The Facts about Commercial Damages

9/12/2022 (Permalink)

Keeping a business afloat takes all the help you can get. When you manage a property or own a business, you know that you need every available hand to keep things running smoothly. When something causes a major disruption or a loss, it can be devastating for you and your property.

The good news is that your retail space, rental property or manufacturing facility has a silent partner built in, and it’s right here in your Ludington backyard. SERVPRO is ready to carry the burden of emergency planning and deep-cleaning to keep your business success plan on track. We are your ally, invested in your business.

Large loss recovery. Flooding, fires and storms are leading causes of loss for businesses. These disasters cause massive damage across the United States, particularly when response time doesn’t happen quickly. Our Michigan weather can certainly be extreme, and we understand how devastating a winter storm can be to a business. SERVPRO is ready to respond with our highly trained employees and proven emergency services to start your recovery faster, 24 hours a day.

Emergency Ready Plan. Recovery begins before a disaster strikes when your business is ready. We can create a plan that covers your needs comprehensively. Our Emergency Ready Plans can include everything from alternate work locations to chain of command and temporary vendors. When you say “go,” the plan takes action and restoration for your business begins.

Cleaning of All Kinds. We can cover any deep-cleaning you and your business could ever need. SERVPRO has cleaned a long time, and we can handle basic deep-cleaning of high traffic areas, carpets and upholstery, as well as specialty cleaning needs including trauma site cleanup and safe biohazard removal. We have a solution for any situation.

Restoration Services. Heavy rains started a flood. The new employee burned food in the cafeteria. A pipe burst. Your business is going to have lots of different restoration needs, and SERVPRO of Manistee, Ludington and Cadillac is ready for all of them. We have lived and served in the Western Michigan area for a long time and we are ready to get your business back to work through restoration, cleaning or removal.

Industry Specialization. There isn’t an industry we haven’t worked with as we have served in our community over the decades. Whatever your business requires, we are prepared. In many cases, we can even restore or repair without disrupting your regular business flow.

Whatever your recovery need may be, and whatever your commercial property may require, trust SERVPRO to get the job done. Contact us today to get started on an Emergency Ready Plan or find out how we can serve your business.

Stay Safe with Understanding

9/12/2022 (Permalink)

When the weather gets scary, information and plans can get easily confused. There are around 42 different kinds of weather alerts from seven different categories. That is a lot to sort through when you are trying to protect your family.

When you have an understanding of different weather advisories, it means you are able to get to safety faster. It also means you can take proactive action now in order to protect your property and prevent damages later.

An overall knowledge of several kinds of weather events is good, but it is crucial to understand what the alerts we will most often see in Michigan mean.

Let SERVPRO handle your restoration needs

9/12/2022 (Permalink)

We are small business owners like so many of you, and we understand how stressful a typical day can be. Never-ending to-do’s in the midst of trying to make your business a success is a lot to handle, and if a disaster strikes, it can feel like your whole world is falling apart.

Although natural disasters can’t be prevented or sometimes even predicted, you can prepare yourself for them. And we know that disasters don’t just strike your business, so that means being prepared at home as well.

In order to be prepared, you will need an emergency plan. The American Red Cross is a great place to start putting together information. They have compiled data from natural disasters all across the United States and offer a wide variety of items that can help get you prepared.

When you are ready to seek out more local information, bookmark our state emergency management page as a go-to source for the disasters we most commonly see across all of Michigan. You should also familiarize yourself with our county’s website so that you can reference it before, during and after an event has occurred.

Regardless of the kind of emergency you have, response time will always be the most essential part of your recovery. The sooner restoration can start, the less damage your property will have. That is why you should make SERVPRO one of your first calls after an event.

Understanding Storm Alerts

9/1/2022 (Permalink)

When the weather gets scary, information and plans can get easily confused. There are around 42 different kinds of weather alerts from seven different categories. That is a lot to sort through when you are trying to protect your family.

When you have an understanding of different weather advisories, it means you are able to get to safety faster. It also means you can take proactive action now in order to protect your property and prevent damages later.

An overall knowledge of several kinds of weather events is good, but it is crucial to understand what the alerts we will most often see in Michigan mean.

Smoke and Soot Cleanup

8/31/2022 (Permalink)

The Facts About Commercial Damages:

Locally owned businesses are the heart of this country, and have been since its start. We all patronize multiple businesses in a day between work, play and filling our homes with all the things that we need.

When you own one of those local businesses, you carry a heavy load with simply managing the day-to-day of operating. When a disaster strikes, the consequences can be devastating.

Commercial damage from natural disasters has been on a steady rise in the United States. In the last five years, there has been close to $153 billion worth of damage annually, which represents a steep increase over previous periods.

