Commercial Systems Prone to Water Damage: SERVPRO of Northwest Cobb County

4/28/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Northwest Cobb County is ready for whatever happens! We'll restore your business after any size of property damage.

Commercial properties present unique risks when it comes to water damage in Acworth, GA. Unlike residential homes, which are usually one story and have easily accessible crawl spaces and attics, commercial buildings can be many stories high with flat roofs and multiple storefront windows. They also often have expensive specialized equipment that can be very costly to repair or replace if damaged by water. In this blog post, we will discuss the different parts of a commercial building that are at risk for water damage, as well as some tips on how to prevent it.

Plumbing Systems

The first and most obvious risk for water damage in a commercial property is the plumbing system. Because commercial buildings have more bathrooms, kitchens, and other water-using fixtures, they also have larger and more complex plumbing systems. These systems are often located in hard-to-reach places, making them difficult to repair if they spring a leak.

One of the main water damage challenges according to The Hartford Insurance is an improperly maintained sprinkler system. By law, most commercial buildings must have a fire sprinkler system, but many building owners forget to regularly maintain and test these systems. While a well-maintained fire sprinkler system can help prevent extensive fire damage in the event of a fire, improper maintenance or disaster planning can cause extensive water damage that can flood multiple floors.

Another plumbing risk is burst pipes. Commercial buildings, especially high rises tend to run at a higher pressure than residential buildings. Therefore, a burst pipe has the potential to release significantly more water than a home.

One of the ways in which we help commercial property owners prevent catastrophic property damage before it happens is through our app-based Emergency Response Planning program (ERP).

Roofing Systems

In addition to the plumbing system, there are a number of exterior commercial building components that can experience water damage. One of the most common is the flat roof. Because flat roofs are not sloped like traditional pitched roofs, they tend to pool water instead of shedding it. This can lead to leaks and eventually, if left unaddressed, major water damage.

Some common commercial roofing systems include:

• Built-up Roofing (BUR): Often called tar and gravel roofs, these commercial roofing systems are built with a semi-continuous membrane installed in layers, then covered in aggregate. While they are usually simple to maintain, best practices suggest inspecting the roof for deterioration and possible leak points at least twice yearly.
• Thermoplastic Single-Ply Membrane Roofing (PVC & TPO): These roofs are installed in large rolls that are then welded together at the seams with heat. The material is very durable and oil-resistant. However, the heat-welding methods require skilled installation, which can lead to weak points and leak-prone areas if not performed correctly.
• EPDM Roofing: Some roofers call these "rubber roofs" because the material they are made of, ethylene propylene diene monomer is very rubber-like. This kind of roof is derived from oil and natural gas, and appears dark gray or black. When installed correctly and with the highest thickness available, this type of commercial roof will last a very long time with little to no issues. Unless you experience storm damage in your area, an annual check for leaks around the roof penetrations should suffice.

Window Systems

Commercial window systems are built for durability and use, however, they can often present a unique water damage challenge for commercial facilities. Most aluminum glazing systems aren't intended to be 100% waterproof. Most commercial window systems are meant to limit water penetration during extreme circumstances while also weeping water back out to the exterior.

By directing all moisture to the sill flashing, storefront systems limit water penetration. It's critical that the sill flashing be installed correctly in order to avoid water damage. Making sure that sealant is put on the top of the rear leg before installing the sill is one of the most important aspects of a good installation.

The most essential aspect of maintaining water penetration with a storefront is end dam fastening and sealing. Water will enter the building through the jamb locations if end dams are not properly fastened and sealed. Improperly (or missing) end dams can cause significant water damage to the interior drywall or flooring around commercial storefront windows.

Like anything else in a building, time and the elements can cause wear and tear and failure of these commercial window water control systems.

Commercial Water Damage Inspection Services

So if you notice moisture or water damage around your storefront windows, you should consider calling SERVPRO of Northwest Cobb County to inspect for potential water damage issues. Our technicians are trained to identify, troubleshoot, and restore all types of commercial water issues.

Call today to schedule your commercial service!

