Large Loss Division

7/21/2023 (Permalink)

Our elite large-loss specialists are pre-qualified and strategically positioned throughout the United States to handle any size disaster.

Every large loss is supervised by a commercial operations manager to help ensure seamless communication and timely mitigation. The rate at which things move with ease and precision is unparalleled.

The SERVPRO of Fort Smith's advantage is our ability to dispatch trained production professionals and cut costs through the strategic placement and oversight of temporary labor. Our team is massive and can be readied quickly to save you time!

Clients for the Commercial Large Loss program include the following:

The Hospitality Industry
Property Managers
Universities
Municipalities
Healthcare Facilities
Food Service
Retail
Entertainment Venues/Casinos
HELPING TO MAKE FIRE AND WATER DAMAGE “Like it never even happened.”

Should Your Business Invest in a Commercial Generator?

2/7/2022 (Permalink)

Making money in a busy economy depends on a few factors. One thing is certain, though: if your business does not have a steady supply of electricity, it may not be able to meet the demands of your customers. Nonetheless, storms, faulty power grids and other culprits can cause your company to lose power. Before you purchase a commercial generator for your business, you should know a bit about this piece of heavy equipment.

Generators Use Fuel To Create Electricity

When the power fails, a backup generator uses fuel to generate usable electricity to supply your business. Generators run on different types of fuel, including the following:

• Diesel
• Natural gas
• Liquid propane
• Gaseous propane
• Combination fuel

When your organization needs an emergency supply of electricity, you simply engage the machine’s engine. Some generators automatically start running when the power fails. As you may suspect, generators come in a variety of sizes and styles. Small ones use little fuel while delivering low amounts of electricity. Large generators can power entire factories. Which size is right for your organization likely depends on your company’s electricity requirements.

Generators Convert Energy
To create electricity, generators function as reverse motors. That is, they don’t pull electricity out of thin air. Instead, they convert either mechanical or chemical energy into electrical energy. This energy is forced into a circuit to create an electrical current.

Generators Have a Lifespan
Like any machine, a generator has a useful lifespan. How long your machine is apt to last depends on its design, construction, maintenance and other factors. Most commercial generators, though, can operate for more than 20 years. You must watch for signs of generator problems to know when to replace yours. If your machine fails, you may need to rely on a professional cleanup crew to repair damage to your company. You may also run into a work stoppage.

Need to rent a Commercial Generator, give us a call 479-452-8282

Understanding Mold Growth in Commercial Property

1/6/2022 (Permalink)

Mold Growth in Commercial Properties: What You Need to Know

Upon noticing the smell or sight of black mold in your business, you probably wonder what caused it to appear. Despite so many different varieties, molds have a single process of growing and spreading. Knowledge of how and why these fungi infest businesses teaches how to prevent them from taking over yours.

Knowing the Water Where Mold Often Grows

Mold needs time, temperature, food, and moisture to thrive. A moisture problem is often the cause of mold growth. Water that gets into building materials, utilities or flooring comes from plenty of sources:

• Burst or leaking pipe
• Flooding from nearby overflowing bodies of water
• Humid weather
• Broken supply line
• Defective sprinkler systems
• Clogged gutter drainage systems
• Defective HVAC systems accumulating condensation
  
  

Once identified, any broken utility or component should be fixed by an appropriate professional. This prevents additional water damage and the mold that comes with it.

Preventing Spores From Finding Ideal Conditions

Microscopic spores float through the air looking for a suitable place to settle. Even if the spores are floating in the air of a room, no mold species will grow without a place to settle that has food and water. The parasitic nature of black mold and other organisms means that they can be stopped from being a problem by denying the environments they desire.

Treating the Mold That Grows

Proactive water cleanup can prevent the need for mold cleanup. Fixing any existing water damage stops the airborne mold from ever finding a place to survive inside your property.

Contacting a professional water cleanup crew with mold expertise is advised to make sure any water is completely removed with the power of their industrial-grade tools. Additionally, experts can find mold and water hiding in unnoticeable locations that most people miss. This prevents mold from quickly recolonizing.

Getting a Hold on Mold

Black mold may seem daunting at first, but prevention can make it seem like a nonissue. Even if mold does take advantage of a water accident at your property, there are ways to remove it without much hassle.

