Recent Commercial Posts
Commercial Water Damage
5/24/2023 (Permalink)
One of our Crew Chiefs, Alex, working hard cleaning up the damage left behind by a commercial water damage
Water damage is a common problem that can occur in commercial buildings. It can be caused by a variety of factors including floods, leaks, burst pipes, and storms. When water damage occurs it can cause significant damage to the building and its contents. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of addressing water damage in commercial buildings and the steps that should be taken to mitigate the damage.
The Importance of Addressing Water Damage in Commercial Buildings
Water damage can have a significant impact on commercial buildings. It can cause structural damage, mold growth, and damage to equipment and inventory. Mold growth, for example, can cause respiratory problems and other health issues. Therefore, it is important to address water damage as soon as possible to prevent further damage and ensure the safety of those who work in the building.
Steps to Mitigate Water Damage in Commercial Buildings
- Identify the Source of the Water Damage
The first step in mitigating water damage is to identify the source of the water. This could be a leaky roof, burst pipe, or flooding. Once the source of the water is identified, steps can be taken to stop the water from entering the building.
2. Remove Standing Water
If there is standing water in the building, it should be removed as soon as possible. This can be done using pumps or wet vacuums. The longer the water sits the more damage it can cause.
3. Dry the Area
After the standing water has been removed; the affected area should be dried as quickly as possible. This can be done using fans, dehumidifiers, and other drying equipment. It is important to ensure that the area is completely dry to prevent mold growth.
4. Clean and Disinfect
Once the area is dry it should be cleaned and disinfected. This will help to prevent mold growth and remove any bacteria or other contaminants that may be present.
5. Repair and Restore
Finally any damage that has been caused by the water should be repaired and restored. This may include replacing damaged drywall, flooring, or other materials. It is important to ensure that the repairs are done correctly to prevent future water damage.
Water damage can have a significant impact on commercial buildings. It is important to address water damage as soon as possible to prevent further damage occurring or to reduce the risk of mold growth.
Maintaining Your Commercial Building to Avoid a Water Damage
8/18/2022 (Permalink)
Our goal first and foremost is to inform you on how to prevent a water damage but we will be there day or night if you do!
Pay special attention to areas of the building where leaks are most likely to occur:
- HVAC system
- Toilets, faucets, and plumbing system
- Windows
- Building foundation
- Sewers
- Sprinkler systems
Document the age and maintenance records for all building systems. Knowing your building equipment’s age – and having them regularly serviced and updated – can save you time and money down the road. It can also help you keep track of equipment warranties.
Your first sign of a water issue could be in your water bills. A small 1/8” crack in a pipe loses 250 gallons of water in a single day.
Signs of a water leak include:
- Dark or wet spots
- Cracking, bubbling, or flaking drywall, plaster, or wallpaper
- Pooling water or puddles
- Dampness or humidity in the air
- Sounds of dripping or gushing water
Consider installing a water sensor monitoring system at your business. There are different models and options available.
Common Causes of Commercial Water Damage
7/14/2022 (Permalink)
If you are a business manager or owner, be sure to save our phone number for emergency reference! (360) 254-0049
Whenever anyone visualizes water damage, most think of a massive storm taking out power lines, flooding structures, and shutting down businesses for days at a time. While it is true that commercial water damage is often the result of floods due to water that stems from weather events and storms, many forget that storms aren’t the only causes of flooding and water damage.
Here are some of the additional and common causes of water damage to commercial buildings.
Malfunctioning sprinkler systems
Many older office, retail and warehouse buildings still have outdated sprinkler systems which work in conjunction with fire protection systems. While those types of sprinklers can come in handy during a fire emergency, they can also cause commercial flood damage if they are faulty or in need of replacement. This could easily damage inventory, business assets, flooring and the building structure.
Broken pipes and plumbing
Just like in a your home, if the plumbing system in your workplace fails water damage could be the result.
Backed up sewer lines
Should the sewer line to your building back up or become damaged, realize the potential dangers of contaminated Black Water which can cause health effects and ruin products and office furnishings.
Damaged appliances and equipment
This cause of commercial flood damage is more common in restaurants and catering facilities, as well as any business that has appliances and equipment that make use of water. If the appliance fails and sends water across your building, especially during hours when no one is around, you may come back to work and walk into a severe water emergency.
If your business has suffered commercial water damage then we are here for you. Just call us, SERVPRO of Vancouver/ Clark County. We are available 24/7 and 365 to assist.
Commercial Water Damage - Act Fast!
5/25/2022 (Permalink)
Help ensure the value of your property by calling your local SERVPRO of East Vancouver/ Clark County at (360) 254-0049
There’s no such thing as a small disaster-especially when a small leak now could fester into a big claim later. Unseen water can soak through walls, seep through carpet and pool on subfloors, causing major problems over time. You need help-fast. No matter what time of day or night, contact SERVPRO of East Vancouver/ Clark County to begin emergency mitigation. Emergency mitigation means that under normal circumstances, SERVPRO can be on site within four hours to begin drying your building and restoring contents. The faster the water is removed, the less chance of serious damage to your facility. Every SERVPRO franchise professional is trained and understands how to manage the drying process. By utilizing state of the art equipment and the latest technology, your structure will be quickly and thoroughly dried, which helps prevent secondary water damages.
SERVPRO will remove moisture and any contaminants by disinfecting and deodorizing to safely clean and dry your building and contents.
Don't Lose Revenue, Call SERVPRO
3/18/2022 (Permalink)
Have Questions? Call Today – (360) 254-0049
There’s never a convenient time for flooding or water damage to strike your business. 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.
Commercial properties require constant maintenance and up keep. This takes a team of people working together. When a commercial property experiences major water or fire damage, it takes a team of experts to get the property restored properly. When it comes to restoring your commercial property, we mean business. You need a company that can minimize the disruption to your clients while delivering superior results. Whether you need professional cleaning to make your business shine, or emergency water or fire restoration services, SERVPRO of E. Vancouver / Clark Co. has the training and expertise to help make it “Like it never even happened.”
- 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
Minimize Business Interruption by Having a Plan in 2022
2/3/2022 (Permalink)
Access at your fingertips anytime you need!
With each new year, many people resolve to better themselves or some part of their life. This year, make a resolution to be ready. No one ever plans on a disaster, but you can prepare for it. The SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) will help ensure you are “Ready for whatever happens” in 2022.
In the event of an emergency, the ERP can help minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action in place for your facility. The ERP is a comprehensive document containing critical information about your business, including emergency contacts, shut-off valve location and priority area. The ERP also contacts SERVPRO of Vancouver/ Clark County as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider, giving you access to over 45 years experience and a system more than 1700 franchises strong. ERP is a no-cost assessment; all it requires is a little time, making it a great value that could save you time and money in the future. By downloading the free SERVPRO READY App, this information is stored electronically and can be accessed using your mobile device putting help at your fingertips.
Preparation is the key to making it through any size disaster, whether it is a small water leak, a large fire or an area flood. Having a plan in place may help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive and get you back in the building following a disaster. Don’t wait until disaster strikes-resolve to be ready.
Air Duct Mold Remediation in 3 Steps
1/18/2022 (Permalink)
Need an inspection? Call our 24/7/365 office (360) 254-0049
Your commercial property in Vancouver, WA has many places where black mold may hide. All areas that are prone to excess moisture can foster fungus growth. If you believe the problem resides in your HVAC system, there are several steps that mold remediation specialists take to remove the growth and keep it from coming back.
