Biohazard Spill in Lake Marian Highlands Business?

3/26/2024 (Permalink)

We provide biohazard cleanup services in Osceola County.

Do you know that our local Osceola County team cleans and decontaminates biohazards and chemical spills in Lake Marian Highlands? Biohazard exposure can be dangerous and life-threatening, and biohazard spills require professional decontamination services. Our technicians have the training, equipment, and experience to safely clean areas contaminated by biohazards and other chemicals, including the following:

• Sewage backups
• Crime scene residues
• Suicide/death accidents
• Homicide cleanups
• Blood cleanup
• Accident cleanup
• Hoarding scenes
• Animal waste/remains
• Chemical spills
• Tear gas cleanup

Here are some safety tips for things that can and should not be done while waiting for professional help to arrive:

What to Do After a Contamination

• Stay out of affected areas
• Call emergency service personnel if the situation is life-threatening
• Treat allbodily fluids as if they are contaminated
• Turn off the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (HVAC) system if there is sewage damage

What Not to Do After a Contamination

• Don’t leave wet fabrics in place
• Don’t leave books, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpets or floors
• Don’t use your vacuum to remove water
• Don’t use television or other electrical appliances
• Don’t turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging

Call Us Today!

When your commercial business or home in Lake Marian Highlands has a biohazard emergency, our local Osceola County team will restore the damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 407-933-0707.

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

Kissimmee Businesses Rely On Us for Odor Removal Services?

1/30/2024 (Permalink)

We identify and remove unpleasant odors in Osceola County businesses.

Have you ever noticed an off-putting odor in a store or office lobby? Sometimes, we become “noseblind” to odors that our customers immediately notice. Our local Osceola County team is trained and certified to locate and eliminate unpleasant odors from commercial businesses and properties.

Odor identification and removal can be extremely challenging as odors may originate from multiple sources inside and outside the building. Our technicians are trained and certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) to identify and eliminate offensive odors. We never mask odors or take shortcuts as these methods do not work.

Odor Identification

The first step is to identify the source of the smell and locate where the odor is contacting surfaces. Sometimes the odors originate from more than one location in the building.

Odor Elimination Process

Once we identify the cause of the odor and determine the conditions where it contacts surfaces, the odor can often be removed over time without a trace. Our technicians use several odor removal products capable of thoroughly penetrating surfaces to neutralize unpleasant scents.

Specialty Cleaning Services

Our SERVPRO® technicians clean all types of dirt and mess in all size businesses and commercial properties:

• Odor Removal and Deodorization
• Sewage and Black Water
• Biohazard Cleaning and Blood Removal
• Trauma and Crime Scene Cleanup
• Vandalism Cleaning Services
• Virus and Pathogen Cleaning Services
• Air Ducts and HVAC Cleaning

Call Us Today!

When your commercial business or home in Kissimmee requires odor removal services, our local Osceola County team is always Here to Help. ® Call us today at 407-933-0707.

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

3 Ways To Lower Your Business Interruption Claim

3/20/2023 (Permalink)

Osceola County, FL flooded business

1. Stop the Flow of Water (If Possible)

If the flooding is due to a broken pipe or malfunctioning appliance rather than a natural disaster, taking immediate action to stop the water can significantly reduce damage.

• Shut off the water supply to your building as quickly as possible.
• Identify and address the source of the leak or malfunction.

By preventing additional water from entering your building, you can limit the extent of the damage and lower restoration costs.

2. File Your Insurance Claim Promptly

Acting quickly to file a business interruption claim is essential.

• Understand your coverage: Review your insurance policy to know what is covered, including income loss, operational expenses, and restoration costs.
• Communicate with your insurer: Reach out to your insurance company to ask any questions about your policy and ensure all necessary documentation is in place.

Filing your claim early helps expedite the restoration process, allowing you to address damages before they worsen.

3. Start Restoration Immediately

The longer flood damage is left unaddressed, the more severe it becomes. Prompt restoration can prevent further issues, such as:

• Mold growth
• Structural deterioration
• Additional repair costs

Hiring professional emergency restoration services ensures your property is cleaned, dried, and restored as quickly and effectively as possible. Fast action not only minimizes damage but also reduces the time your business remains closed.

4. Plan for a Faster Reopening

The quicker you restore your building, the sooner you can resume operations. To accelerate the process:

• Coordinate with restoration professionals to establish a clear timeline.
• Prioritize key areas of your business to reopen essential operations first.
• Communicate with customers about the status of your business and reopening plans.

Minimizing Costs and Getting Back on Track
A business interruption caused by flooding can be financially challenging, but taking steps to limit damage, file your claim promptly, and begin restoration immediately can help reduce costs. By acting quickly and working with experienced professionals, you can reopen your business sooner and return to serving your customers.

