3 Ways To Maintain Your Business's Roof

1/13/2020 (Permalink)

3 Ways To Maintain Your Business's Roof

A roof leak or collapse can be devastating to a business, causing flooding and ruining merchandise. Roof damage, in fact, is a difficult situation, making reopening your store in Livingston Parish, a hassle and expense. Avoiding this disaster isn't impossible, but steps can be taken to minimize the chances.

1. Attend to Small Problems Quickly
Don't assume your structure is intact simply because you can't see water stains. Wind damage and harsh rain can wear it down, causing tiny complications. Contact roofing specialists to conduct biannual evaluations, looking for any of the following issues:

• Peeled edges
• Cracked roofing
• Missing shingles
• Flashing issues
  

Leaving any of these unattended exposes the building to leaks and water damage. Fix things as soon as they come to your attention.

2. Tend To Drainage and Debris Early
Are gutters clear? If they become clogged, backups happen, allowing water to build in areas it shouldn't. This pressure could add unneeded pressure to the top, essentially weighing it down. That collapse is not pretty. Have property management look at the gutter system regularly, scheduling clean outs. Trees and brush become an additional hazard. Roof damage often happens when limbs and branches are picked up during storms and then thrown into the roofing. Those smacks punch holes and remove the protective shingles. To avoid this, have someone trim the foliage and, before a major weather event, pick up anything loose on the ground.

3. Apply To Insurance Immediately
If you need help restoring the premises, contact a water restoration company to inspect the establishment, looking for mold and flooding complications. Their recommendation may indicate a roof rebuild is needed. Don't underestimate that decision. Work with your insurance company to discuss the need, giving you the comfort of a secure new ceiling. In fact, ask about waterproofing for the future. This sealant might aid in keeping leaks from sprouting up in the future.
Roof damage has preventative measures. By looking at it periodically, management might find the weak areas, offering a chance to stop a major catastrophe. In addition, don't forget that taking care of the landscaping may also ward off potential troubles.

Emergency Ready Profile

1/10/2020 (Permalink)

EMERGENCY READY PROFILE(ERP)!!

What is an ERP you ask? 

Well, an ERP is an Emergency Ready Profile that we make pertaining to the layout of your commercial building. ERP's are used in circumstances where a disaster has occurred and you contact us to come out and perform mitigation services. An ERP will help business' save time and money. This profile creates a less stressful manner of dealing with the disaster. 

An ERP will contain the following:

• A No Cost assessment of your facility.
• A Concise Profile Documentation that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.
• Provides Facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas, and priority contact information.
• Identifies the line of command for authorizing work to begin and authorization during the working process.

With this profile, SERVPRO of South Livingston will have a complete layout of your building to be fully prepared for any disaster or incident strike!!

Don't let our first exposure to your building be during a disaster response. If we become familiar with your property now, we can get started with mitigation faster and get your business up to pace as quickly as possible.

If you have any questions or are interested in an Emergency Ready Profile being done for your commercial building, please give us a call at (225) 667-2220. 

CALL US TODAY TO GET STARTED!!

Keeping Your Commercial Property Fire Ready

12/28/2018 (Permalink)

Keeping your commercial property fire ready is vital in order to avoid disaster. Your livelihood and that of your staff depends on your business, and you will want to protect it. Being ready for any kind of disaster is always a good idea. We are sharing some tips here that can help you get your property ready in the event of a fire:

Ensure that your building or suite is visibly lettered and numbered so that emergency responders can easily find your location in a timely manner. Numbers should contrast with the background used, such as black/white, while the numerals should be no less than six inches in height.

Fire extinguishers should be no more than 75 feet from work areas for easy access, and they should be mounted in a highly visible spot that is easy to get to. Make sure your extinguishers are serviced at least once a year by a licensed fire extinguisher company.

Exits need to be clearly marked with EXIT signage and should be illuminated at all times, with a battery backup for power outages. Exits should also be clear of any obstructions so that people can get out safely and quickly. Emergency lighting should be kept in working order, and the area around the building outside clear of debris and plant material, reducing the fire risk outdoors as well.

Stored materials need to be stacked at least two feet below the ceiling and be orderly. For buildings with an automatic sprinkler system, 18 inches of clearance is required, allowing smoke to collect up high, which gives people adequate time to exit and the sprinklers a clear area for their spray pattern.

Electrical outlets should have no more than one item per outlet plugged in, which may include a power strip with a circuit breaker. All electrical cords should be kept in good repair and replaced when needed.

Trash receptacles need to be kept at least five feet away from combustible roofs, windows, and door openings and not stored in the path of exits.

Have your sprinkler system tested and serviced every 12 months or less by a licensed fire sprinkler company. This practice should also be used for your fire alarm system.

If your business involves cooking foods, make sure your stove hood has been cleaned at least once every year to prevent excessive grease buildup. Ceiling exhaust fans and bathroom heater/light/fan combinations can also be a risk due to a buildup of dust and grease, resulting in increased operating temperatures.

