5 Ways to Prevent Mold at Your Business

6/16/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Jacksonville Northeast is a Florida-licensed mold remediation firm.

Mold in your building may be the last of your worries while operating your commercial business in Northeast Florida. It’s important to keep in mind that some mold, over time, may cause structural damage to wood along with damage to furnishings and finishes. 

Use the following tips to help prevent mold growth in your business:

#1: Look For and Repair Any Leaks

Leaks from plumbing, windows, roofs, and more can lead to significant water damage in your business as well as an increased risk of mold growth. If you aren’t regularly inspecting your property, it’s easy for these leaks to go unchecked until they create a larger, more costly problem. Watch for telltale signs of a leak such as lower water pressure; wet spots on the floors, ceilings, or walls; and condensation around window sills and in attic spaces.

#2: Clean Out the Fridge

It can be difficult to keep track of shared refrigerators. Some people will always remember to clear out their leftovers, others won’t. Old food storage containers are a perfect breeding ground for mold. Over time, mold can travel to the shelving and even outside the refrigerator. Consider instituting an office refrigerator policy. If something is left in the fridge by a certain time each week, it goes in the garbage.

#3: Run a Dehumidifier

Leaks aren’t the only way for moisture to accumulate in your business. High humidity levels can lead to moisture and mold as well. On hot days, fans can cool you off, but they don’t do much for humidity levels. Run dehumidifier to cut down the humidity in the building.

#4: Clean Out Trash Cans

While you might switch out the liners regularly, can you remember the last time you washed out the trash cans? It’s easy for bits of food and condensation to sneak beneath liners into the can, which is all mold needs to grow. Try washing out office wastebaskets about once a month to prevent mold growth.

#5: Take Care of Your HVAC System

Your HVAC system can quickly distribute mold spores throughout your building if there is a problem. Make sure your HVAC system receives regular inspections. Sometimes moisture condenses inside air ducts which can lead to mold growth inside the ducts. Make sure to keep the HVAC drip pans clean and unobstructed. And, don’t forget to replace your filters as needed.

Call SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Jacksonville Northeast today at (904) 729-2401 if you need assistance with mold, water, fire, or storm damage to your residential home or commercial business.

Water Damage In Jacksonville Hotel: SERVPRO Comes to the Rescue

6/1/2022 (Permalink)

Twelve rooms and three hallways were impacted when the toilet supply line broke.

Water damage in hotels always bring on special challenges.  In our most recent hotel job in Jacksonville, 12 rooms and three 60-foot hallways were impacted when the toilet supply line brooke, which flooded guest rooms on three floors. Such a large-scale event impacts hotel revenue significantly.

Hotels incur major expenses when a water event happens. Not only does the hotel have to pay the cost of water damage restoration, but there is also lost income of closing down or reducing the number of available rooms during the repairs. In addition to dealing with damages to the actual hotel, the company must also cover the costs of the damaged personal belongings of their guests.

In the case of the North Jacksonville hotel, SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Jacksonville Northeast worked around the clock to complete the job as quickly as possible while also inconveniencing guests as little as possible.

SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Jacksonville Northeast specializes in the clean up and restoration of commercial properties after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained and IICRC-certified. We understand that each day restoring the property is a lost day of revenue so we work overtime using a 6-step restoration process.

Call SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Jacksonville Northeast at 904.729.2401 if you have water damage at your commercial property. We’ll make it “Like it never even happened.”

Detecting & Preventing Mold In Your Business

5/5/2022 (Permalink)

If you have mold damage at your place of business, call us today at 904.729.2401.

40% of small businesses never reopen after a disaster. Much of this is due to the lack of preparedness for the building a business occupies. Buildings are usually rented and used for years at a time before being handed off to another business. In many situations, you may not know precisely what you are being handed. Mold may be one of the problems you inherit, but also is a problem that can be avoided. Here are some ways to identify and remove any potential future mold problems.

Ceiling bulge                           

A very telling sign of water damage is discoloration or a bulge in the ceiling. Attics and roofs may be allowing water to seep into your home and onto your ceiling. When that water sits, mold is very likely to grow. If your building has had a bulge, it would be a great idea to check for mold, and also to discover the source of the leak to prevent future damage!

Odor

Mold has a very distinct musty, and damp smell. Some would compare it to the smell of opening an old book. This is one of the most recognizable signs of mold. Often mold can be hiding behind a wall, or out of site where water may have leaked. Even though mold has a bad habit of hiding from plain sight, the smell of mold is something that will always be distinguishable.

Past flooding

Before renting, or acquiring a building space, it may be a good idea to ask if the building has ever had a flood. While floods can be a one time, out of the blue experience, some buildings flood from recurring repairable issues. Again, where there is water damage, mold has a high potential to follow. Some fixes may be as easy as landscaping, while others like plumbing may require more work. Either case, it is best to fix the problem now before mold sets in and causes more financial and health problems.

If you suspect mold in your business and need professional remediation, don’t wait, contact us today at 904.729.2401. We are a Florida-licensed mold remediator!

Is Your Business Ready for a Disaster Situation?

4/21/2022 (Permalink)

If you experience a disaster at your business, call SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Jacksonville Northeast at 904.729.2401. Faster to any disaster!

How would your business and your employees survive an emergency or natural disaster? This is just one of the multitude of things that must be taken care of when running a business, but it is one of the most important factors to think about—emergency preparedness.

This process will not stop all disasters from potentially happening, but it can still give you a head start for safety’s sake, and at least, make sure that your employees know what to do if a disaster or emergency situation should occur.

Creating Your Plan

Is this something you have already done? If not, how about taking the time to sit down and work out an emergency preparedness plan for various disaster situations?

There are numerous emergencies your business should have a preparedness plan in place for, including:

• Fire
• Severe weather, including thunderstorms and winter storms
• Other natural hazards like floods, hurricanes, tornadoes and earthquakes
• Human-caused hazards, including accidents or acts of violence
• Technology-related issues like power outages and equipment failure

It doesn’t matter if it’s a man-made incident or one stemming from nature, if there is no emergency plan for your business, the emergency could get even more stressful quickly.

You should make sure to include safety training and emergency preparedness in your company training process. By helping employees familiarize themselves with proper safety protocol and emergency procedures, you’re not only giving them the tools to protect themselves, but you are also setting them up to help protect guests/visitors and the business itself.

Where to Start

So, where should you start when beginning to set up an emergency plan for your business? Start by evaluating which scenarios are most likely to occur—and even those that are a long-shot but could still happen. After all, it’s better to prepare for all the worst-case scenarios and not be caught off guard.

There are plenty of online resources to help guide you through this process, including Ready.gov, the American Red Cross, FEMA and the CDC.

Conduct a business impact analysis (BIA), which aids in the prediction of the potential effects a disaster may have on your business. This would include lost or delayed sales and income, increased expenses from repairs, and delayed implementation of business plans. Don’t forget to make sure a crisis communications plan is in place, too.

After you have completed an emergency preparedness plan, don’t stop there. Be sure to go over it and practice with employees. By reviewing and rehearsing various scenarios, it will help ensure the process remains fresh in their minds and can help employees feel more empowered.

Commercial Property Maintenance

4/6/2022 (Permalink)

When commercial property damage strikes, give SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Jacksonville Northeast a call for help at 904-729-2401!

Preventative maintenance is one of the most important steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of structural damage at your commercial property.  Whether lessening the risk of water, fire, or mold damages, there are strategies that can be employed:

Water

• Periodically check plumbing and fixtures for broken or cracked gaskets or seals and/or small leaks. The sooner you catch an issue and repair it, the less likely your small leak will become a catastrophe.
• Maintain landscaping around your property. Debris in drainage ditches, overgrown weeds, or clogged storm drains can result it rainwater backing up and flooding your property.  Maintaining the exterior of the property reduces this risk, especially if heavy rains are in the forecast.
• Roof Maintenance! Damaged roofs provide not only the perfect entry point for storm water to flow into your building but can also allow moisture to become trapped in ceilings and attics, increasing the likelihood of mold growth.

Fire

• Have a licensed electrician check wiring in the building. Especially in older properties, faulty wiring is a common source of commercial fire damage.
• If your building is equipped with a fire suppression system, make sure it is in working order. If not, be sure to have plenty of in-date fire extinguishers located throughout the property, so that in case of fire, a small issue has less opportunity to become a large disaster.
• Properly store and label any combustible or hazardous materials, such as gasoline, diesel, or chemicals. Improperly stored hazardous materials can provide an ignition source and make putting out the fire more dangerous and difficult.

Mold

• Reduce moisture within the building by running a dehumidifier. Especially in the more humid climate of the Northeast Florida, eliminating as much moisture as possible within the business can reduce the potential for mold growth.
• If you see signs of water intrusion, such as staining or puddling, identify the source, fix it, and dry the area as soon as possible! With porous materials, such as drywall, it only takes a minimal amount of moisture to create the conditions for microbial growth, and growth can begin in as little as 24-48 hours.
• Have your HVAC/Duct Work cleaned regularly. This provides better air quality for the property and reduces the circulation of contaminants.  If you have confirmed a mold issue at your business, do NOT run the HVAC system, as this could circulate the mold spores and widen the spread.

When it comes to maintaining your commercial property, know that SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Jacksonville Northeast is Here to Help.  Along with providing duct and general commercial cleanings, our team of professionals is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for emergency damages.  Serving Fernandina Beach, Yulee, Callahan, Oceanway, River City, and surrounding communities, we have the equipment, expertise, and experience to handle damages of all sizes!

4 Tips to Help Prevent a Fire in Your Business

1/6/2022 (Permalink)

Did you know that the number one cause of commercial fires is kitchen equipment?

With as much time and effort put into running a business, the last thing anyone wants is to experience fire damage that can detour your direction. Now, we cannot control nature, and accidents happen, but there are some steps we can take to help prevent a fire from happening. Here are four tips to help prevent a fire in your business.

Does your business have a kitchen? 

The number one cause of commercial fires is kitchen equipment. That can be from misuse or old and faulty equipment. A great question to ask would be, when was the last cleaning and inspection of your kitchen and its equipment?

Do you have a fire suppression system?

Did you know that the same person who painted the Mona Lisa also created the first fire suppression system? Although your overhead sprinkler system may not be quite as old as Leonardo DaVinci, it still may be time to inspect or have it replaced. The last thing anyone wants is a faulty fire suppression system if a fire should ever start. Have your system regularly inspected or replaced if necessary.

Do you have an electrical cord hazard? 

