Archived Commercial Blog Posts
Clean Homes Sell Faster!
7/25/2024 (Permalink)
It is a fact – clean, fresh smelling homes sell faster. Unfortunately, not all homes are maintained in the same way. Nearly all realtors in the Pasadena area are faced, at some point, with a difficult listing to show.
Veteran realtors often encourage clients to keep their homes in top condition for important reasons such as:
- Increased market value
- Reduced list to sale conversion times
- Enhanced reputation for quality listings and quick sales
Our professionals here at SERVPRO of Pasadena/Gibson Island/Lake Shore offer a variety of services to help revive listings to top show condition:
- Carpet, upholstery, drapery and blind cleaning
- Ceiling, wall and hard floor cleaning
- Deodorization
- Duct & HVAC cleaning
- Mold mitigation and remediation
No matter the size of the problem, our trained, IICRC-certified can help realtors get their listings in top show condition and ready to sell. Get it cleaned and get it sold. Call the experts here today at 410-255-1110!
Dust & Debris Removal
7/25/2023 (Permalink)
Have you made some modifications to your business post-pandemic? Added some walls or changed out the carpet? Do you need some post construction cleaning done? Once the floors are down and the drywall is painted, it is time to remove the debris and dust to prepare the building to welcome your customers and employees back.
SERVPRO of Pasadena/Gibson Island/Lake Shore professionals provide cleaning services to give that building that extra shine. Services can include:
- Carpet/Floor prep and cleaning
- Ceiling, walls and fixture cleaning
- Deodorization
- Air Duct Cleaning
- Debris Removal (if necessary)
- Window Cleaning
SERVPRO of Pasadena/Gibson Island/Lake Shore can help you meet your deadlines by providing thorough post construction services in a timely manner. Our post-construction cleaning services can make any mess look “Like it never even happened.” Call us to schedule a walk-through of your business to review recommendations at 410-255-1110. We are here to help!
Clean Homes Sell Faster
9/9/2022 (Permalink)
It is a fact – clean, fresh smelling homes sell faster. Unfortunately, not all homes are maintained in the same way. Nearly all realtors in the Pasadena area are faced, at some point, with a difficult listing to show.
Veteran realtors often encourage clients to keep their homes in top condition for important reasons such as:
- Increased market value
- Reduced list to sale conversion times
- Enhanced reputation for quality listings and quick sales
Our professionals here at SERVPRO of Pasadena/Gibson Island/Lake Shore offer a variety of services to help revive listings to top show condition:
- Carpet, upholstery, drapery and blind cleaning
- Ceiling, wall and hard floor cleaning
- Deodorization
- Duct & HVAC cleaning
- Mold mitigation and remediation
No matter the size of the problem, our trained, IICRC-certified can help realtors get their listings in top show condition and ready to sell. Get it cleaned and get it sold. Call the experts here today at 410-255-1110!
Post Commercial Cleaning? There's A PRO For That.
7/21/2022 (Permalink)
Have you made some modifications to your business during the Pandemic? Added some walls or changed out the carpet. Do you need some post construction cleaning done? Once the floors are down and the drywall is painted, its time to remove the debris and dust to prepare the building to welcome your customers and employees back.
SERVPRO of Pasadena/Gibson Island/Lake Shore professionals provide cleaning services to give that building that extra shine. Services can include:
- Carpet/Floor prep and cleaning
- Ceiling, walls and fixture cleaning
- Deodorization
- Air Duct Cleaning
- Debris Removal (if necessary)
- Window Cleaning
SERVPRO of Pasadena/Gibson Island/Lake Shore can help you meet your deadlines by providing thorough post construction services in a timely manner. Call us to schedule a walk through of your business to review recommendations, (410) 255-1110. We are #Here2Help
Got a boat? We can clean that.
5/27/2022 (Permalink)
Did you know there are almost 1000 boat slips at commercial marinas in Pasadena? Keeping your boat clean and looking good is not just a matter of pride, it is also important part of basic boat maintenance. Knowing how to clean a boat is imperative for any boat owner or professional cleaner. It extends the useful lifespan of the materials in and on your boat that are exposed to the environment, it improves functionality in many cases, and if you keep it looking good you can sell your boat for more when the time comes to upgrade.
