What to Do After a Disaster Strikes | SERVPRO of North Oklahoma City

2/15/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Oklahoma City is here for your business every step of the way, from ERPs to disaster recovery.

Disasters can be a real whirlwind. In a matter of seconds, your home, community and business can all be left damaged, leaving you wondering where to even begin recovery.

Getting your home put back together after a disaster strikes is crucial, but when you own a business, so is getting back to work. With a good plan in place and our professional staff at SERVPRO of North Oklahoma City right around the corner, you can get every part of your life put back together quickly no matter what happens.

<h3ahead-of-time">Prepare Ahead of Time

In order to recover quickly after a disaster strikes, you need to have a plan. When you know what to do before, during and after a flood, storm or fire, you can move seamlessly back into action as soon as it is safe to do so.

Communication is one of the most vital parts of a disaster plan. Your emergency plan should be well-rehearsed and always on the forefront of your employees’ minds. Make it a part of your regular training as well as your onboarding for new staff members.

Every few months, spend time going through your building with your team. Make sure to note where the main water shut-off valve is, as well as where fire extinguishers are located. Walk exit paths and make sure escape routes are well-marked. It may be helpful to create assignments for staff members in order to secure your building as much as possible ahead of a predicted disaster.

After a disaster has hit your office, make sure your employees know how to get back to work. If you are going remote, check secure networks and equipment ahead of the storm or other natural disaster headed your way. If you have an alternative work location, make sure keys are in the right hands and everyone knows when they are expected.

Stay in constant communication with your team throughout the event. Some natural disasters can take out networks long-term, so be sure to have multiple ways to keep up with how everyone is doing and share information.

<h3quickly">Recover Quickly

When you have a solid emergency plan, you can rest a little easier knowing that you are well on the road to reopening no matter what kind of damage you end up with. Contact our team at SERVPRO® the moment it is safe to do so and we will head to your property to begin restoration.

While we assess your property and start the drying, rebuilding or any other recovery efforts, you can start sharing information with your customers. Tell your story openly and honestly, and keep them posted on progress and potential reopening dates.

Give yourself a little grace and remember to stay flexible as your recovery continues. You may have to scale your operations back or change how you operate in order to move steadily towards getting back to normal. Keep an open mind and remember this new normal is only for a little while.

Make an emergency plan for your business so that you can respond well to anything that comes your way. Practice it regularly, and keep constant communication with your staff and your customers. You will be up and running faster than you ever thought possible.

Has your business experienced a disaster, or do you want help building an emergency plan? Contact us to find everything you need.

Emergency Plans Keep Your Business Safe | SERVPRO of North Oklahoma City

11/17/2023 (Permalink)

Are you prepared for disaster? SERVPRO of North Oklahoma City is here for you when disaster strikes!

Were you aware that natural disasters have been on the rise? If you look into the statistics, not only are natural disasters happening more often, but they are also leaving behind more damage as their strength steadily increases.

Statistics aren’t the end-all be-all, though, and your business might not ever see a damaging natural disaster. While that may be true, there is still the potential risk for manmade disasters that could occur and damage your property.

It might feel easier to avoid thinking about your risks, but it is important to stay ahead of potential disasters. When you have a plan, you can keep your people safe and never miss a moment of work.

Don’t Let Mother Nature Disrupt Your Workplace | SERVPRO of North Oklahoma City

9/19/2023 (Permalink)

If your home or business was damaged in a storm, call SERVPRO of North Oklahoma City to get you back in action.

Ensuring your team is ready to handle any circumstance is crucial to running a business that can withstand challenges. Training your team won’t just be useful during the typical workday—it can be greatly advantageous when severe storms strike Oklahoma City.

On top of all your other major responsibilities, you need to make room for storm preparedness in the workplace. Disasters could strike at any moment, and if your team isn’t fully prepared, the consequences could be devastating for your business.

When storms are in the forecast, being ready will keep your business afloat! Our guide can help you figure out what you’ll need to prepare your Oklahoma City team.

5 Facts About Commercial Water Damage

6/1/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage can strike at any minute. Therefore, it is important to know a little about this and the water repair process.

Commercial Water Damage: 5 Facts

Every building is in danger of water damage. Whether it comes from a broken pipe or roof leak, it can cause serious damage to your business. Here are a few facts business owners should know about commercial water damage.

1. Regular Maintenance Can Stop Damage

Regularly inspect your building for problems. This includes checking for a clogged gutter, roof damage, and broken pipe. You may even want to have a professional come out and examine your building yearly.

2. Leaking Roofs Cause Problems

A tiny leak in your roof can cause more damage than a broken pipe. Even buildings with new roofs can leak due to freezing temperatures, high winds, and hail.

3. There Are 3 Different Categories of Water Damage

There are 3 different categories of water, including clean, contaminated, and grey water. What is necessary to clean the damage up and the safety precautions used is based on the water category. Therefore, it is a good idea to have water restoration professionals clean up the damage.

4. Insurance Doesn’t Cover All Damage

Most insurance companies cover unexpected water damage if it comes from within your building in Edmond, OK. Typically, they don't cover floodwaters that occur due to natural disasters. For this reason, you should read your insurance policy and make sure it offers the coverage you want.

5. Flood Insurance Policies Are Available

There are insurance policies available specifically for flood zones. If your business is in an area with a high risk of flooding, purchase a flood policy. You can have this coverage added to your standard policy, or you can purchase a separate one from a different insurance company.

Water damage can strike at any minute. Therefore, it is important to know a little about this and the water repair process. It is also important to know what your insurance covers and if you need an extra policy. This can help protect your business from water damage.

Protecting Your Business Against Fire Disaster

5/12/2022 (Permalink)

You can trust SERVPRO of North Oklahoma City to restore your home or business back to its pre-damaged condition after a fire strikes. Call us!