1. Identify Mold Problem
The first thing technicians do is test to confirm that there is mold in your air ducts. There are several signs that this may be the case:
• Fuzzy or slimy patches on insulation
• Black powder on wall outside air vents
• Strong, musty odor
Professional testing gives technicians a lot of information to work with. They know not only the extent of the problem but also the kind of mold they're dealing with. Once they identify the black mold, they can choose better techniques to mitigate it.
2. Clean Ductwork
The main goal of remediation is to leave you with clean ducts throughout your building. Technicians may seal off the system while the cleanup is in progress. This keeps an intense concentration of mold spores from spreading throughout your building and growing elsewhere. After the mold growth is removed, more tests can be run to confirm that the problem is resolved.
3. Resolve Source of Problem
No matter how quickly or thoroughly your remediation specialists remove the mold growth, if you do not take care of the problem that led to it, it is likely to return. Make sure all leaks are fixed. You may need to re-caulk your tile floors or reduce the humidity in your building. Preventing further water damage can also prevent future mold damage.
When you see signs of black mold, you probably need to do more than just wipe it away with a wet cloth. Certified professionals are trained to get rid of the growth and keep it from returning.
Renters Insurance; Yes, It's Necessary
8/16/2021 (Permalink)
Home disasters are hard enough already, you don't have to go through this alone, we are here to help 24/7!
One of the most common mistakes that tenants make is assuming that their landlord’s insurance will cover their belongings in the event of loss or damage. In addition, tenants may think that renters’ insurance is too expensive. However, the common myths associated with renters’ insurance that keep tenants from purchasing it can end up costing much more in the long run.
Importance of Renters’ Insurance
It’s imperative to always read the fine print in your lease. You may assume that your landlord is liable for damages caused by leaky roofs or broken appliances, but there could be a clause in your lease that negates landlord liability, such as for theft, or injuries to a guest visiting your apartment. Also, your lease may require you to obtain renters’ insurance, especially if you live in an expensive apartment. Regardless of whether or not it’s required, here are some common situations when renters’ insurance can really come in handy. According to Effective Coverage renters insurance in Washington costs around $15.00 a month for most people. That's basic coverage of $10,000 of personal property and $100,000 of liability. "Only 37 percent of renters have renters insurance whereas 95 percent of homeowners have a homeowners insurance policy, according to a 2014 I.I.I. poll conducted by ORC International." - Insurance Information Institute
Natural Disasters
If your rental home and property is damaged because of a natural disaster, such as wildfire, hail, or tornado, the landlord may or may not repair the home damages, but your personal property usually isn’t covered. Renters’ insurance will protect you in the event that a natural disaster occurs, but keep in mind that a few natural disaster coverage options are considered “riders,” which means they are add-on coverage, such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods, and hurricanes.
Unnatural Fires of Short-Circuit Damage
Fires due to electrical issues and short circuit damage may or may not be covered by your landlord. In most cases, it will depend upon the fine print in your lease. If it’s not covered by your landlord, you’ll be liable for smoke and fire damage not only to your own belongings, but to the property as well. If you live in a multi-dwelling building and the fire spreads to other tenants’ apartments, you could be liable for damages to their belongings as well any property damage to their dwelling.
Commercial Services
7/7/2021 (Permalink)
Our vans and staff are ready for your call!
There's never a convenient time for fire or water damage to strike your business. 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.
No Job Is Too Large
The SERVPRO Commercial Large Loss Division is composed of our best of the best in restoration. Our elite large-loss specialists are pre-qualified and strategically positioned throughout the United States to handle any size disaster. Every large loss is supervised by a commercial operations manager to help ensure seamless communication and timely mitigation.
If your business suffers a major loss, call (360) 254-0049.
The SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team can provide help whether it’s a tornado, hurricane, blizzard or flood. The SERVPRO System has a network of strategically positioned storm teams on standby should a disaster strike near you. Available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, we are prepared for the unpredictable.
Commercial Water Damage in the Evergreen School District
5/17/2021 (Permalink)
You can reach us at (360) 254-0049 any time. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.
Water spills that happen in your school can be accidental or even acts of truancy by some students. However, what matters once the incident happens is the steps you take to mitigate the loss, and restore normalcy. Stopping the water source fast helps ease the other steps that follow. Although the janitorial staff and other workers can manage some aspects of the loss, involving a professional team helps guarantee thoroughness and the prevention of mold.
The intensity of a commercial water damage incident in Vancouver schools depends on how it unfolds. If a main supply line bursts, it can release vast amounts of water within a short while even when you manage to stop the source quickly. A spill that happens in the middle of the night can also go unnoticed for a long time, leading to widespread damage. We help you deal with disasters when they occur. Our SERVPRO team can also help you prepare a proper response plan that your staff and restoration teams can follow when there is a loss. We do this by creating a digitized ERP, Emergency Ready Profile, which can be promptly accessed.
With the large open hallways in a school setting, water from a single source can spread over vast areas. Although the spilled water may not damage the materials in the halls easily, it exposes the students and everyone else to the risk of slip and fall accidents. Fast extraction of the standing water is therefore necessary. Our SERVPRO team can handle such expedited water extraction using truck-mounted water extractors and wet vacs.
Water loss incidents can damage building materials in the walls and the ceiling if the spill originates from an elevated source. Restoration in such cases requires controlled tear-down of the affected areas to remove all damaged materials and access any water that finds a way into concealed cavities. Our SERVPRO technicians have the expertise to make flood cuts and punch vent holes or weep holes without causing unnecessary damages.
For a faster and thorough restoration of water damage in your East Vancouver, Camas or Washougal school, call SERVPRO of E. Vancouver / Clark Co. to help.
Commercial Cleaning: Allergy Season During a Pandemic
3/22/2021 (Permalink)
Whether you need specialty cleaning or you want to give your employees a fresh start this Spring, call SERVPRO.
Spring cleaning time is here, and that does not just include your home. As businesses are opening up and we head back to work, we know people will be spending more time outside of their comfort zones and around others. Commercial properties deserve attention and a thorough cleaning as well. This season brings allergies, coughing, sneezing and the buildup of dust is inevitable. From floor to ceiling we will clean your carpets, wipe down your fans, and disinfect during the process. We Are Here To Help!
With the COVID-19 outbreak we understand that many employees are not comfortable going back to their place of employment as well as clients and customers coming in to shop. We are currently disinfecting and cleaning commercial properties to help you feel safe. We follow all of the CDC guidelines and we focus on wiping down touch points such as:
- Phones
- Keypad
- Handsets
- Buttons on Equipment
- Desk-tops
- Knobs and Handles
- Light Switches
- Computer mouse and keypad
We also go around spraying with our top of the line electrostatic sprayer to make sure we hit points such as:
- Windows
- Tops of cubicles
- File cabinets, desktops
- Behind furniture
- Around equipment
- Under desk
Make sure your office is disinfected and cleaned properly for your employees and clients. If your office needs a thorough cleaning, call SERVPRO of Vancouver/Clark County at (360) 254-0049
SERVPRO Commercial Services
1/13/2021 (Permalink)
When your commercial facility suffers a water, fire, storm, smoke or mold disaster, call SERVPRO of Vancouver/ Clark County today at (360) 254-0049
From the first sign of trouble to getting you back to work, SERVPRO of Vancouver/ Clark County can handle your commercial disaster remediation.
