Flood Insurance for Commercial Buildings

3/24/2022 (Permalink)

About 25% of businesses do not reopen after a disaster. One of the most common disasters that can affect a business is a flood. 98% of counties in the United States have been impacted by a flood event. There are some steps that you can take to help prevent your business from being part of that statistic. For example, you can get flood insurance. According to FEMA one inch of water can cause over $25k in damage to your home so, imagine the costs when your business is involved. SERVPRO of Greenwood understands that recovering from a loss like that can be difficult and want to make sure that we can help our community members to better understand their options and how they can get help.

Most standard commercial insurance policies do not cover flood losses. Flood insurance is offered through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP, run by FEMA. It is important to note that the NFIP does NOT sell flood insurance. You must purchase the insurance through your insurance provider. The rates for these programs are set by the NFIP and a dependent on whether you live in a flood plain, the risk of flooding in your area, the building’s age, and the building’s construction.

There are two kinds of flood insurance. Building property insurance covers the actual building, and personal property insurance covers the contents inside of the building. The NFIP recommends that you get both policies. Be sure to plan ahead and don’t expect to be able to get coverage immediately before a potential disaster event because there is a 30-day waiting period before your policies will go into effect.

SERVPRO of Greenwood cares about our community and we want you to be protected! Be sure to reach out to your insurance agent to discuss with them your coverage options for flood insurance. Should your place of business suffer from flood damage our team of professionals are ready for your call, and we can work directly with your insurance provider to help make the already difficult process of recovering from a disaster as easy as we can.

Are the Ducts in your Business Clean?

3/22/2022 (Permalink)

Did you know that investing in regular air duct cleaning can reduce indoor allergens like dust, pollen, and pet dander?  Air duct cleaning is vital to the cleanliness of the air you breathe in.

Since the ventilation system is often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality, inspecting the ductwork in your home or business should be a high priority. In most cases, the HVAC system has been operating for some time without much attention. Dirty ducts can circulate odors and contaminants such as mold and irritating dust throughout your building or home.

SERVPRO of Greenwood, Abbeville & McCormick County provides commercial and residential air duct cleaning that can improve the air quality in your home or business.

How often do you need your air ducts cleaned?

It is recommended to get your air ducts cleaned every three to five years.  However, if you have elderly family members, pets, allergies, or young children it may be beneficial to clean your air ducts more often.  If you see a lot of dust gathering on furniture just after cleaning, that could be one sign that your air ducts need cleaning.

Our Duct Cleaning Process

• The process begins by using patented equipment including a roto-scraper, which aromatically adapts to the shape and diameter of the duct while traveling through the duct, removing debris and dirt before vacuuming begins
• Next, powerful push-pull air delivery and collection system transfer the debris from the ducting to a collection bag.
• Air is then filtered through a HEPA filtration system removing 99.97 percent of particles in the air-stream. HEPA filters capture debris and keep the environment clean.
• As an optional process, a sealant or coating product may be sprayed to address odor or microbial concerns.
• Always have a replacement filter on hand so that we may change them out at the time of service.

If you have questions about air duct cleaning services for your home or business please give us a call at SERVPRO of Greenwood, Abbeville & McCormick County 864-229-6610

Keep Your Business Moving With Our Emergency Ready Plan

3/22/2022 (Permalink)

Running a business is a full-time job—or really, running a business is an overtime job. In the constantly shifting business environment, you have your staff to care for, payroll to manage and competition to handle, all while you try to present yourself well through media and advertisement.

It can all feel like a delicate balance, and one disruption can spell disaster. To survive a disaster, you have to have a clear plan in place ahead of time. That is why we at SERVPRO of Greenwood, Abbeville, & McCormick Counties want to help your business get prepared with an Emergency Ready Plan.

