Rebuilding After the Blaze: The Crucial Role of SERVPRO in Commercial Fire Damage Restoration

10/25/2023 (Permalink)

Fire is a devastating force that can leave a trail of destruction in its wake, especially when it strikes commercial buildings. In the aftermath of such a disaster, the process of restoration and recovery is paramount. This blog post will explore the importance of hiring SERVPRO to remediate all damage caused by a fire to your commercial building.

Immediate Response and Expertise

One of the key advantages of choosing SERVPRO of Lacey is their ability to provide an immediate response. After a fire, time is of the essence, and their team of professionals is trained to act swiftly to minimize further damage. They bring with them a wealth of knowledge and expertise that is crucial for an effective response.

Assessment and Planning

The restoration process begins with a thorough assessment of the damage. SERVPRO of Lacey will evaluate the extent of the fire, smoke, and water damage to your commercial property. Following this assessment, a comprehensive restoration plan is developed, outlining the steps needed to bring your building back to its pre-fire condition.

Specialized Equipment and Techniques

SERVPRO of Lacey is equipped with the latest technology and specialized equipment designed for fire damage restoration. They use advanced techniques to clean, repair, and restore various materials and surfaces in your commercial building. This includes addressing the challenges posed by smoke and soot residue, as well as the water damage resulting from firefighting efforts.

Water Extraction and Drying

Water damage is often an overlooked consequence of battling commercial fires. SERVPRO of Lacey is well-versed in water extraction and drying techniques to prevent mold growth, structural damage, and other associated issues. Their proactive approach ensures that all water is efficiently removed from your property.

Smoke and Soot Removal

The lingering smell of smoke and soot can be pervasive and challenging to eliminate. SERVPRO of Lacey employs industry-best practices to thoroughly clean and deodorize your commercial building. This includes the use of air purifiers and ozone generators to improve indoor air quality.

Content Restoration

In addition to the building itself, the contents of your commercial property may also suffer damage. SERVPRO of Lacey provides content restoration services, helping salvage and restore valuable items and professional documentation that would otherwise be lost.

Faster Recovery, Less Business Disruption

By enlisting SERVPRO of Lacey's services, you expedite the recovery process. Minimizing downtime for your business is vital, and their expertise and efficient restoration methods help get you back on your feet sooner, reducing disruption to your operations.

Peace of Mind

Perhaps the most significant benefit of hiring SERVPRO of Lacey is the peace of mind it brings. Knowing that a team of professionals is managing the restoration process allows you to focus on other aspects of getting your business back to normal.

Fire damage to a commercial building can be a daunting experience, but with the expertise and support of SERVPRO of Lacey, you can confidently address and remediate all damage caused by a fire. Their prompt response, specialized equipment, and proven techniques make them an invaluable partner in the restoration process. Don't underestimate the importance of professional fire damage restoration—your commercial property and business's future depend on it.

Lacey Businesses: We Specialize in Water and Flood Damage, Cleanup and Restoration

10/13/2023 (Permalink)

Service Technician on a commercial water damage job site

Floods are a significant threat to commercial businesses, often resulting in extensive water damage, financial losses, and even long-term issues like mold growth. In this blog post, we'll delve into the critical aspects of flood prevention and what to do if your commercial business experiences a flood. When disaster strikes, turn to SERVPRO of Lacey at 1-800-SERVPRO, the leading experts in commercial remediation and restoration.

Flood Prevention: Safeguarding Your Business

Preventing a flood is the most effective strategy to protect your commercial property. Here are some essential flood prevention measures:

1. Risk Assessment: Identify flood-prone areas in and around your business premises. Analyze local flood maps to understand your property's vulnerability.

2. Elevate Electrical Systems: Elevate critical electrical systems, such as fuse boxes and circuit breakers, to prevent water damage in the event of a flood.

3. Sump Pumps and Flood Barriers: Install sump pumps in basements or vulnerable areas to drain excess water quickly. Additionally, consider using flood barriers to keep water out.

4. Secure Utilities: Elevate heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) units, as well as other essential utilities, to minimize potential damage during a flood.

5. Proper Drainage: Keep gutters, downspouts, and drains clear of debris, ensuring that water is directed away from your property.

6. Emergency Ready Plan: Contact SERVPRO of Lacey to create an emergency ready plan and ensure all employees are aware of it. This plan should include evacuation procedures and contact information for emergency services.

