Helping Daycares

6/6/2024 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Fayette County, we know it’s important to make sure your commercial property reaches a high standard when it comes to a clean and safe environment for your clients, employees, etc.

Quite often, we help daycares in the surrounding areas reach these standards. It’s very important to ensure your smallest customers are safe and healthy at all times, especially since they are more susceptible to common issues such as mold as well as bacteria pests such as rodents can leave behind, for instance. Maybe you own or manage a daycare. Maybe you are considering starting your own daycare, or maybe you are a parent considering which daycare to enroll your child in. In this blog, we will provide you with a checklist of what a daycare must include to provide the safest environment possible. Please note this list focuses on a few security measures, emergency safety measures, as well as cleanliness measures. There are many other factors involved with regard to a daycare facility. They can be investigated in more detail on the web. Here are a few!  

Smoke alarms and fire extinguishers must be present and in excellent, working condition Windows in every classroom to provide fresh air and an emergency exit  Clean sleeping area, play areas, and toys (including carpets and upholstery, which can easily become soiled at daycares!) Take a look at what we have to offer for that issue All cleaning supplies must be locked away Electrical outlets must be covered  Strict hygiene procedures (important when changing diapers)  Any necessary safety and cleanliness certifications (state and/or county, depending on local laws) 

Regular health and cleanliness inspections  We can help you prepare for the inspection you’re anticipating. Documented emergency evacuation plans 

Mold-free  Any expired food the center provided must be discarded Professional pest removal is needed if you suspect or know there are pests in the building. Mouse traps present a danger, especially to small hands that like to get into everything! Pests can carry diseases, bite children, and leave trails of bacteria behind Fire drills are necessary in preparing for a smoother evacuation in an unfortunate event when an actual fire might take place 

Similar to drills for potential earthquakes or storms, especially if the region is prone to these acts of nature. Locking gates at the top and bottom of any stairs  Exterior locking doors We have worked around Fayette County and beyond to ensure local daycares are clean and safe places! Whether involved with mold remediation, restoring flood damages, or performing a general cleaning, we make it a priority to keep the children in our community safe and healthy!  If you have any needs regarding your daycare center or any other questions, don’t hesitate to give us a call today! Our telephone number is 724-628-3022.

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

We have Commercial Services!

4/5/2024 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Fayette County, we offer many commercial services. From working in office buildings and restaurants, to government agencies and malls, we solve problems anywhere from water damage to mold damage and beyond.   

We realize it’s important to keep your commercial property in the best repair possible. Your building, both on the outside and inside, is oftentimes the face of the company. Below, we have listed a few of the most common issues commercial properties face. You may want to take note of these issues and check your building for them. If you do come across any of these problems, it’s important to get them fixed immediately as holding off can increase the problem (and cost). 

Check for the following (or you may need to hire a professional to investigate for some of these): Leaks: From roofs, to gutters, to serious moisture buildup, water leaks can cause an assortment of problems including mold growth and rotting Asbestos: If your building is older than 20 years, you should have it inspected for asbestos, which if present, can cause detrimental effects on one’s health    

Cracking: Could possibly be a sign of an underlying problem in the building’s structure

Fire and safety regulations: Make sure your building and property meet all standards regarding the current safety and fire requirements

Infestation of bugs or rodents: Yikes! No one feels comfortable working in a building knowing it’s home to an abundance of rodents. It also doesn’t look pleasant to visitors or clients when ants or gnats are buzzing around or see a few rodent droppings. Additionally, pests can damage the wiring of a building.

High energy costs: Keeping your commercial building in good repair can help keep your energy consumption at a manageable level. Also consider installing energy-efficient lighting and appliances. Consider creating energy and water-saving campaigns throughout your building. Make colorful posters and have prizes for whichever floor most actively participates, for example. 

Electrical faults: Dead outlets, melting wires, and faulty circuits can cause fires. A trusted electrician should be called to check out the situation immediately.

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

Can I Turn off Water Damage Drying Equipment at Night?

1/26/2024 (Permalink)

Can I Turn off Water Damage Drying Equipment at Night? 

Any water restoration professional will tell you the same thing: The most important element of mitigating damages is the initial and ongoing drying process. As moisture seeps into every crevice, it becomes a menace. Not only does it promote the growth of bacteria and mold, but it can quickly destroy surfaces and materials. Consequently, the faster the water specialist can bring down the humidity, the more rapidly the water leaves the premises. To promote proper drying, water restoration experts use high-powered equipment. Each piece of equipment is a specific tool designed to make your home or office healthier, safer, more sanitary and ready for full recovery. However, many people wonder if it's okay to turn off noisy or humming equipment at night. The short answer is "no," and the reasons are below.