According to FEMA, 40% of small businesses that experience a natural disaster never reopen, while another quarter of those that do close within a year. As a local business serving Greenwood, Abbeville, McCormick Counties, we want to see that statistic changed. We believe local business is the heart of our communities, and we are ready to create a plan that will keep your business moving no matter what comes our way.

When you create an Emergency Ready Plan, you will know exactly what happens next after your business experiences a disaster. You and your staff will know where your alternate work locations are, vendors you can rely on, the chain of command for handling each step of the way and so much more.

Three-quarters of small businesses do not have a proper plan in place, and that is something that needs to change. Our communities are consistently threatened with bad weather, including the potential for tornadoes, making it more important than ever to have an emergency plan ready to go.

Let our experts work with you to prevent extended time away from your business.

When your business is ready to prioritize planning and safety to prevent extended downtime, contact SERVPRO to get the Emergency Ready Plan underway from the folks who know all there is to know about disaster and recovery.

Potential Water Damage in Your Commercial Facility

3/21/2022 (Permalink)

There’s never a convenient time for water damage to strike your business, but unexpected water damage can come from multiple sources found in your commercial facility. 

• Water Supply - These water supply line systems are essential for nearly every business, but a broken pipe in one of them might create a complete disaster. The best way to deal with these issues is to shut off your water if possible. In fact, stopping the flow should be your first step in almost any flooding situation, as long as entering the flood area does not provide an immediate threat to your health.  
• Fire Sprinklers - Sprinkler systems are designed to protect you from disasters, but they can cause disasters as well. Prevent unfortunate losses by keeping your fire sprinklers maintained professionally.  
• Toilets - Nobody wants to think about a toilet overflowing, but this is one of the most common water-related disasters in businesses. Well-maintained bathroom facilities have less chance of causing a catastrophe, but it's important to know how to shut off your fixtures just in case. Some commercial toilet shutoff processes are far from intuitive.  
• Ruptured Pipes - A broken pipe might happen as a result of extreme temperature changes, direct stress or simple disrepair. If it happens out of sight, you might not notice the problem until it's advanced far enough to have caused significant damage. If you find a pipe issue, it's usually a good idea to call a restoration company and your insurance provider immediately after you stop the flow of water. 

SERVPRO of Greenwood, Abbeville & McCormick Counties has the training, experience, and equipment to handle large commercial water damage emergencies. Whether your water emergency occurs in a small office building or big box store, we will respond quickly to mitigate the damage and manage the restoration project through to its completion. Call us today at 864-229-6610

Being Prepared

3/17/2022 (Permalink)

Having been a Commercial Property Manager in the past, I understand all too well the challenges that face those underappreciated individuals.  Good Commercial Property Managers are like mayors of small cities; constantly balancing the needs of the many for the good of all.  And they have to know a lot about a lot of different things; a “jack of all trades” so to speak.  But most of all they must plan and prepare for the improbable and the unexpected.

I learned that lesson the hard way when I was a relatively new property manager of a mixed used shopping center.  I had been working at the property for about 6 months and encouraged the head of maintenance to take a much-needed vacation.  I think most of all it was my youth that made me certain I could handle anything.  How little I knew.  So, the head of maintenance grinned and went fishing.  Which is why he was unreachable in the middle of a lake in his bass boat while back at the shopping center, the fire alarm was screaming, 5 fire trucks had arrived, and the sprinkler system was running full force. The Fire Chief then asked me the magic question, “Where are the risers for the sprinkler system?” And for those of you who don’t know but have probably guessed, that’s where you turn off the water to a sprinkler system after the fire is out.  Do you have ANY idea how much water those systems can pump out in a minute?

Well, SERVPRO does!  So, if you’re a Commercial Property Manager and find yourself with a bunch of water where you don’t want water to be, call SERVPRO of Greenwood, Abbeville & McCormick Counties and we’ll make it “Like it never even happened.”

