Commercial Water Damage

10/29/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO on site at a commercial project

If you are a commercial business owner, you know that any type of water damage can be detrimental to your business. It is important when faced with a water damage, fire, mold or any other loss that you can resume normal operations as soon as possible to protect your business. If your business is forced to close until damage repairs are complete, your short-term losses will start to add up and your customers may find somewhere else to go which could hurt your business long-term.

SERVPRO® of Lincoln specializes in commercial damage mitigation and repair and can help ensure that damages are kept to a minimum, reducing your total losses. Commercial businesses have unique needs when it comes to damage repairs and the best way to protect your business is to leave damage repairs to the pros.

What to Do If Your Property Floods:

When your commercial property is affected by water or flooding, the source of water needs to be addressed before water damage repairs can begin. Water damage can affect expensive or specialized equipment and inventory, and it is imperative to act quickly! SERVPRO® of Lincoln is ready to respond!

In an event of a disaster call SERVPRO® of Lincoln at 402-466-4004. Our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year!

Commercial Water Damage

9/27/2023 (Permalink)

If you are a commercial business owner, you know that any type of water damage can be detrimental to your business. It is important when faced with a water damage, fire, mold or any other loss that you can resume normal operations as soon as possible to protect your business. If your business is forced to close until damage repairs are complete your short-term losses will start to add up and your customers may find somewhere else to go which could cause you to lose their business long-term.

SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in commercial damage mitigation and repair and can help ensure that damages are kept to a minimum, reducing your total losses. Commercial businesses have unique needs when it comes to damage repairs and the best way to protect your business is to leave damage repairs to the pros.

What to Do If Your Property Floods

When your commercial property is affected by water or flooding, the source of water needs to be addressed before water damage repairs can begin. Water damage can affect expensive or specialized equipment and inventory, and it is imperative to act quickly! SERVPRO of West Topeka is ready to respond!

In an event of a disaster call SERVPRO of Lincoln at 402-466-4004. Our SERVPRO® team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year!

Commercial Storm Damage

8/3/2022 (Permalink)

Storm Damage to Commercial Properties

Storms and dangerous weather can be devastating to any business. Wind damage, heavy rain, and flooding can occur suddenly and cause substantial damage in a matter of minutes. There’s never a convenient time for flooding or storm damage to strike your business. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour lost revenue and productivity. So, when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there as fast as we can with the help you need.

Commercial Restoration Presents Unique Challenges

SERVPRO has the training, experience, and equipment to handle large commercial storm or water damage emergencies. Regardless of your property type or size, we will respond quickly to clean the property and manage the restoration project through to its completion.

We're ready to take your call. The IICRC trained and certified staff at SERVPRO of Lincoln can handle cleanup and restoration of your commercial property and help you get back in business fast. Call us 24/7 at 402-466-4004

If Your Business Has Water Damage, Give Us A Call!

8/3/2022 (Permalink)

Flooding and water damage events at Lincoln-area commercial properties are often complex, with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, SERVPRO of Lincoln will work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area.

Business owners understand that the business downtime can be more devastating than the property damage -- we understand that too. Many times the most important thing to Lincoln-area businesses is to get back in business . . . fast. It is critical that business owners be put in a position where revenue-generating activities can begin again as quickly as possible.

The professional technicians at SERVPRO of Lincoln are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area quickly while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of South & West Spokane County

SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is IICRC Certified and highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. Call us 24/7 at 402-466-4004

SERVPRO's Emergency Ready Plan

8/3/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lincoln takes pride in building rapport, trust and strong relationships with property owners in their communities. This is why we are known for being, “faster to any disaster.” When disaster strikes, you better believe SERVPRO is there first to clean up the mess!

With SERVPRO’s Emergency Ready Plan, your business will be able to minimize interruption because you’ll know what to do and what to expect if any-sized disaster strikes. This program includes, a free assessment of your facility, customized property profile, guides on how-to return to the office after a disaster, easier insurance claims process, and more.

Our crew is available 24/7 to respond to any type of emergency, small or big and we take our work very seriously. Once our team gets the call, we make it a high priority to get to the site as soon as possible. Our crew works diligently to get your business back up and running with a quick turnaround time.

If you are looking to improve your company emergency response plan or procedures, SERVPRO’s Emergency Ready Plan is your answer!

Signs of Water Damage in Your Building

6/30/2022 (Permalink)

Sometimes it is essential to inspect our properties, homes, offices, apartments, etc. 

Here are signs you should check if there's some water damage early on:

1. Changes in floors, walls, and ceilings regarding paint, color, or texture

Many homeowners don't notice the changes to structural elements. They are hard to spot in familiar surroundings, even if you are good at cleaning up and upkeep; when water damage is on the cards, you can observe dry walls or ceilings being flaky. This condition, if left unchecked, can become bloated; also, tiles made of ceramic material often develop mold and cracks in the grout when damaged by water for being a porous material.

2. Running water sounds

Water damage isn't always visible but makes noticeable sounds. For example, drips creaks in the floorboards, and the sound of constantly running water may signify that you need repairs. In addition, tiny bubbles can result in holes in your concrete foundation, threatening the entire home's structure.

3. Increasing water bills

A sudden surge in utility bills is an excellent indicator of water damage. Ensure to check the visible pipelines and faucets in the house for any leaks. If you fail to find leaks in the visual areas, consider the possibility of water damage within the walls. If you spot any water damage, call a plumber as soon as possible.

Contact us if you see any signs that could show some mold in your residency or commercial business. 

WE ARE HERE TO HELP!

Cleaning vs Disinfecting at Home

10/4/2021 (Permalink)

Many think cleaning and disinfecting are synonymous but there is a crucial difference between the two. When you clean, you’re simply removing organic dirt, debris, and general soils. Disinfecting is using a higher level of disinfectant product to remove or control the spread of viruses and bacteria. Disinfection isn’t as effective, though, if you don’t clean first prior to applying the disinfectant product!

Follow these 5 tips from our SERVPRO experts to make sure you’re properly protecting yourself and your home.

1. USE EPA REGISTERED DISINFECTANTS

There are consumer products out there that are almost as effective as professional products in the fight against the spread of infectious diseases when used according to the label. All these products are going to be registered by the EPA and will have specific directions on how long the surface must remain wet, how the product should be applied, and what surfaces they can be used on.

2. FOLLOW THE MANUFACTURER’S INSTRUCTIONS

You can have the best cleaning product, but if you don’t know how to apply that product correctly, you’re going to be ineffective. Disinfection can be done effectively at home if you use the right products and follow the label and product instructions.

3. PROTECT YOUR HANDS WITH GLOVES

Basic hand protection when using disinfecting products is always wise. Try to use nitrile gloves or any other type of disposable gloves you can find.

