Archived Commercial Blog Posts
Safeguarding Your Business From Storms
7/11/2024 (Permalink)
The Impact of Summer Storms on Businesses
- According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the U.S. experiences over 1,000 tornadoes annually, with many occurring during the summer months, causing billions of dollars in damage.
- The Insurance Information Institute (III) reports that wind and hail damage account for nearly 15% of all small business insurance claims, with an average cost of $26,000 per incident.
- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) states that 40% of businesses do not reopen after a disaster, highlighting the critical need for prompt and effective restoration services.
Commercial Storm Damage Restoration: Your Business's Lifeline During Summer Storms
Summer storms can wreak havoc on commercial properties, leading to extensive damage and operational disruptions. When a storm impacts our community, SERVPRO® is ready 24/7 to provide comprehensive commercial storm damage restoration services. Our service professionals are prepared around the clock, on weekends, and holidays to meet your commercial storm damage needs.
Local Storm Cleanup Company
As a trusted local storm cleanup company, SERVPRO understands the unique challenges businesses face during the storm season. Our team is equipped with the expertise and tools to handle any storm-related damage quickly and efficiently, ensuring your business gets back on track without unnecessary delays.
Commercial Flooding and Storm Cleanup
Heavy rains during summer storms can lead to flooding, causing significant damage to commercial properties. SERVPRO’s commercial flooding and storm cleanup services are designed to remove water quickly, dry affected areas thoroughly, and prevent further damage. Our prompt response minimizes downtime and helps maintain business continuity.
Severe Weather Damage Restoration
Severe weather can bring a variety of damages, from shattered windows to structural damage. SERVPRO’s severe weather damage restoration services cover everything from debris removal to comprehensive repairs. Our team works diligently to restore your commercial property to its pre-storm condition as soon as possible.
Wind Damage and Wildfire Cleanup
Strong winds during summer storms can damage roofs, windows, and exterior structures, while wildfires pose a significant risk in certain areas. SERVPRO offers specialized wind damage and wildfire cleanup services to address any damage caused by these events. We handle everything from minor repairs to major restoration projects, ensuring your business property is safe and secure.
Flood Water Removal and Cleanup
Flooding can disrupt business operations and cause extensive damage to commercial properties. SERVPRO’s flood water removal and cleanup services ensure all water is extracted, and the affected areas are dried and cleaned thoroughly. This helps prevent mold growth and other issues that can arise from standing water, ensuring a safe environment for employees and customers.
Water Damage Restoration
Water damage can severely impact a commercial property, leading to downtime and financial losses. SERVPRO specializes in water damage restoration, addressing everything from minor leaks to major flooding. Our advanced equipment and expertise ensure thorough water removal and drying, preventing further damage and mold growth. We provide a detailed assessment of the damage and create a customized restoration plan to get your business back to normal as quickly as possible.
Roof Tarp and Board-Up Services
Storms can leave your commercial property vulnerable with damaged roofs, walls, or windows. SERVPRO’s roof tarp and board-up services are crucial to protecting your business from further exposure to the elements. Our quality roof tarp service helps protect your property from additional damage, while our board-up services secure your property from weather, animals, and illegal entry. These temporary measures provide security and prevent further deterioration until permanent repairs can be made.
Services We Provide
At SERVPRO, we offer a wide range of services to address all aspects of storm damage restoration. These include:
- Water Damage Restoration: We tackle all types of water damage, using advanced equipment to extract water and dry affected areas thoroughly.
- Fire Damage Restoration: Our team handles fire damage restoration, including smoke and soot removal, deodorization, and structural repairs.
- Mold Remediation: We identify and remove mold, preventing its return and ensuring a safe environment.
- Storm Damage Restoration: From minor repairs to major restorations, we handle all storm-related damages.
- Commercial Cleaning Services: We provide specialized cleaning services, including COVID-19 cleaning, to maintain a safe and clean environment for your business.
Additional Services
Beyond our core storm damage restoration services, SERVPRO offers additional services to help maintain and restore your commercial property:
- Air Duct/HVAC Cleaning: Ensures clean and efficient air circulation.
- Biohazard/Crime Scene Cleanup: Safe and thorough cleanup of hazardous materials.
- Carpet/Upholstery Cleaning: Professional cleaning to extend the life of your furnishings.
- Ceiling/Floor/Walls Cleaning: Comprehensive cleaning for all surfaces.
- Virus/Pathogen Cleaning: Specialized cleaning to protect against viral and bacterial contaminants.
