Keeping Your Company Running During an Emergency

2/8/2022 (Permalink)

One of the biggest fears for business owners is losing any progress they have gained when disaster strikes. Once you have a business emergency plan in place, there is no need to fear in losing momentum. Whether you have a new or an established company, protect your assets by building a plan custom tailored to you.

1. Conduct a Business Impact Analysis Survey with your more experienced employees. You will need to assess the most vulnerable areas in your company and determine how to keep the risk of loss low. Where will you conduct your business if you have to vacate the premises, for example? When is the best time to contact commercial building restoration services? With a thorough assessment of your company’s needs, you can be better prepared to continue work, whether that means renting out an area from a nearby facility or having a temporary workplace set up.

2. Develop an emergency response team. Your team should be willing and able to handle its daily responsibilities and emergency response training. If you choose, you can have yourself or the team leader trained as a Business Continuity Plan Professional by taking a course from the Disaster Recovery Institute International. A certified professional can direct your team with efficient loss prevention techniques.

3. Update your emergency response plan with new training and revisions. As your business grows and changes, your plan will need to grow and change with it. Keep your employees informed of any changes and the reasons behind them. That way, when an unexpected setback occurs, you are ready.

In the event of flood, fire, or other emergency, you would hate to lose business because you had no plan to keep the wheels running. No one can expect when a flood or fire will occur, but you can prepare for the unpredictable at any time. No occasion is better than the present to develop a business continuity plan.

More Winter Weather Ahead! BUSINESSES BE PREPARED!

2/8/2022 (Permalink)

We have already seen the impact of winter storms in our area. We are in store for much much more. Here are some tips to keep your business going in a winter storm.

• Ensure your furnace is cleaned and working properly. Also, change the filter. 
• Line up snow/ice removal. Make sure they are able to have the sidewalks and driveways cleared before anyone arrives to work. Have extra salt on hand for sidewalks. The last thing anyone wants is for someone to fall. 
• Shut off any outside water source, and have the lines cleared. This will help to prevent frozen or burst pipes when the temperatures drop. 
• Have a plan for staff. Let them know where to check for any weather related delays. Also, who they need to call if weather prevents them from coming to work. Add a storm damage restoration team to your list of emergency contacts in case of emergency. 

Winter storms can be dangerous and cause great stress to businesses, so it is essential to have a plan.

Is Your Building Ready for Spring?

2/4/2022 (Permalink)

Many owners of business and commercial buildings think that just because temperatures outside get warmer, the potential damages of winter weather pass. Spring thawing can easily cause flooding in your building! Make sure your building is ready from the bottom to the top for those April showers.

1. Basement Preparation

The basement or lowest floor of your building is susceptible to a spring flood as soon as winter snow and ice start melting. In addition to taking the appropriate measures to keep water out, such as having your foundation inspected, you should also complete and check the following items off your list:

• Purchase an automatic sump pump
• Install flood sensors
• Elevate sensitive machinery off the floor

2. Plumbing Protection

A frozen pipe can burst even when it starts warming back up. If the temperature change is too sudden, the pipes may not be able to withstand the contrast. Keep the thermostat in your building set to at least 55 degrees all the time so that your pipes are still kept safe overnight.

3. Roof Inspection

The beginning of spring is a great time to have your roof professionally inspected. Contractors can identify damage and other weak spots, and water restoration specialists can remediate any flooding that occurred during the winter.

4. Drainage Clearing

Falling leaves and twigs that get blown into gutter and downspouts during the winter need to be cleared out before spring rains begin. When a spout is clogged, rain must find another path off the building, and it is usually not the path you would prefer. Clean your drainage system completely so that rainwater has somewhere to go.

When you see ice and snow melting, you know it’s time to prepare your building for warmer weather. Following these tips can help ensure a smooth transition from winter to spring and keep your building from flooding.

Commercial Partner of the Month – Schools

2/4/2022 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO® of Hardin/LaRue Counties we believe learning shouldn’t be paused or canceled, even in the face of disaster. Disasters at an educational facility are highly complex and require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a small school or a campus of higher education, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area so that normal operations can continue 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. Your job is to provide valuable lessons and information to the students; ours is to make sure you have a safe place to do so.

Our experience in handling educational facilities cleanups has given us the ability to provide a variety of detailed services for the following educational facilities: K-12 Schools, Colleges & Universities, Dormitories, Event and Sporting Arenas, Libraries, and Daycares / Pre-K Facilities.

Factory or Warehouse Flooded? SERVPRO is who you call!

10/10/2021 (Permalink)

Although finding a company capable of handling water removal from a factory of any size or warehouse may seem difficult, we at SERVPRO know we can handle any water removal and restoration projects in the area. We handle water removal from large buildings without trouble. If you still have doubts, here are a few of the techniques we use to dry the place out thoroughly and quickly.

Water Extraction
When a water removal project from a factory or warehouse calls for extraction of standing water, many companies do not know where to begin. Even worse, some may begin the extraction process under-equipped and poorly prepared, and may not remove water from the premises in time to prevent some of the worst damage from happening. We use truck-mounted extraction pumps to remove standing water as quickly as necessary, bringing in additional trucks as needed to make sure the building gets drained before damage can get any worse.

Fast Drying
Once standing water has been cleared, we can begin the process of drying the area out and eliminating moisture that has already penetrated into materials in the building and stored objects. By creating air currents throughout the building, we can pick up water droplets on a large scale before depositing them in buckets via our fast-acting dehumidifying technology.

