Recent Posts

7 Essential Workplace Fire Safety Tips

7/28/2022 (Permalink)

Workplace fire safety is an essential concept that all employers and business owners should know. Since you never know when a fire may occur, you should always be prepared and know what to do should this unfortunate incident occur. The good news is that you can prepare in the case of a fire. And with the right preparation, you’re more likely to act calmly if an emergency occurs. Read on to learn about the importance of workplace fire safety and seven essential workplace fire safety tips.

Importance of Workplace Fire Safety

If you operate a retail store, restaurant, industrial business, or any other type of workplace, it’s vital to have proper workplace fire safety measures in place. With the right fire safety measures, you can get employees and patrons out safely and preserve the building. Best of all, with fire safety tips you can prevent fires from occurring in the first place.

Seven Tips for Improving Fire Safety in the Workplace

Now’s the right time to improve fire safety in the workplace. You may not know what you need to do to protect your business and occupants from fires. And if you do have fire safeguards in place, make sure you have everything you need for proper fire protection. Here are seven tips to help you improve fire safety in the workplace:

  1. Plan an evacuation strategy
  2. Have the proper fire safety equipment in place
  3. Make sure your employees are trained in fire safety
  4. Ensure proper exits and fire escape routes are clearly posted
  5. Make routine fire drills an employment requirement
  6. Maintain equipment routinely and safely store or dispose of hazardous materials
  7. Be mindful of electrical hazards and eliminate them

If you want to operate your business safely and keep fire tips in mind, these seven items will help you do so. Always be sure to update new employees on the fire safety measures. Also, hold regular meetings with your staff and remind them of these tips as well.

SERVPRO's Newest Employee

7/28/2022 (Permalink)

Onboarding

Onboarding at SERVPRO as a sales and marketing representative (SMR) has been exciting. I, like many SMRs who start at SERVPRO, have not come from a Fire, Water, or Mold restoration background. Learning the new industry and learning how to represent such a great brand has been a lot of fun. However, the experience has been slightly dampened by the global pandemic, which has thrown a proverbial wrench into what I have learned are SERVPRO’s normal day-to-day operations.

Normal Operations

Prior to the pandemic, SERVPRO utilized in-person visits to keep their clients and customers up-to-date on the latest happenings. Part of this was monthly visits to real estate, insurance, and other offices with which SERVPRO has a strong relationship.

The Wrench

With many employees working remotely, there are fewer people in the community to visit in person. And those still working in an office don’t need excessive interactions for the time being. SMRs have had to shift the way they keep their customers informed.

The Plan Until Things Get Back to ''Normal''.

When I was hired at SERVPRO, I was asked what ideas I may be able to bring to these extraordinary sets of challenges that we faced. My answer was merely a suggestion that we rely on newer technology and evolve while sticking to our roots. The root of SERVPRO, as I have come to understand, is helping people when disaster strikes. The idea is the quicker we respond, the quicker a business or homeowner gets back to normal. The main goal of these visits is to educate potential clients to allow them to become familiar with the SERVPRO brand and process.

Adapting to Whatever ''Normal'' Is.

I come from a digital marketing background, and I know the value of informing the community. It’s my belief that now more than ever, it is imperative that we take this time to utilize technology and the brand that SERVPRO has worked so hard to build. I have been brought on board to make those suggestions where I see an opportunity for us to grow our digital footprint. We intend to stick to our roots of educating clients by visiting those who still don't mind us stopping by in the traditional manner dropping off the most recent literature regarding our services. We plan to continue to have our traditional ‘’lunch and learn’’ with them whenever indoor dining becomes available again. For those who wish to socially distance, we have decided to offer a chance to participate in a digital ''lunch and learn''. This involves utilizing video call technology to walk clients through presentations while they munch on some of their favorite local takeouts. We felt this would be a good way to help struggling restaurants that are still dealing with ever-changing restrictions on their businesses.

Where There is Change, There is Opportunity.  

SERVPRO is happy to be able to offer Coronavirus disinfection services. We offer both preventative cleaning, as well as for when there have been confirmed cases.

We have proprietary disinfectants and a trained team of professionals to get the job done safely. COVID-19 has made businesses question how they clean their buildings. Once a business learns the level at which we clean, they see the value in having a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned decal on their window. The Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned decal communicates to their customer base that they care enough about the safety of their customers that they hired the largest and most trusted brand in restoration to provide a clean environment to conduct business.

SERVPRO has been sticking to our roots, providing our clients with top-notch service, and making fire, water, mold, and surface contamination "Like it never even happened.”

