Reopening Your Business Following a Natural Disaster

1/23/2023 (Permalink)

Reopening your business after a natural disaster can be intimidating and exciting all at the same time. But if you don’t have a plan, it can be incredibly difficult to get back in business after even the smallest storm. Here are some ways to help mitigate the damage of any future storms and get back to business as quickly as possible. 

Create a Reopening Plan

You should plan to reopen as soon as possible. As soon as you decide in what capacity you will be able to reopen your business, follow this process:

• Create a reopening plan that is flexible but still has a timeline and specific goals for how you want to get things done. A good example is "reopen my restaurant by the end of October."
• Plan ahead for communication with customers and employees about when they can expect to return to work or resume regular customer service hours. 

Make sure that you have the necessary equipment and supplies to reopen your business. You may not be able to get the same equipment or supplies used for your previous location, so make sure you are prepared with alternative options.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Contact your insurance company immediately after a natural disaster. Whether you have general liability or business interruption insurance, be prepared to provide proof of loss for your property, equipment, and inventory.  You may need to file a claim for the damages you sustained due to the storm.

If you do not have insurance, consider getting it. Natural disasters can result in significant losses that could jeopardize your business if they go unaddressed by an effective policy like this one! 

Communicate With Customers and Employees

It is important to communicate with customers and employees on a regular basis. You can do this through social media, email newsletters, text messages, phone calls, or even in person. This will ensure that they are aware of anything new regarding the situation.

If you plan on opening your business again after the storm passes (or if it hasn't yet hit), let people know what their options are for getting back into contact with you once things have stabilized enough for your company's operations to resume as normal without interruptions.

Prepare for Future Disasters

Here are some tips to help you prepare for a future disaster:

• Create a disaster recovery plan that
• Backup of your data and systems
• Find an alternative location for your business to operate from (if possible)
• Have an emergency kit for employees
• Keep updated contact lists with phone numbers and addresses of key personnel who are not at headquarters (e.g., IT staff, HR manager) at all times so you can reach them during emergencies.

If there's one thing we learned from this article, it's that natural disasters can be very dangerous for businesses of all sizes—especially if they're unprepared for them! But there are also steps you can take now that will help protect against future losses, and even bring new opportunities into being by helping others cope with their own struggles along with yours!

If your Firestone business was affected by a natural disaster, give SERVPRO of Firestone, Platteville a call and we will help you get back to normal as quickly as possible!

The Different Types of Fire Extinguishers 

10/10/2022 (Permalink)

How To Use a Fire Extinguisher

Fire extinguishers are an important tool for any household or office. They can help stop small fires from getting bigger and save you money on repairs. But did you know that there are different types of fire extinguishers for different types of fires?

Fire Extinguisher Ratings and Classes

The fire extinguisher ratings and classes are the most important when it comes to choosing the right type of fire extinguisher. A common misconception is that as long as you have a fire extinguisher, you’re good to go. This isn’t true! There are many different types of fire: electrical fires, chemical fires, paper fires…and so on. Therefore, there are different classes of fire extinguishers that can handle these different types of fires.

A rating is a measure of how effective a certain type of extinguishing agent will be at putting out specific types of fires (paper versus electrical). 

Class A Fire Extinguishers

A class A fire extinguisher is used to extinguish fires involving ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, and cloth. It is commonly found in homes, offices, and other commercial buildings. This type of fire extinguisher is the most common type found in businesses across the country. Class A fire extinguishers are rated for use on class A fires only so if there is a risk of something else catching on fire in addition to the "ordinary combustibles" such as gasoline, you'll need another type of fire extinguisher or even multiple types!

Class B Fire Extinguishers

Class B extinguishers are the most common type of fire extinguisher, and they’re used to put out fires involving flammable liquids such as gasoline, paint thinner, and cooking oils.

Class B fire extinguishers must have a minimum rating of 2A:10BC. If your fire is too large for a Class B extinguisher to handle, it is important to call 911 or your local fire department right away so they can help you control the flames before they spread further.

Class C Fire Extinguishers

Class C fire extinguishers are designed for electrical fires. These should be used on fires that are not burning but have the potential to start burning. They should also be used on fires involving combustible metals such as magnesium. Class C fire extinguishers should also be used on fires involving flammable and combustible liquids such as gasoline or diesel fuel.

