Disaster Recovery in Lake Charles

3/20/2022 (Permalink)

Did you know that SERVPRO of Lake Charles provide these services :

Emergency Mitigation Services- Water extraction, drying and dehumidification, sewage & gray water extraction, cleaning & sanitizing, document drying & restoration, Mold remediation of structure & contents, Fire & Smoke cleaning: structure & contents.

Flooring Services- Carpet, vinyl flooring removal & replacement, ceramic, vinyl & linoleum maintenance & services, wood flooring maintenance & renovation.

Carpet Maintenance Services- Cleaning, drying, stretching & seaming, spitting & deodorizing.

Upholstery Cleaning- Dry to wet procedures (depends on fabric and soil conditions), Specialty fabrics such as Haitian cottons and silk.

Contents Services- Itemized, packing & moving (if needed), textiles cleaning, furniture restoration, appliance cleaning, electronics inspection, deodorization, and storage services.

HVAC and Ductwork- HVAC system analysis, deodorizing air handlers, cleaning & sanitizing service.

Should your commercial business suffer an unfortunate water or fire loss, SERVPRO of Lake Charles is available to assist the surrounding communities in your time of need. Call SERVPRO of Lake Charles at (337) 478-1133 and let us make it "Like it never even happened."

Fire Sprinkler Efficiency

3/14/2022 (Permalink)

Dealing with a fire in your commercial building is a scary situation, but with the help of fire sprinklers, you can reduce the damage drastically. A fire sprinkler can release 8 to 24 gallons per minute, easily quenching growing fires. It’s important to maintain your fire sprinklers so that they can quickly react to the growing heat. Here are a couple things you can do to make sure that your sprinklers can effectively put out a fire.

Correct Installation

If you are putting in a fire sprinkler, be sure to install everything correctly. Each component must be working for the sprinklers to operate. Common types of sprinkler systems include:

* Dry Pipe. Pipes are filled with pressurized air or nitrogen.
* Wet Pipe. This system has water already inside of the pipes to ensure a quick response.
* Pre-Action. When heat or smoke is detected, the valve is activated to allow water to flow in the piping.

By knowing which sprinkler system you have, you can be aware of the situation in the case of a fire.

Maintain Your System

If there are obstructions in the piping or the main valve is turned off, your fire sprinkler will not turn on. Fire suppression is essential when protecting both the lives of your employees and the assets in your building, so regular maintenance is needed. Laws and codes in Lake Charles, LA., often require frequent check-ups to help with insurance policies and public safety.

There are many reasons why keeping your sprinkler system in top shape is vital. This handy system can quench a fire even before the fire department reaches the building, thus minimizing damage. Also, fire sprinkler cleanup is much less severe than fire hose cleanup because not as many gallons of water per minute are used. By inspecting each fire sprinkler often and making sure you and your company are prepared for a disaster, you can reduce fire damage and expenses.

For more information, visit Lake Charles, LA..

The 3 Categories of Water Damage

3/9/2022 (Permalink)

If your commercial property has suffered damage, one of the first things professionals in Lake Charles, LA. do is assess the extent of the damage. They examine the flood water and place it in one of three categories. Read more about the safety implications of each to learn about what to expect if your business or rental residence is victim to a broken pipe, natural disaster or heavy rains.

Category 1

Water in this category doesn't pose a significant threat to humans. Some professionals call it "clean water." Sources can include broken water supply lines, tub and sink overflows or appliance malfunctions.

Category 2

Category 2 water carries a significant amount of toxins, chemicals and biological contaminants that pose a risk to health. Some people may feel sick or uncomfortable if exposed. Typically, experts will recommend you temporarily close down your property if this type of water has flooded your floors or walls.

Category 3

This is the most dangerous type of water. The number of bacteria and microorganisms is such that it may cause harmful bacteria to grow. Category three flood water includes:

• Sewer backup
• River or stream water
• Toilet water with feces
• Stagnant liquid

Also known as "black water", water restoration experts will usually take extra care in cleaning up the damage. They'll wear safety clothing and googles and use sophisticated equipment to eliminate the harm. The most important thing to remember if confronted with category 3 water is to not approach it at all, not even to salvage your possessions. If the water has a dark color or enough excessive particulates floating in it to raise suspicion, best to call the pros with the knowledge and expertise to tackle the problem.

