Training and Certifications are Things To Look For In Your Mitigation Contractor

1/25/2022 (Permalink)

IICRC offers classes to mitigation/restoration technicians are well trained in their field.

If you experience fire or water damages to your business or home, you need someone that can give you all the advice and guidance necessary to put your property back together properly. The people you rely on for this need to be well-trained and certified professionals to ensure your property is properly restored.

What to Look for in Those Technicians

As you consider who will handle your damage restoration services, one of the most important considerations is finding technicians that are well trained. You want to ensure they have extensive training and are properly trained to provide the types of services you need. They should be trained in areas such as water damage, fire damage, and mold remediation. 

Look for IICRC Certification

Make sure the company you select has their technicians IICRC certified. This means they have been trained and tested in the latest methods of cleaning and restoration from fire, flood, storm damage, and other sources of property damage

You also want to choose a team that is routinely training and keeping their education up to date. You want to know they are using the most advanced equipment and methods for getting your home back to a safe environment again. IICRC certification will guarantee that this specialized training has happened.

Call the Professionals at SERVPRO of Greeley/Windsor

When you are facing a disaster like this, turn to SERVPRO of Greeley/Windsor. Our team goes through a rigorous training process. We work closely with you to ensure you understand everything we are going to do, and we follow all the best practices in the industry. Our technicians are IICRC certified so you can be confident that we are using the latest techniques and equipment to restore your property damage. When you have damage to your commercial or residential property, choose SERVPRO of Greeley/Windsor, 970-353-1388.

Fire Sprinkler Systems in Commercial Building

1/25/2022 (Permalink)

When we think of a sprinkler system, we often think of an outdoor system of hydration, watering our lawns in a residential application, or watering a golf course in a commercial application.  But buildings can have sprinkler systems as well. Building sprinkler systems protect against fires. 

A fire sprinkler system is a water piping system in the ceiling, connected to a water supply, with adequate pressure and flowrate, onto which sprinkler heads are attached.  The system discharges water through the sprinkler heads when they detect a rise in temperature adequate to suggest a fire may be present. Historically sprinkler systems were only used in factories and large commercial buildings.  Today they have become affordable enough to be used in smaller buildings and even homes. 

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is the main organization that sets the standards for fire safety including fire sprinkler system requirements.  Some requirements are up to local municipalities.  However, according to NFPA 13, all newly constructed commercial buildings that are 5,000 square feet or larger are required to have fire sprinkler systems. In addition, any remodels that add square feet to an existing commercial building so that its footprint is 12,000 square feet or more mandates installation of a fire sprinkler system.  NFPA also states that any townhomes with more than two units per building require an automatic fire sprinkler system.

While early systems dispersed water from every head when one head was triggered, systems today only disperse water from the head/heads that detect excessive heat.  This helps to minimize water damage to areas of the building not affected by fire. This was one of the primary hesitations people had about sprinkler systems.  They felt they were trading fire damage for water damage.  As a result, fire sprinkler systems are extensively used today. 

Worldwide, over 40 million sprinkler heads are fitted each year.  In buildings completely protected by fire sprinkler systems, over 96% of fires were controlled by fire sprinklers alone. 

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, but not limited to, the following:

• IICRC Training
• Employee Certification Training
• Initial Franchise Training
• e-Learnings
• Continuing Education Classes

For your fire/smoke restoration needs call SERVPRO of Greeley/Windsor, 970-353-1388, we answer our phones 24/7/365 which puts our technicians onsite faster.

Mold in Commercial Buildings

10/7/2021 (Permalink)

Call the professionals at SERVPRO of Greeley/Windsor for your mold remediation needs.

Mold often leaves behind an unmistakable musty odor. This fungus can develop inside a house when it is too humid, and list of other causes.  Although Colorado property owners, for the most part, do not have to deal with the high humidity like other parts of the country, there can be humidity problems due to humidifiers and other factors.  Property owners who have marijuana grow operations have a high risk for mold due to the humidity that is involved with grow operations.  We are seeing much more of the problem since marijuana has been legalized in Colorado. Property owners should try to prevent mold growth entirely. However, if mold does develop, then the mold will need to be addressed right away.

Mold is particularly destructive to certain materials, including gypsum board, plaster and wood. Over time, these materials may weaken and change color. You may not even see the damage if the item is painted, as the paint merely hides the mildew. The only way to ensure your home remains structurally sound is to remove all presence of mold.

Mold growth can get out of hand in just 24 hours. It can spread exponentially when exposed to the right conditions. Leaks, condensation and high humidity can accelerate the growth process, causing the mold to overtake entire sections of walls and flooring evident in the attached picture.

If you see mold, then there is a very high likelihood there is even more growing out of your sight. An Industrial Hygienist should be contacted to perform an Air Mold Sampling test to ensure your house/business remains mold-free.  Once an Air Mold Sampling has been completed, the Hygienist will write a protocol to remediate the mold, if mold is present.   If a protocol is written, contacting a local mold remediation company  would be the next step to perform the mold remediation.  Once the remediation is completed the Hygienist will complete a post Air Sampling to ensure that the mold problem has been eliminated. 

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, but not limited to, the following:

• IICRC Training
• Employee Certification Training
• Initial Franchise Training
• e-Learnings
• Continuing Education Classes

Call SERVPRO of Greeley/Windsor at 970-353-1388 for your mold remediation services.  We answer our phones 24/7/365.

