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Teach Your Employees to Handle Fires Safely | SERVPRO of East Cobb

4/12/2023 (Permalink)

img src =”extinguisher” alt = "two fire extinguisher hanging on a tan interior wall” > Dealing with the aftermath of a commercial fire? SERVPRO of East Cobb is your local restoration expert.

We never want to deal with an emergency situation at work, but when you don’t prepare for them, the outcome can be much worse. If a fire breaks out in your commercial building, you want the knowledge that you took every precaution to keep everyone safe.

Teach your staff and anyone else using your building the basics of fire safety. The number of people who have never used or been trained to use a fire extinguisher would likely surprise you, but with a few simple steps, you can train anyone to respond properly during an event.

Start With the Fundamentals

In accordance with OSHA rules, any business that has a fire extinguisher must train employees how to use it. That means if you own or manage a commercial building, you have a responsibility to not only ensure your team knows how to handle an extinguisher, but also understands the different kinds that may be in your building.

Start with the basics and have your staff get used to holding and aiming the extinguisher. Once the crew is comfortable with this step, then they should pull the pin and squeeze the handle. Flames should be handled with a sweeping motion, and anyone using the extinguisher should remain six to eight feet away from the fire.

Consider using the acronym PASS as a clever way to remember the step-by-step process. Review the procedure once a year with returning staff, and make the training a part of the onboarding process for any new hires.

While the fundamentals should be a part of every staff member’s training, consider assigning some team members specific tasks and areas of your building to respond to during an event. This can allow you to ensure coverage across your property in order to prevent losses.

There’s a Time and a Place

Part of your training should include the specific threats your building and industry may face. Anyone who uses your commercial property should understand the unique circumstances that could lead to flames.

That means that if you deal with chemicals, have a warehouse or cook with grease, your employees should be experienced with the correct extinguishers in each situation.

Another part of your training should also be making sure your staff knows when to stay and when to go. Fire extinguishers can make a big difference and even save lives, but flames can easily become out of control fast. Sometimes leaving is a better choice then staying and trying to fight.

Mark exits clearly, and go over how to get out if a situation gets out of control. Make sure it is understood that safety is always top priority.

Workplace safety is crucial for creating the best possible outcome in the event of an emergency. Create a solid strategy that covers every situation and train your employees to keep everyone safe. Always start with the basics and master the fundamentals in order to be an effective disaster safe organization.

Dealing with the aftermath of a commercial fire?Our SERVPRO specialists can restore your losses and return your workplace to its pre-fire condition.

Plan a Proper Response to Any Commercial East Cobb Disaster | SERVPRO of East Cobb

4/7/2023 (Permalink)

Hand holding activated fire extinguisher It is important that you research and adhere to industry specific fire prevention best practices as they relate to workplace fires.

As a business owner, you must be prepared for anything that comes your way, from unforeseen setbacks to opportunities that could change your life. As you consider all of the wonderful things you can accomplish by running a business, it’s vital to keep in mind the unexpected situations you and your team may encounter.

When you consider a workplace disaster, you might envision a variety of situations. The type of business you run, the size of your team and the location of your business facility can all affect the commercial catastrophes that might hit your East Cobb workplace.

No matter what kind of disaster strikes, making sure you and your team are fully prepared to respond will be what keeps you in business after the threat has passed. The following are some of the most common emergencies that could derail your East Cobb business.

A Workplace Fire

Commercial flames can create a chaotic workplace environment that is difficult to control if you are not prepared. The absence of a fire safety strategy could endanger your team and cost you a lot of money if your commercial building is damaged.

To keep flames from starting in the first place, you must identify potential hazards and teach your team the best practices for avoiding workplace fires. You should also ensure that every employee is fire extinguisher-trained in order to prevent a minor fire from spreading.

The cherry on top of a fantastic commercial fire response plan is practicing a fire drill and assigning roles for when flames break out!

Deadly Natural Disasters

East Cobb could be struck by calamity at any moment, which makes it vital for you and your team to plan ahead. Weather emergencies like tornadoes, flooding, the extended effects of hurricanes and more could shut you down for good if you don’t have a proper preparedness plan!

