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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Archived Commercial Blog Posts

Commercial Flood Damage Restoration in Long Hill, NJ

11/24/2021 (Permalink)

When flooding damages your Long Hill commercial property, immediate action can help prevent extensive damages, inventory loss, and mold growth.

Flood damage in your Long Hill, NJ commercial property is a serious issue. Flooding can damage floors, walls, furniture, mechanical equipment, inventory, tenants items, that directly impact the productivity of your business or property.

To minimize commercial flood damage in Long Hill, NJ, immediate action is required. The sooner the water damage restoration process is started, the more damage, structural issues, and mold growth you can avoid.

As your local company for commercial flood cleanup in Long Hill, NJ, SERVPRO of Morristown is always ready to immediately respond to your call when your business or commercial property is damaged by heavy rains or flooding.

Call Our Office 24/7 For Immediate Assistance - 800-734-3213

Commercial Flood Cleanup Services in Long Hill, NJ

As your local commercial flood damage experts in Long Hill Township, NJ, SERVPRO of Morristown has all the experience, training, and resources to immediately respond to begin returning your property to pre-damage conditions.

With over 15 years of experience, you can trust that our team can handle any size flood disaster in Morris County.

Our 24 hour response drastically reduces the chances that flooding or water damage spreads across your property. Our goal is to prevent further damage, thus minimizing the work needed to bring your property back to pre-damage conditions.

When you use SERVPRO of Morristown's trained professionals for commercial restoration services, our team will make your disaster "Like it never even happened."

Commercial Water Damage Restoration Process

1: Damage Inspection

A Project Manager will inspect on site to determine the scope of your commercial building water damage to create a cleanup and restoration plan for your property.

2: Water Removal

Our team rapidly completes commercial water cleanup in Long Hill NJ using commercial grade water extractors and powerful pumps. Our goal with water extraction is to remove as much standing water as possible to help mitigate damages.

3: Drying and Dehumidification

Commercial grade fans, dehumidifiers, and other specialized drying equipment is used to ensure all moisture is removed and building materials are dried. Our team makes sure to address all affected areas by using advanced moisture detection technology.

4: Cleaning and Sanitizing

SERVPRO of Morristown cleans and sanitizes the affected areas of your property to remove dirt, bacteria, or mold spores.

5: Restoration

Once the water damage cleanup process is completed, our in-house construction team can seamlessly take over to make any needed repairs or renovations to complete your commercial water restoration in Long Hill NJ.

Commercial Flood Damage: Common Questions

If you're a property manager, building owner, or business owner in a flooded building, the cleanup process and damages can be overwhelming. Here, our team has answered the top questions about commercial flood damage in Long Hill, NJ.

How long does commercial flood damage restoration take?

This is completely dependent on the extent of your damages, what types of building materials are affected, and if there's a large amount of contents in your commercial property.

For minor flooding, the process takes as little as 5 days, while cases of severe flood damage may take weeks.

Your Project Manager at SERVPRO of Morristown will explain the timeline for your commercial flood cleanup in Long Hill, NJ.

Should I worry about mold in my commercial property?

Mold is always a possibility after water damage. However, the faster you take action, the less likely it is for there to be conditions for mold to grow and spread. If mold does become an issue, our team of mold remediation specialists can help.

Does SERVPRO accept my insurance company?

SERVPRO of Morristown accepts all insurance carriers, and will handle the process for you.

24/7 Commercial Flood Damage Restoration in Long Hill, NJ - 800-734-3213

Commercial Mold Remediation in Florham Park, NJ Office

11/16/2021 (Permalink)

When you're dealing with mold in a commercial office space, you need to contact professionals for proper commercial mold removal in Florham Park, NJ.

When water damage or moistures issues go unchecked in your Florham Park office building, mold growth is likely to become a problem. When your mold problem is found, it should be immediately addressed by a professional.

This is because indoor mold growth can cause health effects, and even damage or deteriorate building materials. When this happens in an office, it can cause serious disruptions.

When you need professional assistance with a mold infestation in your commercial office building, SERVPRO of Morristown is here to provide expert commercial mold removal in Florham Park, NJ.

Call Today To Schedule A Free Estimate - 800-734-3213

Commercial Mold Removal Services in Florham Park, NJ

  • Free Mold Inspection and Remediation Estimate

  • Containment of Affected Areas

  • Air Filtration For Mold Spores

  • Mold Removal After Water Damage

  • Cleaning and Sanitizing

  • Restoration

With over 15 years of experience, SERVPRO of Morristown is your local, expert commercial mold removal company in Florham Park, NJ.

Our team of IICRC Certified mold specialists have all the training and resources required to properly address your mold issue, with full understanding of how mold grows and spreads throughout a property.

When you call SERVPRO of Morristown for commercial mold remediation in Florham Park, New Jersey, our team will make your mold issue "Like it never even happened."

Commercial Office Building Mold Remediation Process

SERVPRO of Morristown will create a unique plan for commercial mold removal in Florham Park NJ, but the general mold damage restoration process still remains the same.

Step 1: Mold Damage Inspection & Assessment

A Project Manager will inspect your office building for signs of visible mold and create a remediation plan. SERVPRO of Morristown does not provide mold testing services.

Step 2: Mold Containment

Before starting the process, SERVPRO of Morristown takes steps to prevent the spread of mold around your office during the remediation process. This may include utilization of negative air chambers, containments, and turning off the HVAC system on your property.

Step 3: Air Filtration

Our team uses air scrubbers and HEPA vacuums to capture mold spores in the air or on materials. This also helps to prevent the spread of mold during the cleaning process.

Step 4: Mold Removal & Removing Mold Damaged Materials

Depending on the materials affected by mold, our team will use different techniques as necessary. Porous materials like drywall and carpeting may need to be removed and disposed of to prevent the re-occurrence of mold. Our team also utilizes anti-fungal and antibacterial to eliminate mold colonies and prevent new ones from forming.

Step 5: Cleaning and Sanitizing

In this step, our team cleans and sanitizes to remove odors or treat belongings that have been affected by mold.

Step 6: Restoration

Depending on the extent of your mold cleaning in Florham Park, there may be repairs needed after drywall is removed or carpeting ripped up. Our in house construction division can take over as needed for complete restoration.

Mold in Office Buildings: Common Questions

Can my regular janitorial service handle mold removal in my office?

This is never advised. Both residential and commercial mold remediation in Florham Park, NJ should only be completed by certified and trained professionals.

When mold isn't properly remediated, the issue is likely to reoccur or possibly spread to other areas of your office.

Is mold removal covered by insurance?

In most cases, commercial mold remediation services will not be covered by insurance unless related to an existing claim for water damage.

Does mold have a strong smell? My office workers say they can smell it.

High levels of mold can produce a strong, musty odor and usually one of the largest signs of a mold problem in a building. If your office staff thinks that they smell mold, you should take steps to have mold testing and remediation performed as needed.

Commercial Mold Removal in Florham Park, NJ - Call Today - 800-734-3213

Commercial Fire Damage Restoration in East Hanover, NJ

11/14/2021 (Permalink)

After a fire in your East Hanover, NJ business or commercial property, immediate services are needed to secure your property and begin cleanup.

When your business or commercial property in East Hanover is damaged by a fire, the aftermath can be overwhelming and emotional. In addition to fire and smoke damage, inventory, machinery, or the structure of your property may sustain damage and bring your business to a halt.

Our team understands the urgency required when it comes to commercial fire damage cleanup in East Hanover, NJ. Every hour spent restoring your business to pre-damage conditions is an hour of lost revenue and productivity.

SERVPRO of Morristown is prepared to provide an immediate emergency response for commercial fire damage in East Hanover 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Call Now For Immediate Assistance - 800-734-3213

Commercial Fire Restoration Services in East Hanover, NJ

You can trust that SERVPRO of Morristown can handle any size commercial fire cleanup in East Hanover, NJ.

