A Lifeline for Commercial Buildings Facing Sump Pump Failures

8/16/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Tech keeping your building clean and ready for your customers.

In the realm of commercial buildings, sump pump failures can quickly escalate into catastrophic situations, causing extensive damage and disruptions. When such emergencies strike, having reliable partners like SERVPRO of West Lancaster and SERVPRO of East York can make all the difference. Let's explore how these two esteemed SERVPRO branches shine as essential pillars of support in the face of sump pump failures in commercial settings.

SERVPRO of West Lancaster: Fast-Track to Recovery

When a sump pump in a commercial building fails, water damage can spiral out of control in a matter of hours. This is where SERVPRO of West Lancaster's swift response becomes a game-changer. Their 24/7 availability ensures that they're always ready to leap into action, no matter the time of day. Their team's ability to quickly assess the situation, devise effective recovery strategies, and deploy state-of-the-art technology sets the restoration process in motion without delay.

Sump pump failures often lead to flooding and structural damage that can bring business operations to a standstill. SERVPRO of West Lancaster's comprehensive range of services, including water damage restoration, mold remediation, and more, ensures that no matter the scale of the disaster, they have the expertise to mitigate the damage and expedite the recovery process.

SERVPRO of East York: Local Touch, Global Expertise

In the world of disaster recovery, understanding the unique challenges posed by a specific area is invaluable. SERVPRO of East York's deep involvement in the local community gives them a keen understanding of the region's vulnerabilities, including those related to sump pump failures. This localized knowledge allows them to tailor their restoration strategies to best suit the situation at hand, ensuring a more efficient and effective recovery process.

Sump pump failures can lead to mold growth, compromised structural integrity, and even electrical hazards. SERVPRO of East York's highly trained technicians possess the expertise needed to tackle these diverse challenges head-on. Their meticulous attention to detail ensures that no aspect of the restoration process, from water extraction to structural drying, is overlooked, minimizing the potential long-term consequences of the sump pump failure.

Reliability in Times of Crisis

In the world of commercial buildings, the impact of sump pump failures can be financially and operationally devastating. SERVPRO of West Lancaster and SERVPRO of East York both play pivotal roles in mitigating these effects, offering rapid response, expert restoration services, and tailored solutions. Their commitment to professionalism, local understanding, and comprehensive expertise makes them indispensable allies for commercial property owners and businesses facing the aftermath of sump pump failures.

When the waters rise due to sump pump failure, these SERVPRO branches stand ready as beacons of hope, equipped to not only salvage the physical structures but also to restore the vitality and functionality of the spaces affected. With SERVPRO of West Lancaster and SERVPRO of East York by their side, commercial buildings can weather the storm and emerge stronger than ever.

Emergency FIRE Response Plans for Businesses

1/12/2022 (Permalink)

Pull. Aim. Squeeze. Sweep.

Your business may already have an Emergency Response Plan (ERP) in place, but are you certain that it covers everything you and your staff need to know? Formulating a complete and thorough evacuation plan may not be easy, but doing so can help protect you and your employees. At SERVPRO of Western Lancaster County, we offer ERP consultations to ensure that your business is ready; each Emergency Response Plan is unique as it is customized to your business's specific needs. In the meantime, here are some things you may want to make sure are included in your plan:

1. Fire Extinguisher Locations
It is important to ensure that every employee knows exactly where each fire extinguisher is located. This important step can save precious time during a fire, and has the potential to mitigate the situation before it causes further damage. Fire extinguishers should be easy to locate and easily accessible during an emergency. Additionally, employees should be trained on fire extinguisher use, using the P.A.S.S. technique. Fire extinguishers should be assessed annually by a trained professional to ensure that it is properly charged and ready to use. NOTE: Fire extinguishers should only be used if you see the fire start. If you are unsure in your ability to stop the spread of a fire, evacuate immediately and call 911.