5 Essential Sewage Cleanup Procedures

3/15/2023 (Permalink)

Using a moisture meter to confirm that the sanitized area is completely dry and free of residual moisture.

5 Essential Steps for Effective Sewage Cleanup

A flooded toilet or significant sewer backup is an unpleasant and unsanitary issue no business in Celebration, FL, wants to face. Because sewage cleanup is complex and poses health risks, it’s often best to rely on professional cleanup and restoration services. Understanding the key steps in the remediation process can help you anticipate what to expect and ensure the job is done thoroughly and safely.

1. Use of Proper Protective Gear

Sewage water is highly unsanitary and can pose serious health hazards. Cleanup professionals must wear appropriate protective gear, such as:

• Rubber gloves to prevent skin contact with contaminants.
• Splash goggles to shield the eyes from harmful particles.
• Boots and protective suits to protect clothing and skin.
• HEPA respirators to safeguard against inhaling dangerous bacteria and airborne contaminants.

This gear ensures safety while working in contaminated areas.

2. Removal of Contaminated Materials

Not all materials affected by sewage can be salvaged. While some objects can be sanitized, many porous items must be discarded, including:

• Wet carpet and upholstery
• Drywall and insulation
• Other absorbent building materials

Prompt removal of these materials helps prevent further contamination and mold growth.

3. Preventing Cross-Contamination

To protect unaffected areas of your building, containment is critical. Cleanup crews often:

• Install plastic barriers around contaminated zones to limit exposure.
• Use heavy-duty, leak-resistant plastic bags to safely dispose of unsalvageable items.

These precautions ensure that harmful bacteria and sewage particles don’t spread beyond the affected area.

4. Sanitization of the Affected Area

After debris and contaminated materials are cleared, the next vital step is thorough sanitization. This process involves:

• Applying specialized antibacterial and antifungal solutions to kill harmful bacteria, viruses, and mold spores.
• Treating all surfaces to eliminate lingering contaminants and odors.

Sanitization is key to restoring a safe and healthy environment.

5. Ensuring the Area Is Completely Dry

Moisture is a breeding ground for mold, so it’s essential to dry the affected area thoroughly before reconstruction begins. Cleanup crews use:

• High-powered fans and dehumidifiers to expedite the drying process.
• Moisture meters to verify that all surfaces and materials are dry and free from residual dampness.

Only after the area is confirmed dry should materials like drywall, insulation, and carpeting be replaced.

The Importance of a Timely Response

Quick action is crucial when dealing with sewage backups to minimize damage and prevent secondary issues such as mold growth. Following these five essential steps ensures the cleanup process is thorough, safe, and effective, helping restore your building to its original condition and reducing the risk of future complications.

If your business faces a sewage emergency, partnering with a professional cleanup team ensures the job is handled with the care and expertise it requires.

The Top 5 Storm Preparation Tips

8/15/2022 (Permalink)

Have your emergency kit ready in your Celebration,FL property.

Preparing for a storm may reduce the amount of wind or water damage sustained by a commercial property in Celebration, FL. Property owners or maintenance supervisors should follow these five steps to prepare for a storm, keep flood water out, or deal with a flooded building.

1. Develop a Storm Response Plan

In the event of a storm, there should be no confusion regarding responsibilities. A building owner or maintenance supervisor can delegate tasks such as boarding up or taping windows, making and placing sandbags to keep out flood water, or storing loose external objects such as antennas or trash containers.

2. Keep Drainage Systems Clear

Functional drainage systems prevent rainwater from accumulating and causing leaks from the roof or around the foundation of a building. An owner or maintenance supervisor should schedule drainage cleaning and maintenance at least twice a year. Reduce the amount of debris and the risk of storm damage by having overhanging tree branches pruned.

3. Assemble an Emergency Kit

A storm emergency kit should include supplies for personnel as well as property. Gather first aid materials, flashlights, and a battery-operated radio. Keep sandbag materials or alternatives, plywood, duct tape or masking tape, and hand tools on site.

4. Acquire and Maintain a Generator

Property owners may want to obtain a commercial standby generator. This device can provide almost uninterrupted power to critical systems with an automatic transfer switch. Store enough fuel to power the generator for several days.

5. Keep Track of Important Numbers

Ensure that important phone numbers are easily accessible. An owner or maintenance supervisor may need to contact an electricity or gas company or notify a business insurance provider of damage after a storm.

These tips can help owners and maintenance supervisors prepare for severe storms in Celebration, FL. If flood water breaches a building, contact storm and water damage mitigation specialists.

Tips for Drying Out a Flooded Building

3/9/2022 (Permalink)

If you’re home has been flooded, call the professionals at SERVPRO to ensure everything that can be saved is saved.