Extension cords are often needed to provide power to a desk and other office utilities, but when there are multiple cords plugged together, and too many utilities drawing power from them, it can cause an electrical hazard that may start a fire. Keep your cords orderly and minimal when they are necessary.

Do you have multiple items with heating elements plugged into one outlet? 

Items with heating elements require a substantial amount of electricity. These items can be toasters, coffee makers, or space heaters, to name a few. When there are multiple items like this plugged into one outlet, it can override your electricity and create the potential for an electrical fire. The moral of the story here is, don't make coffee, toast, and heat the room by drawing electricity from the same outlet.

If your business has been affected by a fire, we understand the importance of getting you up and running as quickly as possible. Don’t hesitate, contact us today at 904-729-2401.

Commercial COVID Cleaning Services: Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

8/10/2021 (Permalink)

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

SERVPRO® professionals are trained in adhering to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards. We offer cleaning services including the removal of biohazard contaminants such as those related to the COVID Delta variant. We have the specialized training and products to get your business back in business.

One such initiative is our Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program.

With the Delta variant affecting our Florida communities, SERVPRO is being called on by numerous businesses and community leaders to perform the necessary bioremediation services to clean, disinfect and sanitize their properties. That’s why we developed the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program. All of our cleanup practices are in accordance with the guidelines provided by the CDC and local authorities. 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. Once your 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.

 SERVPRO can respond quickly and effectively to help minimize business interruption to your company. SERVPRO franchise professionals are uniquely prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business according to the protocols set forth by the CDC. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis. The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and tables at a minimum. These same surfaces are mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces as well. The CDC also recommends regular cleaning of the following areas/items: 

-Kitchen/Food Areas

-Bathrooms 

-Water Fountains

-Shelving/Racks

-Sales Counters

-Carpets and Rugs

-Stair Handrails

-Elevators and Escalators

-Fitness Equipment 

SERVPRO professionals are trained to perform a proactive cleanup that involves facility or structure cleaning and disinfection. 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 cleanup process, and disposal of waste.

SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Jacksonville Northeast:  Ready for whatever happens.®

Call us at 904.729.2401 to schedule one-time or regular service.

Businesses Can Trust SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Jax NE’s IICRC Certifications

7/12/2021 (Permalink)

Christon Overly, Crew Chief with SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Jacksonville NE holds 5 IICRC certifications.

SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Jacksonville Northeast is proud to be an IICRC certified firm. IICRC, or the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification, is a non-profit organization for the cleaning and restoration industry. The goal of the IICRC is to establish and advance globally recognized standards and certifications for the inspection, cleaning, and restoration and installation industries. To accomplish this goal, the IICRC sets standards and certifications for inspection, cleaning, and restoration. The IICRC ensures that when businesses or individuals hire a certified firm or technician that they have hired experts who will provide reasonable assurance that work will be completed in accordance with the industry's "standard of care." The technicians of SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Jacksonville Northeast set themselves apart through training, experience, and comprehensive examination.

When you see a IICRC logo, you can be confident that an IICRC-certified experienced, qualified professional is caring for your valuable property. IICRC Certified Firms employ technicians who, after study, field experience and passing comprehensive exams, have received IICRC certifications in specific cleaning, restoration and inspection categories. SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Jacksonville Northeast is one such firm. One of our technicians, Christon Overly, even has certifications in five areas, including Water Damage Restoration, Structural Drying, Odor Removal, Mold Remediation, and Fire Restoration.

We hold the following certifications through IICRC:

• AMRT - Applied Microbial Remediation Technician
• ASD - Applied Structural Drying Technician
• ECTP - Employee Certification Training Program
• FSRT - Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technician
• IICRC Certified Firm
• OSHA - 10-hour General and/or Construction Industry Training Program
• OSHA - 30-hour General and/or Construction Industry Training Program
• OSHA - Other Training
• RCT - Rug Cleaning Technician
• RRRP - Lead-Based Paint Activities and Renovation
• UFT - Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning Technician
• WRT - Water Damage Restoration Technician

If water, fire, or mold damages your business, please contact SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Jacksonville Northeast at (904) 729-2401. 

Preventing Commercial Water Damage

6/16/2021 (Permalink)

This flooded hallway is just one of the many affected areas in this assisted living facility.

Preventing Commercial Water Damage

A contractor broke a water line in an assisted living facility which resulted in water damage throughout the entire facility. SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Jacksonville Northeast was called in to extract the water and mitigate the associated water damage.

This is one example of an incident that can necessitate water repair and cleanup in commercial facilities.

Following are some tips for preventing or reducing the severity of water damage events in commercial facilities in the Nassau County and North Jacksonville area.

Maintain the Plumbing

Regular plumbing maintenance can alert building owners to corroded or damaged pipes and partial sewer line blockages. A building owner or manager should be aware of the age, condition, and materials used in the plumbing system. Regular inspections can help to minimize the occurrence of a broken or blocked pipe and inform you of measures you can take to prevent backups, bursts or leaks.

Repair Roof Damage

Roofing can sustain damage from high winds or storm conditions. Damaged materials can result in leaks. Building owners or managers are well advised to inspect the condition of the roof after weather events and arrange for professional repair and maintenance if there are signs of roof damage. SERVPRO can assist by installing a tarp on the roof to limit water damage until repairs are possible.

Inspect Sprinkler Systems

Fire suppression systems play an important role in maintaining the overall safety of commercial structures. However, as was the case at the assisted living facility, these systems can malfunction and cause water damage when no fire risk is present. Building owners and managers should schedule regular inspections of fire sprinklers to reduce the risk of water or fire damage.

Property owners who take these measures may be able to lessen the severity or even prevent some incidences of water damage. Prevention is generally more cost effective than emergency water damage repair.

If a broken water line or other incident results in a leak or flooding of your commercial building, call SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Jacksonville Northeast at 904.729.2401.

Causes of Commercial Water Damage

6/2/2021 (Permalink)

Have water or mold damage at your business? Call SERVPRO Fernandina Beach/Jax NE at 904-729-2401. We’ll get there fast.

When business owners envision water damage, they often picture a massive storm wiping out power lines, flooding offices, and shutting down businesses for days at a time. It is true that commercial water damage is often the result of floods and water that stem from storms. And it is true that we in North Florida get our share of severe thunderstorms and even hurricanes.

However, many business owners and tenants overlook the fact that storms and severe weather aren't the only cause of water damage. Here are some of the common causes of water damage to commercial buildings.

1. Malfunctioning sprinkler systems

It is not uncommon for older office and retail buildings to have outdated sprinkler systems that work in conjunction with fire protection systems. While such sprinklers are crucial during a fire emergency, they can also cause commercial flood damage if they are faulty or in need of replacement. This could easily damage inventory and business assets. 

2. Damaged appliances and equipment

This cause of commercial flood damage is more common in restaurants and catering facilities, as well as any business that has appliances and equipment that make use of water. If the appliance fails and sends water across your building, especially during late hours when no one is around, you may come back to work and face a water emergency.

3. Broken pipes and plumbing

Just like in a residence, if the plumbing system in your workplace fails water damage could be the result. 

4. Backed up sewer lines

This is another cause of commercial water damage. Should the sewer line to your building back up or become damaged, realize the potential dangers of contaminated black water which can cause health effects and ruin products and office furnishings. 

 If your business has suffered commercial water damage, SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/ Jacksonville Northeast will get you back up and running again. Call us anytime 24/7 at (904) 729-2401 for fast help.

Pipe Break Causes Flooding at Jacksonville Hotel

5/19/2021 (Permalink)

This thermal image shows water behind a hotel wall.

Flooding at hotels is not an unusual occurrence, but always poses special challenges. Whenever SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Jacksonville Northeast gets a call about water damage at a hotel, it’s all hands on deck! In a recent hotel job, seven rooms on three floors plus the workout room were affected. Management had been in the process of remodeling rooms when there was a pipe break that caused the flooding. Such a large-scale event impacts revenue significantly.

Not only does the hotel need to handle the costs of water damage restoration, but they must also deal with the potential lost income of closing down or reducing the number of available rooms during the repairs. In addition to dealing with damages to the actual hotel, hotel staff must also consider the issue of damaged personal belongings of their guests. Following are common causes of water damage in hotels:

• Overflowing bathtub or bathroom sink
• Toilet leaks
• AC unit overflow
• Water heater leaks
• Broken shower drain
• Sewer line back ups

We worked around the clock to complete the job as soon as possible while also trying to inconvenience guests as little as possible. In this case, the damage was encompassed three floors so minimizing impact was challenging.

SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Jacksonville Northeast specializes in the clean-up and restoration of commercial properties after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained and IICRC-certified. We understand that each day restoring the property is a lost day of revenue so we work overtime using a 6-step restoration process.

If you have water damage at your commercial property, call us at 904-729-2401.

Fire Sprinkler Flooding at Amelia Island Golf Course Pro Shop

4/27/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage in this golf course pro shop was the result of a burst fire sprinkler supply line.

SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Jacksonville Northeast responded to a popular resort on Amelia Island when they had a recent water issue.  This resort hosts hundreds, if not thousands, of guests golfing on their golf course each week. In this case, the golf course pro shop experienced water intrusion after a fire sprinkler supply line burst and flooded into the space. SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Yulee/North Jacksonville responded immediately and quickly got the situation under control with minimal impact to the shop’s operations.

Fire suppression systems play an important role in maintaining the overall safety of commercial structures. However, as was the case at this pro shop, these systems can malfunction and cause water damage when no fire risk is present.

Building owners and managers should schedule regular inspections of fire sprinklers to reduce the risk of water or fire damage. Property owners who take these measures may be able to lessen the severity or even prevent some incidences of water damage. Prevention is generally more cost effective than emergency water damage repair.

Every water damage situation is different but by following these steps our professionals can help make it "Like it never even happened."

Step 1: Emergency Contact

Step 2: Inspection and Water Damage Assessment

Step 3: Water Removal/ Water Extraction

Step 4: Drying and Dehumidification

Step 5: Cleaning and Sanitizing

Step 6: Restoration

If a malfunctioning sprinkler system or other incident results in a leak or flooding of your commercial building, call SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Jacksonville Northeast at 904.729.2401

Detecting & Preventing Mold In Your Business

4/14/2021 (Permalink)

For mold remediation, contact us today at 904.729.2401.