Protecting Your Company From A Fire Disaster

Commercial properties should always have a fire preparation plan in place to protect businesses against possible future losses. A fire mitigation service in Oklahoma City, OK, can help company owners make the appropriate arrangements. However, there are other factors to consider for protecting your business against a potential fire disaster.

1. Develop an Emergency Fire Preparation Plan

The most significant aspect of disaster preparation is creating an effective plan. Where are emergency exits located throughout the property? Who should team members contact in the event of a fire? Who is responsible for ensuring everyone is safely evacuated from the premises? All of these details are relevant and can ensure the safety of each member of your team.

2. Have a Mitigation Team on Standby

When a fire occurs, fire damage is inevitable. While the extent of the damage is dependent on the severity of the fire, a business will likely always require some form of remediation or mitigation.
Having a mitigation team on standby can put your mind at ease. Having the service on standby means you have a plan in place for when you call the company. The company will respond as you discussed when they are contacted after an emergency or disaster.

3. Install Necessary Safety Equipment

Aside from emergency plans and mitigation services, the most fundamental aspect of disaster preparation is the installation of fire safety equipment. Do you have all necessary fire extinguishers in place and inspected? Do you have a working sprinkler or suppression system in place? Are all exit lights and other emergency lightings in working order?

While a fire disaster is not imminent, fire preparation is a requirement for safety and ease of mind. Having an effective response plan, a mitigation service on standby, and the essential safety equipment installed is the best commercial property owners can do to prepare and protect businesses.

3 ways to prevent mold growth

3/9/2022 (Permalink)

Although mold growth can cause significant damage to your business, many serious infestations can be avoided by keeping the building clean and dry.

3 Methods For Preventing Mold Growth

Mold can be a serious problem for your Oklahoma City, OK, commercial building. However, a little preventive maintenance minimizes the likelihood of a large infestation. The following are three ways to prevent mold growth.

1. Keep the Building Dry

Mold needs moisture to grow. This moisture can come in the form of standing water from leaks and spills or high indoor humidity. If your business is located in a particularly humid area, or if there are rooms with excess moisture, running a dehumidifier will decrease the amount of moisture in the air and make it more difficult for mold to grow. Leaks, spills and other types water damage should be dried up as quickly as possible and the affected areas should be sanitized to remove any lingering bacteria.

2. Decrease Mold Spores

Unfortunately, mold spores are everywhere. However, it is possible to minimize the number of spores present in your commercial building. Air purifiers with HEPA filters trap spores before they have a chance to colonize. Many HVAC systems can also be outfitted with special filters that catch spores circulating in the air.

Spores that travel in on employees’ and customers’ shoes are likely to become lodged in carpets and rug fibers. Vacuum cleaners that have HEPA filters are able to capture mold spores rather than releasing them back into the air. Routine carpet cleaning also cuts down on the presence of spores.

3. Check Regularly for Signs of Mold

Catching mold growth before it expands into a large infestation is key to preventing serious damage. If you have mold covering a large area, you will likely need a professional restoration service. Small patches can often be taken care of by non-professionals. Keep an eye out for discoloration, warped building materials and peeling paint or wallpaper. Investigate musty odors and strange smells.

Although mold growth can cause severe damage to your business, it is possible to prevent many serious infestations by keeping the building clean and dry. If you spot mold growth, have it remediated as soon as possible to keep it from spreading.

Understanding Your Business Insurance Policy: Storms and Floods

2/3/2022 (Permalink)

While a flood is a costly and devastating experience for a business owner, it is not always covered by your general business policy.

Storms And Floods: How To Understand Your Business Insurance Policy

While a flood is a costly and devastating experience for a business owner, it is not always covered under their general commercial policy. It is typically understood that flood insurance is separate from commercial property insurance. However, there is not always an understanding as to the reasons why, especially when a typical policy covers some level of storm damage. How and why is flood damage different?

1. Storms

The flooding that is covered by most policies without an additional rider is overflow from drains caused by excessive rainwater. Additionally, you may experience leaks due to wind-damaged roofs which should also be covered under most commercial policies.

2. Floods

Flood damage caused by actual floods and not storms typically refers to overflowing rivers, creeks, lakes, dams and other water courses. While these floods can occur naturally, they are not considered storm damage, likely because floods do not happen everywhere, making universal coverage difficult and unfair.

3. Storm Floods

Flooding caused by storms is an interesting overlap that likely requires clarification from your insurance provider. While a storm may lead to an overflowing river, it still may not be covered by your policy because of where the problem originates.

While your insurer will provide the most significant insight into potential coverage, a disaster restoration specialist in the Buffalo, MN, area can also give some insight into preventative measures. Additionally, these companies can help you develop an emergency action plan to protect and restore your business after a disaster.

Flood damage is a tricky topic when talking about insurance coverage. The most common misconception is that insurance companies don’t offer universal coverage because of greed, but the reality is that not enough consumers live in flood zones to make premiums fair. Storms are experienced by every business and person, making general coverage acceptable, but floods will likely always require special coverage and riders.

3 Ways To Detect a Water Leak

12/15/2021 (Permalink)

if your home or business suffers from a water leak, don't hesitate and give our SERVPRO Team a call!

Three Methods For Detecting A Water Leak

A water leak may only cause minor damage at first. If the leak continues, it will worsen and result in water damage and the possibility of secondary damage, such as mold growth. Here are three ways that a property owner or facility manager can detect leaks at a building in Oklahoma City, OK.

1. Compare Water Bills

A sudden spike in water usage may be due to a leak. In the case of a minor leak, this may be the first indication that something is wrong. Search the property for signs of staining and check around the base of appliances or toilets. If you cannot locate the leak, call in professionals.

