Why SERVPRO when it comes to sewage cleanup!

11/11/2022 (Permalink)

The Dangers of DIY Sewage Cleanup

If you’re like most homeowners, when faced with a task or question you probably head to the internet for answers…that’s how you found this article! And if you’re dealing with backed-up sewage, it only takes a few seconds of searching to find hundreds of articles describing how to clean-up sewage.

It goes like this:

** Put on some rubber gloves

** Scoop out the waste

** Take some water and bleach solution and apply it to the affected areas

** Let it dry

Most articles will throw out a warning saying “if you’re not sure whether you can do it, or don’t have the proper equipment, it is best to call a professional”. That’s where you would call SERVPRO.

We’d like to throw out another warning!

Cleaning up raw sewage on your own is something you should never do! 
Here’s why:

#1 – It can be hidden. – Any SERVPRO crew member can tell you stories about customers that decided to clean-up their own feces only to call in weeks or months later complaining about smells and disfigured walls, cabinets, and floors. Sewage will find its way into any and all porous surfaces. Even things like drywall and cabinetry aren’t safe. And it’s not as simple as just spotting the sewage with your eyes. It requires state of the art equipment, which SERVPRO has, to identify areas that have been damaged by sewage. So unless you have an infrared detection system handy and know how to use it, call SERVPRO.

#2 – It can be costly. – Times are difficult for everyone and money is tight. It’s easy to justify doing it yourself instead of paying to have SERVPRO  clean and disinfect for you. But today’s shortcut is tomorrow’s nightmare! Again, you’re dealing with a toxic situation that if not handled properly can create very real health dangers for you and your family. Not only that, if not properly mitigated, you could be looking at a serious mold issue in the not so distant future on top of all of the other issues described above. And if you think sewage cleanup is costly, wait until you’re stuck with a bill for mold remediation services! At least your sewage clean-up is covered by insurance…that’s not typically the case if you’ve got mold and it’s the result of you not taking appropriate measures when dealing with the sewage issue that created the mold!

So, if you’ve stumbled upon this article due to a sewage back-up that’s spilled into your home or office, do yourself a favor and call us, SERVPRO. Our technicians are certified to perform raw sewage cleanup and can provide you with peace of mind knowing the area affected is professionally cleaned.

Locally Owned Company with Valuable Resources

As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of North Elkhart County is strategically located to respond quickly to your water damage emergency and your mold cleanup. When there is mold in a home or business, we have the resources and personnel to help get your home or business back together.

Dealing With Every Part of a Fire Loss

4/4/2022 (Permalink)

Even a small blaze that starts in or near your residence can cause your structural components and possessions problems. According to our SERVPRO experts, fire damage can come in many forms, including issues with light smoke. Smoke coming from an inferno consists of particles that did not completely turn into a gas when heated or combust. These partially combusted particles can float around your house and contaminate it with soot residues and unpleasant aromas.

During some fire damage situations, smoke can penetrate deeply into the more porous materials inside your residence. When this occurs, removing all foul odors can prove to be difficult. In many cases, burnt smells get eliminated when all torched substances, soot residues, and soils get cleaned and removed. However, in some cases, tainted aromas can still be prevalent even after cleaning procedures.

If items still smell burnt after cleaning, our highly trained team of SERVPRO fire and smoke restoration technicians or FSTs can utilize a variety of pieces of specialized equipment and techniques. The advanced technology at our disposal enables us to mimic the behavior of smoke with deodorants and chemically neutralize burnt odors. We also offer fast 24/7 service so that we can immediately begin restoration operations right away, which can help reduce the number of unpleasant smells prevalent.

First off, before using any deodorization equipment, we make sure our team has the necessary safety equipment. If the operations are hazardous, we seal off the area we are working in during the deodorization procedures. We then use items like electric sprayers to dispense chemicals into your stinky structure.

Ventilation box fans also often get used to help create air circulation and "air out" the building. For situations where strong, pungent aromas prove to be an issue, our FSTs at SERVPRO can utilize other machines such as a fogger or ozone generator. Foggers work by breaking deodorizing chemicals down to microscopic particles so they can penetrate materials as deeply as the smoke did. An ozone generator creates unstable O3 molecules that oxides malodor particles and neutralizes them.

