How SERVPRO of Indianapolis West Can Help Your Business

9/27/2024 (Permalink)

When disaster strikes, the impact on a business can be devastating. Whether it’s water damage from a burst pipe, fire damage from an unexpected blaze, or mold growth due to moisture, timely and effective restoration is critical to minimizing losses and getting back to normal operations. At SERVPRO of Indianapolis West, we specialize in commercial restoration and mitigation services tailored to meet the unique needs of businesses in our community.

Understanding the Importance of Commercial Restoration

Commercial properties face a range of challenges when it comes to damage recovery. Unlike residential properties, commercial spaces often house sensitive equipment, valuable inventory, and a workforce that relies on a safe environment. The downtime caused by disasters can result in lost revenue, decreased productivity, and damage to a company’s reputation.

Key Services We Provide

At SERVPRO of Indianapolis West, we offer a comprehensive suite of restoration services designed to address various types of damage:

1. Water Damage Restoration

Water damage can arise from numerous sources, such as plumbing failures, heavy rainfall, or natural disasters. Our team is equipped to handle:

• Emergency Water Extraction: Rapid removal of standing water to prevent further damage.
• Drying and Dehumidification: Using advanced equipment to dry affected areas and eliminate moisture.
• Repairs and Reconstruction: Restoring your property to its original state, minimizing disruption to your operations.

2. Fire Damage Restoration

The aftermath of a fire can leave your business vulnerable and in disarray. Our fire restoration services include:

• Assessment and Board-Up: Evaluating damage and securing the premises to prevent further issues.
• Smoke and Soot Removal: Cleaning and deodorizing affected areas to restore air quality.
• Reconstruction Services: Handling all repairs needed to bring your business back to normal.

3. Mold Remediation

Mold can pose serious health risks and can grow quickly if not addressed promptly. Our mold remediation process involves:

• Inspection and Assessment: Identifying the source of moisture and extent of mold growth.
• Containment: Preventing the spread of mold during the remediation process.
• Removal and Prevention: Safely removing mold and implementing measures to prevent future growth.

4. Disaster Recovery Planning

Preparation is key to minimizing damage when disaster strikes. We offer comprehensive disaster recovery planning services that include:

• Risk Assessment: Identifying potential risks specific to your business.
• Emergency Action Plans: Creating tailored plans for different types of disasters to ensure quick response.
• Training and Drills: Providing training sessions for your staff to enhance readiness and safety.

Why Choose SERVPRO of Indianapolis West?

When you choose SERVPRO of Indianapolis West, you’re partnering with a team of experienced professionals dedicated to getting your business back on its feet as quickly and efficiently as possible. Here’s why we stand out:

• 24/7 Availability: Disasters can happen at any time. Our team is available around the clock to respond to your needs.
• Industry Expertise: Our technicians are trained and certified in the latest restoration techniques and technologies.
• Local Knowledge: As a locally owned and operated franchise, we understand the unique challenges businesses in Indianapolis face.
• Customer-Centric Approach: We work closely with you throughout the restoration process, ensuring that your needs and concerns are always addressed.

Commercial restoration and mitigation are vital to protecting your business’s future. At SERVPRO of Indianapolis West, we’re here to help you navigate the challenges of disaster recovery with expertise and care. Whether you’re facing water, fire, or mold issues, our team is equipped to handle it all.

Don’t wait until disaster strikes—contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you in creating a disaster recovery plan that fits your business needs. Together, we can ensure your business remains resilient in the face of adversity.

SERVPRO's Disaster Recovery Team

9/10/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Indianapolis West: Your Trusted Partner in Large Loss Disaster Recovery

At SERVPRO of Indianapolis West, we take pride in being part of SERVPRO's extensive large loss disaster team. Our dedicated teams stand ready to assist in the restoration of cities across the nation in the wake of various disasters, whether natural or otherwise. We understand the importance of swift and efficient response, and our commercial operations managers oversee every large loss project, ensuring effective communication and timely mitigation/restoration.

Our involvement with the Commercial Large Loss program benefits a diverse range of clients, including:

The Hospitality Industry

Property Managers

Universities

Municipalities

The SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team is your go-to resource when facing the aftermath of a tornado, hurricane, blizzard, flood, or any other disaster. With a network of strategically positioned storm teams, we're prepared to leap into action whenever and wherever disaster strikes. Our commitment to being there for you 24/7, 365 days a year means that we're always ready for the unpredictable.

Give us a call at 317-243-3149.

Learn more about our disaster recovery services at https://www.SERVPROindianapoliswest.com/disaster-recovery

How to Prepare for Emergencies with a Plan

1/28/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Indianapolis West

Most commercial buildings are required to provide an emergency exit strategy for their people incase an unfortunate accident were to occur. Some buildings are also required to have a contingency plan to protect the building itself, but not all properties will have this in place.

Our team here at SERVPRO of Indianapolis West will provide this service to business owners in need of a water and fire preparedness plan. As restoration professionals, we have the experience and trained crew members required to show you necessary steps to limit potential damage that can occur from a water, fire, or storm like scenario.

Being a step ahead and knowing how to shut off a utility, fix a sprinkler issue, or set containment, can make the difference between shutting your doors and being able to open your business again. Every moment counts as disasters rarely happen during business hours.

During this process, a team member will document all necessary details as we walk your building with you. Important items to address will be the preferred initial point of contact, pinpointing your main utility shutoffs, locating any and all hazardous materials, documenting preferred parking and access for our team once we arrive, and priority or essential equipment that needs to be protected.

Our goal here is to provide you with a simple and easy to access plan for your team so they can react appropriately in these situations with little effort and a nominal amount of time. Knowing what to do and who to call can save you a considerable amount of money, prevent secondary damage and limit the amount of business time lost due to repairing and replacing damaged items within your facility.

Whether you have a team in place, or we are the ones to arrive onsite first, our technicians will be fully aware of the shut-off locations and can address this ourselves. Preparing this plan ahead of time will always provide quicker and more efficient results.

Feel free to reach out to our office for further information, do not feel this is something you need to explore on your own, our team is always here to help.

Handling your Commercial Property with SERVPRO

1/28/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Indianapolis West

There are over 21 million commercial establishments in the United States, occupying 4.9 million buildings. These buildings cover over 72 billion square feet or 1.6 million acres. The U.S. adds about 1.6 billion square feet per year—nearly 110,000 buildings annually, or roughly half-a-million buildings every five years. The sheer magnitude of annual growth in commercial real estate is astounding.

How are you planning on protecting your property?

Most companies attempt to treat a commercial project like a “really big house”, which is a big mistake. Calling and hiring a restoration company without the right education or credentials can cause further damage and business interruption.

With residential homes, the primary purpose is to house a family, whereas commercial structures have a variety of uses and functions. All these factors can affect the restoration process. 

Commercial facilities, if they are greatly impacted by damage, require more time for scoping, planning, and estimating. Additional square footage affected raises the requirements of the commercial project, meaning additional management staff, labor, equipment, and supplies will be needed.

At SERVPRO of Indianapolis West, we have a highly trained, experienced, and certified team, able to handle all your property damage needs. Our staff receives ongoing training from our corporate training facility to meet and exceed IICRC industry certifications. This ensures we provide the proper assessment and repairs.

When your property is the victim of a disaster or damage, such as water and fire damage, fire and smoke damage, or storm damage, every minute counts to minimize the effect on your building.

Every time we enter a commercial large loss project, we focus on the differences that occur in a commercial building over a residential home. We consider how our communication, planning, and even our conversations might have to be altered to provide the highest level of customer service on a commercial restoration project when speaking with either an owner or property management team.

Our cleaning and restoration team can provide support from water damage cleanup and water damage restoration to fire damage repairs and mold remediation services. As a locally owned and operated facility, we provide commercial cleaning services, residential cleaning services, biohazard cleanup, carpet cleaning, air duct cleaning, mold removal, and more.

When you have a disaster or water emergency call us at SERVPRO of Indianapolis West, your trusted leader for restoration services, 24 hours, 7 days a week to restore your home or business. We are centrally located, and you will receive an immediate response. Faster to any size disaster. Make it "Like it never even happened."

Emergency Response Plans: Are you Ready?

6/7/2021 (Permalink)

Here to Help.

What is an ERP?

An ERP is an Emergency Ready Profile which pertains to the layout of your commercial building. ERP's are used to map out your building for potential disasters. Once you contact us to come out for mitigation services, we can all refer to the ERP for important utility shutoff locations as well as specific concerns for your facility. An ERP will help business' save time and money. This profile ensures a stressful situation is handled as efficiently as possible as we move forward with the issues at hand.

An ERP will contain the following:

An assessment of your facility.

A Concise Profile Documentation that contains critical information in the event of an emergency.

Facility details
(shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information)

Line of command in regard to the authorization to preform services initially and continuing to work on the job after the initial inspection.

With this profile, SERVPRO of Indianapolis West will have a complete layout of your building and fully prepared for any disaster or an incident strike.

Don't let our first exposure to your building be during a disaster response. If we become familiar with your property now, we can move forward in the event of a disaster with mitigation efforts to prevent further damage. Getting your business up to speed as quickly and safely as possible will be our main goal.

If you have any questions about the Emergency Ready Profile for your commercial building call us at SERVPRO of Indianapolis West.

SERVPRO of Indianapolis West is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

IICRC Certified Firms must

• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.
• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.
• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.
• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.
• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.

Call SERVPRO of Indianapolis West for more information. 

How do you choose who to call?

6/7/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Indianapolis West for all your restoration needs.

What Is the Job of a Water Damage Restoration Company?

Restoration companies are some of the first responders when a home has been damaged by fire or floods, excessive water damage, or other major catastrophes. The ultimate job of a restoration company is to clean up the damage, remove it from the property and to preserve and protect the home so that it and the contents within it do not suffer from further damage.

Restoration companies are brought in to repair your home or business back to its original condition. When hiring a water damage restoration company, you'll want to ensure you have a clear understanding of the process as they restore your property.

Your Insurance & the Restoration Company

After your property has suffered a major event and subsequent damage, you will want to contact your insurance agent. Be sure to review your responsibilities with your insurance agent and what is required by your insurance policy for cleaning up the home to prevent any additional damage. You will want to discuss any questions you may have at this time.

Your agent may provide referrals within the area, but you are allowed to contact a water restoration company on your own. 

When choosing a water damage restoration company, be sure they have proper certifications, fully licensed and have at least a few years of experience in the water damage restoration industry. Make sure you are working with a company you can trust; your property is in their hands after all. One of the benefits of working with SERVPRO of Indianapolis West  is the national reputation of SERVPRO. SERVPRO franchises and employees are held to a high standard of training and experience before they move forward with any restoration job. Our strict training guidelines and experience rebuilding homes over the years continues to reflect our dedication to all our customers.

The Process Once the Water Damage Restoration Company Arrives

Here's how you should proceed once the water damage restoration company arrives. 

Once we arrive, we will walk the property with you as we discuss the affected areas. There may be some issues that were initially overlooked, so as we examine the area, we can identify all potential problems and solutions specific to your property.