4. USE A MICROFIBER CLOTH, NOT A SPONGE

Microfiber cloths are made up of fibers with multiple surfaces and allow you to have a better contact as you’re cleaning. Household sponges are not recommended, as they can often be breeding grounds for bacteria. If possible, you could even use something that you can dispose of, like disposable wipes or cloths. Otherwise a microfiber cloth is what you should use.

5. CLEAN HANDS AND SURFACES REGULARLY.

Keep your hands washed and regularly clean high touch areas in your home like door handles and light switches. Practicing basic hygiene is what’s going to continue to break the cycle of infection and reduce the virus spread.

Putting these tips into practice can help you reduce levels of contamination.

Flooding and your Business's Electronics

10/4/2021 (Permalink)

If you're like most business owners, your office electronics are the lifeblood of your company. In the event that a disaster strikes, all your records could be impaired and permanently lost, including invaluable company records, customer information, and even communication.

In the aftermath of a flood, it's important to know what to do to mitigate the effects of water damage on your computer systems and other electronics. If you act quickly enough, you may be able to save more information and get your business back on its feet faster. Find out what you should do after an emergency and when to call on the professionals after your equipment or technology has been damaged by high humidity, directly hit, or completely submerged in water with these helpful tips from SERVPRO.

DAMAGE TYPE: HIGH HUMIDITY

Humidity spikes can occur in a room with standing water or other significant water damage. Surprisingly, delicate electronics like computers, printers, work phones, fax machines and other devices can still be damaged even without direct contact to the water source. That's because in humid conditions, dust can turn into sludge and cling to wiring and circuit boards. This is even more likely if the flooding or high humidity was caused by an office fire that produced smoke damage to electronics.

What to do: In all instances of high humidity water damage, professional electronic restoration services are recommended to bring your equipment back to normal conditions. A professional cleaning provides a better chance that your costly electronics and devices can be fully restored to preloss condition.

DAMAGE TYPE: DIRECT HIT

Electronics can sustain a direct hit from running or splashing water without being completely submerged. This scenario can occur from accidental spills, water overflow, leaks, floods and virtually any other water-related incident. When direct hits to your electronics happen, try to remove them from the water source as soon as possible to prevent permanent damage.

What to do: Often, computer water damage from a direct hit looks worse from the outside than it actually is on the inside. Commercial restoration and cleaning, including an adequate drying period, can remove contaminants left by the water and restore the equipment to proper functioning, usually at least long enough to recover crucial data. However, there is always a risk of circuit board corrosion. Over time, you may need to replace either essential components, or the entire device.

DAMAGE TYPE: SUBMERSION

Submersion occurs when the electronic equipment has actually been completely covered in standing water – and possibly even muddy silt and sediment – for a period of hours or days. This type of damage can happen in serious disasters where people are unable to get to the office for long periods of time, or during weekends or holiday breaks when a pipe may burst and nobody is notified until the next business day.

What to do: Unfortunately, electronics that have been submerged are not usually good candidates for electronic restoration services. This is because most submersion incidents cause the computers to short out and damage the internal circuits beyond repair. While you could potentially replace damaged parts and have the equipment professionally cleaned, it may be prohibitively expensive unless your items were specially designed or extremely costly. In submersion cases, we recommend completely replacing your electronics and notifying your insurance about each damaged item.

Remember, if your business has sustained flood or water damage, it is never safe to just turn on your electronics afterward to test them. You run the risk of electrical shock, and even further damage to your equipment. That's why you should call on us. Our water damage restoration services work quickly with the innovative tools and expertise necessary to fix your equipment. Contact the professionals at SERVPRO to learn how we can get your business back up and running fast.

Getting Your Business Up and Running After a Hurricane

10/4/2021 (Permalink)

After any severe natural disaster, many people are left wondering how to even start picking up the pieces, both literally and figuratively. If you’re a business owner, you not only have to worry about repairing your home, but also your commercial property – your livelihood. If your building experienced severe water damage, use these hurricane damage recovery tips from the experts at SERVPRO to get your business up and running as soon as possible.

FIRST THING'S FIRST: STAY SAFE

Safety should always be your number one priority – business owner or not. Even after the rain stops and the flood water begins to recede, the dangers of flooding still loom. You may not be able to see potential electrical hazards, gas leaks and water contaminants with an untrained eye, which is why you should avoid entering your property until an inspector determines the structure is safe.

STEPS TO RESTORE YOUR BUSINESS AFTER A FLOOD

After you're given the OK to reenter your place of business, follow these five steps to safely examine the damages and start your commercial property's recovery and restoration.

1. Contact Your Insurance Provider

Begin the claim filing process for any major damages as soon as possible. We know that dealing with insurance can be a long, frustrating and daunting process. That's why it's best to place a call to your insurance agent right away. You can always call back with more details on the damages later, but the sooner you start, the better.

2. Wear Safety Gear

If your property survived the storm, it may have some battle scars. Since there will likely be debris, broken glass and flood water inside, you'll need to wear the proper protective gear during cleanup, including gloves, closed toe shoes and possibly waders. Try to cover any exposed skin to reduce the risk of scratches, cuts and infection.

3. Survey the Damage

Seeing your business damaged by a flood can be devastating. It's OK to feel sad or overwhelmed – in fact, it's completely normal. Take you time to process the extent of the storm's impact. As you assess the scope of the damage, remember to take pictures of any damage you see and to make detailed notes for your insurance claim and company records.

4. Clear Rubble and Salvage What You Can

Remove unharmed or repairable items and store them in a safe, dry place until the restoration of your building is complete. If the rest of the debris is safe to handle, clear away rubble so you can begin repairs. Make any minor fixes if you can, but don't be afraid to ask for help.

5. Find the Right Professional Help

Flood damage restoration experts know how to tackle jobs of all sizes and get your business back in shape quickly. Find a company like SERVPRO, who can guide you through the entire restoration process and have proven experience helping businesses recover after hurricane flood damage.

Tips on Reopening Your Business After a Natural Disaster

10/4/2021 (Permalink)

A natural disaster can occur at a moment's notice. Within seconds, your business can be damaged or destroyed, forcing you to close your doors until you can get back up and running. Unfortunately, businesses that haven’t implemented a disaster recovery plan before the unthinkable happens may likely be unable to reopen their doors after a loss. In fact, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), up to 40 percent of small businesses never reopen their doors after a natural disaster strikes. With lack of planning for financial damages, property destruction, loss of essential business documents and equipment, and taking care of staff needs, it can be difficult for business owners to rebuild when disaster strikes.