1. Turning off the Water Damage Drying Equipment Allows Humidity to Rise Water damage drying fans and other equipment provide a constant air flow throughout an air-tight space. If you open a window, you negate the machines' ability to work. You also allow moisture from the outside to enter the building. At the same time, even if you keep windows shut and merely turn off the equipment for a few hours, you enable the moisture to seep into new spaces. In other words, you make the potential for damage worse.

2. Feeling the Walls Isn't a Good Indicator of Moisture Did you touch the walls to see if they were wet? You might think they're dry far before they really are. Fingers and hands aren't good indicators of moisture levels, especially if water is trapped behind surfaces, which it usually is. Even if you think that your walls or floors are bone-dry, you are likely mistaken. Water damage drying equipment is used to completely remove water from all areas, including those you can't see or feel.

3. It Will Cost You More in the Long Run to Turn off the Machines Worried that the cost to run the water damage equipment is sending your utility bills sky high? Actually, it could be much costlier to keep turning them off. After all, the longer they are off at night, the longer they have to be in your residence or commercial building. Besides, if your water restoration process is being covered by insurance, you may be able to negotiate for a percentage of your electricity bills to be covered. Talk to your water restoration specialist and/or your insurance carrier about this possibility.

4. You Can't Get a Good Result From a Poor Product Your goal is to restore your house or office to like-new condition, but that's not going to happen if you haven't allowed the fans to do their work. The only way to ensure a great outcome is to leave the equipment alone. 

Yes, it can be hard to be patient, but the experts know best. Trust their decision, and be sure to contact SERVPRO of Fayette County for water damage projects.

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

Electrical Fire Safety

6/9/2023 (Permalink)

Protecting your business or workplace by teaching about electrical fire safety and putting safety plans into place is always a great idea. Accidents happen, and that’s why being prepared is key.

If you can extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher or blanket before it gets out-of-hand, that would be best to limit the amount of damage. Be prepared to think quickly and determine if the fire can be put out without risk of injury or endangering any of your coworkers. Always put employee safety first. It’s important to know smoke inhalation can be fatal.

Fire can spread quickly, and it can produce dangerous amounts of smoke. Smoke inhalation is the cause of death in home fires more than the actual fire. Not to mention, smoke causes just as much damage to the business as the fire itself.

There is a five second rule of thumb that firefighters use. They say that if you cannot extinguish a fire within five seconds then dial 9-1-1 and evacuate. Be sure to have an updated employee evacuation plan in place, and make sure to have routine fire drills so your employees know exactly what to do.

After the fire is put out and everyone is accounted for and safe, you can always count on your friendly neighborhood experts at SERVPRO of Fayette County to help you put your business back together.

Here is a list of things to have established in a place of business when it comes to fire safety. Fire Marshals look for these items. These items are ultimately for your safety, and the safety of your employees and coworkers. Make Sure You Have Clear Paths Make sure all exits are not obstructed in any way. Multiple, clear exits in the event of a fire will increase the likelihood that everyone is able to get out safely.

Emergency Exit Lights

• In the event of a fire, your workplace may lose power or have very little visibility due to heavy smoke. For these reasons, clearly marked paths of egress are required.

Fire Extinguishers are a MUST.

• Fire extinguishers are crucial in stopping a small fire before it grows larger, avoiding widespread damage to your business and injuries to your staff or customers. That's why fire marshals pay special attention to verify that they are in compliance.

Fire Sprinkler System

• Water Supply For this system to function correctly, not only must the sprinkler deflectors have the proper clearance, the water must flow as it should when called upon to extinguish a fire. The fire marshal will examine the critical components of the sprinkler system water supply, to determine that they are in good working order.

Electrical Panels

• Since electrical panels have live current running through them, any potentially flammable items (like cardboard boxes stored too close to the panel) make sure you can get to the panels without having to move anything. 

Proper Storage of Combustible Liquids

• Combustible materials and liquids represent a special fire hazard and must be treated accordingly. These will provide fuel to any fire and they pose a significant risk to your facility, including explosion potential, so proper measures must be taken at all times.

Maximum Occupancy Limits

• Your building has a maximum occupancy limit which has been put in place for a reason. If a fire were to occur, this is the number of people who could safely evacuate the premises in a timely fashion.

If you’ve been affected by a fire, know that SERVPRO® of Fayette County hits all the above qualifications and more.

Contact us today to learn how we’re able to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

Emergency Kits and Natural Disasters

4/7/2023 (Permalink)

Natural disasters are unexpected and destructive. It is important to plan for the next natural disaster accordingly. You never know when a disaster can strike which is why it is important to prepare a kit for your home, work, and vehicle.

According to Ready.gov, you should have the following in your emergency kit: 

- One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation

- At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food

- Battery-powered or hand crank radio and an NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert Flashlight

- First aid kit

-Extra batteries

-Whistle to signal for help

-Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place

-Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation

-Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

-Manual can opener for food

-Local maps

-Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery.

