Recent Commercial Posts
Water and Business Don’t Mix | SERVPRO of Tri-County
5/15/2024 (Permalink)
Don't let water damage harm your business. Call SERVPRO of Tri-County today!
You are putting your best foot forward and ready to face the day, only to be met by a musty odor as you walk through the doors of your office. Dealing with a leak and wet floors was certainly not on your to-do list.
Finding a leak in your business is something that everyone dreads, but discovering that there has been a full-on flood is a true nightmare scenario.
Whether the water comes from a natural source or is the product of failed plumbing, the faster you can take action, the better. When you know exactly how to respond, you can mitigate your losses and keep your business moving forward.
One Step at a TimeWater and business simply don’t mix, so even when a natural disaster strikes and you were prepared for flooding, things can still be pretty overwhelming once the event is said and done.
Take a moment to center yourself and catch your breath, then jump into action with a few simple steps. By kicking into high gear, you can prevent extreme damage and stop potential mold growth.
1. Stay safe. The No. 1 priority should always be keeping yourself and your staff safe. Find somewhere that is dry so that you can get a better grip on the situation, and call SERVPRO® immediately. We will get as much information as we can over the phone, while we also mobilize a team. While you wait for our professionals, take some photos to document damage.
2. Control the disaster. If the flooding originated from an interior source, it is crucial to gain some control. Try and identify the source so that you not only know what kind of water you are dealing with, but can also cut it off. If you can’t find the exact source, cut the water at the main valve.
3. Start the drying process. You want to stay out of floodwaters as much as you are able. Even when they start out clean, floodwaters can become contaminated or even a biohazard fairly quickly. You will also want to try to start drying things out. Open windows, run fans and move anything in the water’s path.
Work With the ProsAs soon as our team gets there, they will begin removing standing water from your business. A complete assessment will also be done in order to give you the best idea of how your restoration process is going to go. We will work directly with your insurance agency. Whatever we can do to make the process as simple as possible, we are going to do it.
Now that our professionals are handling your restoration, you can focus on how you are going to get business going again. If the flooding only affected a minor part of your building and it is safe to do so, our team will seal off the area they are working in so that you can open the rest of your building.
Throughout the drying process, we will involve you in every decision that has to be made about your property. It is always our goal to restore everything we can so that you can save your money on replacement items.
Water and business will never mix. We are here to quickly get things cleaned up after any disaster strikes so that you can get back to work fast.
Do you need repairs after a water disaster in your commercial building? Contact us to get dried out quickly.
Disasters and Businesses: How to Recover | SERVPRO of Tri-County
5/15/2024 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Tri-County is here for your business every step of the way, from ERPs to disaster recovery.
When a disaster strikes, your home, business and entire community could be left reeling in the wake. Taking stock of everything that has happened can make knowing how to take any steps forward challenging.
Putting your home back together after any kind of disaster will always be a top priority, but when you own a business, getting back to work is likely just as crucial. The good news? With a little bit of planning and a total restoration team like ours at SERVPRO of Tri-County right around the corner, you can get back to normal life quickly.
Prepare Ahead of TimeIn order to recover quickly after a disaster, you need to have a plan created long before one can ever strike. With a well-rehearsed plan, you and your team can seamlessly flow through the steps to prepare ahead of a storm, flood or fire and be ready to jump right back into work afterward.
One of the most crucial parts of a solid emergency plan is communication. Preparing for disasters should be a regular part of your staff training so that it can be enacted with very little direction when something does happen.
Every few months, walk your building with your employees to point out exit routes, fire extinguishers and water shut-off valves. Give a quick rundown on how to use emergency supplies, and talk with your staff about the best way to secure your building when a storm is predicted.
Ensure your team knows the expectations for getting back to work once the threat of a disaster has passed. If you will be working remotely, check equipment and networks early to ensure everyone has what they need.
If your building is unusable and you intend to use an alternate location, make sure keys or security information are properly distributed ahead of time. Keep in touch with your team throughout the event, and plan on communicating instructions across multiple platforms.
Recover QuicklyWhen you have a plan and a team that understands how to get through a disaster, you can rest a little easier knowing that your business is already on the road to recovery. Contact our SERVPRO® office the moment it is safe to do so, and we will get restoration started quickly.
As the drying out, sanitizing and rebuilding of your physical location begins, you can start communicating with your customers. Be as transparent as possible, and share your story and potential reopening dates across multiple platforms in order to reach as many people as possible.
While you journey through recovery, do your best to keep an open mind. You will need to be flexible as things progress, and workflow may have to shift or decrease. Remember that this is only for a little while—things will be back to normal before you know it.