Luckily, the experts at SERVPRO are here to help. Use these tips to get your business back on its feet as soon as you can after disaster strikes.

CREATE A DETAILED NATURAL DISASTER PLAN

If your business is going to survive a natural disaster, you’ll need a detailed preparedness plan in place. Write down a list of immediate solutions you'll implement in the aftermath of a natural disaster. Include items such as:

• Which disasters are likely to impact your business, depending on where it is located
• Locations suitable for employee evacuation
• How to stay in contact with all staff members
• Emergency contact information for each employee
• Plans to protect and/or access vital business records and information
• If there will be an off-site location from which employees need to work until doors reopen
• Contact information for the business’s insurance company, financial institutions, and a reputable disaster restoration company

KEEP LINES OF COMMUNICATION OPEN

As soon as you can, keep your customers and staff informed about what's happening with your business. Provide an estimate of when you'll be able to reopen for business. If excessive damage forces you to temporarily relocate, let others know how to find you. Keep in mind that your ability to recover from a natural disaster might largely depend on how quickly your employees are able to return to work. Reach out to your team, and work with them to make scheduling changes if necessary so everyone can get back to normal as soon as possible.

SEEK OUTSIDE HELP

While FEMA provides financial assistance to businesses that are located in a federally declared disaster area, the process of receiving aid can take some time, especially when an astronomical number of claims are being filed. Have a backup plan in place to ensure you're able to cover the costs of repairs in a punctual manner.

Consider purchasing a flood insurance plan that specifically covers natural disasters. The Small Business Administration (SBA) may also be a good place to turn for help. Through the organization's Office of Disaster Assistance, businesses that are located in declared disaster areas can apply for low-interest, long-term loans to make repairs and replacements.

SET YOUR BUSINESS UP FOR A QUICK RECOVERY

Even just one act of nature can cause a major interruption. Businesses that recognize the importance of having a detailed plan in place to recover after a natural disaster may have a greater chance of survival. Start listing out your steps to rebuilding before disaster strikes to increase your chances of recovering.

If the unexpected does happen, remember that you’re not alone. Count on the experts at SERVPRO to guide and support you throughout the recovery process and help get your business back up and running again as quickly as possible.

Tips for Preparing Your Business for an Emergency Situation

8/2/2021 (Permalink)

How to Prepare Your Business for an Emergency. If you own your own business, you understand the importance of planning ahead to set yourself up for success—but have you considered the need to plan ahead for an emergency scenario? The frequency with which disasters occur continue to rise, and being prepared for any scenario is the best defense business owners have against them.

Understanding how to prepare your business can help you recover far more quickly after an emergency and get your doors reopened faster after a disaster.

Review the details of your insurance policy. The average commercial insurance policy provides many standard coverages, but it also leaves quite a bit of scenarios out requiring business owners to purchase additional coverage for situations such as floods, income interruption and gaps in your policy. It is smart to review your insurance policy through the lens of disaster preparedness planning to learn about any gaps in coverage you may have.

Make sure your documents are backed up and stored well. Having the right documentation on hand after a disaster will make the recovery process much easier, but have you considered the correct way to store them? Many files are digital now, so you should make sure you have a cloud backup or hard copy in case your computer gets damaged in a disaster. If you have physical documents you may need, make copies of those and store them securely in a secondary location.

Be sure you have an evacuation plan. If a flood or other natural disaster is incoming, officials will normally recommend a rapid evacuation so that everyone can get to safety. Be sure you have an evacuation plan that includes well-marked evacuation routes and a headcount system to make sure everyone is accounted for, and make certain that you have rehearsed often with staff. This serves to reduce panic in the moment as well as your overall liability, and equips everyone to move to safety calmly and quickly in an emergency.

If your business is damaged due to a disaster or an emergency, we are here for you. You can contact us at any time to learn more about commercial restoration and how we can help.

Why We Approach All Damages With a Restoration-First Mindset

8/2/2021 (Permalink)

If you sustain damage to your home, whether it be due to a fire, a flood or some other type of scenario, it can be difficult to know what comes next. Many people who have never had serious damages before might assume that a damaged area must be completely rebuilt and that all items must be liquidated and replaced—but when you work with us, that is not necessarily the case.

When we approach household damages, we do so with a restoration-first mindset. After helping countless families in the area recover from various damages, we understand how helpful it is to have your items restored instead of replaced.

Not only are many things irreplaceable due to sentimental value, but being able to keep your belongings also saves you time and money as your family works on recovering emotionally from the event.

The Benefits of Our Restoration-Focused Approach

We can salvage many irreplaceable items. While an insurance adjuster can easily come in and provide you with a dollar value for everything in your home, we understand that it is not always that simple. Objects such as family heirlooms and photographs could never be replaced for any amount of money, which is why we will do everything we are able to restore them instead.

We are able to work with your insurance. If you are able to claim damages on your insurance, such as in the event of water damage, you certainly should—however, this can lead to a higher premium as a result. We will work directly with your insurance to lower the costs with restoration instead of liquidation to save you money.

We can make your items safe for use again. There are many things to consider when an object is damaged by fire and water, such as lingering smoke and soot odors or the possibility of mold beginning to grow. However, we have the technology to make sure your items are totally safe to use once more. We can clean, deodorize and sanitize your items so you can be certain they are safe for your family to use.

If you have sustained damage and are not sure what comes next, you can depend on us. Contact us at any hour to see how we can help you with every aspect of the restoration process.

Commercial Cleaners Create a Safer and Healtheir Workspace

8/2/2021 (Permalink)

Safety is a priority for a business owner for their employees and customers. The right janitorial company can play a crucial role in preventing workplace injuries and illnesses. It can also help keep your business in compliant with health and safety regulations. When a customer or employee walk into a facility a key factor to prevent an injury or an illness is to make sure the following items have been done:

Help prevent slips, trips and falls inside and outside your building:

• Parking Lots and Sidewalks – Check for potholes, uneven walkways, broken parking blocks. Properly mark any changes in elevation of walkways. Correctly mark all parking spaces.
• Inside Building: Install non- slip mats in front of doors to wipe wet feet. Place same mats in front of ice machines, sinks and drinking fountains. If there are wet floors, place caution signs.

Proper Lighting and Electrical Components:

• Make sure all emergency lighting is installed and checked regularly to make sure they are working. All exit signs are always visible and illuminated.
• In bathrooms and kitchens should have ground fault breakers. Make sure workstation outlets are not overloaded which could cause a fire.

Cleanliness of Workspace:

• Daily disinfecting of bathrooms and cafeterias to stop cross-contamination of the spreading of germs from colds and flu.

