714-480-1340. We’ll restore your sewage problem in Villa Park, “Like it never even happened.”
SERVPRO of Tustin and SERVPRO of Orange/Villa Park are Independently Owned and Operated.
Apartment Complex Property Damage in Villa Park?
6/14/2021 (Permalink)
We are trusted leaders in commercial restoration in Orange County.
Commercial Cleanup and Restoration Services for Any Size Business
SERVPRO® of Tustin and SERVPRO® of Orange/Villa Park has been serving the restoration and rebuilding needs of commercial businesses in Villa Park for over 30 years, and we know how important it is for a business that has been compromised by fire or water damage to get back up and running as quickly as possible. Our extensive experience in the restoration industry allows us to quickly and efficiently restore any size loss quickly and efficiently and with minimal disruption to your customers and employees.
- Small Office Buildings
- Large Office/High-Rise Office Buildings
- Apartment Buildings
- Restaurants
- Hotel/Motels
- Small Retail Stores
- Large Retail/Big-Box Stores
- High-Rise Residential
- Manufacturing & Industrial
- Government/Military
Apartment Complexes and Rental Units
When it comes to restoration in rental units, our employees have property management experience and understand the nuances of successfully navigating between tenants and property managers to get the job done.
Call Us Today!
When you have a commercial property damage emergency, SERVPRO® of Tustin and SERVPRO® of Orange/Villa Park has a team of highly trained technicians on-call and ready to respond to any size emergency 24-hours a day in Villa Park. Call us today at 714-480-1340. We’ll restore your commercial damage, “Like it never even happened.”
SERVPRO of Tustin and SERVPRO of Orange/Villa Park is Independently Owned and Operated.
Mold Problem in Irvine Business?
5/24/2021 (Permalink)
We are trusted leaders of mold mitigation and remediation in Orange County.
Unidentifiable Musty Odor in Irvine Business?
This picture looks like it could be an image from the recent Mars expedition, but it is actually a closeup of mold spores! SERVPRO® of Tustin and SERVPRO® of Orange/Villa Park have been mitigating commercial mold damage for over thirty years in the Irvine area. Here are some interesting facts from our website about mold:
- Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas
- Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors
- Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air, and may enter your home through windows, doors, or air conditioning and heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet
- Mold spores thrive on moisture
- Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water
- Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed, or the mold may return
- Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth
- Keep indoor humidity below forty-five percent
Call Us Today!
When your commercial business has a commercial mold damage emergency, SERVPRO® of Tustin and SERVPRO® of Orange/Villa Park have a team of highly trained technicians on-call and ready to respond 24-hours a day. Call us today at 714-480-1340. We’ll restore your commercial mold damage in Irvine, “Like it never even happened.”
SERVPRO of Tustin and SERVPRO of Orange/Villa Park are Independently Owned and Operated.
Commercial Flood Insurance in Tustin
4/24/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Tustin and SERVPRO of Orange / Villa Park are Here to Help when you need us.
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) provides flood insurance. The NFIP doesn’t sell insurance. Buy flood insurance from an insurance agent.
SERVPRO of Tustin and SERVPRO of Orange / Villa Park are interested in helping the businesses in our community become more educated on flood insurance. According to FEMA, 40% of small businesses do not reopen after experiencing a devastating flood.
Things to know in Tustin. Check to see if you might be required to have flood insurance.
- All agencies in Tustin charge the same for flood insurance
- Standard commercial insurance doesn’t pay for flood damage
- The NFIP sets the rates
- Rates depend on:
- whether you live in a flood plain
- flood risk in your area
- building’s age
- building’s construction
- Building property insurance covers the building
- Personal property insurance covers the building’s contents
- NFIP suggests you need both types
- Policies go into effect 30 days after purchase
- The NFIP help center number is 1-800-427-4661
SERVPRO of Tustin and SERVPRO of Orange / Villa Park recommends the following:
- Check whether or not your area participates in the NFIP
- Check whether or not your area is part of the Community Rating System. The NFIP might have a discount
- Talk to your insurance agent when you need to make changes
Make sure your business is protected from the devastation that comes with unwanted flooding in your office.
SERVPRO of Tustin and SERVPRO of Orange / Villa Park are Independently Owned and Operated.
Flooded Warehouse in Tustin?
4/7/2021 (Permalink)
We respond to water damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Orange County
Warehouse underwater?