How To Protect Your Business in a Power Outage

1/6/2022 (Permalink)

Suddenly, the room goes dark. When you are at home during a power outage, you light some candles. When the electricity goes out and impacts your business, your concern level rises far above looking for light. Depending on your type of industry, you could lose a significant amount of inventory or machinery may malfunction. Investing in a generator is a smart way to protect your commercial property.

How To Choose the Best Generator

There are a variety of choices to keep your business running in the event of a power outage. The most common commercial options have the following features:

• There are portable and standby generators. Commonly, stationary businesses use the standby variety as it is always on site when needed. If you run a mobile business, the portable type is more relevant for you.
• For standby, use a single-phase for small operations, such as a retail location or office. For larger spaces that are multi-level or occupy a large building, a three-phase is a good fit.
• Generators can be turned on manually or have an automatic transfer switch. If your property is unsupervised for a period of time, such as overnight, a switch that recognizes when the power supply is interrupted is a helpful feature.

How To Prevent Generator Problems

With proper maintenance, you can reduce generator problems. Generators can last up to 30 years, depending on the amount of usage. Help it run smoothly with the following tips:

• Run the device weekly, and visually inspect for any leaks or other problems.
• Monthly, check all relevant fluid levels.
• Twice a year, have a qualified technician conduct an inspection.
• Annually, have a qualified technician change the necessary parts and test the device.

When inclement weather hits having a generator at your commercial property is one way to plan ahead and protect your business. Unfortunately, regardless of planning, sometimes storm damage occurs. In that case, contact a storm restoration specialist as soon as possible.

Water Damage Is One of the Most Common Reasons for Business Loss

1/4/2022 (Permalink)

3 Common Reasons for Commercial Water Damage

Water damage is one of the most common reasons for insurance claims made by businesses. Take just a few minutes to learn more about damaged pipes and other sources for water trouble, as well as some steps you can take to reduce risk for your building in Fort Smith, AR.

Commercial building water damage usually comes down to one of three main reasons:

1. Winter Troubles. Frozen temperatures can be a disaster to pipes indoors and out. Ice can also build up on roofs and block drainage channels.

2. Sewage and Drainage. Sewer systems are the unseen heroes of a commercial building, but if they aren’t getting routine attention they can cause big problems. Blockages, wear and foundation settling can all cause trouble with this important system.

3. Poor Pipe Maintenance. Many damaged pipes start as small leaks that are best addressed early to prevent large-scale floods. Routine inspections of pipes for symptoms like drips, excessive moisture and mold can be useful to catch problems before they get big.

Knowing where the most common problems are can help you take steps now to reduce the risk of damaged pipes in your building.

Simple Steps to Reduce Water Damage Risk

If you could make just five changes to help reduce your risk of flooding, these are the ones to give you make the biggest impact:

1. Keep heat on throughout the winter, at a minimum of 55°F.
2. Insulate exposed pipes.
3. Keep gutters and roof drainage clear of debris.
4. Know how to shut-off the main water supply.
5. Regularly inspect pipes appliances, and don’t ignore small leaks.

Knowledge is Power

It really doesn’t take long to learn a little about the most likely areas for leaking pipes and ways to reduce your risk for damage. Sometimes damage is sudden and unexpected, so if you need water cleanup in your building you can count on a commercial building restoration expert to help you recover.

5 Steps to Commercial Fire Safety

12/1/2021 (Permalink)

Establish an evacuation plan.

5 Commercial Fire Safety Steps

It is impossible to guarantee that a fire will never break out in your commercial property in Fort Smith, AR, but you can increase fire safety. If you do not already have a contingency plan in place for employees or other occupants to follow in the event of a fire, here are five simple steps you should take.

1. Establish an emergency plan. This plan should include a method for reporting fires as well as an evacuation plan. You may want to hold a mandatory meeting on a regular basis in which you inform employees or occupants about their roles and responsibilities.

2. Post maps with emergency escape routes at strategic locations. People may panic in the event of a fire and forget the specifics of the contingency plan. It is a good idea to post the best evacuation routes in strategic places throughout a building, such as near stairs or elevators. Make sure that these plans indicate that elevators are not safe to use during a fire.

3. Create a contact list. This list should include the names, titles, departments, and contact information for all employees.

4. Identify essential services. Depending on the businesses in the building or the needs of the facility itself, you may want to specify which services require attention and who will perform these tasks in the event of an emergency.

5. Store important records in a secure location. Keep important documents such as accounting, employment, or insurance records in a safe location on- or off-site.

