What is an Emergency Ready Plan?

2/12/2023 (Permalink)

Don't wait until disaster strikes, create your ERP today!

The SERVPRO Emergency Ready Plan is a free service that helps you to prepare for emergencies. The ERP documents all the key information of your commercial business, and it's designed to help the commercial business be prepared for any kind of disaster that might occur.

An Emergency Ready Plan (ERP) is a free service provided by SERVPRO.

The Emergency Ready Plan (ERP) is a free service provided by SERVPRO that provides emergency response services and emergency preparedness services. It's also part of our commitment to helping you prepare your business in case of an emergency.

The plan is designed to help the commercial business to be prepared for any kind of emergency disaster that might occur in your business, minimizing business interruption and downtime as much as possible during an emergency situation.

The ERP prepares your business.

The ERP plan documents all the key information of your commercial business, including priority contact details, property description and location, and insurance information. It will also include vital information about your building, including the floor plans, shut-off valve locations, and priority areas of your property.

The ERP gives you peace of mind.

The Emergency Ready Plan gives you peace of mind knowing that if a disaster happens at any time, SERVPRO will be ready to help you out immediately. The ERP will also provide you with a plan of action to get you back in your building as quickly as possible after a loss.

This plan establishes your local SERVPRO as your go-to mitigation and restoration provider. It also identifies a clear line of command, so both parties know exactly who to communicate with when there is an emergency on your property.

Lastly, the ERP also gives you peace of mind with the insurance claims process. When disaster strikes, SERVPRO will assist you with the entire claims process and collect the documentation needed to ensure you get the proper compensation as quickly as possible.

Why Use the SERVPRO Emergency Ready Plan?

The Emergency Ready Plan is a free tool that allows you to create a comprehensive emergency plan for your business in minutes. It's simple and easy to use, making it the perfect tool for both small businesses and large corporations alike.

• It's a good way to document everything that’s important about your business.
• It's easy to share with other people who are responsible for helping out during an emergency.
• If there’s ever an actual emergency at your property (or even if there isn't), you can use the Emergency Ready Plan as proof that you're prepared for any kind of disaster or emergency situation.

Don't wait until disaster strikes, create your ERP today!

Now is the time to start planning for the next disaster. Don't wait until disaster strikes, create your ERP today! Our SERVPRO team will create an emergency ready plan tailored to your business. Your plan will minimize secondary damage and costs and will help you get back into business as quickly as possible, with one phone call to SERVPRO of Indiana County.

We hope that you are now better informed on what the Emergency Ready Plan is and how it can help your business. If you have any questions or would like more information about this free service, please contact us today!

About the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification

11/30/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Indiana County is an ICRC Certified Firm!

The IICRC is a non-profit organization that sets standards for restoration companies and businesses across the United States. The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is an organization of industry professionals who work in or are interested in these industries and have the necessary certifications. IICRC offers certification programs, educational training and other resources for the restoration industry. 

50 Years of Experience 

The IICRC has been certifying companies and technicians in all aspects of cleaning, flooring inspection, water damage restoration and mold remediation since 1972. This nonprofit organization is dedicated to improving the skills of the industry through an educational program that teaches best practices for cleaning, restoration and repair.

There are certain levels of certification according to the IICRC: 

• Certified Technician: Entry level certification designed for individuals who have little or no experience with cleaning services or who wish to advance their career in this field
• Certified Associate: For individuals looking to expand their knowledge base beyond entry level requirements while maintaining a manageable workload by working within their current company structure as they move towards full-time employment within a professional cleaning service organization

Restoration Industry Standards 

IICRC Certified firms are held to a higher standard of business ethics and performance. IICRC's certification programs help businesses build credibility by creating trust with customers. The Institute works to ensure that companies who hold its certifications are committed to providing quality services so that clients feel confident about hiring them for their projects.

When you are looking for a professional to inspect and clean your home or business, it is important to know who is inspecting and cleaning your property. This can be especially important when it comes to the health and safety of your family or employees.

The IICRC certification process ensures that an individual has passed a rigorous testing process and is found competent in their job duties by peers within their industry. It also means that they have agreed to adhere to ethical standards of conduct while on the job. SERVPRO of Indiana County embraces these standards and requires them of our entire team. You can trust that SERVPRO of Indiana County is an IICRC Certified Firm!

How To Maintain Your Swamp Cooler and Prevent Mold Damage

8/27/2022 (Permalink)

A leaking swamp cooler can lead to mold damage

How To Prevent Mold Issues In Your Home

Swamp coolers use three-quarters less energy than standard air conditioners but cost only half the price. However, they require more maintenance than central air conditioners do because they use moisture evaporation to cool the air. A leaking swamp cooler can lead to mold damage. Here are three ways to prevent issues so you can keep your White, PA, home cool and comfortable during hot weather.

1. Schedule Regular Maintenance
Even if you don’t see (or smell) any issues, have a licensed professional clean and inspect your swamp cooler. The cooling pads are susceptible to mold growth; replace them halfway through the season. Cleaning the drip pans, ducts and other parts helps prevent the buildup that leads to property damage. Mineral buildup can keep the system from running correctly. Get rid of buildup with descaler tablets or install a filter to remove excess minerals from hard water.