Make a plan, train your staff and rely on our restoration team in order to get through any disaster fast. With good communication and our crew hard at work, your business will be thriving in no time.
Has your business experienced a disaster, or do you want help building an emergency plan? Contact us to find everything you need.
The Importance of Emergency Plans for Businesses | SERVPRO of Tri-County
5/1/2024 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Tri-County is Here to Help® with your businesses ERP. Call us today to start the process!
We have been seeing an uptick in natural disasters over the last few years across the United States. The statistics are a little scary on them, too, as you can see that not only are they happening more frequently, but they are growing in strength and leaving behind more damage.
Stats might help us see a big picture, but they don’t always reflect what will happen with our own businesses. Your company might never experience a natural disaster that leaves you with damage. But even if that does hold true for you, there are still risks of manmade disasters that could leave your business hurt.
Thinking about the ways that our business can be damaged can be an overwhelming task, but it is a necessary one. When you take the time to consider what you might face, you can prepare for it—and when you are prepared, you can rest a little easier knowing things are safe.
The Importance of a PlanAs the frequency of natural disasters continues to increase, building a plan has become more important than ever. Taking a step back and really looking at the risks your business could endure can help you stay ahead of them—which means you will be prepared when potential storms, fires or floods strike.
When a disaster strikes, it is not only physical and emotional damage you are left to deal with. Both natural and manmade disasters are some of the most financially damaging events that can occur in the life of a business. With a plan, you are not only protecting the lives of your staff but your finances as well.
Having a plan ahead of time means that work can start back the moment it is safe to do so. Often when a business faces a forced closure due to any kind of disaster, there is very little chance for it to ever reopen. Make sure your business doesn’t fall prey to that same fate by creating a well-prepared plan of action.
An Emergency Ready PlanThe first step in creating that well prepared plan of action? A call to our SERVPRO® to create an Emergency Ready Plan. Our plans can be completely personalized to cover your specific risks and unique situations. That means your business stays in action and starts recovery fast the moment you say “go.”
To create your plan, our team will provide a free assessment of your business in order to create the best path for you and your employees to take during an event. We will walk you through what needs to happen before, during and after a disaster strikes.
When a disaster is predicted to be heading your way, you can activate your plan and start taking steps to protect your business. Your staff will likely be assigned particular tasks in order to prepare paperwork, electronics, remote work protocols and even protect your building against damage. Because your action steps will be well laid-out in your plan, everyone will know what to do with little need for instruction.
Communication will be a key component of your plan in order to ensure consistent connections throughout the duration of the event. A chain of command will be established, which can disseminate the right information at the right time to avoid confusion.
Our team will be communicating with you as well, and as soon as we safely can, we will dispatch a crew to your property to start the recovery process. Meanwhile, your employees can get back to work, whether on site, using a remote work plan or at an alternate location that will be established well before anything takes place.
When you create an Emergency Ready Plan, you are creating a complete package that will meet every need. Our plans are designed to protect the lives of you and your staff while allowing you to continue to move forward with your business. The Emergency Ready Plan comes with our 24⁄7 availability and the support network of a national brand. It is our goal to help you reach your goals, which means getting back to work fast.
Ready to create your Emergency Ready Plan for your business? Contact us for your free assessment to start the plan you need.
Improve the air quality and appeal of your business
11/16/2020 (Permalink)
Clean carpets play an important role in a healthy office. Call the professionals near you, SERVPRO The Mountains.
As companies that service our local communities, we want them to see us at our best. Whether it is for our employees, for prospective customers, or guest, we want to create a welcoming, enjoyable, and safe environment for them.
Commercial carpet adds to the aesthetic and comfort of the places that represent our brand. It is important to keep these surfaces in great condition. Carpet manufacturers often advise on proper maintenance guidelines for their carpets, including vacuuming, spot cleaning, and regular deep cleaning.
Clean carpets are appreciated by those who work there and people who visit. Studies say that clean and well-kept environments increase productivity and boost morale.
Most importantly, clean carpets keep us from getting sick. The Agency of Environmental Protection found that dirty carpets can cause allergens, particle pollution, gases, dander, and dust to get caught in them. Those sometimes-toxic gases and particles can become airborne when walked on or even vacuumed. This can reduce indoor air quality possibly affecting those working and living in that space.
Professional carpet cleaning services remove trapped pollutants and kill bacteria. The IICRC states carpets should be cleaned at least every two years or less. Businesses with increased traffic should be cleaned even more frequently.
SERVPRO professionals can inspect and consult as to which of our 5 quality cleaning methods will restore your carpets to the clean and beautiful condition that we all desire. Steam cleaning, shampooing, steam extraction, bonnet cleaning or rotary extraction are all effective methods to clean soiled carpet.