(770) 966-1442

Diminish Fire Risk in Your Commercial Office With These Tips

12/23/2021 (Permalink)

Office Fire

Our homes and our businesses in Red Rock, GA or Macland, GA are our castles, which is why we work hard to make them as safe and secure as possible. Unfortunately, there are some hazards that may not be obvious and can cause damage to your office, in the form of fire or water damage. Even more unfortunate? The cost of these damages, which could run into the thousands of dollars, and can come out of your pocket—whether you’re an individual homeowner or a business owner or landlord. Here are some common causes of fire and water damage in commercial office buildings, as well as tips on how to prevent them from occurring and damaging your home or commercial property.

Understanding Building Fire Damage

Most office building fires are small. But even a small fire can do a lot of damage if it gets out of control or isn’t contained early on. One of the biggest dangers is smoke and fire damage to your home or commercial office's interiors. Smoke can permeate materials, carpets, walls, flooring, ceilings—even drywall joints—leaving hidden danger behind long after flames have been extinguished. Even if you can’t see any visible signs of fire or smoke damage, you should always have an experienced professional examine your property for lingering toxins from before you move back in.

According to this report by the NFPA, there are 7 main causes of fires in commercial office buildings. Cooking Equipment, Electrical distribution and lighting equipment, heating equipment, intentional damage, smoking materials, exposure to other fire sources, and electronic, office, or entertainment equipment. This statistic includes general business offices, banks, veterinary or research offices, engineering, mailing firms, and post offices.

Common Causes of Commercial Building Fires

Most office fires are caused by cooking equipment, accounting for slightly over one in every four commercial office fires. However, while these fires are the most common, they do not account for most of the property damage to office buildings. That position is taken by the intentional damage category. Intentional damage alone accounts for a full 20% of commercial fire property damage. Intentional Property Damage occurs when a person seeks to purposely damage the office property through arson.

Two other leading causes of fire in office buildings are heating equipment, electrical distribution, and lighting equipment. Together, they account for 18% of property damage to commercial office buildings. These can include things such as space heaters, light fixtures, electrical wiring, outlets, electrical appliances, extension cords, and more.

While lower on the list, smoking materials, electronic, office, or entertainment equipment account for 12% of commercial office property damage.

Lastly, exposure fires, as defined by the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS), are fires resulting from another fire outside of the commercial building itself. This kind of commercial fire damage accounted for 18% of property loss.

What Can I Do To Prevent A Building Fire?

If your building was constructed with modern building materials, fire damage should be a rare occurrence. But it can still happen if you’re not careful. Make sure all smoking materials are safely extinguished before leaving work each day. A smoldering cigarette can ignite more easily than you think. Also, make sure to regularly inspect your smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire suppression systems to ensure they’re working properly. If a smoke alarm goes off for no reason at all, make sure to replace or recharge its batteries immediately.

The NFPA uncovered another intriguing statistic about fires on weekends and between the nighttime hours of 7 pm and 7 am. 19% of fires occurred on weekends but accounted for 31% of fire-related property losses. Meanwhile, fires at night accounted for less than one-third of office property fires, yet caused 67% of direct property damage due to fires.

Automatic Fire Detection & Fire Extinguishing Systems: This shows that one of the most important steps you can take towards protecting your office building from fire damage is to install and maintain automatic detection and fire extinguishing systems.

Camera monitoring systems such as those installed by videosurveillance.com or Pelco would be best for large-scale commercial properties. Otherwise, self-installed solutions such as those recommended in this article by PC Mag will work well.

For fire suppression systems, the best solution is to pay a proper fire protection services consultant such as Fire Protection Services LLC. Make sure to ask them to help you develop and implement a fire suppression system maintenance plan.

Cooking Equipment Fire Prevention: The best way to prevent fires with cooking equipment is to train your staff properly in its use, cleaning, and maintenance. For more on cooking equipment fire prevention, be sure to refer to our article on reducing the risk of commercial kitchen fires here.

Electrical Hazards Fire Prevention: When it comes to electrical distribution and lighting equipment, there is a multitude of reasons why fire may start. But according to this article by firerescue1.com, faulty outlets or appliances, light fixtures, extension cords, space heaters, and wiring issues were the 5 most common electrical fire causes.

To prevent faulty outlet or wiring fire hazards, the first step is to make sure to have a certified electrical contractor or property inspector review your commercial property before purchase. Even if you or a tenant are already occupying your commercial office space, a proper inspection by a certified electrical contractor to ensure code compliance of all building materials and installations will protect you from potentially expensive fire repairs. This is especially important to protect you from having to pay for potential property damages out of pocket.