Be Prepared

3/9/2022 (Permalink)

Having been a Commercial Property Manager in the past, I understand all too well the challenges that face those underappreciated individuals.  Good Commercial Property Managers are like mayors of small cities; constantly balancing the needs of the many for the good of all.  And they have to know a lot about a lot of different things; a “jack of all trades” so to speak.  But most of all they must plan and prepare for the improbable and the unexpected.

I learned that lesson the hard way when I was a relatively new property manager of a mixed used shopping center.  I had been working at the property for about 6 months and encouraged the head of maintenance to take a much-needed vacation.  I think most of all it was my youth that made me certain I could handle anything.  How little I knew. So, the head of maintenance grinned and went fishing.  Which is why he was unreachable in the middle of a lake in his bass boat while back at the shopping center, the fire alarm was screaming, 5 fire trucks had arrived, and the sprinkler system was running full force. The Fire Chief then asked me the magic question, “Where are the risers for the sprinkler system?” And for those of you who don’t know but have probably guessed, that’s where you turn off the water to a sprinkler system after the fire is out.  Do you have ANY idea how much water those systems can pump out in a minute?

Well, SERVPRO does! So if you’re a Commercial Property Manager and find yourself with a bunch of water where you don’t want water to be, call SERVPRO of Greenwood, Abbeville & McCormick Counties  and we’ll make it “Like it never even happened.”

Commercial Services 2022

3/1/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Greenwood, Abbeville & McCormick Counties provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
• Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
• A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
• Locally Owned and Operated
• Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment 

Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 – (864) 229-6610

Commercial Services

There's never a convenient time for fire or Water damage to strike your commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. When the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services, we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business. Learn more about our commercial services:

• Commercial Water Damage Restoration
• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration

We also offer residential restorations services as well.

Harmful Waste In Your Commercial Property

3/24/2021 (Permalink)

Harmful Waste

(Sewage, Bloodborne Pathogens, etc.)

Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Call emergency service personnel if the situation is life-threatening.
• Treat all bodily fluids as if they are contaminated.

Don’t:

• Attempt cleanup of any kind
• Touch or handle items that might be contaminated with bodily fluids

SERVPRO of Greenwood wants to ensure that you are safe at all times. We have the correct PPE (Personal Protection Equipment), solutions, and we properly dispose of all harmful waste. This could happen anywhere including in your commercial property. Accidents happen all the time, we are here to take of that accident for you. If you have any questions or concerns about this situation, give us a call and we will have someone take care of it for you. Our professional production crew is well trained in taking care of harmful waste. You have nothing to worry about.

Call Us Today! 864-229-6610

ERPs... We're Here to Help!

3/23/2021 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of Greenwood, Abbeville & McCormick Counties we offer a program that helps your commercial property be aware on what to do in case of a disaster. What would you do if you were to get the unfortunate call at 2am that a pipe busted in your business? With an ERP, SERVPRO has you covered! And by the way, it is FREE!

What is an ERP?

An ERP or Emergency Ready Profile is a comprehensive collection of all the critical shutoffs, emergency contact information and any other important information you would need in an event of an emergency.

The Process

The process is as simple as it gets. It takes about 30 minutes to an hour based on the size of your facility. It takes about another hour four us to compile all the information and pictures to complete your profile. We deliver a hard copy and you also will have a digital copy on our ERP app. Normally it will take three to five business days to complete the profile and delivered to your property.

Features

Like stated before this profile is FREE! We believe that no one should pay to be well equipped and ready in case of an emergency at your business. The Emergency Ready Profile is great for new hires and new maintenance people to quickly be taught where all the emergency shutoffs are and who to contact in an event of an emergency.

Benefits 

The benefits of an ERP is really unlimited. It really cuts down on the cost and time that your business is down. It can make a difference in saving hundreds if not thousands of dollars and the difference in being open for a few days, a few weeks or maybe even a few months. The ERP program can save you lots of money and time from being down due to mitigation and repairs. And also it allows us here at SERVPRO of Greenwood County build trust and a good relationship with you.

