How Do I Protect My Business From Fire Disaster?

10/10/2022 (Permalink)

The most important thing you can do to protect your business is to train your employees.

Protecting Your Business from Fire Damage

The best way to protect your business from a fire disaster is to prepare for it first. If you have employees, include them in the discussion and make sure they understand their roles during a fire emergency. Then make sure you have the right insurance coverage in place so that if there's ever a problem with your property or operations as a result of an unexpected fire, you're covered.

Plan and Practice

Practice, practice, practice is what the experts say, and the same is true when it comes to fire disaster preparation:

• Practice fire drills.
• Practice evacuation plans.
• Practice fire extinguishing.
• Test the fire alarm system monthly and inspect it every year; make sure to test smoke detectors as well as heat detectors, which are often combined into one device.
• If you have any questions about maintenance or inspection of your systems, contact an expert at your local hardware store or home improvement center to help identify any issues with your alarms before they become a problem

Purchase and Maintain an Alarm System

One of the most effective ways to protect your business is by installing an alarm system. These systems can be expensive, but they are a good investment and provide peace of mind for both your employees and customers.

An alarm system will sound when there's smoke or fire in the building, alerting everyone to get out safely before it spreads. It may also contain sprinklers in case of a fire; these will prevent damage from spreading by putting out the flames as soon as possible.

Install Fire Sprinklers

Sprinklers are a good investment. They reduce the fire damage to your building and can even help save lives. Sprinkler systems are also much more cost-effective than other methods of protection, like smoke alarms or fire extinguishers.

That’s why it’s so important to have sprinklers installed in all areas of your building, including hallways and stairwells if applicable.

Keep Exits Clear

You should also make sure that your business has a clear exit plan that everyone in the company knows about. In case of fire, people need to be able to get out quickly and without hesitation. If there's a fire drill or safety meeting, review your evacuation plan with everyone so they can know what to do in the event of an emergency.

If you have employees who use elevators for their work in the building, ensure that all employees are able to access the stairwell in case of an emergency. 

Train Employees

The most important thing you can do to protect your business is to train your employees. You should make sure they know how to recognize the signs of a fire and what steps they need to take if one breaks out. This training should be regular and ongoing, since employees may forget over time.

Training topics can include:

• Preventing fires in the first place
• How to extinguish a small fire before it spreads
• How to evacuate safely in case of a major disaster

Identify Documents to Be Saved First

When you have a fire, you will have very little time to react. The most important thing that you need to do is make sure that your critical documents are saved first. Your business is only as good as the records and information stored in it, so make sure that nothing important is lost during this disaster. This would include: 

• Business licenses and permits
• Contracts with clients
• Accounts payable/receivable (checkbooks)

Maintain an Offsite Backup for Critical Documents and Data

Many businesses overlook the importance of protecting critical data. If you’re not backing up your data, there is a chance that in the event of an emergency you will lose important documents and other information needed to continue operating. To avoid this possibility, it is crucial that you have a backup system in place for all of your files.

You can choose from multiple types of offsite backups: cloud storage or physical storage media such as tapes and drives. When deciding which option to go with, consider how much space you need and whether the service offers automatic backups (or continuous ones). Also, check what kind of protection they offer against natural disasters such as fires.

It is also important to store these backups somewhere that is fireproof and safe from theft or damage from natural phenomena such as floods or earthquakes—a safe deposit box in the bank would be a good place for some people because it's often kept at a high humidity level which helps prevent corrosion on magnetic tapes if any should occur over time due to air exposure during transport between locations where they're used regularly over long periods without being replaced when needed.

Prepare for a Disaster with Insurance Coverage

Insurance coverage is a must and can protect your business in the event of a fire. An insurance policy will cover the cost of repairs, lost income, and other costs associated with a disaster. It may also cover property damage, liability, and workers' compensation should someone be injured on your premises during an incident or fire. You should contact your insurance agent today to discuss their specific policies and what they do or do not offer when it comes to covering these types of disasters.

If you are temporarily closed due to damage from an unexpected event such as a fire then consider purchasing business interruption coverage through your insurance company. This type of policy provides financial protection if you suffer losses related to the delayed opening or early closure due to fire on-premises as well as loss of inventory due to smoke damage caused by the fire itself.

