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ServiceMaster Trifecta Cleaning & Restoration

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Restoration Experts Share Their Top 5 Must-Haves for Riding Out a Storm

Emergency Services

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Restoration Experts Share Their Top 5 Must-Haves for Riding Out a Storm

Unless you’re a storm-chaser you probably ride out bad weather like most people: indoors hoping your basement doesn’t flood, your roof doesn’t leak, and nothing gets struck by lightning. 

Here at ServiceMaster, we’re not storm-chasers either. We’ve seen the damage storms can do to buildings, homes, and entire communities, and our hope is always that everyone comes out on the other side safe. 

Nevertheless, we’ve seen our fair share of storms and talked to people in the aftermath. 

While you can count on our team to be your go-to for residential restoration services and commercial restoration services after the storm, our primary concern is not buildings, it’s always people. 

Buildings, homes, furniture, and valuables can be restored after a storm. It’s the safety of loved ones that you should prepare for. That’s why we’ve put together this list of must-haves for riding out a storm.

Weather Radio to Help You Stay Informed

These emergency radios ensure that you have access to weather emergency information from authorities, such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, who will provide indispensable knowledge and instructions tailored to your specific location. 

The radios themselves come in a variety of types – from battery to hand-crank powered. Each unit receives its signals from transmitters in the area so that you don’t need to worry if you don’t have access to a live stream of news from the internet or television. 

Flashlights That’ll Last

Having a flashlight handy during any sort of inclement weather might seem like a no-brainer, but don’t underestimate the number of options you have. 

New technology presents several different options so that you can illuminate what can be a dark experience. Always seek to have a LED flashlight handy because their engineering makes for stronger beams and longer battery lives. It’s important to note, however, that a majority of the heavy-duty LED flashlights on the market run on a rechargeable lithium battery. You must maintain the battery life so that yours is powered up in the event that the power goes out.

Beyond power, water-resistant models are always a plus if you need to step outside or your building is compromised in any way and takes in water during the storm. We suggest seeking out some compact LED specialty lights (like for camping) that store easily and can float in water for your storm safety toolkit. 

How prepared are you? Download our guide, “Preparing for Disaster” to check your readiness and update your emergency plan.

Water Purifier to Stay Hydrated

In a storm, there is a possibility that significant damage to your water supply may occur – presenting a serious risk to your health. 

Having a water purifier on hand can ensure that you stay hydrated and have the water source you need to prepare meals, drink, and even clean. 

Today, you can find a purifier in both filter and UV light forms. Regardless of the model you choose, you’ll be able to remove pathogens such as bacteria and physical sediment from any water source.

Jump Packs Give You a Boost

Being without power doesn’t mean you have to go without some of your essential electronics. A jump pack is a single unit that can charge your most crucial devices when power is inaccessible. 

They can jump-start laptops, tablets, phones, and other small electronics. Plus, many models are designed with extra-bright lights on them so that you can utilize them as a light source during the nighttime if you experience a power outage. 

Generators to Keep You Going for the Long Haul

A typical thunderstorm might leave you without power for a few hours, but a more severe circumstance might put you in a position to be without power for several days. 

A generator can help ease the adverse effects of a severe thunderstorm by ensuring that you’ll be able to use lights, appliances, and other essentials. In addition, you can cater your experience based on your property’s needs and personal preferences with models that simply keep the basics running or others that power the entire house. 

Plan Ahead with an Emergency Response Plan

Of course, we never want the weather to have adverse effects on the way we live our lives or run our businesses, but it’s an unavoidable part of nature that we have to prepare for. 

To be best prepared, understand the possibilities and risks and make sure that you have a professional restoration company on hand to help if water damage affects your building. 

Our restoration professionals at ServiceMaster Trifecta are ready with an Emergency Response Plan for commercial businesses so that you can get back to business quickly and efficiently after a severe thunderstorm. 

We’re available to help 24/7/365. Contact us to put our disaster and water damage restoration expertise to work for you.

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The winter brings with it plenty of hazards for your home or building that you may or may not be prepared for. Most people are familiar with frozen pipes and common fire hazards, but do you know what ice dams are and why it’s important to prevent them?