Contact your hometown SERVPRO today for a free scope and estimate to keep your business or commercial facility sparkling clean for your customers, employees, and guests.
Responding to our First Responders
11/9/2020 (Permalink)
SERVPRO Tri-County and The Mountains converge to respond to Clarkesville's First Responders during Hurricane Delta's performance in Habersham County.
First on the list was helping our first responders at the Clarkesville Fire Department and Demorest Police department. Next was extracting hundreds of gallons of water from the Clarkesville Library.
Private homes and businesses were assisted with the urgent task of removing flood waters. Also critical was quickly removing the muck, cleaning and sanitizing against any pathogens that might have been brought in with the rising water.
Additionally, commercial grade drying equipment was deployed, set in place and monitored daily to optimize the drying efforts of structures to prevent growth of mold or mildew.
Your hometown SERVPRO restoration team was proud to be a small part of the solution to this historic flood.
Thankfully, no one reported any serious injuries in Habersham County as a result of the Hurricane. Local first responders received national attention when a video of them rescuing people from the rising floodwaters was featured on ABC World News Tonight. Closer to home, people continue to praise their exhaustive, often heroic efforts.
County manager Phil Sutton said, “Habersham County would like to commend all E-911 staff, Sheriff’s Department Law Enforcement staff, Emergency Services staff including fire and emergency medical services, and importantly our Road Maintenance staff for their incredible work in the Hurricane Delta recovery process.”
Who do you call when your Structure is not well?
10/1/2020 (Permalink)
This clinic in Hartwell, Ga was flooded by a broken water pipe, SERVPRO Tri County removed nearly 200 gallons of water saving untold damage.
Knowing to call the Doctor when you are not feeling well is an obvious step, we have all been taught whether through instruction or experience. The question is then, who do we call when our Home or business is not feeling well? When this small Family clinic opened the doors to get ready for their day, they found nearly 200 gallons of water standing in between them and their patients. Getting all that water out was a top priority in preventing further damage and getting the clinic back on its feet. Your local SERVPRO Tri County received the call and immediately responded, dispatching our local technicians who are always on the go and working hard in the background, many times in the middle of the night to keeping homes and businesses in your community thriving.
Get out and stay out!
9/1/2020 (Permalink)
Even small sources of water can become big problems over time. Call SERVPRO if you suspect water invading your structure.
Water is a life-giving resource that all human beings need.
But that same water can be a destructive force to the structures of our homes and businesses. They must be protected from unwanted water intrusion at all times.
Many structures here in Northeast Georgia are battling the effects of water seepage, drainage problems or even high humidity. Homeowners and facility managers should inspect their properties regularly to ensure that rain water is being removed correctly. Water that puddles against any structural surface can eventually penetrate and cause unseen damage.
Long term or repeated water intrusion thru the building envelope can cause seepage into a larger part of the building. This water can be trapped and begin to degrade wood, drywall, carpet and carpet padding. Not only can rot set in but mold growth as well.
The water that we do invite into our property can also be a problem. Pipes that leak, especially slowly, can go undiscovered for months and even years.
This can product rot and mold that are a danger to both the structure and the occupants as well.
Sour smells or musty odors are many times a first indicator of moisture problems. Floors or walls that give or are soft to the touch can also be the result of water intrusion.
Contact the professionals at SERVPRO of Tri-County to perform moisture mapping. Using highly sophisticated moisture meters, we can help you determine both the cause and extent of moisture intrusion at your home or business.
We all get cleaned up for the first day of school
8/28/2020 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Tri-County is always extremely proud helping our schools get ready. Fresh cleaned carpets help safely welcome back our kids to their class.
Everyone likes to put on their best new school clothes for that first day of classes – including the schools themselves.
Throughout the summer months, our area schools and colleges are busy painting, replacing, and cleaning. Furniture is restored or replaced, equipment upgraded, walls painted and of course carpets and other flooring cleaned.
Despite a carefully planned and coordinated to-do list, delays and setbacks always occur. The final week before students return always gets hectic as everyone is speeding to get their tasks done in time.
Of course, the last thing to be done before school opens is to clean the carpets.
Carpet cleaning can really improve the indoor air quality and the health of the occupants. Professional cleaning can remove the dust, dander and other pollutants that dirty carpet can release.
In the age of Covid, it is even more important to remove these debris that can harbor germs and bacteria. The cleaning detergents and hot water rinse can help bring the carpet to its best appearance and condition.
SERVPRO of Tri-County is always extremely proud helping our schools get ready. Fresh cleaned carpets help safely welcome back our kids to their classrooms.
So, on that first day of school, we are looking and feeling our best.
