SERVPRO of Overbrook / Wynnefield, the Disaster Recovery Team® that is READY for Whatever Happens.

2/17/2024 (Permalink)

We provide 24 HR emergency services and are dedicated to being faster to any size disaster in Overbrook/Wynnefield.

Because we are a local company, we can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs. We offer:

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

Have Any Questions? Call: 215-877-6653

Whether your Overbrook/Wynnefield building needs emergency flood damage or your offices decontaminated, you can depend on us. 

Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. Learn more about our commercial services:

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Biohazard Remediation
• Storm Damage Restoration
• Building/Construction Services

There's never a convenient time for fire or Water damage to strike. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleanup or emergency restoration services, we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business as soon as possible.

What is Commercial Property Insurance?

2/17/2024 (Permalink)

Often included as part of a packaged business owner's policy, it can also be issued as a stand-alone policy. Commercial property insurance covers damage to a company’s building and its contents due to covered perils, such as fire, theft, or natural disasters. If your company has a building with land, computers, equipment, or inventory, you probably need property insurance.

The amount of coverage your business needs and the cost of this coverage, however, will vary depending on the nature of your business and the value of its assets. Coverage can either cover all risks except those specifically included or only those risks which are specifically named in the policy. The cost of this coverage will depend on how you value your company’s assets and whether you opt to include coverage for things like a business interruption or risks specific to your business’s location and industry.

While there’s a lot to consider when choosing the right commercial property insurance plan or business owner's policy, it doesn’t need to be complicated!  Source: IRMI Glossary 

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. If you are faced with damage to your commercial property in Overbrooke /Wynnefield, our team will work with your insurance company for a for a stress- free claims process. If your business suffers a major loss, call (215) 877-6653

Learn more about our commercial services, including fire, water and storm damage restoration and mold remediation.

When an emergency happens, will you be ready?

2/17/2024 (Permalink)

When a fire or water damage emergency happens will you be ready? Our research shows that 50% of businesses may never reopen after a disaster.  None of us like to consider that we will become victims of a water or fire damage.  Unfortunately, it could and inevitably will happen to each of us either at our home or at our place of business.  It’s extremely important to know what to do in the event of an emergency.  As leaders in the Fire and Water Damage Restoration Industry, SERVPRO of Overbrook/ Wynnefield is here to help you prepare for an emergency before it happens by offering to assist you with creating your own ERP.

An ERP stands for an Emergency Ready Profile.  It is a no-cost readiness plan designed to help home and business owners recover from a disaster faster, which leads to lower recovery costs. This service includes:

• A no cost assessment of your facility.
• A concise Profile Document that contains critical information needed in the event of an emergency.
• A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.
• Establishes SERVPRO as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.
• Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin.
• Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information.

SERVPRO® is a trusted leader in the restoration industry. By having an immediate plan of action, you minimize business interruption. Ready to get started? Contact our office today, 610-337-3330.

Vacant Commercial Buildings: More Than an Eyesore

10/6/2022 (Permalink)

The “catastrophic” fire at a large Middletown building further illustrates the need for code enforcement concerning vacant buildings that become community eyesores, officials said.

The large fire was reported at 6:40 a.m. on Wednesday at the former Middletown Paperboard complex at 300 S. Verity Parkway. More than 100 firefighters at a time battled the blaze, which led to the arrest of a man, Joshua Lamb, who said he was living in the building when a fire he started spread to his bedding.

As of Friday afternoon, Middletown firefighters remained on the scene putting out hotspots as crews from Vickers Demolition used heavy equipment to knock down walls and move debris.

Shelby Quinlivan, a city spokeswoman, said South Verity Parkway/Ohio 4 between Girard Avenue and Yankee Road was closed to through traffic because of the damaged buildings and debris as well as two smokestacks at the south end of the facility that will need to come down to protect public safety.

Middletown firefighters have remained on the scene watching for floating embers going on to nearby residential and commercial properties since New Year’s Day. The smoldering embers were buried in pockets inside the double roof, burning into the old wooden beams. As demolition crews worked, moving the debris and removing the scrap metal left in the building, walls were being knocked down revealing more hotspots.

Previous media accounts and “The Pointe,” MidPointe Library’s official blog, said the Middletown Paperboard facility, which consists of 61 parcels, had between 400,000 and 600,000 square feet of space on the 11-acre site.

