Western Lancaster: Fire and Water Restoration Company Mount Joy, PA

10/28/2022 (Permalink)

Mount Joy, PA, stands tall as a cultural hub for southern Pennsylvania. While not actually named for a mountain, this historic town takes its name from the Irish ship that broke through the Siege of Derry in 1689.

The modern Mount Joy was established in 1851, just a few miles from the Susquehanna River. You can also find a nice view of the water along East Main Street when you cross over the Little Chiques Creek.

With a major river nearby and a creek running through town, flooding can happen. A fire and water restoration company near Mount Joy, PA, like SERVPRO, can handle any water damage. Our specialists are able to restore homes and businesses once the waters recede.

Meanwhile, Main Street offers everything from excellent food to family fun and entertainment. Popular spots like Gus’ Keystone Family Restaurant and Beanie’s Bar & Grill offer some local fare, while Bube’s Brewery features a truly a unique experience. Diners can enjoy entertainment such as dinner theatre shows and murder mysteries as well as a cozy atmosphere, both in the biergarten and in their underground Catacombs Restaurant.

Plus, downtown Mount Joy comes alive at the end of every month. The Fourth Friday festival invites locals to shop, dine, and enjoy some live music. There’s a different theme every month, too. Mount Joy is home to all sorts of local events, including the Chocolate Walk, Mount Joy Car Show, and Winterfest.

Staying warm in the winter is a necessity. With so many old buildings around town, it’s important to remember fire safety, too. If a heater or candle ever sparks something, it may need to be restored. SERVPRO is a fire and water restoration company near Mount Joy, PA, that can make it “Like it never even happened.”

Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Service Manheim, PA

8/16/2022 (Permalink)

Once in a while, your carpet and upholstery will need professional cleaning. We interact with our floors and furniture a lot. Over time, carpet and upholstery pick up debris and may not look as crisp and clean as they used to.

Our SERVPRO of Western Lancaster County professional cleaners can clean your carpets and upholstery to have them look great. We encourage Manheim, Pennsylvania, homeowners to read on and learn more about routine cleaning and our professional cleaning services.

Professional Cleaning Services

On average, you should have your carpets and upholstery professionally cleaned once a year. We offer several cleaning services depending on what your carpets and upholstery need.

One option is Bonnet Cleaning. Bonnet Cleaning uses a rotary floor machine and a cleaning pad. The pad spins and absorbs dirt from the carpet. Cleaning agents on the pad enhance your carpet’s appearance.

Hot Water Extraction is another common method used for deeper carpet cleaning. High-pressure water and cleaner are pushed into your carpet, which aims to loosen and remove:

• Dirt
• Soil
• Other debris

This method aims to lengthen carpet life and works for almost all carpet types.

Dry Cleaning is an excellent option if you want to maintain the color of your carpets. It uses a powdered cleaning chemical that breaks up debris, and only a small amount of water.

Services for Carpets That Need Extra Attention

If you have a deeply soiled area that needs attention, the Deluxe Precondition and Rinse Serve may be right for your carpets. This method can be used to restore water-damaged carpets. Soil emulsifier is applied to the carpet and left for ten to fifteen minutes. It’s then removed via a vacuuming wand.

Showcase Premier Cleaning is the most thorough cleaning method available. We start by shampooing the carpet, then extracting the water and cleaning agents. This is also a good option for carpets with fire damage.

Routine Cleaning and Maintenance

Carpet and upholstery can trap dirt over time leading to stains or discoloration. Dusting and vacuuming regularly can help you keep your home clean and your carpet looking great in between professional cleanings.

Vacuuming does two things:

• Prevents dirt from settling in too deep
• Help prevents a large build-up of dirt

With vacuuming, your carpets and upholstery stay cleaner longer and in between professional visits.

Dusting aids in cleaning your carpet and upholstery by preventing allergens and dust from settling into your carpets. Less dust, less debris!

