Mold Found in San Antonio area Church

1/24/2022 (Permalink)

Mold Found in San Antonio area Commercial Kitchen

After moving large kitchen appliances, a church in the San Antonio area found mold growth in their commercial kitchen. The professionals at SERVPRO of Olmos Park were called in to inspect and remediate the mold. SERVPRO of Olmos Park strongly encourages any place with a commercial kitchen: church, hotel, restaurant, etc to have their commercial kitchens deep cleaned at least twice a year. When SERVPRO of Olmos Park deep cleans, we sanitize as well as remove any dirt and/or food particles. We will move the fixtures to the best of our abilities and clean in and around those as well - something that is not typically, frequently done. To schedule a deep cleaning of your commercial kitchen, call SERVPRO of Olmos Park today: (210) 348-2911

Common Causes of Commercial Building Fires

1/24/2022 (Permalink)

The Top Three Common Causes of Commercial Building Fires

1. Cooking/Kitchen Appliances

Cooking remains at the top of the list as a cause of non-residential fires at 25% to 30%. The fires sometimes started because of human error while cooking and sometimes by an appliance malfunctioning.

Because kitchens are an extremely high-risk zone, strong effort should be taken to ensure full protection and prevention. Sprinklers, alarms and easily accessible fire extinguishers are an absolute must.

2. Intentional

Intentional fires is the next common cause of a non-residential fire, with roughly 10% of fires occurring from arson.  Intentional fires are most likely to occur after working hours, between 3 p.m. to 12 a.m.  An arsonist may start a fire anywhere, but bathrooms, trash cans, dumpsters and garages are likely spots.

While you can’t prevent arson completely, you can take precautions to limit the damage and opportunities:

• Make sure trash cans are emptied every day.
• If possible, keep dumpsters away from the building so a dumpster fire can’t spread to the building.
• Keep trees and shrubs trimmed to make them harder to set on fire and so arsons can’t use them for cover while setting a fire.
• Put up motion detection cameras or lights in dark or normally unused areas so any fires can be caught and put out faster.
• Install smoke/fire curtains near the doorways of the areas most likely to be used for arson.

3. Human Error/Unintentional

Human error, or unintentional fires, are also responsible for about 10% of fires. Because there are a vast number of reasons why a fire might occur accidentally, employee fire safety training is extremely important.

Source: Smoke Guard Online. 2017-2016 Data

Mold Growth in Commercial Buildings' Ventilation Systems

1/20/2022 (Permalink)

Ventilation systems should be checked regularly, particularly for damp filters and overall cleanliness. A preventive maintenance plan should be put into place for each major component of the building’s ventilation system. Contact your equipment supplier or manufacturer for recommended maintenance schedules and operations and maintenance manuals. 

Air duct cleaning generally refers to the cleaning of various heating and cooling system components of forced air systems. The components of these systems may become contaminated with mold if moisture is present within the system, resulting in the potential release of mold spores throughout the building. All components of the system must be cleaned. Failure to clean a component of a contaminated system can result in re-contamination of the entire system. Water-damaged or contaminated porous materials in the duct work or other air handling system components should be removed and replaced. Ventilation system filters should be checked regularly to ensure that they are seated properly. Filters should be replaced on a routine schedule.

Looking to have your duct work system cleaned? SERVPRO of Olmos Park is here to help! Give us a call today - (210) 348-2911.

Source: OSHA Jan 2019

SERVPRO Will Work Seamlessly with Your Business' Insurance

1/15/2022 (Permalink)

The owner of SERVPRO of Olmos Park has been a SERVPRO owner in the San Antonio area for over 20 years now. There is not much we haven't seen and restored. We have worked with nearly all the area's business insurance companies over the years and have developed great working relationships with each. When you trust your business to the certified professionals at SERVPRO of Olmos Park, you are in good hands before, during, and after the restoration. Whatever insurance company you have: State Farm, Hiscox, Allstate, Hartford, Travelers, etc, SERVPRO of Olmos Park will make sure they have everything you need for your claim to go smoothly. Call SERVPRO of Olmos Park today for restoration/remediation/clean up completed by certified professionals who are here to help.  (210) 348-2911

SERVPRO is "Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certified"

1/15/2022 (Permalink)

The IICRC is a certification and Standards Developing Organization (SDO) non-profit organization for the inspection, cleaning and restoration industries. In partnership with regional and international trade associates, the IICRC serves more than 25 countries.

