Frozen Pipes in a Commercial Building

12/6/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Technicians Expertly Remove Water From Your Business

Freezing temperatures in our area this Winter could put commercial buildings at risk for frozen pipes. When a broken pipe occurs, the misery from the bitter cold can be amplified by the intrusion of large quantities of unwanted water in your business or public place. Finding a company that reliably removes water and dries the structure regardless of the cause is the key to starting the remediation process.

Before any plan can be developed to get your commercial property back to normal, commercial water removal must be completed in the business affected. SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler crews are uniquely qualified to take all professional measures to move the water out quickly and thoroughly. Specialized training to measure and monitor moisture and scan for hidden pockets of water ensures that the removal is comprehensive. Only when all of the water is evacuated can the damage caused by the intrusion be observed and appropriately evaluated.

Water removal needs to be completed as soon as possible after the plumbing failure due to frozen pipes. If the power in the waterlogged area has been shut off as a safety precaution, the SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler vehicles responding have onboard power options for their truck-mounted equipment. Submersible pumps and high-efficiency water extractors are precisely matched to the challenges posed by standing water.

When operated by technicians trained according to water remediation industry standards developed by the IIRC, this equipment does its job quickly and thoroughly. The SERVPRO team members who respond to a frozen pipe disaster have mastered the use of this state of the art equipment and deliver the highest quality results.

The SERVPRO production managers and technicians who work with the business owner after a water loss realize how devastating and overwhelming the aftermath of frozen pipes can be. A business can prosper in the future only if the damage done by the water is remediated quickly after removal. An essential part of their job is to listen carefully as customers share their concerns. Answering questions and explaining the process is crucial in the SERVPRO crew’s effort to offer the very best in customer service.

If frozen pipes due to recent plunging temperatures fill your commercial space with water, SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler has the skills and tools to remove the water. Call (334) 287-1144 anytime day or night for expert assistance.

3 Levels of Commercial Property Damage

12/6/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler handles not only residential damage and restoration, but commercial as well.

There are three levels of commercial damage that are considered:

Level 1

Level 1 is a small commercial loss typically involving 15,000 square feet or less of affected floor space. If the facility was entirely affected, examples of a small commercial loss may include, but are not limited to, a stand-alone retail establishment, a small church, a daycare facility, a small shopping center, a small warehouse or manufacturing facility, or a stand-alone administrative building. A Level 1 loss can also be a small portion of a much larger structure.

Level 2

Level 2 is a midsize commercial loss typically involving 15,000 to 60,000 square feet of affected floor space. The building or buildings involved are usually multi-level or greatly divided spaces. If the facility was entirely affected, examples of a Level 2 loss may include, but are not limited to, a small multi-family property, a midsize church or school, a small shopping center, a multi-tenant administration facility, or a midsize warehouse or manufacturing facility. A Level 2 loss can also be just a portion of a much larger structure.

Level 3

Level 3 is a large commercial loss typically involving more than 60,000 square feet of affected floor space. The building or buildings involved will likely be large multi-level structures. If the facility was entirely affected, examples of a Level 3 loss can include, but are not limited to, a large church, hospital, school, or university; a large multi-family property; a mid- to high-rise retail or administration facility; a large industrial, manufacturing, or warehouse facility; or a large strip-style shopping center or shopping mall. This is the level at which it would be appropriate to refer to the project as a “large loss.”

Once our team determines the level of loss, the property is further assessed, and a team of appropriate size is dispatched to get the job done quickly and efficiently, and return your business to operation “Like it never even happened.”

Call SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler at (334) 287-1144!

Is Your Business Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned?

12/2/2021 (Permalink)

When our logo is on your door, your commitment to clean is clear

While the COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler is here to help keep your customers and employees safe, and also let everyone know you've chosen a higher standard of clean.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive, proactive viral pathogen cleaning program backed by our more than 50 years of experience in cleanup and restoration. With an industry-leading, proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes, we're helping businesses across the country open safely. So make the commitment to keep your employees and customers safer. Make sure your space is Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

CONSULT

A tailored cleaning program to meet your needs.

• We will assign you a Cleaning Protocol Specialist who understands your business.
• Programs are based on a range of factors: type of industry, business type, size of space, amount of high frequency touch points, foot traffic and congestion points.