Emergency Car Kit

7/22/2022 (Permalink)

If you are one of the many people that may occasionally need to drive during inclement winter weather, it is a good idea to keep a fully stocked Emergency Car Kit in your vehicle at all times.

Nothing is safer than not traveling during inclement weather, but if it is necessary, having these items can save your life in the case of an emergency:

  • Portable cellphone charger
  • Items to stay warm such as extra hats, coats, mittens, and blankets
  • Windshield scraper
  • Shovel
  • Battery-powered radio with extra batteries
  • Flashlight with extra batteries
  • Water and snack food
  • First aid kit with any necessary medications and a pocket knife
  • Tow chains or rope
  • Tire chains
  • Canned compressed air with sealant for emergency tire repair
  • Cat litter or sand to help tires get traction, or road salt to melt ice
  • Booster cables with a fully charged battery or jumper cables
  • Hazard or other reflectors
  • Bright colored flags or help signs, emergency distress flags, and/or emergency flares
  • Road maps
  • Waterproof matches and a can to melt snow for water

Water Emergency Tips

5/26/2022 (Permalink)

When an emergency happens people tend to panic and sometimes do not have the proper tools to calmly deal with the situation. When water affects your house whether it be due to a heavy storm or a broken water heater it is always good to be informed on what to do next.

As in any emergency, safety should be your number one concern, and a water damage situation is no different!

  • “Is it safe to stay in the house?” This should always be the first question you ask yourself. If the water damage has any potential to put you or your family at risk, then leave the house.
  • Electrical and “slip and fall” hazards are some of the most common concerns. Be sure to shut off a power source it is safe to do so safely.
  • Wet materials can be very heavy, so be careful when moving them.
  • Be sure to only do things to your house that are safe for you to do and leave the rest to the remediation crew.

Pike / NE Monroe Counties 24-Hour Emergency Water Damage Services

5/26/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Pike / NE Monroe Counties is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - 570 296-1177

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Pike / NE Monroe Counties has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

  • Your name and contact information
  • Your insurance information (if applicable)
  • The street address of the water-damaged home or business
  • When did the flooding or water damage occur?
  • What caused the water damage (if known)?
  • Is there electricity available (on-site)?

SERVPRO of Pike / NE Monroe Counties is an IICRC Certified Firm

5/26/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Pike / NE Monroe Counties is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

IICRC Certified Firms must

• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.

• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.

• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.

• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.

• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry

The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration, and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.

Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.

About SERVPRO of Pike / NE Monroe Counties

SERVPRO of Pike / NE Monroe Counties specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke, or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: 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.

Call SERVPRO For Immediate Water Damage Cleanup

5/26/2022 (Permalink)

Pike / NE Monroe Counties water damage is sometimes hard to detect, so it is important to learn the signs of this type of damage before the problem gets worse. The sooner water damage is spotted, the lower the cost to remedy the issue. SERVPRO recommends that property owners be aware of the common signs of moisture damage such as cold temperatures, peculiar smells, peeling and soft patches, puddles and water drips, and surface discoloration.


Cold Temperatures
Buildings that have a build-up of moisture on the walls are more difficult to heat when the air hits dew point temperature. The problem is compounded by the cold walls, which attract additional condensation. These two issues cause a harmful cycle of water damage. A moisture problem may be to blame if the house is habitually cold or the heating bill has risen without explanation.


Peculiar Smells
Mold and moisture may even be detectable by smell. An odd smell is sometimes a sign of a puddle or leak. Depending on the region, the air has different moisture levels. In humid regions, a dehumidifier may be a simple fix for an overabundance of moisture in the air.


Peeling and Soft Patches
When moisture penetrates flooring or walls, the moisture can break down either surface's fibers over time. For instance, a dip around the toilet indicates a possible leak. Falling tiles or a crumbling or soft wall can also be a sign of a moisture issue.


Puddles and Water Drips
Puddles and water drips are two clear indications of moisture damage. Often, growing puddles are a sign of seeping, a lack of ventilation, or a leak on the property.


Surface Discoloration
Faded furniture and walls are sometimes attributed to exposure to prolonged periods of direct sunlight. However, water is known to drain dye from furniture and carpets and make paint color fade. If dark green patches of fur are present, there may also be a mold problem. Watermarks may even appear on windows or walls where water has run down the surface due to leaking eaves through troughs. Overflowing eaves-troughs eventually cause additional problems like leaking basements and water-damaged foundations.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

We live and work in this community too; we might even be neighbors. As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of Pike / NE Monroe Counties

is close by and ready to respond to your flood or water damage emergency. We are proud to be an active member of the Pike / NE Monroe Counties community and want to do our part to make our community the best it can be.