If you ever need your house deodorized due to burnt aromas, call SERVPRO, because once we are done, we make things "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO Adheres To The Highest Cleaning & Sanitation Standards

3/31/2022 (Permalink)

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts at SERVPRO of North Elkhart County at 574-343-1397.

No One Can Stop The Rain Or SERVPRO

12/5/2021 (Permalink)

The team at SERVPRO of North Elkhart County has the necessary training and experience to remediate seepage-based flooding. Do not hesitate to call us!

Although no one can stop the rains, there are ways to limit flooding in your home. Overland flooding or backups due to overwhelmed storm sewage systems are but two of the sources of floodwaters in the lower levels of your home. Regardless of the source of the water, we have the technicians and the equipment to help you recover. 

Even though the water causing flood damage to your home may be drawing your eyes down as it seeps into the foundation or lower levels, the problem often is at the roofline. Clogged gutters and damaged downspouts cause water to pound down near the perimeter of your home, saturating the soil and ultimately invading through the slab, poured, or cinder block foundation. We can respond to and restore the damage but expect suggestions from our managers or production crew to minimize or even eliminate future flooding.
 
The grading and landscaping around your home can also contribute to the seepage of floodwaters into the foundation. Over time even correctly graded ground can erode and shift, encouraging rainwater to drain into your home rather than away from it. SERVPRO crews also see scenarios where plantings surrounding your home contribute to excess water moving into the porous materials making up the base and protecting the lower levels of your house. Irrigation systems or merely an overdone watering of foundation gardens have the unhappy result of a wet home.
 
SERVPRO evaluates the characteristics of the water flooding into your home to determine whether it needs to be contained and disposed of according to local regulations. The sooner you get our team to your home the more likely that the water checks out as Category 1. If the soil around your home is loose, dirt particles can flow in with the water. Lawn chemicals, fertilizers, and even pet wastes can taint the water, requiring careful handling. Gutter overflow can also contain bird and animal waste and mold, threatening the flooded area with microbial growth if not disinfected and dried out after the flood water evacuates.
 
Submersible pumps and water extractors pull most of the flood water out of your home. If Category 1 we can drain it outside, but take care to deposit far from the house to prevent it from flooding again. We use moisture meters and infrared scanners to locate hidden pockets of moisture and to set a baseline for drying goals. SERVPRO crews position air movers, heaters, and dehumidifiers to dry out the affected space. The moisture numbers are monitored to ensure we achieve standard levels.
 
The team at SERVPRO of North Elkhart County has the necessary training and experience to remediate seepage-based flooding. Do not hesitate to call us if we can help!

Why You Should Call SERVPRO Biohazard Cleanup (Part 1 of 2)

12/4/2021 (Permalink)

As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of North Elkhart County is strategically located to respond quickly to your emergency!

When compared to a fire or water loss, property damage resulting from a suicide, murder or unattended death poses greater risk and complexity for the adjuster, the biohazard cleanup company, and of course, the policyholder. Many cleaning and restoration companies will offer bioremediation services, but only those that specialize in this area, like SERVPRO truly understand the science and intricacies of the bioremediation and decontamination process. In order to minimize risk for the insurance carrier and ensure the safety of the policy holder, it’s important to realize the inherent challenges of bioremediation and the processes and standards that every biohazard cleanup professional must adhere to.

Am I liable for an improper biohazard cleanup?

At some point in their careers, insurance professionals may have experienced sticker shock from a bioremediation claim. How could the biohazard cleanup of a single room cost more than recovering an entirely flooded home? It might be tempting to retain a trusted property damage restoration company at a lower cost, but doing so may put the insurer at risk for a lawsuit.

Consider a recent case where a general cleaning company was hired to sanitize a home after 600 pounds of deer meat rotted in a family’s garage due to a power outage. Following the cleaning, the homeowners reported that the rotting stench still remained throughout the house and that some family members became ill. Experts who were brought in to investigate the situation determined that the enduring smell and sickness resulted from inefficiencies in the cleaning process, such as the failure to seal concrete surfaces.

Why is bioremediation so complex?

