We are helping our local businesses stay safe from COVID.

2/4/2021 (Permalink)

Our employee cleaning a high touch surface at one of our local Casey's General Store.

Our team of professionals have been trained and experienced in dealing with biological contaminants. We are prepared to execute detailed cleaning and disinfection of your home or business to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. The CDC has recommended the usage of labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogen claims, and we are strictly following all guidelines set by the CDC as well as local authorities. Here is a brief description of our COVID-19 cleanup processes dependent on the type of COVID-19 situation:

• Level 1- Sanitizing: Misting entire area with an antiviral.
• Level 2- High Touch Cleanup: Cleanup of high touch surfaces is required for a situation involving a person who is suspected to have COVID-19 or a Person Under Investigation; which is someone who is involved in a quarantine situation or has come in contact with someone testing positive. This includes cleaning and disinfecting of high touch nonporous surfaces and cleaning and sanitizing of high touch porous surfaces.
• Level 3- Enhanced Cleanup- Enhanced cleanup is required for an area in which a person who has been confirmed positive for COVID-19 has inhabited. This includes cleaning and disinfecting of all nonporous and porous surfaces. This enhanced cleaning includes up to 8 feet, but excludes ceilings.

We are professionals at cleaning up any kind of water damage.

2/4/2021 (Permalink)

We can make this "Like it never even happened"

Flooding and water damage events at 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 evaluate each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many situations, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Our professionals at SERVPRO of Decatur/Forsyth IICRC certified and 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.

Three levels of damage:

Level I – Typically considered a limited issue, this level begins in the home and only affects a small area. An example may be a toilet overflow that is contained in the bathroom and doesn’t get absorbed into porous materials.
Level II – This also originates inside the home but affects a greater area of the home and both porous and nonporous materials.
Level III – When the water comes from outside the home, such as stormwater from a flood or main sewer line backing up, there could potentially all sorts of contaminants that require extra precautions during cleanup.

We are here and ready to help make it 

“Like it never even happened.”

Standing Water is a dangerous thing.

11/2/2020 (Permalink)

Any kind of standing water can be dangerous, SERVPRO of Deatur/Forsyth can help make it safe again.

When floodwater intrudes into your home or commercial business it can cause what is called "standing water". This can be a dangerous thing if not respected. Many times, standing water must be dealt with that can sometimes take up to 10 or 11 days to completely disappear unless it is able to be mitigated immediately. There are some precautionary measures to take into consideration when dealing with standing water. SERVPRO of Decatur/Forsyth took some time to compile the ones we felt were the most important.

Standing Water are not natural swimming pools

• Sewage, debris, and other unpleasant things can be in the standing water leftovers
• Swimming, wading, or rafting can make you sick
• Don’t drink the water
• Water conducts electricity. Underground power lines can give you a dangerous shock

Standing Water vs. Animals:

• Snakes and other animals may get into your building. Wear work boots and heavy gloves when you clean up
• Some animals might find your office a cozy place to live
• If tap water is unsafe to drink, it is unsafe for your pets

If you find yourself dealing with standing water of any kind, SERVPRO of Decatur/Forsyth is here to help make it "Like it never even happened."

What Is Dry Ice Blasting?

11/2/2020 (Permalink)

We can help you with any of your dry ice blasting needs.

What Is Dry Ice Blasting?

Dry ice blasting is a revolutionary blasting method that uses dry ice pellets (CO2 in solid form) as the blasting material. The process is very environmentally friendly and provides a fast and effective alternative to traditional methods of cleaning industrial production equipment.

Dry Ice Blasting has become the preferred method to remove smoke soot, vaporized synthetic resins and char. Advanced Indoor Air Quality Care uses C02 dry ice blasting can reduce or eliminate the musty burnt smell that results from fire, smoke and water damage.

Dry Ice Blasting Is A Three-Step Process

Kinetic: When dry ice pellets are accelerated in a jet of compressed air and strike a surface at the speed of sound, they crack and loosen the coating of the surface being treated.

Thermal: The low temperature of dry ice pellets (-79oC/-110oF) makes the coating brittle, cracks it and loosens it. This allows dry ice to permeate the coating.

Sublimation: Dry ice penetrates the coating and immediately sublimes (passes directly from solid to vapor state). This results in a 700-fold increase in volume, an explosive effect that lifts the coating off the surface.