Ready to get scrubbing? Effective boat cleaning focuses of four specific areas.
- Interior surfaces – carpet, fiberglass, vinyl, cushions, head
- Exterior surfaces – hull, gel coat, canvas
- Teak - Use a gentle brush and teak cleaner
We here at SERVPRO of Pasadena/Gibson Island/Lake Shore can help you with all the interior surfaces of your boat; whether it’s a big cabin cruiser, or a bowrider or a sailboat. We can clean and sanitize the marine carpet in the cabin and head compartments, scrub and treat the fiberglass areas with a fiberglass protectant to increase the lifespan. Marine vinyl normally comes treated with antimicrobials, this is the best long-term defense against mold and mildew, a wipe down with a soft soapy rag and a reapplication of the antimicrobial it the best way to handle that. Interior cushions can become musty over time, cleaning the cushion covers and the foam inside must be done separately and may take several washings prior to getting all the grime out.
Don’t have time for all this give us a call at 410-255-1110 we would be happy to take on this daunting chore for you. Mention seeing this for a free estimate to get your boat in ship shape before the warm weather arrives.
What to Expect when SERVPRO Helps You
4/19/2022 (Permalink)
As a business owner, you already have a lot on your plate on any given day. You need to know who to call when something goes wrong or your property gets damaged. Whether the damage your business is experiencing is from water, fire, or other weather-related issues, you need a restoration company with the expertise and availability to assist you quickly.
Here are some things to look for when seeking a Commercial Restoration Company.
Lost time is lost money. When looking for a company to help you restore your business, you need a team that understands how important and necessary it is to get your business back up and running as quickly as possible.
When in the midst of a disaster, you need to be able to pick up the phone and have immediate assistance from a team of highly trained professionals. It is important to pick a company that is available 24/7 for emergencies and near your business.
In times of stress, you need people who can talk you through it and communicate a plan, not add to it. When seeking Commercial Restoration, make sure you find someone that is ready to communicate a plan, a time frame, and peace of mind.
SERVPRO of Pasadena/Gibson Island/Lake Shore will work swiftly to assess your Pasadena building property damage. Our IICRC certified crew will treat your property professionally and communicate with you and your staff on a regular basis. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give SERVPRO of Pasadena/Gibson Island/Lake Shore a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.
Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned - Our Defensive Cleaning Program
3/28/2022 (Permalink)
Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned can be the answer to your COVID problems!
With the pandemic ending, it is important for businesses to feel comfortable opening and accepting customers in their spaces. If this is you or someone you know, call SERVPRO of Pasadena/Gibson Island/Lake Shore at 410-255-1110! Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive cleaning program we are offering to businesses and commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This proactive viral pathogen cleaning program goes well beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. By choosing Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you, your employees, your customers, and your community can rest assured that you have selected a higher cleaning standard.
A recent study conducted by SERVPRO Industries revealed the following:
- Consumers expect your business to be cleaner than their home. (71% expect businesses to have higher cleanliness standards than respondents do in their own homes.)
- If you are not clean, your business will suffer great damage to its reputation. (76% say the way a business addresses cleanliness during COVID is a good indicator of how well that business is run in general.)
- This is the start of a new era for cleanliness and businesses. (73% say they are going to be more attuned to cleanliness once COVID is over.)
- Customer concerns about COVID are not going away any time soon. (68% are constantly thinking about avoiding COVID exposure when out in public.)
- All else being equal (product, price, service, convenience) customers trust businesses that are professionally cleaned over ones that self-clean. (64% are more likely to choose to shop at the store that has a decal stating the store has been professionally cleaned.)
- Surface cleaning remains a significant concern. (59% are worried about COVID exposure from touching surfaces that have not been sufficiently cleaned.)
We are here to help – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We care for the communities we call home and want everyone to feel safe.
Call SERVPRO of Pasadena/Gibson Island/Lake Shore today at 410-255-1110 for your Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation!
What Is Your Plan In The Event Of A Disaster?
10/21/2021 (Permalink)
As many as 50% of business never recover following a disaster. Of the surviving businesses, most of them had an emergency preparedness plan in place. Preplan what your business will do in the event of a disaster.