With over 15 years of experience with fire and smoke damage, we're your local expert to help restore your commercial property to pre-fire conditions.

SERVPRO of Morristown's team of IICRC Certified fire restoration specialists work hard to provide professional, compassionate, and efficient services after a fire in East Hanover. Our goal is bring your building or business back to pre-damage conditions as soon as possible to allow you to run your business normally again.

SERVPRO of Morristown will provide expert fire damage restoration in East Hanover, NJ, making your fire disaster "Like it never even happened."

Our Fire Restoration Process

Every fire damage event is a little different and requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. The steps listed below outline the general process for commercial fire damage cleanup in East Hanover, NJ.

Step 1: Emergency Contact

We are available 24 hours, 7 days a week. When you call, one of our representatives will ask a series of questions about the fire damage to your home or business. This information helps us respond immediately with all the needed equipment and resources.

Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment

We determine the scope of the fire and smoke damage by examining the affected areas and by testing the adjoining rooms for smoke and soot damage. An accurate assessment is crucial to the planning process. 

Step 3: Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service (if needed)

Fire damage can often compromise windows, walls, and roofs. To maintain security and to protect against further damage, we can board up missing windows and walls and place tarps on damaged roofs. 

Step 4: Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)

The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. We then use dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the remaining water and complete the drying process. 

Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces

We use specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces. 

Step 6: Cleaning and Sanitizing

We clean and sanitize the restorable items and structures damaged by the fire. Our professionals use a variety of cleaning techniques to restore your belongings to pre-fire condition. We’re also trained to remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.

Step 7: Restoration

Restoration is the final step—getting your home or business to its pre-fire condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

Commercial Fire Damage: Common Questions

Can you help with broken windows and doors from firefighting efforts?

Yes, this is the first step in our emergency response services. We work quickly to board up all broken windows, doors, and tarp any holes in your roof. This is in an effort to protect your commercial property in East Hanover from further damage, vandalism, or pests.

What commercial insurance companies do you accept?

SERVPRO of Morristown works with all insurance carriers and is a preferred vendor for many national companies. Our team will communicate directly with your insurance company and submit all needed paperwork, documentation, photos, estimates, and more.

How long does commercial fire cleanup in East Hanover, NJ take?

This is different for every commercial fire loss, and is completely dependent on the extent of your damages. Our Project Manager will fully explain the restoration process along with all timelines for your project.

24/7 Commercial Fire Damage Restoration in East Hanover, NJ - 800-734-3213

Commercial Roof Leak in Madison, NJ: What To Do

10/19/2021 (Permalink)

When you have a commercial roof leak in Madison, NJ, you want to act fast to ensure business operations continue as usual.

When heavy rains hit and your commercial roof in Madison, NJ starts to leak, you may not be sure what to do first. 

Should you move things out of the way? Get on the roof? Call your insurance company? 

Here, we will review what to do when your commercial building’s roof starts to leak and how SERVPRO of Morristown can help!

For Immediate Assistance, Call Our Office 24/7 - 800-734-3213

What To Do If Your Commercial Roof is Leaking

1.  Move any items out of the way of the leak

The first thing you should do when you’re dealing with a roof leak in Madison, NJ is to move any items out of the way of water.

In a commercial property, this step is highly important to prevent water damage to any inventory, boxes, equipment, machinery, office supplies, and more.

A leaking roof is bad enough without losing the inventory that keeps your business up and running.

2.  Contain the leak

Once you’ve moved any items out of the way, immediately gather any buckets, large cans, or towels you may have to catch the leaking water. This can immensely minimize commercial water damage to your property, preventing it from spreading.

3.  Release excess water

If your roof leak is causing a large bubble of water to gather in the ceiling, you should let the water out. While this may not seem like the best thing to do, managing the bubble yourself is better than letting it unpredictably burst and spray water everywhere. 

Place a large can underneath the bubble and gently poke through it until a stream of water begins to come out. 

4.  Tarp the commercial roof

It’s not always possible to have your commercial roof leak repaired right away, so the next best thing is to have it temporarily tarped. This will prevent further water from entering your property and causing more water damage. 

5.  Call a commercial water damage restoration company in Madison, NJ

Once you’ve taken steps to prevent any further damage to your commercial property, you should contact a local commercial water damage restoration company in Madison, NJ like SERVPRO of Morristown. 

As commercial water damage cleanup specialists, SERVPRO of Morristown has all the training, experience, and resources needed to restore your property to pre-damage conditions. 

Our team also handles the entire insurance process, directly communicating with your insurance company to resolve your claim, submit paperwork, and take photographs.

SERVPRO of Morristown’s team are also commercial mold remediation specialists, if mold becomes an issue after your roof leak.

6.  Have the roof repaired and perform regular maintenance

To make sure that the issue doesn't occur again, you should have a professional roofing company repair the roof. 

But, once the roof is repaired, the work doesn’t end there. You should be sure to perform regular maintenance, such as clearing snow and debris off the roof, making sure gutters are clean and clear, and having the roof inspected once per year. 

Water Damage From Commercial Roof Leak in Madison, NJ? Call 24/7 - 800-734-3213

Commercial Mold Removal in Hanover, NJ Office Buildings

10/5/2021 (Permalink)

When there's mold in your office building, fast action is essential to prevent the issue from becoming worse and more costly to address.

A mold issue in your office building in Hanover, NJ is something that needs immediate professional attention.

Indoor mold growth can cause health effects, and even damage or deteriorate building materials. In an office, these issues can cause serious disruptions.

When you need help with a mold infestation in your office building, SERVPRO of Morristown is here to provide expert commercial mold remediation in Hanover, NJ and the surrounding areas.

Call Today To Schedule Your Free Mold Removal Estimate - 800-734-3213

Commercial Mold Removal Services in Hanover, NJ

  • Free Mold Inspection and Remediation Estimate

  • Containment of Affected Areas

  • Air Filtration For Mold Spores

  • Mold Removal After Water Damage

  • Cleaning and Sanitizing

  • Restoration

With over 15 years of experience with commercial mold removal in Hanover, NJ, you can trust that SERVPRO of Morristown has all the training and resources needed to remediate mold in your commercial property or office.

Our team of IICRC Certified mold specialists understand how mold grows and spreads, as well as what's needed to make your mold problem "Like it never even happened."

As your local commercial mold remediation company in Hanover, NJ, our team is always Here to Help.

Commercial Office Building Mold Remediation Process

SERVPRO of Morristown will create a unique plan for commercial mold removal in Hanover NJ, but the general mold damage restoration process still remains the same.

Step 1: Mold Damage Inspection & Assessment

A Project Manager will inspect your office building for signs of visible mold and create a remediation plan. SERVPRO of Morristown does not provide mold testing services.

Step 2: Mold Containment

Before starting the process, SERVPRO of Morristown takes steps to prevent the spread of mold around your office during the remediation process. This may include utilization of negative air chambers, containments, and turning off the HVAC system on your property.

Step 3: Air Filtration

Our team uses air scrubbers and HEPA vacuums to capture mold spores in the air or on materials. This also helps to prevent the spread of mold during the cleaning process.

Step 4: Mold Removal & Removing Mold Damaged Materials

Depending on the materials affected by mold, our team will use different techniques as necessary. Porous materials like drywall and carpeting may need to be removed and disposed of to prevent the re-occurrence of mold. Our team also utilizes anti-fungal and antibacterial to eliminate mold colonies and prevent new ones from forming.

Step 5: Cleaning and Sanitizing

In this step, our team cleans and sanitizes to remove odors or treat belongings that have been affected by mold.

Step 6: Restoration

Depending on the extent of your mold cleaning in Hanover Township, there may be repairs needed after drywall is removed or carpeting ripped up. Our in house construction division can take over as needed for complete restoration.