The Benefits Of Dry Ice Blasting

A Dry Cleaning Process: Dry ice blasting is a completely dry process because dry ice pellets consist of CO2 and vaporize immediately on contact with the surface to be cleaned.

No Waste Disposal: The system produces no waste products. Only the coating that has been removed remains to be disposed of, and this can usually be swept or vacuumed from the floor.

Environmentally Friendly: Dry ice blasting is completely non-toxic and no hazardous chemicals are used. Costs connected with the disposal of blasting materials and solvents are saved.

No Abrasion: Dry ice blasting is non-abrasive and therefore surfaces are treated very gently. Wear and tear resulting from the use of steel brushes, scrapers and other blasting materials is avoided.

Improved Production Quality: Dry ice blasting often allows for your production equipment to be cleaned while in operation without a need for dismantling or costly downtime.

Call SERVPRO of Decatur/Forsyth for Dry Ice Blasting.

SERVPRO of Decatur/Forsythis locally owned and operated and we are proud to be part of this community. Fire damage can be devastating. You need a caring expert to guide you through this crisis. We’ll treat your property with great care.

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. When various materials burn, the soot and residue they create differs greatly and requires a specific cleaning procedure. The steps listed below illustrate our process for the “typical” fire damage restoration.

Things to do when a toliet overflows in your property!

11/11/2019 (Permalink)

Call us if this happens!

1. Turn Off and Remove the Water

To prevent water from spreading in the bathroom and to other areas of your business it’s often wise to turn off the toilet’s water supply. Generally, the sooner you can turn off the water supply, the less damage that will occur. Once the water has been turned off, it’s normally best to remove any standing water by using mops or towels. Quickly removing water will make it easier to fix the issue with the toilet and can help to prevent mold growth.

2. Unclog the Toilet

After you have taken steps to prevent sewer damage by turning off the water and drying the floor and area surrounding your toilet, you can shift your focus to unclogging the toilet. You can normally fix a clogged toilet with a plunger, but if your plunger isn’t fixing the problem, you may want to consider using an auger. Generally, your toilet should work normally after it has been unclogged.

3. Know When To Call In Professionals

If you are unable to unclog your toilet on your own, if your flooded toilet has caused major water damage or if your toilet commonly overflows, it may be necessary to contact a sewage company that can help to fix the issue. Additionally, it can be helpful to contact water damage restoration specialists if you suspect that major damage has occurred or if there has been standing water in your home for several days.

Commercial Fire damage in a local factory

11/5/2019 (Permalink)

This is a picture of a commercial fire damage loss that we helped with.

SERVPRO of Decatur/Forsyth helped a local factory with this fire damage. The fire was started from a battery exploding in a desk drawer. 

There is no convenient time for a fire, but if you are prepared, you can deal with the aftermath better. In case of a warehouse fire, a lot needs to be done to restore the property to its preloss condition. Apart from removing charred remains of the contents that once occupied the expansive space, the structure also requires cleaning and any damaged areas fixed. Working with restorers can help reduce the cost of your claim by minimizing the number of items that need replacement. Knowing the right restorers in Bow before a fire happens is an important aspect of preparedness.

Seeing everything covered in soot and other fire residues might tempt you to throw every item out and replace them with new ones. However, the cost involved is prohibitive of such actions. You can reduce the costs through resurfacing of some items. Common ways to resurface affected items include repainting, refinishing or covering upholstered surfaces afresh. The cheapest option though is cleaning. When our SERVPRO of Decatur/Forsyth technicians visit your affected property, we do a thorough inspection to establish which areas can be cleaned thus reducing the costs you incur.

Give us a call anytime 24/7

(217) 428-2371

5 ways to make your office cleaner.

10/16/2019 (Permalink)

Keep your office space clean.

Top things that need to be cleaned in an office or public place.

1. Clean and disinfect telephone, Kiosk touch screen:

• Spray disinfectant on a dry cloth and clean telephone mouth piece, ear piece and telephone instrument.

• Repeat the same procedure on all house phones and telephone receivers on the fax machine.

• Wipe the kiosk touch screen and remove finger print marks using recommended micro fiber cloth.

2. Clean stairway handrails:

• Remove cob webs, dirt’s etc before cleaning the handrails.

