Recent Posts

Does Your Fort Worth Business Have a Plan?

10/6/2023 (Permalink)

 

How quickly your company can get back to business after a hurricane, fire or flood often depends on the emergency planning done beforehand. The regular occurrence of natural disasters demonstrates the importance of being prepared for any emergency. 50% of businesses never reopen following a disaster. While each situation is unique, your organization can prepare better if you plan carefully, put emergency procedures in place and practice for all kinds of emergencies. The following are necessary measures business owners and managers can take to begin preparing.

Develop a Business Continuity Plan

Begin by identifying operations that are critical to survival and recovery. Then carefully assess your internal and external functions to determine which staff, material, procedures, and equipment are essential to keep the business operating.

Review Insurance Coverage

Understand what your policy does and does not cover. Check with your provider about things such as physical losses, flood coverage, and business interruption. Inadequate coverage can lead to significant financial loss.

Prepare Your Emergency Plan

Communication with your employees is central before, during, and after a disaster. Be sure to share emergency information with your staff.

Practice the Emergency Plan

The ability to evacuate workers and customers effectively can save lives. Establish evacuation producers and ensure your staff knows the route.

Secure Your Facility and Equipment

Install exit signs, fire extinguishers, and smoke alarms and detectors in appropriate areas.

Improve Cyber Security

Using anti-virus software, firewalls, and secure passwords will better protect your business’s data and information.

Locally Owned with National Resources

SERVPRO of East Ft. Worth is locally owned and operated, so we are part of the Fort Worth community. When you have a fire, flooding, or water emergency, we’re already nearby and ready to help.

As fire and water damage specialists, we have the experience, the expertise, and the advanced training that enables us to get your property restored quickly and thoroughly. Please call (817) 293-5553.

How Fires Pose a Multifaceted Threat to Retail Stock in Fort Worth, Texas Businesses

10/6/2023 (Permalink)

While the common perception of a fire predominantly centers on the flames themselves, it is imperative to recognize that within the realm of an actual fire incident, open flames represent merely one facet of concern. Fires, in reality, manifest as complex disasters capable of inflicting damage through various mechanisms, particularly within the domain of retail merchandise. Comprising perils such as ash, smoke, burns, and water damage, fires possess the capacity to undermine virtually any category of merchandise. For many such cases, SERVPRO of East Ft. Worth emerges as the adept custodian of restoration, yet a comprehensive comprehension of the potential consequences a fire might exact upon your inventory proves indispensable. This understanding not only aids in the assessment of financial loss but also informs prudent decisions regarding the necessity of additional shipments.

Damage Incurred by Burned Goods

Foremost among the conspicuous perils encountered in retail establishments during fires is the direct consequence of burns. Flammable articles may succumb to combustion, rendering them, for the most part, unrecoverable. Concurrently, other goods may endure exposure to flames, resulting in partial or complete annihilation. While we possess the capacity to rectify certain forms of damage emanating from direct burns, such as mitigating discoloration or addressing warping in items, a substantial proportion of articles afflicted by this type of damage remain beyond salvaging.

Water Damage Arising from Sprinkler Systems

Sprinkler systems constitute a pivotal line of defense against more extensive conflagrations. Nevertheless, they bear the unfortunate corollary of exacerbating the damage incurred. Water intrusion can compromise the integrity of most unsealed goods, necessitating the consideration of replacement contingent upon the extent of water dispersion and the nature of the items subjected to it.

The Intricacies of Ash Residue

Ash, as a residual byproduct, poses a nuanced challenge, infiltrating crevices and commingling with water to evolve into a pernicious slurry. Electronics and food items are especially vulnerable to its detrimental effects. Thankfully, the deleterious impact of ash can typically be ameliorated through the expertise of SERVPRO of East Ft. Worth.

Mitigating Smoke-Related Damage

Smoke, with its capacity to inflict the most pronounced harm upon fabrics and clothing, can also detrimentally impact various other categories of merchandise. Within our purview, we deploy a spectrum of methodologies to address smoke-induced damage, whether on an individual item or on a room-by-room basis. It is noteworthy that, in most instances, smoke poses a more substantial challenge to the structural integrity of the building itself as compared to its effects on the merchandise.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

SERVPRO of East Ft. Worth is a locally-owned company with industrial-grade equipment and training capable of handling even the most severe retail fire restorations. Call us 24/7 at (817) 293-5553.