Develop an Emergency Ready Profile with SERVPRO of Pasadena and help save your business from disaster. This plan will help minimize business interruption, giving you the peace of mind, you deserve. Our Emergency Ready Profile, or ERP, provides critical information needed to begin mitigation and recovery services. It serves as a quick reference of important building and contact information. By working with your customized ERP, your business will receive the benefit of over 40 years of experience in reducing the impact of any disaster.
You can even download the SERVPRO Ready Plan mobile app. This platform is an emergency preparedness tool for home and business owners, property managers, risk managers and facility management. It allows for the creation of your ERP containing critical information to help speed up response time.
Advantages of the ERP include:
- A no cost assessment of your facility
- A concise profile document that contains strictly critical information needed in an emergency
- A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster
- Establishes your local SERVPRO professional as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider
- Identification of the line of command authorizing work to begin
- Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and contact information
National Preparedness Month
9/5/2021 (Permalink)
September is National Preparedness Month, an annual observance to remind all Americans how important it is for individuals, families, businesses and communities to be prepared for disasters and emergencies that can happen at any time.
This year’s theme is Prepare to Protect and highlights how preparing for disaster is to protect everyone you love. Now is the time that everyone should have a conversation with their family, neighbors an co-workers to discuss what you would do in the event of a disaster in your area. Also, everyone should sign up to receive local alerts and warning on your mobile phone. Download the FEMA app and receive real-time alerts from the National Weather Service
If your home or business suffers a natural disaster or emergency call SERVPRO of Pasadena/Gibson Island/Lake Shore, 410-255-1110, we can help.
A fast Clean Up with SERVPRO of Pasadena/Gibson Island/Lake Shore
7/23/2021 (Permalink)
fire sprinkler spewing water
SERVPRO of Pasadena/Gibson Island/Lake Shore provides mitigation services for all parts of Anne Arundel County. Recently we did a job for a management company that suffered a sprinkler system malfunction in one of their shopping centers. Several businesses suffered water damage and needed our help. As luck would have it the loss happened at night and by the time employees arrived the next morning there was extensive damage to the flooring and walls.
When we arrived at the location, we were fast to start removing non-salvageable items and get the structure started to dry. Once the structure had dried, drywall was replaced, walls painted and flooring was replaced we were able to assist in the replacement of the office furniture in the business, to help the business get back to full operation quickly.
Although a commercial loss is different than a residential loss the desired result is the same, return the customers life back to normal as quickly as possible. We at SERVPRO of Pasadena/Gibson Island/Lake Shore take that to heart and do everything we can to make it happen. Call us at 410-255-1110 if you find yourself in need of service. We are available 24-7, 7 days a week. You can count on our team to get your business backup and running FAST, FAST, FAST.
Can this Business Be Saved?
5/12/2021 (Permalink)
Water in unwanted places is never good – especially when your a commercial establishment trying to open your place of business. Your employees come in for the day and find water everywhere, whether you are a retail business owner or a medical facility or a restaurant wet floors and walls never work.
The key is to act quickly because the faster you act, the greater your chances of saving items from being ruined. During a water damage, carpet, drywall and content can become wet. Here are some factors in determining what can be saved:
- What was the source of the water? Is it clean or contaminated water. Determining the source of the water in your business will help decide what can be saved.
- When did it happen? The amount of time from when the water enters until you discover it matters.
Once we know the answers to these two questions we can begin to work. There may be items that can be rescued, but there are also some that are no longer salvageable. Drywall and carpet are the most frequent items the need evaluated.
DRYWALL - is made of porous materials and can absorb more water than wood does. When it is wet, it may swell, sag, bow and most of all, it can create the best breeding ground for bacteria and mold. Drywall needs to dry up as soon as possible for it to be rescued. If the drywall is soft and looks distorted, then it won’t need drying but should be removed.
CARPET – Wet carpeting poses many of the same challenges as drywall. It absorbs water as does the padding beneath it and can create a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. The longer it is wet the less likely it can be saved. The fibers within the carpet deteriorate and reinstallation then presents a huge challenge.
Call in the experts at SERVPRO of Pasadena/Gibson Island/Lake Shore for a professional evaluation of your situation, 410-255-1110.
