Highly Trained Restoration Specialists

6/29/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Springfield/Greene County staff completing hands on training in our Water Damage Simulator House

A Fire Extinguisher Buying Guide for Greene County Businesses

6/6/2022 (Permalink)

Every business in Greene County should have fire extinguishers to suppress minor fires. This buying guide identifies the main classes of fire extinguishers and explains why a multi-class may be ideal for commercial use.

Extinguisher classes

Extinguishers are classified by standard NFPA 10 set by the National Fire Protection Agency. Suppressants are selected for effectiveness and safety:

• Class A extinguishers contain monoammonium phosphate and work on ordinary combustibles such as wood and paper
• Class B extinguishers contain monoammonium phosphate and work on flammable liquids and gasses, but not grease and cooking oil
• Class C extinguishers contain monoammonium phosphate and sodium bicarbonate and work on appliances or powered electrical equipment
• Class D extinguishers contain sodium chloride or copper powder and work on combustible metals such as magnesium
• Class K extinguishers contain potassium compounds and work on fats, cooking oils, and grease

These classes form the backbone of fire extinguisher classifications and the distinctions have important implications for firefighting. For example, using a CO2 or water extinguisher on burning metal can have disastrous consequences.

The letters on a fire extinguisher’s label indicate which classes of fire it can effectively fight. For example, an extinguisher marked “1A:1B:C” could extinguish Class A, Class B, and Class C fires—if it’s big enough to tackle the blaze.

That’s where numbers come in. The numbers preceding the letters on the label indicate just how much fire the extinguishing agent—the powder, gas, or other fire-fighting material–can put out. As part of a fire extinguisher’s classification, the numbers on the label can mean either:

• How much water would be required to match the agent’s power against Class A fires
• The square footage of Class B fires the agent can extinguish

For each A, the extinguisher contains the equivalent of 1.25 gallons of water. Thus, an “8A” extinguisher fights Class A fires as well as 10 gallons of water (8 x 1.25 = 10), and a 40A extinguisher offers 50 gallons’ worth of firefighting power. For each B, the extinguisher can stop one square foot of Class B fires. A 10B extinguisher can stop 10 square feet of Class B fire, a 20B extinguisher can stop 20 square feet, and so on.

What the letters and numbers for Class C, D, and K fire extinguishers mean

Class C fire extinguishers: electrical fires

Extinguishers with the power to fight electrical fires do have a “C”—but it’s never preceded by a number. All class C fires are just Class A or Class B fires with electricity added into the mix. The letter “C” indicates only that the fire extinguisher uses an agent that doesn’t conduct electricity. Water-based and some foam extinguishers can’t fight Class A or Class B fires involving electrical equipment (thus, no “C” on the label). But extinguishers that use inert gases and various powder mixtures can, meaning they have an “A:B:C” rating.

Class K fire extinguishers: oils, fats, and greases

These labels treat Class K fires (kitchen oils, fats, and greases) in much the same way. Extinguishers that can fight Class K fires may have the letter “K” on the label, but they won’t have a number. That’s because Class K hazards vary enormously. The same volume of solid fuel (say, charcoal) may require significantly more extinguishing power than liquid fuels (like deep fryer fat).

Rather than trying to give Class K extinguishers a uniform rating, the International Fire Code and other fire safety standards recommend sizes based on a kitchen’s specific hazards. And in some cases—such as when deep fryers with an especially large surface area are used—it’s up to the manufacturer to provide guidelines.

Class D fire extinguishers: metal fires

While they’re required to be listed and labeled, purchasers can’t simply rely on the letter “D” to indicate an extinguisher’s suitability against metal fires. Like Class K hazards, one Class D hazard differs from another. The subject is so complex that the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has a whole standard just for combustible metals. Some Class D agents stop one type of metal fire, while others can take on several. And even agents suited to multiple fire types will perform better on some types of metals than others.

Which should you choose?

Many cities and states require fire extinguishers with a minimum UL rating of 2-A:10-B:C in buildings. Check with the Greene County fire authorities for the commercial building code requirements in your area. When it comes to size, your primary considerations should be size and heft. Units that are too bulky and heavy are useless. Choose fire extinguishers that any employee could handle with ease.

If your Greene County or Springfield business suffers a significant fire, contact the fire restoration professionals at SERVPRO of Springfield / Greene County immediately! We’ll restore your commercial property quickly to reduce any loss of income and productivity.

Does Your Greene County Business Need Fire Legal Liability Insurance?