Office Mold: Common Questions

If it's the first time you're dealing with mold in your office or commercial property, you want to be able to answer the questions of your employees or tenants to bring them peace of mind.

Here, we've answered the top questions about office mold in Hanover, NJ.

Is mold covered by insurance?

For the most part, commercial mold remediation in Hanover, NJ will not be covered by insurance unless directly related to an existing water restoration claim. This is because insurance only covers damages which are considered sudden and unforeseen, which isn't usually the case for mold growth.

How do you prevent mold in an office building?

Mold thrives on moisture and will begin to grow and spread when high levels of moisture are present. This means that a small roof leak, leaking pipe, or even higher than normal humidity can trigger mold growth.

To help prevent the growth of mold in your office building, you should take steps to control indoor humidity levels, periodically inspect for signs of water leaks, and immediately address any flooding or water damage.

Can my janitorial service clean mold in my office?

No, this is not advised. Proper commercial mold remediation requires specialized training, equipment, and chemicals. When mold isn't properly handled, the issue is likely to return and possibly spread to previously unaffected areas of the building.

Does mold have a strong smell? My office workers say they can smell it.

High levels of mold can produce a strong, musty odor and usually one of the largest signs of a mold problem in a building. If your office staff thinks that they smell mold, you should take steps to have mold testing and remediation performed as needed.

Commercial Mold Remediation in Hanover, NJ - 800-734-3213

Commercial Flood Cleanup in Madison, NJ Apartment Building

9/21/2021 (Permalink)

When your apartment building in Madison, NJ floods, our team is Here to Help cleanup 24 hours a day.

When heavy rains or water leaks cause flooding in your commercial property in Madison, NJ, the damages can be devastating. Floors, walls, furniture, mechanical equipment, inventory, office supplies, and more can be severely affected by flooding and water damage.

To minimize flood damage in your Madison, NJ apartment building, immediate action is required. The sooner water damage restoration is started, the more water damage, structural issues, and mold growth you can avoid.

As your commercial water damage restoration company in Madison, NJ, SERVPRO of Morristown is always ready to immediately respond to your call when your commercial apartment building floods.

Call Our Office 24/7 For Immediate Assistance - 800-734-3213

Commercial Flood Cleanup Services in Madison, New Jersey

With over 15 years of experience serving both residential and commercial properties in Madison, NJ, SERVPRO of Morristown has all the training, resources, and experience needed to quickly return your property to pre-damage conditions. 

Our 24 hour immediate response drastically reduces the spread of flooding or water damage across your apartment building. Our goal is to prevent further damages by removing all standing water and installing our commercial drying equipment. 

As your local commercial water damage restoration company in Madison, NJ - SERVPRO of Morristown works hard to make any size disaster “Like it never even happened.” 

Commercial Water Damage Restoration Process

1: Damage Inspection

A Project Manager will inspect on site to determine the scope of your apartment building water damage to create a cleanup and restoration plan for your property.

2: Water Removal

Our team rapidly completes water cleanup in Madison NJ using commercial grade water extractors and powerful pumps. Our goal with water extraction is to remove as much standing water as possible to help mitigate damages.

3: Drying and Dehumidification

Commercial grade fans, dehumidifiers, and other specialized drying equipment is used to ensure all moisture is removed and building materials are dried. Our team makes sure to address all affected areas by using advanced moisture detection technology.

4: Cleaning and Sanitizing

SERVPRO of Morristown cleans and sanitizes the affected areas of your property to remove dirt, bacteria, or mold spores.

5: Restoration

Once the water damage cleanup process is completed, our in-house construction team can seamlessly take over to make any needed repairs or renovations to complete your commercial water restoration in Madison NJ.

Apartment Building Water Damage: FAQ

If you’re a property manager, building owner, or a resident in a flooded apartment building, the process and damages can be overwhelming or confusing. 

Here, our team has answered the top questions about apartment building water damage in Madison, NJ.

How long does commercial flood cleanup and restoration take?

The timeline for flooded apartment cleanup in Madison NJ depends on the extent of your damages. For minor flooding, the entire process may take as little as 3-5 days. But, in cases of severe flood damage, the process may take weeks.

Your Project Manager at SERVPRO of Morristown will explain the timeline for your commercial flood cleanup in Madison NJ in full.

How does SERVPRO prevent mold in the apartment building? 

The best way to prevent mold after flooding or water damage in your apartment building is fast action. While on site, our team will address all areas of moisture, clean, and sanitize to prevent the growth of mold or mildew.

Does SERVPRO work with my commercial insurance company?

SERVPRO of Morristown accepts and works with all insurance companies. SERVPRO is also a preferred vendor for many national insurance carriers. Our team will communicate directly with your insurance company.

24/7 Commercial Flood Cleanup in Madison, New Jersey - 800-734-3213

Ways To Prevent Mold in Your Commercial Building

11/18/2020 (Permalink)

Taking steps to prevent mold in your commercial building will save you time and money in the long run.

Preventing mold in a business or commercial property is important to avoid any allergens or irritants to your tenants, customers, or employees. On top of potential health effects, a widespread mold problem can result in the need for thousands of dollars worth of mold remediation and disrupt your normal business operations. The good news is there are easy steps to take to prevent the growth of mold in your building.

6 Ways to Prevent Indoor Mold

1. Understand why mold grows.

Mold spores are around us all the time, but these spores are invisible to the human eye. Mold spores are relatively harmless and only become an issue once they are exposed to moisture or higher than normal humidity levels. These spores can enter your building through the HVAC system, pets, or even your clothes.

When exposed to water, spores will quickly produce the mold colonies we are used to seeing on virtually any surface. Any time your business experiences water damage, you are at risk of a mold infestation. You want to prevent environments that are conducive for mold to grow.

2. Don't ignore the signs of mold.

Sometimes mold grows in places that you cannot see, especially if there is a hidden water leak or moisture behind a wall. There are other indications of mold that you should investigate when they arise:

  • Strong, musty odors
  • Sudden persistent allergies
  • Recent water damage or flooding
  • Discoloration you suspect could be mold

3. Promptly fix water leaks & dry-out building materials properly.

When a leak is identified in your building, take steps to fix it right away. The longer a leak goes on, the more likely it is for mold to begin to grow. A leak detection system can be helpful in large commercial buildings so that leaks don't go unnoticed for an extended amount of time.

After your leak has been fixed, you still need to take the necessary steps to ensure all water is removed and the affected area is completely dried. If it isn't, you're likely to have a mold problem on your hands in as little as 48 hours. For larger flooding or water damage events on your commercial property, it is best to call a water damage restoration company to do the job right and help prevent the growth of mold.

4. Control humidity levels in the building.

The EPA recommends that indoor humidity should be at a level between 30-60 percent. Higher than normal humidity can produce mold growth in your building without a water leak or flooding. Signs of higher than normal humidity include condensation on pipes, windows, or walls. Monitor the humidity levels in your building and take steps to lower it if needed.

5. Address the ventilation system.

Mold can hide in your HVAC system and quickly spread around the entire building when it turns on. Keeping your air ducts clear and clean can help prevent spreading mold across an entire building.

6. Turn to the experts for mold remediation services.

When you find mold in your commercial property, you may be learning towards remediating the issue yourself to save money. In most cases, this will result in the mold issue returning because it was not handled properly.

Mold remediation companies take steps to contain the affected area, remove affected materials, filter mold spores out of the air, and clean & sanitize to prevent it from coming back. Reconsider before trying to remove mold yourself.

Mold Problems? Call SERVPRO - 800-734-3213

SERVPRO of Morristown is a damage restoration company specializing in mold remediation, fire damage, water damage, and COVID-19 disinfection services. 

Preventing Restaurant Fires: 7 Tips

11/10/2020 (Permalink)

Taking steps to prevent fires in your restaurant will save you thousands of dollars and keep your doors open.