The original paper mill dated back to 1827 when it started on Vanderveer Street to make boxboard from recycled paper, according to “Middletown - The Steel City” by Middletown Historians Roger L. Miller and the late George C. Crout. In 1873, “C.H. Wardlow and J.K. Thomas built a new paper mill on the site, producing manila and bag paper,” they wrote.

Crout and Miller wrote the site also served as headquarters for Corson Packaging, which “started as the Interstate Folding Box Company at 300 South Verity Parkway in the early 1900s … In 1981 it was acquired by American Packaging, and in 1993, by Corson Packaging. (The company) was known for its folding paperboard cartons. Corson closed the plant during the summer of 2000.”

The facility was later acquired by the Newark Group, which continued operations until 2004. In 2012, Newark Group, which reportedly removed all of the equipment at the Middletown facility and the Franklin Boxboard facility, sold the properties to B.P. Logan LLC in 2012. Last summer, the former Franklin Boxboard facility along with Mindlin Recycling was demolished by its property owner, Cohen USAs who acquired it from BP Logan LLC in 2017.

Middletown Paperboard started as “a series of substantially constructed brick mills, warehouses, etc., the mechanical equipment embracing all the latest improved machinery and appliances known to the trade, and power being obtained from a water privilege and an auxiliary steam engine…”, wrote Harry Simms in “Middletown In Black and White.”

Over the years, it has been the target of vandalism, and its cavernous space allowed the homeless to shelter themselves from the elements. Public safety employees have checked on the building periodically, but there have been a few fires in past years as the property owner did not secure the building as requested by the city.

Then-city manager Doug Adkins testified this year before the Ohio House of Representatives and said that over the previous five years, Middletown had spent $100,000 on the abandoned property. He said a February 2018 fire resulted in $150,000 in property damage and cost the city about $17,000 to fight the fire that was ruled as arson. He said the estimated amount to clear the site was about $1.9 million.

In addition, the city spent thousands of dollars boarding up windows, securing doors, and putting up fencing to deter squatters and the homeless from entering the building.

The Middletown Paperboard property has been the subject of a tax forfeiture case against owner B.P. Logan LLC for not paying $259,565 in back taxes. It was ordered to go to the sheriff’s sale but was not purchased. Last month, the property was ordered to be forfeited to the state of Ohio by Butler County Common Pleas Court Judge Greg Howard, according to court documents.

Acting City Manager Susan Cohen said the city plans to work with the Butler County Land Bank to acquire the property for redevelopment as part of the Oakland Historic District project, a plan to rehabilitate the Oakland neighborhood into an urban renaissance incentive district.

Last month, a Butler County Common Pleas Court judge ordered that the property be forfeited to the state of Ohio. She said the city has never had an ownership interest in the property.

Jennifer Ekey, Middletown economic development director, previously said the Paperboard site will be listed in the city’s new master plan as a special interest area due to its proximity to the Oakland Neighborhood and future development project.

Middletown City Council has been working to beef up ordinances to hold property owners accountable for the condition of their residential, commercial, and industrial structures over the past few years as well as developing and implementing an updated planning, zoning and development code; a new master plan; a chronic nuisance ordinance; and a civil penalties ordinance to encourage property owners to maintain their properties to a minimum standard.

Last year, the council also updated a vacant building registry ordinance requiring property owners to furnish ownership, insurance, and other information to city officials. However, that ordinance only applies to the urban core downtown district and is for 10 years. The Paperboard site is just outside that zoning district. Shelby Quinlivan, the city spokeswoman, said only 12 downtown area properties are on the property registry.

Cohen said it would be up to the council to determine if that ordinance should be expanded to other parts of the city.

Call SERVPRO of Overbrook/Wynnefield if your commercial property suffers from fire damage. We’re available 24/7 and we’re READY for whatever happens.

Commercial Cleaning Checklist

10/5/2022 (Permalink)

Every business should be taking measures to keep their building clean even if they do not employ a professional cleaning service.

It can become hard to keep track of exactly what you should be cleaning regularly. Here is a checklist to make it a little easier to insure your workplace stays neat and tidy.

• Monthly Cleaning List:
• Dust all surfaces in the office
• Clean the fabric chairs
• Vacuum all fabric chairs, vents
• Deep clean all surface areas

• Weekly Cleaning Lists
• Sponge all glass windows, both on the outside and inside
• Clean the refrigerator
• Disinfect all trash bins
• Buff and polish all hardwood surfaces, including conference tables, floors, etc.