Any building that has experienced flooding has to be dried out before it can be repaired. If you have any flooding, you should contact the professionals at SERVPRO of Osceola County, rather than attempting to make repairs yourself. Otherwise you can make mistakes that could permanently damage your home.

However, if you’re interested in how the drying process takes place or would like to know some of the steps taken in drying out a flooded building, here are some tips.

Natural Ventilation

Natural ventilation or evaporation is much better for drying out buildings than heated forced-air or an air conditioning system. This is especially the case for historic buildings. Rapid drying can cause irreparable harm to the significant features of these structures.

Turn Off Power

Before any drying occurs, it’s important to turn off the power. Always assume all power lines are live. Even if the power appears to be off around the neighborhood, you should turn off the power in your building.

Health

Make sure to check for any odor that may be detectable from liquefied petroleum or natural gases and turn off those services. If the water damage is due to flood water rather than rainwater, it may be contaminated with sewage or animal waste and could present a health hazard.

Cleaning Up

Before you begin cleaning up, take photographic evidence of the damage. This will help when you’re negotiating with the insurance adjuster. When cleaning up, make sure to protect your eyes, mouth, and hands. Also use disinfectants to wash your hands before you eat. If you feel uncomfortable entering the house, don’t do so.

How Water Saturation Affects a Building

There are three ways that water saturation can affect a building. The first is that the water directly causes damage to the building’s materials. This includes wallboard disintegration, wood swelling, warping, and rot. Electrical parts also have the ability to short out or malfunction, which can cause a fire. The second effect is that mud, silt, or other contaminants can get into the water and can- contaminate everything making the water unhealthy. This is more of a problem with floodwater than rainwater. The third effect is that the dampness caused by the flooding can cause the growth of moisture-related mold, mildew, and fungus, which can lead to dry rot.

Drying Should Start in the Attic

Whether you’re attempting natural drying or controlled drying, it should start in the attic. If the insulation gets wet, it should be removed and disposed of properly. After it gets wet, most insulation becomes ineffective. However, it can still hold moisture for a long period of time and will create high moisture conditions that can damage metal, masonry, or wood.

Any items in the attic that have been soaked by water should be removed for treatment. The weight of water soaked boxes can cause the plaster ceilings to crack onto the floor below. You should open all windows and vents to allow fresh air to circulate around the attic and building. If you determine that the electrical system is fine and you have an attic fan, you should turn that on as well.

Inspect Ceilings

Before you enter any rooms in the building, you should inspect the ceiling of that room first. Wet plaster and wet sheetrock are very heavy and could potentially fall through to the floor below. Any bulging in the ceiling could be holding trapped water and it will find a route to the floor below. Poking holes at the edge of the bulges will allow water to slowly release so you can catch it in buckets.

Plaster Dries Better

Plaster dries out much better than sheetrock. However, its durability depends on its plaster mix, the original application, the degree of water saturation, its placement, and the type of lath used. Plaster that has been placed over metal lath is likely to need replacing. If it’s over wood lath, the lath may expand if it gets saturated and that could cause the plaster keys to break.

If the plaster has been saved by clean rainwater, it can most likely be saved. If sheetrock has been exposed to water for less than two hours or more, it will probably need to be repaired. If it’s been saturated by contaminated water, replacement will be required.

Wash Down Wood Features

Wood features such as trim, doors, mantels, or stairs should be washed down with fresh water to remove mud and silt. To clean off mold and mildew, you can use a weak solution of Clorox and water.

Don’t Pump Out Basements

If the basement has been flooded, it shouldn’t be pumped out. Draining the basement while the surrounding ground is saturated could cause uneven pressure on the basement walls and the floor and could result in cracking and eventual collapse.

The flooding of a building can cause significant damage but many things can be saved if it’s handled properly. These tips are a starting point for drying out a flooded building but if you’re home has been flooded, call the professionals at SERVPRO to ensure everything that can be saved is saved.

How a Osceola County Mold Restoration Company Can Get You Back in Business

3/1/2022 (Permalink)

Mold can grow on porous surfaces and then easily spread throughout your property.

How a Mold Restoration Company Can Get You Back in Business

Dealing With Mold

Mold can grow on porous surfaces and then easily spread throughout your property. In some cases, it can be difficult to detect and thus to remove. Osceola County commercial mold damage can include ruined dry walls, leaks, and peeling tiles.

There are ways to prevent the accumulation of mold, such as assuring the proper heating and ventilation of the rooms in your business. In the event that mold does develop, its removal may be as simple as moving furniture and cleaning away the growth with a damp cloth. In more serious cases, especially in the event of Osceola County commercial mold damage, you should turn to professional help.

What to Expect From a Mold Restoration Company

SERVPRO will determine whether you have a mold problem and, if so, the seriousness of the situation. In some cases, a brief inspection will uncover mold under the carpeting or floorboards, or in the cavities of the walls. Samples may be taken to identify the specific type of mold, in order to determine the best course of action.