The IICRC works with other organizations to increase awareness of certified firms – from companies like Shaw, which requires warranty work be done by an IICRC Certified Firm, to associations, to government officials. Additionally, the IICRC also partners with the American Home Furnishings Alliance (AHFA) to include a suggestion for use of IICRC Certified Firms that specialize in upholstery cleaning in its Furniture Care Codes.

When you see a IICRC logo, you can be confident that an IICRC-certified experienced, qualified professional is caring for your valuable property.

Source: http://www.IICRC.org

Electrical and HVAC Fires in Commercial Buildings

1/14/2022 (Permalink)

Roughly 9% of fires happen when an HVAC system malfunctions. This includes central heating systems, as well as water heaters, space heaters, and other appliances.

Heating systems should be regularly inspected, especially during winter when they are used most heavily. And always ensure flammable materials are kept well away from heat sources. Areas where the main HVAC system is housed, as well as any water heaters or storage rooms, should be outfitted with smoke alarms and should also house a fire extinguisher.

Electrical Malfunction

About 7% of fires are linked to an electrical system malfunction, often due to problems with wiring in the building. These fires are more likely to occur in older buildings with questionable wiring. Make sure your building is regularly inspected and that you keep fire extinguishers on each level.

Source: Smoke Guard Online

How to Prevent Mold Growth in the Workplace

1/25/2021 (Permalink)

The best way to prevent mold is to control moisture. The main requirements for outdoor mold growth are moisture and shade. Mold does not like the sun and/or ultra violet rays. The main requirement for inside mold growth is simply moisture and it can occur in ceilings, attics, floors, insulation, wood, drywall, clothes, carpeting, bathrooms, and more. Some causes of excessive moisture are condensation, humidity, cooking, washing, or water from a flood, leak or spill. Mold also grows in environments with a warm temperature. Mold growth can begin in less than 48 hours of excessive moisture.

What you can do as a business owner to prevent mold growth from forming in your place of business:

• Fix water leaks. Any known water leaks should be fixed quickly. Have a contractor inspect for unknown leaks.
• Limit condensation. Keep room temperatures warm and/or well insulated.
• Reduce humidity. Open windows, install exhaust fans or use a dehumidifier.
• Clean wet/damp areas. Any wet or damp area, materials or affected equipment should be cleaned within 48 hours to prevent mold growth.

If your business has experienced water damage or mold growth, please do not hesitate to call SERVPRO of Olmos Park today!

Tips to Prevent Water Damage to your Commercial Space

1/25/2021 (Permalink)

1. Train all employees on the location of the water shut off valves and make sure they are easily accessible.
2. Find out if your business is located on a flood plain and if your area offers programs for business owners.
3. Conduct regular inspections of your HVAC units, roof, water heaters, refrigerators, sinks, toilets, and any other area you have that may have a water leak.
4. Make sure your insurance policy is up to date and you are insured.
5. Keep any documents, inventory, or anything critical to your business' survival at least a few feet off the ground.
6. Be prepared for a water damage event. The faster the water is removed and dried out, the better off you are going to be. Time is an important factor. Please save our number to your phone so you know who to call. SERVPRO® of Olmos Park: (210) 348-2911

SERVPRO® of Olmos Park will Deep Clean your Restaurant

1/20/2021 (Permalink)

Obviously, a restaurant's preparation areas should be kept clean. But, besides the everyday cleaning of kitchen equipment and appliances, it is necessary to perform a deep cleaning of kitchens at least once to twice a year.

Appearance

A restaurant's: atmosphere, attention to detail, and well-kept facilities are important for a customer's good first impression. The appearance of a restaurant's kitchen can bring in clients as well as scare them away.

Safety

A messy and unorganized look will affect guests' appetites as well as employee productivity. Daily mopping sustains a clean floor, but will not scrub deeply enough to remove certain bacteria. Sticky floors and unwanted objects can cause personnel or guests to slip. For a truly clean floor, it is important to remove: grease, oil, gum and even mold.

For a deep cleaning of your restaurant, please call SERVPRO® of Olmos Park today!

Source: Yahoo Finance

The Three C's of Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

1/16/2021 (Permalink)

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, our new defensive pathogen cleaning program, goes way beyond standard janitorial cleaning practices. It is a proactive viral pathogen cleaning. 

SERVPRO of Olmos Park has been cleaning, sanitizing, and removing Bio Hazard in both homes and businesses for over a decade. Deep cleaning is not new to us. 