Business owners often face legal action after experiencing a large-scale disaster such as this one which could lead them into courtrooms so consider purchasing legal defense coverage through your provider which will cover any legal expenses incurred while defending yourself against charges stemming from any incident involving this disaster including lawsuits filed by customers who were injured during the incident.

The best way to protect your business is by preparing for a disaster. In the event of an emergency, having the right kind of insurance coverage can help you recover more quickly. It’s also important to have a plan for responding to fires and other disasters that can be triggered by natural causes like lightning strikes or earthquakes. By taking these steps today, you can rest assured that your company will stay strong tomorrow no matter what unexpected challenges may come its way.

Does Your Business Need a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile?

7/27/2022 (Permalink)

Your profile can be accessed through the ERP app

The latest research shows that after a disaster, as many as 50% of businesses close their doors permanently. Out of those that do survive, most of them had a disaster preparedness plan ready. When the unexpected happens, having a plan will save you and your staff the time spent trying to figure out what to do. You can begin the restoration process quickly and get back to business. Read on to see if your company would benefit from an emergency profile.

How a Disaster Could Affect Your Business

Your business could potentially experience interruptions caused by events such as:

• Storm damage
• Flooding
• Fire
  
  

While it's easy to think major damage couldn't happen to your facility, you need to be prepared for the unexpected. Even minor damage could potentially interrupt your work, costing you time and income.

How an Emergency Profile Will Help After a Disaster
Preparing a disaster profile now will ensure you're ready to handle interruptions as quickly as possible. You and your employees will know what to expect in advance and what to do first. The sooner you begin the mitigation process, the faster you can begin cleanup and restoration, which will help minimize damage.

What a Disaster Profile Contains
A SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile has details about your facility, like shutoff valves and priority areas, that may be critical in the initial phase of a disaster. It also contains the line of command for authorizing restoration work. Your local professional will be identified, giving you a nearby industry leader to take you through the mitigation and restoration process. The profile will also have a guide to help you get back into your building after a disaster, providing you an immediate plan of action to minimize lost work time. Your profile can be accessed through the ERP app.
Before a disaster occurs in N.C. State University, NC, it's best to be prepared with an emergency profile. Knowing what to do right away will save time and money in the long run and let you get back to work.

2 Signals It’s Time to Call a Restoration Company

6/21/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage to wooden floor.

Two Signals It’s Time to Call a Restoration Company

As a landlord, water damage in your properties creates the potential losses of investment and high-quality tenants. Therefore, it is essential to take care of any water damage as soon as possible and know when to get help. If you witness either of the following signs, you may need to call a sewer cleanup company to assist you.

1. A Broken Pipe
In Holly Springs, NC, a pipe burst cleanup is an experience dreaded by landlords and tenants alike. If you suspect a pipe has burst but are not sure, be on the lookout for the following:

Misshapen floors: unseen water can seep in between the floorboards and cause them to buckle.
Strange odors: mold, which thrives in dampness, causes musty smells.
Discolored walls: stained or off-colored walls can be an indication that there is a leak somewhere, possibly inside the wall.

Depending on the extent of the damage, cleanup companies can help by pumping out the excess water, removing unsalvageable items, cleaning, sanitizing, and drying. Some will even do any necessary construction.

2. A Severe Storm
Unlike a pipe burst cleanup situation, which may end up soaking your property in mere drinking water, floodwater is likely to be contaminated. Thus, discarding carpet padding, upholstered furniture, and mattresses are best. You will need to reupholster valuable chairs and couches if you want to keep them. Try hosing off muddy plastic, solid wood, or metal pieces but let them dry in the shade since sunlight might cause them to warp. You can also attempt to clean rugs and carpets with a broom and shampoo, then add two tablespoons of bleach to a gallon of water for rinsing.
A restoration company in Holly Springs, NC, can get your business back on track, whether tending to a pipe burst cleanup or pumping out contaminated floodwaters.

Understanding and Eliminating Mold and Its Odor

4/7/2022 (Permalink)

Mold damage in Lake Wheeler, NC.