The next stage of the process is to locate the source of the moisture that has caused the condition. The affected area will be dried before the removal of the mold can begin. Cleaning techniques range from the use of wet wiping equipment to special vacuums. Dry ice blasting is used by some companies. It may also be necessary to clean ventilation ducts and heating equipment to prevent the future development of mold.

Commercial mold damage may be so bad that certain items, such as mattresses, will have to be discarded.

A restoration company will get rid of your mold problem and prevent it from returning. SERVPRO is considered the premier mold restoration company that can get you back in business.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

We live and work in this community too; we might even be neighbors. As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of Osceola County,is close by and ready to help with your mold-damaged property. We are proud to be an active member of the Kissimmee community and want to pitch in and help make our community the best it can be.

When a major storm or event occurs, we can call upon our national network of 1,650 SERVPRO Franchises and special Disaster Recovery Teams if we need additional resources or personnel.

We proudly serve:

Commercial Mold Damage Kissimmee, FL

Osceola Commercial Mold Damage, FL

and surrounding areas.

#blackmold #moldremediation #SERVPROofosceola

Does Your Office Have A Fire Plan

2/8/2022 (Permalink)

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

With holidays in our rear view mirror,  our minds are not always focused on safety, especially at the office. Nowadays, 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.

Will My Homeowner’s Insurance Coverage Damage From Mold?

2/2/2022 (Permalink)

Mold damage due to a bursting pipe in Lokosee,FL

You pay a premium every month, but you may not think much about your commercial insurance plan until you need to use it. If you discover mold growth in your Lokosee, FL, office, it’s important to understand your coverage and whether you’ll have to handle any of the repair or replacement costs on your own.

How Did It Get Here?

No one wants to find mold anywhere in the building. Unfortunately, it’s not an uncommon occurrence. Fungal growth can find its way into your office in many ways, including the following:

• Leaking pipe
• Broken water heater
• Poor drainage
• Poor ventilation, especially in a humid area
  
  

What Will Your Insurance Cover?

Mold damage is a serious concern or any business owner. Costs can be heavy, so you want all the help you can get. Most insurance plans will approve your claim if the mold was due to some type of peril such as frozen pipes, a pipe burst or excess water on your roof getting into your home through the attic. These conditions could create fungal growth. Because they are sudden incidents and occurred due to no fault of your own, your plan should take care of you.

When You’re Probably Out of Luck

Your commercial insurance plan is handy, but it won’t take care of everything, even when it comes to mold and its effects. The most important thing you can remember is that you have a responsibility to take care of your building. If mold forms due to your neglect, your insurance won’t cover costs. If you notice a problem that could cause mold but put off cleanup or do nothing about it at first, you’ll have to pay for repairs and hire a mold remediation specialist without insurance help. It could be beneficial to purchase mold insurance and have an extra layer of protection.

Make sure you examine potential areas where mold could grow in your building. If you do your part, your insurance should be able to help in situations where things are out of your control.

Kissimmee Commercial Property Owners And Fire Safety Equipment

1/17/2022 (Permalink)

U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 1,291,500 fires in 2019.

Running a business is a serious enterprise that necessitates diligence and dedication. Unfortunately, a business owner's professional progress can be interrupted as a result of natural disasters like fires. When fires strike in Kissimmee, they can engender numerous problems on your property, some of which include structural damage and mold growth. However, learning more about fire safety equipment you can use will help you preclude these issues from plaguing your property. Read on to learn more about how you can protect your commercial property from fires and the damages they cause:

 Fire Extinguishers

 Whether you run a small business or a company with thousands of staff members, fires can engender economic devastation and structural damage that your property cannot recover from. However, having the right tools and techniques on hand can prevent your property from being subjected to destruction. One of the most helpful tools you can have on hand when a fire in Kissimmee transpires is a fire extinguisher. To make the most of this strategy, be sure to keep your extinguisher in a region of the property that is highly susceptible to a fire outbreak. Two examples would be your break room or kitchen. Make sure that the extinguisher is highly visible so that you and your staff members do not have to look for it.

 In addition to knowing where the fire extinguisher is located, your staff members need to know how to use it. If necessary, you can hold a training session in which a professional teaches your employees how to do so. Additionally, you need to be sure that you have the ideal class of fire extinguisher on hand. There are four classes. Class A is for all regular combustibles, Class B is for liquids that are flammable, Class C is for electrical devices, and Class D is for metals that are combustible. Also, be sure that the fire extinguishers are charged up and ready to use at any given moment.

Smoke Detectors and Fire Alarms

 The key to preventing a fire from having a profoundly negative impact on your commercial property is early detection. Luckily, smoke detectors and fire alarms can help you accomplish this important objective. In recognizing this reality, be sure that you have fire alarms on every floor and smoke detectors in every room. Also, be sure to have your smoke detectors tested every month. You will also need to have your batteries replaced every three months. In the event that your smoke detectors are more than ten years old, have them replaced to ensure optimal efficiency.

