A healthier workplace starts with clean air

6/16/2022 (Permalink)

Is it time to get your ductwork cleaned?

When contaminants, dust, mold and debris build up in your air ducts, it causes the system to work harder, which translates into more energy costs. Not only does cleaning your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system lead to a cleaner workplace, it also increases energy efficiency and can reduce your energy costs.

Let SERVPRO assess your HVAC system with a free inspection of your air duct system. Once a skilled technician has completed the assessment and inspection, if we feel it will benefit you we will outline the process we use and schedule you for the cleaning.  Many times there is no need for the ducts to be cleaned and we want to be honest and earn your trust.

Throughout the HVAC cleaning process, we ensure minimal disruption to your business’s operations by containing our work areas and maintaining an open line of communication with your employees.   Once the work is complete, we conduct a final inspection and answer any questions you might have.

At SERVPRO, we want you to be completely satisfied with our results. As such, only highly trained, certified technicians perform the work. Take the first step in providing a healthier, cleaner and more energy efficient work environment-Call SERVPRO located in Lake City, Florida today at 386-754-0621 for a free quote!

Accidents can happen at any time.

6/15/2022 (Permalink)

If you find yourself in an unthinkable situation, SERVPRO is here to help. Don’t hesitate to call.

Sometimes, in life, you will notice that we are trapped in various kinds of tragic circumstances. 

It can happen anytime anywhere. But you certainly cannot leave the bodily fluids for too long or further damage can occur. That is why we are available 24/7 for this type of emergency. We, here at SERVPRO of Columbia & Suwannee Counties, treat every service we perform with the utmost care, sensitivity, and attention to detail.

Our vehicles and personnel always operate with discretion in mind, in order to provide you with the privacy you need and deserve.  We provide a full range of cleanup services as well as biohazard clean up services, including unattended death, suicide, homicide, and other areas of trauma scene clean up.  As a locally owned and operated company, we pride ourselves on serving the communities we also call home.  Our professional team understands the sensitive nature of your needs, and the emotional distress that most people requiring our services have surely felt.  

How You Can Change Cleaning Habits in the Office

6/10/2022 (Permalink)

Does your Office Staff Need to Make some Changes?

One of the most important contributors to office productivity is cleanliness. Indeed, a dirty, disorganized workplace can negatively affect one’s mental focus, emotions, and behavior. All of this is not to mention how clutter and grime can easily become hazards when left unchecked.

The problem is that different people have different cleaning and tidying habits. One person may be more conscientious about keeping their workspace neat, while another can be a little more haphazard. This makes keeping your office spick-and-span a little tricky.

Fortunately, there are simple solutions that can help change cleaning habits in the office. Here are some tips to follow so you and your colleagues can maintain an environment that’s conducive to efficiency and effectivity:

Clean More Often

One of the best things to do to inspire and cultivate a culture of cleanliness in the office is to simply clean more often. If you have a pre-opening and post-closing cleaning schedule, you may want to insert a midday or afternoon session.

It’s also a good idea to have your office deep-cleaned every so often. Get in touch with your hired professional cleaners to see what kind of arrangements can be made.

As everyone in the office gets used to a cleaner environment, they will become more averse to dirt and mess. Ultimately, this can trigger a change in their cleaning habits.

Present Facts

Sometimes, only cold, hard facts can convince people to make a move. Present scientific facts related to office cleanliness, such as that an office desk can harbor more germs than a toilet seat. This can definitely discourage some bad habits such as eating at one’s work desk!

Minimize the Paper Trail

When it comes to office clutter, one of the biggest culprits is paper. From envelopes and sticky notes to folders and printed emails, there’s no shortage of paper waste in the workplace.

Fortunately, paper waste can be recycled. Unfortunately, not all paper waste goes into the trash bin. Some of them get stuck on top of desks or inside of filing cabinets, completely forgotten and taking up valuable space.

To prevent the accumulation of paper waste, it’s best to minimize paper use in the first place. For example, there’s usually no need for a hard copy of an email. If you need to refer to its contents, then just bring it up on your computer or even your phone.

Certain documents such as employee handbooks should be made digital. This reduces the need for printing, which reduces your expenses in this regard. Having digital files also makes revisions and updates so much easier.

Keep Cords Out of Sight

There are times when things are actually quite organized in the office but things still look messy. The likely culprit? Visible and tangled wires and cords.

To keep things looking sleek, get used to using wireless keyboards, mice and other peripherals. For accessories and appliances that can’t be used without cables, invest in wire organizers or holders.  With wires and cords out of the way, things will look much neater. It’s also much safer, since there are fewer tripping hazards.

Lead by Example

Last but certainly not the least, to change everyone’s cleaning habits in the office, you need to lead by example. As the famous quote goes, be the change you want to see.

If people have been used to eating at their desks, make it a point to not eat at your desk. When meal times come, invite everyone to the assigned eating areas. If there are those who don’t follow the rules on recycling, be more demonstrative of your efforts. You can even assign a recycling day, where you gather and sort all recyclables to send to the correct facilities.

It can be difficult to change deeply ingrained cleaning habits, but it’s well worth the effort if you consider the kind and quality of change it can bring about. The key is to be patient. Studies have shown that it takes at least 66 days and at most 254 days to develop a new habit. Just keep at it and you’ll be able to instill a culture of cleanliness at work!

Let SERVPRO take care of your upholstery, carpet, ceramic tile and duct cleaning when it is time.   We are located in Lake City, Fl. and cover 8 counties to include Columbia, Suwannee, Lafayette, Hamilton, Union, Levy , Baker & Taylor.  Our 2nd franchise located in Orange Park, Florida covers Clay, Duval and Baker counties.  You can reach us at 386-754-0261 or 904-861-8870.

Your Commercial Property Has Suffered Storm Damage — What Now?

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

We are ready for whatever size damage you have!

As a business owner, you’ll face many unique and back-breaking challenges over the years, not limited to storm damage. Whether you’re face-to-face with extensive water damage or wind damage, the storm recovery process for commercial properties can help you put the pieces back together. Despite hiring a local restoration company who knows their stuff, you’re likely still concerned. You’re concerned about re-opening your business and cutting your losses.

The longer your business is shut down because of storm damage, the worse the long-term effects are. You’ll ultimately lose customers and business. We cannot let that happen. The commercial restoration process is a sure thing when time is of the essence.

Commercial Property Restoration After Storm Damage

Whether you’re faced with flood damage or the aftermath of a particularly terrible thunderstorm, the fact is, you need help. You need a certified, local restoration company able to address your property damage concerns quickly — within an hour whenever possible and with SERVPRO of Columbia & Suwannee Counties, guaranteed onsite within 4 hours.

Confirming the Damage

The first step, and arguably one of the most important, is to fully assess the damage to your business. Without a firm understanding of the problem, the technicians will be unable to fully address your concerns.