Mold and Its Odor

One of the surest ways to know your business in Lake Wheeler, NC, may be experiencing a mold problem is a potent musty odor. Why does that smell of rotten wood or wet socks happen? This living organism experiences different stages of growth. During that process, mycotoxin, which may or may not be harmful, is produced. These chemical products impact the growth cycle, resulting in the fungi releasing odorous gases.

The Growth Cycle

Mold spores may be everywhere, but they need the right conditions to grow. Unfortunately, the only requirements are the right temperatures, moisture and food. Once those are in place, the spores go through four stages.

Growth starts with thread-like cells feeding on porous materials. Enzymes are released that decompose food sources for easier absorption. That soon leads to a cluster.
As that cluster develops, spores begin to form on the ends. When the environment is right, they will continue to flourish. At this point, the mycotoxin may be forming, which may lead to the first signs of an odor.
The spores eventually are released into the air. They travel to other areas to begin the process again, but only if the conditions are right.
If the spores find an ideal environment, they will reproduce and germinate. That means a new infestation somewhere else on the property.

Complete Odor Removal

Knowing that mold is both a surface and airborne issue, eliminating and preventing future outbreaks go hand in hand. Seeking help from a mold remediation and restoration company is often the best solution. They have the latest tools to find hidden issues, kill the mold and prevent its spread. They also have industrial-grade devices, such as HEPA filtration devices, that filter out tiny particles and ensure a clean-smelling environment.
While not every mold may produce a mycotoxin, each kind will create a pungent odor. Taking action at the first signs of the smell makes it easier to get rid of the problem.

Three Tips for Preventing Water Damage to Your Business

2/1/2022 (Permalink)

Make sure your gutters are clean and free of debris.

How To Keep Water and Moisture Out Of Your Building During a Storm

When you are preparing for a storm in Cameron Park, NC, it is important to keep your building envelope in mind. This is the area of the building that is responsible for keeping everything inside protected from the outside. This includes the sub floor, exterior walls, doors and windows as well as the roof. All of these should be considered when you are expecting bad weather. Here are some tips for how to best keep water and moisture out of your building during a storm.

1. Make Sure All Doors and Windows Are Properly Sealed

Because doors and windows might have gaps that allow moisture into the building, it is important to pay careful attention to these areas to prevent rain damage. Look to make sure that all of the insulation and weather strips are in good condition and add additional sealing if necessary.

2. Inspect the Exterior to Check For Problems

During a storm, it is possible for water to enter the walls even through small cracks. If this happens, it could damage your walls and they might end up needing to be replaced. Water inside of the walls can also lead to black mold growth that will require mold remediation to remove the damage.

3. Keep Drains Clean

In order to prevent rain damage on your roofs, you should make sure that all of the drains are clean and free of debris. If they are not, it could cause them to clog, creating a pool of water on the roof. This water could cause damage not only to the roof, but the areas underneath it as well if the roof were to leak.
A storm can cause quite a bit of damage to your building if you are not properly prepared. Rain damage can be costly and it can affect your ability to operate your business if you have to spend time rebuilding, so keep these tips in mind when you are expecting bad weather.

Smoke and Odor Cleaning After a Commercial Fire

1/12/2022 (Permalink)

Ozone treatment uses oxidation to capture smoke from the air.

Cleaning Smoke and Odors After a Commercial Fire

If your Garner, NC, business has sustained a fire, there's likely a lot of work needed to get your building back to its former condition. If you're lucky, there's a minimum of structural damage, but you may still have a significant amount of smoke damage and smoke odor. So what's the best way to deal with it?

If you try to take care of the problem on your own using off-the-shelf products, it could take several weeks, and you may still not get the desired result. Your best bet is to contact a fire remediation company. The professionals can perform a thorough smoke cleaning using tools designed specifically for the task and get the job done within a few days. The restoration company typically uses the following equipment:

• Air scrubbers
  
• Ozone machines
  
• Thermal foggers
  
  

Air Scrubbers

Air scrubbers use filtration to pull smoke out of the building. The air is forced through a series of filters, then returned after all particulates have been completely removed. The most common types of filters used are activated carbon, HEPA (high efficiency particulate air), and specialized odor-eliminating varieties.