2. Look for Drips or Signs of Staining

It may take some time to find a water leak if you are searching a property without the assistance of thermal imaging. In the event of a pipe break, a spray or rapid leak should clearly indicate the source. A slow drip can be more difficult to detect. Look for signs of dampness or dripping on ceilings and walls, or around appliances, toilets, or sinks.

3. Try Thermal Imaging

An owner or manager can acquire and use a thermal camera or hire a service that locates leaks with professional-grade thermal imaging technology. Infrared thermography detects the heat or lack of heat emitted by objects. In the case of a leak, temperature differences can be caused by evaporation. This imaging technology can also identify the location of pipes behind walls, above ceilings, or under floors.

A property owner or manager can use any of these methods to detect a water leak. In the event of a minor leak, it may be possible to simply call a plumber to fix the problem and dry the affected area. For more severe leaks, it is advisable to rely on water damage restoration specialists in Oklahoma City, OK.

Post-Fire: Getting Rid of the Smell

10/5/2021 (Permalink)

You can trust SERVPRO of North Oklahoma City to restore your building back to its pre-damaged condition after a fire strikes.

Getting Rid Of the Odor After A Fire

After a fired has occurred in your Edmond, OK, building, a plethora of obstacles can appear ahead. Before, you were worried about the safety of the occupants and the potential of the fire spreading, and now you’re likely worried about the damage done. Yes, it can be shocking to return to a smoked-coated building interior. Discover a few facts about what smoke damage can do and what you can do to remedy it.

Smoke is Sneaky

Once you've been given the go-ahead to reenter the building, you may need the judgment of fire damage professionals to determine what items can be salvaged. Because smoke can permeate various parts of an indoor space, it's essential that you get a proper inspection. Smoke also produces small amounts of carbon in the air, ultimately creating soot, and completely removing the odor from some items can prove challenging.

There Are Different Types

In addition, be aware that there may be multiple soot damage culprits, as there are different types of smoke:

• Dry smoke
• Wet smoke
• Protein fire residue

Although any kind of smoke damage is a hassle to deal with, wet smoke – involving plastic or rubber – can be sharper in odor and harder to address. Dry smoke involves wood or paper and can also be difficult to clean. Protein fire residue, which can be subtle, has a familiar, pungent odor.

Porous Materials are Vulnerable

Every surface likely needs attention after a fire, but the permeable ones are usually trickiest. Items such as curtains, rugs, and other upholsteries probably need to go to the dry cleaner. Another task on your list should involve keeping your cleaned items out of the building until a proper smoke cleaning is complete.

Addressing smoke damage in your building can be frustrating, but by doing post-fire inspection and subsequent cleaning the right way, you can avoid a lingering odor.

5 Facts About Mold

7/15/2021 (Permalink)

Mold growth in an Oklahoma City, OK commercial building.

Mold Basic Information

Mold growth in your commercial building is not a problem you want to ignore. You may not know a lot about mold or the remediation process that comes after you discover that your property in Oklahoma City, OK, has an issue. Here are some mold basics that can help you make faster decisions and thus save yourself time and money.

1. There is no such thing as a mold-free environment.

Mold spores are present in the air, particularly outside. They can come into your office or warehouse on worker's clothes and shoes, or they can simply blow in with the wind. The mold in the air is not the problem. Only when it settles and grows on surfaces is there an issue.

2. Mold growth often gives off a musty smell.

Mold can hide in walls and under floorboards, making it difficult to detect. One way to pinpoint the location of a patch of mold is to follow your nose. Mold gives off a musty, unpleasant odor.

3. Water damage and the situations that cause it are breeding grounds for mold.

Mold loves moisture. It cannot grow without it. One side effect of water damage caused by flooding or leaks is the increased potential for a mold problem.

4. Mold remediation involves both mold cleanup and moisture control.

When you call mold remediation specialists to handle your mold problem, their service includes not only cleaning up the growth but also fixing the moisture problem that led to it. High humidity can also lead to mold problems, so it's good to keep the humidity level of your building to 45% or lower.

5. Timely attention is a key element in remediation.

Once you discover a mold problem on your property, call the experts at once. Mold does not just go away. It multiplies quickly, and it may keep growing until the problem is resolved.

Mold growth is not a problem to take lightly. If you call remediation experts quickly and manage to control the moisture problems that led to it in the first place, you can resolve the issue.

Characteristics of Black Water

6/22/2021 (Permalink)

Characteristics of Black Water

When your commercial building in Edmond, OK, floods, you may not realize that the damage can vary based on the source of the water. Flooding usually falls into one of three categories—clean, gray or black. If a pipe bursts, for example, your commercial restoration crew may not have to worry about the decontamination process as much as they would if the flood water came from rain. To better understand these differences, you need to consider the characteristics of the third category of water damage.

Source

The source of the water may dictate whether it is considered black, gray or clean. Anything in the black category usually comes from one of the following sources:

• Sewage backup
  
• River overflow
  
• Heavy rain
  
  

Because the source plays such an important role in a flood's categorization, storm damage often falls into the black water category. In some unique circumstances, stormwater may still fit into the second, slightly cleaner grouping.

Contaminants

What is in the water is also important for its categorization. Blackwater is categorized as such when the liquid is combined with feces, harsh chemicals, viruses, spores or microbes. The more contaminated the water is the more likely it will fall into the black category rather than the gray.

Time

Of course, even flood water that was once considered clean can morph into this dirty category. When floods are allowed to sit in a commercial building for long periods of time, the liquid may pick up pollen, bacteria and chemicals from the environment. Too much time between the flooding and the cleanup essentially degrades the water into the black category.

The floodwater that fills your commercial building may be considered black if it has the three aforementioned characteristics. As you start going through the cleanup process, it may be helpful for you to learn more about the three classes of standing water that can affect your property.