Every year, many buildings in Sugar House, UT are subjected to flood water. Understanding the three different categories can help you anticipate what work will need to be completed to make your property safe again.

Visit SERVPRO of Lake Charles for more commercial restoration information. 

Bio-Hazard Cleanup at Your Business

2/24/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lake Charles can help your commercial property when hazmat, trauma, or crime scene cleanup services are needed. Once the police have completed their investigation of a crime scene, we will help make it "Like it never even happened." Our certified professionals will respond immediately and have the specialized training, protective equipment, and experience to clean trauma and crime scenes. 

We provide cleanup and recovery services for biohazard situations. These include the following:

• Sewage backups
• Crime scene residues
• Suicide/death accidents
• Homicide cleanups
• Blood cleanup
• Accident cleanup
• Hoarding scenes
• Animal waste/remains
• Chemical spills
• Tear gas cleanup
• Meth lab cleanup

Common Biohazard Scenarios

Sewage Backups: Dark water intrusions are more than nasty, smelly deposits. Sewage backup damage can introduce harmful microorganisms into your home, business, or property. To help ensure that your property is properly cleaned, disinfected, and deodorized, we remove the sewage, contaminants, and moisture.

Bloodborne Pathogens: Our certified professionals can remove and dispose of bodily fluids, tissue, and other potentially pathogenic substances resulting from accident, trauma, crime, or death. We will also clean, disinfect, and deodorize the structure. 

Commercial Biohazard Cleanup Services

We strive to empathize with our customers because we understand that biohazard situations can often be a traumatic and emotional experience. At the first sign of any biohazard scenario, call SERVPRO of Lake Charles at (337) 478-1133. We are available at any time of day with our 24-Hour Emergency Service. 

Fire Restoration Professionals for Your Business

2/4/2022 (Permalink)

If your commercial property has smoke damage from a minor fire, you may think all you need is a quick cleanup. Smoke can cause extensive damage, and you should use professional fire damage services in Lake Charles. A fire can quickly move through a building and even put your team at risk. Good planning can help ensure that a fire does not happen, and if it does, it can be handled quickly and effectively.

SERVPRO of Lake Charles certified technicians have the training, experience, and equipment to handle large commercial fire damage emergencies. Our certified technicians have the training to:

• Inspect and Assess Fire Damages
• Remove Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces

What Does The Inspection Involve?

Our certified technicians will carefully inspect and test adjoining rooms of your property to determine the extent of the fire damage to develop a plan of action.

What Protection Measures Does SERVPRO Provide?

To protect your property against further damage, we can board up missing windows, walls, and doors. 

How Are Smoke and Soot Removed?

We use specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces.

Contact SERVPRO of Lake Charles at (337) 478-1133 for commercial fire remediation services in South West Louisiana. Whether your fire emergency occurs in a restaurant, motel, or office building, we will respond quickly to mitigate the damage and manage the restoration project through its completion.

Commercial Fire Remediation

1/13/2022 (Permalink)

Fire Remediation

It is odd to consider water cleanup in association with fire remediation, but it is a common pairing. After experiencing a business fire, it can be hard enough dealing with the charred remains of your property, but to also find water damage in areas that weren’t touched by the flames is frustrating and confusing. The fact is, firefighters, take many precautions to ensure the safety of others.

1. Putting Out the Blaze

Depending on the size of the fire, firefighters may have multiple hoses aimed at your property within minutes of arrival. These hoses operate at 400 psi and douse the flames in gallons of water per second. Additionally, firefighters will break out windows surrounding the blaze to hit the fire from above and below, causing massive amounts of flooding within your building.

2. Limiting the Damage

In an effort to limit the damage of a fire, firefighters will attempt to contain the fire to the initial area. However, this means that they will likely break through windows and doors of other rooms, flooding these areas with water to prevent the fire from spreading throughout the building but simultaneously expanding the water cleanup in its aftermath.

3. Restricting the Spread

Beyond dousing unaffected rooms, firefighters will soak the exterior of your property to limit the possibility of the fire jumping to surrounding buildings. This means your entire property is being doused, but it is a good thing. The water protects you, your property and your neighbors.

4. Walking Through the Facility

Once the fire is out, emergency services will walk your property looking for embers, using fire extinguishers on any remaining sources of heat. Between the hoses and the extinguishers, the fire cleanup is a massive undertaking requiring the assistance of a disaster restoration specialist in the Lake Charles, LA., area. These professionals are also experts in smoke cleanup.