These five steps are intended to help you create a contingency plan to promote the safety of all employees or occupants in a business or commercial property. Following these steps will make you better able to account for all of the people in your building. If you do experience a fire, contact your local certified commercial restoration service, SERVPRO of Fort Smith at 479-452-8282.

Dealing With Smoke Odor After a Fire

7/13/2021 (Permalink)

Four-Step Cleaning Process

Beyond the damage of a commercial fire, the aftermath usually includes the odor of smoke. While it may not seem like the most pressing issue immediately following the disaster, smoke smells can become a persistent problem in your business if not dealt with. Thankfully, there are methods to remove the smoke odor from your facility. A smoke cleaning company will often follow a four-step process.

1. Airing Out the Facility
The first line of defense for smoke cleaning is to air out the facility. You want to open all windows and doors. It's also beneficial to use ceiling fans, window fans, and air Movers to expedite the process. A knowledgeable restoration service will likely be way ahead of you on mediating odor problems.

2. Cleaning All Fabrics and Materials
Smoke can penetrate porous surfaces, meaning that furniture, rugs, curtains, and other materials will need to be professionally cleaned to eliminate the potential odor. The restoration service you use can use ozone machines or thermal foggers to eliminate any pervading smells.

3. Cleaning Non-Porous Surfaces
While smoke damage will not penetrate a hard surface the same way it will fabric, the remnants of soot and ash can lead to odors. The best way to eliminate the smells is to clean and disinfect the surfaces as soon as possible. The longer the soot sits on a surface, the more time it has to permeate the air around it.

4. Assessing and Cleaning the HVAC System
Smoke can infiltrate your heating and cooling system. It collects in vents throughout the facility and the air filter of the main unit when it does so. You want to have a professional technician service the equipment and replace the air filters.
While most business owners are concerned with the damage to their property, it is also essential to pay attention to the smells after a fire. With fast response times and adequate smoke cleaning techniques, the odor can be eliminated.

3 Effective Ways To Minimize Your Business Interruption Claim

2/8/2021 (Permalink)

Business interruption insurance has a restoration period that lasts while you repair the aftermath of flooding, leaking or other incidents

Take The Following Measures To Make The Recovery Process Easier

Flooding and other similar disasters can damage your business so severely that it affects your operations and endangers employees and customers. As a result, you may need to close while specialists repair the building. A business interruption addition to your insurance plan can cover related expenses. However, you still want to keep claims low through the following methods.

1. Create Prevention and Mitigation Plans
While you cannot stop every business disaster, you can take the steps to lower risk and mitigate existing damage. Identify potential hazards throughout the facility and estimate their costs. Create plans that prevent, deter or mitigate each hazard as needed with the assistance of maintenance and repair professionals. Additionally, you need to establish an emergency response plan that accounts for people's safety and controls the impact of large water damage.

2. Repair Damage Fast
Business interruption insurance has a restoration period that lasts while you repair the aftermath of flooding, leaking or other incidents. The faster the repair and recovery process goes, the more you can stick to the allotted time and avoid growing claims. Hire a water damage remediation company as soon as you can. These licensed and experienced professionals can find flood sources such as a leaky roof or a broken pipe and execute the best solution available.

3. Consider Off-Location Business
This type of insurance is designed to help keep your business alive during a time where significant revenue decreases. Minimize this loss by considering alternatives to your usual business model. If the damage is not extensive, you can resume reduced operations in the current space. If the building is too damaged, you can reopen at an alternative location until the recovery is complete. See if outsourcing some functions to other parties is also an option.
Though interruption coverage is supposed to keep your establishment strong after flooding or storm damage, it is best to reduce the overall claim. Take these measures to make the recovery process easier on everyone.

The Importance of Regular HVAC Maintenance

12/11/2020 (Permalink)

The main function of the HVAC system, whether in a commercial building or residential home, is to exchange air and regulate comfort. Putting off routine maintenance of the HVAC system impacts not only building operations, but occupant safety as well. If the filters are not regularly changed, they become dirty and clogged- thus restricting air flow and static pressure. When this occurs, it is harder to regulate the temperature and humidity in the building. The buildup may also get damp and becomes a food source for bacteria and mold. Mold brings in foul odors and allergens that cause headaches, sinus congestion, and eye irritation of its occupants.

