Getting your business back on track after a disaster

Name: SERVPRO of Jefferson County
Address: 800 Starbuck Ave, Ste B-4, Watertown, NY, 13601
Telephone: (315) 777-8377

4/1/2022 (Permalink)

Major flooding at a local large building with multiple businesses

How quickly your company can get back to business after a blizzard, fire, or flood often depends on the emergency planning done today. The regular occurrence of natural disasters demonstrates the importance of being prepared for any emergency. While each situation is unique, your organization can be better prepared if you plan carefully, put emergency procedures in place, and practice for all kinds of emergencies.

The following are basic measures business owners and managers can take to begin preparing. A commitment to begin planning today will help support your employees, customers, the community, local economy, and even the country. It also protects your business investment and gives your company a better chance for survival.

Develop a Business Continuity Plan.
Your organization’s risk needs will vary depending on the specific industry, size, scope and location. Begin by reviewing your business process flow chart, if one exists, to identify operations critical to survival and recovery. Carefully assess your internal and external functions to determine which staff, materials, procedures and equipment are absolutely necessary to keep the business operating. You should also establish procedures for succession of management.

Review Insurance Coverage.
Inadequate insurance coverage can lead to major financial loss if your business is damaged, destroyed or simply interrupted for a period of time. Insurance policies vary; check with your agent or provider about things such as physical losses, flood coverage and business interruption. Understand what your policy does and does not cover.

Prepare your Emergency Plan.
Your employees and co-workers are your business’ most valuable asset. Communication is central before, during and after a disaster. Include emergency information in newsletters, on your company intranet, in periodic employee e-mails and/or other communication tools.

Practice the Emergency Plan.
Some disasters will require employees to leave the workplace quickly. The ability to evacuate workers, customers and visitors effectively can save lives. If your business operates out of more than one location, establish evacuation procedures for each individual building. If your company is in
a high-rise building, an industrial park, or even a small strip mall, it is important to coordinate and practice with other tenants or businesses to avoid confusion and potential gridlock.

Secure Your Facility and Equipment.
Install fire extinguishers, smoke alarms and detectors in appropriate places. Secure all entry and exit points and plan for mail safety. Plan what you will do if your building, plant or store is not usable. Secure valuable equipment.

Improve Cyber Security.
Protecting your data and information systems may require specialized expertise, but even the smallest business can be better prepared. Use anti-virus software and keep it up-to-date. Don’t open e-mails from unknown sources. Use hard-to-guess passwords. Protect your computer from intruders by using firewalls. Back up your computer data and download security protection updates known as patches regularly.

Information provided by ready.gov

What is secondary damage?

2/11/2022 (Permalink)

We are ready to help you no matter the weather

Determining whether damage is primary or secondary can pose a challenge. In a commercial property with water damage, primary damage is only caused by exposure to water, while secondary may range from mold to other issues caused by water or high humidity. Here are five types of secondary damage.

1. Corrosion: Many parts of a commercial property, from building materials to fixtures, are made out of metal. Corrosion can affect HVAC components, pipes, or studs. Over time, corrosion may lead to costly structural or utility repairs.

2. Rot: Organic materials such as wood may rot as a result of water damage. Limit the extent of this damage with thorough drying and dehumidification. Rotted building materials may undermine structural integrity.

3. Mold: Mold is a common result of water damage that can start to develop within 48 hours of water damage. There are many types, all of which result from damage that is not addressed in a timely manner. Prevent mold by quickly removing all standing water and thoroughly drying areas affected by water damage.

4. Electrical problems: Water can damage every essential system in a commercial property. Water in electrical sockets or other components can undermine the power in the property or cause dangerous malfunctions. Commercial restoration experts can help to ensure that the lights are safe to turn on and restore water-damaged appliances and devices.

5. Damaged materials: The line between damage from primary and secondary causes can be vague. Water damage that goes untreated may cause more extensive damage to materials that is secondary. These contents may need to be replaced.

If your commercial property in Jefferson, Lewis or St Lawrence County has experienced water damage, you should immediately take action to limit the extent of secondary damage. Call SERVPRO of Jefferson County if you have any questions at 315-777-8377.