To protect your commercial property from fire damage due to light fixtures or extension cords, the most important tip is to ensure you follow the manufacturer's maximum recommended wattage and amperage guidance.

A good rule of thumb for selecting an extension cord is the smaller the wire gauge rating, the greater the capacity. According to this article by the Spruce, 12-gauge extension cords can handle up to 1920 watts (16 Amps), 14-gauge cords can handle 1440 watts (12 Amps), 16-gauge  can handle 840 Watts (7 Amps), and 18-gauge cords 600 Watts (5 Amps). In addition to wattage capacities, another thing you should look at when choosing a commercial electrical power solution is cord lengths. The longer the cord, the more important it becomes to have a higher wattage extension cord.

For light fixtures, you should follow manufacturer guidelines to prevent property fire damage. However, what you should look out for are potentially dangerous light bulb wattages and materials around your lighting fixtures that could catch fire. High-wattage incandescent bulbs installed on light fixtures that are rated for lower-wattage bulbs can spark flames because of overheating. Also, keeping flammable materials around light fixtures, or allowing dust buildup increases the risk for fire damage.

Call SERVPRO of NW Cobb County to Restore Commercial Fire Damage

We hope these tips are useful to help you protect your commercial property from fire damage. In case you experience a property loss in your commercial office building or commercial property, our team at SERVPRO of NW Cobb County is available to help 24/7/365. Call us today at 770-966-1442 for rapid assistance.

Fire Prevention Tips for Your Commercial Kitchen

11/30/2021 (Permalink)

Fire in commercial kitchen while cooking

If you own a bar, restaurant, or commercial kitchen in Acworth & Davis Crossroads, this article is for you. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that fire departments responded to over 7,410 structure fires in the kitchen of restaurants and bars in 2017 alone. The majority of these fires were preventable, resulting in three deaths, 110 injuries, and $165 million in property damage annually in commercial kitchens. Don’t get caught unprepared with these quick and easy commercial kitchen maintenance tips.

Practice Proper Maintenance & Inspection in Your Commercial Facility

The first step towards proper maintenance to prevent a commercial kitchen fire in your facility is to create a regular plan for inspections. While you can do these yourself, it is often a good idea to consider outsourcing this service to a proper NICET Certified Fire Inspector. Depending on the volume of cooking in your commercial kitchen, they will likely recommend monthly, quarterly, or annual inspections to ensure compliance and safety.

On regular inspections, fire inspectors will provide the best guidance on where you should focus your team's routine maintenance time and resources. Ultimately, it is up to you as an owner or manager on how closely you implement those recommendations.

Typically, at least the vent, hood, and duct must be cleaned regularly to remove grease vapor and prevent combustible material build-up. Grease Filters should be cleaned at least once per week, and your automatic fire suppression system should be inspected at least every 6 months or as required by your local regulations. Regular cleaning according to equipment specifications should be observed as well.

What To Do If There Is a Fire In My Commercial Kitchen?

If you can, get everyone out safely. If you have an outdoor exit, have people leave that way. Do not open any interior doors or windows or use elevators during a fire. Even if it seems like it’s far away, do not stop to pick up personal belongings. Unless it’s your home, never go back inside during or after a fire. Once you are safe, call 911 immediately and stay on the line until help arrives. Once firefighters arrive on the scene they will assess if there is still a risk for injury within any structure fires before allowing you to re-enter your building.

Next, you should call a fire restoration expert like SERVPRO of NW Cobb to help you quickly restore your commercial kitchen to an operational state.

Our trained technicians are available 24/7/365, and ready to help. We also offer a special Emergency Response Plan to commercial facilities to reduce property damage in the case of an emergency commercial fire event. Call us today at (770) 966-1442 for emergency services or to schedule your free SERVPRO ERP.

Fire Preparation Tips Every Business Owner Needs To Know

10/27/2021 (Permalink)

You should also implement a plan that will ensure all building occupants

Fire Preparation Tips

A commercial fire can wreak havoc not just on a business's property, but on a business's revenue as well. Fire damage often involves three types of damage: fire, smoke, and water damage. For this reason, fire restoration efforts often take much longer than other types of restoration labor—and cost three times as much. Fortunately, you can take measures to prevent such a huge financial hit with the right fire preparation efforts. Here are a few steps you can take to minimize damage and losses:

• Perform a disaster risk analysis.
• Devise and practice emergency and recovery plans.
• Invest in the right coverage.
• Back up important files.
• Take inventory.
  