2. Exit Locations
Another important part of an Emergency Response Plan is knowing where the nearest exits are from any point in the building. Knowing these locations will allow you and your staff to safely exit the building in a timely manner if a fire occurs. NOTE: There should be at least two exit points from every workspace, in the event that one path is blocked.

3. Designated Meeting Place
Another important step in creating your Emergency Response Plan is setting and communicating a "Designated Meeting Place". The Designated Meeting Place should be outside and a safe distance from the building. All employees should be trained on the location of the Designated Meeting Place, and should gather at that location so they can be quickly accounted for. NOTE: It is recommended that businesses conduct both routine and random fire drills to prepare staff for an actual fire. These drills can be used as training opportunities.

4. Emergency Contacts
In the event of a fire, call 911! Though 911 is the first number to remember, it is important to have employee Emergency Contact Information saved and accessible. You may want to include a note in your plan about where this information is stored to ensure it’s accessible when needed.

5. Post-Fire Information
In addition to Emergency Contact Information for employees, you may also want to include the location of insurance and mitigation and restoration professionals phone numbers in your plan. Doing this will ensure that you have the necessary resources available after a fire occurs. NOTE: Having the number of a trusted fire restoration service like SERVPRO of Western Lancaster County may make fire cleanup easier and less stressful.

6. Contact Us
To create or fine-tune your Emergency Response Plan, contact SERVPRO of Western Lancaster County at 717-665-1270! We are the professionals that are faster to any size disaster. We are here to help, and want to ensure that you are prepared in the event of an unfortunate disaster. Setting up an ERP with SERVPRO of Western Lancaster County allows you to be one step ahead when it comes to you and your employees safety!

A clean office means fewer pests

12/27/2021 (Permalink)

A very clean and merry SERVPRO of Western Lancaster office at Christmas

A Cleaner Office Means Fewer Pests

Office pests can include insects and small mammals, like mice. These pests are often attracted to an office for a few key resources — food, water, and shelter. Offices are sometimes more prone to pests simply because cleaning may not be a top priority for your staff. Learn how you can boost the cleanliness of your office and help prevent pests.

Break Rooms

Break rooms tend to be ground zero for pest infestations, as this is where the bulk of food storage, preparation, and consumption occurs.

Garbage Cans

You will want to advise your employees to line garbage cans with plastic bags. Doing so will help contain odors. For optimal scent consolidation, opt for lidded receptacles in the break room and common areas where food may be disposed of.

If you utilize a daily cleaning service, it is best practice to empty each waste bin every evening, regardless of whether or not food and candy wrappers are present. Full service cleaning companies will empty individual garbage cans if the offices are left open or if keys are provided. For offices with only weekly cleaning services, or that have locked offices, a staff member should empty garbage cans every night. 

Pantries

The state of an office pantry can leave a lot to be desired, and this isn't typically an area serviced by your cleaning crew. Instruct employees keep all food items in sealed plastic bags or storage containers. All storage containers should  have a sealed, tight fitting lid. Additionally, make sure spills in the pantry areas are cleaned up promptly; the longer food sits, the more likely that pests will find their food source.

Hard Surfaces

During short breaks, employees don't always have the time to thoroughly clean up after themselves. Spills on counter tops, food left in the sink, and crumbs on tables or floors can all lead to a pest infestation. Fortunately, an office cleaning crew can save your break room. The crew will wipe down and disinfect all surfaces. A cleaning service can also wash dishes, clean out the sinks, and mop at the end of every workday.

Offices and Cubicles

There are many office-specific practices that can be attractive to pests, such as storing food in desks, or keeping stacks of paper on the floor. 

Snacks

No one wants to limit snacking in the office, but setting a few ground rules is a must! Any food kept in cubicles, desks, etc... should be stored in pest-proof containers, such as jars or lidded food storage containers. Candy jars and similar items should also have lids on them. There should never be half-empty soda cans, water cups, or coffee mugs left on desks overnight. 

