Protecting Your Washington DC Business When Severe Weather Hits

5/3/2022 (Permalink)

Natural Disasters damages normally create water damage, Storm damage, unprecedented mold, and accidental fires. We don't want any loss to occur to your business, but it is a topic that needs to be talked about. Unexpected property damage happens more often than we like.

During natural disasters, profits can be reduced as a result of lost sales and additional losses. Insurance does not cover all costs, and it is unable to replace customers who defect to a competition.

Here at SERVPRO, of Washington DC, want to make sure that our community is prepared to face any obstacles.

Common Natural Disaster Damages

Natural disasters have caused severe damages. Here are common natural damages that have impacted small businesses in Washington, DC.

Flood + Storm Damage

Damage caused by strong winds and heavy rain can remove roof tiles, break windows, and more. Depending on how severe the storm is, flood remediation might be needed, as well as water remediation and mitigation services.

Water damage mitigation services commonly consist of drying, cleaning, and sanitizing contaminated areas and items. Following that, materials that have been damaged are repaired. This preserves the structural integrity of water-damaged floors, walls, and ceilings. Restoration work starts after the remediation process is completed and continues until your property is completely restored to its pre-flood condition.

Fire Damages

Although in Washington DC, we don’t face many wildfires, other weather factors can. Lightning strikes, sparks in arid climates, and human error are the most common causes of fires. many commercial properties can be severely damaged by fire. In addition to fire and smoke loss, firefighting efforts may have resulted in significant water damage to your business.

Every fire damage situation is unique and necessitates a customized approach, but the general procedure remains the same. When different materials burn, the soot they produce varies greatly, necessitating a unique cleaning technique. The measures outlined below show how we handle “typical” fire damage reconstruction.

Emergency Contact

Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment

Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service (if needed)

Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)

Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces

Cleaning and Repair

Restoration

Learn more about our fire damage restoration process.

Water Damage

Burst, floods, rain, and a variety of other factors can all contribute to this type of injury. In either case, polluted water can damage surfaces and furniture, lead to mold growth, and cause objects to erode. When electricity and water damage are mixed, they can be extremely dangerous.

Mold

Not only is this unsanitary, but it's still unappealing to look at. Mold spreads easily as airborne spores within structures. Timely remediation is essential to prevent it from spreading out of hand. Mold can grow in any moist environment. Mold will grow even from a small leak under the bathroom sink in your office.

Every mold infestation is unique, from the amount of mold present to the materials that have been impacted. Each situation necessitates a different approach, but the overall procedure remains the same. Following are the steps in our mold remediation procedure for a "typical" mold infestation:

Emergency Contact - (202) 737-8776

Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment

Mold Containment

Air Filtration

Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials

Cleaning Contents and Belongings

Restoration

How Can I Protect My Business?

Small businesses must protect themselves and stay proactive. All businesses should have a business continuity plan. According to Ready.Gov Planning, a business continuity plan includes the 4 steps below:

Conducting a business impact analysis

Thinking of a recovery strategy

Developing a plan framework

Testing and exercising the plan

Trust The Leader in The Restoration Industry

Don’t remain unaware of what can happen to your commercial building. And for emergency Fire and Water Remediation Services, call SERVPRO Washington DC. 202-737-8776

Commercial Site Damage and Restoration

4/19/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial property water damage presents unique challenges and can be very stressful. SERVPRO certified technicians understand the importance of getting your commercial property up and running as fast as possible.

Our trained technicians work quickly to assess the situation, communicate a cleanup and drying plan, isolate the damaged area, and start work immediately. We have the necessary resources to handle any job, large or small. Time is always of the essence to minimize damage, and to resume operations as soon as possible. SERVPRO has access to large loss teams specifically trained and ready to go in event of a large loss.

If your commercial property experiences a water damage event call SERVPRO of Washington DC so we can put our experience and resources to work for you. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, we are readily available to make your property “Like it never even happened.”

Professionally Trained Restoration Specialists in Washington DC

Our SERVPRO Professionals are highly trained in property restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO's Corporate Training Facility to regular IICRC industry certifications, our Professionals are equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Flooding and water damage events at Washington DC 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.

If you have damage or questions about Commercial Restoration call SERVPRO of Washington DC (202) 737-8776.