Care for Contents
Depending on what you have stored in the warehouse, we may have to use special preventative measures to protect the building's contents. If they present a safety hazard when mixed with water, be sure to let us know so that our technicians can don adequate personal protective equipment.

SERVPRO of Hardin/Larue Counties provides industry-leading care for our commercial customers in the aftermath of a disaster and has the resources required to handle even the largest projects.

June Theme of the Month

6/16/2021 (Permalink)

June Theme of the Month

The June Theme of the Month has to do with something that has taken off in 2021: the Real Estate Market.

2021 has been a great year so far for both buyers and sellers! Many people have put their homes on the market, and they have sold within days. With this boom, SERVPRO of Hardin/LaRue Counties in Kentucky has been getting more calls than normal regarding carpet cleanings and quotes.

When a home is empty, carpets are one of the first things that the potential buyer will look at, and when carpets appear clean, when buying a home, many new home owners want their carpets cleaned before move in day. Even if you are not selling today, as a home or business owner, it is important to take care of your carpets over the years, and make sure that when the time comes, you are able to put your home or business on the market without doing any replacements.

For both businesses and homes, it is a good rule of thumb to get carpets professionally cleaned yearly, and to do regular maintenance throughout the year, such as vacuuming, spot removal, and shifting furniture around to prevent permanent carpet dents. If you own a business with high traffic, then it is suggested to do this even more often.

Give us a call for a free quote!

January Theme of the Month

1/11/2021 (Permalink)

January Theme of the Month

Emergency Ready Profile

This month’s theme of the month is about a program that has been helping businesses for years. Over the years, the businesses that have participated in our ERP program have never regretted the time spent! This is a FREE program run by our marketing department that helps prevent headaches from happening when a disaster strikes.

The goal of this profile is intended for business owners to use to stop or prevent any more damage from happening once an emergency begins. When joining this program, your trained, local marketing representative will visit your business and walk through the property with you and help point out important information. They will then compile this information into a file that can be put on your phone or printed off into a paper copy.

For more information, contact your counties representative:  Tracy Foster - Service Marketing Representative over Hardin/LaRue Counties - 270-734-4808

SERVPRO of Hardin/LaRue Counties Recap

12/30/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Hardin/LaRue Counties Recap

2020 has been a crazy year for all of us! After being deemed an essential business, SERVPRO quickly adapted our protocols to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Two of our departments have had to make drastic changes regarding their jobs: Production and Marketing.

As the COVID-19 pandemic begin, production workers began having to wear PPE (personal protective equipment) to every job. They also wear a new suit while working each COVID-19 job, and dispose of soiled suits as soon as possible to ensure that they are not accidently reused. When calling SERVPRO, you trust everyone has been both temperature screened that day, and is wearing clean equipment.

Our marketing department had to completely rethink how they would visit their contacts. They are now wearing clean masks, respecting any businesses that are currently closed to walk in clients or are appointment only and are taking care to always stay at least 6 feet apart from anyone anywhere they go.

We have also introduced a new program called Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned. This program provides cleanings to help cut down on the amount of germs workers and consumers are exposed to. We will continue to provide this program as long as it is needed.

For a free quote on services, you can give us a call or submit a claim online: www.SERVPROhardinlaruecounties.com/fnol

Emergency Ready Profile during #NationalChurchSafetyMonth!

10/5/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Hardin/LaRue Counties wanted to encourage our local churches to participate in National Church Safety and Security Month, which is in October of each year!

This may look different for each church, but no matter what your churches size, there are things you can do to prevent damage from happening to your building(s) or to minimize the damage if something does happen. One thing you can do, no matter now big or small your church campus is, is participating in our Emergency Ready Profile that our representatives offer as a free service for all local churches.

When working through this program, we help the church members gather necessary information to help prevent or minimize damage from happening when a church experiences damage. Participation in this program is completely free and can prevent or minimize a lot of damage from happening.

After meeting and doing a walk through of the property, our representative will then return to the office to finish up the paperwork. After it is complete, it is then delivered at a later date. The information is also saved on an app that can be shared with whoever the church needs it to be.  

How To Prevent Your Small Business from Becoming a Statistic

9/2/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Hardin/Larue Counties prides ourselves on being a local small business. We also pride ourselves on shopping local as much as possible, and also by working with small businesses to prepare for any issues they may have over the years. We do this by offering a FREE service called an ERP (Emergency Ready Plan) free of charge for any local business in the area.

According to FEMA, at least 25% of businesses close after a major disaster hits. This could be for many reasons, but one reason is the lack of being prepared to quickly react when water or fire is present, and causing damage. Many business owners do not want to think about what could happen, as their business is their families livelihood. While it may not be fun to think about, being prepared for these events can help save your business, and your mental health.

When you schedule an ERP, your local marketing representative will set an appointment time to walk through your business with you, and crate a plan specialized for your business. This process typically does not take more than an hour. Your representative will then deliver your completed plan at a later date, and they can also install the plan on your phone for quick access.

Call your local representative, Jake Hudson, today to set up an appointment today!

Cell: 270-734-4808

Email: JHudson@SERVPRO10020.com

August 2020 Theme of the Month

8/5/2020 (Permalink)

August 2020 Theme of the Month 

This month, SERVPRO of Hardin/Larue Counties are focusing on something that is a big unknown for many families: Back To School. With many options being available this school year, families are faced with making many choices on where their children will be learning. While there are still many unknowns at this time, schools opening back up is a sign of live beginning to return to normal.