How Your Fire Sprinkler System Quickly Suppresses a Fire

4/29/2021 (Permalink)

Fire sprinkler system in Edmond, OK.

Fire sprinklers are an essential tool in controlling a fire in your  Edmond, OK, facility. Here is a look at how a sprinkler system functions.

Sprinkler System Parts

The main components of a sprinkler system are:

• Pipes that hold water under pressure
  
• Plug to hold the water back until the system activates
  
• Glass bulb filled with glycerin
  
• Deflector that directs water around the room
  
  

Sprinkler heads are placed around 12-15 feet apart and connected by pipes that are always filled with water. Fire suppression happens quickly once a fire activates the system.

How a Fire Activates the Sprinkler System
When a fire breaks out, the room temperature rises. At 160 degrees Fahrenheit, the glycerin in the glass bulb expands, breaking the bulb and springing the plug open. Water under pressure comes out of the pipe, and the deflector sprays it around the room.

Myths About Sprinkler Systems
Contrary to popular belief, smoke does not activate a sprinkler system. Smoke by itself will not produce the temperature change needed to expand glycerin and break the sprinkler bulb. Small amounts of heat, such as those produced by an appliance or burning candle, will not raise the temperature enough to activate the system.
The temperature change activates each fire sprinkler head individually. A contained fire will only set off the sprinklers that reach 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

Sprinkler System Advantages
Fire can do a lot more damage to your building than water from sprinkler heads. If a fire breaks out in your Edmond, OK, facility, fire suppression begins as soon as the system activates. The system contains the fire and may produce less water than firefighters need to put out a larger fire. It may be easier to do fire sprinkler cleanup and fire damage repair.
Hopefully, you will never need to use your fire sprinkler. If a fire breaks out, your system is more likely to minimize damage than if you didn't have one installed.

How Fast Mold Can Grow After a Leak or Flood

1/26/2021 (Permalink)

Mold damage in Edmond, OK

Mold spores are microscopic organisms in the air. They can be found almost anywhere. Mold growth is very common after water damage as it is difficult to clean and dry things fast enough. Mold can occur in as little as 24 to 48 hours when mold spores find the right environment. If you suspect your building in Edmond, OK, has become infected with mold, you should conduct a mold inspection.

Where Mold Can Grow

All mold needs to thrive is warm, moist air and some sort of organic material for the spores to digest. Mold can grow on almost any damp porous or pulpy surface.

• Carpet
• Drywall
• Wood
• Ceiling tiles
• Insulation
• Plants
• Cardboard
• Furniture
• Paper
• Books

Mold is often discovered after leaks and floods. It is left behind by water damage that is not cleaned quickly and efficiently enough.

What You Can Do
Addressing any leaks and floods as soon as possible can help mitigate the damage from mold. Invest in a good filtration system to lessen the amount of mold spores in the air. A quality ventilation system could help to expel excess moisture. You could also take proactive steps in mold prevention by using mold-resistant building products. Both mold-resistant drywall and moisture-resistant drywall are excellent options to consider for areas that will frequently be exposed to high humidity such as bathrooms and laundry rooms. There are different types of paints that contain mold inhibitors. Either during initial construction or during any process of rebuilding, look into what building products currently exist on the market to help in the prevention of mold.
After a water loss like a leak or flood, the focus is often on cleaning and drying what you can immediately see. Water damage often leads to mold just below the surface of many organic materials. If you suspect mold growth but have not been able to locate it through a self-inspection, consider consulting mold remediation specialists who can use professional equipment to conduct a more intensive search.

5 Ways To Protect Your Business From Fires

1/12/2021 (Permalink)

Your building in Edmond, OK, should already have fire extinguishers

Fire Preparation Steps

Taking precautions to reduce the potential fallout caused by a fire is a matter of critical importance. Here are five smart fire preparation steps you can immediately apply within your office to contain the destruction posed by out-of-control flames.

1. Maintain and Inspect Safety Equipment
Your building in Edmond, OK, should already have fire extinguishers, an alarm system, and sprinklers. Nevertheless, disaster preparation tools are useless unless they are working properly. Periodically test everything to verify proper functioning. Also, keep equipment clean to lower the odds of eventual failure.

2. Remove Clutter
When growing a business, stuff can quickly accumulate. Before we know it, boxes of forgotten documents and outdated equipment can become serious obstacles to mobility. Besides blocking access to emergency exits, having flammable items strewn about is highly dangerous.

3. Develop an Exit Strategy
Knowledge of how to proceed during a blaze is an essential aspect of fire preparation. Be certain that employees have at least two options for leaving the building. Run impromptu drills to check that every worker has absorbed all information regarding how to react during an emergency.

4. Create an Outdoors Buffer
Areas with arid climates are vulnerable to brushfires. Remove trees and dry grass surrounding your office. Maintaining a buffer around your building of at least 100 feet will help reduce the odds a fire occurs.

5. Obtain Fire Insurance
Offices that suffer fire damage typically have their operations brought to a complete and sudden halt. Getting up and running again requires extensive soot cleaning and structural rebuilding best handled by a commercial fire restoration service. Check that your insurance policy provides both the right type and amount of fire coverage. With the appropriate terms in place, repair professionals can begin working on your building at the earliest moment possible.
Fire preparation is a priority for any responsible business owner. Take this executive mandate seriously by following the above recommendations.

Bursting Pipes Can Lead to Secondary Damage

12/31/2020 (Permalink)

Commercial water damage

Steps To Prevent Further Damage In Your Commercial Building

If you’re a commercial property owner in Oklahoma City, OK, possibly the only thing worse than walking in to find actively bursting pipes is discovering secondary damage - like mold, rot or mildew - long after everything has been cleaned up. While it’s difficult to prevent any damage from occurring if you have a flood, there are things you can do to prevent further damage later on.