Washington DC Flooded Commercial Site and Downtime

3/14/2022 (Permalink)

There are many instances where water possibly floods your commercial site. Sometimes a pipe breaks or sprinkler systems default and go off overnight causing water to spill into the building all night long. In other scenarios, severe weather possibly causes unwanted, indoor moisture.

The extraction process is a vital step in mitigating moisture damage. SERVPRO's commercial water removal technicians always use the industry's best equipment during extraction. We implement the best procedures to complete the job in a way that does not negatively affect your business.

When first arriving at an emergency water situation our team ensures the work area is safe for our technicians, your employees, and customers. We fix as many hazards as possible in the area possible. Areas that are not safe to access are blocked off, and danger signs get posted.

Then the source of the problem gets repaired so that water is no longer pouring into the building. If the issue results from faulty sprinklers or a pipe break, a plumber gets calls and fixes the problem. If rainwater enters due to a broken or exterior wall, we board up the hole in the structure so that no more moisture enters.

Next, we begin the extraction process with either a portable or truck-mounted extractor. Portable extractors get used for places that are awkward to get into or if parking a van at your business is not possible. Portable extractors weigh 40 to 90 lbs., hold 5 to 12 gallons of wastewater, and the vacuum power has 140 inches of water lift.

Truck-mounted extractors get used for severe projects that contain much water. The van that has the extractor gets parked close to an entrance to your bar, and the vacuum hose gets pulled in for extraction. Truck-mounted extractors weigh 500 to 1,100 pounds and have storage tanks that hold from 60 to over 100 gallons of waste. The vacuum lift capabilities for these extractors are more powerful and have between 185.71 to 198.98 inches of water lift.

Sometimes we complete our extraction work during hours when your commercial site is not open so that extraction does not hinder your business operations. We sometimes extract the water one small section at a time, so part of your bar stays open. For professional help removing moisture from your place of business.

Flooding and water damage events in Washington DC 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.

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

SERVPRO of Washington DC 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.

SERVPRO of Washington DC is ready to help (202) 737-8776.

Spring is on the Way, But We're Not Quite Finished with the Cold

3/11/2022 (Permalink)

Cold weather is a concern for many business owners, especially those who operate out of warehouse facilities where exposed pipes are part of the commercial site.

Cold weather instigates freezing, which in turn threatens a business with the risk of a burst pipe or water line. Thankfully, there are several ways you can prevent frozen pipes.

1. Keep Doors Closed

While it may seem obvious, keeping doors, especially warehouse garages, closed during business hours can be one of the easiest ways to prevent a frozen pipe. Warehouses often have exposed water lines, and if these lines are not insulated properly, they can freeze and possibly burst, creating a significant amount of damage and expense.

2. Open Faucets a Small Amount

When expecting cold or below-freezing temperatures, merely opening the cold-water supply on faucets nearest the exterior water lines can minimize the risk of a frozen or burst pipe. The moving water will not freeze as easily as standing water.

3. Maintain a Steady Temperature

Likely, the best way to prevent freezing in your company’s pipes is to maintain a steady temperature, no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit. While lowering the temperature of your business after closing or during extended holidays may seem like a fiscal responsibility, you may be putting your business at risk for water damage, which may lead to significant business interruption.

4. Have a Plan in Place

Lastly, if the worst happens despite your preventative actions, it may be a good idea to have an emergency plan in place. While you can and should create an in-house emergency action plan and checklist, you may also want to contact a restoration company because many of these companies offer emergency planning services.

These services typically include an initial inspection of your property and the customization of an action plan in the event of an emergency or disaster.

A burst pipe can be devastating for a business, not only due to the damage but also the operational interruption. Avoiding a pipe burst due to freezing can be as easy as keeping doors closed, opening a faucet when necessary, and maintaining a steady temperature throughout your facility.

SERVPRO of Washington DC is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week if you have fire damage in your home. We specialize 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. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Washington DC (202) 737-8776, and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly.

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.

What is the Risk for Flooding in Your Washington DC Business?

3/1/2022 (Permalink)

When the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services SERVPRO of Washington DC (202) 737-8776

Washington DC Businesses and Flood Insurance

If you own a business inside or outside of the high-risk flood area, you should consider flood insurance for the protection as well as the peace of mind it brings. Many business owners, particularly those in high-risk flood areas, may be required to have flood insurance.