Below are the Three "C's" of Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned: 

• Consult: Not all businesses are the same, so we’ll tailor a bespoke cleaning program based on the unique needs of each facility.
• Clean: Based on the agreed plan, an expert deep clean is initiated using our proprietary EPA-Approved Hospital-Grade cleaning solutions and always adhering to the leading level of cleaning and decontamination standards set by the CDC.
• Certify: You’ll know a business is Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned by the shield posted on their front window. Along with digital emblems and other collateral, this beacon represents their commitment to the comfort and security of their employees, customers and community.

So when you are walking around the Olmos Park area, when you see the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned shield sticker in the window, you know the #1 choice in clean up and restoration was there.

SERVPRO of Olmos Park Will Work with Your Business' Insurance Company

1/16/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Olmos Park Will Work with Your Business' Insurance Company

In the unfortunate event your business suffers water, fire, or mold damage, SERVPRO® of Olmos Park will work with your insurance company, so you have less work load on your plate.  Our employees talk with insurance adjusters every day to make sure things are billed correctly with your insurance and the job is properly documented to ensure things are going according to plan. Being in business for over 14 years, whatever property and casualty insurance company your business uses, odds are we have worked with them in the past.  Give us a call to set up an emergency preparedness plan for your business today. Being proactive can save you valuable time in the future. SERVPRO® of Olmos Park will work hard to make any damage, "Like it never even happened."

Why SERVPRO of Olmos Park is the Best for Commercial Cleaning and Commercial Damage Remediation

1/15/2021 (Permalink)

Did you know SERVPRO of Olmos Park is not just for remediating disasters such as floods, water damage, or fires in the home?  We also help Commercial Businesses!

SERVPRO employees are certified to clean and sanitize: Upholstery, Carpeting, Flooring, and other hard surfaces.  SERVPRO of Olmos Park is even certified to remove biohazard contaminants such as blood, urine, feces, and other things no one else wants to clean.  Refresh your carpeting and office cubical- we also specialize in odor removal and deodorization!   Additionally, SERVPRO of Olmos Park is even available after hours if services are needed when customers and/or clients are not present.

SERVPRO of Olmos Park means reliable, certified professionals will show up at your door.  Please call today for a quote; we would be very happy to serve you on a reoccurring basis.

Preventing mold and bacterial growth in the building’s ventilation system

1/28/2019 (Permalink)

Preventing mold and bacterial growth in the building’s ventilation system

Ventilation systems should be checked regularly, particularly for damp filters and overall cleanliness. A preventive maintenance plan should be put into place for each major component of the building’s ventilation system. Contact your equipment supplier or manufacturer for recommended maintenance schedules and operations and maintenance manuals. Components that are exposed to water (e.g., drainage pans, coils, cooling towers, and humidifiers) require scrupulous maintenance to prevent microbial 10 growth and the entry of undesired microorganisms or chemicals into the indoor air stream.

Air duct cleaning generally refers to the cleaning of various heating and cooling system components of forced air systems. The components of these systems may become contaminated with mold if moisture is present within the system, resulting in the potential release of mold spores throughout the building. All components of the system must be cleaned. Failure to clean a component of a contaminated system can result in re-contamination of the entire system. Water-damaged or contaminated porous materials in the ductwork or other air handling system components should be removed and replaced. Ventilation system filters should be checked regularly to ensure that they are seated properly. Filters should be replaced on a routine schedule.

Source: www.osha.gov Jan 2019

Fire Prevention Tasks for Your Business

1/21/2019 (Permalink)

Fire Prevention Tasks for Your Business

A fire can cause severe damage to business equipment, materials, and structures. As a business owner, focusing on fire risk assessment, fire prevention, and staff education can help reduce your chance of fire and smoke damage. Here are three tips to help:

Assess the risk of fire hazards : The National Fire Protection Association offers handbooks and other publications on the fire safety code in place for businesses. If your local government offers it, a visit from a fire marshal is a great step for your fire prevention plan. If a marshal visit isn't available, ask for workplace fire risk assessment guidance from your building's property manager.

Have fire protection equipment : If you have an automatic sprinkler system in place, this will provide primary fire protection for your business.

Standard fire safety practices call for smoke detectors and fire extinguishers on every floor. Your best bet is multipurpose extinguishers, which will douse most small fires with ease, without shorting out your electronics.