Commercial mold remediation

2/11/2022 (Permalink)

Mold can be found just about anywhere. There is a massive amount of mold growth in this basement.

By the time you smell the distinctive musty odor, you have lost half the battle. Water damage or moisture has sparked the growth of mold in your commercial building and left unchecked, the insidious fungus can do massive damage. Clearly, immediate steps must be taken to secure the property. The only question now is what sort of guidelines or mold standards for cleanup should you follow in Watertown, NY?

Make a Plan

There are no federal rules that a commercial property owner must adhere to when it comes to mold clean up, but the EPA provided broad guidelines in the 2008 brochure Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings. First and foremost, it is important to assess the scale of the issue and form a remediation plan. Any strategy for cleanup and repair should follow these principles:

• Identify and fix the water or humidity issue.
• Communicate with employees and/or other building occupants.
• Clean up mold and dry all water-damaged areas.
• Select appropriate cleaning and drying methods and tools.
• Remove mold-damaged building materials.
• Arrange for professional help, as needed, from restoration specialists

If professional help is required, it is important to hire a firm and/or technician accredited by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification. The IICRC’s own mold standards require a written assessment and detailed action plan. All black mold must be eradicated by use of EPA-approved fungicides.

Follow the Plan

The EPA brochure also provides tips for preferred cleanup methods and removal and disposal of affected building materials. Pages of guidelines for such are included, along with a simple checklist to determine if the remediation plan has been a success:

• Has the instigating water/moisture issue been addressed and repaired?
• Have all materials affected by mold been thoroughly cleaned of the fungus and/or removed and replaced?
• Does the site visually appear mold-free with no signs of water damage?

If the answer to each of these questions is “yes,” the remediation plan meets the mold standards recommended by EPA and IICRC guidelines.

In New York State, we are required to carry a mold remediation license. We make sure to keep our license up to date, and complete the latest training to help you out when an issue arises!

For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROjeffersoncounty.com/.

Take steps to protect your Jefferson County business from fire

2/10/2022 (Permalink)

Even light soot should be cleaned up by professionals. It can get into every nook and cranny in your business. If it's there, we will find it!

The best way to avoid this scenario is to take steps to reduce the likelihood that a preventable fire will break out. You may also want to train employees or occupants in disaster preparation to limit losses from fires that start in other units or surrounding buildings. Here are four fire preparation steps you can take to protect your business.

1. Make sure the property is built with fire-retardant materials. The materials out of which a commercial property is built can impact insurance premiums. These materials may also impact the way that fire suppression systems are set up. You should also factor in whether structural additions or contents are potentially combustible or resistant to fire.

2. Frequently perform fire drills and train occupants on fire safety. Make sure that all employees and occupants of the building know what to do in case of fire, and post evacuation maps in strategic locations. You may also want to schedule fire preparation training that covers how and when to use fire extinguishers.

3. Regularly test extinguishers and fire suppression systems. Install fire extinguishers in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations and have them regularly inspected. The supplier of the fire suppression equipment in your building can recommend a testing method.

4. Schedule a fire hazard analysis. A commercial property can become imperiled by fires that start in other units or neighboring buildings. Have a trained professional perform a fire hazard analysis to further reduce the likelihood that your building will sustain extensive damage.

Taking these four fire preparation steps should reduce the likelihood that a fire will start in your business. If a fire does start and damages your commercial property in Jefferson, St Lawrence or Lewis county, you should carefully document evidence of damage and loss and contact SERVPRO of Jefferson County at 315-777-8377.

Helping Fort Drum Business Owners Thrive During Uncertain Times

3/22/2021 (Permalink)

If you need cleaning assistance at your business, we’re here. Contact SERVPRO of Jefferson County to learn more.

Did it take a lot of work for you to get your Fort Drum business ready to open its doors?

If you’re like most business owners, the answer is, “Yes, it was a lot.”

But if it’s something you’ve dreamed of doing for yourself and your family, how could you do anything but work hard to get it started? We’re a locally owned business, so we understand what you’re doing and want to support the community.

