SERVPRO: A Lifeline for Commercial Businesses in Times of Crisis

9/30/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO employees helping a commercial business.

Introduction When disaster strikes, commercial businesses are often left in a state of chaos. Whether it's a fire, flood, storm, or other unforeseen events, the damage can be overwhelming. That's where SERVPRO steps in as a beacon of hope, offering expert assistance to get businesses back on their feet. In this blog post, we'll explore how SERVPRO plays a crucial role in helping commercial businesses during their times of crisis.

1. Immediate Response One of the hallmarks of SERVPRO's service is its immediate response. When disaster strikes, time is of the essence. SERVPRO's 24/7 emergency service ensures that a team of professionals is dispatched promptly to assess the situation and begin mitigation efforts. This rapid response minimizes downtime for commercial businesses and helps prevent further damage.

2. Expertise in Restoration SERVPRO is synonymous with expertise in restoration. Their technicians are trained and certified in the latest industry standards and techniques. Whether it's water damage restoration, fire damage cleanup, mold remediation, or any other disaster-related issue, SERVPRO has the knowledge and equipment to handle it effectively.

3. Minimizing Business Interruption Commercial businesses rely on uninterrupted operations to stay afloat. SERVPRO understands this and works diligently to minimize business interruption. They develop tailored restoration plans that prioritize getting your business back to normal as quickly as possible. This includes salvaging equipment, documents, and inventory whenever feasible.

4. Comprehensive Services SERVPRO's services go beyond just cleaning up and restoring. They offer a wide range of services to commercial businesses, including: - Water Damage Restoration: Quick and efficient water extraction, drying, and restoration. - Fire Damage Cleanup: Thorough soot and smoke removal, odor elimination, and structural repairs. - Mold Remediation: Identification, containment, and removal of mold infestations. - Commercial Cleaning: Regular maintenance and deep cleaning services to keep your business looking its best.

5. Advanced Technology SERVPRO invests in cutting-edge technology to ensure the best possible results. From high-powered drying equipment to thermal imaging cameras for moisture detection, they leverage advanced tools to expedite the restoration process.

6. Insurance Liaison Navigating insurance claims can be a complex and daunting task. SERVPRO simplifies this process by working closely with insurance companies. They provide detailed documentation of the damage, estimates, and progress reports, making it easier for businesses to get the compensation they deserve.

Conclusion In times of crisis, commercial businesses need a reliable partner to help them recover and rebuild. SERVPRO stands as a shining example of professionalism, expertise, and dedication in the field of disaster restoration. Their immediate response, comprehensive services, and commitment to minimizing business interruption make them an invaluable resource for businesses facing adversity. When disaster strikes, SERVPRO is there to ensure that commercial businesses can rise from the ashes and continue serving their communities.

Trust The PROs At SERVPRO | SERVPRO® of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County

9/27/2022 (Permalink)

When you experience a large-loss who let SERVPRO be who you call.

A water or fire damage loss at yourcommercial property often have numerous issues that require a knowledgeable response. Whether we’re dealing with a small water or fire loss scenario or a large-loss event, we work quickly to assess each situation and isolate the damaged area. If the affected area is contained, you may still be able to continue operations in a temporary area of your building. Our production technicians are trained and certified and strive to fully restore the damaged area to its pre loss condition. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. When an emergency arises, let us be your first call. Our team responds faster to any disaster, so that we may lessen the damage. SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a fire and water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. Our team is IICRC certified and its our standard to make it "Like it never even happened." Contact us todayif you experience a commercial property loss, no job is too large or small!

SERVPRO Is Your Silent Business Partner | SERVPRO® of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County

3/17/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall are your local commercial restoration experts. Contact us today should you experience any damage.

Keeping a business going requires all the help you can get. When you own a business or manage a property, you know you need every hand available in order to keep things running smoothly. A major disruption to your company or a loss can be devastating.

The good news is that your retail space, rental property or manufacturing facility has a silent built-in partner right here in your backyard. SERVPRO is locally owned by Alabama residents, and we are prepared to carry the burden of emergency planning and deep-cleaning for you. It’s like having an ally that is invested in your business and your business success plan.

Large loss recovery. Among the top reasons businesses suffer losses are natural disasters such as fire, storms and flooding. These events have caused crushing financial damages across the United States, something we have certainly felt in Alabama after a tornado has swept through. SERVPRO offers highly trained professionals who are ready to respond ²⁴⁄₇ with proven emergency recovery methods. We can reduce the time you are away from your business and get your company back on track.

Emergency Ready Plan. There is never a wrong time to plan, and when you have a clear emergency plan, your recovery time begins long before a natural disaster or other catastrophe strikes. We can write a plan tailored specifically to your company’s needs that can include everything from alternate work locations to temporary vendors and a detailed chain of command. Our plans are ready when you say go, keeping your company moving forward no matter what you may face.

Cleaning of all kinds. While you may know us as the disaster professionals, SERVPRO has been cleaning for a long time. Our professional cleaning service goes deeper than traditional cleaning services and covers your business from floor to ceiling. Whether you have general cleaning needs like carpets or high traffic areas, or specialty needs like trauma site cleanup and safe biohazard removal, we can clean it all.

Restoration services. Storms in Alabama can get severe pretty quickly, which can lead to flooding or a burst pipe in an extreme temperature drop. Or maybe your new coworker tried to make a nice warm lunch and caused a fire in the office kitchen. As a business owner or property manager, you will run into a variety of reasons for needing restoration services, and we can cover them all. SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County can remove water or reconstruct your kitchen better than anyone.