Career Opportunities at SERVPRO

10/6/2023 (Permalink)

 

With 22 franchises in 6 locations throughout TN, FL, and TX, SERVPRO® Team Nicholson is an exciting, diverse, innovative place to work. We foster positive company culture, offer competitive compensation packages, and prioritize community involvement. Come find out what it takes to be a part of our team! 

Our mission is to be a proud, laser-focused team holding each other accountable while creating positive opportunities for our people and becoming the most efficiently run organization in the markets we serve. We value honesty, reliability, relationships, trustworthiness, and authenticity! Our team develops and provides solutions; we are go-getters and carry a “bring it” attitude to our work environment. We listen and value each other’s thoughts and ideas and strive to bring them to life. We are built on hard work, transparency, good business, and integrity. We believe “You can’t go wrong doing the right thing.” 

Bill Repsel, our Regional Administrator, shared his testimony on what it's like working for SERVPRO. He said "Every day is a new day. It is an opportunity to serve others in our community in a time of need. We have an incredible team of people with great talent that strives to make a difference every day." 

SERVPRO of East Ft. Worth is proud of the work we do and is always looking for like-minded people interested in a rewarding career. Please submit your resume online, stop by our office at 7435 Pebble Dr, Fort Worth, TX. from 8:00 am-5:00 pm Monday-Friday, or click our website to check out our current job openings.

Strategies for Mitigating Hail Damage

10/6/2023 (Permalink)

For those residing in Fort Worth, Texas, where the commencement of the year often ushers in storms accompanied by high winds and hail, it is imperative to adopt proactive measures to reduce the impact of hail-related havoc. Engaging in roof inspection and necessary repairs at the outset of the year can prove instrumental in averting the need for extensive and time-consuming cleanup efforts down the line.

  1. Rectify or Replace Weathered, Curled, or Missing Shingles:

    • Prolonged exposure to the elements can result in shingles exhibiting signs of wear, curling, or disappearance.
    • Timely repair or replacement of compromised shingles is recommended to bolster roof resilience in the face of impending hailstorms.
  2. Consider Roof Replacement:

    • In instances where your roof exhibits signs of aging, it is prudent to contemplate roof replacement prior to the onset of hail season.
    • A newly installed roof can significantly enhance your property's ability to withstand hail-related damage.

Navigating a Hailstorm: Protective Measures

When confronted with a hailstorm, it is crucial to prioritize personal safety and safeguarding your possessions, including your vehicle. Hailstones in severe storms can reach sizes comparable to softballs and descend at velocities ranging from 50 to 100 miles per hour.

  1. Seek Shelter:

    • Remain indoors during a hailstorm to shield yourself from potential harm.
    • Exercise caution by staying away from skylights and glass doors to minimize the risk of injury from shattered glass.
  2. Reinforce Indoor Protection:

    • In cases where safety permits, draw curtains, blinds, or shades to prevent debris from entering your living spaces.
  3. Secure Your Vehicle:

    • Whenever feasible, park your car within a garage or beneath a covered structure to safeguard it from hail damage.

Post-Hailstorm Actions: Reporting and Recovery

In the event that your property sustains damage in the wake of a hailstorm, it is paramount to promptly report the incident. SERVPRO of East Ft. Worth stands prepared to provide assistance 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our team can collaborate with your insurance provider to expedite the restoration process, encompassing roof tarping and the remediation of water damage resulting from hail-induced roof punctures.

Your trusted partners in restoring your property to its former glory, SERVPRO of East Ft. Worth, is dedicated to being "Here to Help" in your time of need. Please reach out to us without delay at your convenience.

Practical Tips For Revitalizing Your Business Space

10/6/2023 (Permalink)

With the arrival of the new year in a few short months, it's a common urge to declutter and freshen things up. We tackle our homes, garages, and sheds, getting rid of stuff we no longer need to make way for new things or to dig out items we've forgotten about. But what about the office? Often, workspaces tend to get neglected, and they can become pretty messy over time.

This new year, SERVPRO of East Fort Worth wants to remind you that keeping a clean and organized office space is just as important. Clearing out old papers, setting up a new organization system, and getting rid of clutter can make your work life more efficient and manageable.