Tips to Prevent Smoke & Fire Damage to Your Business

10/6/2021 (Permalink)

Call our professionals SERVPRO of Greeley/Windsor, 970-353-1388, to handle your fire/smoke loss.

Reduce Clutter in Your Office

Do you have a stack of papers lying in the corner of your office that is growing bigger every day? Clutter like papers, magazines, boxes, and other paper products in your office is fuel for a potential fire hazard. Try keeping your desk and office clean and free of clutter to reduce the risks of fire. Use file cabinets and drawers to store papers and documents. Store boxes in closets and storage areas rather in the corner of your office or blocking stairwells.

Safely Store Flammable Liquids and Chemicals

If you are working with flammable liquids, chemicals, and/or solvents, make sure you store them in the proper area. Some flammable materials and chemicals may need to be stored in specialized cabinets according to local rules and regulations. For flammable liquids and materials that do not require specialized storage, you still should ensure that they are stored away from any heat source. You also need to make sure that if the liquids or materials off-gas creating flammable vapors that you have proper ventilation. If you do not have proper ventilation, the vapors can build up and ignite from a small spark like a light switch being flipped on or a plug being inserted into an outlet.

Designate a Smoking Area

If you have employees who smoke, designate an area where smoking is only allowed. It is preferable that the area is located outside to reduce smoke odors in the business and fire risks from cigarettes that weren’t fully extinguished. You also need to make sure that you have a proper receptacle for employees to discard their extinguished cigarette butts. Also, make sure that the designated smoking area is away from flammable liquids and materials, i.e., dried grasses, mulch, and dead leaves.

Report Electrical Problems

It is important to let your employees know to report any electrical problems immediately before they result in a potential fire. This could be exposed wiring, frayed cords, faulty wiring, electrical equipment, and sockets near water sources, etc. If you notice an electrical problem in your business, call an electrician to fix it. Do not try to fix any wiring issues yourself as this can also lead to an increased risk of fire due to inexperience and mistakes. It is important to keep access to electrical boxes clear so you can quickly cut the power to an area if there is a risk of fire.

Do not Overload Electrical Outlets

One of the most common causes of fire in a business is an overloaded electrical outlet. An overloaded outlet can cause an increase of heat to the outlet, plugs, and wires. The heat can melt the insulation around the wires causing them to touch and cause sparks. The best scenario is that the circuit breaker flips before the wires short and cause sparks. If the circuit does not flip off, then the heat and the sparks can quickly lead to an electrical fire. If you are always tripping a circuit or notice your desktop lights dimming, then you might be overloading the outlet. To reduce the load, move some electronics to other outlets.

Be Smart & Be Safe

These are just a few tips that you can follow to reduce the risks of smoke and fire damage to your business. The best advice to keep your business safe from fire is to be smart and be aware. Use common sense when at your business. While you do not want to be known as a mean business owner by prohibiting things like candles and space heaters, you also do not want to increase the risk of fire occurring at your business. I think most workers will understand that safety is more important than convenience and comfort in these situations.

Contact the Fire & Smoke Damage Professionals if a Fire Does Occur

Hopefully, your business will never experience a fire. Not only can a fire cause a lot of property damage, but it can also lead to a lot of downtime and loss of revenue. If you should experience a fire at your Greeley/Windsor business, contact the fire and smoke damage experts . We can quickly clean up and restore any damage that has occurred to your business. SERVPRO of Greeley/Windsor has the resources and expertise to handle any size disaster. Contact us today at 970-353-1388, we answer our phone 24/7/365 which puts faster onsite.

Tear Gas Biohazard Clean Up

10/6/2021 (Permalink)

Tear gas is dangerous for the crew members involved, the complexity of completely eliminating gas residue makes it unusually challenging to remove.

Many people do not realize that the irritants in tear gas can linger long after the canisters are discharged and the subjects have been cleared from the property. Tear gas residue can seep into furniture, carpet and even hardwood floors. Tear gas also spreads through ventilation systems. It can continue to irritate the mucous membranes of anyone residing in or visiting the property long after the initial incident

When tear gas is used, canisters are shot from launchers that heat the canisters prior to release to help disperse the gas more effectively. The particles are heavy so they settle eventually, but can move from powder to gas state with heat and water, which makes recontamination very likely with an untrained crime scene cleanup crew.

A tear gas intrusion scene often presents with damaged walls and doors as well as broken windows secondary to forced entry by law enforcement officials. Tear gas canisters often are shot into an enclosed space to subdue a subject, which leads to drywall penetration in both ceilings and walls.

Tear gas residue may contain dyes that stain surfaces such as walls, ceilings and carpeting. Tear gas also leaves a thick harmful residue that easily can reconvert back to a toxic gas which irritates mucous membranes and can cause vomiting

Tear gas is a mucous membrane irritant. It typically is used to subdue subjects by law enforcement, or as a deterrent from attack. Tear gas can be defined by several irritants, including:
• Chlorobenzylidene malononitrile (CS)
• Chloroacetophenone (CN)
• Dibenzoxazepine (CR)
• Oleoresin Capsicum (OC or pepper spray)

If your home or business experiences any kind of biohazard damage, our team of professionals are trained to handle it 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 weeks a year.  Our technicians are equipped with necessary safety equipment and cleaning products to clean your loss. SERVPRO of Greeley/Windsor can turn an unsafe environment into clean, safe homes and businesses. 