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

Customer Service

12/19/2022 (Permalink)

Customer Service

Owning a successful business is an incredible achievement.  Whether it’s a local shopping center or a franchise bank they all have one thing in common – clients.  Having a reliable client base can really make your business soar.  Having great customer service and a reliable product is only half of it. 

Clients and consumers like to feel safe in your business property surroundings.  With restrooms and facilities open to the public, you can’t guarantee what others may or may not do. We understand how important your business is to you.  Impressions are a big deal and we want to make sure your company is in the best of shape.   When a local business contacted us, we made sure their bathroom was clean and free from blood borne pathogens.   Our team is highly trained in working with biohazard materials that can be potentially hazardous for you and your clients.  We work quickly to clean and sanitize all areas so that you can get back to managing your business.  

SERVPRO of Fayette County cares about the businesses that make this community thrive.  We understand that closing your doors to biohazard materials can mean losing profit.  We work quickly to minimize this issue as best we can.

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

7247-628-3022

Conserve Water

9/2/2022 (Permalink)

Conserve Water

Unlike your home, your commercial building has various employees and clients/customers. You and your family might make conscious efforts to conserve water, but oftentimes, those in your building may not. How often do you use your bathroom sink and walk out with the water still running? Probably never! Now consider this. How many times have you visited an empty public restroom with a running faucet? Probably a few times a year! 

One solution would be to install touch-free faucets. This saves businesses a lot of money, even if the initial cost isn’t very low. 

Additionally, you can make an easy switch of replacing your faucet aerators with newer ones of lower power. After companies make this switch, they typically notice the new aerators only use a fifth of the water the older ones did.  Another money-saving, bathroom investment is purchasing new flush valves.

Today, there are some great options to choose from. You can buy water-saving flush valves that use 20 percent less water than newer toilets and 70 percent less water than pre-1992 toilets. If you operate a restaurant or any other facility that calls for a dishwasher, you may want to upgrade to a water-saving dishwasher. Although they cost about the same as normal dishwashers, these washers use 40 percent less water, not to mention less energy too. A few more tips for saving water in your commercial building include planting shrubs, bushes, flowers, etc. that require less water instead of growing plants that demand water.

Additionally, you should make sure your irrigation device is positioned practically. The sidewalk shouldn’t be drenched after a watering session. Also, check for leaks or drips. You'll need them repaired to save water (and money).  If you’ve noticed rainfall and your irrigation schedule collide, you may want to invest in a rain or soil moisture sensor. You can save a lot on your water bill from what nature has to offer. Plus, if it has rained or the soil is damp enough, the plants could potentially drown. 

Lastly, meter your irrigation separately, as unless you do so, your water company will send all the water coming from the property to a wastewater treatment plant. If you do choose to meter, your sewer bill will plummet.

We at SERVPRO of Fayette County encourage you to incorporate a few of these tips into your commercial business and see how much water (and money) you can save!

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

What is an ERP?!

6/24/2022 (Permalink)

When disaster strikes you need to be prepared and ready. We offer a specific plan called an ERP. An ERP stands for Emergency Ready Plan, and is critical for working on immediate mitigation and recovery services.

SERVPRO can work with you on creating a plan tailored to your business and employees. Ask yourself this, is your business prepared for when a disaster strikes? Almost 50% of businesses that close during a disaster almost never reopen. Having a plan in place can decrease those odds and help your business get back on your feet quickly without a significant profit loss.

Does your ERP works on incident response and disaster recovery, meaning you will know what to do the second disaster strikes your business. We work with you on filling in all the needed information, such as shut off valves, chain of command, contact information, and more.

Call us today to get your FREE ERP. Why not be ready when disaster strikes?

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022 

Musty Building?!

4/12/2022 (Permalink)

Many of the older buildings in the Fayette County area have a distinct smell. People may say that they smell musty or old material. One way to freshen up the place is to have some deodorization done by SERVPRO of Fayette County. 

We use state of the art equipment to clean the air within your building. Depending on the odor we have a few techniques that we could use.

• Thermal fogging is a technique which helps penetrate deeply into building materials.
• An ozone machine is used to help add a fresh smell to odors that seem to linger such as smoke.
• Old fashioned deep cleaning of walls should not be overlooked.
• Carpet cleaning, using hot water extraction to remove deep and hard to remove soils.
• Adding to any of the above methods is that of heating, ventilation and air conditioning cleaning (HVAC). Getting the air ducts clean will definitely freshen any building, no matter the age. 

Any questions?