40% of small businesses never reopen after a disaster. Much of this is due to the lack of preparedness for the building a business occupies. Buildings are usually rented and used for years at a time before being handed off to another business. In many situations, you may not know precisely what you are being handed. Mold may be one of the problems you inherit, but also is a problem that can be avoided. Here are some ways to identify and remove any potential future mold problems.

Ceiling bulge

A very telling sign of water damage is discoloration or a bulge in the ceiling. Attics and roofs may be allowing water to seep into your home and onto your ceiling. When that water sits, mold is very likely to grow. If your building has had a bulge, it would be a great idea to check for mold, and also to discover the source of the leak to prevent future damage!

Odor

Mold has a very distinct musty, and damp smell. Some would compare it to the smell of opening an old book. This is one of the most recognizable signs of mold. Often mold can be hiding behind a wall, or out of site where water may have leaked. Even though mold has a bad habit of hiding from plain sight, the smell of mold is something that will always be distinguishable.

Past flooding

Before renting, or acquiring a building space, it may be a good idea to ask if the building has ever had a flood. While floods can be a one time, out of the blue experience, some buildings flood from recurring repairable issues. Again, where there is water damage, mold has a high potential to follow. Some fixes may be as easy as landscaping, while others like plumbing may require more work. Either case, it is best to fix the problem now before mold sets in and causes more financial and health effects.

If you suspect mold in your business and need professional remediation, don’t wait, contact us today! We are Florida-licensed mold remediators.

Jacksonville Assisted Living Facility Faces Flooding After Resident Accident

3/24/2021 (Permalink)

A resident left water in the sink running and it wasn’t discovered until much later. We take extra safety precautions in situations like this.

Flooding and other water disasters at healthcare facilities are complex and often require special training to handle regulated medical waste and comply with HIPPA regulations. Whether we’re dealing with a small medical office or a large hospital campus, SERVPRO of Fernandina/Jacksonville NE professionals work quickly and efficiently to assess your needs, coordinate with environmental and infection control teams, and ensure that all health certifications are obtained prior to completing the job. We have the experience and expertise to manage your cleanup needs so that you are free to focus on your number one priority: your patients.

Types of Facilities:

• Hospitals
• Assisted Living Centers
• Outpatient Surgical Centers
• Electronics and Machine Restoration
• Hospice Facilities
• Senior Living Facilities
• Medical Office Buildings

Our professionals are available 24-7/365 to help remediate any damage, regardless of the cause, scale of the loss, or the size of your facility. 

Have an emergency at your healthcare facility? – Call Us Now at 904.729.2401.

We Can Manage the Unique Safety Concerns of Restoring Your Healthcare Facility

We understand that time is crucial for both you and your patients. You can trust us to efficiently restore your facility while adhering to the highest sanitation standards. Our professionals are trained to be mindful of safety, legal, and environmental concerns while working within your budgetary constraints. We know you are in the business of saving lives; our goal is to ensure you have a safe, clean space to do so.

What is SERVPRO’s Emergency Ready Program (ERP) and Why Do Business Owners Need It?

3/2/2021 (Permalink)

Here, water had flooded residents living quarters. If an ERP had been available, there wouldn't have been as much flooding.

SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Jacksonville NE offers a no-cost, no obligation service that can help savvy business owners and managers save thousands of dollars and untold hassles. In fact, your marketing rep may have mentioned it to you, and you thought, “There’s no way this can be free,” or, “What’s the catch?” There isn’t one.

It’s called SERVPRO’s Emergency Ready Program…

And it’s a complimentary examination of your facility that can mitigate water damage and flooding when a situation arises.

This assessment provides the critical information, such as shut-off valve locations, needed to begin mitigation and recovery services and serves as a quick reference for important building and contact information. Here are some advantages of the program:

• Provides facility details such a water and power shut-off valve locations, priority areas, and priority contact information.
• Includes a report that contains the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.
• Identifies the line of command for authorizing work to begin.
• Offers a mobile app for easy accessibility and sharing of this information. 

Case in Point…

A resident at an assisted living facility in Jacksonville had become unconscious while in the bathroom and had broken one of the plumbing fixtures. Water commenced to flood not only the resident’s room but into the hallway and into other resident rooms. There was water everywhere. The problem was that no one working the facility at the time had any idea where the water shut-off valve was located. Therefore, the flooding continued until it had affected a large portion of the facility and many residents’ rooms. An ERP could have minimized the damage in this situation.

Knowing the location of water shut-off valves, fuse boxes, and fire suppression system controls before an emergency strikes, not during an emergency, helps emergency responders and our technicians react as quickly and effectively as possible, helping to limit loss of property and even lives. 

Don’t wait until an emergency occurs to call us at 904-729-2401 to schedule your ERP. We provide this free service to all commercial facilities in our territory. We serve Fernandina Beach, Yulee, Callahan, Hilliard, and North Jacksonville, including Oceanway, River City, and the Heckscher Drive and Dunn Avenue/Lem Turner areas.

Broken Water Main Results in Flooding at Jacksonville Commercial Warehouse

9/22/2020 (Permalink)

The flooding in this warehouse was the result of a water main break.  

This large one-story commercial warehouse just outside of Jacksonville flooded 15,000-16,000 sq. ft. Some 6000 gallons of water were released from the broken water main to the air conditioner chiller unit. Cleanup required extraction of water and oil. Water was then pumped to 500 gallon waste containers to be hauled off by a hazardous waste company.

Notice in the accompanying photo the extent of the water damage. Flooding in commercial buildings can happen very quickly, especially if there is no one on site to identify the problem. What starts out as a small water leak can turn into something larger, and cause significantly more damage than expected. If your commercial property has old pipes, there is a higher chance of water damage occurring. Broken pipes are a common cause of water damage in commercial facilities.It is very common for broken or cracked pipes to occur in commercial buildings, especially when they age. When a pipe bursts, water rushes out of them, spraying throughout the whole building. A busted pipe can cause damage to the walls, ceilings, flooring, and any other contents you have filling that space.

Our customer was very pleased with our quick response and fast turnaround time. No job is too big or too small for this SERVPRO team!

If you have water damage or flooding at your commercial facility, call SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Jacksonville Northeast at 904.729.2401.

What to Look for in a Mold Remediation Contractor

6/17/2020 (Permalink)

This grocery store had mold growth on their ceiling as a result of high humidity. After remediation, fans were installed to prevent future mold growth

You suspect you have mold at your business. Now, what? Here are some key questions to ask when looking for a mold remediation contractor who can identify, remove, clean up and remediate the issue.

1. Is the company licensed? Every state has its own set of laws and regulations that must be followed. In the state of Florida, any person or company advertising or representing oneself to be a mold remediator—or taking samples for purposes of testing for the presence of mold—must have a license. SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Jacksonville Northeast is a Florida-licensed mold remediator. (Our license number is MRSR450.) A licensed contractor has the training, expertise and experience required to do the job well, safely and to code.
2. Is the company properly certified for mold removal and remediation? The proper certification makes certain that the company has the necessary expertise and experience to deal with the mold inside the home; it also guarantees that the technicians are well trained in how to remove the mold safely to prevent any potential health risks. SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Jacksonville Northeast is certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).
3. Is the company insured? Before hiring a contractor, find out what type of liability insurance the mold specialist has, what that insurance covers and the amount of coverage. The insurance should cover mold or microbial work. Plus, confirm that the company has workers’ compensation insurance. Otherwise, the homeowner may be at risk of a lawsuit or expenses if a worker gets injured on the property. In the state of Florida, applicants for a Mold Assessor license are required to obtain general liability and errors and omissions insurance for both preliminary and post remediation mold assessment in the amount of $1 million dollars. SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Jacksonville Northeast meets these requirements. We carry the required $1,000,000 liability coverage and have workers’ comp insurance.
4. Does the company conduct background checks on its employees? Make certain that the contractor’s employees have all had background checks. This practice ensures that reputable people are doing the job. SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Jacksonville Northeast requires employees to pass background checks and we do employ any sub-contractors.
5. Do the company’s employees wear uniforms? Employees should all wear company uniforms. This allows the homeowner and their family to easily identify employees of the company and know who is on the property. Employees of SERVPRO Fernandina Beach/Jacksonville Northeast wear uniforms.
6. How long has the company been in business? And, can the business provide references? Ask the contractor about their history doing this type of cleanup and restoration work and for references from similar projects. SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Jacksonville Northeast has a track record of successfully performing mold remediation jobs and can provide references.
7. Does the company provide a written estimate? This will ensure that all contractors are bidding on the same work. The estimate should be detailed and include all services to be provided. Of course, the contractor should come to the job site prior to estimating the job. Estimates should not be given over the phone without the site being seen. These are standard operating procedures for SERVPRO Fernandina Beach/Jacksonville Northeast.
8. Does the company work with insurance companies? Often mold remediation requires interfacing with the homeowner’s insurance company. It is beneficial to work with a company that can help facilitate the paperwork, expedite services and return the situation to it normal state. SERVPRO Fernandina Beach/Jacksonville Northeast provides this service.

SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Jacksonville Northeast is a licensed mold remediation contractor in the state of Florida. Our company is IICRC certified, and our technicians are certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). Learn more about our mold remediation services, and call us at 904-729-2401 if you have mold issues.

Commercial Water Damage Repair in Fernandina Beach/North Jacksonville  

6/5/2020 (Permalink)

There is no good time for commercial water damage but our restoration team will take care of your problem quickly.

As a business owner, you know that any type of water damage can be detrimental to your business. It is crucial when faced with a water damage loss that you can resume normal operations as soon as possible to protect your business. If your business is forced to close until water damage repairs are complete your short-term losses will start to add up and your customers may find somewhere else to go which could cause you to lose their business long-term.

SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Jacksonville Northeast specializes in commercial water damage repair and can help ensure that damages are kept to a minimum, reducing your total losses. Commercial businesses have unique needs when it comes to water damage repairs and the best way to protect your business and its assets is to leave water damage repairs to the pros.

What to Do If Your Property Floods

When your commercial property is affected by water or flooding, the source of water needs to be addressed before water damage repairs can begin. Water damage can affect expensive or specialized equipment and inventory, and losses can quickly add up to thousands of dollars. If your property floods, quick action is necessary to mitigate the damage. SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Yuleeis always ready to respond.

Whenever your business is affected by water damage, a fast response is necessary. SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Jacksonville Northeast provides emergency, 24/7 service and has the equipment and personnel it takes to get your business up and running quickly. SERVPRO is a trusted and experienced commercial water damage restoration company that delivers quality customer service and exceptional water damage repair service for commercial businesses.