Taking fire prevention seriously in your commercial kitchen can save you thousands of dollars in repairs and restoration after a fire. After all, restaurant fires cause $165 million in property damage every year. Follow the tips outlined here to reign in fire hazards in your restaurant.

7 Ways To Prevent Restaurant Fires

1 | Properly clean up grease. Be sure that your employees are regularly and correctly cleaning exhaust hoods, dryers, broilers, and grills to ensure that there is no grease buildup. Make sure grease traps are cleaned out regularly as well. Cooking oil igniting caused 43% of fires in restaurants - so take preventative steps to ensure it does not build up.

2 | Have multiple fire extinguishers located around the restaurant. If a small fire starts, you want to be able to put it out before it has a chance to spread. Be sure that your fire extinguishers are up to date and are the correct class for your needs.

3 | Install and regularly test your fire suppression system. Sprinkler systems can help suppress a fire, prevent it from spreading, and allow time for employees and customers to safely exit the building.

4 | Test fire alarms and emergency lighting. Fire alarms allow everyone in the building time to know that 1) there is a fire and 2) they need to evacuate. Emergency lighting makes it easier for people to navigate your restaurant during an emergency.

5 | Take steps to prevent electrical fires. Older commercial kitchens may have outdated wiring that cannot handle the voltage of your modern cooking equipment or the large volume of equipment being used. Inspect for fraying wires, loose plugs, and ensure any electrical equipment is up to date and doesn't overheat.

6 | Have your exhaust system cleaned regularly. Although your staff should be routinely cleaning the exhaust hood of grease and debris, it can still build up in the exhaust vents and pose a risk of fire. Contact a professional company to do this for you.

7 | Ensure that your kitchen staff is properly trained. At a minimum, all of your staff should be well informed on the following:

  • Where the fire extinguishers are and how to use them.
  • Keep flammable items away from open flames.
  • Do not leave food cooking unattended.
  • Proper way to put out a grease fire.
  • How to properly mix cleaning chemicals, and know which ones cannot be mixed.
  • How to properly store flammable liquids.
  • Where the gas, water, an electric emergency shutoffs are located.

Following these kitchen fire safety tips can help to prevent a major fire damage disaster in your restaurant, and keep you up and running sooner if one does occur.

Fire Damage? Call SERVPRO - 800-734-3213

SERVPRO of Morristown is a 24/7 cleanup & restoration company specializing in water damage, fire damage, mold remediation and COVID-19 disinfection services.

9 Ways To Prevent Water Damage in Your Business

11/3/2020 (Permalink)

Flooding in your business can bring operations to a full stop for days.

Preventing business water damage is something every commercial property owner should think about. Water leaks can cause costly damages to your business and even force you to close until the issue is resolved and repaired. Here, we will go over tips to help keep your small or large business running even in the event of water damage or flooding.

9 Tips To Prevent Business Water Damage

  1. Take steps to prevent burst pipes. When temperatures drop in the winter, exposed pipes near exterior walls or in unheated areas of your business are at risk of freezing and causing a major flood. Prevent frozen pipes by insulating them and keeping the heat at a sufficient level.
  2. Know where the main water shutoff valve is. When a pipe breaks or an appliance lets go, shutting off the water as soon as possible is the key to preventing major flooding and water damage in your business. Be sure to know where the shutoff valve is, label it, and be sure your employees are aware of its location as well.
  3. Inspect your gutters and drainage system at least once a year. Leaves and other debris can make their way into your gutters and prevent it from correctly navigating water away from the building. This can cause water damage to the exterior of the building as well as cause water seepage into the interior.
  4. Inspect and keep your roof clear. The best way to save money on roof repairs in the long run is to catch issues when they are still small. Catching a roof leak early can prevent thousands of dollars worth of water damage and possible mold remediation in your business.
  5. Regularly inspect water supply line hoses to appliances. This includes refrigerators, washing machines, ice makers, and other appliances that use water. When these come loose, they have a slow leak over time that causes mold and mildew to grow, or can possibly cause a flooded basement. Replace hoses every 3-5 years or once they are clearly worn to prevent them from failing.
  6. Invest in regular maintenance for your HVAC and plumbing systems. Having a professional coming out to inspect all of these aspects in your business once a year can prevent a water disaster. They can ensure there are no clogs in AC lines, that water heaters and furnaces are working correctly, and identify any potential issues before they cause damage.
  7. Invest in a water detection system. Water leak detection systems can sense potential or active water leaks and automatically shut off the water when a irregular flow or moisture is detected. This is extremely helpful for places in your business you don't frequent and may not realize there is a small leak until it turns into a large flood.
  8. Establish a water emergency plan. Rapid response is essential when it comes to minimizing the damages from a water leak or flooding. Creating a plan will help to ensure you mitigate damages as much as possible. Contact and set up an account with a local water damage restoration company so that they can respond to your emergency at a moment's notice and are already familiar with your commercial building.
  9. Protect your business with commercial property insurance. Commercial water damage can become very pricey to pay out of pocket, so it is best to be covered in the case of a disaster.

Taking these water damage prevention steps should keep your business prepared in the case of major property damage from plumbing failures, flooding, or water leaks.

Commercial Water Damage? Call SERVPRO - 800-734-3213

SERVPRO of Morristown is a 24/7 emergency cleanup & restoration company, specializing in water damage, fire damage, mold remediation, and COVID-19 disinfection services. Whatever the disaster, call SERVPRO of Morristown to make it "Like it never even happened."

Steps To Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 in Your Office

10/13/2020 (Permalink)

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive, proactive viral pathogen cleaning program to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

If your New Jersey office is soon or has already returned to in-person operations, there are steps you should be taking to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 between employees. Here, we will review what you should do to keep your office open, safe, and healthy according to CDC guidelines.

Understand The Difference in Cleaning, Sanitizing & Disinfecting

To properly prevent the spread of COVID-19 in your office, you should know the clear difference between these three levels of cleaning:

  • Cleaning removes germs, dirt, dust, and impurities from surfaces or objects.
  • Sanitizing lowers the number of germs on surfaces or objects to a safe level, as judged by public health standards or requirements according to the EPA. A surface must be cleaned before it is sanitized, and sanitizing does not impact viruses.
  • Disinfecting kills germs on surfaces or objects. Like sanitizing, disinfecting is not completely effective without cleaning the surface or object first. 

Maintain Healthy Office Environments

Ensuring a healthy office environment will not only help prevent the spread of COVID-19, but will also make your employees feel safe and secure coming in to work. 

1 | Perform routine cleaning & disinfection of high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, keyboards, sink handles, light switches, desks, countertops, and more,. Create a schedule with your janitorial staff or a disinfecting company to ensure your office is properly disinfected on a continual basis.

2 | Use hospital grade disinfectants that meet the EPA disinfection criteria and are appropriate for the type of surface. Disinfecting of porous vs. non-porous surfaces differs.

3 | Address your office ventilation system. According to the CDC, business owners should do all they can to increase circulation of outdoor air inside. Some businesses have invested in special Hepa filters for their HVAC system to help prevent airborne microbes from circulating in the air. 

4 | Change the layout of the office to be in line with social distancing guidelines. Position cubicles or desks 6 feet apart and install physical barriers where social distancing is not as easy. 