What to Do If Your Business Experiences a Flood

Despite taking preventive measures, floods can still occur. It's crucial to act swiftly to minimize damage and get your business back on track. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Safety First: Prioritize the safety of employees and visitors. Evacuate the premises if necessary.

2. Stop the Source: If the flooding is caused by a burst pipe or malfunctioning appliance, shut off the water source if it's safe to do so.

3. Contact SERVPRO: In the event of a flood, time is of the essence. Call SERVPRO at 1-800-SERVPRO for immediate assistance. They are the leading experts in commercial remediation, specializing in comprehensive restoration services for businesses.

4. Document Damage: Take photographs and detailed notes of the damage for insurance claims and records.

5. Initial Cleanup: While waiting for professional assistance, begin the cleanup process by removing standing water and salvaging critical business assets and documents.

The Ongoing Threat: Mold Remediation

In the aftermath of a flood, mold can quickly become a serious concern. Mold growth poses health risks and can further damage your property. SERVPRO of Lacey, with its extensive experience in mold remediation, will ensure your business is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized to prevent the growth and spread of mold.

Flood prevention is the first line of defense for safeguarding your commercial business against the devastating impact of floods. Nevertheless, if your business experiences a flood, acting promptly, ensuring safety, and engaging professionals like SERVPRO is essential. Their expertise in water damage restoration, flood remediation, and mold remediation will help you recover and restore your business "Like it never even happened". When disaster strikes, call SERVPRO of Lacey at 1-800-SERVPRO, the leading experts in commercial remediation and restoration. Don't wait; protect your business, your assets, and the safety of your employees today.

About SERVPRO of Lacey

Our team is proud to be a part of these amazing communities and can be there for you whether you live in one of the above locations or anywhere in the country. We understand the stress and worry that comes with a fire or water damage and the disruption it causes your life and home or business. Our goal is to help minimize the interruption to your life and quickly make it "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial properties after fire, smoke or water damage and can 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 Team Friermuth. If you would like to schedule service for your home or business, please call today!

Who should I call after a fire in my home?

10/4/2022 (Permalink)

If you have any questions about fire damage cleanup and restoration services, don’t hesitate and give our SERVPRO of Lacey team a call today.

Who Should I Call After A Fire In My Home?

After a home or building has been damaged by fire, the priority is to make it safe again. This means that the property owner will need to hire a mitigation & restoration company. It's not uncommon for these two companies to be different from one another, which adds more stress and confusion for homeowners. The good news is that there are companies out there that can do both phases of reconstruction (mitigation and reconstruction) in one seamless process!

Rebuilding a fire-damaged building is no easy task. 

Rebuilding a fire-damaged building is no easy task. In addition to all the general contractors, subcontractors, and materials needed, the property owner also needs to communicate with his or her insurance company, and insurance adjuster. These parties will be involved in determining whether or not it's possible to rebuild on your property after a fire. They may also be responsible for some of the decisions you make when it comes time to rebuild.

The loss has been devastating—but remember that you are not alone! 

Finding a "one-stop-shop" 

It can be a bit of an emotional roller coaster to have your home or business damaged by fire. When that happens, you'll want to make sure you're in good hands and get the best possible outcome for your situation.

In addition to finding a reliable contractor who will do quality work at an affordable price, it's also important to find someone who has experience working with insurance companies on claims like yours. Asking around among friends and family is another way of ensuring that you're getting honest feedback about potential contractors' abilities and character traits that may affect their performance as well as their reliability on future projects (like being clear when they report back after going out into the field).

SERVPRO of Lacey is a one-stop shop that can handle all the cleanup and restoration. Our team also works with your insurance company and takes care of the entire claims process from start to finish.

SERVPRO of Lacey offers mitigation and reconstruction services

Most people don't realize that a restoration company can also do the reconstruction of a damaged home or building. This is because many fire mitigation companies are also general contractors. They have experience in building construction and design, so they can do any type of work that needs to be done to repair or rebuild your home after it has been damaged by fire.

If you've experienced a fire, it can be a very stressful time. Finding the right people to help you through this process is crucial to getting your life back on track. If you have any questions or are in need of fire damage cleanup and restoration services, don’t hesitate and give our SERVPRO of Lacey team a call today. Our team is highly trained and experienced in residential and commercial fire damage cleanup and restoration and we offer our services around the clock, 7 days a week, 365 days a year!

Why You Need Professionals for Puffback Damage Cleanup

5/27/2022 (Permalink)

After a fire it may be necessary to clean the smoke and water before the building can be used again, at SERVPRO, we are ready to help you, call us!