Phase 1: Initial Cleanup
The most important thing you can do to minimize both primary and secondary damage is to remove the water as quickly as possible:

• As soon as you have the water source turned off, immediately get in touch with a plumber and a water damage cleanup service.
  
• If possible, remove all equipment and furniture from the area, and put everything you can out of reach from the flood water. Be mindful of how quickly water can seep into cracks or be absorbed into anything porous.
  
• Meanwhile, your plumber will address the bursting pipes. He or she can diagnose the underlying problem, find any leaks or cracks, and fix the broken pipe. The plumber should also be able to advise you about what preventative measures you can take to avoid this problem in the future.
  
  
  

Phase 2: Drying Everything Out
Perhaps equally as important as removing the water is making sure that everything in your commercial space is thoroughly dry once the water is gone. Your water damage cleanup team will make sure that all the necessary steps are taken, such as:

• using dehumidifying equipment to dry out the air
  
• using monitoring equipment to track the drying process
  extracting excess water from carpeting and fabrics
  
• using high-speed fans to increase air circulation and drying
  
• using infrared cameras to search for trapped water
  
• using high-powered air scrubbers to clean the air
  
  
  

Bursting pipes and the resulting water damage can wreak havoc with your commercial property. Acting quickly to clean up the water and dry everything out will go a long way to prevent the secondary damage that can occur later on.

Drying Tips After a Plumbing Issue

11/4/2020 (Permalink)

A burst pipe in Edmond, OK

Water Damage Tips

If your business in Edmond, OK, experiences a severe plumbing issue such as a pipe burst or supply line leakage, it's important to act quickly to mitigate damage. Besides calling in a water damage restoration company and removing any excess water, there are other mitigation procedures you should follow, such as drying out the building and materials.
Follow these water damage tips to begin the restoration process for your building.

Circulating Air
Air circulation is one of the quickest and easiest ways to start the drying process. You can circulate air by:

• Opening doors and windows
• Using fans
• Utilizing high-speed air movers
  

Air circulation will accelerate the drying process by speeding up moisture evaporation. Although it is not the most effective way to spot-dry, it will begin the drying process for ceilings, walls, rugs and furniture.
Be sure to use this and other cleaning tips as soon as possible, as delaying the drying process can promote mold and bacteria growth, which may cause problems later on.

Dehumidifying
Another essential water damage tip is to dehumidify the area. A dehumidifier is used to remove humidity and moisture from an enclosed area. You can use a store-bought dehumidifier or rent one from an equipment rental company, depending on the size of the area. It is especially helpful for rooms with limited outside access, such as basements.
Be sure to follow the instructions for a dehumidifier, such as shutting windows and doors and changing the water if it doesn't self-drain.

Using a Shop Vac
A shop vac is essentially a wet-dry vacuum. It can be used for smaller areas that have excess moisture or water, such as carpets and floorings. A professional repair company may bring their own commercial shop vacs, but you can also rent them.
Use these water damage tips to begin the drying process after a major plumbing issue or flood in your business.

What Is Included in Commercial Insurance Fire Damage Policies?

9/4/2020 (Permalink)

Here's What Is Usually Covered By Most Insurance Policies

Fire damage is one of the most frequent insurance claims in the United States. In 2017 alone, almost 500,000 structure fires were reported, causing around $10.7 billion in damages. Not only do fires cause damage with the heat and combustion, but smoke gets everywhere and fire-fighting substances, such as water and foam, cause tremendous damage. Here’s what is usually covered by most insurance policies in Edmond, OK, although it should be noted that each company has different terms.

Structural Damage

Depending on the policy and property ownership, your policy may cover repairs and replacements to the structure, including

• Roof
• Supporting structure
• Stucco, siding and concrete
• Windows
• Plumbing and heating systems
• Interior walls, framing and painting
  
  

Ask your insurance adjuster if these are covered by your policy. Even if you rent your location, some policies will cover these types of damage, often under general liability, in what’s called “damage to premises rented.” Note that your coverage should include replacing items, such as carpet and roofing tiles, if a perfect match isn’t made between the replacement items and older ones, under the “uniform and consistent appearance” clause.

Fire Damage Coverage

Most items are covered by the majority of commercial property insurance policies. However, there are exceptions, and terms of individual policies can vary widely. Some policies cover actual cash value (the original value of the item minus accumulated depreciation), while others cover replacement costs. Replacement policies cost more but can help avoid massive out-of-pocket expenses.

Your policy may cover fees charged for fire-fighting services and smoke damage. Some policies include coverage for loss of business income during the disaster and the recovery time. Mold damage may be included, but this is now often being specifically excluded, so check to make sure you have a mold endorsement.

Fire damage to your business in Edmond, OK, doesn’t have to be the end. If you are careful and read your insurance policy, most forms of fire mitigation can be covered, not only providing peace of mind but possibly avoiding a bankruptcy and closing of your business altogether.

How to Keep Your Employees Safe During Mold Removal

8/19/2020 (Permalink)

If you find mold in your Oklahoma City, OK, building, you should have it removed as soon as possible. In most cases, you will likely not want to close your business entirely during the mold removal process as this can result in lost profits. It is important, however, to keep the safety of your employees in mind. The following are a few ways that you can help prevent them from having to work in a contaminated environment.

1. Use Containment Methods During Removal
While mold removal is being done, the workers will likely set up containment areas to keep the mold from spreading throughout the building. This will help keep the areas where employees are still working clean.