2. Make Repairs Right Away
You don’t want water from your leaking swamp cooler getting into your foundation and causing issues. Replace damaged parts such as hoses, connections and float valves. If the swamp cooler’s reservoir has cracks or holes, water can seep into your home and cause mildew. If you notice your home has mold growth, contact mold remediation experts to clean up the damage.

3. Watch Your Home’s Humidity Levels
Because swamp coolers add moisture to your home, they work best in areas where the humidity is less than 50% during hot weather. If there’s a lot of water in the air, run a dehumidifier or keep your windows open. If you live in an area with high humidity, installing an air conditioner system may be a better option.
When the weather cools down and you’re ready to store your swamp cooler, drain the water supply, clean the water reservoir, let all the parts dry out, and put the unit in a cool, dry space.

What To Expect During Mold Remediation at Your Business

8/11/2022 (Permalink)

Black mold damage in Black Lick, PA

What to Expect When Cleaning Up Mold at Your Business

If your Black Lick, PA, business is in need of mold removal after water damage, then it’s recommended that you contact a local mold remediation service. There are several things these professionals will do as part of the process. Here’s what you can expect.

1. Damage Assessment

One of the first things you can expect professionals to do when looking for mold at your place of business is a damage assessment. This will help them determine if mold is present, and how severe it is. This is important as if left unattended mold can eventually turn into black mold which may cause larger-scale damage. Once the assessment has finished they can begin creating a plan for mold remediation.

2. Mold Containment

One of the main steps of the mold removal process is containing the area where mold is growing. This process usually involves sectioning off the space with plastic sheeting, and using a ventilation system to control airflow. The controlled ventilation can be used to help prevent mold spore from becoming airborne and contaminating other parts of the building. Once the controlled environment has been set up, the professionals working on your space can begin the mold cleanup and cleaning of the space.

3. Item Cleaning

After the area affected by mold growth has been contained, professionals working on your business can begin working on item cleaning and restoration. Each item may have a different cleaning method based on the material it is composed of, and what damage it has sustained. Once cleaned these items will be placed into content storage until they can be safely returned to the space.

During the mold removal process it’s not uncommon for the professionals involved to start with damage assessment. From there they will contain any areas affected by mold and begin the repair process and item cleaning. If you have any questions the remediation crew working on your business should be able to help.

How To Find a Shower Leak

5/21/2022 (Permalink)

A leaking shower or bathtub can cause a lot of problems in your home.

A leaking shower or bathtub can cause a lot of problems in your home in Willet, PA. To make matters worse, many leaks go undetected because they are difficult to spot. The good news is that if you know what to look for, you can reduce the risk of water damage.

How To Spot a Shower or Bathtub Leak

In a bathtub or shower, there are a few main areas where water is likely to leak.

Faucet - A leaky faucet is one of the most common sources of bathroom leaks. Since they are easy to spot, the issue can be resolved before it creates a huge problem.
Grout - Leaks in the grout are fairly easy to find as well. Look for water seeping in gaps or cracks in the tiles and grout. If the tiles always seem damp or waterlogged, mold may be growing below the surface.
Body of the Bathtub - A bathtub leak is more difficult to detect. Dry the outside of the tub and then wrap newspaper around it. Fill the tub with water and look for areas of the newspaper that get wet quickly.
Shower Pan - Look for signs of wear or cracks to determine if there is a shower pan leak. Replace if needed.

How To Fix a Bathtub Leak
Some leaks are easier to fix than others. For a leaky faucet, replace the gaskets and stem washers inside the faucet. Remember to turn off the water supply before you begin.
If you have a tile grout leak, apply a heavy sealant to the grout after drying the surface. A leaking bathtub body should be inspected by a professional plumber.
If you discover water damage, mold can be growing behind the fixtures. Contact a water restoration professional as soon as possible.
Reduce the risk of water leaks in your bathroom by knowing what to spot.

3 Reasons Why SERVPRO Is the Best Choice After a Storm

2/23/2022 (Permalink)

When there was a lot of water on the floor, SERVPRO was there right away.

Why SERVPRO Is the Best Choice After a Storm

If you have experienced a storm in Iselin, PA, there will likely be some damage to buildings in the area. When you need the help of a storm restoration service, SERVPRO is a preferred company for many insurance agencies. Here are a few reasons why choosing them is best for you and your clients.

1. Many Clients Could Be Affected

After a storm, you may have multiple clients with damage to their homes. Dealing with several insurance claims at once can be stressful and time-consuming. SERVPRO can make the storm restoration process go more smoothly. They have over 1,700 locations that are open 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, so they will be available as soon as you need them.

2. A Quick Response Means Less Damage and a Faster Claims Process

When a client has water damage in his or her home, it is important to act quickly. This kind of damage will only get worse over time if it is not taken care of, so a quick storm response can make a big difference. They can inspect the home within hours of your call, so you can process your client’s insurance claim more quickly. This also allows the company to begin mitigation to prevent further damage, which can save both time and money during the restoration.

3. They Are Faster to Any Size Disaster

Whether a client has a lot of flood damage in the home or a little, SERVPRO is trained to handle it. They have both the equipment and the experience to respond to emergencies of any size. You can expect the job to be done as quickly as possible without sacrificing the quality of work.
When you need to provide storm restoration to a large number of clients, choose a damage restoration company with a fast response and highly trained workers. This will make the process easier on everyone involved.