Call SERVPRO of Greeley/Windsor at 970-353-1388, we will make it “Like it never even happened.”

Learn About Air Scrubbers

10/1/2021 (Permalink)

An air scrubber helps prevent these undesirable and potentially harmful particles and gases from remaining in the indoor environment.

Air scrubbers, or negative air machine, is a portable air filtration machine. It draws air from the surrounding environment and passes through a series of filters. These filters efficiently remove particles from the air to help improve indoor air quality.

Why does SERVPRO® use Air Scrubbers?

The goal of every restoration job is to safely and efficiently return the indoor environment to preloss condition for the customer.

Any job that involves cleanup of sewage, mold and or fire damage will generate significant amounts of particulates and smelly gases.  These contaminants are a direct result of the damage itself, as well as the necessary process of treating and cleaning damaged materials. An air scrubber helps prevent these undesirable and potentially harmful particles and gases from remaining in the indoor environment.

Mold Remediation

Mold remediation projects can release large quantities of mold and fungal spores into the air.  These indoor air pollutants can affect the health and comfort of occupants.  Air scrubbers are equipped with multiple pre-filters for removal of visible airborne particles. The final stage filter, HEPA, captures microscopic particles and microbes such as fungal spores. HEPA filters can capture particles as small as 0.3 micros.

If you have odors from sewage, mold, fire or water damage, let one of our professionals remove and remediate odors “Like it never even happened.”

Call SERVPRO of Greeley/Windsor, 970-353-1388, we answer our phones 24/7/365.

Prevent and Mitigate Greeley Water Losses with SERVPRO's ERP Emergency READY Profile Plan

8/11/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO's Emergency READY Profile Plan (ERP) Has Commercial Properties in Greeley Ready for Water/Fire Damaging Occurrences

Be Proactive Before Commercial Water Damage in Greeley

Business owners in Greeley, Windsor and surrounding areas plan for many contingencies. Employees call in sick or quit, equipment breaks, income ebbs and flows, suppliers fail to meet deadlines, seasonal demand disappoints, or surprises. One crucial concern under the radar until it demands attention is an unexpected water loss. Whether leaky plumbing, storm activity, or appliance malfunction drives the disaster, the future of your business depends on minimizing harm and a fast remediation.

How to Prepare for Water Emergencies

The perfect solution for commercial water damage in Greeley, Windsor and surrounding areas is to avoid it. Unfortunately, plumbing lines and appliances age and exteriors cannot withstand every severe storm. There are common-sense steps a business owner can take to limit the harm to structural components, contents, and operations. Here are a few ideas you and your staff can implement:

• Locate important documents off-site in secure storage or digitize
• Encase records in waterproof bins and store away from plumbing and spaces prone to flooding
• Dedicate space for inventory above flood lines and far from plumbing, windows, and doors that could admit water
• Raise equipment off the floor
• Ensure all staff know the location of the main water shutoff
• Invest in regular inspection and maintenance of water risks such as plumbing, roofs, gutters, and appliances

Partner with Us -- the Emergency READY Plan (ERP)

SERVPRO offers a unique safeguard for our commercial customers. Contact us far in advance of any water event and schedule a no-obligation assessment of your physical layout and a discussion of how you conduct business. We use this information in a couple of ways to ensure a water disaster does not destroy your life's work:

We make recommendations for adaptations you put in place now to reduce the effect of any water damage on your day-to-day routines and money-making opportunities

We outline a plan of attack in case water damage occurs, personalized for your needs and space. The plan permits our Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)--trained managers and technicians to begin responding immediately if the worst happens.

We allow you to share additional details through the use of our mobile app, creating your Emergency READY Profile. The two documents together are a concise digital document accessible 24/7 for our crews.
 

SERVPRO of Greeley/Windsor, exemplify the "READY" in your ERP. Develop a collaborative answer to water or other disasters for your business with one call to 970-353-1388.

We Clean and Disinfect Daycares

8/11/2021 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Greeley/Windsor at 970-353-1388.

As we continue opening businesses, we all want to make sure that buildings are cleaned and sanitized, especially those with our little ones in it.

When returning to work, no parent should have to stress about their children being safe while at a childcare program such as daycare. It is imperative to ensure that all high-touch surfaces and areas are cleaned and disinfected before children come in.

Areas that should be cleaned include:

-Offices

-Playrooms

-Cribs

-Bedding

-Bathrooms

-Common play areas

High-touch surfaces include:

-Doorknobs

-Counters

-Changing tables

-Toys

-Light switches

-Faucet handles

-Toilets

-Tablets

-Keyboards

-Crib railings

Remember to always clean from the least contaminated areas (light switches, doorknobs) to the most contaminated areas (faucet, toilet, handle).

Daycare Health Strategies:

Daycare staff and parents can promote a healthy environment for children to follow. These healthy learning and play measures include:

-Encourage hand washing with real soap for at least 20 seconds.

-Put hand sanitizer in numerous stations around the facility for daycare workers and older children.

-Provide disinfectant wipes for workers to wipe down items and surfaces such as toys, tables, chairs, learning stations, inside recreational areas, outside playground equipment, and other frequently touched items or surfaces.

-Workers may wear disposable gloves when needed and appropriate.

-Remind parents and workers of daycare sickness policy.