While not often considered, water cleanup after a fire can be extensive. The fire hoses alone will contribute to a significant amount of water buildup, but when coupled with extinguishes and other suppression systems, it is likely necessary to hire a remediation specialist.

Fire Odors and Your Business

3/17/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO keeps your Lake Charles business smelling fresh

Any business owner who has suffered a fire in their store knows that dealing with leftover smells is one of the most challenging parts of remediation. Smoke smells can linger for a long time after the blaze is extinguished.

SERVPRO understands that fire damage smells in your Lake Charles business are not welcoming for customers or staff. That is why we take care of deodorization as part of our remediation process.

Many factors affect the intensity of odors, such as the fire's temperature, the type of material burned in it, and damaged surfaces' porosity. The steps for proper deodorization include:

• Removing the source of the odor, such as removing charred materials from your premises.
• Cleaning smoke-damaged surfaces by wiping and scrubbing away soot.
• Using deodorizing equipment such as foggers, air scrubbers, spot cleaning spray, and odor removing pellets to trap bad smells.
• Sealing surfaces if necessary.

We aim to leave your store smelling as fresh, so the fire will be "Like it never even happened."

For help with fire damage, call SERVPRO of Lake Charles at (337) 478-1133.

Before You Attempt Mold Remediation at Your Business Consider Hiring a Professional

3/4/2021 (Permalink)

Rely on SERVPRO’s EPA Protocol for Lake Charles Mold Abatement

As a successful Lake Charles businessperson, you offer services or products to individuals and other businesses daily. The expertise you developed in your field makes your offerings valuable and a good investment for your customers. Choosing to outsource mold remediation for a microbial outbreak follows the same rationale.

Why Is SERVPRO a Leader in Mold Damage Recovery?

Handling mold remediation in Lake Charles commercial buildings might seem like a simple task, doable by your cleaning crew. On the contrary, inhibiting mold growth and harm require specialized training and equipment and a firm grasp of moisture management strategies. Our IICRC-certified Applied Microbial Remediation Technicians (AMRT) must also hold Water Restoration Technician (WRT) certification. We use the EPA-developed Mold Remediation Protocol:

• Locate and contain the mold, using barriers and negative pressure air scrubbers to isolate the moldy area
• Remove mold by brushing, scraping, or utilizing gentle but effective soda or dry ice blasting
• Bagging moldy materials for lawful disposal
• Wipe down with EPA-registered cleaners and antimicrobials
• Vacuuming with HEPA-filtered equipment
• Elimination of leaks and other moisture sources to prevent recurrence

Call SERVPRO of Lake Charles at (337) 478-1133 to schedule an evaluation and plan to remediate mold damage in your business.

Lake Charles Commercial Fire Damage Restoration

3/1/2021 (Permalink)

The bustling downtown Lake Charles scene represents an excellent opportunity for your business. Whether you are a tax preparer, a hairdresser, or a clothing boutique, the foot traffic potential is attractive for many entrepreneurs. As you put your business plan on paper, you need to account for unexpected events that might derail your projections. Most people are sure to include expenses associated with weather events, but many fail to consider mechanic or human missteps in their contingency plan.

Whether your business in Lake Charles faces fire damage or an emergency brought on by mother nature, a professional restoration service should always have a spot in your emergency preparedness plans. SERVPRO is ready to help whenever you face adversity, and we come to you as soon as we can. By directly calling our round-the-clock emergency line, you access a wealth of knowledge and expertise willing to work for you and reduce your loss.

Take, for example, a small electrical fire that escalates and burns a section of your office. Although the visible trace of the flames appears small, there may be a residue that is not obvious to the naked eye. Our SERVPRO crew arrives with specialized equipment designed to identify those hidden threats. Very often, the sprinklers that ultimately save your workspace wreak havoc as well, leaving your work area a mix of smoke, soot, and extinguishing chemicals that help control the fire. It is our job to understand the behavior of each of these remnants and tackle them individually.

One of the most frustrating aspects of fire damage can be the smell it leaves behind. Well, beyond the cleanup and disinfecting process, business owners are constantly reminded of the event just by breathing in its foul smell. At SERVPRO, we seek to understand the nature of the smell and make an informed decision as to its removal. In some instances, odor counteracting pellets are sufficient to mask the odors; in others, air scrubbers are to neutralize the smell, and in more extreme cases, we may have to resort to an ozone generator to eradicate the odor. Whatever your situation, our team has the resources to identify your needs and develop a plan to meet them.