Additionally, HVAC units that are under constant stress are more likely to fail due to wear and tear of belts, bearings, and bushings. Clogged drain pans may overflow and cause water damage- something we’ve seen often in our industry. Wiring may overheat or short circuit, which could result in fires. These are only a few of the risks associated with deferred maintenance of the HVAC system in your commercial building. So, how do you avoid these issues? Keep an inventory list of the HVAC equipment in your building. A good inventory list provides insight into the specifications, age, and history of equipment. This is helpful for routine maintenance and planning for replacement.

HVAC systems are key to maintaining optimized building operations and occupant health. It is highly recommended to contact a professional when dealing with duct cleaning and air handling units because of the risk of cross-contamination. The certified professional will know how to clean every component associated with the duct system, including reheat coils and VAV terminals. SERVPRO specializes in duct cleaning for both residential and commercial buildings. Make sure you are checking your HVAC system regularly and hiring a professional to perform routine maintenance. 

How is SERVPRO Assisting in the Fight Against COVID-19?

12/9/2020 (Permalink)

COVID-19. It is on everyone's mind daily and the height of most people's concerns. How is SERVPRO assisting in the fight against this virus? SERVPRO is providing proactive cleaning services to customers that want to take measures to protect themselves, their families, and their employees in this fight against Coronavirus. This is not the first time that SERVPRO has taken to the front lines in a pandemic. We have encountered everything from the common cold to the swine flu, and now Coronavirus. Our highly trained professionals have been fighting pandemics for years and adhere to all CDC Guidelines when doing it. We are a firm believer in helping the members of our community stay healthy and ahead of the curve when it comes to health hazards. 

Proactive cleaning takes many forms, all of which should be performed by a trained professional. We have many cleaning products including sterilizing and disinfecting solutions that we use to combat airborne and direct contact diseases. Some are fogged into buildings and others are sprayed directing onto surfaces and wiped off. Dwell time is the duration a product is allowed to sit on a surface in order to perform its function. We always allow for proper dwell time and cleanup of all solutions in order to provide maximum effectiveness in sterilization and disinfecting of buildings.

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities. If you or anyone you know is interested in proactive cleaning for their home or business, please contact us and we will be happy to assess your needs and provide you with some peace of mind during these trying times. 

Stay Safe. Stay Healthy.

Common Questions About Category 2 Water Damage

12/2/2020 (Permalink)

If you are stuck with a broken pipe at your commercial establishment, you may have heard about Category 2 water damage and are finding yourself left with a lot of questions. Will water pipe repair address the issue? How damaging is this type of water? Fortunately, we have the answers you are looking for. Here are three common questions about Category 2 damage and responses to each.

What Is It?

There are three categories of water damage. They include the following:

• Category 1 damage, which is also known as “white water.” This is clean, fresh water.
• Category 2 damage, also known as “gray water.” This is water that sat too long.
• Category 3 damage. This is also known as “black water.” This water is contaminated.

In other words, Category 2 damage started out as clean water damage, but sat too long and became somewhat contaminated. Water from a broken pipe would be gray water of this kind. If you haven’t completed the water pipe repair and the moisture has sat for a couple of days, it may now be Category 2 water.

What Causes It?

As mentioned above, water that sits too long simply becomes gray water on its own. It usually comes from a higher level and seeps through building materials after your building becomes flooded. For example, water that starts on the second floor of your building is usually Category 1 water but then becomes Category 2 water as it trickles down to the first floor.

How Can I Address It?

If you handle your water pipe repair quickly, your clean water will not likely turn into Category 2 water or cause significant damage. Seek help as soon as your building is damaged to prevent a huge catastrophe. If significant damage is already present, your local commercial water damage restoration company should be able to help you complete remediation and drying processes in a timely manner to help salvage your property.

How to Handle Roof Damage After a Fire

12/2/2020 (Permalink)

If you're on the unfortunate wrong end of a fire at work, the building's roof is one of the most vulnerable parts. You may not be able to salvage it, but a professional fire restoration team will help you with fire cleanup. In the meantime, there are things you and the technicians can do to minimize the damage and protect the building from harm.

Your First Steps

Facing a fire in the workplace may be a nightmare scenario, but it's important to act calmly wisely. Before you think about fire cleanup, take the following actions:

• Make sure everyone in the building safely evacuates.
• Call 911 to report the fire.
• Notify your insurance company of the incident.
• Contact a fire mitigation team to assess the damage.
  
  

Tear-out and Removal
Crews should remove any wet or damaged materials from the building. Technicians may be able to salvage some items. Ruined roofing materials should be discarded before the roof repair can begin.