Promote Behaviors To Stop The Spread

On top of properly cleaning and disinfecting your office on a continual basis, you should promote behaviors of your employees that help reduce the spread of COVID-19:

  • Hand hygiene. Require that employees frequently wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. The best way to ensure this would be to create a schedule to wash hands after a certain time period.
  • Mask wearing. Encourage office staff to wear masks as they navigate the office or in communal areas. 
  • Ensure adequate supplies. Position hand sanitizer in high touchpoint areas to encourage using it, or give some to every employee to keep at their desks. Be sure to be stocked with hand soap and disinfectant wipes. 
  • Post signs and messages. If you have requirements for mask wearing, hand washing, or how to navigate through the office, clearly post them. Hang posters that encourage behaviors to stop the spread of COVID-19. 
  • Make it clear when employees should stay home. Encourage employees that are sick or have had close contact with someone with COVID-19 to stay home, and create policies around when employees are able to return. 
  • Promote no-contact operations. If you have an office where clients used to visit, try to shift to no-contact operations with those outside of your office. Promote zoom or conference call meetings with clients, and discourage those who do not work in the office from coming inside.
  • Allow employees to work from home. Although your office may be open, it is best to still limit the amount of people working from it at one time. If employees are uncomfortable returning to the office, allow them to continue working remotely. For larger offices, it is a good idea to create a remote vs. in-office schedule with your employees to limit the amount of people in the office at once. 

Following proper CDC and local guidelines throughout the pandemic is essential to keep offices safe, healthy, and open. 

Learn About Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned For Your Office!

SERVPRO of Morristown is a 24/7 damage restoration company specializing in fire, water, mold and COVID-19 services. Whatever the damages, we can make it "Like it never even happened."

4 Major Causes of Water Damage in New Jersey Offices

10/5/2020 (Permalink)

Don't ignore the signs of water damage in your office - Damages will only become worse over time!

Many offices strive to create a professional, polished atmosphere to give the best impression possible to new customers and clients. But this can quickly be ruined by water damage or water leaks in your office causing water stained ceiling tiles or musty smells. 

When it comes to your office and water damage, it is extremely important to perform regular maintenance and act fast when it comes to water leaks to prevent unsightly damages, unwanted smells, and even structural issues. Here we will review the 4 major causes of water damage in New Jersey offices to help keep your office in tip top shape. 

4 Common Types of Water Damage in Office Buildings

1 | Water damaged ceiling tiles

Ceiling stains almost always indicate some sort of water leak in your office. These are tan or brown in appearance and will darken over time. If left unaddressed, water damaged ceiling tiles can produce mold growth as the moisture in the tiles creates an environment for mold spores and other bacteria to thrive. Common causes of water damaged ceiling tiles include:

  • Leaking HVAC components
  • Roof leaks
  • Ice dams

Have someone come out and inspect the area immediately when discoloration of ceilings tiles is noticed by an employee. This will ensure that the source of the water will be promptly fixed and prevent the issue from becoming worse. 

Restoring water damaged ceiling tiles:

For minor surface or cosmetic water damage, you can get on a ladder and spray the affected ceiling tile with a 1:1 solution of bleach and water. Wait a half hour for the tile to dry and repeat until the stain is gone. You can paint over the stains instead, but this will not do anything to ensure that there is no bacteria or mold spores left behind to cause issues down the line.

For more severely water damaged tiles, it is best to throw them away and replace them with new ones. In these cases, the affected tiles are likely to harbor mold growth and other contaminants and may produce a musty odor over time.

2 | Faulty appliances

Another major cause of water damage in offices is faulty appliances. This can be refrigerators, water heaters, or even water coolers. It's never a good feeling to get into work at 7 AM and find your office flooded. To prevent this, you should take steps to ensure regular maintenance of appliances to prevent them from failing on you and causing extensive water damage.

3 | Broken or burst pipes

In older office buildings, this type of water damage is more prevalent, especially in the winter months. When water runs through pipes they slightly expand and contract depending on temperature and over time may cause it to burst or leak - especially when pipes freeze.

If your office experiences a burst or leaking pipe, the best course of action is to turn off the water supply to stop flooding, call a plumber, and then call a water damage restoration company to handle the flood cleanup and drying process for you.

4 | Toilet overflows or backups

Perhaps the most smelly and gross type of water damage that can affect offices, toilet overflows or sewer backups can cause a large amount of damage and require extensive cleanup and disinfection. This type of water damage should always be handled by a certified biohazard specialist, as contaminated water can make you seriously ill if you don't know how to properly handle it.

Water Damage? Call SERVPRO 24/7 - 800-734-3213

SERVPRO of Morristown is a 24/7 damage restoration company specializing in fire, water, mold and COVID-19 residential and commercial services. Whatever your damage, we work hard to make it "Like it never even happened."

Keeping Restaurants Sanitized During COVID-19 in New Jersey

9/28/2020 (Permalink)

Making a plan and taking proactive steps will help keep your employees and customers safe and healthy.

As restaurants continue to reopen for indoor seating in addition to outdoor seating, the need for proper sanitizing and disinfecting is a top priority. With indoor dining, there is much less room for social distancing or for air to circulate, so the restaurant industry must do their best to live up to the new definition of ‘clean’. In order to stay open, restaurants should take these steps to work proactively against the spread of COVID-19. 

Know The Difference in Cleaning, Sanitizing & Disinfecting

These terms have been used quite interchangeably throughout the pandemic, but to properly prevent the spread of COVID-19, you should know the difference between the three. 

  • Cleaning removes germs, dirt, dust, and impurities from surfaces or objects.
  • Sanitizing lowers the number of germs on surfaces or objects to a safe level, as judged by public health standards or requirements according to the EPA. A surface must be cleaned before it is sanitized, and sanitizing does not impact viruses.
  • Disinfecting kills germs on surfaces or objects. Like sanitizing, disinfecting is not completely effective without cleaning the surface or object first. 

What can your restaurant do?

As a restaurant owner, you goal should be to maintain healthy environments by following these tips:

1 | Routine cleaning & disinfection of high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, cash registers, sink handles, light switches, payment terminals, tables, countertops, trays, condiment holders, and more. Create a schedule with your staff or a disinfecting company to ensure your restaurant is cleaned on a continual basis.

2 | Use hospital grade disinfectants that meet the EPA disinfection criteria and are appropriate for the surface. Disinfecting of porous vs. non-porous surfaces differs.

3 | Address your ventilation system. According to the CDC, restaurants should do all they can to increase circulation of outdoor air inside the restaurant by opening windows or prioritizing outdoor seating. Some businesses have invested in special Hepa filters for their HVAC system to help prevent airborne microbes from circulating in the air. 

4 | Change the layout of the restaurant to be in line with social distancing guidelines. Position tables 6 feet apart, offer curbside takeout or delivery, or install physical barriers inside the restaurant. 

Promote Behaviors To Stop The Spread

On top of properly cleaning and disinfecting your restaurant, you should promote behaviors from your staff and customers that aid in reducing the spread of COVID-19. This helps to ensure that both your staff and customers stay healthy and feel safe dining at your business. 

  • Hand hygiene. Require that employees frequently wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. The best way to ensure this would be to create a schedule to wash hands after a certain time period in addition to requiring hand washing before, during, or after preparing food or touching garbage.
  • Enforce mask wearing. Require the wearing of masks on all staff, as well as on customers as they walk through the restaurant or communal areas. 
  • Ensure adequate supplies. Position hand sanitizer in high touchpoint areas to encourage using it, or even at every table if possible. Be sure to be stocked with hand soap and disinfectant wipes. 
  • Post signs and messages. If you have requirements for mask wearing, hand washing, or how to navigate through the restaurant, clearly post them. Put up posters that encourage behaviors to stop the spread of COVID-19. 
  • Make it clear when employees should stay home. Encourage employees that are sick or have had close contact with someone with COVID-19 to stay home, and create policies around when employees are able to return. 
  • Promote no-contact operations. Make it easy for customers to pay their bill without the waiter needing to touch their credit card or accept cash. Many restaurants have moved to online-only menus, with the barcode to scan on the table to reduce the sharing of items. 

Following proper CDC and local guidelines throughout the pandemic is essential to keep restaurants safe, healthy, and open. 

Learn About Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned For Your Business!