SERVPRO of Lake Charles is at your side when your business needs it. Call us at (337) 478-1133 whenever you face an emergency and allow us to help you get back to work. Together, we can leave your offices “Like it never even happened.”

For more about Lake Charles click here.

Take These Steps if Your Commercial Building Has Mold

2/24/2021 (Permalink)

Mold is never a welcome sight. It’s also not something you should tend to on your own. This is a job for professionals. There is more to taking care of mold than just cleaning it up. You want to make sure it doesn’t come back.

Unfortunately, mold can start to grow in any number of places, and not always obvious ones. If there is excess moisture it can start growing on carpets, behind appliances, in the ceiling, insulation, paper, wood, and even in your ventilation system.

If you discover mold or even suspect you may have it, you should take steps right away to get rid of it. It will spread very quickly and not only pose health effects but can cause damage to the property.

What to Do When You Discover Mold

It is important that you act quickly when mold is discovered. 

1. Alert People

Let people living or working in the building know that there has been mold discovered and move them to a different area. People can experience health effects to the spores let out by growing mold. 

2. Ventilate The Area

Do your best to get air moving through the space. Open doors, windows, or use fans to start getting the moisture down and the air flowing. Once the cleanup starts, the mold spores can get disturbed. 

3. Remove Water

Clean up the water or the leak that is causing the mold to grow. If you are not clear where it is coming from, call your maintenance team or your plumber to check it out.

Clean up all the water that may be pooling in the area. If it is a lot, get professionals to do it for you. The water needs to be removed and the source needs to be stopped.

4. Discard Moldy Items

Remove carpet, books, cloth, boxes, anything that has come in contact with the mold. Anything that can’t be cleaned completely should be bagged up and discarded. Always wear protective gear, like a face mask, gloves, or anything you have available.

5. Call The Professionals

You really need to call professionals in to clean up the mold and affected area. They know what to look for, how to identify different types of molds, have the proper cleaning supplies, and the proper clothing protection need.

6. Education and Prevention

Once your building has been given the all-clear, people can return to those areas. It is important that people are aware of the causes and signs of mold or even potential mold.

Everyone should be made aware of the signs to look for and where mold is most likely to appear. Basements, laundry room, breakrooms, washrooms, and mop closets.

Look behind appliances, in corners, on the ceiling, and anywhere there may be damp spots, leaks, or water pooling.

Repair all leaking taps, pipes, or appliances that use water.

Have the HVAC system checked regularly, twice a year is recommended. Spring and fall work best.

Have regular cleaning maintenance on floors, walls, common areas, and basements.

Fire Mitigation to Reconstruction

1/19/2021 (Permalink)

The term “mitigation” is used by fire damage restoration professionals to refer to stopgap measures to keep conditions from worsening until cleanup takes place at a building in Lake Charles, LA.. For the best outcome, a commercial property owner should rely on a one-stop-shop to mitigate, clean, and restore commercial fire damage.

Mitigation Limits Damage

Mitigation measures limit the severity of secondary damage resulting from primary fire damage. Based on the severity of a fire and the suppression methods used, mitigation may involve any of the following measures:

• Boarding up holes in walls or windows
• Extracting standing water from fire hoses
• Tarping over holes in roofing materials
  
  

The goal of mitigation is not to eliminate the effects of fire damage. Instead, these measures are helpful for managing moisture levels and keeping out debris and trespassers.

Cleanup Eliminates Damage
The shift from mitigation to fire damage restoration involves a change in priority from preventing damage from getting worse to taking measures to improve the condition of a structure with fire damage. Ash and soot may be removed by sweeping or vacuuming the affected area. Restoration professionals recommend disposing burned, singed, or melted materials and contents. Surfaces and items that have only sustained smoke or soot damage may be cleaned.

Restoration Continues Until Completion
Rebuilding a damaged location and finishing measures such as smoke cleanup are restoration tasks. Professionals who specialize in restoring fire damage can recommend treatments for stained surfaces or items to keep signs of damage from resurfacing over time.
Managers and owners of commercial properties should rely on fire damage restoration professionals located near Lake Charles, LA. It is a good idea to seek out a company that provides mitigation, cleanup, and restoration services. Estimates and schedules that are issued by a single service are more likely to be accurate than assessments by more than one mitigation, cleanup, and restoration companies.