Our team will be evaluating what will be needed in terms of time, work and equipment to clean and restore your home. We will provide you an estimate for those services once we review. 

Some Things to Look Out for When Choosing a Restoration Company

Reputable restoration companies will be IICRC certified. IICRC stands for the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification. It is a non-profit organization that offers certification programs and standards for the restoration industry.

In order to be IICRC certified, the restoration company must have proof of insurance, maintain a written customer complaint policy with follow-up on complaints, and provide the technicians with education and training to become certified.

Companies may also be members of the Restoration Industry Association (RIA). The RIA is a trade association for cleaning and restoration professionals. In addition to education and training, the trade association offers technical support and several certifications for technicians.

Here's a quick review of how to proceed when water damage strikes your home or business:

1. 
   Be sure to choose a restoration company with an excellent reputation that have been around for at least a few years.
   2. Check that your restoration company is IICRC Certified
   3. Read the contract carefully and be sure to keep your own copy
   4. If a problem occurs, make sure you contact your restoration company right away
   5. Check with your insurance company on what is expected of you following a major loss.
   6. For any insurance coverage questions, be sure you get answers in writingfrom your insurance company claims adjuster.
   7. Remember that it is important to act fast to prevent further damage from water or flooding. This is to prevent things like mold from growing. Delays can end up costing you much more in the end in terms of recovery, salvage, and reconstruction.
   8. Make sure repairs to your home are done promptly after the cleanup service occurs.

We understand how devastating a damage event can be. Ensure your property is in good hands and call us at SERVPRO of Indianapolis West , your SERVPRO team. We do not just clean up and remove the damage, we specialize in restoring your property to its original condition and making it "Like it never even happened."

Frozen Pipes in Your Office

1/26/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Indianapolis West is the right call for your commercial disaster. 317-243-3149

Your employees need to be safe and focused on the daily task at hand to stay running efficiently. The last thing any business needs is a broken pipe or some other water source disrupting your day to day operations and costing you valuable time. With the cold winter upon us, your business is increasingly vulnerable to water and storm damage. Frozen water pipes are one of the most common reasons for business downtime in winter.

Let Faucets Drip

Suppose you have bathrooms or sinks located near exterior walls or colder areas, like a warehouse or garage. In that case, you will want to take a couple of extra steps during freezing temperatures. If you know that the temperatures will be dropping to near or below zero, you will want to make sure your sinks are dripping water. The dripping water ensures that the water in the pipes leading to the sink are moving and don’t have time to freeze and burst the pipes.

Insulate Exposed Pipes

If you have exposed water pipes in your business areas that aren’t as well heated, you may want to insulate the pipes to ensure they don’t freeze. Many burst pipes in businesses are found in warehouses, garages, and near entrances that are continually being opened. Insulating these pipes can also be beneficial during the hot summers as the insulation can prevent condensation on the lines, which can also lead to water damage.

After The Cleanup

We create a full estimate for all mitigation and repairs then keep you involved with timely updates throughout the restoration process. SERVPRO is a preferred service provider with most insurance companies in Central Indiana, and we can work directly with them from start to finish. We understand that saving your property and reopening your business as quickly and safely as possible is especially important when you have a business to run and your employees count on you for their livelihood.

Always Here To Help

SERVPRO of Indianapolis West understands that time is money, and every second counts with commercial restoration. That is why hiring professionals like SERVPRO to assist with the water cleanup and restoration is one of the best moves you can make. We have highly trained service professionals ready to respond day or night to your call.

Tips for Preparing your Commercial Building for Winter

11/23/2020 (Permalink)

Prepare now, and worry less about your property during winter months.

Winter here in Indianapolis can take a significant toll on your commercial building, which is why even though the weather may be decent right now, this is an excellent time to think about preparing your commercial building for winter. But how should you get started? And what areas of your building need special attention concerning winterization? Below, I'll outline several helpful tips to get you on your way.

When prepping your commercial property for the wintry wonderland that will soon be here, it can be helpful to approach it from several perspectives. First, you want to be pro-active and take preventative actions. While warmer weather is here, taking action now can reduce the worry about cold-weather issues like frozen pipes down the road.

Second, you'll want to think about the comfort and safety of your employees, tenants, and customers. And third, you'll want to consider potential energy savings you can capitalize on by addressing the heating and cooling needs unique to each building area. With these three perspectives in mind, it's time to look a little closer at the areas of particular interest when winterizing your commercial building.

Check for Drafts and Air Leaks

Check the structure of your commercial property for leaks, and consider getting an energy audit for your building, which can help find these problem areas. Another way to check for leaks and drafts is to walk around your building and check by using your hand or using a temperature gun to find any cold spots. Once they are identified, seal them up for considerable cost savings and increased comfort for your tenants.

Enough Insulation?

Does your building have sufficient insulation? Take a hard look at all of it to ensure even the more challenging spots are correctly insulated. There are various insulation options to ensure your building gets the best protection from the cold, including blanket-style insulation, rigid insulation, foam insulation, and more.

Roof Inspections

The roof of your commercial building can host many undetected issues, such as holes or damage that can lead to water leaks during winter storms and snowmelt. When inspecting the roof, check all flashing and seals and make sure the structure is sound enough to hold the weight of snow and ice that is sure to come. If you don't feel comfortable doing this yourself, it's best to hire a professional roofing contractor to assist you.

Preventing Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes in Central Indiana are extremely common and cause extensive damage to commercial buildings; inspecting your plumbing now can save you time and trouble come winter. If you have exposed water pipes that aren't as well heated, you may want to insulate the pipes to ensure they don't freeze. Often, frozen pipes are found in warehouses, garages, and near entrances that are continually being opened.

Inspect the HVAC

Last but not least, be sure to prep your HVAC system. A good start is to schedule preventative maintenance and make sure the system is operating correctly and efficiently. Be sure to change out any air filters and check that exhaust gases are being appropriately ventilated.

It is advisable to keep the interior temperature at or above 60 degrees in your business. While this shouldn't be a problem in areas where your employees or customers are usually present, this could be a problem in garages, attics, basements, exterior buildings, storage areas, and warehouses.

Call SERVPRO of Indianapolis West

By following the tips above and keeping an eye on your commercial property, you can significantly reduce the risk of water and mold damage from a burst pipe this winter. If your business should experience water or fire damage, call SERVPRO of Indianapolis West. We are industry leaders in fire and water cleanup and restoration. We have the experience and training to fully restore your property and make it 'Like it never even happened." Click here or call 317-243-3149.

Commercial Restoration Specialist

9/23/2020 (Permalink)

We are Commercial Restoration Specialists. 317-243-3149

Here at SERVPRO of Indianapolis West, we understand that the primary concern with restoration services in commercial buildings is speed. That is why we focus on arriving on the scene as quickly as possible, gather information on the loss, and taking measures to mitigate as quickly as possible. We focus on being thorough and paying attention to your building details to get the job done right and fast. We do all this while ensuring to communicate the process and status to you.

Our goal in commercial restoration is to make the process as quick and straightforward as possible. That way, you can get back to focusing on your work as soon as possible. Here are a few reasons SERVPRO of Indianapolis West is a leader in commercial restoration:

Extensive Training and Specialized Products

As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration*, we stand on more than 50 years of experience and expertise to help your business become Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned. Beyond fire & water, SERVPRO professionals are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination and chemical spills – always adhering to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities. 

From formulating and creating our proprietary cleaning products, like SERVPROXIDE, at our headquarters in Gallatin, TN, to taking the utmost care while disinfecting, we will ensure you and your business are set up to inspire consumer confidence as the economy continues to reopen.

Call A Large Loss Specialist

When hiring a commercial restoration and cleanup company, it's vital to make sure they have the expertise and equipment to handle large scale jobs. Our location has the experience to handle any size job, from a two-story to a twenty-two story high-rise. 

Whether it's a fire, flood or, storm damage, SERVPRO of Indianapolis West has the experience, equipment to make it "Like it never even happened." If you have a small retail store, warehouse or, a multi-building complex, call the commercial restoration experts at SERVPRO of Indianapolis West.

Faster to Any Size Disaster

The longer a facility sits with water or fire damage, the more time and money it takes to be fully restored. One critical action to help minimize secondary damage is to ensure that the structure is properly secured from top to bottom. If needed, we can set up temporary fencing and board up exterior walls, entry-doors, and tarp rooftops for full security to prevent further damage from the outside elements. 

The Commercial Restoration Specialist

We're ready 24/7 to handle any commercial emergency comes our way. SERVPRO of Indianapolis West has the equipment and expertise to handle any smoke, fire, storm, and water damage from a business fire. They will be able to return your business to full operation quickly, so you aren't losing money to downtime. You can contact us here or call at 317-243-3149.

Commercial Cleaning Services

9/18/2020 (Permalink)

We specialize in all commercial service. 317-243-3149

Please turn to the professionals and let us handle the everyday wear and tear that gradually soils your office. When dirt, odor, and moisture problems go beyond your regular janitorial staff's scope, you need to call SERVPRO of Indianapolis West for prompt service.

We specialize in all commercial cleaning services, from removing an odor problem to deep cleaning flooring and carpets, you can rely on us to make your workspace look its very best. SERVPRO of Indianapolis West can work around your regular business hours, so there will be no disruption or downtime for your office. We have specialized training, products, and equipment to get your commercial property clean and safe from general cleaning of workspaces to heavy cleaning of warehouse walls and ceilings. 

A clean office promotes employee health and safety, production, and overall happiness. A clean business keeps customers coming back. 

SERVPRO of Indianapolis West wants to help keep your facility clean and a place where people want to work and buy from. We have service agreements that range from weekly cleaning services, quarterly or by the call. We'll work with you and around your schedule and cater our services around your needs. Our commercial cleaning services include:

Odor Removal and Deodorization

We have several different types of deodorization techniques. One of our Project Managers will discuss with you the method that will be most beneficial for your property—masking the odors, and other shortcuts are not what we do. We fully address the source of the odor, so it doesn't return. 

Carpet and Upholstery

A good rule of thumb is to have your carpet and upholstery professionally cleaned every 12 months. Protect your investment by calling us to clean and maintain your carpet and upholstery. Ceilings, walls, and floors are exposed to dirt, dust, and other contaminants from inside and outside. Whether they need general maintenance cleaning or heavy cleaning from smoke or fire damage, SERVPRO of Indianapolis West has the expertise to do the job right the first time. 

Trauma and Crime Scene Cleanup

Accidents and crime scenes often have blood or other biohazard contaminants that may pose a severe health risk. Our highly trained service professionals will respond immediately and safely clean and disinfect any trauma or crime scene with empathy and respect.

Vandalism and Graffiti

SERVPRO offers emergency services for board up due to broken windows or damaged structures. Often, simple vandalism acts, like breaking a window, can cause significant water and mold damage if not addressed promptly. In addition to removing spray-painted graffiti from exterior walls, we also clean driveways, sidewalks, asphalt, metals, glass, wood, plastic, and masonry.