Pasadena is a Boating Community
4/20/2021 (Permalink)
boats at a marina
Did you know there are almost 1000 boat slips at commercial marinas in Pasadena? Keeping your boat clean and looking good is not just a matter of pride, it is also important part of basic boat maintenance. Knowing how to clean a boat is imperative for any boat owner or professional cleaner. It extends the useful lifespan of the materials in and on your boat that are exposed to the environment, it improves functionality in many cases, and if you keep it looking good you can sell your boat for more when the time comes to upgrade.
Ready to get scrubbing? Effective boat cleaning focuses of four specific areas.
- Interior surfaces – carpet, fiberglass, vinyl, cushions, head
- Exterior surfaces – hull, gel coat, canvas
- Teak - Use a gentle brush and teak cleaner
We here at SERVPRO of Pasadena/Gibson Island/Lake Shore can help you with all the interior surfaces of your boat; whether it’s a big cabin cruiser, or a bowrider or a sailboat. We can clean and sanitize the marine carpet in the cabin and head compartments, scrub and treat the fiberglass areas with a fiberglass protectant to increase the lifespan. Marine vinyl normally comes treated with antimicrobials, this is the best long-term defense against mold and mildew, a wipe down with a soft soapy rag and a reapplication of the antimicrobial it the best way to handle that. Interior cushions can become musty over time, cleaning the cushion covers and the foam inside must be done separately and may take several washings prior to getting all the grime out.
Don’t have time for all this give us a call at 410-255-1110 we would be happy to take on this daunting chore for you. Mention seeing this for a free estimate to get your boat in ship shape before the warm weather arrives.
Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges
3/25/2021 (Permalink)
Water Damaged Business
Flooding and water damage events in Pasadena and Lake Shore commercial properties are often complex, with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Situations require quick assessment and quick action to keep damage to the most minimal level. Some losses need water extraction and demolition, while others need drying and/or dehumidification and others need cleaning and sanitizing. These are all services we offer that may come into play when providing service for a loss. 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. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity.
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. In many instances, normal operations can continue in an unaffected area of your business, while we restore the rest of your facility. So, when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need. Call us! 410-255-0111.
What To Expect From A Commercial Restoration Project
10/21/2020 (Permalink)
Team Photo
As a business owner, you already have a lot on your plate on any given day. You need to know who to call when something goes wrong or your property gets damaged. Whether the damage your business is experiencing is from water, fire, or other weather-related issues, you need a restoration company with the expertise and availability to assist you quickly.
Here are some things to look for when seeking a Commercial Restoration Company.
Lost time is lost money. When looking for a company to help you restore your business, you need a team that understands how important and necessary it is to get your business back up and running as quickly as possible.
When in the midst of a disaster, you need to be able to pick up the phone and have immediate assistance from a team of highly trained professionals. It is important to pick a company that is available 24/7 for emergencies and near your business.
In times of stress, you need people who can talk you through it and communicate a plan, not add to it. When seeking Commercial Restoration, make sure you find someone that is ready to communicate a plan, a time frame, and peace of mind.
SERVPRO of Pasadena/Gibson Island/Lake Shore will work swiftly to assess your Pasadena building property damage. Our IICRC certified crew will treat your property professionally and communicate with you and your staff on a regular basis. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give SERVPRO of Pasadena/Gibson Island/Lake Shore a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.
National Preparedness Month
9/2/2020 (Permalink)
Annapolis Water Damage
The act of being prepared took on new meaning this year as the coronavirus pandemic challenged every part of our lives. In the beginning, the basic necessities we take for granted became scarce quickly, shining a spotlight on the need to be prepared in the event of an emergency. September is National Preparedness Month (NPM).
Click here to register to receive emergency notifications from Anne Arundel County. This year for National Preparedness Month, join your community in preparing for emergencies and disasters of all types. Click here for more information on what’s happening in Anne Arundel County this month.
Recently, SERVPRO of Pasadena/Gibson Island/Lake Shore worked with a business that suffered property damage due to a recent heavy rain event. The sewage backup was caused by a county sewer line.