  

Perform a Risk Analysis

If you don't know your risk, you cannot adequately prepare for it. For instance, if you live in a fire prone area, fortifying your building against flooding and earthquakes may not save you. Disaster preparation only works if you prepare for the right kind of disaster. In addition to protecting your building against the right kinds of disaster, you should also assess how each type of disaster would impact your business and what you can do to mitigate the costs.

Develop a Fire Preparation Plan

Safety should be your utmost concern, even above cost. In addition to taking measures to protect your building, you should also implement a plan that will ensure all building occupants can exit easily and safely in the event of an actual fire. Assign roles to capable and willing employees and hold drills to ensure that everyone knows how to respond in the event of a real emergency.

Invest in the Right Coverage

You can do everything in your power to prevent a fire, but that doesn't necessarily mean one won't happen. If a fire does result in a full or partial loss, the cost can be great to your business. The right coverage can help shoulder the financial burden and even reimburse you for losses that stem from business interruption.

If you don't have a fire preparation plan, it's time to build one. Talk to your Red Rock, GA, fire restoration team about the elements of a sound safety plan.

Mold 101: What You Need To Know

7/26/2021 (Permalink)

Mold growing on the wall.

What You Should Know About Mold

The last thing you want to find in your Mars Hill, GA, business is a patch of fuzzy gray mold growing on the wall, in the fridge or between the pages of a book. It can be unsettling, and you surely have questions. Before you panic and reach for the bleach, make sure you know exactly what you’re up against with this helpful list of frequently asked questions regarding mold growth.

1. What is mold, and what causes it?

Mold is a type of fungus, meaning it is a living organism. It releases spores, which can affect air quality in indoor spaces. Also, mold feeds on whatever it grows on: food, wood, paper, and other porous surfaces. If you find mold in your building, it means that the air is too moist. High humidity and water damage can cause mold if not dealt with properly.

2. How do you get rid of it?

The most important factor in removing mold from your building is moisture control. You can use detergent and water to clean mold from most surfaces, but this alone will not stop mold growth. The root of the problem lies in the levels of humidity in your home. To prevent regrowth, address the moisture problem.

3. How do you prevent mold?

The key to mold prevention is moisture control. Use dehumidifiers if you notice your home is feeling humid, and routinely open the windows to improve circulation. Never paint over mold, as the fungus may keep growing under the paint. After experiencing water damage, remove moisture from the space immediately. Thoroughly dry all affected surfaces within 48 hours of the incident, and consult with mold remediation professionals if you have any concerns.

Remember: the absolute most important step in keeping mold out of your Mars Hill, GA, building is keeping the humidity under control. It thrives in damp environments, so whether you are currently dealing with an outbreak or simply hoping to prevent mold growth down the line, make moisture control your top priority.

5 Helpful Tips for Commercial Roof Upkeep

6/28/2021 (Permalink)

Prevent water damage by keeping gutters and drain clean.

How Do You Maintain A Commercial Roof?

Maintaining the roof of your Red Rock, GA, business is beneficial to save money and time. By staying on top of inspecting and treating any roof problems, you can stop a roof leak from becoming a major problem. Here are five helpful tips to protect your commercial property’s roof from wind damage and other dangers.

1. Evaluate the Roof Structure and Make Sure the Material Is Appropriate

Depending on how prevalent certain natural events are, a certain roof type may be preferred. Consulting with a local expert in roofing or construction helps figure out the best material for the weather your building will most often experience.

2. Establish Good Ventilation

Proper HVAC control is necessary to maintain moisture and stop mold from deteriorating the structure of the roofing and other building materials. A specialist in HVAC can help determine the best airflow plan for your business to prevent damage from causing a roof leak.

3. Become Familiar With Your Warranty

Most roofing comes with a warranty for any defects. By knowing what your warranty offers, you can get repairs when you otherwise may be hesitant otherwise to do because of cost to your business.

4. Maintain the Roof With an Expert’s Help

Planning ahead with an expert’s regular maintenance plan can catch any roof problems in their early stages when they otherwise may go unnoticed. Regular maintenance also maintains the airflow for HVAC systems, so you can additionally maintain the HVAC system’s efficiency by maintaining the roof.