Tarping Options
While crews clean inside your building, team members will enlist tarp services to cover the roof. After a fire, there will likely be gaping holes in the roof, which exposes your building to the elements. The restoration team will cover these areas with durable tarps until it is time to start rebuilding. This will protect your workplace from rain, snow, and wind.

Board-up Services
Fire cleanup will also include a concerted effort to protect your building, and everything you have inside that is still intact. By boarding up windows, doors, and gaps, you can have peace of mind knowing that vandals or other intruders won't have easy access to your building. Once the crews have rebuilt the roof and finished all other restoration work, you can safely return to your office.

The fire cleanup process can be complex. Luckily, you can rest assured that professional technicians will have you back on your feet soon.

Commercial pipes frozen? SERVPRO can help.

12/1/2020 (Permalink)

The colder months are coming and from what we hear it is going to be a cold snowy winter. We live in a colder climate. Frozen pipes in your business can be a big mess. When pipes freeze, they expand and may burst, leading to major water repairs.

Some helpful tips to prevent frozen pipes:

Water conservationists’ frown on allowing faucets to drip, but letting even a small amount of water to flow through pipes at all times can do a lot to prevent pipes from freezing. A steady drip is all that is needed to keep the pipes free from ice accumulation.

Many pipes do not have proper insulation to prevent them from freezing in cold weather. Pipe sleeves and heating tape can be applied to insulate the pipes. It is also a good precautionary measure to caulk around gaps where cold drafts can affect pipe temperatures.

Shut off any outside water sources that you don't need, especially if you are expecting particularly low temperatures. When a building is left unattended, make sure the thermostat is set no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

Open cabinet doors under sinks and in storage areas to allow heat from the room to circulate around uninsulated pipes.

Dealing with frozen pipes

Hairdryer – This is one of the safest and most effective ways to thaw a pipe. Open the faucet and then heat the pipe by working back toward the area where the blockage has occurred.

Space heater – A small heater can work much faster than a hairdryer. Simply direct the heater toward the frozen area of the pipe.

Make sure you and your employees know where the shut off valve is located. If you are dealing with frozen pipes or water damage from frozen pipes in your commercial building call SERVPRO of Fort Smith as soon as possible.

479-452-8282

Did Your Business Have Water Damage?

7/29/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage is one of the most challenging issues that a property owner can face because of different factors. First, they can cause severe damage to one’s establishment and belongings when left unresolved. Second, it can cause the growth of mold.

WHAT IS WATER DAMAGE?

In a nutshell, it is the type of damage done on a structure and the belongings within due to excessive moisture and collected water. This usually happens in least-visited spaces of the establishment where water can collect without notice. They are also usually the lowest depths of one’s property like crawl spaces and basement.

Here is some equipment that might be needed for water damage…

AIR MOVERS

As the name suggests, it is an equipment used to move air, but in its process, it actually helps dry water-damaged flooring and surfaces by forcing moisture to evaporate more quickly.

DEHUMIDIFIERS

Another piece of equipment that can help in water damage restoration is the dehumidifier since it is specifically designed to deal with excessive moisture. Aside from that, it can also help maintain the humidity of an area to a set level.

AIR SCRUBBERS

You would probably have to deal with airborne contaminants as well, especially if you can smell the musk of mold in the air. You will need an air scrubber for that which filters out any particles in your indoor air.

RESTORATION MOISTURE METERS

Finally, you will need a restoration moisture meter. It is a device that gauges the severity of water damage on a surface or an area by assessing the moisture present. It is a must for you to have if you’re planning to do all the restoration on your own.

Here at SERVPRO of Fort Smith we have all this equipment to help get your business back up and running and leave it “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO Offers Commercial Cleaning in Fort Smith

3/4/2020 (Permalink)

If you are the owner of commercial business you probably 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, tag us in. Whether it’s removing an odor problem or deep cleaning your flooring or carpets, you can rely on us to make your workspace look, smell, and feel it’s very best.

SERVPRO of Fort Smith 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

We also offer these specialized services:

• Air Ducts and HVAC
• Biohazard
• Carpet and Upholstery
• Ceilings, Floors, and Walls
• Document Restoration
• Drapes and Blinds
• Sewage
• Trauma and Crime Scene
• Vandalism

Go ahead, Give us a call, Tag us in, We’ll make it "Like it never even happened."