In the Manistee, Ludington and Cadillac areas, it may be hard to imagine any weather other than cold and snow, especially as our winter lingers well past spring. As our weather does slowly warm, however, snowmelt and ice dams can lead to swollen rivers and flooded roads.

The rain that this past May brought only added to the danger of flooding. This danger is a good reminder of why we should always be prepared for anything that Mother Nature may bring our way.

The more we learn about potential disasters across the nation and right here at home, the better we can prepare and keep our businesses safe.

What Sets SERVPRO apart?

8/22/2022 (Permalink)

There’s never a convenient time for your business to be sidelined with fire or water damage. We know that every hour your business is out of commission is an hour of lost productivity and revenue. When you need professional cleaning or restoration services, we have the training, expertise, and resources to handle any size disaster. SERVPRO of Manistee, Ludington and Cadillac specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water or fire damage.  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.  If your business runs into trouble call SERVPRO of Manistee, Ludington and Cadillac to make it "Like it never even happened."231-723-4872.

After the fire

6/30/2022 (Permalink)

After the fire trucks leave, your home likely suffers from fire and smoke damage and extensive water damage from firefighting efforts. The experts at SERVPRO of Manistee, Ludington and Cadillac have the specialized fire restoration training needed to restore your home to pre-fire condition. There are several immediate issues that need addressed. Every fire damage event is a little different, and requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate our process for the “typical” fire damage emergency.

Have Questions About Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Today – (231) 723-4872

Step 1: Emergency Contact

The restoration process begins when you call us. If you call during business hours, the office staff will ask questions regarding the fire damage event that will help us respond immediately with the appropriate equipment and resources. After hours calls will be answered by our trained answering service who will get the basic information (name and best contact number) and will page one of the owners or managers on call. We will then immediately return your call and get the process started.

Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment

As soon as the fire department clears the site and the fire marshal gives the go ahead (may not be necessary on smaller fires), we carefully inspect and test of your home or property to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. This step is crucial to developing a plan of action. At this time we can answer any questions you or your insurance agent or adjuster may have and gather information allowing us to provide a price to clean the structure and contents.

Step 3: Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service

Fire damage can often compromise windows, walls, and roofs. To maintain security and to protect against further damage, we can board up missing windows and walls and place tarps on damaged roofs. Unfortunately, there are people who prey on home and business owners who have suffered a loss. They are not above following a fire truck and coming back later to see what isn’t secured. SERVPRO of Manistee, Ludington, and Cadillac can provide security with board-up and roof-tarp services.

Step 4: Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)

If the fire is severe and your electric service is compromised, SERVPRO of Manistee, Ludington, and Cadillac can help get power restored. We can also help get heat restored if freezing temperatures are an issue. The water removal process begins almost immediately (if power is available) and removes the majority of the water. We then use dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the remaining water and complete the drying process. 

Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces

Often once the drying is complete, (usually 3-4 days or less) an adjuster approved estimate has been prepared and contracts signed. SERVPRO of Manistee, Ludington, and Cadillac crews are then ready to start cleaning your home or business. We use specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces. 

Step 6: Cleaning and Sanitizing

We clean, sanitize, and disinfect all of the restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to restore your belongings to pre-fire condition. Normal procedures include HEPA vacuuming (if necessary) followed by wet cleaning hard surfaces and non-pourus surfaces. If needed, we can clean many contents with our ultra-sonic cleaning machine. We’re also trained to remove odors using industrial air scrubbers, ozone generators, and fogging equipment.

Step 7: Restoration

Restoration is the final step—getting your home or business to its pre-fire condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business. SERVPRO of Manistee, Ludington, and Cadillac is a full service restoration company. Our general contracting license allows our in-house carpenters and sub-contractors to safely restore your home or business. We follow all Michigan building codes and OHSA rules to protect you and our employees.

What to expect if you have a fire in your home

6/29/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damage, including smoke and soot, affects not only the structure of your house but also your belongings. SERVPRO of Manistee, Ludington and Cadillac understands your family’s furniture, clothing, keepsakes, and other belongings make your house more than a structure; they make it a home. Contents cleaning is one area where “Do it yourself” attempts are probably a bad idea. Unlike structural areas where you can cover incomplete cleaning with a coat of paint, content cleaning needs to be done correctly or your home could smell when high humidity amplifies odors in the summer.