Spills happen. Cleaning them up as soon as possible is key to preventing staining from your carpet or upholstery from absorbing additional dirt or debris. When cleaning a stain out of carpet or upholstery, blot the stain, don’t scrub it. Scrubbing can damage carpet or upholstery, which can change the texture or appearance.

Schedule Professional Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Services

When it’s time to get your carpet and upholstery professionally cleaned, Manheim, PA, homeowners can rely on our professional cleaning to get the job done. Our SERVPRO of Western Lancaster County cleaning professionals will clear away the dirt and debris “Like it never even happened.”

Contact us to schedule your professional carpet and upholstery cleaning services today.

Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Service near Mt. Joy, PA

8/16/2022 (Permalink)

Our carpets and upholstery see a lot of traffic. That traffic brings debris, soil, dust, and other grime that catches in our carpets. While you might do routine maintenance, it helps to get your carpets and upholstery cleaned professionally about once a year.

The professionals at SERVPRO of Western Lancaster County will work to remove the dirt and debris, so your carpet maintains its appearance throughout its life. Business and homeowners around Mt. Joy, Pennsylvania, should read about our services and some routine maintenance tips below.

Routine Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning

Cleaning carpet and upholstery routinely is an important way to help it last longer and look better. Below you’ll find some tips on how to keep your carpet and upholstery clean between SERVPRO professional cleanings.

Both carpet and upholstery can be vacuumed regularly. Most vacuums come with upholstery attachments, too, for easy cleaning. Vacuuming removes debris and dust. Doing it periodically prevents a large build-up.

Cleaning up spills promptly can be an important part of carpet and upholstery cleaning. When a spill occurs, cleaning it up can not only prevent staining but prevent it from adding to the dirt already present on your carpet.

You’ll want to dab the carpet or upholstery when cleaning up a spill, not scrub it. Scrubbing might damage the material leading to a texture and appearance change.

Professional Services

Professional carpet and upholstery cleaning should be done roughly once every 12 months. We offer several cleaning service options depending on what your carpet needs.

Bonnet Cleaning

Bonnet Cleaning is a service option that’s great for short-pile carpets. It uses a rotating floor machine with a pad attached to the bottom. The pad spins, absorbs dirt, and adds cleaning agents to the carpet, enhancing your carpet’s appearance.

Hot Water Extraction

A common option for almost any carpet type is Hot Water Extraction. Hot Water Extraction is a deeper clean for moderate soil levels using high-pressure water and cleaner. The pressure of the water loosens dirt, and the cleaner cleans your carpet.

Showcase Premier Cleaning

The deepest cleaning service for carpets is Showcase Premier Cleaning. It is a two-part process that begins with shampooing the carpet, then extracting the cleaner and water. If your carpet has fire damage, this can help restore it.

Deluxe Precondition Rinse Serve

Have a tough stain you need to get out? Our Deluxe Precondition Rinse Serve is a cleaning service that tackles difficult stains or water damage. Soil emulsifier is applied and left on the carpet for about ten minutes. Then, it’s removed with a vacuuming wand.

Dry Cleaning

Dry Cleaning is a common cleaning service used for those interested in maintaining the color of their carpets. A cleaning agent breaks up debris, and a small spray of water further cleans debris.

Schedule Professional Carpet and Upholstery Services

If it’s time to get your carpet or upholstery professionally cleaned, our SERVPRO professionals are here to get the job done. If your Mt. Joy, PA, home or office carpets or upholstery need cleaning, reach out to our team to schedule service.

SERVPRO of Western Lancaster County helps ensure our carpets and upholstery services clear away dirt “Like it never even happened.” Contact us today.

How to Clean Up After a Flood

8/16/2022 (Permalink)

Flooding can happen for a variety of reasons, whether it’s a storm, burst pipe, or leaking roof. When a flood happens, you must respond fast to prevent additional damage and return to preloss conditions.

SERVPRO of Western Lancaster County is here to help with our highly trained 24/7 response team. We’ll restore your home or business quickly, “Like it never even happened.”

What to Do After a Flood

When you first return home after a flood, turn off electricity and gas service. This will make it safer to move around your home.