CLEAN

Proactive and COVID-19 emergency response cleaning program.

• Trained and experienced in biohazard cleaning and decontamination for porous and non-porous surfaces - always adhering to the highest standards set by the CDC.
• EPA-approved products, including our proprietary cleaning agent SERVPROXIDE, a hospital-grade disinfectant that is NSF certified for direct food contact surface use.

CERTIFY

A commitment to clean for your employees and consumers. 

• Leverage SERVPRO's trusted brand to reassure your customers and employees that you are taking the steps needed to keep your space at the highest level of clean.
• Communication touchpoints include a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned window emblem, signage, marks for your digital footprint and more. 

Call SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler at (334) 287-1144 for more information about making sure your business is Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Mold Problems in a Rental Space

12/2/2021 (Permalink)

Mold Problems in a Rental Space

Keeping an apartment over a rented commercial space can be convenient for you as a business owner. Bundling rental costs for both areas can help you save money on daily commutes and other expenses. However, when you discover fungi growth in your apartment and mold cleanup is necessary, knowing how to proceed and who to contact can be difficult. If you find yourself with a mold issue in your rental space, there are a few steps you can take to resolve the problem.

1. Alert Your Landlord

Once you discover mold in your apartment, it is wise to leave it alone until you can alert your landlord and have him or her come to look at the infestation. Even if it is a minor issue, such as bathroom fungi, mold spores can still detach from small patches and move through the building’s air ducts, where it could spread to your commercial space. Letting your landlord know about the problem right away can prevent this.

2. Discover the Source

Mold contamination can grow from a variety of sources, but moisture and humidity are typically the main culprits. Check cabinets under the bathroom and kitchen sink, the shower and any water lines in the apartment. If you suspect the problem may have originated in your commercial space, you may want to check those water sources as well.

3. Contact Your Insurance Company

Depending on the source of the mold, you may be responsible for its removal. Calling your insurance agent as soon as possible can help you understand whether your renter’s insurance covers mold cleanup and the cost of a fungi removal and cleaning service. Your insurance agent can also help you make a claim to cover costs as soon as possible.

Discovering mold in a rented apartment that is attached to your commercial space can be stressful. However, when you know which steps to take and who is responsible for the mold cleanup, you can feel more confident about working toward a quick resolution.

Drying Documents After a Water Damage

12/1/2021 (Permalink)

Your immediate concern after a disaster strikes your company may be the safety of your employees, commercial building, and business inventory. Once the task of addressing urgent matters is complete, the need to assess the situation and stabilize the company will probably be your next mission. One way to mitigate possible damage after a water disaster is the preservation of key business items such as wet documents.

Saving Business Documents

Flooding response time can often determine whether documents can successfully be saved. Flood water generally has a high pH level, so the longer the papers are in the dirty water, the more ink can bleed and pages can deteriorate. Some of the business documents in question may include

• Employee medical documents
• Personal identification papers
• Financial papers
• Legal documentation
• Emergency contact information

Removing water as soon as possible is essential because mold can begin to develop in as little as 48 hours. A professional recovery service can remove standing water and sterilize the documents with gamma irradiation that can be critical to prevent mold and other contaminants from ruining the papers.

Freeze-Drying Papers

By using a state-of-the-art freeze-drying method to protect valuable data, the loss of documents due to water damage can be dramatically reduced. The new document drying technique safely processes the paperwork until it can be addressed by a specialized team. The materials are vacuumed and then dried using a process known as sublimation. During sublimation, the water is removed in a gaseous state. The vacuum process can safely be used on wet documents such as

• Photographs
• Files
• Blueprints
• Books
• Parchment
• Microfiche

The restoration procedure may also include cleaning, disinfecting, and deodorizing all materials.

Restoring Vacuumed Materials

Restoring wet documents to their pre-damaged condition is nearly impossible, but a professional recovery team can stabilize the acidity of the water damage and quickly freeze the documents. Once the recovery is completed, the materials can often return to your business with almost no visible damage.

Call SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler at (334) 287-1144 for more information about document drying. 

When Fire Strikes Your Commercial Building

12/1/2021 (Permalink)

If you experience a fire loss in your home or business, here are some tips to better understand the fire restoration process. 

