How to Get the Most Out of a Partial Loss.

10/27/2022 (Permalink)

A commercial fire can be devastating, both financially and structurally, as it often results in the triple threat of fire, water, and smoke damage. Not only is the area where the fire most likely damaged, but so can other areas of the building due to traveling smoke and soot through the vents. Try following the next steps in order to maximize your recovery and get your business back up and running. 

• Southeast El Paso/Butterfield team to perform a thorough inspection and document damage.
• Document everything that was damaged or destroyed, even if you're not sure it's worth documenting.
• To the best of your ability, check for mold, smoke, soot, and other irritants. Our team can handle anywhere that is too difficult for you to handle.

Most insurance adjusters won't accept a fire loss claim without the findings of a thorough inspection.  You must call in a licensed contractor who can walk through your building and inspect the roof, structure, siding, windows, insulation and plumbing, and HVAC systems. The contractor can provide an official report that itemizes damages and losses. This is called an adjusters report.

Most insurance companies are required to cover mold, smoke, or soot restoration, so long as the damage was from the recent disaster. Have your inspector check for any irritants so that you can request remediation.

In the event some things are not covered you are able to claim unreimbursed losses on your tax returns. 

It is important to have a professional mitigation team on speed dial to handle any disasters your business may face.  Contact the professionals at SERVPRO today!

Is Bleach Enough For My Mold Problem?

8/19/2022 (Permalink)

During the height of COVID, we were cleaning and sanitizing everything from door knobs to keyboards.  Anything that was touched by multiple people was getting hit with one kind of cleaner or another.  We should be taking that same approach to getting rid of mold.  Mold has been here much longer than COVID and it isn’t going away anytime soon (maybe an asteroid).  How do we get rid of mold in the home or office?  The CDC says that using bleach to kill mold isn’t always recommended.  Using a bleach/water mixture will most likely destroy the surface mold, but the growth goes much deeper than that.  Bleach cannot penetrate the deeper levels of porous materials, so you will most likely see it come back within a short period of time.

Here are a few things that the EPA says about the basics of mold cleanup.

1. Moisture control.  If you can keep it dry, you can help control the growth of mold.
2. Scrub the mold off of hard surfaces with a detergent and water, then dry completely.
3. Any absorbent materials like carpets, rugs, and ceiling tiles will most likely need to be thrown away.

If you have tried to get rid of mold and can’t seem to keep it away, give your local team at SERVPRO of West El Paso a call at (915)234-2614.  We have the experience, equipment, and products to help destroy the mold and to keep it from returning.

Commercial Vehicle Damage

8/10/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Clean

After a long work day on the job site, you or one of your employees might leave a window or sunroof open allowing water to get inside.  This can cause electrical damage as well as promote mold and bacteria growth.  Once the mold and bacteria start to grow, it can lead to health issues, not to mention the odors that it can cause.

If this ever happens to you or your business, the professionals at SERVPRO El Paso are trained to help care for these problems.  We can assist with the drying and deodorizing of the vehicle, as well as help get rid of stains.  It is essential to get the vehicle as dry as possible to stop any mold or mildew growth.

If you see any of these signs of water damage, don’t hesitate to contact the professionals at SERVPRO West El Paso at (915) 234-2614 to help start the repair process!

Disinfection vs Cleaning

8/2/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of West El Paso offers office disinfection services that are a step above cleaning with household chemicals.  The Center for Disease Control suggests hospital-grade cleaners that are able to kill certain bacteria.  It is extremely important to target the high-touch and high-traffic areas of your business.

The EPA defines the differences between Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Disinfection as follows:

Cleaning - removes dirt and organic matter from surfaces using soap or detergents.

Sanitizing - kills bacteria on surfaces using chemicals.  It is not intended to kill viruses.

Disinfecting - kills viruses and bacteria on surfaces using chemicals. 

Some of the most common places that need extra attention at your business are handles, keyboards, public tables, faucets, light switches, phones, desks, and probably everything in the break room.

Feel free to call SERVPRO of El Paso to set up a consultation on helping keep your office environment at its best.

How To Make Commercial Carpets Last Longer

11/8/2021 (Permalink)

Although most commercial carpets are made for durability, dirt and debris will still build up over time in them because of all the foot-traffic. Maintaining regular cleaning will be beneficial to your carpet because once a carpet gets too soiled, it may never be restored to its original appearance. 