Why Do You Need Professionals To Clean Up Puffback Damage?

The furnace puffback happens when the furnace malfunctions, causing an explosion within the furnace. As a result of that explosion, puffback damage spreads on every surface exposed to smoke and soot. The resulting material is often acidic, sticky, and oily. It can spread quickly into small spaces, such as throughout your ductwork, inside electric outlets, and behind closed doors.

The cleanup process is tedious and time-consuming. It is also a process best left to experienced cleaning and restoration technicians in Olympia, WA.

1. Inspect Your Property

Soot released by the furnace explosion could spread through the ventilation system, reaching corners of rooms on the other side of the building. Keep a detailed record of the damage. Be aware that you could spread soot if you track it on your shoes or clothing. Take precautions to prevent this.

2. Report the Puffback Damage to Your Insurance Provider

Reach out to your insurance company as quickly as possible to get a referral to cleanup professionals. This type of damage is often addressed in insurance policies for commercial properties. Don't forget to take pictures of the affected rooms before any cleanup is done. Don't try to clean the property yourself; you may cause secondary damage.

3. Contact Technicians for Cleanup and Repairs

A puffback is a clear indication that something is wrong with your oil furnace. You need a reputable HVAC repair technician to complete repairs, or you could end up with another puffback. It's also important that cleanup services begin right away. As soot sits on the surfaces of your building and belongings, its chemicals interact with those surfaces, causing staining, deterioration, and increased wear and tear.

Professionals have the training, equipment, and protective gear necessary to thoroughly address puffback damage. As a property owner or manager, you want the best results possible. These come from a professional response.

3 Ways To Protect Your Business From a Fire

5/23/2022 (Permalink)

Keeping clutter minimized in storage spaces, such as attics, basements and sheds is one effective way to practice fire and disaster preparation.

Three Fire-Resistant Strategies For Your Business

Your Yelm, WA, business is likely one of your greatest investments, so protecting it is probably a high priority for you. One of the dangers business owners like yourself often face is the risk of fire, but there are a few ways you can lower the odds by taking fire prevention steps in and around your commercial property.

1. Have Electrical Systems Inspected

One of the main causes of commercial fires is electrical fires, so having your building's electric systems inspected at least once a year can help prevent this issue. Your local fire company or an experienced contractor can help you gauge whether fuse boxes, wiring and HVAC systems need updating or if any other systems may pose a risk of fire damage. Overheated electrical systems often spark fires, so ensure all appliances, such as coffee pots and vending machines, are turned off or unplugged overnight.

2. Minimize Clutter

Keeping clutter minimized in storage spaces, such as attics, basements and sheds is one effective way to practice fire and disaster preparation. Cardboard boxes, stored paper files and other combustibles can increase the risk of fire, especially if any electrical sources are located nearby. You can reduce the risk by storing files digitally and investing in storage space offsite.

3. Create a Fire Preparation Plan

Sometimes, fires occur despite your best efforts, so having an evacuation and safety plan in place in case a blaze breaks out can help protect you, your employees and customers. Ensure that all exits are marked clearly and ask a fire cleanup and restoration service to help you create safety plans and inquire about mitigation plans if you should ever need them in the future.

Protecting your Yelm, WA, business from a fire does not need to be difficult, especially if you take steps to plan ahead of time. When you understand the risks and practice fire preparation, you may have increased peace of mind when it comes to the safety of your business.

Basic Facts About Commercial Fire Sprinkler Systems

5/6/2022 (Permalink)

Regular upkeep is another vital factor in keeping your property safe from fire damage.

Commercial Fire Sprinkler System Fundamentals

A fire sprinkler system is one of the best ways to protect your commercial property from fire and smoke damage, as well as property loss. Why invest in a sprinkler system?

• The system is always ready to respond even when no one is in the building.
• Commercial sprinklers quickly and effectively smother flames, often before the fire department arrives.
• The amount of smoke, ash, and soot is decreased.
• Sprinklers activate in affected areas of your building, limiting the spread of property damage.
• Sprinklers use less water than the fire department.

Fire Sprinkler System Basics: Activation

The key to properly maintaining the fire suppression system in your Olympia, WA, building is understanding how the sprinklers work. Generally, the system is activated by temperatures above 155 degrees Fahrenheit. As the air heats up, it shatters the plug inside each sprinkler head, releasing water quickly. This leads to reliable activation and a response isolated to only the at-risk rooms in the building. If the fire spreads, sprinklers will activate as heat advances.