In an event of a disaster call SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Jacksonville Northeast at 904-729-2401. Our water restoration team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year!

Pipe Breaks Flooding Jacksonville Trucking Company

5/14/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage at this Jacksonville trucking company operation spanned more than 1500 square feet.

A recent incident at a Jacksonville trucking company caused major flooding throughout the offices and facility. A pipe break in the ceiling was the cause. SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Jacksonville Northeast was called in to extract the flood water and dry the resulting water damage from the affected areas that spanned more than 1500 square feet.

Pipe breaks are one of the common causes of water damage at commercial facilities. Broken pipes can stem from many reasons, such as changes in pressure or deteriorated water supply lines and sewer drains. Bulging walls, water stains on walls or floors, cracked or loose tiles, and musty smell – these are all signs of damaged pipes.

Following are some of the other common causes of commercial water damage:

DAMAGED WINDOWS

In commercial buildings, water damage is often caused by windows that are not properly sealed. Damaged windows can allow moisture to seep in, which can trigger problems such as mold build-up and warped wood and drywall. Resealing windows regularly is important as caulk can break down over time.

BUILDING FOUNDATION

When gutters are not cleaned regularly, they can get clogged, causing water to leak into the property through the roof or the foundation. One of the most common signs of leaks in building foundations are puddles nearby or framing that has become wet. Poor drainage systems can also lead to water damage in your foundation.

ROOF LEAKS

A leaky roof can cause ceiling damage, mold or mildew issues, fire hazards from shortened wires, and compromised structural integrity. Exposure to heavy rains and snow make roofs vulnerable to damage. Moreover, incorrect snow/ice removal can also trigger water damage in roofs.

HVAC PROBLEMS

HVAC systems work by heating or cooling the air through a series of ducts. Over time, these ducts wear out and get damaged, resulting in leaks. The HVAC system needs to be cleaned regularly, and the excess water from the condensation reservoirs has to be removed to prevent water damage.

SEWER CLOGS

Sewer water contains bacteria and other pathogens that cause illnesses and infections. If you observe signs of sewage damage, such as gurgling sounds or water backing up out of the drain or toilet, call us immediately.

SPRINKLER SYSTEM LEAKS

Other causes of water damage in commercial buildings are leaks or malfunctions in sprinkler systems. Signs of sprinkler leaks include wet surfaces like drywall and carpets, presence of mold and mildew and standing water. Regularly inspect your sprinkler systems for leaks and moisture.

Taking the necessary measures to prevent water damage can save you from costly repairs and business interruption in the future. Since water damage can come from a variety of sources, it’s essential to have the building inspected regularly to prevent leaks and related issues.

If you have water damage at your place of business, contact the professionals at SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Jacksonville Northeast at 904.729.2401.

Tips for Employers Reopening After COVID-19 Related Shut-Down

4/30/2020 (Permalink)

As you make plans for keeping employees safe when you re-open, keep SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Jacksonville NE in mind for commercial cleaning.

Florida businesses prepare as Florida governor Ron DeSantis lifts some of the COVID-19 related restrictions which have been in place in April. Here are some things to think about as you re-open. Also, keep SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Jacksonville Northeast in mind for commercial cleaning.

Keeping the Workplace Safe:

Encourage your employees to...

-Practice Good Hygiene…Stop shaking hands – use other non-contact methods of greeting 

-Clean hands with sanitizer or wash their hands frequently

-Avoid touching their faces and cover coughs and sneezes

-Gloves and masks/facial coverings may be advisable

-Disinfect surfaces like doorknobs, tables, desks, and handrails regularly

-Increase ventilation by opening windows or adjusting air conditioning

-Be Careful with Meetings and Travel

-Use videoconferencing for meetings when possible

-When not possible, hold meetings in open, well-ventilated spaces

-Consider adjusting or postponing large meetings or gatherings

-Assess the risks of business travel

-Handle Food Carefully

-Limit sharing food with others

-Strengthen health screenings for cafeteria staff and their close contacts

-Ensure cafeteria staff and their close contacts practice strict hygiene

-Stay Home if feeling sick or have a sick family member in their home

SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Jacksonville Northeast: 

Commercial Cleaning Services

SERVPRO professionals are trained to perform a proactive cleanup that involves facility or structure cleaning and disinfection. 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 cleanup process, and disposal of waste.

SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Jacksonville Northeast:  Ready for whatever happens.®

Call us at 904.729.2401 if we can help you get your business back to normal.

Local Hotel Calls on SERVPRO Fernandina Beach/Jacksonville Northeast After Flooding Occurs

4/13/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage and flooding in hotels--especially when it affects multiple floors--always pose special challenges.

Flooding at hotels is not an unusual occurrence, but always poses special challenges. Whenever SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Jacksonville Northeast gets a call about water damage at a hotel, it’s all hands on deck! In a recent hotel job, seven rooms on three floors plus the workout room were affected. Management had been in the process of remodeling rooms when there was a pipe break that caused the flooding. Such a large-scale event impacts revenue significantly.

Not only does the hotel need to handle the costs of water damage restoration, but they must also deal with the potential lost income of closing down or reducing the number of available rooms during the repairs. In addition to dealing with damages to the actual hotel, hotel staff must also consider the issue of damaged personal belongings of their guests. Following are common causes of water damage in hotels:

• Overflowing bathtub or bathroom sink
• Toilet leaks
• AC unit overflow
• Water heater leaks
• Broken shower drain
• Sewer line back ups

We worked around the clock to complete the job as soon as possible while also trying to inconvenience guests as little as possible. In this case, the damage was encompassed three floors so minimizing impact was challenging.

SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Jacksonville Northeast specializes in the clean-up and restoration of commercial properties after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained and IICRC-certified. We understand that each day restoring the property is a lost day of revenue so we work overtime using a 6-step restoration process.

If you have water damage at your commercial property, call us at 904-729-2401.

SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Jacksonville Northeast: Commercial Cleaning Services

3/30/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO goes beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

SERVPRO® professionals are trained in adhering to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards. We offer cleaning services including the removal of biohazard contaminants. We have the specialized training and products to get your property back to business.

We are Here to Help® Get Your Business Back to Normal

SERVPRO is being called on by numerous businesses and community leaders to perform the necessary bioremediation services to clean, disinfect and sanitize their properties. All of our cleanup practices are in accordance with the guidelines provided by the CDC and local authorities. If you are interested in inquiring about our services we’re here to help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week, while life gets back to normal in the communities we all call home. The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line meet this standard and carry the EPA-registered emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

SERVPRO can respond quickly and effectively to help minimize business interruption to your company. SERVPRO franchise professionals are uniquely prepared during this unprecedented time to clean and disinfect your home or business according to the protocols set forth by the CDC. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis. The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and tables at a minimum. These same surfaces are mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces as well. The CDC also recommends regular cleaning of the following areas/items:

-Kitchen/Food Areas

-Bathrooms  

-Water Fountains

-Shelving/Racks

-Sales Counters

-Carpets and Rugs

-Stair Handrails

-Elevators and Escalators

-Fitness Equipment

SERVPRO professionals are trained to perform a proactive cleanup that involves facility or structure cleaning and disinfection. 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 cleanup process, and disposal of waste.

SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Jacksonville Northeast:  Ready for whatever happens.®

Call us at 904.729.2401 so we can help you get your business back to normal.

Preventing Workplace Fires in Nassau County/North Jacksonville

3/4/2020 (Permalink)

Follow these tips to promote a fire-safe workplace.

During the five-year period of 2007-2011, National Fire Protection Association estimates that U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 3,340 fires in office properties per year. These fires caused an annual average of four civilian deaths, 44 civilian fire injuries, and $112 million in direct property damage. The vast majority of the fires in this category were in business offices.

Fewer fires occur on the weekends since they are less likely to be fully populated. The peak times of day for these fires were between noon and 2:00 PM. Less than one-third of the fires (31%) occurred between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m., but these fires accounted for 67% of the direct property damage.

More than one in every four office property fires (29%) was caused by cooking equipment, but these fires accounted for just 6% of the direct property damage experienced by office properties. Fires that were intentionally set caused the largest share of direct property damage (20%), while causing 10% of office property fires. Electrical distribution and lighting equipment was the second leading cause of office property fires (12%) of fires, while causing 15% of direct property damage.

The following tips promote a fire-safe workplace.

1. Practice good workplace housekeeping. Clutter contributes to fires by providing fuel and by impeding access to exits and emergency equipment.
2. Place oily rags in a covered metal container. This waste must be properly disposed of on a regular basis.
3. Never leave cooking equipment unattended while in use.
4. Maintain machinery to prevent overheating and friction sparks.
5. Report electrical hazards. Many fires start in faulty wiring and malfunctioning electrical equipment. Never attempt electrical repairs unless you are qualified and authorized.
6. Maintain free access to all electrical control panels. Material or equipment stored in front of the panels would slow down the shutting down of power in an emergency situation.
7. Use and store chemicals safely. Read the label and the Material Safety Data Sheet to determine flammability and other fire hazards. Provide adequate ventilation when using and storing these substances.
8. Use all precautions to prevent ignition in potentially explosive atmospheres such as those containing flammable liquid vapors or fine particles. Use non-sparking tools, and control static electricity as required.
9. Help maintain building security to prevent arson fires. Lock up as instructed; report suspicious persons; and don’t leave combustible rubbish where it can be set on fire outside the building.
10. Smoke only in designated areas, and extinguish smoking materials safely. Never smoke in storerooms or chemical storage areas.
11. Never block sprinklers, firefighting equipment or emergency exits. Observe clearances when stacking materials.
12. Post emergency telephone numbers as well as the company address by the telephone for quick access if a fire were to start in your work area.
13. Learn how to properly use a fire extinguisher.

SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach / Jacksonville Northeast has the specialized fire and water damage cleanup and restoration training and experience to quickly restore your business to pre-fire condition. Call us at 904.729.2401.

Visit the following links for more information.

Fire Damage Repair and Restoration

Fire Damage Restoration Process

Odor Removal and Deodorization

Work Place Water Damage is Restored by SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Jacksonville Northeast

2/13/2020 (Permalink)

Mold on a church ceiling that originated from a roof leak. Have water or mold damage? Call SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Jax NE.  

When business owners envision water damage, they often picture a massive storm wiping out power lines, flooding offices, and shutting down businesses for days at a time. It is true that commercial water damage is often the result of floods and water that stem from storms. In fact, the mold shown in the accompanying photograph originated from a roof leak that was never dried correctly in a church after a hurricane that had hit North Florida.