Preventative maintenance actions include: 

• Regular vacuuming
• Spot removal
• Pilating the carpet to prevent matting
• Moving furniture to change traffic patterns
• Using walk-off mats to limit the amount of soil tracked onto the carpet

Even when you follow preventive maintenance actions, carpets will still have dirt trapped below the surface that you cannot see with the eye, especially in dark carpets. Carpets act as a filter trapping gasses, hair, dirt, and dust. Did you know that 79% of soil in carpets is dry soil? To reduce that percentage, you should get your company's carpet professionally cleaned once a year. Protect your company's investment by having it cleaned by SERVPRO of West El Paso!

Because each carpet is different, we offer a number of options to keep your carpet and upholstery brand new. Our cleaning methods include:

• Bonnet Cleaning: A less aggressive method for short piled carpets.
• Hot Water Extraction: A deeper cleaning method for all carpet types.
• Deluxe Precondition and Rinse: Helps restore deeply soiled areas.
• Showcase Premier Cleaning: The most thorough cleaning method in the industry.
• Dry Cleaning: When color-fastness is an issue.

For a cleaning from SERVPRO® of West El Paso that is backed by state-of-the-art equipment and technicians trained to the highest standards, call us today to schedule an appointment. 

Commercial Damage and SERVPRO of West El Paso

10/31/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of West El Paso has been mitigating water damage for both residential and commercial buildings for decades. SERVPRO of West El Paso prides itself on being one of the top competitors in the industry.  We hire the right staff and train them the SERVPRO way; through online and person to person courses. It is our duty to handle your claim the right way the first time around. 

We know that commercial water damage can cause a strain on a business owner.  With questions like “how long will this take?” or “how do I find the right company?” come to mind when a disaster occurs.  SERVPRO of West El Paso can answer both. SERVPRO of West El Paso has the equipment and knowledge for any size of commercial loss. 

If you have a commercial fire, water, or mold damage contact SERVPRO of West El Paso for a free estimate! 

"Like it never even happened."

Dirty Ducts In Your West El Paso Business?

10/21/2021 (Permalink)

The fact of the matter is your office air is filled with dust, dust mites, animal dander, mold, and other unhealthy elements. Unless you address the situation now, the air quality will continue to deteriorate.

Your local franchise wants to ensure that you, your employees, and customers are breathing healthy air. Unnecessary dirt and debris can pose a serious threat to the health of your employees if they are not properly maintained.

Some things to consider by scheduling a duct cleaning for your business:

Improved Health Poor indoor air quality ranks among the top five environmental risks to your health.

Energy consumption Clean ducts help lower your utility bill and help your HVAC unit last longer.

Smelly air Odors will continue to plague your business long after you remove the offensive item if the odor is in your ducts.

Microbial growth can grow in your duct system especially if your business suffered recent water damage from the hurricane.

For the sake of your customers and employees, you need to know the air you breathe at your business is free from contaminants. 

SERVPRO’s licensed technicians can provide all of the remediation and cleaning services. Give us a call today.

Commercial Fire Drill Tips | SERVPRO of West El Paso

10/15/2021 (Permalink)

Most companies require yearly fire drills in order to ensure safety and follow fire department guidelines. Many employees and managers dislike fire drills due to the interruption during the day. However, these drills could save lives at some point. 

Here are some tips to follow to help with fire drill seriousness. 

Always take them seriously. Leading by example is a great way to get employees on board. Also having drills without warning will allow for employees to take them more seriously. 

Prepare your team ahead of time. Before there ever is an actual drill, make sure employees know what the fire plan is. Especially if you work in a high-rise building, making sure employees know where exits and emergency stairwells are is important. 

For employees that could be dealing with customers during a fire drill, provide them with a few bullet points they can use during their conversation. For example, due to a local emergency, the call must be disconnected and we will return your call once we are back.

If your business experiences a fire, we have the resources in order to mitigate both fire-damaged items and smoke-damaged items. We can get your employees back into the office in no time. 