If your business has suffered a water, fire, smoke, mold, storm or other disaster, one call to SERVPRO of Vancouver/ Clark County will get you back in operation as soon as possible. We have the training, experience and equipment to handle large commercial emergencies. Regardless of your property type or size, our team will respond quickly to clean your property and manage your restoration project through to its completion.
Avoid Downtime and Lost Revenue
Every hour spent cleaning up your commercial business site is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. We act fast with the right resources, staff and training to minimize your losses and get you back in action ASAP.
Commercial businesses depend on us because:
- We provide 24-hour emergency service
- We offer immediate, appropriately-scaled response to any size of commercial disaster
- We are able to call on the resources of our owner’s additional local franchises
- We handle all aspects of the remediation job, from inventory and pack-out through coordination of your insurance claim process
Emergency Building Services
Once the initial damage to your commercial facility has been evaluated and remediated, count on us to get you back to work fast. One of your first concerns may be temporary protection to prevent the initial damage from growing worse.
We will make temporary fixes, like placing tarps over a damaged roof or boarding up a broken window, while you plan the permanent repairs. With our emergency building services, we can help prevent and reduce damage and get your property restored faster and make it “Like it never even happened.”
It Pays to Stay Healthy
12/15/2020 (Permalink)
Be proactive and call SERVPRO for competitive rates and become Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned! (360) 254-0049
Time is money in the workplace. So both employers and employees can not afford lost work time due to sickness. According to a recent study by the Integrated Benefits Institute, employees covered for sick time and other lost time benefits are absent from work due to illness. And it's approximately 893 million days annually. Impaired work performance due to illness incurs an estimated 527 million lost workdays.
The number of employee absences totals at almost 1.4 billion days annually, which is larger than every nurse in the US missing a year of work.
To put this in further context, the cost of poor health to employers is greater than the combined revenues of Apple, Amazon, Microsoft, Netflix, eBay, and Adobe,” said Thomas Parry, Ph.D., IBI President.
Whatever the expenses maybe, promoting and maintaining a healthy workplace and a healthy workforce yield a significant return on investment (ROI).
The emergence of the coronavirus, COVID-19, a contagious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) shows only mild symptoms in most cases which include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Some people experience muscle pain, mucus, and sore throat, as well. Some cases do progress to pneumonia and more serious illness. The fatality rate is estimated between 1% and 5% but varies by age and other health conditions. The infection spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing. Once a person has been exposed to COVID-19, the onset of symptoms is, on average, about five days.
SERVPRO of Vancouver/ Clark County encourages everyone to protect themselves and others by following the precautions offered by the CDC. They recommend the following measures:
- Washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitizers.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching the eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Seek medical attention if one becomes sick, then stay home and self-quarantine until recovery.
- Cover the nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
- Wear a facemask in public places.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.
Workplace Specific Health Strategies
What can employers do to promote a healthy work environment in light of COVID-19 or any other infectious diseases?
A simple and efficient path to promote workplace health includes the following items:
- Encourage hand washing with real soap for at least 20 seconds.
- Put hand sanitizer in numerous stations around the office or facility.
- Provide disinfectant wipes for employees to wipe down surfaces such as keyboards, mouse, desk, chair, pens, stylus, pencils, touch screens, etc.
- Allow employees to wear disposable gloves.
- Remind employees of the company's sick policy. Sharing COVID-19 or Influenza with workspace mates or the production crew could be very costly to all involved parties.
- Coordinate with the facility cleaning team regarding special measures to be taken during flu season or during periods of significant employee sickness.
These measures are very basic yet they go a long way to keep the workplace healthy and happy.
Restoring Your Commercial Property after a Water Damage Event
8/21/2020 (Permalink)
Commercial water damage events present unique challenges, but nothing SERVPRO isn't prepared to handle.
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 Vancouver/Clark County
SERVPRO of Vancouver/Clark 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.
Commercial Water Damage Best Practices
7/3/2020 (Permalink)
We're here for you, to make it "Like it never even happened."
Water damage is a threat to the safety of occupants, and the finances of the owners, but not just of residential homes, but commercial buildings as well. In Vancouver, Washington that means plenty of retail stores, banks, and the other commercial structures. In times of severe flooding or plumbing failure, this damage could even stop your business from performing daily tasks, which halts daily business, causing you to lose money.
Here, are some basic preventative and responsive best practices that tenants of commercial buildings can use to get back to business quickly.
Preventative Measures
There are things you can do to minimize the damage due to water leaks in a commercial environment. First, educate your office managers on water damage preparedness. This includes having your managers learn how to turn off the water, electric, and gas supply. If you don’t have access to these things, then they should know who to call to have such things done. It’s also a good idea to have some basic tools in the office in the event of an emergency. Lastly, have a list of emergency contact phone numbers for all employees so that in the worst-case scenario the loved ones of those injured can be notified. Of course, you should already have the contact information for your local fire and police numbers, so that anyone who is injured can get medical attention if needed.
Response
Just as with residential structures, rapid response is critical to water damage in an office. The longer water is in an affected the area the more of a chance there is that it will be affected by mold, which is another problem altogether.
The best course of action is:
- Call a plumber to fix the source of the loss;
- Call your insurance and file a claim if necessary.
- Call SERVPRO of Vancouver to remediate the damage. (360) 254-0049
Commercial Spring Cleaning
5/18/2020 (Permalink)
We know what clean looks like and where dust and allergens like to hide. Call for a SERVPRO certified clean.
Spring cleaning time is here, and that does not just include your home. As we head back to work, we know people will be spending more time at work than they do at home. Commercial properties deserve a thorough cleaning as well. This season brings allergies, coughing, sneezing and the buildup of dust is inevitable. From floor to ceiling we will clean your carpets, wipe down your fans, and disinfect during the process. We Are Here To Help!
With the recent COVID-19 outbreak we understand that many employees are not comfortable going back to their place of employment as well as clients and customers coming in to shop. We are currently disinfecting and cleaning commercial properties to help you feel safe. We follow all of the CDC guidelines and we focus on wiping down touch points such as:
- Phones
- Keypad
- Handsets
- Buttons on Equipment
- Desk-tops
- Knobs and Handles
- Light Switches
- Computer mouse and keypad
We also go around spraying with our top of the line electrostatic sprayer to make sure we hit points such as:
- Windows
- Tops of cubicles
- File cabinets, desktops
- Behind furniture
- Around equipment
- Under desk
Make sure your office is disinfected and cleaned properly for your employees and clients. If your office needs a thorough cleaning, call SERVPRO of Vancouver/Clark County at (360) 254-0049
Commercial Cleaning Services
3/24/2020 (Permalink)
From odor removal to fire damage mitigation and repairs, SERVPRO of Vancouver is here to get you back in business.
Whether you need cleaning for a commercial office or require industrial cleaning services, your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional can help. You don’t have time to worry about the common wear and tear that gradually soils your office or warehouse. When grime, odor, and moisture challenges go beyond the scope of your regular janitorial staff, call in your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional. Whether it’s removing an odor problem or deep cleaning flooring or carpets, you can rely on SERVPRO Franchise Professionals to make your work space or warehouse look its very best.