You’re a big part of the community. We know what you do to make your business a success. It means a lot to research and planning—and everything that goes into operating and growing your business, too.

Every business owner has had to find new ways to serve our customers during the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. We want to help you with that process, including the ways you now interact with customers and keep them safe.

Finding the Right Resources

The good news is that we’re all rooting for you to succeed. Resources are there to help you do it. They include available business loans and tips, advice, and more from trusted local and national resources.

Our team is here to help you, too. We’ll get your office, store or restaurant ready for customers.

The technicians on our team will get your business “Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.” This is a powerful process that will let you rest assured that your business is protected by the latest cleaning technology. Here’s how we do it:

The first step is to consult with you about your needs.

Next, we’ll clean your space using proprietary EPA-Approved Hospital-Grade cleaning solutions. Our cleaning and decontamination standards come directly from the CDC.

The next step is the final one. Our teams certify your space, providing evidence for your customers that your space is safe.

If you need cleaning assistance at your business, we’re here. We have crews who are available ²⁴⁄₇ in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time to learn more about our cleaning services and how we can help you.

Restoring your Jefferson County commercial property after a water damage

9/10/2020 (Permalink)

Commercial Water Damage Events Present Unique Challenges

Flooding and water damage events at Jefferson 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.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

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

About SERVPRO of Jefferson County

SERVPRO of Jefferson County 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.

We Have The Proper Techniques To Restore Your Watertown Hotel After Flood

9/5/2019 (Permalink)

Air movers on a shelve in a warehouse ready to be used

When you have storm damage, SERVPRO is always ready. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to take you call.

Tips for Flood Recovery in Your Watertown Hotel

Guests look to your quaint Watertown hotel as a welcomed respite from the road, or a place to stay throughout a prolonged look into all the area has to offer. As a business owner, you have likely already experienced the detrimental effects of flooding in the area over the past several years, and it continues to be a threat to your facility and guests that have already arrived. While you have an experienced custodial staff and maintenance department, flood recovery might best get left to qualified professionals that can arrive quickly to reduce your losses.

As it should, the safety and wellbeing of your guests take a priority when addressing flood damage in your Watertown hotel. With this in mind, there are specific steps that you can take until our SERVPRO professionals arrive to reduce the loss that your business could sustain and to help your guests stay safe and comfortable despite the challenges of partial flooding in other areas of your property. Here are some things to consider:

- You should relocate guests to a safe area of your hotel, and if done quickly enough, might allow them to be entirely unaffected by the spreading flood damage.

- If possible, you can seal over breaches in the exterior of your hotel damaged in a storm. These can often be a source for flooding, and covering them with tarps or plywood can reduce or eliminate further water penetration.

- While our SERVPRO team has a very accomplished and well-trained contents department, you can help reduce loss by moving at-risk items and furniture to higher elevations and areas you do not expect to suffer flooding.

- You can utilize specific extraction tools like wet-vacs if you have them in your facility to help slow the spread of floodwater throughout the building while our professionals are in route.

Protecting your guests and your facility are top priorities when faced with flooding. Give our SERVPRO of Jefferson County team a call anytime at (315) 777-8377 to make these loss incidents “Like it never even happened.”

See more about Watertown.

If Your Assisted Living Facility In Adams Is Damaged By A Flood, Let Our Crew Save Your Property!

7/22/2019 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Jefferson County at (315) 777-8377 to help take the right steps.

Managing Commercial Flood Damage At Your Adams Assisted Living Facility

Flood damage can cause major inconveniences when it affects any property. However, when such damage occurs in a facility catering for people who need specialized care, the level of inconvenience is even higher. Unless water removal and cleaning of contaminants are expedited, you might end up relocating the residents to protect them from the effects of flooding. The professional flood mitigation services we offer can help prevent such adverse outcomes.