When I walked into the Tustin warehouse on Monday, I never expected to walk onto a floor covered with water. Evidently, a water supply line failed, and because no one was in the warehouse over the weekend, the water flowed freely, saturating everything sitting on the warehouse floor. Our insurance adjuster told us to call SERVPRO® of Tustin and SERVPRO® of Orange/Villa Park, and I’m glad I did.
A team of restoration technicians arrived quickly, assessed the situation, located the water damage source, and immediately began the cleanup and restoration process. They used powerful water extraction equipment and air dryers and movers to remove the water and restore the humidity levels to normal. They moved all of the shelving units and boxes and cleaned, sanitized, and deodorized the entire building. The drying process was documented, and they helped us with the insurance paperwork and process. We were back to normal operations the same day!
Call Us Today!
When your commercial business experiences a water damage emergency, SERVPRO® of Tustin and SERVPRO® of Orange/Villa Park has a team of highly trained restoration technicians on-call 24-hours a day to respond. Call us today at 714-480-1340. We’ll clean and restore your commercial property in Tustin, “Like it never even happened.”
SERVPRO of Tustin and SERVPRO of Orange/Villa Park are Independently Owned and Operated.
Stats on Businesses Reopening After a Disaster in Tustin
4/5/2021 (Permalink)
According to the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) over 40% of businesses do not reopen after a disaster such as a storm damage, fire damage, water damage, or other disruption.
Of those that do reopen, it is estimated that only 29% of those remain open after two years.
SERVPRO of Tustin and SERVPRO of Orange / Villa Park wants you to be aware of the causes of fire damage and fire injuries so that you can help prevent them.
The top Causes of Commercial Fires in the Tustin area are:
- Equipment: Almost 38% of business fires start from faulty equipment or from misused equipment. Some materials can catch fire or explode when exposed to heat
- Carelessness: Remember to cover light bulbs, turn off equipment at the end of the day, and replace frayed cords
SERVPRO of Tustin and SERVPRO of Orange / Villa Park want you to remember that the best way to fight fire damage or smoke damage is prevention.
SERVPRO of Tustin and SERVPRO of Orange / Villa Park are independently owned and operated.
COMMERCIAL WATER AND FLOOD DAMAGE
10/14/2020 (Permalink)
Water damage and flooding are unpredictable, but the results of water damage can spell catastrophe for your business.
You can never predict how water damage is going to strike your business regardless if it’s from plumbing leaks, roof damage and leaking or any other water intrusion event. Water can leak into walls, ceilings, floors, furnishings, and other areas of the facility. Not only can water damage your contents, but also the integrity of the building.
The longer the water sits, and is left, the more damage can result. Understanding how important it is to get these repairs done can literally save the property. Disaster can strike at anytime, and it usually strikes when it's least expected.
SERVPRO of TUSTIN, is available 24/7 and can ensure that your facility is protected by our highly qualified and trained team. We can be at your property within hours.
It does not matter what caused the water damage. We can determine the cause immediately and begin working on your facility. After we address the root cause of the water damage issue, we will begin to remove the water, and make any emergency repairs.
There are many long-term effects of water damage. These include bacteria and mold. Left alone, more damage may occur. It is vital to address the water damage issues in the first few days to help reduce the amount of permanent damage and reduce water damage and restoration costs.
Using high-volume desiccant and dehumidifiers, dry air is forced into the damp areas to minimize the risk of more damages. Prior to this process, the source of the water intrusion is identified and controlled. The level of contamination must first be controlled and stopped. As the water begins to evaporate the humidity level is lowered. It’s vital to completely remove all of the water and humidity. The most important part of the service we provide is to prevent further damage to the facility.
SERVPRO OF TUSTIN Specializes in Water Damage
10/12/2020 (Permalink)
Our crew unloading equipment and getting ready to access damages to the 10 story water loss.
• SERVPRO IS FASTER TO ANY SIZE DISASTER
• SERVPRO HAS HIGHLY TRAINED WATER DAMAGE TEAMS
• SERVPRO USES ADVANCED WATER RESTORATION EQUIPMENT AND TECHNIQUES
Currently onsite at a large water damage caused by a plumbing issue. Cleanup in progress for 10 stories of a large water loss. Not only are these water losses costly, but they cause major disruption and inconvenience to business, revenue, and restoration. SERVPRO of TUSTIN dispatched our crews/trucks were dispatched within 50 minutes after receiving the emergency call. A fast response is crucial!
SERVPRO of TUSTIN specializes in water damage restoration, it is the cornerstone of our business. We have extensive water damage restoration with an emphasis on monitoring and documenting the drying process until completion.