Many biohazard situations pose grave health risks to policy holders and cleanup companies because of the potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens. One out of every 24 people has Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C or HIV and these pathogens can survive in a deceased person for a considerable amount of time – up to 16 days after death, depending on the temperature and surrounding environment. Exposure to bloodborne viruses can occur due to direct contact with non-intact skin, accidental injury from biological fragments, inhalation and exposure from splashes of blood or bio fluid to the eyes, nose, or mouth. Considering the health risks, bioremediation specialists must follow stringent employee safety regulations and meticulous decontamination procedures that most cleanup crews are not accustomed to.

Separately, biohazard situations can lead to hidden dangers that an average property restoration technician might not even consider. For example, in a water damage emergency, floor boards and drywall might be removed because they are visibly warped and unsalvageable. Then the rest of the structure can be dried out. In contrast, blood can seep through grout and in-between floorboards, even through subflooring. There is no other way to clean the damage but to remove all affected materials – if new wood floors are installed over the blood spill or if tiles are simply wiped down, the remaining bio matter can spread disease, release odors and further damage the property.

How do I evaluate a bioremediation provider?

To determine whether or not a company is qualified to handle a biohazard situation, insurance professionals need a deeper understanding of proper bioremediation standards and what it takes to fully decontaminate a property. These are the key things to inquire about when choosing a vendor for a biohazard cleanup:

OSHA Compliance – These regulations are in place to protect the biohazard company employees and to prevent injury and potential liability for all involved. All supervisors and field technicians should be trained in the following OSHA programs: Bloodborne Pathogens, Personal Protective Equipment, Hazard Communication, Asbestos Awareness, Heat Illness, Fall Protection, Lift Safety, Lock Out – Tag Out, and Power Tool Safety. A common misstep among restoration companies is that they only comply with the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standards, instead of all the aforementioned areas.

Why You Should Call SERVPRO Biohazard Cleanup (Part 2 of 2)

12/4/2021 (Permalink)

As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of North Elkhart County is strategically located to respond quickly to your emergency

EPA and State Environmental Agency Compliance – The disposal of medical waste must be in accordance with federal, state and/or local regulations. Not all biohazard remediation companies are licensed to transport or store medical waste so it’s essential to understand if/how they comply with the local and national standards. The cleaning company can incur hefty fines if medical waste is not disposed of properly. Also, employees need to be trained in the proper use of cleaning agents – this can be more complicated than it seems, as many agents will become inactive if not measured and diluted properly.

Reporting/Testing – A reputable company should be able to deliver a detailed report which catalogs every step of the cleanup process. This should include photos of the entire process as well, so the policy holder and adjuster understand why some structural materials needed to be removed, what was disposed, why the employees went through a certain amount of protective equipment, etc. They should also have equipment available to check for non-visible but active biological fluids and other contaminants so that it is certain when an area is considered disinfected.

Sensitivity Training – Dealing with a flood or fire can be extremely traumatic, but it does not compare to the loss of loved one. During these traumatic situations, the family members often stay at home so it is imperative that the workers in their home are compassionate and considerate. The biohazard cleanup specialists at SERVPRO understand the need for the family to deal with only one point person in order to avoid confusion or conflicting updates. They have been trained to eliminate alarming language from their vocabulary and speak empathetically with the policyholder.

When it comes to biohazard remediation, there is no quick solution. The fact that there are no laws protecting policy holders through a biohazard cleaning process puts the responsibility on the insurance carrier to work with bioremediation specialists who follow strict safety standards and cleanup procedures. If the insurance carrier directs the cleanup process and even one of the above points is neglected, they might be held liable for any further health and property damages resulting from the improper cleanup. It is important to remember that you can’t put a price tag on the peace of mind that a policy holder needs after a traumatic crime or death occurred in their home or place of business.

Locally Owned Company with Valuable Resources

As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of North Elkhart County is strategically located to respond quickly to your water damage emergency and your mold cleanup. When there is mold in a home or business, we have the resources and personnel to help get your home or business back together. Call us today! 

Information provided by: http://www.claimsjournal.com/news/national/2013/10/22/238753.htm

When It Comes To Sewage Clean Up & Why You Need To Call SERVPRO (Part 1 of 2)

12/2/2021 (Permalink)

As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of North Elkhart County is strategically located to respond quickly to your water damage emergency.

The Importance of Hiring Professional Carpet Cleaners

Professional carpet cleaners are the only people who should be trusted to do the job. Anyone with less experience or certification will likely not do the job correctly. And their carelessness could end up costing a lot more in the end.  