- Document Restoration: Recovery of important documents damaged by water or fire.
- Odor Removal: Elimination of persistent odors from smoke, mold, or other sources.
- Vandalism/Graffiti Cleanup: Restoring the appearance of your property after acts of vandalism.
Commercial Storm Damage Cleanup
SERVPRO professionals are trained and equipped to handle both large and small commercial storm damage jobs. Our goal is to return your business or commercial property to preloss condition as soon as possible, minimizing disruption and helping you get back to running your business. Trust SERVPRO to be your partner in storm damage restoration, ensuring that your commercial property is restored quickly and efficiently.
For more information on our services or to schedule an appointment, contact SERVPRO of Morris/Ottawa at (815)416-0075 or https://www.SERVPRO.com/locations/il/SERVPRO-of-morris-ottawa
Revive and Thrive
7/10/2024 (Permalink)
Potential Problems If Disaster Strikes Your Business
- Prolonged Downtime: Inaction can lead to extended periods where your business operations are halted, resulting in significant loss of productivity and revenue.
- Financial Loss: The longer your business is out of operation, the more revenue you lose. Additionally, the costs associated with extensive repairs and replacements can be substantial.
- Structural Damage: Water, fire, and mold can cause severe structural damage to your property, compromising the safety and integrity of your building.
- Inventory Loss: Disasters can destroy stock and supplies, leading to significant financial loss and impacting your ability to serve customers.
- Health Hazards: Mold growth, contaminated water, and smoke damage pose serious health risks to employees and customers, potentially leading to liability issues.
- Reputation Damage: Extended closures and visible damage can harm your business's reputation, causing customers to lose confidence in your ability to provide reliable services.
- Operational Disruption: Even partial damage can disrupt normal business functions, leading to inefficiencies and delays in service delivery.
- Employee Displacement: Damage to your business premises can force employees to work remotely or take time off, disrupting your workforce and reducing productivity.
- Legal and Compliance Issues: Failure to address damage promptly can result in violations of health and safety regulations, leading to fines and legal complications.
- Customer Loss: Prolonged downtime and inability to meet customer needs can result in losing loyal customers to competitors.
Why Choose SERVPRO ® for Commercial Restoration?
SERVPRO is renowned for its quick response and efficient service, which is crucial when dealing with commercial restoration. Here are some key reasons why SERVPRO should be your go-to for commercial restoration services:
- 24/7 Emergency Response
Disasters don't adhere to a 9-to-5 schedule, and neither does SERVPRO. With 24/7 emergency response, SERVPRO ensures that help is always available when you need it most. Rapid response minimizes damage and accelerates the restoration process, reducing downtime for your business.
- Comprehensive Restoration Services
SERVPRO offers a wide range of services to address any type of disaster:
- Water Damage Restoration: From burst pipes to flooding, SERVPRO's water damage restoration services include water extraction, drying, and dehumidification.
- Fire Damage Restoration: This includes soot removal, odor control, and structural repairs.
- Mold Remediation: SERVPRO's mold remediation experts can identify and remove mold infestations, preventing further spread and health risks.
- Storm Damage Restoration: From roof tarping to structural stabilization, SERVPRO handles all aspects of storm damage repair.
- State-of-the-Art Equipment and Techniques
SERVPRO utilizes advanced equipment and techniques to ensure efficient and effective restoration. This includes moisture detection tools, industrial-grade dehumidifiers, and specialized cleaning agents. Their innovative technology ensures thorough restoration, reducing the likelihood of future issues.
- Certified and Experienced Professionals
SERVPRO’s team is comprised of certified professionals with extensive training and experience in commercial restoration. Their expertise ensures that every aspect of the restoration process is handled with precision and care.
- Minimizing Business Disruption
Understanding that every moment your business is closed can result in lost revenue, SERVPRO prioritizes minimizing disruption. They work efficiently to restore your property quickly, allowing you to resume operations as soon as possible.
The Benefits of Professional Cleaning Services
In addition to restoration, SERVPRO also offers professional cleaning services that are essential for maintaining a safe and healthy business environment. Regular cleaning services, such as carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning, and HVAC cleaning, help prevent potential issues and ensure a pleasant environment for employees and customers alike.
Conclusion
When it comes to commercial restoration, choosing a reliable and experienced service provider like SERVPRO can make all the difference. Their rapid response, comprehensive services, and commitment to minimizing business disruption ensure that your property is restored efficiently and effectively. Don't let a disaster derail your business – trust SERVPRO to get you back on track.