• Daily Cleaning Lists
• Empty waste bins and add nes liners
• Vacuum daily debris from all floors
• Clean painted surfaces as well
• Wipe baseboards, light switches and door handles
• Clean all reflective surfaces, mirrors and brass
• Put some room freshener down after cleaning

To learn more about our commercial cleaning services follow this link: Commercial Cleaning

Commercial COVID-19 Cleaning

3/7/2022 (Permalink)

Coronavirus, or COVID-19, has changed every faction of our lives. Businesses around the country are being forced to keep up with ever-changing CDC guidelines. Many businesses have hired SERVPRO for both preventative cleaning and disinfection and cleaning for confirmed cases.

Scope of Cleanup Protocol

SERVPRO professionals can perform a proactive cleanup that involves facility or structure cleaning and disinfection where the customer states that there is no active known threat of COVID-19 contamination or exposure. The customer will be required to acknowledge that cleaning and disinfecting will only apply to the current state of the structure and contents.  The structure would not be protected from future COVID-19 contamination if an infected person was to enter and occupy the building.

Cleanup Scope of Work and Planning

The CDC encourages the cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and tables at a minimum.  These same surfaces are mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces as well as the following suggestions:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/classrooms
• Offices
• Retail spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving and racks
• Sales counters
• Carpets and rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

Cleanup and Disinfecting Procedures

Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for the cleanup process, and disposal of waste.

The CDC recommends the usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar type organisms to SARS-Cov-2.

SERVPROXIDE, SERVPRO’s proprietary disinfectant, is a hospital-grade disinfectant that has demonstrated effectiveness against viruses similar to SARS-Cov-2 on hard, non-porous surfaces.  In addition, SERVPROXIDE Currently has dozens of EPA- approved claims including Feline coronavirus, Canine coronavirus, Staphylococcus (MRSA), E. Coli, Salmonella, Rotavirus, Swine flu (H1N1), and more.

Porous surfaces that are not water-sensitive, such as carpet and other fabric material, cannot be disinfected but can be sanitized using SERVPROXIDE.

Whether your business has a confirmed case or you are looking to prevent any future cases, SERVPRO has you covered when it comes to commercial COVID-19 cleaning.

#1 in Commercial Cleaning

2/11/2022 (Permalink)

Whether you need cleaning for a commercial office or require industrial cleaning services, your SERVPRO Professionals 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 SERVPRO Professionals. Whether it’s removing an odor problem or deep cleaning flooring or carpets, you can rely on SERVPRO Professionals to make your workspace or warehouse look its very best.

Your SERVPRO professionals 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 (215) 877-6653

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

Our Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned defensive cleaning program gives your business a way forward to provide your employees and customers ongoing safety as you operate after the COVID-19 pandemic. As America’s #1 cleanup and restoration brand, we have developed a program that is grounded in our 3 C’s – Consult, Clean, and Certify. Visit our Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned page and let us show you how we can make your building safer and ready to get back to business.

Specialty Cleaning Services

SERVPRO 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:

• Air Ducts and HVAC

• Biohazard

• Carpet and Upholstery

• Ceilings, Floors, and Walls

• Document Restoration

• Drapes and Blinds

• Odor Removal

• Sewage

• Trauma and Crime Scene

• Vandalism

Commercial Warehouse Fire Sprinkler Systems

1/28/2022 (Permalink)

According to the National Fire Protection Association, 1,210 warehouse structure fires were reported each year during 2009-2013. These fires caused $155 million in direct property damage, 19 civilian injuries, and 3 civilian deaths on average per year.

If you have a warehouse, you probably want to protect it from a fire. If your warehouse is destroyed by a fire, it can cause costly damage to your business or even put you out of business entirely. Installing fire sprinkler systems in your warehouse can help prevent property loss due to fire. There are several sprinkler systems that can be used in warehouses.

In-Rack Sprinkler System

When a fire starts inside of a warehouse it can spread very quickly unless contained. In-rack sprinkler systems help to stop the spread of a fire within a specific rack storage area. This prevents the fire from spreading to other parts of the building. In-rack sprinklers have a network of pipes that surround the racked structure and target a specific area.

ESFR Sprinklers

ESFR (Early Suppression, Fast Response) sprinklers are ceiling-mounted systems that are used in warehouses. These systems are designed to suppress a fire by releasing a large volume of water directly on the fire. Early Suppression Fast Response systems react faster than traditional sprinkler systems and use larger water droplets.