Your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional will get the job done right and get it done quickly, because the SERVPRO Advantage includes these benefits:
- Award-winning training
- Over 40 years’ experience in the industry
- More than 100 exclusive cleaning products
Have Questions? Call Today at (360) 254-0049
Specialty Cleaning Services
SERVPRO Franchise Professionals offer cleaning services ranging from cleaning restaurant hoods to removing biohazard contaminants. They have the specialized training and products to get your property back to business. Their cleaning services include the following:
- Biohazard
- Carpet and Upholstery
- Ceilings, floors and walls
- Drapes and Blinds
- Odor Removal
- Sewage
- Trauma and Crime Scene
- Vandalism
Call the Clean Up Team that’s Faster to Any Size Disaster
1/15/2020 (Permalink)
This shoe store had no idea what they were in for one Friday afternoon. A business above was doing some remodeling and struck a sprinkler.
There’s no such thing as a small disaster especially when the water you don’t see contains bacteria or can cause mold, rot and other unseen damage. Water damage can affect the value of your property. Before you get out the mop bucket and try to clean it yourself, consider how the damage can affect your property.
SERVPRO of East Vancouver/ Clark County knows how disruptive water damage can be for your business. SERVPRO is trained and equipped to manage the drying process. By utilizing the proper equipment and moisture measuring devices, your building will be quickly and thoroughly dried to industry standards, which will help prevent secondary water damages. With rapid response time and a full line of water cleanup and restoration services, SERVPRO can help you regain control quickly, ensuring your facility and its contents are properly dried, deodorized and protected.
Before you risk further damaging the value of your facility by attempting to clean up the mess yourself, call the professionals at SERVPRO of East Vancouver/Clark County for water damage cleanup and restoration.
Are You Winter Weather Ready?
12/27/2019 (Permalink)
When winter weather strikes, call SERVPRO of East Vancouver/ Clark County to strike back.
Are you prepared for the coming cold weather? Cold weather can have a huge impact on your home or business if you are not ready for it. From heavy rain and freezing temperatures to damaging winds, sleet, or snow, or can cause serious and costly property damage. While you cannot control the weather you can take steps to be prepared and help take the sting out of winter weather.
To help prevent costly damages due to weather, consider taking the following precautions to protect your property before colder weather hits.
- Check your business property for downed tree limbs and branches. Wind, heavy rain, ice, and snow can cause branches to fall, which could cause damage to the property and potentially cause personal injuries.
- Roofs, water pipes, and gutters should all be inspected to ensure they’re in proper order. Gutter downspout should be directed away from your building. Clear gutters of debris that may have gathered during the fall. Leaves and other obstructions can cause a damning affect, which can lead to a roof damage and interior water problems.
- 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 nonslip surfaces and post caution signs where water could be present.
- Protect water pipes from freezing by simply allowing water to drip when temperatures dip below freezing. If pipes are under a cabinet, leave the cabinet doors open allowing warm inside air to circulate around the pipes. If the building has outdoor faucets, consider shutting water off at the main valve in the basement or crawl space. Once the valve is off, open the outdoor faucet to ensure it drains, preventing any remaining water from freezing in the pipe.
- Ask SERVPRO of East Vancouver/Clark County about completing an Emergency READY Profile (ERP) for your business. The ERP is a no-cost assessment to your facility and provides you with a plan to get back in business fast following a disaster.
Has Flood Damage Stormed Into Your Vancouver Business?
8/26/2019 (Permalink)
Don't let storm damage become your next commercial property tenant. We dried this office, with minimal intrusion, following water damage.
Commercial Flood Damage Vancouver – High Winds and Downed Trees
Everything would have been fine, except for the high winds that brought down several trees around one commercial business. One of those trees fell on the roof of the building, punching a hole right through the roof. Rainwater quickly flooded the area inside the building near the hole. The building owner received a call from his commercial tenants and immediately reacted to the emergency.
SERVPRO arrived to help with flood damage in his Vancouver commercial building. The owner was concerned about removing the tree and patching the roof so that no more water would enter through the roof. Our team responded immediately and quickly removed the fallen tree and placed a temporary tarp over the entire roof to prevent further wind and rain damage.
He informed his tenants of the steps, taken to resolve the damaged roof. His tenants arranged for SERVPRO to help them with the interior water cleanup as well. There was a great deal of debris from the tree coming through the roof. There was water as well in one of the offices. Our technicians removed all of the debris and began removing computers, office furniture, and employee personal items from the area. Everything was wiped down and dried before moving.
The carpeting in this room was a laminated design. The carpet had begun to separate in many areas. We removed the carpet and underpad. Fortunately, the subfloor only needed our air movers to dry out the floor before new carpeting and under padding was installed. An electrician also checked out all of the electrical connections and circuits to verify they were safe and in good condition.
Only one wall required repairs from a branch of the tree striking the wall after coming through the roof. We removed the wall and installed a replacement. The roof was also repaired and sealed up. Both the owner of the building and the tenants were thankful no one was hurt and that repairs and restoration completion occurred quickly.
Call SERVPRO of E. Vancouver / Clark Co. at (360) 254-0049 for 24/7 service. We serve Norton, Raynham, Rehoboth, and surrounding areas. We strive to minimize the damage. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.
More about Vancouver.
We Help You Get Back To Business In Vancouver After A Water Damage Disaster
7/8/2019 (Permalink)
When water damage struck this coffee shop we responded quickly and began working right away on extracting the water and removing the damaged material.
Air Movers Used for Water-Damaged Vancouver Business
As much as our success can get attributed to our experience and fast response for all damaged Vancouver properties, it also relies heavily on the advanced tools and equipment that we use on every recovery project. With water damage concerns, we have a vast inventory of units and machines that stay stocked on ready trailers that can mobilize quickly when buildings like your clothing store become damaged by spreading water. Even without substantial impairments, the use of equipment like our air movers can help to keep your doors open throughout the restoration process so your customers do not become affected.
As you might expect, drying is a vital service necessary to overcome water damage in Vancouver businesses like your coffee shop quickly. The faster the response to these emergencies, the less that your stock can become affected by lingering moisture and dampness. The best approach that our SERVPRO team has to quickly reduce the presence of dampness and saturation for affected materials and contents is our air movers.
These high-velocity fans have onboard heating elements to force heated air through the water damaged areas. When directed at even saturated drywall and other building materials, these drying units can vaporize the dampness of these exposed areas over a brief period. With a timeline that does not often exceed 24 hours to preserve installed drywall or porous wood shelving and display tables, powerful tools like the air mover can keep saturation from bloating and distorting these construction elements and fixtures.
Our SERVPRO team primarily utilizes two types of these units – one that has a low profile look and can get underneath desks, tables, cabinets, and other furniture fixtures of your shop floor and another larger style that can get used to address larger open areas and saturated construction materials.
While many small business owners stand to lose a substantial investment when water loss incidents occur, a fast response from our SERVPRO of E. Vancouver / Clark Co. professionals can make these emergencies “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call anytime at (360) 254-0049.
See more about Vancouver.
Vancouver Enterprises Rely on SERVPRO for Water Damage Mitigation
5/27/2019 (Permalink)
SERVPRO Keeps Small Businesses Open after a Water Loss in Vancouver, We're Faster To Any Size Disaster
Eliminating Commercial Water Damage for Vancouver Business Owners
Despite being right on the Columbia River, much of the flooding Vancouver businesses deal with is much more mundane. Common water intrusion problems include failed sprinklers, broken pipes, and backed-up plumbing.