Communication is the key to keeping you and your crew safe during a natural disaster. Having a way to communicate inside and outside of work will allow you to keep your team updated as an East Cobb disaster unfolds.

Inform your employees of any impending weather threats ahead of time and keep them updated as conditions change so they know what to do. You’ll need to provide information on local weather updates, shelter-in-place locations throughout the building and any other lockdown procedures during a storm.

Unexpected Emergency Interruptions

Beyond natural disasters and fatal flames, there are plenty of other unique threats you might run into on your commercial property. Dangerous mold

growth, chemical or sewage spills and other biohazards may force you to close your doors temporarily until it is safe for your team to return.

Ready.gov goes into great detail and breaks down some of the most common commercial emergencies to anticipate. These suggestions can be helpful for any business owner who wants to be prepared for workplace emergencies of all sizes.

SERVPRO of East Cobb can also lend a hand when your business is dealing with disasters of all shapes and sizes! We can get to work instantly so that you and your team can recover rapidly from any unforeseen roadblock.

Has an unexpected commercial crisis put a halt to your operations? Our expert team can get you back on track as soon as you call.

Is Your East Cobb Home Spring-Ready? | SERVPRO of East Cobb

4/6/2023 (Permalink)

rake cleaning up leaves and hard clippings on green grass lawn If your Cobb County home suffers storm damage, call SERVPRO so we can help stabilize your property and restore it "Like it never even happened."

In many parts of the country, winterizing your home ahead of the winter season is mandatory. In East Cobb, we winter-proof our homes as a precaution, but overall, winter doesn’t pose as much of a threat as the dangers that springtime brings.

Just as homeowners in other areas prepare their homes for the winter season, you must prepare your home for the dangerous weather threats that the coming months will bring here. Knowing what to expect and preparing your home will allow you to enjoy the May flowers, after the April showers, of course!

Here’s what you can do to spring-proof your home before the new season arrives:

Brace for the Weather

Before you begin your spring upkeep, you should be aware of the specific threats that could hit our area this season. Heavy rains, strong winds and deadly tornadoes are all possibilities during the spring season.

Once spring arrives, you’ll need to keep track of any upcoming weather events or advisories so you can react on time. Preparing your home before these threats arrive in our area will give you peace of mind that you are ready to face the spring season!

Prepare Your Roof

The spring weather can wreak havoc on your entire house, but your roof is especially vulnerable. Existing wear and tear may be exacerbated when strong winds and tornadoes sweep through East Cobb, leaving your home vulnerable to the wrath of spring.

Regular maintenance is the best way to keep your roof in good condition and safeguard you and your home from the dangers of spring. Repair any missing or damaged shingles before the spring season, and make sure any leaks are repaired as well, to avoid a water disaster when the spring showers begin to pour.

Your gutters and downspouts play an important role in the protection of your roof and home. Give them a thorough cleaning by removing twigs, leaves and any other debris.

Tidy Up the Yard

Don’t limit your spring-cleaning efforts to the inside of your home; your yard might need some attention as well! Strong wind gusts in the spring can easily throw debris and other outdoor objects directly at your home, causing damage.

Take some time to walk around your yard and clean up leaves, twigs or anything else that could be thrown. While you're doing your yard work, have any branches trimmed to prevent them from breaking off and falling onto your home or property when the wind picks up.

When the spring weather is nice enough to go outside and enjoy the fresh air, the patio is the ideal place to unwind. To keep your outdoor furniture from blowing away, be sure to fasten everything down and consider putting certain objects in storage to prevent damage.

Spring can be a beautiful time of year, but Mother Nature can be unpredictable and leave us vulnerable to severe weather. Ensure your East Cobb home is fully prepared so you can take on whatever spring throws your way!

If spring weather leaves you with destruction, reach out to SERVPRO ASAP! We can begin the restoration process immediately and reverse the damage.

Spring Showers and All the Flooded Flowers | SERVPRO of East Cobb

3/29/2023 (Permalink)

Storm clouds When storm damage happens, call SERVPRO. We make storm and flood damage "Like it never even happened."

While it may not be coming fast enough for some of us, spring is quickly approaching—and with it, the excitement of renewal. Putting away winter clothes, planning out gardens and spending all day outside are just a few of the things we all look forward to each year. While you plan for the new season, make sure you also plan to prepare your home for all the weather that will come with it.