However, many business owners and tenants overlook the fact that storms and severe weather aren't the only cause of water damage. Here are some of the common causes of water damage to commercial buildings.

1. Malfunctioning sprinkler systems

It is not uncommon for older office and retail buildings to have outdated sprinkler systems that work in conjunction with fire protection systems. While such sprinklers are crucial during a fire emergency, they can also cause commercial flood damage if they are faulty or in need of replacement. This could easily damage inventory and business assets. 

   2.  Damaged appliances and equipment

This cause of commercial flood damage is more common in restaurants and catering facilities, as well as any business that has appliances and equipment that make use of water. If the appliance fails and sends water across your building, especially during late hours when no one is around, you may come back to work and face a water emergency.

   3.  Broken pipes and plumbing

Just like in a residence, if the plumbing system in your workplace fails water damage could be the result. 

4.  Backed up sewer lines

This is another cause of commercial water damage. Should the sewer line to your building back up or become damaged, realize the potential dangers of contaminated black water which can cause health effects and ruin products and office furnishings. 

 If your business has suffered commercial water damage, SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/ Jacksonville Northeast will get you back up and running again. Call us anytime 24/7 at (904) 729-2401 for fast help.

SERVPRO Fernandina Beach/Jax NE Tackles Water Damage in Jacksonville Hotel

11/7/2019 (Permalink)

Twelve rooms and three hallways were impacted when the sprinkler system was activated at this Jacksonville hotel.

Water damage in hotels always bring on special challenges.  In our most recent hotel job in North Jacksonville, 12 rooms and three 60-foot hallways were impacted when a hair dryer caught fire and activated the sprinkler system, which showered water on guest rooms on three floors. Such a large-scale event impacts hotel revenue significantly.

Hotels incur major expenses when a water event happens. Not only does the hotel have to pay the cost of water damage restoration, but there is also lost income of closing down or reducing the number of available rooms during the repairs. In addition to dealing with damages to the actual hotel, the company must also cover the costs of the damaged personal belongings of their guests.

In the case of the North Jacksonville hotel, SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Jacksonville Northeast worked around the clock to complete the job as quickly as possible while also inconveniencing guests as little as possible.

SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Jacksonville Northeast specializes in the clean up and restoration of commercial properties after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained and IICRC-certified. We understand that each day restoring the property is a lost day of revenue so we work overtime using a 6-step restoration process.

Call SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Jacksonville Northeast at 904.729.2401 if you have water damage at your commercial property. We’ll make it “Like it never even happened.”

A Common Cause—And Tips to Prevent—Water Damage in Commercial Facilities  

6/11/2019 (Permalink)

A malfunctioning sprinkler system caused water damage at an assisted living facility. SERVPRO came in to mitigate water damages.

A malfunction of the sprinkler system in an assisted living facility resulted in water damage throughout a hallway and several resident rooms of the facility. SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Jacksonville Northeast was called in to extract the water and mitigate the associated water damage.

This is one example of a common incident that can necessitate water repair and cleanup in commercial facilities.

Following are some tips for preventing or reducing the severity of water damage events in commercial facilities in the Nassau County and North Jacksonville area.

Maintain the Plumbing

Regular plumbing maintenance can alert building owners to corroded or damaged pipes and partial sewer line blockages. A building owner or manager should be aware of the age, condition, and materials used in the plumbing system. Regular inspections can help to minimize the occurrence of a broken or blocked pipe and inform you of measures you can take to prevent backups, bursts or leaks.

Repair Roof Damage

Roofing can sustain damage from high winds or storm conditions. Damaged materials can result in leaks. Building owners or managers are well advised to inspect the condition of the roof after weather events and arrange for professional repair and maintenance if there are signs of roof damage. SERVPRO can assist by installing a tarp on the roof to limit water damage until repairs are possible.

Inspect Sprinkler Systems

Fire suppression systems play an important role in maintaining the overall safety of commercial structures. However, as was the case at the assisted living facility, these systems can malfunction and cause water damage when no fire risk is present. Building owners and managers should schedule regular inspections of fire sprinklers to reduce the risk of water or fire damage.

Property owners who take these measures may be able to lessen the severity or even prevent some incidences of water damage. Prevention is generally more cost effective than emergency water damage repair.

If a malfunctioning sprinkler system or other incident results in a leak or flooding of your commercial building, call SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Jacksonville Northeast at 904.729.2401.

Hurricane Preparedness for Businesses: What Should An Emergency Plan Include?

5/31/2019 (Permalink)

Emergency action plans should include evacuation escape procedures and floor plans such as this one.

Source: OSHA

When developing an emergency action plan, it’s a good idea to look at the variety of potential emergencies that could occur in your workplace, such as hurricanes in North Florida. The plan should be tailored to your worksite and, if you have more than one worksite, each site should have an emergency action plan.

At a minimum, your emergency action plan should include the following:

• A preferred method for reporting emergencies
• An evacuation policy and procedures
• Emergency escape procedures and route assignments, such as floor plan, workplace maps, and safe or refuge areas
• Names, titles, departments, and telephone numbers of individuals both within and outside your company to contact for additional information or explanation of duties and responsibilities under the emergency plan
• Procedures for employees who remain to perform or shut down critical plant operations, or perform other essential services that cannot be shut down for every emergency alarm before evacuating, and
• Rescue and medical duties for any workers designated to perform them 

You may also want to consider designating an assembly location and procedures to account for all employees after an evacuation.

In addition, although they are not specifically required by OSHA, you may find it helpful to include in your plan the following:

-The site of an alternative communications center to be used in the event of a fire or explosion; and

-A secure on- or offsite location to store originals or duplicate copies of accounting records, legal documents, your employees’ emergency contact lists, and other essential records.

According to FEMA, forty percent of businesses won’t re-open following a natural disaster impact. Having an emergency plan will help ensure your business survives and your employees stay safe.

Hurricane Preparedness Week: Nassau/North Jax Businesses Should Create An Emergency Response Plan

5/7/2019 (Permalink)

The FEMA web site offers a host of resources to help businesses plan for hurricanes and other emergencies.

Source: FEMA

The actions taken in the initial minutes of an emergency are critical. A prompt warning to employees to evacuate, shelter or lockdown can save lives. A call for help to public emergency services that provides full and accurate information will help the dispatcher send the right responders and equipment. An employee trained to administer first aid or perform CPR can be lifesaving. Action by employees with knowledge of building and process systems can help control a leak and minimize damage to the facility and the environment.

The first step when developing an emergency response plan is to conduct a risk assessment to identify potential emergency scenarios. An understanding of what can happen will enable you to determine resource requirements and to develop plans and procedures to prepare your business.

At the very least, every facility should develop and implement an emergency plan for protecting employees, visitors, contractors and anyone else in the facility. This part of the emergency plan is called “protective actions for life safety” and includes building evacuation (“fire drills”), sheltering from severe weather such as tornadoes, “shelter-in-place” from an exterior airborne hazard such as a chemical release and lockdown.

When an emergency occurs, the first priority is always life safety. The second priority is the stabilization of the incident. There are many actions that can be taken to stabilize an incident and minimize potential damage. First aid and CPR by trained employees can save lives.

Some severe weather events can be forecast hours before they arrive, providing valuable time to protect a facility. A plan should be established and resources should be on hand, or quickly, available to prepare a facility. The plan should also include a process for damage assessment, salvage, protection of undamaged property and cleanup following an incident. These actions to minimize further damage and business disruption are examples of property conservation.

Guidance for the development of an emergency response plan can be found in this brochure.

A host of other resources can be found at http://www.fema.gov.

Hair Salon Has Mold Damage from Hidden Water Leak  

4/29/2019 (Permalink)

Mold can quickly become a problem in your business in as little as 48 hours.

A Jacksonville hair salon showed evidence of mold in several areas and SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Jacksonville Northeast was called out to assess the damage. We are a Florida-licensed mold remediation firm and had performed an Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) at the salon so we were acquainted with the building.

Upon examination, we found evidence of water damage that led to mold growth in the bathroom area and the entire water wall. Not only was this damage evident in the hair salon but also the jewelry business next door.

We were able to identify and repair the source of the water intrusion (a roof leak) so that we could initiate mitigation to the associated mold damage.

Here are some things business owners need to know about mold damage and what you should do if you discover evidence of mold at your place of business.

In as little as 48 hours, mold can quickly become a problem in your business when there’s a water intrusion, like a roof leak or leaking water line. Mold can cause health effects and can also cause significant damage to your property. SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Jacksonville Northeast has the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem.

If you have a mold problem in your home or business, your primary focus should be safety:

• Significant mold growth can occur in 48-72 hours.
• Mold may present a greater risk to children, the elderly, and anyone with respiratory problems.
• A strong, musty odor may indicate hidden mold behind drywall or under carpeting.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact a SERVPRO Franchise Professional for mold remediation services.

What NOT to Do:

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

Have a Mold Problem? Call Today – 904-729-2401. Not only can SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Jacksonville Northeast remediate the mold damage but we can also perform any needed reconstruction services such as drywall repair and painting.

Flooding in Assisted Living Facility Shows Value of Emergency Ready Profiles (ERPs)

4/9/2019 (Permalink)

Knowing the location of water shut-off valves before an emergency strikes helps to limit the loss of property and even lives.

An incident that occurred at a local assisted living facility illustrates the value of a complimentary service that SERVPRO Fernandina Beach/Jacksonville Northeast provides. 

A resident had become unconscious while in the bathroom and had broken one of the plumbing fixtures. Water commenced to flood not only the resident’s room but into the hallway and into other resident rooms. There was water everywhere. The problem was that no one working the facility at the time had any idea where the water shut-off valve was located. Therefore, the flooding continued until it had affected a large portion of the facility and many residents’ rooms.

SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Jacksonville Northeast offers a complimentary examination of your facility that can mitigate water damage and flooding when a situation such as this one arises.

This assessment provides the critical information, such as shut-off valve locations, needed to begin mitigation and recovery services and serves as a quick reference for important building and contact information. It's called SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile™  (ERP), and here are some advantages of the program:

• Provides facility details such a water and power shut-off valve locations, priority areas, and priority contact information.
• Includes a report that contains the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.
• Identifies the line of command for authorizing work to begin.
• Offers a mobile app for easy accessibility of this information.

Knowing the location of water shut-off valves, fuse boxes, and fire suppression system controls before an emergency strikes, not during an emergency, helps emergency responders react as quickly and effectively as possible, helping to limit loss of property and even lives.