If it’s water damage, the problem is likely soaking into building materials, such as your wallpaper, drywall and flooring. To combat the problem, the team will use a moisture meter to track the water damage, as well as visual signs, and begin reversing the problem.

Drying the Area

Using truck mounted extraction vacuums, air movers and water pumps, any standing water left behind by the storm will be removed and the area will be thoroughly dried.

When drying a commercial property affected by flood or storm damage, it’s important to seal off the space. Any exposure to outside air can promote mold growth and make the job ten times harder.

Unfortunately, some office equipment and furniture may need to be tossed out.

Document the Damages

In order to get your business back up and running, you’ll need money to cover the damages and purchase new supplies or goods. For that, you need insurance. Of course, we all know that insurance companies are picky. They want concrete proof of the damages and will send an adjuster to explore the scene for themselves.

It’s your responsibility to document everything for the insurance company or ensure that the mitigation company you call takes photographs and videos of the damages as proof for your storm damage claim. If any materials must be tossed out, consider renting a garbage container and keeping everything on-site for the time being. The damaged items will serve as further proof for your claim.

To ensure your business is back up and running sooner, call your local SERVPRO for 24-hour storm recovery and water damage restoration services. Please do not hesitate to call our offices!

Is your Business Prepared for Hurricane Season?

6/6/2022 (Permalink)

Is your business ready?

Hurricane season is upon us! Here are 8 hurricane preparedness tips that will help you prepare for a hurricane’s effect on your business, employees and community by highlighting activities you should undertake before, during and following the event.

1. Prepare A Plan And Practice It!

Although today’s technology allows advanced warning of approaching storms, there is little that can be done to continue business operations if no contingency plan is in place. I’m not just speaking of knowing the hurricane routes out of town, but planning an overall strategy that extends to all parts of your business. 

2. Backup Your Data!  

Businesses depend on information technology. The technology centers around software, hardware, and data. Without access to data, business quickly comes to a screeching halt. Work with your I/S team to ensure that backups are performed in a timely manner and that they are stored in a facility that is safe, secure, dependable. 

3. Protect Your Site!

Protecting your site facilities is instrumental in continuing or restoring operations in the event of a hurricane, Batteries, generators, backup water source, boarding windows.  Work with your team to establish a shutdown and recovery plan.  

4. Operate Remotely

Inability to access your facility is a highly probable occurrence when a hurricane approaches. Roads may be flooded or closed by authorities. Employees may be unable to leave their homes in a state of emergency or may be unwilling to leave their families. It is very important to plan for this scenario in which your business facility is operational but the employees are unable or unwilling to get there.

5. Establish An On-Site Support Plan

Another way to address the problem of access is to prepare a specially selected team of employees to “camp out” at the processing facility. This plan would necessarily include the provisioning of food and water supplies, the acquisition of sleeping facilities (folding cots or sleeping bags are a few choices that work), the availability of bathing facilities and amenities (such as razors, shaving cream, toothpaste, soap, blow dryers, etc.) and spare clothes for all employees. 

6. Declare Early

Some businesses declare emergency status well in advance, activating recovery plans, vendors, and action teams quickly. Don’t worry or wait. It is important that you do not hesitate to act. If you subscribe for services through a recovery services vendor, most providers operate on a firstcome, first-served basis.

7. Implement An Effective Communications Strategy

Communications are important to any business entity. In the event of a pending hurricane, it becomes even more crucial. Communications are needed to coordinate emergency activities, to implement the recovery/contingency plan, to warn employees of impending danger, to inform families and off-duty personnel about what’s happening, to maintain contact with customers and suppliers, as well as proactively maintain an information line with the media. 

8. Expect The Unexpected

Murphy’s law does apply to hurricanes. Remain flexible and adaptable. You should also remember that the nature of the hurricane will influence your recovery direction. The impact of senior management, customer, and employee decisions (or personal impacts) may also alter your plans. Try not to make assumptions and do not hesitate to act. The best defense against the unexpected is the “P” cubed principle...Prepare, Plan, and Practice (reference number one). Continuously update your plans after each practice or recovery activity and capture any lessons learned. This helps to keep Murphy in check... As you can see, business continuity before, during, and after a hurricane takes preparation. While a hurricane does provide some advance warning, this warning does not provide enough time to adequately prepare for continued business continuity. What is required is a serious, thoughtful and committed approach to the challenge of recovering your business, whether your company is in a hurricane risk area or not. Make hurricane preparedness your business before the wind blows.

Our Process for Commercial Fire & Smoke Damage Clean-Up

6/6/2022 (Permalink)

Don't let this put you out of business - call in the professionals here at SERVPRO

It’s not just what is burned that needs to be restored. Fires can result in other extensive damage as a result of the smoke and the process of putting out the fire. Smoke damage can spread throughout your building to areas not affected by the actual fire and the sprinkler system in your building can cause damage to your walls, floors, and belongings.

Other fire damages that could affect your business include:

• Ash and smoke can continue to cause damage and corrosion to materials left behind.
• Smoke and soot residue remain on surfaces long after the fire and continue to cause problems until they are removed.
• Within minutes, walls, equipment, surfaces, and other areas can be discolored.
• Smoke causes etching in glass and will tarnish metal quickly.

Not all commercial fire damage is the same. Our thorough restoration process includes:

• Identifying the source to determine the type of fire that occurred
• Evaluating all areas that suffered water damage as a result of fire suppression efforts to identify those that may need treatment
• Remediating water damage (if any)
• Evaluating sensitive materials that may be damaged as a result of smoke and soot particles
• Removing contents from the building if necessary
• Collecting immediate items you may need to operate your business remotely
• Securing removal, storage, and cleaning of sensitive files and data storage devices
• Salvaging of product stock, raw materials, commodities, and machinery
• Packing out the remaining contents for cleaning and storage

We perform structural restoration including:

• Removing any charred contents that may seal in smoke, such as insulation and burned wood
• Evaluating carpets and floor coverings that may need to be removed
• Treating affected surfaces for smoke odors and sealing to keep any leftover odors from leaking back into the building
• Cleaning, eliminating odors and deodorizing surfaces to preloss condition
• Returning items to the original location and helping to restore your normal operation

Smoke continues to destroy your structure and its contents even after the fire is out. Smoke that has coated or penetrated surfaces continues to affect the chemical composition of fabrics, metals, walls, ceilings, and even tiles. Count on us to handle every aspect of the smoke and soot removal, as well as restore areas damaged by fire. We’ve got you covered with a comprehensive range of fire damage commercial restoration services, including soot, smoke, and odor removal.  