1. Emergency Contact 

When you call SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler, you will be asked questions regarding the fire damage event that will help us respond immediately with the appropriate team, equipment, and resources.

1. Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment 

SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler technicians carefully inspect the entire home or business, not just the immediate area. Sometimes, soot and water affect areas that are not always seen. This step is crucial to developing a plan of action. 

1. Immediate Board-up and Roof Tarp Service 

Fire damage can often compromise windows, walls, and roofs, as seen in the photo of the commercial property. To maintain security and to protect against further damage, we can board up missing windows and walls and place tarps on damaged roofs.

1. Water Removal and Drying (if water is present) 

The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. Most of the water occurs if pipes melt and leak, or from the firefighters' efforts to extinguish the fire. We use dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the water and complete the drying process. 

1. Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces 

We use specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces.

1. Cleaning and Sanitizing 

We clean, sanitize, and disinfect all of the restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire.  We’re also trained to remove several types of odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.

1. Restoration

Restoration is the final step—getting your home or business to its pre-fire condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business. SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler has a reconstruction division that focuses solely on getting your home or business back to normal, "Like it never even happened."

Having a company that can coordinate the whole process from start to finish to make your life easier and get you back in your home or business faster. “Like it never even happened.”

If you would like more information on hiring a team experienced in fire damage and water damage restoration, call SERVPRO of Livingston, Demopolis & Butler today at (334) 287-1144!

Make Sure Your Business is Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

12/27/2020 (Permalink)

Covid cases are still going up in our communities and it is important to do everything we can to slow the spread. This has been something that we have been dealing with for most of the year, but we can’t stop taking precautions just yet. This means as a community we have to step up to do everything we can, this includes wearing masks, cleaning/sanitizing business and restaurants, and social distancing as much as possible. One way SERVPRO is trying to help during this pandemic is by offering Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, our new defensive pathogen cleaning program, goes way beyond standard janitorial cleaning practices. This is proactive viral pathogen cleaning. With over 50 years of experience in biochemical spill remediation and decontamination, you can trust the professionals at SERVPRO to bring a higher standard of clean to the places we gather.

So how does it work? It’s grounded in our unique 3 C’s:

• Consult: Not all businesses are the same, so we’ll tailor a bespoke cleaning program based on the unique needs of each facility.
• Clean: Based on the agreed plan, an expert deep clean is initiated using our proprietary EPA-Approved Hospital-Grade cleaning solutions and always adhering to the leading level of cleaning and decontamination standards set by the CDC.
• Certify: You’ll know a business is Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned by the shield posted on their front window. Along with digital emblems and other collateral, this beacon represents their commitment to the comfort and security of their employees, customers and community.

So when you see the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned shield, you can walk in with confidence and you’ll know the #1 choice in clean up and restoration was there.

The Roof on My Business is Leaking, What Do I Do?

12/27/2020 (Permalink)

Storms can have a detrimental effect on your business, and most of it is unavoidable. Whether there is a power outage that threatens your inventory or a leaky window, water in your store disrupts your day-to-day operations. In extreme cases, the roof or a door can break down enough for water to flood your space. When flooding occurs, you need a professional team to inspect the damage and develop a suitable action plan.

Our team is ready to handle flood damage in your business. At SERVPRO, we pride ourselves on our ability to arrive promptly and provide a thorough assessment of the situation, so you have the information you need to make business decisions. Our expertise is verified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), the certifying agency in our industry. Rather than assembling a team of contractors to address your needs, let our crew take the helm and lend our expertise to your restoration process.

How does a professional team clean my business after a flood?

Many people wonder what exactly is the difference between hiring a professional restoration team and taking action yourself. Besides our formal training in all water restoration matters, we also have within our reach the latest techniques and equipment in the industry. Handling each project with the correct tools makes for more efficient use of time and money, mitigating your loss. As our SERVPRO team addresses problem areas in your store, we may use some of the following to achieve restoration-

• Water extractors of various capacities to remove significant volumes of water as well as water hiding in hard-to-reach places
• Foggers to spray antimicrobial solutions through your store, allowing them to settle on all surfaces and prevent the spread of bacteria
• Dehumidifiers of varying sizes to improve the speed of absorption for moisture in the air

SERVPRO understands your needs as a business suffering from flood damage. Call us today and let us be your ally in a time of crisis. Like you, we want your store to feel, "Like it never even happened."