Biohazard and Sewage

SERVPRO is trained to safely remove biohazards and dispose of them properly following OSHA and health regulations. Water from sewer system backups should be considered very dangerous and is best left to the professionals. Equipped with the necessary safety apparatus and cleaning products, we can help transform these unhealthy environments back into clean and safe workspaces.

Call SERVPRO for Your Commercial Cleaning Needs

SERVPRO of Indianapolis West has the experience, equipment, and expertise to make it "Like it never even happened." Whether you have a small store or a multi-building complex, click here or call the commercial cleaning and restoration experts at SERVPRO of Indianapolis West at 317-243-3149. We can work around your schedule so that your business has no interruptions and remains open. 

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned – a defensive cleaning program

5/28/2020 (Permalink)

Our defensive cleaning program gives your business a way forward by providing your employees and customers ongoing safety and assuredness.

Let us help you get back to business

As our communities reopen, we’re all moving back toward a new kind of normal. The expectations of visitors, customers, and employees who come into our establishments have evolved, and staying safe and well is a top concern. The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, and we’ve developed a program to help your business meet the new higher standard of clean that is now expected.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive cleaning program we’re offering to businesses and commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This proactive viral, pathogen cleaning program goes well beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. By choosing Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you, your employees, your customers, and your community can rest assured that you’ve selected a higher cleaning standard – you are Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Extensive training and specialized products

As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration*, we stand on more than 50 years of experience and expertise to help your business become Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned. Beyond fire & water, SERVPRO professionals are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination and chemical spills – always adhering to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities. 

From formulating and creating our proprietary cleaning products, like SERVPROXIDE, at our headquarters in Gallatin, TN, to taking the utmost care while disinfecting, we will ensure you and your business are set up to inspire consumer confidence as the economy continues to reopen.

3 C’s – Consult, Clean, and Certify

When the stakes are this high, you want a partner who has developed an industry-leading, proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes over decades. We’ve cleaned up some of the most challenging biohazards imaginable. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned reflects our unique experiences and capabilities. The program is grounded with our unique. 3 C’s: Consult, Clean, and Certify.

Consult

Every Indianapolis business is different, which is why you’ll be assigned a Cleaning Protocol Consultant who understands your business and will create a cleaning program to meet your specific needs. This program will be developed based on your business type, size of space, amount of high-frequency touchpoints, foot traffic, and congestion points.

Clean

Based on your specific business needs, your location will undergo a thorough, deep clean, using exclusive cleaning products, according to protocols set forth by the CDC. Our employees have years of experience, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff performs. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for the cleanup process, and disposal of hazardous materials. In the event of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 event, we will be there cleaning within 24 hours to ensure you get back to business as quickly as possible. 

Certify

Once your Indianapolis business location has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you will gain access to proprietary signage, digital emblems, and other collateral that communicates that you’ve selected a higher standard of clean available to help protect your employees and customers. And because we add the day, month, and year to that proprietary stamp of clean, your guests will know that not only did you choose Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, but that your location is being cleaned regularly at this standard.

Call today for a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned Consultation

We’re Here to Help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – until life is back to normal in the communities we all call home.

Call SERVPRO of Indianapolis West today at 317-243-3149 for your Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned Consultation.

Commercial Restoration

5/13/2020 (Permalink)

We can handle any size commercial loss.

Commercial Water Damage

Water damage can happen in many ways. Heavy rain, sprinkler line break, or there could be an overflowing toilet that causes damage in a structure. A frozen pipe could burst and cause extensive damage in the wintertime. A burst pipe or a leaking roof in a manufacturing plant can shut down the production line causing huge losses. Our goal is to minimize downtime and to get your business back up and running at full speed. 

Commercial Fire Damage

A fire in your commercial building can result in extensive damage. Even small, contained fires that are isolated and extinguished quickly can cause extensive damage. It's the smoke that travels seemingly everywhere that is the culprit and causes most damage after a fire. Smoke can get into the ductwork and quickly spread throughout the building. With fire and smoke damage, it's essential to hire fire restoration professionals that can quickly restore your business, warehouse, or retail space. 

Call A Large Loss Specialist

When any of these events happen, it's essential to call restoration professionals immediately to mitigate the damage. When hiring a commercial restoration and cleanup company, it's vital to make sure they have the expertise and equipment to handle large scale jobs. Our location has the experience to handle any size job, from a two-story to a twenty-two story high-rise. 

Whether it's a fire, flood or, storm damage SERVPRO of Indianapolis West has the experience, equipment, to make it "Like it never even happened." If you have a small retail store, warehouse or, a multi-building complex, call the commercial restoration experts at SERVPRO of Indianapolis West at 317-243-3149.

Top 6 Causes of Commercial Water Damage

1/30/2020 (Permalink)

Top 6 Causes of Commercial Water Damage

If you manage or own a commercial building, you have probably dealt with water leaks and damage in the building before. While we tend to worry most about water damage during strong rainstorms and snowstorms, water damage can occur at any time. In this blog, we will go over the top causes of commercial water damage. By knowing the causes and sources of water damage, you’ll know where to look for water leaks on a regular basis and catch them before too much water damage has occurred.

Damaged Pipes

While many have heard of water pipes bursting from freezing, there are other ways water and sewer pipes can leak over time. Water and, especially sewer and drain pipes, can pit and rust over time eventually leading to small pinhole leaks. Pipes can also become loose or damaged around the connections leading to small leaks. While these leaks can hide behind walls and ceilings for a long time before seeping through and becoming visible, you can still regularly check the areas where the pipes are visible. When checking pipes and drains for leaks, look for a puddle or drips on the floor below the pipes. Look for condensation on the pipes which could be a sign of a leak or the need to insulate the pipes. 

Sprinkler System Leaks

Most commercial buildings have fire sprinkler systems. If the sprinkler heads are exposed, there is a risk of them being knocked and broken resulting in a shower of water raining down inside your business. But there are other ways that a fire sprinkler system can lead to leaks and commercial water damage. The fire sprinkler system usually consists of a large pipe that then feeds into smaller pipes which lead to the sprinkler heads. All of these pipes running throughout your business can be prone to damage over time due to the elements and the water inside the pipes. If you notice a pinhole leak from one ofo the sprinkler pipes, you will want to get that fixed before the hole gets bigger and the water damage gets worse. You also want to be aware of the temperature inside your building during the cold, winter months. These pipes can easily freeze and burst if a door or window is left open. It’s always a good idea to check all the doors and windows before leaving the building for the night. 

Clogged Sewers

Another common source of commercial water damage are clogged or flooded sewer lines around the business property. When the sewer lines flood or fill up due to a clog, the water seeks a way out of the sewer. This can be manhole sewer covers in streets or floor drains in a business. The water can also back up through the toilets in a business creating extensive water damage especially if it happens after hours. While you can’t necessarily stop a sewer from backing up, you can respond more quickly to flooding by installing flood alarm detectors in your business. When the detectors get wet, they will notify you that there is flooding in your business. If the storms are occurring during the day, you can have your employees keep an eye on the floor drains and toilets for any sign of a sewer backup. 

Roof Leaks

We’ve all experienced roof leaks. During heavy rains, is usually when we discover water dripping through the ceiling or down the walls from the roof. Rainwater can find it’s way inside through damage to the rooftop, cracked sealants around the external ductwork on the roof, and cracks between the roof and exterior walls. To reduce the chance of roof leaks, it’s always a good idea to check the entire roof before the snow season and the rain season. You want to look around the areas that have sealant and caulking to ensure there are no cracks where water can get in. You also want to look for any damage to the shingles or rooftop. By fixing any cracks or roof damage, you can greatly reduce the risk that you will experience any roof leaks during the snow and storm seasons. 

Melting Ice/Snow

Speaking of snow season, melting ice and snow is another source of water leaks. Melting ice and snow can cause leaks in three main ways. The first is when the melting water finds it’s way through cracks and roof damage like mentioned above. The second way snow and ice can cause roof damage and thus water damage is by the water from the snow and ice refreezing and causing small cracks to become bigger cracks and holes in your roof where water can easily flow through and damage your business. The last way is from snow and ice accumulating and causing a roof to partially collapse or fully collapse from the weight. 

Surface Water Flooding

The last most common source of commercial water damage is flooding from nearby creeks and rivers and low lying lands. As this water rises it can find its way to your business. At the very least, these floodwaters can work their way through doorways and garage doors around your business. If you have time, you can prepare for the rising waters by piling sandbags around your doors. The next step to take would be to buy a submersible water pump that can pump any water that gets through the sandbags back outside. If you don’t have time to use sandbags, you can try sealing any vulnerable doors with duct tape. The other thing you can do is to unplug any electronics and make sure they are on top of desks or shelves where they may be safe from the floodwaters that get into your business. 

Trust the Commercial Water Damage Restoration Experts

If you should suffer water damage to your commercial property, you can trust the experts at SERVPRO of Indianapolis West to quickly clean up and repair any damage to your business. The pros at SERVPRO of Indianapolis West have years of experience dealing with water damage to businesses and homes around the Indianapolis area. They have the tools and know-how to handle any size disaster and are ready to respond quickly day or night. If your business should suffer water damage, give SERVPRO of Indianapolis West a call.

What to Do After Your Business Has Suffered Storm Damage?

11/24/2019 (Permalink)

What to Do After Your Business Has Suffered Storm Damage?

Storm damage to a commercial property can be devastating to a business. Not only can storm damage from the water and wind cause extensive property damage, but it can also shut down a business until the damage can be cleaned and the property restored. The longer a business is shut down, the more money that is lost from no customers and no business. Ultimately, extensive storm damage can drive a business out of business.

In this blog, we will go over some of the steps to take to reduce the downtime and get your business back up and running after suffering storm damage. 

Damages From Commercial Storm Damage

A business can be damaged in many ways from a storm. The most common type of damage to businesses from storms is usually water damage from flooding. This can be flooding from a nearby river or stream or just flooding from improper drainage around the property. With water damage, it is imperative that you contact a commercial storm restoration company immediately to reduce the risk of further water damage and possible mold damage. 

The next most common damage that businesses suffer from is wind damage during a storm. This can be high straight-line winds that can tear off shingles or blow water into cracks. Or it can be as the result of a tornado, with a direct hit usually creating the most damage. High winds and tornadoes can tear off roofs, collapse walls, break windows, blow down power lines, and push water through breaches of the business’s exterior. Wind damage will usually lead to water damage which can lead to mold damage resulting in extensive damage that requires a lot of work to clean up and restore everything.

Assess and Confirm the Damage

Before calling the insurance company and commercial restoration company, take the time to walk around and through your business to assess the damage. If the property is unsafe, then skip this step. You want to get a good idea of how much damage and what type of damage your business has suffered, so you can give the commercial restoration company a clear picture of what they should expect. This will help the commercial restoration company deploy the right equipment and the right people to the disaster and be able to handle it much faster. 

Once on the site, the commercial restoration company will do their own assessment to determine what steps to take to clean up the damage and restore your business. These experts will know where to look for potential hidden damage from the water and wind. They will have the right tools to test for moisture in the walls and ceilings. 