Protect your Business this Winter

12/3/2020 (Permalink)

Frozen pipes are a real concern. Please call Lake Charles' number one water restoration company if your business is affected by water damage.

Here Are Some Tips

Increasingly, extreme weather causes business owners in Lake Charles, LA, to think about the seasonal threat of more than one major winter storm and the heightened chances of storm damage to their operations. They worry, too, about business interruptions from power outages or snowbound streets. They're sensitive to the fact that at least 25 percent of businesses affected by a weather or other disaster close for good. They know that small businesses are especially at risk.
Savvy business people understand that careful preparation can ensure their business' viability in the face of even the most dangerous winter storm.  

Prepare Your Employees
People are the DNA of your organization, no matter whether they work onsite or remotely. Like you, your employees need peace of mind in knowing that they and their families are well prepared for an extended winter emergency. Urge them to:

• Sign up for weather text alerts and weather apps.
• Keep important family documents in a safe location.
• Store an ample quantity of pantry and pet staples.
• Assemble an emergency medical supply kit.
• Create a family communications plan.
• As a family, discuss winter weather safety.
  
  

Prepare Your Business
Good planning helps ensure your operations are up and running at the earliest post-storm opportunity.

-Maintain roof, windows, foundation and exterior walls in good repair.
-Know your winter-related insurance coverage and agent's contact information.
-Ensure cold weather supplies are stocked and equipment is in good working order (snow blowers, emergency generators).
-Take steps to protect sensitive equipment.
-Slightly open water faucets to allow water to drip out from pipes vulnerable to freezing.
-Prepare a multi-contact list of employees, suppliers, clients, etc.
-Ready a contact register of your heating contractor, plumber and fire department.
-Arrange for snow removal (parking lot, driveway, sidewalk).

With major weather disruptions becoming more common, it's not if, but when a winter storm may cause a business closure or even property damage requiring professional disaster restoration services. When it comes to challenging weather, remember: Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.

Coronavirus: Scope of Cleanup Protocol

3/13/2020 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO of Lake Charles help you disinfect the coronavirus at your home or business.

SERVPRO professionals can perform a proactive cleanup that involves facility or structure cleaning and disinfection where the customer states that there is no active known threat of COVID-19 contamination or exposure. The customer will be required to acknowledge that cleaning and disinfecting will only apply to the current state of the structure and contents. The structure would not be protected from future COVID-19 contamination if an infected person was to enter and occupy the building.

Cleanup Scope of Work and Planning:

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, including: • Kitchen/Food Areas • Bathrooms • Schools/Classrooms • Offices • Retail Spaces • Water Fountains • Shelving and Racks • Sales Counters • Carpets and rugs • Stair Handrails • Elevator Cars • Playground Equipment • Fitness

Equipment Cleanup and Disinfecting Procedures:

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. The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar type organisms to COVID-19. SERVPROXIDE™, SERVPRO’s proprietary disinfectant, is a hospital-grade disinfectant that has demonstrated effectiveness against viruses similar to SARS-CoV-2 on hard, non-porous surfaces. In addition, SERVPROXIDE™ currently has dozens of EPA-approved claims including Feline coronavirus, Canine coronavirus, Staphylococcus (MRSA), E. coli, Salmonella, Rotavirus, Swine flu (H1N1) and more. Porous surfaces that are not water-sensitive, such as carpet and other fabric material, cannot be disinfected but can be sanitized using SERVPROXIDE™.

Understanding Damage to your Commercial Property

3/4/2020 (Permalink)

We do not want your business to have any type of damage. The bottom line is damage that has the potential to impact a residential property can also impact a commercial building.

Types of Damages

Storm: Damage caused by strong winds and heavy rain can remove roof tiles, break windows, plus more. Storm damages can be devastating and can cause delay in business.

Water: Water damage is typically due to burst pipes, floods, or rain. In any case, this can result in contaminated water affecting surfaces and furniture, but also mold growing and eroded belongings. Electricity and water damage quickly become volatile when combined.

Fire: Fire damage can result from a gas stove, faulty outlet, or candles and cigarettes that are not properly put out. This can also cause severe destruction to your property, which requires cleaning and restoration services.