Don’t wait until an emergency occurs to call us at 904-729-2401 to schedule your ERP. We provide this free service to all commercial facilities in our territory. We serve Fernandina Beach, Yulee, Callahan, Hilliard, and North Jacksonville, including Oceanway, River City, and the Heckscher Drive and Dunn Avenue/Lem Turner areas.

Mold Threatens Operations of Jacksonville Plasma Donation Center

3/21/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Jacksonville Northeast is a Florida-licensed mold remediation firm.

Mold in Northeast Florida can be disruptive to commercial and residential properties. BPL Plasma is a blood plasma donation center that helps create life-saving therapies for patients worldwide, improving the lives of patients as well as donors.

In this case the center was impacted by mold. There was a vent in the roof of a storage room that houses medical supplies. The corrugated roof was covered over to maintain a 67 degree temperature in the storage room, but mold had formed where the hot air met the cold temperature and caused condensation. Mold had affected the ceiling and surrounding insulation.

Here the problem was noticed early on and the solution was HEPA vacuuming the affected area, cleaning, applying anti-microbial and sealing the gap so hot air couldn’t get in and cause condensation. SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Jacksonville Northeast was able to correct the problems without disrupting operations of the facility.

SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Jacksonville Northeast is a licensed mold remediation contractor in the state of Florida. Our company is IICRC certified, and our technicians are certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). Learn more about our mold remediation services, and call us at 904-729-2401 if you have mold issues.

Water Main Floods Power Plant Offices in North Jacksonville

2/8/2019 (Permalink)

Some 30,000 square feet of water had flooded the office space and workshop of this North Jacksonville power plant.

When a water main in the ceiling busted and flooded the office space and a workshop of a North Jacksonville power plant, SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Yulee/North Jacksonville was called in to help. Unfortunately the incident happened shortly after closing hours and flooded overnight--so before we were called in, some 30,000 square feet of water had flooded the space. SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Yulee/North Jacksonville arrived immediately to the scene and extracted the water and began the drying and cleanup process.

Cleaning a flooded company property following water damage is a daunting task. Not only do you have to restore the property itself, but all the affected items such as office furniture and electronics as well. 

Following are some of the considerations following a commercial water damage situation.

Types of Water Damage

Understanding the different types of water damage can help expedite the process and ensure the appropriate cleanup measures are taken. The three main types of water damage are clean water, gray water, and black water, ranging from least to most dangerous respectively.

1. Clean water is the least harmful of the three and is usually caused by a broken pipe, outside leak, or water overflowing from an appliance.
2. Grey water is basically contaminated clean water and requires a few safety precautions to protect against any bacteria that may exist. 
3. Black water is the most hazardous type of water damage and requires specific safety measures to protect clean-up crews. Water damage from black water is usually best handled by a professional cleaning service as the contaminants can range from bacterial disease, chemicals, and toxic materials. 

Cleaning Office Items

After determining the cause and severity of the damage, you can better chart a course of action for replacing the items in the flooded company building. The majority of office items fall into three main categories: furniture, paperwork, and electronics. 

1. Cleaning and replacing furniture. Any affected fabric furniture items may need dry cleaning following water damage. Wood items can usually be restored with sanding and refinishing, depending on the extent of the damage. 
2. Restoring paper items. Paperwork can take a significant effort to dry and restore. Drying documents, binders, or books using dehumidifying or vacuum freeze-drying processes can help restore these items. 
3. Handling electronics. Many electronic items also benefit from air drying and dehumidifying. It is typically important to handle these items carefully and quickly to help prevent corrosion or any further damage. 

Getting your commercial property back in order doesn’t have to be a total loss. If you are affected by a flooded commercial property in the  Jacksonville/Fernandina Beach area, make sure to consult a professional clean-up crew as soon as possible to help ensure proper and thorough cleanup. Call SERVPRO Fernandina Beach/Yulee at 904.729-2401.

Choosing a Commercial Water Damage Repair Company in Nassau County/North Jax

2/1/2019 (Permalink)

When your commercial property is affected by water or flooding, the source of water needs to be addressed before water damage repairs can begin.

Commercial Water Damage Repair

As a business owner, you know that any type of water damage can be detrimental to your business. It is crucial when faced with a water damage loss that you can resume normal operations as soon as possible to protect your business. If your business is forced to close until water damage repairs are complete your short-term losses will start to add up and your customers may find somewhere else to go which could cause you to lose their business long-term.

SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Yulee specializes in commercial water damage repair and can help ensure that damages are kept to a minimum, reducing your total losses. Commercial businesses have unique needs when it comes to water damage repairs and the best way to protect your business and its assets is to leave water damage repairs to the pros.

What to Do If Your Property Floods

When your commercial property is affected by water or flooding, the source of water needs to be addressed before water damage repairs can begin. Water damage can affect expensive or specialized equipment and inventory, and losses can quickly add up to thousands of dollars. If your property floods, quick action is necessary to mitigate the damage. SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Yuleeis always ready to respond.

Whenever your business is affected by water damage, a fast response is necessary. SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Yulee provides emergency, 24/7 service and has the equipment and personnel it takes to get your business up and running quickly. SERVPRO is a trusted and experienced commercial water damage restoration company that delivers quality customer service and exceptional water damage repair service for commercial businesses.

In an event of a disaster call SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Yulee at 904-729-2401. Our water restoration team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year!

Fernandina Beach/North Jacksonville Businesses: We Do Post-Construction Clean-Up

11/26/2018 (Permalink)

If your business was just built or went through a renovation, who do you call to cleanup the mess that was left behind? It is so important for a business to open as quickly as possible after a major project or renovation. SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Yulee is always here to help with any deep cleaning needs. We have done jobs for:

• Small Office Buildings
• Large Office/High-Rise Office Buildings
• Apartment Buildings
• Restaurants
• Hotel/Motels
• Small Retail Stores
• Large Retail/Big-Box Stores
• High-Rise Residential
• Manufacturing & Industrial
• Government/Military

Along with our restoration and rebuild services, SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Yulee offers post-construction cleanup services. Our professional, and highly-trained team will tackle everything and anything that needs addressing.

Cleanup includes:

• Walls
• Light fixtures/fans
• All trim
• Floors
• Ceilings
• Doors
• Air Ducts, vents, baseboard heaters
• Windows
• Cabinetry
• Any trash or plastic left behind

If your property needs a thorough, post-construction cleaning, call the trusted professionals at SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Yulee at 904.729.2401. We can handle any size project, no matter how big or small! Learn more about our commercial cleaning services.

The Different Causes of Commercial Water Damage

6/4/2018 (Permalink)

If you have water damage at your place of business, call SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Yulee at 904.729-2401.

Work Place Water Damage is Restored by SERVPRO

When business owners visualize water damage, they often picture a massive storm wiping out power lines, flooding offices, and shutting down businesses for days at a time. It is true that commercial water damage is often the result of floods and water that stems from weather events and storms.

However, many entrepreneurs and business space renters forget that storms and severe weather aren't the only causes of floods and water damage. Here are some of the typical causes of water damage to commercial buildings.

1. Malfunctioning sprinkler systems

Some older office and retail buildings still have outdated sprinkler systems that work in conjunction with fire protection systems. While such sprinklers can come in handy during a fire emergency, they can also cause commercial flood damage if they are faulty or in need of replacement. This could easily damage inventory and business assets. 

2. Damaged appliances and equipment

This cause of commercial flood damage is more common in restaurants and catering facilities, as well as any business that has appliances and equipment that make use of water. If the appliance fails and sends water across your building, especially during late hours when no one is around, you may come back to work and face a water emergency.

3. Broken pipes and plumbing

Just like in a residence, if the plumbing system in your workplace fails water damage could be the result. 

   4. Backed up sewer lines

This is another cause of commercial water damage that often catches business owners by surprise. Should the sewer line to your building back up or become damaged, realize the potential dangers of contaminated Black Water which can cause health effects and ruin products and office furnishings. 

 If your business has suffered commercial water damage, SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Yulee will get you back up and running again. Call us anytime 24/7 at (904)-729-2401 for fast help.

Water Damage in North Jacksonville Hotel Challenges Operations

5/7/2018 (Permalink)

This thermal image shows water behind the walls of the hotel.

Whenever SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Yulee gets a call about water damage at a hotel, it’s all systems go! For our most recent job, eight rooms and a 60-foot hallway were impacted. Such a large-scale event impacts revenue significantly.

Not only does the hotel need to handle the costs of water damage restoration, but they must also deal with the potential lost income of closing down or reducing the number of available rooms during the repairs. In addition to dealing with damages to the actual hotel, hotel staff must also consider the issue of damaged personal belongings of their guests. Following are common causes of water damage in hotels:

• Overflowing bathtub or bathroom sink
• Toilet leaks
• AC unit overflow
• Water heater leaks
• Broken shower drain
• Sewer line back ups

The cause in this case was failure of a pipe in a wall going to the toilet in one of the rooms. We worked around the clock to complete the job as soon as possible while also trying to inconvenience guests as little as possible. In this case, the damage was limited to the first floor so at least water leaking from higher floors was not an issue.

SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Yulee specializes in the clean up and restoration of commercial properties after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained and IICRC-certified. We understand that each day restoring the property is a lost day of revenue so we work overtime using a 6-step restoration process.

If you have water damage at your commercial property, call us at 904-729-2401.

Flood Action Steps For Businesses

4/30/2018 (Permalink)

BEFORE A FLOOD

If an advanced Flood Warning has been issued, there are several precautions that can be taken to help minimize damage to certain areas of your business:

• Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so.
• Disconnect electrical equipment and appliances.
  Move vehicles out of low lying parking garages.
  Raise elevators from bottom floor.

AFTER A FLOOD:

SAFETY FIRST

•  Account that all employees are safe by establishing evacuation plans in advance, identifying areas outside the building that are designated meeting places. Assign select individuals to keep a list of their assigned team’s names and contact numbers in order to account for their whereabouts.
•  If water enters the building and evacuation becomes impossible, move to an upper floor, and wait for rescuers.
•  While evacuating, avoid attempting to drive through floods or rising water, nearly half of all flash flood fatalities are auto-related.
•  Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
•  Do not walk through moving water. Even six inches of moving water can make you fall.
•  Use no open flames (there may be gas escaping from ruptured mains).
•  Avoid floodwaters. Water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline or raw sewage.

Water may also be electrically charged.