To support Vancouver business owners and reduce commercial water damage, SERVPRO specialists train to perform several key tasks. They have to stop the flow of water, make repairs where possible, and dry the inventory. For a small, retail operation like a bike shop, our Water Restoration Technicians (WRTs) break it down like this:
First, they turn off the water. If possible, that means shutting off the flow to only the problem so that the owner can still use the other areas of her business and perhaps even reopen to customers. If a pipe burst close to the water inlet, however, the WRTS need to shut off the water for the entire operation.
For minor issues such as a pipe connection, or a split hose leading into a commercial sink, they can quickly make those repairs in a few hours. For major issues, the team leader may recommend bringing in a licensed plumber. In this operation, WRTs use long-handled squeegees to push water off the floor and out the nearest exit or floor drain.
With the water stopped, other SERVPRO team members move in to dry inventory on the shelves. They place drying pads underneath to soak up water and install height-adjustable fans to increase air circulation and the evaporation process. To increase the efficiency of the air movers, WRTs also install dehumidifiers to draw water from the air. This action also helps to speed up evaporation and mitigate damage or prevent loss to inventory parts and the danger of rusting.
For bikes and other inventory on the floor, team members can bring in racks to help dry them in place, or remove them outside to take advantage of the drier air and connect fans to a portable generator to dry them as quickly as possible.
If your business has a problem with recent or not-so-recent water intrusions, call SERVPRO of E. Vancouver / Clark Co. at (360) 254-0049. We are here to help you reopen for customers as quickly as we can return your shop to its original, dry condition.
It is Small Business Month here.
Personal Protective Gear for Mold Technicians
4/11/2019 (Permalink)
Our technicians will clean the affected area with professional grade cleaning and sanitizing agents for your comfort and safety.
Protective Gear For Technicians
When mold remediation and cleanup professionals arrive at your Vancouver, WA, property to tackle mold growth, you may be surprised to see how much gear is necessary to protect technicians. Agencies, such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency have provided recommendations concerning the personal protective equipment of industry technicians. Recommendations are provided for the following gear:
• Gloves
• Respirators
• Goggles
• Overalls
• Foot coverings
Determining PPE Gear
The type of gear is often dependent upon the extent of mold growth. If the extent of growth is minimal, a technician may work with strong gloves, an N-95 respirator, and a pair of protective glasses. If there's wide spread growth, however, the technician may suit up with a disposable full body suit, head gear, foot covers, a full-face respirator with a HEPA filter, and gloves.
Using Containment Equipment
In addition to the equipment used to protect technicians, mold remediation companies may use containment supplies. According to the EPA, there are two types of containment: limited and full. Limited containment is appropriate in areas where contamination is between 10 and 100 square feet. If the exposure area is greater than this, full containment methods are required. The goal of containment is to prevent the further spread of mold. Containment equipment may include
• Exhaust fans
• Polyethylene sheeting
• Sticky-backed paper
• Duct tape and/or epoxy
• Airlocks
• Waste containers
Cleaning the Air With Filters
Finally, remediation professionals may use HEPA filters to trap and eliminate mold spores. HEPA stands for high efficiency particulate air, and these filters are great at trapping the microscopic spores. Approved filters can capture at least 99.97 percent of pollutants that measure just 0.3 microns. These filters trap airborne spores and hold them within the filter. When the filter is full, professionals discard them and replace them with new filters.
When mold cleanup and remediation professionals work on commercial properties, they take steps to protect themselves and your property from contamination. With the right protective equipment, containment supplies, and HEPA filters, cleanup technicians are ready to tackle mold growth on your property.
What Does a Commercial Property Insurance Policy Cover?
1/11/2019 (Permalink)
Commercial storm damage in Vancouver, WA
What Does Commercial Insurance Cover?
Whether your business is big or small, new or old, property insurance is something you need. Despite how far reaching these policies are, there are important things that they don’t cover. Do you know the difference? Learn more about what commercial insurance can cover and how it benefits your Vancouver, WA, business.
Commercial policies are known for covering your building and all its contents, as well as things immediately outside of it. That list is long and can include:
- Computers
- Inventory
- Furniture
- Signs
But for all the things they do cover, these policies have many things they don’t cover. Knowing what those are can be important to avoiding complications following a disaster.
Weather Damage
Some commercial insurance policies limit coverage of damage caused by things like earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes and floods. Policies that do provide such coverage may have limitations, such as not covering outdoor property such as company vehicles or fences. It’s generally worthwhile to check your policy if you’re in a weather disaster-prone area.
Disaster Cleanup
Commercial property insurance typically is meant to float a company through a great loss, natural or manmade. But that doesn’t always mean it will cover the costs of cleaning, rebuilding, repairing, and such following the loss. Discuss what is covered and isn’t with regards to mitigation and remediation well in advance of a disaster so you don’t get a rude awakening.
Outdoor Property
Most policies limit their coverage to items inside the building, but some will cover property up to a certain distance away. This can be critical when it comes to damage of satellite dishes, fences, signs and other outdoor property.
Bills from fire damage or another business catastrophe can be enough to send a commercial property under. But the story doesn’t have to end that way. Learn the ins and outs of commercial insurance policies, and you’ll know what to look for to protect your business.
4 Tips for Preparing Your Building for Spring
12/31/2018 (Permalink)
Many commercial building owners think that just because temperatures outside get warmer, the potential hazards of winter pass. A spring thaw can easily cause flooding in your building in Fishers Landing East, WA, however, if you are not prepared. Make sure your building is ready from the bottom to the top for those April showers.
1. Basement Preparation
The basement or lowest floor of your building is susceptible to a spring flood as soon as winter snow and ice start melting. In addition to taking the appropriate measures to keep water out, such as having your foundation inspected, you should also complete and check the following items off your list:
• Purchase an automatic sump pump
• Install flood sensors
• Elevate sensitive machinery off the floor
2. Plumbing Protection
A frozen pipe can burst even when it starts warming back up. If the temperature change is too sudden, the pipes may not be able to withstand the contrast. Keep the thermostat in your building set to at least 55 degrees all the time so that your pipes are still kept safe overnight.
3. Roof Inspection
The beginning of spring is a great time to have your roof professionally inspected. Contractors can identify damage and other weak spots, and water restoration specialists can remediate any flooding that occurred during the winter.
4. Drainage Clearing
Falling leaves and twigs that get blown into gutter and downspouts during the winter need to be cleared out before spring rains begin. When a spout is clogged, rain must find another path off the building, and it is usually not the path you would prefer. Clean your drainage system completely so that rainwater has somewhere to go.
When you see ice and snow melting, you know it’s time to prepare your building for warmer weather. Following these tips can help ensure a smooth transition from winter to spring and keep your building from flooding.
Weather and Your Business: Understanding that Flooding May Be the Least of Your Concerns
10/19/2018 (Permalink)
Water damage in a correctional facility in Camas,WA
Many building owners worry about flood damage, but a flood is not the only problem caused by storms. Storms produce a variety of elements that can be equally unfavorable to a property, and as a property owner or manager, you may want to be aware of each.