3/6/2022 (Permalink)

When fires occur in Springfield or Greene County rental units, whether commercial or residential, major disputes can arise between tenants and landlords. Fire legal liability refers to those responsible for paying for the damage those fires cause.

The cost of fire damage to a property can run into the thousands. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), in 2020 there were 1,338,500 fires. These resulted in 21.9 billion dollars worth of damage!

The International Risk Management Institute (IRMI) defines fire damage legal liability coverage as “coverage of a tenant’s liability for damage by fire to the rented premises (including garages) the tenant occupies”. For Springfield and Greene County business owners, this coverage is included under their commercial general liability policy. But, for that policy to pay for fire-related damages, there must be proof the insured party was at fault.

For instance, say that you’re renting a warehouse in Springfield. One night before leaving, an employee accidentally leaves a space heater running next to some boxes. Later that evening, that box catches fire and the entire building goes up in smoke. By the time the fire was over, the building had suffered over $100,000 worth of fire damage. The owner of the building insists you pay for all damages since the fire damage was the cause of your business’s negligence. In this scenario, your fire legal liability would pay for these losses.

Fire Legal Liability Limitations

There are times when a tenant is guilty of starting a fire, but their general liability insurance won’t cover the loss. This happens when the lease the business signs states that it accepts full responsibility for any fire damage that occurs while they’re under that lease, no matter how the fire started. (Some businesses may sign such a lease to get a lower lease rate, gambling that a disaster will never happen.) The business will have to pay for fire damage restoration because they signed such a contract. In this situation, liability insurance will only pay for fire restoration if the renter directly causes the fire.

Additionally, these other limitations may exist:

• A coverage limit of $50,000 to $100,000
• It only covers fire damage, not water damage or other related losses
• Only the structure is covered, not the contents

Fires are sometimes caused by natural disasters that are no one’s fault, so it’s vital to take additional precautions. Explore your options and ask your insurance agent for a legal liability coverage form that will give you extra coverage for all types of damage such as flooding and tornadoes that could occur to a commercial property while you’re a tenant. This is the best way to protect your financial future if a major disaster befalls the property you’re leasing.

If you’re looking for expert restoration services, contact SERVPRO of Springfield / Greene County today. Our commercial restoration service is reliable and available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We have years of disaster restoration experience that you can trust to repair and restore fire, water, and any other damage done to your property efficiently, no matter how large or small.

Is your Springfield business ready for a disaster?

2/15/2022 (Permalink)

According to the latest industry research as many as 50% of businesses may never recover following a disaster. Of the businesses that do survive, the majority of them had a preparedness plan in place.  When disaster strikes your business, having a plan in place ahead of time for what you will do can make all the difference in whether your business survives.

 You can stay a step ahead of unexpected events by having a plan of action in place before you need it with SERVPRO’s Emergency Ready Plan. 

 This is where SERVPRO’s Emergency Ready Plan (ERP) can help give you, your employees, and customers peace of mind.  The ERP provides the critical information needed to begin mitigation recovery services.  It is designed to serve as a quick reference of important building and contact information.  We have seen this program help many of our commercial customers, save them money and reduce interruption to their daily business.  Our ERP customers know what to do and what to expect if disaster strikes.  This is important to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business.

The SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile Advantages:

• A no cost assessment to your facility.
• A concise profile document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency. This takes minimal time and not take you away from your current projects.
• A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.
• Identification of the line of command for authorizing worked to begin.
• Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information. Having a quick reference of what to do, how to do it and who to call provides solutions in advance of an emergency.

 Call SERVPRO of Springfield/Greene County today to get started on an Emergency Ready Profile for your business. 417-865-7711.

What to do when a storm affects your Springfield business?

2/15/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Springfield/Greene County today for more information or services for your business. 417-865-7711.

Business owners in Missouri know that without warning nature can take a turn: flooding, tornadoes and polar vortex type freezing events caused from ice storms.  All these weather events can have a devastating effect on the business that you have worked so hard to build.  At SERVPRO of Springfield/Greene County we are here, we are local, and we are Faster to any size disaster.  We can handle any size job, big or small.  Mitigating your damages is important to get your business up and running quickly, that is why response time is critical.  SERVPRO of Springfield/Greene County can respond quickly.  Whether the damage occurs in a small business building, manufacturing facility or a big box store, we have the training, experience, and equipment to handle the situation.  We are a locally owned franchise, but we are part of a national network of over 1,700 Franchises with special Disaster Recovery Teams placed strategically throughout the country to respond to large scale events and disasters.  We are proud to be a part of our community and strive to provide residents and business owners in the greater Springfield metro area the fastest response times and our best work each and every day.