SERVPRO of Morristown is a 24/7 damage restoration company specializing in fire, water, mold and COVID-19 services. Whatever the damages, we can make it "Like it never even happened."

Commercial Loss Can Be Devistating

10/30/2019 (Permalink)

You hope it never happens, but if it does you want to be prepared

Surviving a big commercial property loss successfully takes planning. Sadly a fire, storm, or water damage, an event can occur and to be prepared is critical.

Consider this:

ERP - The Emergency Response Plan: We make an Emergency Response Plan for your specific place. The plan permits us to collect information before a disaster strikes your business. That means we are set to get work to mitigate the damage fast and expeditiously.

Pre-disaster consultation: We come to your business and see all areas of weakness plus we learn what to expect so we can get to you and start the job ASAP with all the items we need based on what we found during the inspection.

Response Time ALPHA: You're our Emergency Response Plan (ERP) Client, our 1st priority whether its a big weather event like a hurricane or tornado. Our crew will be on-site fast.

We Do More Than Help You pull through a Big Loss

10/24/2019 (Permalink)

We are ready to handle any type of disaster

Commercial large loss can be overpowering, but our help and preparation will help you survive and grow from the experience.

We create a pre-planning resource to head off or decrease any damage, We support you all along the process. Lots of business people have improved their situation based on the kinship with SERVPRO. Don’t just endure a big loss - prosper!

Be ready to live and prosper
Ideally, we hope you never get thrown into or experience a large commercial loss. Sadly, it is not “if”, but more like “when”.

Prepare to live, prepare to prosper with the SERVPRO creating your Emergency Response Plan and being ready for something that we hope never happens...

Let your local experts handle this. We can be contacted at 1-800-374-3213

Commercial Disaster Experts

10/14/2019 (Permalink)

It could be a fire disaster or some other unforseen business disaster

Surviving a Large Commercial Loss...

Sizable commercial property losses are of many business owners, their worse nightmare. When you're suddenly faced with the unforeseen or the unexpected event of the horror of fire, water damage or the ruin from a hurricane that can quickly cause your business to stop.

Questions you will consider: How to endure a big, ruinous property loss? Will you stay in business? How do you still accommodate your clients? Will your employees stay?

SERVPRO's are your big loss experts. We have experience with sizable commercial loss. If it's from a hurricane, fire, or water and perhaps mold damage, we have the equipment, knowledge, and management to help you and thousands of people and businesses pull through a big loss.

Commercial Damage Disaster?

9/19/2019 (Permalink)

Dealing with any sort of water, mold, sewage, fire, etc. job in a commercial building is a disaster for property owners. Huge buildings mean huge damage, the insurance claim process can be hard to navigate, and of course, your building isn’t functioning as it should! Luckily, you don’t have to face commercial property damage alone; SERVPRO of Morristown, NJ is here to help!

No matter how large your commercial disaster is, you can feel rest assured our team can handle it. We have the equipment, manpower, and dedication to tackle any size commercial disaster. Though its easy to panic when disasters arise, remembering to call the experts is a key step. Call SERVPRO of Morristown to make your commercial disaster “Like it never even happened.”

Who should I call to help?

9/19/2019 (Permalink)

Morristown, NJ commercial property owners deal with a lot! . Being a commercial property owner comes with a lot of responsibility. One of the greatest responsibilities is keeping your building in great shape. However, things do happen. When disaster strikes, you need to be prepared. The last thing you want to do when your building is flooding is ask “Who should I call to help?” You should already know!

Call SERVPRO of Morristown to help you with your commercial disaster. We’re experts in commercial water, sewage, fire, mold, and bio-hazard damage. That means, no matter what kind of disaster you’re dealing with, our team is the best to handle it! No matter the disaster, SERVPRO of Morristown will make it “Like it never even happened.”

Commercial Emergency Preparedness

9/19/2019 (Permalink)

Our team at SERVPRO of Morristown can tell you A LOT about the disasters we’ve helped to clean up. But, what many people don’t realize is that we can also tell you a lot about preparing for disasters. In fact, we’re so eager to ensure you’re prepared that we will come out to your commercial building and complete a free emergency readiness profile for you! We’ll tag all the main shutoffs in the building for you and help you to identify and record all your emergency contacts – including us! In times of emergency, simple knowledge like where the main water shut off is can go a long way. If you’re interested in this program, give us a call today for a free emergency ready profile!

How to prep for a big loss

9/17/2019 (Permalink)

Big commercial losses can happen. You must be prepared

Surviving a big commercial property loss successfully takes planning. Sadly a fire, storm, or water damage, an event can occur and to be prepared is critical.

Consider this:

ERP - The Emergency Response Plan: We make an Emergency Response Plan for your specific place. The plan permits us to collect information before a disaster strikes your business. That means we are set to get work to mitigate the damage fast and expeditiously.

Pre-disaster consultation: We come to your business and see all areas of weakness plus we learn what to expect so we can get to you and start the job ASAP with all the items we need based on what we found during the inspection.

Response Time ALPHA: You're our Emergency Response Plan (ERP) Client, our 1st priority whether its a big weather event like a hurricane or tornado. Our crew will be on-site fast.

Let your local experts handle this. We can be contacted at 1-800-374-3213

Commercial Property Water Damage Restoration

6/19/2018 (Permalink)

Commercial Property Water Damage Restoration

A basement can flood at any time, for a number of reasons, including heavy rainfall. Basement flooding occurs because they are partially or fully underground. 

Floods in New Jersey commonly occur because of: 

  • Water pooling in or around the home
  • Full Septic Tank
  • Sewer pipe failure
  • Foundation drainage issues
  • Water supply or hot water tank failure
  • Pipes burst from freezing
  • Saturated drenched soil overflowing outside water into your home
  • Clogged Drain Pipes, clogged drains
  • Debris Filled Rain Gutters
  • Roof in need of repair
  • Leaking Water Heaters
  • Faulty Washing Machine Hoses 

The flooding in this Morristown, NJ home was caused by a storm sewer backup.

Since we are on call 24 hours a day 7 days a week, SERVPRO of Morristown were on site fast to help this family by inspecting the damage and beginning the thorough water extraction process.  

In just a few days we had their basement dry as if nothing had ever happened and they were grateful to be enjoying their basement family room again. 

“With SERVPRO of Morristown, they were confident that no water is leftover because we use advanced inspection and monitoring equipment to determine that their home and the foundation structure is actually dry. We don’t just look, we use science to KNOW for sure.”

You can see the flooded basement before and after pictures in our before and after photo gallery.

Water damage can cause severe damage to the house structure leading to mold in a short time, due to untreated or missed water, so it is crucial to have a professional team of experts working for you with all the latest advancements because your home is a hugely expensive investment into your future that needs to be well taken care of. 

We are Flooded Basement Specialists: 

  • We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
  • We bill the Insurance directly so you don’t have to worry about it
  • Our Technicians are highly-trained in water restoration techniques
  • We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards and have all the current certifications and training
  • We have the most technologically advanced inspection and extraction equipment and modern skills to handle any disaster
  • We are always open 24/7 to help you too 

Commercial Basement Flooded in New Jersey? Call SERVPRO of Morristown today. !

Commercial Building Fire Protection

6/1/2018 (Permalink)

Commercial Building Fire Protection

When it comes to fire protection for commercial buildings, mistakes are never an option. If an error is made in fire protection, serious and irreversible damage can occur to the building itself and the contents within. Building occupants can also be placed in harm’s way should a flaw in fire protection occur. In order to keep your commercial building safe, consider the following dos and don’ts within fire protection.

Alarms

Fire and smoke alarms are the first defense for commercial buildings when a fire occurs.