 Although knowing what equipment to use for fire prevention and safety is important, there may still come a time when your commercial property is impacted by a fire in Kissimmee. If this time comes, be sure to call the professionals, SERVPRO Of Osceola County. Our extensive experience in the fire damage restoration sector has empowered us to optimize and expedite each step of the remediation process. Our IICRC-certified technicians are pleased to offer comprehensive services, some of which include commercial water damage restoration, commercial fire damage restoration, commercial mold remediation, and disaster recovery. 

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of Osceola County, is strategically located to respond quickly to your fire emergency event. When fire damage occurs we have the resources and personnel to help. Call us today! (407) 933-0707

5 Essential Sewage Cleanup Procedures

11/29/2021 (Permalink)

Moisture meter verifying the sanitized zone is indeed moisture- free

5 Essential Sewage Cleanup Procedures

A flooded toilet or extensive sewer backup is an unsightly and unsanitary problem that every business in Celebration, FL, hopes to avoid. Because a sewer cleanup can be extremely daunting, it’s often best to consult a professional cleanup and restoration service to help address the situation. Understanding key remediation procedures can help every business owner anticipate what to expect during the process.

1. Wearing Protective Gear

Because of the extremely unhygienic nature of sewage water, the cleanup crew should wear several articles of protective gear. Necessary equipment typically includes rubber gloves, splash goggles and boots. For additional protection, personnel may also wear protective suits and HEPA respirators.

2. Disposing of Contaminated Objects

Some objects within the contaminated zone may be sanitized and salvaged. However, wet building materials, including carpet, drywall and insulation, should be promptly removed and discarded.

3. Avoiding Contamination of Unaffected Areas

An efficient sewer cleanup process should incorporate effective strategies to help prevent contaminating unaffected areas of your building. Your cleanup provider may erect plastic barriers around the soiled area to help minimize exposure. They should also utilize heavy duty plastic bags that are resilient against leakage to remove unsalvageable items from the site.

4. Sanitizing the Affected Area

After sewer backup debris is cleared away, the next essential step is sanitizing the affected space. This process may include utilizing a variety of solutions designed to kill both harmful bacteria and mold spores.

5. Ensuring Site Is Thoroughly Dry

To help minimize the risk of subsequent mold contamination, it’s essential that the cleanup team ensures the area is thoroughly dry before replacing drywall, insulation and carpeting. They can use fans and dehumidifiers to help expedite the drying process and employ a moisture meter to verify the sanitized zone is indeed moisture-free.

When sewage seepage occurs, a timely response is crucial. Abiding by these five essential strategies helps the sewer cleanup crew complete the restoration process in a safe and efficient manner that safeguards your building from subsequent damage.

The Top 5 Storm Preparation Tips

11/29/2021 (Permalink)

Have your emergency kit ready in your Celebration, FL property.

Preparing for a storm may reduce the amount of wind or water damage sustained by a commercial property in Osceola County, FL. Property owners or maintenance supervisors should follow these five steps to prepare for a storm, keep flood water out, or deal with a flooded building.

1. Develop a Storm Response Plan

In the event of a storm, there should be no confusion regarding responsibilities. A building owner or maintenance supervisor can delegate tasks such as boarding up or taping windows, making and placing sandbags to keep out flood water, or storing loose external objects such as antennas or trash containers.

2. Keep Drainage Systems Clear

Functional drainage systems prevent rainwater from accumulating and causing leaks from the roof or around the foundation of a building. An owner or maintenance supervisor should schedule drainage cleaning and maintenance at least twice a year. Reduce the amount of debris and the risk of storm damage by having overhanging tree branches pruned.

3. Assemble an Emergency Kit

A storm emergency kit should include supplies for personnel as well as property. Gather first aid materials, flashlights, and a battery-operated radio. Keep sandbag materials or alternatives, plywood, duct tape or masking tape, and hand tools on site.

4. Acquire and Maintain a Generator

Property owners may want to obtain a commercial standby generator. This device can provide almost uninterrupted power to critical systems with an automatic transfer switch. Store enough fuel to power the generator for several days.

5. Keep Track of Important Numbers

Ensure that important phone numbers are easily accessible. An owner or maintenance supervisor may need to contact an electricity or gas company or notify a business insurance provider of damage after a storm.

These tips can help owners and maintenance supervisors prepare for severe storms in Osceola County, FL. If flood water breaches a building, contact storm and water damage mitigation specialists, SERVPRO Of Osceola County.

How To Secure a Structure After a Fire

11/29/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage can often compromise windows, walls, and roof in your Kissimmee, FL property.