1. Water Damage
Floodwaters are only one type of water damage, and it is not the most common. Most damage stems from persistent leaks or holes in your roofline. These issues cause significant loss to occur over time. Leaks can cause sagging of ceilings, rotting out of joists, and even the spread of molds and mildews. Additionally, while not necessarily storm-related, persistent leaks from pipes can cause the pipe to corrode and fail, resulting in a flood.
2. Hail Damage
While flood damage can be a threat, hail damage may pose a more imminent concern. Hail occurs when temperatures allow for rain to develop into large chunks of ice, sometimes resulting in baseball size masses. These pieces of ice can cause significant property damage, from broken windows to holes in your roofline. Inspecting your property after a hail storm should be a top priority.
3. Wind Damage
The most common cause of storm damage is the wind. Wind damage can peel back siding and roofing shingles, and it can launch random debris, like sticks and lawn ornament, making them volatile projectiles. In high wind situations, property managers should keep employees and clients clear of windows.
4. Renovating the Damage
It may be wise for property owners to plan ahead. Some restoration companies in Camas, WA, provide an emergency planning service for businesses. This service may include an initial analysis of your property and a customized plan for restoration and recovery in the event of a disaster.
Flood damage may be a concern as a property owner or manager, but storms can produce hail and high winds that can be equally damaging to property. Granted, water damage is the most common cause of property damage, but even that is not only caused by flooding.
The Risks of Commercial Polybutylene Piping
9/12/2018 (Permalink)
Air mover on a bathroom leak over the basement in a Vancouver, WA church
If you have an older commercial property, it may have polybutylene pipes. As a staple of late twentieth-century construction, it was widely implemented as a cheaper alternative to traditional piping. This material was later found to have problems with longevity. Your Vancouver, WA, business could be at risk because of this pipe type, and here is what to look for and consider.
Identifying the Pipes
The most widely implemented use for this material was to feed water from a water line into a commercial building. The polymer typically comes in a few colors: white, gray and blue. These pipes are typically located in or around a number of locations:
- Basements
- Utilities
- Water meters
- Shutoff valves
- Water heaters
If you are unsure of what material your business utilizes, an inspector or plumber may be able to give you a definitive answer. The tubing types often look similar and can easily be misidentified by untrained individuals.
Considering Reasons to Replace
A class action lawsuit in 1995, Cox v. Shell Oil, won in favor of consumers with the conclusion that polybutylene pipes damaged too easily and were not a proper installation. It phased out of the market in the United States following that.
Typical chemicals in the water supply, such as chlorine, deteriorate the interior of the pipe until it breaks. This risks a pipe break leading to costly water damage. Local building codes may even explicitly forbid the polymer piping from being used due to these risks.
Replacing the Pipes
With the knowledge of why the pipes are dangerous, you are likely wondering how to remedy it. You can work out what’s salvageable from your old system with the assistance of a plumber. Most likely, you will be advised to install new plumbing.
Treating a Broken Pipe
If you cannot replace the pipes in the near future, you should plan for potential damage. An expert water damage treatment crew can remove water from the affected areas of your property. Alternatively, updated plumbing and proper maintenance of the system can help prevent repair costs related to any problematic polybutylene.
Mold Problems: At the Intersection of Water and Dirt
7/24/2018 (Permalink)
Since mold spores are everywhere, you can't always prevent mold growth.
Your commercial property in Vancouver, WA, can easily become a breeding ground for mold growth. Even with regular inspection and maintenance, mold problems can still occur. Excess dust and moisture can linger in hidden places and combine forces to cause a fungal infestation that can only be remedied by mold remediation experts. Here are the top four places mold likes to hide in commercial buildings.
1. Carpet
Carpet has many crevices where mold spores can hide and many surfaces to which it is easy for mold to adhere. While you can't prevent all spills and can't always control how well people clean up after themselves when they do spill, you can dehumidify the room by increasing air flow to the area. This can help dry out the carpet and prevent mold growth.
2. Ceiling Tiles
Ceiling tiles are often made of porous material, which allows mold to take root. Watch out for water damage in ceiling tiles and get it fixed as fast as possible. It only takes a day or two for mold to start to grow in places where leaks have occurred. Because the growth usually starts on the side of the tile that is hidden, it can become a big problem before it is noticed.
3. Walls
Walls present the same difficulty that ceiling tiles do. The moisture problem contributing to the mold issue is often inside the wall and thus can become significantly moldy long before it is detected. When this happens, it is best to let remediation experts handle the problem to ensure it is resolved completely.
4. Air Ducts
The dust in air ducts can attract mold spores and give them a place to grow. When coupled with high humidity, the mold problem gets larger. Regular cleaning and maintenance of the HVAC system is necessary to detect or prevent mold problems in the ducts.
Since mold spores are everywhere, you can't always prevent mold growth. You can, however, stop the problem before it gets out of hand if you are vigilant. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROevancouverclarkco.com/.
A Pipe Broke at My Business, What Now?
6/19/2018 (Permalink)
As soon as you are aware of bursting pipes causing water damage in Vancouver, WA, it is critical to take immediate action.
When your business has water damage in Vancouver, WA, it can be overwhelming. The amount of loss you incur depends both on how long the bursting pipes are gushing water, and how long before the cleaning process begins. It is important to know what actions to take immediately, such as fix the broken pipe, and what could occur if you do not, including mold and secondary damage.
Steps to Take Immediately
As soon as you become aware of the water problem at your commercial property, there are steps to take to reduce further damage and save money:
• Contact a water restoration service as soon as possible. This type of company will arrange to be on site, typically within four hours.
• After the specialists arrive, the process includes stopping the source of the problem, such as repairing bursting pipes. Then the damage will be assessed, water extracted, premises dried and items restored to prior condition when possible.
• The majority of insurance companies cover loss from water damage. This phone call should be made as soon as time allows.
Problems From Waiting too Long
If the water is left sitting for an extended time, whether you are unaware of the problem or choose not to take immediate action, secondary damage may occur:
• Mold infestation is a serious concern when water is left to sit. Mold can quickly spread, causing further damage to other parts of the building that were not initially impacted by the standing water.
• Standing water may cause irreparable destruction to appliances, electrical systems, foundations, ceilings or walls.
As soon as you are aware of bursting pipes causing water damage in Vancouver, WA, it is critical to take immediate action. Acting right away will allow your business to be up and running as soon as possible. It will also prevent secondary damage and mold from occurring, which could lead to a more time intensive and expensive process. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROevancouverclarkco.com/.
Commercial Emergency Ready Plan
5/31/2018 (Permalink)
With SERVPRO on your side you can protect you business from everyday dangers. We have a 24/7 Emergency Response team to be there when it matters most.
The SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile Advantage
As many as 50% of businesses close down following a disaster, according to the latest 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. And knowing you are "Ready for whatever happens" speaks trust to your clients and employees that in the event your business is affected by a disaster, they don’t necessarily have to be.
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.
- 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."
Contact us today to schedule this complimentary service and protect your business!
(360) 254-0049
5 Tips To Prepare for a Fire
5/16/2018 (Permalink)
If your commercial building is ever affected by flames, you'll be happy you took the time to prepare.
While you don't expect your Vancouver, WA, commercial building to be affected by fire, it may be a good idea to prepare for the potential disaster. Fire preparation can help you know what to do should a fire break out on your property. Use these tips to prepare.