How Do I Restore the Floors in My Business?

12/26/2020 (Permalink)

Your Business Can be Restored with the help of a Reputable Restoration Company.

Owning a business may be your lifelong dream, and you probably invest much of your capital and time in making it succeed. When you face an obstacle in getting it restored after a flood or a fire, it is best to trust experts in the field to perform a thorough assessment of the damage and guide you in the restoration process.

In our area, SERVPRO leads all restoration companies with our expert water and fire restoration technicians. Our staff trains with and holds certifications by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC), verifying our expertise in the field. When you reach us at our 24/7 hotline, you gain peace of mind at being in the hands of experts.

How does SERVPRO dry my business after a water incident?

Among our specialists, we take great pride in our water restoration technicians and their expertise. At SERVPRO, we know that water in your business implies a loss of time, customers, and revenue, which is why we work diligently to restore your workspace as soon as possible. Our focus is not only on extracting water but also on removing excess moisture to protect your establishment from the threat of mold and other complications. To restore humidity levels our team may use-

Truck-mounted pumps connecting to municipal sewers as needed

Submersible pumps 

Handheld wand extractors for hard-to-reach corners 

We monitor our progress with state-of-the-art moisture meters and complement our actions with dehumidifiers, air circulators, and drying mats as needed. Our SERVPRO technicians document each step, which could help you if you are filing an insurance claim for the incident.

Let SERVPRO be your partner when life events threaten your business. Give us a call today and we’ll make it "Like it never even happened."

Commercial Facility Odor Removal

12/23/2020 (Permalink)

Keep it Fresh!

Have you ever wondered how your customers feel when they enter your facility? Most commercial property owners strive to offer a comfortable and welcoming facility for their customers. The happier and more comfortable the customer is, the longer they will stay and more likely they will be to return. 

In addition to a clean, neat appearance, your facility should also have a clean smell. Unpleasant odors in your commercial property have the ability to negatively impact your business. Odors are good or bad based on individual perception. It is important to ensure that your customers have a positive perception of your facility. 

SERVPRO is widely known for being the leader in fire and water damage cleanup and restoration but we also offer many other services. Our team at SERVPRO is also trained to identify and eliminate offensive odors. These odors can come from a number of sources both inside and outside a structure. Masking and other shortcuts don't work when your odor problem is serious or persistent.

We have the training and equipment to identify and eliminate these offensive odors. By identifying the cause of the odor, and determining the conditions where it contacts surfaces, the odor can often be removed over time without a trace. Our technicians have access to several odor removal products capable of penetrating surfaces to neutralize unpleasant odors thoroughly. 

The science of identifying and eliminating odors can be a tricky thing, so give us a call today and leave the restoration to us. Let our professional team do the cleanup with the proper procedures to keep you, your home or company safe.

Avoiding Business Interruption

12/16/2020 (Permalink)

Avoiding business interruption is almost always the top priority of our commercial clients. 

At SERVPRO, many of our members come from backgrounds in finance and accounting professions, and they understand the importance of maintaining cash-flow for a business. 

Prior to beginning a commercial restoration project, the facility is walked-through with appropriate decision makers. If avoiding business interruption is a priority, our team will work with the client to provide quality service while helping the client maintain production in their facility. Some of the ways we do that is by working out a schedule with the client so that our team works after hours or on weekends while the facility is normally closed; or, we may work around the client in specified areas during business hours; another solution is moving the client to another building until restoration and repairs have been completed. Whatever the answer may be, each is tailored to meet and satisfy the needs of our client on a case by case basis.

Commercial Damage

At SERVPRO, we recognize the urgency to react and to immediately build a recovery plan when we partner with commercial clients. Our office works with our partners to make sure documents flow through the right channels in order to simplify settlements during claims or direct pay losses. If tenants are involved, we have the flexibility to work directly with them individually. We also anticipate and recognize coverage issues so that our customers can understand how the claim will be settled.