Industry specialization. SERVPRO has been around a long time, and we have studied all the ins and outs of the commercial enterprises around our area. We have learned all the unique needs of our Alabama home, and there isn’t a business we can’t help. In many cases, we can even restore an area while you keep your business moving, and in our small towns, we know how important keeping a company running can be.

Whatever your recovery need may be, and whatever your commercial property may require, trust SERVPRO to get the job done. Contact us today to get started on an Emergency Ready Plan or find out how we can serve your business.

Keep Your Business Moving With Our Emergency Ready Plan | SERVPRO® of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County

3/16/2022 (Permalink)

If the day comes where your business is hit with disaster or emergency, you can rest assured SERVPRO will be there to help.

Running a business is a full-time job—or really, running a business is an overtime job. In the constantly shifting business environment, you have your staff to care for, payroll to manage and competition to handle, all while you try to present yourself well through media and advertisement.

It can all feel like a delicate balance, and one disruption can spell disaster. To survive a disaster, you have to have a clear plan in place ahead of time. That is why we at SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County want to help your business get prepared with an Emergency Ready Plan.

According to FEMA, 40% of small businesses that experience a natural disaster never reopen, while another quarter of those that do close within a year. As a local business serving Gadsden, Anniston and Marshall County, we want to see that statistic changed. We believe local business is the heart of our Alabama communities, and we are ready to create a plan that will keep your business moving no matter what comes our way.

When you create an Emergency Ready Plan, you will know exactly what happens next after your business experiences a disaster. You and your staff will know where your alternate work locations are, vendors you can rely on, the chain of command for handling each step of the way and so much more.

Three-quarters of small businesses do not have a proper plan in place, and that is something that needs to change. Our communities are consistently threatened with bad weather, including the potential for tornadoes, making it more important than ever to have an emergency plan ready to go.

Let our experts work with you to prevent extended time away from your business.

When your business is ready to prioritize planning and safety to prevent extended downtime, contact SERVPRO to get the Emergency Ready Plan underway from the folks who know all there is to know about disaster and recovery.

Time Is Money | SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County

12/8/2021 (Permalink)

We know that a commercial property water damage is stressful and can affect the company’s bottom line. Trust SERVPRO, the industry leaders.

The old saying “time is money” rings true when we get a call from a national hotel chain with water damage covering two floors of hotel rooms! The exasperated hotel facilities manager called our office needing emergency services to extract the water and dry all affected areas. The water damage was caused by a busted toilet supply line and it affected two floors, 2 hallways and a couple of dozen rooms. Responding to a commercial water damage like this is our priority! We know that the quicker we can get the water up and all affected areas dry, the quicker the hotel will be back in business. Having the ability to respond to emergency commercial jobs like this requires a lot more than just fancy drying equipment. Our customers need a team of trained professionals who can assess a water damage of this size and create a scope of work to ensure that all areas affected are taken care of properly. It’s important that no stone is left unturned when it comes to getting our customers back in action! With our IICRC certified Project managers and technicians, our customers can be assured that we are doing exactly what needs to be done to get them back operational! That includes extracting water,  setting up drying equipment and daily monitoring to make sure all areas are dry before we are done.

Midnight Flood? We Can Handle That | SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County

11/29/2021 (Permalink)

A few months back we got a call from a local government facility. They had standing water affecting a large portion of their building. Our crews rallied and got all of the water extracted before setting up drying equipment. 

That sounds like a quick little story, right? No, that was just the beginning. We not only had to get the building dry, but relocate (their personnel boxed up) sensitive documentation from one secure area to another so the damage caused by the water could be fixed in the file room. We had to coordinate contractors in and out of the building.

We are happy to say that this government building is back to it's preloss condition and looks "Like it never even happened." Now we are working on getting an ERP (Emergency Ready Profile) set up for this facility so the entire staff knows what to do and who to contact should they ever have a water loss again. 

Commercial Cleaning Solutions for a Variety of Businesses | SERVPRO® Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County

10/19/2021 (Permalink)

Are you ready to have the cleanest business in town? Contact SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall for all your cleaning needs.

SERVPRO has been providing disaster recovery solutions for homeowners for over 50 years! But did you know we also provide the same services to commercial properties?

Damage from storms, fire, water and even mold are all covered under the SERVPRO umbrella. We specialize on remediation of these issues for both homeowners and business owners.

Business owners can rest assured if a disaster befalls them, SERVPRO is here to help. We provide a full range of disaster recovery and remediation services, as well as other services specific to the commercial space.

But did you know we also provide routine services? SERVPRO knows the condition of your facilities has an impression on your customers. Let us do the heavy lifting when it comes to keeping your facilities clean and sanitized for your customers.

Certified Cleaning Solutions for Businesses

You got into business to take care of your customers; we got into business to help our customers recover from disasters and to keep business owners’ facilities in pristine condition. We’ll keep all types of facilities spotless, so let us provide high-grade cleaning and sanitization for your location so you can focus on your customers:

Business with retail locations such as local specialty retailers, national chain stores and malls. From the big-chain stores to the specialty retailers and everything in between, we can give you facilities to be proud of.

Educational facilities from universities to preschools. Studies have shown that regular cleaning by students and faculty only cleans half the bacteria from surfaces. The numbers are worse for items that don’t get cleaned daily.