Cleaning services don't typically remove items from desktops, so it is up to your staff to stay on top of these issues.

Dust and Debris

Dust, stacks of papers, and general untidiness can also invite pests into a space, plus a mess makes it harder for your cleaning service to do a thorough job. Only 29 percent of office workers feel that their office is cleaned adequately, but part of the problem could be the state of the office before the cleaning staff arrives.

Instruct all employees to file papers away each day. And don’t allow items stacked on the floor. This will allow your cleaning service to do a thorough job.

Carpet Spills

Regular carpet cleaning is a must in any office! Crumbs and spilled liquids leave behind tempting morsels for pests. Most office cleaning services also provide office carpet shampoo services. Set up a monthly schedule for a deep clean and you won't have to worry about pests. As a bonus, your office will look and feel much cleaner.

Contact SERVPRO of Western Lancaster County  at 717-665-1270 to learn more about how commercial cleaning services can keep your office clean, more welcoming, and free of pest problems.

You can count on SERVPRO!

12/16/2021 (Permalink)

Our team is geared up and ready to go!

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive cleaning program that we are offering to local businesses and residential properties.

By choosing Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you, your employees, your customers, and your community can rest assured that you’ve selected a higher cleaning standard – you are Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Beyond fire, water, and mold mitigation and restoration services, SERVPRO professionals are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination and chemical spills, always adhering to the cleaning and decontamination standards set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities. 

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned – Program

The program is grounded in our unique 3 C’s: Consult, Clean, and Certify.

Consult

Not all businesses are the same, which is why SERVPRO professionals understand that each business will need to create a custom cleaning program to meet their specific needs. SERVPRO has worked in a wide variety of industries, with businesses ranging from start-ups to global organizations. The business’s specific program will be developed based on a range of factors including business type, size of space, amount of high frequency touch points, foot traffic, and congestion points. As a result, they’ll know that Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is not just the industry-leading standard in clean, they’ll know that the clean they receive is customized to their unique needs.

Clean

Based on the specific needs of their business, properties will undergo a thorough, expert cleaning. Combining our proprietary training, cleaning solutions, and processes creates a solution that will provide their business, employees, and customers the peace of mind that they are Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned. SERVPRO professionals have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform.

SERVPRO professionals are trained to perform proactive or emergency responsive cleanups that involves facility or structure cleaning and disinfection. In the event of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 event, a SERVPRO professional will be there ready to safely and thoroughly clean, sanitize, and disinfect the facility to ensure they get back to business as quickly as possible.

Certify

We’re going to extend our credibility as the premier biohazard cleaning company in the country to their business—to give assurance to their employees and customers that only SERVPRO can deliver. Once their business location has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, they will gain access to propriety signage, digital emblems, and other collateral that communicates that they’ve selected the highest standard of cleaning available to protect their employees and customers. And because we add the date to that proprietary stamp of clean, their guests will know that their location is being cleaned regularly at this standard

Call for a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned Consultation

We’re Here to Help! Call SERVPRO of Western Lancaster today at 717-665-1270  to  schedule your cleaning and disinfecting consult!

Floor stripping and cleaning for commercial clients

12/10/2021 (Permalink)

After a water damage at a local business, the floors took a beating, The wax was stripped, and the floor scrubbed, polished and buffed.

A successful commercial building in Lancaster County sees a lot of foot traffic daily, whether that’s new customers walking through or regular employees heading in and out throughout the workday. Unfortunately, all this busy activity can wind up causing some pretty brutal damage to your business’ floors, leaving them looking old and uncared for. As business owners, we know you take great pride in the overall look of your establishment. Here’s why you should strip and wax your commercial floors regularly:

 Strip floors of old wax for better aesthetics

Let’s be honest, the big reason a commercial building owner will want to strip and wax the floors is that they’re invested in the overall aesthetic of the space. Damaged or dull floors age a building drastically, making customers and employees less likely to appreciate the space. If your floors have already been waxed – and they should be! – then the majority of that ageing has actually occurred on the wax, not your floorboards. Adding another layer of wax could add some shine, but it won’t be able to hide the grime that’s blended into the previous wax layer. Professionally stripping the older wax will permanently remove all that dirt buildup; properly prepping your floors for an even, enchanting shine.