• Apply cleaning solution and wipe the handrails.

• If mild detergents are used then wipe handrails with a wet cloth to rinse away them away.

3. Clean all glass surfaces and windows:

• Spray windows and glass surfaces with water or appropriate cleaning solution.

• Use a squeegee and pull down from top to bottom.

• Overlap each stroke slightly to remove all water or cleaning solution.

• Use a lint free duster to wipe the glass surface so as to leave the entire glass surface shiny.

4. Carpet and furniture upholstery vacuuming:

• Furniture is to be dusted and all the upholstery is vacuumed cleaned.

• Connect the appropriate cleaning attachment for vacuuming upholstered furniture’s.

• Vacuum furniture arm rest, seat back and the area behind the seat back.

• Use a heavy duty vacuum cleaner to vacuum all the carpeted area on the Lobby / Front office.

• Vacuum under desks and other areas, Move furniture as and when required.

• Once cleaning is completed remove the vacuum dust bag and store the vacuum cleaner on the pantry.

5. Mop and Sweep lobby floor:

• Sweep the lobby floor thoroughly.

• Place appropriate signage to warn the guest before mopping lobby floor.

• Mop with a damp cloth to remove all dust and dirt from the surface.

• Buff the lobby once in a day also the dustbins and ashtrays are cleared time to time.

   

• Clean all marble / tile /wood skirting with a damp cloth daily.

• Sweep lobby floor on a regular interval and also when requested by the front office team.

Got a mess after new construction or renovation? SERVPRO can clean it.

10/14/2019 (Permalink)

Let us tackle your mess!

Whether you are building a new commercial structure from the ground up, or simply taking on a long overdue renovation project, it is a big job!  The entire construction process can be lengthy, stressful and messy!  After the job is complete you may be left with an even bigger mess to cleanup before you get your business up and running.  Let SERVPRO of Decatur/Forsyth take care of that headache for you.  Our full line of specialized cleaning services includes post-construction cleaning.  You wouldn’t hire a car mechanic to repair an airplane, so why hire a maid service to tackle the big stuff?  You need a specialist with the staff, equipment and techniques to handle a large job.  Our highly trained team members will clean every inch of your newly finished project and make it shine for your opening day. 

Call SERVPRO of Decatur/Forsyth to tackle your mess! 24/7 we are always here. (217) 428-2371

We strive for positive Residential and Commercial reviews.

10/14/2019 (Permalink)

We love happy customers!

We strive every day to ensure that our quality of service is up to the highest standard and we are always pleased to get positive feedback from our happy customers!

Here are just a few of our customer reviews:

The SERVPRO staff came out and a gave me a quote on a water damage quickly. Nice and Friendly people to work with. Very professional!

-Samantha G.

They came out fast to evaluate my damage I had at my house. They were polite and very helpful. I would call them again.

-Jessica B.

This company was there when we need a helping hand. They secured our business and we were able to get back home in no time. If you ever need a board up job done they are the people to call. Great customer service and got the job done fast. I would  use them again and again.  

-Local business Decatur, IL.

If you experience water damage, fire damage, or mold in your home or office call SERVPRO of Decatur/Forsyth at (217) 428-2371. We are here to help and care for not only your home or office but for you as an individual. We are a family owned business and know that each job is not simply a job, but is someone allowing us to come into their lives during a very stressful event. Our ultimate goal is to help make it a little less stressful on you.

Things to know when a disaster strikes your business or property!

10/14/2019 (Permalink)

Act fast when this happens!

Good things to know when a disaster strikes your business or property:

TICKING CLOCK

In most cases you have 24 to 48 hours to clean up the water and get the house dry before mold spores start to grow to dangerous levels. Make a phone call immediately: to SERVPRO of Decatur/Forsyth. When you call the insurance company, you should know what caused the flood, since your policy may not cover all types of flooding. 

DRY OUT YOUR HOME

You may think that you can simply clean up the water and be done with the issue. However, if carpeting and the pad underneath was covered in the flood, you may have to discard the carpet. SERVPRO of Decatur/Forsyth will be able to tell you if the carpeting is not salvageable. In some cases, SERVPRO may be able to dry out the carpet and padding. Sheetrock also retains moisture and will mold quickly.

 SERVPRO of Decatur/Forsyth

Available 24/7

(217) 428-2371

Disinfecting a child care environment can keep everyone healthy!