Here in North Central Florida we are the preferred experts to assist in this situation.   Located in Lake City, Florida we cover 8 counties in addition to our second location in Orange Park, Florida which covers North Clay County/Oakleaf/North Middleburg and Baker County.  We can be reached at 386-754-0261 or 904-861-8870.

Commercial water damage caused by a water line break

5/24/2021 (Permalink)

Restoration of specialty items is our specialty. Let us help!

When tragedy strikes, you can lose not only your most valuable assets, but also your most important documents. Sometimes this means irreplaceable assets such as artwork and letters from loved ones becoming ruined resulting in devastating loss. Luckily, the methods for restoring documents have become more and more advanced in recent times. While no piece of paper can ever be returned completely to the original condition, the drying and recovery methods we use can greatly improve the condition of documents formerly destined for the garbage can.

Tragedies can strike at any time, and when these disasters damage our documents who do we turn to? At times like these we need a professional who can come in and assure us that our documents can be restored. We offer our document recovery services for home owners, business, government organizations, schools and healthcare professionals. Even items considered to be a total loss can sometimes be fully recovered using our advanced techniques.

We are a full service restoration and document recovery firm. Our mission is to save your damaged documents from the destruction of fire, smoke, water, and moisture. Recovering your damaged documents is our specialty.

We currently are able to restore documents of nearly all types which includes but isn't limited to:

• Artwork
• Blueprints
• Books and Manuscripts
• Business Records and Documents
• Coated Papers
• Drafting Linens
• Electronic Media - Of All Forms
• Film
• Legal Files
• Manuals
• Maps
• Paintings
• Paper Money
• Parchment
• Patient and Medical Papers
• Pulp Paper
• Reference Books
• Text Books
• Textiles
• Vellum
• X-Rays

Our team of document restoration professionals are both certified as well as capable of getting the job done with years of experience and the best, most advanced training available. We combine experience, training, and state-of-the-art technology to restore and preserve your documents as close to their original state as possible given the damage of the content and available technology.

For water damaged documents there are several methods available to remove the water and any moisture from your documents ensuring that they are fully restored to their maximum potential. The process involves freeze drying, vacuum thermal drying, air drying, desiccant air-drying and other advanced techniques. If your document is capable of being saved, we're capable of doing it, and we have some of the most competitive prices in the market when it comes to the document restoration business. We can offer you direct billing or work with your insurance agency at your discretion.

Our team of highly trained professionals can handle documents damaged by smoke, fire, and water. Each type of damage presents it's own unique set of challenges and problems based on the type of damage and the form of media that has been damaged. Water damage can be especially bad as it often packs an onset of problems by not only causing all of the problems associated with typical water damage but also setting up the perfect habitat for mold. Thankfully, we are well versed at stopping and preventing mold damage to documents as long as you act quickly and contact us to begin the restoration procedures ASAP.

Our document restoration service for fire and smoke damaged documents is the most thorough you will find in the industry, anywhere. We know that with this type of damage it's not only the damage you can see on the surface but also what is trapped on the inside that you can't see with the naked eye. Soot and smoke damage can wreak havoc on your media but our team of experts are able to remove even the most extensive damage.

We use the most state-of-the-art technology in the field and we keep upgrading our restoration methods as new and more improved ones become available. So you can easily rest assured any document restoration performed by us will be done while making use of the latest and the best technology available. If you have any document damage we invite you to contact us and join our family of customers. We hope to hear from you soon!

Commercial Services

5/21/2021 (Permalink)

From Office Cleaning to This, SERVPRO has you covered!

You don’t have time to worry about the common wear and tear that gradually soils your office. When grime, odor, and moisture challenges go beyond the scope of your regular janitorial staff, call in SERVPRO of Columbia & Suwannee Counties. Whether it’s removing an odor problem or deep cleaning flooring or carpets, you can rely on SERVPRO to make your workspace look its very best.

SERVPRO of Columbia & Suwannee Counties will get the job done right and get it done quickly, because the SERVPRO Advantage includes these benefits:

• Award-winning training
• Over 40 years’ experience in the industry
• More than 100 exclusive cleaning products

Have Questions? Call Today 386-754-0261

Specialty Cleaning Services

SERVPRO offers cleaning services ranging from cleaning restaurant booths to removing biohazard contaminants. We have the specialized training and products to get your property back to business. Our cleaning services include the following:

• Air Ducts and HVAC
• Biohazard
• Carpet and Upholstery
• Ceilings, Floors, and Walls
• Document Restoration
• Drapes and Blinds
• Odor Removal
• Sewage
• Trauma and Crime Scene
• Vandalism

Be sure to call us locally at 386-754-0261 for a free estimate.  Covering Columbia, Union, Lafayette, Suwannee, Baker, Madison & Hamilton Counties we are here for you!

Common Office Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

5/12/2021 (Permalink)

Avoid the mistakes made by many companies, hire SERVPRO to clean your offices

Small Business Week

5/3/2021 (Permalink)

Support Small Business Week... Shop LOCAL!

Small Business Week is a celebration and appreciation of small businesses who make our community the incredible place it is. With an emphasis on local shopping and supporting local entrepreneurs, it highlights the role small businesses contribute in the nation’s economy.  Ways you can participate in Small Business Week 2021 

• Visit and shop at a local small business you've never been to before!
• Thank a small business for all they do in our community!
• Support a local eatery! Dine in, take out or swing by the drive through.
• Mention your favorite small business on social media.

Keep your business clean and inviting for employees and customers!

4/26/2021 (Permalink)

Do you have time to clean your office?

When you have a commercial business it can be a task to try and keep up with the cleaning. You might need to decide if this is a task you should undertake yourself or hire a professional cleaning service to do for you.

As professionals, a cleaning company might be able to complete the cleaning quicker than you. You also have to think about the fact that the time you spend cleaning means you are not able to concentrate on other aspects of the business.

The next thing to think about is that yes you can do it for free and a professional will cost money. But you need to think about the time taken away from your role to do the cleaning and the effect that will have on your business and profits.

You can consider whether you have staff to do the dusting and cleaning but need the floors or HVAC system cleaned.  All of these things are time consuming and sometimes worth the cost to have someone professionally do them.

Once you consider those factors, you may find that in the long term, commercial cleaning services are better.  If you do then give us a call at 386-754-0261 and allow us to give you an estimate.

Spring Cleaning Checklist for your office

4/16/2021 (Permalink)

Does your office get the deep cleaning it needs?

April is the perfect time to designate it as spring cleaning month. During this time of year it’s a great opportunity to vacuum the hard-to-reach corners of the floors, remove the cobwebs off the ceilings, wipe off the blades of the ceiling fan and other areas that are missed throughout the winter. Every office has build-up over time of dust and clutter. Your employees may already be sneezing and coughing from the new blooms of the flowers and the pollen from the trees, so entering their place of business having clean air and free of debris and dust will help with allergies.