Water from sewer system backups should be considered dangerous. The water is grossly unsanitary and may contain bacteria and viruses that could cause serious illness. Special training and equipment is necessary to safely clean this type of contamination.
Sewage backup should be considered an emergency and dealt with as quickly as possible. We are the water damage restoration specialists with specific training and expertise to safely restore your home or business.
What is Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned?
7/24/2020 (Permalink)
Well 2020 has been a roller coaster to say the least. Consumers are concerned about their health and count on your business to be cleaner than their homes. Is your business Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned?
A recent study conducted by SERVPRO Industries revealed the following:
- Consumers expect your business to be cleaner than their home. (71% expect businesses to have higher cleanliness standards than respondents do in their own homes.)
- If you aren’t clean, your business will suffer great damage to its reputation. (76% say the way a business addresses cleanliness during COVID is a good indicator of how well that business is run in general.)
- This is the start of a new era for cleanliness and businesses. (73% say they are going to be more attuned to cleanliness once COVID is over.)
- Customer concerns about COVID are not going away any time soon. (68% are constantly thinking about avoiding COVID exposure when out in public.)
- All else being equal (product, price, service, convenience) customers trust businesses that are professionally cleaned over ones that self-clean. (64% are more likely to choose to shop at the store that has a decal stating the store has been professionally cleaned.)
- Surface cleaning remains a significant concern. (59% are worried about COVID exposure from touching surfaces that have not been sufficiently cleaned.)
Is your staff meeting these high cleaning standards? Is your cleaning service meeting them? At SERVPRO of Pasadena / Gibson Island / Lake Shore we have implemented the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program to ensure businesses can operate safely and proactively during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are committed to bringing a deeper level of clean to your business.
How Do Businesses Handle Cleaning Due to Coronavirus?
5/11/2020 (Permalink)
Fogging
As businesses have settled into the new normal of telework, and essential work environments, they also implement new cleaning practices. SERVPRO of Pasadena / Gibson Island / Lake Shore has extensive experience with bio-remediation cleanup. This is something our team has done for over 40 years.
The question is, how does your local small business handle Coronavirus cleanup and sanitization?
As small business owners in Anne Arundel County, there are many resources to help you understand the COVID-19 virus. It’s important to understand the virus so you can make a plan for regular cleaning and sanitization. Click here for more information on Coronavirus in our community.
The county has many regulations regarding which businesses can reopen and how essential businesses are operating. Click here to review those guidelines.
The most important factor of opening your business is keeping your employees healthy and safe. The way you do that is by following the Anne Arundel County’s Health Department Compliance Notice. This includes cleaning and sanitizing between shifts.
However you choose to operate your business, SERVPRO of Pasadena / Gibson Island / Lake Shore is here to help. If you have questions or would like an estimate on proactive sanitization, including our fogging procedure, please feel free to contact us.
What are the Differences Between Janitorial Services and Commercial Cleaning for COVID-19?
4/20/2020 (Permalink)
Expert Cleaning
SERVPRO of Pasadena/Gibson Island/Lake Shore is being called on by numerous business and community leaders to perform the necessary bioremediation services to clean and sanitize their properties for COVID-19.
SERVPRO of Pasadena/Gibson Island/Lake Shore professionals are uniquely prepared during this unprecedented time to clean and sanitize your business according to the protocols set forth by the CDC. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.
Here are 4 things that show how our cleaning is different than janitorial cleaning:
IICRC Certified. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is the non-profit certifying body for the cleaning and restoration industry. Not only is SERVPRO of Pasadena/Gibson Island/Lake Shore IICRC certified as a firm, but most members of our staff carry several IICRC certifications.
Cleaning Experts. The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and tables at a minimum. Most of our cleaning tactics will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis
The CDC also recommends regular cleaning of the following areas/items:
- Kitchen/Food Areas
- Bathrooms n Schools/Classrooms
- Offices
- Retail Spaces
- Water Fountains
- Shelving/Racks
- Sales Counters
- Carpets and Rugs
- Stair Handrails
- Elevators and Escalators
- Playground Equipment
- Fitness Equipment
Cleaning Products. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line meet this standard and carry the EPA-registered emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.