For more information on our services or to schedule an appointment, contact SERVPRO of Morris/Ottawa at (815)416-0075 or https://www.SERVPRO.com/locations/il/SERVPRO-of-morris-ottawa
Reducing Commercial Liability
8/24/2022 (Permalink)
Maintain your commercial building and minimizing your legal liabilities during the winter months by taking action to avoid hazards in your workplace environment. You can protect yourself, your employees and your customers by taking just a few simple precautions:
Use ice melt on sidewalks and walkways to ensuring the safety of passers buy, customers and employees.
Clean up dirt. A surprisingly large amount of dirt gets dragged into commercial building, especially . Dirt can cause significant damage to your flooring over time. To significantly reduce the amount of dirt and debris that gets dragged in, place utility mats inside and outside all entranced to the building.
Prevent slippery floors. Put utility mats down to minimize slippery surfaces created by snow and rain that gets dragged in when people enter your building. Place wet floor signs out whenever floors need to dry as well.
As a trusted leader in the restoration industry, SERVPRO of Morris/Ottawa provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any size disaster. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs. Your property’s appearance speaks volumes to your clients. When it’s impacted by fire or water damage, you need professional help. Every hour spent restoring your business is lost revenue and productivity. When you need professional cleaning or emergency restoration services, we have the training and resources to get your property back to business quickly.
3 Steps to Reduce Commercial Liability
4/6/2022 (Permalink)
Maintain your commercial building and minimizing your legal liabilities during the winter months by taking action to avoid hazards in your workplace environment. You can protect yourself, your employees and your customers by taking just a few simple precautions:
Use ice melt on sidewalks and walkways to ensuring the safety of passers buy, customers and employees.
Clean up dirt. A surprisingly large amount of dirt gets dragged into commercial building, especially . Dirt can cause significant damage to your flooring over time. To significantly reduce the amount of dirt and debris that gets dragged in, place utility mats inside and outside all entranced to the building.
Prevent slippery floors. Put utility mats down to minimize slippery surfaces created by snow and rain that gets dragged in when people enter your building. Place wet floor signs out whenever floors need to dry as well.
As a trusted leader in the restoration industry, SERVPRO of Morris/Ottawa provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any size disaster. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs. Your property’s appearance speaks volumes to your clients. When it’s impacted by fire or water damage, you need professional help. Every hour spent restoring your business is lost revenue and productivity. When you need professional cleaning or emergency restoration services, we have the training and resources to get your property back to business quickly.
Is Your Commercial Property Ready For Spring?
3/16/2022 (Permalink)
Spring is the time to get your building clean and ready for the warmer weather. Dusting, cleaning floors which may have salt and residue from the harsh winter months, as well as washing windows. Landscape also comes to mind as the snow and ice can be particularly harsh on those areas.
Doing a full inspection of your property is very important to reduce the risks of water or mold damage after the harsh winter. Inspection of concrete and all outer walls of the property is necessary to prevent damage to the building. Freezing and settling of the building can cause cracks in walls or concrete. Those cracks will allow moisture to enter your building and can cause water damage or mold growth.
Also make sure to check gutters and drainage pipes to ensure water is properly being directed away from the building. Irrigation lines and exterior hose shit offs should be carefully inspected as they can easily be damaged by harsh winter weather.
Doing these inspections can help reduce the risk of water or mold damage in your business. If you cannot find the source of water in your building SERVPRO of Morris/Ottawa can help. We use thermal imaging cameras to detect moisture that is inside the wall. Give us a call today for more information. (815)416-0075
Tips for Commercial Fire Prevention
3/16/2022 (Permalink)
As a business owner, you are probably aware of many threats to your business. Some of these are preventable and others may not be. Here are some simple steps that you and your staff can take to help reduce the risks of a fire breaking out in your workplace.
-Electrical fires contribute to a large percentage of reported fires each year, and in terms of damage loss, are often very costly. Electrical fires can easily be prevented . First never overload an outlet or power strip. Electrical outlets are only designed to handle a certain amount of electricity, so the more devices you plug into one increases the risk of an overload. Large appliances should never share an outlet.
- Keep flammable materials and chemicals away from electrical outlets and power strips as well as areas that experience higher than normal levels of heat.
- Keep clutter to a minimum. If a fire does break out having less clutter will keep the fire from traveling quicker.
- Make sure all emergency exits are are clutter and mess free.
These simple steps will help prevent fires. However be prepared for an emergency. Ask SERVPRO of Morris/Ottawa about their free no cost assessment of your building today.