Commercial Vehicle Water Damage

8/20/2021 (Permalink)

After a long day on the road, one of your employees or yourself may leave the sunroof or window open. Depending on what weather is outside there is a chance your El Paso business’s commercial vehicle may actually have water damage! Especially in the South, mildew and mold can happen when it's hot and muggy outside and the inside of the commercial vehicle is wet.

How We Can Help

SERVPRO of West El Paso has dealt with many water damage claims inside the home, commercial buildings, and commercial vehicles. We always ensure proper deodorization, drying, and getting rid of staining. It is very important to fully dry out the affected area to prevent microbial growth.

Also, don’t forget we offer COVID-19 cleanings for your commercial vehicle as well. Kill two birds with one stone and call us today at (915) 234-2614 for any water damage or COVID-19 cleanings you may need.

Recover & Reopen Your Business After a Disaster | SERVPRO® of West El Paso

8/2/2021 (Permalink)

Building up your own business is an extremely rewarding thing, but when it comes to the possibility of a natural disaster, the future is never certain. Many businesses are permanently derailed by disasters annually due to the difficult task of recovery—but thankfully, risks can be significantly mitigated by planning in advance for how you will recover.

Safety is always the top concern when it comes to preparing your business for the worst, but once your safety plans are in place, you can begin thinking about the physical recovery process. Handling insurance, restoration, communications, and applying for disaster assistance can all work together to get your doors reopened faster so you can get back to business.

Get Your Doors Reopened Faster After a Disaster Strikes Your Business

Check in with your insurance and restoration providers. There are many things that might be covered on your commercial policy, but because each one differs, it is best to check with your provider to know for sure. Once you do this, it is time for the restoration to begin—contact your commercial restoration provider quickly so they can begin formulating a response for you.

Make customers aware of the recovery plan. It is smart to get in touch with your customers right away after a disaster so they are aware of what to expect. Social media can provide a simple way to reach people quickly, and can give you the chance to promote any ways that customers can support you during the closure, such as buying gift cards or pre-purchasing items online to help your revenue during a difficult time.

See what disaster assistance you qualify for. After an official disaster event is declared, there will be many resources available to business owners such as disaster recovery loans from the Small Business Administration. These loans tend to be easy to qualify for, carry low-interest rates, and can be used for many different expenses that a business owner may incur throughout the recovery process.

If your business has been damaged due to a disaster, we’re here to help. Contact us at any hour to report your damage or to learn more about our commercial restoration services.

How to Safely Return to the Office

11/6/2020 (Permalink)

Although many businesses have decided to keep the work from home policy enforced, other companies have decided to return to the office. If you want your small or large business to return to the office, check out or tips to help workers re-integrate into office life. 

Have a Plan on When to Go Back

Your first step should be to make a plan. Have a set date of when the office will reopen so you can be sure your timeline will work with that date. Let each employee know of the date and work with them if that date is not feasible. Many people now have extra responsibilities on their hands with schools and other facilities being closed. Others who may be immunocompromised may not feel comfortable working in an office setting. It is important to listen to your employees concerns.

Letting Employees Readjust

It has been 8 months since the COVID-19 pandemic has begun. It is expected that most employees will have a lag in their readjustment. Be there for your employees and give them all the support they need during these unprecedent times.

Have a Cleaning Plan

This is the most important part of the COVID-19 reintegration plan. When employees know their health is being taken care of, they are more likely to come into the office, as well as feel comfortable doing so. SERVPRO of West El Paso offers comprehensive COVID-19 cleaning for any sized space. We offer both proactive cleanings as well as positive case cleanings. SERVPRO of West El Paso uses CDC recommended products and cleaning guidelines and SERVPRO technicians have been using hospital-grade disinfectant to sanitize workspaces during this time.

As a locally owned business ourselves, SERVPRO of West El Paso wants other organizations to stay healthy and feel comfortable going in for their daily duties. Give us a call and we can help you get back into your office safely! 

Say Goodbye to the Funky Smell in your West El Paso Restaurant

10/30/2020 (Permalink)

Does your West El Paso restaurant smell like a bad recipe? Do you have customers come into your place and wrinkle up their nose? Or they walk in and then leave without ordering anything. You know you’re in need of odor removal when customers suddenly lose their appetite when entering your restaurant in West El Paso. We know it’s not a pleasant topic, but it’s one we, at SERVPRO West El Paso , have experience correcting! So, how can we help you with your odor problems? Read on and discover 3 ways SERVPRO of West El Paso will get your restaurant sweet-smelling once again.