Wax floors to prevent damage

Without regularly waxing, the wear and tear of foot traffic will permanently damage your building’s floors. This can include scuff marks and discolorations, as well as more expensive concerns. Primarily, wax prevents moisture from getting into or under your flooring. Without wax, flooring can bubble up or be deformed by moisture, as well as grow mold underneath. Professional waxing preserves floors by ensuring that any scratches or spills affect the top layers of the wax, keeping your commercial building’s infrastructure safe. Keep the high value of your investment with regular waxing to prevent damage and maintain the aesthetic quality of your floors. Although stripping and waxing is necessary for all types of flooring, it can especially improve the look of wood flooring by hiding naturally occurring indents and grooves.

Hire a professional to save money

For a lot of DIY-prone businesses, this can sound counter-intuitive. However, hiring a professional commercial cleaning company is particularly necessary when it comes to stripping and waxing floors. This is a tough job to do right and requires both specialized training and the best quality tools. An improper mixture used to strip or wax will cause permanent damage to your floors, either by disfiguring the flooring or by compromising the length of your floor’s life. Stripping and waxing is the most affordable way to “get” new floors since it adds shine and maintains the value of your building longer.

SERVPRO of Western Lancaster takes great pride in our work, using only environmentally friendly products and the highest quality tools. Our trained professionals will efficiently and effectively care for your commercial establishment’s floors to meet your highest standards. Call us today at (717) 665-1270

No Job Is Too Big Or Too Small

12/9/2021 (Permalink)

We're faster than any sized disaster.

A REAL LIFE EXAMPLE:

Recently, SERVPRO of Western Lancaster County was called for emergency water mitigation services at a local printing and publishing company (pictured). When we were informed that nearly the entire 12,000 square foot building had standing water in it, our team of highly trained professionals were quickly on-site to begin extracting the water! Our team ensured that the water was extracted, non-salvageable materials were removed, anti-microbial was applied to prevent mold growth, and drying equipment was placed to stabilize the area. After the dry-out was complete, unaffected materials were packed and stored at a safe and secure location, with access for our customer. Our in-house reconstruction team is excited to assist in making it “Like it never even happened.”

BE PREPARED:

Though common, commercial property losses are often not anticipated by business owners. If your business faces water damage, timeliness is key in preventing further damage! To get fast and effective service, you will need to contact a commercial restoration company with the experience and resources needed to restore your property to its normal state. SERVPRO of Western Lancaster County is prepared to respond faster, to any size disaster, and we’re always Here to Help!

Our team of professionals have the training and equipment needed to restore your business after water damage, with minimal interruption to your daily operations. SERVPRO of Western Lancaster County also provides disaster planning to ensure that your property is fortified in the event of future damage; if you do not have an Emergency Response Plan in place, contact us at (717)-665-1270 to be better prepared.

WHY SERVPRO OF WESTERN LANCASTER:

In addition to providing 24/7 restoration and reconstruction services for damage caused by water, fire, smoke, mold, storms, and other disasters, SERVPRO of Western Lancaster County is proud to provide fast, high-quality cleanup and restoration services to both commercial and residential properties in our local area. We always put your property first and strive to be a meaningful household name in our community.

Call the SERVPRO of Western Lancaster County team at 717-665-1270!

Tips For Your Commercial Property

7/27/2021 (Permalink)

First impressions can be a make or break for a business, which makes a well maintained building very important. Visitors will first notice the exterior of the business, but the interior is equally as important to keep up on. A clean, well put together establishment can form a sense of comfortability in your employees, residents, or potential customers. A clean environment can make your potential customers and residents feel more welcomed, and if they feel welcomed you are more than likely to gain their business. SERVPRO of Western Lancaster is here to give you the information or assistance you may need!

