Archived Commercial Blog Posts
September is National Preparedness Month
9/1/2022 (Permalink)
Whether its a flood, fire or just routine cleaning SERVPRO of Marine City/Romeo has a trained and certified team to take care of it all. Our team is on call 24/7 for any emergency.
On August 31, 2022 President Biden said his administration recommits September as National Preparedness Month. Whether it be natural or man made now is the time to prepare for any type of disaster that my affect your Business.
Now is the time for local business owners to review their emergency preparedness and business continuity plans.
SERVPRO knows the time to create a disaster readiness plan is before you need it. We have developed the free SERVPRO Emergency READY Program to help business owners create an Emergency READY Profile (ERP) for their facility. The business owner works with SERVPRO to gather and document information that will become critical if a disaster strikes. Once the ERP is created, business owners and designated employees have access to their information 24/7 online and by using SERVPRO’s free smartphone app.
Faster to Any Size Disaster
8/1/2022 (Permalink)
This image shows a certified technician sanitizing a large scale industrial building, which is a service we offer to commercial buildings.
Large or small, we are on the call!
Here at SERVPRO of Marine City / Romeo, we offer restoration services to many different areas of expertise, including even large scale or commercial disasters that occur. No matter the size of the building or job, SERVPRO is always ready to provide its restoration aid to those who need it.
As a business ourselves, we understand how important it is to get your business back up and running, as time is precious and the longer it takes to get a situation straightened out, the more money is taken away from you. With SERVPRO's 24/7 service, it is in our best interest to get your business back up and running as soon as possible.
Our certified technicians, being experts in restoration, not only service small retail businesses and residential buildings, but also service both small and large office buildings, restaurants, hotel/motel/apartment buildings, large manufacturing/industrial properties, and even military or government complexes. No matter how big the property, we are ready to make the disaster seem "Like it never even happened."
If you or someone you know is struck with a commercial tragedy, call 586-336-7373 at anytime for our emergency restoration services.
Commercial Restoration Services
7/11/2022 (Permalink)
When your home or business is struck by a fire, flood, major storm, or any other kind of disaster, you need fast, reliable service to help get your business back up and running. SERVPRO of Marine City/Romeo is here to help day or night.
SERVPRO of Marine City/Romeo understands how precious time can be, so when the necessity occurs for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services, our trained staff will respond quickly to your call to get your business back up and running.
We also offer professional cleaning services to keep your business looking its best. We offer a number of specialized cleaning options to match your needs. Whether your business needs carpets cleaned, walls washed or a persistent odor removed, you can trust the local employees at SERVPRO of Marine City/Romeo.
We are available 365 days a year and 24 hours a day. Give us a call today at 586-336-7373.
Disaster Recovery Service
2/28/2022 (Permalink)
Disaster Recovery:
When your home or business is struck by a fire, flood, major storm, or any other kind of disaster, you need fast, reliable service to help you get back up on your feet. SERVPRO of Marine City/ Romeo can help.
We are available 365 days a year and 24 hours a day.
Fire
Mold
Smoke
Water
Odor
Large Loss
We are here to help.
Commercial Restoration Services
1/3/2022 (Permalink)
Commercial Restoration Services
There's never a convenient time for fire or water damage to strike your business. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we'll be there fast with the help you need.
- Commercial Mold Restoration
- Disaster Recovery Team
- Commercial Storm And Major Events
- Commercial Water Damage Restoration
- Commercial Fire Restoration
No Job Is Too Large
The SERVPRO Commercial Large Loss Division is composed of our best of the best in restoration. Our elite large-loss specialists are pre-qualified and strategically positioned throughout the United States to handle any size disaster. Every large loss is supervised by a commercial operations manager to help ensure seamless communication and timely mitigation.
If your business suffers a major loss, Please don’t hesitate to call us @ 586-336-7373
Disaster Recovery Team
The SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team can provide help whether it’s a tornado, hurricane, blizzard or flood. The SERVPRO System has a network of strategically positioned storm teams on standby should a disaster strike near you. Available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, we are prepared for the unpredictable.
We Are Coronavirus Cleaning Services and Biohazard Experts
11/2/2021 (Permalink)
We Are Coronavirus Cleaning Services and Biohazard Experts
About Coronavirus
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to respond to an outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a new coronavirus that was first detected in China and has now spread internationally. While the virus is termed coronavirus, the sickness that results after infection has been termed COVID-19.
COVID-19 has now been declared a pandemic, which is a global outbreak of a disease.
For specialized cleaning services, including the new Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned defensive pathogen cleaning program, call Us Today. SERVPRO Marine City/ Romeo 586-336-7373
Expert Level Cleaning Services
SERVPRO franchise professionals are uniquely prepared during this unprecedented time to clean and disinfect your home or business according to the protocols set forth by the CDC. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis. Our professionals are trained to perform a proactive cleanup that involves facility or structure cleaning and disinfection. 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 cleanup process, and disposal of waste.
The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:
- Kitchen/Food Areas
- Bathrooms
- Schools/Classrooms
- Offices
- Retail Spaces
- Water Fountains
- Shelving/Racks
- Sales Counters
- Carpets and Rugs
- Stair Handrails
- Elevator Cars
- Playground Equipment
- Fitness Equipment
If this is something your company can benefit from, please call SERVPRO Marine City/ Romeo @ 586-336-7373 24 hours a day.
Stock Up
9/1/2021 (Permalink)
FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Assoc) recommends stocking up on some emergency supplies in the event your business is affected by a catastrophic event.
Recommended emergency supplies include the following:
- Water, amounts for portable kits will vary. Individuals should determine what amount they are able to both store comfortably and to transport to other locations. If it is feasible, store one gallon of water per person per day, for drinking and sanitation
- Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
- Battery-powered radio and extra batteries
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- First Aid kit Whistle to signal for help
- Dust or filter masks, readily available in hardware stores, which are rated based on how small a particle they filter
- Moist towelettes for sanitation
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
- Plastic sheeting and duct tape to "seal the room"
- Garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
Planning For the Worse
9/1/2021 (Permalink)
Your plan for disaster preparedness should include flood information and outline how to prepare for floods. Read on for information about floods and flood safety tips, and how to make them part of your emergency preparedness plan as you prepare for a flood.
Types of Flooding
Topography and weather conditions play a prominent role in the impact different types of flooding have on specific locales. The following are some examples of specific types of flooding.
- Rising water may be the greatest risk to inland areas away from a river bed after a heavy snow pack begins to melt or after heavy rainfall.
- Moving water is a serious risk in areas near rivers or in coastal storm surge areas because it creates significantly larger lateral forces on a building.
- Overtopping, breaching or opening of dams, levees, and other flood control mechanisms, which are designed to divert the flow of water to provide protection, can lead to flood damage that may be more significant than if the levees were never installed. The Mississippi and Missouri River floods of 2011 included breaches of levees, as well as controlled flooding by the opening of various flood gates on levees. The result was thousands of acres of farmland, crops, livestock and fish farms being destroyed to protect urban areas.
- Flash flooding can occur in every region as a result of slow-moving thunderstorms or excessive rainfall from any storm system.
- Large, slow-moving tropical storms can dump excessive amounts of rain on coastal locations and then move inland to continue the devastation, resulting in widespread flood damage. Tropical Storm Allison (2001): A Case Study in Flooding Understanding Your Flood Hazard
- There are several flood principles that should be considered to determine your facility’s exposure to flood waters and the type of protection to be deployed:
- Often, businesses and homeowners let down their guard when a tropical weather system does not result in hurricane-force winds. Tropical Storm Allison is a good example of how rains associated with a tropical system can be equally devastating. The storm dumped approximately 32 trillion gallons of rain (enough to meet U.S. water needs for an entire year), according to the Tropical Storm Allison Recovery Project. This included 28 inches of rainfall during a 12-hour period just northeast of downtown Houston, and rainfall amounts ranging from 10, 20 and 30 inches in locations throughout the Southeast—earning Allison the infamous distinction as the costliest tropical storm in U.S. history.