WE ARE HERE 24/7 Any size job
714) 480-1340
www.SERVPROTustin.com
STORM WATCH & WATER DAMAGE
9/4/2020 (Permalink)
We are all familiar with the winter storm season in Southern California, but residents and businesses in Orange County are often caught off guard and unaware by flash floods, area flooding, mud slides, and high winds.
SERVPRO of TUSTIN provides state of the art equipment and technology to locate the water’s source, extract the water from your property and thoroughly dry every corner, eliminating moisture to prevent secondary damage such as mold. Our team of experts can quickly and efficiently clean and restore your property from top to bottom.
We provide a range of storm damage restoration and repair services to get your home or business back to normal as soon as possible. With decades of experience in disaster recovery, combined with cutting edge technology and a highly skilled team, we can perform all the cleanup services you need to recover quickly.
With Covid-19 causing businesses everywhere to operate with a smaller team and fewer resources, it’s more important than ever to have a commercial storm restoration partner you can trust. Our team is here to help you recover from the damage, and limit downtime as much as possible.
Document Restoration
2/26/2020 (Permalink)
When you experience a flood at your home or place of business, you can't afford to lose important documents or paper goods to water damage. Using state of the art technology, SERVPRO is well equipped to properly dry and recover paper goods ranging from paper files to books to x-rays and photos.
Why use SERVPRO for document restoration?
The SERVPRO document restoration facility uses the latest vacuum free-drying method in addition to gamma irradiation technology for sterilizing. The facility is under 24 hour surveillance and is managed by HIPPA Master-certified technicians to ensure proper safety and privacy of your documents. The SERVPRO document restoration team has the capacity to handle large scale commercial losses and smaller residential jobs.
Are there other services than just document drying?
Yes there are! In addition to drying your documents, SERVPRO also offers cleaning/disinfecting, re-jacketing, digitizing, and deodorization. No matter your document restoration needs, SERVPRO is "Here to Help"!
There's no time to waste! Call us today at 714-480-1340
Commercial Mold Damage
1/31/2020 (Permalink)
COMMERCIAL MOLD DETECTION & REMOVAL SERVICES
Mold contamination is a growing concern for businesses of all sizes. Mold, a fungus that is found in damp places, can grow almost anywhere moist conditions exist. Left unattended, it can cause serious structural damage to your facility. As your go-to experts in mold remediation, we take a methodical and systematic approach to carefully identify the source of the mold growth and help eliminate mold from your working environment.
What are the signs to look for in your building?
*A recent flood or water damage
*Leaks in or around the building either from burst pipes or air conditioning systems
*Musty odors in the building
*Discoloration or water stains on the walls or ceilings
STRUCTURAL DAMAGE
Molds gradually destroy the things they grow on and can grow anywhere:
Foundation
Roof
HVAC system
Drywall
Gutters
Furnishings and more
LET US TAKE CARE OF YOUR MOLD PROBLEM
Regardless of mold, your work must go on. Trust SERVPRO Of Tustin, the experts in mold remediation to take care of the problem so you can focus on your business. We take a methodical and systematic approach to carefully identify the source of mold growth and help eliminate mold from your working environment as soon as possible.
If you suspect mold in your business, count on SERVPRO Of Tustin to quickly remediate the issue and let you get back to business as soon as possible. Once we assess the damage, we’ll work with you to create a comprehensive remediation plan unique to your needs. Then, we’ll keep you informed every step of the way to ensure we’re always on the same page and providing the best work. With our guided expertise, innovative tools and technologies, we’ll get your business up and running again as soon as possible.
3 Ways To Prepare For Commercial Water Damage
1/28/2020 (Permalink)
When you own a business, you have a bit of pressure on your shoulders to protect your assets as well as the assets and information of your clients. Customers need to be able to trust you and to know that you are taking every precaution to keep them safe. Though you might not consider water damage a major threat to your company, SERVPRO OF TUSTIN knows that it can be very devastating when it happens. Here are some ways to protect yourself and your company against the effects of commercial water damage in Los Angeles.
Computer BackUps
One of the most necessary things you need to do as a company owner is making sure that you run backups regularly on your computers in your office. There are many companies that specialize in handling this for you if you are a large company. You can use an encrypted cloud account or an external hard drive, but you will likely want to use both. If technology is not your specialty, consider hiring a professional to help you figure out the best way to store information, especially is the information needs to be protected for your clients.