5. Prevent Water Damage by Keeping Gutters and Drains Clean

Water may build up and damage the roof if any drain system near the roof is not regularly cleaned. It’s important to occasionally clear it of the debris before it becomes too clogged to relocate water as it was designed to do.

While roof damage is repaired or treated, there may be water or wind damage you notice inside your property. A professional storm damage restoration company can assist in treating any type of property damage done to your business. With the roof maintained and repaired regularly, you can avoid having to deal with any preventable roof leak and related damage.

Why To Clean Fire-Damaged Electronics Offsite

4/19/2021 (Permalink)

Fire and smoke damage in Acworth, GA.

Three Reasons To Remove Electronics That Have Been Exposed To High Heat

Business owners value the technology an enterprise uses, and are usually concerned about damage to computers and office electronics that have suffered a fire. A premature attempt to test or turn on these devices can end up causing irreparable damage or even an electrical fire at commercial property in Acworth, GA. Here are three reasons electronics that have been exposed to high heat, open flame, or smoke should be removed from the location of the fire for cleaning.

1. Increased Risk of Electrical Fires

Even if electronics have not been exposed to open flames, soot and smoke residue can form a film over internal components that causes electronics to short-circuit or overheat. The simple act of turning on a computer, device, or office appliance after a fire may be enough to start another fire.

2. The Need to Reduce Contamination

Attempting to clean contents in an environment that still has residual smoke or soot damage is likely to prove ineffective. Whether the cause of a blaze was an electrical fire or the ignition of combustible substances, smoke molecules run the risk of re-contaminating cleaned items until restoration is complete.

3. Clean Room Conditions and Equipment

A clean room is an ideal environment in which to attempt appliance, device, or computer cleanup. Measures are taken to control static electricity in these environments, which can reduce the danger that electric sparks could cause a fire. Clean rooms are also equipped with equipment that may make it possible to restore the condition of electronics or recover and transfer stored data.

Having electronics cleaned offsite in a dedicated facility reduces the risk of an electrical fire following an initial fire at a commercial structure. Content cleaning experts who specialize in electronics may be able to restore office appliances, computers, or devices with fire and smoke damage or recover valuable data.

3 Ways To Keep Your Employees Safe During Mold Removal

2/2/2021 (Permalink)

Mold tends to grow quickly.

Mold Removal Process

When you discover a mold problem in your Acworth, GA business, you may be alarmed about its possible dangers and how to protect your employees while you make arrangements for mold removal. Fortunately, there are several actions you can take before, during and after the mitigation and removal process that may help to keep your workers safe.

1. Alert and Evacuate Your Employees
Once you discover mold growth in your business, you can reduce the risk of danger to your workers by letting them know about the situation and ensuring that everyone in the area leaves until the mold is removed. Consider moving your workers to a safer space within the building so they can continue their jobs there or, if possible, allow them to work from home until it is safe to return.

2. Seal Off the Area
Before help arrives, you can reduce the risk of spreading mold spores by sealing off the affected area. This may be especially effective with black mold, which tends to grow quickly once it finds moisture and humidity. Close the doors but keep any windows inside the room open, and turn off your ventilation system so that spores cannot travel through the ducts. If you discover a moisture problem in the area, use ceiling fans to keep air circulating while you wait for assistance.

3. Ask About Aftercare Options
Once a mold removal and restoration service arrives, the technicians will likely use commercial-grade equipment to manage the issue and use equipment that may reduce the number of spores in the building. Consider asking the technicians about how you can prevent mold from returning and lower that risk, such as learning about how to handle moisture problems and how to perform mold checks.
Protecting your business and your employees from mold can be a challenge, but you do not have to face the problem alone. A mold removal service can guide you through all the stages of cleanup and help you understand how to lower the risk of future fungi invasions.

The Factors That Go Into a Fire Damage Estimate

12/28/2020 (Permalink)

Dealing with the aftermath of a fire can be stressful

Dealing with the aftermath of a fire can be stressful. Fortunately, having an estimate of what the fire damage restoration will cost can make your life a little less stressful. The restoration project you choose is complex and will require a qualified company. In Acworth, GA, the cost to repair a business is often in the thousands of dollars. This is after the insurance company pays its portion. Several factors can impact how much you are going to pay.

Type of Fire

Your commercial fire will fall into one of two categories:

• Simple
• Complex

Your restoration costs will depend heavily on what type of fire it is.