Blood banks, assisted living facilities, medical clinics and offices. The CDC sets the standard, and we go above and beyond to make sure facilities are cleaned and sanitized.

Movie theaters, health and fitness facilities, hotels, and convention centers. Anywhere people spend a lot of time needs to have a sound cleaning protocol. We can make the lobby feel like the presidential suite and the fitness center shine.

Facilities such as foodservice, restaurants, distribution centers and warehouses. Cleanliness and sanitation at dining and distribution points is critical. Let us take cleaning off your plate and so you can focus on the food.

Office buildings, apartment complexes and multi-level high rises We provide top-notch environmental care and sanitation services that your tenants will appreciate.

Losses in the workplace approach a staggering $260 billion per year due to lost productivity from sickness. Let SERVPRO push back and eliminate those workplace germs to ensure a healthy and clean environment for your customers and employees.

When you’re ready to have the cleanest business in town, we’re ready to help. Contact your local SERVPRO to get the pros working on the cleaning so you can work on the work.

We pride ourselves in Commercial Fire Damage

9/29/2021 (Permalink)

A fire is devastating for any home or business. But when electrical wiring malfunctions and starts a fire in the dining room of a local nursing home, the absolute fastest response is needed to minimize the disruption to the residents and staff.  We responded to this emergency on a Friday afternoon and upon arrival, we were glad to know that all the residents and staff had evacuated the building safely, many residents wheeled out on hospital beds.  The parking lot resembled a triage unit of sorts with medical personnel and other staff diligently tending to residents' medical and other needs.  Making sure the residents were ok medically and finding a place for these residents to stay in the interim was their number one priority.  Our main priority was to assess the damage from the fire (and the water damage that followed from the fire department putting out the fire) and put together a plan that would have residents and staff safely back in the facility as soon as possible. We consulted our Large Loss division to put together this plan and begin work immediately. Some of the plan included : water extraction and drying, soot and smoke damage cleanup, tear out, asbestos abatement, removal of contents including commercial kitchen appliances, among other things. We started much of this detailed work that day and continued through the weekend and into the following week.  Our job was to make this facility "construction ready" as soon as possible so that these residents and staff could resume their routines that existed before this untimely fire. The construction is in process and the nursing should resume their normal activities very soon. Quick response is key with large commercial losses! We are FASTER to any DISASTER and we come prepared to work to restore your home or business!

We always say that there is no job too big or too small for SERVPRO! In this case, mitigating a large Commercial fire damage is something we pride ourselves on! We are pleased to serve in this way in our local communities or anywhere we are called. We are always Here to Help.

Prepare Your Business For Emergencies | SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County

9/3/2021 (Permalink)

Call today to find out how an ERP can help your business.

September is National Preparedness Month. Is your business ready? Do all of your key personnel know what to do and who to contact in the event of an emergency? If your answer is not yes to all of the above it's time to call SERVPRO and ask about our FREE Emergency Ready Profile and what it can do for your business. 

An Emergency Ready Profile, also known as an ERP, is designed to help businesses just like your in the event of an emergency such as water damage, fire damage and more. One of our sales representatives will make an appointment with you (or any authorized representative of your business) to gather information about your business such as:

• Where vehicles need to park in the event of an emergency
• Where the water shut off is, how to access it, and who your water company contact is
• Is there an alarm to the building? If so, what is needed to gain access and who the alarm company contact is
• Where in the building electrical panels are located and who your contact with the power company is
• Who needs to be notified of incidences both within the business and outside the business
• Who your SERVPRO contact is

All of this information is housed in an app that can be shared with all key personnel. If you are interested in taking things a step further to assist in getting your business back to normal faster, ask about a Preferred Service Agreement. 

Know the Right Steps to Take if Your Business Is Impacted by Disaster | SERVPRO® of SERVPRO® of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County

2/19/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County knows the commercial restoration process inside and out. Here are some of our best tips in choosing t

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from the COVID-19 pandemic? For most of us, it’s the unpredictability that life can throw at us. After all, none of us could’ve seen something like this coming.

This point has hit home especially hard for business owners. Business owners have had to change the way they work during this difficult time.

Though pandemics aren’t usually part of a business owner’s disaster plans, most of them include dealing with disasters like fires or floods. Many business owners already have a disaster plan to deal with these.

Having the plans ready and needing to use them aren’t the same, though.

We work with business owners all the time, so we know what it takes to get your business up and running again. Here’s some of the best advice we can give business owners facing a restoration scenario.

Steps to Prepare Your Business to Open Again

Here’s what you should do if a disaster impacts your business:

Implement your plans. Don’t forget your disaster plans when dealing with a disaster. It sounds simple, but a disaster can be jarring, so it’s a good reminder. For some businesses, that may include moving to a backup location.

Work with your employees. You can take steps to help your employees deal with any work interruptions by taking advantage of resources available through the Small Business Administration (SBA).

Work closely with your insurer. Be sure to take photographs of the damage and take inventory of everything that was damaged. If your insurer asks for documents, provide them as quickly as you can. You’ll want to work to keep this process running smoothly.

Communicate regularly. Get in touch with your suppliers, your employees, your customers and your community. Social media or an email list can help you do this effectively. But sometimes a phone call is the best option.

Work with the right partners. Choose competent professionals to work on your restoration process and repair any of the damage. It will make opening up again easier.

If a fire, flood or any other cause damages your business, you can always count on us for restoration assistance. We have crews who are available ²⁴⁄₇ in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time to learn more about our restoration services and how we can help you.