Commercial flood policies are issued by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) either directly or through licensed insurance agents in the District of Columbia. The policies fall within the jurisdiction of the National Flood Insurance Program. The NFIP offers two types of coverage, building coverage and business property coverage. The licensed insurance carrier must follow all guidelines of the NFIP relating to all coverage, underwriting, premiums, and claims.

Depending on where your business is located, flood insurance is worth consideration. If you have water damage to your Washington DC business call SERVPRO of Washington DC (202) 737-8776. Flooding and water damage in Washington DC commercial properties are often complicated.

SERVPRO of Washington DC 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. Learn more about commercial restoration here. 

Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. When the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services, we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business. SERVPRO of Washington DC (202) 737-8776.

Fires In Washington DC Commercial Properties

11/5/2021 (Permalink)

If you have questions about commercial fire damage call SERVPRO of Washington DC (202) 737-8776.

Businesses are vulnerable to fire dangers, from restaurants to gas stations, from office buildings to manufacturing, commercial sites are all exposed to fire risk. A fire occurs in a structure at the rate of one every 64 seconds, and a home fire occurs every 89 seconds. This is according to the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA).

(NFPA) research has found that structure fires accounted for 20% of the fires, but 49% of civilian deaths, 80% of civilian injuries, and 67% of direct property damage.

They have also learned electrical distribution and lighting equipment was the leading cause of structure fires in industrial properties, accounting for 24% of the total, while heating was the leading cause of structure fires in manufacturing facilities, accounting for 15% of the total.

A serious fire in a business is dangerous and costly. Even if everyone gets out and the fire is controlled quickly, there is still likely going to be damage. SERVPRO of Washington DC has trained staff and the right equipment to respond.

There's never a convenient time for fire or water damage to strike your Washington DC commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business.

SERVPRO of Washington DC specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event.

We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. SERVPRO of Washington DC (202) 737-8776.

Powerful Storms Around Washington DC Can Be Bad For Business

5/4/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Washington DC Can Help Get Your  Commercial Space Back Up And Running

Spring is here, and as we head for summer powerful storms continue to make their way through the Washington DC region. With these heavy storms there is always a lightning, lots of wind and of course flooding. This can be very bad news for your business.

Some of the storms start with light rain and then shift to more pronounced lines of showers and thunderstorms along with strong winds, causing damage to businesses throughout the region.
This can also mean power outages, which also doesn't help your Washington DC business.

Knowing You Have Help And Resources

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.

Flooding and water damage events at Washington DC commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response.

SERVPRO of Washington DC offers the resources locally and on a national level to restore anything from a small or complex commercial water damage scenario. We exceed your needs both to repair your property and also to restore the trust the companies and individuals have invested in your professional commercial management.

SERVPRO of Washington DC professionals understand how important it is to limit the downtime of your and your tenants’ business operations. We make every effort to clean and dry the structure quickly, staging the restoration process with an eye to reestablishing business operations even before the entire remediation is accomplished if appropriate and safe.

Preventing secondary damage from contaminated water is important, this is more likely if we are involved as soon as possible in the process. We follow up with our state of the art procedures for saving and drying paperwork, books, pictures and other crucial work products you and your lessees may have feared would be lost due to the water infiltration.

First Call For Commercial Water Damage In Washington DC

SERVPRO of Washington DC specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event, call us if you have questions (202) 737-8776.

Commercial Property Fires In Washington DC Can Lead To Large Loss Situations For Businesses

4/21/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial Property Loss In Washington DC

Fire losses account for approximately $2.3 billion in commercial and industrial direct property loss each year. At times you can have large-loss fires that damage buildings such as apartments, facilities, and places people work.

These types of losses affect multiple lives. It can take a lot of effort on everyone's part to provide support.

Here are some tips for commercial property owners to consider:

Make sure everyone is safe and away from the property. Safety is the number one concern.

Get the community involved in helping families or workers that may be affected.

Bring your adjuster in early to help manage things such as photos, mitigation, and documenting.

Analyze your policy, including all clauses, additions, extensions, and exclusions.