Emergency Fire Equipment:

• Make sure all fire alarms, smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are hardwired with a battery backup and are checked on a regular basis.
• Check fire escapes to make sure they are functioning and clear of any objects or debris.
• Sprinkler System is up to code and has been inspected and records kept on file.
• Portable Fire Extinguishers should be kept on each floor of the building and easily accessible. Teach each employee how to properly use an extinguisher. The National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) suggests remembering the word PASS: Pull the pin. Hold the nozzle pointing away from you and release the locking mechanism. Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire. Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly. Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side.

A safe workspace keeps employees productive, attract customers, and protects your business from potential lawsuits. Keeping employees and customers safe isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s also important for your business.

Looking for a commercial janitorial company, please call SERVPRO of Lincoln at 402-466-4004 

Commercial Remediation

7/6/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial Fire Remediation

Fire damage is especially devastating for a business or commercial property. In addition to the fire damage and smoke damage, significant water damage from firefighting efforts and fire suppression systems may occur. Every hour spent restoring your business to pre-fire condition is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. If your business experiences a fire loss, call the fire and water damage restoration experts and we’ll respond immediately to get you back to business.

Every fire damage situation is a little different and requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. When various materials burn, the soot they create differs greatly and requires a specific cleaning procedures. Learn more about our fire damage restoration process.

Commercial Fire Damage? Call Us Today -(402-466-4004)

Commercial Mold Remediation 

Besides causing a major business interruption, mold damage can present a serious health risk for people exposed to your commercial property. Mold infestations can be caused by minor water damage intrusions, like a slow roof leak or loose plumbing fitting. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. If you suspect your property has a mold damage problem, call SERVPRO of Lincoln, who will respond quickly and work fast to manage the situation.

Have a Mold Problem? Call Us Today –(402-466-4004)

Commercial Water Remediation Commercial Mold Remediation 

There’s never a convenient time for flooding or water damage to strike your business. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So, when an emergency arises in your business, SERVPRO of San Mateo we’ll be there fast with the help you need. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial to prevent further damages to your business. Even a delay of a few hours can greatly increase the result of water damage. 

Water Damage or Flooding? Call Us Today (402-466-4004)

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – (402-466-4004

Commercial Water Loss

7/6/2021 (Permalink)

When disaster strikes, delay in response time can cost thousands of dollars in loss of inventory, property and additional living expenses. Without quick and skilled restoration services, water damaged items become non-salvageable, costing you thousands of dollars in replacement costs. SERVPRO of Lincoln will accomplish your cost savings by using proper drying techniques that restore soaked structural materials to their original condition. We have years of experience dealing with water damage restoration and related repairs. SERVPRO of Lincoln also works to prevent future moisture problems and protect the unaffected areas from humidity damage. These techniques will save inventories such as: wall coverings, carpeting, furniture, documents, electronics, mold damage remediation, mildew, bacteria and other harmful pathogens.

Water Damage Clean Up Process:

• Emergency Response – 24/7/365
• Thorough inspection using state of the art moisture detection equipment
• Contents protection and moving
• Extraction/removal of water
• Assess the flooring materials and determine best restoration method
• Ventilate wall cavities to expedite the drying process
• Removal of drywall (only when necessary)
• Clean and sanitize affected area (depending on source of water)
• Determine the most effective drying equipment to use
• Set up drying equipment
• Monitor drying equipment daily to quickly dry the space
• Remove drying equipment after verifying that the affected areas have reached a normal moisture content

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

SERVPRO of Lincoln can respond immediately to your commercial water damage emergency regardless of the size or scope of the damage. We are part of a national network of over 1,600 Franchises with special Disaster Recovery Teams placed strategically throughout the country to respond to large scale events and disasters.

SERVPRO of Lincoln proudly serves Lincoln and surrounding areas.

How To Protect Your Building Envelope

2/8/2021 (Permalink)

Protect your building envelope

3 Steps To Repair The Envelope Of Your Building

Find Moisture Leaks

Wear and tear, damage from pests, missing roof shingles, and sagging doors and windows could all provide a way for moisture to get into your building. A visual inspection may be enough to find out how water is getting into the building. Inspect flashings, edges of doors and walls, expansion joints, and everywhere that one material meets up with another material. Remember that some water damage, such as black mold growth, can't always be found with a visual inspection. Once or twice a year, you should schedule professional inspections.

Contact Repair Professionals

Sometimes property owners are tempted to ignore leaks until substantial problems arise. This can become a very expensive mistake. Instead, it's best to contact professionals with the training and supplies necessary to repair existing rain damage and prevent more water from getting past the building envelope.

Improve Preventative Measures

One area of damage is usually a sign that there's widespread damage. It's rare that one spot of damage is an isolated occurrence. A single gap between the window corner and the exterior wall should prompt you to update the sealing around all of the windows. Make sure that routine maintenance and professional inspections are scheduled consistently throughout the year.

The best way to protect the protective envelope of your building from rain damage is regular inspections and repairs completed by water damage repair and reconstruction professionals. Be proactive when it comes to protecting your building from expensive damage.

Why the IICRC is Important

8/17/2020 (Permalink)

What is the IICRC? The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification is a nonprofit organization for the cleaning and restoration industry. Our SERVPRO team members study IICRC best practices guidelines for fire damage, water damage restoration, and mold remediation. It is a certification and standard-setting organization. IICRC standards are developed to provide the highest quality concepts, terminology, and procedures recognized in the cleaning and restoration industry. There are many certifications that our team members earn and our SERVPRO team of franchise professionals make sure to keep up with the certifications as technology and material changes. Our team members take the certifications to be prepared for any situation and to properly address the problem and apply efficient and thorough mitigation for your business or property.

SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!

Call us at (402) 466-4004

When you need a board-up call SERVPRO.

8/17/2020 (Permalink)

Situations such as vandalism and graffiti can be very upsetting and overwhelming for homeowners and businesses. Vandalism and graffiti can range from relatively minor pranks to malicious destruction of property. Often simple acts of vandalism, like breaking a window, can cause significant water and mold damage if not addressed in a timely manner. Here at SERVPRO, we have the capability to help with this property damage. We can do a board-up which is done after a storm, fire, or vandalism incident where the building is exposed to the elements. It is meant to prevent further damage from happening to the facility. It minimizes property loss by securing the building and taking care if restorable/reusable elements. A natural disaster can leave your facility vulnerable to problems such as vandalism, theft, and unwanted entry.

SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!

Call us at (402) 466-4004

Where is your sprinkler shut off?