When surveying the damage, you’ll need protective clothing, waterproof boots, eye protection, and gloves.

Open windows to begin the ventilation and drying process. Objects affected by flooding, like furniture, will need to be removed. Carpets and flooring may need to be replaced.

Bring In the Professionals

When you’re dealing with a flood, bring in professionals with the tools and training to get the job done. Our process includes documenting the entire drying process, so we know your property is dry and restored correctly.

Our water damage restoration process has six steps to it:

1. Contact SERVPRO

Contact us to come out and help you take care of the water damage at your home or business. We will ask you a few questions about the water damage, so we can bring the correct equipment.

2. Asses the flood damage

When we arrive, our team will assess the damage. This includes stopping the flooding source and checking for contaminated water.

3. Water removal

The next stage is water removal. When we remove water, we’ll use industrial strength wet/dry vacuums or a submersible water pump. If your home has a lot of damage, our team will organize a move-out of your belongings. This allows us to remove water without damaging your belongings.

4. Drying and dehumidifying

Once the water is removed, our team will start the drying and dehumidifying your home or business. We’ll bring in air movers and dehumidifiers to dry your home, including floors and walls.

5. Cleaning and sanitizing

Our team will clean and sanitize your home. The sanitizing process helps ensure it is safe for you to return to your property. All your furniture, floors, walls, and clothing affected by the flood will be cleaned. We’ll also tackle the odor left behind by flood waters.

6. Restoration

At this stage, our team will return your home to the condition it was before the flood. Drywall removal and installation, painting, and carpet installation may be required, and our team is happy to help.

Faster to Any Sized Disaster

Our goal at SERVPRO of West Lancaster County is to clear away flood damage and restore your home, “Like it never even happened.” Our 24-hour emergency service is available whenever you need it. Since we work and live locally, we’ll get to your home fast to respond to water damage.

Contact us today.

Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Service near Me

8/16/2022 (Permalink)

Whether you’re trying to make a house a home or make a commercial space more professional, carpeting and upholstery can really tie a room together. While they say a lot about the space, they can also show signs of wear and tear after a while.

Regular vacuuming and cleaning can help prevent serious soiling, but if you’ve got spots or stains and want it to look “Like it never even happened”, contact SERVPRO of Western Lancaster County. We’re proud to offer reliable carpet and upholstery cleaning service for you.

Our Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Services

We offer carpet and upholstery cleaning to residential and commercial properties. To accommodate for such a variety of spaces and surfaces, we offer a diverse range of cleaning services. You can turn to us for these vital services to clean and restore your upholstery or carpet:

• Bonnet Cleaning—Gentle cleaning method for short piled carpets that relies on cleaning solution and a rotary cleaning machine.
• Dry Cleaning—Cleans deep and prevents color from fading with effective dry-cleaning technique.
• Hot Water Extraction—Offers a deeper clean thanks to a mixture of cleaning solution and hot water.
• Deluxe Precondition and Rinse—Restores soiled areas, so they look good as new again.
• Showcase Premier Cleaning—The deepest, most extensive, and most thorough carpet and upholstery cleaning service we offer.

You may have sustained some water damage, mold damage, or fire damage—or you might just want to restore a rug or surface. No matter the circumstances, we can take care of that for you. Our team is prepared to remove layers of dirt and any and all stains.

Certified Cleaners

You can be confident that your carpet or upholstery is in good hands. Every one of our professionals has earned Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). Our certified team will assess any damage and decide the best course of action and cleaning method.

Contact Us for Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning

When you’re searching for carpet and upholstery cleaning service near you, contact us at SERVPRO of Western Lancaster County. We’ll clean and restore your surfaces so your carpet and upholstery will look sharp and colorful again.

If There Is Water Damage in Your Apartment, Who Is Responsible?

8/15/2022 (Permalink)

Unfortunately, water damage is a problem that affects renters far too often. The question renters often face is, who is responsible for water damage in your apartment: you or your landlord? As you’ll soon see, the answer depends on the particular water damage scenario.