-Coordinate with the facility cleaning team regarding special measures to be taken during flu and cold season or during periods of a significant increase in sickness.

These measures are very simple and can help keep childcare programs happy and healthy.  Call SERVPRO of Greeley/Windsor at 970-353-1388.  We answer our phones 24/7/365 which puts our professional technicians onsite quicker.

Biohazard, Vandalism & Crime Scene

1/29/2021 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Greeley/Windsor for your biohazard remediation.

Recognized as a leading fire and water cleanup and restoration provider by hundreds of insurance companies, SERVPRO® of Greeley/Windsor offers fast, reliable biohazard, vandalism, and crime scene cleanup and remediation services to residential and commercial property owners.

Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences for building occupants, employees, customers and owners. Failure to properly handle and safely remove such substances can contribute to unhealthy and even dangerous environments.

SERVPRO® of Greeley/Windsor’s professionals are trained to safely and effectively remove hazardous biological substances and prepare waste for proper disposal according to OSHA, EPA, and state and local health regulations. Equipped with the necessary safety equipment and cleaning products, SERVPRO® of Greeley/Windsor can help turn unsafe environments into clean, safe homes and businesses. We can help with:

• Bloodborne Pathogens
• Methamphetamine Labs
• Crime Scene Residues
• Arson
• Vandalism
• Sewage Backups
• Black Water Intrusions
• Mold Mitigations and Remediation

Highly Trained Restoration Specialists

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
• Initial Franchise Training
• e-Learnings
• Continuing Education Classes

If your commercial building has be exposed to biological and chemical contaminants, call SERVPRO of Greeley/Windsor at 970-353-1388. Our team is available 24/7/365.

Protecting your Business from Cold Weather and Winter Conditions

1/29/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Greeley/Windsor is available 24-7-365 to take care of any winter water damage.

Winter is here and the weather is only going to get worse! The bitter cold and winter storms can have a huge impact on your business. Frigid temperatures, heavy snow and ice can all contribute to property damage. Whether you are ready for it or not, SERVPRO of Greeley/Windsor wants you and your property to be prepared for the winter weather in Colorado.

While you cannot control the weather, you can make efforts to be prepared and protect your property. To help avoid damages due to inclement winter weather conditions, consider taking the following precautions to protect your Saginaw business before more winter weather hits.

Protect your Property:

• Check your roof: Both snow and ice can damage your roof and could potentially cause the roof to collapse. Water can also get into cracks and expand when it freezes, causing larger cracks on your roof.
• Ensure your pipes are insulated: Frigid temperate can cause pipes to freeze and break, which can lead to flooding in your business.
• Protect your people: Clear sidewalks and plow parking lots for the safety of your customers, clients and employees. Avoid injuries and accidents by taking the proper precautions. Removing snow and ice can prevent people from getting hurt.
• Ice Dams: When snow melts unevenly and freezes at the edge of your roof, an ice dam is created which prevents melted snow from draining off the roof. The water can leak under the shingle and into your business, causing significant water damage.
• Snow-melt Flooding: Heavy amounts of snowfall and sheets of ice turn into a large amount of water, which all must go somewhere. Beware of snow-melt flooding and call SERVPRO of Greeley/Windsor if your business has water damage from flooding.

SERVPRO of Greeley/Windsor is your local mitigation company that responds quickly to a water or fire, or mold damage emergency, 24 hours a day. Whether the damage occurs in a small business building in Greeley/Windsor, or a big box store, we have the training, experience, and equipment to handle the situation. Our national network of 1,800 franchises gives us access to personnel and resources so no job is too big.  If your business has been damaged by winter conditions, call 970-353-1388.

Understanding the Categories and Classes of Water Damage

10/2/2020 (Permalink)

The mitigation process will depend on which category your water damage falls under.

Dealing with water damage in your business in Greeley and Windsor areas can be very time-consuming. Whether it be replacing a water pipe, having issues with a toilet, or outside water coming in you will find it helpful to understand what type of water damage has occurred.

1. The Source of Water - SERVPRO of Greeley/Windsor uses one of the primary ways to classify water damage.

• If water comes from an appliance and is clean, it is considered category 1. 
• If water from a broken pipe and has contaminants it is considered category 2.
• If water contains sewage and has biohazards present it is considered category 3.

2. How long has the water sat? - Category 1 water can turn into category 2 if not quickly removed. The best rule of thumb is to take care of the water leak as soon as possible!

3. How clean the water is, is another major contributor that determines the category we classify the water damage into. For instance, category 2 water is water that has some amount of hazardous material.  Even if the water loss started out as clean water and it seeps through the floor or walls it will then count as category 2 due to contaminants.  

Every water damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to make it “Like it never even happened.”  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have questions about water damage? Call SERVPRO of Greeley/Windsor, 970-353-1388.

Common Water Damage Sources In Commercial Buildings

10/1/2020 (Permalink)

Fire sprinklers are essential in a commercial environment but they can cause water damage if there is a malfunction or break.

While office buildings in the Greeley/Windsor lack many water damage risk factors common to other local businesses, many different disasters can still befall even the most prepared companies. Between restroom overflows and malfunctions, pipe leaks and ruptures, sprinkler malfunctions, and other possible problems, your office may be more likely than you think to incur water damage at some point in the future. Here are a few of the most common and severe problems we see in offices locally and nationwide.