Here are some straightforward tips to get you started:

  1. Round Up and Put Away:

    • Gather items that are out of place and put them back where they belong.
  2. Clean Your Desk:

    • Clear everything off your desk, give it a good cleaning, and then only put back the things you use daily.
  3. Tidy Your Desktop:

    • After decluttering your desk, consider organizing it better. You can use desktop organizers or containers for this, like trays for papers and boxes for small items.
  4. Organize Your Drawers:

    • Put related items together in the same drawer, like stamps with envelopes or sticky pads with notepads. Use drawer organizers for small items like paper clips and tacks, and have a separate drawer for personal stuff.
  5. Keep Essentials Handy:

    • Place the tools and supplies you use most often within easy reach. Things you rarely use can be stored away.
  6. Deal with Mail:

    • Instead of letting mail pile up, sort it as soon as you get it. Separate it into categories like 'To Act,' 'To Read,' 'To File,' and 'To Delegate or Hand Off.'
  7. Set Expiry Dates:

    • You don't need to keep every piece of paper forever. Mark files or documents with discard dates so you know when it's time to toss or shred them.
  8. Manage Emails:

    • Use filters to categorize your emails, so you know which ones are a priority and can deal with them first.
  9. Think Digital:

    • Consider scanning and storing some of your paperwork on your computer. This can help reduce the need for physical files. Just make sure to back up your digital files regularly.
  10. Evening Cleanup:

    • Before wrapping up for the day, take a few minutes to straighten up your desk. It'll give you a clean slate to start from the next morning.

Once you've decluttered and organized, you might notice some dirt and dust left behind, especially under furniture or in high-traffic areas. That's where SERVPRO of East Fort Worth can help. We can freshen up your office with carpet and furniture cleaning. If you're thinking of giving your office a new coat of paint, don't forget to clean the walls first for proper adhesion. Whether you need cleaning for painting prep or just a professional touch, give us a call at (817) 293-5553 to schedule your cleaning appointment.

Our IICRC Certified SERVPRO Team

10/6/2023 (Permalink)

Each member of our dedicated team at SERVPRO of East Fort Worth diligently undergoes annual training through the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).

The IICRC is a reputable non-profit organization within the cleaning and restoration industry, and here's what that means for you: it signifies that, as SERVPRO of East Ft. Worth, we adhere unwaveringly to the globally recognized standards and certifications set forth by the IICRC for the inspection, cleaning, restoration, and installation sectors.

In practical terms, this commitment means that we never compromise quality or take shortcuts in our work. Instead, we follow meticulously defined procedures and adhere to stringent guidelines, ensuring that you receive the highest level of care and precision when it comes to cleaning and restoring your property.

Every single member of our dedicated crew participates in annual training programs offered by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification. This continuous education ensures that our team is always armed with the most current knowledge and techniques to serve you effectively and guarantee that your property is restored to the utmost standard.

Our comprehensive array of restoration and cleaning services enables us to address the unique needs of your property, regardless of the challenges presented. When your property requires professional cleaning, entrust it to the experts at SERVPRO of East Ft. Worth. Feel free to reach out to us at 817-293-5553 for all your cleaning needs.

Importance of Hiring Professional Commercial Fire Restoration Services

9/25/2022 (Permalink)

A business loss is a reality that all owners are familiar with and make efforts to remain afloat. However, fire damage is a different thing altogether for business because it leads to loss, but it destroys the infrastructure for recovering that loss. Utility room fire or electrical fire outbreaks have a chilling effect on a commercial property.

In an effort against fire loss, most buildings have measures to protect the property from utility room fire or electrical fire loss. A fire sprinkler system is one of the strategies that play an essential role in fire suppression.

This system has sensors that detect a change in room temperature. If the temperature reaches a critical level, the alarm turns on, the valves open, and water jets are sprinkled in the rooms. The fire sprinkler system is the first line of defense against fire before the arrival of backup from firefighters.

Fire Suppression Exercise

The fire sprinkler system alone may not curb utility room fire or electrical fire outbreak from spreading. If no response comes quickly to help the fire sprinkler system, the fire can easily consume the entire building. Firefighters must arrive on time with their fire truck and fire hose to undertake intensive fire suppression. They are professionals in fire suppression, and they spare no effort to make sure that the inferno is put out as quickly as possible. This means that the firefighters can break into doors and windows without asking for permission and are not liable for any damage they cause while fighting the fire.