- Floods can occur anywhere, often with little or no warning, and with devastating consequences. Protecting the bottom line in order to remain open, or to re-open quickly after a flood disaster, requires taking steps now to prevent or reduce flood damage should your business be in the path of rising water. Below is a brief overview of issues that small businesses must address to reduce the likelihood of flood damage and to prepare financially and operationally should a flood occur. Many of the topics covered here involve complex issues that are best addressed by hydrological, engineering, regulatory or insurance experts; the goal here is simply to outline the basics in order to help business owners understand why they need to mitigate against flood risk and some of the challenges they may face.
- Duration: It is important to know if flood waters are expected to recede quickly or may be trapped due to the slope of the land. The longer a facility is exposed to flood waters, the greater potential for flood-proofing failures due to a breach in the protection.
- Depth: Flood waters greater than 3 feet create hydrostatic pressure on walls that can cause cracks in masonry and greatly increase the potential of collapse to unreinforced masonry. When estimating the potential depth of flood waters, it is always best to include a safety factor to account for inaccuracies in the estimate.
- Velocity: As flood water velocity increases, so does the pressure exerted on flood protection. River flooding can be very fast moving water at first and then may settle down. Coastal locations may be exposed to wave action from storm surge.
- Water Condition: Many times flood waters are dirty, brackish or contaminated with biological and chemical materials including waste water, sewage, pesticides, industrial waste, toxic and non-toxic chemicals, or oils. Debris that is churning in the water can impact buildings and flood protection systems, create breaches in the protection and cause extensive damage. Proximity to water is the number 1 risk factor for flooding, but property owners should not assume being out of the floodplain will help you entirely avoid the possibility of flooding. It is always a best practice to locate your property as far away from bodies of water as possible. Flood maps available from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) identify 100-year and 500-year flood zones throughout the United States. The flood zones also delineate participation in the NFIP, as well as permitting and other requirements that communities adopt in order to meet NFIP standards and qualify their citizens for lower flood insurance rates. By definition, the 100-year and 500-year flood zones mean there is a 1 (.20) percent chance of flooding annually in an area based on topography and historical data; it does not mean that flooding will occur only once in a century (or 500 years). There also are other important points to consider.
- Location, Location, Location
- Floods can and very often do occur outside the 100-year flood zone. In fact, approximately 25 percent of all flood damages occur in relatively low risk zones commonly described as being “outside the mapped flood zone.”
- Specific boundaries on some flood maps may be arbitrary or include inaccuracies. For example, a property lying just outside the 100-year flood zone is almost equally likely to be flooded as one just within.
- Obstructions or landfill can change the topography, storm-water drainage patterns, and flow of water over natural floodplains. Although permits are required for flood zone fill (and must be based on engineering assessments demonstrating “no impact”), it is possible that non-permitted work has occurred near your property.
- Floods show no respect for the estimated probabilities. As Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Director Craig Fugate observed following a spate of natural disasters, “It just seemed like it was back-to-back and it came in waves. The term ‘100-year event’ really lost its meaning this year. ”When it comes to flooding, there really is no better solution than adequate elevation, aside from choosing a location well outside of a 500-year flood plain. If such a location is not possible, the best way to increase the safety margin against flood damage is to raise the elevation of your building above the 500-year flood elevation. Flood-proofing your building is another option to reduce damage. Through the NFIP, there is extensive regulation of floodplain development at the community level. For example, IBHS’s FORTIFIED for Safer Business™ Standards, a package of enhanced voluntary construction standards that greatly increase a new light commercial building’s durability and resilience to natural hazards, requires FORTIFIED buildings to be at least 3 feet above the BFE or above the 500-year flood elevation. There are also ways to retrofit your existing building so that it meets or exceeds BFEs. While only a structural engineer/design professional can determine what is right for your property, the options include raising foundation onto pilings or columns or adding landfill, as long as “no impact” floodplain requirements are met.
- Permits are needed for a wide range of activities including construction of new buildings, additions to existing buildings, and substantial improvement to the interior of existing buildings that are within the most hazardous flood zones. Part of the permitting process involves whether your building site is higher than the base flood elevation (BFE), which is the elevation at which your property has a 1 percent chance of flooding annually, as indicated on the NFIP flood maps. Major storms and flash floods can cause waters to rise higher than the BFE—therefore, it is always a good investment to build in a safety factor several feet above the BFE. This safety zone is called “freeboarding.”
- The Importance of Elevation
- When elevating a building so that the walking surface of the lowest floor is at the minimum elevation, areas under the BFE can be used only for parking and limited storage—under-floor bathrooms, utilities, and ductwork are not allowed.
- Equipment, utility connections and all interior utility systems including ductwork must be elevated above the BFE. In addition, fuel and propane tanks must be properly anchored, since they can become buoyant even in shallow water. Sealing a building so that water will not enter is called “dry flood-proofing” or “flood-proofing.” Flood-proofing protects your building by coating the exterior with a membrane to prevent flood waters from entering. NFIP regulations allow flood-proofing as an alternative to elevation above the BFE for newly constructed or substantially improved non-residential structures only—new and improved homes must be elevated above the BFE to meet NFIP requirements. It is important to determine whether dry flood-proofing will provide the protections your property needs before choosing this option. This also applies if your business is located outside the 100-year flood zone, but you want to invest in additional flood protection. Dry flood-proofing is a complex procedure that should be done by professional experts. If done incorrectly, it may not protect your property and can lead to decay, mold, or termite damage:
- What is “Dry Flood-Proofing”?
- As a general matter, dry flood-proofing is best suited to areas with clay soils where floods are short in duration and less than 3 feet deep.
- Buildings in poor structural condition should not be dry flood-proofed, as the exterior walls will be under extreme pressure during a flood.
- There are a variety of dry flood-proofing measures; a professional can help to determine whether any of them are right for your situation:
- Applying a waterproof coating or membrane to exterior walls
- Sealing all wall penetrations including where utilities enter the building
- Installing waterproof shields over all openings, including windows and doors
- Anchoring the building to resist flotation
- Strengthening walls to withstand flood water pressures and flood debris. Even above the BFE or outside the floodplain, basements are prone to floods because water may flow down into them. They also may have an increased hydrostatic pressure exerted upon them when the surrounding ground is saturated. Recognizing that elevation is the best form of mitigation, there are a number of additional measures business owners can take to reduce the likelihood and scope of basement flood damage.
- The Vulnerable Basement
- Thoroughly inspect your basement and the surrounding property for evidence of water entry and sources of water flow and leakage.
- Correct potential problems—for example, extend and redirect downspouts, re-grade sloping landscape, and caulk any interior wall cracks.
- Basement walls should be designed to resist hydrostatic pressure.
- Use flood-resistant materials where possible, including floor coverings, wall coverings, and wall insulation. Most flood-resistant materials can withstand direct contact with water for at least 72 hours without being significantly damaged.
- Do not store valuable equipment, documents, or inventory in any crawlspace or basement where flooding is possible. In addition, there are steps you can take now to reduce health and environmental damage should a flood occur.
- The “Green” Factor
- Anchor fuel and propane tanks to prevent them from being swept away. When they break away, the contents may leak, creating fire, explosion and pollution risks that can adversely affect health and the environment.
- Install sewer backflow valves to block drain pipes from sewage back-up, which can occur if there is flooding in your area.