Restroom Overflows

Even if your building is equipped with high-quality restroom fixtures, they can still malfunction and cause substantial commercial water damage to your office in Greeley and surrounding areas. Plumbing issues primarily result from ill-maintained fixtures and water lines but can sometimes occur in perfectly functional and maintained objects as well. If a restroom disaster is too much for your staff to handle, call us quickly to prevent additional damage to the area.

Water Line Ruptures

While water lines rarely rupture without good cause, when they do encounter problems, it can be an enormous problem for your office. Water lines are often highly pressurized, and even a small break can quickly inundate an area in water and cause flooding. If you believe that a water line or main has incurred damage in your office building, contact SERVPRO of Greeley/Windsor immediately so that we can handle the issue with expert care.

Sprinkler Problems

While fire safety sprinklers can be an essential defense against fire damage, they also have the potential to cause water damage throughout the structure. Worse still are sprinkler malfunctions, which can trigger when an object comes into contact with the sprinkler or another malfunction occurs. Try to get the sprinklers shut off as quickly as possible if it is a false alarm and be sure to call SERVPRO of Greeley/Windsor so that we can start removing moisture before additional damage can result.

SERVPRO of Greeley/Windsor is ready around the clock, 24/7/365 to respond to your company's call. Contact us at (970) 353-1388 for our experienced and professional technicians to respond to your emergency.

Do You Ever Wonder How A Sewer Loss Can Affect Your Business?

10/1/2020 (Permalink)

Sewer damage in your commercial business? Call SERVPRO of Greeley/Windsor, 970-353-1388

If you are a business owner that is a question that should be thought of.  At some point in time your business could experience a sewer back up at your commercial property. In order to not lose a day of business that results in loss of sales, call the water damage restoration professionals SERVPRO of Greeley/Windsor.  We can get your business back to "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO of Greeley/Windsor has a team of qualified technicians that can handle your loss effectively and quickly to get you back up and running.  We have the training, experience, and equipment to handle large commercial flooding or sewage damage emergencies.  Weather your damage is small or large we will respond quickly to mitigate the damage.

Here are 4 ways that water damage affects your business:

• Economic loss
• Health and safety concerns
• Property damage
• Emotional hardship

SERVPRO of Greeley/Windsor employees all live in Greeley and are a part of our community so we want to take care of our community and surrounding areas. We at SERVPRO of Greeley/Windsor go above and beyond to make it "Like it never even happened."

Call SERVPRO of Greeley/Windsor at 970-353-1388 for your commercial emergency service’s needs.

Reopening a Business After COVID19

8/27/2020 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Greeley/Windsor, 970-353-1388, your restoration specialists.

Forced closures due to the coronavirus pandemic have put buildings worldwide at risk for mold growth and other contaminants. Structures that were not properly prepared prior to being closed up will be at higher risk for having developed unsafe levels of contamination.

Below is a list of preventative steps that should have been taken:

• Cleaning: a thorough cleaning should have been done, including all horizontal surfaces. Care should have been taken to make sure every surface was wiped down as spores live in settled duct, skin cells, and other organic matter.
• Spoilage: Refrigerators should have cleaned out and the trash removed.
• Water: Any standing water or wet areas should have been attended to as adequate moisture fosters microbial growth.
• Ventilation: Someone should have been assigned on good weather days to go back in and open a few windows to allow fresh air inside. Natural sunlight and fresh air are great oxidizers of microbial contaminants like mold, bacteria, and viruses.
• HVAC: the HVAC system should have been left on. When a building is closed up with the HVAC shut off, the humidity can increase, creating an environment ripe for mold growth.
• A/C: The air conditioning system should have been left operating and thermostats should have been set at 80 degrees to cause them to run periodically throughout the close-down. This would help the indoor environment keep drier, which helps stave off mold growth as mold does not grow when it is dry.

If your business has reopened or is beginning to open and you notice mold growth or a musty smell call SERVPRO of Greeley/Windsor at 970-353-1388 for an inspection for water or mold damage. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration.

Commercial Fire Preparedness

8/11/2020 (Permalink)

Wiring in a commercial building should be up-to-code to prevent extensive damage from fires.

Commercial business owners everywhere know they must keep their fire protection systems up to code, but what happens when they don't?

A fire can break out at any time.  Faulty equipment or a careless employee, you must be prepared.  Maintaining your fire suppression system, as well as planning ahead, can save your business from extended closure following a fire.

There are many cases every year in which a lack of properly installed fire safety equipment leads to extensive damage from fires.  If your business isn't up-to-code on all of your sprinklers, suppression systems and alarms, your business could face disastrous consequences.

You also need to address the issue that businesses don't always prepare for - employee fire safety training.  An employee who has been trained can avoid the fire hazard, and possibly even fight the fire, using an extinguisher the right way. 

Next, you must prepare for the aftermath.  By having a FREE Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) conducted by your local SERVPRO of Greeley/Windsor team, you are way ahead of the game.  This profile will expedite the cleanup and restoration services provided by SERVPRO of Greeley/Windsor.  Contact our local office at 970-353-1388 to schedule yours today.

Deep Cleaning For Your Business

5/5/2020 (Permalink)

For a thorough cleaning call SERVPRO of Greeley/Windsor.