Class D Fire extinguishers

Class D fire extinguishers are used to fight fires involving magnesium, potassium, sodium, lithium, and their alloys. You may also use it for fires involving titanium and its alloys. These kinds of materials will burn very easily, and they can be hard to extinguish. They can catch on fire if they are exposed to heat or sparks.

Most fires in homes can be extinguished by using a fire extinguisher.

Most fires in homes can be extinguished by using a fire extinguisher. Knowing which type of fire extinguisher to use, will allow using the correct one for each situation.

• If you have a small fire and can see it, you need an ABC-class fire extinguisher. These are the least expensive and most common types of extinguishers that are found in many homes, offices, and factories. They’re also the ones that have little plastic handles on top with a pull pin inside them so all you must do is pull out the pin, aim at your target (the base flare) and squeeze until no more gas comes out – then throw it away!
• The second type is rated as BCF (Blue Canister Fire Extinguisher) because they contain carbon dioxide instead of water like an ABC model does; this means they are generally easier to use since there’s no mess created by spraying water everywhere around where they were used on purpose…but they still work just fine against Class B fires such as grease or oil-based fires too!

As you can see, there are many types of fire extinguishers. Each type is used for different types of fires and needs to be handled properly. Make sure the extinguisher you use is rated for your type of fire (Class A-D). If possible, keep a CO2 or Halon extinguisher in your home because they are effective against class B, C and D fires. If not available, then use ABC powder instead as they will still work on these types of fires.

What Insurance Companies Expect From Preferred Vendors

6/13/2022 (Permalink)

Highly trained, highly equipped, and highly experienced.

What Insurance Companies Expect From Preferred Vendors

If you are an insurance agent, you may already be familiar with the concept of preferred vendors. Representatives should be aware of the requirements that restoration companies have for franchises that take jobs associated with insurance claims. Voluntary programs such as the SERVPRO National Account Participation Agreement set higher standards for franchise locations than most independent restoration companies operating in La Salle, CO. 

Regular Employee Background Checks
Franchise owners who want to work on insurance company claims must voluntarily agree to a total of 21 requirements under the National Account Participation Agreement. One of these requirements is to run regular staff background checks, which is mandated for several reasons:

• Companies that prioritize regulatory compliance run less risk
  
• Law-abiding employees are less likely to engage in criminal activity
  
• Insurers are more likely to cover preferred vendor claims
  
  

Additional skill-based requirements relevant to the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification can also apply. Employees are trained and can pursue further professional opportunities through a program recognized throughout the restoration industry.

IICRC Validated Restoration Methods
The IICRC offers certifications in several areas ranging from specialization in restoring particular types of building materials or contents to more general damage restoration. An insurance agent may also want to seek out a franchise location that has a particular type of specialist.

Professional Vendor Program Projects 
Vendors who participate in programs must guarantee that insurance companies and property owners get good results. Restoration jobs processed through the program tend to be in the process of insurance claim settlement or settled claims. 
An insurance agent should know what preferred vendors are and be familiar with restoration industry certifications. Insurers should look out for qualifications in line with the National Account Participation Agreement. Agents can locate franchise locations of the largest nationwide restoration company to better serve La Salle, CO.

The 72 Hours After Roof Damage

5/23/2022 (Permalink)

The First 72 Hours Following Roof Damage

Leaks can undermine the seal of a building envelope in a matter of hours after damage strikes the roof of a commercial structure in Johnstown, CO. Within 48 to 72 hours, conditions may deteriorate to the point where black mold starts to grow on saturated surfaces. Learn more about what can occur during the first three days after roof damage without damage mitigation, roof repair and water damage restoration.

The First Day After Roof Damage
The severity of water damage caused by a roof leak depends on the degree of damage. Here are some potential risks associated with graduated levels of roof damage:

• Minor roof damage exposes roofing materials to damage
  
• Moderate roof damage admits water under a roof membrane or deck
  
• Major water damage brings water into a building's interior
  
  

While minor damage may only affect the utmost layer of a roof, more severe incidents may compromise the seal of membranes and permit water to penetrate down into the interior of a commercial building and cause a ceiling leak.