2. Provide Protective Items
If the area has been contained but you are still concerned about the safety of your employees, you may feel better if you provide them with some protective gear. Face masks will help prevent them from breathing in any contaminated air. Investing in an air purifier with a HEPA filter is an option as well. These remove black mold spores and other impurities from the air, ensuring the area will be safe to work in.

3. Have Employees Work From Home
In cases of extreme mold growth, you may not feel comfortable having your employees come into work. If this is the case, you can always have them work from home. Depending on the severity of the contamination, removal can take more than a week, so closing the business during the process is not ideal. While there may be some limitations when work is done this way, it might be better than your other options.

When you need to have mold removal done, it is best to hire a professional mold remediation specialist. They will have the necessary training and experience to clean the area without creating a more hazardous environment for your employees. They will get the job done as quickly as possible, so you can get back to work sooner.

How Fire Sprinklers Work

4/19/2020 (Permalink)

Fire sprinkler in Edmond, OK

A fire sprinkler system can minimize structural damage and save lives. Knowing about these important devices can help you make informed decisions regarding fire-prevention for your Edmond, OK, business.

Types of Sprinklers

There are a variety of sprinkler systems currently available to business owners. They work differently and are suited for different businesses and building types. Here are five common systems:

1. Deluge
   
2. Pre-action
   
3. Foam
   
4. Wet pipe
   
5. Dry pipe
   
   

Deluge and foam sprinklers are ideal for industries that deal with flammable materials. The foam systems use foam as well as water for fire suppression, and deluge systems activate all heads at the same time, making them ideal for fires that could spread quickly over a large area. Wet pipe sprinklers keep water in the pipes at all times, so they can quickly extinguish a fire. Dry pipe systems, on the other hand, only receive water when the sprinkler heads are activated. Because they do not have water in the pipes at all times, they are ideal for cold climates where water could freeze and become stuck in the pipes. Pre-action pipes are a combination of wet and dry pipe systems, and are usually used in museums, libraries and other places with valuable materials.

How Sprinklers Work
Most fire sprinkler systems are heat-activated. When extreme heat from a fire reaches the sprinkler head, it bursts and water flows out. Usually, only one sprinkler head is activated because it suppresses the fire before the heat can reach the other heads. This minimizes both fire damage and water damage. Other systems have a different activation method that sets off all heads at one time. Ask your sprinkler technician if you have any questions about what type of system you have or how it works.
Although fire sprinkler systems minimize damage, you may still need help with the fire restoration process or fire sprinkler cleanup. An experienced restoration company can help you get your business back to normal quickly and safely.

3 Strategies Other Countries Use To Prevent Flooding

3/19/2020 (Permalink)

The Thames Barrier of London

Learn About These Flood Solutions

Flooding is a problem that impacts not just businesses in Edmond, OK, but also populated areas around the world. Engineers from these nations have created effective strategies to mitigate high water, which prevents flooding and water damage. Business owners and residents operating in US cities near water can benefit from learning about these flood solutions.

1. The Delta Works

People in the Netherlands have always lived on land that is usually below the sea level. Therefore, they have created numerous inventive solutions to stop flooding. One of these projects is the Deltawerken, or the Delta Works. It is a system composed of structures such as dams, storm surge barriers and sluice gates. Construction started in 1950 and concluded in 1997. The most impressive part of the project is the Oosterschelde, which is composed of multiple gates that can be moved.

2. The Thames Barrier

The Thames River in England runs the risk of high water during large storms or natural disasters. However, this area is also necessary for ship transportation. First constructed in 1974, the Thames Barrier uses hydraulic beams to turn the steel water gates toward each other and create a barrier that prevents flooding. Operators usually leave the barrier open to let ships go through, but close it when flood prevention is necessary.

3. The MOSE Project

While the famous water streets of Venice, Italy impress locals and tourists alike, they can also present a dangerous flooding hazard that necessitates emergency restoration services. The government has enacted the Modulo Sperimentale Elettromeccanico (MOSE), or Experimental Electromechanical Module, which is composed of around 78 barriers facing the Adriatic Sea that can be activated separately or together. Construction has begun in 2003 and full implementation is not yet complete.
The threat of high water is present in several cities throughout the world. The US and other countries can learn from these experiments to develop their own anti-flooding strategies.

3 Tips for Dealing with Mold on Commercial Property

1/8/2020 (Permalink)

Mold damage on baseboard wall in Oklahoma City, OK

3 Tips for Dealing with Mold on Commercial Property

When you’re worried about finding mold on your Oklahoma City, OK, business property there are a few things you might consider doing to remedy the problem, even if black mold is present. Here are a few things you may want to know.

1. Call a Professional

One of the first things to remember when dealing with mold is that it’s recommended that you contact a local mold remediation professional to help with cleanup and repairs. These professionals will know how to properly section off the affected area to prevent further spreading, as well as how to locate and remove the spores. They can also help sanitize and clean the area, and make any necessary repairs.

2. Make Repairs Quickly

When dealing with a problem such as black mold it’s important to act quickly. Doing so can help prevent further spreading of the spores. If there is a moisture problem in the area it will be important to take care of that, as well to help prevent a recurrence of the mold. Staying on top of maintenance needs can help you spot problems while they are still small scale.

3. Mitigate Future Damage

Another aspect of mold cleanup is taking steps to mitigate future damage. This can mean locating the source of moisture the mold was living on, and repairing the problem. You may need to fix a leak, or take steps to mitigate flooding such as sloping landscaping so water flows downhill from the property. You may also want to check areas around the roof and windows for possible moisture pockets, and trim trees away from the building so that branches can’t fall into the property during a storm creating a place where rain could get in.
When removing a mold such as black mold from your company property it’s important to remember to call a professional. It’s also important to make repairs to water damaged areas quickly, and to take steps to mitigate future problems.