Protecting Your Business This Cold & Flu Season

11/6/2020 (Permalink)

It’s 2020 and one of the most widely discussed topics is COVID-19. But, it is now November and that means cold and flu season on top of the novel coronavirus. There is a way to protect your employees and business with an added layer of disinfecting, the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program. 

One of our production managers would come out to your business and assess the space and speak with you in detail about what services you are wanting. It could be a wipe down of high touch areas, micro-misting or ULV fogging, or a combination of wipe down and fogging. It just depends on what services you are interested in.

All of these services are performed by our trained professionals using EPA registered hospital grade disinfectant products. Our crews also wear PPE to protect themselves as well as provide another layer of protection for you, your staff and customers. This program can be a one time service or regularly repeated. We have several businesses we are providing these services for once or twice a week. The CSC program also provides you with signage to post so that your employees and customers will know you have chosen the higher standard of clean with SERVPRO, the industry leader. 

For more information call our office today at 256-236-8889, 256-547-3778 or 256-891-0177.

Priority Service Agreements With SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County

11/4/2020 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County today for more information on Priority Service Agreements.

SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County offer Priority Service Agreements (PSA) for commercial properties in our service area. A PSA is a contract between SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County and the business who signs up for it. How could a PSA benefit your business?
In the event of a loss or disaster your business will get:
Guaranteed service within 24 hours of the loss.
During a natural disaster your business is moved to the front of the line for services.
Could have a predetermined number of days in which the job is to be completed (depending on what is worked into the contract).
Could receive a discount on the services provided (depending on what is worked into the contract).
Removes the question of who to call to provide emergency services.
For example, we have had several businesses sign up for these PSAs since COVID-19 came into the picture. Fortunately for these businesses they have not needed to call us in for COVID-19 disinfecting. However, in the event of an outbreak they simply call us and the signed PSA moves them to the front of the line.
For water damages, a PSA could have predetermined services lined out that we can perform without further approvals from a corporate office or facilities manager. This allows us to perform emergency services quickly and can prevent further damages.
If you already have a PSA with SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County or are considering one then you may want to add a free Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) as well. For more information on either of these services provided by us, call our office today at 256-236-8889, 256-547-3778, or 256-891-0177.

How Well Do You Know Disinfectants?

9/18/2020 (Permalink)

Not all disinfectants are created equal. Some are not safe to use around food. Some are not safe to use around children. Some require different levels of PPE (personal protective equipment) such as gloves or a respirator. Some have to be applied to surfaces in amounts sufficient to keep the surface wet for 15 minutes or more. Some have harmful chemicals in them. 

When COVID-19 made its way to the US, cleaning products disappeared from the shelves of stores everywhere. People were buying up whatever they could find. The EPA list of approved products to use in the fight against SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19 was long and often confusing to understand. Distilleries and other factories began producing disinfectants and hand sanitizers. 

With school back in session, teachers and daycare facilities are getting donations of disinfectant products to use in their classrooms. This is a thoughtful and generally appreciated gift, but these products should not be used until the SDS (Safety Data Sheet) information has been reviewed thoroughly as well as the directions.

SERVPROXIDE is a product created in the SERVPRO lab (yes, we have our own team of chemists). It is an EPA registered hospital grade disinfectant. SERVPROXIDE carries the EPA’s lowest toxicity rating. This product is safe for everyday use. SERVPROXIDE is a stabilized chlorine dioxide based antimicrobial, which means it fights mold as well as harmful germs and bacteria. 

For more information on SDS sheets, follow the link here.

For more information on the approved list of products used to fight against COVID-19, follow the link here.

We Can Help You Protect Your Commercial Property

8/19/2020 (Permalink)

Do you own a business or commercial property? Do you have a plan for emergencies? Most companies have a plan for what to do if a fire or tornado hits, but what about water damage? What about the aftermath of a fire or storm? Do you have a plan for that part? Does everyone know what to do for each emergency?

This is where SERVPRO of Gadsden can help. We offer a free program called the Emergency Ready Profile or an ERP. A sales representative would schedule time to come to your location. They would walk the property with you, or they could go alone if you wish.

They would capture information such as the following:

-Where the water shut off is and who the contact is for the water board. 

-Does your property have gas lines to it? Natural or propane? Where are the shut offs located?

-Where are the electrical panels? Who is the contact at the power company? 

-Who is the property manager? How can they be reached?

-Does your facility have a sprinkler system? If so, where is the shut off? 

These are just a few examples of the information captured in an ERP. This information is packaged in a nice packet for you to keep. But it is also entered into an app that can be downloaded on your phone or a tablet. This app can be shared with as many people in your company as you wish. This helps prevent further damage when someone doesn't know who to call. 

For more information, call our office today to speak with a sales representative.  

That's A Lot Of Water

8/18/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Anniston is #HereToHelp.

Early in May, our office received a call for an emergency water damage. A local commercial property was flooded and needed our help. Our on call crews responded quickly to discover that a leak from the fire suppression system had severely impacted the facility. 

Without hesitation, our crews jumped in and began extracting what ended up being over 300,000 gallons of water. They used our extraction trucks and vans as well as ride-on commercial grade water extractors (they look like a Zamboni). That's a lot of water! An Olympic size swimming pool holds roughly 605,000 gallons of water, so you can imagine what this commercial property was experiencing.