We are proud to serve our local communities.

Understanding The 3 Categories of Water

5/26/2022 (Permalink)

When dealing with water damage in your home or place of business, there are different types or classifications of water that we can use.  Using this classification system, we can determine what health effects are associated with the water, and properly prepare to bring with us all necessary safety equipment and uniforms.  In this blog article, we are going to focus on three types: Clean, Gray, and Black Water. 

Clean Water: This is water that does not contain contaminants. It includes broken water lines, malfunctioning appliances, toilets holding tanks, snowmelt, and rainwater. Over time, however, clean water can progress and become gray water within 48 hours, if left untreated.

Gray Water: Gray water does contain a slight chemical or biological contaminants, and may cause health effects. Gray water can discharge from dishwashers, washing machines, sinks, showers, aquariums, and waterbeds, or come from a clean water source that leaked through a ceiling. It can also be clean water that was left untreated (and became gray water). Gray water can also progress to the next stage (Black Water) if left untreated within 48 hours.

Black Water: This water may cause health effects as it is highly contaminated. Black Water is presumed to contain multiple potentially harmful contaminants including fungi, bacteria, chemicals, viruses, and more. Black Water is typically caused by sewage damage, flooding, or any type of natural disaster. Black Water should always be treated by a trained and certified professional.

For any type of water damage, it is always best to treat it quickly so as to avoid further contamination and the risk of mold growth. There can be many dangers associated with attempting to clean water damage on your own.  If ever you spot any type of water in your home or business, call SERVPRO of Pike / NE Monroe Counties, We are faster to any size disaster and will have our highly trained team over to your house or place of business within the hour!  Remember, it's best to not wade into any unknown water source without the proper protection.  Give us a call 24/7 at (570) 296-1177

SERVPRO of Pike / NE Monroe Counties is an IICRC-certified firm.

Commercial Cleaning Checklist

5/24/2022 (Permalink)

Every business should be taking measures to keep their building clean even if they do not employ a professional cleaning service. It can become hard to keep track of exactly what you should be cleaning regularly. Here is a checklist to make it a little easier to ensure your workplace stays neat and tidy.

  • Monthly Cleaning List:
    • Dust all surfaces in the office
    • Clean the fabric chairs
    • Vacuum all fabric chairs, vents
    • Deep clean all surface areas
  • Weekly Cleaning Lists
    • Sponge all glass windows, both on the outside and inside
    • Clean the refrigerator
    • Disinfect all trash bins
    • Buff and polish all hardwood surfaces, including conference tables, floors, etc.
  • Daily Cleaning Lists
    • Empty waste bins and add new liners
    • Vacuum daily debris from all floors
    • Clean painted surfaces as well
    • Wipe baseboards, light switches and door handles
    • Clean all reflective surfaces, mirrors, and brass
    • Put some room freshener down after cleaning

Smoke Behavior is No Joke

5/24/2022 (Permalink)

Fire losses and the damage they leave behind can be an incredibly complex job to deal with. This is caused largely by the behavior of smoke. When our SERVPRO of Pike/NE Monroe Counties professionals respond to a call for a fire job, their initial goal is to determine the extent of damage from the fire itself, smoke, heat, and moisture. Not only do we deal with damage to building structures, but we work to clean a building's contents and your belongings as well.

Our SERVPRO-trained professionals are trained to understand how smoke penetrates various cavities within the structure, causing hidden damage and odor. Our team's knowledge of building systems helps them investigate how far smoke damage may have spread. We know it can be stressful when you don't understand the issues facing your home, so take a moment to read up on the different kinds of smoke and soot that could potentially affect your property.

While there are technically only two different types of smoke - wet and dry, there are varying types of soot residue after a fire. Here's a handy glossary of smoke and soot types that might come in handy if you're ever faced with the misfortune of dealing with a property fire:

Wet smoke (plastic & rubber): Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. These smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry smoke (paper & wood): Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises and thus so does the smoke

Protein fire residue (caused by evaporation of material instead of fire): Virtually invisible discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor

Fuel oil soot (furnace puff backs): While "puff backs" can create havoc for homeowners, SERVPRO can, in most cases, restore your contents and your Baltimore structure quickly (thanks to their training)

Additionally, we do deal with tear gas, fingerprint powder, and fire extinguisher resides. These special situations require special care and evaluation.

Understanding and having the ability to differentiate between these different types of smoke and soot is part of SERVPRO's specific training which makes us a cut above any other Baltimore local restoration team. Trusting a company to care about your home like you do can seem daunting and feel impossible, but when it comes to SERVPRO, trust that you're always in good hands. We make it, "Like it never even happened.”