Dos include:

  • Ensuring the alarm system is regularly inspected in line with regulation
  • Maintaining documentation surrounding alarm activity and maintenance
  • Testing your alarm system regularly to ensure proper function
  • Creating an action plan for building residents for when the alarm is set off

Don’ts include:

  • Downplaying or brushing off the need to have regular maintenance and testing for your fire alarm system

Extinguishers and Suppression Systems

Extinguishers can be used by individuals to manage small fires while suppression systems can help prevent serious damage on a larger scale.

Dos include:

  • Conducting regular tests to ensure proper function and pressure
  • Scheduling routine maintenance through contractors
  • Storing extinguishers in a clear and open space that makes them easily accessible
  • Providing proper training for occupants

Don’ts include:

  • Putting off regularly scheduled inspections and tests to ensure function
  • Neglecting to train occupants on proper extinguisher use and handling
  • Keeping extinguishers in an area that is cluttered, difficult to get to, or where heat is constantly present

Lighting

In the case of emergencies like a fire, emergency lighting sources should be available in order to provide occupants with a safe pathway from the building.

Dos include:

  • Installing lighting throughout the building to provide effective light in all occupied areas
  • Scheduling regular maintenance and inspection

Don’ts include:

  • Failing to install proper lighting
  • Neglecting to have regular maintenance and inspection

We’ll treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care. If you suffer a fire damage event, please refer to our Fire Damage Tips—Until Help Arrives Guide and follow these tips to protect yourself and your property. 

Have Questions? Call Us Today – 800-734-3213

 Source:

https://fssa.site-ym.com/

What To Expect When You Are Expecting A Contractor

5/8/2018 (Permalink)

Commercial Construction NJ

It’s spring, which means that it feels like it's time for some remodeling—perhaps sprucing up the kitchen or upgrading the bathroom.

Looking for a commercial or residential construction company can be exhausting. You want to ensure that whoever you hire is the best company for the job at hand.

Know What You Want

As the client, you are the one driving the process. Before speaking with Contractors, spend time thinking about your goals for the project -- what it might look like, the amenities you want, and so on. If you don't know how to translate your goals into specific features or products, hire a design-build firm that can offer that service too.

Why Contractor Quotes Vary Drastically

Contractors cannot offer a correct fixed price because there are too many unknowns about the job, so try to eliminate as many of the unknowns as possible. For example, have them open up a wall to examine the skeleton of your house where the add-ons would happen.

Request to define the project specs to include only what he expects to do with the mutual understanding that if additional work is needed, you will get a change order — a written mini-bid for new work after the project has been started. This is common in the construction industry and it is the reason quotes vary by thousands of dollars. The cheapest quote also means they are not being conscientious of the realities that may come later to blow your budget when you were not prepared for unexpected expense(s).

Costs for all of the various elements of the job should include:

  • Demolition and hauling trash
  • Framing
  • Plumbing
  • Electrical work
  • HVAC
  • Tiling and floor covering installations
  • Lighting fixtures
  • Drywall and painting
  • Finish carpentry
  • Clean up

Contractors will often give you a fixed bid, but some work may be on a "cost plus" basis, charging you for materials, time/labor, and an administrative or overhead fee for their time managing those aspect of your project. “Cost plus” is sometimes a legitimate alternative, but it should have a cap or some provision to contain cost overruns that exceed your max budget.

Reputation Has More Value Than Price
Reputable and therefore trustworthy Contractors in trade locally for five or ten years will have an established network of subcontractors and suppliers in the area and a local reputation to uphold. That makes them a safer choice.

Ask for a business card with a real street address, not just a post office box, and get references from one or two early projects and some current customers. This will help you verify consistency and honor.

You should also vet their background by verifying their credentials and insist on a detailed contract before making a hiring decision.

Personality Is Prettier Than Price

You’re going to be spending a lot of time with this contractor, so when you make your decision, think about whether you feel comfortable with their personality, background, methods, and communication skills. Is everyone clear about the project at hand and on the same page? If not, you could end up disappointed, frustrated, and possibly out several thousand dollars beyond what you budgeted for.

Set Job Site Boundaries

Let the company know you expect routine precautions. Also, establish some ground rules about parking, bathroom use, smoking, and other issues that might concern you.

Have A Resolution Strategy

Any contractor you hire will become part of your life for at least the duration of the project. Make sure you pick someone with whom you can communicate, and trust your gut if first impressions leave you feeling uneasy. Reputable professionals will insist on clear written agreements in order to protect both parties.

During initial meetings, ask how unexpected issues or differences might be handled. This can include change orders (these should always be in writing, with cost issues directly noted) or more serious disputes, such as unintended damage or a failure to meet legal or reasonable standards.

Commercial Water Damage Warnings and Tips

5/7/2018 (Permalink)

Commercial Water Damage NJ

When flooding strikes our local area, lives can be disrupted and homes may experience water damage.

Important warnings about water damage:

• Do not go into rooms with standing water if the electricity is still on!

• Do not use electrical appliances while on wet surfaces.

• Do not use an ordinary vacuum to remove water.
• Do not lift tacked down carpet without professional help.

Help minimize additional water damage and costs by following these steps:

After experiencing water damage:

• Use fans to circulate the air and assist drying,
• Use dehumidifiers if available,
• Remove as much water as possible by mopping and blotting,
• Wipe furniture dry,
• Lift draperies off carpet, loop through a coat hanger, and place the hanger on the drapery rod,
• Prop up wet furniture cushions for even drying and place small wood blocks under furniture legs,
• Remove wet area rugs or other floor coverings,
• Open furniture drawers, closet doors and luggage to enhance drying,
• Move photos, paintings and art objects to a safe, dry location,
• Remove wet fabrics and dry them as soon as possible. Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature,
• Do not remove damp books from shelves. Leave tight to prevent pages from rippling,
• Control interior temperatures with heat or air conditioning. Keep interior temperatures between 70º and 80º.


If you need commercial water restoration services in Morristown NJ, the professionals at SERVPRO are here to help you! Call us at 800-734-3213.

Office Cleaning Service in Morristown NJ

7/24/2017 (Permalink)

Office Cleaning Service in Morristown

Keeping your business clean is anything but easy, but SERVPRO of Morristown is passionate about the task. With our superior commercial cleaning services, your company will never need to look for another commercial cleaner again!

  • Small Office Buildings
  • Large Office/High-Rise Office Buildings
  • Apartment Buildings
  • Restaurants
  • Hotel/Motels
  • Small Retail Stores
  • Large Retail/Big-Box Stores
  • High-Rise Residential
  • Manufacturing & Industrial
  • Government/Military

We are committed to providing you and your business with the best commercial building cleaning services and customer service. If your establishment needs cleaning, SERVPRO of Morristown has the perfect cleaning service option for you.

Office Cleaning Service in Morristown NJ

Do you have one or more offices in need of professional cleaning services? SERVPRO of Morristown is here to help you keep your workplace clean, safe, and productive for your employees.

Commercial Building Cleaning & Restoration in New Jersey

6/1/2017 (Permalink)

Commercial Building Cleaning & Restoration in New Jersey

Your commercial property’s appearance speaks volumes to your clients. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services, SERVPRO of Morristown, NJ has the training and expertise to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

  • Small Office Buildings
  • Large Office/High-Rise Office Buildings
  • Apartment Buildings
  • Restaurants
  • Hotel/Motels
  • Small Retail Stores
  • Large Retail/Big-Box Stores
  • High-Rise Residential
  • Manufacturing & Industrial
  • Government/Military

Commercial Building Restoration Services

We are available throughout Connecticut 24 hours a day to get your business back up and running. Our expertise includes restoration services for fire and water damage, including electronics restoration and document drying. We are also your business’s best resource for mold remediation.

Commercial Building Cleaning Services

Whether your need is removing an odor problem or deep cleaning flooring or carpets, you can depend on SERVPRO of Morristown, NJ to get the job done right the first time. We’ll respond promptly and make your workspace look its very best.