Commercial Cleaning Tips

1) Change air ducts and filters

• Dirty air ducts and filters can have unhealthy consequences for residents or customers due to dirt, dust, pollen, and mildew buildup. This can also be more expensive because a dirty air filter will need to work harder in order to keep up, which means it will need to use more power.

2) Cleaning floors/carpets on a schedule

• Carpets can act as filters and can attract allergens, dust, and dirt.
• Carpets/floors should be cleaned on a schedule depending on how much foot traffic they have through out that time period.

3) Keep the exterior of the building tidy

• Sweeping walkways of any debris can decrease the amount of dust, dirt, and/or allergens from being tracked inside. 
• A periodic pressure washing of the building can remove any dirt or mildew that has been collected on the surface.

4) Disinfect areas frequently

• Disinfecting your business is an important aspect due to the increase in concerns for COVID-19. To keep employees, residents and customers feeling safe and comfortable, disinfecting is crucial.

5) Keep up on the structure of your business

• Storms, pests and even everyday activities can cause wear and tear on the structure of a building, whether it be from water damage, wind damage, or even termites. 
• Wear and tear on the structure can have many negative effects such as mold growth.  

Our professionals at SERVPRO of Western Lancaster are highly trained and experiences in all of these areas. We can guide you through any situation or we can simply do it for you. Our priority is to make customers feel comfortable and reassure you that we will meet any of your business' needs. 

Call us at SERVPRO of Western Lancaster anytime, with any needs or concerns you may have at (717)-665-1270

A Cleaner Office Means Fewer Pests | SERVPRO of Western Lancaster County

12/11/2019 (Permalink)

Keeping a tidy work space helps with productively. If your business is in need of a cleaning, contact SERVPRO of Western Lancaster County.

Office Pests 101: A Cleaner Office Means Fewer Pests

Office pests include insects and small mammals, like mice. These pests are attracted to an office for similar reasons as they are to homes — food, water, and shelter. Offices can sometimes be more prone to pests, simply because cleaning may not be a top priority for your staff. Learn how you can boost the cleanliness of your office and help prevent pests.

Break Rooms

Break rooms tend to be ground zero for pest infestations since this is where the bulk of food storage, preparation, and consumption occurs.

Garbage Cans

Ask your cleaning crew to line garbage bins with plastic bags to help keep odors contained. Further, opt for lidded receptacles in the break room to further keep pests out.

If you utilize a daily cleaning service, they should empty each waste bin every evening. For offices with only weekly cleaning services, a staff member should empty break room garbage every night.

Pantries

The state of an office pantry can leave a lot to be desired, and this isn't typically an area serviced by your cleaning crew. Require that employees keep all food items in sealed plastic bags or storage containers with tight fitting lids. Additionally, make sure spills in the pantry areas are cleaned up promptly.

Hard Surfaces

Staff on short breaks don't always have the time to clean up thoroughly after themselves. Spills on counters, food left in the sink, and crumbs on tables or the floors can all lead to a pest infestation. Fortunately, an office cleaning crew can save your break room. The crew will wipe down and disinfect all surfaces. A cleaning service can also wash dishes, clean out the sinks, and mop at the end of every workday.

Offices and Cubicles

There are many office-specific practices that can be attractive to pests, such as storing food in desks or keeping stacks of paper on the floor. Learn how you can avoid this inviting behavior.

Snacks

You don't want to limit snacking in the office, but ground rules are a must. Any food kept in cubicles must be stored in pest-proof containers, such as jars or lidded food storage boxes. Candy jars and similar items must have lids on them. There should also be no half-empty soda cans, water cups, or coffee mugs left on desks overnight.

Cleaning services don't typically remove items from desktops, so it is up to your staff to stay on top of these issues.