Whether there is a major or minor incident of commercial flood damage in your Adams assisted living facility, you should respond fast. A fast response can mean different things, including immediate extraction of standing water or preventive actions such as boarding up to prevent further deterioration. The chosen action should help prevent highly inconveniencing actions such as moving the residents. WRT, Water Restoration Technician training helps our SERVPRO team carry out various actions when scoping the level of damage, allowing us to determine the best response plan.

Contamination can pose serious health risks to the residents at your facility. If the flooding occurs from groundwater or sewage backup, it is likely to contain dangerous contaminants such as biohazards and chemicals. In case of flooding from rainwater such as when strong wind or falling debris breach the roof, the risk of contamination is low. By having the right protective equipment, our SERVPRO crews can wade through any water, ensuring we take the necessary remedial measures in time. Immediately after arriving at the loss site, we spray EPA registered disinfectants directly into the water then start other cleanup procedures immediately.

Comfort is a significant aspect of most assisted leaving facilities. However, when a flood strikes, the materials that improve that comfort can worsen the situation. Materials such as carpets and insulation that keep your facility comfortable and warm tend to absorb significant amounts of water. They also tend to retain contaminants even after thorough cleaning because of their porous nature. Our SERVPRO technicians remove carpets during cleaning to eliminate the risks posed by contaminants. We also perform controlled teardown to remove insulation and other building materials.

You can take back control of your assisted living facility faster with professional assistance. Call SERVPRO of Jefferson County at (315) 777-8377 to help take the right steps. We have the means to address any damage “Like it never even happened.”

For more about Adams click here.

Commercial Fire Damage Gurus In Watertown Talk About Restoring Artwork

5/22/2019 (Permalink)

Will you let smoke damage in your building out shine your artwork? Call SERVPRO.

Will fire damage be your new showpiece?

If a fire ever takes place inside or near your Watertown art gallery, then several problems could arise. Even if something burns in a retail unit next to you, your business could still suffer from extensive commercial fire damage. Being in the art gallery business your company's contents and products are the most valuable things in the store and are the heart and soul of your livelihood. Things getting damaged inside your building can be costly to repair so professional restoration companies like SERVPRO can prove to be beneficial. Our team knows that when dealing with commercial fire damage keeping the cost of restoration low is essential.

When working in art galleries, our SERVPRO experts know that replacing ruined pieces of artwork can get very costly. Because of this, whenever we handle commercial projects with fire damage in Watertown, we do whatever we can to clean and restore items instead of discarding and replacing them. Pieces of art can be easily flammable and can often be used as fuel if a fire takes place. Even if the fire is not inside your place of business, your building materials and contents can still get negatively affected. Heat and smoke can both cause minor problems that can be fixed when you call in a professional restoration company like SERVPRO.

We know that it is always more affordable to clean and restore an item than it is to replace it. When dealing with artwork, pieces can sometimes be very valuable. Valuable art requires an art restoration expert more commonly known as a conservator. If expensive artwork inside your gallery gets affected, then we can call in a conservator to help bring those high-end pieces back to perfection.

If you have pieces of art that are low-cost, then we can restore them using methods designed for the more delicate contents. For example, soft brushing or low-pressure airbrushing techniques can work well without disturbing the surface of the piece of art. If your art gallery ever suffers from issues related to fire or smoke, call SERVPRO of Jefferson County at (315) 777-8377 any day of the week.

To find out more about Historic Sites, Museums & Arts in Watertown, NY click here.

What Everyone Ought to Know About Commercial Flood Damage Remediation in Watertown

4/20/2019 (Permalink)

When flood damage affects your office, it is time to contact SERVPRO for water removal & remediation services. We are available 24/7 365 days a year.

Commercial Flood Damage Control for Watertown Businesses

Being just a bit inland from Lake Ontario puts Watertown at greater risk for flooding than many other cities and towns in our state. Rain and snow storms can come rolling in with little warning, and local businesses can find themselves with closed doors and no production until the owner removes the water and its effects.

Commercial flood damage to Watertown business requires not just water removal, but quick drying of the structure and contents as well. SERVPRO response teams know that even a small amount of moisture can ruin inventory in a light industrial building, such as an electronics assembly plant.