Call SERVPRO of Springfield/Greene County today for more information or services for your business. 417-865-7711. 

5 Helpful Tips When Choosing A Commercial Restoration Contractor

12/14/2021 (Permalink)

Picking the right commercial reconstruction contractor for your Greene County business is a serious decision. Each contractor has its strong points, specialisms, and strategies for handling a project. It’s vital to do your research, ask the right questions, and know what to watch for when choosing a commercial restoration contractor.

Over the years, SERVPRO of Springfield / Greene County has witnessed (and helped mop up) the tragic consequences of hiring unsuitable restoration contractors. To help you avoid the most common (and easily preventable) mistakes businesses make when hiring a contractor, here are some helpful tips:

1. Interview all referrals and check their licenses

Call other business owners who’ve recently worked with the contractor to hear what their experiences were. Ask these questions:

• Was the contractor easily available during the project? After a text, voicemail or email, what was their response time?
• Did you feel that you were always in the loop? Did the contractor clearly present your options and assist you in choosing the right one?
• Was the project completed in a timely matter and on budget? If not, did they communicate why?
• What did you like about working with the contractor? Would you recommend their services?

It’s also crucial that you ask the contractor to offer adequate documentation for their current licenses, insurance, references and safety record. A dependable contractor will provide these things quickly upon request.

2. Don’t hire a contractor without restoration experience

A general contractor isn’t necessarily a restoration contractor, but most restoration contractors are first-rate general contractors. Experience is critical with regard to complex mitigation, restoration, and rebuilding projects.

It’s one thing to build something from the ground up, but it’s a completely different issue when you need to assess the damage, clean, and restore a property damaged by fire, water, or other disasters. And if you can, choose a restoration contractor that already has experience working with your insurance company as it can save you time, money, and anxiety!

3. Ignore those who want a large upfront payment or offers a cash discount

Alarms should sound if you hear either of these terms. It usually means that company has some serious issues. But do ask the contractor about their payment expectations, especially if an insurance company is covering restoration costs.

Your contractor will need a reasonable amount of money to get the project started, but most states don’t allow contractors to ask for more than 33% of the total estimated cost upfront. Additional payments should be tied to important project targets.

4. Don’t accept over the phone quotes

A common mistake some make is accepting quotes for restoration projects over the phone before any kind of on-site inspection. Every building and situation is different, so there’s no way a contractor could give an accurate assessment and cost before eyeballing the job.

5. Don’t hire a contractor that doesn’t offer a plan

The restoration contractor you choose should deliver a detailed plan (that you can clearly understand) that shows the exact steps that will be necessary to restore your commercial property quickly. They should be able to present all your options and help you choose one that fits your budget and specific needs.

Following these five tips will assist you in choosing a trustworthy, dependable, and experienced restoration contractor. A great contractor will eliminate needless stress and anxiety and help you get your business back up and running as soon as possible.

Contact SERVPRO of Springfield / Greene County today to acquaint yourself with our services. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your commercial restoration, mitigation, and repair needs.

Frozen Pipes in your Southwest Missouri Hotel

5/6/2021 (Permalink)

Hotel flooded during recent Polar Vortex due to burst pipes

During a recent Polar Vortex, a Springfield area hotel suffered burst shower line on the 3^rd floor causing damage to 6 guest rooms, extending down into all three levels including the main level of the hotel’s common areas, hallways, laundry room, gym and the lobby.

As you can imagine this caused the hotel staff a headache in having to relocate guests to other rooms in unaffected areas of the hotel, this can be a significant concern for hotel staff as this can lead to lost revenue and safety hazards. To compound the issue our area was facing terrible road conditions due to ice and record cold temperatures. SERVPRO teams gathered their tools and safety mad the trek to begin mitigation efforts. Our teams safely completed the demolition that was needed in many of the spaces, including the removal of ceilings, sheetrock and insulation we did minimize demolition as much as possible while still removing what is absolutely needed in order to get the structure safe and try. After 6 days the structure was completely dry and ready to make any repairs that were necessary. A quick demolition, drying response helps minimize damage in the long run and ensure repairs can be made in a timely manner, so your business is not disrupted any further. While we hope this never happens to you, if you ever find yourself in this situation, please call SERVPRO of Springfield / Greene County at 417-865-7711, we will act quickly to make sure and take care of your water damaged hotel.