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols 

724-628-3022

Protecting Your Business From Mold

2/11/2022 (Permalink)

To protect your business, you require a comprehensive insurance policy that will safeguard you against most types of damage. Fungus growth is a necessary measure to have in a policy, and most commercial insurance policies will have some kind of mold coverage. There are definitely some exemptions to mold insurance, so you should check with your policy provider, so that you can know definitively whether you are safe.

1. When Mold Is Covered  Most commercial general liability insurance policies will cover mold damage. The reason for this is that it is viewed as an extension of water damage. When a flood impacts your building or when a pipe unexpectedly bursts due to freezing temperatures, your policy should cover the cost of repairing the damage. As far as addressing fungus growth, your policy will cover the cost of the direct physical loss, the cost of replacing the damaged substances and the cost of testing afterward to ensure there is no longer any mold.  

2. When Mold Is Not Covered   However, your insurance coverage may not pay for anything if the water damage was a result of your own negligence. For instance, you need to perform regular maintenance on your building’s pipes to ensure they remain sturdy and intact. If you fail to get them inspected once a year, then your insurance agency may not cover any damages. Additionally, most policies will have some kind of cap. For example, there may be a cap of $10,000 on a policy annually. That means if the total cost of fixing one instance of damage exceeds $10,000, then you will be left on the hook for anything leftover.

 Ultimately, it is for the best to have an insurance policy that covers fungus growth just in case. Mold can grow out of control, and thorough coverage can help you get your business back up and running in no time.

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols 

724-628-3022

Fire Sprinklers

12/17/2021 (Permalink)

In some office buildings it is not uncommon for a fire sprinkler to be triggered without a fire present. If a light is pushed too close or someone burns some popcorn in the kitchen, you may have a small flood on your hands.

What should you do if this occurs?  

Actions To Take    

When your fire sprinklers go off with no apparent reason, it may be startling. Your first reaction might be to run away from the water to keep your hair looking pretty. However, you're going to need to take some steps to prevent too much water damage from occurring:

• Confirm that there is indeed no fire.   
• Turn off water  
• Move what hasn't been damaged from the area.    
• Dry off what you can.      
• Ventilate area if possible.   
• Calls To Make Next, you're going to need to contact somebody who can take care of this mess for you.

Hopefully you've identified a water damage restoration service that you can trust, they will have the best chance of restoring as much of your office as possible. Before they get there be sure to document all damage and take multiple pictures for your insurance company. Flooding of this nature may be covered under your all-peril insurance. You will also want to gather all you can to prove the value of damaged items for compensation.     

Mitigation Techniques 

The remediation company you call has the equipment and the expertise necessary to combat the water damage that has occurred. It is not recommended to try to clean it yourself, you might end up with a mold problem that will be much harder to get rid of.

First, they will need to remove the water with powerful pumps and vacuums. Then they will dry what's left with dehumidifiers and various air moving devices. All items that have been affected can also be restored, including electronics and documents. Flooding in your commercial building may seem like a show-stopper, but if you are ready you can minimize the amount of time that your business is shut down. Time is money, so try to be prepared for anything!

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

How Long Can Germs Live On Surfaces?

12/10/2021 (Permalink)

HOW LONG CAN GERMS LIVE ON SURFACES?

When germs are on the prowl, no place is safe. Buses, commuter trains, rental cars, and private vehicles transport both people and virulent bacteria. Retail establishments, health clubs, educational institutions, restaurants, hotel rooms, and even cruise ship cabins can shelter germs. Practically anything that you touch can expose you to viruses, putting your health at risk.

According to the National Health Service, the lifespan of a germ varies depending on the type of germ and the surface that it is on. How long can bacteria live on surfaces? Below we explore a few common examples.

COLD GERMS The common cold is a frequent source of misery. A variety of viruses can trigger it, and like other viruses, cold germs tend to survive for more extended periods on hard, nonporous surfaces like desktops and handrails. On suitable indoor surfaces, cold germs can linger for days, but fortunately, they rarely remain infectious for more than 24 hours. Cold viruses can also thrive on the skin, but their survival time there is generally measured in mere minutes or hours.

INFLUENZA GERMS Viruses that cause influenza can survive in the air as droplets for hours and live on hard surfaces like phones and keyboards for up to 24 hours. Infectious flu viruses clinging to a tissue can last for about 15 minutes, but germs on the hands tend to fade quickly. Most will be only a minimal threat after five minutes. It may be a small window of time, but influenza germs don’t warn you of their presence and can make you very sick if you’re unlucky enough to encounter them when they’re infectious. NOROVIRUS GERMS A highly contagious virus that triggers stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea in those unfortunate enough to catch it, a norovirus can spread through small droplets that travel through the air before settling on surfaces like elevator buttons, tabletops, and clothing. While they don’t thrive as successfully on porous materials like tissues and fabrics, noroviruses can survive on hard surfaces for days or weeks if the conditions are favorable.   