1. Train Employees: One of your biggest concerns during a fire should be the people inside of your building. Make sure your employees or tenants know how to get out of the building by holding regular fire evacuation trainings. You should post evacuation plans around the property to ensure everyone knows the best way out.
2. Consider Restoration: Part of preparation has to be centered around the potential fire damage your building could sustain. How are you going to take care of roof damage, scorched equipment or structural problems? Finding a trusted fire restoration specialist now can make your repair process much simpler when an emergency hits.
3. Have a Contingency: Depending on what your business does, a fire could shut down your company for a time. Part of your disaster preparation plan may be how you deal with a potential halt of work. You can get insurance to help cover financial losses or rent a temporary workspace to reduce the downtime.
4. Create an Inventory: Your fire preparation plan should also include a list of the equipment, records and property you have in your commercial building. Knowing what's there before a disaster can make creating a loss list for your claim easier. Take pictures of your building, figure out the cost of your equipment and record your inventory.
5. Install Safety Equipment: Smoke alarms, fire sprinklers and other safety equipment can help mitigate the damage done by a fire. Installing these tools before a disaster is often a good idea.
Fire preparation might be the last thing on your mind. However, if your commercial building is ever affected by flames, you'll be happy you took the time to prepare. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROevancouverclarkco.com/.
Red Cross in Urgent Need of Blood
5/1/2018 (Permalink)
Red Cross infographic
The American Red Cross urgently needs blood donors. Eligible blood donors of all types are needed, especially those with O, AB, B negative and A negative.
Blood is needed to respond to emergencies large and small across the country everyday.
Blood supplies are urgently needed now and throughout the winter to maintain sufficient blood supply for many patients in need.
Make an appointment today to donate blood by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App,(http://www.redcross.org/bloodapp), visiting(http://redcrossblood.org), or calling 1800-RED CROSS(1800.733.2767)
Also, please consider becoming a volunteer for the American Red Cross. Lot's of assistance is needed in teaching the word of "Disaster Preparedness" in schools and businesses. All the training needed is provided by the American Red Cross at no expense to the volunteer.
For further questions, please contact the local chapter of the American Red Cross or SERVPRO of E. Vancouver/Clark Co. @ 360-254-0049
Cold Weather - Another Cause of Flooding in Buildings
3/27/2018 (Permalink)
When you think of flooding in commercial buildings, your mind may turn to heavy rains.
Downpours are a common cause of water damage in buildings. However, rain flooding isn't the only cause of indoor floods in Vancouver, WA. Cold weather can lead to standing water on your property due to a burst pipe.
Why Pipes Freeze
Pipes often freeze when the weather gets extremely cold. Not all plumbing that transports water has the same risk of freezing. Some piping may freeze more often:
- Uninsulated plumbing in exterior walls
- Outdoor sprinkler lines
- Pipes in unheated spaces, like garages, attics or basements
- Exterior hose bibs
These particular pipes often aren't heated, so when the cold weather strikes, the water within freezes. The freezing action causes the water within to expand, which is why some plumbing may burst open.
What to Do If Pipes Freeze
A frozen pipe does not necessarily have to turn into a burst pipe. If you catch the problem early enough, you may be able to thaw the water before it becomes a problem.
First, open a faucet to give the thawed water somewhere to go. Next, locate the frozen stretch by looking at the suspects listed above. Finally, apply warmth to the pipe using a hair dryer, towel soaked in warm water or another soothing form of heat. If a pipe does burst, you may need to call in a water restoration expert for help taking care of the water damage.
How to Avoid Frozen Pipes
Because no one wants to deal with flooding in his or her business, you may want to take some precautionary steps. You can keep a trickle of water running through faucets or spigots because running water can help stave off freezing. Keep the heat on in the building even if no one will be using it for a while.
You can't always stop storm damages from taking place in your commercial building. If you're unable to stop a burst pipe from happening to you, you at least know who to call for help.
What To Do When your Business Encounters Extreme Damage
10/4/2017 (Permalink)
Remain positive and hopeful because SERVPRO of E. Vancouver is here to help 24 hours a day, 365 days a year! 360-254-0049
Natural disasters can cause significant and costly damages to homes, roads and, of course, local businesses. While you should always be prepared for such events, by maintaining adequate insurance coverage and secure file backups, you sometimes get little warning before disaster strikes. And if something happens, you'll want to get your business back up and running as quickly as possible.
Unfortunately, the road to recovery isn't always easy. A previous Business News Daily article about recovery from 2012's Superstorm Sandy reported that just 25 percent of small businesses had backups of critical programs and data before the storm, and even fewer (20 percent) said they had protected their buildings from the storm or prepared emergency survival kits.
Execute your business continuity plan
Your business continuity plan should prepare you for major disaster scenarios, such as the loss or unavailability of IT systems, key people or a facility third party. Make sure key personnel will have access to the plan on secured mobile devices immediately after a disaster.
Don't have a business continuity plan? This Business News Daily guideoutlines how to create one.
Check your backed-up data
You should have already backed up and safely stored your most critical data: your business license, major contracts and legal documents, tax returns and financial statements, and other critical business and customer documents. Following a disaster, make sure your vital records are still securely accessible from the devices you're using.
Communicate with your employees and external parties
Leverage your website, social media channels and text messaging to reach your employees, customers, partners and vendors. Reassure your customers that you're still in business, while making sure that no communications will inadvertently create legal liability or adversely affect service-level agreements.
Contact your insurance company
Once you and your employees are safe and accounted for after a disaster, survey the damage. Contact your insurance company to file a claim. You should always do an occasional check-up to ensure you have adequate coverage for major disaster types, including cybersecurity insurance. Office break-ins and vandalism may occur during a disaster, and if someone steals computer equipment or paper documents containing personally identifiable information, and the information was not encrypted, you may have a legal requirement to notify your customers. To be safe, encrypt your customer data, digitize paper documents and store all critical data in a secure, cloud-based document-management system.
If your insurance doesn't cover the full cost of the damage, you may be eligible for a disaster loan from the Small Business Administration of up to $2 million. The SBA may even provide working capital loans, even if you didn't have any property damage.
Remain positive and hopeful because SERVPRO of E. Vancouver is here to help 24 hours a day, 365 days a year!
Source: Business News Daily
Summer Safety!
6/26/2017 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of E. Vancouver / Clark Co. Professionals wish you a safe and happy summer!
Celebrate Summer Safety
Summer is a time to enjoy the great outdoors, but it is also important to keep safety in mind. Consider the following tips, provided by the National Fire Protection Association, to keep you and your family safe all summer long.
- When using a charcoal grill, only use starter fluids designed for barbecue grills; do not add fluid after coals have been lit.
- When using a gas grill, ensure the hose connection is tight; check hoses for leaks. Applying soapy water to the hoses will easily and safely reveal any leaks.
- When camping, always use a flame-retardant tent and set up camp far away from the campfire.
- Always build a campfire downwind from the tent area. Clear vegetation and dig a pit before building your fire. Extinguish the fire before going to sleep or leaving the campsite.
- Store liquid fire starter (not gasoline) away from your tent and campfire and only use dry kindling to freshen a campfire.
SERVPRO of E. Vancouver / Clark Co. Professionals wish you a safe and happy summer!
7 Little-Known Benefits of Renters Insurance
6/5/2017 (Permalink)
Contact a local insurance agent today to talk about adding renters insurance to your policy!