Procedure
When a fire breaks out, the first thing that should happen is to evacuate the building and call the fire department. Responding to the situation quickly will minimize the amount of fire and smoke damage to your building. Once it is safe to enter the building, your insurance representative will enter. They will photograph and document the scene so you can be compensated appropriately.
After the insurance process has been handled, it is time to start the restoration of your building. Having this done by professionals will cost more, but the finished result will be worth it. A representative of the company you choose will come to your business, examine the damage, and give you an estimate. How quickly you reacted to the situation, had the inspection done, and contacted the restoration company will be reflected in the amount of damage you have to pay for.

Damage
It will cost more to restore buildings that have damage throughout large areas. Additionally, if water was used to extinguish the fire, the soaked area will need to be included as damaged, raising the price of your cost.
The type of fire, follow up procedure, and damage to the building will impact your estimate. However, you should still expect to spend quite a bit of money on restoring your business.

Is Category 2 Water Damage Serious?

12/15/2020 (Permalink)

Category 2 water damage inside an Acworth, GA office

Water damage is common in commercial buildings. In fact, it’s one of the most routine calls to plumbers in Acworth, GA. If there is a water pipe repair needed, you should shut off the water immediately and remove the standing water as soon as possible. However, if the water is contaminated, you should wait for a professional.

What Is Contaminated Water?

When you have a broken pipe, the type of damage will depend on the type of pipe. If it’s not from the water supply line, it should be considered a potential health hazard.
The safety of the water depends on its category. There are three basic categories of water damage:

• Category 1 – clean water
• Category 2 – unsafe water
• Category 3 – dangerous water

Is Category 1 Safe?
Category one is water directly from a water supply line. It should have no pathogens or unsafe chemicals in it. The only caveat to this is if the water supply to your business has been contaminated, such as when it's flooded in a major disaster.
Of course, category one still causes plenty of damage! You’ll need a water pipe repair before you can use that portion of your plumbing and must deal with the results of water damaging your building and its contents. That typically requires a professional water damage restoration company for the best results.

Why Is Category 2 a Hazard?
Category two water damage refers to sewer water not from a toilet. It won’t contain significant fecal matter but may contain urine. It also will have any pathogens or chemicals put into sinks and drains.

So, Category 3 Is the Worst?
Usually, yes. This is water damage from a flood or directly from the toilet, and it may contain human feces and sewage. It causes sickness and leaves a foul odor wherever it goes.
Fortunately, restoration companies have lots of experience with water pipe repair and have special disinfectants and sanitizers they use to clean up even the worst damage. In many cases, insurance will pay for the damage, but either way, it’s best to use a professional restorer to avoid allowing black mold to develop in hidden areas.

3 Simple Tips for Handling Sewage Damage

11/11/2020 (Permalink)

Sewage backup is contaminated with biological viruses and bacteria

Tips When Dealing With Sewage Damage

Accidents and disasters involving sewage are unsanitary and difficult to handle. A sewer backup or flooded toilet can result in considerable water damage and sewage damage, and the waste often carries toxins, chemicals, disease-causing microbes and other harmful substances. There is therefore a double risk of contracting an illness and having property ruined. Sewer cleanup needs to be performed swiftly to minimize damage. Here are three tips for dealing with the negative consequences of a sewage catastrophe in Acworth, GA.

1. Hire Professionals
Sewer cleanup should be dealt with by a professional cleanup company due to the possible health risks associated with handling sewage. You should contact one as soon as possible to perform disinfection. This includes:

• Draining out the contaminated water using natural means or a pump if natural means are not possible
• Washing any surface that has come into contact with the contaminated fluid hot water and detergent
• Sanitizing the washed surfaces with disinfectants like bleach
  

You should also make sure to contact your insurance company to make sure the cost of professional services is covered by your policy.

2. Deal With Utilities
Before the professionals arrive, you should make sure to take precautions regarding the utilities. Utility companies should be contacted, and gas and electricity should be turned completely off in affected areas. This is to lower the possibility of people being harmed by an explosion or electric shock.

3. Remove Contaminated Contents
Any contaminated items that can be safely removed should be removed to increase the chances that they can be salvaged. Some of the contents of your property might have to be discarded, but others can be saved if washed, disinfected and set out to dry. Some products might require restoration services.
Whether sewage waste comes from a sewer blockage due to tree roots or from your basement, it needs to be dealt with quickly. It can cause diseases like Hepatitis A or encourage mold growth if not properly cleaned. So it is important to be careful with sewer cleanup and consult trained professionals.