Mold: As a highly unhygienic and unappealing, mold spreads quickly around properties as air-borne spores and remediation is very important to prevent it from rapid growth. Mold grows in any moist environment. Even that small leak under your office’s bathroom sink can eventually attract mold to grow.   

If you have any questions of a problem you may be having, do not hesitate to call SERVPRO of Lake Charles at 337-478-1133.

Water Damage Tips for your Business

2/25/2020 (Permalink)

Tips for Lake Charles Business Owners to Avoid Commercial Water Cleanup Situations

Commercial water damage hit a business in multiple ways. The company usually needs to close for repairs, lack of revenue, and the loss from items directly damaged by the water.

There are actions business owners can take to protect their Lake Charles property from commercial water damage. It is far easier to dedicate a small amount of time towards proactive measures that assist in avoiding a loss to the property and contents. SERVPRO recommends doing the following:

Regular Inspections
Here in Louisiana, flash floods, as well as plumbing issues, are the reasons for water loss in commercial properties. Make a list of areas to check and look over those places once a month. In this way, small leaks, damage to the roofing, or pooling water from poor drainage does not have a chance to become a problem.

Winterize
The winters in the state can be cold, and a little winterization goes a long way. Drafts can freeze pipes with poor insulation, which in turn causes the pipes to burst. Overnight and on weekends, make sure the heat in the building runs at sufficient temperatures, never lower than 50-degrees Fahrenheit, to prevent freezing pipes. If the thermostat has a battery backup, make sure to replace the batteries regularly.

Talk to Your Security Company About Environmental Monitoring
Environmental monitors can send out an alert when there is an elevation in temperature or moisture. Many different monitoring agencies offer this type of service.  Having an early warning system in place has the potential to save your property from damage from both fire and water.

Establish an Emergency Plan
If water damage happened on-site, what should you do? Establish a list of where the water shut-off valve location and numbers to contact, such as SERVPRO for quick cleanup of the property. The technicians can remove water, restore furnishings, and handle proactive treatments against mold and odors.

We suggest contacting our office regarding a pro-active program we offer called the ERP--Emergency READY Profile Program. A Sales and Marketing Rep SMR can schedule a visit to your company and demonstrate the advantages of this effective measure to keep your business viable. No cost to you, and it can save your business from closure.

SERVPRO of Lake Charles at (337) 478-1133 is ready to assist local businesses with commercial water cleanup of any size. They arrive quickly and restore the property to its preloss condition, "Like it never even happened."

Always Be Prepared: Emergency Ready Profile (ERP)

2/21/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lake Charles wants your business to be ready for any emergency.  Whether it’s a water leak, fire damage or a flooded area in your building, SERVPRO can help you be prepared. Below are a few of our most frequently asked ERP questions and answers.

Q: What exactly is an ERP?

A: An ERP is an Emergency Ready Profile. This profile is created with the assistance of one of our trained professionals.  Our professionals will meet with your business to document an organized plan of action should an emergency arise. The plan will consist of emergency contacts and phone numbers, facility details, chain of command for authorizing work, and other necessary information for your business.  The ERP also establishes your local SERVPRO of Lake Charles as your preferred mitigation and restoration provider.

Q: How much does this cost?

A: There is no cost for this assessment! It is a service SERVPRO is proud to offer at no charge to your company.

Q: How does this benefit my business?

A: No one expects an emergency or a disaster. The key is to have a plan of action already in place prior to an event occurring. The SERVPRO ERP can assist your company develop a response plan to help you get back to business ASAP.

Q: How do I get the SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile?

A: That’s the easiest part! Just call us at 337-478-1133 and tell us that you would like to meet with our ERP professional, we will be more than happy to set up an appointment with your business.

SERVPRO. “Like it never even happened.®”

Finding Good Storm Coverage for your Business

1/17/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lake Charles is here to help your business during a storm or flood event.

If your commercial property in Lake Charles, LA., is frequently beset by storms, your property insurance coverage is probably not sufficient to pay the costs of the flood restoration services you will likely need at some point. You need storm insurance. Even with the extra coverage, however, it is important to make sure that you pay close attention to the exclusions listed in your policies. Only by filling in all the gaps that other policies leave do you get the best coverage possible.

Are you sufficiently covered by insurance?