One thing everyone knows about this in person school year, is it will be looking very different than previously. To help prepare for this, the CDC has put out many tips and guidelines on what you can do before sending your children back to school to help make the transition as smooth as possible.

Here are a few of their tips:

• Practice proper hand washing techniques at home, and stress the importance of regular hand washing
• Checking your children’s temperature daily for signs of a fever
• Find out how water or drinks will be provided to students during the school day, and consider investing in reusable water bottles for your children to use
• Make sure to have extra face masks available for each student, and have a clean, extra one in your child’s school bag

Click here for the full CDC list of tips and guidelines.  

Throughout the COVID-19 outbreak, SERVPRO of Hardin/Larue Counties has continued to provide sanitizing and cleanings at local schools, daycares, homes, businesses and more. When it comes to back to school, our cleanings can include classrooms, restrooms, buses, gyms, playground equipment and more. Before we begin our COVID cleanings, our team will put together a specialized plan on how to best sanitize and clean the areas needing attention. Doing this ahead of time helps maximize the value and quality of our services for the client.

Learn more about our Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program here.

Commercial Business Fire Safety

7/10/2020 (Permalink)

When it comes to your business, it is important for you and everyone who works in the building to know what to do in an emergency situation. There are some simple ways to do this, like post a fire escape route, and have emergency phone numbers available. Another important way you can prepare is by having multiple a fire extinguishers available around your business. Along with having these extinguishers, it is important for everyone to know how to properly use them.

While SERVPRO of Hardin/Larue Counties hope you never have a reason to use it, here is an easy way to help remember: PASS

• PULL the pin.
• AIM the nozzle or hose at the base of the fire, while keeping a safe distance.
• SQUEEZE the lever to discharge the fire extinguisher agent.
• SWEEP the nozzle or hose from side to side at the base until the fire has been extinguished. Even after it is out, continue around the fire, and make sure all sides are completely out. 

After putting out the fire, make sure to PASS the job to a professional to take care of from here. SERVPRO of Hardin/Larue Counties can handle any of your commercial needs efficiently and timely. We are able to handle not only the fire extinguisher agent, but also help clean up from the fire, soot, and smoke the fire caused. If the fire department also made a visit to the site, we can also help with any water damage that may have occurred. When you think fire, think of the green trucks, and call SERVPRO! 270-360-0448

What Does "Clean" Mean After the Emergence of Covid-19?

6/18/2020 (Permalink)

Let us help you get customers back in your location!

89% of consumers are uneasy about going back to brick-and-mortar locations.*

We know the safety of your employees and customers is of the utmost importance to you. Your business has most likely already suffered financially during the shut down. It's time to get customers back through your door and quick. Doing this, depends upon gaining your customer's trust and putting them at ease. 

Further complicating things is the fact that a sick employee could shut your business back down for weeks. We know you're worried and your customers are worried. But, we're here for you!

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, our new defensive pathogen cleaning program, goes way beyond standard janitorial cleaning practices. This is proactive viral pathogen cleaning. With over 50 years of experience in biochemical spill remediation and decontamination, you can trust SERVPRO of Hardin / Larue Counties Professionals to bring a higher standard of clean to the places we gather.

So how does it work? It’s grounded in our unique 3 C’s:

• Consult: Not all businesses are the same, so we’ll tailor a bespoke cleaning program based on the unique needs of each facility.
  
  
• Clean: Based on the agreed plan, an expert deep clean is initiated using our proprietary EPA-Approved Hospital-Grade cleaning solutions and always adhering to the leading level of cleaning and decontamination standards set by the CDC.
  
  
• Certify: You’ll know a business is Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned by the shield posted on their front window. Along with digital emblems and other collateral, this beacon represents their commitment to the comfort and security of their employees, customers and community.

So when you see the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned shield, you can walk in with confidence. Because you’ll know the #1 choice in clean up and restoration was there.

Are you interested in our Commercial Services, or are you a consumer who wants to learn more?

Have Questions? Call Today (270) 360-0448

*#1 Choice in cleanup & restoration based Commercial Attitude & Usage Tracking study. Polling 816 commercial business decision makers on first choice for future needs related to cleanup & restoration work. Study conducted by C&R Research: October 2019
**Certified SERVPRO Cleaned means professionally trained SERVPRO franchises perform the job according to proprietary SERVPRO protocols and recognized industry standards (CDC, RIA, IICRC) with EPA approved cleaning products to deliver a SERVPRO certified cleaning experience and result.

(*The Harris Poll conducted online on behalf of Fast, between April 28 and April 30, 2020. About 2,048 U.S. adults aged 18 or older participated.) https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/350922/89-of-consumers-concerned-about-returning-to-bric.html

Why Choose SERVPRO of Hardin/Larue Counties as your Preferred Vendor for your Commercial Property?

6/18/2020 (Permalink)

Rapid Response. Experience. Prevention.

Rapid Response

When you experience water or fire damage at your business or commercial property, time is money. The sooner you can get back to preloss operation, the less impact the financial ramifications of a loss will be. We operate on a 1-4-8 promise. When you call us, someone will contact you within 1 hour. This includes weekends, holidays and after hours. Losses don’t just happen between 8am-5pm. We will have someone onsite and ready to start mitigating your loss within 4 hours. Finally, within 8 hours, we’ll have a scope of work and mitigation plan ready to discuss with you.

Arriving quickly helps prevent further damage and gets you back to business sooner.