If You Have Questions or Need Help, Call Us Today – (231) 723-4872

Contents Restoration

SERVPRO of Manistee, Ludington and Cadillac specializes in restoring contents damaged by water, fire, or mold. Our expertise and “restore” versus “replace” mentality can help you save money while preserving precious keepsakes that can’t be replaced. We pretest your belongings to determine what items we can restore to pre-fire condition. We use several methods of cleaning your contents, including:

• Dry Cleaning - Used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to wet cleaning. This can involve using a natural rubber “dry sponge” or HEPA vacuuming the surfaces.
• Wet Cleaning - An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues.
• Spray and Wipe -Effective for items that can’t withstand wet cleaning.
• Foam Cleaning - Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned.
• Abrasive Cleaning - Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned.
• Immersion or Ultrasonic Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product.
   

Move-Outs/Pack-Outs

If your home requires extensive restoration or cleaning due to fire damage, SERVPRO of Manistee, Ludington and Cadillac can conduct an organized, efficient move-out of the affected area. Move-out will provide several benefits, including:

• A quicker remodeling process
• Protecting items from potential damage
• Protecting contents from further on-site damage

It is not unusual for restoration to take several months. SERVPRO of Manistee, Ludington, and Cadillac uses a state of the art bar code tracking system which allows us to find your Christmas decorations, or Easter basket when the seasons change. After restoration is completed, we will work with you to coordinate the move-in according to your needs. Make sure to check with your insurance company to see if you have coverage limits on contents.

Electronic Cleanup

Fire-damaged electronics can present a serious hazard. Do not attempt to turn on or operate any electrical device that you suspect has been damaged by fire. Smoke residues can contain acids that corrode metal surfaces. If the residues are not removed, corrosion causes electronic failure in the device. We will coordinate the restoration of your electronics, including:

• Television sets
• DVD players
• Computers
• And more

The process of fighting the fire involves spraying water on the fire to cool and wet the structure. This also creates large amounts of steam which aids in firefighting but can damage electronics far from the source. The key to restoring electronics is taking prompt action to prevent further damage. Electronics will be cleaned and inspected by a qualified electronics technician.

Document / Photograph Drying

When your valuable documents, including photographs, are damaged by water, fire, or steam, extreme caution should be taken to help ensure the fire damage does not destroy the document. Although some documents may not be restored to pre-fire damage condition, SERVPRO of Manistee, Ludington and Cadillac can save a great deal and help minimize additional damage. 

Depending on the type of documents and the level of fire, smoke, or soot damage, they have five options for the restoration of documents:

• Air Drying
• Dehumidification
• Freezer Drying
• Vacuum Freeze Drying
• Vacuum Thermal Drying

A final option involves actually copying the documents and returning them in digital format.

Contents Claim Inventory Service

When a fire emergency strikes, the damage can often feel overwhelming. We can help ease the worry and confusion during the recovery process by offering our Contents Claim Inventory Service (CCIS), which provides a detailed and accurate list of your belongings. We take a room-by-room inventory of your contents, including digital photos, and in some instances, bar coding. Be sure to ask the professionals at SERVPRO of Manistee, Ludington, and Cadillac if this service is covered by your insurance company.

Our Contents Claim Inventory Service:

• Pre-loss list and value of contents
• Detailed and accurate report
• Better information to settle claims quicker
• Assistance with burden of proof for claims

Peace of mind when you need it most! Because you have enough to worry about after suffering a loss, let the experts at SERVPRO use our experience to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

What to expect if you have a fire in your home

6/29/2022 (Permalink)

Fire Tips that can help you until the professionals arrive

 Fire damage can range from burning a pan of food on the range, to a furnace or stove puff back, to a major electrical fire. The experts at SERVPRO of Manistee, Ludington, and Cadillac will meet you or your representatives on site to determine the scope of work. Often we will also meet with your insurance adjuster (with your permission) to make sure everyone agrees what needs done, who is going to do it, and the approximate cost. In fires, as with most insurance claims, communication is the key to make everything go smoothly.

Issues you need to be aware of on a fire include:

• Is there also water damage that needs addressed?
• Does the home require board up or roof repairs?
• Do you have electricity?
• Can you stay in the home or do you need to move out?
• Will the contents need “packed out” and stored?
• Has the fire marshal or building inspector signed off?

After any fire damage situation, your primary focus should be safety first:

• Is it safe to stay in the house?
• Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
• Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
• Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!

Have Smoke or Fire Damage? Call (231) 723-4872

What To Do After A Fire

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
• Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
• Clean and protect chrome with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
• Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.
• Change HVAC filter.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.

What NOT To Do After A Fire

• Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting us.
• Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service.
• Don't use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
• Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

Fire Tips

6/24/2022 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of [[Franchise Name]] will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

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.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call SERVPRO of Manistee, Ludington and Cadillac at 231-723-4872