Commercial Fire Damage Restoration in New Jersey

6/1/2017 (Permalink)

Fire Damage Restoration in New Jersey

Fire damage can be very devastating for a business or commercial property. In addition to fire, smoke, and soot damage, water damage caused by firefighting efforts and fire suppression systems may occur. Every hour spent restoring your business back to pre-fire condition is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. If you have a fire emergency, call SERVPRO because we have the training, experience, and equipment to manage your commercial fire damage emergency. We will respond quickly and manage the fire restoration project through to its completion—getting your property business-ready.

Whether your need is removing an odor problem or deep cleaning flooring or carpets, you can depend on SERVPRO of Morristown, NJ to get the job done right the first time. We’ll respond promptly and make your workspace look its very best. Learn more about our Commercial Cleaning Services.

Your commercial property’s appearance speaks volumes to your clients. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services, SERVPRO of Morristown, NJ has the training and expertise to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

We are available throughout New Jersey 24 hours a day to get your business back up and running. Our expertise includes restoration services for fire and water damage, including electronics restoration and document drying.

Eliminate workplace fire hazards

5/24/2017 (Permalink)

Eliminate workplace fire hazards

Eliminate workplace fire hazards:

  • Damaged electrical outlets, cords, cables, etc.
  • Overloaded outlets and circuits
  • Combustible objects in unsecured locations (included excessive trash and recycling)—keep these far from electrical equipment!
  • Fire exit obstacles

Keep workspace and equipment clean, dry, and well-ventilated, and especially clean of oil and dust.

Prepare for emergencies:

  • Follow workspace protocol and guidelines to ensure safety and health; know and understand rules and procedures concerning fire emergencies.
  • Ensure that smoke alarms and sprinkler systems are installed, working properly, and are not blocked.
  • Conduct regular fire drills.

Employers should follow these workplace fire safety tips:

  • Post clear fire escape plans on every level.
  • Educate all employees on emergency procedures, exit locations, escape routes, fire alarms and drills, and the use of fire extinguishers.
  • Conduct regular drills.
  • Install and properly maintain all fire safety equipment.
  • Provide for disabled employees.

 

Source : http://www.atlantictraining.com

Ways to Prevent a Workplace Fire !!

5/24/2017 (Permalink)

Ways to Prevent a Workplace Fire !!

Preventing fires is everyone’s job. We all need to be alert to anything that could cause a fire, and take responsibility to report any problem areas so they can be corrected. Here are some reminders about fire prevention:

 Practice good workplace housekeeping. Clutter contributes to fires by providing fuel and by preventing access to exits and emergency equipment.

 Place oily rags in a covered metal container. This waste must be properly disposed of on a regular basis.

 Maintain machinery to prevent overheating and friction sparks.

 Report electrical hazards. Many fires start in faulty wiring and malfunctioning electrical equipment. Never attempt electrical repairs unless you are qualified and authorized.

 Maintain free access to all electrical control panels. Material or equipment stored in front of the panels would slow down the shutting down of power in an emergency situation.

 Use and store chemicals safely. Read the label and the Material Safety Data Sheet to determine flammability and other fire hazards. Provide adequate ventilation when using and storing these substances.

 Use all precautions to prevent ignition in potentially explosive atmospheres such as those containing flammable liquid vapors or fine particles. Use non-sparking tools, and control static electricity as required.

 Help maintain building security to prevent arson fires. Lock up as instructed; report suspicious persons; and don’t leave combustible rubbish where it can be set afire outside the building.

 Smoke only in designated areas, and extinguish smoking materials safely. Never smoke in storerooms or chemical storage areas.

 Never block sprinklers, firefighting equipment or emergency exits. Observe clearances when stacking materials.

 Post emergency telephone numbers as well as the company address by the telephone in your station for quick access if a fire were to start in your work area.

 Learn how to properly use a fire extinguisher.

 

HOW TO SHUT OFF ALL THE WATER DURING FLOODING

5/2/2017 (Permalink)

Pictures of water valves to show you what you need to turn off in case of s house flood.

This article gives you instructions to:
Step 1) Shut off the main valve at the water source
Step 2) Shut off the other water supply valves in all parts of your home

How to locate the whole-house water shutoff valve -

The most important point to know in a flooding emergency is your home’s main water valve to shut off water at the source.

This valve is located around waist level or lower, on the inside basement wall, closest to your street or well, where the water comes in from outside the home.

Many water meter setups have two valves, one on the street side of the meter and one on the house side. You’ll typically find the main shutoff in the basement near the front of the house.

If you pipe in water from the city, the water meter is always mounted next to the main, and the valve itself will be large, metal and have a very sturdy handle. In a home with metered water, look for the shutoff on either side of the water meter. Your meter could be located in the basement, mounted on an exterior wall, or even out near the street in a concrete "meter pit" where the household feed line meets the utility main.

For a home served by a well, the shutoff will be on the house side of the pressure tank. You should also cut power to the tank so it doesn't detect a phantom pressure loss and burn out trying to compensate.

It could be outside your home attached to an exterior wall or in an underground box with a removable lid.

There are two types of main shutoff valves: the gate valve and the ball valve.

The gate valve is common in older homes and has a round handle that must be turned a number of times to open or close the valve. Gate valves are designed to be fully open or fully closed. Water flowing through a partially open gate valve can wear away the metal and cause the valve to fail over time.

The ball valve is more common in newer construction and has a lever handle that needs to be turned 90 degrees to turn the water on or off. You can immediately tell if it’s open or not: In the closed position, the lever is perpendicular to the pipes; in the open position it’s parallel.

If you’ve never shut off the main water valve before, test it to make sure it turned everything off. Turn on a faucet somewhere in the house and shut off the main water valve. All water flow should stop.

An old gate valve can break, so be gentle when you’re handling it. If the valve is stuck, leave it alone. If it leaks or doesn’t shut off all the way, replace the valve. You’ll need to call your water department (and possibly pay a small fee) to have the water to your house turned off at the curb stop during repairs.

If you have a well, shut off the electrical switch for the well when you leave for an extended period so it won’t pump any water while you’re gone.

Whole-house hot-water shutoff. On your water heater, there should be a valve on the hot-water outlet, which controls all of the hot water to the house. If there isn't one on yours, you or your plumber should install one.

Toilet shutoff. Look for this inline shutoff — typically a ribbed oval handle — under the toilet tank.

Sink shutoffs. These inline shutoffs usually sit just beneath the sink or within the cabinet or vanity. The one on the left is usually for the hot water, the one on the right for cold water. It could be hidden from view for aesthetic reasons in your ceiling or floor, but it will still be right near the sink.

Dishwasher shutoff. Look first under the kitchen sink. Often there's a reducer coupling and shutoff valve leading to the dishwasher on the 1/2-inch hot water sink-supply line. Not there? If you have a basement, look between the ceiling joists just below the appliance.

Turning off water to the clothes washer. There should be valves where the house-supply lines meet the washer hoses. Washer hoses are notoriously weak, so always close the valves when leaving home for an extended period.

When pipes burst, plumbing leaks, or appliances cause a flood, cut off the water at its source IMMEDIATELY. Water damage from frozen pipes, ruptured washer hoses, leaking supply lines and dripping water heaters costs billions every year. Avoid major water damage problems in your house by knowing how to shut off your water.

Take a moment right now to locate all of the shutoff valves in your home so you'll be prepared for an emergency…

Also, you should check your water valves and pipes for leaks.

How To Do A Sump Pump Test

Test your sump pump: Dump water down the sump pit to raise the water level, and make sure the pump is ejecting the water properly.

If you need water damage repair after you shut off the water during a flood or flooding emergency, call a qualified water damage restoration contractor and your insurance carrier.

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RESOURCES: http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/article/0,,193969,00.html

http://www.familyhandyman.com/plumbing/prevent-water-damage-while-you-are-away/view-all

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