8/17/2020 (Permalink)

Sprinkler systems are commonly installed in commercial and industrial buildings. They save life and structure when a fire occurs. They do cause water damage though when putting out the fire or when the system malfunctions.  This is when SERVPRO is Here to Help. We come in and dry the structure when a system malfunctions. Fire sprinklers are activated when the mercury liquid-filled bulb bursts between 135 and 165 degrees. It is thought by many that they are triggered by smoke.  They are actually activated by heat. Failures occur with sprinkler heads commonly when the line freezes from cold weather or the head gets hit or pulled on by something.  We are here to help when you need it most and want to help prevent issues before they arise. It is always a good idea to know where your sprinkler line shut off valves are located in case you have a malfunctioning system and know who services these systems for your facility.

SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!

Call us at (402) 466-4004

How to safely enjoy Fireworks

7/3/2020 (Permalink)

With the Fourth of July right around the corner, many people are stocking up on fireworks. While this can be a fun activity to celebrate the holiday, it's important to take the necessary safety precautions when using fireworks. This is especially important for Central Oregonians as much of the vegetation that makes up our beautiful landscape is extremely flammable.

Did you know that fireworks are the cause of over 18,000 fires each year? These fires account for an average of 3 deaths and 40 injuries each year. Check out the tips below so that you can avoid becoming part of the statistic. 

1.) Don't let young children handle fireworks.

Young children should definitely not be handling fireworks. Additionally, any older children should be closely monitored by an adult to ensure that fireworks are being properly used. 

2.) Avoid using fireworks if you're impaired by drugs or alcohol.

It's no secret that drugs and alcohol can cause poor judgment. It is best not to take the risk of using fireworks when impaired for the safety of everyone around. 

3.) Don't hold any fireworks that have been lit in your hand.

This may seem obvious, but it's worth mentioning. Fireworks should never be held in peoples' hands once they are ignited. 

4.) Don't light fireworks indoors.

The last thing that you want is to cause a house fire from lighting a firework inside. Stick to the outdoors when using fireworks. 

5.) Don't light fireworks in a container.

Fireworks should never be lit in a container, including metal and glass containers. 

6.) Soak fireworks in water for a couple hours after use.

It is a good rule of thumb to soak fireworks in water for a couple hours after they have been used. This will prevent any accidental fires.

7.) Always have a bucket of water nearby.

Fire spreads at an extremely rapid pace. Having a bucket of water ready is important to stop a fire while it is still manageable. 

8.) Light fireworks in an area without fire hazards.

Find a clear area that isn't surrounded by vegetation when shooting off fireworks.

SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!

Call us at 402.466.4004

Tips for disinfecting your office.

7/3/2020 (Permalink)

Keeping a clean office environment should be a priority for your company. This will prevent the spread of germs and keep people healthier year-round.

Here are four tips for disinfecting your office:

1.) Wipe surfaces in one direction.

If you wipe a surface one direction and then go back the opposite direction, you are going to spread the germs right back on the surface. A swift wipe in one direction will be most effective in removing germs from a surface.

2.) Make sure you're using the right chemicals.

Make sure you are using the right chemicals for disinfecting. Each cleaning product should be labeled with its intended purpose. 

3.) Make sure you get to all of the high-tough areas.

High-touch areas should be at the top of your list for disinfecting. This includes things such as chairs, stair railings, telephones, restroom surfaces and coffee pot handles/dispensers.

4.) Make handwashing a priority in your business.

Stressing the importance of handwashing in your office will go a long ways in preventing the unnecessary spread of germs.

SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!

Call us at 402.466.4004

Removing Floodwater from your Warehouse

2/4/2020 (Permalink)

Even though concrete flooring and steel building materials have a very low porosity for standing water and saturation, flooding in your warehouse can be a costly disaster. Addressing the migrating flood water involves the use of both our premier extraction tools, as well as effective drying solutions and cleaning products. Protecting your facility hinges on the fast and confident response of professionals like our SERVPRO team.

Invading water can move quickly across the warehouse floor, which can lead to widespread flood damage in structures. Surface water does not easily penetrate solid materials like concrete or metal, allowing it to pool at the floor level and get absorbed into inventory, boxes, crates, and pallets throughout this main floor of the building instead. With how readily moisture can affect stocked items and packing materials throughout the warehouse, removing this standing water is vital to protecting your stored products.

Our SERVPRO team has a warehouse of our own, one which can store and protect removed belongings and contents from your building until restoration and drying are complete. Our content management team can determine what items are in the direct path for water exposure or even in position for damage from elevated humidity and moisture content in the area. We can pack and move these items to our facility for safekeeping and focused drying, cleaning, and deodorization efforts before that.

Clearing out surface water often falls to the use of our portable electric sump pumps. However, when debris and other particulates can exist within this standing water, self-priming trash pumps can do the job more effectively. Both of these units offer discharge into drains and the exterior of the building with hoses, allowing our SERVPRO team to gain control of widespread flooding scenarios quickly.

Cleaning and disinfection of the warehouse are often necessary after potential contamination following flooding, but little reconstruction or controlled demolition is necessary. Threats and contaminants can remain at the surface levels of concrete and steel structural materials, allowing our team to clean and disinfect these surfaces where they stay installed.

SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!

Call us at (402) 466-4004

Here to serve Lincoln and surrounding areas.

8/23/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is often recognized as a nation-wide leader in disaster restoration services but, it is important to note that SERVPRO of Lincoln and all SERVPRO locations are locally owned and operated. As a local business, we enjoy getting involved in our community; getting to know each other, engaging in community events, and of course, working with other business owners in our area when called upon. We know that working locally means our reputation is always on the line and for each and every job it is of the utmost importance for our team to maintain our great reputation, especially with our neighbors!

SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!

Call us at (402) 466-4004

Things to remember when using extension cords.

8/23/2019 (Permalink)

If extension cords are used at your workplace or job site, workers should be aware of a number of safety “do’s” and “don’ts” before plugging in a cord. 

• Use extension cords only when necessary and only on a temporary basis.
• Use extension cords that are the correct size or rating for the equipment in use. The diameter of the extension cord should be the same or greater than the cord of the equipment in use.
• Only use cords rated for outdoor use when using a cord outside.
• Keep electrical cords away from areas where they may be pinched and areas where they may pose a tripping or fire hazard (e.g., doorways, walkways, under carpet, etc.).

Always inspect the cord prior to use to ensure the insulation is not cut or damaged, exposed conducting wires can put you at risk for fire, burns and electrical shock.   Discard damaged cords, cords that become hot, or cords with exposed wiring. 

Don'ts

• Do not use extension cords in place of permanent wiring.
• Never unplug an extension cord by pulling on the cord; pull on the plug. 
• Do not remove the prongs of an electrical plug. If plug prongs are missing, loose, or bent, replace the entire plug.
• Do not use an adapter or extension cord to defeat a standard grounding device. (e.g., only place three-prong plugs in three-prong outlets; do not alter them to fit in a two-prong outlet.)         
• Do not run cords above ceiling tiles or through walls.

