Tips to Prepare Your Business for a Flood

3/7/2022 (Permalink)

Rainy season is right around the corner and with severe rainfall comes the higher potential for flooding in your business. If you do have a flood situation, SERVPRO of Citrus County is here to help. We are the drying experts and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

There are ways to protect your business from flooding. Here are some tips to get you started.

Know Your Area

Be aware of your surroundings. Do you know where your business lies? There are certain places that are more of a flood risk than others. These include coastal areas, sewer systems nearby, next to a body of water and property at the bottom of hill.

Learn more details about your home or business’ level of flood risk, including the type of flood zone it is in and, if available, the potential flood elevation. You can check FEMA’s online Flood Map Service Center at https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home or visit the officials in your community who maintain the FEMA flood maps and elevation certificates. And remember, more than 25% of flood insurance claims come from properties that are not in an identified high-risk zone. All properties have the potential or flood damage.

Prepare

There are ways to help prepare your property for a flood. You can make several modifications to try and prevent any damage from occurring during a storm or flood.

Some of these include:

• Install check valves to help prevent sewer lines from flooding your drains.
• Install sump pumps with a battery backup.
• Elevate valuable equipment (furnaces, electric panels, water heaters, etc).
• Maintain proper water runoff and drainage. Properly maintain gutters, downspouts and splash pads.
• Improve lot grading. Determine how water flows or accumulates around your home, identify trouble spots.
• Reduce impervious surfaces around your home.

Mold in Commercial Buildings

3/7/2022 (Permalink)

Having all the supplies and equipment available when mold is found within the walls during the removal of drywall. The following list are some of the primary items you may wish to have before attempting wall board removal, especially if you believe the area may have experienced a water leak in the past.

1. A HEPA vacuum to remove mold spores before attempting to move.
2. Heavy mil plastic to wrap pieces of mold contaminated wall board before moving to the outdoors.
3. Other precautions include; turn off central air systems since it may spread mold and mildew spores throughout the home, limit the movement of other Business occupants during the removal process and seal off the work area or room from other indoor living spaces. If there is visible amounts of mold found during a remodel project, you should consider hiring a mold remediation specialist such as SERVPRO of Citrus County

Burst Pipes and Flood Damage at Your Citrus County Business ?

3/7/2022 (Permalink)

Whether you experience burst pipes or a significant leak overnight, the last thing you need to worry about is water flooding your Citrus County commercial building or office. Water damage not only impacts flooring and drywall, but it can also send contaminants throughout your building’s structure – this is especially true if you have chemicals and other biohazards in your building that the water may have taken on. The structural materials may also become compromised depending on the level of floodwater. SERVPRO is there for commercial properties that require water removal services and restoration!

Why would pipes burst and cause flood damage? There could be several reasons regardless of the type of piping your facility has, including copper, PVC, iron, and other kinds. These are some of the reasons a pipe could burst and cause flood damage:

• Corrosion –Many buildings will have metal piping, usually made with copper or galvanized iron. Even with the cleanest water, minerals can eat away at the galvanized coating and expose the iron. After this happens, the metal rusts and causes the inside of the pipe to become narrow. It can then become susceptible to pressure and fail.
• Pipe Movement –The clips or brackets securing pipes can loosen over time. If you turn off the water and hear a banging or knocking sound, this is known as a “water hammer.” The lines will often move around due to the sudden stoppage, weakening joints and parts over time.
• Water Pressure –Water pipes can only handle a certain pressure level. PSI that gets too high can cause the piping to burst along the side or at the weakest points.

When you notice a burst pipe at your facility or offices, shut off the water source and the electricity to that area to limit the danger. Then contact our crew at SERVPRO of Citrus County by calling (352) 522-1053, and we can get to work as soon as possible.

Prevent Commercial Property Damage This Holiday Season

1/6/2022 (Permalink)

Between November 1st - February 1st, there are over 20 religious holidays from all around the world. When we think about holiday fire safety, we don’t often consider the risks in a commercial setting. According to iii.org, decorations like Christmas lights are a reason or concern. They state, “Electrical distribution or lighting equipment was involved in two out of five (40 percent) of the home Christmas tree structure fires.” This statistic is specifically for residential properties, but this could easily be applied in a commercial setting.  

Live Or Artificial Christmas Tree

If you’re decorating your office for Christmas this year, you may have already decided between a live or artificial tree. If you're still contemplating what you want, consider these potential fire hazards. It may help you make that determination. 

Live Christmas Trees

Live Christmas trees come with a myriad of risks. If they are not properly cared for live trees can cause a devastating amount of property damage. They ignite quickly and create a lot of heat. That’s why you should keep them away from heat sources like heating vents and lamps. 

Artificial Trees  

In general Artificial Christmas trees are safer. Modern trees are made from fire-resistant materials. Note that fire resistance doesn’t mean fireproof. Damaged lights can ignite the tree from electrical malfunctions. You still want to keep it away from heat sources like fireplaces and space heaters. Overall if you’re picking your tree based on safety, artificial trees are the way to go.  

Commercial Cleaning Services in Citrus County

12/21/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial Cleaning Services

• Air Ducts and Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC)
• Biohazard and Sewage
• Trauma and Crime Scene
• Carpet and Upholstery
• Drapes and Blinds
• Ceilings, Walls, and Hard Floors
• Odor Removal and Deodorization
• Vandalism

We have many years of experience working in all kinds of business settings and buildings:

• 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 and Industrial
• Government/Military

Call Us Today!