When snow and ice build-up on the edge of your roof, it is hazardous not only to the people standing outside but also to the living spaces or working spaces indoors. Ice dams and standing water can lead to major issues with mold and water damage if not prevented beforehand or addressed quickly after occurring.

What is an ice dam?

An ice dam is a formation of ice at the edge of a roof, which prevents water and snow from draining off the roof. This happens when snow melts on your roof and then refreezes on the eves. This cycle of melting and refreezing builds-up and creates a dam of ice, behind which water collects. The ponding water can then leak into your building and cause damage to walls, ceilings, and insulation.

Large amounts of snow and ice on your roof can create a multitude of problems. These can include:

  • Injuries from snow and ice falling
  • Roof collapse, especially for flat roofs
  • Carbon monoxide buildup from blocked chimneys and vents
  • Water damage from leaks and attic condensation

All of these problems are very serious. Our team here at ServiceMaster Trifecta wants to warn you of all the dangers, and also make you aware that we are experts when it comes to water damage. When ice dams cause moisture to enter your home or facility, they increase the chance of mildew and mold growth. Excessive mold cases can cause respiratory issues and pose other health risks. Damp walls and ceilings can also cause structural problems, putting your building in danger of even greater risks.

How to prevent ice dams

Buildings generally have codes in place to prevent ice dams and attic condensation, but they don’t help with every issue and sometimes codes are even ignored. You should talk to a builder or designer to ensure your home or facility is up to code, but there are also a few ways you can help prevent ice dams.

  • Bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans and dryer fans should all discharge outside, not your attic space because the air that comes from those vents tends to be warm and moist, causing snow to melt and refreeze.
  • Minimize fixtures mounted to the ceiling below the attic to reduce the need for holes. Properly seal ceiling penetrations to make them airtight.
  • Proper attic ventilation will keep the air cool enough inside to prevent ice buildup outside. Insulation, however, can help prevent warm air from your home or building from leaking into your unheated attic space. Ensure that all soffit vents are not obstructed.
  • Install a self-sealing membrane under the shingles to help prevent water damage.
  • For metal roofs, install snow guards above entrances.
  • Keep gutters free of debris to help with water drainage.
  • Before bad weather hits, install heat cables along the roof’s edge in a zig-zag pattern.

What to do in the event of an ice dam

It’s important if you do experience an ice dam on your building to not try to solve the problem yourself using any type of “quick fix.” To avoid more damage to your roof and potential injuries, don’t try to remove snow or chip away at the ice on your roof, and don’t use salt or any other harsh chemicals. It’s worth noting that in an emergency you can use a roof rake to remove some of the excess snow, but it may cause damage to your shingles.

To prevent mold growth and mildew in your home in the event that an ice dam causes a leak, immediately take measures to dry out the damp areas and contain the water. Do what you can to get rid of the water source or divert it.

If you do experience water and mold damage from an ice dam this winter, ServiceMaster can help you navigate those challenges and also help you coordinate any insurance claims. There are plenty of steps you can take to prevent damage to your home during the colder months, but an emergency can crop up at any time. Our team is standing at the ready to help with your water damage restoration or mold remediation needs.

Don’t wait to get help if you think you have an ice dam causing problems to your home or building. Reach out to get help you can count on right away.

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What Frozen Pipes Can Cost You

We’ve all heard a horror story of burst pipes at one time or another. Taking precautions to prevent frozen pipes in both our homes and commercial properties during the winter months is something we’re used to doing. If you’re unsure about the necessity, however, ServiceMaster is here to help clear it up. We hope you can avoid damage this winter, and if not, we have your cleanup and restoration needs covered.

The Costs of Frozen Pipes

What happens when you have a pipe burst? Well, the short answer is a little bit of water goes a long way. Not only do you have plumbing damage that needs repairing, but you also have water damage. Water can easily spread everywhere: in your walls and ceiling, under your carpet, to your furniture. If the incident is serious enough, you could have structural damage. Plus, where there’s standing water, there’s a possibility for electrical issues and mold growth. 

Repair and cleanup costs can be astronomical in these situations. ServiceMaster can help with water damage restoration and mold remediation. Costs are usually based on space and the amount of damage, but when you work with a company like ServiceMaster and have a plan in place for emergencies, your commercial costs are estimated for fewer surprises. Our job isn’t to keep you in the dark when it comes to your frozen pipe cleanup. We help you get back to business as usual as quickly as possible. Our Emergency Response Plans (ERP) allow us to do just that.