Improve the living quality of your business or commercial space
8/25/2020 (Permalink)
Clean carpets play an important role in a healthy office.
As commercial enterprises, we are inviting the public into our building. We want to create the most appealing, comfortable, and safe environment for them.
Commercial carpet adds to the beauty and comfort of places of business. It is critical that these surfaces be properly maintained. The carpet manufacturers usually provide cleaning guidelines for their carpets, including vacuuming, spot cleaning and of course regular professional cleaning.
Of course, clean carpet is more appealing to occupants and visitors. Studies show that clean and orderly environments can boost mood and productivity.
But carpet cleaning can also improve our health. Carpet cleaning reduces the noise and dust caused by pedestrians and equipment.
According to research done by the Environmental Protection Agency, dirty carpets can retain several sources of allergens, particle pollution, gas, dander, and dust. This can cause toxic airborne gases to adhere to them and get caught up in the fabric.
These toxic gases can then be released by walking across the carpet or daily activities such as vacuuming which can reduce indoor air quality. Professional carpet cleaning services can not only kill the bacteria but also remove those trapped pollutants that can affect your health.
The IICRC states that carpets should be professionally cleaned every two years or less depending on the amount of soiling. Since businesses have increased foot traffic, this frequency could be quarterly or even monthly.
Professional carpet cleaning can remove those soils that do invade. Steam cleaning, shampooing, steam extraction, bonnet cleaning or rotary extraction are all effective methods to clean carpeting that has become dirty.
SERVPRO professionals can inspect and consult as to which of our 5 quality cleaning methods will restore your carpets to the clean and beautiful results that we all desire.
Contact your hometown SERVPRO today for a free consultation and quote to keep your business or commercial facility sparkling clean for your customers, employees, and guests.
Utilizing Strategic Planning to Prepare Your Business for an Emergency | SERVPRO® of Tri-County
4/23/2020 (Permalink)
Let SERVPRO of Tri-County help your business plan ahead to reduce down time your company might face after a disaster
Knowing the potential of future risks you might face as a business owner will help you stay ahead of the curve for whatever comes your way—including a natural disaster.
There has never been a proven method to guarantee you will not be impacted by a loss. However, you can improve your chances and lessen that impact by prioritizing your own preparedness. By planning ahead, you can be proactive against something out of our control.
There is definitely a long list to consider regarding disaster preparations, to be more manageable we recommend categorizing into three starting objectives. That way, you know your recovery foundation is solid and you have protection for your business and your investment.
Your Commercial Insurance Coverage
Having the right type and amounts of coverage is essential, but especially in the event of a natural disaster. There are more than a few commercial policies that do not provide quality disaster coverage. To lower premiums some policies create gaps or specific exclusions to certain scenarios that would prevent coverage if you try to file, so it is really important to know your policy verbiage and what is covered.
Your Emergency Plan and Supply Kit
The ability to evacuate a structure quickly in the event of disaster is a great way to be proactive and ensure the safety of you and your colleagues. There should always be an evacuation plan in place, posted and so everyone understands what to do that plan should be routinely rehearsed. Another useful tip to pack an emergency kit for you and your co-workers, stocked with enough supplies to maintain until help arrives.
Your Plan for Restoration and Recovery
Planning now for future restoration and recovery can be the most important factor in how quickly you are able resume productivity. On top of that list is the ability to set the restoration plan in motion quickly, which is it is recommend start a relationship with a restoration vendor in advance so that you know exactly who to call. It would be wise to look over the disaster assistance loans offered by the Small Business Administration as they are known to provide extra, low-interest funds for the recovery process.
If your business has been impacted by a disaster, you can contact us 24⁄7 for guidance on how to begin the commercial restoration process.
Doctor's office in Hartwell Ga calls in sick
10/15/2019 (Permalink)
This clinic was flooded by a broken pipe, SERVPRO removed nearly 200 gallons of water.
We all know to call the doctor when we are sick but, when your Doctor's office gets sick who does it call? The local SERVPRO of course, who is working hard in the back ground to keep businesses in your community open and ready to serve you. This Family clinic in Hartwell Ga opened its doors Monday morning to get ready for their schedule however, found an unpleasant surprise. Our Response teams quickly arrived to remove nearly 200 gallons of water from a broken pipe. Getting all that water out was a top priority in preventing further damage and getting the clinic back on its feet and seeing patients.
Restoring Your Northeast Georgia Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event
5/13/2016 (Permalink)
Commercial Water Damage Events Present Unique Challenges
Flooding and water damage events at Northeast Georgia 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.
Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges
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.
About SERVPRO of Tri-County
SERVPRO of Tri-County specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.
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