A janitor is great for every day tidying up, but after months of winter salt and water making its way across the floors of your business it is time to get on the phone and give SERVPRO of Greeley/Windsor a call. Whether it’s deep cleaning carpets or removing an odor problem, you can rely on SERVPRO of Greeley/Windsor to make your workspace look its very best.

SERVPRO of Greeley/Windsor offer cleaning services ranging from cleaning carpets to removing biohazard contaminants. We have the specialized training and products to get your property back to business. Our cleaning services include the following:

• Air ducts and HVAC
• Carpet and Upholstery 
• Odor Removal and Deodorization
• Biohazard and Sewage 

SERVPRO of Greeley/Windsor is locally owned and operated—so we’re a part of this community too. We are also part of a national network of over 1,800 Franchises, which enables us to respond quicker with more resources. For major storms and disasters, we can call upon special Disaster Recovery Teams strategically located throughout the country.

SERVPRO of Greeley/Windsor proudly serves Greeley, Windsor, Johnstown, Milliken, Severance, Eaton, LaSalle, and Evans. Call us for your mitigation needs at (970) 353-1388. We answer our phones 24/7/365.

Mold in Commercial and School Buildings

1/29/2020 (Permalink)

Whether the source of the mold is apparent or hidden, SERVPRO Greeley/Windsor has the tools and experience to find it.

Mold invasions are a common problem in schools and commercial buildings. As these buildings age, their susceptibility to invasion increases due to factors like leaky roofs, tendencies for moisture retention, and the erosion of waterproofing material. However, learning more about mold and building maintenance techniques can help guard against these unwanted infestations.

Mold Remediation in Schools

As reported by the Health Schools Network, children are at a greater risk of exposure to mold than their adult counterparts. This is the case because the organs of small children are still in the developmental stage. A child's lungs are disproportionately large in relation to total body mass. This means that inhaled mycotoxins can have a profound impact on the child's body. Unfortunately, the school setting often creates the right condition for the development of mold. This risk can increase as the school ages. Common areas for mold growth include storage closets, cafeterias, locker rooms, and bathrooms. The mold spores can then circulate throughout the school by way of the air ducts, one of the major factors contributing to "bad air." Clean ambient air quality provides a safer environment for our students. For the prevention of these fungi from spreading in school buildings, it is important for school officials to have regular maintenance work and inspections scheduled and completed. Since malfunctioning HVAC systems and leaky pipes are the most frequently reported causes of mold proliferation, having this equipment and plumbing checked can drastically decrease mold growth in schools, or hopefully, prevent its occurrence.

Mold Remediation in Commercial Buildings

Just as school buildings are susceptible to mold infestations, commercial buildings can become a hotbed for the fungi. One of the common places for mold to grow within the commercial setting is the HVAC system. The systems that are not functioning optimally or are ill-equipped to handle the workload can generate moisture buildup. This can lead to mold growth as the spores within the air ducts will adhere to organic matter and develop into mold colonies. The mold can now spread throughout the office via the A/C network. SERVPRO Greeley/Windsor can clean, sanitize and deodorize the HVAC ducting system as part of a regular maintenance and cleaning program.

When Farm and Livestock Suppliers Endure Commercial Water Damage in Greeley, CO

1/29/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Greeley/Windsor offers prompt remediation services to Greeley and Windsor farmers and ranchers.

Many Greeley businesses have been in business for decades, with the community heavily relying on them to provide goods and services. Farm and livestock suppliers help food producers carry out their trade, and without them, the entire nation could feel their loss.

The importance of Greeley's impact becomes increasingly apparent when a business suffers commercial water damage. Without proper and prompt remediation, water can ruin the inventory, resulting in extreme hardship for local farmers and ranchers. A timely response from SERVPRO Greeley/Windsor can prevent this disaster from affecting these hard-working individuals, and also those families who depend on them.

Helping many industries recover from a disaster, SERVPRO knows the importance of your daily operations, your inventory, and your employees' health. Water damage can lead to rusted railings and platforms, brittleness in plastic-covered equipment, and microbial growth. Water's capability to seep into cracks and grooves in surfaces, and to travel extensively, means your inventory faces extreme risk. We at SERVPRO can eliminate these problems before they cause profit loss, increase workers' absence rates, and other problems.

Our training is extensive, and results in certifications by the IICRC. Knowing your business relies on our skills, we maintain our equipment so that we can put it to work for you at a moment's notice. Our tools and machines can complete the work required, regardless of the amount of complexity in the situation.

Available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, we can work alongside your employees, ensuring that any downtime your company experiences remains minimal. We can help move inventory to dry locations while our other crew members set up and supervise desiccation machinery in affected areas. We understand that your customers may have their own concerns and we can discuss with you how you wish to approach such requests for information.

Always ready to assist our local businesses, SERVPRO of Greeley/Windsor wants to help you remain a vital part of our community. Call us at our local number, (970) 353-1388, to reach our round-the-clock service, 365 days a year.

Visit http://www.greeleychamber.com/community/history for more information about Greeley.

Don't Let Unwanted Water Close Your Business

10/29/2019 (Permalink)

Don't let unwanted water close your business. Call SERVPRO of Greeley/Windsor.

SERVPRO Can Quickly Restore Your Water Damaged Business

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 professionals from SERVPRO is a good first step.

Quick Water Removal Mitigates Monetary Loss

The longer excess water remains on your commercial property in Greeley/Windsor, 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 with in one hour, with water removal equipment to begin mitigation.