How Professionals Can Clean Up Your Office Contents After a Flood

12/29/2019 (Permalink)

Computer damaged by water

How Professionals Can Clean Up Your Office Contents After a Flood

Content cleaning specialists can assist companies that sustain storm damage. Some porous items in the office may have to be thrown away during this flood cleanup process. This is especially true if they have been affected by potentially toxic black water.
Still, emergency restoration experts may be able to save assets made of non-porous materials. Read on for more.

Cleaning Electronics

Your office building likely contains many important electronic devices. A storm cleanup company can help dry and restore these items, including:

• Computers
  
• Tablets
  
• Televisions
  
• Telephones
  
  

You and your employees should avoid turning on or using any of these devices until they are fully dry. Instead, let the professionals handle the items. They will wash off the electronics to limit additional corrosion. They will then let a qualified technician further inspect and clean the items.

Cleaning Documents

While much of society is digitized today, you probably have some important paperwork in your commercial building. These may include photographs, magazines, files, blueprints or contracts.

Content cleaning experts can use gamma irradiation or similar processes to disinfect these documents. They can then utilize a variety of techniques to remove the water, including freezer drying, air drying, vacuum freezing, vacuum thermal drying and dehumidification.

Cleaning General Office Contents

Other items in your office can be saved from flood damage, as well. Professionals will use different strategies depending on the materials involved. Those with lighter stains may just require dry cleaning. Belongings with heavier residue can be restored using a wet cleaning process.
Items that cannot withstand traditional cleaning methods may be sanitized using a spray-and-wipe technique. Meanwhile, foam cleaning works particularly well for furniture made of upholstery fabrics.
Experts may also dip damaged items into a bath made of cleaning solution, a process known as immersion cleaning. They may additionally utilize abrasive cleaning, which involves agitating dirty surfaces.
Severe flooding does not have to destroy your Edmond, OK, business. With the help of content cleaning specialists, you may be able to restore many of your assets.

3 Steps To Take After a Water Pipe Break at Your Business

9/26/2019 (Permalink)

Commercial water damage in Oklahoma City, OK

Steps To Take To Protect Your Commercial Property and Contents After a Pipe Break

Dealing with water damage at your Oklahoma City, OK business can be difficult. Whether age, damage or cold weather is causing bursting pipes, taking quick action could reduce repair costs and save valuable inventory. Once a pipe break occurs, there are a few steps you can take to protect your commercial property and its contents.

Shut Off the Main Water Supply

Once you realize a pipe in your building has burst, it is wise to locate and turn off the main water supply valve. This can reduce the amount of flooding that can otherwise occur. You may want to be aware of the location of the shutoff switch beforehand so you can stem the flow of water as quickly as possible. If you rent your commercial space, ask your landlord about the location of the main water supply valve and alert any managers to its location in case a bursting pipes emergency takes place when you are not present.

Seal Off Affected Areas

You can reduce water damage to adjacent areas by shutting or sealing off doors. For example, if a pipe burst in a restroom, you can seal the bottom of the door with towels to prevent water leakage. Ask your employees and customers to clear the area so you can be assured flooded rooms remain secure until professionals can examine and fix broken pipe components.

Call in a Water Damage Remediation Service

A burst pipe can cause a great deal of trouble in a matter of minutes; however, other issues, such as mold growth and warped building materials, can be prevented by calling a flood control and remediation service to inspect and repair your property. Water damage in Oklahoma City, OK can be common during cold weather snaps, so it is a good idea to have a working relationship with this type of service if you own a business.
One or more bursting pipes at your Oklahoma City, OK business can have serious consequences to your equipment or inventory. Knowing which immediate steps to take afterward can help you minimize damage and the cost of future repairs.

Keeping Your Restrooms Clog Free

6/18/2019 (Permalink)

One clogged toilet in your building in Oklahoma City, OK, can cause water damage

Four Tips for Keeping Your Restroom Free of Clogs

Restroom maintenance is very important. One clogged toilet in your building in Oklahoma City, OK, can cause water damage not only in the restroom where it's installed but also in the floors below it. Follow these four tips for keeping your restrooms free of clogs and the potential damage that comes with them.

Post Signs

You may not think that people will read signs in the restroom, but posting expectations can actually help make them more mindful of their behavior. Remind those who use the facilities in your building of a few key community standards, such as:

• Don't overfill the toilet.
  
• Don't flush anything but toilet paper.
  
• Report any problems immediately.
  
  

Supply Thin Paper

Thinner toilet paper is a smarter choice for restrooms in commercial buildings. Not only does it tend to be less expensive but also can be instrumental in preventing toilet overflow. Even if someone uses a large wad of one-ply toilet paper, it is less likely to cause problems than thicker sheets.

Provide Trashcans

Many items that shouldn't be flushed can result in a clogged toilet when there isn't an adequate number of trash receptacles in the restroom. No one wants to carry their trash with them or leave it on the floor, so they dispose of it the only way they have left, which is down the toilet. Make sure you have a trashcan in every stall as well as one or two large trashcans near the sinks.

Check Regularly

Despite all your best efforts, sewage problems may still occur. Have your restrooms checked frequently throughout the day to make sure there is enough toilet paper and paper towels and to confirm that no mishaps have occurred. If there is a toilet overflow or a leak, call water mitigation specialists immediately to clean up the damage.

No one wants to walk into a restroom and see or smell the mess a clogged toilet leaves behind. Taking simple preventative measures can help everyone do their part to avoid the problem.

Tenant and Owner Responsibilities After a Fire

6/12/2019 (Permalink)

Whether you are a renter or a landlord who's suffered a commercial fire, apartment fire or house fire, you will need to contact your insurance compan.