Once the water was extracted drying equipment was placed (air movers and dehumidifiers), non-salvageable items were cataloged and disposed of, and the floors mopped to ensure no slick spots. For the next few days, a crew member would monitor the drying progress and adjust equipment as needed. This facility was back to business as usual in just a few short days. 

If you own a commercial property, ask about our priority service agreements and emergency ready profiles to get you back to business faster after a water, fire or mold loss. You can also ask about our Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program. Call our office today at 256-236-8889.

We Can Help You Protect Your Commercial Property

8/14/2020 (Permalink)

The information contained in an ERP could make the difference in how your staff respond to different losses on you commercial property.

Do you own a business or commercial property? Do you have a plan for emergencies? Most companies have a plan for what to do if a fire or tornado hits, but what about water damage? What about the aftermath of a fire or storm? Do you have a plan for that part? Does everyone know what to do for each emergency?

This is where SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County can help. We offer a free program called the Emergency Ready Profile or an ERP. A sales representative would schedule time to come to your location. They would walk the property with you, or they could go alone if you wish.

They would capture information such as the following:

-Where the water shut off is and who the contact is for the water board. 

-Does your property have gas lines to it? Natural or propane? Where are the shut offs located?

-Where are the electrical panels? Who is the contact at the power company? 

-Who is the property manager? How can they be reached?

-Does your facility have a sprinkler system? If so, where is the shut off? 

These are just a few examples of the information captured in an ERP. This information is packaged in a nice packet for you to keep. But it is also entered into an app that can be downloaded on your phone or a tablet. This app can be shared with as many people in your company as you wish. This helps prevent further damage when someone doesn't know who to call. 

For more information, call our office today to speak with a sales representative.  

Commercial Mold

11/7/2019 (Permalink)

These guys are getting suited back up in their PPE after a break.

Two months ago SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County received a call from a large commercial space to assess what the customer called a small mold issue. This "small" job has been one of the largest mold jobs we have ever worked. 

After assessing the space and seeing the severity of the mold we called in an industrial hygienist. The hygienist came in to do mold and air quality testing. These tests tell what type of mold is present and how many parts per million are in the air. With this information they create a mold protocol, which lists in detail how the mold is to be treated and removed.

Our crews are working diligently to remediate this mold problem. They use the protocol and follow the steps laid out for treating this issue. By the end of the week the space will be tested again by the hygienist to ensure the microbial growth has reached the proper reduction percentage. 

If you feel like your business needs mold remediation, give us a call. We will come out and assess the problem for free. 

Preparing Your Business For Disaster

11/5/2019 (Permalink)

Call today to schedule your ERP appointment.

No one wants to think about water damage, fire damage, mold, or any of the other things that could go wrong in a business, but they happen. Is your business ready for a disaster? Does everyone who works in your business know what to do if/when disaster strikes? 

SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County can help you prepare with an Emergency Ready Profile we lovingly call an ERP. This is a free service we provide to our customers. The information contained within this profile will list who to contact for water, power and more. Pictures are included for the location of the water shut off, electrical boxes, and the building itself. This information can be placed in a file to be kept on your property, but it is also available in a convenient app. The app can be shared with the people within your business who you wish to have access to it. 

All of this information can save time and money in the event of an emergency. The faster we can respond to your damage the less secondary damage happens, which saves you. For more information on the ERP program you can call our office at 256-236-8889 or ask your marketing representative the next time you see them. 

Commercial Water Damage

9/18/2019 (Permalink)

Call us today at 256-236-8889.

A few weeks ago we got a call for a commercial water damage. The caller said they needed water extracted in a 250,000 square foot warehouse and they wanted emergency services. 

In the blink of an eye we were routing crews to this warehouse. A supply line to the fire sprinkler system had burst and water had flooded the warehouse. The burst supply line was cut off and repaired quickly before we arrived.

Our crews set up extraction equipment. In just a few hours there was no standing water in the 250,000 square foot building. The warehouse did not need drying equipment set up on it and we were able to get them back operating in just a few hours. 

SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County helps commercial properties get back to business faster.

If you own, operate, or manage a commercial property call us and ask about our FREE ERP (emergency ready profile) and how it could help your business.

Commercial Water Damage & Common Causes

9/13/2019 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Anniston for all of you commercial water damage needs.

Water damages happen every day all over the world. Here in the Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County area the numbers are smaller, but they still happen. With all of the factories and manufacturing and processing plants we decided to write a blog on commercial water damages and the causes of these water damages. 

One of the causes is damaged plumbing and broken pipes. Whether it is accidents, age of the plumbing, freezing temperatures, or some other cause these things happen. 

Sprinkler systems in large commercial buildings can pose serious problems when they malfunction. A pipe could leak. A sensor could break or malfunction causing the system come come on when it is not needed. 

Equipment and appliances that break can cause serious water damage as well. Imagine if the water heater leaks or the air conditioner. What about the washing machines or dishwashers. 

Sewage back ups are another common cause of water damage in commercial buildings. How many toilets are in a high rise office building? 

How would you handle a water damage in a commercial building? SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County is #HereToHelp.

Emergency Readiness Profile

8/13/2019 (Permalink)

Did you know SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County offers a free service that can help commercial properties get back to business faster after a fire or water damage? It's true. We offer a free service called an ERP (emergency ready profile). 

Do you know where the water shut off is in your building? Do you know who to contact at the water company or the power company? Do your employees know all of this in case you are unavailable?