Contact the Commercial Restoration Company as Soon as Possible

Once you’ve done a quick walk around and assessment, it’s important to not waste time in contacting a commercial restoration company, like SERVPRO of Indianapolis West. Time is not on your side in the money lost to downtime and the further damage, like mold damage, that could occur if not treated immediately. SERVPRO of Indianapolis West recognizes the importance of acting quickly when storm damage has occurred. That is why they are available 24/7 and can be at your business and cleaning up the damage as soon as possible. 

Keep Records and Photos of the Damage

It’s recommended to take plenty of photos and keep records of all the damages both to the business property and the contents of the business property. These records will help make working with your insurance company go more smoothly as you seek help from your insurance company. If you do throw out any damaged items, you may want to rent an extra dumpster and keep the thrown out items on the property until the insurance company has settled your claim. 

Trust the Commercial Damage Restoration Experts at SERVPRO of Indianapolis West

Dealing with commercial property damage from storms and fires can be a frustrating and stressful time for business owners. Not only do you have to deal with the damage to the property but also downtime due to your workers not being able to work. At SERVPRO of Indianapolis West, we can help make the process of getting back to work as smooth and painless as possible. SERVPRO of Indianapolis West has years of experience dealing with commercial property damage of all shapes and all sizes. We understand the importance of businesses being able to get back to work quickly, which is why we’ll work our hardest to ensure you can do just that. Contact them the next time a storm or fire or water damages your business.

Top Tips to Reduce Winter Water Damage for Businesses

9/24/2019 (Permalink)

Top Tips to Reduce Winter Water Damage for Businesses

While the fall season just began, winter weather and freezing temperatures are not too far away. In this blog, we will go over the most common types of water damage to businesses in the winter and what to do right now to prevent winter damage to your business.

Top Causes of Water Damage to Businesses in Winter

Winter weather can be harsh and damaging to businesses. The strong winds and moisture in the form of snow, hail, and/or rain can lead to all types of problems. Strong winds can cause roof and siding damage to businesses. When the strong winds are accompanied by snow or rain, water can find ways into your business causing water damage. 

The strong winds and freezing temperatures can also lead to burst pipes in your business. If there is a draft or crack in the roof or walls, the extreme temperatures and winds can quickly freeze your water and drain pipes leading to burst pipes and frozen clogs. The extreme temperatures can also cause the saturated ground to freeze which can cause melting snow to seep in or flood your business. 

The last culprit that can cause extensive water damage to your business is an accumulation of snow on your roof and around the foundation of your business. Snow can quickly accumulate and pile up on your roof leading to a roof collapse or minor damage that can allow snowmelt to enter into your business causing major damage.

How to Prevent Winter Water Damage at Your Business

While the weather is still nice outside, it’s important to take some quick and easy steps to reduce the risk of water damage to your business when winter comes around. The first thing that you want to do is to check the roof of your business. You want to make sure there is no damage to the shingles or roofing where water and/or cold temperatures could get in. Check any caulking and seals for cracks or damage. If you have a gutter system for the water to drain off the roof, check to make sure the drainpipes and gutter system are not obstructed.

You also want to check the perimeter of your business for cracks in the foundation. If you do find cracks or broken seals, you will want to make sure you get them caulked and sealed before winter strikes. You also want to check the gutters downspouts to ensure that they are facing away from your business and allowing water to flow away from the foundation. 

The last area you want to check is inside your business. If you can examine the roof from inside, you can check for any damage or previous signs of water damage. You want to make sure the roof is solid and supported in case there is a large accumulation of snow or ice on it. If you find signs of water leaks and damage, you will want to make sure that they have been fixed. 

You also want to check the insulation of the roof and building to make sure the entire building is properly insulated to prevent cold air from entering and freezing the pipes. If you have pipes that may be exposed to lower temperatures, you will want to make sure they are properly wrapped and insulated. If you find any drafts where the wind or outside elements can enter, you will want to not only seal the draft off but also insulate around it. 

If Your Business Suffers Water Damage, Call the Pros 

Even after following all of the above tips, there is still a chance that your business could suffer water damage from severe winter weather. The harsh winds could damage your roof allowing melted snow to leak into your building causing water damage, mold damage, and possibly worse. If that should happen, you can trust the pros at SERVPRO of Indianapolis West to clean up and repair the damage quickly. They have the knowledge and equipment to handle any type and any size of damage to your business. Give them a call anytime 24/7 if your business should suffer damage this winter. 

Preparation Is Key To Safety

9/19/2019 (Permalink)

Take time to prepare and stay safe.

September is National Preparedness Month, and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security encourages Hoosier families and businesses to review your safety plans in the event of a disaster. 

Here in central Indiana, the most common occurrences are tornadoes, fire, flooding, and winter storms. Become aware of disasters that could occur in your area and learn what to do to stay safe. 

Disasters happen everywhere, take time to prepare.

Everywhere in the United States is at some risk for a natural disaster, whether it be from flooding, fire, or storms. It is essential that you understand the risk in your area and develop preparedness and mitigation plans, and take action. 

As a business owner or human resource coordinator, taking action will not only increase the safety of employees and customers, but it will help you remain in business after disasters.

Maintaining business continuity is crucial for you, and when you can continue operations after a disaster, you will improve your community's ability to recover as well. 

Employee  Awareness Campaign

Conduct an employee awareness campaign to educate staff on the safest response before, during, and after a disaster. These campaigns can include drills or exercises that can be incorporated into the program and evacuation routes. 

Address shelter-in-place procedures and emergency communications plans. Also, discuss how to evacuate and where to go to stay safe. Your training can be incorporated into established campaigns such as National Preparedness Month and should focus on disaster preparedness and safety. 

Hold a preparedness discussion with your staff. Discuss what you have done to prepare for disasters, review your SERVPRO Emergency Ready Program and your Business Continuity Plan, review your Crisis Communications Plan, and share awareness campaign key messages.  

As many as 50% of businesses may never recover following a disaster. Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place. Include basic first aid and CPR training and situational awareness in the event of a disaster. Describe evacuation routes in the event you need to leave your building, and designate a safe place for people to go once they're out.

Having monthly or quarterly walk-through drills are essential for group safety. Conduct your evacuation drill, but before you begin, contact your local fire department and emergency manager for additional ideas and to offer them a way to participate.

Tornado Safety Tips for Indianapolis Businesses

5/28/2019 (Permalink)

Tornado Safety Tips for Indianapolis Businesses

With the recent tornadoes that have struck central Indiana, the importance of knowing what to do in the event of a tornado at work has become a harsh reality for some. Tornadoes can pop up out of nowhere and quickly do a lot of damage to homes and businesses. In this blog post, we will focus on what to do if a tornado is barrelling toward your workplace. While somewhat similar to tornado safety tips for homes, there are some distinct differences when trying to stay safe from a tornado in many businesses.

More Windows. More Flying Glass.

Many of today’s modern offices are covered in glass windows. While floor to ceiling glass windows provide great views from your office, they’re also a huge risk to your life if a tornado should hit your building. Due to the plentitude of glass windows in most offices, it’s important to have an emergency plan of where to seek cover is there is a tornado warning in your area. Safe areas to seek cover may include fire escape stairwells, internal offices, lower level floors, closets, and/or basements. It’s important to read your office’s emergency plan and know exactly where to go to seek cover.

Stay Alert. Listen to Warnings and Watches.

You can listen to the severe weather reports on your computer, your smartphone, your radio, or a television. While all of these may work, it’s always best to have a backup weather radio with batteries. The reason is that the cable could go out, the power could go out, and/or cell coverage could drop during severe storms and tornadoes. It’s also important to know the difference between a warning and a watch. A tornado watch means that a tornado is possible and to stay alert and tuned in to weather updates. A tornado warning means that a tornado has been spotted in person or by radar. If the tornado warning is near your office, you and your coworkers need to seek shelter immediately.

Plan Ahead If Disaster Strikes.

Not only is it a good idea to have a battery-powered weather radio, but it’s also a good idea to store other items in a preparedness kit. Items should include flashlights if the power should go out, first aid kit in case anyone is injured from flying debris, and finally, water and some snack bars or food in the event that you may be trapped or isolated for a while. If you work in a large business where there are several areas to seek shelter, you want to make sure each area has the preparedness kits.

After the Tornado Hits.

Traversing your workplace after a tornado hits can be the most dangerous time if you aren’t aware of your surroundings. If a tornado strikes your workplace, a lot of damage can occur and a lot of dangers can appear from that damage. The first step is to not leave the shelter until you can confirm that the tornado and damaging winds have passed. Sometimes it is just better to wait in place until fire and rescue have arrived. If you do leave the shelter, do not walk through any flooded areas as you could be electrocuted from damaged electrical lines and equipment. Be careful about stepping on broken glass and debris. Broken glass and debris with nails could easily puncture many office shoes. If you smell gas from a broken gas line, it’s important to quickly and safely evacuate the vicinity.

Account for Every Employee and Visitor

Once everyone has been given the all clear and can leave the safety of the shelters, it’s important to have a checklist of all employees and guests that were in the building prior to the tornado occurring. A designated person or persons should ensure that everyone is accounted for and safe. If someone is missing, you need to inform the fire and rescue teams of missing coworkers and guests. It’s also a good idea to inform your work staff to not leave the area until they have been accounted for.

If Your Business Should Suffer Tornado or Storm Damage, Contact the Professionals

Tornadoes can cause minor to extreme damage to businesses Some tornadoes can tear off roofs while others can knock down walls and even buildings. That is why it is so important to be prepared with the right emergency plans, the right tools, and the right steps for you and your work staff to follow. If a tornado or storm should hit your business, call the commercial storm restoration professionals at SERVPRO of Indianapolis West. They have the tools and the know-how to clean up any size disaster and help you get back to business quickly. Whether it’s the middle of the night or the weekend or anytime in between, contact SERVPRO of Indianapolis West for your Indianapolis commercial storm clean up and disaster recovery.

Commercial Fire Prevention Tips for Your Indianapolis Workplace Part 1

4/28/2019 (Permalink)

Commercial Fire Prevention Tips for Your Indianapolis Workplace Part 1

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 72% of all structure fires occurred in home structures in 2017. While home fires are the most common, fire in commercial structures are still prevalent. In 2017, there were 120,000 non-residential structure fires with 18,000 occurring in stores and offices. With this many fires occurring in workplaces, it’s important to take some steps to keep your business safe. Below we cover some of the top things you can do to keep your office and your staff safe from fire.

#1 Keep Electrical Power Panels Accessible

In the event of a fire, you may need to cut the power to prevent further damage and risk of an electrical shock especially if it is an electrical fire. Does your staff know where the power control panel is? Is it easy to reach or is it hidden behind boxes in a storage closet? If it isn’t easy to reach, move boxes and obstructions out of the way so it can be quickly accessed.