Plastic And Metal Fillings
Not every piece of information is stored on a computer. Many companies have several filing cabinets filled with scans and personal information that can be difficult to replicate. When you have hard copies in your office, the best way to protect them against flood or commercial water damage is to store them in plastic or metal filing cabinets. These can be difficult to move, so store them on a second floor if possible and keep them away from basements in case there could be flooding from the outside of the building. If paperwork can be scanned into a computer, then that could be a good course of action to limit the amount of damage that could be done.
Dehumidifier And Ventilation
Many new and large office buildings are equipped with state of the art climate control, but if you are in an older or smaller commercial building, you might not have this in your business. If the air in your commercial office space is a bit damp, then you should consider investing in a good dehumidifier. Mold can be just as big of a problem as a pipe leak, and sometimes more extensive. Lots of commercial water damage can be avoided if you have a dehumidifier and good ventilation in your building.
There are no guarantees that you can prevent commercial water damage completely, but if you are prepared for it when it comes, the whole experience won’t be as devastating as it could be. The best way to prevent serious damage is to protect your and your clients’ information with backups, protect physical copies with waterproof storage, and invest in a dehumidifier. Even with these precautions, you may suffer from some commercial water damage, and if you do, don’t hesitate to call us and we will make it like it never even happened.
ARE YOU READY IF DISASTER HAPPENS?
1/6/2020 (Permalink)
The best way to reduce interruption to your business following a disaster is to plan for it now! It is estimated that as many as 50% of businesses may never recover following a disaster. Of the ones that do, an overwhelming majority of them had preparedness plans in place.
By developing a SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business.
Most contingency plans are made up of three main components: incident response, disaster recovery, and business continuity. The SERVPRO® ERP addresses incident response and disaster recovery. Think about potential disasters that could affect your facility. Now ask yourself: Are you ready?
Our SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile is a start-up approach that provides important information needed to begin mitigation and recovery services.
Why the SERVPRO® ERP?
A no cost assessment of your facility
This means there is no need to allocate funds, giving you a great value at no cost.
A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.
It will only take a little time to complete and will not take you away from current projects. But it will save a lot of time if ever needed.
A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.
This can help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive by having an immediate plan of action.
Establishes SERVPRO® of Tustin as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.
You have a provider that is recognized as an industry leader and close by.
Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin.
This saves time so we can begin the work of mitigating the damage which can save you time and money
Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information.
Having a quick reference of what to do, how to do it and who to call provides solutions in advance of an emergency so that during the emergency you are “Ready for whatever happens.”
If you're interested in having an ERP done for your business (at no cost to you!), OR if you have more questions about the Emergency READY Profile, give SERVPRO® of Tustin a call!
(714)480-1340
Don't wait until it's too late
10/28/2019 (Permalink)
In Southern California, the rainy season is just around the corner. Now is a good time to do a preemptive strike against water damage and mold before the rain arrives.
If your building(s) has landscaping that’s several years old, the growth of the plants may have changed the finish grade. Roots, plant debris and mulch can affect the slope of the finish grade such that water no longer drains away from the building but towards it. If this is the case, water may puddle against the building and seep or flow into the walls and the building’s interior. This can cause water damage and mold growth that may remain hidden for quite some time before becoming visible on interior surfaces. An inspection of the building’s exterior and application of corrective measures can prevent water damage and mold from occurring and disrupting the building’s occupants and operations.
Is Your Office Prepared For An Emergency?
9/13/2018 (Permalink)
While you should always be prepared for an emergency, National Preparedness Month is a great time to go over your emergency plan(s) in your office building. Go over this list and make sure your office prepared for anything!
- Whether you work in a high-rise office building or in a single story building, it is important that you have your team prepared in case of an emergency. Take some time this month to meet with your team and practice different evacuation routes. It is important that everyone know at least TWO WAYS OUT from EVERY ROOM.
- Don’t forget to check the expiration date on your fire extinguishers (and to replace any that may have expired). Set a schedule for replacing the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. It’s best to replace the batteries before they run out of juice. Regular maintenance of air vents and sprinkler systems are also a great way to AVOID an emergency situation. Sometimes the best preparation is active prevention.
- Another way to make sure your staff is prepared for an emergency is to hold or offer classes for you team to learn potential life-saving skills! The Red Cross offers classes for CPR, First Aid, and AED among other skills.
Disasters and emergencies don’t plan ahead, but you can!
Are You Ready For Whatever Happens?
8/16/2018 (Permalink)
The best way to reduce interruption to your business following a disaster is to plan for it now! It is estimated that as many as 50% of businesses may never recover following a disaster. Of the ones that do, an overwhelming majority of them had preparedness plans in place.