What to do when your Library is facing a Water Damage

5/4/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Springfield / Greene County recently packed out hundreds of books in a local library that was damaged by water during a Polar Vortex

When water damage happens, you must react quickly to protect the structural integrity plus the contents of the building.  In the case of a library the sheer number of contents that have been damaged can be stressful and overwhelming to the library staff.  To compound that stress, the longer the water is present the more hazardous conditions can become for the staff and the more damage can be spread destroying the many books, magazines, electronics and many other resources.  This is why choosing the right restoration professionals for a water damage this size is so important. SERVPRO of Springfield / Greene County has the expertise and tools to get the job done.  Our team has dried out and restored several libraries in the southwest Missouri area and most recently during the polar vortex helped a local library quickly pack out, and remove hundreds of books, magazines amongst many other paper materials, and also get the job drying to mitigate further damage to their library itself. We were able to save hundreds of books by our quick action. 

It is vital for your southwest Missouri library to have a plan in place to be prepared for a water damage emergency.  By developing a SERVPRO Emergency READY  Profile for your library or business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business. Contact Us today to set up your Emergency Ready Profile Plan.  

Polar Vortex affects Area Churches

3/23/2021 (Permalink)

You can prepare your church for potential water damages or other disasters by getting a contingency plan in place call us today at 417-865-7711

The Polar Vortex event of February 2021 greatly affected many Southwest Missouri area churches causing pipes to burst.  SERVPRO of Springfield / Greene County was privileged to be able to assist many of them in mitigating their water damage.    When water freezes it expands, this expansion puts pressure on water pipes and they burst.  Our goal at SERVPRO is to get these buildings dried out as quickly as possible to prohibit fungal growth and to allow the churches to be able to continue to hold worship services for their parishioners.

In this particular church building multiple pipes burst flooding and causing damage to around 16,000 square feet of their building including the sanctuary, hallways, classrooms and cafe.   Our crews performed a 2 foot flood cut to all the affected dry wall and removed any wet insulation, set air movers and dehumidifiers and air scrubbers. 

You can prepare your church for potential water damages or other disasters by getting a contingency plan in place.  SERVPRO of Springfield / Greene County has an Emergency Ready Profile that is a free assessment of your church or business, when a disaster strikes the SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile or ERP identifies prioritized points of contact for authorizing the cleanup and restoration to begin.  We have helped many churches with their disaster and getting a back up plan in place to be able to hold worship services.  The ERP provides detailed information like gas and water shut off valve locations and other information that is nice to have at your fingertips such as utility company information and facility management personnel name and contact information.  You can protect your church or business by setting up an Emergency Ready Profile today.  Contact us at 417-865-7711.

The Very Real Dangers of Smoke and Soot

12/16/2020 (Permalink)

If you’ve experienced a fire in your Southwest Missouri home or business, you may be tempted to rush back into the building once the flames are extinguished to check on the damage and your belongings. But the experts know from personal experience that this could be harmful to your health.

A study conducted by the National Institutes of Health has found that firefighters have higher rates of cancer than the general population due to exposure to smoke and toxic soot because many did not wear the proper gear. In fact, The International Association of Firefighters says cancer is now the leading cause of death among firefighters.

 “It was never really something we thought about when I first started 32 years ago. It was a badge of honor to come out with all your gear dirty,” said Peter Silva Jr., a former firefighter. “If you didn’t wear your mask in there you were a strong, aggressive firefighter, and if you went in with your mask on, you were kind of ridiculed at times.” 

So, having a cavalier attitude about wearing PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) has resulted in the illness of many firefighters. Since it’s doubtful that you own any specialized PPE, you too could be in danger from the aftereffects of a fire.

But why is exposure to smoke and soot dangerous? Because the following are toxic substances that can be produced when certain materials burn. These can remain within soot after a fire:

• Mesothelioma (cancer) causing asbestos fibers from building materials
• Carbon materials can produce carbon monoxide, ammonia, and nitrogen oxides
• PVC can create hydrogen chloride, phosgene (used as a chemical weapon during World War I), dioxin, Refrigerant-40, bromomethane (a pesticide), etc.
• Hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide (poisonous gasses)
• Petroleum based items can produce formaldehyde, acrolein, furfural, cresols, and other harmful chemicals
• Even wood smoke releases more than 100 chemicals also found in cigarette smoke.

Because of these dangers, incident commanders are now ordering firefighters to keep their masks on until they’re away from the smoke and soot and washed down by decontamination teams on the scene. Once back at the station, they’re being told to change into a second set of turnout gear while industrial washing machines clean the dirty outfits.