Experience

Our technicians are highly trained upon hire and continuing training throughout their employment with SERVPRO of Hardin/Larue Counties. They complete water mitigation, fire restoration and mold remediation training, IICRC certifications, biohazard training and much more. As the leader in our industry, we understand that you’re trusting us with your biggest investment and ensure that our crews are knowledgeable and experienced before they enter your property.

Prevention

One great way to minimize a water or fire loss is to be prepared for it before it ever happens. When you choose SERVPRO to take care of your business, we go one step further. Our Emergency Readiness Profile is completed with a knowledgeable representative to create a comprehensive guidebook of your location’s emergency information. Out of town when a supply line busts? Our Emergency Readiness Profile is available in paper form and on our app. You can use it from anywhere you have your phone to guide an employee to the water shut off or fire extinguisher or supply necessary emergency numbers.

 For your FREE consultation or to learn more about what we can do for your commercial property…give us a call today! We’ll be happy to show you! 270-360-0448.

One Simple Rule to Ensure Your Business Reopens After a Disaster

11/1/2019 (Permalink)

Save time and protect your business from disaster with a complimentary Emergency Readiness Profile!

When you run a business; time is money. Every minute that your business is closed down due to flooding, a fire or another disaster, you're losing profits and your employees are losing income. It's inconvenient for your customers and expensive for you and the employees who count on you. So, how can YOU minimize the effect a disaster has on your business?! Easy. Be prepared.

Did you know that only 50% of businesses will reopen after a disaster? The single, most important thing that you can do to prevent your business from becoming a statistic is to be prepared before disaster ever strikes. That's one reason that we recommend an Emergency Ready Profile to all of our commercial clients. 

This simple profile takes only a few minutes to complete, requires minimal effort on your part and can save precious time when it matters most. Did we mention that it's FREE?! Our ReadyPlan program means that you can have the location of water shut offs or electric boxes available right in an app on your phone. It also lists emergency numbers and the appropriate contact person for multiple situations. You can share access to this app with anyone you see fit.

On the beach in Malibu when a water lines busts? Not a problem! Your employees have the Ready Plan app available with the water shut off location documented for quick shut off and SERVPRO of Hardin/Larue Counties already has your important information and is ready to handle your situation.

Need an ERP for your business?! Call us today 270-360-0448!

SERVPRO of Hardin/Larue Counties Can Handle All of Your Commercial Needs

9/4/2019 (Permalink)

When it comes to commercial properties, SERVPRO of Hardin/Larue Counties has the training and expertise to give you the results you want while minimizing the disruption to your clients. Whether it's a pipeline burst, air ducts in need of cleaning or a greasy kitchen....we can help make it “Like it never even happened.”

When it comes to commercial and residential restoration services, SERVPRO is a leader in the industry. Available 24 hours a day and seven days a week, SERVPRO responds quickly to your Elizabethtown business’s emergencies. No commercial project is too big, because we have access to the resources of a nationwide network of 1,700 Franchises. Click on the link below to learn more!

• 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

Have Questions? Call Today – (270) 360-0448

Commercial Building Restoration Services

When it comes to commercial and residential restoration services, SERVPRO is a leader in the industry. Available 24 hours a day and seven days a week, SERVPRO of Hardin / Larue Counties responds quickly to your Elizabethtown business’s fire, water, and mold damage emergencies. No commercial project is too big, because we have access to the resources of a nationwide network of 1,700 Franchises. Learn more about our commercial restoration services:

• Commercial Water Damage Restoration
• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration
• Commercial Mold Remediation
• Commercial Storm Damage Cleanup
• Disaster Recovery Team

Commercial Building Cleaning Services

When the dirt, odor, and moisture challenges go beyond the scope of your regular janitorial staff, you need SERVPRO of Hardin / Larue Counties. 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:

• Commercial Cleaning Services

Commercial Water Loss

8/1/2019 (Permalink)

A water line break in your business can be stressful and confusing since there are many factors to think about when figuring out if there is a leak, where it is, and how to repair it. The most common indication of a leak in your water line is physically seeing water come up on the street, on the sidewalk in front of your shop, or coming through the foundation wall. If the water is coming up in front of your business, it does not necessarily mean the leak is from the water line. Water travels and looks to the point of least resistance to surface.

Commercial water damage to your Hardin/Larue County business is a serious matter, and you want to get the water and damage cleaned up as fast as possible so you can operate as usual again. A closed business means lost profits. That is when you need to call in the professionals at SERVPRO of Hardin/Larue Counties, who can clean up the water and fix any damages the leak has caused. When the break is small, our technicians can repair it before they begin cleanup. For larger problems, we partner with other professional tradesmen who can fix the break in a timely and reasonable fashion. The municipality should be called in if to inspect and repair major street line breaks.
 
Another sign of a broken water line is a hissing or rumbling noise. Likely, your water main is broken if your water is not in use when you hear noise on the water pipe. The hissing is a great indicator of water exiting the pipe somewhere in-between the building and the city water main in the roadway. 
 
Another sign is a water pressure which is low. Not all water main leaks result in this. However, it is a possibility that should be checked out by professionals. We can help you find the cause for the water line break so that it can be fixed properly and your building does not sustain any more water damage than it already has. 
 
SERVPRO of Hardin/Larue Counties understands that when water damage of any kind happens to your business, that time is of the essence to prevent further damage and loss. That is why we are ready to come out to your building and help you anytime you need when you reach out to us at (270) 360-0448.