Owning a home is still the American dream for many, but renting has benefits — you don’t have to pay for building upkeep, risk getting underwater on a mortgage or be stuck in one place for too long.
But you still need to think about financially protecting yourself and your stuff. Renters insurance is the way to do that.
With the U.S. homeownership rate at its lowest point in 51 years, more American households need renters insurance. Yet only 40% of renters have policies, versus 95% of homeowners who have home insurance, the Insurance Information Institute says.
Why buy renters insurance
Your landlord’s property insurance won’t help you if disaster strikes. It covers the structure, but not any of your things. Renters insurance covers your belongings from all the possible bad events that are listed in the policy, such as fire, smoke, water damage, windstorms, lightning, theft and vandalism.
Even if you don’t think your stuff is worth that much, renters insurance is a good idea. The cost of replacing just a basic wardrobe and only a few pieces of furniture adds up quickly.
Plus renters insurance covers more than your personal belongings at home. Here are seven other things a policy covers:
- HOTEL COSTS AFTER A DISASTER
You don’t have to couch surf while your apartment is undergoing repair after a disaster like a fire. Renters insurance includes “additional living expenses” coverage if your place becomes uninhabitable after a disaster and you need to find somewhere else to live temporarily. The coverage would reimburse you for extra expenses, such as the cost to stay in a hotel or rent another apartment.
- MEDICAL EXPENSES FOR INJURED GUESTS
If a visitor is injured at your apartment, renters insurance would pay the medical bills up to the policy’s limit. A typical policy includes $1,000 to $5,000 worth of medical coverage, according to the Insurance Information Institute.
- DAMAGE YOUR KID CAUSES OTHERS
Renters insurance provides liability insurance to cover injuries or property damage you and your family members cause others. So if your kid breaks a neighbor’s rare antique vase, your policy could pay to replace it.
- LEGAL COSTS IF YOU’RE SUED
If someone gets injured in your apartment or you accidentally hurt somebody and are sued, the liability coverage on a renters policy would pay your legal costs and court awards, up to the policy’s limit. You choose the amount of liability insurance when you buy a renters policy. Limits usually start around $100,000.
- DOG BITES
Most renters insurance policies provide coverage if your dog bites someone, either at your home or off the property. Check the policy, though. Occasionally insurers exclude or limit coverage for dogs.
- STUFF YOU’VE RENTED OR BORROWED
A renters insurance policy covers things “in your possession,” the Insurance Information Institute says. That means property you own or that you borrowed or rented.
- BELONGINGS AWAY FROM HOME
Your things are covered away from home, too, for the perils listed on the policy. So you’re covered if a thief steals stuff out of your car or swipes your luggage from a hotel room. This “off-premises” coverage is usually limited to a portion of your total coverage for personal belongings, such as 10%.
Commercial Services
5/30/2017 (Permalink)
Have Questions? Call Today – (360) 254-0049
Your commercial property’s appearance speaks volumes to your clients. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services, SERVPRO of E. Vancouver / Clark Co. has the training and expertise to help make it “Like it never even happened.”
Commercial Building Restoration Services
SERVPRO of E. Vancouver / Clark Co. responds quickly to your Vancouver fire, water, or mold damage emergency, 24 hours a day. Whether the damage occurs in a small business building or a big box store, we have the training, experience, and equipment to handle the situation. Our national network of 1,700 Franchises gives us access to personnel and resources to respond to any size restoration emergency. Learn more about our commercial restoration services:
Commercial Building Cleaning Services
SERVPRO of E. Vancouver / Clark Co. offers professional cleaning and preventative maintenance for your carpet and upholstery that keeps your property looking its best. Our cleaning system offers a number of specialized cleaning options to match your needs. Whether your business needs a deep cleaning or a persistent odor removed, you can trust SERVPRO of E. Vancouver / Clark Co.. Learn more about our commercial cleaning services:
SERVPRO's Disaster Recovery Team
5/30/2017 (Permalink)
Should a storm or major event strike, call (360) 254-0049
No Job Is Too Large
The SERVPRO Commercial Large Loss Division is composed of our best of the best in restoration. Our elite large-loss specialists are prequalified and strategically positioned throughout the United States to handle any size disaster.
Every large loss is supervised by a commercial operations manager to help ensure seamless communication and timely mitigation.
At SERVPRO, the difference is our ability to dispatch trained production professionals and cut costs through the strategic placement and oversight of temporary labor. Get the professionals, call SERVPRO.
Clients for the Commercial Large Loss program include the following:
- The Hospitality Industry
- Property Managers
- Universities
- Municipalities
- The Pentagon
Catastrophic Storm and Major Event Response
The SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team can provide help whether you're dealing with a tornado, hurricane, blizzard or flood. The SERVPRO System has a network of strategically positioned storm teams on standby should a disaster strike near you. Available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, we are prepared for the unpredictable.
With the ability to mobilize local command centers, along with the resources of more than 1,700 Franchises nationwide, no disaster is too big. Recent mobilizations of the Catastrophic Storm Response Teams include:
- 2014 Polar Vortex
- 2012 Sandy
- 2010 Nashville floods
- 2008 Ike
- 2007 Chicago floods
- 2007 Ohio floods
- 2007 California wildfires
- 2005 Katrina/Wilma/Rita
Why Having Renters Insurance Is a MUST
4/27/2017 (Permalink)
Home disasters are hard enough already, you don't have to go through this alone, we are here to help 24/7!
One of the most common mistakes that tenants make is assuming that their landlord’s insurance will cover their belongings in the event of loss or damage. In addition, tenants may think that renters’ insurance is too expensive. However, the common myths associated with renters’ insurance that keep tenants from purchasing it can end up costing much more in the long run.
Importance of Renters’ Insurance
It’s imperative to always read the fine print in your lease. You may assume that your landlord is liable for damages caused by leaky roofs or broken appliances, but there could be a clause in your lease that negates landlord liability, such as for theft, or injuries to a guest visiting your apartment. Also, your lease may require you to obtain renters’ insurance, especially if you live in an expensive apartment. Regardless of whether or not it’s required, here are some common situations when renters’ insurance can really come in handy. According to Effective Coverage renters insurance in Washington costs around $15.00 a month for most people. That's basic coverage of $10,000 of personal property and $100,000 of liability. "Only 37 percent of renters have renters insurance whereas 95 percent of homeowners have a homeowners insurance policy, according to a 2014 I.I.I. poll conducted by ORC International." - Insurance Information Institute
Natural Disasters
If your rental home and property is damaged because of a natural disaster, such as wildfire, hail, or tornado, the landlord may or may not repair the home damages, but your personal property usually isn’t covered. Renters’ insurance will protect you in the event that a natural disaster occurs, but keep in mind that a few natural disaster coverage options are considered “riders,” which means they are add-on coverage, such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods, and hurricanes.
Unnatural Fires of Short-Circuit Damage
Fires due to electrical issues and short circuit damage may or may not be covered by your landlord. In most cases, it will depend upon the fine print in your lease. If it’s not covered by your landlord, you’ll be liable for smoke and fire damage not only to your own belongings, but to the property as well. If you live in a multi-dwelling building and the fire spreads to other tenants’ apartments, you could be liable for damages to their belongings as well any property damage to their dwelling.
For questions regarding renters insurance, or to schedule an inspection contact SERVPRO of E. Vancouver Clark Co. @ (360) 254-0049
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