That's where we can step in with an ERP. One of our representatives can schedule an appointment to sit down with you. They can help you get all the information together. The representative would then input all of this into an app that gets shared to you. Any employee who you wish to have this can download the app and have the information as well. 

At a previous place of employment we had the supply line to the sprinkler system rupture and it was dumping water out all over the floor. Merchadise was getting soaked. It was a holiday and the supervisor on duty had no idea who to contact for help. By the time she got the manager on the phone (who did not know how or where to shut the water off) she was in a panic. The water damage took twice as long to get cleaned up and dry because of how long it took for someone to shut the water off. 

We are #HereToHelp and would love to help prevent a situation like this from happening to you. Call us today for more information on ERPs and how they can help your business. 

Preparing For Workplace Emergencies

8/12/2019 (Permalink)

Workplace emergency preparedness.

Emergencies happen every day all over the world and we all hope that we are never the victim of an emergency. Business owners must plan for emergencies and how to keep their employees safe in the event of one. When preparing it is smart to think worst case scenario and as the saying goes “plan for the worst and hope for the best”.

Does your place of employment have a policy for how to handle each type of disaster that could occur? Do you know how to respond in the event of a disaster? Preparedness saves lives. Find out if your workplace has any policies and procedures for emergencies.

Preparedness plans should include an evacuation policy and procedure, a list of people who need to be contacted in the event of an emergency (shareholders, board members, owners, etc.), procedures to follow to shut down equipment, ways to alert employees of emergencies, a way to account for personnel after an emergency, and more. Each plan would look different from the next based on the type of business and what has happened.

In some cases, it may be necessary to shut off water or power to the workplace. There needs to be someone(s) who is designated to do so and knows where these controls are.

SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County can help with a part of this planning. We can provide a free service called an Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) that comes with an app that can be downloaded and the file shared with any employee you choose. We can cover who to contact for power, who to contact for water and where the shut off locations are for these items. We are always here to help 24/7/365.

Traveling With Storm

11/7/2018 (Permalink)

For more information on the services we provide, call our office at 256-236-8889.

When we travel for storm events, we generally know what type of jobs we are looking at- water, water, and more water. Flooding, hurricanes, blizzards, and severe thunderstorms usually mean water remediation (and maybe a little mold remediation). That was not the case with one particualr job when our crews were working clean up from hurricane Florence in North and South Carolina. 

A well visited breakfast joint had a sewage backup issue one morning. Not the type of situation anyone wants to deal with, especially one that serves food. Yuck! However, in no time at all our highly trained crews were on the job and had the place cleaned, sanitized, and back up and running. The owner of this establishment was beyond grateful for the quick and thorough work our crews provided. 

Many people may not know that this is a service that SERVPRO provides. We are Faster to Any size disaster.

When A Doctor Needs Help, He Called SERVPRO

11/1/2018 (Permalink)

Damage in a doctor's office.

A doctor's office. A fire. Two things that don't mix. Fortunately no one was injured. But we needed to help this practice set up a temporary office so that the doctors could continue to see patients. We know that in a situation like this time is of the essence. We got the call and responded with plenty of crew to get the damaged contents out and assess what could be cleaned and salvaged and what needed to be discarded. Contents that sustained only light soot damage were quickly and thoroughly cleaned and moved to their temporary office space so that their business could resume somewhat normal activities. Closely working with the client and the insurance company, we packed contents and began the cleaning process both at our warehouse and on site in order to get their business back up and running as soon as possible. As boxes of contents were cleaned and ready to put back into use, we transported finished items to their temporary office space. Contents ranged from waiting room furniture and files to high end instruments and tools needed needing fine intricate cleaning. Meanwhile, our crew was busy doing necessary demo in areas of the building that had to be removed due to the fire damage. Debris hauling and cleaning of the entire structure to remove soot that had travelled through the entire building we ongoing until that portion of the job was complete. Ducts of the HVAC system also needed cleaning as the smoke and soot traveled through these systems as a means of escape. We readied the building after demo and cleaning for a contractor to come in and build-back the structure to make the offices operational again.

In a fire of this magnitude, the project manager needs to oversee all of these activities in order to fully complete the job. And as you can imagine this process takes months to complete. We know that situations like these require constant communication with our client throughout the process. It is always satisfying to see a job of this magnitude come to completion. Our goal throughout this process is to minimize the stress for our customers and get them back to normal business as smoothly and quickly as possible.

When unfortunate circumstances require our services, we do our best to exceed customer expectations. We are always here to help.

Your Time & Money

11/1/2018 (Permalink)

Trust SERVPRO for all of your fire, water, and mold restoration needs.

When you need it done right and done fast, call SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County. Did you know when you hire us for maintenance cleaning, you get around-the-clock restoration services built with you in mind? Quality cleaning and quick response - that is the SERVPRO way.

Can't figure out how to get the job done? Call SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County for all your emergency restoration needs. When you experience a fire, water or mold damage in your home or facility, you need fast response and the expertise to get the job done right, ensuring you can get back into operation as quickly as possible. Through it all, you expect the most reliable information and the very best service at a fair price. 

Call SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County at 256-236-8889. We are always here to help. 

ERP or Emergency Ready Profile

11/1/2018 (Permalink)

Call us today to set up your FREE Emergency Ready Profile. 256-236-8889

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!

Did You Know?

11/1/2018 (Permalink)

A picture showing webs created during a fire.