8/20/2019 (Permalink)

Reduce the spread of germs!

Keeping the child care environment clean is one of the best ways to help ensure that children stay healthy. Dirty toys, bedding, linens, eating utensils, and surfaces can carry and spread germs. Regular disinfecting should be a part of the routine in a child care setting.

Getting things clean and reducing the spread of germs requires two different steps:

1. Washing the item, using soap and water. Be sure to rinse thoroughly.
2. Disinfecting the item. Cleaning removes dirt but does not kill all germs. To be sure germs are gone, you must disinfect them as well. The most common ways of disinfecting are as follows:

• You can disinfect with a bleach and water solution. A solution of regular household bleach and water is an inexpensive and easy way to disinfect surfaces and objects in child care programs. The amount of bleach and water to use depends on the concentration of the bleach you choose. 
• You can use your dishwasher. Durable plastic toys can be washed in the dishwasher. High water pressure and temperatures do a great job of removing germs.
• You can use your washing machine. Wash cloth toys, linens, and bedding in the washing machine. Add one-half cup of chlorine bleach to the wash cycle when washing colorfast material; for non-colorfast material, add one-half cup of non-chlorinated bleach.

SERVPRO of Decatur Forsyth can help with any type of loss.

8/13/2019 (Permalink)

This is one of our large loss jobs that we completed and made it "Like it never even happened".

Should your commercial building experience a large loss, we can quickly activate more SERVPRO trained teammates from other SERVPRO franchises to help us get your building back in order so that you don’t lose revenue. SERVPRO has mobilization teams that travel across the country as needed to support recovery after large storm or disaster events. These teams are familiar with handling the work that goes into a large loss project and are trained to work as efficiently as possible. We have brought the teams in to help in the past. Each time, we have had successful outcomes.

Timely mitigation is the key to controlling damage, downtime and recovery costs. Our crews are available 24/7, 365 days a year. SERVPRO of Decatur/Forsyth is dedicated to providing detailed and consistent communication to make our customers aware of job status and progress toward completion.

Give us a call anytime 24/7 (217) 428-2371

HOW TO CLEAN YOUR CURTAINS AND BLINDS

7/9/2019 (Permalink)

WASHING OF CURTAINS

If there is a care label on your ready-made curtains you should of course follow it. Choose the recommended gentle cycle - typically a wool program with low spin. It is important that the water level is high, as high water level protects the fabric. If you have large curtains, consider whether you would rather do two washes, instead of putting both curtains together in the same wash.

If you are unsure whether the curtains can take a cycle in the washing machine, then you can of course wash your curtains by hand. Whether you wash your curtains by hand or machine, it's a good idea to hang them while they are still damp to avoid unnecessary folds while drying. Wring them well up or centrifuge them on low speed. Add newspapers or a towel under the curtains to collect excess water so you protect your floor.

CLEANING OF VENETIAN BLINDS

The easiest way to clean your venetian blinds is with a blind brush or microfiber cloth. Are your blinds greasy? If so, then you should use a wet wipe or a damp cloth. Use clean water and if necessary add a little washing up liquid.

It is best not to take your blinds down to wash them, as it can be very time consuming. Aluminum venetian blinds can easily get ugly cracks in the sides, so apply caution. Add the blinds gently to a bath tub or in the bottom of the shower and wash them with a soft brush in warm water, mild detergent and vinegar. Add perhaps a little rinse aid to the water you clean the blinds with. The water drops will prevent stains. Hang the blinds up and let them dry before you put them back in the brackets over the window.

CLEANING OF VERTICAL BLINDS

Vertical blinds should be dusted with a microfiber cloth or another dust brush. If an accident occurs and the slats are spotted, they can then be taken down and washed by hand. The slats must not be folded directly. Washing this type of blind must be done gently. Roll the slats but let them fill as much as possible in the shower or bathtub. It is recommended for most vertical blinds to be washed in cold water. Some vertical blinds can stand soaking at a maximum of 30 degrees. Always check the washing instructions.

PLEATED BLINDS

Pleated blinds can be dusted with a microfiber or a damp cloth.

ROLLER BLINDS

Roller blinds are rarely dirty as they are either rolled together or completely vertical. Most roller blinds can be easily dusted with a cloth or vacuumed if needed. They can also be cleaned with a damp cloth and a small amount of washing up liquid.