Deep cleaning

Sometimes you need a bit more than the everyday cleaning job your staff does. Just like we do deep cleaning a couple times a year in our homes, it is essential to have this done in our restaurants as well. Restaurants enjoy a thorough cleaning of the floors, drapes, blinds, carpeting, and upholstery. Food smells can become trapped in fabrics leaving a sour or greasy smell. SERVPRO of West El Paso has specialty cleaning services to ensure your restaurant gets deep cleaned.

Deodorization

Not only does your Metairie restaurant need a deep cleaning, but it needs an odor removal process using deodorization. Our staff is trained to discover what is causing the odors. This is an important first step in eliminating the odors. Once our staff knows where the smell is emanating from, then we can use the proper formula to remove it. We have several different deodorizing formulas created to get to the source of the bad smells. Odor removal is not just about hiding or covering up offending smells, but it’s essential to go to the root of the problem and neutralize it.

Inspect for mold

Mold is one thing that not only leaves a musty odor, but it has a negative impact on your health. That’s why it’s so important to determine if mold is the culprit and, if so, to begin action right away to combat it. We have tools and equipment that help us determine if there is a mold problem. It doesn’t take much for mold to develop and then spread. If you suspect mold, we will discover the source and work to isolate, then eliminate it.

At SERVPRO of West El Paso, we make cleaning and restoration our expertise. We train and educate our staff to combat stinky smells wherever they may be. If you have a restaurant that does not smell too sweet, contact us today!

Why Your West El Paso Business Needs an ERP

10/20/2020 (Permalink)

Everything you have built at your West El Paso business can quickly be ruined by a fire or water damage incident. Your West El Paso business needs fast water removal and fire mitigation when an emergency arises. Water and fire losses quickly cause significant damage to the structure and the contents of your business, and the situation gets worse hour by hour.

By signing up for an Emergency READY Profile through SERVPRO of West El Paso, you are saving your business from a potential interruption in the event of an emergency or disaster. The ERP focuses on incident response and disaster recovery. Having pertinent information in one place allows for SERVPRO to have an immediate plan of action to help minimize fire or water damage to your property. Did you know when a business faces disaster, only 50% recover and those that did had a plan in place?

The SERVPRO Emergency READY Plan and Profile (ERP) takes a few steps to complete. You can set up a time with one of our managers to walk through your facility with you and our manager will point out potential vulnerabilities, including areas where excess water could collect, records, systems, and supplies that are at risk for severe damage if any disasters occur.

What makes the SERVPRO ERP so special is that it is completely free to sign up! There is also no reoccurring fee to keep your profile active, which means you never need to allocate any funds towards it. You can also access your ERP at any time through our mobile app, which makes reporting an emergency or updating your info seamless. 

The ERP contains only essential information to keep your business safe and sound during an emergency. For example, where main valves are for gas, water, and electricity, any items we should recover first, if your business stores hazardous materials, and who the main point of contact is.  This allows our crew members to know the exact building layout, and important areas so your business is “Ready for whatever happens.” 

Because SERVPRO of West El Paso is a 24/7/365 business, you can always count on us for your disaster mitigation and restoration services.  If you are interested in protecting your business by having a plan in place, call SERVPRO of West El Paso at 915.234.2614 to get your disaster plan in place today!

Commercial Carpet Cleaning | SERVPRO of West El Paso

10/15/2020 (Permalink)

Although most commercial carpets are made for durability, dirt and debris will still build up over time in them because of all the foot-traffic. Maintaining regular cleaning will be beneficial to your carpet because once a carpet gets too soiled, it may never be restored to its original appearance. 

Preventative maintenance actions include: 

• Regular vacuuming
• Spot removal
• Pilating the carpet to prevent matting
• Moving furniture to change traffic patterns
• Using walk-off mats to limit the amount of soil tracked onto the carpet

Even when you follow preventive maintenance actions, carpets will still have dirt trapped below the surface that you cannot see with the eye, especially in dark carpets. Carpets act as a filter trapping gasses, hair, dirt, and dust. Did you know that 79% of soil in carpets is dry soil? To reduce that percentage, a good rule of thumb to maintain your carpet’s original state is to get it professionally cleaned once a year. Protect your businesses investment by having it cleaned by SERVPRO of West El Paso.