Residues (such as burning plastics or the soot from furnace disorders) form long chains of ionized smoke particles that assemble in corners or at junctions of walls and ceilings which are called smoke webs!

Does your business have a plan? Check out these tips:

Protect your people : Your employees are your most important business asset. These tips can help prevent them from being injured in a fire.

• Fire Plans: Make sure your employees know what to do if there's a fire, including calling 911 immediately. Conduct a fire drill at least once a year to keep employees aware of your workplace fire safety protocol. 
• Evacuation Plan: In larger buildings, post a fire evacuation plan in several spots around the workplace. Never include elevators in an evacuation plan; always use the stairs. 
• First Aid: In case of fire injuries, your employees should be familiar with the location of the first-aid kit, which should be kept where possible hazards can occur most-such as in the kitchen.

Water Damage Clean Up 24/7

11/1/2018 (Permalink)

This Commercial Water Damage reared it's ugly head in the middle of the night.

A water damage can happen at any time. This Commercial Water Damage decided to rear it’s ugly head in the middle of the night. Our crews responded immediately and helped this business get back to running order. With SERVPRO’s 24 hour a day, 365 day a year emergency response, we were right there to take care of business for our customer! We are always HERE TO HELP! 

What would your business do if a water damage occurred? Do you know where the water shut off is for your business? Do all of your employees know where it is? SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County can help answer these questions with our FREE Emergency Ready Profile. All of the information needed in the event of a fire or water damage can be found on an app that each employee could have access to. 

Call SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County today for more information 256-236-8889.

Large Commercial Mold Removal

8/27/2018 (Permalink)

Mold damage at a large commercial job.

A recent call from a restaurateur to check out an old restaurant he purchased in hopes of giving it a new life resulted in quite a large mold job for SERVPRO Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County. Upon entering this abandoned space, it became clear immediately this was a mold remediation job for the experts! So we went to work! With mold covering the walls, the bar area, baseboards and crown “mold”ing (pun intended), our crew had to suit up with PPE including respirators and Tyvec suits to be sure they were protected! Mold remediation is a very tedious job for a home but when it is a commercial property like a restaurant, it is even more so.  Containment must be set up so as to not contaminated unaffected areas. All items with mold exposure had to be disposed of properly. And then at the end of the demo and clean up, an industrial hygienist was brought in to ensure that the commercial property checked out!

Mold remediation in a commercial property is a tedious yet rewarding job, especially when we get to see a building be brought back to life!

Removing Odor

11/7/2017 (Permalink)

Let us clean your commercial business today!

Your basic cleaning service is not going to have the expertise to effectively deodorize your home. Take advantage of SERVPRO’s residential cleaning services to remove unwanted odors.

We have the training and equipment to identify and eliminate these offensive odors. By identifying the cause of the odor and determining the conditions in which 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 an unpleasant odor thoroughly.

The science of identifying and eliminating odors can be a tricky thing, so give us a call, and leave the restoration to us.

Life happens.

Kids spill drinks, pets have accidents and homes get dirty. SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County has the expertise to provide a deeper clean than your basic house cleaning service.

We want to make things easier on you this year. Put your feet up and give us a call.

Need Commercial Cleaning Services?

Call us today! 256-236-8889

Commercial Duct Cleaning

11/7/2017 (Permalink)

Are your ducts in a row?

A building’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (HVAC) and subsequent ducts are the key component to air quality. HVAC and duct cleanliness have a direct impact on the functionality of the equipment as well, a clean system ought to function at maximum capacity. If your system is clean and properly functioning, it should provide you with positive indoor air quality and a lower monthly cost of running your HVAC system.

You can keep your commercial ducts in a row by changing the filters within the system regularly - it is recommended to change them every 90 days. Check any connections for damage. If you can see any damage to the connections, wires, or motors then the damage needs to be repaired immediately in order to keep your HVAC system safe and properly functioning.

You should annually inspect your HVAC system and ducts to see if there is visible mold, a surplus of dust and/or debris, and rodent infestation. Signs of a rodent infestation would be feces and odors in your system or noises occurring in the system. If your HVAC system and ducts have any of these signs then it is time to call in the professionals. SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County has highly trained cleanup and restoration technicians that will provide you with a free estimate for your HVAC system and ductwork.

If you notice that your system isn’t working as well as it normally does such as an increase in electrical bill costs or the system is running more often than usual then it may be time for a cleaning as well. If your system is regularly providing you with maintenance issues such as improper temperature or humidity issues, these may be signs or symptoms of your HVAC system needing a checkup.

SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County understands the significance of a properly functioning HVAC and duct system. We want to help you do all you can to maintain your system. When you are in need of professional cleanup and restoration of your commercial ducts call SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County 256-236-8889 for a free estimate.

Commercial Cleaning Services

11/2/2017 (Permalink)

Commercial Carpet Cleaning

SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County offers specialty cleaning services ranging from cleaning office upholstery to making storefront windows crystal clear. We have the specialized training and products to get your commercial or residential property clean, safe, and healthy again.

A Clean Business Keeps Customers Coming Back
Your business represents you.  A clean and attractive business keeps customers coming and leaves a positive impression. SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County wants every inch of your facility to sparkle and shine. 