ESFR systems often can be used in place of in-rack sprinkler systems. Typically, the ESFR system will provide better protection than an in-rack system. However, there are some limitations to the use of ESFR systems. ESFR systems cannot be used with certain storage configurations or building types.

Quell Sprinkler System

The Quell fire sprinkler system can be used in cold storage spaces or unheated warehouses. It can be used to protect high piled storage areas. This system surrounds the protected area and douses it with large volumes of water. The Quell system eliminates the need for in-rack sprinkler components which gives you more flexibility with storage configurations.

Large Loss Commercial Services

10/6/2021 (Permalink)

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.

When attending many conferences we found that many people only associate us with residential services but we handle many large loss jobs as well. Our crew is trained both on how to handle small apartment losses up to huge commercial business losses.

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
• Manufacturing
• Multifamily housing 
• Logistics 
• Student housing

Restoring Your Overbrook/Wynnefield Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

10/6/2021 (Permalink)

Flooding and water damage events at Overbrook/Wynnefield 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 Overbrook/Wynnefield

SERVPRO of Overbrook/Wynnefield 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.

SERVPRO Commercial Cleaning Services

10/6/2021 (Permalink)

When most people hear “SERVPRO” they think of water and fire restoration but we actually provide many other services like commercial cleaning and duct cleaning!

While most offices do a pretty good job at keeping their office clean, the everyday wear and tear will gradually build up. When it gets too much for your regular janitor to handle, call in SERVPRO! We do a fantastic job at removing odors, deep cleaning of carpets, flooring, and much more. Every member of our crew is trained specifically to be able to handle a commercial cleaning job of any size.

Our cleaning services include:

• Air ducts and HVAC - Drapes and Blinds
• Biohazard Cleanup - Odor Removal
• Carpet and Upholstery -Sewage
• Ceilings, Floors, and Walls - Trauma and Crime Scene
• Vandalism

Content by: SERVPRO Corporate

Top 6 Causes of Commercial Water Damage

2/12/2021 (Permalink)

Major Causes of Water Damage
Did you know that a leaking faucet can cost you more or less 250 gallons of water each month? There are 12 months in a year; do the math and you will get an idea of the amount of money you get to waste each year for a single unfixed leaking faucet. Below are the 6 most common causes of commercial water damage.

Damaged sprinkler system
The law requires all commercial entities to have a sprinkler system, along with a fire alarm, installed in the building for safety purposes in case of fire. The sprinkler system should only get activated when there is too much heat from the fire. However, over time, the sprinkler can get broken and malfunction. When this happens, the sprinkler can get activated even without fire leading to serious flooding within the building.

Roof leaks
The roof should protect the occupants and everything within the building from external elements such as the heat from the sun and rain. But a leaky roof does otherwise. As the roof gets older, it also becomes more vulnerable to heavy rains and snow, resulting in water damage to your building’s roof.

Broken HVAC system
Your business’ HVAC system is an essential part of maintaining the temperature of your building and making its occupants comfortable. Studies have also shown that your HVAC system can also impact the productivity level of your employees. However, like any other part of your commercial building, your HVAC system can also experience issues such as clogging and leaking. An HVAC system that is not cleaned and maintained regularly can cause water damage from the excess water in the compression tanks.

Broken equipment and appliances
Sometimes, your building may have appliances such as a water heater, AC, washing machine, and others. Apart from that, there are also pipes within the building that can get damage anytime and cause water damage in the commercial space. Major problems happen if these equipment and appliances get broken and no one notices it or during off-hours as it can leak a significant amount of water.

Damaged windows
Another common cause of water damage in commercial buildings is damaged windows. Rainwater and moisture can seep through especially if the windows are not properly maintained and need re-caulking. While it may not cause immediate flooding, it can do great damage to the drywall and can encourage mold growth.

Natural disaster
Apart from the damage to your building’s foundation and roof, water damage in commercial buildings can also be caused by natural disasters like hurricanes, thunderstorms, and heavy rain resulting in flash floods. Clogged gutters can lead rainwater to flow towards the foundation of your building, making it more vulnerable to water damage.
Commercial water damage is a devastating problem that any business owner can experience. While there is no way to totally get rid of the threats of water damage on your building, knowing its most common causes will help you minimize the risk.

Commercial Warehouse Fire Sprinkler Systems

10/9/2020 (Permalink)

According to the National Fire Protection Association, 1,210 warehouse structure fires were reported each year during 2009-2013. These fires caused $155 million in direct property damage, 19 civilian injuries, and 3 civilian deaths on average per year.