We’ll walk you through some of the more common scenarios, so you can understand who would be held responsible in each case. If you have any questions, reach out to us at SERVPRO of Western Lancaster County.

Renter’s Insurance

If you rent an apartment, there’s a good chance your landlord has required you to obtain and maintain renter’s insurance. This insurance protects a renter’s private belongings—furniture, clothing, jewelry, electronics, and more—in the event of any disaster, such as flooding.

The reason this is often a requirement is because landlords are not held liable for the water damage restoration of a tenant’s personal possessions. In effect, that means most landlords will not cover the expenses of cleaning or replacing your furniture, etc., after it has been subject to water damage.

Even if your landlord does not require it, renter’s insurance is a smart move for protecting your investment in your personal property and belongings.

Water Damage: What a Landlord Will Cover

Aside from your personal possessions, a landlord will cover most other damages to the property. In most cases of flooding or severe water damage, you can expect your landlord to take care of water damage restoration and repair services, such as:

• Suctioning water out of the premises
• Cleaning and replacing the carpets and/or flooring
• Dehumidifying and drying the rooms
• Mold remediation and removal services

The landlord is responsible for providing a hospitable living space. That means any water damage that has affected the property that ISN’T due to the tenant’s negligence is the landlord’s responsibility.

For instance, if the plumbing system needed repair and the landlord neglected it, they will be held responsible if a burst pipe causes water damage to the living space.

Landlord Not Responsible for Tenant’s Acts of Negligence

Some acts of flooding are not due to natural disasters or the landlord’s negligence. Rather, they are the result of the tenant’s negligence, and a landlord will not be held responsible in these cases.

For instance, if a renter forgets to turn off the bathtub faucet, they—and not the landlord—will be held responsible for any water damage to the property that results from this. The same goes for flushing items down the toilet that shouldn’t go there (like food packaging). Sooner or later, a water emergency is inevitable, but again, the landlord is not responsible for damages in these cases.

Obviously, not every instance of water damage is so clear-cut as to whether the landlord or tenant is at fault—and responsible for footing the bill. The best way to minimize disputes over water damage is to:

• Set up a detailed contract. The more detailed your renter’s contract, the more clearly defined each party’s role will be in the event of water damage.
• Have renter’s insurance. Regardless of whether it is required, renter’s insurance will balance out the financial risks to your personal property.
• Alert your landlord immediately if there is water damage. It’s in your best interest not to wait and make sure your landlord is in the know ASAP, no matter who you believe is at fault.

Be Prepared for Apartment Flood Damage

We hope this guide helps you understand who is responsible in the event of water damage in your apartment. To be prepared for water damage, you should take some time to read over your lease contract to better understand the roles of the tenant and the landlord.

Have questions? Feel free to contact our water damage remediation and removal experts at SERVPRO of Western Lancaster County for more information.

Commercial Restoration Services near Me

8/15/2022 (Permalink)

When disaster strikes, you need a team to help you return your commercial space to the way it was before. SERVPRO of Western Lancaster County specializes in commercial restoration, from cleaning to repairing. Our 24/7 response means that we can be there when you need us.

Size Is No Obstacle

Commercial spaces come in many shapes and sizes, from an entire office building to retail stores to industrial facilities.

We do not have one specific commercial space specialization. Whatever size your space, our team is happy to lend a hand.

We Perform Many Types of Commercial Restoration

Different types of damage require different restoration approaches. That’s why SERVPRO offers various kinds of commercial restoration, so our team can adapt to your needs and work towards getting your space functional again. Common commercial restoration services we perform include:

• Commercial Water Damage Restoration
• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration
• Commercial Storm Damage Cleanup

Water damage presents its own unique challenges. SERVPRO is prepared for them. We have staff that can access damage quickly and helps manage the restoration project until it’s complete. We have technicians trained in applied structuring drying, odor control, and fabric cleaning.