If your establishment doesn’t have a full-service commercial cleaning company then it’s important to give your employees a month each year to focus on cleaning up their office space. Employees can take a moment to get organized by filing old paperwork, cleaning up computer space, cleaning out drawers, taking inventory of office supplies and promotional items.  Getting rid of the unnecessary can help people better organize what is necessary and improve productivity.

Clean

• Windows
• Tops of cubicles
• File cabinets, desktops
• Behind furniture
• Around equipment
• Under desk

Disinfect

• Phones
• Keypad
• Handsets
• Buttons on Equipment
• Desk-tops
• Knobs and Handles
• Light Switches
• Computer mouse and keypad

If you have realized that your office is needing a thorough office clean to make sure it looks its best for your employees and clients, then call SERVPRO of Columbia and Suwannee Counties at 386-754-0261 for a free quote.

Commercial Cleaning 101: Clean, Sanitize & Sterilize

5/22/2020 (Permalink)

Cleaning products

What is the difference between cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting? You might be tempted to say that, there is, in fact, no difference between them. All of those terms basically mean clean something right? Hopefully you commercial cleaning company will disagree with you on this point. The language and science of cleaning has evolved, and will continue to evolve and grow more complex as the industry expands to meet the needs of an ever-changing marketplace. While it is the responsibility of your commercial cleaning company to keep up, as a Facility Manager, it is wise to have a handle on some of the basic terms. Should you be on the look out for a new commercial cleaning company, understanding some of the industry terms can help you keep prospective janitorial service companies on their toes and ask all the right questions. Have you ever wondered what the difference is between cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting? Want to know what pathogens are & why your commercial cleaning company should too? We have the answers to your burning cleaning questions. We’ve put together a list of some key terms that will undoubtedly be useful to know:

Cleaning: Most of us would like to think we know this one! But surprisingly, cleaning only refers to removing visible gunk from a surface.

Mechanical Cleaning: Good, old fashioned elbow grease. Mechanical Cleaning is when you put away the fancy tools and give the surface a good scrubbing.

Sanitize: Sanitizing isn’t the same as cleaning. Think about hand sanitizer for a moment. Put it on dirty hands and they aren’t magically clean, just de-germed if you will. In your building, before a surface can be sanitized it should be cleaned. Then, an antimicrobial solution is applied for a specific dwell time to achieve the desired 99.9999% bacterial and viral kill rate.

Dwell Time: This is a word you would only know if you spend your time reading the back of cleaning products! You might not do that but we do. Dwell times refer to how long an antimicrobial or disinfectant solution must be left on a pre-cleaned surface before it can be considered sanitized or disinfected. The product needs a specific amount of time to do its intended job. This one is important because if your cleaning company is rushing through their work and not following manufacturer recommendations, you will not get as safe, healthy and effective as possible.

Sterilize: To sterilize something requires the almighty autoclave or something equally as powerful to insure a 100% kill rate on microorganisms, viruses, and any type of fungal spore. For those of you that have seen an autoclave before, you know that this isn’t a practical cleaning solution for a big, busy building and for that reason is only used on medical and dental tools as necessary.

Microorganism:The word you missed on your high school biology test has come back to haunt you. All a microorganism is is any bacteria, virus, or spore that can’t be seen without a microscope.

Pathogen: When microorganisms turn evil. Any microorganism that can cause illness or disease is a pathogen.

Hot Spots: Similar in nature to the touch point. Hot spots are areas within a building that are frequently traversed and touched, like handles, shared business machines, any surface, knob, handle, switch or the like. These areas need extra attention to make sure that they are truly clean because as they are touched often and by many, they become the perfect little hubs for the evil pathogens, those microorganisms intent on making you, your employees and building’s visitors sick.

Bactericide: When life gets to be a little too much for the bacteria. A bactericide is any solution that is specifically targeted to destroy bacteria.

Touch Points: The locations in your office or workplace that are touched the most often. Knowing the touch points in your workplace lets you know which areas need special attention because these areas see many hands and many hands see many mouths and noses which see many microorganisms, many of which are pathogens.

Team Cleaning: With team cleaning, a building is divided by duties, not zones so team members specialize. There may be one vacuum specialist, one restroom specialist, one duster and light duties specialist and similar. This specialization of members of a team creates more efficient, more consistent results and reduces training costs and equipment costs and well as increases accountability and professionalism.

Zone Cleaning: In zone cleaning a building is divided into zones, sometimes floors or areas and there is one cleaner to one zone. This is an outdated cleaning style that is inefficient because it results in duplicated equipment and inconsistent results.

Cleaning for Health: Unsurprisingly, exactly what it sounds like. Cleaning for health is not only to clean to make something visually appealing, but also to sanitize a surface to prevent the spread of those pesky pathogens and other microorganisms.

Smart Cleaning: Smart cleaning uses a detailed analysis of your building to provide customized solutions to reduced budgets and cuts by optimizing services and identifying livable service cuts and scheduling services in a way that balances your budget and building maintenance needs.

Cross Contamination: When you use the same rag on to wipe the break room lunch tables that you used on the restroom toilets, things don’t get too clean. In fact, they get even dirtier are germs, microorganisms and pathogens are spread around the various parts of your facility. This is called cross contamination and the best way to address it is with a color coded cloth system, team cleaning, proper product use like utilizing dwell times and manufacturer recommendations and other janitorial best practices.

If you have any other questions, feel free to call SERVPRO of Columbia and Suwannee Counties.

A Guide for Employers!

4/29/2020 (Permalink)

Disinfecting your Business and Protecting your Employees

As much as we are here for you if you need our services we also always attempt to advise our customers on things they can do themselves.  We are here to help!  SERVPRO of Columbia & Suwannee Counties is always interested in helping our community in anyway possible.  Here are some recommendations from the CDC.

How to clean and disinfect: 

Clean surfaces using soap and water. Practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces. High touch surfaces include: Tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, sinks, etc. 

Disinfect

Clean the area or item with soap and water or another detergent if it is dirty. Then, use disinfectant. Follow the instructions on the label to ensure safe and effective use of the product.

Many products recommend:

Keeping surface wet for a period of time (see product label)
Precautions such as wearing gloves and making sure you have good ventilation during use of the product. 

Download CDC Employer Guidelines 

Alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol may also be used.  

Additional Considerations for Employers

• Educate workers performing cleaning, laundry, and trash pick-up to recognize the symptoms of COVID-19.
• Provide instructions on what to do if they develop symptoms within 14 days after their last possible exposure to the virus.
• Develop policies for worker protection and provide training to all cleaning staff on site prior to providing cleaning tasks.
? Training should include when to use PPE, what PPE is necessary, how to properly don (put on), use, and doff (take off) PPE, and how to properly dispose of PPE.
• Ensure workers are trained on the hazards of the cleaning chemicals used in the workplace in accordance with OSHA’s Hazard Communication standard.
• Comply with OSHA’s standards on Bloodborne Pathogens, including proper disposal of regulated waste, and PPE. 