Carpeting is typically one of the most long-term investments in the home. Most people associate high-cost flooring with tile, marble or hardwood, but carpet can carry a high price tag as well. There are various fibers and matting to choose from, as well as the padding beneath it. When it’s all said and done, it can cost just as much if not more than some other options. Once that investment is installed, great care should be taken to keep it in the best condition possible. This will mean regular vacuuming in high-traffic areas and regular maintenance from professional carpet cleaners.

Why should someone always hire professional carpet cleaners? 

Professionally trained technicians have certification in all types of fibers and construction, so they know which products and equipment to use and how to employ them properly. The technician can assess the area for any spot treatment that may be necessary and will know which tools and specialized products to use. They will also be aware of the correct methods to complete the job effectively. Technicians will also inform the customer of ways that they can prolong the life of their carpeting and how to properly treat spills and accidents should they occur.

What can happen if someone doesn't use professional carpet cleaners? 

A lot of damage can occur if a certified technician or firm is not hired to do the job. They can over-saturate the fibers and promote an environment that may foster mold and other microbial growth in time. If using improper equipment, the fibers can be damaged, which would result in replacement being required much sooner. If the wrong cleansing agents are used, or they are not properly rinsed out, they may damage the fibers or make future soil adhere quicker, which will require cleaning more often than would otherwise be necessary.

When It Comes To Sewage Clean Up & Why You Need To Call SERVPRO (Part 2 of 2)

11/27/2021 (Permalink)

As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of North Elkhart County is strategically located to respond quickly to your water damage emergency.

What should a customer expect when they hire professional carpet cleaners?

Upon arrival, the technician will assess the carpeting. Once that is complete, the process can begin. First they will vacuum the floor during a process called dry soil removal. This removes any loose items in the flooring. Then soil suspension and extraction will take place. The technician uses a preconditioning agent that is mixed to separate the soil from the fibers. Various methods are employed to extract the soil from the flooring. Grooming may also be done to improve the fiber piles, matting, and to equally disperse protectors or conditioning agents. Then the drying process can begin. Carpets that have been professionally cleaned should be dry in less than 24 hours. Homeowners can assist in this process by ensuring the right temperature is maintained, and there is adequate ventilation. 

When hiring a carpet cleaning technician, make sure that they have received their certification through the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). The IICRC is a globally-recognized organization that is the leader in certifying technicians and firms in the restoration, cleaning and inspection industry.

Locally Owned Company with Valuable Resources

As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of North Elkhart County is strategically located to respond quickly to your water damage emergency and your mold cleanup. When there is mold in a home or business, we have the resources and personnel to help get your home or business back together. Call us today!

*Information provided by: http://www.IICRC.org/the-importance-hiring-professional-carpet-cleaners-a-502.html

Ask The Experts: What happens after the disaster in my business?

4/1/2021 (Permalink)

There's nothing quite as difficult for a commercial establishment as dealing with water damage. However, knowing what to do when disaster strikes can prevent you from experiencing unnecessary emotional upsets for yourself, your employees, and your customers and mitigate the economic strain of lost business. There are many steps you'll need to take to get your commercial property back in order following a water damaging event. Contacting a team of skilled water damage restoration experts from SERVPRO is a good first step.

Quick Water Removal Mitigates Monetary Loss 

The longer excess water remains on your commercial property, the more likely you are to suffer from costly water damage repairs to structural properties like ceiling tiles, insulation, drywall, and flooring. Then there is the concern of water damage to your capital investments: inventory, furniture, carpeting, electronic equipment and paper documents. Having a team of skilled water damage restoration experts like SERVPRO to begin immediately removing standing water can prevent you from spending unnecessary money on repairs.

Quick Remediation Prevents Secondary Water Damage.

Another benefit of a quick reaction to the pressing problem of water intrusion is that fast extraction helps prevent secondary water damage. Unfortunately, water damage creates a moist, wet environment within your business. Moisture and high humidity offer mold an opportunity to grow and spread throughout structural materials and wood furniture and fabrics. If your business deals with food distribution, high inventory loss may be a costly negative effect. For this reason, it's critically important to have standing water removed as quickly as possible. SERVPRO can arrive, usually in about one hour, with water removal equipment to meet any problem. 