Flood Damage

Most floods caused by natural disaster or other extreme circumstances aren't covered by general commercial property policies. You will need flood insurance to protect yourself from having to pay out-of-pocket expenses like the following:

• Water mitigation services
• Restoration costs
• Building inspection fees

After you pay your deductible, your storm insurance is likely to cover the bulk of your recovery expenses. Having a policy in place before storm season arrives is essential.

Hail Damage

If your storm coverage focuses on flooding, it may include exclusions for other damage that your building could sustain during a storm. Hail damage often accompanies violent thunderstorms, but some insurance policies don't cover the damage that a hail storm can cause. In this instance, you will need additional coverage to fill in the gap left by the exclusion.

Lightning Damage

When lightning strikes your building, it can cause quite a few problems. Other than raising the risk of fire, it may also short out your electrical system, leaving you without power regardless of how reliable your backup generator may be. If other systems, such as your building's plumbing or HVAC system, relies on the power, then you can see how expensive a lightning strike could become. Many policies exclude lightning damage for this reason. Your insurance company may offer rider policies to compensate, however.

When you are shopping for the best commercial insurance package, don't forget comprehensive storm insurance. One storm can cause extensive damage. It can give you peace of mind to know that you are protected.

5 Winter Safety Measures to Prevent Your Commercial Property from Freezing Pipes

11/14/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage from frozen pipes can cause a major problem for your business.

SERVPRO of Lake Charles understands the importance of winterizing your business. The following steps are critical in avoiding water damage this winter.

1. Insulate all water pipes that run along the exterior of the building or those that are located in unheated interior spaces.
2. Inspect water pipes on a regular basis – look for any signs of small leaks or fatigue that could cause them to fail in a big way when the temperatures drop significantly.
3. Run water at a slow drip to relieve the pressure that can burst a pipe if you think it’s about to freeze.
4. Check all shutoff valves and levers to make sure they are in excellent working order.
5. Keep utilities on in vacant units. The cost of maintaining utilities in that unit will offset the cost of loss that could result from the lack of heat or water movement.

While these 5 winter safety measures can help avoiding a catastrophic pipe burst, the best thing you can do to minimize water damage is simply be prepared for the worst. What to do once you notice the frozen pipes? First, turn off the main water supply. If this is not possible, contact a plumber and explain that it is an emergency.

Same goes for water seeping from the ceiling and/or walls. Your emergency/safety measures should include the following: Shut down the power supply at the meter box and call an electrician immediately. Make every effort to protect documents, electronics and computers. Open doors and windows in the water damaged area to allow for drying and contact an emergency clean up service immediately. The sooner you have a professional disaster clean up team on site, the quicker and less expensive the cost to repair and prevent hazardous mold growth.

ERP: Emergency Ready Plan

10/22/2019 (Permalink)

Whether you experience water damage, fire damage or mold damage an Emergency Ready plan can get you back to work quickly.

If you own a commercial property then you should be aware that having a good plan in place when a disaster strikes is crucial to getting up and running as soon as possible. SERVPRO of Lake Charles offers a free service called and Emergency Ready Plan (ERP). 

An ERP can provide important information pertaining to the systems that are necessary to run a business. This means knowing where your water shut off valves are or where your gas shut off valves are. Who to call if you experience water damage or fire damage. If your server room gets affected by a sudden and catastrophic loss who the IT company is that can respond quickly is valuable. 

Click here to learn more about our free assessment.

Business Claims: Making a Disaster Claim

2/19/2019 (Permalink)

Fire Damage in Lake Charles, LA.

Fire Claim Process

While a blaze burning through your facility and your inventory is devastating enough, the fire damage can leave your property and your business boarded up for months. This is why it is essential to start the fire claim process immediately so that you can minimize the extent of the business interruption and get back to work quickly.

1. Call Your Insurer

While the first calls you make are to emergency services and family, the third call you should make after a fire is to your insurer. You want to make this call immediately after a fire to ensure that the claims process is initiated at the earliest possible moment. The longer you wait to make a claim, the longer it will take to get your business up and running.

2. Mitigate Further Damage and Loss

After you initiate the fire claim, you will want to get a fire restoration specialist from the Lake Charles, LA, area on the scene to board up and tarp your facility, mitigating further damage and loss. If you already have a plan in place with a restoration expert, then call them and get the process started. Keep in mind that your insurer may require you to mitigate further loss, meaning that if you don’t, then your coverage may not kick in. 