The SERVPRO brand is the most recognized and respected brand in the mitigation industry. If there is a disaster in your commercial facility, call the team at SERVPRO. We’ll make it “Like it never even happened.”

How to Prepare Your Company for a Fire

12/16/2020 (Permalink)

The effects of a fire in your office could be devastating, especially if you're not prepared. There are effective ways to not only evacuate safely but to mitigate or even prevent the damage. Every company needs a contingency plan to be ready for a fire in the workplace. If you don't currently have one, now is the time to get started.

Preventive Measures

As a responsible business owner or property manager, you should be consistently looking out for the safety of the occupants and the protection of the property. These steps can reduce the chances of a fire starting:

• Inspect the electrical system in the building and make necessary repairs.
• Properly store flammable chemicals and materials.
• Ensure that all employees comply with regulations to smoke outside of the building.
  
  

Check Smoke Alarms

A big part of your contingency plan should include an assessment of the fire alarm system in the building. You should change the batteries every year and the alarms themselves every 10 years. If you have a digital system, have a professional test the alarms regularly. You should have several alarms on each floor of the office.

Outline an Escape Plan

If the smoke alarms go off and a fire begins to make its way through your building, will you know how to safely exit in an orderly fashion? If you have not come up with an evacuation plan, start today. Your plan should include identifying every exit on each floor. Also, assign roles to responsible people, including the task of ushering people out of the building and taking a headcount to make sure everyone safely evacuates. Determine a safe place to gather away from the building. You should practice this plan at least once a year.

A contingency plan can save your life during a fire. A professional fire cleanup and restoration team can get your building back in working order. In the meantime, you've got these important tasks to fulfill.

Ways to Protect your business from Fire Hazards

12/29/2019 (Permalink)

Business owners have many things, including plenty of safety factors to consider, regarding risks to their business, staff, and visitors. If you are a business owner, one of those risks you need to spend a little extra time planning for and working toward preventing is a Fire!

Common Causes Of Commercial Structure Fires:

According to the National Fire Protection Association, The leading causes of structure fires in office properties include..:

1. Cooking Equipment- 29% of fires.
2. Electrical Distribution, and Lighting Equipment- 12% of fires.
3. Heating Equipment- 11% of fires
4. Intentional- 10% of fires
5. Smoking Materials- 9% of fires
6. Exposure- 4% of fires 
7. Electronic, office, or Entertainment Equipment- 3% of fires

Out of those, Namely three causes accounted for the most property damage are intentional fires, Exposure, and Electrical distribution and lighting equipment fires with 20%, 18%, and 15% respectively.

Protecting your Business:

There are many steps to follow to protect your business from the risks of fires, But focusing on fire risk assessment, Fire prevention, and Staff education, you can help reduce the chance of a fire breaking out. First you need to make sure to assess the fire hazard risks in your facility. In some areas, the local government may even provide a visit from a fire marshal who will help identify these risks and provide guidance on your fire prevention plan. You'll want to make sure that the right fire protection equipment is in place. This includes an automatic sprinkler system, smoke detectors and fire extinguishers on each floor. Most importantly, consider your employees and visitors. Creating a fire plan and reviewing it with your staff will ensure that you are making sure everyone knows what to do in the event of a fire. Conduct fire drills at least once a year to keep that fire safety protocol fresh in their minds, and take time to review evacuation plans and the location of first-aid kit.

Despite best efforts with fire prevention and safety tips, the worst could always happen at your business, if a fire has damaged your business SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler is available to help make it "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler Commercial Property Management: Signs of Sewer Line Issues

12/28/2019 (Permalink)

While a blocked sewer drain is relatively common in commercial properties, legitimate concerns over sewer line functionality may be few and far between. However, when major sewer line issues occur, it is essential to remedy the problems quickly to avoid potential backups and structural damage. Be aware of these four signs, which may indicate sewer line problems.

1. Odors

While drain or toilet overflow are frequent problems in commercial properties, you should pay attention to odors surrounding these problems. For instance, if after clearing a clog you smell sewer gas, you may want to call a plumber for an inspection, as strong sewer smells can be an indicator of issues further in the line.

2. Clogged Drains

A blocked sewer will not only cause unpleasant odors to occur in your building, but the blocked pipe can also cause frequent clogging of your drains and toilets. This problem may also cause sewer backups into your facility.