If fire professionals take this issue seriously, shouldn’t you? The advice of Boston Fire Commissioner Joseph Finn is priceless. He says, “I’ve buried way too many friends over my 33 years. Too many friends ... so I tell them, ‘Think about your wife, your husband, your boyfriend, your girlfriend before you take that mask off your face.”

Because of these dangers, only fire remediation experts like those at SERVPRO of Springfield / Greene County should be in charge of cleaning up after a fire. We have the experience, knowledge, equipment and PPE needed to safely and thoroughly clean and repair your home or business. We also make sure there are no lingering odors. And since smoke and soot affects not only the structure of your house but also your belongings, we will ensure that those items that are salvageable will be returned only after being meticulously cleaned and sanitized.

No Job is Too Large

10/20/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Springfield/Greene County is pleased to announce the addition of a new 53 foot semi trailer to our fleet.

You may not know but SERVPRO of Springfield / Greene County is part of  SERVPRO’s nation wide Commercial Large Loss Division’s Disaster Recovery Team. Our experienced Disaster Recovery Team members are large loss specialists. We are highly trained, with 35+ years of experience; we are prequalified and positioned throughout the United States to handle any size disaster.

I’m addition to this SERVPRO of Springfield / Greene County is excited to announce the expansion of our fleet of disaster recovery vehicles by adding a 53 foot semi trailer. This semi trailer will be ready and equipped to roll out to your commercial large loss or storm event. It will be equipped with approximately 200 air movers, 20 dehumidifiers and 2 extraction units as well as consumables and other equipment that is needed.

SERVPRO of Springfield / Greene County is ready and available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year to help with your commercial water damage or major event strikes. Please call us at 417-865-7711 for more information.

Don’t Confuse Cleaning with Disinfecting

4/9/2020 (Permalink)

If you need help with any deep cleaning and disinfecting needs, contact us at SERVPRO of Springfield / Greene County.

Our homes are supposed to be a haven where we can relax and recuperate from the pressures of the world. Unfortunately, we wind up bringing home some of the world and its germs through dirty hands, shoes, clothing, and phones.

Even if your Southwest Missouri home looks clean, it could still be hiding contaminants that could affect your health. Dr. Michael Schmidt, professor of microbiology at the Medical University of South Carolina and chair of the American Society of Microbiology's Council on Microbial Sciences, says that the best way to protect your family is to quite simply to clean your house.

Dr. Schmidt points out that after washing our hands, the best way to protect your family is to wipe down countertops, doorknobs, light switches, and common surfaces with a microfiber cloth dampened in a solution of hot water and an all-purpose cleaner twice a day. "The slight abrasion of the microfiber cloth and the cleaning solution will lift and dilute any microbes that have settled on the surfaces," says Dr. Schmidt. "Since electronics don't hold up well to soap and water, use an alcohol wipe with at least 70% isopropyl alcohol to clean cell phones, remotes, and keyboards."

But cleaning shouldn't be confused with disinfecting. Cleaning means you're removing germs, but not killing, while disinfecting means you're actually killing them. This difference is important because you might clean surfaces well but you might not be disinfecting, leaving germs and bacteria to grow.

However, "Disinfecting cleaners can give a false sense of security if they are not used properly and are only necessary if someone in the household is ill," says Dr. Schmidt. The crucial areas to address are surfaces shared by family members and those that come in close contact with bodily fluids. If you have dirty windows, they aren't a big health concern, but a doorknob touched after a sneeze can be.

It’s important to read labels and follow the directions on products. Products labeled as disinfectants will adequately kill viruses and bacteria if used correctly. But if the label promises to just "sanitize" a surface, the fine print might say it’ll kill 99.9% of the bacteria, but not mention if it's effective against viruses or fungi. You want to look for disinfectants because they can kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi when used properly.

Before disinfecting anything in your house, decide whether you'll wear gloves and what kind. Rubber gloves are more durable and reusable, but disposable latex ones also work. Just remember to always wash your hands with soap and warm water after using any cleaning products.

If you need help with any deep cleaning and disinfecting needs, contact us at SERVPRO of Springfield / Greene County. Not only do we use the proper disinfectants, but our professionals receive the necessary training and field experience to service your home or workplace to achieve the highest standards of cleanliness and customer satisfaction.

Practice Fire Prevention in Your Business

3/10/2020 (Permalink)

Fire is unpredictable. It can happen anytime, anywhere, to any business. But almost a third of office fires happen between 7pm and 7am, the hours workers aren’t present. Those fires also cause about 67% of property damage because they went undetected for a longer time. Fortunately, there are preventative measures you can take to minimize the chances of a fire happening in your Southwest Missouri business or commercial building.