How to Minimize Fire Damage to Your Commercial Property

7/24/2019 (Permalink)

How to To Minimize Commercial Fire Damage

Every businesses in Elizabethtown, KY, should develop disaster preparation plans that incorporate a variety of situations, including a potentially serious inferno. Because of the unpredictable and destructive nature of this peril, adequate fire preparation is essential to safeguarding your building's structural integrity and minimizing financial losses. Employing three key strategies can help you avert an extensive fire damage restoration project.

1. Maintain Fire Sprinkler System

Your building’s fire sprinkler system is a vital safety feature. However, corrosion, damaged pipes, improper calibration and inadequate water pressure may impede its ability to function properly. To minimize the risk of a serious malfunction, complete an annual inspection.
Keeping sprinkler heads clean and clear of potential obstructions are also crucial. Never stack items on high shelves near the ceiling and avoid painting heads. You should also routinely clean them with a damp cloth to remove dust and grime buildup. 

2. Keep Fire Extinguishers Accessible and Usable

Fire extinguishers are another example of valuable fire preparation devices. To facilitate easy retrieval, mount extinguishers in accessible areas throughout your building. You should also post visible signage indicating their location and ensure staff keep those spaces clear of obstructions.
Like your sprinkler system, portable suppression devices require routine inspections. During every evaluation, verify that the gauge is in the green and vital components, such as the nozzle, handle and pin, are intact and undamaged. Promptly replace units with a red gauge or compromised pieces.

3. Train Staff on Fire Suppression Techniques 

Knowing how to use an extinguisher is also important. To ensure your staff react appropriately, train personnel on the PASS protocol.
To engage the device, pull the pin. Then, aim the nozzle at the base of the flames. Squeeze the handle and employ a sweeping motion to smother the inferno.

Although you can minimize the risk, no commercial facility in Hardin and Larue Counties, is immune from the threat of a potential inferno. Completing proactive fire preparation steps can, however, facilitate a prompt response, which may reduce the extent of fire damage.

Do You Know What to Do if There's An Emergency at Your Commercial Property?

5/27/2019 (Permalink)

Did You Know? ...... 50% of Businesses Without a Preparedness Plan Never Re-Open After a Disaster.

The first step in recovering from a disaster is to be prepared before it ever even happens. A good place to start these type of preparations is with a risk assessment and emergency preparedness profile. A complimentary Emergency Readiness Profile from SERVPRO is a great way to accomplish that! We'll actually gather all the information you need in a disaster and compile it all in one place for you. For FREE! 

This complimentary Emergency Readiness Profile is part of SERVPRO's sponsorship of the American National Red Cross's Ready Rating Program. We gather all vital information that you would need in a disaster and compile it all for you. Once your new Readiness Profile is complete; we'll provide it to you, free of charge, in a folder and/or app form. Even if you're on vacation out of state, your employees can access the information they need to locate the water shut off or you can have the electric company's contact information at your fingertips just by accessing your app. 

Don't be caught unprepared!

Call us today to schedule your Emergency Readiness Profile visit! (270) 360-0448

We Can Make Your Commercial Plumbing Failure "Like it never even happened."

5/22/2019 (Permalink)

Plumbing Failure? No problem!

Water can pool in an office building if the plumbing system fails. A broken water pipe can cause water damage in a few hours, especially if it occurs after business hours. Water loss can cause the destruction of office equipment and furniture, paper records, and computer files.

Water damage may also cause loss of income when businesses stop operations. It is critical to use commercial water removal services for your Elizabethtown office building to remove the water and dry the affected areas to reduce the impact on the finances of the businesses operating in it. The professionals at SERVPRO can assist you with restoring your office building to its previous condition. Our technicians have decades of experience and can guarantee your satisfaction in any water damage restoration project.

When we arrive at a water damaged structure, we carefully pre-inspect all aspects of the damaged areas and then start the mitigation efforts. If there is standing water, our technicians use appropriate pumps or wet/dry vacuums to extract it. We check the flooring and walls below the damaged area for standing water and remove it as necessary. We also use moisture meters to determine the extent of water penetration in carpeting, flooring, walls, and ceilings.

Our SERVPRO team extracts water from carpeting and hard surface flooring. Our technicians detach carpets and extract water from the pad and floor. We remove the pad from the structure and discard it in most cases. We also examine the carpeting to check for damages like bad seams, delamination, and mold. If the carpeting is damaged, and cannot be dried and reinstalled, we remove it from the structure and discard it.

If the carpet can be saved, we treat its back and the floor with appropriate antimicrobial products or deodorizers and lay it back on the floor. We extract water from the surface fibers again and apply deodorizer or antimicrobial agents to the face fibers as necessary. If the carpet has furniture stains, our technicians remove them before the carpet dries. We also use dehumidification equipment to eliminate the extra moisture in the air.

If water has flooded your office building, contact SERVPRO of Hardin/Larue Counties at (270) 360-0448 for emergency services. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster. We can remove the water and dry your building promptly and professionally.

What to Do after a Commercial Water Loss

11/29/2018 (Permalink)

The harsh truth is that a water damage disaster can occur at any time – day or night.

In such an unfortunate circumstance, you may be forced to close down your business for a while as you try to get things back in order. You will certainly incur significant losses in terms of productivity and revenue.

If you fail to handle the commercial water damage properly and early, you can be faced with more losses and property destruction.

Fortunately, if you stay calm and take the right steps to mitigate the damage, you can save yourself a lot of stress and money. Knowing what these steps are, makes the difference between having to rebuild afresh and doing a few repairs.

So, what should you do after a commercial water disaster?