Interested in out ERP Program? Call 864-229-6610 and schedule an appointment to set up your profile.

Cleaning Experts

3/20/2021 (Permalink)

Category: Why SERVPRO

SERVPRO is Here to Help your business during this time of need

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

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.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – 864-229-6610

Corporate Paying a Visit?

3/20/2021 (Permalink)

Recently SERVPRO of Greenwood received a call from a big commercial warehouse here in Greenwood asking if we could go in and do some general cleaning for them because corporate was going to be there that week. We are always here to help to so we gladly took the job. What they wanted us to do was simple. They wanted most walls cleaned throughout the warehouse, the safety rails, and finally the floors/windows cleaned in the office area. Our wonderful cleaning crew took the necessary solutions and supplies to get the job done before corporate paid them a visit. We began but dusting off the wall railings. Then we used our specialized solutions to wipe the walls and rails down until they were nice and clean. We started at the very top of the wall by climbing up the tallest ladder we had in our shop and worked our way down. Getting all the spots off the walls was not easy, our cleaning were putting in some elbow grease to ensure clean and shiny walls. After all the walls around the warehouse was cleaned, we moved to clean the tile floors and windows around the office space. The cleaning crew got the job done just in time for their corporate office to come for a yearly visit.

Is you Business Clean?

3/18/2021 (Permalink)

First impressions are crucial, I think we can all agree, especially when it comes to your business! If a new customer walks in your store or office, what are the first things they notice? Cleanliness? Smell? Visible dirt? All these things might deter a customer from returning or even making an initial purchase, not something you’d want as a business owner.

You can certainly dust, mop or light a candle on your own – but deep cleaning requires a little more effort & know-how. Did you know that SERVPRO of Greenwood offers deep cleaning services? We can clean and sanitize your floors (carpet & hard flooring), clean your duct work – which can help to eliminate odors and provide a cleaner breathing environment. 

Call for a quote for your business today!

864-229-6610

Commercial Coverage

3/11/2021 (Permalink)

Most Commercial Insurance policies provide coverage for not only the building, but the building’s contents. In the event of fire, water, or mold damage, you certainly want to retain the monetary value in both the structure and the valuables you have inside!

Take time to review your policies, their limits, and any stipulations they may include. It’s also important to keep an accurate inventory on hand of anything of value within your business. The more information you can provide, the higher the chances of you recouping potential money lost.

As always, at SERVPRO we do our best to adhere to our “Repair vs. Replace” mentality. If we can fix, restore, or simply clean your items, rather than attempt to get them replaced, we will. This saves you money, keeping your insurance claim low, valuable time.

Flooding at you place Business?

3/16/2020 (Permalink)

Here in our area, we are no stranger to floods. The sky grows dark; the ominous clouds roll in. You see the gust of wind tousling the branches in the trees. The lightning flashes, thunder rumbles, and the next thing you know you hear the rain hit the roof of the building. You listen to the rain get heavier and louder. You watch the water accumulate across your property and then, what seems like a split second, the water in now intruding into your building.

Take the measures to prevent additional damage to your office, then call SERVPRO of Greenwood, Abbeville & McCormick Counties to properly take care of the damage that has already been done. We have a team of highly trained professionals who have been helping our community recover from water damage from flooding! Let us help make it "Like it never even happened."

If your commercial building is affected by a flood, give us a call day or night! SERVPRO of Greenwood, Abbeville & McCormick Co. is always "Here to Help"! 864-229-6610

Business Interruption how to Stay Open

3/16/2020 (Permalink)

Operating a business is no simple task. It is a complex, time-consuming venture that requires being ready for anything. When a disaster strikes that requires a rebuild, businesses can gain peace of mind by having business interruption insurance. Instead of worrying about paying the bills and closing the doors to income, this add-on insurance can help keep a business afloat and make it easier to get back to normal.