- If you are supplied by well water, protect your well from contamination. A licensed well drilling contractor can inspect your well and suggest improvements. The NFIP makes flood insurance available to commercial owners and renters. As is the case with residential property, costs vary depending on how much insurance is purchased, what it covers, and the property’s flood risk. NFIP coverage limits are up to $500,000 for a commercial building, and up to $500,000 to protect its contents. Insurance coverage also may be available from private insurance companies, depending on your business’s location, building and business characteristics, and property value.
- The best way to learn more about flood insurance benefits, costs, and options is to contact your insurance agent. Finally, take steps now so you can quickly resume operations should a flood or other hazard damage your property. Although flood insurance may cover losses to your structure and contents, many businesses that are severely damaged never fully recover financially due to the loss of management focus, employees, and market share. IBHS’ Open for Business® planning tool helps small- and mid-sized businesses resume their critical business operations and work processes and deliver the goods and services expected by customers or clients–consider it a vital part of your flood preparation planning and practice.
- Financial and Operational Protections
The NFIP makes flood insurance available to commercial owners and renters. As is the case with residential property, costs vary depending on how much insurance is purchased, what it covers, and the property’s flood risk. NFIP coverage limits are up to $500,000 for a commercial building, and up to $500,000 to protect its contents. Insurance coverage also may be available from private insurance companies, depending on your business’s location, building and business characteristics, and property value.
The best way to learn more about flood insurance benefits, costs, and options is to contact your insurance agent. Finally, take steps now so you can quickly resume operations should a flood or other hazard damage your property. Although flood insurance may cover losses to your structure and contents, many businesses that are severely damaged never fully recover financially due to the loss of management focus, employees, and market share. IBHS’ Open for Business® planning tool helps small- and mid-sized businesses resume their critical business operations and work processes and deliver the goods and services expected by customers or clients–consider it a vital part of your flood preparation planning and practice.
We Work Quickly to Get You Back to Business As Usual
8/3/2021 (Permalink)
Retail
We Work Quickly to Get You Back to Business As Usual
Time is crucial to saving your business when disaster strikes. Every hour spent on recovery is an hour loss of revenue and productivity. Our professionals are available 24-7/365 to help remeidate any damage, no matter the cause of the scale of the loss. SERVPRO Professionals are experienced in limiting business interruption, working after hours and around the clock to isolate the damage and restore your space so that you can continue business as usual.
Types of Facilities:
- National Chain Stores
- Supermarkets
- Shopping Malls
- Department Stores
- Specialty Retailers
Our professionals are available 24-7/365 to help remediate any damage, regardless of the cause, scale of the loss, or the size of your facility.
Commercial Mold Remediation
7/20/2021 (Permalink)
Besides causing a major business interruption, a mold problem can present health effects for people exposed at your commercial property. Mold infestations can be caused by minor water intrusions, like a slow roof leak or loose plumbing fitting. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. If you suspect your property has a mold problem, call a SERVPRO Marine City/ Romeo Professional @ 586-336-7373 who will respond quickly and work fast to manage the situation.
Have a Mold Problem? Call Us Today 586-336-7373
Commercial Mold Remediation Presents Unique Challenges
Mold can spread quickly through a property if left untreated. SERVPRO Of Marine City/ Romeo can respond quickly, working to first contain the infestation to help prevent its spread to other parts of the building. Next, they will begin the remediation process, working safely and effectively to manage the situation. They have the training, experience, and equipment to contain the mold infestation and remediate it to preloss condition.
- Applied Microbial Remediation Specialist
- Water Damage Restoration Technician
- Applied Structural Drying Technician
- Odor Control Technician
- Upholstery and Fabric Cleaning Technician
Commercial Restoration Services
7/20/2021 (Permalink)
There's never a convenient time for fire or water damage to strike your business. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we'll be there fast with the help you need.
- Commercial Mold Restoration
- Disaster Recovery Team
- Commercial Storm And Major Events
- Commercial Water Damage Restoration
- Commercial Fire Restoration
No Job Is Too Large
The SERVPRO Commercial Large Loss Division is composed of our best of the best in restoration. Our elite large-loss specialists are pre-qualified and strategically positioned throughout the United States to handle any size disaster. Every large loss is supervised by a commercial operations manager to help ensure seamless communication and timely mitigation.
If your business suffers a major loss, Please don’t hesitate to call us @ 586-336-7373
Disaster Recovery Team
The SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team can provide help whether it’s a tornado, hurricane, blizzard or flood. The SERVPRO System has a network of strategically positioned storm teams on standby should a disaster strike near you. Available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, we are prepared for the unpredictable.
Commercial Services
5/19/2021 (Permalink)
Commercial Services
SERVPRO OF MARINE CITY / ROMEO can help you get back to BUSINESS 586-336-7373 you’re cleaning or restoration demands need to be taken care of as quickly as possible so your business does not suffer loss for an extended period of time. We service numerous local commercial buildings and know the faster you are back to business as usual, the faster you can create revenue.
SERVPRO OF MARINE CITY / ROMEO understands how precious time can be, so when the necessity occurs for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services, SERVPRO of Marine City / Romeo will respond quickly to your call and will use our well trained technicians to get your business back up and running.
CALL SERVPRO OF MARINE CITY / ROMEO at (586) 336-7373
- Small Office Buildings
- Large Office/High-Rise Office Buildings
- Apartment Buildings
- Restaurants
- Hotel/Motels
- Small Retail Stores
- Large Retail/Big-Box Stores
- High-Rise Residential
- Manufacturing & Industrial
- Government/Military
If you have any questions or concerns please call us 24 hours a day @ 586-336-7373
Commercial Building Restoration Services
SERVPRO of Marine City / Romeo is available 24 hours a day to restore your Marine City property and get you back to business. We have the expertise, equipment, and highly trained personnel to handle your commercial water, fire, or mold damage. We can also access the resources of our national network of 1,700 Franchises to handle large commercial projects and major storm events. Learn more about our commercial restoration services:
Commercial Building Cleaning Services
When the dirt, odor, and moisture challenges go beyond the scope of your regular janitorial staff, you need SERVPRO of Marine City / Romeo, @ 586-336-7373 You can depend on us to get the job done right and get it done quickly. Our highly trained technicians use top-of-the-line equipment to make your business shine again. Learn more about our commercial cleaning services:
Water Mitigation
1/5/2021 (Permalink)
What does water mitigation mean?
Water mitigation refers to the process of properly cleaning, sanitizing, drying, repairing, and restoring a property to its pre-water damage condition. ... Every property and water damage situation is unique, requiring an individualized plan of action to complete the mitigation process.
- Identify Source
The first step to fixing water damage in your home is to identify the source of the water. In some cases, like broken plumbing or natural disaster, the source will be easily identifiable. However, in other cases the cause may be difficult to identify if it is behind a wall or ceiling. Once the source of water is identified you will need to take steps to remedy the problem and seal the leak.
Fixing plumbing, sealing fixture casing, or altering landscaping water flow channels may be all you need to remedy the situation. However, in some cases you will need a professional to identify and repair the source of unwanted water flow.
Clean Standing Water
The next step you need to take to fix water damage in your home is to clean any standing water. In most water damage situations there are pools of water in low lying areas. In some cases you can use a common wet/dry vacuum to remove water, mud, or other debris from flooding. However more severe flooding cases require industrial water extractors to handle the volume and density of polluted water.
- Dehumidify
After standing water has been removed you will need to dehumidify the remaining moisture. This is one of the most important steps you need to take to fix water damage in your home or office. Residual moisture can cause warping and other property damage as well as lead to serious health issues like the formation of mold, bacteria, and other contaminants.
Dehumidification removes hidden moisture to eliminate the possibility of further damage occurring once the primary water has been removed.