How do I clean up my commercial warehouse after a water loss?

8/25/2020 (Permalink)

Experiencing a commercial water loss can be a stressful time for a business. SERVPRO of Northwest Cobb County is there to help if you have severe to moderate damage from flooding or heavy rains.

Tips on the restoration process.

1. Extraction and drying. Contact SERVPRO of Northwest Cobb County immediately. They will send a team member on site to start evaluating the damages. Once onsite they will probably get a team in place to start extracting all of the standing water. Once all of the water is extracted, drying equipment can be placed.
2. Rebuild. After a few days of drying and monitoring, SERVPRO will remove the drying equipment. Then the rebuild process can begin.
3. From Start to Finish. SERVPRO of Northwest Cobb County has the ability to handle the rebuild from start to finish. If you have any questions about the restoration or rebuild process do not hesitate to reach out at anytime.

Does Your Business Need a Fire Sprinkler System?

4/21/2020 (Permalink)

Fire sprinkler system in a Lost Mountain, GA building

Many people are surprised to learn that hotels and similar public places are some of the safest places when it comes to fire. This is because these buildings are equipped with well-maintained fire sprinkler systems. Whether you can see the system or not, sprinklers are connected by a network of pipes filled with water and are ready to activate as needed.

How Sprinkler Systems Work

How do these fire suppression systems work? First, take a closer look at the components of each sprinkler head:


The flower-shaped sprinkler is the most visible and recognized part of the system.
A liquid-filled bulb is designed to burst when temperatures get high.
When that bulb breaks, a plug is released that, in turn, allows water through.
Behind the plug is the connection to the water supply. Water is kept under pressure, so when the plug is released, the spray of water hits the sprinkler and spreads to put out flames.


As soon as temperatures rise enough to break the bulb, several gallons of water empty into the area affected by heat. In many cases, this response is enough to quickly extinguish flames and minimize smoke or at least send spraying water to decrease temperatures and reduce smoke.

The Efficiency of the Fire Suppression Systems

Fire sprinkler systems are very effective at putting out fires. They respond quickly to rising temperatures. Within a single minute, several gallons of water are released onto flames, heat, and smoke. Sprinkler systems effectively and simultaneously reduce potential risks from these fire threats.

The Positive Truth About Sprinkler Systems

Some Lost Mountain, GA, business owners are hesitant to install these life-saving systems because of misconceptions. It is uncommon for sprinklers to activate accidentally or for small amounts of smoke to trigger a response. Fire sprinkler cleanup is less of a chore than cleaning up damage from a fire, even when fire damage cleanup and restoration professionals are on the job. When the fire system is triggered, only those sprinklers or a single sprinkler located near the fire will activate.

Elements of a Building Continuity Plan

3/20/2020 (Permalink)

Don't wait until it's too late to make your business continuity plan

When you're a business leader, you understand how important it is to build a profitable company that exceeds clients' expectations. There are threats to your business, including workplace disasters and emergencies. Problems such as fires, floods or storms could shut down your normal operations. However, if you develop an effective business continuity plan, you shouldn't have to worry about your company tanking.

The Consequences of Workplace Disaster

You can plan to prevent workplace emergencies all you want. The truth is, issues such as flooding can happen despite your best efforts. If a major incident occurs in your building, it could throw your business for a loop in the following ways:

• Essential equipment such as computers could be ruined.
  
• You could lose valuable data and information.
  
• The building could be unsafe and unusable for work functions.
  
  

Offsite Work

Storm damage could render your building in Mars Hill, GA, unfit for operation for days, weeks or even months, depending on the severity of the damage. Your plan should include ways for your employees to work remotely. Grant employees remote access to servers and other files. Set up communication tools so people can conduct meetings from home or other locations.

Staggering Work Times

If you can use part of your building, but other portions are not ready, consider shuffling schedules so people can share workspaces. Where possible, adjust work times so you can fit the entire staff in the available space while professional flood cleanup teams retore your office.

Have a Backup Plan

Every continuity plan should emphasize the importance of backing up all information. Employees should save documents and files online. If you have sensitive data on paper files, scan them to digital sources.
Don't wait until it's too late to make your business continuity plan. Review this list and make yours today. This can give you peace of mind if misfortune hits your building.