If you have a warehouse, you probably want to protect it from a fire. If your warehouse is destroyed by a fire, it can cause costly damage to your business or even put you out of business entirely. Installing fire sprinkler systems in your warehouse can help prevent property loss due to fire. There are several sprinkler systems that can be used in warehouses.

In-Rack Sprinkler System

When a fire starts inside of a warehouse it can spread very quickly unless contained. In-rack sprinkler systems help to stop the spread of a fire within a specific rack storage area. This prevents the fire from spreading to other parts of the building. In-rack sprinklers have a network of pipes that surround the racked structure and target a specific area.

ESFR Sprinklers

ESFR (Early Suppression, Fast Response) sprinklers are ceiling-mounted systems that are used in warehouses. These systems are designed to suppress a fire by releasing a large volume of water directly on the fire. Early Suppression Fast Response systems react faster than traditional sprinkler systems and use larger water droplets.

ESFR systems often can be used in place of in-rack sprinkler systems. Typically, the ESFR system will provide better protection than an in-rack system. However, there are some limitations to the use of ESFR systems. ESFR systems cannot be used with certain storage configurations or building types.

Quell Sprinkler System

The Quell fire sprinkler system can be used in cold storage spaces or unheated warehouses. It can be used to protect high piled storage areas. This system surrounds the protected area and douses it with large volumes of water. The Quell system eliminates the need for in-rack sprinkler components which gives you more flexibility with storage configurations.

Fire Safety in the Office

10/9/2020 (Permalink)

When you are at work, you should remember to practice fire safety. It may be easy to forget about safety when you’re busy doing your daily tasks at work, but remembering safety is always important. When it comes to fire safety in the office there are a few things you should remember. 

 Tips for Office Fire Safety

Make fire safety a priority in the workplace by encouraging your colleagues and employees to take action. Here are some tips for fire safety:

• Have an emergency evacuation plan in case of a fire
• Hold office fire drills at least once a year
• Be attentive when using coffee makers, toasters, and microwaves in the office
• Try not to use a space heater, or keep heaters away from flammable items
• Do not use damaged electrical equipment
• Only use extension cords for temporary purposes
• Only allow smoking in designated areas and make sure cigarettes are properly disposed of
• Train employees on how to use fire extinguishers

Fire Protection for Office Buildings

One of the best ways to stay safe from a fire is to install fire protection systems in your building. Fire sprinklers, alarms, and extinguishers can keep you safe from a fire.

Fire Sprinkler Systems

Installing fire sprinkler systems saves lives and protects property. Fire sprinklers can extinguish or stop the spread of a fire. A fire sprinkler system can be designed to fit the needs of your facility and keep everyone safe.

Fire Alarms

Fire alarm systems alert building occupants of a fire so they can escape safely and quickly. When a fire breaks out, you may only have minutes to escape so every second count. This means you need a fire alarm system to alert people as soon as a fire is detected in the building.

Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers can prevent fires from growing too large and destroying property as well as injuring people. Install extinguishers and have them regularly inspected to keep your building protected. Train employees on the proper way to use a fire extinguisher.

Emergency Action Plan

10/9/2020 (Permalink)

Developing an emergency action plan is vital to the safety of employees, residents, and customers for businesses.  This emergency action plan may be mandated by OSHA, your insurance company, or the Authority Having Jurisdiction(AHJ) for your area. The purpose of this plan to ensure that the employers and employees have a proper plan in place and know exactly what do to in an emergency situation.  Even if they are unsure of what to do at the moment due to an event unfolding, having the plan written down and everyone knows where to find it will help everyone keep to the plan that was written down with proper safety protocols.  Having the proper people involved in making the plan is also very important as a poorly developed plan can lead to unfortunate circumstances such as confusion, injury, or it becomes deadly.

Developing your Emergency Action Plan

The initial stage of any emergency action plan is finding out what types of scenarios you need to plan for.  Every emergency action plan should include a plan for fire emergencies, power outages, and severe weather emergencies.  Some will also include any or all of the following: bomb threats, tornado warnings, hurricanes, intruder alerts, gas leaks, water leaks, unresponsive person, concussed person, and many more of the like.  It is better to have over-planned the number of scenarios than under-planned so that your employees, customers, and or residents have a plan in place in case of an emergent situation.  Talk to experts in the field to find out what would be the best plan of action for different types of emergencies for your facility or place of business.