Minimize Commercial Liability
3/16/2022 (Permalink)
Maintain your commercial building and minimizing your legal liabilities during the winter months by taking action to avoid hazards in your workplace environment. You can protect yourself, your employees and your customers by taking just a few simple precautions:
Use ice melt on sidewalks and walkways to ensuring the safety of passers buy, customers and employees.
Clean up dirt. A surprisingly large amount of dirt gets dragged into commercial building, especially . Dirt can cause significant damage to your flooring over time. To significantly reduce the amount of dirt and debris that gets dragged in, place utility mats inside and outside all entranced to the building.
Prevent slippery floors. Put utility mats down to minimize slippery surfaces created by snow and rain that gets dragged in when people enter your building. Place wet floor signs out whenever floors need to dry as well.
As a trusted leader in the restoration industry, SERVPRO of Morris/Ottawa provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any size disaster. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs. Your property’s appearance speaks volumes to your clients. When it’s impacted by fire or water damage, you need professional help. Every hour spent restoring your business is lost revenue and productivity. When you need professional cleaning or emergency restoration services, we have the training and resources to get your property back to business quickly.
Maintaining Fire Sprinkler Systems
3/16/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Morris/Ottawa had several calls during the extreme cold from businesses suffering from a water loss due to a malfunction or pipe break in their sprinkler systems. Below are a few helpful tips to help ensure your sprinkler systems continue to work correctly.
1. Keep your system in service. Limit the amount of time your systems are shut down. Always know why they are being shut down and how long they will be out of service.
2. Consider your Fire Safety System while making changes or upgrades to your facility. Remember that adding extra office space or rearranging appliances can have a significant impact on your systems ability to control a fire event.
3. Don’t Alter the System. Sometimes during remodels the system can get overlooked. Do not paint the system or any part of it. Some functions of the system will not properly work if altered.
4. Maintain adequate heat. Make sure to maintain adequate heat for wet sprinkler systems. It is important to make sure all auxiliary drains are drained and continue to drain during freezing weather for all types of sprinkler systems.
5. Conduct all required inspections and testing. Make sure the system is routinely tested and maintained.
Faster to Any Size Disaster
3/16/2022 (Permalink)
Are you a Pastor of a Church, Manager of a Hotel or Director of a Senior Care Facility? Are you prepared to handle the clean-up of a major water/fire loss that could affect your property? When it comes to your commercial property, SERVPRO of Morris/Ottawa means business. You need a company that can minimize the disruption to your clients while delivering superior results.
Whether you need professional cleaning to make your business shine, or emergency water/fire restoration services, SERVPRO of Morris/Ottawa has the training and expertise to help make it “Like it never even happened."
Are you a Pastor of a Church, Manager of a Hotel or Director of a Senior Care Facility? Are you prepared to handle the clean-up of a major water/fire loss that could affect your property? When it comes to your commercial property, SERVPRO of Morris/Ottawa means business. You need a company that can minimize the disruption to your clients while delivering superior results.
Whether you need professional cleaning to make your business shine, or emergency water/fire restoration services, SERVPRO of Morris/Ottawa has the training and expertise to help make it "Like it never even happened."
- Small Office Condominiums
- Large Office/High-Rise Office Buildings
- Apartment Buildings
- Restaurants
- Hotel/Motels
- Small Retail Stores
- Large Retail/Big-Box Stores
- Manufacturing & Industrial
- Government/Military
Our trained professionals will work direct with the Property Manager or Maintenance Supervisor to make sure the cleaning process goes smoothly and that we address all your concerns and questions in a timely manner. Staying open during these challenging times is key to keeping the revenue flowing in with no discontinuance of service. We are available 24 hours a day to get your business back up and running. Call us at SERVPRO of Morris/Ottawa at (815) 416-0075 for immediate service!
- Small Office Condominiums
- Large Office/High-Rise Office Buildings
- Apartment Buildings
- Restaurants
- Hotel/Motels
- Small Retail Stores
- Large Retail/Big-Box Stores
- Manufacturing & Industrial
- Government/Military
Our trained professionals will work direct with the Property Manager or Maintenance Supervisor to make sure the cleaning process goes smoothly and that we address all your concerns and questions in a timely manner. Staying open during these challenging times is key to keeping the revenue flowing in with no discontinuance of service. We are available 24 hours a day to get your business back up and running. Call us at SERVPRO of Morris/Ottawa at (815) 416-0075 for immediate service!