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 Greeley/Windsor is your local mitigation company that responds quickly to a water or fire, or mold damage emergency, 24 hours a day. Whether the damage occurs in a small business building in Greeley/Windsor, or a big box store, we have the training, experience, and equipment to handle the situation. Our national network of 1,800 franchises gives us access to personnel and resources that no job is too big. Call SERVPRO of Greeley/Windsor for assistance, 970-353-1388.

Common Commercial Water Damage Problems and Remedies

10/24/2019 (Permalink)

Commercial Water Damage

Whether your business in Greeley, CO has a broken pipe or another common issue that can lead to water damage, it’s often helpful to know how to react to prevent major damage from occurring. Knowing what problems commonly occur and how to react can help you prevent your business from sustaining water damage.

1. Sewer Backups

Sewer backups are often caused by blockages, and backups can result in costly repairs. However, knowing the signs of a sewer backup can help you prevent your business from flooding. If a sewer is backed up, you may notice that your sinks or toilets aren’t draining as quickly as they should. If you do have a backup, it can be helpful to have a plumber inspect your sewer lines, and regularly having your sewer lines cleaned can help to prevent future backups.

2. Pipe Issues

While a broken pipe can cause a building to flood, a leaky pipe can also cause damage to a business. Often, you can temporarily fix a leaky pipe by sealing it. However, because a leaky pipe could be an indicator of other issues, you may want to have your pipes examined to ensure there aren’t any hidden problems. In the case of a pipe that is broken, turning off the water in your building is often the best solution.

3. Faulty Appliances

In addition to sewer systems and pipes causing water damage, appliances can also be the cause of water damage. Frequently cleaning your appliances can help prevent them from malfunctioning. However, if you do notice that an appliance is leaking, backed up or is simply not working as it should, knowing how to safely and quickly shut off the appliance can be helpful.

Understanding what water damage issues commonly occur in businesses and knowing what to do if you notice these issues can help protect your business.

If you see any of these signs of water damage, you should have it examined quickly. Water can cause a lot of damage to the structure of your business if it’s not dealt with in a timely manner. Contact SERVPRO of Greeley/Windsor, 970-353-1388, as soon as you notice the problem.

Health Care Facilities in Greeley And Surrounding Areas

10/24/2019 (Permalink)

Health Care Facility in Greeley Mold Remediation

We understand that time is crucial for both your operations and your patients. Our employees know how to handle regulated medical waste and undergo special training to work in operating rooms and other restricted areas, always adhering to HIPPA regulations. We also coordinate with environmental and infection control teams to monitor progress and make sure that all necessary health certifications are obtained prior to completing any job. Our number one priority is to quickly and safely take full responsibility of your cleanup needs so that you are free to focus on your number one priority: the patients.

At SERVPRO of Greeley/Windsor our professionals are trained in adhering to the highest sanitation standards.

OUR EXPERIENCE

Our experience in the healthcare industry has given us the ability to provide a variety of detailed services for the following healthcare facilities:

• Hospitals 
• Assisted Living Centers
• Outpatient Surgical Centers 
• Electronics and Machine Restoration
  Hospice Facilities
• Senior Living Facilities
• Medical Office Buildings
• Document Drying and Restoration

SERVPRO of Greeley/Windsor is locally owned and operated—so we’re a part of this community too. We are also part of a national network of over 1,800 Franchises, which enables us to respond quicker with more resources. For major storms and disasters, we can call upon special Disaster Recovery Teams strategically located throughout the country.

SERVPRO of Greeley/Windsor proudly serves Greeley, Windsor, Johnstown, Milliken, Severance, Eaton, LaSalle, and Evans. Call us for your mitigation needs at (970) 353-1388.

SERVPRO Greeley/Windsor Offers Commercial Services

3/14/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Greeley/Windsor is Ready To Handle Your Loss

SERVPRO of Greeley/Windsor is always ready to roll to any size disaster and you can trust the SERVPRO brand to get your company back in business after any loss. We can minimize the disruption to your clients while delivering professional and superior service. Most people think of SERVPRO when they have a water damage, but we offer many other services.

Services SERVPRO provides:

• Commercial Water Damage
• Commercial Fire Restoration
• Commercial Mold Remediation
• Commercial Storm and Major Events
• Commercial Duct Cleaning
• Commercial Carpet Cleaning
• Commercial Disaster Recover Team
• Odor Removal
• Bio-Hazard Clean

With over 1,800 franchises nationally, the SERVPRO franchise system has a network of strategically positioned storm and extreme teams on standby should a disaster strike your business. So, no loss is too big or too small. Regardless of your property type or size, we respond quickly to your loss and manage your restoration project to its completion.

Call SERVPRO of Greeley/Windsor, 970-353-1388 for all your emergency mitigation needs.

Water Damage Category and Classes

3/23/2018 (Permalink)

Do you know what is the water category of this loss?

Category 1 originates from a sanitary source and poses no substantial risk from dermal, ingestion, or inhalation exposure. It is important to note, it may not always remain clean after it comes into contact with other surfaces or materials.

Category 2 contains significant contamination and has the potential to cause discomfort or sickness if contacted or consumed. It may contain potentially unsafe levels of microorganisms or nutrients for microorganisms, as well as other organic or inorganic matter (chemical or biological).