Commercial Water Damage

10/29/2020 (Permalink)

Commercial restoration experts know water damage is a frequent cause of anxiety and inconvenience for business owners in Citrus County. Unfortunately, many business owners do not know what steps to take to defend their commercial property against the challenges fostered by water damage. Many of these owners aren't certain who to call once the water damage has occurred. We suggest SERVPRO of Citrus County. Luckily, there is a wide range of effective measures that you can implement to lessen the possibility of commercial water damage.  The following are some suggestions for awareness and preparation to prevent or mitigate commercial water damage to your business.

Assessing Your Risks

One of the best ways to decrease your susceptibility to water damage is to assess your company's risks. In many cases, commercial properties are more susceptible to substantive water loss than their residential counterparts. The fact that most businesses and office buildings are closed during the evening and nighttime hours allows for a leak to persist undetected for an extended time. If this unwanted water intrusion is a burst pipe or other structural failure, the result can be far more severe. 

Although every commercial property will be at least somewhat different, most of them have a water heater, toilet, and working sink. In some cases, you may have special equipment and appliances that are plumbed to the water. Commercial water damage potential is much greater in food processing plants due to the substructure required for large water usage. Many other factory-type settings are typically in the same position. Additionally, your property may be at increased risk of flooding due to storms.

SERVPRO of Citrus County can respond immediately to your commercial water damage regardless of the size or scope of the damage.  Call us at 352-522-1053.

Perfecting Commercial Drying

10/29/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Citrus County is always looking for ways to better serve our communities. In this pursuit, the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certifications (IICRC) has declared our teams have met the standards and requirements for the Commercial Drying Specialist (CDS) title!

Since 1972, The IICRC has certified and developed certifications and standards for inspection, cleaning, and restoration. The IICRC also serves as a valuable consumer referral source for certified technicians and firms. They provide education and testing in a similar fashion to a university. There are prerequisites that must be met before an individual or a company can gain certification in a particular course or track. The course and description page even resemble a college coursework curriculum! All of this means SERVPRO of Citrus County is always working to exceed industry standards.

Having the ability to offer companies commercial drying is a huge benefit for businesses of any size.  SERVPRO of Citrus County can dry buildings in a more efficient and effective manner than ever before. This is especially true in emergency situations where businesses need their doors open quickly.

Whether it is a hotel or a condo complex, SERVPRO of Citrus County can respond quickly to reduce downtime. Keep our number on your cellphone in case an emergency arises! 352-522-1053

When To Replace Damaged Carpeting

10/28/2020 (Permalink)

If you clean your home's carpeting frequently, you will extend its life. Unfortunately, when a certain unplanned event occurs, you may need to replace the carpeting much sooner than you had planned. For example, flooding caused by a pipe break or a defective water heater can damage the flooring to the extent that it must be thrown away. Let's look in more detail at a few of the reasons for replacing your damaged carpeting.

1. Water Damaged Carpeting
Once water seeps through to the carpet padding, mold begins to grow. Call a water damage repair person as soon as possible to evaluate the situation. In the case of a pipe break or other water event, the water source must be completely shut off. The professional determines whether the carpeting and padding can be salvaged. If restoration is possible, the expert will safely dry and clean the entire area and then apply antimicrobial treatments to discourage the growth of mold.

2. Smelly Carpeting
Pets, in particular, are the source of many lingering odors in the flooring. Urine and other pet smells must be cleaned up immediately with soap and water. If the smell doesn't diminish after the cleaning, this likely indicates that the odor has seeped into the padding or the subfloor. A professional should assess the situation to determine whether the flooring must be replaced.

3. Stained Carpeting
Many carpeting stains can be removed with a carpet cleaner. Some stains, however, are impossible to clean. If stains aren't handled right away, the offending substance can seep into the padding, allowing mold and mildew to build up under the surface. This will require a professional to examine and determine the best solution.
Whether you are dealing with a pipe break or an unfortunate spill, your carpeting deserves immediate attention. Let an expert help you decide what route is best for you.

Commercial Mold Damage Tips

10/21/2020 (Permalink)

If your commercial building recently experienced water damages, you're probably unsure of the next step. Not only are you worried about property damage from the water, but you also have to worry about mold in your business. Mold can affect indoor air quality, can cause significant property damage, and can cause a foul smell that even the best deodorization techniques can't get rid of! Follow these tips if you're dealing with residential or commercial mold in Citrus County, FL.  

1. Get Rid of Moisture - This is the very first step! Before the mold can be properly addressed, as much moisture as possible needs to be removed. If there is standing water, it can be dangerous to walk into your home or commercial property, so please make sure you can safely enter the building or structure.
2. Protect Yourself  - You just never really know what can be floating around in standing water that can hurt you. For example, electrical wiring. You don't want to endure an electrical shock. Once you know you can safely enter, protect yourself by wearing protective clothing, such as gloves and a face mask.
3. Hire a Professional - The best thing you can do is leave it to the experts. Rely on a team of professionals to help get your home or business back in tip-top shape. Experts can come in and assess the true extent of the damage and help ensure all of the molds are properly remediated. We promise it could save you a lot of time, money, and headaches in the future. 

SERVPRO of Citrus County is ready to help you ensure your commercial property is cleaned and ready to support your business. Give our team a call at (352)-522-1053