Smoke Detectors and Fire Extinguishers

The fire sprinkler system is just one component of your overall fire safety plan. Check with your local fire department or professionals who offer fire sprinkler cleanup and restoration to learn more about how many smoke detectors to install and where. Ask about which types of fire extinguishers are appropriate for your situation. Provide evacuation and first aid training to your employees and schedule opportunities to practice those skills.

Inspections and Maintenance

Regular upkeep is another vital factor in keeping your property safe from fire damage. Schedule professional inspections and testing as directed by the manufacturer or as outlined in applicable regulations. The system doesn't require much maintenance, but it is important that sprinkler heads are free from dirt, dust, and greasy residue.
An automatic fire sprinkler system can protect you from the loss of your property while dramatically reducing the amount of damage that occurs during a fire. Don't be misled by misconceptions about sprinkler systems; make sure your property is safe.

What To Do About Lingering Mold Odor

3/7/2022 (Permalink)

If you suspect or have discovered a mold problem in your Olympia, WA, home or business, give our SERVPRO of Lacey team a call!

What To Do If Mold Odor Remains

A mold smell at your Olympia, WA, business can create an unpleasant environment for you, your employees and your customers. Fortunately, it is possible to eliminate the smell.

Cause of Mold Odor

Mold growth often releases mycotoxins that emit strong odors. Mold is commonly described as smelling

Musty
Earthy
Damp

Although an unusual odor is often an early sign of a mold problem, the fungus smell can linger even after the mold has been removed by an experienced restoration service.

Removal of Mold Odor

Following the mold remediation process, there are several things you can do to eliminate any residual mold smell. Remember that air fresheners usually only cover up the odor, and the mildew smell will return when synthetic smell fades.

If the weather permits, open the windows and doors to let in some fresh air. Turning on fans while the doors are open improves air circulation and will help eliminate the odor more quickly. Run an air purifier with an activated carbon filter to trap some of the mycotoxins.

Baking soda and vinegar may seem old-fashioned, but these two cleaning products are great for getting rid of tough smells. Add vinegar to the washing machine to eliminate odors in washable items. Sprinkle baking soda over carpets or upholstered items and let the powder sit for about fifteen minutes before vacuuming up the musty odor.

Prevention of Mold Odor

The only way to prevent mold odor in the future is to prevent mold growth. The most effective way to do this is to keep your building dry. Keep the humidity below 50% if possible. Run a dehumidifier in particularly humid areas. Clean up spills and water damage as quickly as possible.

Even after a mold infestation has been remediated, the moldy smell can linger. Fortunately, fresh air and a cleaning session are often all you need to get your business smelling fresh and clean again.

Inspect Your Commercial Building and Keep It Weatherproof

1/31/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lacey understands the stress and worry that comes with experiencing water damage on your commercial property. Call us!

Keep An Eye On Your Commercial Building And Make Sure It's Weatherproof.

Is your Olympia, WA, business in a building that is comfortable, dry and weatherproof? If so, thank the heroes responsible for exterior maintenance. It is their job to keep your building maintained. Proper maintenance ensures that the weather stays outside where it belongs.

Damage to the exterior lets in the weather. Some, like broken windows, is obvious and demands immediate attention. Other damage starts tiny and grows into serious maintenance problems. Examples of minor damage are:

• Small holes in siding
• Loose or cracked windows
• Gaps around vents, pipes and other exterior features
• Damaged masonry

Routine Inspections Are the Key to Preventive Maintenance

Every building has problems that are easy to overlook. They don’t interfere with the business operation, so they go unreported. The first step in fixing them is finding them. The best way to identify them is through a complete building inspection. Think of this as a close inspection of the building with the help of a checklist. Here are some of the tasks that an exterior maintenance inspection might include:

1. Inspect the roof. Look for areas where the roofing material needs repair. Check the vents, air conditioner and other features attached to the roof to make sure they won’t leak. Check the gutters and downspouts. Make sure that rainwater will flow down and away from the building.
2. Inspect the walls. Look for openings that might let water in. A structural engineer can help you determine if there is water damage.
3. Inspect the masonry. Areas that are failing might provide a path for water to get inside. Bring in a professional to check the situation.
4. Inspect the doors and windows. Make sure that they stop the flow of air and water.

Some exterior maintenance problems can’t wait. One of these is water damage. There are local water damage restoration specialists ready to come to your aid. They are just a phone call away.