Ozone Machines

Ozone treatment uses oxidation to capture smoke from the air. Ozone contains three oxygen molecules. When released into the air, it oxidizes the smoke and neutralizes the odor. Besides its superior smoke cleaning properties, ozone treatment has the added advantage of working as a disinfectant.

Thermal Foggers

Some lingering smoke odor may be hard to reach with other methods, in which case thermal foggers are employed. Using heat and pressure, tiny droplets are diffused into porous surfaces. This method can be used to get into any area where smoke has penetrated, making it much easier to clean and deodorize.

Getting rid of smoke damage after a commercial fire is a big job. While it's possible to perform odor and smoke cleaning on your own, hiring a professional fire restoration company to do the work can ensure that the job is done quickly, safely and completely.

3 Reasons To Have a SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile

12/27/2021 (Permalink)

To protect your business an emergency profile is an indispensable service.

Emergency Ready Profile

When disaster strikes, the devastation can be tremendous. Extensive damage or loss of property can lead to uncertainty about the future of your business. To lessen the confusion that comes with a disaster, you need a plan of action in place before the devastation occurs. To protect your business in Boylan Heights, NC, an emergency profile is an indispensable service. This service can give you peace of mind in many ways:

1. Protect your assets. One of the most important uses of this type of profile is to protect your business’s physical location. An accurate assessment of your facility before a disaster is imperative. This assessment should include details of your business that would prove useful in the event of an emergency, such as contact information and safety details of the location. Your local emergency restoration service may provide a facility evaluation for no charge to your business.

2. Protect your clients. As a business owner, your clients are the priority. In an emergency, each client needs to be assured that your business will resume the operations and service of which he or she is a patron. An emergency profile lets your clients know that you are prepared for any emergency, and it can show that you value the loyalty shown to your business.

3. Protect your future. Only half of businesses that suffer an unexpected accident remain operational. Researchers have found that many of those businesses that do remain open have some type of disaster plan protocol. Within minutes, SERVPRO’s easy-to-use Emergency Ready Profile application provides you with the necessary tools to begin safeguarding your business with your own emergency plan protocol. With the ERP app and the experts from SERVPRO on your side, you will be able to better ensure the future operation of your business entity in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

Creating an emergency profile is an excellent way to protect your business and its future operation, as well as the clients that allow your business to thrive. You can operate your business with the assurance that you are prepared for any disaster that could arise.

Mold Mitigation: Protecting Your Income Property From Water Damage

12/27/2021 (Permalink)

Water can lead to mold damage in your Middle Creek, NC home.

Mold Prevention

One of the scariest things for any property owner is water showing up where it doesn’t belong because it typically signifies greater issues or concerns. For income property owners that concern is twofold because they are worried about the health of the property and the welfare of their tenants, especially as water damage can lead to mold growth. Mold prevention, however, is a simple process that can be implemented in any property.

1. Air Flow and Ventilation

Mold growth requires moisture, and moisture thrives in closed off humid locations. Therefore, to mitigate the potential threat of mold, you should ensure that there is sufficient airflow and ventilation throughout your property by installing vented appliances, air conditioning and dehumidifiers.

2. Waterproofing and Roof Repair

Two of the main culprits for water damage are roof damage and poor seals around plumbing, windows and foundations. Performing annual roof inspections can pinpoint many problems, like missing shingles, damaged flashing and gutter issues, before they lead to leaks in the home. Additionally, checking the interior of basements and windows after storms for water can help you pinpoint any sealant issues.

3. Landscape Grading

Improper grading of landscaping can lead to water buildup in your property’s basement, which can lead to the development of mold, especially if the basement isn’t sealed correctly. Try to ensure that all landscaping is graded away from the house and toward external sewers.

4. Mold Resistant Products

Beyond preventing moisture damage, you can install mold resistant products, like mold-resistant Sheetrock and drywall or paint with mold inhibitors. These products offer hard exterior coatings or chemical composition that make water absorption impossible and therefore mold growth impossible as well. For more information on mold-resistant products and possible installation, you can contact a local mold remediation specialist in the Middle Creek, NC, area.