MRSA GERMS Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria, the culprits behind dangerous MRSA infections, are unfazed by many of the antibiotics that are effective in combating other staph infections. Like viruses, these germs tend to survive for shorter periods on porous surfaces than they do on nonporous ones, but they’re capable of living for days or weeks on surfaces if the circumstances are right.

PROTECTING YOURSELF FROM GERMS

Everyone has seen it. If you’ve worked in restaurants or other public venues, you may even have wielded it: the dreaded wet, grey rag. Habitually passed over tabletops between customers with a few desultory swipes, it is an inadequate weapon when it comes to eradicating germs. But what is required to disinfect a surface?

DISINFECTING BASICS

If you want to kill the germs lurking on a surface, you need to choose an appropriate disinfectant. You also have to apply it correctly. That means saturating the surface with enough of the germ-fighting chemical to get the job done and ensuring that there’s enough contact time (the time when the chemical is on the cover) to allow it to eliminate any germs present. Choosing a low-grade disinfectant or skimping on either saturation or contact time can compromise your germ-fighting efforts, so it’s vital that you select your products carefully and read and follow their directions.

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

Keeping Your Commercial HVAC System Clean

11/24/2021 (Permalink)

Keeping Your Commercial HVAC System Clean

A building’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (HVAC) and subsequent ducts are the key component to air quality. HVAC and duct cleanliness have a direct impact on the functionality of the equipment as well, a clean system ought to function at maximum capacity.

If your system is clean and properly functioning, it should provide you with positive indoor air quality and a lower monthly cost of running your HVAC system. You can keep your commercial ducts in a row by changing the filters within the system regularly - it is recommended to change them every 90 days.

Check any connections for damage. If you can see any damage to the connections, wires, or motors then the damage needs to be repaired immediately in order to keep your HVAC system safe and properly functioning. You should annually inspect your HVAC system and ducts to see if there is visible mold, a surplus of dust and/or debris, and rodent infestation. Signs of a rodent infestation would be feces and odors in your system or noises occurring in the system.

If your HVAC system and ducts have any of these signs then it is time to call in the professionals. SERVPRO of Fayette County has highly trained cleanup and restoration technicians that will provide you with a free estimate for your HVAC system and ductwork.

If you notice that your system isn’t working as well as it normally does such as an increase in electrical bill costs or the system is running more often than usual then it may be time for a cleaning as well.

If your system is regularly providing you with maintenance issues such as improper temperature or humidity issues, these may be signs or symptoms of your HVAC system needing a checkup. SERVPRO of Fayette County understands the significance of a properly functioning HVAC and duct system.

We want to help you do all you can to maintain your system. When you are in need of professional cleanup and restoration of your commercial ducts call SERVPRO of Fayette County at 724-628-3022 for a free estimate.

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

"Like it never even happened." 

Improving Cleanliness In Your Business

9/22/2021 (Permalink)

Improving Cleanliness In Your Business

There are a few simple tricks a company can do to help improve the cleanliness in their building.

One way is to place a door mat right on the outside of the door, and right at the entrance of the home. That way when people come to visit, they can scrape off their feet and leave whatever dirt and particles they have on their shoes behind. Just make sure to wash the door mats regularly otherwise those particles will linger. On hardwood or tile surfaces mopping regularly is a must. It may seem like extra work, but it will help clean up dust and mold spores left behind.

Also, do not forget the walls. Oftentimes people forget walls when it comes to their cleaning routine, and it can be important because dirt and particles stick to walls just like any other piece of furniture or flooring. Having a mat outside the doors is just the first step to keeping a clean building.

Cleaning of floors and walls regularly is the next step and your building will be cleaner.

Any questions? 

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

Do you think you keep your HVAC system clean?

5/6/2021 (Permalink)

A building’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (HVAC) and subsequent ducts are the key component to air quality. HVAC and duct cleanliness have a direct impact on the functionality of the equipment as well, a clean system ought to function at maximum capacity.

If your system is clean and properly functioning, it should provide you with positive indoor air quality and a lower monthly cost of running your HVAC system. You can keep your commercial ducts in a row by changing the filters within the system regularly - it is recommended to change them every 90 days. Check any connections for damage.

If you can see any damage to the connections, wires, or motors then the damage needs to be repaired immediately in order to keep your HVAC system safe and properly functioning. You should annually inspect your HVAC system and ducts to see if there is visible mold, a surplus of dust and/or debris, and rodent infestation. Signs of a rodent infestation would be feces and odors in your system or noises occurring in the system.