By developing a SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business.
Most contingency plans are made up of three main components: incident response, disaster recovery, and business continuity. The SERVPRO® ERP addresses incident response and disaster recovery. Think about potential disasters that could affect your facility. Now ask yourself: Are you ready?
Our SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile is a start-up approach that provides important information needed to begin mitigation and recovery services.
Why the SERVPRO® ERP?
- A no cost assessment of your facility
- This means there is no need to allocate funds, giving you a great value at no cost.
- A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.
- It will only take a little time to complete and will not take you away from current projects. But it will save a lot of time if ever needed.
- A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.
- This can help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive by having an immediate plan of action.
- Establishes SERVPRO® of Tustin as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.
- You have a provider that is recognized as an industry leader and close by.
- Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin.
- This saves time so we can begin the work of mitigating the damage which can save you time and money
- Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information.
- Having a quick reference of what to do, how to do it and who to call provides solutions in advance of an emergency so that during the emergency you are “Ready for whatever happens.”
If you're interested in having an ERP done for your business (at no cost to you!), OR if you have more questions about the Emergency READY Profile, give SERVPRO® of Tustin a call!
(714)480-1340
Tips For Preventing Water Damage in Your Apartment Community
8/3/2018 (Permalink)
With so many shared walls and spaces, water damage in an apartment community can get messy pretty quickly. Of course you can never know when an emergency situation will occur, but it’s in your best interest as a property manager, as well as in the best interest of your residents, to always be ahead of the game. Take these measures today to prevent water damage tomorrow.
- Check On Aging Appliances Regularly – If the property you manage includes a fridge, dishwasher, and/or washer/dryer in unit, you should closely monitor the age of the appliances as well as routinely checking them for cracked or damaged hoses or connections. Washer hoses should be replaced about every five years. It’s a good idea to replace washers and dryers before there’s a problem. It may cost more money now, but it could save you a lot of money and a headache or two in the future.
- Repair Old or Damaged Roofs When It’s Dry – Don’t wait for a big rain storm to find out that the roofing at your unit(s) needs replacing. Make routine checkups to monitor the condition of the roof(s) at your property. Make time and room in the budget to make any replacements or upgrades necessary during the dry season so that you can avoid water damage in the wet season.
- Stay in Touch with Your Residents and Know When they’re Traveling – Many people go on vacations during the summer. Talk to your residents about having their water shut off while they’re gone or, alternatively, having someone check on their apartment from time to time while they’re gone. If a water leak occurs while they’re away and no one is checking in, a small problem could potentially turn into something much worse.
- Clear Downspouts Consistently – This is especially important if there are a lot of large trees throughout your apartment community. When leaves, branches, and other debris clog the gutters, the risk of flooding is increased. Clear all debris from the gutters frequently. If you know a storm is about to hit, make sure everything is clear and that water is being effectively carried away from the building.
- Apply Dry-Proofing Methods – One cost effective way to prevent large scale water damage in low-lying areas is to apply waterproofing coatings and sealings. You can also elevate electrical equipment at least three feet off of the floor and install waterproof structures around circuits and electrical breakers.
- Check For HVAC System Blockages – If the line that moves condensation from the HVAC system is backed up, it can create serious water damage. Backed up water can seep through ceilings and through light fixtures or in between walls. When water leaks between walls, it can go undetected and result in mold damage in addition to water damage.
Why You Should Regularly Clean Your Building's Air Ducts/HVAC System
5/17/2017 (Permalink)
It's easy for the cleaning of air ducts and HVAC systems on your property to go forgotten, but it is important to keep up with regular HVAC maintenance. Like anything else in a home or business, air ducts accumulate dust and dirt over time. Other the factors that may increase the need for regular HVAC system cleaning are pets, occupants with allergies or asthma, cigarette or cigar smoke, water contamination or damage to the home HVAC system, or home renovation and remodeling projects. A general rule of thumb is that if your air ducts look dirty, then they probably are.
The National Air Duct Cleaning Associatoin (NADCA) recommends that dirty HVAC systems be inspected by a reputable, certified HVAC professional. Clean HVAC systems can result in an improved air quality of your home or business. Regular cleaning may also increase your energy savings and give your HVAC system a longer lifespan.
If air duct and HVAC system cleaning goes beyond the scope of your regular janitorial staff, or if you want cleaning done for your home's system, SERVPRO of Tustin can help! Give us a call at (714)480-1340
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