      The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates about 4,000 injuries associated with electric extension cords are treated in hospital emergency rooms each year. About half of the injuries involve fractures, lacerations, contusions or sprains from people tripping over extension cords. CPSC also estimates that about 3,300 residential fires originate from extension cords each year, killing 50 people and injuring about 270 others. The most frequent causes of such fires are short circuits, overloading, damage and/or misuse of extension cords. Regardless of whether or not it's being used, as long as a power extension cord is plugged into an outlet, it's conducting electricity. To avoid potential safety hazards, always remember to unplug extension cords when they're not in use!  

SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!

Call us at (402) 466-4004

Don't have to many things plugged into the same outlet.

8/23/2019 (Permalink)

Does the area under your desk or around your entertainment devices look like this picture?  You are not alone!  In 2014, electricity consumption in the United States totaled nearly 3,863 billion kilowatt-hours.  Unless you are living "off the grid", you are using electricity to charge cell phones and laptops, wash and dry clothes, cook meals, brew your morning cup of coffee and heat your business.     Electrical power keeps people connected and allows people to do what they need to do. Even though most Americans recognize the benefits that come with electrical power, they must also understand that there is a responsibility that needs to be taken seriously to avoid injury or possible disaster.       According to Electrical Safety Foundation International, more than 50,000 fires in the home are attributed to electrical fires. These have resulted in almost 500 deaths and more than 1,400 injuries. The damage that has been done has totaled to more than $1.3 billion. Obviously, being careless with electrical power has very serious consequences.     Below are safety measures that you can use in your business and home to reduce the risk of electrical fires:  • Inspect your home and business for loose wires, faulty wiring, and shorts. If there are any issues, contact a qualified electrician. Also, use safety covers on outlets to protect children. • Make sure there are smoke detectors on each level of your home or business. Test them each month to make sure they are working properly.• If electrical equipment is making strange sounds or has a weird odor, turn them off. If there is water damage on your property, make sure that an expert inspects all electrical appliances. Do not plug them in or turn them on until they are safe. When water has damaged electrical appliances, they can be very dangerous.• Use safe cord practices. When cords are loose, frayed or cracked, repair them or replace them. Never place cords in high traffic areas, under rugs, or stapled to surfaces. Additional outlets can be installed by an electrician if necessary. Extension cords should only be utilized temporarily.• Light bulb wattage should be correct for the appliance being used.• During spring cleaning and while working near service meters or electrical lines, use caution. Consider hiring a professional to do the work if it is dangerous.• Flammable items should be kept away from electrical appliances.• Consider installing an arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) to reduce the chances of electrical fire in your home.• Avoid using electrical power tools outside after it has rained, or the area is wet. Never operate electrical equipment while barefoot.• Do not allow children to climb trees near power lines. Reduce the risk of electrical-related injuries by keeping balloons, kites, and other items away from overhead lines.Prevention is the best method to keep your family and property safe.

SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!

Call us at (402) 466-4004

Document Restoration

7/27/2019 (Permalink)

We all have that spot where we store our important documents, maybe its a few different places in your home. But it’s that place where you keep passports, birth certificates, insurance policies, wills, social security cards and many more documents you don’t always need but can never lose.

If you have experienced damage to important or beloved documents, let us help. Our team of trained production techs will come into your home or office, inventory through extensive lists and photos to document what documents or boxes of documents you have, then we can dry and help to restore them.

Documents can become damaged from various disasters like water damage in your home or office or even a fire that necessitates the fire department to use water or triggers sprinklers to go off. Either way, you are often left with lots of soaking wet documents, but we can help restore them and restore the peace of mind for you around such important items.

SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!

Call us at (402) 466-4004

SERVPRO and the Hospitality Industry

7/27/2019 (Permalink)

AT SERVPRO of Lincoln we understand that keeping your guests satisfied is your top priority, and you can rest assured that you are ours.  When disaster strikes at a hospitality facility, the help of a specialized team is critical in assuring that normal operations resume as quickly and safely as possible.

Whether the cause is a coat hanger on a sprinkler head or a natural disaster, we work to efficiently isolate the damaged area so that basic functions can continue normally, and guests can enjoy your services with minimal impact.  Our professionals are trained to work with your management and maintenance teams to prioritize spaces and make sure that all areas are restored to your complete satisfaction. Our experience in the hospitality industry has given us the ability to provide a variety of detailed services for the following hospitality facilities:

• Hotels
• Convention Centers
• Casinos
• Resorts
• Entertainment Venues
• Banquet Halls

SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!

Call us at (402) 466-4004

Your Business is Important to Us

2/5/2019 (Permalink)

When it comes to your business you strive to keep it clean and make sure it is a safe environment for everyone. That is no different after a disaster strikes, you want to make sure that everything is clean and that what is used to make the space clean is safe. SERVPRO of Lincoln is committed to using safe cleaning solvents and having our entire crew trained in best practices for each one; so when we use a solvent in your place of work you know it is safe and has been used correctly. 

SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!

Call us at (402) 466-4004

Large Loss Electric Desiccant

10/15/2018 (Permalink)

The Large Loss Electric Desiccant is a new way of drying and reducing humidity for the perfect climate control in water disasters. It meets the demands of larger residential and commercial water restoration jobs with a large-capacity mobile dehumidifier. SERVPRO of Lincoln professionals can work more efficiently and with faster time-response. These skid- and trailer-mounted units are perfectly manufactured for the most proper and substantial vapor pressure reduction and active temperature control management. The desiccant has already made a large impact on our drying process in large loss situations.

SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We can handle any size disaster!

 Contact Us
If fire or water damage strikes your home or business, give us a call.  We are on call 24 hours a day, 356 days a year. SERVPRO Professionals have been helping home and business owners for more than 45 years.  Contact SERVPRO of Lincoln at (402)466-4004 or SERVPROlincoln.com/

Proudly Serving Lancaster and Surrounding Counties

8/23/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO^® is often recognized as a nation-wide leader in disaster restoration services but, it is important to note that SERVPRO^® of Lincoln and all SERVPRO^® locations are locally owned and operated. As a local business, we enjoy getting involved in our community; getting to know each other, engaging in community events, and of course, working with other business owners in our area when called upon. We know that working locally means our reputation is always on the line and for each and every job it is of the utmost importance for our team to maintain our great reputation, especially with our neighbors!

In addition to our restoration services, we also provide carpet and upholstery cleaning!

SERVPRO® of Lincoln is ready 24/7 365 to help, call us at 402-466-4004.

Have You Established An Emergency Ready Profile (ERP)?