For facilities that house people overnight:

• Follow CDC’s guidance for colleges and universities. Work with state and local health officials to determine the best way to isolate people who are sick and if temporary housing is needed.
• For guidance on cleaning and disinfecting the bedroom/bathroom for someone who is sick, review CDC’s guidance on disinfecting your home if someone is sick. The content of this email is republished from the Center for Disease Control website at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/.

Please refer to their website for more detailed information.  We provide services in Lake City and all of our surrounding counties to include Lake Butler, Fort White, MacClenny, Perry, Madison, Live Oak, LuLu, Orange Park, Oakleaf, Middleburg & White Springs.  

Preventing the spread of the common cold and the flu at home and in the workplace

4/17/2020 (Permalink)

Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze

SERVPRO of Columbia and Suwannee counties has been deeply entrenched with assisting local businesses with Covid-19 cleanup or pre-cleaning.

Here are some tips on how to keep from spreading a cold or flu if you have it.

-Cover coughs and Sneezes

Flu germs are believed to spread through droplets from the mouth and nose. Use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Make sure to throw the tissue away immediately and wash your hands straight away. If there’s no tissue handy, cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow.

-Avoid touching your eyes and face

According to the CDC, flu germs can live for two to eight hours on hard surfaces. That’s why it’s so easy to pick up flu germs without knowing it. You can get infected if you touch an infected doorknob or light switch and then rub your eyes or bite your nails. Learning to keep your hands away from your face can be tough, especially for children. Remind them often, as well as yourself.

-Wash your hands often

All hand washing is not equal. For it to be effective, make sure you and your family follow these steps:

1. Run warm water over your hands.
2. Add soap.
3. Scrub for at least 20 seconds.
4. Rinse and dry.

You can stock up on alcohol-based hand sanitizers for areas where sinks aren’t available or when you’re out and about. Store them out of the reach of young children and ensure children have adult supervision when using them. Make sure your hand sanitizers are at least 60 percent alcohol, and remember that they’re not a replacement for washing your hands with soap and warm water — they don’t tackle all germs, and don’t work on visibly dirty hands.

You’ll need to remind kids to wash up:

• each time they use the bathroom
• before they eat
• after they come home from school or a play date

-Limit contact with family members or co-workers who are ill

If someone in your family does get the flu, take these steps to prevent the flu from spreading:

• Keep the sick person at home.
• Limit close contact between the sick person and other family members as much as you can while they’re contagious. In general, this is up to a week after they show symptoms.
• Change sleeping arrangements, if possible.

You should also avoid sharing the following items from the sick person:

• washcloths
• towels
• dishes
• toys
• utensils

-Clean your home and office area

Flu germs and viruses love to lurk on items you touch every day. Here are some hot spots for germs:

• kitchen sponges
• dishcloths
• cutting boards
• home desks
• floors
• sinks
• toilets

Clean and disinfect these hot spots regularly. You can microwave your kitchen sponge for one minute on a high setting to zap germs. Better yet, throw it out.

If someone in your household has the flu, take special care when washing their things. Wash dishes and silverware thoroughly by hand or in the dishwasher. You don’t have to do a sick person’s laundry separately, but try to avoid scooping up an armload of items and holding them close before washing them. Use laundry soap and dry on a hot setting. Always wash your hands immediately after handling dirty laundry.

Commercial flooding

3/27/2020 (Permalink)

Standing water

If you have a large commercial flood in your building, SERVPRO of Columbia & Suwannee Counties is here to help! We have a lot of large loss experience and have been family owned for many years. 

It is important that every large loss is properly handled with documentation and proper steps taken. Doing the job correct the first time is important to prevent secondary damages from happening. 

We strive to be an education company in the disaster restoration industry. With that said if you have any questions on what to do or how to even be better prepared, feel free to reach out to us at any time. We have several team members that are trained and specialize in different areas of large loss restoration. We will make it “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at our Lake City Office (386) 754-0261

5 Water Damage Issues Your Business May Face

3/11/2020 (Permalink)

To dry the interior of the wall cavity, baseboards might need to be removed.

There are a few potential water damage issues any business in North Central Florida may face. These can include everything from a broken pipe to the destruction caused by a large storm. Fortunately, a local water damage restoration service can help you get your business up and running again after a flood has occurred. Here are five of the most common water damage scenarios the pros may see:

1. Storms

Storm damage can be one of the most common culprits of water destruction for businesses. High winds and heavy rain can cause roof problems that may lead to leaks and potential flooding.

2. Winter Weather

Cold weather, especially in the winter, comes with its own set of problems. Frozen water can build up and then leak into the building once it thaws. Similarly, a frozen pipe can break and lead to flooding when it melts.  We are more likely to see the 2nd here in our area.

3. Pipe Breakage

A broken pipe can occur from general wear and tear or stress to the structure. If you believe there may be a pipe break in your building, it's important to contact a professional as soon as you can.

4. Sewage Problems

Sewage problems may also lead to a flood at your place of business. This could occur from either a block in the sewage system or sewage backup problems in the city's mainline. If you have sewage problems, it’s best to obtain qualified assistance as quickly as possible.

5. Appliance Failure

Another way you may find your businesses needing water repair is through appliance failure, such as the refrigerator in the break room. Such appliances are often attached to a water line. If this line breaks, it could lead to possible flooding.
Water damage can create a serious issue for any business. Whether dealing with storm damage, winter weather, a broken pipe, sewage backup, or appliance failure, it's always best to contact professional help to dry the area and sanitize it. Doing this can help you get your business back up and in working condition as quickly as possible.

You can reach your local SERVPRO here in Lake City at 386-754-0261.  We offer free assessments so you can call us anytime for advice.

Standing water surprise

3/2/2020 (Permalink)

Wall in a bathroom after being partially removed

Some of the water removal issues we have come across have been standing water.  Whether it be 2 to 3 inches or 2 to 3 feet, SERVPRO of Columbia and Suwannee counties are the people to call to have these issues resolved.  Recently we had a local business that had an issue with a leak and stumbled upon 2 to 3 inches of standing water.  SERVPRO of Columbia and Suwannee counties was contacted and we were able to extract the water and also remove part of the walls and insulation.  Our team at SERVPRO of Columbia and Suwannee counties is happy to help whenever these types of issues arise.  The sooner we receive the call and can begin assisting with making the situation "Like it never even happened," the better it is for our customers peace of mind.