A fire can cause extensive damage at a commercial property in Kissimmee, FL. After the blaze has been extinguished, the structure may be at risk for additional damage and looting. Boarding up structural breaches and installing temporary fencing around the building are two of the best ways to limit these risks. Learn more about effective security measures for a building that has sustained fire damage.

Board Up

A fire can cause windows to break, destroy doors, and create holes in the walls or roof of a structure. Boarding up involves covering openings that can admit

• Debris
• Precipitation
• Trespassers

Boarding up will require at least two people, a sufficient amount of plywood, and nails or screws. Rely on a professional board up service to achieve the most secure results. Although tarping over a damaged roof may not add much additional security, it can help to keep out debris and water.

Fence

A building that has suffered fire damage may attract trespassers and looters who expect to find the location abandoned and unsecured. Even a damaged building may still contain valuable fixtures, inventory, or wiring. Security fencing can

• Restrict access
• Protect property
• Limit liability

Fencing can help to keep out passersby and limit secondary damage and losses. Contact a mitigation company to find out about the best options for securing a commercial property.

Monitor

It is important to document damage immediately after the fire occurs, prior to taking any steps toward mitigation. Afterward, the owner or manager should regularly check on the property. It is a good idea to leave up fencing until fire cleanup and restoration are complete.

These measures can help to prevent additional damage or losses from taking place at a damaged commercial building in Kissimmee, FL. A fire damage mitigation company should provide all of these services, and commercial property insurers are likely to cover these protective measures.

SERVPRO of Osceola County and Commercial Properties

6/26/2021 (Permalink)

With your wares and building to worry about, our SERVPRO team has real-time mitigation solutions to protect your Osceola location

After a fire or water loss, you may not know the best approach to get your Osceola location back to preloss condition. Many rely on the fast and confident response of our SERVPRO of Osceola County technicians to help, as we are "Faster To Any Size Disaster", and feature a team of in-house commercial contractors for any reconstruction needs that might also exist. By getting to work quickly, we can often limit the spread and severity of loss conditions stemming from either water or fire emergencies.

No matter why you need restoration services for your location, the more that you know and understand the process, the more at peace you are with what must occur. There are many times where the restoration process can look worse than the damage did as your property is on the path to complete drying or in need of some degree of rebuilding after controlled demolition. What our professionals prioritize when mitigation first begins can help you to understand what to expect:

• Contents in the shop
• Structural damage
• Standing water
• Debris
• Residue removal

What if Reconstruction is Necessary?

Regardless of the loss incident that your shop might face, there are many situations where structural elements have become too compromised or ruined to preserve. After controlled demolition, it is up to our experienced in-house contractors to build back these areas of your property after mitigation completes. While we work to restore the property before choosing to replace certain structural elements, this is not always cost-effective or efficient to get your doors open again quickly.

Understanding the restoration process can help you see how our SERVPRO of Osceola County team can help you in an emergency. Give us a call anytime you need us at (407)933-0707.

#commercialmoldfastremoval #officefirecleaning #SERVPROOsceolaCounty

Fitness Centers and flooding

12/22/2020 (Permalink)

Fitness center with spin bikes.

SERVPRO Can Help You Restore or Prevent Severe Outcomes after Flood Damage in your Osceola Facility

When a storm or other extreme weather event punctures the roof at your Osceola health and fitness center, it creates a perfect opportunity for rainwater to filter in, leading to flooding. Since you cannot predict such intrusion, what matters is what you do once it happens. The outcome can be disastrous if you do not take immediate steps to address all the problems that develop.

What problems should I expect after water incursion through the roof?

Such flood damage in your Osceola fitness center is likely to affect most of the contents in your facility as well as structural components. In most cases, you can expect some typical issues such as:
• Water trapped within the walls
• Water trapped in the ceiling
• Water-logged floor materials
• Deterioration of wall panels and fixtures

When water enters a building through the roof or other elevated parts of the structure, it affects more areas as it finds a way towards the floor. Unlike breaches at the ground level whereby water wicks slowly through materials, the intrusions from elevated points allow water to reach cavities such as the spaces between walls, ceilings, and closets faster, this is gravity at work.

Sudden exposure to water affects materials in different ways, depending on the physical traits of their constituent parts. Composite materials can disintegrate as the water damages the bonds that hold them together. The water might also spark chemical processes like rusting metallic items in your fitness center, including the weights, benches, and other accessories. Calling our SERVPRO team in time can help prevent rather than reverse these processes.

How should I plan my response to a flooding incident?

• Stopping the water infiltration
  • Removing the water
  • Clean up
  • Dealing with moisture

When flooding happens because of a hole in the roof, performing other restoration steps before fixing the opening exposes the property to further intrusion should the rain continue. Since carrying out full repairs on short notice is not feasible either, you need alternative solutions. Our SERVPRO technicians can help set up a roof tarp stopping further flooding inside the structure until you repair the damaged section. The tarp is strong enough to last up to two years, so it is not just temporary patchwork to secure your facility for a day or two but should get a permanent repair soon after the incident.