The Second Day With a Leaky Roof
The first 48 hours after roof damage are critical for preventing black mold. Property owners should periodically inspect the condition of roofing, especially after severe weather or potentially damaging incidents. It is important to schedule roof repairs and take mitigation measures, such as tarping over damage, within this time frame.

The Third Day of a Roof Leak
Mold growth may start within 72 hours after a leak. Airborne spores settle in moist locations, and many building materials such as insulation and drywall contain cellulose. Fungus converts this plant fiber into simple starches and sugars for nourishment.
Water that filters down through building materials becomes more contaminated and may become grossly contaminated Category Three black water over time. Thorough water damage restoration can keep black mold at bay at a building in Johnstown, CO.

What Personal Protective Equipment Is Necessary To Remove Mold?

3/29/2022 (Permalink)

What Personal Protective Equipment Is Necessary To Remove Mold?

Discovering mold growth in your commercial building in Hudson, CO, can cause a bit of panic. Mold is a hardy little organism that's excellent at covertly taking over large spaces. Mold remediation must begin immediately to stop further progression. It's also essential for workers to wear special gear to protect themselves.
Here's the personal protective equipment you'll typically see:

1. Hair Covering

The team will wear disposable hair coverings in the affected area. These coverings keep mold spores and other debris from getting trapped in their hair. Hair coverings will be removed and discarded every time workers leave the area to prevent cross-contamination into other parts of the building. A fresh hair covering will be used upon the worker's return to the affected area.

2. Goggles

Workers typically wear fully-enclosed goggles. These eye coverings help ensure that no spores, debris or chemicals can get in their eyes during the mold cleanup process.

3. Face Mask

A specific type of respirator is worn covering the nose and mouth to avoid inhaling contaminates. These respirators can be disposable or reusable.

4. Gloves

Disposable gloves are worn to protect the mold remediation specialists' hands from contamination and cleaning chemicals. The gloves are removed and disposed of every time the worker exits the contaminated area, and then a new pair is put on when they return.

5. Coveralls

Coveralls cover and shut out all spores from getting on the workers' clothes. These coveralls can be purchased in disposable or reusable varieties. Like the other PPE, they must be removed before leaving the area and put on again before returning to work.

6. Shoe Coverings

Coveralls sometimes include built-in shoe coverings. Disposable coverings are also available. Removing and discarding them when leaving the affected area will prevent tracking contaminates into other areas. Upon return, they're replaced with new ones.
During mold cleanup, PPE must be worn to protect the workers and prevent cross-contamination into unaffected areas. By hiring professionals, your building will be returned to its preloss condition as soon as possible.

If Your Building Catches Fire, Will You Be Prepared?

1/30/2022 (Permalink)

Will You Be Ready If Your Building Is Set on Fire?

Whether you own a multi-million-dollar corporation that operates out of a large commercial building or run a small, family-owned business that works out of a one-room retail store, it is important that you have a fire contingency plan in place. Your emergency plan should be well thought out; otherwise, you risk disorganization, chaos, confusion and injury in the event of a real emergency. To minimize damages and increase emergency response time, your evacuation plan should include the following:

• Minimum requirements
  
• An evacuation route
  
• A safe zone
  
• Emergency contacts
  
  

Minimum Requirements

Your contingency plan should, at the very least, include an action plan that is specific to your industry and worksite. An insurance agency can help you assess your risks, and the local fire department or a Lochbuie, CO, fire damage control team can help you draft a plan that addresses both those exposures and any obstacles posed by your building itself (e.g., layout, structural features, etc.).

Plan an Evacuation Route

Your evacuation plan should include a map of the best evacuation routes for each area of the building. In addition to showing occupants how to safely exit the building, your plan should also give clear directions to the nearest safety zone.

Establish a Safe Zone

Once all of your building’s occupants have made it out safely, they’ll need somewhere to go. Pick one location per emergency route where all occupants can gather. You will want to get a headcount and assess damages, which can be difficult to do if everyone is scattered across town.

Include Emergency Contacts

Your evacuation plan should include a list of emergency contacts, such as the local fire department, the Lochbuie, CO, fire restoration team, local medical centers, a burn unit and an organization that deals in chemicals and hazardous waste.

Every business’s contingency plan is going to be different, but every business should have one. For more tips on what makes a strong evacuation plan, visit the United States Department of Labor.