Protect your commercial property with these safety tips

12/10/2019 (Permalink)

Protect your commercial property with these safety tips

Keeping your commercial property safe can help you protect your employees, patrons, and business equipment. From keeping up on building maintenance to installing a security system, there are plenty of dangers lurking around your property. Check out these ways you can keep your commercial property safe and secure.

Conduct Maintenance Audits.

The more attention you pay to your building maintenance, the less likely you are to face any issues. Keep your property current and routinely check for any slippery surfaces, damaged floors, sharp objects, frayed or damaged wires, or blocked hallways. Staying vigilant helps you avoid problems before they become an issue.

Increase Lighting In & Around the Building.

When it comes to your building, it’s important to keep it well lit. Not only does it help to avoid trips and falls, but it can also help to avoid burglaries. Install extra lighting and make sure your building is well-lit.

Prepare for an Emergency.

Disasters are unpredictable, which means it’s important to be prepared. Take precautions to minimize potential damage from a disaster, and make emergency exits readily available. Check that all your fire alarms are working properly and that all the emergency exits are well marked.  Call your local SERVPRO office @ 386-754-0261 and have an ERP on file.  

Install Security to Protect the Property.

Businesses require a significant amount of expensive materials to operate, making it a prime target for burglaries. Take measures to increase security on the property. Install security cameras and alarms, and hire a security guard. Additionally, consult with local law enforcement to see what precautions they recommend.

Here at SERVPRO of Columbia and Suwannee Counties have been handling emergencies since 2006 here in Lake City, Live Oak, Jasper, White Springs, Lake Butler, Mayo and other surrounding areas.  Please call for your free estimate if you find yourself in need of any cleanup services.

The Importance to have an Emergency Ready Plan - The ERP

5/28/2019 (Permalink)

Commercial Building with Damage

As a leader in restoration and disaster prevention, the professionals at SERVPRO have your business’s best interest at heart. One of the ways they are looking out for your business is through Emergency Ready Profiles. The creation of an emergency profile allows you to work with a qualified representative to develop a plan of action for when disaster strikes.

1. What Is It?

An Emergency Ready Profile is a file created for your business that contains an emergency plan of action. This profile allows you to minimize any prolonged business interruption by ensuring that SERVPRO is ready and prepared to help with a simple phone call.

2. How Can It Help?

The ERP helps provide you with a level of security that many do not have after experiencing a disaster. After assessing your facility, identifying a line of command, and establishing an emergency profile, you will know that when disaster strikes, a qualified professional has your back and knows just what to do and who to contact.

3. Does It Matter for Your Business?

The research doesn’t lie: After a disaster strikes, many businesses — about 50 percent — have to close down. Having an Emergency Ready Profile in place allows SERVPRO to take action immediately following a disaster. By taking fast action, you can limit business interruption, meaning that you can get back to doing what you do best as quickly as possible. 

4. How Can You Get Started?

You can get started creating your emergency profile by contacting a SERVPRO of Columbia & Suwannee Counties (located in Lake City, FL) representative at 386-754-0261.   Once you have initiated contact, a representative will reach out to find out the best time to schedule your facility’s free assessment.

An ERP is an excellent way to protect your business and your interests.

Did we mention that it is......NO COST TO YOU!

Call us today at SERVPRO of Columbia & Suwannee Counties today to get started. 

Restoring Your Commercial Property

4/18/2019 (Permalink)

Restoring your Columbia and Suwannee Counties commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small 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 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 Columbia and Suwannee Counties:

We specialize in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after any damaging 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.

Visit our website to learn more.
https://www.SERVPROcolumbiaandsuwanneecounties.com/

Emergency Ready Plan (ERP)

3/27/2019 (Permalink)

Emergency Ready Plan (ERP)

Did you know as many as 50% of businesses close down following a disaster, according to the latest research? Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place. If your employees do not know where the water shut off valve is, how can they prevent excessive damage to your business?  If you ask your employees right now, would they know the location of the valve? Would they know where the nearest fire extinguisher is located?  These are some of the many questions that an ERP (Emergency Ready Profile) will cover.

• By developing a SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile for your 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.
• A no cost assessment of your facility. This means there is no need to allocate funds, giving you a great value at no cost.
• A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency. It will only take a little time to complete and will not take you away from current projects. But it will save a lot of time if ever needed.
• A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster. This can help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive by having an immediate plan of action.
• Establishes your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider. You have a provider that is recognized as an industry leader and close by.
• Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin. You can approve work based on cost, whether it is fire, mold, water, biohazard, vandalism, etc. This saves time so we can begin the work of mitigating the damage which can save you time and money.
• 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 so that during the emergency you are "Ready for whatever happens."
• Phone App OR a printed portfolio. For your convenience you can have your profile printed and/or you can install our ERP App on your phone!

Give SERVPRO of Columbia and Suwannee Counties a call today to learn more about what we can do for not only your business, but for your peace of mind as well, (386) 754-0261

Hotel Water Damage Tips

3/22/2019 (Permalink)

Hotel Water Damage Tips

With so many shared walls and spaces, water damage in a hotel can get messy pretty quickly. Of course you can never know when an emergency situation will occur, but it’s in your best interest as an owner/ property manager, as well as in the best interest of your residents, to always be ahead of the game. Take these measures today to prevent water damage tomorrow.

1. Check On Aging Appliances Regularly – If the property you own/manage includes a fridge, dishwasher, and/or washer/dryer in unit, you should closely monitor the age of the appliances as well as routinely checking them for cracked or damaged hoses or connections. Washer hoses should be replaced about every five years. It’s a good idea to replace washers and dryers before there’s a problem. It may cost more money now, but it could save you a lot of money and a headache or two in the future.
2. Repair Old or Damaged Roofs When It’s Dry – Don’t wait for a big rain storm to find out that the roofing at your unit(s) needs replacing. Make routine checkups to monitor the condition of the roof(s) at your property. Make time and room in the budget to make any replacements or upgrades necessary during the dry season so that you can avoid water damage in the wet season.
3. Apply Dry-Proofing Methods – One cost effective way to prevent large scale water damage in low-lying areas is to apply waterproofing coatings and sealants. You can also elevate electrical equipment at least three feet off of the floor and install waterproof structures around circuits and electrical breakers.
4. Check For HVAC System Blockages – If the line that moves condensation from the HVAC system is backed up, it can create serious water damage. Backed up water can seep through ceilings and through light fixtures or in between walls. When water leaks between walls, it can go undetected and result in mold damage in addition to water damage.

Always think of SERVPRO of Columbia and Suwannee Counties during your time of need. Visit our website to review a list of our services, blogs, before and after photos, and much more. www.SERVPROcolumbiaandsuwanneecounties.com

Do I Need Flood Insurance For My Business?

3/1/2019 (Permalink)

The flood to this local business was caused by a water main break.