3. Keep Receipts

As you begin the cleanup, be sure to track all of your expenses by saving and tallying all receipts. When the adjuster arrives, they will want a full record of the damages incurred and the mitigation efforts made to reduce further property loss and damage.

4. Make a Record of Loss

Additionally, you should walk your property, photographing all damages to show your insurance adjuster. This record of loss will be used when evaluating your claim. You should also include any relevant receipts for the damaged property so your insurer can create an accurate valuation of the overall loss.

A fire claim may seem like a confusing process, but as with every bureaucratic process, there are appropriate steps to take. After a fire, just make sure to call your insurer, mitigate further damage, keep receipts and make a record of loss.

Let us help with the Dirty Work

1/15/2019 (Permalink)

If your commercial property is struck by a disaster such as, flood or fire it is best to call in a team of trained professionals. Think before you act and never re-enter a building without knowing it is safe to do so.  SERVPRO of Lake Charles cares about your business and we care about your safety.

After a flood or fire in your commercial building, there are several things to consider.  Is there live electricity, is the structure safe from falling, is the water clean?  These are all things that the technicians at SERVPRO of Lake Charles are trained to look for and when necessary contact the appropriate professionals to assist. 

Our technicians wear protective clothing, gloves and masks when cleaning hazardous chemicals or contaminated water. So, it is in your best interest to leave the dirty work to a mitigation or restoration company.

Dial the number (337) 478-1133 to reach out to and speak with SERVPRO of Lake Charles. No matter the time or the day of the week, our technicians are ready to assist you.

Click here for more about Lake Charles.

Got Flood Damage In Your Lake Charles Business?

1/4/2019 (Permalink)

A Severe Thunderstorm Can Cause Flood Damage To Your Lake Charles Business

When it comes to any city that is situated by a river, bayou or body of water, an excess volume of rain can end up causing flood damage to the buildings around it. Your business, may have suffered this exact problem. As the water levels rose, they began to overtake buildings close by throughout the night. Upon arriving at your establishment in the morning, you entered the space to find a few inches of water scattered across the flooring.

It is vital for you to call professional services when your Lake Charles business experiences flood damage. Leaving the water for an extended period can only cause more problems, such as the water absorbing into your wooden flooring. Additionally, flood water usually is not clean water, unlike the liquid that would come from a burst pipe inside of your shop. Because of the nature of floods, the water can bring sewage, chemicals, and bacteria into your business. Getting professionals to the scene allows you to avoid the unsanitary water and gives us the chance to remove it safely.

When SERVPRO receives your call, we always strive to arrive at your property swiftly. We understand how essential it's for your business to be open during the day so you can make your revenue. We work on your clock and arrive at the scene of the damage swiftly after your initial call.

After a brief investigation, planning, and spray of an antimicrobial agent, SERVPRO can begin to remediate the flood damage through the use of wet/dry vacuums. Getting the standing water out of the front of your cafe is our first task, so it cannot continue to spread contaminants and cause water damage to the structure of the space.

SERVPRO can then sanitize and remove the contents (tables, chairs, etc...) from your business. From there, we can focus on removing any excess moisture from the floors, after thoroughly cleaning the area with an antibacterial solution to ensure that contaminants are gone. SERVPRO can set up devices like dehumidifiers, drying mats, and air movers to draw the moisture out of the wooden flooring. When the moisture levels of your business have been appropriately lowered, SERVPRO can return the contents to their rightful places and then leave your cafe feeling “Like it never even happened.”

When a thunderstorm causes flood damage to your establishment, never delay when trying to get help. Dial the number (337) 478-1133 to reach out to and speak with SERVPRO of Lake Charles. No matter the time or the day of the week, our technicians are ready to assist you.

Click here for more about Lake Charles.

SERVPRO of Lake Charles will restore your commercial property after water damage

12/18/2018 (Permalink)

Commercial Losses

Flooding and water damage events on commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether you are 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. If an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we will be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of Lake Charles

SERVPRO of Lake Charles 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.

In the event of water damage, it should be in your best interest to hire a professional company as soon as possible. Water damage problems can become very serious if left untreated.  Our phone 337-478-1133 is monitored 24/7/365.  We will call you back within an hour and be on site within four hours for emergency services.