Because each carpet can slightly vary, we offer a number of options to keep your carpet and upholstery brand new. Here is our range of specialized cleaning methods:

• Bonnet Cleaning: A less aggressive method for short piled carpets.
• Hot Water Extraction: A deeper cleaning method for all carpet types.
• Deluxe Precondition and Rinse: Helps restore deeply soiled areas.
• Showcase Premier Cleaning: The most thorough cleaning method in the industry.
• Dry Cleaning: When color-fastness is an issue.

For a cleaning backed by state-of-the-art equipment, over 40 years of experience, and Professionals trained to the highest standards, call SERVPRO of West El Paso today to schedule an appointment.

COVID-19 Proofing Your West El Paso Business

8/20/2020 (Permalink)

Not every business gets the luxury of working from home during the COVID-19 Pandemic, especially if your business thrives on customers. Routine cleaning of your business is essential to limiting guests, and employees to exposure. Follow these tips to sanitize your space!

Start by educating workers, and developing policies for worker protection. This can include enforcing masks, and having a policy if workers start to feel ill. When cleaning your establishment, wear disposable gloves and start with plain soap and water and then use a disinfectant. Soap and water will reduce the number of germs and following with disinfectant will kill germs. Make sure to focus on high touch surfaces. These include but are not limited to: 

• Tables
• Doorknobs
• Light switches 
• Countertops
• Handles
• Desks
• Phones
• Keyboards
• Toilets
• Faucets
• Sinks

If an employee or customer has tested positive for COVID-19 it is best to let the professionals take care of the sanitizing. SERVPRO® of West El Paso offers a defensive pathogen cleaning program, that goes way beyond standard janitorial cleaning practices. We will tailor the program based on the need of your facility and use an EPA- Approved Hospital-Grade solution to decontaminate. Once completed you can be sure your business is Certified: SERVPRO® Cleaned. You will get a Certified: SERVPRO® Cleaned shield to place in your front window to let employees and customers know your business is committed to keeping everyone safe and comfortable. 

If you are interested in our commercial cleaning services or want to learn more about our CDC complement Certified: SERVPRO® Cleaned program, contact us!  

Planning Out Regular Workplace Fire Safety Drills | SERVPRO® of West El Paso

7/16/2020 (Permalink)

If your business experiences any fire damage, you can count on us. SERVPRO of West El Paso specializes in commercial fire restoration.

Making educated decisions regarding planning for the future of your business is something that every owner aims for, so you should be sure to consider all possible scenarios. A fire in the workplace can be a huge safety concern if your employees are unprepared, and it can also entirely derail your plans for the future of your business.

To mitigate your overall fire risk, we recommend starting with the safety aspects as you get your fire preparedness plan together. Making sure you have educated staff on fire safety procedures and scheduling fire safety drills often for practice is the best way to make sure everyone stays safe in a real fire scenario.

Starting With Safety for Fire Preparedness

Consult with your local fire officials. As you start planning for fire safety measures, you should certainly make use of all the resources available to you, both online and in your own backyard. You can generally schedule a visit from the local fire marshal to give your building a personalized assessment and counsel you on the best exit routes for your setup.

Communicate and mark fire evacuation routes. After you have determined what the best exit routes are, make sure you hang clear signs and markers to indicate them and brief staff regarding the drill that is upcoming. A drill will go much more smoothly if everyone is prepared for it, as they can mentally rehearse what actions to take ahead of time in order to move to safety.

Have fire drills frequently. While taking time out of everyone’s day to host a fire drill may feel like an unnecessary interruption, remember that safety in the workplace is the most important thing. You do not have to have drills weekly or monthly, but it is recommended you do them at least every few months and after any hiring sprees so everyone is reminded of what to do.

Run different fire scenarios. There are many variances in how fires start and how they spread, so adding variances to your fire drills is highly recommended. Different exits may become blocked in a real scenario, so do the same during your drills so staff can get used to making decisions quickly in a high-stress scenario.

If your business has experienced fire damage, you can count on us. We specialize in commercial fire restoration and will be here for you at any hour—contact us today.