Fast Restoration Helps You Get Back In Business

If the water intrusion, by way of a storm, flood, leak, or the aftermath of fire extinguishing causes severe water damage to your commercial business, you may have to relocate temporarily while water damage restoration work is being completed. Closed doors affect customer traffic, employee earnings, and your bottom line.  Insurance companies normally work hand-in-hand with SERVPRO to come to a working agreement allowing the water extraction process to commence immediately. 

Contact SERVPRO Today

If your commercial property has been subjected to water damage, getting fast, effective water damage restoration services is a must. Here at SERVPRO, we specialize in optimizing and expediting each component of the restoration process to ensure that you can get your business back in business. Moreover, each of our IICRC-Certified technicians will provide you with the personable care and excellent customer service that keeps you in the loop throughout the water damage restoration process. We can quickly reopen your doors "Like it never even happened."

Commercial Building Restoration Services

SERVPRO of North Elkhart County responds quickly to a water or fire, or mold damage emergency, 24 hours a day. Whether the damage occurs in a small business building or a big box store, we have the training, experience, and equipment to handle the situation. Our national network of 1,650 Franchises gives us access to personnel and resources. Call us for assistance today!

Ask The Experts: Recovering From Water Damage

3/31/2021 (Permalink)

When people learn that you have a water spill in your home, the immediate assumption is that you only need to dry the affected items or areas, and life goes on as usual. However, water damage can involve problems more severe than wet materials. Professional restoration by SERVPRO addresses any advanced issues.

When a water damage incident affects wooden materials such as floorboards or furniture, physical deterioration can happen because of prolonged exposure, or even accelerated drying. Typical forms of deterioration due to extended exposure include warping, buckling, or even rotting. Fast or excessive drying can cause cracking. Our SERVPRO technicians rely on their advanced training to avoid these problems when resolving the loss at your property. We use high-efficiency water extractors, which expedite the removal process limiting the physical deterioration that occurs. During drying, we monitor the process regularly with moisture meters to ensure it progresses at the right speed.

When the water spill is from a clean source such as a water supply line, there is minimal worry about contaminants. However, microbial growth occurs even in clean water situations, especially if the restoration takes long. Apart from working fast, our SERVPRO technicians take other steps to control contaminants. We apply disinfectants and antimicrobial agents on surfaces when we clean them to stop or slow down microbial growth.

Sometimes water spills lead to long-term problems such as mold development or rotting. If a minor leak goes undetected for a long time, mold is likely to develop. Failure to dry all wet materials to standard levels or reduce humidity levels can also lead to such outcomes. Our crews use different techniques to avoid such outcomes. We use thermal cameras to reveal hidden wet spots. We also perform different tests to determine moisture levels, including using penetrative and non-penetrative moisture meters. We also use thermo-hygrometers to check the humidity levels in the air. With the correct readings, we can know how long to run dehumidifiers and air movers to dry the property.

Water damage can involve a wide range of problems. Call SERVPRO today! We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster. We are ready to get you back to "Like it never even happened."

Why SERVPRO? We Are Ready When Most Are Not

11/14/2020 (Permalink)

Do you have an Emergency Ready Profile in place for your business? Here at SERVPRO, we offer a free service to make sure you are prepared when disaster strikes! Eliminating stress and chaos when there is an emergency at hand is essential to keeping things at bay and getting what is most important handled in a timely manner.

Our Emergency Ready profile consists of specific information for your business. We take time to go everything including noting your emergency contacts, tagging your water and gas shut off valves and taking pictures of your business from the inside out (with specific location instructions as needed). Included in this profile are contacts for your local Fire Department, Hospitals, Police Departments, Alarm Companies…AND THE LIST GOES ON. 

Do you need this information to be a bit more accessible if you are away? With the Ready Plan App you will be set up for success. We make sure to provide access for you to revise your plan as needed, to log damages and even submit a loss (going directly to our staff).

Why SERVPRO? We can help you be ready should disaster strike! Call us today to schedule an appointment. Don't wait until disaster strikes, get prepared now! We are faster to any disaster and we will help your prepare before hand!