The Best Solution Is Prevention

There is no sure-fire way to prevent pipes from freezing. Having the forethought to take a few preventative measures, however, can save you time and money this winter. Here are a few key ways you can help keep your pipes nice and toasty:

  • Set your thermostat at 65 degrees Fahrenheit or above. Keep all your inside doors open so air can easily circulate.
  • On particularly cold days or nights, open cabinet doors and allow your faucets to drip.
  • Drain and shut off any outdoor water line. 
  • Install frost-proof spigots or protect them from freezing with faucet insulators.
  • Add insulation to exterior walls that contain pipes.
  • Protect exposed pipes in unheated areas with snap-on insulation or heated plumbing tape or cable.
  • Stay ahead of the freeze with smart technology, like low-temperature sensors, smart thermostats, back-up generators, and water leak detection systems.
  • Seal any cracks or openings that lead to the outside. With particularly cold weather, you may also need to temporarily seal crawl spaces.

What to do if pipes do freeze

Sometimes preventative measures can only do so much. If you think your pipes may be frozen, you’ll have to take steps to slowly unfreeze them. To thaw the pipe, keep your faucet open with both cold and hot water running. You should also turn up your thermostat to increase the temperature in the surrounding area.

Be careful, however, because if you are not sure you are trying to unfreeze the right pipe, you could cause the pipe to burst. Contact a licensed plumber if you are uncertain.

If your pipes burst, ServiceMaster can help

If the worst occurs and your pipes burst, the most important thing is to take immediate action. Turn off the water leading to the pipe to prevent additional water damage. Contact a plumber to fix the pipe damage and contact ServiceMaster restoration services for quick cleanup.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. For the quickest service, you need to have an Emergency Response Plan in place. With a ServiceMaster ERP, you are our top priority. In the event of a burst pipe, our team will be ready to respond quickly and restore your business.

ServiceMaster is ready at any time to help you in the event of an emergency, but we know it’s always better to be prepared in advance to save yourself time, money, and stress. An Emergency Response Plan with ServiceMaster is a big part of disaster recovery and keeping everyone safe. 

Start a complimentary Emergency Response Plan for your business today!

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This time of year, the chance for fires in your homes and businesses is much higher than the rest of the year. With heaters, open flames, and piled-on Holiday decorations prevalent, it is no wonder that half of all home fires occur during December, January, and February, with Christmas being the busiest time for firefighters. It is crucial to practice good fire safety during the winter months. 

Heater and Electrical Safety

Heating is the second leading cause of home fires in the U.S. Typically incidents involve space heaters, causing about 40% of fires this time of year. Heating and electrical fires can be devastating, follow these tips to avoid loss of life or property this winter:

  • Check your space heater before using it. If it’s not operating correctly or the cord is damaged in any way, don’t use it.
  • Test every smoke detector in the house and make sure all of them have charged batteries. 
  • Install and test carbon monoxide alarms, as well, particularly if you are using a portable generator.
  • Keep portable generators outside, away from windows, and as far away from your home or business as possible.
  • Don’t overload your outlets and extension cords. Plug only one heater into an electrical outlet at a time. 
  • Keep anything flammable at least three feet from your space heater.
  • Make sure your space heater has an automatic shut off. In the event it tips over, it should turn off.
  • Don’t use electric blankets while sleeping and throw them away if they are damaged.
  • Use only the recommended wattage in any light fixtures.
  • Don’t attempt electrical repairs or installations on your own; rely on a certified professional.

Open Flame Safety

Fires in your fireplace and candles are a cozy way to bring warmth to your home and office, but the truth of the matter is that candle fires are four times more likely to occur during the holidays. Here are a few things to keep in mind when burning an open flame in your home or business this winter:

  • Never leave a room when a candle is burning. 
  • Never burn wrapping paper, garbage, or other debris in your fireplace.
  • Always supervise children and pets around fireplaces, wood-burning stoves, and any open flames, including candles.
  • Use a screen with your fireplace to prevent sparks from flying into the room.
  • Keep the doors to your wood-burning stove closed unless adding wood or stoking the fire.
  • Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from the fireplace or other open flames.
  • Have your chimney and vents inspected and cleaned by a professional each year. 
  • Cool ashes completely before removing and store them in a covered metal container, at least 10 feet from your home and other buildings. 