8/23/2018 (Permalink)

National Preparedness Month, which is in September, is a perfect opportunity to share the benefits of having a readiness plan in place.  

The ERP is a comprehensive document containing critical information about your business, including: Emergency Contact Information, Shut-off Valve Locations and Priority Areas.  In the event of an emergency, the SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile can help minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action in place for your facility.  

Knowing what to do and who to call in advance is key to quick response and timely mitigation.  Having a plan in place may help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive and get you back in the building following a disaster. The ERP is also accessible online using your computer or tablet. Simply download SERVPRO's free Ready Plan app to access this information anytime. The SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile (ERP) will help ensure you and your business are "Ready for whatever happens."

The ERP is a no cost assessment, all it requires is a little time, making it a great value that could save your business in the future.  Call SERVPRO of Lincoln at (402) 466-4004 to start your Emergency Ready Profile.

Call SERVPRO Of Lincoln For Commercial Cleaning Services

7/26/2018 (Permalink)

Commercial Cleaning Services

You don’t have time to worry about the common wear and tear that gradually soils your office. When grime, odor, and moisture challenges go beyond the scope of your regular janitorial staff, call in SERVPRO of Lincoln. Whether it’s removing an odor problem or deep cleaning flooring or carpets, you can rely on SERVPRO Professionals to make your work space look its very best.

SERVPRO of Lincoln Cleaning Technicians will get the job done right and get it done quickly, because the SERVPRO Advantage includes these benefits:

• Award-winning training
• Over 40 years’ experience in the industry
• More than 100 exclusive cleaning products

Specialty Cleaning Services

SERVPRO of Lincoln offers cleaning services ranging from cleaning restaurant hoods to removing bio hazard contaminants. Our cleaning services include the following:

• Biohazard
• Carpet and Upholstery
• Ceilings, Floors, and Walls
• Document Restoration
• Odor Removal
• Sewage
• Trauma and Crime Scene
• Vandalism

Call SERVPRO of Lincoln at 402-466-4004

SERVPRO of Lincoln Is Ready To Assist Your Business!I

7/5/2018 (Permalink)

Storms and inclement weather can bring wind damage, heavy rain, and flooding that can devastate any business in a matter of minutes. There’s never a convenient time for flooding or water damage to strike, and storms don’t just strike during regular business hours; that’s why SERVPRO of Lincoln offers 24 hour emergency service 365 days per year.

Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give our Professionals a call and they’ll be there fast with the help you need.

•  24 Hour Emergency Service
•  Faster to Any Size Disaster
•  A Trusted Leader in the Storm and Water Restoration Industry with over 1,700 Franchises
•  Highly Trained Storm and Water Damage Restoration Specialists

Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 402-466-4004

Extension Cord Safety

3/20/2018 (Permalink)

If extension cords are used at your workplace or job site, workers should be aware of a number of safety “do’s” and “don’ts” before plugging in a cord. 

• Use extension cords only when necessary and only on a temporary basis.
• Use extension cords that are the correct size or rating for the equipment in use. The diameter of the extension cord should be the same or greater than the cord of the equipment in use.
• Only use cords rated for outdoor use when using a cord outside.
• Keep electrical cords away from areas where they may be pinched and areas where they may pose a tripping or fire hazard (e.g., doorways, walkways, under carpet, etc.).

Always inspect the cord prior to use to ensure the insulation is not cut or damaged, exposed conducting wires can put you at risk for fire, burns and electrical shock.   Discard damaged cords, cords that become hot, or cords with exposed wiring. 

Don'ts

• Do not use extension cords in place of permanent wiring.
• Never unplug an extension cord by pulling on the cord; pull on the plug. 
• Do not remove the prongs of an electrical plug. If plug prongs are missing, loose, or bent, replace the entire plug.
• Do not use an adapter or extension cord to defeat a standard grounding device. (e.g., only place three-prong plugs in three-prong outlets; do not alter them to fit in a two-prong outlet.)         
• Do not run cords above ceiling tiles or through walls.

      The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates about 4,000 injuries associated with electric extension cords are treated in hospital emergency rooms each year. About half of the injuries involve fractures, lacerations, contusions or sprains from people tripping over extension cords. CPSC also estimates that about 3,300 residential fires originate from extension cords each year, killing 50 people and injuring about 270 others. The most frequent causes of such fires are short circuits, overloading, damage and/or misuse of extension cords. Regardless of whether or not it's being used, as long as a power extension cord is plugged into an outlet, it's conducting electricity. To avoid potential safety hazards, always remember to unplug extension cords when they're not in use!  

SERVPRO of Lincoln Is Always 24/7!

12/21/2017 (Permalink)

At least a couple of times a week, the owner of SERVPRO of Lincoln answers the phone in the middle of the night. That’s right, our OWNER answers the phone after hours. NOT A PHONE SERVICE. Usually within an hour of the call, we will on site with crews ready to help make it “Like it never even happened.” Since our phones are never sent to an answering service when you call in distress because your business has come to a stretching halt due to a water or fire damage your call will be answered by someone who knows what to do and has the authority to make decisions like dispatching crews to you. SERVPRO® of Lincoln is ready 24/7 365 to help, call us at 402-466-4004.

You Have The Right. Choose SERVPRO of Lincoln!

12/21/2017 (Permalink)

As a business owner your business is something you have sacrificed for time and time again. If fire damage should strike your business one sacrifice you do not want to make is the quality of work from the mitigation company you hire. There are countless companies in the area of southeast Nebraska who respond when a fire happens and claim that they have been called by the fire department. That is not true. As a customer you have the right to choose who helps with your fire damage clean up. SERVPRO® of Lincoln has been serving southeast Nebraska since 2000 and we seek to provide the very best in customer service, if disaster should strike make sure to call SERVPRO of Lincoln at 402-466-4004.

Emergency Water Damage Service 24/7

11/3/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lincoln provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in several areas of Southeast Nebraska.

SERVPRO of Lincoln s available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to help. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Call Today 402-466-4004

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Lincoln has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of Lincoln

SERVPRO of Lincoln specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Protect Your Business From Frozen Pipes!

9/15/2017 (Permalink)

Beware the unexpected cold snap or deep freeze! Frozen water pipes are a serious risk during very cold winter weather. When water freezes in a pipe it expands and can exert pressure over 2,000 pounds per square inch. This pressure is enough to rupture most any pipe filled with water which provides no place for the ice to expand.  When the pipe bursts, it will spill several hundred gallons of water per hour, and that equates to thousands of dollars of damage to your home. Pipes are most susceptible to freezing when located: 

• In an outside wall
• Under a sink on an outside wall
• In an unheated crawlspace

 Frozen But Not Burst? Then It's Time to Thaw! Pipe Thawing PreparationWhen pipes are frozen turning on the faucet may yield no water, or it will flow out in a trickle. As soon as you realize a pipe is frozen, you need to take immediate action. 