#2 Keep Exits and Stairways Clear

Stairways seem like the perfect place to store mop buckets, equipment,  and boxes that you don’t need anytime soon. Stairways also happen to be the worst place to store anything. In the event of a fire, your staff needs to be able to freely and quickly exit out of your building through the use of stairways, exit doors, and exit pathways. If boxes are blocking them or they trip over a mop bucket, this could spell disaster. Keep these areas clear and make sure your staff does the same.

#3 Keep the Office Clutter-Free

In the previous tip, we talked about the clutter in the exits and stairways, but clutter anywhere in an office can be a bad thing. If a fire should start in your office, it needs fuel to grow. One of the most common materials in an office, paper, is the perfect fuel. Try keeping your desks and storage rooms clear of non-essential documents. If you do have papers that you need to keep, store them in metal desk drawers or file cabinets as these will help reduce the risk of them fueling a fire. Paper file boxes stacked to the ceiling in an office closet or storage room is the perfect fuel that can turn a small fire into a major disaster in an office.

#4 Proper Disposal of Oily Rags and Materials

This fire risk is more common in industrial and mechanical businesses where the staff is using rags to wipe away oil and residue from machines and themselves. If you are working around flammable chemicals and oils and using rags to wipe off the residues, make sure that you have proper metal containers to collect the rags and dispose of them in a safe manner on a regular basis. It’s also important to have a fire extinguisher nearby in case a fire occurs in the waste receptacle.

#5 Keep All Electrical Equipment Maintained and Clean

Have you ever taken a look at the back of your television or computer and have seen all the dust? That dust can easily combust if the television or computer overheats. Dust doesn’t just occur in your home, it occurs in your office too. That is why it’s important to regularly clean and remove any excess dust on your computers, monitors, machines, appliances, and other electrical equipment. In some businesses where there is excessive dust, you may have to clean the electrical equipment more often. You can help reduce the dust by having your air ducts cleaned and changing out the air filters on a more regular basis.

#6 Keep the Mechanical Rooms Clear

If your office has a mechanical room where the HVAC system, furnace, generator, sprinkler valves, fire pumps, and/or other building mechanical systems are located, do not use it as a storage room. The mechanical room should be clean and clear of any debris or items that are not part of the mechanical systems. These systems do have a high risk of overheating and sparking a fire. Don’t help by storing paper boxes and garbage or flammable chemicals in the mechanical room.

If You Should Suffer a Fire, Contact the Professionals

The above tips are just a few of many that you should follow and be aware of to reduce the risk of a fire happening in your office. Even if a fire should occur, following these tips can help to reduce the overall damage that could occur by limiting fire hazards. You can’t prevent fires from occurring completely but you can make the risk much lower. If you should suffer from a fire at your office, store, shop, or other commercial space; give the fire damage restoration professionals at SERVPRO of Indianapolis West a call. You can also contact them for any water or mold damage also. They have the knowledge and equipment to handle any size disaster. They’re available any time and any day when fire, water and storm disasters strike.

Commercial Fire Prevention Tips for Your Indianapolis Workplace Part 2

4/28/2019 (Permalink)

Commercial Fire Prevention Tips for Your Indianapolis Workplace Part 2

In the previous blog, we covered 6 tips that you could follow to prevent a fire from occurring at your Indianapolis business. In this blog, we will continue with more tips that you can follow that may help to prevent a fire or reduce the fire damage that could occur at your business. Below we will continue with further tips you can follow to help reduce the risk of a fire occurring in your business.

#1 Safely Store Flammable Chemicals

If you are working with flammable liquids and chemicals, it’s important to always read the Material Safety Data Sheet to understand flammability and fire hazards of the liquid. When storing flammable liquids, you need to be sure that the area and/or room where they are stored has adequate ventilation. In many situations, the vapors of the chemicals can be more dangerous and flammable than the actual liquid. You may also want to look into flammable chemical storage cabinets to keep them away from any fire that may occur. It’s also important to provide proper handling equipment for your staff who will be using the flammable liquids.

#2 Properly Outfit Smoking Areas

If your company allows smoking on the grounds, it’s important to provide proper smoking receptacles for discarded cigarettes. Discarded cigarette butts are one of the leading causes of fires outside a business. Not only should proper receptacle be used but they should be emptied on a regular basis. You also want to instruct your employees on ensuring that they fully extinguish their cigarette butts before disposing to reduce any fires in the receptacle.

#3 Practice Evacuation Drills

When was the last time your company practiced a fire drill? Or has your business ever practiced a fire drill? It’s recommended for businesses to have at least two fire drills a year. While most adults know what to do if a fire occurs, it’s still important to practice and teach your staff so they what to do, how to exit, and where to go during a fire. Part of practicing fire and emergency evacuation drills is also knowing what numbers to call and when the fire alarm pull stations need to be pulled.

#4 Keep Your Fire Extinguishers Maintained

If the fire is small, it may be able to be extinguished with a fire extinguisher. To combat these small fires, you obviously need fire extinguishers that are easy to get to and are ready to be used. It’s also a good idea to train your employees on the locations of the fire extinguishers, how to use them, and when they should use them and when they shouldn’t. It’s also important and the law to have the extinguishers regularly checked and maintained.

#5 Comply With All Fire Codes

Your local fire marshal should be able to help you understand the local fire codes. They’ll also be able to tell you what you need to do to stay compliant. Following the fire codes are probably the best tip you can follow to prevent fires from occurring in your business. Fire codes ensure that your office building has the right fire protection equipment in place to keep your business and your employees safe. Fiire codes can also change over the years which is why it’s important to stay on top of them through your fire marshal.

#6 Educate Your Employees

Following all these tips won’t help prevent fires at your company if your employees don’t follow them. It’s important to take the time to educate and teach your employees about how they can do their part to reduce fire risks and improve the safety of the workplace. They need to know what to do, what not to do, what increases the risk of fire, and ultimately what to do if a fire occurs. By properly educating yourself and your staff on these fire prevention tips, you can greatly reduce the risk of fire and/or the damage a fire can cause.

If You Should Suffer a Fire, Contact the Professionals

You can’t completely eliminate the risk of a fire occurring in your office but you can take steps to greatly reduce the risk. If you should, unfortunately, experience a fire at your business, there is one last tip that you can follow to help clean up and restore all the damage the fire occurred. That tip is to call the fire damage restoration experts at SERVPRO of Indianapolis West. They have the expertise and know-how to handle fire, water, mold, and storm damage to businesses of all sizes. Whether you need help during the day or during the night, on a weekday or a weekend, they are ready to help with the cleanup and restoration.

Winter Tips to Keep Your Indiana Business Warm & Dry

1/30/2019 (Permalink)

Commercial generators are critical to your business's contingency plan.

With the cold winter upon us, your business is increasingly vulnerable to water and storm damage. This damage can come in many forms and shapes from frozen pipes, collapsed roofs, condensation, foot traffic, snow, and ice-covered sidewalks, and power outages. While you can’t stop a blizzard from coming or keep the temperatures from dropping below zero, you can take some preventative steps to reduce the risks of winter weather damaging your business and hurting your employees.

• Get a Backup Generator

With strong winter storms, ice and wind can wreak havoc on trees and power lines. As ice accumulates on tree branches, they eventually break and fall knocking down power lines and killing the power to your business. If the power is out for an extended amount of time and the temperatures are below freezing, the temperature inside your business can drop causing the water pipes to freeze and burst resulting in extensive water damage.

To reduce the risk of a power outage happening, you can invest in a backup power generator that will kick on if your business should lose power. Hopefully, the generator has enough fuel to keep your business heated until the power is able to be restored. It’s important to know how long your generator can run and to be sure to refuel it if the power is out for an extended time.  

• Keep Your Sidewalk and Parking Lot Clear

Keeping your sidewalk and parking clear of snow and ice will not only help reduce the risk of slip and falls by your employees and customers, but it will also help reduce them from tracking it into your business and soiling your floors. While you can hire a service company to shovel your parking lot and sidewalk, many of them won’t be able to keep them clear if the snow continues. That is why it’s important to have a few people at the office in charge of keeping, at least, your sidewalk clear. Salt on your sidewalk and parking lot can help melt any snow and ice and provide a grip for employees and customers walking into your business.

• Keep Floors Dry

Employees and customers coming in and out of your business during the cold, wet winters will undoubtedly be tracking in water and dirt throughout the day. It’s important to check the floors and doormats on a regular basis to ensure they stay as clean and dry as possible. Not only will this help eliminate any slip and falls but it will also keep the water and dirt from causing further damage. Wet floors can lead to water and mold damage to your business. For busy entrances, you may want to switch out floor mats with new ones throughout the day to keep the water and dirt at bay.

• Leave Sinks Dripping During Extreme Cold Temperatures

If you have any bathrooms or sinks located near exterior walls or colder areas, like a warehouse or garage, you will want to take a couple extra steps during extremely cold temperatures. If you know that the temperatures will be dropping to near or below zero, you will want to make sure your sinks are dripping water. The dripping water ensures that the water in the pipes leading to the sink are moving and don’t have time to freeze and burst the pipes. This is also a good tip to do at home also.

• Check Pipes to Ensure They’re Insulated

If you have exposed water pipes in areas of your business that aren’t as well heated, you may want to insulate the pipes to ensure they don’t freeze. Many burst pipes in businesses are found in warehouses, garages, and near entrances that are constantly being opened. Insulating these pipes can also be beneficial during the hot summers as the insulation can prevent condensation on the pipes which can also lead to water damage.

• Seal or Close Up Any Drafts

It doesn’t take much of a crack for the cold air and winds to find their way into your business. While that doesn’t seem troubling, if that crack is near a pipe, it could be big trouble. During a cold day, take a walk around your business and check for drafts. You can either check by feel using your hand or use a temperature gun to find any cool spots. If you’ve done any renovations or upgrades, like running cables from the outside into your business, you want to check for any holes or penetrations in the exterior walls that may not have been sealed up completely.

• Remove Excess Snow and Ice from Roofs and Awnings

During heavy ice and snow storms, you will want to make sure the snow and ice don’t collect too much on your roofs, overhangs, and awnings. The weight of the snow and ice can cause collapses which can lead to extensive damage to your business. If you have a flat roof, you will want to check the roof after the storms to ensure the snow and ice are melting and that the water is running off and away from your business. Not only can the weight of the snow collapse your roof, but the melting snow can also pool up and leak down through cracks or holes in your roof and/or exterior.

• Keep Interior Temps Above 60 Degrees

The last tip is to help reduce any risks of your pipes freezing and bursting. It is advisable to keep the interior temperature at or above 60 degrees in your business. While this shouldn’t be a problem in areas where your employees or customers are usually present, this could be a problem in garages, attics, basements, exterior buildings, storage areas, and warehouses. You may need to add insulation, more ducts to carry the heated air, or additional heaters to keep these areas sufficiently heated. It is usually these ignored or less trafficked areas of your business that will lead to frozen and burst pipes. And because these areas aren’t used or seen, the water damage can be quite substantial.