According to OSHA, employers are required to perform a full maintenance check on their workplace’s fire extinguishers at least once per year. “Maintenance” means a thorough examination and repair, as needed, of all your businesses portable fire extinguishers, as covered in NFPA Sec. 4.

Besides checking that your fire extinguishers are regularly inspected and maintained according to local fire codes, each month you should take these actions:

1. Look for signs of damage, including dents, corrosion, and leakage.
2. Check the pressure gauge to make sure that the indicator is in the operating (green) range.
3. Make sure the pull-pin isn’t missing and that the pull-pin seal is unbroken.
4. Verify the date of the last professional maintenance inspection.
5. Date and initial the tag to log the visual inspection.

Your company should have a fire prevention plan in writing that’s kept in the workplace and is available to all employees for examination. Even if you have only a few employees, having it written down instead of communicating it verbally is better as that it can be reviewed at any time. Your plan should include:

1. Pertinent information about the building’s layout
2. The building’s fire protection systems and equipment
3. Emergency evacuation procedures

Space heaters are notorious for starting fires, so if you can get by without them, do so. But if you must have them, follow these safety tips:

• Require employees to get approval before using a heater in their workspace.
• Instruct that space heaters and cords be placed in out-of-the-way areas.
• Stress the necessity to turn off space heaters at the end of the workday.
• Establish minimum standards for heaters, including safety features and independent testing certifications.

Keep other appliances such as coffeemakers and toasters away from paper and other flammables. You should also reduce the amount of clutter in your building. Items like boxes, piles of paper, and other flammable materials can provide fuel for a fire, especially if left near a heat source. Before plugging anything in, make sure the cord hasn’t been damaged or frayed. If it has, replace it immediately. Wires should not run under rugs or between furniture and walls; they tend to heat up, so they need to be clear of any flammable objects.

We understand how devastating and confusing a fire to your home or business can be. Don’t hesitate to contact the experts here at SERVPRO®? of Springfield Greene County to help guide you through the restoration process.

Create a Disaster Plan for Your Greene County Business

12/26/2019 (Permalink)

This fire damaged hotel was the result of a lightning strike.

Disasters can occur without warning to a commercial building. Flooding, fires or storm damage could potentially close a business for good. Here are some sobering statistics according to the Association of Small Business Development Centers:

• More than one in four businesses will experience a significant crisis in a given year.
• Of those businesses that experience a disaster and have no emergency plan, 43% NEVER reopen.
• Of those that do reopen, only 29% are still operating two years later.

A business closing affects not just the owner and their customers, but also their employees who may not be able to afford to wait until it reopens, especially if it’s closed for days, weeks, or even months. So, it’s vital to get your business open again ASAP.

What Can Go Wrong

Some of the most common causes of commercial building damage are:

• Storm damage
• Kitchen (break room) fire or smoke damage
• Fire sprinkler water damage
• Leaky or broken pipe
• Sewage backup

Some of these problems can be avoided by implementing a preventative maintenance plan and conducting regular employee safety training classes.

Don’t Pretend it Didn’t Happen

If you own a business in Greene County that must temporarily close, let your client base know what's occurred on your website, through emails and/or a customer newsletter. It may humanize the experience and encourage your customers to return once you reopen. Is there a similar company that you can refer them to? While you may lose some of your patrons, you’ll be spreading goodwill among customers and competitors. You may even be able to work out a deal with a trusted competitor that suits you both, such as a finder’s fee or commission on your customers, money that can be put aside for marketing when you’re ready to reopen.

Create a Plan

Although disasters don’t plan, you can. Create a detailed disaster plan that includes:

• Locations appropriate for employee evacuation
• Emergency contact information for each employee
• Plans to protect and access vital business records
• If there will be an off-site location that employees can work from in the interim
• The business’ insurance company contact info
• SERVPRO of Springfield / Greene County’s contact info

SERVPRO of Springfield / Greene County can help you create and set in place a preloss plan for your business before a disaster strikes, which can mean the difference between re-opening or closing the doors forever.

An important part of that plan is the SERVPRO Emergency READY Program. Under this program, a business owner works with a SERVPRO disaster recovery specialist to create an Emergency READY Profile (ERP) for their facility, at no charge. This comprehensive document contains critical information about the business, including emergency contact information, shut-off valve locations and priority areas. Having this information in hand helps business owners and SERVPRO of Springfield / Greene County react to an unexpected event quickly and effectively to help minimize business interruption.

Our team of trained professionals are equipped with the proper tools to handle a disaster of any size, from one floor to an entire industrial warehouse. So, don’t hesitate, don’t wait, but call SERVPRO before it’s too late.