ROMAN BLINDS

Roman blinds can also easily be dusted with a cloth or brush. They can also be taken down and washed, but this is a complicated process, since the cords can easily get wound together.

How to get rid of marks on walls.

7/9/2019 (Permalink)

The first thing you have to do is avoid fretting over it since this is going to persist as growing children need a canvas to scribble on and walls are the ultimate temptation. Crayons are made of wax and are less messy than paint or markers. Apart from being non-toxic, they can be dealt with quite easily. Clean crayon marks off your walls with these simple cleaning tips and you will have clean shiny walls in no time.

Soap Water

Detergent can be diluted with some water. Use a cloth or a steel wool and dip in the soap water and rub the stains off. For best results, be patient and gentle while scrubbing.

Blow-dryer

Hot air helps in melting the wax in crayons, hence the blow-dryer. Use a clean cloth and dip it in soap water. Hold the dryer against the marks and gently wash the marks off.

Toothpaste

Toothpaste abrasives help in removing crayon marks. Apply a non-gel toothpaste on the crayon marks. Gently rub the marks with an old toothbrush or a scrubber.

Vinegar

Vinegar is a universal cleaning hack. Take an old toothbrush or a rag. Dip this in vinegar to wipe off crayon stains.

Baking Soda

Make a thick paste by diluting baking soda in water. Use a cloth or a toothbrush to scrub off the crayon stains. After the stains are washed away, clean the area with soap water once again.

Mayonnaise

This unusual tip delivers promising results. Apply mayonnaise over the crayon marks and leave for several minutes. After a while, wash it off with a clean cloth.

Wet Wipes

Rub the wet wipes over crayon marks to get a clean wall. Use a gentle motion since intense rubbing may affect the wall paint.

Heat is the most important factor in removing these marks and since crayons are made of wax, heating it up allows you to wipe it off easily with a moist cloth. Make sure you get rid of these crayon scribbles gently since vigorous rubbing may ruin the paint on the walls.

SERVPRO puts customers first!

6/25/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Decatur/Forsyth is here to help you, whether with advice or cleanup and restoration services, we are here. We service all of Decatur and Forsyth are. We have been in business for nearly 30 years, providing everything from carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning, duct cleaning, general cleaning to Fire Damage, Water Damage, Mold Remediation, cleanup and restoration.

Our scope of work is not limited, we provide cleaning services to the residential, commercial and industrial arenas. Area businesses can contact us 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Live operators answer, we respond to emergency calls in minutes. This is a service we have truly mastered and are aces at. Come back and visit this blog from time to time for advice, information and maybe a little fun. If there are any topics, tips or information you would like to know about, feel free to email us and ask. Thanks for stopping by, and for your time spent here today!

We can clean your business!

6/24/2019 (Permalink)

We can clean and make any mess "Like it never even happened"

Commercial Cleaning by Industry

Whether your company makes its home in a clinic or school, a small or large office building, we deliver professional commercial cleaning services that help promote healthy work environments and keep your building sparkling.  Our team members are trained to clean in healthcare environments such as medical offices, health care facilities. Our standards were developed in recognition of best practices and procedures for the industry. 

OUR STAFF IS ACCUSTOMED TO WORKING IN A PROFESSIONAL SETTING AND WE HOLD THEM TO THE HIGHEST STANDARDS OF EXCELLENCE.

SERVPRO of Decatur/Forsyth is here to help anyone that needs a commercial business cleaned. We are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week. We can schedule you an appointment today!

Call SERVPRO of Decatur/Forsyth today for all your cleaning needs. (217) 428-2371

Got dirty vehicles?

5/23/2019 (Permalink)

We can clean any vehicle and make it "Like it never even happened"

Dirty Commercial Vehicles? No Problem.

Whether you are transporting customers in a bus or van, using your car for business, or operating a fleet of work vehicles, our commercial vehicle cleaning services can help. The day to day wear on your commercial vehicle can build up quickly. Odors can sink deep into the fabric and floors can be covered in ground-in debris. We want to help you keep your commercial vehicles clean throughout the year. Our trained technicians use state-of-the-art cleaning equipment to rid your vehicle of stains from customers, employees, and general use.