Category 3 is grossly contaminated and may contain pathogenic, toxigenic or other harmful agents. Such water sources may carry silt, organic matter, pesticides, heavy metals, regulated materials, or toxic organic substances.

Time and temperature can also affect the quality of water, thereby changing its category. *Refer to the IICRC S500 for complete definitions.

Class 1 is the least amount of water, absorption and evaporation.  It affects only part of a room or area, or larger areas containing materials that have absorbed minimal moisture.  Little or no wet carpet and/or cushion is present.

Class 2 involves a large amount of water, absorption and evaporation.  It affects at least an entire room of carpet and cushion (pad).  Water has wicked up walls less than 24 inches.  There is moisture remaining in structural materials and substructure soil.

Class 3 involves the greatest amount of water, absorption and evaporation.  Water may have come from overhead.  Ceilings, walls, insulation, carpet, cushion and subfloor in virtually all of the entire area are saturated.

Class 4 relates to specialty drying situations.  Typically, there are deep pockets of saturation, which require very low specific humidity.  These types of losses may require longer drying times and special methods.

*Refer to the IICRC S500 for complete definitions. 

For your water mitigation and restoration needs call the professionals at SERVPRO of Greeley/Windsor , 970-353-1388. 

Highly Trained Restoration Specialists

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. Our SERVPRO training program includes, but not limited to, the following:

• IICRC Training
• Employee Certification Training
• e-Learnings
• Continuing Education Classes

Wireless Emergency Alerts - Stay Informed Of Weather Alerts

3/22/2018 (Permalink)

WWW.National Weather Service.com

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

Why take a risk, stay safe and follow the warnings. Once the storm has passed assess your damage, and call the mitigation professionals at SERVPRO of Greeley/Windsor, 970-353-1388 if your home or business experiences damage from a storm.

Commercial Property Water Damage Challenges

3/13/2018 (Permalink)

Commercial Water Loss

Commercial property water damages present their own unique challenges, and can be very stressful. SERVPRO of Greeley/Windsor 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 of Greeley/Windsor 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 Greeley/Windsor, 970-353-1388 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.”

Highly Trained Restoration Specialists

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. Our SERVPRO training program includes the following:

• IICRC Training
• Employee Certification Training
• Initial Franchise Training

Commercial and Residential Biohazard Cleanup

3/13/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Greeley/Windsor follows OSHA and EPA protocols to help transform an unsafe environment back into a clean, safe home or business. Our first focus is always safety. Crime or accident scenes may involve blood borne pathogens, harmful chemicals, and other dangers. 

Once our technicians arrive, they will assess the loss, and communicate a cleanup plan. Then they will suit up in personal protective equipment (PPE), which includes face respirators, if necessary, and begin the cleanup process.   SERVPRO of Greeley/Windsor has helped many families and business owners begin the healing process after a biohazard loss.  Our professional staff and technicians will always treat your property and the people involved with the greatest empathy and respect in the face of trying circumstances.  Every attempt to clean and restore sentimental items are our #1 priority.

One of the most asked questions is how much biohazard cleaning services cost.  Every situation is unique and needs to be assessed and handled as such.  SERVPRO of Greeley/Windsor will always provide an estimate before any works begins.  

Below is a list, although, not exclusive, of the commercial or residential cleanup services we provide are:

• Fingerprint Powder And Evidence-Gathering Chemicals
• Fire Extinguisher Residue
• Blood, Bodily Fluids, And Tissue Remnants
• Crime Scene Cleanup
• Hoarding 
• Homicide/Murder
• Drug Houses
• Natural/Unexpected Death
• Odor Removal
• Suicide
• Tear Gas And Pepper Spray Residues

Fire Damage Risks for Commercial Buildings

2/21/2018 (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

Mold in Commercial Buildings

2/19/2018 (Permalink)

Many types of mold exist and all molds have the potential to cause health effects. One of the myths regarding mold is that people believe ALL mold is bad. Mold is used in the making of penicillin. Penicillin is an antibiotic that is commonly used for treating certain infections caused by bacteria such as pneumonia, ear, skin and throat infections. So you see, not all mold is bad. Blue cheese is also made with mold. Now, I know what you are thinking right now, “Yuck,” but there are a lot of people that love Blue Cheese dressing on their salads.

Some forms of mold can certainly cause health problems, but not all kinds of molds cause health problems in all people. Molds produce allergens, but not all people will have the sensitivity to react to the molds. However, those allergens can trigger allergic reactions or asthma attacks in people who are allergic to mold.

For mold to grow it takes moisture and oxygen. Mold can grow on any organic substance such as wood, paper, carpet, and foods.

It is literally impossible to eliminate all mold and mold spores in an indoor environment; however, mold growth can be controlled simply by controlling the moisture indoors.

If mold spores land on a damp spot indoors, they may begin growing and digesting whatever they are growing on in order to survive. Over time molds can gradually destroy the things they grow on if the mold is not remediated.

Today builders are making buildings that are tightly sealed, and can lack adequate ventilation which can potentially lead to moisture buildup. Since mold requires water to grow, it is important to prevent moisture problems in buildings. Building materials, such as drywall, may not allow moisture to escape easily. Moisture problems can be a result of roof leaks, landscaping and lack of timely maintenance of moisture problems.

To make sure your mold problem is mitigated correctly call SERVPRO of Greeley/Windsor, (970) 353-1388 for help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.