The fire truck is sometimes brought closer to the building; cranes are ejected to hoist the firefighter and fire hose inappropriate height. The fire hose is capable of injecting high-pressure water from the fire truck onto the fire. Firefighters have to ensure that the fire does not spread further and could take a few minutes while some could go for hours. Utility room fire or electrical fire could spread through the building very fast and must be stopped immediately.

Fire Damage and Firefighting Mess

After the fire, the reality of what transpired inside becomes clear to the owner and the need for fire restoration. Apart from the fire damage, there is soot damage, water damage, and visible smoke damage. Also, the fire hose pressure mixes and turns everything upside down.

The charred mess of fire damage is visible, and sometimes hard to recognize what it was. The flood from the fire truck is all over the place, making some documents and carpets wet. This devastating scene can only be rectified by professionals who are familiar with commercial fire damage restoration.

Professional Commercial Fire Damage Restoration

Hiring professionals for fire restoration is half the job done because you can rest assured that their services would turn the mess around and create a familiar place for your business.

Professional commercial fire damage services usually take a record of the items destroyed and the remaining ones. Those that can be repaired or cleaned are sorted while the rest is appropriately disposed of. They also find out where data backups could be salvaged, such as the computer hard drives, among others.

The soot damage, water damage, and smoke damage are some of the things that must be cleaned fast to restore the face of the interior. Soot damage is cleaned using a dry brush to remove the ash as the painting is done. Water is drained from the rooms and floor cleared, and drying prevents mold from growing. The smoke damage is deodorized from the remaining upholstery and other areas that could have absorbed the odor.

After completing the soot damage, smoke damage, and water cleanup, the damaged items are replaced, and those under repair are brought back. Most of the fire restoration services have adequate tools and workforce to expedite the restoration effort. Commercial fire damage can be a devastating experience, but your business will emerge triumphant over the fire damage if you use professional fire restoration services.

How Do You Prepare for a Commercial Fire?

9/25/2022 (Permalink)

 

Commercial fire is every business owner’s worst nightmare. Business owners with common sense will protect their assets with a decent insurance policy to ensure they can rebuild in the event of a fire. But what about protecting your most important asset: your own life and the lives of your employees?

To avoid the unspeakable tragedy of losing those you employ in a fire, it’s good to have a fire escape plan. Here are a few tips to ensure your emergency escape plan is sound:

  1. Ensure your business has the proper number of smoke alarms. In newer homes, the National Fire Alarm Code (NFPA 72) requires hard-wired, interconnected smoke alarms with battery backup on every building level, outside each work area, and inside each office. If your building is older and smoke alarms are not already in place, install them on every level and outside each work area at a minimum. Test your alarms once a month and replace the batteries at least once a year.

  2. Teach employees what smoke alarms sound like and how to respond if they hear one. If your smoke alarm has a test feature, set aside a training in which you teach your employees the fire escape plan and include a smoke alarm test. If it does not have a test feature, there are videos online which provide demonstrations of what smoke alarms sound like.

  3. Ensure everyone in the building knows of two ways to escape from every room. It’s also essential to establish a meeting spot outside the building. Depending on the size of the building, this may require a customized escape diagram. 

  4. Establish an emergency communications plan. As part of your building’s fire escape plan, make sure everyone knows who to contact in the event of an emergency and how. 

  5. Practice escaping from your building at least twice a year. This may seem excessive, but fire drills can save lives in the event of a real fire. 

Call us for additional information regarding commercial fire damage.

Quick Guide to Black Water

9/25/2022 (Permalink)

 

If you experienced a flood at your home, you might have been told your property has sustained Category 3 water damage. Here is some vital information on what Category 3 water damage is and how you can eliminate it from your home.

Damage Categories

There are three categories of destruction from water. They are classified as follows:

  • Category 1 damage, also known as “white water” (clean water)
  • Category 2 damage, also known as “gray water” (clean water that sat for a while)
  • Category 3 damage, which is known as “black water”(usually stems from flood water)

Category 3 water is not only contaminated, but it can also cause damage to your home. In most cases, professionally trained technicians can, fortunately, help you clean and decontaminate the building when such an issue is present.

Cleaning Procedures

When facing water damage caused by a contaminated liquid, your safest plan usually involves contacting a local restoration company. These professionals can normally arrive quickly, work efficiently and assess any damage. After the assessment, the following cleaning steps typically occur:

  1. Removal of water
  2. Humidity reduction and drying of wet surfaces
  3. Sanitation and cleaning of damaged areas
  4. Remediation of damaged property

Many companies also offer digitization services for special situations, such as when a wet financial document or photograph needs to be preserved. Additionally, suppose a valuable or special part of your property cannot be salvaged. In that case, the trained technicians on the scene may have suggestions for a preservation method or a long-term storage situation to remedy the problem.