Fire damage is more than just flames. When restoring commercial spaces from fire damage, our technicians tackle any smoke damage as well as burned sections of your space.

Storm Damage can require both cleanup and restoration. Our team can come in, clean up and manage the restoration project so your business can get back on its feet and back to work more quickly.

We Work With Your Insurance Company

As professionals in commercial restoration, we understand the ins and outs of the insurance process. Our team will help you fill out the right forms, what deadlines to keep an eye on, and who you should speak to regarding your claim.

Faster to Any Sized Disaster

At SERVPRO of Western Lancaster County, it’s our goal to restore your space “Like it never even happened.” Our team is available if you want to know more about the commercial restoration services we offer. We look forward to helping you get your commercial space back up and running. Contact us today!

How to Protect Your Home from Water Damage

8/15/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage is common, and it’s costly, too. In fact, water damage costs billions of dollars annually in the United States. It’s in your best interest to protect your home from water damage—but how should you go about doing so?

Use these simple steps to ensure your home is protected against water damage year-round. If you have any questions, reach out to our water damage restoration specialists at SERVPRO of Western Lancaster County.

1) Check those hoses and faucets

And do it on a regular basis.

Can you count all the hoses in your house? There’s a hose for your washing machine, a hose for your dishwasher, and a hose for your refrigerator. Be sure to check them all on an annual basis, keeping a lookout for cracks and leaks.

Beyond that, we recommend you replace all your hoses every five to seven years to stay ahead of problems.

2) Don’t balk at caulk

Check your showers and tubs.

The caulking around your showers and tubs should be watertight. If you find cracks in the caulk, you should take time to replace them. This can help prevent water from the shower from seeping into your floor—a common source of water damage in the home.

3) Do you know where your water main is?

Find it—and learn how to shut it off.

On a cold winter day, a pipe could suddenly burst in your home. If that happens, it’s important to know how to shut off the water supply. In most situations, shutting off the water main will stop the flow of water and save you from unnecessary water damage.

4) Invest in floor pans for your appliances

Combat slow leaks in your dishwasher or washing machine.

No, floor pans won’t help you in the event of a “catastrophic” leak. However, a simple floor pan underneath the dishwasher or washing machine can prevent damage from slow, undetected leaks.

It can also alert you to undetected leaks in the first place. If you look and notice that the tray has gathered water, you’ll know your appliance or its hoses may need minor leak repairs. 

5) Make sure your sump pump works

It can keep your basement free from rainwater.

No one wants to deal with a flooded basement. If you have a basement and a sump pump, make sure you service and maintain it at least once a year.

6) Check your roof and gutters

Blocked gutters bring on the damp.

If you have leaves, weeds, or moss in your gutters, the drainage system that siphons water away from your home may be blocked. The result is more moisture where you least want it.

While you’re checking for leaves in the gutter, be sure to inspect your roof inside and out. Look for any signs of visible damage and water leaking into your home.

7) Pipes—it’s all about pipes

Stop a burst pipe before it happens.

Earlier, we mentioned the possibility of a burst pipe—a common occurrence in cold weather. However, it doesn’t have to happen to you if you protect the pipes in your home.

You can use a smart thermostat to maintain a temperature of at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit in your home, even if you plan on being away for a while. This will keep the water in the pipes from freezing.

Keep Your Home Safe from Water Damage

Now that you know how to protect your home from water damage, you’re well equipped to prevent a serious water problem from interrupting your life.

If you do find yourself dealing with water damage, you’ll want to address it ASAP to prevent further damage. For fast 24-hour service, reach out to our specialists at SERVPRO of Western Lancaster County. We’ll help you restore your home to its pre-water-damage condition.

Most Common Fire Risks

8/15/2022 (Permalink)

Home fires are destructive not only to property, but also to human life. In fact, it is residential fires that are the most common cause of fire deaths, fire injuries, and fire dollar loss. We all aim to prevent more house fires, and to do that, it’s important to identify the most common fire risks.

So, what are the biggest fire hazards in a home? SERVPRO of Western Lancaster County explores some of the most frequent, so you’re prepared to mitigate the risks of a fire in your own home.  