Typical Coverage

When a rebuild is necessary due to flooding or water damage, fire or other natural disasters, time becomes a challenge. A closed business for an extended period of time could result in the business failing. While all policies are a little different depending on the insurer, interruption insurance often covers the following:

• Lost Profits – Get reimbursed for lost earnings based on previous performance.
• Static Costs – Day-to-day operating expenses.
• Temporary Relocation – If it is possible to operate from another location, many policies will cover this cost.
• Employee Wages – Keeping employees is key to succeeding. This allows for payroll to be met.
• Taxes – No matter what happens, taxes are due. This coverage can eliminate the headache of additional penalties.
• Loan payments – Even if there is no income, it’s important to pay loans on time. Business interruption helps you stay on track with debtors.
  

Additional Peace of Mind

A disaster quickly becomes an eye-opening experience. If equipment or machinery needs to be replaced, that often means training people to use it. Depending on your policy, this add-on may help cover some of those costs. It also works with your primary commercial property insurance. While the main policy will cover the physical damage, the interruption portion will ease the burden of the immediate financial damage.
While no business expects to have to rebuild, anything can happen. Adding a little extra insurance can go a long way in keeping your business thriving.

Do you need to clean your ducts at your commercial business?

3/11/2020 (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:

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

For more information on air duct cleaning, call us at SERVPRO of Greenwood, Abbeville & McCormick Counties today, 864-229-6610

Is your Commercial Property affected by Mold

3/10/2020 (Permalink)

Stachybotrys chartarum is the type of mold often called “black mold” or “toxic mold”. Sensational news reports warn about the dangers of black mold and these stories can be alarming and confusing. Any mold in your property should be treated with caution – stay out of affected areas and don’t touch or disturb the mold.

How Do I Tell If It’s Black Mold?

Since many types of mold can produce allergens and irritants, you should contact a qualified mold remediation company regardless of the color or type of mold. In many instances, multiple types of mold can exist in the same property or structure. If you suspect that you have a mold problem, contact your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional immediately.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today   864-229-6610

When water intrudes into your property, mold growth can start in as little as 48 hours. Consider the following mold facts:

•  Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
•  Mold spores are microscopic, float along in the air, and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
•  Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce toxins harmful to humans and pets.
•  Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise the mold may return.
•  Mold often produces a strong, musty odor, and that odor can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
•  Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

When property damage strikes your Business

3/10/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Greenwood, Abbeville & McCormick Counties knows that commercial properties are likely to have property damage occur, things like water damage from flooding after the break of a pipe, appliance or fire sprinkler. Fire damage with soot and smoke damage after a space heater too close to the drapes, a candle left unattended or popcorn in the break room microwave. Sewage damage from toilet backups or overflows. We know that property damage occurs often and without any notice and we want you to be as prepared as possible that is why we offer for all business and commercial property owners a FREE Emergency Ready Profile. One of our trained SERVPRO of Greenwood, Abbeville & McCormick Counties managers will come out on-site and meet with you and help to create a completely customized plan for your building. It's always good to be prepared before anything happens. 

We Can Get You Back to Business

3/10/2020 (Permalink)

In our nearly 20+ years of experience working in the Greenwood, Abbeville & McCormick Areas we have seen many different types of commercial property damages occur. We have seen fires from faulty electrical, we have seen warehouses flooded with broken fire suppression sprinklers. Business temporarily closed due to graffiti and vandalism, and biohazards from urban camping settlements. All businesses will suffer from property damage at some point, not only is it frustrating but it also causes business to come to a grinding stop. This can be a bad time for you, your customers and also your team. If you are not able to do work and continue to serve your customers you stand the chance of losing them and their business. We help your business get back to business.

Restoring Your Greenwood Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

10/4/2017 (Permalink)

Commercial Water Damage Events Present Unique Challenges

Flooding and water damage events at Greenwood 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 damage 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 Greenwood, Abbeville, & McCormick

SERVPRO of Greenwood, Abbeville, & McCormick 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.