Bring in experts, SERVPRO of Washington DC to check out the damages.

Communication is key.

Everyone should stay in good contact to get the job done as smoothly as possible.

Know that the process can be long and require a lot of patience.

There's never a convenient time for fire or water damage to strike your Washington DC commercial property.

Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business. SERVPRO of Washington DC is your first call (202) 737-8776.

Whether it's commercial or residential damage SERVPRO of Washington DC has you covered.
SERVPRO of Washington DC provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster.

We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

24-Hour Emergency Service

Faster to Any-Sized Disaster

Highly Trained Restoration Technicians

A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry

Locally Owned and Operated

Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment

Critical First Aid Tools for Washington, DC Businesses

3/18/2021 (Permalink)

Reading time: 1 min 2 sec

First aid kits, also known as emergency kits, are much too essential to wait until the last minute. Any company should have one on hand at all times. Since accidents tend to happen unexpectedly, make sure your Washington, DC business is prepared by stocking at least one first aid kit ahead of time.

What To Include

Having an emergency kit on hand is necessary, but what goes in it is more important. The products listed below should be kept in your kit at all times for a team of two to three people. Check the list against your supplies to ensure you have everything you need.

Medical items to keep in a first aid kit

• Gloves
• Adhesive bandages: box of Band-Aids; at least two triangular bandages
• Gauze pads: small – 4 x 4 inches; large – 8 x 10 inches
• Roll of gauze bandages – 2-inch width
• Equipment for resuscitation
• Splint
• Sealed towelettes to clean wounds

Additional Items:

• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Blanket: minimum of one
• Minimum of elastic wraps
• Adhesive tape

The list above is intended only for small teams, so prepare accordingly if your team is larger. To optimal insurance, it is best to have more than one kit in a company. Within the kit, provide guidelines for contacting external medical services, such as an ambulance, if necessary.

Where To Keep It

Staff members should have access to the emergency kit at all times. Keeping staff aware of its position will make any emergency easier to handle for anyone concerned.

MOLD 101: Is Your DC Business At Risk?

3/16/2021 (Permalink)

Reading time: 1 min 32 sec

There are various forms of mold, and all molds can cause health effects. One of the old myths is that people believe ALL mold is evil. Mold is used in the making of penicillin.

What Is Penicillin?

Penicillin is an antibiotic widely used to treat bacterial infections such as pneumonia, ear, skin, and throat infections. As you can see, not all mold is harmful. A mold is sometimes used to produce blue cheese. I know what you're thinking right now: "Yuck," but a lot of people enjoy Blue Cheese dressing on their salads.

How Does Mold Grow?

Mold needs moisture and oxygen to grow. Mold can grow on any organic material, including 

• wood 
• paper 
• Carpet
• food

It is virtually impossible to remove all mold and mold spores in an indoor environment; however, mold growth can be managed simply by monitoring indoor moisture.

Mold spores can begin growing and digesting whatever they land on to survive if they land on a damp spot indoors. Molds will gradually ruin the items they grow on if they are not removed.

Is My DC Business Property At Risk Of Mold? 

Today's builders construct buildings that are tightly enclosed and can lack proper ventilation, possibly resulting in moisture accumulation. Since mold requires water to grow, it is vital to prevent moisture issues in buildings. Building materials, such as drywall, can make it difficult for moisture to escape. Moisture issues may be caused by roof leaks, landscaping, and a failure to maintain moisture problems on time.

My Property Has Mold, What Now?

If left unchecked, mold will easily spread across a property. SERVPRO of Washington, DC will react rapidly, containing the infestation and preventing it from spreading to other parts of the house. Following that, we will begin the remediation process, working safely and efficiently to handle the situation. We have the necessary preparation, experience, and equipment to contain the mold infestation and restore it to preloss condition.

Learn more about SERVPRO's Washington, DC Commercial Mold Remediation >

Restoring DC Businesses From Water Damages

3/11/2021 (Permalink)

Flooding and water damage incidents in Washington DC commercial properties are often challenging, with many problems requiring a skilled and versatile response. If you are dealing with a small water damage situation or a large-scale incident, we work quickly on assessing each situation and isolating the damaged sections. In certain cases, will continue our work in a temporary space while we're restoring your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are qualified to be aware of legal and environmental issues and completely rebuild the damaged area when operating within your budgetary constraints. We recognize that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost income and productivity. So when you have an emergency in your company, give us a call; we'll be there quickly with the support you need.