Even after removing the flood water, a high level of moisture remains in the structure. The increased air moisture content (high humidity) can cause the same damage as floodwaters getting into something, just at a slower rate. That is why our technicians immediately install dehumidifiers after finishing up with the pumps and other water extraction devices.

Since drying components by hand is a risky method at best, SERVPRO specialists use these devices to pull water from the surrounding air. The action speeds up the natural evaporation process and dries the electronics without needing to touch them. To increase the evaporation rate, team members can also place exhaust fans to pull the damp air from inside the facility.

They can further reduce the drying time by using air movers. Specialists adjust the speed and temperature of the airflow to help quickly force water off of delicate surfaces without causing secondary damage to the components. The action pushes it into the air where it is captured and removed by either the dehumidifiers or exhaust fans.

At SERVPRO of Jefferson County, our goal is to help every business reopen its doors. We understand that your customers have a choice when it comes to suppliers, and missing even one day’s worth of production can result in losing a valuable sale. If your business is in this situation, or you want to prepare now for the next storm, call us at (315) 777-8377 today to schedule a service call. We are here for you.

Click here for more information about the city of Watertown.

Fort Drum Venues Benefit from Mitigated Flood Damage with SERVPRO's Help

3/18/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Keeps the Projector Rolling with Fast Cleanup of Theaters and Other Commercial Property after a Flood in the Fort Drum Area

Fast Extraction for Flooding in a Fort Drum Theater

While you might not have events that take place in your Fort Drum theater every day, the facility needs to be kept in top form when possible. The historic building has survived many harsh weather systems and storm damages that have occurred over the years, and it provides a place where art-minded residents can convene to appreciate theater productions. Whenever torrential rainfall occurs over many days, flooding can occur that can pour quickly through areas like the lobby and make their way down the natural grade to the stage area.

When disasters like these cause flood damage in your Fort Drum theater, you need a fast-acting team with the equipment to make a difference quickly. With the right response to the emergency, our professionals can often limit the spread of this damaging water throughout the building, reducing the affected area and helping to make later restoration efforts efficient and more cost-effective.

Part of the effective approach that our SERVPRO team has for flood water removal and drying efforts relies on our advanced technology and equipment. Extraction is a vital component to protecting original materials from getting saturated by floodwaters spreading, and we have many tools that can work to contain the damage and prepare the theater for the drying efforts to come. Often portable sump pumps and gas-powered trash pumps are sufficient for removal. For excessive volumes of floodwater, we also roll out from our facility with an extractor truck for high-powered extraction of widely affected areas.

It is important to remove this excess water as quickly as possible because saturation can occur quickly with many of the exposed materials. Drying tools like our high-velocity air movers and dehumidifiers can treat large areas contending with moisture. By removing the dampness lingering in the environment and affected materials, our SERVPRO professionals can limit the secondary effects like mold growth as well.

One of the priorities that you have as a theater owner is getting the facility back open to those that need it and enjoy its productions. Seating padding and fabrics can be challenging to dry and sanitize. We have specialized hand wands that can generally restore these seats to preloss condition.

To do this as efficiently and effectively as possible, you should trust in the fast response and expertise of our SERVPRO of Jefferson County water restoration specialists. Give us a call anytime at (315) 777-8377.

For more about the local military base click here.

Ultimate Solution for Commercial Flood Damage in Watertown

3/10/2019 (Permalink)

When your shop is facing flooding and roof damage after a storm, contact SERVPRO for remediation efforts. Call right away for best results!

Roof Reconstruction After Flooding in Your Watertown Shop

Severe weather could take different forms to cause damage to your Watertown building housing your small shop. With heavy snowfall that does not melt off quickly, roofs can begin to weaken under the excessive weight and become vulnerable to water penetration. Once this occurs, water can flow through these penetration points unabated during torrential rainfall situations where steady runoff occurs. The result is flooding of your building that begins through the ceiling material and eventually works its way to the main floor of your shop over a brief period.