• Shut off the water to the faucet locally or at the water main.
• Open the faucet that is supplied by the frozen pipe even if you do not yet know where  it is frozen.
• Identify the frozen water supply pipe and find the location of the blockage
• Follow the pipe back from the faucet to where it runs through cold areas such as an exterior wall, unheated crawl space or in some cases an unheated basement if the pipe is near an outside wall.
• Often the frozen area of the pipe will be frosted or have ice on it. If the situation is getting critical, the pipe may be slightly bulged or look slightly fissured.
• When you find that the frozen (but yet un-burst) pipe serving the faucet is behind a wall or ceiling, you've got a challenge on your hands. You have three choices:

    1.  Turn up the heat in the building and wait.    2.  Tear out the wall or ceiling section to get at the frozen pipe.    3.  Use an infrared lamp to heat the wall section in front of the pipe.                                          Techniques for Thawing an Exposed Frozen Pipe

• Hair Dryer
• Heat Lamp
• Small Portable Heater
• Electric Pipe Heat Tape

 Preventing Frozen Pipes

• Leave the faucet drip slightly as a trickle. The dripping water will keep the water in the   pipe from freezing.
• Open cabinet and let room air circulate.
• Open cabinet and place a small portable heater near or in it to heat the pipes
• Wrap the problem pipe with electrical heat tape.
• Insulate the problem pipes with foam insulation wrap, especially those that run through unheated spaces.
• Temper the currently unheated crawlspace by placing a heater in the crawlspace. You just need to elevate the crawlspace temperature to modestly above freezing, about 40°F.

September Is National Preparedness Month. Do You Have A Plan?

9/1/2017 (Permalink)

How quickly your company can get back to business after a tornado, fire, or flood often depends on the emergency planning done today.  The regular occurrence of natural disasters demonstrates the importance of being prepared for any emergency.   The following are basic measures business owners and managers can take to begin preparing.  

Develop a Business Continuity Plan        Your organization's risk needs will vary depending on the specific industry, size, scope and location.  Begin by reviewing your business process flow chart, if one exists, to identify operations critical to survival and recovery.  Carefully assess your internal and external functions to determine which staff, materials, procedures and equipment are absolutely necessary to keep the business operating. You should also establish procedures for succession of management. Review Insurance Coverage       Inadequate insurance coverage can lead to major financial loss if your business is damaged, destroyed or simply interrupted for a period of time. Insurance policies vary; check with your agent or provider about things such as physical losses, flood coverage and business interruption.  Understand what your policy does and does not cover. Prepare Your Emergency PlanYour employees and co-workers are your business' most valuable asset.  Communication is central before, during and after a disaster. Include emergency information in newsletters, on your company intranet, in periodic employee emails and/or other communication tools. Practice the Emergency PlanSome disasters will require employees to leave the workplace quickly.  The ability to evacuate workers, customers and visitors effectively can save lives.  If your business operates out of more than one location, establish evacuation procedures for each individual building.  If your company is in a high-rise building, an industrial park, or even a small strip mall, it is important to coordinate and practice with other tenants or businesses to avoid confusion and potential gridlock. Secure Your Facility and Equipment??       Install fire extinguishers, smoke alarms and detectors in appropriate places.  Secure all entry and exit points and plan for mail safety.  Plan what you will do if your building, plant or store is not usable.  Secure valuable equipment. Improve Cyber SecurityProtecting your data and information systems may require specialized expertise, but even the smallest business can be better prepared.  Use anti-virus software and keep it up-to-date.  Don't open emails from unknown sources.  Use hard-to-guess passwords. Protect your computer from intruders by using firewalls.  Back up your computer data and download security protection updates known a patches regularly. Emergency Ready Program (ERP)In the event of an emergency, the SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile can help minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action in place for your facility.  The ERP is a comprehensive document containing critical information about your business, including: emergency contact info., shut-off valve locations and priority areas.  Knowing what to do and who to call in advance is key to quick response and timely mitigation.   While each situation is unique, your organization can be better prepared if you plan carefully, put emergency procedures in place, and practice for all kinds of emergencies.  A commitment to begin planning today will help support your employees, customers, the community, local economy, and even the country.  It also protects your business investment and gives your company a better chance for survival.

You Need An ERP! What's An ERP?

7/11/2017 (Permalink)

   Protect Your Business!

• Show your employees emergency exits

• Fire extinguishers

• First aid

• Water shut-off valve

• Fire alarms

How To Recover From An Apartment Complex Water Damage

10/27/2016 (Permalink)

Water Damage to a Business Can Be Devastating

Mistakes can happen to anyone, but when one of your tenants has a lapse in judgment or attention that results in water damage to your apartment complex you have a lot at stake. Not only do you need to respond to the immediate problem your renter caused but you also must have the entire property inspected for water damage that may have spread to other areas and inconvenienced other tenants. In fact, it is common for another one of your lessees to be the first to bring the water damage issues to your attention. Flooding or seeping water from another unit initially may be noticed by dripping from a ceiling or down a wall into another apartment. SERVPRO is the company to call to ensure that you find the source of the leak and create a plan to repair the water damage throughout your commercial building. 
 
Commercial water damage in Lincoln must be managed quickly and repaired completely to keep all your tenants and their personal property safe and to protect your capital investment in the building. Whether a renter lets a bathtub overflow or failed to tell you that a toilet or pipe under a sink was leaking, you are responsible as the owner to both that tenant and the other occupants of the complex. Our technicians are trained to follow the path of water damage wherever it meanders throughout a building. We can make certain that the leak is stopped and the damage repaired in every unit affected quickly and with as little disturbance to your tenants as possible. 
 

Our SERVPRO team has the experience and the skills to restore commercial water damage no matter how severe. We have the specialized equipment and know how to minimize the inconvenience to your tenants while restoring the premises to its pre-water damaged condition. Especially for your renters who were innocent bystanders our promise to make it “Like it never even happened®” is a crucial reason to rely upon our track record when choosing us over other restoration companies. 
 
When you get that panicked call reporting water damage from a tenant dial (402)466-4004 to get SERVPRO of Lincoln on board to inspect the problem. We have all the tools and training to restore water damage in commercial buildings for your tenants’ comfort and to protect your investment.

Restoring Your Lincoln, NE Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

8/17/2016 (Permalink)

Flooding and water damage events at Lincoln, NE commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of Lincoln, NE

SERVPRO of Lincoln, NEspecializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.