Water damage can lead to the development of mold, but for vigilant property managers and owners, who take mold prevention seriously, it doesn’t have to be too concerning. By ensuring proper ventilation, structural integrity and adequate landscape grading of your property, you can alleviate both your tenants and your own concerns.

How Much Revenue Can a Fire Cost a Business?

10/28/2021 (Permalink)

Ask a business insurance provider about the best interruption insurance coverage for a commercial property in Wilbon, NC.

How Much Money Can a Fire Cost a Company?

According to the National Fire Protection Association, the total cost of fires in the United States in 2014 was $328.5 billion, with expenditures totaling $273.1 billion and losses adding up to $55.4 billion. One of the best ways to limit the amount of revenue a fire can cost your business is to obtain interruption insurance as an endorsement on a commercial property insurance policy. Property insurance policies cover losses caused by covered perils such as a fire, while business interruption coverage offsets lost income during the restoration period.

Here are several ways a fire can cost any business a substantial amount of revenue.

• Property and equipment losses: A fire can damage or destroy the structure of your commercial property as well as any or all of its contents. Standard business insurance policies cover these types of losses.

• Lost business during restoration: Interruption insurance can help to offset the loss of net income, meaning net profit and loss before taxes. These calculations also include payroll.

• Expenses during restoration: Fire restoration specialists may identify additional losses during the restoration process. It may not possible to continue to do business during the restoration period.

Keep in mind that you will probably need to add endorsements or additional coverage to your business insurance policy to be able to rely on coverage for business interruption. Extensions for prolonged restoration are often available in increments of 30 days up to a total of 720 days with the purchase of optional endorsements.

Ask a business insurance provider about the best interruption insurance coverage for a commercial property in Wilbon, NC. You may also be able to obtain additional coverage that could lower your expenses in the event of a fire. Work with your commercial insurance provider to find a fire restoration service that can complete the work during the period of time covered by an interruption endorsement.

3 Reasons To Use a Security Fence During Mitigation

4/30/2021 (Permalink)

A security fence is an essential part of your overall protection while repairs are in progress.

3 Reasons To Use a Security Fence During Mitigation

A fire can leave your commercial building in Cameron Village, NC, quite vulnerable. Structural damage, broken windows, holes in the roof and busted doors can all make your building seem more inviting to all types of would-be intruders. Having a security fence, at least until the fire restoration experts have finished the job, is a smart choice.

Protects Barrier
When your building is compromised, it needs extra protection. There are three main functions that having a barrier around your damaged property accomplishes:

• Demarcate the perimeter
  
• Deter casual intruders
  
• Delay committed vandals
  
  

A fence is a clear indication of where your property begins, and most people will not even think to enter without permission. Those who are curious may be deterred if the barrier seems like it would be too much trouble to traverse, and even if they are persistent, the security fence will at least slow them down.

Block Animals
While animals may not have the nefarious intent of human trespassers, they can still cause just as much damage if they get inside your building. They build nests, chew wires and tear up material. A fence keeps most of them out so that you don't have to add extra tasks to your mitigation checklist.

Limits Entry Points
A fence is probably not the only defense you are considering, but it can be helpful to other elements of your overall security measures. Rather than leaving the building available from all angles, it narrows the number of entry points to the number of gates included. If you have security cameras, this makes it easy to choose the direction they should be pointed so that you have a record of everyone who enters the property.
If a fire breaks out in your building, it's important to keep the part of the structure that remains as secure as possible. A security fence is an essential part of your overall protection while repairs are in progress.

How To Contain Mold Damage on Your Commercial Property

2/2/2021 (Permalink)

The best way to avoid damage from black mold is quick action.

When you first notice evidence of black mold on your property, your gut response may be one of panic. After all, mold cleanup is a pretty big task to handle, and your concerns about damage to your property are valid. However, Boylan Heights, NC, mold remediation and restoration professionals can effectively and thoroughly address the issue.