While you might not know that your Watertown shop is at risk for flood damage until this situation is well underway, knowing what to do at the first sign of flood damage is critical to keeping your stock and your building safe from excessive ruin and later reconstruction. You need professionals that can respond quickly to the emergency to help slow the spread of the water and restore the damage fully, and our SERVPRO rapid response team can help.

One of the first steps that our technicians must take when we arrive at your damaged building is to do what is necessary to stop the penetrating water from continuing to flow through the roof vulnerabilities. These points can often get sealed over with emergency board up and tarping services. This process can allow our team to get to work on extraction and drying efforts that can protect many of the saturated and exposed materials from tear out and replacement.

Roof repair is something that must occur to restore your building fully following the extraction and drying of the exposed areas. Our licensed contractors can inspect the damage to the roof and determine the best course of action to repairing it or replacing it according to your wishes or that of your insurance provider.

Roof damage can allow for flooding to occur quickly to your small shop under the right conditions. Our SERVPRO of Jefferson County rapid response team has the skilled contracting team and certified restoration specialists to help with every step of returning it to preloss conditions. Give us a call today at (315) 777-8377.

Click here for more about Watertown.

Flood Damage 101 for Commercial Property Tenants

10/16/2018 (Permalink)

Flooded Apartment Building in Watertown, NY

Severe storms and flooding in Watertown, NY, can cause massive damage to commercial properties. As a tenant, you may feel confused and helpless in the aftermath of a flood that has wreaked havoc on your place of business. Should you ever have to go through the highly unfortunate situation of dealing with severe commercial property flood damage, you likely already know you need to reach out to your renter’s insurance provider.

There are three more steps you should immediately take:

Call your landlord or property management company to inform them of the situation.
Start tracking the expenses you incur during this time. Your insurance may possibly reimburse some of these costs.
If it is deemed safe by the authorities to enter the property, take pictures of each room and make notes about the extent of damage incurred.

Who Covers What?

Commercial flood damage can feel overwhelming. When you are a tenant, you may not know off the top of your head who should be responsible for covering what. Unless your lease specifies otherwise, structural damage is typically covered by the property owner’s insurance coverage, while the contents of the property are usually covered by the tenant’s renter’s insurance policy.

It may not be possible to continue operating your business after it floods. You will need to determine whether it is better to shift into a new, temporary space during cleanup, or put everything on pause until you are able to move back in. Check with your insurance agent to see if any of these costs are covered.

Moving Forward

When you file a claim with your insurance company, they will likely send out an adjuster to determine the extent of damage done to the interior and exterior of your commercial property. You’ll also want to ensure a professional cleanup crew in Watertown, NY, is called in to clean up, dry out and sanitize the area, as well as uncover any hidden areas of flood damage.

Flooding is no fun. However, if you follow these steps, you can simplify the process and utilize your renter's insurance to guarantee a quick, smooth return to business as usual.

Leaky Pipe, Now What: How to Temporarily Fix Small Leaks to Avoid Business Interruption

10/1/2018 (Permalink)

Commercial warehouse space suffered water damage in a Adams, NY home

A broken pipe can interfere with your business’s operations, but depending on the extent of the damage, you may be able to temporarily fix a leaky pipe, pushing off official repair until the close of day.

1. Shut Off Water

Before repairing a small leak, you may want to ensure that the water to the affected area is shut off, this allows you to work with a relatively dry surface and can help calm the initial panic of stopping the running water. You can turn off the water locally to avoid disrupting your entire business or, if you fear potential flooding and it makes you feel secure, you can turn off the water main.

2. Epoxy Putty

Once the water is off and the area is dry, you can use epoxy putty to perform basic water repair by filling in any holes or sealing any leaks. You can do this by cutting off a good chunk of putty and, using a putty knife, spreading it over the area. You may want to wear protective gloves to avoid contact with your skin. After the putty has cured/dried thoroughly, you can turn the water back on and check for any leaks.

3. Repair Clamps

If you do not feel comfortable using the putty, or if there is a crack in the broken pipe, then you may want to use a pipe repair clamp. These clamps come in a variety of sizes and are most likely available in any local hardware or home improvement store. The clamp slides over the crack and then, upon tightening the small bolts on the opposite side, provides pressure and ideally stops the leak.