Regularly scheduled cleanings can help keep your business’ fleet looking new. Our trained technicians have the tools and experience to help you leave a positive lasting impression on your customers. We have been in the industry for over 100 years and have a dedication to providing the very best service. If you are as dedicated to putting your best foot forward as we are, you need our commercial vehicle cleaning services today.

SERVPRO of Decatur/Forsyth can help!

Call us today! (217)428-2371

We do carpet cleaning in any business or office!

5/1/2019 (Permalink)

We know its hard to keep carpet clean in any business! Let us help.

WE CLEAN CARPETS THE RIGHT WAY!

Carpeting comes in a variety of different colors, textures, lengths, & materials. These factors play an integral role in how long your carpet will last overall in addition to the maintenance required to keep it up. One of the best ways to maintain the carpet at your home/business/office is regular vacuuming although over time your carpet will acquire damage that vacuuming won’t be able to fix.

When you encounter issues such as these the most effective solution for fixing them is the professional carpet cleaning from SERVPRO of Decatur/Forsyth. Our techs are highly trained to get the job done right "Like it never even happened."

24/7 we are here to help! give us a call!

(217) 428-2371

Commercial Upholstery cleaning

4/18/2019 (Permalink)

We remove dust and allergens from furniture!

Make your customers, visitors and employees feel welcome and valued by having well cared for upholstery. Using specially designed products, equipment and methods, the technicians at SERVPRO of Decatur/Forsyth can help restore the beauty of your upholstered furniture. In addition, removing dust and allergens from sofas, chairs, office partitions, fabric panels and other upholstered items can lead to a healthier environment for everyone. We remove the hard-to-see contaminants that exist in upholstery, such as dead skin cells, oils and dust that can only be removed with a thorough professional cleaning.

Our methods are safe for all kinds of upholstery and fabrics and can help:

• Remove stains and spots already present
• Reduce the effects of wear on furniture
• Extend the life of upholstery and protect your investment
• Eliminate persistent odors

SERVPRO of Decatur/Forsyth is here to help with any of your cleaning needs 24/7!

We make it "Like it never even happened."

Failure to clean a Commercial Kitchen Exhaust can lead to a fire

4/18/2019 (Permalink)

Don't let this be your commercial kitchen.

By law, kitchen exhaust cleaning is required for virtually every commercial cooking establishment in the United States. Restaurants, hospitals, hotels, employee cafeterias and other food service locations have a hood and ductwork over the stove to exhaust smoke, steam, and fumes out of the building.

These exhaust gases leave a residue on the inside of the ductwork. Heavy grease buildup, whether in a restaurant or home, creates a fire hazard.

Approximately one of three restaurant fires is caused by grease. A common scenario of how a kitchen exhaust fire starts is this:

1. A flame flares up on the stove.
2. The fire contacts the filters above the stove on the kitchen hood. The filters ignite.
3. Since the exhaust fan is on, drawing air into the hood, through the filters, and up the duct, the flame on the filters is pulled into the duct.
4. If significant grease residue exists on the duct interior, this can act as an accelerant and the fire spreads up the duct, perhaps all the way into the fan. We have seen fire climb up a ten-story duct to the fan on the roof and burn up the fan.

Don't let this happen to your Bussines. Let us clean it up. 

SERVPRO of Decatur/Forsyth

75,000 commercial building fires each year in the United States

4/17/2019 (Permalink)

We can clean fire soot on items that have been in a fire!

Commercial fire can be devastating, harming both human and property.  Every year, there are as many as 75,000 commercial building fires in the United States.  U.S. fire departments responded to about 3,300 office property fires per year.  These fires caused an annual average of 85 civilian deaths, 1,325 civilian fire injuries and $3.2 billion in direct property damage, according to the (NFPA) National Fire Prevention Association.  Though some are small and cause relatively little harm, many others pose a great risk to life and property.   Fortunately, many fires can be prevented if you’re aware of the potential hazards. Here are several of the most common causes of commercial building fires.

Human Error 

Many commercial fires can be attributed to human error and are not meant to be malicious. For example, spilling liquids on electrical equipment, leaving a coffee pot on, or burning food in the kitchen can easily cause a fire to break out. To decrease the chances of this happening in your commercial building, perform risk assessments to determine if any changes need to be implemented, provide proper staff training, and ensure fire extinguishers are easily accessible throughout the building. 
 