4 Important Things to Do After Commercial Water Damage

1. Switch Off the Main Power Supply

After a water disaster, the last thing you want is more emergencies. If you don’t switch off the power, you risk getting yourself or your employees electrocuted.

Maybe you will be smart enough to avoid the electrocution, but what about the risk of a fire outbreak?  We all know that water plus electricity equals double trouble.

If you are not able to safely switch off the power, unplug all your electrical appliances from their sockets and move them to higher areas of the room like counters or office desks to prevent them from coming into contact with water.

2. Use Disinfectant When Necessary

If the flooding in your commercial building is caused by a burst sewer pipe (which is usually the case), avoid drying the water with a rag. We know that you may want to get things back in order as soon as possible, but this is not the way to go.

The water is full of bacteria and harmful to your health. Instead, use a disinfectant on hard surfaces such as furniture and leave the general clean up to professionals.

3. Salvage and Dry Important Items

When your business property is affected by water damage, mold and mildew are things you’ll certainly worry about. Moreover, the more your furniture and equipment stay in the water-logged building, the more they get damaged.

You will need to take out wet items to dry and prevent mold growth. Do not stress about the walls or ceilings at this point. Just focus on saving what you can actually salvage from the situation. Also, ensure you save important paperwork and backup your electronic data (in case you didn’t).

4. Contact Your Insurance Provider

You need to notify your insurer of the water damage shortly after the disaster strikes. Be sure to describe the degree of damage, when happened, and the required repairs.

Provide as many details as you can, because this will be useful when seeking compensation. Sometimes, insurers may ask for photographs and videos of the damaged items as proof. So, ensure you document the damage before you start moving things.

5. Seek Commercial Restoration Services

You may have sun-dried some of your wet items, but this is not enough. They still need to be disinfected and given a proper restoration. Moreover, things like removing molds on walls and ceilings will require some professional expertise.

This is where SERVPRO comes to your rescue. This well-trained and equipped team will drain excess water from your premises and completely dry the whole place. They will also assess the extent of the damage and make necessary repairs. 

Additionally, they will have your property smelling fresh with their top-of-the-line odor removal techniques. With their excellent and affordable services, you will not need to rebuild afresh. That’s too expensive and time-consuming – a simple restoration from experts will do. 

Top 5 Culprits for Commercial Roofing Leaks

9/2/2018 (Permalink)

Sitting in the entryway of the Advertising firm's office John felt a light sprinkle hit his hand as he was checking his email.

"Maybe it was just in my mind" he said to himself as he brushed the feeling off as accident.  Then cam another drip....and another.....John looked to the ceiling to find one of the ceiling tiles with a ring of moisture.

There were strong winds and rain in the prior week but today was sunny and not a cloud in the sky.  It was obvious to John that something wasn't right so he contacted his building's maintenance manager and asked him to take a look.

The maintenance manager knew the water was coming from the roof , and that it was probably one of the 5 problems that normally cause water damages in commercial roofs.

• DAMAGED PERIMETER FLASHING

• OPEN ROOF PENETRATIONS

• ROOFING MEMBRANE DAMAGE

• AGE OF THE ROOFING SYSTEM

• PONDING WATER OR CLOGGED DRAINAGE

Once the source was identified the work began to clean up the damaged building materials that the leak had caused.  Trying to do this while still keeping the office running meant calling SERVPRO to help mitigate the damage.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO

SERVPRO 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.

Do you know where your Shutoffs are?

9/2/2018 (Permalink)

Knowing where your shutoffs are in your commercial building could save you thousands of unnecessary damage to your building.

Often times building owners will rely on the Fire Department to come in and shut off the water to the buildings once a loss has occurred.

Knowing where your shutoffs are and clearly marking them enables the building owner to shut off water several minutes before first responders can.

In the case of sprinklers that malfunction and turn on, just 1 minute less of water flowing could cut days off of a drying project.

If you don't already , make sure you put together a plan of where the following shutoffs are:

• Gas

• Water

• Electricity
  
  
  

Commercial buildings often times require elevated training and equipment to dry and repair.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints.

We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO

SERVPRO 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.

Top Tips for Maximizing Your Generator’s Lifespan

8/22/2018 (Permalink)

Whether your business is in a tornado zone, a region that experiences blizzard conditions or somewhere in between, a generator can be an essential lifeline when power problems arise. Commercial models are usually well-built machines designed to be in service for the long haul. In fact, many can sustain 10,000-30,000 hours of operation time. Depending on how frequently it’s utilized, that could be the equivalent of 20-30 years. However, like an automobile, conducting routine maintenance is necessary to achieve this maximum lifespan.

Why Preventative Maintenance Matters

No business owner or manager wants to be forced to shut down operations because of power issues. Completing annual routine maintenance on your supplemental power source can prevent this dilemma by identifying generator problems before they become disruptive. In addition, you can schedule maintenance checks around your business schedule, minimizing interference with productivity and normal operations.

Maintenance Checklist

During preventive maintenance service, your generator should be checked from top to bottom. The checklist includes the following items:
• Examining the fuel and coolant systems for adequate fluid levels and leaks
• Ensuring components are adequately lubricated
• Inspecting batteries and terminals for corrosion
• Checking the alternator and transfer switch 
• Changing the engine oil and filter
• Replacing air and fuel filters
• Verifying that the drive belts have the appropriate tension
If you have a diesel unit, your technician should also check the fuel/water separators and service as needed.