Just as you likely spend a good deal of time spring-cleaning inside, take the time to start cleaning around the outside of your home in order to prepare for heavy rains, winds and potential tornadoes.

Clean It Out

This has been a rainy winter, which could have led to buildup in your gutters from loose leaves or other debris. When water cannot properly flow through your gutter system and out your downspouts, it can spill over onto your roof, which can lead to leaks in your attic.

Walk your property and remove any piled-up debris from vents as well, particularly near your HVAC unit and dryer. Cleaning these out can not only prevent water intrusions, but it can also protect your home from fire and prolong the life of these pricey appliances.

If you have already uncovered your outdoor faucets, take a look at them and make sure there are no cracks or drips. Due to the extreme freeze we experienced this winter, many pipes froze, which could have left hairline cracks in your system as they thawed. While it is likely safe to leave them safe and turn the water back on if it was off for the season, keep covers nearby for the late spring freezes that are common here in Georgia.

Fix Issues Fast

Even in a mild winter, most of us spend the cold season indoors. All of this time inside can make it a challenge to find issues in your roof or around the foundation that may have started during the winter.

Because our weather gets warmer earlier than most areas of the country, use a warm week to get on your roof and check for loose or missing shingles. Look for visible signs of damage, particularly around eaves and chimney flashing. Leaks are common from aging in these areas.

It doesn’t take long for a little drip to become a big problem, so address issues as quickly as possible to avoid a total disaster.

Get Ready for the Water

Spring always brings a lot of rain, so taking action now can mean staying dry later. If your basement has a sump pump, thoroughly inspect it to ensure there are no breaks or blockages in the lines. A backed-up sump pump can lead to a basement full of water rather quickly, so you want to ensure yours is working well now in order to be prepared for the season.

Check your family’s emergency kit as well, and switch out seasonal items for rain gear. Check batteries and expiration dates, and make sure your communication plan is up to date. You need two ways to receive weather alerts, including one that doesn’t require external power. Our weather can become volatile quickly in the spring, so the more prepared you are now the safer you can keep your family.

Even the most prepared home could still see water damage, but the good news is you have a team of experts right in your backyard. We have the training and equipment to respond to your home day or night and start getting things dried out right away. It is our goal to save as much of your belongings as possible and get you back in your home fast.

Got water damage? We are here to help 247 and can restore your home quickly.

Water Damage Causes in Buildings | SERVPRO of East Cobb

3/17/2023 (Permalink)

img src =”mold” alt = "corner of interior wall showing signs of black mold from water damage” > Experienced water damage in your commercial building? SERVPRO of East Cobb can help you get dried out quickly.

Water is one of the top causes of damage in commercial buildings. Even a simple leaky toilet can lead to substantial damage when left undetected long-term.

When you own or manage a commercial building, you have a lot on your plate, and catching every leak or drip can feel like an impossible challenge. Get to know the most leak-prone areas in your building so that you can take proactive steps to prevent a total disaster.

3 Common Sources

An interruption in your business is never a good thing. Closing the doors because of water damage will not only cost you thousands in repairs and restoration, but it can also lead to income losses while you wait for everything to be cleaned up.

Start regularly checking water leak-prone areas as part of your everyday maintenance so that you can catch a problem before it causes damage.

  1. The Roof - A leak in your roof can happen as a result of a severe weather event or from age and general deterioration. When left unchecked, a roof leak can cause damage on every level of your building. Clean your gutters year-round and check your roof quarterly and after every major wind or ice event to catch and repair issues quickly.
  2. Bathrooms - Pipes on toilets and sinks can leak from a hole the size of a pin and are the cause of nearly 15% of all water loss in commercial buildings. Assign multiple members of your maintenance crew to checking all the bathrooms for dripping noises or standing water. Stop leaks quickly to avoid severe damages.
  3. Water Heaters/HVAC/Boilers. If your building has large appliances that have a water line or create condensation, there is potential for them to leak. Drains and loose pipe connections can lead to leaks that might be hard to find. Check for puddles near your heating and cooling units, and pay attention to water pressure changes in your building. These are both indicators of an issue that if caught early can be stopped before disaster strikes.