- Clean and Sanitize
After the water and moisture have been removed the next step to fix water damage is to clean and sanitize the impacted areas. Flood water often brings sewage and other pollutants with it. These contaminants must be removed before final repairs are conducted. Commercial cleaners and industrial sanitizers will ensure that your property is effectively cleaned and treated. - Repair and Restore
The final step in fixing water damage is repair and restoration. Any flooring or carpeting that was damaged must be cleaned or replaced. Damaged walls may need to have sections replaced or repainted.
How To Prepare Your Office For A Winter Storm
11/5/2020 (Permalink)
How to prepare the office for a winter storm
When the weather forecast predicts a serious winter storm, keep these winter preparation tips in mind for your small business:
- Communicate with your employees. Have a predetermined way to communicate with all employees to let them know if the store or office will be open that day.
- Let customers know if and when you’re closing. If you will be closing early due to a blizzard, or not opening at all, use social media channels to relay that information. If you have a store-front, make sure to post a sign notifying your customers of your closing as well.
- Salt the sidewalks. If you plan for your small business to be open during the winter storm, be sure to brine or salt the sidewalks to prevent ice from forming and causing slippery situations.
- Keep an eye on power lines. If you see a downed power line near your business, call 911 immediately and do not go near it, it could be still live with electricity. Try to prevent any customers from getting near it as well.
- Consider buying a generator. Have a generator for any important devices or products needing electricity, like walk-in coolers and food storage.
- Check on your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Regularly replacing batteries for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors is a good practice, and especially important if you will be using a generator. Tip: if you’re using a portable generator, never keep it indoors. They produce high levels of carbon monoxide and could cause harm to those inside.
- Have mailing back-up plans. Think about what things you rely on the mail service to provide. If you have payroll checks or other important documents coming in the mail, and the roads are too bad for mail to be transported, do you have other ways of accessing them? Contact whoever is sending your important documents to ensure that mail interruptions will not cause disaster in your small business.
Winter emergency kit for a small business
In extreme cases of winter storms, you and your employees may become snowed in at work, or need to wait out the storm. In areas where heavy snowfall is typical, consider making a winter emergency kit for your small business to ensure winter workplace safety.
- A hand-crank or battery-charged radio
- Water and food snacks
- A whistle or noisemaker that can be used to signal for help
- Copies of important business documents, all kept in a waterproof and fireproof container.
- Flashlights and/or candles First-aid kit Moist towelettes or hand sanitizer
- Extra toiletries (including feminine hygiene products)
- Cell phone chargers for all types of cellular devices (and/or portable cell phone power banks or chargers)
Restoration Services
9/8/2020 (Permalink)
What is a restoration service?
Restoration Companies are usually the first responders following significant damage to a home from floods and fires, water damage, sewage backup and other major events. The job of a restoration company is to clean up the mess and to preserve and protect the home and its contents so that further damage will not occur. SERVPRO Marine City/ Romeo can help you with all your Restoration needs 24 hours a day. Call us @ 586-336-7373
As a trusted leader in the restoration industry, you can depend on SERVPRO Franchise Professionals, whether you need emergency flood damage restoration or your upholstery cleaned. They have the training, experience, and equipment to make your house feel like home again.
- 24-Hour Emergency Service
- Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
- Faster to Any Sized Disaster
- A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry with over 1,700 Franchises
- Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment
Residential Restoration Services
Fire, water, and mold restoration are the cornerstones of our business. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals are dedicated to being faster to any sized disaster. Our focus on training ensures we have the expertise and skills needed to promptly restore your property right the first time. Our restoration services include the following:
Residential Cleaning Services
Life happens. Kids spill drinks, pets have accidents, and homes get dirty. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals offer cleaning services ranging from air duct cleaning to removing biohazard contaminants. Their residential cleaning services will not only ease the burden of the constant maintenance of your home but will also create a safe, clean, and comfortable living environment for your family. Our cleaning services include the following:
Commercial Mold Remediation
9/1/2020 (Permalink)
Besides causing a major business interruption, a mold problem can present a serious health risk for people exposed at your commercial property. Mold infestations can be caused by minor water intrusions, like a slow roof leak or loose plumbing fitting. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. If you suspect your property has a mold problem, call a SERVPRO Marine City/ Romeo Professional @ 586-336-7373 who will respond quickly and work fast to manage the situation.
Have a Mold Problem? Call Us Today 586-336-7373
Commercial Mold Remediation Presents Unique Challenges
Mold can spread quickly through a property if left untreated. SERVPRO Of Marine City/ Romeo can respond quickly, working to first contain the infestation to help prevent its spread to other parts of the building. Next, they will begin the remediation process, working safely and effectively to manage the situation. They have the training, experience, and equipment to contain the mold infestation and remediate it to preloss condition.
- Applied Microbial Remediation Specialist
- Water Damage Restoration Technician
- Applied Structural Drying Technician
- Odor Control Technician
- Upholstery and Fabric Cleaning Technician
Cleaning And Disinfecting Your Facility
8/26/2020 (Permalink)
How to clean and disinfect
Clean
- Wear disposable gloves to clean and disinfect.
- Clean surfaces using soap and water, then use disinfectant.
- Cleaning with soap and water reduces number of germs, dirt and impurities on the surface. Disinfecting kills germs on surfaces.
- Practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces.
- More frequent cleaning and disinfection may be required based on level of use.
- Surfaces and objects in public places, such as shopping carts and point of sale keypads should be cleaned and disinfected before each use.
- High touch surfaces include:
- Tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, sinks, etc.
Disinfect
- Recommend use of EPA-registered household disinfectant.
Follow the instructions on the label to ensure safe and effective use of the product.
Many products recommend: - Keeping surface wet for a period of time (see product label).
- Precautions such as wearing gloves and making sure you have good ventilation during use of the product.
Always read and follow the directions on the label to ensure safe and effective use.
- Wear skin protection and consider eye protection for potential splash hazards
- Ensure adequate ventilation
- Use no more than the amount recommended on the label
- Use water at room temperature for dilution (unless stated otherwise on the label)
- Avoid mixing chemical products
- Label diluted cleaning solutions
- Store and use chemicals out of the reach of children and pets
You should never eat, drink, breathe or inject these products into your body or apply directly to your skin as they can cause serious harm. Do not wipe or bathe pets with these products or any other products that are not approved for animal use.
See EPA’s 6 steps for Safe and Effective Disinfectant Use
Special considerations should be made for people with asthma and they should not be present when cleaning and disinfecting is happening as this can trigger asthma exacerbation. Learn more about reducing asthma triggers.
- Diluted household bleach solutions may also be used if appropriate for the surface.
- Check the label to see if your bleach is intended for disinfection and has a sodium hypochlorite concentration of 5%–6%. Ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Some bleaches, such as those designed for safe use on colored clothing or for whitening may not be suitable for disinfection.
- Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted.
Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser.
Leave solution on the surface for at least 1 minute.
To make a bleach solution, mix:
- 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of room temperature water
OR - 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of room temperature water
- Bleach solutions will be effective for disinfection up to 24 hours.
- Alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol may also be used.
- Clean the surface using soap and water or with cleaners appropriate for use on these surfaces.
Launder items (if possible) according to the manufacturer’s instructions.Use the warmest appropriate water setting and dry items completely.
OR
- Disinfect with an EPA-registered household disinfectant. These disinfectants meet EPA’s criteria for use against COVID-19.
- Vacuum as usual.Soft surfaces
For soft surfaces such as carpeted floor, rugs, and drapes
Electronics
For electronics, such as tablets, touch screens, keyboards, remote controls, and ATM machines
- Consider putting a wipe-able cover on electronics.
- Follow manufacturer’s instruction for cleaning and disinfecting.
- If no guidance, use alcohol-based wipes or sprays containing at least 70% alcohol. Dry surface thoroughly.
LaundryFor clothing, towels, linens and other items
Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned
7/17/2020 (Permalink)
How important is it to assure your employees and customers that their health and safety comes first? This pandemic has altered how our world views clean.