Monthly Inspection

In addition to completing annual service, a quick visual monthly check is also extremely beneficial, especially after prolonged use. A monthly exam should include a review of the following details:
• Checking for cleanliness around the unit and removing any debris or rodent habitats
• Inspecting oil and coolant levels
• Assessing fuel level, if your system runs on diesel or propane
• Confirming there are no loose clamps or wires

Signs You Have a Mold Problem in Your Business

5/21/2018 (Permalink)

Discovering you have a mold problem can be a bit overwhelming at first. Before you sell your company, hire a professional to assess the situation. You may notice an odor or react to a mycotoxin in the mold.

Warning Signs

It is important to recognize the warning signs of mold before it takes over your home and affects your company. 

Smell – Mold has a pungent, musty odor. If it is in one area of your building, you might notice a distinct smell when you enter that part of the property. It is not always visually apparent. Mold can grow behind wallpaper, inside walls and under the carpet. If you notice an unusual and persistent odor in your property, contact a professional to perform an inspection.

Sight – Watch for the appearance of mold. It may be black, discolored, fuzzy or slimy. You will notice a suspect area growing overtime. Like most fungi, it likes damp areas. Regularly check and clean areas that have a high humidity or tend to collect dampness.

Health – Because mold is not always visible, it may not be apparent that you have a mold problem. If you notice a musty odor when you are at the office or you spot water damaged areas, you may need to hire a mold remediation specialist. If you do have a mold problem, you may notice that you feel better when you are away from home. 

Mycotoxins

Organisms of the fungus kingdom, like mold, produce toxic secondary metabolites called mycotoxins. 

Things to Know

The best way to prevent mold growth is to control the moisture in your home. Molds can be found almost anywhere and are able to grow on most surfaces, so keeping an eye out for it is essential to keeping you and your employees. 

What To Do Before Allowing Employees To Return After a Flood

5/17/2018 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team can provide help whether you're dealing with a tornado, hurricane, blizzard, earthquake or flood.

If a flood happens in Kentucky it is likely that your business could receive harmful damage. Backed-up sewage lines often lead to black water damage, and leaking water can ruin machinery and important documents. Flood cleanup can take a while, but it’s important to get your business up and running as soon as possible. Here are a few things to consider before calling your employees back into work.

Inspection

Before you allow anyone back into your building, be sure to inspect the stability of the structure. You’ll likely use water damage repair services, but once you can safely re-enter the building, it’s important to do a thorough check up on everything. There are a few things you might do to ensure the security of your employees:

• Examining water supplies for any contamination
• Confirming secure connections to all electrical systems
• Testing for asbestos or black water corruption
• Checking air filtration devices used during the cleanup and restoration process

Once you have thoroughly inspected your commercial building, you can consider contacting your workers.

Accommodation 

Area-wide disasters can be scary. Be sure to take care of your workers during this challenging time, especially if some of them are dealing with their own loss of property or transportation. Consider accommodations such as flexible scheduling and on-site daycare to support your employees.

Communication

Don’t forget to keep your workers and customers informed. There are many ways to communicate, so use your resources to connect clearly and concisely. Your business should provide reassurance to your employees by sharing restoration plans and recent updates. When you are thinking about allowing your workers to return, notify them in advance so that they can prepare themselves. 

Taking these steps to take care of your employees will not only provide security but will also improve their attitude towards your business. Black water damage may harm your building’s structure, but it doesn’t have to ruin your employees’ relationship with the company. 

Contact SERVPRO of Hardin/LaRue Counties if your business has been affected by water damage.

Protecting Your Commercial Property From A Fire

11/27/2017 (Permalink)

Commercial fires are often the most devastating reality that a property owner will have to oversee. In addition to wreaking havoc on your property, fires can force you to relocate temporarily so you can maintain running your business while the restoration process is completed. However, property owners who access and implement high-quality safety practices can often avoid the devastation and destruction that results from fires. Read the brief outline provided below to learn how you can protect your property:

Install Automatic Fire Sprinklers.

As many authorities know, having an automatic fire sprinkler on your property can reduce the risk of fire by up to 71%. Additionally, sprinklers can decrease your insurance premium. To keep your sprinkler in excellent condition, be sure that it is not blocked by dirt or paint. Also, be sure to inspect regularly your main control valve so that it is not left off. Finally, be sure that you take the precautions necessary to prevent the pipe from freezing.

Conduct Fire Emergency Training.

Each of your employees should undergo fire safety training. The training can help prevent your staff members from being victimized. Here are a few subjects that should be covered in the emergency training:

Hazard Recognition

Keep all combustible chemicals and materials away from heat-generating and electrical equipment.

Prevention

Inspect your power sources regularly and don't overload your extension cords and outlets.

Response

Teach your employees how to respond when a fire breaks out. Some subjects that should be covered include how to perform an organized evacuation, operate the fire extinguisher, and set the fire alarm.

Other issues that should be involved in the training include:

• Breathing Apparatus Training
• Fire Extinguisher Training
• Confined Space Entry Training
• First Aid Training
• General Staff Emergency Awareness Training
• Evacuation Exercise

Also, be sure that your employee team officials undergo the following fire emergency response training:

• Fire Safety Officer Training
• Fire Safety Adviser Training
• Chief and Deputy Chief Warden Training
• Emergency Control Organization Warden Training
• Spill Response Training
• Lay Flat Hose Training

Call SERVPRO Immediately

Although accessing and utilizing fire prevention measures is crucial and advantageous, there is still a chance that a fire could break out on your commercial property. If this happens, you need to know who to call for fast, efficient restoration services. The company to trust is SERVPRO. We have extensive industry experience and a passion for restoring offices to their original condition. 