Prevent the Spread of Spores

While you wait for professionals to arrive, there are several things you can do to prevent black mold spores from spreading to other rooms and spaces:

• Understand that spores only require a little bit of airflow to float from one place to another. Additionally, anyone walking through affected areas could carry spores on their clothes or shoes into unaffected areas.
• Turn off the heating and cooling systems.
• Although these systems provide ventilation, which is important when preventing mold growth, once mold has made an appearance, the fans could help spread the mold. Additionally, the HVAC system is often an area of contamination itself.
• Look for sources of water. If you've found mold, it's probably because there's a leak or other source of humidity somewhere.
• Cut off any supply of water and dry up any obvious pools of water.

The appearance of mold could negatively impact business in your commercial property, so act quickly to get professionals on-site and prevent any spread of spores.

Prevent Mold Growth
If you haven't found mold yet, make sure you understand how to avoid it. Address any moisture problem immediately. If you spot condensation around the edges of windows, notice a dripping faucet or slow leak around toilets, or find that a stain is developing on the ceiling, contact mold cleanup and remediation professionals right away. That unwanted moisture is a common cause of mold, so tackle it aggressively.

Prevent Damage to Your Property
The best way to avoid damage from black mold is quick action. Contact professionals right away and then cut off access to the affected area, turn off the HVAC system and shut off the water. Plan ahead to avoid mold growth and related damage.

3 Steps To Take After Puffback Damage

1/15/2021 (Permalink)

Puffback damage is caused by soot and smoke

Three Steps To Take If You Have Had Furnace Puffback

When an accumulation of unburned fuel in a malfunctioning furnace ignites, causing an explosion or misfire inside the furnace, it is called a puffback. Puffback damage is caused by soot and smoke being forced through the heating exhaust system and into the furnace owner's property. These are three of the steps you should take if you have had a furnace puffback.

1. Call a Professional Restoration Company
Soot from an oil furnace is black, sticky and difficult to remove from surfaces. Additionally, it tends to spread everywhere, including hidden or difficult to reach areas, such as ductwork, behind closed doors and inside storage areas. This makes cleaning up after a puffback a difficult task that is best left to a professional restoration company in Boylan Heights, NC. Attempting to clean the soot and oil yourself may only spread it around, causing additional damage.

2. Assess the Damage and File an Insurance Claim
Most insurance policies cover puffback damage. Because the damage can be so widespread, before you report your claim it is a good idea to inspect your entire property, including inventory and other contents for damage. Take some photos of the damaged areas to assist your claims adjuster. Make note of any spoiled inventory or business interruptions that result from the puffback.

3. Get Your Furnace Repaired
A puffback is an indication that your heating system is not working correctly. Additionally, puffbacks often cause damage to the heating system itself. To avoid future problems, shut down the system and schedule an appointment with an HVAC technician to repair the furnace. The technician will inspect your system to assess whether it is safe to use and determine and make needed repairs to prevent future puffback issues.
Puffback damage can leave you without the use of our furnace and with a sticky mess to clean up. Following these steps can help you get the process of restoring your business to preloss condition started.

3 Tips for Handling Cleaning of Textiles in the Aftermath of a Fire

12/30/2020 (Permalink)

Remove soot from any textiles like clothing

3 Tips for Handling Cleaning of Textiles in the Aftermath of a Fire

Fire is capable of destroying or severely damaging buildings and their contents. Besides the burning of the flames themselves, soot and smoke also contribute to content damage. The aftermath of a fire often leads to a need for dry-cleaning, content cleaning, and/or content storage of any surviving items. Fabrics are one type of item that may survive a fire, but they require care to save. Here are three tips for clean-up of surviving textiles post-fire in N.C. State University, NC.

1. Remove Salvageable Items
One of the first actions you should take after a fire is removing non-burnt or minimally scorched items from the building. They should be stored in a location free of soot until you have time to clean them or have them cleaned. Soot and smoke damage does not render items irreparable, but the contents of a burnt, soot and smoke-filled building with a possibly unstable infrastructure should not be left there to accrue further damage.

2. Clean Items
As soon as is feasibly possible, you should remove soot from any textiles like clothing. Soot and smoke damaged fabrics cannot be handled simply by sending them off for dry-cleaning or throwing them in a washer. Soot can permanently stain clothes if not removed quickly enough. Here is what you should do:

• Air-dry the textiles
  
• Use fans and dehumidifiers around the textiles
  
• Gently shake out the textiles to remove surface soot
  
  

These are preliminary steps for minimizing damage, but further steps may require professional assistance to avoid permanently marring the textiles.