Make sure your local fire department has valid contact information on file for your commercial property.

For more information call SERVPRO of South Livingston at (225) 667-2220. 

Does your Office Have a Fire Plan?

11/16/2018 (Permalink)

Business Emergency Evacuation Plan for fires are essential to keep your staff safe.

With holiday’s right around the corner, our minds are not always focused on safety, especially at the office. Now-a-days emergency escape plans are not a requirement for all businesses. If your office had a fire, would you know what to do? Every second counts during a fire. Experts say people have as little as two minutes to escape before it may be too late. Let’s plan ahead this season to help ensure your office and staff is safe and fire-free.

Organize an Emergency Plan

Gather all employees and review the company’s Emergency Plan and procedures. Make sure everyone knows and understands the escape route, and if anyone has any questions be sure to go over them.

Post Evacuation Procedures

In the office building post the evacuation produces somewhere where the entire staff has access to see it. Be sure to clearing mark all routes and exits in the building and ensure all are well lit and unobstructed at all times.

Exercises and Drills

Set aside a time to actually conduct an office evacuation exercise. Before starting, discuss a designated safe spot outside the building for all staff members to meet after the evacuation. Once the drill is over, evaluate how well the exercise went and how the plan worked.

Restoring Your Livingston Commercial Property

5/31/2018 (Permalink)

Flooding and water damage events at Livingston 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 South Livingston

SERVPRO of Livingston 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.

Keep Your Restaurant Free of Mold

4/30/2018 (Permalink)

Mold growth is a part of life, but it shouldn’t be a part of your restaurant. As a food service provider in South Louisiana you’ve already got your hands full with your business. Here are some tips to help you prevent mold from taking over.

Store Food Properly To Prevent the Spread of Mold

Mold ruins food and drives up your inventory costs. Spores are always floating in the air, and they settle on anything left out in the open. For this reason you should always:

• Store food in sealed containers
• Keep items covered
• Clean storage areas routinely to eliminate spores

Mold spores can grow on any organic surfaces, on the counter, and even in your cooler and freezer.

Adhere to Cleaning Standards

Getting rid of dirt and dust is the best way to reduce the risk of mold growth, but there’s a catch. What do you do with all the scrub pads, towels, and mop heads?
These materials typically remain damp for long periods of time. When left out, the moisture on these items contributes to high humidity. Throw out used sponges and mops regularly, and keep plenty of extra dry towels on hand.

Dehumidify the Building

Make use of vents in your kitchen when cooking. Food is full of moisture. When you cook it, excess water vapor releases into the air. In high volumes this vapor increases humidity levels and contributes to mold growth. Keep air circulating through the food prep area, and use the ventilation system while you are cooking.

Seek Professional Help

A mold infestation and water damage can shut your business down during renovations. The cost is often higher than just the repair expenses and lost revenues. Your reputation matters, and customers associate mold with dirt and filth.

A professional mold remediation company can help you identify trouble spots before they advance too far. Schedule regular inspections and address issues right away. Repair leaky pipes, and clear drains to prevent further contamination whenever possible. Visit http://www.SERVPROsouthlivingstonparish.com for more information on mold.

The Basics of Business Interruption Insurance

4/9/2018 (Permalink)

As a business owner, you already know the importance of insurance. From liability insurance to car insurance and beyond, these plans are part of your everyday operations and allow you to conduct business in your establishment with confidence. Despite this reliance on insurance, many business owners in South Louisiana are unaware of one of the most beneficial coverage options out there: business interruption insurance. It has a lot to offer, such as:

• Compensating you for business lost during a rebuild
• Covering operating expenses (electricity, water, etc.) when your building is unusable
• Pricing based on present risks in your particular business

Keeping Your Doors Open

The main point of this type of insurance is keeping your doors open while you’re undergoing a rebuild after a fire, flooding or other disaster has occurred. As you know, a closed business makes no money, and with no profit, it could be impossible to keep your business open long enough to see the repairs finished. By compensating you based on your business’s normal income and taking care of operational costs, this service is designed to make sustaining a damaged business easier until you can open the doors again.

Pricing

Business interruption insurance typically isn’t sold on its own. Instead, it will be included in a packaged deal with another type of insurance you purchase for your place of business. Much like your other coverage options, the price for this addition depends largely on what type of business you own. For example, a restaurant or any other business with a higher risk for fire damage will have a higher cost than a dentistry, just as businesses located in known flood zones will make higher payments than those that aren’t.

Adding this insurance option to your policy might cost you a little more at first, but if you ever need to undergo an emergency rebuild it could very well save your business. Visit http://www.SERVPROsouthlivingston.com for more information on commercial storm damage. 

Commercial Water Damage

4/7/2018 (Permalink)

Restoring Your South Louisiana Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

Flooding and water damage events at South Louisiana 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 South Livingston 

SERVPRO of South Livingtson 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.