Like any natural disaster, a flood can become very problematic as a disruption to business operations. It’s imperative that it is handled efficiently, so business can continue as soon as possible. While considering the best process, you likely think of commercial insurance for floods. To know if commercial flood insurance is worth the cost for your Columbia, Suwannee, and surrounding counties business, you must first understand its scope.

What Does a Typical Flood Policy Cover?
Flood insurance covers any water damage that was nonexistent before the flood event. There are several flood events where losses are covered:

• Overflowing bodies of water
• Excessive or extended rainfall
• Storm draining blockage
• Broken dam
• Broken levees
• Storm surge
• Melting snow

If the damage is due to a burst pipe or precipitation overfilling gutters, the flood policy is not necessary. Those events are covered by regular commercial insurance if negligence cannot be determined.

Is Flood Coverage Standard in Business Insurance?
Flood damage is not traditionally rolled into a baseline package. The federal government offers coverage through the Nation Flood Insurance Program, known by its abbreviation of NFIP. NFIP is offered by FEMA alongside private options in the market.

There is a caveat to the necessity of flood insurance. Any business mortgaged by a federal lender in an area with a major flood risk is mandated to buy flood insurance. Outside of flood prone areas, it is not required.

How Do I Remedy Flood Damage Once Insurance Takes Effect?
A local commercial storm recovery company will send out experts to evaluate and create a plan to repair the damage. If you have flood insurance, the policy provider will work with connected partners to fix up your business from the storm damage.

Even if you don’t have an appropriate commercial insurance policy, you can contact a restoration company for estimates of repair costs. Depending on the area, it may be more economical to keep a flood policy rather than wait for a costly disaster to hit your business. Checking the flood risk and prices in the area gives you a cost-benefit analysis to determine if it’s appropriate for your business. For more information, please give us a call at (386) 754-0261. 

Make Sure You Are Keeping Your Commercial Air Ducts Clean!

1/15/2019 (Permalink)

Before & After Duct Cleaning

If you are interested in getting your air ducts cleaned, give SERVPRO of Columbia & Suwannee Counties a call at (386) 754-0261

Many businesses tend to overlook certain aspects of their commercial buildings when they are going through their maintenance checklist. One thing that is often forgotten about is air duct cleaning, because cleaning an air duct system that is not showing any obvious problems can seem like an unnecessary expenditure of time and money. According to the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) the rule of thumb for consumers is that “if your air ducts look dirty, they probably are.” While you do not need to clean your air ducts every year, it is not something that you want to forget to maintain. Below are some benefits to cleaning your air ducts:

1. Improved indoor air quality
2. Greater HVAC system efficiency
3. Longer HVAC component lifespan
4. Conserves energy

If you are interested in getting your air ducts cleaned, give SERVPRO of Columbia & Suwannee Counties a call (386) 754-0261

Packing/Moving & Storage Services

5/22/2018 (Permalink)

When the need arises our staff is knowledgeable in packing contents and storing them until your home or business is back in action!

When this military family received new orders they had lots to do in very little time. They put their trust in SERVPRO to get their house and contents ready for the big move. Proud to assist our service members in their not so easy jobs, proud to be able to offer discounted pricing. Our Lake City office - SERVPRO of Columbia & Suwannee Counties are always ready to help make the move much easier on you. SERVPRO technicians come prepared with trucks kitted out with pads, straps and furniture blankets to move your furniture and belongings safely. A full inventory is executed, so nothing is lost or misplaced. We co-ordinate your pack-out with the contractors, typically we can do all the rebuild, who are restoring your home so that the restoration and reconstruction remain on schedule. We train our experts to handle your possessions with the same care they show for their own belongings. Our aim is to make pack-outs stress-free and short as possible so you can resume normal life after a fire. "Like it never even happened." Give us a call (386) 754-0261.

Prevent Water Damage from Dishwasher Leaks

4/20/2018 (Permalink)

A leak is inconvenient and even costly if you have to close down during cleanup.

Many restaurants in North Florida rely on dishwashers to keep things running smoothly and ensure a regular supply of clean crockery for their customers. A dishwasher is a handy appliance for any eatery looking to save some time and make things run better. However, just like any appliance, a dishwasher might break down and cause water damage to your premises. A leak is inconvenient and even costly if you have to close down during cleanup. SERVPRO of Columbia & Suwannee Counties recommends all restaurant owners take the following steps to take care of their automatic washers and reduce the risk of water damage from leaks.

Tell Staff Not To Overfill - It is tempting to put lots of crockery and cutlery in the tray to get more clean in each load. However, instruct your staff not to crowd the rack, as an over-filled dishwasher is much more likely to leak. It is better to do a couple of smaller loads than trying to fit everything into one big load.

Do Regular Maintenance On Doors - Loose hinges, misaligned door latches, or broken seals, can all cause leaks. Sometimes the problem can be fixed by simply adjusting and tightening a few screws. You could use an epoxy patch kit to remedy minor seal breaks. However, if it is not possible to right the door or seal, it is better to replace it.

Check The Tub And Hose - The tub and hose can both develop faults over time. Constant use might corrode the tub and make a hole, and aging hoses can become unstable or cease to fit properly. Check all the components of the unit regularly and replace it at the first sign of wear and tear.

Use The Correct Detergent - Make sure every staff member knows which detergent is best. Always use a dishwashing detergent, and always follow the manufacturer instructions. The incorrect dishwashing detergent or too much of the correct cleaning agent might cause suds or even a blockage.

In the event of a leak, SERVPRO’s IICRC-certified technicians are on hand to help with cleanup. We extract water from your premises and use dehumidifiers and air movers to dry the surrounding area so you can resume business as soon as possible. For help with water damage remediation in Lake City, White Springs, Live Oak, Starke, Perry, Madison, Macclenny and surrounding areas, call SERVPRO of Columbia & Suwannee Counties @ (386) 754-0261 today.

Commercial Air Duct Cleaning in North Central Florida

2/22/2018 (Permalink)

Call Today For A Free Estimate

It’s important to keep your heating, ventilation, and air condition (HVAC) units working correctly to prevent the spread of unwanted dust and contaminants at your business. When the ductwork of your HVAC unit becomes clogged or backed up, you might start to notice foul odors coming you can’t get rid of, or find the source of in your home. When it comes to commercial cleaning, our professional technicians can inspect, repair, restore, and replace your HVAC unit so that you can breathe clean, fresh air in your home or office all day long.

Why Should You Have Your HVAC Serviced?

Depending on the age of your HVAC unit, and the quality of the installation related to the ductwork, you might not have to have your air ducts cleaned when we inspect your ductwork. Sometimes, a filter change or tune-up of the unit is all that is necessary. Regardless of the required work, regular inspections should be carried out. In addition to reducing the risk of odors and increasing air quality, having your HVAC unit serviced means that it is likely to last longer, and function appropriately for many years to come. Also, some insurance policies require regular inspection of HVAC units to reduce the risk of fire, damage, or other emergency situations related to the HVAC system itself. We can save you time, money, and help you avoid disaster when it comes to the air quality in your home or office.