Whether you've experienced an apartment fire, commercial fire or a fire at a rented home in Oklahoma City, OK, the effects can be devastating to both the tenant and the landlord. It may not be clear who is responsible when it comes to the fire damage. Depending on the circumstances, liability can be divided up very differently. Let's look at some particulars.

Landlord Responsibilities

Generally, the landlord is responsible for hiring the restoration company to repair structural damage after a business, house or apartment fire. Damage may include:

• Structural damage to:
o Walls
o Floors
o Carpeting
o Pool Houses
o Sheds
• Damage to fixtures and appliances:
o Cabinets
o Countertops
o Plumbing
o Electrical wiring
o Supplied appliances such as dishwashers and refrigerators

Tenant Responsibilities

In most cases, the tenant is responsible for any damage done to his or her personal property. The tenant will have to go to his or her insurance company to recover the loss of items such as:

• Clothing
• Furniture
• Computers
• TVs
• Tenant-owned appliances
• Video game consoles
• Musical instruments

Liability Claims

Sometimes, there is a question of who is liable for the damage. If the landlord is proved to be responsible (for instance, due to negligence regarding the property's electrical wiring), he can be made to pay for damage to the renters' personal belongings, wages lost, costs related to finding another place to stay, and more. Conversely, if the landlord can prove that the renter was somehow negligent, the renter may be responsible for any costs related to repairing the property. If the landlord is unable to prove this, he will be liable for any structural repair, as it's the landlord's responsibility to see to it that the property is in a livable condition.

Be Prepared

Whether you are a renter or a landlord who's suffered a commercial fire, apartment fire or house fire, you will need to make sure that you have immediately contacted your insurance company, have made a detailed list of any property that's been damaged and taken pictures of any damage to the structure and property, as well as any evidence of negligence. That way you will be prepared for any subsequent questions from the insurance company, and ensure that you're only incurring cost for the fire damage that you're actually responsible for.

A Quick Overview of the Mold Remediation Process

6/12/2019 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of North Oklahoma City when dealing with severe mold.

If you’re new to the presence of black mold growth in your Oklahoma City, OK, commercial property, the prospect of how to handle it can seem rather perplexing. Thankfully, since mold growth is such an everyday occurrence for property owners, there’s plenty of information available to give you the answers you need. If you’re curious about how to address mold cleanup and how to go about the mold remediation process in general, here is a quick rundown of how it all works and when to call in professionals for help.

First Things First: When Dealing With Severe Mold, Always Call in Professionals

While there’s still a debate over the health effects of black mold amongst experts in the field, it’s currently still safer than not to contact a highly-experienced team of mold remediation specialists to inspect your property and properly eliminate any traces of mold. Containment of the affected area is the first step in mold cleanup, preventing the spread of growth and contamination elsewhere in the building. While professionals are installing tarps and covering windows and doorways, they’ll be wearing appropriate attire designed to keep them personally protected from the effects of direct contact with the mold.

Mold Removal Consists of Various Steps

Once the affected areas have been contained, the mold removal process will begin with tearing out any building materials that show mold growth or have been in contact with the fungus in any way that can’t be restored. This ensures that any traces of the contamination are eradicated. Meanwhile, the use of proper chemicals for rightful cleaning and maintenance of the area is carried out, leading to the ultimate step of disinfection of the space. Once the area has been treated as needed, professionals can give you the go ahead when the entire process is completed and you can safely return inside the building.

If you’re stumbling blindly into a black mold situation as a commercial property owner in OKC, hiring trained and experienced technicians is a great first step in addressing mold removal.

6 Steps for Recovery From Mold

4/26/2019 (Permalink)

Black mold can start to grow in your commercial building within 24 hours of the onset of water damage.

Black mold can start to grow in your commercial building in Oklahoma City, OK within 24 hours of the onset of water damage. While you may not be able to avoid mold altogether, you can keep it from spreading by calling mold mitigation experts as soon as you suspect it's a problem. Here are the six steps they can take to rid your building of fungus growth.

1. Containment

Technicians start by setting up a seal around the perimeter of the infestation. This keeps spores from detaching and flowing into other areas of the building while cleanup is in process.

2. Protection

Another way experts keep from spreading spores while protecting themselves during mold cleanup is by wearing personal protective equipment. They cover themselves from head to toe with goggles, face masks with filtered respirators, protective suits, gloves and boots.

3. Removal

All material infested with black mold must be removed from the building. Because mold tends to branch down into porous surfaces, many items will need to be replaced rather than cleaned.

4. Disinfection

The surfaces that can be cleaned are disinfected. Some surfaces can be cleaned with a detergent while others may require treatments such as ultraviolet radiation.

5. Drying

Mold is attracted to moisture. You can't get rid of the mold spores in your building, but you can find a way to keep it from settling in one spot. Anything remaining that still holds excess moisture must be dried to keep mold growth from returning.

6. Restoration

To return your building to its original state, everything that was torn out or thrown away during mold remediation must be replaced. Restoration experts can replace walls, ceilings and floor and make them look as good as new.

You may not catch water damage early enough to keep black mold from growing. If you catch it early, however, the process for mitigating the mold problem should be pretty straightforward.

SERVPRO of North Oklahoma City responds to category 3 loss

10/9/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Oklahoma City crew members pose with the homeowners' prized bull.

Our team responded to a category 3 loss on a Saturday afternoon. We responded after other restoration companies had declined the work. Our competition told the homeowners to call SERVPRO of North Oklahoma City. Upon arrival, we were notified that one of the home owners has severe health complications.  We acted quickly to secure them a safe place to relocate to, and began work immediately.  Our team worked long hours into the early morning to get a great start on the job. It was a large job that was handled quickly and efficiently thanks to a hard working team.  Our customer was so happy with our work she asked us to take a picture with her prized bull. SERVPRO of North Oklahoma City truly is "faster to any size disaster!"