Don’t Let a Disaster Take Down Your Business

6/11/2019 (Permalink)

A recent commercial fire and water damage

Having a disaster such as a flood or a fire befall your business is more than an inconvenience. It’s your livelihood. Disasters also adversely affect all your employees because of loss wages due to downtime. Whether you’re a property manager or owner, you must not only consider what steps you need to take to clean up and repair the structure, but you’re also concerned with the health and safety of any staff and/or occupants. And time is of the essence. Your main concern will probably be: Can I run my business while the damage restoration process is happening?

You’re Not Alone

SERVPRO of Springfield / Greene County has been able to work with many different businesses and property owners over the years and have almost always found ways to keep businesses and commercial properties operating as efficiently as possible, while the restoration process is happening.

We do this by keeping a clear channel of communication open with owners or managers to figure out what your requirements are and how we can operate around you.  In this way, we find the best possible way to move forward with the damage cleanup while working around your business needs.

We can also help you take on the headaches of working with your insurance company. Our expert team will create an estimate, document your claim, and submit it directly to your insurance company. We’ll help you understand what your insurance will cover and won’t cover, and the budget you’ll receive to make these critically needed repairs.

Eliminating Down Time

The team at SERVPRO of Springfield / Greene County understands what it means to handle commercial disaster restorations. We’ll send out a large crew that will get the work done quickly. We can schedule around your business hours so the dirtiest parts of the work can be done when your personnel and customers aren’t present. And we can cordon off the affected areas as we continue our work, so as not to endanger your staff or slow down your business. In short, we work hard to make sure your business, as much as possible, doesn’t miss a beat.

To help eliminate as much down time as possible, it’s important to plan now for disasters. Preparedness planning tools like the SERVPRO Emergency READY Program can help business owners know exactly who to call and what to do when disaster strikes. Under this Program, a business owner works with a SERVPRO disaster recovery specialist to create an Emergency READY Profile (ERP) for their facility, at no charge. This comprehensive document contains critical information about the business, including emergency contact information, shut-off valve locations and priority areas. Having this information in hand helps business owners and SERVPRO of Springfield / Greene County react to an unexpected event quickly and effectively to help minimize business interruption. And, because disasters are unexpected, there’s a Smartphone app and web version of the Program available to provide business owners with access to their ERP 24/7.

If you do experience a disaster, call the dedicated recovery team that’s able to respond faster, get to work faster, and get you back to doing what you do best…faster! SERVPRO will help make it “Like it never even happened."

Commercial Water Damage in Springfield Hotel

3/20/2019 (Permalink)

This hotel was flooded from a burst pipe during recent freezing temperatures

Due to recent freezing a pipe burst in an attic of a local hotel damaging the two levels below.  We removed all the affected wet ceiling tiles, dried the ceiling and walls and were able to save the carpet in the large conference room of the hotel.  

SERVPRO of Springfield / Greene County is ready to respond immediately and work quickly to clean or restore your business. We understand that your property’s appearance is important and that every hour spent restoring is an hour of lost productivity. When you need a restoration or cleaning professional, SERVPRO of Springfield/Greene County has the training and expertise to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

If you have a commercial water damage or would like to get a free Emergency Response Plan into place for your business call us at 417-865-7711.

Frozen Pipe Causes Water Damage in Springfield Church

3/20/2019 (Permalink)

Air Movers drying the walls after removing base trim in Springfield church

During a recent cold snap a frozen pipe caused this Springfield church to flood.  This picture shows a portion of the building during the drying process. The cove trim was removed to allow us to access the area behind the walls.   We utilized a large desiccant dehumidifier to dry the entire building.  The desiccant recycles the air inside, bringing warm dry air inside while sucking moist air outside.  SERVPRO of Springfield/Greene County's efforts resulted in having 90% of the building dry within 3 days.

Water damage can strike your commercial property at any time. Water damage can sideline your business, regardless if the damage occurs from a major storm event or a broken water line. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. If you have a commercial water damage or would like to get a free Emergency Response Plan into place for your business call us at 417-865-7711.

Restoring your Springfield Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

10/24/2018 (Permalink)

Restoration of a Commercial Property After a Flooding Event

Flooding and water damage events at Springfield commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of Springfield/Greene County

SERVPRO of Springfield/Greene County specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Meet Our Crew

Commercial Fire Damage Southwest Missouri

5/30/2018 (Permalink)

This is a recent Fire and Water Damage in a Commercial building in Southwest Missouri.

