Champions in Mitigating Sump Pump Failures' Toll on Commercial Buildings

8/16/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Techs ready for your commercial building's breakdowns.

When sump pump failures strike commercial buildings, the consequences can be swift and severe, jeopardizing both property and operations. Amidst the chaos, two stalwart allies, SERVPRO of West Lancaster and SERVPRO of East York, emerge as vital lifelines, showcasing their expertise in disaster recovery. Let's delve into how these SERVPRO branches excel in addressing the aftermath of sump pump failures, safeguarding commercial spaces from ruin.

SERVPRO of West Lancaster: Unmatched Agility in Crisis Management

Sump pump failures demand rapid response, and SERVPRO of West Lancaster stands as a paragon of swiftness in times of crisis. With an unwavering commitment to being available 24/7, they ensure that the clock never hinders their ability to spring into action. Their adept team swiftly assesses the situation, devises comprehensive recovery strategies, and leverages cutting-edge technology to initiate restoration processes without a moment's delay.

In the wake of sump pump failures, which often lead to inundation and structural havoc, SERVPRO of West Lancaster's multifaceted services encompass water damage restoration, mold remediation, and more. Their holistic approach caters to disasters of varying magnitude, attesting to their prowess in mitigating damage and restoring operational continuity.

SERVPRO of East York: Precision in Local Insight and Global Expertise

Understanding the distinct challenges of a locale is a hallmark of effective disaster recovery. SERVPRO of East York shines by virtue of their deep integration within the community, affording them invaluable insights into the region's unique vulnerabilities, including those posed by sump pump failures. This localized wisdom empowers them to craft tailor-made restoration strategies that efficiently address the situation at hand.

Sump pump failures often trigger cascading issues like mold proliferation, structural weakening, and electrical hazards. Armed with extensively trained technicians, SERVPRO of East York boasts mastery in tackling this diverse array of challenges. Their meticulous approach leaves no facet of restoration unaddressed, from meticulous water extraction to precise structural drying, thereby mitigating the potential long-term repercussions of sump pump failures.

Steadfast Allies in Adversity

In the realm of commercial properties, sump pump failures can entail immense financial and operational repercussions. SERVPRO of West Lancaster and SERVPRO of East York emerge as steadfast allies, seamlessly bridging the gap between crisis and recovery. Their unwavering professionalism, contextual awareness, and multifaceted proficiency render them indispensable partners for commercial enterprises navigating the aftermath of sump pump failures.

Amidst the turbulence of these situations, SERVPRO of West Lancaster and SERVPRO of East York shine as beacons of hope, equipped not only to salvage structures but also to rejuvenate the vibrancy and functionality of afflicted spaces. With these SERVPRO stalwarts at their side, commercial buildings can confront adversity head-on, emerging stronger and more resilient than before.

Emergency FIRE Response Plans for Businesses

1/12/2022 (Permalink)

P.A.S.S.- 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 East York 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 East York may make fire cleanup easier and less stressful.

6. Contact Us

To create or fine-tune your Emergency Response Plan, contact SERVPRO of East York 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 East York allows you to be one step ahead when it comes to you and your employees safety!

A clean office means fewer pests

12/10/2021 (Permalink)

A clean office and a Merry Christmas!

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 East York 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.

How Ready Are You? We Can Help!

8/27/2021 (Permalink)

This commercial property had some storm damage, SERVPRO of East York came to assist in restoration.

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. Every minute your business is struggling with disaster damage is a minute of no productivity.

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.

Restoring Your York County Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

8/20/2021 (Permalink)

This is an example of some water damage that a commercial property was struggling with.

Flooding and water damage events at York 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 East York

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.

Preventing Commercial Water Damage

7/30/2021 (Permalink)

This is an example of water damage that a commercial property had an issue with. SERVPRO of East York was called on to restore the area.

Water damage in your commercial building can have many negative consequences to your business. Depending on the severity, water damage can reduce your everyday workflow and productivity. It can also affect the health and life style of your employees, customers, and/or residents. It is important that you first identify the cause of the water damage to stop it at the source, then you must dry out the area in order to be able to begin the restoration process. Some causes of water damage in your commercial building are clogged sewers and a faulty building foundation.

Clogged Drains/sewers:

A backed up drain and clogged sewers can be the start of water damage. The backed up water in these clogged drains and sewers contains harmful bacteria. It is important to clean these drains periodically, to avoid potential water damage.

Faulty Building Foundation:

A defective building foundation can be a result of many things. Leaking pipes and roofs are mainly caused by storm damage and can lead to water damage overtime if not taken care of right away. This water damage could lead to the growth of mold, which can then affect residents, customers, and employees quality of life. Keeping up on duct cleaning is also important for your commercial building because backed up air ducts can also lead to leaks and water damage.

Water damage in your commercial property is a problem that should not be ignored. Fortunately for you SERVPRO of East York has trained professionals that are capable of completing any job you may need in a fast, efficient way. 

Call us at SERVPRO of East York anytime with our 24/7 service provider at (717)-665-1270

Tips For Your Commercial Property

7/27/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of East York was called on to restore a commercial property and mitigate mold.

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 East York 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 evn 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 East York 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 East York anytime, with any needs or concerns you may have at (717)-665-1270

Restoring Your Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

12/6/2016 (Permalink)

Commercial Water Damage Events Present Unique Challenges

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 Eastern York 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.