Being Prepared

Water damage can be a difficult situation that no homeowner deserves to experience. However, preparing for the possible event and accepting the disaster at hand if it occurs can help concerned residents like yourself persevere in the face of such a nightmare. It can also allow you to protect your investments better.

Water Damage Steps

9/25/2022 (Permalink)

 

Water damage can be devastating for a home or business. It's possible to lose everything as a result. However, it's essential to understand what needs to be done if your home or business has sustained damage due to some water-related incident or natural disaster. There are certain steps you need to take in the event of a flooded home or business. These steps will keep you safe and help you prepare for professional technicians to start the water cleanup process in your flooded home or business.

Unknown Hazards

Water damage is often hard to pinpoint once the water has receded. It can occur for many reasons. However, it usually results from a flood, a supply line break, or a pipe break. The damage can be both dangerous and devastating. Although it may not be visible to the naked eye, what you can't see can hurt you. Within 24 hours of water damage, microbial growth sets in. Moisture can collect just about anywhere. It can be present behind the walls, in the drywall, and even in furniture and other porous materials. However, this is not the only concern. Wildlife can also take up residence in a recently flooded area, creating an extra need for safety and precaution. It's not unusual for everything from snakes and rodents to reptiles to be present in a flood situation. Be prepared. Wear boots and other protective clothing. It's also not a bad idea to wear rubber gloves and a vapor respirator. Even contaminated liquids can pose a threat to your safety. This is a concern with a supply line break and a pipe break. This is why you must exercise extreme caution when entering an area that has been recently flooded from natural causes or a supply line break or pipe break.

Safety Measures

If you must enter an area that has been recently flooded, make sure that the electricity has been turned off. Electric wires and outlets may still present some safety issues, making it possible to be electrocuted. Err on the side of caution to prevent injury. Flood damage always calls for extra safety measures. A restoration company generally makes mitigation a priority when it comes to making an area safe again. Water cleanup is generally the priority in situations where there is water in a home or water in a business. The drying process is a part of the mitigation plan as well. Anytime you have a flooding situation, there is usually some sustained damage that will make some things unusable.

Restoration Professionals

Professionals best handle water damage. A restoration company is qualified and prepared to determine what items in a flooded home are beyond salvaging. The same holds for a business. However, items like mattresses, box springs, particleboard, and pillows hold more moisture than other items and generally have to be thrown away. This can be done before a restoration company comes to perform water cleanup. Record and itemize any items lost to flood damage for insurance purposes. Restoration companies make mitigation a top priority when handling water in a home and water in a business. They have the skills and training to quickly determine items that have water damage and may be unsalvageable. Professional technicians will know how to approach water cleanup and the drying process. They understand the hazards that water can create and actively work to diminish those hazards through mitigation.

The Process

A professional restoration company comes into a flooded home or business with mitigation as a top priority. They search for pockets of moisture and remove them. These pockets can be behind the tile, walls, and other materials that may feel dry to the touch. They use specialized equipment that allows them to measure moisture levels. This equipment can locate moisture in hidden pockets. These pockets are then exposed to air by removing tile, drywall, or any other material that may be trapping the moisture in a particular area. This is part of the drying process. Part of restoration is pressure washing any areas where moisture was present to prevent or eliminate mold and bacteria growth. Detergent can be used to pressure wash affected areas. If mold and bacteria are found, technicians get rid of them by using mechanical methods and chemical methods. They also have tools that speed up the drying process to prevent more bacteria and mold growth.

Make Sure the Company is Certified

Make sure the restoration company that you hire is certified. The certification should be through a reputable organization as well. Technicians who have had the proper training know what to do in the event of flood damage and water damage resulting from a flood, supply line break, or pipe break. Anytime you have standing water in your home or standing water in your business for a prolonged amount of time, there will be damage. However, acting quickly and calling a professional company are the best approach.

Dealing with a home or business that has sustained water or flood damage isn't fun. However, the chances of mitigation and restoration are greater when you hire a restoration company to help. Professionals will identify which items have been damaged beyond repair, locate excess moisture and remove it. Go with a professional company if you are faced with water in your home or water in your business.