Our Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned Program is aimed to help our community get back to work. Your business is our priority, our goal is to clean, sanitize and disinfect. We use EPA registered disinfectants on regularly touched surfaces and use a ULV fogging system to keep your business at a higher level of clean.
Cleaning like no other and giving you peace of mind is our top priority. Our Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned crews follow all safety protocols and social distancing guidelines.
Call SERVPRO of Marine City/ Romeo at (586)-336-7373. We can be at your location and preform the cleaning process 24/7.
Help for local businesses
7/17/2020 (Permalink)
We are here to support our local businesses during this pandemic. The St Clair County Health Department has prevention and response recommendations for local businesses. Below are there recommendations:
- Pre-Screen employee’s temperature and assess symptoms before starting work. Ideally, temperature checks should happen before entering facility.
- Self-Monitoring: Checking for COVID-19 symptoms, including fever, cough, difficulty breathing, loss of taste and smell, GI symptoms (such as diarrhea and abdominal pain) or headache. If symptoms appear, self-isolate, inform employer, and contact a medical provider for evaluation.
- Wear a Mask: If exposed, the employee should wear a facemask at all times while in the workplace for 14 days after their last exposure. Employers can issue facemasks or can approve employees’ supplied cloth face coverings if shortage occurs.
- Social Distance: Employees should maintain a distance of 6 feet or more from others as work duties permit.
- Disinfect and Clean Workspaces: Routinely clean and disinfect all areas such as offices, bathrooms, and common surface areas.
SERVPRO of Marine City/Romeo offers a proactive viral pathogen cleaning. Contact us at 586-336-7373 for a free estimate.
Sanitizing Vehicles
5/11/2020 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Marine City/Romeo is offering complimentary cleaning and sanitation of any First Response commercial vehicles for those who are still deemed essential at this time. This includes fire, police, and EMS. The service will be a towel surface wipe down and Microbial misting throughout the Vehicle. This will be taking place while supplies last. More information will be coming out regarding the event. We appreciate any and all essential workers during this time. You all have been the backbone of our community during this pandemic and any thing we can do to give back is our honor.
For more information on this event or for any of your cleaning, Fire, Water, Mold mitigation needs please contact SERVPRO of Marine City/Romeo at 586-336-7373,
Find us on Facebook at SERVPRO of Marine City/Romeo.
Water Damage to your Business.
1/2/2020 (Permalink)
When the temperature starts dropping outside take measures inside to keep your business pipes warm and water running. Shutting down your business even for a few hours can cost your company a lot of money.
Knowing what to do and who to call when a disaster happens is key to keeping your business open without too much down time. SERVPRO of Marine City / Romeo can help you create an EMERGENCY READY PLAN that is at your fingers tips at all times. Having the information at the office or on your cell phone by down loading an app, will give you peace of mind 24/ 7.
A commercial flood is a traumatic experience for anyone and SERVPRO of Marine City/Romeo has a trained , certified team to take care of any damage. Our team is on call 24/7 for any emergency.
Does your business have an Emergency Plan
9/6/2019 (Permalink)
SERVPRO Ready Plan Mobile App gives business owners help at your fingertips.
Does your business have an emergency plan? Do your employees know what to do or who to call in the event you are not there? Disasters can strike at any time and interrupt your business and cost you money. Even the smallest event such as a power outage can cripple your day to day operations. SERVPRO can set up a plan for your business for FREE. A no cost Ready Plan App is available to business owners which will allow you and your employees access to help you get the assistance you need quicker and more efficiently.
The Ready Plan is an emergency preparedness tool for business owners allowing for the creation of an Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) containing critical facility information to help speed up response time.
Contact SERVPRO of Marine City/Romeo at (586) 336-7373 to schedule.
Frozen Plumbing
8/27/2019 (Permalink)
Frozen Plumbing - St. Clair County
SERVPRO of Marine City/Romeo (586) 336 7373
https://www.SERVPROmarinecityromeo.com
Commercial Buildings & Residential Buildings
Pipes are risk in unheated areas such as basements, crawl space,attics, garages. Pipes running through cabinets or exterior walls can freeze.
When the temperature starts dropping outside take measures inside to keep your pipes warm and water running.
There are experts that recommend conserving water and heat, but sometimes conserving energy can cost you great amount of damage and expense.
Keep garage doors closed
Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors.
Let the cold water drip from a faucet.
Keep the thermostat set no lower than 55 F when going on vacation.
Insulate attics, basements, crawl spaces. Prevent drafts, seal cracks and openings around doors, windows and sill plates.
Why Choose SERVPRO to Clean Food Service Building
7/11/2019 (Permalink)
Time and Safety Are Our Top Priorities When Cleaning and Restoring Restaurant, Kitchen and Food Service Facilities
Time is of the essence when disaster strikes your restaurant or manufacturing facility, but so is safety. Our professionals have been trained to be mindful of regulations and potential hazards while maintaining efficiency as they restore your business. You can trust Team SERVPRO to be mindful of your time and budget, as well as the safety of you and your patrons.
Types of Facilities:
- Food Manufacturing Facilities
- Food Distribution Centers
- Fast Food Restuarants
- Senior Living Facility Kitchens
- Educational Cafeterias
Our professionals are available 24-7/365 to help remediate any damage, regardless of the cause, scale of the loss, or the size of your facility.
Trust Us to Adhere to Health Regulations When Cleaning and Restoring Your Food Services Facility
From large distribution centers to small mom-and-pop restaurants, SERVPRO professionals are trained to be mindful of the complicated health codes, food safety regulations, and environmental concerns when restoring your business. We’ll work to ensure that all surfaces are restored and sanitized to legal specifications, so that you can get back to business and your patrons can get back to enjoying good food.
Our Experience Includes:
- Total Project Management
- Facilities Cleaning and Restoration
- Flooding and Water Damage Cleanup
- Restuarant Cleaning
- Restuarant Kitchen Cleaning
- Restaurant hood Cleaning
- Odor Removal
- Mold Removal
- Biohazard Remediation
- Air Ducts and HVAC Cleaning
- Smoke and Soot Cleanup
- Document and Records Recovery
- Electronics/Equipment Restoration
When to Hire Professionls for a Cleaning Job
7/2/2019 (Permalink)
WHEN TO HIRE A PROFESSIONAL
- Lack of Time. Managing a business alone can be time consuming let alone finding the time to deep clean your space. Leaving it to the professionals to take care of it for you can be one of the best investments you make
- Long Time, No Clean. Trying to take on the task of cleaning a spot in your place of business that hasn't been cleaned in a while can be a major hassle. The professionals at SERVPRO are equipped to handle even the toughest messes
- Upcoming Event. First impressions are everything. When hosting a special event at your business having your whole place scrubbed from top to bottom will offer you peace of mind and your guests an experience they'll enjoy.
- Specialized Procedure. Some cleaning Jobs are simply too much to handle on your own. Getting the proper supplies to complete the job could also be costly. Hiring professionals could end up being the more time and cost effective option.
Potential flooding to local St Clair County Businesses
5/1/2019 (Permalink)
Local Emergency Management officials are warning local businesses to prepare for rising waters. Current water levels in the St. Clair River and its tributaries are causing a serious rise in water levels. Local Emergency Management Officials are monitoring water levels around the clock to ensure your safety. This is a very dynamic situation and does have the opportunity to change with heavy winds and waves depending on where you are located within the county. Please pay attention to National Weather Service watches and warnings regarding information in your local area. If you need sandbags, please contact your Local Township or city office. Please make your local government officials aware of any flood damage to occupied dwellings.