Why SERVPRO? Your Plumbing Questions Answered

11/11/2020 (Permalink)

While leasing or renting a house or apartment can be a great source of extra income, maintenance can be a significant source of overhead expenses. The most effective cost-reducing measures are usually the most timely, so inspect and maintain your polybutylene plumbing and other water fixtures with the following advice.

1. Material Concerns

Polybutylene pipes are no longer permissible under the provisions of most United States building codes. While they were somewhat common in installations made from the 1970s to the 1990s due to their cost-effectiveness and flexibility, they tend to present leakage issues over time. This appears to occur due to various chlorine compounds that cause progressive damage, especially at joints. If you own a rental property ensure that any such plastic or resin pipe materials are in good condition.

2. Upkeep and Tenants

An overworked plumbing system can cause problems even if more standard materials such as copper or PVC were used in construction. Advise tenants only to flush biodegradable materials approved for your septic tank or city sewer. From time to time, plunging or chemical drain cleaning may be necessary due to the accumulation of non-soluble substances such as lipids or hair. Ideally, mechanical removal of clogs with a drain snake will lead to less damage than caustic cleaners. Enzyme-based drain cleaners are also available as an alternative.

3. Unavoidable Problems

Sometimes water damage comes from an external source, such as weather-induced basement flooding or invasive tree roots. In these cases, it may be prudent to contact a qualified flood restoration specialist once the source of the water leakage has been repaired. Professional services can help you dry sensitive materials affected by a flood and reduce the risk of mold problems in the future.

Legacy building materials like polybutylene don’t have to be a headache if properly inspected and maintained. Prevent costly downtime and keep tenants happy by remembering the above guidelines.

Why SERVPRO? Document Security In The Age of Information

11/11/2020 (Permalink)

Insurance agents play various roles, depending on which company they represent, but when the time comes to file an insurance claim, the related work can still be tedious and time-consuming. In the past, insurance companies have relied heavily on paper documents and files. However, many insurance companies and corporate partners have begun turning to electronic files, experiencing several important benefits.

• Quick access to vast information from a smartphone or laptop
• Diverse ways to search and organize information
• Ability to enter information at the agents' convenience
• Reduced paper consumption and waste

The Conversion to Electronic Files

SERVPRO has a digital claims center that has transformed the process of filing an insurance claim. Now, an insurance agent doesn't have to hunt through banks of filing cabinets looking for specific documents that may have been misfiled. Insurance companies aren't compelled to house vast histories of past filing. Rooms or warehouses full of filing cabinets and cases can be cleared out as they are converted into electronic file systems. 

The Trouble With Paper Files

Other common problems of relying on a paper system include protecting the confidentiality, the difficulty of accessing information from similar cases in other states, and the clutter that reduces efficiency. Using the SERVPRO electronic Claims Information Center, it is much easier to access and share complete files or just the facts and figures from the documents. As paper documents are converted into electronic files, the need to maintain and work around file cabinets decreases. Agents can complete each insurance claim without spending several minutes traveling or flipping through manila folders. 

The Issue of Security

Of course, security is one of the top concerns for SERVPRO corporate professionals and for insurance agencies. Fortunately, electronic files are generally more secure than paper copies. The ability to track and record access is much better digitally. From a single location, corporate security teams can keep an eye on who can see files and where information is shared. 

Converting information into electronic files helps insurance agents complete their work more quickly. As information is saved digitally, it is easier to use, to share, and to protect. It's a winning solution for everyone involved.

Why SERVPRO when it comes to sewage cleanup!

3/12/2019 (Permalink)

The Dangers of DIY Sewage Cleanup

If you’re like most homeowners, when faced with a task or question you probably head to the internet for answers…that’s how you found this article! And if you’re dealing with backed-up sewage, it only takes a few seconds of searching to find hundreds of articles describing how to clean-up sewage.

It goes like this:

** Put on some rubber gloves

** Scoop out the waste

** Take some water and bleach solution and apply it to the affected areas

** Let it dry

Most articles will throw out a warning saying “if you’re not sure whether you can do it, or don’t have the proper equipment, it is best to call a professional”. That’s where you would call SERVPRO.

We’d like to throw out another warning!