Garbage Cans

Someone must empty the office garbage cans nightly, whether they hold food wrappers or not. Full service cleaning companies will empty individual garbage cans if the offices are left open or if keys are provided. Otherwise, at the end of each day staff must empty their cans into a central garbage container that is taken out nightly.

Dust and Debris

Dust, stacks of papers, and general untidiness can also invite pests into a space, plus a mess makes it harder for your cleaning service to do a thorough job. Only 29 percent of office workers feel that their office is cleaned adequately, but part of the problem could be the state of the office before the cleaning staff arrives.

Require that employees file papers away each day. And don’t allow items stacked on the floor. This will allow your cleaning service to do a thorough job.

Carpet Spills

Regular carpet cleaning is a must in any office. Crumbs and spilled liquids leave behind tempting morsels for pests. Most office cleaning services also provide office carpet shampoo services. Set up a monthly schedule for a deep clean and you won't have to worry about pests. As a bonus, your office will look and feel much cleaner.

Contact SERVPRO of Western Lancaster County to learn more about how commercial cleaning services can keep your office clean, more welcoming, and free of pest problems.

What Can You Salvage After a Flood?

11/19/2019 (Permalink)

Flooding can be devastating for a business or commercial property. If you experience any water damage contact SERVPRO of Western Lancaster County.

Floods can happen almost anywhere, and they have many causes. A leaking pipe may destroy your kitchen floor, or an overflowing river may flood your entire first floor. After a flood, however, the damage can seem overwhelming, especially if you don't know what can be saved and what needs to be tossed.

Luckily, professional cleaning and restoration crews can often save a lot of your home. Since most homes aren't protected from floods by homeowner’s insurance, this can save you huge amounts of money. If you are worried about a flood, or your home has already experienced water damage, check out what you can and can't salvage.

Floors

Depending on the type of flooring material you use and how long the materials were exposed to water, you may be able to save your floors. If you have carpet, it may seem impossible to salvage it, but if you contact professional cleaners within 24 hours, they can save the carpet. It may have to be removed for faster drying, and the underlying matt will need to be replaced.

Wood floors usually don't do well against water, so if you don't seek help immediately after the flood, the floors may need to be replaced. If you have ceramic or porcelain tile floor, you're in luck because they absorb low amounts of water, so you should be able to easily save your floor.

Walls

Because drywall absorbs water well, you may need to remove the entire portion of drywall that was exposed to water. This is the safest way to prevent mold growth. Plaster and paneling may be salvageable, but you need to open the wall to get air circulating. The outside of the wall may seem dry, but there could still be lots of dampness inside the walls.

If you have vinyl-coated wallpaper, it will need to be removed as it hinders the drying process, and it may promote more mold growth. Any wet insulation needs to be replaced because insulation can store water for months after exposure to water.

Furniture

If any furniture was exposed to flood water, you may be wondering what can and can't be saved. You may be able to save upholstered furniture, but if the water was potentially contaminated, it may be best to just toss it. If there was only a little exposure (to clean water), you may be able to dry and clean the furniture.

You can save wood furniture that hasn't been exposed to water for long, but you will have to dry and clean it. In cases of extensive damage, the wood may be too warped or damaged to save. If you do decide to save your wood furniture, make sure it is completely dry before you begin repairs and restoration.

Appliances

Some appliances can be repaired after a flood. For example, if your stove was exposed to water, after drying and replacing damaged parts, you may not need to replace the stove. On the other hand, if your refrigerator was submerged, it's best to toss it because of all the insulation inside it makes it too hard to fully dry fast.

Any appliance you choose to keep after a flood should be professionally inspected to ensure it is safe. Even if your stove seems safe, a wet wire may cause fire or electrocution. Whenever in doubt, toss any electrical item that may have been exposed to water. Again, if the water contains contaminates or sewage, it may not be a good idea to try and save the item.