•  Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by flood waters.
•  Listen for news reports to learn if the community’s water supply is safe to drink.
•  Return only when authorities indicate it is safe.

SECURE THE PROPERTY

• Contact local emergency officials.
• Secure main entrances to building.
• Alert Security company and Alarm company of the situation.

STABILIZE THE PROPERTY

• Shut off the source of water if possible or contact a qualified party to stop the water source.
• Give priority to the protection of power plant and fire pumps, keeping them in service if at all possible.
• Open basement or low-level windows to equalize water pressure on the building’s foundation and walls.
• Begin water damage mitigation steps only if local emergency officials deem the structure safe to enter.
• Notify your insurance agent or Risk Manager to determine insurance policy guidelines and steps to take.

SERVPRO®

• Contact SERVPRO® of Fernandina Beach/Yulee to activate your Emergency READY Profile, if applicable, and request service.
• Ensure availability of key decision maker to authorize mitigation work to begin.

Our Emergency Ready Profile Helps Local Businesses Prepare for Hurricanes

4/5/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Yulee offers a free service to help businesses prepare for hurricanes and other emergencies.

The fact that we’ve had two hurricanes in this area during the past two years is good reason for businesses to prepare in advance for storms and weather-related emergencies. SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Yulee  offers a complimentary assessment of your facility that can minimize business interruption in the event of a disaster.

This assessment provides the critical information needed to begin mitigation and recovery services and serves as a quick reference for important building and contact information. This is a FREE, no strings attached service for local businesses. It's called SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile™  (ERP), and here are some advantages of the program:

• Includes a concise Profile Document that contains the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.
• Provides facility details such a shut-off valve locations, priority areas, and priority contact information.
• Identifies the line of command for authorizing work to begin.
• Offers a mobile app for easy accessibility of this information.

The time to gather and store information like emergency contact numbers; insurance contacts; and the location of water shut-off valves, fuse boxes, fire suppression system controls, and such is before an emergency strikes, not during an emergency, Having this information at your fingertips can help emergency responders react as quickly and effectively as possible, helping to limit loss of property and even lives.

We encourage all property owners to take advantage of the no-cost emergency planning tools available from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), as well as SERVPRO’s Emergency READY Profile and READY Plan Mobile App.  

SERVPRO specializes in disaster restoration, cleanup and repair services, helping to remediate damage, making it “Like it never even happened.” Don’t wait until hurricane season to call us at 904-729-2401 to schedule your ERP. We serve Fernandina Beach, Yulee, Callahan, Hilliard, and North Jacksonville, including Oceanway, River City, and the Heckscher Drive and Dunn Avenue/Lem Turner areas.

Water Damage Impacts Multiple Floors of Fernandina Beach Hotel

3/1/2018 (Permalink)

Water events at hotels pose special challenges; minimizing inconvenience to guests is a priority.

A Fernandina Beach hotel was performing remodeling/ reconstruction work on the fifth floor when there was a pipe break. This led to flooding down to the floors underneath. SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Yulee arrived on the scene to assess and mitigate the damages. After careful assessment of the situation, we extracted water from each of the affected areas and meticulously dried them to prevent any subsequent mold damage. All restorable items were cleaned with sanitizing treatments.

The Water Restoration process is a 6-step procedure that SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Yulee follows when a water event impacts your commercial property. Following are more details regarding the extraction and drying phases.

The Extraction & Drying Phases of the Water Restoration Process

Water Extraction

After the inspection and damage assessment step, the water extraction process begins. This step removes the majority of the water. We use powerful pumps and truck-mounted vacuum units to quickly remove hundreds or thousands of gallons of water from your property.

Move-Out / Pack-Out

If your business requires extensive restoration or cleaning, SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach / Yulee can conduct an organized, efficient move-out to protect contents from further damage.

Emergency Water Removal

Our highly trained technicians will begin the water removal process almost immediately. Depending on the amount of water, we may use powerful submersible pumps in addition to industrial strength, wet/dry vacuums. Removing most of the water helps reduce drying time and helps prevent secondary water damage and mold and bacterial growth.

Inspect the Carpet Pad and Carpet

We inspect the carpet and pad and determine if they should be removed to protect the subfloor.

Water Removal Equipment

• Moisture detectors, hygrometers, and other meters measure the extent of moisture saturation.
• Infrared cameras may be used to find “hidden” water behind walls and ceilings.
• Submersible and gas-powered pumps are used for continuous pumping of high-level water.
• Truck-mounted and portable extraction units perform efficient water removal.

Professional Drying

Once the excess water has been removed, the floors and walls may appear dry, but a quick inspection will reveal they are wet to the touch. Nearly all building materials, like wood, drywall, and flooring materials, are porous and therefore retain water. This retained water can cause the materials to break down, warp, or cause mold damage.

Drying / Dehumidification

Our technicians will use room measurements, temperature, and relative humidity to determine the optimal number of air movers and dehumidifiers to dry your home or business. We’ll carefully monitor the progress using moisture meters until the materials return to acceptable drying goals.

Monitor Floor and Walls

We check the moisture levels to monitor the drying process. 

• Monitor Floors
• Monitor Walls

Drying Equipment

• Industrial-grade dehumidifiers help prevent secondary water damage like swelling and warping of floors, walls, and furniture.
• High-speed air movers create airflow across walls, carpets, pads, and furniture, which accelerates the evaporation of moisture.

The next step is cleaning and sanitizing. See the entire 6-step water restoration process.

If you experience water damage in your commercial property please call SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Yulee at 904-729-2401. We’ll make it “like it never even happened.”

Restoring A Fernandina Beach Grocery Store After Storm Damage

2/22/2018 (Permalink)

Hurricane Irma caused roof damage and flooding in this Nassau County grocery store. SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Yulee was quickly there to help.

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

This was the case when SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Yulee was called into a local grocery store after Hurricane Irma. The storm had caused damage to the roof leaving the store flooded in the back inventory area. We worked around the clock extracting standing water and carefully drying the impacted space.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

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

About SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Yulee

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

Keeping Your Nassau/North Jax Plant Open Following Water Damage  

2/16/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has the skilled professionals who can work as a team to reduce downtime.

Industrial settings such as factories and assembly plants require consistent environmental conditions. Standing water, in any area, from any source, can immediately halt production and affect not only worker safety but also company profits, for months to come. SERVPRO has the skilled professionals who can work as a team to reduce downtime, working around your employees, if needed, to return your operations to full speed again. 
 
Fernandina Beach and North Jacksonville area business owners will always have emergency commercial water removal services available for whenever situations with invasive, problematic water issues threaten to halt normal business operations. SERVPRO is known nationwide as a trusted name in emergency situations of any type or magnitude. Our water removal professionals that care about your employees' health, your business, and the general public can make it “Like it never even happened.” and quickly. We know time is money. Our goal is to help you stay open, operational, and in business. 
 
Starting with the appropriate-sized extraction equipment for the situation, we quickly remove any visible water from the site. When this stage is complete, our experts will start the process of returning your factory to an adequately dry state again. Using commercial grade air movers will decrease the overall drying time by substantially increasing the rate of evaporation. For Large Loss emergencies, we can utilize large refrigerated dehumidifiers that can each draw up to 100 lbs of moisture from the air daily. Concrete floors, after returning to a dry enough state, can be treated under larger pieces of manufacturing equipment with anti-fungal sealants that are quick drying. This application protects these areas from future mold growth. 
 
Depending on the type of water, and its source, we may not be able to save all of a business's inventory. Our efforts can largely prevent metal mesh floors and staircases from peeling and corroding, equipment cases from rusting, the wiring of components in tools and machinery from developing shorts, and other, common effects of water damage to industrial equipment and structures. Hand-cleaning of the details in your machinery, molds, and lines, including tubing, basins, and other affected areas will ensure that your finished goods are not affected in the future.

For any size water emergency involving any category of water, contact SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Yulee at 904-729-2401 to begin the restoration process and get back in business. We are available 24/7 to assist in any emergency situation your business or factory may experience.

SERVPRO Assists in Restoration of Historical St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Fernandina Beach

1/17/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Yulee provides commercial cleaning services for unusual jobs.

The SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Yulee crew had the opportunity to apply their skills in unusually historical and beautiful surroundings recently as we were called in to assist in the restoration of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in downtown Fernandina Beach. 

Floors had been sanded down and refinished and repairs were made before the SERVPRO crew came in to clean the wood dust residue from walls and windows. Stained glass windows were meticulously vacuumed in the sanctuary, which boasts 26’ ceilings. An electric vertical personnel lift was used to access walls and stained glass windows in the sanctuary, which was constructed in 1881.

The church has a fascinating history. A nearby historical marker reads, "The church was organized as a mission in 1858 and was consecrated the following year by the Rt. Rev. Francis Huger Rutledge, first Bishop of Florida. During the War it was used by Federal forces occupying Fernandina and many of its interior possessions were lost. The building was restored to sacred use during the Reconstruction Period, but was destroyed by fire in 1892. The present neo-Gothic church was completed in 1893."

St. Peter's is located at the eastern edge of downtown Fernandina Beach, on Atlantic Avenue between 8th and 9th Streets. The Fernandina Beach Historic District where the church is located was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.

SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Yulee provides specialty commercial cleaning services in addition to clean-up and restoration services for water, fire and mold damage. Call us at 904-729-2401 if you need these services at your home or business.

Indoor Air Quality in Your Office Space  

11/2/2017 (Permalink)

Diligent maintenance of HVAC equipment is essential for the adequate delivery and quality of building air.

The following tips, provided in the EPA’s “Office Building Occupants Guide to Indoor Air Quality,” offer good advice to office and facility managers.

What You Can Do to Improve the Indoor Air in Your Office:

• Do not block air vents or grilles.
• Comply with the office and building smoking policy.
• Water and maintain office plants properly.
• Dispose of garbage promptly and properly.
• Store food properly.
• Avoid bringing products into the building that could release harmful or bothersome odors or contaminants.
• Notify your building or facility manager immediately if you suspect an indoor air quality problem.