Training

Doing annual training is essential to creating a successful plan.  It is great to have a plan in place but if an emergency situation is happening, it is better to know what to do rather than have to look it up.  You can react in a positive manner instead of guessing what to do and creating a situation that is detrimental to the safety of others. The staff knows what their role is in helping everyone get to safety and keeping them out of harm's way is important in helping everyone keep from becoming panicked.  Everyone reacts differently to situations, but everyone is better prepared if they have practiced the scenario prior to an actual event happening.

Fight vs. Flight

If you have annual training with fire extinguishers with either your local fire department or fire protection company, you and your staff will be more comfortable knowing when it is safe to fight the fire versus just evacuating everyone as quickly as possible. There are times were fighting the fire can be beneficial to saving lives and property and others that can be detrimental to the safety of lives if the fire is too large or the hazard is not safe to extinguish.  Having trained as part of your emergency action plan can help everyone be more prepared to be able to tell the difference between staying to fight or fleeing and getting everyone to safety.

These are only a few of the many benefits of developing an emergency action plan.  This plan is only as good as it is designed to be.  Using experts in the field makes a big difference between a well-designed plan and a poorly designed plan.  Having trained in place also makes a big difference between successfully executing the plan and chaos ensuing an emergency unfolding.  Working with a fire protection company can help make sure you are prepared in the event of a fire.  They will help you determine the best course of action for the people inside the building and developing the roles for those involved.  Use your resources available today and contact a local fire protection company to find out how they can help you develop your best possible emergency action plan.

Fire Damaged Materials Need Meticulous Clean

2/20/2020 (Permalink)

The dangers of fire damage can last much longer than the initial fire blaze. Two of the most toxic types of damage are the fire itself and the resulting smoke damage. Smoke and soot can damage a home by permeating through the walls, upholstery, ceiling, insulation, air conditioning vents, and other hard to clean places. 
 
This is why it is important to understand that fire damage in Overbrook/Wynnefield homes can present itself in many ways. Depending on the type of fire that attacks your home, not only are the apparent soot, ash, and fire damage unsightly, but possible structure damage and future contamination are possible. 
 
Never Have Your Fire Damage Overlooked Again 
For example, depending on where a fire burns in a structure, it can affect support beams, load-bearing walls, and it can wreak havoc on wiring and insulation. Even if your fire emergency seemed localized to a particular area in the house, remember, the attic must be checked for damage as well. 
 
SERVPRO uses our advanced cleanup methods and detection tools to check from closet to closet, room to room, and floor to ceiling, to detect all fire and post-fire damages. We know where to check to make sure your HVAC system will not spread smoke and toxins after a fire. We will make sure that your insulation is intact and that the structure of your home is safe. If we detect any need for replacement and restoration, we provide a range of services, including building services, that can take care of any fire and water damage and debris. 
 
Because secondary fire damage, such as water use from firefighting efforts can also be an issue, our specialists pay much attention to a full, detailed analysis of your home’s damage before making a plan of action and beginning cleanup and restoration. 
 
Contamination is not always seen by the untrained eye. It can be hidden in places such as your HVAC (air conditioning and heating) systems. SERVPRO inspects the home from attic to basement, to ensure that all vents and air circulating systems are completely clean. If you were to neglect this part of fire damage cleanup, there is always the possibility of blowing toxic dust, ash, and soot, even on the microscopic level, into your cleaned home, effectively re-contaminating it and exposing residents to its dangers. 

Our 24/7 Emergency Service line is at your disposal. Contact SERVPRO of Overbrook/Wynnefield anytime at (215) 877-6653 for quick response to your fire emergency, or to ask questions.

Handling Water Losses In Your Commercial Apartment Complex

2/17/2020 (Permalink)

Large commercial properties have unique needs when it comes to flood damage restoration. You need an insured and licensed restoration firm with the technical capacity to take work in a larger space. The firm should also respect your priorities as an investor by assisting you in minimizing downtime and disruption. 

When there is commercial flood damage in your Overbrook/Wynnefield apartment complex, you can seek help from SERVPRO to restore it. Typically, apartment complexes contain many household items that are at risk of water damage. The apartment buildings can also be susceptible to several problems that can have repercussions for all tenants. The impact of floodwater on tenants on every level of apartment buildings can include:

•     Water damage to ground floor apartments.
•     Inaccessible entry and exit points.
•     Water damage to sheds and garages.
•     Disruption of utility services like gas, water and electricity.
•     Seeking temporary accommodation.
•     Lift failures
•     Backing up of drainage or sewerage systems.