Safety Measures
What to do if my house starts to flood: Stop the flow of water and minimize damage. Move essential items to an upper floor. Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water. Shut off water, gas and electricity, if you are instructed to do so. If you need to leave your house, you should do the following: Secure your home. Grab your disaster kit (remember medicine, vital documents, food for your unique situation) Take your pets Shelter locations will be opened in the event you are to leave your home and are in need of sheltering. Be Ready St Clair County Facebook page for updates.
From: http://www.stclaircounty.org/
SERVPRO of Marine City/Romeo will be here to assist you 24 hours a day. If you experience any water damage or have any questions our office can be reached at (586) 336-7373.
Cleaning Commercial Building
1/4/2019 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Marine City / Romeo working hard to reduce damage at a commercial building!
SERVPRO of Marine City / Romeo is trained and equipped to clean and restore your business. We understand the need to keep your business up and running so your revenue continues to flow. We provide numerous cleaning and restoration services. Such as water removal, mold mitigation, stain removal and fire damage, to name a few. When the damage occurs our highly trained technicians use the proper equipment and technology to clean and restore the damage. Our technicians are trained to use multiple devices to produce the optimum results and get your business back to working conditions and reduce your expense. We answer your call in a timely matter and are available 24/7, 365 days a year. Call SERVPRO of Marine City / Romeo at (586)336-7373 we can reduce the damage and save your business money.
St Clair County Commercial Restoration and Cleaning Services
8/10/2018 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Marine City/Romeo understands the stress and worry that comes with a fire or water damage and the disruption it causes your life and business. Our goal is to help minimize the interruption to your life and quickly make it "Like it never even happened."
SERVPRO of Marine City/Romeo specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage. SERVPRO of Marine City/Romeo can also mitigate mold and mildew from your home or business.
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. With a nationwide system of qualified franchises, no damage is too large or too small for SERVPRO of Marine City/Romeo.
Serving you since 1967, SERVPRO is the cleaning and restoration brand you know and trust.
If you would like to schedule service for your home or business, please call 586.336.7373 today!
Commercial Cleaning Service
8/10/2018 (Permalink)
Do you own a local business in St. Clair County? You don’t have time to worry about the common wear and tear that gradually soils your office. When grime, odor, and moisture challenges go beyond the scope of your regular janitorial staff, you should call SERVPRO of Marine City / Romeo for prompt service. Whether it’s removing an odor problem or deep cleaning flooring or carpets, you can rely on us to make your workspace look its very best.
SERVPRO of Marine City / Romeo offer cleaning services ranging from cleaning restaurant hoods to removing biohazard contaminants. We have the specialized training and products to get your property back to business. Our cleaning services include the following:
- Air Ducts and HVAC
- Biohazard and Sewage
- Trauma and Crime Scene
- Carpet and Upholstery
- Drapes and Blinds
- Ceilings, Walls, and Hard Floors
- Odor Removal and Deodorization
- Vandalism
Have Questions? Call Today
COMMERCIAL BUILDING RESTORATION SERVICES
8/8/2018 (Permalink)
COMMERCIAL BUILDING RESTORATION SERVICES
Your commercial property’s appearance speaks volumes to your clients. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services, SERVPRO of Marine City / Romeo has the training and expertise to help make it “Like it never even happened.”
We are available 24 hours a day to get your business back up and running. Our expertise includes restoration services for fire, water and mold damage. To learn more about our commercial restoration services check out our website at www.SERVPROmarinecityromeo.com or contact our office at (586) 336-7373.
No Job is too big or too small. The SERVPRO Commercial Large Loss Division is composed of our best of the best in restoration. Our elite large-loss specialists are pre-qualified and strategically positioned throughout the United States to handle any size disaster. Every large loss is supervised by a commercial operations manager to help ensure seamless communication and timely mitigation. So matter the size of your commercial building we are always here to help.
Your Business and a Fire
7/2/2018 (Permalink)
What to Do If Your Business Has a Fire
Although many of us go through great efforts to fireproof our home, we rarely bring this outlook into the workplace. While there’s no replacement for a little bit of forethought and diligence, a fire at your place of business doesn’t have to mean the end of your company altogether. In fact, approximately 60 percent of all U.S.-based businesses reopen their doors after a disastrous fire. Some companies have even gone on to achieve a great amount of success and profitability after such an event.Determine the Responsible Party
The first thing you should do in the wake of a fire at your business is determine the responsible party. This depends on a number of different factors, including whether you lease or own the building, the exact cause of the fire and even your specific amount of insurance coverage. Keep in mind that some insurance policies only cover the contents of the structure and not the materials used in the actual construction of the building.
Sometimes, you may need to wait until an investigation has been completed by your local fire department, police department or insurance company. If this is the case, make sure to maintain communications for further information and instructions.
Safeguard and Secure Your Remaining Property
If the fire has caused significant damage to the exterior walls, doors, windows or roof of your building, you’ll want to act quickly in order to safeguard and secure your remaining property. Smoldering remains should be fully extinguished and any large holes should be temporarily patched. Not only will this prevent vandalism after the fact, but a little bit of effort can go a long way towards minimizing the overall amount of damage caused.
Contact Anyone Who May Be Affected
Next comes the daunting task of contacting anyone who may have been affected as a result of the fire. This includes employees, board members, external partners and, in some cases, customers. If any activities or services need to be postponed or suspended, make sure to communicate that news, too. The last thing you want to do after a fire is to leave your valuable employees and business partners in the dark about the future of your company.
Furthermore, don’t forget to contact your insurance agent as soon as possible. A simple call or email will typically suffice, though large claims may require face-to-face consultation or even an on-site inspection of the damaged property.
Get Your Documentation in Order
Your insurance company will require proof regarding any claimed losses as a result of the fire, so be sure to have any pertinent documentation, including receipts, user manuals and credit card statements, at the ready. You may even want to take digital pictures or video of your property. Not only can this be used in determining your overall losses, it could serve as hard evidence in case any court proceedings should follow.
Repair and Restore Damage
If the structure isn’t a total loss, you might be able to rebuild, repair and restore your business back to its original state. Extensive smoke damage, for example, can typically be cleaned up through a number of different tools so you can go on with business as usual after the restoration.
Initiate the Recovery of Sensitive or Critical Data
Depending on your exact case, you may need to take steps to recover any sensitive or critical data that was lost in the occurrence. Damaged servers, hard drives and even personal computers can all hold data critical to the day-to-day operations of your business.
If the situation warrants, you may even consider hiring a third party company such as http://www.SERVPROmarinecityromeo.com/commercial-restoration-cleaning , specifically in the event of fire. Such individuals are more likely to be equipped with the right hardware and software tools than a company that offers general disaster recovery services. Most data recovery experts will also be able to work with you in order to introduce techniques in disaster recovery planning and data loss prevention.
Getting Back to Business
Once everything has been restored to order, it’s finally time to get back to business. Make sure to outline a comprehensive fire safety plan when moving forward, just in case your business experiences another fire. You might also consider increasing your insurance coverage for the future. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Ref. by Sarah Landrum
Flooding and Your Commercial Business
5/1/2018 (Permalink)
Your plan for disaster preparedness should include flood information and outline how to prepare for floods. Read on for information about floods and flood safety tips, and how to make them part of your emergency preparedness plan as you prepare for a flood.
Types of Flooding
Topography and weather conditions play a prominent role in the impact different types of flooding have on specific locales. The following are some examples of specific types of flooding.
- Rising water may be the greatest risk to inland areas away from a river bed after a heavy snow pack begins to melt or after heavy rainfall.
- Moving water is a serious risk in areas near rivers or in coastal storm surge areas because it creates significantly larger lateral forces on a building.
- Overtopping, breaching or opening of dams, levees, and other flood control mechanisms, which are designed to divert the flow of water to provide protection, can lead to flood damage that may be more significant than if the levees were never installed. The Mississippi and Missouri River floods of 2011 included breaches of levees, as well as controlled flooding by the opening of various flood gates on levees. The result was thousands of acres of farmland, crops, livestock and fish farms being destroyed to protect urban areas.