Our proprietary cleaning agents, Benefect and Shockwave, are EPA-certified, hospital-grade disinfectants that have demonstrated effectiveness against viruses similar to Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19) on hard, non-porus surfaces.
We carry multiple hospital-grade disinfectants and provide our personnel with proper PPE. Not only does this protect everyone, but it also protects the building and people in it.
Cleaning Procedures. SERVPRO of Pasadena/Gibson Island/Lake Shore technicians are experts in infectious disease cleanup and bio-hazard cleaning. We are a member in American Bio Recovery Association (ABRA). Our proven cleaning procedures and protocols have been used to clean and sanitize rhinovirus and norovirus in the past. We are implementing similar protocols, and we are "battle tested" in regards to virus cleanup.
Bring the professionals in! Call SERVPRO of Pasadena/Gibson Island/Lake Shore (410) 255-1110.
How Does Mold Effect Indoor Air Quality?
3/26/2020 (Permalink)
Commercial Air Quality
SERVPRO of Pasadena/Gibson Island/Lake Shore performs mold remediation and restoration services. When we get calls regarding odor, allergies, and respiratory issues, we may recommend Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) testing. With any health issues, it’s important to contact your physician first. Allergy testing, for example, should reveal specific allergies.
Molds can be found almost anywhere. They can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is a measure of how clean the air is inside the buildings where we live, work, and play. IAQ is affected by many different things:
- a building’s ventilation system (HVAC)
- chemicals or microbes (such as mold) that enter the building
- chemicals like cleaning products and art supplies that are used in the building
- chemicals that are created by activities inside the building
Click here to review the Environmental Protection Agency’s Guide to Indoor Air Quality.
If you have concerns about mold or IAQ, contact us or contact Environmental Solutions Inc.
School Illnesses
10/14/2019 (Permalink)
School is back in session. Teachers are working on lesson plans. Parents are buying winter coats and hoping their kids don’t get sick this winter. Did you know the classroom can be a breeding ground for organisms that cause illness in students?
Here is a list of the most common back-to-school illnesses to look out for:
- Most commonly spread by direct contact with the hair.
- Hand-Foot-and-Mouth-Disease (HFMD). HFMD is an acute virus that typically affects children younger than 5. Transmission occurs via contact, cough and sneezes as well as contaminated surfaces.
- Scarlett Fever. Usually effects children ages 5 – 12 and comes from strep throat.
- Pink Eye. Bacterial conjunctivitis that is highly contagious. Pink eye is an airborne virus can be spread through sneezing and coughing. Viral conjunctivitis can also accompany common viral upper respiratory infections such as measles, the flu or the common cold.
When a child comes home from school sick, it’s affects the family. Parents miss work and students miss out on learning.
SERVPRO of Pasadena/Gibson Island/Lake Shore is helping schools provide clean, healthy environments for our community’s children. Over the school breaks, we’ve worked with several educational facilities sanitizing classrooms. Our team cleaned and sanitized building materials, surfaces and contents using professional cleaning products as well as EPA registered cleaners and disinfectants.
We would be remiss if we didn’t mention the flu virus when writing about back-to-school. There are many different types of flu and the CDC has scientific-based prediction tools to help prevent and contain the spread of the flu. Last year, SERVPRO of Pasadena/Gibson Island/Lake Shore helped several schools in our community by disinfecting after flu and virus outbreaks.
Is your business at risk for an electrical fire?
8/29/2019 (Permalink)
Electrical Hazard
Electrical accidents that occur in an office environment are usually a result of faulty or defective equipment, unsafe installation, or misuse of equipment – specifically, extension cords, power strips and surge protectors. In June of this year, an electrical fire in Frederick, Maryland injured 3 firefighters.
To protect against electrical fire, SERVPRO® of Pasadena/Gibson Island/Lake Shore recommends:
- Make sure the electrical load is not too much for the circuit.
- Avoid overloading outlets with too many appliances. Never plug in more than one high-wattage appliance at a time.
- Unplug appliances when not in use to save energy and minimize the risk of shock and fire.
- Inspect electrical cords once a month to ensure they are not frayed, cracked or otherwise damaged.
- Do not run electrical cords through high-traffic areas, under carpets or across doorways.
- Have a licensed electrician install additional outlets where needed, rather than relying on extension cords and power strips.