As the property owner, flood damage can create unfavorable conditions that cause long-term consequences. You can lose revenue if tenants find another property to rent. You may also deal with lawsuits because of the loss of personal possessions. Loss of income can also lead to other issues, like being unable to pay your employees.

Apart from the financial repercussion, secondary water damage in an apartment building like mold growth can cause health effects to your tenants. Our SERVPRO crew can respond to your flooding emergency quickly to prevent these repercussions. We can assess the destruction to understand your unique needs and work to restore your apartment complex as soon as possible.

Our technicians can remove standing water from affected apartments using different pumps like self-priming trash pumps and high-pressure pumps. Our crew can also take out any salvageable contents that the water did not ruin. Floodwater typically contains microorganisms. Therefore, if porous materials like mattresses and upholstery are saturated with water, we can dispose of them appropriately.

Our technicians can also remove wet carpeting and padding, and any drywall or plaster that is saturated with the floodwater. We can also remove wall insulation like fiberglass, mineral wool, and wood fiberboard. Our technicians can also remove all debris and clean up the affected apartments thoroughly. We can use various water damage restoration products like antimicrobial agents, sanitizers, and disinfectants to stop or limit the growth of microbes. 

We can also promote drying by using air moving and dehumidifying equipment to remove excess moisture or humidity from the affected areas. Before you perform any refinishing task on building materials like wood framing and drywall, it is essential to check the moisture content. Our crew can use infrared cameras and moisture meters to confirm that the building materials are dry.

What's Commercial Property Insurance?

1/30/2020 (Permalink)

Let’s start by defining commercial property insurance. Often included as part of a packaged business owner's policy, but also as a stand-alone policy, commercial property insurance covers damage to a company’s building and its contents due to covered perils, such as fire, theft, or natural disasters. If your company has a building with land, computers, equipment, or inventory, you probably need property insurance.

The amount of coverage your business needs and the cost of this coverage, however, will vary depending on the nature of your business and the value of its assets. Coverage can either cover all risks except those specifically included or only those risks which are specifically named in the policy. The cost of this coverage will depend on how you value your company’s assets and whether you opt to include coverage for things like a business interruption or risks specific to your business’s location and industry.

While there’s a lot to consider when choosing the right commercial property insurance plan or business owner's policy, it doesn’t need to be complicated!

Source: IRMI Glossary

Dirty Air Ducts Could Lead to Sickness

10/11/2019 (Permalink)

WINTER is coming quick, which means spending more time indoors, and if you have poor air quality, that could mean spending the season breathing in allergens and toxins. In a typical six-room home, up to 40 pounds of dust is created annually through everyday living!

In America, 22.9 million people are affected by asthma and 6.8 million of these are children. These symptoms are often triggered by poor indoor air quality like dust mites, pollen, and other issues like pet dander. Each year over 2 million people end up in the emergency room due to an asthma attack. Regular cleanings of carpets and HVAC systems can help prevent your family from becoming a statistic. 

In addition to the regular irritants found in the winter months, there are several other factors that can increase the need for regular cleanings:

• cigarette or cigar smoke
• water contamination or damage to the home or HVAC system
• home renovation or remodeling projects

So what's the process you ask??

When a homeowner calls asking about our duct cleaning process it gives us the opportunity to talk about what we do and how we do it. Below we've listed some steps SERVPRO of Metro Pittsburgh uses during a routine Duct Cleaning Process:

• Patented equipment includes using air powered agitation systems which automatically adapt to the duct shape, removing debris and filth.
• A powerful push-pull air delivery and collection system transfers the debris from the duct to a 16-gallon container
• Clean air is filtered through a HEPA filtration, removing 99.97% of particles before it returns to air-wash the duct
• Filters will either be cleaned or replaced to remove any odor and dirt

 There's more...It can save you money!

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 25 to 40 percent of the energy used for heating or cooling a home is wasted. Contaminants in the heating and cooling system cause it to work harder and shorten the life of your system. Although filters are used, the heating and cooling system still gets dirty through normal use.

When an HVAC system is clean, it doesn't have to work as hard to maintain the temperature you desire. As a result, less energy is used, leading to improved cost-effectiveness.