If your HVAC system and ducts have any of these signs then it is time to call in the professionals. SERVPRO of Fayette County has highly trained cleanup and restoration technicians that will provide you with a free estimate for your HVAC system and ductwork. If you notice that your system isn’t working as well as it normally does such as an increase in electrical bill costs or the system is running more often than usual then it may be time for a cleaning as well. If your system is regularly providing you with maintenance issues such as improper temperature or humidity issues, these may be signs or symptoms of your HVAC system needing a checkup. SERVPRO of Fayette County understands the significance of a properly functioning HVAC and system.

We want to help you do all you can to maintain your system. When you are in need of professional cleanup and restoration of your commercial ducts call SERVPRO of Fayette county at 724-628-3022 for a free estimate   

Properly Restored Items After Water Damage

4/12/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial Water Damage

Can you restore items after water damage??

Which Item Can Be Properly Restored And Which Must Be Replaced:

If you have a flooded company building, there are many things you need to consider. With any type of water damage to your building, after restoration experts have properly mitigated damage, there is still the issue of content care with items inside your building.   

Electronics: After a flood or plumbing issue such as a broken pipe, electronics should be the main concern, as lasting water damage can irrevocably damage them. Electronics should all be powered off, such as:  

• Computers or desktops 
• DVD players  
• Televisions  Laptops  
• Phones     

If electronics have been damaged during a flood, it's a good idea to have them professionally restored. This may include drying the gadget and cleaning the corrosion. 

Food: 

• If your flooded company stored any food within the building, you should wash, rinse, and disinfect anything that was in a metal can or retort pouch. After that, as long as the contents inside were not damaged, it is still safe to consume. Any utensils made of metal can be washed and sanitized, but anything made of wood that has come into contact with any water should be thrown out. 

Carpet:

• Carpets are porous and should most likely be thrown out if they have significant damage. This is because carpets and rugs are porous and can attract mold or mildew, which will cause you more problems later on. If you have carpets or rugs that are not significantly damaged, bring them to a professional dry cleaning service before using them again.

With any type of water damage, it's important to document and report any damaged items to your insurance company. Items you need to replace within your company may be covered by insurance. If your commercial building has experienced any water damage event, it's important to clean and restore contents as soon as possible. A flooded company building should be properly restored before letting your employees come back to work.

Any questions? Give us a call.

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

Having trouble with Vandalism?

12/16/2020 (Permalink)

Vandalism

Has your business ever experience vandalism?

Are you always fixing your business from vandalism?

Vandalism can be a pain for you and your business, it hurt you emotionally and financially. People do not understand that but here at SERVPRO of Fayette County, we do. SO, 

Here are some Do's and Don'ts by SERVPRO of Fayette County: 

Vandalism Damage

Do:

• Clean egg damage as soon as possible.
• Clean up glass from carpets and upholstery.
• Save any containers that list all of the ingredients of the damaging products.

Don’t:

• Remove ink or paint.
• Operate any electronics.
• Get rid of any furniture wood chips, furniture, or any art objects

If you have any questions, call today!

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

"Like it never even happened."

Proactive Cleaning

12/10/2020 (Permalink)

In light of the recent pandemic, many businesses have been asked to close their doors. However, because of the nature of our work, we're still open, we're still on call, we're still here to help. SERVPRO of Fayette County has a number of services to help all sorts of businesses in their time of need to catapult them back to their feet when it's time to re-open their store.

We are currently offering Viral Cleaning, also known as Proactive Cleaning, to ensure that your location is up to code and clean in the event of a viral outbreak in your building. By using Electrostatic Fogging, we can provide less expensive per square foot cost, more comprehensive coverage, and provide certified documentation that your facility has been cleaned by a trained IICRC certified company as opposed to traditional disinfectant and sanitizing services. In addition, the product we use is free of allergens and is so safe that it has been approved for human consumption.

If your business or even home has been exposed, give us a call today to schedule!

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

"Like it never even happened."

Harmful Waste in a Commercial Building

12/9/2020 (Permalink)

Hazardous Waste

Experiencing any issues with Harmful Waste in your Business? Or even in your home?

This can be devastating to you and your business and home.

If so call SERVPRO of Fayette County today.

Harmful Waste is a constant of Sewage, Bloodborne Pathogens, and more. In Case of an emergency here are some DO's and DONT's that SERVPRO of Fayette County offers: 

DO:

• Stay out of all areas that were affected.
• Call emergency personnel if the source is life- threatening.
• Always treat it as if the area is contaminated.

Don’t:

• Clean up any areas.
• Touch anything because the items could be contaminated. *If this happens, please consult your local health department or physician.

"Like it never even happened."

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022

What is Dry Ice Blasting?

12/9/2020 (Permalink)

Dry Ice Blasting

You are probably asking yourself what is Dry Ice Blasting and never heard of it. 

What is Dry Ice Blasting?