479-452-8282

Preventing Commercial Pipes From Freezing

12/10/2019 (Permalink)

With colder temperatures approaching, these lower temps can cause your commercial business some challenges. Frozen pipes in your business can be a big mess. When pipes freeze, they expand and may burst, leading to major water repairs.

Some helpful tips to prevent frozen pipes:

Water conservationists’ frown on allowing faucets to drip, but letting even a small amount of water to flow through pipes at all times can do a lot to prevent pipes from freezing. A steady drip is all that is needed to keep the pipes free from ice accumulation.

Many pipes do not have proper insulation to prevent them from freezing in cold weather. Pipe sleeves and heating tape can be applied to insulate the pipes. It is also a good precautionary measure to caulk around gaps where cold drafts can affect pipe temperatures.

Shut off any outside water sources that you don't need, especially if you are expecting particularly low temperatures. When a building is left unattended, make sure the thermostat is set no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

Open cabinet doors under sinks and in storage areas to allow heat from the room to circulate around not insulated pipes.

Dealing with frozen pipes

Hairdryer – This is one of the safest and most effective ways to thaw a pipe. Open the faucet and then heat the pipe by working back toward the area where the blockage has occurred.

Space heater – A small heater can work much faster than a hairdryer. Simply direct the heater toward the frozen area of the pipe.

Make sure you and your employees know where the shut off valve is located. If you are dealing with frozen pipes or water damage from frozen pipes in your commercial building call SERVPRO of Fort Smith as soon as possible... 479-452-8282

Automatic Fire Sprinkler Discharge and How to Handle It

12/10/2019 (Permalink)

Fire Sprinkler System

Automatic fire sprinkler systems are widely considered the single most effective tool for protecting your structure, property, and lives from a fire.  Having an automatic fire sprinkler system in place is basically the same as having firefighter protection 24/7.  Fire sprinkler heads respond individually to a number of things including: Heat from a fire, Corrosion, Mechanical Damage, and Sabotage/Vandalism.  If you do have a fire in your building you are going to be very grateful for the fire sprinkler system, if it is an accidental discharge it will become somewhat of a burden. To Make things easier in the case of an accidental discharge follow these tips below.

1. Shut Off Water Immediately

Shut off the water supply to the fire sprinkler system as soon as you can.  The faster you can turn the water off the less potential for major water damage you have.  Be aware that it will take a couple moments to stop, the water has to clear the lines first.

2. Mitigate Future Damage

You will want to clear as much as possible from the affected area so mitigate further damage.  Move furniture, valuables, and equipment to a safe dry area to limit exposure and further damage.

3. Call Your Insurance Company

You will want to call your insurance agent as soon as you can to find out what steps to take next and the claims process.  Also, so they can send someone to assess the situation and damage.  Their assessment will determine who is responsible for the damage.

4. Call SERVPRO of Fort Smith

Call a restoration company that specializes in water damage like SERVPRO of Fort Smith to help mitigate and restore the area.  SERVPRO Fort Smith is a much better choice than DIY because we are trained in disaster cleanup and ready to help when you need us. 479-452-8282

Workplace First Aid Everyone Should Know

12/10/2019 (Permalink)

Workplace First Aid Basics Everyone Should Know

Nosebleeds

Nosebleeds are very common in both children and adults and can be caused by trauma to the nose or simple irritation of the mucus membranes. Do not make a nosebleed victim raise their head or lie down, as this can actually make the bleeding worse. Instead, pinch the nostrils closed for as many as ten minutes, allowing the broken vein in the nose to close.

Cardiac Compressions

Nowadays, the American Heart Association doesn’t mandate that everyone learn rescue breathing—all you have to do is put your hands over the victim’s heart and push, to the beat of “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees. It’s a simple technique that could mean the difference between life and death, and the American Heart Association’s statistics demonstrate this in stark terms. Consider these fact

• Approximately 88% of all cardiac arrests do not happen in a hospital or healthcare facility, and nowhere near a healthcare professional.
• A large percentage of cardiac arrest victims appear perfectly healthy just before their attack.
• It takes approximately 8-12 minutes on average for an ambulance to arrive on the scene of an emergency.

• Bystander CPR could increase the victim’s chance of survival by as much as 300. 

The Heimlich Maneuver

Not to be confused with CPR, the Heimlich maneuver is supposed to help someone who is choking on a foreign object. First, ask the victim if they are choking; in an emergency situation, the person will usually not be able to talk.