Cleaning up raw sewage on your own is something you should never do! 
Here’s why:

#1 – It can be hidden. – Any SERVPRO crew member can tell you stories about customers that decided to clean-up their own feces only to call in weeks or months later complaining about smells and disfigured walls, cabinets, and floors. Sewage will find its way into any and all porous surfaces. Even things like drywall and cabinetry aren’t safe. And it’s not as simple as just spotting the sewage with your eyes. It requires state of the art equipment, which SERVPRO has, to identify areas that have been damaged by sewage. So unless you have an infrared detection system handy and know how to use it, call SERVPRO.

#2 – It can be costly. – Times are difficult for everyone and money is tight. It’s easy to justify doing it yourself instead of paying to have SERVPRO  clean and disinfect for you. But today’s shortcut is tomorrow’s nightmare! Again, you’re dealing with a toxic situation that if not handled properly can create very real health dangers for you and your family. Not only that, if not properly mitigated, you could be looking at a serious mold issue in the not so distant future on top of all of the other issues described above. And if you think sewage cleanup is costly, wait until you’re stuck with a bill for mold remediation services! At least your sewage clean-up is covered by insurance…that’s not typically the case if you’ve got mold and it’s the result of you not taking appropriate measures when dealing with the sewage issue that created the mold!

So, if you’ve stumbled upon this article due to a sewage back-up that’s spilled into your home or office, do yourself a favor and call us, SERVPRO. Our technicians are certified to perform raw sewage cleanup and can provide you with peace of mind knowing the area affected is professionally cleaned.

Locally Owned Company with Valuable Resources

As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of North Elkhart County is strategically located to respond quickly to your water damage emergency and your mold cleanup. When there is mold in a home or business, we have the resources and personnel to help get your home or business back together.

Why SERVPRO when it comes to restoring your business!

11/6/2018 (Permalink)

There's nothing quite as difficult for a commercial establishment as dealing with water damage. However, knowing what to do when disaster strikes can prevent you from experiencing unnecessary emotional upsets for yourself, your employees, and your customers and mitigate the economic strain of lost business. There are many steps you'll need to take to get your commercial property back in order following a water damaging event. Contacting a team of skilled water damage restoration experts from SERVPRO is a good first step.

Quick Water Removal Mitigates Monetary Loss 

The longer excess water remains on your commercial property, the more likely you are to suffer from costly water damage repairs to structural properties like ceiling tiles, insulation, drywall, and flooring. Then there is the concern of water damage to your capital investments: inventory, furniture, carpeting, electronic equipment and paper documents. Having a team of skilled water damage restoration experts like SERVPRO to begin immediately removing standing water can prevent you from spending unnecessary money on repairs.

Quick Remediation Prevents Secondary Water Damage.

Another benefit of a quick reaction to the pressing problem of water intrusion is that fast extraction helps prevent secondary water damage. Unfortunately, water damage creates a moist, wet environment within your business. Moisture and high humidity offer mold an opportunity to grow and spread throughout structural materials and wood furniture and fabrics. If your business deals with food distribution, high inventory loss may be a costly negative effect. For this reason, it's critically important to have standing water removed as quickly as possible. SERVPRO can arrive, usually in about one hour, with water removal equipment to meet any problem. 

Fast Restoration Helps You Get Back In Business

If the water intrusion, by way of a storm, flood, leak, or the aftermath of fire extinguishing causes severe water damage to your commercial business, you may have to relocate temporarily while water damage restoration work is being completed. Closed doors affect customer traffic, employee earnings, and your bottom line.  Insurance companies normally work hand-in-hand with SERVPRO to come to a working agreement allowing the water extraction process to commence immediately. 

Contact SERVPRO Today

If your commercial property has been subjected to water damage, getting fast, effective water damage restoration services is a must. Here at SERVPRO, we specialize in optimizing and expediting each component of the restoration process to ensure that you can get your business back in business. Moreover, each of our IICRC-Certified technicians will provide you with the personable care and excellent customer service that keeps you in the loop throughout the water damage restoration process. We can quickly reopen your doors like it never even happened.

Commercial Building Restoration Services

SERVPRO of North Elkhart County responds quickly to a water or fire, or mold damage emergency, 24 hours a day. Whether the damage occurs in a small business building or a big box store, we have the training, experience, and equipment to handle the situation. Our national network of 1,650 Franchises gives us access to personnel and resources. Call us for assistance today!