It is a blasting method that uses CO2 in a solid form, which means dry ice pellets are being used.  It is a very fast cleaning method. Dry Ice will clean the industrial equipment faster than any other type of method. removing unwanted coatings like any paint or rust. More commonly used for industrial and commercial applications with dry ice as the cleaning media.

Dry Ice Blasting has also become the preferred method to remove smoke soot, vaporized synthetic resins and char. Advanced Indoor Air Quality Care uses C02dry ice blasting and can reduce or eliminate the musty burnt smell that results from fire, smoke and water damage. Another plus to the dry ice blasting technique is that it is environmentally friendly. 

Any questions, call SERVPRO of Fayette County. 

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols 

724-628-3022

Vandalism Damage and Harmful Waste

5/5/2020 (Permalink)

Vandalism Damage

DO'S:

• Hose or wash egg damage from building exterior as soon as possible.
• Vacuum glass particles from carpets and upholstery.
• Save containers which reveal the ingredients of spilled inks, cosmetics and paints.

DON'Ts:

• Attempt to remove ink, paint or cosmetic stains.
• Operate damaged lamps or appliances.
• Discard furniture wood chips, broken pieces from porcelain, furniture or art objects.

Harmful Waste

(Sewage, Bloodborne Pathogens, etc.)

DO:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Call emergency service personnel if the situation is life-threatening.
• Treat all bodily fluids as if they are contaminated.

DON'Ts:

• Attempt cleanup of any kind.
• Touch or handle items that might be contaminated with bodily fluids.

SERVPRO of Fayette County

"Like it never even happened."

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

1211 Avon Dr.

Connellsville, PA

724-628-3022

Vandalism Damage

4/21/2020 (Permalink)

Vandalism Damage

Emergency Tips For Your Home

DO:

• Hose or wash egg damage from building exterior as soon as possible.
• Vacuum glass particles from carpets and upholstery.
• Save containers which reveal the ingredients of spilled inks, cosmetics and paints.

DON'T:

• Attempt to remove ink. paint or cosmetic stains.
• Operate damaged lamps or appliances.
• Discard furniture wood chips, broken pieces from porcelain. furniture or art objects.

If you or someone you know has had vandalism done to your/their  business, and it is beyond your/their means, give SERVPRO a call and our professional SERVPRO representatives will be happy to assist, and make it "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO of Fayette County

1211 Avon Dr. 

Connellsville, PA 15425

724-628-3022

"Like it never even happened."

The Importance of Business Cards

12/27/2019 (Permalink)

This is SERVPRO of Fayette's marketing representative's business card.

Humans are always traveling or going places on a day to day basis all the time. Airports are some of the busiest places in the world. Imagine how many different people you see on a daily basis or how many food places that you go to every day. Its said that on average, we'll see 3 million faces in our lifetime. That's a lot of people with a lot of different backgrounds and experiences that could add to your network by giving out a simple business card. Anyone is a potential customer or even knows a potential customer. 

Also carrying multiple business cards on you is crucial because you never know when someone could come out of no where seeking out your services or you could be on a lunch break somewhere and over hear someone needing the services you provide.

Leaving your cards in businesses that you visit sometimes could also lead to productivity by gaining exposure from fellow customers that go into that establishment as well. It also familiarizes your business and services with the companies that you leave your card with. Having business cards is one of the ultimate forms of exposure and is a great way to build your network and gain business.

How to get a Company to Remember You

12/27/2019 (Permalink)

I find it rather important that people remember who I am and what my mission is whenever I meet someone. As a marketing representative for SERVPRO this couldn't be more true for me as I am the first line of advertisement as well as the closer. Its my job to go around and make sure people know that SERVPRO is everything that we say we are and that we got their back in case of emergencies. For this I believe it is most important that I be memorable and I have some tips on how to leave your mark on people and be impossible to forget.

A good tip to be memorable, and a pretty important one at that, is to introduce yourself to others. No matter where you are act like you’re the host and be the first to say hello. Another tip is to be enthusiastic about things and life to others. People will gravitate to those upbeat, positive and cheerful people. Also if you can break the ice with some humor, you're six times more likely to be remembered. There are tons of other tips on how to be memorable, I just thought that these three were some of the most important tips. 

Emergency Ready Profiles

12/27/2019 (Permalink)

Emergency Ready Profile Logo

Disaster strikes in the blink of eye, or in some cases the drip of a water heater tank. That's why it's always important to be prepared and have a plan of action. With SERVPRO, we have this thing called Emergency Ready Profiles that we prepare for businesses in case of emergency on site. What this is, is a laminated list of details and information about the building that are important for any type of disaster that pops up. 