How to Treat Shock

Shock occurs when too little blood circulates to the brain. This means that the brain is not receiving enough oxygen, which leads to a feeling of faintness, disorientation and dizziness. Shock may occur:

• after an accident involving loss of blood
• after a serious infection, with loss of fluids
• after a serious burn
• after other accidents that cause loss of fluids or blood
• as part of an allergic reaction

Stop Heavy Bleeding

If someone is bleeding heavily, they will not be able to form a clot—and they could bleed out. You can stop the bleeding by putting pressure on the wound—ideally with a sterile cloth, although you can also use ripped pieces of T-shirt or anything else you have on hand. Raising the wounded limb over the heart will also help to slow down heavy bleeding.

Have You Considered Upgrading Your Commercial HVAC System?

12/10/2019 (Permalink)

If you are a business owner you know how important it is to have a fully functioning HVAC system.  If you don’t your employees and customers will let you know.  It will be hot or cold and you really are trying to keep it going and keep people comfortable.  Maybe your HVAC system is older and not functioning properly?  You may be thinking to yourself that is too expensive… but in the long run it may be worth it.  

Here are five reasons to consider upgrading your HVAC System from

Increase The Energy Efficiency

Lower operating costs should be one of your biggest goals. Even if it isn’t as much of a priority now, there’s still time to resolve to change now that the New Year has begun. One fantastic way to increase energy efficiency is to upgrade your current commercial HVAC system. Did you know that a newer system can allow for smaller energy consumption – by about 30%, in fact.

Maintain Your Good Reputation

Many businesses depend on a stellar reputation to ensure that they thrive. Reputation is important for your public image, especially in the customer-service sector. Aside from downtime that could rob you of future profits, an uncomfortable building environment due to aging HVAC system can also harm customer and client perception of how you run your organization. 

Make and Keep Employees Comfortable

When the interior of your building is kept at reasonable temperatures, your employees will be comfortable. When employees are comfortable, they will be happier and more motivated. When they aren’t distracted by the office being too hot or too cold, they can focus on getting more work done, improving their overall productivity. Don’t overlook the importance of indoor air quality, either. How often are your employees missing time from work due to being sick? A little-known condition called sick building syndrome exists, and if this syndrome goes unaddressed, it could affect how your business is perceived throughout your industry and cause highly-qualified candidates to find employment elsewhere when you are actively recruiting.

Reduce Repair Costs

Newer commercial HVAC systems will have better warranties attached to them. Whether you choose to overhaul your existing system with brand new components or only add the latest technological advancements to the framework that is already in place, these warranties can help you avoid paying significant repair costs when such repairs are needed.

Begin Switching Refrigerant Now

The refrigerant that is most commonly used in many older models of commercial HVAC systems is being eliminated. R-22 refrigerant will be fully prohibited in January of 2020.

What is Air Duct Cleaning and Why Should We Have it done?

12/10/2019 (Permalink)

Duct cleaning generally refers to the cleaning of various heating and cooling system components of forced air systems, including the supply and return air ducts and registers, grilles and diffusers, heat exchangers heating and cooling coils, condensate drain pans (drip pans), fan motor and fan housing, and the air handling unit housing.

If not properly installed, maintained and operated, these components may become contaminated with particles of dust, pollen or other debris. If moisture is present, the potential for microbiological growth (e.g., mold) is increased and spores from such growth may be released into the air of your commercial business. Some of these contaminants may cause allergic reactions or other symptoms in people if they are exposed to them.

Ventilation systems are often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality. Make it a priority to inspect the ductwork of your business.

If your HVAC has been operating for some time without attention, it could be circulating one or more of the following:

• Dust
• Pollen
• Odors
• Dirt and debris
• Other contaminants

The benefits of servicing your HVAC unit include:

• Helps to restore peak energy efficiency.
• May help to eliminate offensive odors.
• Helps reduce the potential for mold growth.

For more information on air duct cleaning, call us at SERVPRO of Fort Smith today, 479-452-8282

Restoring Your Fort Smith Commercial Property After A Water Damage

3/1/2019 (Permalink)

Restoring Your Fort Smith Commercial Property After A Water Damage

Flooding and water damage events at Fort Smith 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 Fort Smith

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

NSU Tahlequah

12/18/2018 (Permalink)

According to Northeastern State University's website, built in 1889, the Northeastern State University Seminary Hall is the oldest building on campus. Northeastern State University was originally founded in 1851 as the Cherokee National Female Seminary. The original school was located in Park Hill, but was destroyed by a fire on Easter Sunday in 1887. Two years later, the school was rebuilt in Tahlequah where it remains to this day.