Watch Our Video On Restoring Commercial Properties

About SERVPRO of Washington DC 

SERVPRO of Washington DC specializes in cleaning and restoring commercial and residential properties after a water damage incident. Our team is highly skilled in repairing property loss. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO's corporate training facility to standard IICRC-industry certification, be assured that our staff will have the expertise to restore your property.

Learn More About Our Training Process

Certifications

AMRT - Applied Microbial Remediation Technician

ASD - Applied Structural Drying Technician

CCT - Carpet Cleaning Technician

CMT - Commercial Carpet Maintenance Technician

ECTP - Employee Certification Training Program

FCT - Floor Care (Hard Surfaces) Technician

FSRT - Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technician

HST - Health and safety Technician

IICRC Certified Firm

MSR - Master Fire & Smoke Restorer

OCT - Odor Control Technician

OSHA - 10-hour General and/or Construction Industry Training Program

OSHA - 30-hour General and/or Construction Industry Training Program

RCT - Rug Cleaning Technician

RRRP - Lead-Based Paint Activities and Renovation

RRT - Carpet Repair & Reinstallation Technician

UFT - Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning Technician

WRT - Water Damage Restoration Technician

Steps to Repair Water Damaged Electronics For Your Business

11/11/2020 (Permalink)

After investing heavily in the equipment and technology that keep your business in action, flooded electronics and the ensuing water damage can feel overwhelming. Is it possible to repair the damage on your own? 

Corrosion Damage

One of the most serious causes of damage is the corrosion caused by hidden moisture. The combination of metal, water, and oxygen creates an iron oxide or rust. This gradually breaks down the metals within your equipment. The damage may be apparent within a few hours, but it could also take days before you notice it. The damage to flooded electronics isn't limited to your equipment. Your outlets, circuit interrupters, light switches, timers, and other wired conveniences often experience electronic damage. 

Removing Corrosion

As you begin cleaning up after water damage, carefully consider the risks. It is possible and often very likely that you'll cause further damage to the equipment, and you could put yourself at risk of injury. Some solutions sold for rust removal aren't appropriate for all kinds of technology. 

• Unplug the device and remove batteries. Be aware of exposed connectors that may be fragile or affected by corrosion.
• Watch out for white or green buildup on charging ports or battery, SIM card, and metal connectors. These are areas of corrosion.
• Use cotton swabs or a soft cloth and a gentle cleaning solution to wash off the corrosion. The cleaning solution may be a mix of baking soda and water, vinegar, or isopropyl alcohol. If the corrosion doesn't come off with gently wiping, you may need to let the solution sit on the area and wipe it off later.
• Allow the electronics to dry completely before plugging it in or replacing batteries. Do not use a heated hair dryer on equipment. 

The best step for cleaning your electronics is to contact a professional,. You risk doing further damage to the equipment, suffering from injuries, and voiding insurance coverage or equipment warranties when you DIY this task. Keep these risks in mind before trying to clean corrosion from flooded electronics on your own.

SERVPRO's Relationships

4/22/2020 (Permalink)

Involvement by our SERVPRO at all levels in the community cannot be understated. One of these levels is at the city and county economic level. Every town and city has a vested interest in trying to help their local business survive and thrive, providing much needed jobs to the members of their communities and also providing economic stimulus and tax revenue generation. 

These needs get interrupted when disaster strikes a business and it is vital to get their operations back up and running, as quickly as possible, "Like it never even happened." This is where the relationships you form with SERVPRO prior to the disaster striking are so important. Does your business already have a SERVPRO Representative (SMR) assigned to you? If not, complete a internet search for your local SERVPRO franchise and ask for one to be assigned to you. This SMR will go through the process of educating your business about all that they can do in advance of the coming disaster, to help you prepare so that when it happens, it is not as costly to you in downtime and lost production.       

There are many different ways to get involved with your community business members. Building relationships with our local businesses is key for when large events happen at this level, those leaders run in small circles and great relationships are needed here, so those business leaders can get their business's back up and running and restore their communities to like it was before the disaster.... "Like it never even happened." 