1) Appliances and equipment

Any device in your home that generates heat or heats up with extended use is a potential fire risk. This includes stoves, heaters, and clothes dryers, as well as computers. (We recommend turning laptops off when you go to sleep or leave the house. Laptop fires are uncommon but not unknown.)

Cooking vessels left unattended are a common cause of preventable fires. If you’re prepping a meal in your slow cooker, be sure you’re there to keep an eye on it.

2) Candles

Never leave a candle unattended. A candle in a contained vessel (i.e., a glass jar) is less likely to be a fire hazard, but any candle forgotten can burn out of control and cause a fire, given the right circumstances.

3) Holiday decorations

You probably don’t have candles on your Christmas tree—that tradition was snuffed out long ago—but even modern Christmas lights can cause a fire. If you have a live tree that hasn’t been watered properly and has been left to dry out, the heat from the Christmas lights may cause it to catch fire.

4) Smoking

If you or someone in your home smokes, a house fire could be caused by that lit cigarette. Don’t be negligent in your smoking habits. It’s fairly common that people (1) fall asleep while smoking or (2) discard still-hot ashes into a trash can where they can ignite.

5) Indoor fireplace

It should be no shocker that one of the most common fire risks is your fireplace. A fire well managed shouldn’t cause any trouble, but all it takes is a single stray ember from an active flame to catch the carpet on fire.

6) Children

Children aren’t fire-breathing monsters—but they have been known to play with fire. You should talk regularly to your children about fire hazards and stress the importance of not playing with matches, lighters, candles, or other hazardous devices.

7) Lightning

You’ve probably heard the expression that you’re more likely to be struck by lightning than win the lottery. Well, your home (which takes up more square footage than you) is even more likely to be struck by lightning.

Your home may be more vulnerable to lightning fires if you live in a wooded area because lightning strikes can set your surroundings on fire, too.

Guard Against Common Fire Risks

The best way to guard against the most common fire risks is to (1) leave no possible fire sources unattended in your home and (2) have a smoke detector on every floor.

Want more tips for fireproofing your home? Reach out to SERVPRO of Western Lancaster County to learn more about our recommendations for fire prevention.

Water Damage Restoration Company near Mt. Joy PA

8/15/2022 (Permalink)

Nobody wants water damage. From flooding and burst pipes to leaks, it’s something that every homeowner and building manager hopes to avoid. However, you can’t plan for everything. If you need a water damage restoration company near Mt. Joy, PA, contact SERVPRO of Western Lancaster County.

We’ll close every leak, dry every area, and clean and restore your space, so it’ll be “Like it never even happened.”

Why Water Damage Restoration Is Necessary

Water damage can be caused by a number of issues. Whether you experienced some flooding during a storm or found a leaky pipe, you’re going to want to get things dry and repaired sooner rather than later. That’s because water damage can be the cause of some unfortunate problems, such as:

• Mold
• Rotting Wood
• Rusted Metal
• Electrical Problems
• Insect Infestations

By causing both metal and wood to break down, water damage can actually cause problems for a building’s structural integrity. It can also be a perfect breeding ground for mold, mildew, and cockroaches, all of which are notorious for spreading through your home or office. That’s why it’s important to address any water damage quickly.

Water Damage Warning Signs

Moisture can affect your home or place of business in multiple ways. While things like mold spores occur naturally in the air, water damage gives them the perfect environment to thrive. It can also cause paint and drywall to sag and deteriorate over time.

So, how can you be sure you’ve got water damage? Give us a call if you notice any of the following:

• Standing Water
• Mold
• Warping Walls or Ceiling
• Wet Spots

Our Water Damage Restoration Process

Every instance of water damage is unique. However, we have an effective method of treating water damage and making sure everything is good as new. It starts when you call us. We’ll get there fast and get to work with state-of-the-art water removal equipment and advanced drying techniques, such as:

• Inspection and Damage Assessment
• Water Removal/Water Extraction
• Drying & Dehumidification
• Cleaning & Sanitizing
• Restoration

Water Restoration Specialists

Throughout our restoration process, you can be confident that your property is in good hands. Each one of our water restoration specialists is highly trained. In fact, every one of them has earned the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).