Keep Your Business Protected from the Cold Indiana Weather

By following the tips above and keeping an eye on the temps in your business, you can greatly reduce the risk of water and mold damage from a burst pipe this winter. But if you should experience water damage to your business, it’s important to act quickly to reduce any further damage and call the water damage restoration experts at SERVPRO of Indianapolis West. They have the expertise and know-how to fix the damage and takes steps to prevent it from happening again. Give them a call any time and any day for your fire, water and mold damage problems.

Does Your Indiana Business Have a Business Continuity Plan?

11/23/2018 (Permalink)

Does Your Indiana Business Have a Business Continuity Plan?

In a previous blog, we discussed steps a business can take to prepare should a natural disaster impact their Indiana business. We discussed the importance of protecting your data, planning to work off-site, and/or working with loss of power. Many of those steps should be part of a business continuity plan.

A business continuity plan is an extensive document that a business develops to ensure the business can stay operational in the event of a natural disaster occurring. In this article, we will delve deeper into what a business continuity plan is and the steps to take to create a thorough and effective one for your business.

The Process of Developing a Business Continuity Plan

In order to create a business continuity plan, a business must take several steps in identifying the impact of a natural disaster to your business,  document strategies to recover critical business processes, develop plans and teams to implement for the continuation, and conduct training to ensure the strategies and plans are complete.

STEP 1: Business Impact Analysis

The first step in developing a business continuity plan is to conduct a business impact analysis (BIA). A BIA identifies potential loss scenarios that may occur to your business. A natural disaster could impact your business in one scenario but it could also impact one of your business partners in another scenario. Business operations could be affected by delays from a supplier or from delays in a shipper, or both. It’s important during the BIA to identify and consider every scenario that could impact your business.

During the BIA, every department lead should participate in order to identify every impact your business may have due to a natural disaster occurring. Impacts can be financial and/or operational. Once all department leads have provided their reports on potential impacts to their areas of the business and steps to take to recover and restore operations, the next step is to prioritize the steps. The BIA should identify the business departments and processes that could suffer the greatest operational and financial impacts to the business and prioritize them for the business continuity plan.

STEP 2: Continuity Strategies

Now that your business has identified the operational and financial impacts from the BIA, the next step to take is to identify and document recovery requirements and develop strategies to implement in the business continuity plan. By identifying and documenting the steps needed to take, you can then determine if you have the appropriate resources to implement the steps. You may find you do not have the personnel or the capabilities to carry out certain continuity strategies.

It is during this step, that you can explore options to carry out all the strategies. You may also find that you have choices to make in strategies for particular impacts. By working with all department leaders, the strategies that work best for the whole company can be chosen and implemented. Now that you have the strategies to help your business quickly recover from a natural disaster, you can move to the next step of developing the business continuity plan that includes the team, strategy plans, and procedures to take.

STEP 3: Continuity Plan Development

So, you’ve identified the impacts a natural disaster can have on your business and you’ve developed the strategies to take to recover from these impacts, now you need to put it into a plan. The business continuity plan is the documentation that you can provide to every person in your business that shows in detail every step and process to take to manage a business disruption.

The plan should begin with the business continuity teams and leaders. Teams can be key departments or more general business stages like production, shipping, IT, and support. Each team will have a designated leader that will be in charge of implementing and managing the continuity plan. The plan can include checklists that team leaders can easily follow. The checklists can include recovery strategies, locations of supplies and equipment, contact info of team members, emergency personnel and disaster recovery contacts, and manual workarounds for each strategy.

The business continuity plan should be extensive but easy to follow for every leader and team member involved. It also needs to ensure that every team is communicating and working together to ensure the recovery is smooth.

STEP 4: Continuity Plan Training

Once the business continuity plan has been developed and approved, you can’t just file it away and hope you never have to use it. It is important to educate and train every team leader and team member on the plan. Not only should the plan be discussed on a regular basis, but it also must be tested and evaluated.

It is during this critical time of conducting testing of the plan, that many businesses find gaps in the plan that need to be addressed. As you can suspect, it’s better to find these problems and correct them during plan exercises than during an actual disaster where lives and property are at risk. If gaps or problems are identified, you will want to update your business continuity plan as soon as possible to correct them.

When testing your business continuity plan, you want to test scenarios with varying degrees of difficulty and impacts to your business. You also want to reevaluate your plan on an annual basis or when large changes have occurred at your business. These changes could be staff turnover or business growth and expansion. In either case, your business continuity plan may have gaps in it.

An Important Part of Your Business Continuity Plan

If your business should suffer from a natural disaster or an event that impacts the operation of it, it’s important to have a commercial restoration company, like SERVPRO of Indianapolis West, as part of your business continuity plan. Whether your business has been damaged by storms, floods, and/or fire, SERVPRO if Indianapolis West can help your business get back to work by repairing any damage your business property may have.

They have the tools and the expertise to handle almost every type of damage your business may sustain. Put them in your business continuity plan and give them a call if your business should ever suffer damage from a natural disaster or unforeseen event.

Commercial Cleaning Services

9/5/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Indianapolis West can help clean and protect your investment.

Spending extra time and resources to clean and disinfect your office or warehouse space is something you don't always have time to do. Turn to the professionals and let us handle the everyday wear and tear that gradually soils your office. When dirt, odor, and moisture problems go beyond the scope of your regular janitorial staff, you need to call SERVPRO of Indianapolis West for prompt service.

We specialize in all commercial cleaning services, from removing an odor problem to deep cleaning flooring and carpets, you can rely on us to make your workspace look its very best. SERVPRO of Indianapolis West can work around your regular business hours so there will be no disruption or downtime for your office. From general cleaning of workspaces to heavy cleaning of warehouse walls and ceilings, we have specialized training, products, and equipment to get your commercial property clean and safe. A clean office promotes employee health and safety, production and overall happiness. A clean business keeps customers coming back.  

SERVPRO of Indianapolis West wants to help keep your facility clean and a place where people want to work and buy from. We have service agreements that range from weekly cleaning services, quarterly, or by the call. We'll work with you and around your schedule and cater our services around your needs. 

Our commercial cleaning services include:

Biohazard and Sewage

SERVPRO is trained to safely remove biohazards and dispose of them properly following OSHA and health regulations. Water from sewer system backups should be considered very dangerous and is best left to the professionals. Equipped with the necessary safety apparatus and cleaning products, we can help transform these unhealthy environments back into clean and safe workspaces.
 

Trauma and Crime Scene Cleanup

Accidents and crime scenes often have blood or other biohazard contaminants that may pose a severe health risk. Our highly trained service professionals will respond immediately and safely clean and disinfect any trauma or crime scene with empathy and respect.

Carpet and Upholstery

 A good rule of thumb is to have your carpet and upholstery professionally cleaned every 12 months. Protect your investment by calling us to clean and maintain your carpet and upholstery. Ceilings, walls, and floors are exposed to dirt, dust and other contaminants from inside and outside. Whether they need general maintenance cleaning, or heavy cleaning from smoke or fire damage, SERVPRO of Indianapolis West has the expertise to do the job right the first time. 

Odor Removal and Deodorization

 We have several different types of deodorization techniques. One of our Project Managers will discuss with you the method that will be most beneficial for your property. Masking the odors and other shortcuts are not what we do. We fully address the source of the odor so it doesn't return. 

Vandalism and Graffiti

 SERVPRO offers emergency services for board up due to broken windows or damaged structure. Often simple acts of vandalism, like breaking a window, can cause significant water and mold damage if not addressed promptly. In addition to removing spray-painted graffiti from exterior walls, we also clean driveways, sidewalks, asphalt, metals, glass, wood, plastic and masonry.

Preparing for the Unexpected: How to Protect Your Business from Natural Disasters

8/21/2018 (Permalink)

Preparing for the Unexpected: How to Protect Your Business from Natural Disasters

When it comes to natural disasters in Indiana, we tend to think of floods, tornadoes and damaging storms. Unlike natural disasters like hurricanes, Hoosiers tend not to have any time to prepare for the natural disasters that occur in their backyard. But even though we don’t have days to board up our businesses, there are things we can do to prepare if a disaster should strike our business.

In this blog, we will cover steps you can take to prepare your business for the unexpected so that you can reduce your downtime and losses.

Protect Your Data

If you are like most businesses, you have a lot of data or information saved on your computers. You may have billing, contacts, payroll, taxes, and other documents saved on your computers. You may have CAD files or photos or other data for your clients’ projects. Needless to say, you probably would some money and perhaps lots of money if the data on your computers were destroyed.

While you may not be able to save everything that you and your staff do on your computers, you can save and recover most of it if you save your data in the cloud at an offsite server facility. There are many companies out there that provide backup and recovery services for businesses. It’s important that once you do choose a backup provider, that you use it. Many businesses learn too late that they weren’t backing up their data on a regular basis.

Plan for Loss of Power

Is your business capable of operating if you lose power? It’s not uncommon for Indiana businesses to lose power after big storms. If your business requires power to operate, you may want to have generators available to provide emergency power. You may just need them for lights or you may need them to power heaters or air conditioners in order to protect your inventory from extreme temperatures.

It’s important to create a plan of what to power in order to ensure you have enough generators and enough fuel to keep the emergency power going for a few days. You don’t want to not have enough power or run out of fuel after 6 hours.

Plan to Work Off Site

If your business is flooded or destroyed by a tornado, can it operate elsewhere? If your business works mainly online, then operating your business from laptops at home or elsewhere may not be too much of an inconvenience. If you rely on equipment or materials that are stored at your business, operating remotely may be a little more difficult. Still, it is a good idea to consider creating a contingency plan in the event that your business site is inaccessible. Are there other locations that your business could operate in an emergency? Are there jobs that can be done while your business site is closed? Having these plans planned in advance can help your business avoid any long down times.

Develop An Emergency Plan

As discussed in the previous section, having an emergency plan can save you time and money. Your emergency plan should be available and shared with all of your employees. It needs to contain phone numbers and/or a phone tree so everyone can be kept up to date. It needs to include what to do in case the office is closed. It should include what steps to take if your business is damaged. If you are a large business, you may want to delegate critical recovery roles to certain team members. An effective emergency plan should be thorough and precise and leave no one guessing what to do next.

After The Storm - Hire the Commercial Restoration Pros

One of the first steps you should take after your business has been damaged by flood waters, storms, and/or a tornado is to call the commercial restoration professionals at SERVPRO of Indianapolis West. They have the tools and expertise to handle any size disaster. Whether it is water damage, fire damage, or other storm damage, they can get to work right away so you can get back to business as usual as soon as possible. Give them a call the next time your business suffers the unexpected from a natural disaster.

What to Do After a Fire at Your Indianapolis Business

7/30/2018 (Permalink)

What to Do After a Fire at Your Indianapolis Business

Suffering a fire at your business fire at your business can be a difficult experience. Many times a fire in a business can shut down the business for a while depending on the damage. While a fire can cause substantial damage to your business, it doesn’t have to mean the end of your business. Below we will cover the steps to take after a fire to your business. These steps will help to ensure there is no more damage to your business and to get it back up and running as quickly as possible.