Take Preventive Steps

With the exception of a natural disaster that leaves your building flooded, most forms of water damage can be prevented when an event is addressed quickly. Prepare your building and your staff now and you can lower your risks greatly.

Start by preparing a maintenance plan that covers your whole building and ensures someone is looking at plumbing regularly.

If you have a plan that isn’t cutting it or don’t even know where to begin on a plan, let us at SERVPRO work with to create an Emergency Ready Plan that will break down your response process step by step.

Make sure your plan includes every fixture in your building, including any kitchen sinks. Find your water shut-off valves throughout the building, and train several staff members to turn the water off in the event of an emergency.

Moving quickly will always be the best way to control damages during a water event. Handle the immediate situation first as safely as possible, then call SERVPRO. We are available 247 to start your restoration process quickly so that you can keep business going.

Experienced water damage in your commercial building? Contact us to get dried out quickly.

The Crucial Components of a Fire Evacuation Plan | SERVPRO of East Cobb

3/17/2023 (Permalink)

Over loaded electrical outlet burst into flames SERVPRO is here to help when fire damage happens. Our highly trained technicians can restore your home while also restore your peace of mind.

Residential fires are unpredictable, which can be catastrophic for both your family and the safety of your property. Preparedness is the key to protecting the ones you love, even when the situation catches you completely off-guard.

Unlike residential flames, being prepared doesn’t just happen out of the blue! You’ll need to plan ahead of time to ensure that your entire family can escape a fire unharmed. Escaping quickly and securely is entirely dependent on the plan you create based on your own home layout and the fire threats that lurk within.

Consider this useful information as you and your family work together to form a fire escape master plan:

Consider All of the Possibilities

Your East Cobb home, like many others across the country, contains a variety of fire threats. Identifying the potential dangers lurking in your home will help you understand what might necessitate an escape plan and emphasize its importance.

Knowing the primary causes of fires can also help you prevent an emergency before you have to put your plan into action! Staying cautious while cooking, warming up with a space heater and using electrical gadgets could help you avoid disaster all together.

Small fires may not necessitate an emergency evacuation and can be controlled with extinguishing procedures and a quick response time. Developing a communication plan when a crisis of any size arises can allow your loved ones to know whether a rapid evacuation is necessary.

Timing Is Everything

A quick escape is the most important component to include in your fire evacuation strategy since it will allow you to get to safety if flames erupt. Without a strategy, you and your family will have no idea where to go when a fire breaks out, which can be deadly in the face of flames.

Develop an exit strategy for each room in the house and keep the path to safety clear of clutter at all times. It also helps to make sure your smoke alarms are operational so that you can respond on time when a fire is present.

2 Ways to Exit

Locate two exits in each room of your home that everyone can get to as fast as possible when disaster is on the rise. Two exits are essential so that you can get out even if one route is closed.

Show your family the main escape points you’ve chosen, and practice your evacuation a few times so they know where to go. If your home has multiple stories, a fire escape ladder is a great investment that can help each family member leave unharmed.

Reach out to SERVPRO when your East Cobb home suffers a fire emergency! We can repair the destruction and return you to a damage-free residence.

Call SERVPRO After a Fire Disaster | SERVPRO of East Cobb

3/14/2023 (Permalink)

img src =”fire” alt = "a small house completely engulfed in flames” > For quick repairs following a fire, get in touch with our team at SERVPRO of East Cobb.

There are lots of ways we can be affected by disasters. While any kind of damage to your home or business can be a challenge to deal with, when a fire starts, it is likely to leave a path of destruction in its wake.

Fires spread quickly, and even when the flames don’t do damage, the smoke and soot will.

Cleaning up after a fire is a daunting task for anyone, but with neighbors like SERVPRO, you won’t have to walk the path of recovery alone. You can call us at any time of day or night, and we will work with you to get back on your feet fast.

Our recovery process is thorough, which means your property will be back to preloss condition in no time.

Our Initial Move

After a fire and once you and your family are safe and secure, make SERVPRO one of the first calls you make.