Fast extraction of any water pooling around the facility is essential since leaving water sitting in the property over extended periods leads to secondary damage. The water might penetrate the subfloor necessitating expensive repairs. Standing water also increases humidity levels within the structure, which can transfer damages from the areas affected initially. Wet-vacuuming helps remove the water fast. Our technicians have access to different varieties of extraction equipment, including portable and truck-mounted ones allowing us to extract any pool of water, "Like it never even happened."

Are there unique challenges of restoring a flooded gym?

If your fitness center is like most, you have the advantage of vast open spaces. Moving contents out of the way or setting up restoration equipment is easier. Most of the equipment also has metallic parts, which can withstand water exposure. However, you can expect other challenges.

Depending on the material you have on the floors, water exposure can cause minimal or extensive damages. In the case of a wooden floor, you have to worry about the expansion that occurs from absorbing significant amounts of water. Even more troubling is that the expansion might not go away after drying, so the damage can be permanent. If the floor is made from synthetic materials such as rubber, vinyl, or poured urethane, you do not have to worry about expansion. However, substantial water intrusion under the material damages the glue holding the floor material.

You might also have a carpeted area in your facility, especially around the weightlifting benches. Extended exposure of carpets to water leads to backing separation. Carpets used in commercial settings have higher pile densities ranging from 18 to 30 ounces per square yard, which makes them more resilient. However, water can still damage them permanently.

Our SERVPRO crews use different techniques to help resolve these situations, including expediting water extraction and setting up drying chambers over wooden floors to control the drying process. For the carpets, we can remove them for offsite drying to quicken the process.

SERVPRO of Osceola can put in the hard work necessary to save your fitness center from flood damage. Call us at 407-933-0707 to help. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

#osceolafitnesscenter #SERVPROofosceola #waterdamageremovalosceola

When time matters in flooded commercial properties.

12/22/2020 (Permalink)

Carpet cleaning after flooded area.

Simple Steps that Guarantee Safety When Restoring Commercial Flood Damage Incidents in Osceola County

There is nothing simple about flooding, primarily when it affects a commercial establishment. Apart from the financial loss, such an incident might cause, safety is another major concern. Injuries to staff members or clients who visit the premises during the incident can complicate matters, including leading to lawsuits. SERVPRO takes different steps to guarantee safety.

Anticipating safety issues
Preventing problems that lead to safety issues is the best approach when restoring commercial flood damage incidents in Osceola County. Our SERVPRO technicians watch for signs of impending trouble, such as sagging ceilings, which indicate the presence of water trapped in the ceiling cavity. Such water easily finds a way into power cables increasing the risk of electrocution. Trapped water might also compromise support structures leading to cave-ins. In case we identify the problem, we take immediate steps such as drilling weep holes to remove the water.

Planning the loss site
The activities required for the restoration of flooding incidents can create safety hazards. For example, the hoses used to extract pools of stagnant water from the structure can create trip hazards around the loss site. The wet and soiled surfaces are also slippery, creating another risk. Simple steps, such as placing wet floor signs and taping or zip-tying the hoses, helps our SERVPRO technicians maintain safety when working at the loss site.

Preventing electrical malfunctions
Power is crucial during the restoration of flood damage since most of the equipment, including water extractors, air movers, rotating brushes, and dehumidifiers, need electric power to run. When power cables are exposed to water, accidents such as electrocution of the workers or other users at the property can happen. Short-circuits can also damage equipment. Our SERVPRO technicians inspect the affected areas of the building to establish whether there is water in the electric cables. We also inspect equipment for damages such as frayed wires. Use of GFCI, Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters, also helps keep the equipment safe when operating in a wet environment.

Eliminating safety concerns eases the restoration of flood damage in a commercial establishment. Call SERVPRO of Osceola at 407-933-0707 to help. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

#oscelacounty #howtoremovemold #SERVPROfosceloa #rapidresponsetowaterdamage

Water Damages and Commercial Properties

12/15/2020 (Permalink)

Waterborne Dangers in Commercial Properties

Standing water is an ideal place for microorganisms, like bacteria, and viruses, to breed. The chances of standing water becoming a breeding ground increases when the water damage contains toxins and sewage. Even if the floodwater comes from a clean source, the microorganisms can breed.

Dampness is another risk worthy of concern. The dampness of household items, furnishings, and even the building can create an environment that encourages the growth of mold, dust mites, microorganisms, and cockroaches.

Why Cleanup After a Flood is Important

Cleaning up after a flood or water damage should be a priority. The cleanup process should also be handled with care. Any items that get cleaned must be cleaned properly. Throw away anything that cannot get cleaned or is damaged beyond repair.