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

As a locally owned and operated business, our SERVPRO team is ready to respond quickly to your fire emergency event. When commercial fire damage occurs, we have the resources and personnel to help. Call us today! 

Fire At Your Commercial Property

8/18/2017 (Permalink)

Why Professionals Should Clean Smoke Damage From A Fire From Your Commercial Property

When the firefighters leave, it may seem like the danger has passed and the home is safe from further destruction, but without professionals to help clean the smoke damage, the building will never return to normal. While the principles behind fire restoration are fairly simple, it requires a lot of experience and manpower to perform adequately, and this means that it shouldn’t be attempted by a homeowner on his or her own.

While fire is always the immediate danger, once it is gone, what it leaves behind will continue to affect the house. Ash and smoke, if left unhindered, will cause extensive corrosion, etching and discoloration, not to mention lingering powerful odors. Professionals that clean fire and smoke damage can stop this before it becomes a major problem, assuming they are contacted soon enough. There are many companies out there that advertise their ability to restore areas affected by fire, but only those with proper training and certification should be considered. The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is the main oversight agency in this industry. The IICRC requires its registrants to take extensive coursework before earning their certification. This is a symbol of excellence, and those that uphold the standards that have been set can be contacted through the IICRC.

These professionals can clean smoke damage and restore items affected by a fire, but they must be brought to the site as soon as possible to halt the ongoing issues that ash residue can cause. The first thing that ash does to the home is discolor most surfaces. Anything that is made of plastic or was close to the fire will start discoloring within minutes, and within several hours, fiberglass and finishes on appliances will begin to yellow. Metals may also tarnish. After a few days pass, the ash will cause walls to discolor permanently, along with clothing and upholstery. Wood and vinyl will need to be refinished or replaced, and metal will start corroding.

If a professional isn’t hired to clean smoke and fire damage, the costs for restoration will skyrocket after a few weeks. Metals may need to be replaced, carpet will permanently discolor and glass may be severely etched, which will necessitate replacement. It will also become apparent that the odors caused by the disaster may still be present and intense enough to be distracting. Because ash is acidic, the longer it takes to hire experts, the more destruction it will cause.

The first thing a trained, certified, professional company will do when on site is to identify all affected materials and the source of any odors. The only way to properly clean smoke and fire damage is to be extremely thorough. Ash residue is easily disturbed and can spread through the building with ease, causing nearly everything to need restoration. The experts will identify what can and cannot be salvaged, and will remove any built-up ash residue that is coating surfaces. Over time, ash builds up in layers, and may eventually form into a lacquer-like consistency. Once this is done, the restorers will locate the source of the odor, and treat it with specialized detergents that are formulated for neutralizing this kind of odor. Once materials are treated, they may be sealed off to prevent any further odor from permeating the air in the future.

This entire process is very detailed, and hiring a professional that can be trusted to do the job right is imperative.

Protect Your Commercial Properties from Fire

8/17/2017 (Permalink)

How to Protect Your Commercial Property From Devastating Fires 

And there’s good reason to be so diligent about fire protection. Every year, hotel and motel fires result in $76 million of property loss. And in 2010, fire departments responded to 1,200 fires in hospitals.

So how can commercial fires be prevented? Check out these four tips that will help protect your business’ livelihood and the lives that make it work:

Building Infastructure
If possible, it’s important to ensure that the infrastructure of your commercial building is made with fire-proofing material. This includes spray on thin film intumescents, endothermic materials, or concrete. Additionally, there should be fire walls, barriers, and partitions as well as smoke barriers. Additionally, fire doors and windows should be placed at the opening of a fire barrier.

Fire Safety Protocols and Planning
Did you know that only 35% of businesses have fire safety plans? This number is far too low, as all businesses should have a culture of fire safety among employees. All personnel should be familiar with fire safety procedures and should know the fire exits in the building.

By developing a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile(ERP) for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business. Contact us to today at SERVPRO of Hardin/Larue Counties at 270-300-1544 to set up your free business ERP. 

Article from united-fire.com

Keep Your Place of Business Smelling Fresh

8/15/2017 (Permalink)

Is there anything worse than walking into a place of business a smelling an odd odor? Thinking about it makes you want to turn right around. Instead, welcome SERVPRO of Hardin/Larue Counties into your place of business to keep the place fresh, clean, and welcoming for your customers.

We Take Deodorization Seriously

Too many companies are interested in coming into your establishment and then blasting citrus scents hoping that they can conceal the stench. That isn't enough! Our company will not act as a giant air freshener. This is a "masking" technique and it won't work to control your serious odor problem. In fact, we recommend that clients who are unsure about our practices call several companies and ask them about their odor removal and deodorization process. Most times, companies are unable to walk clients through their process or speak only of infusing the room with new "fresh" scents despite the fact that this means old, gross, disgusting scents are sure to resurface later.

What Does Our Odor Removal and Deodorization Process Look Like?

We will visit your location first to inspect the stench. We always do a full inspection of our client's properties because we know how important it is to first identify an odor before attempting to eliminate it. We also need to know what surfaces are affected so that we can remove the scent without leaving any foul smells behind. Each of our SERVPRO technicians is trained in various techniques to identify smells and then eliminate them using a variety of odor removal products. Our odor removal products can neutralize offending smells and come in a variety of sizes and strengths. We are confident we can remove your foul smells from any setting.

Questions? We love to talk to repeat clients and new customers. Call us today 270-300-1544.