3. Hire a Professional
It is recommended that you hire a professional restoration company for deep soot removal after initially removing surface soot, as a wrong step can render the textiles no longer usable. They can also perform deodorizing using ozone treatment, a necessary process. After these steps, dry-cleaning or washing can be done on the saved textiles. Professional restoration companies can also take care of cleaning non-porous items using ultrasonic cleaning, something not easy for the average person to do.
After a fire, you will probably need content cleaning. It is best to allow professionals to handle tasks like deep soot removal or non-porous cleaning.

3 Steps To Lower Your Business Interruption Claim

12/30/2020 (Permalink)

Business Interruption Insurance

There Are Steps You Can Take To Prevent This From Happening

Flooding at your business property means that your business will likely need to remain closed until all repairs and restoration are complete. For large water damage, this could be weeks or even months. Business interruption insurance can help by replacing the income your business would otherwise be producing and by covering some of your operating expenses, like taxes and payroll.
Water damage can be unpredictable, and sometimes repairs take longer than expected. Lost income and expenses add up quickly, and you can end up reaching your business interruption policy’s limits before you’re ready to reopen. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent this from happening.

1. Don’t Delay
Time is the primary factor that determines the size of your business interruption claim, so it’s critical that your property be restored as quickly as possible. When a broken pipe or overflowing toilet causes flooding at your business, don’t waste valuable time on DIY cleanup attempts. Call your insurance company and a professional water remediation company as soon as possible, so work can begin right away.

2. Use a Full-Service Company
Contacting and coordinating schedules with a dozen independent contractors takes time and can lead to delays. For the fastest restoration, find a remediation company in Raleigh, NC, that can handle water removal, textile restoration, content cleaning, and mold prevention in-house. For even faster service, choose repair contractors in advance, so you don’t waste time shopping around after damage occurs.

3. Consider a Pack-Out
A “pack-out” or “move-out” is when all the contents of your business are packed up and moved off-site, where they can be cleaned and/or stored until repairs are complete. Repair work typically goes faster when workers don’t need to spend time protecting or working around business contents. Some restoration companies offer pack-out services as part of their cleanup package.
These steps can help get your business open again as soon as possible after flooding and help you keep your business interruption insurance premiums lower in the future.

Tips for Preventing Black Mold After a Burst Pipe

12/29/2020 (Permalink)

Understanding and managing airflow is also critical to the success of a mold remediation project

Prevent Secondary Damage After A Flood

If a burst pipe causes a flood at your business in Lake Wheeler, NC, your insurance policy may cover the clean-up process, but it may not help with complications from black mold. It is crucial to take the following steps to prevent this secondary damage after a flood.

Create Air Flow
After excessive amounts of water flow into your business, you may be most concerned about protecting your physical property, including:

• Office furniture and carpets
  
• Electronics and equipment
  
• Files and records
  
  

Unfortunately, high humidity can lead to mold growth that can quickly spread spores through the air and over your items, putting them at risk for permanent damage. Ventilating the space by opening windows and doors or running fans can discourage mold formation by preventing moisture from lingering in the environment.

Speed Up the Drying Process
Standing water can lead to high humidity as it begins to evaporate. After turning off your building's main water supply, it is critical to start the drying process as soon as possible to prevent black mold formation. A flood restoration company can use submersion pumps and powerful water vacuums to quickly extract large amounts of water to reduce the environment's humidity.

Remove Water-Soaked Property
Carpets, upholstery, boxes, and paper are porous and absorb moisture. They won't dry out after a flood unless you remove them from the humid environment. Mold spores can start to grow on water-soaked objects as well as walls and ceilings.

Call a Professional
A musty odor and dark spots on walls and ceilings indicate that mold has migrated into your business's breathable air and interior structure. When this happens, it is necessary to remove and repair drywall, paint walls and ceilings and schedule professional air filtration and deodorization to restore sanitary conditions.
When a burst pipe causes your business to flood in Lake Wheeler, NC, you can avoid paying out-of-pocket for secondary damage like black mold by immediately contacting a flood restoration company.