To schedule a duct cleaning estimate today, contact SERVPRO of Overbrook/Wynnefield

Restoring your Overbrook/Wynnefield Commercial Property

10/11/2019 (Permalink)

Flooding and water damage events at Overbrook/Wynnefield 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 Overbrook/Wynnefield
SERVPRO of Overbrook/Wynnefield 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.

How to Keep Warehouse Workers Warm

2/20/2019 (Permalink)

Tips for Staying Warm in a Warehouse During the Winter

Unfortunately, it’s the nature of a warehouse to be cold during the winter. With large loading doors opening and closing frequently during the day and night, it can seem nearly impossible to keep your warehouse warm during winter. Not only is this problematic from a facility management standpoint, but it can also create a less than comfortable workspace that is challenging for your workers. There are ways, however, to combat the cold in your warehouse during the winter, lower your utility bills, improve productivity, and provide a comfortable environment for your employees.

KEEPING THE WAREHOUSE WARM

During the winter, especially in colder climates, it isn’t going to be possible to keep your warehouse at a comfortable 72 degrees. Your loading bay doors will need to be open regularly, which allows cold air to come into the warehouse, keeping the temperatures low. However, there are ways that you can increase warmth in your warehouse, creating a more comfortable place to work.

1. Check the Doors. If the loading doors don’t need to be open all the time, make sure that they are closed. This is the easiest way to keep your warehouse at a more comfortable winter temperature. Doors that need to be open on a more constant basis can be fitted with plastic sheeting that will allow easy movement through the door, but provide some barrier from the elements outside. Before it gets too cold, it’s also a good idea to make sure that your loading area doors are well sealed. This will reduce drafts, making a better barrier for your warehouse when the doors are closed. Finally, make sure that your doors are maintained and the motors to lift the doors are functioning properly. This will reduce the likelihood that a door will get stuck open when the weather is poor.
2. Improve Warehouse Airflow. Airflow patterns in warehouses can be challenging. There are a lot of barriers that disrupt smooth airflow through your warehouse, and high ceilings tend to hold on to the warm air. Improving the way air moves through your warehouse can make a substantial difference in the overall climate in your facility. There are few ways that this can be accomplished.
   • Fans – this is a relatively inexpensive way to improve airflow in your warehouse. Using high volume low speed (HVLS) fans can help move warm air through your warehouse, and pull warm air away from the ceiling. Fans are low energy, so installing fans in your warehouse will not make a significant impact to your utility bills.
   • Warehouse Layout – Look at the configuration of your space. How are the shelves arranged? Do your aisles create wind tunnels? If your warehouse layout allows cold air to move easily from the doors to the rest of the building, it may be time to consider moving things around.
   • A Shelving Upgrade – This is probably the costliest way to improve airflow. If you have solid shelving, but could convert to low-profile wire shelving, you can greatly increase the airflow in your warehouse. These shelves aren’t practical for all warehouses, but they may be a good solution in the right facility.
3. More Heaters. If you find that you have spots that are constantly cold, despite making other changes, the best solution may just be adding more heaters. New radiant heaters are highly efficient and create a good amount of heat for large spaces.
4. Service Your HVAC System. Finally, make sure that your HVAC system is ready for the winter. Have a HVAC professional visit your facility and give your system a good tune-up and service to ensure that it is functioning as efficiently as possible.

Info from: https://www.forkliftcertification.com/tips-staying-warm-in-warehouse-during-winter/

Safety Tips For The Workplace

2/15/2019 (Permalink)

1. Remove clutter like papers, trash, unused equipment etc. from the office the reduce the chances of falling employees. 

2.  DO NOT use rolling office chairs as step ups or ladders. 

3.  Carpet may be a safer choice as it doesn't get slippery when wet like tile or hardwood floors. 

4.  Employees should understand how to operate all equipment that they are expected to use by completing a training beforehand. 

5.  Try to not repeatedly look up and down from a computer screen to paper as it could strain employees necks. 

6. OSHA recommends workers take a 10 minute break for each hour spent looking at a computer screen. 

7. Position your computer screen so that you can work comfortably. More work does not get done when an employee is uncomfortable. 

8.  Make sure you have the right prescription glasses for computer time and reading. This can be detrimental to your eyesight if you don't. 

9. Make sure cords and outlets are in good condition. Older cords are much more likely to break and create fire hazards. 

10. DO NOT block fire escapes, exits, or sprinkler systems. You never know when an emergency will happen and if these things aren't accessible that is not good. 

11. Establish employee reporting systems so that you can get feedback/concerns with things around the office. Obvious issues may be pointed out that management never noticed before.