4. Call a Professional

Whether your temporary fix works or not, you will likely want to call a local plumbing specialist in the Adams,NY , area to resolve the issue for you. While the above temporary fixes are good for the short term, they are by definition temporary.

The suggested repairs above can temporarily stave off any business interruption due to small leaks from a broken pipe, but you will likely want to seek out a more permanent solution in your off hours.

Commercial Mold Remediation Guidelines

7/23/2018 (Permalink)

If the answer to each of these questions is “yes,” the remediation plan meets the mold standards recommended by EPA and IICRC guidelines.

By the time you smell the distinctive musty odor, you have lost half the battle. Water damage or moisture has sparked the growth of black mold in your commercial building and left unchecked, the insidious fungus can do massive damage. Clearly, immediate steps must be taken to secure the property. The only question now is what sort of guidelines or mold standards for cleanup should you follow in Watertown, NY?

Make a Plan

There are no federal rules that a commercial property owner must adhere to when it comes to mold clean up, but the EPA provided broad guidelines in the 2008 brochure Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings. First and foremost, it is important to assess the scale of the issue and form a remediation plan. Any strategy for cleanup and repair should follow these principles:

• Identify and fix the water or humidity issue.
• Communicate with employees and/or other building occupants.
• Clean up mold and dry all water-damaged areas.
• Select appropriate cleaning and drying methods and tools.
• Remove mold-damaged building materials.
• Arrange for professional help, as needed, from restoration specialists in [City, State].

If professional help is required, it is important to hire a firm and/or technician accredited by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification. The IICRC’s own mold standards require a written assessment and detailed action plan. All black mold must be eradicated by use of EPA-approved fungicides.

Follow the Plan

The EPA brochure also provides tips for preferred cleanup methods and removal and disposal of affected building materials. Pages of guidelines for such are included, along with a simple checklist to determine if the remediation plan has been a success:

• Has the instigating water/moisture issue been addressed and repaired?
• Have all materials affected by mold been thoroughly cleaned of the fungus and/or removed and replaced?
• Does the site visually appear mold-free with no signs of water damage?

If the answer to each of these questions is “yes,” the remediation plan meets the mold standards recommended by EPA and IICRC guidelines.
For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROjeffersoncounty.com/.

What Counts as Secondary Damage?

6/19/2018 (Permalink)

If your commercial property has experienced water damage, you should immediately take action to limit the extent of the secondary damage.

Determining whether damage is primary or secondary can pose a challenge. In a commercial property with water damage, primary damage is only caused by exposure to water, while secondary may range from black mold to other issues caused by water or high humidity. Here are five types of secondary damage.

1. Corrosion: Many parts of a commercial property, from building materials to fixtures, are made out of metal. Corrosion can affect HVAC components, pipes, or studs. Over time, corrosion may lead to costly structural or utility repairs.

2. Rot: Organic materials such as wood may rot as a result of water damage. Limit the extent of this damage with thorough drying and dehumidification. Rotted building materials may undermine structural integrity.

3. Mold: Mold is a common result of water damage that can start to develop within 48 hours of water damage. There are many types, including black mold, all of which result from damage that is not addressed in a timely manner. Prevent mold by quickly removing all standing water and thoroughly drying areas affected by water damage.

4. Electrical problems: Water can damage every essential system in a commercial property. Water in electrical sockets or other components can undermine the power in the property or cause dangerous malfunctions. Commercial restoration experts can help to ensure that the lights are safe to turn on and restore water-damaged appliances and devices.

5. Damaged materials: The line between damage from primary and secondary causes can be vague. Water damage that goes untreated may cause more extensive damage to materials that is secondary. These contents may need to be replaced.

If your commercial property in Watertown, NY, has experienced water damage, you should immediately take action to limit the extent of secondary damage. Whether you are worried about black mold or any other type of damage, you should contact a commercial restoration company. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROjeffersoncounty.com/.

Planning for disaster

5/31/2018 (Permalink)

Local large building that had a pipe break on the 4th floor.