Get back to business quickly after a water damage
8/25/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Morris/Ottawa understands the frustrations that come with suffering a water damage in your commercial building.
Our highly trained water technicians are available 24 hours a day to assist with your water damage emergency.
To help get your business back up and running as quickly as possible, SERVPRO of Morris/Ottawa will
-Answer your call anytime day or night and call you back within one hour letting you know we are on our way.
-Utilize advanced technology and state of the art equipment, including a moisture measuring device to ensure we find all areas of your facility that have been affected by water. Starting the drying process immediately reduces the risk of secondary damage and reduces the damage costs.
-Your assigned production manager will monitor the progress of the drying process each day and communicate the results to you. They will even be available to you by phone anytime you may have questions regarding your facility.
There is no such thing as a small disaster and that is why SERVPRO of Morris/Ottawa is here to help. If you need assistance or have questions regarding water damage in your commercial facility give us a call (815)416-0075.
Business Preparedness Kit
4/7/2021 (Permalink)
As a business owner, proper disaster preparedness is very important. You not only need to worry about yourself during a disaster, you must also worry about any employees, customers, or anyone else who may be inside your building when a disaster occurs.
Here are a few guidelines to help maintain a business preparedness kit to help protect yourself and your employees in an emergency situation.
Bottled Water- Make sure to have a 3 day supply of bottled water available for each employee.
First aid kits- Having a fully stocked first aid kit is essential. Also recommending that each employee keep a 3 day supply of prescription medications with them at work is also a good idea.
Non Perishable Food- Keep foods that do not need to be cooked and have a long shelf live available. Also keep a manual can opener along with the foods.
Hygiene Supplies- Keep soaps, paper towels, garbage bags, sanitized wipes, disinfectants and anything else needed to maintain sanitary conditions and avoid sickness during the disaster.
Emergency Supplies- Hand radio, whistle, batteries, flashlight, matches in a sealed waterproof container, and anything else that could help a search and rescue team locate you during a disaster.
SERVPRO of Morris/Ottawa professionals are available 24/7 to assist with any emergency fire or water needs. Ask us about our Emergency Ready Profile. The Emergency Ready Profile can help prepare yourself and your business before a disaster strikes.
Unintentional Sprinkler Activation
3/12/2021 (Permalink)
If a sprinkler system breaks or malfunctions it can cause costly water damage to your business. When a sprinkler head breaks, it can spray anywhere from 8-24 gallons of water per minute. Within a 20 minute period one sprinkler head can dump hundreds of gallons of water inside your commercial building.
The NFPA reported in 2014 that fire departments responded to over 33,600 calls related to unintentional sprinkler activation's.
Below are the most common reasons a sprinkler system will go off unintentionally.
1. Overheating- A sprinkler system is designed to detect heat. It does not know what type of heat it is looking for so keep sprinkler heads away from heat sources, this includes light bulbs.
2. Freezing temperatures- When a pipe freezes it can cause the water inside to expand more than 10% which can cause damage to the pipe. Adding extra insulation around the pipes can help keep them from freezing.
3. Defects, mechanical failure, corrosion- All of these things can cause a sprinkler head to malfunction. Receiving regular inspections and maintenance on your system can help detect these issues before they become costly water damage.
4. Sabotage- Insurance fraud, a not so funny prank or vandalism. Keeping your system in hard to reach areas and areas that are in a more public view can help deter these things from happening.
If your sprinkler head should break and cause water damage to your business give SERVPRO of Morris/Ottawa a call 24 hours a day at (815)416-0075. We can start the drying process immediately and minimize your business interruptions.
Is Your Business Prepared for a Disaster?
3/11/2021 (Permalink)
As a business owner, proper disaster preparedness is very important. You not only need to worry about yourself during a disaster, you must also worry about any employees, customers, or anyone else who may be inside your building when a disaster occurs.
Here are a few guidelines to help maintain a business preparedness kit to help protect yourself and your employees in an emergency situation.
Bottled Water- Make sure to have a 3 day supply of bottled water available for each employee.
First aid kits- Having a fully stocked first aid kit is essential. Also recommending that each employee keep a 3 day supply of prescription medications with them at work is also a good idea.
Non Perishable Food- Keep foods that do not need to be cooked and have a long shelf live available. Also keep a manual can opener along with the foods.
Hygiene Supplies- Keep soaps, paper towels, garbage bags, sanitized wipes, disinfectants and anything else needed to maintain sanitary conditions and avoid sickness during the disaster.