Christmas Tree and Decoration Safety

Many of the above electrical safety tips also apply to holiday decorations. Holiday cheer is great, but you never want to sacrifice safety for a few extra strands of lights. Don’t turn the most wonderful time of the year into a disaster; follow these Christmas tree and decoration safety tips:

  • Live trees need to be fresh and stay fresh until removed from your home. A tree that sheds needles too easily is not fresh. Keep a live tree watered so it doesn’t dry out.
  • Never place your Christmas tree near a fireplace, wood-burning stove, or other open flames.
  • Keep lit candles at least three feet away from your tree. Never place real, burning candles on your Christmas tree as decorations.
  • Keep doorways and exit routes clear in case of a fire.
  • Your artificial tree should be fire-resistant.
  • Throw out Christmas lights, extension cords, and other electric decorations with frayed wiring or other damage.
  • Don’t overload an electrical outlet, and never use more than three sets of light strands per one extension cord.
  • Turn off and unplug Christmas tree lights and other decorations when you’re away from home. Consider setting them on a timer to turn off during the night, as well. 
  • Only decorate a tree with non-combustible or flame-resistant decorations. Keep paper and easily-melted plastic decorations away from lights and other sources of heat.
  • For decorations outside, only use extension cords and lights labeled for outdoor use.
  • Fasten outdoor decorations to your home, sturdy trees, or other supports so that they stay secure, even in windy weather.
  • Plug outdoor lights and electric decorations into a ground fault circuit interrupter outlets or use a surge protector.
  • Do not nail through lights when hanging them, use clips or hooks instead.

We know it’s a lot to remember, but having a thorough checklist for your home or business each winter can keep you, your family and friends, and your property safe from a fire. 

No matter how careful you are, however, we understand that accidents can happen. If you do experience a fire this year, ServiceMaster can help get your home or business back to normal with our fire and smoke restoration services.

The best way for businesses to plan ahead is with an emergency response plan. With a plan in place, the ServiceMaster team is more prepared to get you back up and running as quickly as possible. Set up a plan here and call our team at ServiceMaster if you experience a fire this winter.

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5 Winter Hazards You Should Prepare For

The winter months are full of weather hazards and other changes that you may not be prepared for. Things like burst pipes and fires can wreak havoc on homes and businesses. You should prepare for winter hazards, but there is still a chance of disaster striking. You need a plan in place for those emergency situations and ServiceMaster is here to help. Here are five hazards you need to be on the lookout for this winter:

Frozen pipes

We have all heard horror stories about pipes bursting in the winter, or maybe even experienced it ourselves. It is one of the most common winter hazards for both homes and commercial buildings. When the temperature drops below freezing, there’s a greater chance of the water pipes freezing. When this happens, they can burst and cause flooding when temperatures rise again. Water damage and mold can result, which means restoration will probably be necessary for your building. While the best solution is to prevent frozen pipes all together, we know that it’s not always possible and water damage restoration services may be needed. 

Fires

Winter is “fire season” for restoration companies because of an increase in fire hazards. With an increased use of heating elements, and extensive use of Christmas lights, comes an increased number of fires, and therefore, an increased number of fire restoration requests. When you check your home for clear chimneys and vents and open areas around any heating element, make sure the same goes for your business, as well. Turn off your Christmas tree lights when you leave home or go to sleep. Costs from fire damage can add up quickly, not only because of the smoke and fire damage restoration needed, but also potential water restoration on top of that from putting out the fire.

Flu season and the coronavirus 

Even with the developments of a vaccine for COVID-19, for the foreseeable future we still have to be extra cautious about spreading viruses and illnesses like COVID-19 around our business facilities. In fact, the threat is increased even more during the winter because of the addition of flu season and colder weather keeping us inside. Now is the time to consider a regular commercial cleaning service to ensure a routine of cleaning and disinfecting of your facilities to maintain safe and healthy workplaces. 

If you have a positive case of coronavirus in the workplace, here is what to do next.