3. Indentations in Landscaping

Also, while you may not have any clogging issues, it is still possible that your sewer lines have failed. Pipe breaks may cause indentations in your landscaping, like divots in the lawn. If the break is severe enough, it is possible that sewage is leaking into the grounds of your property. Eventually, this can also lead to a sewage backup in your building.

4. Deformations in Landscaping

In addition to indentations in the lawn, you may notice perpetual puddling in certain areas. You may also see that areas of your parking lot have sunken or cracked along with sidewalks. Depending on how close the break is to your building, you may even notice cracks in the foundation. These issues often require the expertise of a disaster restoration specialist in the Livingston/Demopolis/Butler area to resolve, which depending on your insurance policy may be covered.

A blocked sewer line can wreak havoc on a business and may even lead to significant business interruption. You should be aware of the warning signs of such a problem so that you can resolve the issue as early as possible.

Levels of Commercial Damage in Livingston/Demopolis/Butler

12/27/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler handles not only residential damage and restoration but commercial as well.

There are three levels of commercial damage that are considered:

Level 1

Level 1 is a small commercial loss typically involving 15,000 square feet or less of affected floor space. If the facility was entirely affected, examples of a small commercial loss may include but are not limited to, a stand-alone retail establishment, a small church, a daycare facility, a small shopping center, a small warehouse or manufacturing facility, or a stand-alone administrative building. A Level 1 loss can also be a small portion of a much larger structure.

Level 2

Level 2 is a midsize commercial loss typically involving 15,000 to 60,000 square feet of affected floor space. The building or buildings involved are usually multi-level or greatly divided spaces. If the facility was entirely affected, examples of a Level 2 loss may include but are not limited to, a small multi-family property, a midsize church or school, a small shopping center, a multi-tenant administration facility, or a midsize warehouse or manufacturing facility. A Level 2 loss can also be just a portion of a much larger structure.

Level 3

Level 3 is a large commercial loss typically involving more than 60,000 square feet of affected floor space. The building or buildings involved will likely be large multi-level structures. If the facility was entirely affected, examples of a Level 3 loss can include, but are not limited to, a large church, hospital, school, or university; a large multi-family property; a mid- to high-rise retail or administration facility; a large industrial, manufacturing, or warehouse facility; or a large strip-style shopping center or shopping mall. This is the level at which it would be appropriate to refer to the project as a “large loss.”

Once our team determines the level of loss, the property is further assessed, and a team of appropriate size is dispatched to get the job done quickly and efficiently, and return your business to operation “Like it never even happened.”®

Commercial Water Damage

12/26/2019 (Permalink)

Downtime means money lost!

Here are SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler, we understand that when a commercial water emergency occurs in your business it is important that the issues is mitigated quickly and efficiently. During these emergencies, it is not just the building that needs to be back up and functioning but the materials and equipment you use on a daily basis that allows your business to be successful.  

SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler has the ability to save things like office furniture, desk, and even sensitive information that may be stored in the office with our Document Restoration. We are in the business of restoring these items that may have been damaged during your water emergency. We always attempt to salvage anything damaged because we understand that it can keep the cost down for you and the insurance company as well the value it has to your company. If an item can be saved or restored it is worth the time to do so.  

SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler works tirelessly to treat each of your items with special care to protect. Our team is trained to keep your items from damage while we do work. Our content specialists team does wonders with your clean-up on all types of materials.  

Trust that SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler keeps in mind that time down for your business, is money lost. So our team will work around the clock to make sure it is “Like it never even happened.” and your business is back up and running!

Commercial Sewage Backup

12/25/2019 (Permalink)

Sewage back-ups and toilet overflows are some of the most common issues home and business owners can experience. Water from sewer system backups should be considered very dangerous. The water is grossly unsanitary and may contain bacteria and viruses that could cause serious illness.

Special training and equipment is necessary to safely clean this type of contamination. That’s why it is important to call the professionals who have experience cleaning up these types of issues. SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler understands that there are three major types of contaminated water and the necessary steps to handle each scenario. SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler will inspect that contaminated water to determine the type of water and then plan the appropriate response to safely restore your home or business.