Some believe that the NSU Seminary Hall is haunted. There have been strange reports of photographed orbs, puzzling sounds and odd smells. Others claim to have seen a female ghost wearing either a black uniform or white wedding gown. Some believe it is the ghost of Florence Wilson, a principal who spent 26 years at the Cherokee National Female Seminary. Wilson's fiancée, Pleasant Buchanan, was thought to have perished in the Civil War, and Wilson never married. Some believe she never left the school.

According to Northeastern State University's website,

Built in 1889, the Northeastern State University Seminary Hall is the oldest building on campus. Northeastern State University was originally founded in 1851 as the Cherokee National Female Seminary. The original school was located in Park Hill, but was destroyed by a fire on Easter Sunday in 1887. Two years later, the school was rebuilt in Tahlequah where it remains to this day.

Some believe that the NSU Seminary Hall is haunted. There have been strange reports of photographed orbs, puzzling sounds and odd smells. Others claim to have seen a female ghost wearing either a black uniform or white wedding gown. Some believe it is the ghost of Florence Wilson, a principal who spent 26 years at the Cherokee National Female Seminary. Wilson's fiancée, Pleasant Buchanan, was thought to have perished in the Civil War, and Wilson never married. Some believe she never left the school.

But according to those at SERVPRO Muskogee/McIntosh Counties, Pleasant is there to provide company during the long and lingering hours of work that our crews put in. Our crews work for and with all clients living or deceased and will give you a story to tell about how scarily clean and restored your property was when we left. Who else to trust your historic buildings and properties with if not SERVPRO Muskogee/McIntosh Counties.

Professional Development MPS

12/18/2018 (Permalink)

Muskogee Public Schools are relocating their professional development building from the historic downtown Best Center to the new location in Country Club at MPS’s old Harris Jobe facility.

Our teams worked tirelessly on various projects throughout the entire facility to help the school board prepare for their move across town.

SERVPRO Muskogee/McIntosh Counties & Tahlequah assisted in general cleaning support from carpet cleaning (Muskogee’s Best of 2018) and mopping floors to cleaning light fixtures, dusting, wet wipe surface areas, wash windows, change out ceiling tiles, content manipulation which can sometimes include a pack-out/pack-in.

SERVPRO Muskogee/McIntosh Counties & Tahlequah does Emergency Ready Plans for all commercial and government facilities including schools and hospitals. We can also give these plans to your local first responders and property owners and managers. This is an exclusive offer from your area SERVPRO. 

Little Tank Big Damage

12/18/2018 (Permalink)

Who would have thought that this little tank would have flooded multiple rooms in a local Tahlequah church causing the loss of carpets, flood cuts in the dry wall, and the loss of various other flooring materials from the multiple rooms. The flood destroyed flooring, walls, and the cost of time from personnel to mitigate the situation.

Fortunately, SERVPRO Muskogee & McIntosh Counties and Tahlequah was called to the scene to provide emergency mitigation services. We are glad to be a part of the Tahlequah Emergency Family. We were able to help, not only emergency mitigate the situation but dry and prep the church’s facility for any construction that needed to be done so they could resume church services at their regularly scheduled times. Thanks 29/11 for turning to us in your time of need.

A Year to Remember

12/18/2018 (Permalink)

After much invariably bad publicity for multiple housing issues, when local college, Bacone, took on new leadership one of their first moves was to call on a leader in the industry, SERVPRO. Bacone’s new leadership didn’t wait for a disaster to call SERVPRO they wanted to start the new 2018-2019 school year off right by allowing us to get involved in the beginning with a General Cleaning. Our General Cleanings can be light or deep and  include carpet, tile, windows, or multiple other surfaces and content. We left the historic buildings, dorms, and classrooms clean, fresh, aromatic and ready for new students when they moved in last week. 

This was the first time that SERVPRO had the opportunity to lend its expertise to one of the oldest colleges in the nation. Bacone is the oldest Native American College in Oklahoma founded in 1880 and SERVPRO was glad to partner, handling the delicacy of this project with the utmost care. 

Restoring Your Commercial Property After a Water Damage Event

12/18/2018 (Permalink)

Flooding and water damage events in Oklahoma 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

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