On top of bringing a certified team to address your water damage situation, we’ll be sure to get there quickly too. After all, water damage doesn’t wait for a convenient time. That’s why our highly trained team can be reached 24 hours a day, seven days a week—even on holidays.

Get Water Damage Taken Care of Quickly

If you notice any of the signs we touched on or if you’ve recently found a leaky pipe or dealt with flooding, contact us at SERVPRO of Western Lancaster County. We’re the water damage restoration company near Mt. Joy, PA, that you can trust to dry and revive your property.

How a Fire Prevention Program Can Help Your Workplace

6/27/2022 (Permalink)

We’ve come a long way for fire safety in the workplace, but there’s still a long way to go. If you want your business to be the best of the best when it comes to fire prevention and response—and you do—then it’s time to refresh and review your current fire prevention program.  

Every employee should be trained in how to prevent fires and respond in the event of a fire—both individually and as a member of the team. A fire prevention program like this can help your workplace, and SERVPRO of Western Lancaster County will show you how.

It Teaches Your Employees to Recognize Fire Hazards

A workplace fire prevention program will teach your employees to recognize hazards that can lead to a fire. All fires require three elements to ignite:

• Heat (a source of ignition)
• Fuel (anything flammable)
• Oxygen (to sustain the fire)

In spaces where these three elements are present, a fire can start and continue to burn. The first part of preventing a fire is keeping heat away from potential fuel sources. If employees are trained to recognize situations in which these are close together, they can separate them and prevent more workplace fires.

It Activates a Stronger Emergency Response

Not every workplace fire will be avoided. However, by training your team in fire prevention, you can activate a much stronger emergency response when a fire does ignite on your premises.

The benefits of this are clear: More people can be brought to safety, fire suppression systems can reduce the blaze, and fast first responders can put out the fire more quickly to prevent unnecessary (and costly) damages. During their training, employees should be taught that if they see a fire:

• Activate the fire alarm
• Call 911

These are obviously the minimum response requirements, but they go a long way toward ensuring that employees can get out safely and a prompt response by the fire department is on its way.  

It Helps Keep Your Employees Safe in a Fire

Your workplace fire safety training is an opportunity for team building, too—team building that prepares your employees to evacuate in the event of a fire. While every workplace will have different safety requirements, safety procedures, and evacuation plans, you can make sure your team is aware of:

• The company emergency evacuation plan
• Each worker’s role in the plan
• How to leave the building
• How and why to close each door behind them as they evacuate
• What to do if they encounter heat or smoke while evacuating
• Where to regroup

Going through such training will remind your team that you care about them as people, i.e., their safety, not just for their value as employees. In the event of a fire, it will ensure everyone is prepared.

It Helps Avoid Downtime Due to a Fire

Even if your employees manage to get to safety and damages are covered by insurance, a fire in the workplace can mean unplanned downtime. You may have to halt the production of products or delivery of services if the fire has made your workplace an unsafe or inoperable working environment.

If a fire can be prevented or at least extinguished as soon as possible, you can mitigate or eliminate the effects of unplanned downtime. Training every employee in fire prevention and response is key.

If you do find yourself in a situation with unplanned downtime and severe fire damage, don’t wait to address it and repair the damage. Our fast 24-hour service response will have restoration technicians on your site the very same day to begin restoring your company to its pre-fire-damage condition.

Have a Plan for Fire Prevention and Emergency Response

Planning is key to preventing hazards. A fire prevention plan can help your workplace by helping your entire team plan ahead. It’s in the interest of their safety, your safety, and the company’s operations.

If you want more information about how to plan for fire prevention or identify fire hazards in the workplace, reach out to our fire damage restoration and repair specialists at SERVPRO of Western Lancaster County.