This is a recent Fire and Water Damage in a Commercial building in Southwest Missouri. This building was adjacent to a warehouse that was completely demolished by fire.  SERVPRO of Springfield/Greene County was called and we completed emergency services by extracting and cleaning the flooded floors left behind from the Fire Department when putting out the fire. Our employees worked diligently through the night to extract the water left over from the Fire Department.  The floors were also covered in soot as you can see in the photos,  so we steam cleaned the floors, to keep the rest of the plant from getting cross contaminated with soot.

Fire and smoke damage is especially destructive. Like this situation, in many instances your Southwest Missouri property will also suffer from water damage from firefighting efforts. We specialize in fire and water damage restoration; it’s the cornerstone of our business. We have specialized equipment, specific training, and certifications that allow us restore your home or business to pre-fire condition.

Recent Flooding Causes Damage Downtown Springfield Missouri

5/28/2018 (Permalink)

Commercial Water damage that happened during recent flooding in downtown Springfield, Missouri.

Water Damage Springfield, Missouri

This is a Commercial Water damage that happened during recent flooding in downtown Springfield, Missouri.  Crews from SERVPRO of Springfield/Greene County worked through the night to get the water extracted and the business operational the next day.  As many as 50% of businesses close after a major disaster.   Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place. Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind.  Does your business have a plan for a disaster emergency? If not you may contact us today to get started on your Emergency Ready Plan at (417) 865-7711

 Tips for Water Damages

When it comes to commercial and residential restoration services, SERVPRO is a leader in the industry. Available 24 hours a day and seven days a week, SERVPRO of Springfield / Greene County responds quickly to your Springfield business’s fire, water, and mold damage emergencies. No commercial project is too big, because we have access to the resources of a nationwide network of 1,650 Franchises.

Commercial Building Cleaning Services

SERVPRO of Springfield / Greene County offers professional cleaning and preventative maintenance for your carpet and upholstery that keeps your property looking its best. Our cleaning system offers a number of specialized cleaning options to match your needs. Whether your business needs a deep cleaning or a persistent odor removed, you can trust SERVPRO of Springfield / Greene County. Learn more about our commercial cleaning services

Commercial Water Damage in Springfield

5/10/2018 (Permalink)

Commercial Water Damage in Springfield office

Commercial Water Damage After Major Flooding in Springfield / Greene County

After a recent flooding event this Springfield Commercial building had a sump pump failure in the basement portion of their building resulting in over two inches of water throughout the entire basement level.  Within an hour the SERVPRO of Springfield/Greene County crew was on the scene and removed hundreds of gallons of water.  Our crew pumped the water out then extracted the flooring using a truck mounted machine that has 100 pounds per square inch vacuum force.  The baseboards were also removed and the surfaces were prepped to set the drying equipment and dehumidifiers. The structure was dry after about 4 days, our crews reattached the baseboards the carpets were steamed and furniture cleaned and replaced. 

If your Springfield area home or business has a water damage, call SERVPRO of Springfield/Greene County at 417-865-7711  

Commercial Water Damage in Southwest Missouri

3/16/2018 (Permalink)

This hotel was flooded from a burst pipe during recent freezing temperatures.

Due to recent freezing a pipe burst in an attic of a local hotel damaging the two levels below.  We removed all the affected wet ceiling tiles, dried the ceiling and walls and were able to save the carpet in the large conference room of the hotel.  

SERVPRO of Springfield / Greene County is ready to respond immediately and work quickly to clean or restore your business. We understand that your property’s appearance is important and that every hour spent restoring is an hour of lost productivity. When you need a restoration or cleaning professional, SERVPRO of Springfield/Greene County has the training and expertise to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

If you have a commercial water damage or would like to get a free Emergency Response Plan into place for your business call us at 417-865-7711.

Frozen Pipe causes water damage in Springfield Church

3/9/2018 (Permalink)

Air movers drying the walls after removing base trim in Springfield church.

During a recent cold snap a frozen pipe caused this Springfield church to flood.  This picture shows a portion of the building during the drying process. The cove trim was removed to allow us to access the area behind the walls.   We utilized a large desiccant dehumidifier to dry the entire building.  The desiccant recycles the air inside, bringing warm dry air inside while sucking moist air outside.  SERVPRO of Springfield/Greene County's efforts resulted in having 90% of the building dry within 3 days.

Water damage can strike your commercial property at any time. Water damage can sideline your business, regardless if the damage occurs from a major storm event or a broken water line. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. If you have a commercial water damage or would like to get a free Emergency Response Plan into place for your business call us at 417-865-7711.