If You Manage an Office:

• Maintain a good working relationship with building management on indoor environmental issues.
• Place office furniture and equipment with air circulation, temperature control, and pollutant removal functions of the heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system in mind.
• Coordinate with building management in instances when responsibility for design, operation and maintenance of the ventilation system is shared.
• Establish an effective smoking policy that protects nonsmokers from involuntary exposure to secondhand smoke.
• Avoid procedures and products that can cause indoor air quality problems.
• Integrate indoor air quality concerns into your purchasing decisions.
• Work with the building manager to ensure use of only necessary and appropriate pest control practices, and nonchemical methods where possible.
• Work with building management and the contractor before you remodel or renovate to identify ways of keeping building occupant exposure to pollutants to a minimum and to ensure that the air distribution system is not disrupted.
• Encourage building management to develop a preventive indoor air quality management program following guidance issued by EPA and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
  

The EPA states that, “Diligent maintenance of HVAC equipment is essential for the adequate delivery and quality of building air. All well-run buildings have preventive maintenance programs that help ensure the proper functioning of HVAC systems.”

This is where SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Yulee/North Jax comes in. We offer professional HVAC/Duct Cleaning services. Call us at 904.729.2401 to learn more and see our other commercial cleaning services as well.

Preventing Fires in the Workplace

5/31/2017 (Permalink)

Keeping the workplace free of clutter helps to prevent fires.

The following tips promote a fire-safe workplace.

1. Practice good workplace housekeeping. Clutter contributes to fires by providing fuel and by impeding access to exits and emergency equipment.
2. Place oily rags in a covered metal container. This waste must be properly disposed of on a regular basis.
3. Maintain machinery to prevent overheating and friction sparks.
4. Report electrical hazards. Many fires start in faulty wiring and malfunctioning electrical equipment. Never attempt electrical repairs unless you are qualified and authorized.
5. Maintain free access to all electrical control panels. Material or equipment stored in front of the panels would slow down the shutting down of power in an emergency situation.
6. Use and store chemicals safely. Read the label and the Material Safety Data Sheet to determine flammability and other fire hazards. Provide adequate ventilation when using and storing these substances.
7. Use all precautions to prevent ignition in potentially explosive atmospheres such as those containing flammable liquid vapors or fine particles. Use non-sparking tools, and control static electricity as required.
8. Help maintain building security to prevent arson fires. Lock up as instructed; report suspicious persons; and don’t leave combustible rubbish where it can be set on fire outside the building.
9. Smoke only in designated areas, and extinguish smoking materials safely. Never smoke in storerooms or chemical storage areas.
10. Never block sprinklers, firefighting equipment or emergency exits. Observe clearances when stacking materials.
11. Post emergency telephone numbers as well as the company address by the telephone for quick access if a fire were to start in your work area.
12. Learn how to properly use a fire extinguisher.

For More Information:

SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach / Yulee has the specialized fire and water damage cleanup and restoration training and experience to quickly restore your business to pre-fire condition. 

Visit the following links for more information.

Fire Damage Repair and Restoration

Fire Damage Restoration Process

Odor Removal and Deodorization

SERVPRO - Contact Us

SERVPRO Offers Local Businesses Free Emergency Ready Profile

4/26/2017 (Permalink)

We at SERVPRO at Fernandina Beach/Yulee/North Jacksonville offer local businesses a FREE service that can be invaluable in the event of a disaster.

Did you know that 50% of businesses close down following a disaster? Of the businesses that do survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place.

SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Yulee/North Jax offers a complimentary assessment of your facility that can minimize business interruption in the event of a disaster. This assessment provides the critical information needed to begin mitigation and recovery services and serves as a quick reference for important building and contact information. We would like to offer you this FREE service at your place of business. It's called SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile™ (ERP), and here are some advantages of the program:

• Includes a concise Profile Document that contains the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.
• Offers a guide to help you get back into your building safely following a disaster.
• Provides facility details such a shut-off valve locations, priority areas, and priority contact information.
• Identifies the line of command for authorizing work to begin.
• Establishes your local SERVPRO as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider

Please call us at 904-729-2401 to schedule your ERP. We serve Fernandina Beach, Yulee, and North Jacksonville, including Oceanway, River City, and the Heckscher Drive and Dunn Avenue/Lem Turner areas.

Fernandina Beach Commercial Property Suffers Water Damage  

4/13/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Yulee/North Jacksonville restored this dentist office after a hot water heater burst, and minimized the repair costs.

A hot water tank in the attic burst and flooded this dentist office over a weekend, affecting multiple hallways, examination rooms, the X-ray room, and utility rooms. The spraying water just missed a $100,000 X-ray machine. (This photo shows only a small portion of the job.)

SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Yulee/North Jacksonville arrived on the scene and performed restoration work, as the dental practice was able to continue seeing patients, which pleased the staff greatly. We removed:

-the wet and damaged ceiling tiles

-small potions of drywall at the baseboards so we could dry the walls without tearing out the thick, hotel-style wallpaper used throughout the offices

-the vinyl flooring to expose and dry the wood subfloor.

SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Yulee/North Jacksonville was able to salvage both the carpet and the walls/wallpaper. This job is a great example of our franchise’s commitment to restore rather than replace where possible--and preferable for the client. Tearing out these walls and replacing all of the drywall and wallpaper would have cost the owner significantly more in both downtime and money. Our restoration efforts made for easy repairs by the owner’s handyman/contractor, within days instead of weeks.

If your business has water damage issues, contact SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Yulee/North Jacksonville at 904-729-2401.

Types of Water Losses

3/21/2017 (Permalink)

Have you experienced a commercial water loss? Contact the professionals at SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Yulee to evaluate the situation.

How Water Loss Affects Your Business

When evaluating the types of water damage and how they affect an emergency water removal situation on commercial property, it helps to know that water losses fall into three categories: clean water, gray water and black water. Once these categories are determined, it is easier to introduce the proper drying techniques, and it helps to designate what items can and cannot be restored. Here’s some specific information about the three types of water losses.

Category 1: Clean Water

This water originates from a source that does not pose substantial harm to humans. It may include broken water supply lines, sink overflows with no contaminants, appliance malfunctions involving water supply lines, melting snow, falling rain water, broken toilet tanks, and toilet bowls that do not contain contaminants or additives. If left untreated for 72 hours, Category 1 water becomes Category 2 water. This further enforces the fact that reaction time is a key factor when dealing with the various types of water damage.

Category 2: Gray Water

Gray water contains a significant level of contamination. If humans consume this water, it has the potential to cause discomfort or illness. Category 2 water carries microorganisms and nutrients for microorganisms. Sources may include discharge or overflows from dishwashers, washing machines or toilet bowls (with some urine but no feces); sump-pump failures; seepage due to hydrostatic pressure; and broken aquariums.

Gray water may contain chemicals, bio-contaminants and other forms of contamination, including physical hazards, and is not suitable for consumption. Carpet pads affected with Category 2 water must be removed and disposed of properly. Even carpet that is salvaged must be cleaned with hot-water extraction. If left untreated, Category 2 water becomes Category 3 water in 48 hours or less.

Category 3: Black Water

Category 3 water includes sewage and other contaminated water sources that enter or affect the indoor environment. Sources could range from toilet backflows that originate beyond the toilet trap to all forms of flooding from sea water, ground surface water, and rising water from rivers and streams. These types of water carry silt and organic matter into structures and create black water conditions. Whenever a sewage backflow occurs, the health of workers and occupants should be the primary concern. Always remove and properly dispose of carpet and padding that has been affected by a Category 3 water loss.

When it comes to different types of water damage, the experts at SERVPRO can help you evaluate the various types of water loss and how they should be treated. Put your trust in the experienced professionals.

Does Your Company Have an Evacuation Plan for Employees?

3/20/2017 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO if your business experiences an emergency that calls for restoration services. We're here 24/7.

On their website, The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides important safety information as well as life saving tips for employers to share with their employees should it be necessary to evacuate a building in the event of an emergency. Check it out at https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/evacuation/evac.html

     And although an emergency escape plan is not required for all businesses, OSHA highly recommends that you provide an emergency action plan to protect yourself, your employees, and your business space during an emergency situation. Here are some tips:

     A disorganized evacuation can result in confusion, injury, and property damage. When developing your emergency action plan, it is important to determine the following:

• Conditions under which an evacuation would be necessary. 
• Conditions under which it may be better to shelter-in-place.
• A clear chain of command and designation of the person in your business authorized to order an evacuation or shutdown.
• Specific evacuation procedures, including routes and exits.
• Specific evacuation procedures for high-rise buildings.
  • For Employers
  • For Employees
• Procedures for assisting visitors and employees to evacuate, particularly those with disabilities or who do not speak English.
• Designation of what, if any, employees will remain after the evacuation alarm to shut down critical operations or perform other duties before evacuating.
• A means of accounting for employees after an evacuation.
• Special equipment for employees.
• Appropriate respirators.
• During development and implementation of your draft plan, think about all possible emergency situations and evaluate your workplace to see if it complies with OSHA's emergency standards.

    Emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Yulee/North Jax provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays. You can expect immediate response, day or night.

 Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – (904) 729-2401.

Restoring Your Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

3/15/2017 (Permalink)

Commercial Water Damage Events Present Unique Challenges

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

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

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

About SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Yulee/North Jax

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

Professional Tile & Grout Cleaning by SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Yulee

10/22/2015 (Permalink)

Tile and Grout Cleaning Service - Fernandina Beach - Yulee - Callahan - North Jacksonville

Professional Tile & Grout Cleaning

SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Yulee offers tile & grout cleaning. Deep cleaning your tile & grout will revitaize and rejuvenate your floor with outstanding results. We are a full service restoration company using the best techniques, highly trained technicians, and the most technoligically advanced equpipment on the market.

Grout is Porus and Cleaning it is a Difficult DIY Project

Grout in particular is naturally a very porus material. All of the grease, soil, and contaminants in the grout andon the tile need to be suspended using the right balance of material specific cleaning chemicals as well as hot water and high pressure extraction. Mopping and scrubbing just aren't enough to get the hidden deep down grime.

How Do We Clean Your Tile & Grout

We use a high pressure rotary tool with dual rotating jets. This is combined with the same truck-mounted steam/pressure cleaning we use to deep clean your carpet. We use tile and grout specific cleaners that strip away any waxy build-up and remove the dirt embedded in the grout lines.

Emergency Ready Profile in Fernandina Beach and Yulee FL

4/22/2014 (Permalink)

Schedule an appointment to make a SERVPRO® Emergency Ready Profile today!

By developing a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business. What the ERP is:

• A no-cost assessment of your facility.


• A concise Profile document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.


• A guide to help get back into your building following a disaster.


• Establishes your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.


• Identification of the line command for authorizing work to begin.


• Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information.

Visit SERVPRO® Emergency Ready Profile Advantage to learn more information about our ERP advantages. You can also visit SERVPRO® Ready Plan - Mobile App and view a video about our mobile Ready Plan App.