Commercial Fire Deodorization

4/21/2020 (Permalink)

This is a large commercial fire damage we produced as a result of an electrical malfunction. SERVPRO of Washington D.C. had a first responder on site quickly to expedite cleaning, demolition, and deodorization scope and planning. As this was located at a gymnasium, the vast majority of space was warehouse, with built-in tiered offices and party rooms. Total affected space in the building was 15,500 square feet, which made for an enormous amount of volume to conduct final deodorization. After weeks of demolition and specialized cleaning, we conducted thermal fogging for the final deodorization. Our two technicians donned their proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), and fogged the entire cubic area of the gym. The photo shows the fogging after disperse, with the capability of it penetrating into high and small cavities.

You Can Count on Team SERVPRO

3/23/2020 (Permalink)

When commercial property owners and managers are expected to produce excellent business operations and a disaster strikes, it can be an overwhelming experience for these individuals. SERVPRO has completed some of the area’s largest disasters including the Pentagon clean up after 9-11, the U.S. Treasury, NIH, Francis Scott Key schools, Georgetown University, Howard University, and the Department of Health. We also assist with any industrial services. Facility managers love working with SERVPRO and rely on us for their disaster solutions.

General adjusters and consultants in D.C. Metro area trust SERVPRO with their largest losses and overwhelmingly complicated claims.

Some of our specialties include, but are not limited to:

• Small Office Buildings
• Large Office/High-Rise Office Buildings
• Apartment Buildings
• Restaurants
• Hotel/Motels
• Small Retail Stores
• Large Retail/Big-Box Stores
• High-Rise Residential
• Manufacturing & Industrial
• Government/Military
• Universities
• Schools
• Restaurants
• Commercial Disaster Recovery Services 
• Commercial Reconstruction

When a disaster strikes, SERVPRO is here to make it seem “Like it never even happened.” Choose SERVPRO of Washington D.C. as your team who will assist you with any future disaster.

Cleaner Air Leads to Healthy Employees

3/17/2020 (Permalink)

Think about the air quality you breathe regularly: both indoors and outdoors. Which type of air quality do you think is cleaner? If you believe the indoor air quality is cleaner as opposed to the outdoor air quality, think again. The EPA estimates that indoor air contains two to five times more pollution than outdoor air quality. Poor air quality causes problems such as reoccurring colds and sore throats or even headaches, asthma, allergies, and chronic fatigue. As a result, this could cause more employees to need copious amounts of down time ultimately leading them away from productivity.

When dust, debris, and other contaminants build up in your heater, ventilation system, and air conditioner, they can trigger allergies and other health issues. Additionally, these contaminants reduce your energy efficiency, which can ultimately increase your energy costs. These are two compelling reasons to confirm the air ducts and HVAC system in your workplace are running efficiently.

Ventilation systems are often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality. We suggest that you make it a priority to inspect the duct work of your home or business when it is being built. If your HVAC has been operating for some time without attention, it could be circulating at least one of the following unwanted contaminants throughout the space that which you spend most of your day breathing in:

• Dust
• Pollen
• Odors
• Dirt and debris
• Other contaminants

SERVPRO professionals routinely inspect the heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) units. Keeping these machines clean not only extends the equipment’s lifetime, but it will also save money and time. This will, therefore, provide a better air quality experience throughout your everyday life.

Although, duct cleaning is not always necessary, we will at least make recommendations about the best way to address any indoor air quality concerns. Additionally, this will boost the quality of air that is currently circulating your work environment that will contribute to your peace of mind.

Here are the benefits of servicing your HVAC unit regularly:

• Restores peak energy efficiency.
• May help eliminate offensive odors.
• Reduces the potential for mold growth.

At least one of these benefits should help you take a step in the right direction when it comes to maintaining a cleaner HVAC system. If you do not, it can become detrimental to your health.   