Negligence 

Negligence fires are the result of someone not following proper procedures and can usually be easily avoided by proper staff training. For example, storing or handling flammable items improperly or covering electrical equipment that must have air can result in a fire that causes significant commercial fire damage. 
  
Arson 

Unfortunately, arson is a frequent cause of commercial fires, particularly in industrial buildings and factories. This may be an act of vandalism, an attempt to collect insurance money or even the work of an unhappy employee. To minimize the damage associated with arson, you may want to consider installing an automatic sprinkler system. 
 
Faulty Wiring/ Electrics 

Electrical issues are another frequent cause of commercial fires. For example, outdated equipment, loose or frayed wires, and overloaded plugins can spark a fire with little to no advance warning. This is why it is so important to make certain your electrical equipment, including boilers, hot water heaters, and furnaces are in good working order and able to handle their workload. To ensure your equipment/ appliances are functioning properly; you may want to invest in a portable appliance tester (PAT). 

SERVPRO of Decatur/Forsyth is here to help when a damage occurs!  

Give us a call today! (217) 428-2371

HELPFUL TIPS: After a business or Commercial damage

4/17/2019 (Permalink)

Tarping a roof can prevent additional damage.

When your business or commercial property is damaged by fire, water, or storm, your immediate concern should be temporary protective measures. For example, a damaged roof should be covered with roof tarps to prevent additional damage. Boarding up windows and doors can secure your business or commercial property until you can remove any water and debris.

After any storm use caution before entering your commercial property. Check for power lines, gas leaks, and structural damage. If any of your electrical equipment is wet, contact an electrician. Prepare loss information  for insurance claims and get independent estimates of the damages. 

Once you protect and secure your business or commercial property, professionals at SERVPRO of Decatur/Forsyth can begin the restoration process. You may need reconstruction work to get your property back to its preloss condition.

HELPFUL TIPS:

1. Protect Yourself From Contactor Fraud
Only hire licensed contractors to do repairs on your commercial property. Check with your local building department to ensure the contractor is licensed. If you hire a contractor, don’t pull the permits for them. If the contractor makes this request, it may be an indication that the contractor is not properly licensed. 

2. Take Photographs Of All Damage
Photographs of the after-storm condition of your commercial property can provide proof of damage for insurance and other purposes. Take the photos immediately after the damage and before repair work begins. Keep all your receipts for insurance purposes. 

Don’t wait for a storm to begin preparing. Take a complete set of photographs of your commercial property in its current condition to serve as “before” pictures. If and when a storm strikes your business you can take “after” pictures to show the full extent of the damage.   

3. Assess The Damage And Contact Your Local Building Department
After assessing the damage to your business or commercial property, contact your local building department for information on the required building permits. Permits are always required for any demolition or permanent repairs, reconstruction, roofing, filling, and other types of site development. 

Commercial property spring maintenance tips

3/21/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Decatur/Forsyth makes it "Like it never even happened"

It’s time to spruce up your commercial property now that spring has arrived.

Here are several spring maintenance tips that reduce your liability and prep your property for warmer weather.

Inspect your property for water damage. Melting snow and ice can increase water flow around your property. Inspect the entire building for water damage. Check the exterior foundation, interior walls and windows for moisture, leaks or condensation, and clear out and repair any damaged gutters and downspouts.

Check for any roof damage to the property. Winter storms can damage your roof, but you may not notice the damage until the roof starts to leak. Perform a detailed inspection of the roof and note any repairs you need to make.

Touch up the exterior of the buildings. Cold winter weather can cause paint to chip, and flying debris can dent siding. Walk around the building, note any damaged paint or siding, and fix the areas. 

Make repairs to the parking lot.  If freezing temperatures created cracks or holes in the parking lot or sidewalks, fix the problem areas. You will want to power wash the area to remove dirt, mud or other debris, repaint any faded lines and repair broken signs. With a clean parking area, you reduce liability and improve visual appeal.

Remove winter grime and buildup on the exterior and interior by washing the windows. Clean windows boost productivity and improve the appearance of your commercial building.

Open windows and air out the stuffy building if possible to boot the ventilation. You may also inspect and clean the HVAC system and install fans or dehumidifiers in damp areas as needed.

SERVPRO of Decatur/Forsyth

We are here to help!

(217) 428-2371