- Flash flooding can occur in every region as a result of slow-moving thunderstorms or excessive rainfall from any storm system.
- Large, slow-moving tropical storms can dump excessive amounts of rain on coastal locations and then move inland to continue the devastation, resulting in widespread flood damage. Tropical Storm Allison (2001): A Case Study in Flooding Understanding Your Flood Hazard
- There are several flood principles that should be considered to determine your facility’s exposure to flood waters and the type of protection to be deployed:
- Often, businesses and homeowners let down their guard when a tropical weather system does not result in hurricane-force winds. Tropical Storm Allison is a good example of how rains associated with a tropical system can be equally devastating. The storm dumped approximately 32 trillion gallons of rain (enough to meet U.S. water needs for an entire year), according to the Tropical Storm Allison Recovery Project. This included 28 inches of rainfall during a 12-hour period just northeast of downtown Houston, and rainfall amounts ranging from 10, 20 and 30 inches in locations throughout the Southeast—earning Allison the infamous distinction as the costliest tropical storm in U.S. history.
- Floods can occur anywhere, often with little or no warning, and with devastating consequences. Protecting the bottom line in order to remain open, or to re-open quickly after a flood disaster, requires taking steps now to prevent or reduce flood damage should your business be in the path of rising water. Below is a brief overview of issues that small businesses must address to reduce the likelihood of flood damage and to prepare financially and operationally should a flood occur. Many of the topics covered here involve complex issues that are best addressed by hydrological, engineering, regulatory or insurance experts; the goal here is simply to outline the basics in order to help business owners understand why they need to mitigate against flood risk and some of the challenges they may face.
- Duration: It is important to know if flood waters are expected to recede quickly or may be trapped due to the slope of the land. The longer a facility is exposed to flood waters, the greater potential for flood-proofing failures due to a breach in the protection.
- Depth: Flood waters greater than 3 feet create hydrostatic pressure on walls that can cause cracks in masonry and greatly increase the potential of collapse to unreinforced masonry. When estimating the potential depth of flood waters, it is always best to include a safety factor to account for inaccuracies in the estimate.
- Velocity: As flood water velocity increases, so does the pressure exerted on flood protection. River flooding can be very fast moving water at first and then may settle down. Coastal locations may be exposed to wave action from storm surge.
- Water Condition: Many times flood waters are dirty, brackish or contaminated with biological and chemical materials including waste water, sewage, pesticides, industrial waste, toxic and non-toxic chemicals, or oils. Debris that is churning in the water can impact buildings and flood protection systems, create breaches in the protection and cause extensive damage. Proximity to water is the number 1 risk factor for flooding, but property owners should not assume being out of the floodplain will help you entirely avoid the possibility of flooding. It is always a best practice to locate your property as far away from bodies of water as possible. Flood maps available from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) identify 100-year and 500-year flood zones throughout the United States. The flood zones also delineate participation in the NFIP, as well as permitting and other requirements that communities adopt in order to meet NFIP standards and qualify their citizens for lower flood insurance rates. By definition, the 100-year and 500-year flood zones mean there is a 1 (.20) percent chance of flooding annually in an area based on topography and historical data; it does not mean that flooding will occur only once in a century (or 500 years). There also are other important points to consider.
- Location, Location, Location
- Floods can and very often do occur outside the 100-year flood zone. In fact, approximately 25 percent of all flood damages occur in relatively low risk zones commonly described as being “outside the mapped flood zone.”
- Specific boundaries on some flood maps may be arbitrary or include inaccuracies. For example, a property lying just outside the 100-year flood zone is almost equally likely to be flooded as one just within.
- Obstructions or landfill can change the topography, storm-water drainage patterns, and flow of water over natural floodplains. Although permits are required for flood zone fill (and must be based on engineering assessments demonstrating “no impact”), it is possible that non-permitted work has occurred near your property.
- Floods show no respect for the estimated probabilities. As Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Director Craig Fugate observed following a spate of natural disasters, “It just seemed like it was back-to-back and it came in waves. The term ‘100-year event’ really lost its meaning this year. ”When it comes to flooding, there really is no better solution than adequate elevation, aside from choosing a location well outside of a 500-year flood plain. If such a location is not possible, the best way to increase the safety margin against flood damage is to raise the elevation of your building above the 500-year flood elevation. Flood-proofing your building is another option to reduce damage. Through the NFIP, there is extensive regulation of floodplain development at the community level. For example, IBHS’s FORTIFIED for Safer Business™ Standards, a package of enhanced voluntary construction standards that greatly increase a new light commercial building’s durability and resilience to natural hazards, requires FORTIFIED buildings to be at least 3 feet above the BFE or above the 500-year flood elevation. There are also ways to retrofit your existing building so that it meets or exceeds BFEs. While only a structural engineer/design professional can determine what is right for your property, the options include raising foundation onto pilings or columns or adding landfill, as long as “no impact” floodplain requirements are met.
- Permits are needed for a wide range of activities including construction of new buildings, additions to existing buildings, and substantial improvement to the interior of existing buildings that are within the most hazardous flood zones. Part of the permitting process involves whether your building site is higher than the base flood elevation (BFE), which is the elevation at which your property has a 1 percent chance of flooding annually, as indicated on the NFIP flood maps. Major storms and flash floods can cause waters to rise higher than the BFE—therefore, it is always a good investment to build in a safety factor several feet above the BFE. This safety zone is called “freeboarding.”
- The Importance of Elevation
- When elevating a building so that the walking surface of the lowest floor is at the minimum elevation, areas under the BFE can be used only for parking and limited storage—under-floor bathrooms, utilities, and ductwork are not allowed.
- Equipment, utility connections and all interior utility systems including ductwork must be elevated above the BFE. In addition, fuel and propane tanks must be properly anchored, since they can become buoyant even in shallow water. Sealing a building so that water will not enter is called “dry flood-proofing” or “flood-proofing.” Flood-proofing protects your building by coating the exterior with a membrane to prevent flood waters from entering. NFIP regulations allow flood-proofing as an alternative to elevation above the BFE for newly constructed or substantially improved non-residential structures only—new and improved homes must be elevated above the BFE to meet NFIP requirements. It is important to determine whether dry flood-proofing will provide the protections your property needs before choosing this option. This also applies if your business is located outside the 100-year flood zone, but you want to invest in additional flood protection. Dry flood-proofing is a complex procedure that should be done by professional experts. If done incorrectly, it may not protect your property and can lead to decay, mold, or termite damage:
- What is “Dry Flood-Proofing”?
- As a general matter, dry flood-proofing is best suited to areas with clay soils where floods are short in duration and less than 3 feet deep.
- Buildings in poor structural condition should not be dry flood-proofed, as the exterior walls will be under extreme pressure during a flood.
- There are a variety of dry flood-proofing measures; a professional can help to determine whether any of them are right for your situation:
- Applying a waterproof coating or membrane to exterior walls
- Sealing all wall penetrations including where utilities enter the building
- Installing waterproof shields over all openings, including windows and doors
- Anchoring the building to resist flotation
- Strengthening walls to withstand flood water pressures and flood debris. Even above the BFE or outside the floodplain, basements are prone to floods because water may flow down into them. They also may have an increased hydrostatic pressure exerted upon them when the surrounding ground is saturated. Recognizing that elevation is the best form of mitigation, there are a number of additional measures business owners can take to reduce the likelihood and scope of basement flood damage.
- The Vulnerable Basement
- Thoroughly inspect your basement and the surrounding property for evidence of water entry and sources of water flow and leakage.
- Correct potential problems—for example, extend and redirect downspouts, re-grade sloping landscape, and caulk any interior wall cracks.