Ice dams on roofs

Ice dams – ridges of ice that form at the edges of roofs – can inhibit melting snow from draining properly. If preventive measures aren’t taken, these dams can cause water and mold damage in your building. Ice dams happen most often when temperatures are below 20 degrees Fahrenheit for a few days with several inches of snow on the roof. This is not as common in the Southeast as it is in colder climates, but the right winter conditions of deep freezing and daytime melting can bring this hazard anywhere,. In the event of ice dams, building restoration may be needed to clean up after water and limit potential for mold damage.

Mold

Mold is normally not considered a winter hazard (generally more spring and summer), but it is this year because of all the facilities that have been closed up during the pandemic. Many buildings were closed during the warm months and the HVAC systems were either turned off or turned down to save energy, but at the expense of high humidity levels lingering in those facilities. Mold is a particularly dangerous hazard because you may not know it is there and it can lead to respiratory and other problems for employees. Quickly mitigating water damages and maintaining proper environmental humidity conditions can put a stop to mold before it spreads, though in bad cases, mold remediation services may be necessary.

Each of these hazards could lead to your facility needing deep cleaning, regular commercial cleaning, or restoration from professionals like ServiceMaster. We know how stressful maintaining your building can be, so we are here to help. When disaster strikes, our team is ready to help get you back to business as usual as quickly as possible. 

The best way to handle an emergency situation any time of year, but especially during the busy winter months, is with an emergency response plan. Having a plan in place not only makes you a top priority for our team at ServiceMaster, but gives us all the information we need to minimize damage and business downtime. 

Start your emergency response plan today and call ServiceMaster if a winter hazard causes damage to your building.

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Positive COVID-19 Case at Work: What to do

What do you do if you have a positive case of COVID-19 at work? This is something we all fear happening. With how high the rate of infection still is, there is a decent chance that this could happen to your business. Are you prepared? 

Overcoming this and getting back to business as usual is only going to happen, though, if you quickly and calmly handle the situation properly. 

ServiceMaster is here to help you with COVID-19 cleaning and disinfecting in your buildings, warehouses, and office spaces, but it’s going to take working together to get everyone back on track. Here the three things you need to do if someone in your business tests positive for COVID-19:

1. Communicate with your employees

Your very first step in the event of a positive case in your business is going to be working with your HR department to follow all proper procedures. You should have a plan in place to alert everyone of your positive case so that they can take any quarantine measures and get tested themselves.

2. Prepare to shut down and/or work remotely

Before you even have a case, you should have a plan for if you should need to shut down temporarily or switch to working remotely. Having a plan will help the transition be more smooth and hopefully allow you to bounce back quickly once everyone is able to resume normal work.

As soon as you have a positive case, you need to immediately move into a shutdown or work from home phase to get everyone out of the infected area and away from anyone who might have contracted the virus. Depending on your facility and your positive case, this could also mean only shutting down one part of your building. So, you will need to be prepared for that possibility, as well.

3. Call in the experts to clean and disinfect

Once everyone is safe at home, you can call in the experts to return your facility to an uninfected state. A professional cleaning and disinfecting service, like ServiceMaster, can ensure that every inch of your building is COVID-free and safe for your employees again.

ServiceMaster has been in the business of keeping businesses safe and healthy for over 65 years. For decades, we have been trusted to clean and maintain healthcare environments that require strict daily protocols, as well as clean and disinfect cruise ships and airlines with viral outbreaks. 

While a pandemic like COVID-19 seems like an entirely new obstacle, our tried and true cleaning and disinfecting protocols help fight it all the same. We are ready to help you prevent the spread of the coronavirus with our advanced equipment and specialized techniques. 

Our team is trained to use powerful electrostatic technology that quickly and easily disinfects large areas 4x faster than other spray methods. Our procedures reflect the most current CDC guidelines. Plus, the time saved using this process will not only keep you safe but also save you money.

Our priority is restoring your peace of mind and keeping your employees and customers safe by creating a clean, safe, and healthy environment. In the event of a positive COVID-19 case at your place of business, do right by your employees and customers, and let ServiceMaster help you disinfect your facility. We know you want to keep everyone safe and healthy because we do, too. 

You might not need it now, but in the chance that this happens to you, you’ll already have an idea of time and budget to get your company back to business. Get an estimate today.