So, what do you do if you see an electrical fire?
- Never put water on an electrical fire.Mixing water with live electricity can shock you to death.
- Shut the electricity down in the building if you can. This should slow the progression of the fire, possibly saving other areas that have not yet been affected. Make sure that you know where the circuit box is and that it is easily accessible and not obstructed by any other objects.
- After the electricity has been shut off, use a Class C Fire extinguisher to put out the local flames. Make sure that you and occupants know exactly where the fire extinguishers are and have them inspected regularly so they are at the ready. Also ensure that Class C fire extinguishers are placed near locations where there is a higher risk of fire (kitchens, workshops, utility rooms, etc.).
- Even if you are able to get the fire under control yourself, do not turn the electricity back on until the fire department has a chance to inspect the area.
Annapolis, Severna Park, Pasadena and surrounding areas see too many home and business fires. Protect your business.
Disaster Preparation
7/24/2019 (Permalink)
Be Prepared for a Flood
When tragedy strikes the wake of destruction and demise can be not only crippling to a building but also the lives of those involved. Such was the case of the historic burning of the Notre Dame Cathedral, in Paris, which occurred on April 15 of this year. The buildings structural integrity became compromised as the fire raged on with the eventuality of the spire collapsing. This landmark represented not only the vitality of a city but is also recognized as one of the most visited tourist attractions in the world. How did this happen so quickly and where was the relief? Upon researching this catastrophe, we have discovered some of the reasons that answer those questions.
These answers validate one of our core beliefs at SERVPRO – every building should have an Emergency Ready Plan (ERP) so when a tragedy does occur there is set protocol to follow. Let’s delve further into this and see how they could have possibly been avoided.
In the case of the Notre Dame fire – a major cause for the rapid spread of the fire was a lack of communication between the guards with no true protocol to follow. In fact they didn’t respond to the correct area until 30 minutes after the initial alarm sounded and found the fire to be out of control at that point. The guard who first responded to the alarm was on his 3rd day and getting ready to work a double shift. His lack of experience is in question.
In the aftermath, many inquiries were launched and found that the systems in place for such an event were outdated and likely wouldn’t have been able to deter the fire as it ripped through the Cathedral. This was a horrific incident and will cost the city approximately $954 million dollars in renovations. How could a SERVPRO ERP have helped to avoid the situation?
Our ERP’s are a highly detailed manifestos specific to a building which provides useful information – such as contacts and their phone numbers. While it can’t aid in human error, it provides a step by step plan for when a tragedy occurs which can greatly aid in the reduction of the spread. This includes contact info for all parties involved with the structure as well as pictures of where certain key components are located. Water turn off valves / fire extinguishers / floor plans of the building are all parts of the ERP which are designed to ensure the safety of the people and the fastest response.
Our ERP’s are in place for the safety of your people and of the building itself and with SERVPRO providing this service free of charge you would be remiss not to take advantage. Please contact to come and visit your facility in order to work up a plan which best suits your needs. This will take a small amount of time and energy, but the benefits are immeasurable. We look forward to working and preparing an ERP for your building.
Commercial Cleaning
4/16/2019 (Permalink)
Bacteria
Are you ready to tackle Spring cleaning in your facility? It seems like every year there are serious viruses or fungi that cause panic. SERVPRO of Pasadena/Gibson Island/Lake Shore has performed a variety of commercial cleaning projects to tackle many serious health crises including the flu and bio hazard cleanup.
There is a deadly superbug known as Candida auris (C. auris) that was found recently in New York as well as Maryland and over 600 cases were reported in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently added C. auris to its list of “urgent threats”. Almost half of the individuals infected with C. auris die within 90 days.
Did you know the flu can live on hard surfaces for up to 24 hours? Could you imagine how many individuals are exposed to the flu at a school with 500 students? In 2017, the CDC reported that 80,000 people died from the flu.
Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences. A failure to properly remove such substances can contribute to unhealthy and dangerous environments. Equipped with the necessary safety apparatus and cleaning products, SERVPRO of Pasadena/Gibson Island/Lake Shore can help transform these unhealthy environments back into clean, safe offices. Call the cleanup team that is faster to any size disaster.
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