Our commercial specialty cleaning services include:
•    Air Ducts and HVAC
If your HVAC has been operating for some time without attention, it could be circulating dust, pollen, odors, dirt, debris, and other contaminants.
•    Biohazard and Sewage
SERVPRO is trained to safely remove biohazards and dispose of them properly in accordance with OSHA and health regulations.
•    Trauma and Crime Scene
Many times, crime and accident scenes have blood and other biohazard contaminants that pose a serious health risk. SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County will respond immediately and has the specialized training, protective equipment, and experience to safely clean trauma and crime scenes.
•    Carpet and Upholstery
Even the highest-quality carpet and upholstery can show soiling over time. Protect your investment by calling us to clean and maintain your carpet and upholstery.
•    Drapes and Blinds
We carefully inspect and test fabrics to determine which of SERVPRO’s five cleaning methods is best suited to your fabrics. 
•    Ceilings, Walls, and Hard Floors
Ceilings and walls are exposed to dirt and dust, pet dander, cooking oils and grease, cigarette smoke, and other contaminants. Your heating and air conditioning system can distribute these contaminants throughout your property.
•    Odor Removal and Deodorization
SERVPRO teaches IICRC technical classes in the proper removal of odors. Masking and other short cuts don't work when your odor problem is serious or persistent.
•    Vandalism
Often simple acts of vandalism, like breaking a window, can cause significant water and mold damage if not addressed in a timely manner.

We’re Here Whenever You Need Us 
The team at SERVPRO Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County also has specialized training and experience in water damage restoration services, fire damage restoration services, mold remediation, commercial services, and natural disaster cleanup. 

Call SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County at 256-236-8889 anytime.

How SERVPRO Can Help Prepare Your Business for Potential Disaster

11/2/2017 (Permalink)

As many as 50% of businesses close down following a disaster, according to the latest research.

You can’t plan when an emergency will arise, but you can prepare for it before it does. This is especially important if you are a business owner. When a disaster occurs in your business, everything screeches to a halt. You are no longer able to help your customers and clients. You are no longer able to offer your services. You are no longer bringing in an income. Business has been interrupted and, depending on the extent of the damage, you may be looking at a long road to recovery – not just for remediation, but also to get your business back to where it was before the disaster happened.

So, what can you do to prevent an emergency situation from shutting down your business? While you can’t necessarily prevent disaster from occurring, you can prepare for what to do when it does. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can minimize how fire and water affect your business.

That is where SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County can help.  We can establish a plan for your business using our ERP, or Emergency READY Profile.

• 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 Profile Document containing only the crucial information you will need in case of an emergency. It doesn’t take very long to complete, but it will save you a lot of time if you ever need it.
• A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster. By having an immediate plan of action, you can help minimize downtime.
• Identifies the line of command for authorizing work to begin. This saves time so that we can begin the work of mitigating the damage immediately, which can save you both time and money.
• Provides important facility details such as priority contact information, priority areas, and shut-off valves. 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.”

Ready to set up an Emergency READY Profile for your business? Give SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County a call today! (256) 236-8889 

https://ready.SERVPRO.com/

Who Can Restore Important Documents?

11/2/2017 (Permalink)

We can save your records and paperwork after a disaster.

SERVPRO can!

SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County uses a process called Sublimation when saving your important documents. What we do is first stabilize your records by freezing them and then inventory or cataloging takes place.

The actual process of sublimation is a freeze drying procedure that causes the ice in the frozen documents to convert directly to vapor using a combination of temperature control and pressure. The vapor is then immediately extracted which allows the vapor to bypass the liquid state and ensures your document will be dry.

Most documents will never look brand new again, but the document restoration service SERVPRO provides does produce a usable document that can then be restored or filed and reused in its original capacity. 

SERVPRO offers the resources to each of  the clients in all stages of their needs. We will walk you through each step of the process.

We will make it, "Like it never even happened." Just call SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County at 256-236-8889

When a Doctor Needs Help

9/19/2017 (Permalink)

A local doctors office had a fire and we were there to help and restore their building. This is one of the initial photos taken upon arrival.

A doctor's office. A fire. Two things that don't mix.  Fortunately no one was injured. But we needed to help this practice set up a temporary office so that the doctors could continue to see patients. We know that in a situation like this time is of the essence. We got the call and responded with plenty of crew to get the damaged contents out and assess what could be cleaned and salvaged and what needed to be discarded. Contents that sustained only light soot damage were quickly and thoroughly cleaned and moved to their temporary office space so that their business could resume somewhat normal activities.  Closely working with the client and the insurance company, we packed contents and began the cleaning process both at our warehouse and on site in order to get their business back up and running as soon as possible. As boxes of contents were cleaned and ready to put back into use, we transported finished items to their temporary office space. Contents ranged from waiting room furniture and files to high end instruments and tools needed needing fine intricate cleaning. Meanwhile, our crew was busy doing necessary demo in areas of the building that had to be removed due to the fire damage. Debris hauling and cleaning of the entire structure to remove soot that had travelled through the entire building we ongoing until that portion of the job was complete. Ducts of the HVAC system also needed cleaning as the smoke and soot traveled through these systems as a means of escape. We readied the building after demo and cleaning for a contractor to come in and build-back the structure to make the offices operational again.

In a fire of this magnitude, the project manager needs to oversee all of these activities in order to fully complete the job. And as you can imagine this process takes months to complete.  We know that situations like these require constant communication with our client throughout the process. It is always satisfying to see a job of this magnitude come to completion. Our goal throughout this process is to minimize the stress for our customers and get them back to normal business as smoothly and quickly as possible.

When unfortunate circumstances require our services, we do our best to exceed customer expectations. We are always here to help.