Turn Off Power, Gas, and Water

It’s always a good idea to play it safe and turn off your electricity, gas, and water after a fire. None of those mix well with fire and it’s always best to shut them all off at the meters if possible. Once your property has been inspected for any damages to electrical, gas and water lines and they are intact, you can turn them back on. If there is damage to any of them, you’ll want to get them repaired before turning back on the utilities.

Contact Your Insurance Company

An obvious but still important step is to contact your insurance company as soon as possible. They can get any claims started so there are no delays. They’ll probably request lots of paperwork and receipts of inventory. They’ll also most likely need documentation of repairs and any other costs from the fire. It’s a good idea to keep track of all contacts, receipts, paperwork and other documentation going forward in case your insurance company or other parties request any documentation.

Secure Your Business & Property

Fire damaged properties are attractive to vandals and burglars as they are usually unsecured and easy to access. It’s important to make sure any windows or doors or openings are boarded up and secured. You also want to notify your local police after a fire, so they can keep an eye on your property during the repair and restoration repair and restoration process. In some cases, you may need to hire a security company to guard your property 24/7 during the restoration process depending on the extent of the damage.

Call the Fire Damage Restoration Pros

Businesses that suffer major fires will also usually suffer from water damage also. This can be from the firefighters or from the fire sprinkler system. It’s important to have water damage and fire damage restoration pros, like those at SERVPRO of Indianapolis West,  at your business as soon as possible. Once the fire is out and your business is safe to enter, the pros at SERVPRO of Indianapolis West can be on the scene and remove the water, drying the floors and walls, and treat the damage quickly to ensure more damage does not happen. If you wait, the water damage can lead to even more damage from mold. It can also permeate further into the walls and floors leading to further water damage in your business. SERVPRO of Indianapolis West is ready 24/7 to handle whatever emergency comes its way. Contact them immediately if your business or home should suffer a fire.

Tips to Prevent Smoke & Fire Damage to Your Indianapolis Business

7/15/2018 (Permalink)

Tips to Prevent Smoke & Fire Damage to Your Indianapolis Business

Reduce Clutter in Your Office

Do you have a stack of papers lying in the corner of your office that is growing bigger every day? Clutter like papers, magazines, boxes, and other paper products in your office is fuel for a potential fire. Clutter not only provides fuel for a fire but it can also hide potential fire hazards. Try keeping your desk and office clean and free of clutter to reduce the risks of fire. Use file cabinets and drawers to store papers and documents. Store boxes in closets and storage areas rather in the corner of your office or blocking stairwells.

Safely Store Flammable Liquids and Chemicals

If you’re working with flammable liquids, chemicals, and/or solvents, make sure you store them in the proper area. Some flammable materials and chemicals may need to be stored in specialized cabinets according to local rules and regulations. For flammable liquids and materials that don’t require specialized storage, you still should ensure that they are stored away from any heat source. You also need to make sure that if the liquids or materials off-gas creating flammable vapors that you have proper ventilation. If you don’t have proper ventilation, the vapors can build up and ignite from a small spark like a light switch being flipped on or a plug being inserted into an outlet.

Designate a Smoking Area

If you have employees who smoke, designate an area where smoking is only allowed. It’s preferable that the area is located outside to reduce smoke odors in the business and fire risks from cigarettes that weren’t fully extinguished. You also need to make sure that you have a proper receptacle for employees to discard their extinguished cigarette butts. Also, make sure that the designated smoking area is away from flammable liquids and materials, as well as, landscaping that could fuel a fire like dried grasses, mulch, and dead leaves.

Report Electrical Problems

It’s important to let your employees know to report any electrical problems immediately before they result in a potential fire. This could be exposed wiring, frayed cords, faulty wiring, electrical equipment and sockets near water sources, etc. If you notice an electrical problem in your business, call an electrician to fix it if needed. Don’t try to fix any wiring issues yourself as this can also lead to an increased risk of fire due to inexperience and mistakes. It’s also important to keep access to electrical boxes clear so you can quickly cut the power to an area if there is a risk of fire.

Don’t Overload Electrical Outlets

One of the most common causes of fire in a business is an overloaded electrical outlet. An overloaded outlet can cause an increase of heat to the outlet, plugs, and wires. The heat can melt the insulation around the wires causing them to touch and cause sparks. The best scenario is that the circuit breaker flips before the wires short and cause sparks. If the circuit doesn’t flip off, then the heat and the sparks can quickly lead to an electrical fire. If you’re always tripping a circuit or notice your desktop lights dimming, then you might be overloading the outlet. To reduce the load, move some electronics to other outlets.

Be Smart & Be Safe

These are just a few tips that you can follow to reduce the risks of smoke and fire damage to your business. The best advice to keep your business safe from fire is to be smart and be aware. Use common sense when at your business. For instance, while some businesses allow scented candles to be burned by employees, it might be smart to not permit this. The same goes for space heaters. While you don’t want to be a mean business owner by prohibiting things like candles and space heaters, you also don’t want to increase the risk of fire occurring at your business. I think most workers will understand that safety is more important than convenience and comfort in these situations.

Contact the Fire & Smoke Damage Professionals if a Fire Does Occur

Hopefully, your business will never experience a fire. Not only can a fire cause a lot of property damage, it can also lead to a lot of downtime and loss of revenue. If you should, unfortunately, experience a fire at your Indianapolis business, contact the fire and smoke damage experts at SERVPRO of Indianapolis West. They’ll be able to quickly clean up and restore any damage that has occurred to your business from fire. SERVPRO of Indianapolis West has the resources and expertise to handle any size disaster. Contact them today for fire damage restoration.   

Leading Causes of Water Damage to Indianapolis Businesses

4/25/2018 (Permalink)

Leading Causes of Water Damage to Indianapolis Businesses

While there are some similarities between the leading causes of water damage to Indianapolis businesses and Indianapolis homes, there are also some distinct differences. Below we will cover the top five main causes of water damage to commercial properties. Some are unpreventable, while there are others that business owners can take steps to reduce the risk of.

Severe Weather

With the warmer weather in the springtime and summer, comes severe storms. These storms can bring with them high winds and sometimes tornadoes. With strong winds and tornadic activity; roofs, windows, and exterior walls can sustain severe damage allowing water to enter the commercial property.

If there’s just a small leak, it can sometimes take a while before the leak is detected. This could be troublesome as the delay in detection could allow mold to grow and go undetected. The good thing, if there is such a thing, is that the water from rain is usually much less dirty than water from other common causes of water damage, like sewers. The cleaner water, while still capable of promoting mold growth, usually happens more slowly due to the lack of bacteria in the water.

Broken Refrigerator and/or Dishwasher

Every office usually has a break room with a refrigerator and sometimes a dishwasher. Just like at home, these two appliances can malfunction and/or break causing water to leak or sometimes pour from them. While the water is usually clean since it usually originates from the water supply pipes, it can still cause extensive damage to a business. This is especially true if the leak happens over the weekend or at night when no one is there. It’s always a good idea to occasionally check around the dishwasher and/or fridge for any water leaks in order to catch and repair them before they have the potential to cause further damage.

Sewer Backup

Sewer backups not only cause severe water damage to Indianapolis businesses but also severe damage from mold growth. While rainwater and broken water pipes can be a mess, the dirty bacteria-infested water from sewers can quickly promote mold growth if not treated quickly. Sewer backups can be caused by severe rains and flooding of the public sewer system around the business. They can also be caused by clogged and broken pipes inside the business.

While you can’t do much to prevent the public sewer system from backing up into your business, you can reduce the risk of an internal issue like a clog or broken/leaking pipe. It’s a good idea to visually inspect any visible sewer pipes as well as the area around toilets on a regular basis. If you notice water collecting or slow draining drains, fix it before it backups completely and causes extensive damage.

Damaging Fire Sprinkler Heads

Most businesses have fire sprinkler systems installed throughout their buildings. While they are designed to put out fires, fire sprinklers can also cause water damage to commercial properties as a result of human error and/or severe cold temperatures. In areas where sprinkler heads are exposed, they can easily be broken by employees carrying ladders or tall items and accidentally hitting sprinkler heads. A broken fire sprinkler head can quickly cause a lot of water damage to a business.

The other cause of water damage from fire sprinkler systems is when the sprinkler pipes are exposed to freezing temperatures and burst. It’s important to be aware of sprinkler heads when carrying ladders or items that could hit the sprinkler heads. It’s also important to make sure that the sprinkler pipes aren’t exposed to freezing temperatures by making sure windows and doors are shut completely.

Overflowing Toilet

The last main cause of water damage to Indianapolis businesses is an overflowing toilet. This is especially common in businesses where the public can use your bathroom. While most employees would quickly try to fix an overflowing toilet if it occurred, a visitor to your business may try to sneak away feeling embarrassed or not caring that they made the toilet overflow. The water from an overflowing toilet could also be dirty like the water from a sewer backup which can quickly promote mold growth if not discovered in time.  

What to Do If You Experience Water Damage to Your Indianapolis Business

If you should suffer water damage or mold damage to your Indianapolis business, it’s important to stop the water if possible and call the Indianapolis water damage and mold remediation experts at SERVPRO of Indianapolis West as soon as possible. They’ll be able to quickly remove the water and repair the damage. Contact SERVPRO of Indianapolis West online or call them at 317-243-3149 if your business should suffer from water damage.

Commercial Water Damage to Indianapolis Businesses

12/28/2017 (Permalink)

Commercial Water Damage

Water damage to your Indianapolis business can lead to lots of problems. It can ruin electronics like computers or even worse, cause a short which could lead to a fire. Water can also ruin any porous materials including fabric chairs and couches, carpets, drywall, ceilings, insulation and, wood. If not caught right away and remediated, it can also lead to mold growth that can spread quickly through the air ducts and through the air.

If you do experience water damage to your Indianapolis business, then you want to call the water damage experts at SERVPRO of Indianapolis West as soon as possible. When it comes to water damage, the faster you catch it and get it dried up and cleaned up, the better. Even the smallest leak can lead to lots of damage that may be hidden behind ceilings and walls.

Top Causes of Commercial Water Damage & How to Reduce the Risks

Below we will cover the top causes of water damage to Indianapolis businesses. We will also go over how to reduce the risk or at the very least catch the water damage quickly before it gets worse. Hopefully by understanding where water can enter into your building and cause water and mold damage, the better you will be at checking these trouble areas on a regular basis.

Faulty Appliances and Equipment

If your business has appliances and/or equipment that use water, they can develop water leaks that can start small but lead to lots of damage if not caught. These appliances could be dishwashers, sinks, ice machines, water fountains, water heaters, air conditioners, and toilets.

All of these, except for the toilet, tend to leak what is termed clean water. Clean water is water that usually contains no contaminants. While clean water can still cause significant water damage to porous materials, it doesn’t have as high of a risk of fast-growing molds occurring. The water can still mix with contaminants once it starts leaking from the source which usually results in gray water. Gray water can carry bacteria and contaminants that can promote fast mold growth.