Floods cause devastating damage, but some stuff can be repaired, especially if you seek help fast. Fast drying is essential to prevent the growth of potentially hazardous mold and mildew. If you would like to know more about restoration after a flood, contact us at SERVPRO of Western Lancaster County today.

Home Fire & Kids | SERVPRO of Western Lancaster County

10/24/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Western Lancaster County can remove debris, odors and other evidence of the fire.

Home Fires, Children, and What to Do Next

Fire departments across the U.S. respond to more than 358,000 home fires annually, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). If you're one of the hundreds of thousands of American families to experience this type of disaster, take a look at how you can start the recovery process and help your children to feel safe at home again.

Understand Fears

Fires are scary for anyone, especially a young child. It's completely normal for a child to worry that the fire will return, that their home won't go back to its normal (pre-fire) state or that another similar disaster will happen.

While it's tempting to shut down your child's fears with simple statements, you need to listen before speaking. Ask your child what they're afraid of and why they're scared. Help them to dig deep, and ask open-ended questions about why they think fires start and what they can do to prevent one.

Younger children won't always have the language skills to completely express what they're feeling inside. This can lead to tantrums or out-of-character behaviors. You can help your child to express their feelings (and help yourself to understand their feelings) in a nonverbal way, such as painting or drawing.

Provide the Facts

Along with the emotional or psychological trauma the fire itself causes comes fear of the unknown. Your child may wonder what will happen now. If your house sustained serious damage, your child’s questions may include wondering whether your family can move back in, whether your child's room will return to normal, or whether they'll have their favorite toys to play with.

As you create a recovery and restoration plan, fill your child in on the facts. Provide them with the steps you're taking to salvage the house and any belongings. It's likely that you'll already have a restoration timeline in place prior to talking to your child. Draw out the timeline for them and give them a concrete look at when they can expect to return home.

Find Temporary Housing

Depending on the extent of the damage, your child may clearly see that they can’t return home immediately. Stop fears before they start by reassuring your child the family has a safe place to stay. Book a hotel room, ask family if you can stay with them, or find a friend's house to live in temporarily.

Call a Restoration Professional

What do you need to create a restoration or recovery timeline? You need a professional contractor who can get the job done efficiently and effectively. Cleaning smoke and fire damage isn't a job for a novice. Not only does your home need to look like it did before the fire, but you also need to make sure that it's structurally and physically safe.

A restoration contractor can remove odors, stains, and other evidence of the fire. Eliminating these clear reminders of the disaster can reduce the lingering impact that memories of the fire may have on your child. Beyond that, it can help them get back to their life in an environment that looks almost like it did before.

Remediate Mold

The fire isn't the only potential cause of home damage. Extinguishing the flames may have left your home a charred, damp mess. If you have wet furniture, carpeting, or other home items, the restoration professional can also check for mold growth.

Locating and remediating the mold is a job for a professional restoration contractor. The expert can remove any growth, take steps to prevent future growth, and leave your home a cleaner place.

Do you need professional help restoring your home following a fire? Contact SERVPRO of Western Lancaster County for more information.

Emergency Ready Profile valuable to this local nursing home!

9/3/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO knows where to park.

Approximately, 2 years ago SERVPRO prepared a local nursing home with an Emergency Ready Profile, ERP. The ERP is great for the administrators of a facility to keep track of regular maintenance vendors, utility vendors, police departments, etc. It also has an android or iPhone app for easy usage. This program also tells SERVPRO where emergency vehicles are required to park when needed.

This year, we were called to a water emergency at the homes. Nursing home administrator alerted us and we followed their ERP parking protocol. Everyone was safe and secured during the entire process.

This is a great example of an ERP in use and why your company should have one as well! Call SERVPRO of Western Lancaster County for a free ERP!

SERVPRO responds to emergency during Holiday.

6/20/2018 (Permalink)

What a spill! No problem for SERVPRO! Check out our after photo in Before and After Photos.