We are available to take your call 24⁄7, and we will start your recovery process over the phone by gathering as much information about your unique circumstances as possible. We will design a plan that will fit your needs and cover your entire restoration. Our team will be headed your direction not long after you call in order to further assess and begin cleaning.

Time to Get to Work

Once the assessment of your property is complete, work will begin immediately to secure your home and ensure no further damage occurs. This may include boarding up broken windows or doors or even tarping a portion of your roof if it is damaged.

As soon as everything is secured from the elements, our team will use industry-leading equipment and techniques to begin removing smoke and soot penetrations in walls, floors and ceilings. We will even check your furniture for odors and sanitize every affected surface in your home.

The Most Crucial Step

After the cleaning, removal and sanitizing the real restoration starts. This might include hanging new drywall, sealing windows and doors or even replacing carpet. Whatever is needed to make your home or business look good as new will be handled quickly and professionally.

If a portion of your home had to be demolished during the cleanup process, we will rebuild it. Our crew is experienced in every aspect of restoration, including construction. With a highly trained staff and all the specialty tools required, it is our goal to get your life back on track.

For rapid repairs following a fire, get in touch with our team at SERVPRO of East Cobb! We will work as quickly as possible to return you to a safe and fully restored property.

When Water Invades Your East Cobb Bathroom | SERVPRO of East Cobb

3/9/2023 (Permalink)

plumber using adjustable wrench to fix pee trap on bathroom sink SERVPRO of East Cobb is here 24/7 to provide emergency water restoration, drying and extraction services to home and business owners of Cobb County!

Water damage can happen just about anywhere in and around your East Cobb home. Water can sneak into almost any corner of your home, whether up in your attic or below in your
basement.

Your bathroom is a common source of water loss, which you might not be surprised to learn. Most, if not all, bathroom fixtures use water, which brings with it the unavoidable risk of leaks and moisture problems.

While your bathroom may be vulnerable to water damage, you can easily manage this risk. You can keep your East Cobb bathroom water-free by understanding what causes these bathroom disasters and how to avoid them.

What’s Causing Bathroom Water Damage?

It isn’t hard to imagine why the bathroom is such a popular place for water emergencies. We've all had a slow-draining sink or a leaky toilet at some point! While some of these issues may be resolved with DIY solutions, others may persist, resulting in a full-blown water calamity.

Clogs along plumbing lines, water fixture malfunctions, a compromised toilet seal and poor ventilation can all cause water damage in the bathroom. Water can collect almost anywhere in the bathroom, including behind walls, under the floor, around bathroom appliances, and even up on the ceiling.

You may choose to ignore these issues, believing they are insignificant, or even completely disregard them, but doing so may result in costly and time-consuming repairs in the future.

Keep Everything Running Smoothly

Now that you know where water can sneak in, it’s time to fight back and protect your East Cobb bathroom! Dealing with bathroom clogging as soon as you notice your drains slowing is a good place to begin. Clear any clogs in your sink or shower drain as soon as possible to avoid a larger backup of water in the future.

Poor ventilation in your bathroom doesn’t just lead to water loss—it can also create the perfect breeding ground for mold. Keep your bathroom fan running after you take a shower, and open a window if your bathroom has one, to ensure moisture has somewhere to go.

Check Up on Your Bathroom Fixtures

Constant maintenance is another simple way to avoid water damage in the bathroom. Inspecting your bathroom for leaks or plumbing problems on a regular basis can help you catch
water damage early.

You may have a leak if you notice wet puddles around your bathroom fixtures, a foul odor, cracked sealant, or loose toilets or faucet knobs. Even if these issues appear minor at first, they can quickly escalate, so have plumbing issues checked and resolved as soon as possible.

Water emergencies can usually be avoided, but even with your best efforts, problems can arise. If you’re faced with water damage out of the blue, SERVPRO of East Cobb can rapidly repair your losses. We can get your bathroom back in shape before any more water damage ensues.

Dealing with unexpected water damage? Call us day or night, and we’ll restore your property to
its former glory!

Prepare Your Business for Our Most Severe Weather Threats | SERVPRO of East Cobb

2/20/2023 (Permalink)

tornado damaged roof If your business has suffered storm or flood damage call SERVPRO of East Cobb today. We make storm and flood damage "Like it never even happened."