Emergency Supplies- Hand radio, whistle, batteries, flashlight, matches in a sealed waterproof container, and anything else that could help a search and rescue team locate you during a disaster.
SERVPRO of Morris/Ottawa professionals are available 24/7 to assist with any emergency fire or water needs. Ask us about our Emergency Ready Profile. The ERP can help prepare yourself and your business before a disaster strikes.
Get your Business Ready for Spring
3/11/2021 (Permalink)
Did you know SERVPRO of Morris/Ottawa offers commercial office and industrial cleaning services?
When grease, grime, dirt or odor go beyond the scope of your regular janitorial services, we can help. Our highly trained professional can help with deep commercial kitchen cleanings, carpet and duct cleanings, odor removal, grout cleanings and so much more.
SERVPRO of Morris/Ottawa professionals are trained in adhering to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards while performing all cleanup and bioremediation in accordance with the guidelines provided by the CDC and local authorities. Our trained professionals use SERVPROXIDE, which is an EPA-certified, hospital-grade disinfectant that has demonstrated effectiveness against viruses. Getting your building looking its very best will be our top priority. We will start working quickly and do it right.
If you would like a free estimate on any of our restoration, mediation, or cleaning services give our office a call. (815)416-0075.
Help Prevent Fires in your Commercial Building
3/11/2021 (Permalink)
A fire can cause severe damage to your business. As a business owner assessing the risk of fire, focusing on fire prevention and educating your staff are the best ways to help reduce the risk of a fire in. Your business.
Here are a few tips to help
Have fire protection equipment
- Having a sprinkler system in place. This will provide your primary fire protection for your business.
- Have smoke alarms on each level as well as fire extinguishers. Make sure all employees are aware of the location of the fire extinguishers.
Have a fire plan and make sure all employees know what to do if there is a fire. Conduct a fire drill at least once per year.
Designate a safety officer. Their duties will include composing escape routes and meeting points as well as keeping all information up to date.
Leave space for appliances to be able to properly cool down. Also if possible unplug any appliances at the end of each day as most fires happen after business hours.
Check all power cords often to ensure they are in good working order and also ensure there is not too much plugged into each outlet.
Call SERVPRO of Morris/Ottawa to ask about our free Emergency Ready Profile. It will help reduce interruption time should you have a fire loss at your business.
Is Your Business Winter Ready?
12/17/2020 (Permalink)
Are you prepared for the coming cold weather? Cold weather can have a huge impact on your home or business if you are not ready for it. From heavy rain and freezing temperatures to damaging winds, sleet, or snow, all can cause serious and costly property damage. While you cannot control the weather, you can take steps to be prepared and help take the sting out of winter weather. To help prevent costly damages due to weather, consider taking the following precautions to protect your property before colder weather hits.
Check your business property for downed tree limbs and branches. Wind, heavy rain, ice, and snow can cause branches to fall, which could cause damage to the property and potentially cause personal injuries.
Roofs, water pipes, and gutters should all be inspected to ensure they are in proper order. Gutter downspouts should be directed away from your building. Clear gutters of debris that may have gathered during the fall. Leaves and other obstructions can cause a damming effect, which can lead to roof damage and interior water problems.
Inspect property, especially walkways and parking lots, for proper drainage to alleviate flood hazard potential.
Inspect all handrails, stairwells, and entryways to address and correct potential slippery or hazardous areas. Install mats or non-slip surfaces and post caution signs where water could be present.
Protect water pipes from freezing by simply allowing water to drip when temperatures dip below freezing. If pipes are under a cabinet, leave the cabinet doors open, allowing warm inside air to circulate around the pipes. If the building has outdoor faucets, consider shutting water off at the main valve in the basement or crawl space. Once the valve is off, open the outdoor faucet to ensure it drains, preventing any remaining water from freezing in the pipe.
Ask your SERVPRO of Morris/Ottawa Professionals about completing an Emergency READY Profile for your business. The ERP is a no-cost assessment to your facility, and provides you with a plan to get back in business fast following a disaster.
Be Ready for the New Year
12/19/2019 (Permalink)
This year, make a resolution to be READY. No one ever plans on a disaster or a water or fire damage to strike, but you can prepare for it. The SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile (ERP) will help ensure your business is “Ready for whatever happens” in 2020.
In the event of an emergency, the ERP can help minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action in place for your facility. The ERP is a comphrehensive document containing critical information about your business, including emergency contacts, shut-off valve locations, and priority areas. The ERP also establishes SERVPRO of Morris/Ottawa as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.