Pipes 101

3/12/2020 (Permalink)

Spring is right around the corner, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that cold temperatures will disappear immediately. Rather, temperatures will fluctuate in the coming months, with some warm days that are characteristic of spring, alongside some cold days. These variable temperatures can wreak potential havoc on your business through their effects on pipes, which can lead to water damage if they burst. Water within the pipes expands and contracts when temperatures fluctuate, which leads to increased pressure in the pipes. Pipes burst under this pressure. Because burst pipes can cause devastating water damage to your commercial business, it is important to understand ways in which burst pipes can be prevented in addition to the best deal with the water damage if pipes were to burst in your building.

Prevention

First and foremost, make sure that your business is protected by an insurance plan that covers water damage caused by burst pipes. The bottom line is, clean up services can be costly. Pipes that are located outdoors or in unheated places should be wrapped in insulated sleeves in order to prevent the water inside from freezing during cold weather. If pipes do freeze, it may be beneficial to let water run through the pipes in order to avoid bursting. Finally, checking pipes daily for small leaks is a helpful preventative measure to take, especially when temperatures decrease.

If Your Pipes Burst…

Immediately turn off water, electricity, and heating systems at the first sight of burst pipes in order to limit the damage caused by the ruptured pipes. Documents, inventory, and other important items should be moved to a safe location as soon as possible, as they can become damaged or destroyed in water in the wake of burst pipes. If it is safe to do so, check the building for signs of water damage, such as stains or discoloration, musty smells, or mold growth. It may also be beneficial to open doors and windows, as doing so allows air to move through the building, drying any damp areas and preventing the growth of mold or mildew. It is important for your business to quickly get back on its feet following burst pipes, so call SERVPRO in order to restore any impacted areas of your affected business by water damage as quickly as possible “Like it never even happened.”

Spring into Your Spring Cleaning with SERVPRO

3/6/2020 (Permalink)

Spring cleaning is a tradition that kick-starts efforts to “restart” your cleanliness prior to some of the busiest times of the year: the spring and summer seasons. While many people deep clean their homes, this is also a great time to clean and organize your work space.

SERVPRO of Washington D.C. can help facilitate your spring cleaning to the best conditions you have ever seen. In addition, our professionals are trained to use state-of-the-art equipment to remove soils hiding deep within your carpet. Not only can we complete air duct and HVAC cleaning, we can meet your cleaning needs through our stain removal and stain resisting applicators. 

Improve your living and work space this spring. Choose SERVPRO of Washington D.C. to assist you with your home and/or business spring cleaning. We will have it sparkling in no time, “Like it never even happened.”

Wireless Emergency Alerts - Stay Informed Of Weather Alerts

3/6/2019 (Permalink)

Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) are free notifications delivered to you mobile device as part of a public safety system provided by authorized government-alerting authorities. The alerts are designed to inform you of imminent threats to safety or missing persons alerts in your area (e.g.  AMBER Alerts). 

Government partners include local and state public safety agents, FEMA, the FCC, the Department of Homeland Security, and the National Weather Service. A WEA can be sent to your mobile device when you may be in harm’s way, without downloading an app or subscribing to a service.  WEAs may be used to share extreme weather warnings, local emergencies requiring evacuation or immediate action, AMBER Alerts, and Presidential Alerts during a national emergency.

This is America’s wireless industry helping to build a Weather-Ready Nation through a nationwide text emergency alert system, called Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), which will warn you when weather threatens.

The great piece of this is that there is no signup required, and Alerts are sent automatically to WEA-capable phones during an emergency. With WEA, alerts may be sent to your mobile device when you may be in harm’s way.

A WEA will look like a text message. The WEA message will typically show the type and time of the alert, any action you should take, and the agency issuing the alert.  The message will be no more than 90 characters.  WEA message will include a special tone and vibration, with both repeated twice.

The National Weather Service will send the following types of messages:

• Tornado and Flash Flood Warnings
• Hurricane, Typhoon, Dust Storm and Extreme Wind Warnings

Fire Damage Risks for Commercial Buildings

3/6/2019 (Permalink)

Fire Damage Risks for Commercial Buildings

Fire damage is a risk for any business. No matter what type of business you have, the problem is the same: A fire quickly decimates your building and puts your staff in danger. Flames can damage costly equipment and vital paperwork. Below are four top damage risks for local businesses:

• Outdated Fire Safety Equipment Up to date fire safety equipment is a must. Having the correct tools on hand means you can act faster in the event of a blaze. Every office needs a fire alarm system and appropriate fire extinguishers on every level. Different extinguishers are suited to different types of fire, so SERVPRO recommends contacting a local fire extinguisher company to come onsite and do an assessment of your facility. Remember to test fire alarms and sprinklers regularly.
• Electrical Equipment Offices have plenty of electrical equipment including computers, copy machines, phones, fax machines, and servers just to name a few. Electrical equipment is vital to the running of an office, but it is also a severe fire hazard. It does not take much for electronic items to spark and start a fire.
• Damaged or frayed cords, or worn out devices, are also a common fire source. It is a good system to all keep all electric devices in good working order.
• 3. Lack Of Training Your employees need to know how to avoid fire damage risks, for example by being careful with flammable liquids and not overloading sockets. Your staff also needs to know what to do in the event of a fire. SERVPRO of Greeley/Windsor recommends every local business have an Emergency Plan and we can provide you with our Emergency Ready Plan at no cost. Emergency Ready Plan is a free app that helps you plan what to do in the event of an emergency or disaster.
• 4. Combustible Materials Every office has combustible materials such as paper and cardboard. Paper waste and old boxes seem like harmless junk, but they quickly burn once alight. Put a protocol in place for regular emptying trash receptacles to outdoor trash bins.

Our SERVPRO Professionals are highly trained in property restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO's Corporate Training Facility to regular IICRC industry certifications, our Professionals are equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. The SERVPRO training program includes the following:

• IICRC Training
• Employee Certification Training
• e-Learnings

Continuing Education Classes

Sweeping Away Years of Dust and Dirt - Helping Reduce Potential for Damage and Health Risks

3/6/2019 (Permalink)

Since the ventilation system is often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality, inspecting the ductwork should be a high priority. In most cases, the HVAC system has been operating for some time without much attention. Dirty ducts can circulate odors, contaminants such as mold and irritating dust throughout your building or home.

Keeping the HVAC system and ductwork clean can potentially extend the life span of the equipment by allowing it to operate at peak condition, which may save you money.

Unlike the majority of duct cleaning services, your SERVPRO® Franchise Professional uses a Portable Ventilation & Air Duct Cleaning System to examine ductwork and make a clean sweep, removing years of dust and grime.

In some circumstances, such as after fire, smoke or suspected mold growth, duct cleaning becomes an essential part of the cleanup process. In these cases, your SERVPRO® Franchise Professional can often restore the ductwork to pre-damage condition.

A powerful push-pull air delivery and collection system transfers the debris from the ducting to a 16-gallon container.

Air is filtered through a HEPA filtration system, removing 99.97 percent of particles in the airstream. HEPA filters capture debris and keep the environment clean.

As an optional process, a sealant or coating product may be sprayed to address odor or microbial concerns.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

8/28/2018 (Permalink)

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.

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.

SERVPRO of Washington specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event.

Commercial Water Loss

8/28/2018 (Permalink)

Water loss is something we all have to deal with. It can sneak up on you in a matter of minutes potentially causing tremendous amounts of damage to building or structure in which it has originated from. SERVPRO prides itself on continuing to set an industry high standard on the protocols and procedures used to deal with commercial water loss. From the state of the art drying software and equipment, we use to the continued training the SERVPRO staff receives to make sure that the job is not just done correctly, but done on time and done in a professional fashion. Next time you or anyone you know suffers a devastating loss call SERVPRO and we will come out and get the job done right. 

Spruce Up Your Space

8/28/2017 (Permalink)

Birds are chirping and the temperatures have warmed up – spring is finally here! Spring Cleaning is a tradition allowing us to freshen our environment and get a head start on the hectic seasons of spring and summer. While many people deep clean their homes, this is also a great time to clean and organize your business.

SERVPRO of Washington, DC can help get your facility in tip top shape. In addition to air duct and HVAC cleaning, SERVPRO of Washington, DC’s Professionals are trained to use state-of-the-art equipment to remove soils hiding deep within your carpet, as well as focused stain removal and stain resistance applications. Other services include: upholstery and drapery cleaning, hard floor cleaning and care, and odor deodorization.

A clean environment is a healthy environment! Improve your living and work spaces this spring. SERVPRO of Washington, DC has the tools to make your home or business sparkle in no time!