Protect your people : Your employees are your most important business asset. These tips can help prevent them from being injured in a fire.

• Fire Plan : Make sure your employees know what to do if there's a fire, including calling 911 immediately. Conduct a fire drill at least once a year to keep employees aware of your workplace fire safety protocol. 
• Evacuation Plan : In larger buildings, post a fire evacuation plan in several spots around the workplace. Never include elevators in an evacuation plan; always use the stairs. 
• First Aid : In case of fire injuries, your employees should be familiar with the location of the first-aid kit, which should be kept where possible hazards can occur most-such as in the kitchen.

Source: www.statefarm.com

Establishing an Emergency Ready Profile for your Business

1/29/2018 (Permalink)

Establishing an Emergency Ready Profile for your Business

You can’t plan when an emergency will arise, but you can prepare for it before it does. This is especially important if you are a business owner. When a disaster occurs in your business, everything screeches to a halt. You are no longer able to help your customers and clients. You are no longer able to offer your services. You are no longer bringing in an income. Business has been interrupted and depending on the extent of the damage, you may be looking at a long road to recovery – not just for remediation, but also to get your business back to where it was before the disaster happened. So, what can you do to prevent an emergency situation from shutting down your business? While you can’t necessarily prevent disaster from occurring (it happens to the best of us), you can prepare for what to do when it does. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can minimize how fire and water affect your business.

That is where SERVPRO of Olmos Park comes in. We can establish a plan for your business using our ERP, or Emergency READY Profile.

• A no cost assessment of your facility. This means there is no need to allocate funds, giving you a great value at no cost.
• A Profile Document containing only the crucial information you will need in case of an emergency. It doesn’t take very long to complete, but it will save you a lot of time (and from one more headache) if you ever need it.
• A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster. By having an immediate plan of action, you can help minimize downtime.
• Establishes SERVPRO of Olmos Park as your emergency mitigation and restoration provider.You have a provider that is recognized as an industry leader and is located right here in San Antonio.
• Identifies the line of command for authorizing work to begin.This saves time so that we can begin the work of mitigating the damage immediately, which can save you both time and money.
• Provides important facility details such as priority contact information, priority areas, and shut-off valves. Having a quick reference of what to do, how to do it, and who to call provides solutions in advance of an emergency so that during the emergency you are “Ready for whatever happens.”

Ready to set up an Emergency READY Profile for your business? Give SERVPRO of Olmos Park a call today! (210) 348-2911

Remediate and Restoration Services to get your Business Back in Business FAST

1/29/2018 (Permalink)

Remediate and Restoration Services to get your Business Back in Business FAST

If your San Antonio business is affected by fire, water, or storm damage, the immediate concern should be temporary protective measures such as placing roof tarps to prevent additional damage, boarding up to secure the building, and removing debris and standing water.

After protecting and securing the structure, our highly-trained remediation specialists at SERVPRO of Olmos Park begin the restoration process. Your business may need reconstruction work to get your property back to its preloss condition.

Our professionals at SERVPRO of Olmos Park can simplify the restoration process by handling both the initial damage mitigation and rebuilding the affected areas. Having one qualified company for the entire process can save time, keeps costs low, and can save you from one more headache.

SERVPRO of Olmos Park can provide this continuity by supervising a full range of restoration services that will bring a building back to full functionality.

• Board Up
• Carpet Repair and Installation
• Document Drying
• Dry Cleaning
• Drywall Installation
• Drywall Removal
• Electrical
• Electronics Restoration
• Fine Art Restoration
• Furniture Restoration
• General Contracting
• Hardwood Floor Repair
• HVAC Services
• Linoleum Floor Repair
• Move Out
• Painting
• Plumbing
• Portable Power
• Roof Tarp
• Roofing Services
• Scalable Resources
• Temporary Fencing
• Temporary Warehouse Space
• Tile Floor Repair
• Tree Removal

Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. We study IICRC standards and best practices in cleaning and restoration standards.

Call us today at (210) 348-2911

Preparedness Tools at Your Fingertips

1/29/2018 (Permalink)

Preparedness Tools at Your Fingertips

One of the easiest ways to protect yourself, your family or your employees is by having a weather radio in your home or office.  Did you know having a NOAA Weather Radio in your home is just as important as having a fire alarm?