To reduce the risk of water leaks from your appliances and equipment, it’s usually a good idea to check all piping, tubes, filters, and other areas that may cause leaking. Also, do a spot check around the appliances and under them for any standing water or water stains.

Leaky and Backed Up Pipes & Drains

Leaks from sewer pipes and backups from drains is also a common cause of water damage to a business. This could be a backed up toilet or a clogged pipes that cause water to back up and escape through the drains. Also common in flood-prone areas is sewer water backing up through floor drains from sewer lines that are at capacity and overflowing.

The water from these sources tends to be gray water or black water. Black water is sewer water that can contain all types of waste particles that may be dangerous to one’s health and can also lead to fast mold growth. This is usually where you will find dangerous black molds occurring. If you experience water damage from black water, it’s important to call the water damage experts at SERVPRO of Indianapolis West as soon as possible. Black water can also be found in severe floods. 

Roof Leaks

A leaking roof is common in homes and businesses throughout Indianapolis. With many businesses, the roof is usually flat. If the drainage for the roof is blocked, water can pool up and cause a roof collapse. Even if the drainage is fine, water can still find its way inside through cracks and damage to the roof membrane, flashing, and damages to seals around pipes and vents.

To reduce the risk of leaks from your roof, it’s a good idea to check the roof every few months for any deteriorating seals or storm damage. If you experience extreme weather like hails or high winds, then you want to check the roof as soon as it is safe to ensure the weather has caused any damages to the roof that may lead to leaks.

Call the Water Damage Experts for Fast Cleanup and Restoration

Sometimes no matter how much care you take to reduce the risk of water damage to your business, it still occurs. If that should happen, it’s important to contact SERVPRO of Indianapolis West immediately. Whether it’s a small leak or substantial flooding and water damage to your business, the experts at SERVPRO of Indianapolis West can make clean up and restore the damage as if it never happened. You can contact SERVPRO of Indianapolis West online or call them at 317-243-3149.

Fire Damage in Your Indianapolis Commercial Building

12/27/2017 (Permalink)

Commercial Building Fire

Nothing can be more devastating than a fire occurring in a business. Whether it’s an office building, a warehouse, an industrial facility, or a data center; a fire can lead to smoke damage, fire damage, and downtime.

If you do experience a fire to your Indianapolis business, then you want to call the fire remediation experts at SERVPRO of Indianapolis West immediately. They will be able to clean up the fire and smoke damage and make it like it never happened.

Top Causes of Commercial Building Fires

To reduce the risk of fire in your Indianapolis commercial workspace, it’s important to know the top causes of fires and take the appropriate steps to reduce the risk. Below we cover the top causes of fire in commercial and office spaces.

Electrical Fires

Electrical fires are common in office spaces, data centers, and server rooms where faulty electrical equipment, frayed wires, and overloaded plugs can easily cause fires. Hot running equipment like computers and heavy industrial equipment can also easily cause a fire by running too hot.

To prevent electrical fires, you can take several preventive steps. One step is not to overload electrical sockets. While an overloaded power socket could trip your breaker and cut off the power, it could also cause sparks that could catch papers or carpet or other combustible materials on fire.

If you use an extension cord, be sure to check it for any frays or damage. Never use a damaged extension cord as it can cause a short and start a fire. If you are using equipment that can get very hot, make sure they are well ventilated and that they aren’t dusty or dirty. Dust is highly combustible and can easily start a fire if a spark occurs in your equipment.

Flammable & Combustible Materials

Many Indianapolis businesses use flammable liquids and materials in their commercial spaces. It’s important to always store any flammable liquids in their proper storage containers. It’s even more important to make sure they are completely sealed as the vapors are what usually cause a fire.

If flammable liquids and materials aren’t sealed, vapors can build up in the space where they are stored. If a spark from turning on a light or from static occurs, this could not only cause a fire but an explosion.

Train your staff on how to properly store, use, and dispose of any flammable liquids and/or materials. If flammable liquids are spilled, make sure you properly clean them up as well as ventilated the space where they were spilled. Remember that it’s the vapors that are most dangerous.

Human Error

We all make mistakes, unfortunately, some mistakes can cause fires. Improper use of equipment, spilled liquids on electrical equipment, forgetting to turn off heat generating equipment, and mishandling flammable liquids are just a few ways that mistakes by your staff can lead to fires.

While mistakes will be made, you can reduce common ones by training your employees on the dangers of fire in the workplace. Common practices like never leaving food cooking in the microwave or on the stove unattended. Unplugging space heaters before leaving the office. Not placing drinks where they could spill on electronics. And if a fire should occur, it’s important to educate your employees on what to do.

General Negligence

Negligence isn’t the same as human error. Negligence in the workplace is not following proper safety procedures. Negligence can occur throughout your Indianapolis business. Improperly storing and sealing flammable liquids can cause a fire. Storing papers and flammable materials too close to heat generating equipment can cause a fire. Blocking ventilation of electronic equipment like computers can cause them to overheat and start a fire. Not properly disposing of cigarette butts can quickly lead to a fire.

Reducing the chances of fire caused by general negligence, and an understanding of potential risks, teaching your staff to work according to safety procedures can help. If you don’t have standard operating procedures for your work, you may want to create some. Standard operating procedures can include ways to reduce the risks and how to avoid them.

Arson

The last common cause of business fires is arson. While it may seem like arson from vandals seems unpreventable, you can take steps to reduce the chance of it occurring. Make sure your business is properly lit at night to discourage vandals from approaching your business.

If you have areas of the business that are hidden by bushes or trees, you may want to consider trimming them back. Surveillance cameras in areas that have little traffic can help keep trouble at bay.

No Job is Too Big for the Commercial Restoration Experts

Understanding the common causes of fires in business can help you and your employees take steps to reduce the risks. If you should experience a fire in your business, it’s important to immediately call the fire department to extinguish the fire. Once the fire is put out, the next step you need to take is to call the business fire restoration experts at SERVPRO of Indianapolis West.

SERVPRO of Indianapolis West has the equipment and expertise to handle any smoke, fire, and water damage that may occur from a business fire. They will be able to quickly return your business to full operation so you aren’t losing money to downtime. You can contact them online or call them at 317-243-3149.

Who To Call After a Disaster Strikes Your Indianapolis Commercial Facility

8/30/2017 (Permalink)

"Time is money” is especially true when confronted with the reality that your business is under assault and being destroyed by storm damage.

When a storm or water disaster strikes a commercial facility in Indianapolis, the concerns of the business owner are very different from that of a home owner. The old saying “time is money” is especially true when confronted with the reality that your business is under assault and being destroyed by storm damage. Fires, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, or broken water mains can cause serious damage to your Indianapolis commercial facility. The reality that your business is slipping away can be overwhelming. When your livelihood is directly threatened by a storm disaster, call SERVPRO of Indianapolis West and we’ll make it “Like it never even happened.”

When Water Damage Happens To Your Business...

Fortunately, SERVPRO of Indianapolis West is the only name you need to know when water disasters happen. Our experts will use their years of experience to create a fast and comprehensive plan to help you get back to business as soon as possible.

We create a full estimate for all mitigation and repairs then keep you involved with timely updates throughout the restoration process. SERVPRO is a preferred service provider with most insurance companies in Central Indiana and we can work directly with them from start to finish. We understand that saving your property and reopening your business as quickly and safely as possible is especially important when you have a business to run and your employees count on you for their livelihood.  

Help Is Just a Call Away When a Storm Disaster Occurs In Indianapolis

When facing a storm disaster, action must be taken now; call SERVPRO’s Disaster Response Team immediately, no matter what time of day or night. We have a live person to answer your call 24/7. Our emergency response dispatch will send highly trained and Certified Restoration Technicians to save the day. Just make one phone call to start the process of getting back into business.

SERVPRO of Indianapolis West 317-243-3149.

Time Is Money... Secure Your Structure From Secondary Damage

The longer a facility sits with water or fire damage, the more time and money it takes to be fully restored. One critical action to help minimize secondary damage is to make sure that the structure is properly secured from top to bottom. If needed, we can set up temporary fencing and board up exterior walls, entry-doors and tarp rooftops for full security to prevent further damage from the outside elements.  

No Disaster Job In Indianapolis is Too Big For Us

For extreme disasters that require more manpower and equipment, we have a nationwide network of SERVPRO franchises to call on. We’ll be the first to arrive onsite and we can call our Disaster Recovery Teams to ramp up to fit any size disaster. We’ll get you reopened as fast and as safely as possible with the peace of mind that saving your business is our only business.

There's never a convenient time for fire or water damage to strike. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises with your Indianapolis business, give us a call and we'll be there fast with the help you need.

Call SERVPRO of Indianapolis West, we’re faster to any size disaster.  

317-243-3149 or email us directly at SERVPRO9518@ATT.NET .

No Job Is Too Big - Commercial Restoration, Remediation & Cleaning Services

6/18/2017 (Permalink)

No job is too big for SERVPRO of Indianapolis West.

Whether your business is a small retail store or a multi-building campus of buildings, SERVPRO of Indianapolis West has the expertise and the equipment to handle any fire, water, or mold emergency in central Indiana.

Commercial Water Damage

Water damage can happen in many ways. In apartment complexes, there could be an overflowing bathtub or toilet that causes damage in the complex. A frozen pipe in a warehouse could burst and cause extensive damage. A burst pipe or a leaking roof in a manufacturing plant can shut down the production line causing huge losses. When any of these events happens, it’s important to call water damage professionals immediately in order to alleviate the damage. When hiring a water damage cleanup company, it’s important to make sure they have the expertise and equipment to such a large job.

Commercial Fire Damage

Even the smallest of fires can result in extensive damage to a building. While the fire itself can be isolated and extinguished quickly, the culprit of most damage after a fire is the smoke. Smoke can get into the duct work and quickly spread throughout the building. With fire and smoke damage, it’s important to hire fire restoration professionals that can quickly restore your business, your warehouse, your facility, or your residential complex.

Commercial Mold Remediation

Mold is the result of a moisture problem that has usually been neglected. This can be the result of a leaky pipe that is hidden behind a wall or in a ceiling. Mold can also grow quickly when there has been water damage from the contaminated water like a broken sewer pipe or flooding from a nearby river or stream. Contaminated water, also known as gray water or black water, can quickly promote mold growth in less than 24 hours. If not treated, it can quickly grow and cause not only property damage but potential health risks among inhabitants.

Commercial Storm Damage Cleanup

Storms can cause all types of damage to a building. They can cause flooding from rising rivers. They cause water leaks from damaged roofs. They can cause fires from lightning strikes. Tornadoes and high winds can break windows, tear down walls, rip off roofs, and in the worst cases they can level the entire building. A professional fire and water restoration company has the equipment, experience, and knowledge to handle any type of storm damage.

Damage to a business can come in many forms. From fire to flooding to water damage to storm damage and everything in between, SERVPRO of Indianapolis West has the experience, equipment, and expertise to make it like it never happened. Whether you have a small store or a multi-building complex, call the commercial restoration, remediation, and cleaning experts at SERVPRO of Indianapolis West at 317-243-3149.