Excess moisture after a flood or water damage negatively impacts indoor air quality. Because of this, flooded areas need thorough cleaning as soon as possible. Here are a few of the problems caused by moisture:

• The environment becomes perfect for the reproduction and growth of microorganisms that cause health effects.
• Long-term exposure to humidity is ideal for the population of dust mites.
• Anyone involved with cleaning up after a flood or water damage should wear proper attire that includes masks and gloves.
• Coming into contact with many of these contaminants can cause illness.

The Cleanup Process

No one enjoys cleaning up after a flood or water damage, but its importance cannot be overestimated. The health of everyone who lives in the home may be affected. Depending on the severity of the water damage, the cleaning process can be an arduous task. Here are the necessary steps that need to be taken.

1. Find the source of the leak and stop it.
2. Figure out who could get affected
3. Determine the extent of the problem
4. Formulate a cleanup plan

The plan needs to involve removing water-damaged items and furniture while protecting those involved in the cleanup process. Any items that can be salvaged should be cleaned. Those that cannot be cleaned should get thrown away. Any items that sat in water for 24 to 48 hours needs to get thrown away. Once everything is clean, do a final check to assess the thoroughness of the task. Throughout the process, make sure everyone involved is wearing protective gear.

It is important to not rely solely on air purification devices to get the job done. Proper cleaning and throwing away damaged items from water damage is the only way to clean after a flood.

We are available 24 hours/7 days a week and are ready to restore your home or commercial structure caused by:

• Water Damage
• Fire Damage
• Disaster, storm, and flood damage
• Mold Damage

Cleaning up the Office After Water Damage

9/28/2020 (Permalink)

Large commercial flood in Osceola County, FL

Cleaning up the Office After Water Damage

If your commercial building experiences water damage, you should have a plan for salvaging as much of the contents of your building as you can. Dealing with a flooded company in Osceola County, FL, can be stressful, so ease your mind and find a water damage cleaning company you can trust.

Electronics

One important asset of many commercial office spaces are the electronics. If your space has experienced water damage, you may be tempted to wipe them off and turn them on to check on their status. However, it is very important that you do not turn on any electronics that have gotten wet. This task needs to be left to electronic technicians who know how to safely stop further corrosion and damage by dry cleaning the outside and working their way in. It is possible to salvage:

• computers
• television sets
• printers
• DVD players
  
  

Documents

Especially if your records are not backed up digitally, you may have tons of important documents you are concerned about protecting in your flooded company. If your file cabinets have been doused, it is possible to save the papers within. There are various methods, depending on the type of document and the extent of the damage: freezer drying, de-humidification, air drying, vacuum thermal drying and vacuum freeze drying.

Surfaces

When it comes to the hard surfaces of your office, like desks and wood floors, there are many ways to go about cleaning them in the event of a broken pipe or flood. There are sprays, wipes, foams, abrasive methods, immersive methods, dry methods or wet methods, dependent on item and situation. Soft surfaces like carpet and ceiling tiles need to be dried immediately in order to avoid mold.

A flooded company is a company that isn't making any money, so it is in your best interest to get it back on its feet as quickly as you can. The best way to do that is to call in a service that knows what they are doing when it comes to water damage remediation.

Protect Your Business From Disaster

8/11/2020 (Permalink)

Install a sprinkler system in your building

As a business owner or property manager, you have a lot to think about. One aspect of your job is to plan ahead and to think about fire preparation. How can you make your company better prepared to handle a fire? Is there a way to avoid a costly fire in the first place? If you do have a fire in Kissimmee, FL, how do you lessen its impact on your employees, customers and bottom line? Fortunately, there are many steps you can take to minimize or eliminate the effects of a costly fire. One important step that shouldn't be overlooked is who to call in an emergency. This will of course include the fire department, but it should also include calling in fire restoration experts as quickly as possible.

The Elements of Disaster Preparation

To reduce the likelihood of a commercial fire, or to limit fire damage, a number of proactive steps can be taken. These include some or all of the following measures:

• Install current fire alarms and a sprinkler system in your building
• Work with fire officials to fireproof your building
• Make sure your fire extinguishers are in working order and inspected
• Conduct regular fire drills for employees
• Appoint a person in charge of fire preparation for your company
  
  

If a fire does occur, it's important to call a company that understands the concept of Faster to Any Size Disaster. When it comes to disaster preparation in Kissimmee, FL, speed is always of the essence. The more quickly restoration begins, the more likely that damage will be limited. This is especially true for water restoration related to a sprinkler system or the hoses from the fire department. Powerful equipment can be brought in such as industrial fans and wet vacuums that limit damage to walls, ceilings and electrical equipment.

It pays to think about fire preparation. It can save lives and valuable property.