- Basement walls should be designed to resist hydrostatic pressure.
- Use flood-resistant materials where possible, including floor coverings, wall coverings, and wall insulation. Most flood-resistant materials can withstand direct contact with water for at least 72 hours without being significantly damaged.
- Do not store valuable equipment, documents, or inventory in any crawlspace or basement where flooding is possible. In addition, there are steps you can take now to reduce health and environmental damage should a flood occur.
- The “Green” Factor
- Anchor fuel and propane tanks to prevent them from being swept away. When they break away, the contents may leak, creating fire, explosion and pollution risks that can adversely affect health and the environment.
- Install sewer backflow valves to block drain pipes from sewage back-up, which can occur if there is flooding in your area.
- If you are supplied by well water, protect your well from contamination. A licensed well drilling contractor can inspect your well and suggest improvements. The NFIP makes flood insurance available to commercial owners and renters. As is the case with residential property, costs vary depending on how much insurance is purchased, what it covers, and the property’s flood risk. NFIP coverage limits are up to $500,000 for a commercial building, and up to $500,000 to protect its contents. Insurance coverage also may be available from private insurance companies, depending on your business’s location, building and business characteristics, and property value.https://disastersafety.org/flood/reduce-flood-damage-to-businesses/
- The best way to learn more about flood insurance benefits, costs, and options is to contact your insurance agent. Finally, take steps now so you can quickly resume operations should a flood or other hazard damage your property. Although flood insurance may cover losses to your structure and contents, many businesses that are severely damaged never fully recover financially due to the loss of management focus, employees, and market share. IBHS’ Open for Business® planning tool helps small- and mid-sized businesses resume their critical business operations and work processes and deliver the goods and services expected by customers or clients–consider it a vital part of your flood preparation planning and practice.
- Financial and Operational Protections
The NFIP makes flood insurance available to commercial owners and renters. As is the case with residential property, costs vary depending on how much insurance is purchased, what it covers, and the property’s flood risk. NFIP coverage limits are up to $500,000 for a commercial building, and up to $500,000 to protect its contents. Insurance coverage also may be available from private insurance companies, depending on your business’s location, building and business characteristics, and property value.
The best way to learn more about flood insurance benefits, costs, and options is to contact your insurance agent. Finally, take steps now so you can quickly resume operations should a flood or other hazard damage your property. Although flood insurance may cover losses to your structure and contents, many businesses that are severely damaged never fully recover financially due to the loss of management focus, employees, and market share. IBHS’ Open for Business® planning tool helps small- and mid-sized businesses resume their critical business operations and work processes and deliver the goods and services expected by customers or clients–consider it a vital part of your flood preparation planning and practice.
Contact: http://www.SERVPROmarinecityromeo.com/ for more information.
Information on Flooding in a commercial Building
11/24/2017 (Permalink)
Rebuilding after a commercial building floods | Florida Flood Damage
There are all different types of commercial buildings, but they can all become victim to water damage. It’s important to keep up on maintenance to ensure your building withstands a full life. It’s better to be cautious about the elements then to have to deal with thousands of dollars in repairs from putting off a leak. A good source to find out if there’s something wrong with your building is to listen to your tenants. The complaints are a good indication that there could be some sort of a problem. If there is complaints about mustiness there could be a mold problem. Frequent problems of water in work stations could be a sign of roof or piping problems.
Rebuilding after a commercial building floods | Florida Flood Damage
There are other precautions you should take monthly to insure that your building is in top shape. Inspect plumping draining system to insure their not clogged or damaged. Test basement sump pumps to make sure its pumping out water. Directing irrigation and draining systems away from the foundation can help stop basements from flooding. Even the most well maintained and operated buildings can experience water damage. Following these tips can help minimize the event of water damage happening to your building.
September is National Preparedness Month
8/10/2017 (Permalink)
September is National Preparedness Month, an annual awareness event sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Disaster recovery specialist SERVPRO says this is a great time for business owners to review their emergency preparedness and business continuity plans. SERVPRO points to startling statistics like this one to emphasize the importance of advance planning: according to FEMA, as many as 40 percent of businesses never reopen following a major flood disaster.
“Business owners who think they are prepared for an emergency because exits are clearly marked and fire or flood drills are parts of the regular routine really need to take another look at their preparations,” said Sue Steen, SERVPRO Industries, Inc. chief executive officer. “A comprehensive emergency plan also contains critical information about the location of shut-off valves, fire suppression system controls, emergency contact numbers and more—information that can save emergency responders precious time and help contain damage and minimize injury.”
Because SERVPRO knows the time to create a disaster readiness plan is before you need it, they have developed the SERVPRO Emergency READY Program to help business owners create an Emergency READY Profile (ERP) for their facility, at no charge. The business owner works with SERVPRO to gather and document information that will become critical if a disaster strikes. Once the ERP is created, business owners have access to their information 24/7 online and by using SERVPRO’s free smartphone app.
Referral Program
8/2/2017 (Permalink)
EARN EASY MONEY! SERVPRO of Maine City Romeo is offering a referral program for any residents in our region! Earn Easy money by simply placing your name and phone number on the back of our business cards. Then hand them to your friends. Upon our company receiving a Fire,Water, Mold, cleaning or Bio Hazard job at their home or business. With a signed contract and full payment YOU will receive a finders fee. The amount earned will vary depending on the work completed.
Tell your friends that our services include
- Water Damage
- Fire Damage
- Mold Mitigation Remediation
- Storm Damage Response
- Move Outs and Contents Restoration
- Electronics and Equipment
- Document Drying
- Content Claim Inventory Service
- Bio hazard, Crime Scene and Vandalism.
Thank You for referring us to your friends and family! WE understand no one wants to deal with a disaster of any kind but we're happy to do all of the hard work for you!
Is Your St Clair County Business Ready For An Emergency?
7/24/2017 (Permalink)
FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Assoc) recommends stocking up on some emergency supplies in the event your business is affected by a catastrophic event.
Recommended emergency supplies include the following:
- Water, amounts for portable kits will vary. Individuals should determine what amount they are able to both store comfortably and to transport to other locations. If it is feasible, store one gallon of water per person per day, for drinking and sanitation
- Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
- Battery-powered radio and extra batteries
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- First Aid kit Whistle to signal for help
- Dust or filter masks, readily available in hardware stores, which are rated based on how small a particle they filter
- Moist towelettes for sanitation
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
- Plastic sheeting and duct tape to "seal the room"
- Garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
By: Official website of the Department of Homeland Security
When Disaster Strikes, You Can be Ruined or You Can BE READY
5/31/2017 (Permalink)
The help you need in the palm of your hands!
No one plans on a disaster, but you can plan to be "Ready for whatever happens." It is estimated that up to 50% of businesses that close due to a disaster, such as fire and flood never reopen! Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place.
Preparation is a key component for making it through any size disaster, whether it’s a small water leak, a large fire, or an area flood. The best time to plan for such events is not when the event happens, but well before it happens.
The SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile serves as a quick reference of important building and contact information or can be an ideal supplement to any well-designed emergency preparedness or existing contingency program. Rather than simply reacting to disaster situations, most prefer proactive measures to establish a relationship with a restoration services company.
By working with SERVPRO® of Marine City/Romeo to develop your personalized Emergency READY Profile your business will receive the benefit of over 40 years of experience in reducing the impact of any natural or man-made disaster. SERVPRO® is a leader in water and fire damage response and can help you quickly get your property back in working order.
Call SERVPRO of Marine City/Romeo at 586-336-7373 Today for a No Cost Assessment
of Your Facility!
Restoring St Clair County Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event
9/26/2016 (Permalink)
Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges
Flooding and water damage events in St Clair County 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.
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 Marine City/Romeo
SERVPRO of Marine City/Romeo 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.
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