Running a business presents new challenges to overcome each day in order to keep things running smoothly. Along with their daily duties, business owners juggle a variety of responsibilities, with one of the most crucial being to safeguard the entire workplace from the unexpected.

Unfavorable weather is a serious threat to businesses. Each season brings a new set of weather hazards to our area, and their effects are powerful enough to throw businesses off-track
or force them to close permanently.

Preparing your business for the possibility of severe weather can be as simple as understanding what Mother Nature may throw at you. Here are some of the most prevalent weather calamities
for which your East Cobb business should be ready:

Tornadoes and Dangerous Winds

  • Tornado season here in Georgia starts around the month of March and lasts until around May—or even well beyond these days. Tornadoes tend to have a devastating impact on East Cobb homes and businesses any time they blow through our area.
  • Planning for tornadoes before these troublesome months is the best way to ensure you and your team are fully prepared. Conducting regular tornado drills, designating a safe shelter and developing a thorough readiness plan (a SERVPRO Emergency Ready Plan, for example) can provide your organization with the resources it needs to survive a twister.

Raging Floodwaters

  • Flooding is among the most destructive natural disasters, and businesses often get hit the hardest when floodwaters flow through and destroy inventory, equipment and commercial buildings entirely.
  • Understanding your flood risk based on where your business is located is the greatest approach to brace for these raging rapids. Knowing when floods are likely to occur in your area and how destructive they may be can allow you to appropriately prepare your workplace.

Heavy Rainfall

  • Rain might not have as much of an impact on your building’s structure as strong winds or flooding, but it can leave you with substantial water damage. And this threat brings much more to the table than you might imagine; mold and mildew can form as a result of water damage caused by heavy rain.
  • Waterproofing your business from the inside out could save you money on costly repairs and lengthy mold remediation. An understanding of East Cobb’s weather patterns and a few safety precautions around your commercial building will keep you in business, rain or shine!

When severe weather impacts your business, turn to SERVPRO to handle your losses. We can rapidly get you back up and running before you know it.

What to Do When You Suspect a Leaky Roof | SERVPRO of East Cobb

2/20/2023 (Permalink)

woman catching water from leaking molded ceiling SERVPRO of East Cobb is here to help if your home has suffered water damaged. Call us 24/7 for emergency restoration and drying services.

You may not realize it, but your roof works extremely hard to protect your property. When severe weather strikes, your roof protects both the inside and outside of your East Cobb home. But
occasionally, after incidents like these, roof damage can go undetected, and leaks can develop over time.

A roof leak can cause a slew of problems for your house that will only worsen as time passes. A weakened infrastructure, worsening of present roof damage, water that travels down to the inside of your home and mold growth can all occur when your roof has a leak.

Avoiding these property problems can be simple as long as you are quick to find the source of roof leakage. Use these measures to aid in your search for roof leakage to keep that much-needed roof over your head:

Determine the cause...When you suspect a roof leak, you may be unsure where to begin. The best place to start is by determining the source and location of water infiltration.

Windy weather causes roof damage, which in turn can lead to mold and water damage. East Cobb is frequently hit by severe wind events such as tornadoes, so after these weather threats
pass through our area, you should inspect your roof to ensure that everything is in working order. Water can enter your roof and find its way down to your home through clogged gutters,
damaged shingles and chimney damage after a storm.

Neglecting roof damage from storms and other events is another reason leaks can form. Putting off repairs can have disastrous consequences, so it's critical to schedule regular roof inspections to address these issues.

Search for the signs....Typically, when a roof springs a leak, it won’t be long before you start to notice changes inside your home. Roof leaks reveal their hiding place when dark stains, an
unavoidable stench and water dripping from the ceiling appear.

If your home has an attic, this is the first place you should search when you’re looking for signs of a roof leak. You may notice wet spots and wet roof decking while searching. Mold growth in the attic or the exterior of your home is another clear indication water has found its way inside.

Although your roof may not always show signs of a leak, there are some warning signs that can point you in the right direction. If you inspect your roof after a storm and discover warped or missing shingles, you may have discovered the source of the leak.

If water damage sneaks into your home due to a roof leak, we can handle the mess. Our SERVPRO team can rapidly restore the damage before it gets any worse!