The ERP is a no-cost assessment; all it requires is a little time, making it a great value that could save you time and money in the future. By downloading the free SERVPRO READY mobile app, this important information is stored electronically and can be accessed using your mobile device putting immediate help right at your fingertips.
Preparation is key to making it through any size disaster, whether it is a small water leak, a large fire, or an area flood. Having a plan in place may help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive and get you back in your building faster following a disaster. Don’t wait until disaster strikes—resolve to
be READY by contacting SERVPRO of Morris/Ottawa today to set up your ERP. If you have had an ERP in the past, now is the perfect time to update it.
Holiday Safety Tips for your Business
12/4/2019 (Permalink)
During this holiday season keep your commercial property and occupants safe. Stay festive and safe with there tips.
1. Do NOT hang decorations from the fire sprinklers.
2. Avoid using any decorations that have open flames.
3. Inspect all cords and lights for frayed or loose connections.
4. The best location for decorations is the reception area, lobbies, foyers and break rooms.
5. Avoid overloading outlets. Do not use more than 3 stands of lights per expansion cord, and make sure extension cords are UL rated.
6. Ensure cords are not a tripping hazard.
7. Turn off all lights when the business is closed.
8. Keep high traffic areas free of any decoration.
9. Keep Christmas trees away from any heat source.
10. Keep live Christmas trees watered frequently.
Ask SERVPRO of Morris/Ottawa about a free assessment of your building so you are ready for whatever happens.
Give us a call today to set up your free assessment. (815)416-0075.
Portable Fire Extinguishers
2/18/2019 (Permalink)
Equipping your business with portable fire extinguishers can help put a fire out quickly in the event of an emergency. It can also help minimize damage caused by the fire. Below are tips on how to properly use a portable fire extinguisher.
Portable fire extinguishers can be life and property saving tools when used correctly. In order to operate an extinguisher, the National Fire Production Association suggests remembering the word pass
Pull the pin. Hold the nozzle pointing away from you and release the locking mechanism.
Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.
Sweep the nozzle from side to side.
Should you have a fire in your business SERVPRO of Morris/Ottawa is available to assist 24 hours a day. Please give us a call at (815)416-0075.
Should I get my Commercial Building ducts cleaned?
1/23/2019 (Permalink)
Poor indoor air quality, inefficient air filteration, and duct leaks can all result in dust entering your duct systems. The dust can accumulate to the point that it starts breaking off and reentering the air. When this happens, you will notice your workspace becomes dusty faster.
High humidity in a commercial building can cause mold to develope in the duct systems. If this happens the mold spores will circulate through the whole building and can aggravate your employees allergies, asthma, and increase risk of upper respiratory infection.
Cleaning your duct systems can improve indoor air quality, improve the efficiency of your HVAC system, and extend your HVAC lifespan.
SERVPRO of Morris/Ottawa can inspect and clean your commercial ducts. Please give us a call so we can schedule your free estimate today. Call our friendly office staff at (815)416-0075.
Certified Document Deconstruction
11/15/2018 (Permalink)
Unfortunately, many businesses and government agencies have to dispose of counterfeit, faulty, expired or contaminated materials. All entries need to be certified that ther products and materials are destroyed. The guarentee of certified destruction is to protect one’s liabilities, brand image, or proprietary information. We guarentee certified deconstruction to give you the peace of mind that your documents are disposed of properly.
Weather you are responsible for 1,000 square feet or 100,000 be ready for the worst with the best, your trusted SERVPRO franchise in Morris,IL.
SERVPRO of Morris/Ottawa’s goal is to make the process as simple as possible for our customers. Contact SERVPRO of Morris/Ottawa today for more information on Document Restoration services.
We are always here to answer any questions you may have. Please give us a call at (815)416-0075
Are you ready for winter weather?
11/8/2018 (Permalink)
Are you prepared for the coming cold weather? Cold weather can have a huge impact on your home or business if you are not ready for it. From heavy rain and freezing temperatures to damaging winds, sleet, or snow, all can cause serious and costly property damage. While you cannot control the weather, you can take steps to be prepared and help take the sting out of winter weather. To help prevent costly damages due to weather, consider taking the following precautions to protect your property before colder weather hits.
Check your business property for downed tree limbs and branches. Wind, heavy rain, ice, and snow can cause branches to fall, which could cause damage to the property and potentially cause personal injuries.
Roofs, water pipes, and gutters should all be inspected to ensure they are in proper order. Gutter downspouts should be directed away from your building. Clear gutters of debris that may have gathered during the fall. Leaves and other obstructions can cause a damming effect, which can lead to roof damage and interior water problems.