Fires, floods, and equipment malfunctions don’t care about your annual holiday event, we do. When an equipment malfunction caused an oil slick in the kitchen of a church in York, they called in the professionals at SERVPRO of East York and Western Lancaster Counties to get them up and running in time for their traditional Lent Friday Fish Fry. Shortly after receiving the call, our crew was on site extracting the fryer oil and steam cleaning their equipment to minimize their downtime. Within 5 hours of getting the call, our crew completed the extraction and cleaning process so the kitchen staff and volunteers at the church could return to preparing for their annual event like the oil spill never even happened. It is an awesome feeling helping out our community!

Restoring Your Lancaster County Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

3/16/2018 (Permalink)

Flooding and water damage events at Lancaster County commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of West Lancaster

SERVPRO of Western Lancaster specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

How Ready Are You? We can help!

3/16/2018 (Permalink)

When a disaster strikes, moments matter and pass more quickly than before, especially if one isn’t prepared. Preparation could be as simple as knowing the locations of utility shut offs such as electric, gas, or water and emergency contact numbers. A step beyond that is having that information at your fingertips instead of sitting in a drawer in the office—which may not be reachable in the event of a fire or damaged by flooding.

These situations are precisely why SERVPRO created the free Ready Plan app for Android and iOS. With it, you can access all your emergency information instantly when disaster strikes. The setup is simple, intuitive, and highly customizable to what your individual needs are. Want to share emergency information with a manager or head of maintenance? Need immediate response because a pipe or radiator broke? All available at the push of a button.

Getting prepared doesn’t have to be hard, download the free Ready Plan app today and see just how easy it is to create a plan for whatever happens. More information and PC access available at ready.SERVPRO.com. If you have any questions or need help getting prepared, please e-mail me at David@SERVPRO10454.com.

What to Do After a Commercial Fire Damage Emergency

1/30/2018 (Permalink)

Water Dispenser Melted

After Flames Close Your Business, Call SERVPRO for Fire Damage Restoration

Thousands of businesses are affected by commercial fire damage each year due to a wide range of causes. Whether it's a restaurant that encounters a fire, an office in a building that was affected by a nearby disaster, or a severe storm that sparks flames, such an event is never easy to deal with.    Few proprietors are prepared to grapple with the aftermath of a fire because it's not something that most business owners expect will happen to them. Entrepreneurs who suffer commercial fire damage may feel at a loss when it comes to picking up the pieces and resuming business as usual. Here are three key steps you should consider taking after a fire has shut down your business.    1. Get in contact with your insurance company right away.  Not only will this be one of the most relevant steps to getting back open and serving your customers, but also your insurance company will provide the funds needed to make repairs to your business. We know how to navigate the commercial claims process, and any repairs that we complete will meet or exceed your insurance provider's requirements.We do emphasize that we are not an insurance company.   2. Secure the remaining equipment and property in your building.  Unfortunately, commercial fire damage increases the likelihood of vandalism and theft, as your building will be left vulnerable and less secure. Patching up walls, doors, and windows, even temporarily, can go a long way towards preventing further problems. The experts at SERVPRO have the experience and tools needed to secure your business's exterior and interior quickly. As a result, your property will be safeguarded, and any further damage to the building will be minimized.     3. Be mindful of smoke damage.  Even if it appears that your business was only minimally affected by commercial fire damage, the building likely has lingering smoke that will destroy your equipment, documents, and inventory over time. When you call SERVPRO, we'll thoroughly inspect your business for smoke damage and effectively clean it up, eliminate odors and restore satisfactory indoor air quality. The team at SERVPRO of Western Lancaster County knows how devastating commercial fire damage can be, and we're committed to helping you get your business back up and running. To obtain a quote or get more information about our fire repair and restoration services, call us 24/7 at (717) 665-1270.

Restoring Your Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

12/8/2017 (Permalink)

Flooding and water damage events at commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

SERVPRO of Western Lancaster County specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.