A weather radio is the most reliable source for weather alerts.  It is designed to alert you to dangerous weather situations such as an approaching tornado, allowing you to be warned ahead of approaching storms providing time to seek shelter.  In 2012, a new nationwide text emergency alert system was launched, called Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA).  The WEA systems is a huge step toward keeping our nation informed in crisis situations, however it does not alleviate the need to own weather radios.  The new WEA system relies on cell towers to send alerts- if cell towers are knocked out during bad weather or are no longer sending a signal, you will not receive alerts.  Television and radio broadcasts can also go down during a destructive event.  Having a back-up such as a weather radio is critical to ensure you still receive information in the event media outlets can no longer broadcast or you are unable to receive the broadcast. 

When selecting a weather radio, ensure it includes SAME alert programming- sounds an alert only when specific counties are threatened (allowing you to only receive alerts for your county) and reviewable alerts (allowing you to turn off alerts you do not want to hear).

Contact your local San Antonio National Weather Service Office for assistance programming your weather radio, or for additional information, including county codes for your state, visit the NOAA Weather Radio website at www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr.

Tips to De-Clutter your Office

1/29/2018 (Permalink)

Tips to De-Clutter your Office

SERVPRO® of Olmos Park knows how important clean is so to help with that we thought we would bring you some tips and tricks to help de-clutter your office.

• Divide Your Workplace Into Zones:Determine how you want and need to use the space and set up zones for your daily functions.  You may require a workspace for your computer, a library area for your research, a storage area for supplies and a filing area for your archives.  This will provide a foundation for a more efficient use of space.

• Keep Only What You Need At Arm's Length: Boxes of pens, stacks of papers and old coffee cups need to go.  Rid your desk of visual clutter by pairing down the items to the top essentials only.  Supplies, paperwork and personal items should be kept in the zones you've established for them.
• Create A Daily Paper System: Consider creating hanging files or baskets labeled "To Read," "To Do," and "To File." Establish sheet days for each, so that you don't get behind or feel the overwhelming need to do everything at once.
• Sort Your Catchall Drawer: Use drawer dividers to give everything a place, like compartments for paperclips and rubber bands.  Go through the drawer every six weeks and clear out anything that is out of place or isn't being used.
• Eliminate Digital Clutter: Digital clutter can be just as stressful as physical clutter.  Organize digital files and your e-mail inbox just as you would paper files- with a system of logical and clearly labeled folders.  Also, keep the icons on your desktop to a bare minimum, and trade in sticky notes on your monitor for calendar reminders.
• Disinfect Regularly: Prevent the buildup of dust, dirt, food stains, and fingerprints.  Wipe down your desk, phone, keyboard, and monitor once a week with disinfecting wipes.

SERVPRO® of Olmos Park is dedicated to taking the stress out of your daily business lives whether it be through cleaning tips or through our 24 hour response to a office full of water or smoke. 

Would your business be prepared in the event of a disaster?

1/22/2018 (Permalink)

Would your business be prepared in the event of a disaster?

What would you do if your business suffered: Water Damage, Fire Damage, Smoke Damage, Mold, or a Bio-Hazard contamination? Do you have a plan in place? SERPVRO® offers at no charge a business "Ready Plan" app for your phone that will walk you through a preparedness  plan that could save your business $1,000's. 

As many as 50% of businesses close down following a disaster, according to the latest research. Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place. In general, the faster the response time to a disaster, the less secondary damage can occur. SERVPRO is "faster to any disaster" and works with you and your employees every step of the way.

The SERVPRO Ready Plan app will guide you through a: Water Damage event, Fire Damage event, Mold, Bio-Hazard contamination, and more.  Pre-planning and having this app on the ready can help to give you tremendous peace of mind.

By developing a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business.

SERVPRO of Olmos Park is "Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certified"

1/22/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Olmos Park is "Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certified"

The IICRC is a certification and Standards Developing Organization (SDO) non-profit organization for the inspection, cleaning and restoration industries. In partnership with regional and international trade associates, the IICRC serves more than 25 countries.

The IICRC works with other organizations to increase awareness of certified firms – from companies like Shaw, which requires warranty work be done by an IICRC Certified Firm, to associations, to government officials. Additionally, the IICRC also partners with the American Home Furnishings Alliance (AHFA) to include a suggestion for use of IICRC Certified Firms that specialize in upholstery cleaning in its Furniture Care Codes.

When you see a IICRC logo, you can be confident that an IICRC-certified experienced, qualified professional is caring for your valuable property.

Source: http://www.IICRC.org