Inspect property, especially walkways and parking lots, for proper drainage to alleviate flood hazard potential.
Inspect all handrails, stairwells, and entryways to address and correct potential slippery or hazardous areas. Install mats or non-slip surfaces and post caution signs where water could be present.
Protect water pipes from freezing by simply allowing water to drip when temperatures dip below freezing. If pipes are under a cabinet, leave the cabinet doors open, allowing warm inside air to circulate around the pipes. If the building has outdoor faucets, consider shutting water off at the main valve in the basement or crawl space. Once the valve is off, open the outdoor faucet to ensure it drains, preventing any remaining water from freezing in the pipe.
Ask your SERVPRO of Morris/Ottawa Professionals about completing an Emergency READY Profile for your business. The ERP is a no-cost assessment to your facility, and provides you with a plan to get back in business fast following a disaster.
Commercial Water Restoration Presents Unique Challenges
2/12/2018 (Permalink)
There’s never a convenient time for flooding or water damage to strike your business. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. Commercial property damage restoration can present unique challenges and should take into account the following:
- Water Damage Restoration
- Applied Structural Drying
- Odor Control
Water damage restoration should be done as quickly as possible to minimize lost productivity and therefore lost revenue. The right equipment will allow you to detect hidden moisture and extract standing water quickly and efficiently
Applied structural drying requires measuring moisture content, tracking the recovery process and verifying that industry-standard criteria have been achieved. This is important to ensure the integrity of your property after flooding or water damage.
Odor control requires solutions that remove or break down odor causing compounds at the molecular level. The unpleasant odor caused by the water damage can last for weeks and even months after the initial incident so it’s critically important that odors are removed and not just covered up.
SERVPRO of Morris/Ottawa has the training, experience, and equipment to handle large commercial flooding or water damage emergencies. Whether your water emergency occurs in a small office building or big box store, we will respond quickly to mitigate the damage and manage the restoration project through to its completion.
Should I Have my Air Ducts Cleaned?
1/23/2018 (Permalink)
Air duct cleaning has become a somewhat trendy topic as of late. People are increasingly interested in clean living, and indoor air quality is certainly an important aspect of that. Because of this, an entire industry has popped-up, practically overnight, based on air duct cleaning and indoor air quality. But the truth is, there is no research at present proving that routine duct cleaning improves the air quality or reduces dust in your home. Contrary to what some may claim, duct cleaning is often not necessary or recommended. If you replace your filters at the proper interval of every three months, then having your air ducts cleaned shouldn't be an issue. In fact, if your ducts have mold or too much dust in them, then there is a bigger problem that needs to be addressed and you most probably should have it checked out by a professional. It may be necessary to do this if your ducts have:
- Visible mold growth
- Ducts infested with vermin
- Dirt/dust clogged ducts
Even under the above circumstances, be cautious before paying for duct cleaning. The industry is rife with scams. Use a reputable service provider that will fix the cause of your problem.
As a trusted leader in the restoration industry, SERVPRO of Morris / Ottawa provides 24-hour residential and commercial services. As a locally owned and operated business, we’re dedicated to being faster to any size disaster, with the training, equipment, and expertise to handle your restoration and cleaning needs.
4 Easy Tips to Avoid A Holiday Lighting Mishap
12/21/2017 (Permalink)
Follow these 4 simple rules to avoid electrical mishaps this Christmas season
- Use UL-Listed lights and light strings. Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is a nationally recognized, independent product safety certification organization. UL Listing means that UL has tested representative samples of a product and determined that it meets UL's requirements.
- Check for damage. Check for damage to wire insulation, plugs and bulbs. Broken bulbs can be replaced, but damaged cords or plugs should be discarded and replaced.
- Replace bulbs with the same wattage. Using a higher wattage bulb your product is rated for can cause it to overheat and cause a fire.
- Use the right extension cord. Extension cords are rated for outdoor, indoor or indoor/outdoor use; use the correct one. Every extension cord has a certain wattage it can handle. Check that your cord is the appropriate gauge to handle the wattage of your Christmas decorations. Finally, get an extension cord that’s only as long as you need; the longer the cord, the less power it can deliver.
Restoring Your Morris/Ottawa Commercial Property After a Water Damage Event
3/9/2017 (Permalink)
Cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event.
Flooding and water damage events at Morris/Ottawa 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 Morris/Ottawa
SERVPRO of Morris/Ottawa specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.
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