Benefits of HVAC

HVAC units are very beneficial for homes and office space. Because they are 3-in-1 systems consisting of heating elements, ventilation systems, and air conditioning units, there is no need to have more than one piece of equipment on your property. While some units are separate, the majority of them are combined. Combined units mean easy cleaning and maintenance as well. HVAC units improve air quality in your home or office and provide a high return on your investment because they provide you with cleaner air to breathe. They'll keep you warm during the colder months, and cool during the heat of summer. Ventilation systems will ensure moisture leaves your home, and that humidity is controlled as well. With equipment that does so much, it's important to make sure it's functioning correctly.

Contact SERVPRO of Columbia & Suwannee Counties Today

If you are a business owner in Lake City, Live Oak, Jasper, Macclenny, Lake Butler, Starke, Fort White, Madison, Perry or other North Central Florida areas and you are having trouble with your HVAC unit, contact our offices today to schedule you no-cost consultation; 386-754-0261. We’ll send a qualified and knowledgeable air duct technician to inspect your HVAC unit, and to determine the source of any problems you might be having related to air quality, air exchange, ventilation, heating or cooling. Our commercial cleaning services can help restore function to your HVAC unit, help eliminate foul odors in the air and throughout your home or office, and help reduce the risk of contaminants, such as mold or bacteria in your home or office. Avoid unsightly mold and smells by calling us today to schedule a thorough inspection of your HVAC unit

We can handle commercial losses!

1/5/2018 (Permalink)

Local building had wood floor with bays underneath holding water so had to remove wood floor to extract water underneath.

SERVPRO provides a 24–hour emergency service with highly trained restoration technicians to renovate your structure back to, “Like it never even happened.” We are a locally owned and operated advanced restoration service. Our technological advanced products and cleaning equipment can tackle the most extreme damages. For commercial services we specialize in:

Commercial Water Damage Restoration

Commercial Fire Damage Restoration

Commercial Mold Remediation

Commercial Cleaning Services

Commercial Storm and Major Events

SERVPRO of Columbia & Suwannee Counties serves the local communities including Live Oak (Suwannee County), Lake Butler (Union County), Jasper (Hamilton County), Macclenny (Baker County), Mayo (Lafayette County), and Madison (Madison County). Although we provide commercial services, we also offer residential services.

We work with your insurance provider for a stress free claim process and help manage the insurance paperwork. Call (386)754-0261 for details.

Hotel Water Damage

12/22/2017 (Permalink)

Hallway on 1st floor of a hotel with 2nd floor boiler room water damage.

Having water damage in a hotel has to be one of the worst fears for any manager or property owner. Any incident involving water on an upper floor can easily affect rooms two floors below. Water moves in mysterious ways and makes it into small areas that do significant damage.

It is crucial for owners of a hotel facing water damage in the Lake City, Live Oak and surrounding areas to have connections with local restoration companies that help provide you with the services necessary to get water movement under control quickly. Without a prior relationship, you may find yourself facing far greater problems as they develop over time.

Knowing which company to turn to or what to do as an emergency unfolds on your property can make an immeasurable difference in some of the losses you suffer. As your regular employees evacuate guests and make preparations for the remainder of their stay, SERVPRO technicians move in to locate the origin of the problem, making necessary repairs, and getting water out of the way.

With someone like SERVPRO available 24-hours a day, you gain access to resources you simply cannot afford to keep on-hand. We provide you with industrial-grade water extractors, air movers, air scrubbers, and all the drying equipment you could need to get water under control on your property.

SERVPRO of Columbia and Suwannee Counties has several years of experience providing customers just like you with the restoration services they need. We understand how to perform our services with as little disruption to your businesses operations as possible. Our technicians cordon off work areas with the proper signs to protect anyone who might come near while performing fast, efficient services to get things back to normal as promptly as possible.

Give your property its best shot at surviving emergency situations, cut down on confusion, and limit losses that develop over time. With the amount of time you put into providing customers with a quality experience, you deserve to experience it yourself.

Contact SERVPRO of Columbia & Suwannee Counties for additional information about available services today at (386)754-0261. We provide an array of services in the surrounding counties including Live Oak (Suwannee County), Lake Butler (Union County), Jasper (Hamilton County), MacClenny (Baker County), Mayo (Lafayette County) and Madison (Madison County).

Restaurants - Water Damage

12/18/2017 (Permalink)

Offices, Restaurants, Schools - Water Damage? Call SERVPRO!

Restaurants typically have the highest water consumption of any class of business, leading not only to increased bills but also greater risk of water damage.

Lake City restaurants experience small-scale water damage on a much more frequent basis than other local companies, causing minor but still troublesome headaches for the unprepared. While SERVPRO can help with mitigation and restoration services to keep the real impact on your business to a minimum, you should be prepared for the most common issues you may find yourself facing. 
 
Clogged Drains 
Whether it is in the restroom or the kitchen, clogged pipes and drains have the potential to cause a lot of water damage to your Lake City restaurant very quickly. While establishments with timed faucets are typically resistant to these disasters, troubles can still arise due to carelessness or malfunction. Overflowing sinks and drains spill high volumes of water on the floor, causing permanent damage to flooring materials if not properly drained or cleaned up. Should this issue arise, be sure to shut the water off quickly to prevent further harm. 
 
Burst or Torn Water Lines 
Whether the water line is in the structure or an appliance, rips, and holes in pipes and tubes commonly create uncontrollable disasters. While aging kitchen equipment tends to be at the greatest risk, accidents can happen to even the newest and most premium appliances. Be sure to have sealant on-hand to patch up leaks quickly, and contact SERVPRO or an equipment technician as needed for further fixes. 
 
Flooding 
Serious flooding can happen to restaurants either from natural disasters or major water leaks, such as a busted water main. When this happens, a fast call to SERVPRO is critical, as calling us without delay ensures that we can find and repair the issue in a timely fashion and mitigate as much damage as possible. These cases typically develop into lengtheir, more challenging restoration processes, especially if we experience additional delays in the mitigation process. Our ERP, Emergency READY Profile Plan can help prevent, or at least mitigate, fire or water damage from closing your restaurant.
 
SERVPRO of Columbia & Suwannee Counties helps local businesses in or around Lake City (Columbia County), Live Oak (Suwannee County), Lake Butler (Union County), Jasper (Hamilton County), Macclenny (Baker County), Mayo (Lafayette County), and Madison (Madison County) to survive and overcome even the worst disasters and damages. To enlist our aid, call us around the clock at (386)754-0261.