The Three Types of Water

Category 1: Clean Water

• Water from a clean source like a broken water line
• If left untreated, can degrade into category 2 or 3

Category 2: Gray Water

• May contain bacteria and viruses - may include washing machine overflow; toilet overflow with some urine, but no feces; or dishwasher overflow.
• Can quickly degrade into category 3 if left untreated.

Category 3: Black Water

• May contain untreated sewage, harsh chemicals, and microbes
• Water from flooding rivers or sewer backup

If your home or business experiences a sewage issue, it should be treated as quickly as possible. Call SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler at 334-287-1144 and our professionals will respond 24 hours a day for emergency services.

7 Tips to Prevent Mold in your Commercial Business

12/19/2019 (Permalink)

Why should you worry about mold in your building? According to OSHA, some mold, over time, may cause structural damage to wood along with damage to furnishings and finishes. Use the following tips to help prevent mold growth in your business.

#1: Clean Out the Refrigerator

It can be difficult to keep track of shared refrigerators. Some people will always remember to clear out their leftovers, others won’t. Old food storage containers are a perfect breeding ground for mold. Over time, mold can travel to the shelving and even outside the refrigerator. Consider instituting an office refrigerator policy. If something is left in the fridge by a certain time each week, it goes in the garbage.

#2: Look for And Repair Leaks

Leaks from plumbing, windows, roofs, and more can lead to significant water damage in your business as well as an increased risk of mold growth. If you aren’t regularly inspecting your property, it’s easy for these leaks to go unchecked until they create a larger, more costly problem. Watch for telltale signs of a leak such as lower water pressure; wet spots on the floors, ceilings, or walls; and condensation around window sills and in attic spaces.

#3: Keep It Clean

It’s easy for anyone to get caught up in work and let clutter take over his or her workspace. However, clutter creates lots of hiding spots for crumbs and dust, which are both great food sources for mold. Make sure to clear the clutter and wipe down hard surfaces regularly. Make sure to promptly clean all spills as well. Clean and sanitize break rooms and bathrooms frequently. Both rooms provide ample opportunity for mold growth. These rooms should be cleaned at least weekly depending on how regularly people use each room.

#4: Turn on the AC/Dehumidifier

Leaks aren’t the only way for moisture to accumulate in your business. High humidity levels can lead to moisture and mold as well. On hot days, fans can cool you off, but they don’t do much for humidity levels. Run your AC or a dehumidifier to cut down the humidity in the building.

#5: Clean out Trash Cans

While you might switch out the liners regularly, can you remember the last time you washed out the trash cans? It’s easy for bits of food and condensation to sneak beneath liners into the can, which is all mold needs to grow. Try washing out office wastebaskets about once a month to prevent mold growth.

#6: Take Care of Your HVAC System

Your HVAC system can quickly distribute mold spores throughout your building if there is a problem. Make sure your HVAC system receives regular inspections. Sometimes moisture condenses inside air ducts or leaks drip onto ducts from ceiling tiles, which can lead to mold growth inside the ducts. Make sure to keep the HVAC drip pans clean and unobstructed. Additionally, replace your filters as needed.

#7: Slope the Ground Away from the Foundation

If the ground around your building slopes toward the foundation, water can accumulate and weaken your building’s structure. Additionally, it provides an ideal environment for mold to grow. The ground should slope away from the building. You should also make sure your building follows the local building codes for drainage. Mold is persistent. Even if you follow all the right steps, it’s still possible for mold to grow and spread in your building. Fortunately, at SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler, we have the right experience in mold remediation to make your place of business “Like it never even happened.” Unfortunately, mold doesn’t stay put, it grows quickly. You’ll want to give us a call as soon as you notice it, so we can start the remediation process. Our technicians have the training, equipment, and knowledge necessary to help locate and remediate mold efficiently. If you find mold in your place of business, call SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler at 334-287-1144.

Help Prevent Fires During Winter Months

1/1/2019 (Permalink)

It’s going to get cold again here soon…

Besides using the fireplace to stay warm some people use alternative sources such as portable space heaters, and wood burning stoves. Heating equipment is the cause for many residential fires annually, causing deaths, injury and property damage. Here are some tips to help you reduce the risk of a heating-related fire:

-Keep flammable items at least three feet away from heating equipment

-Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters, or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturers instructions

-Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed

-Plug space heaters directly into outlets, never into an extension cord or power strip.

-Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel burning space heaters

-Install and maintain carbon monoxide and smoke alarms inside your home and business.

-Test alarms monthly

-Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional

-Make sure fireplaces have a screen to help prevent sparks

-Make sure ashes are cool before putting them in a metal container

For more information on safety tips call your local fire department.

Emergency Ready Profile

12/14/2018 (Permalink)

As a homeowner you always want to make sure you have emergency contacts close by in case anything unexpected happens. What if you are a homeowner but also a business owner? I know personally I couldn't imagine the amount of stress! SERVPRO realizes that you might not think about the unexpected things that might happen to your business; flooding, tornado damage, etc. 

That's why we have our Emergency Ready Program available to you! Our ERP, Emergency Ready Profile is the best way to reduce business interruption following a disaster, plan for it now! As many as 50% of businesses may never recover following a disaster, according to the latest industry research. Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place. Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind. 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.
 The SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile Advantage 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 your local SERVPRO® Franchise Professional 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.”  Give us a call today and set up your ERP!

For Immediate Service in Livingston/Demopolis/Butler, Call SERVPRO

12/14/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
• Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
• A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
• Locally Owned and Operated
• Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment 

Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 – 334-287-1144

Residential Services

Whether your Livingston/Demopolis/Butler home needs emergency flood damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us.  Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. Call us to learn more about our residential services:

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Storm Damage Restoration
• Cleaning Services
• Building/Reconstruction Services

Commercial Services

There's never a convenient time for fire or Water damage to strike your commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business. Call us to learn more about our commercial services:

• Commercial Water Damage Restoration
• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration

Restoring Your Commercial Property After a Water Damage Event

12/14/2018 (Permalink)

Flooding and water damage events at 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 Livingston/Demopolis/Butler

SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler 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.

Tips for Cleaning Your Restaurant

12/14/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler offers many cleaning services to help your restaurant stay in compliance with the National Fire Protection Association and the federal Food and Drug Administration. These services not only help keep your restaurant in compliance, but they are key factors in the health and safety of your employees and patrons.

Carpet Cleaning

Great service and food are not the only things that keep customers returning to your establishment. Maintaining a restaurant's cleanliness and appearance play a large role in a restaurant's success. Although most carpeting is found in the dining area, there are aerosol grease particles that travel through the air and find their final home on the carpeting. The residue is a host for bacteria and a magnet for dirt. With the abundance of foot traffic, as well as food and drinks that are spilled regularly, keeping the carpets clean can be a daunting task. Scheduling regular cleanings will help to keep your restaurant's carpets clean and odor free.

Exhaust Fan Cleaning

Ensuring that your exhaust fans are cleaned regularly and properly is one of the most important tasks in the restaurant business. Having your exhaust fans cleaned is required by the National Fire Protection Association and the federal Food and Drug Administration. Commercial exhaust fans are a popular place for grease build up, and keeping a regular cleaning schedule decreases your risk of having a grease fire.  Cleaning your exhaust fans regularly also increases the lifespan and ensures that your equipment is working at top capacity.

SERVPRO of Livingston/Demopolis/Butler can not only clean the carpets and exhaust fans in your restaurant, we can work around your schedule to ensure that neither you nor your customers are inconvenienced. Call our office today for more information and scheduling options.

Prepare Your Business

12/14/2018 (Permalink)

Prepare your business for winter weather!

-Check your business property for downed tree limbs and branches. Weather, such as wind, heavy rain, ice and snow, can cause branches to fall, which could cause damage to the property and potentially cause personal injuries. 

-Inspect property, especially walkways and parking lots, for proper drainage to alleviate flood hazard potential. 

-Inspect all handrails, stairwells and entryways to address and correct potential slippery or hazardous areas. Install mats or non-slip surfaces and post caution signs where water could be present.

-Ask your SERVPRO Professional about starting an Emergency Ready Profile for your business. 

What is an Emergency Ready Profile?

It is a "snapshot" of each building owned/managed by a business, that provides critical information for emergency preparation.