The Emergency Ready Profile, or ERP for short, is a list that includes phone numbers of important people like the building owner, IT guy, building manager, fire department and other along that line. It also has pictures of the gas, water and electric shut offs and instructions on how to get to them and operate them. It details instructions to that company or business as well as details what our SERVPRO trucks and employees need to do if something happens and so much more. The ERPs are a vital asset to businesses that use them and prepare them for disaster until we can get on site and mediate the problem.

Professionalism and Business Etiquette

12/27/2019 (Permalink)

What is business etiquette and why is it important? This is the question I asked myself upon first introduction to business etiquette my senior year at West Virginia University. As my teacher continued to speak and go in-depth about it and explain to us fresh faces about to enter the workforce what business etiquette was, I couldn't help but think that some of the stuff he was detailing was a little weird and maybe a tad bit extra mile-ish for interviews and formal business functions. However, I continued to listen and absorb the information because I wanted to learn how to be a professional and talk to other professionals without making a fool of myself in the process. 

Over the next couple months, I began practicing this business etiquette at interviews and with various professionals that I knew outside of school and work. I picked up on some of it right away because I am naturally a social and energetic person but it was more than just being social. Having grade A business etiquette is something that takes practice and something that is not always set in stone. It kind of shifts between different people that you're interacting with. For example the CEO of Texas Road House is probably way different than the CEO of Ford or Ferrari for example. 

Regardless of who it is that you're talking to or doing business with, the basis of all business etiquette is fairly the same and can take you far in your business with other people. It's a very nice skill to practice and can help you succeed in ways you never expected. Always know your audience and always stay professional!

Water Damage File Process

9/7/2018 (Permalink)

             Water Damage Job File Process

To maintain consistency on each job, SERVPRO Franchise Professional utilize a system known as the Job File Process. An individual file is maintained for each job and serves as a detailed record of the events of each job. The job file forms include:

• SERVPRO First Notice of Loss (FNOL)
• SERVPRO Authorization to Perform.
• SERVPRO Customer Information Form - Water Damage.
• SERVPRO Water Damage Emergency Services Report.
• SERVPRO Water Damage, Equipment Validation and Drying Report.
• SERVPRO Certification of Satisfaction.

If you have a water damage in your Professional Commercial building call SERVPRO of Fayette County and our SERVPRO Franchise Professionals will be out quickly to assist you with what ever type of water damage you have.

724-628-3022

Like it never even happened.

Restoring Commercial Properties in Fayette County PA

9/5/2018 (Permalink)

When flooding or water damage happens in Fayette County commercial properties , the damage can often be complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and quick response from a SERVPRO Franchise Professional. 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. 

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged are 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 you business, give SERVPRO of Fayette County a call , so we can make it,

           Like it never even happened.

Puff back in a commercial building

9/5/2018 (Permalink)

A puff back in a commercial building can cause a lot of aggravation. A puff back can be described as an explosion or misfiring inside the furnace. This can cause soot to be sent throughout the whole inside of your business. Covering walls, floors, furniture, drapes, cabinets, computers, paperwork, and pretty much all the things inside your business. A buff back can require some thorough cleaning to be done by a restoration company such as us, SERVPRO! It may even cause additional repairs on your businesses heating system.

Depending on the strength of the puff back and to what extent of its effect it can have on the building and the buildings content , can vary on whether or not how good the quality of oil that is ignited. There are other variables that come in to play as well, such as heater type, condition, building construction, etc... 

Flooded warehouse.

8/28/2018 (Permalink)

Flooded Warehouse in Perryopolis .

Of all of the disasters that could happen to a home or a business, floods are the most unpredictable, because of the damage they can cause. Depending on how bad the flood is, a home or business owner may be able to salvage there structure by disposing of furniture, carpets and drywall. However some floods can do as much as tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars in repair costs. Unfortunately, most flood damage is not covered by your insurance company.

When you have a flood in your home of business, such as a flooded warehouse, it's important to have the structure dried out and cleaned as soon as possible. The longer the structure stays wet, the more of a chance of mold growth. 

When flooding happens, it's best to have a SERVPRO Franchise Professional come and properly dispose of any damaged contents, and properly dry out the area and sanitize. And make it ,

" Like it never even happened"

Restoring Your Fayette County Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

12/8/2016 (Permalink)

Commercial Water Damage Events Present Unique Challenges

Flooding and water damage events at Fayette County 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.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

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.

About SERVPRO of Fayette County

SERVPRO of Fayette County 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.

Certifications

• ECTP - Employee Certification Training Program
• RRRP - Lead-Based Paint Activities and Renovation
• SRT - Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technician
• ASD - Applied Structural Drying Technician
• OSHA - 10-hour General and/or Construction Industry Training Program
• CCT - Carpet Cleaning Technician
• CRT - Color Repair Technician
• IICRC Certified Firm
• WRT - Water Damage Restoration Technician
• OCT - Odor Control Technician