Archived Why SERVPRO Blog Posts
Environmental Responsibility: 5 Effective Ways We Help Out
10/30/2023 (Permalink)
SERVPRO professionals perform restoration services that respect and protect the environment.
Now more than ever, restoration contractors need to focus on environmental responsibility.
In a world where environmental responsibility is not just a buzzword but a necessity, companies have a role in ensuring that their operations align with sustainable practices. Restoration services, in particular, often involve potential waste and environmental hazards. But at SERVPRO®, we have taken strides to prioritize and embed environmental responsibility in every step of our restoration process.
What is environmental responsibility in restoration?
Environmental responsibility in restoration refers to the commitment of restoration companies to minimize the environmental impact of their activities. Environmental responsibility could mean using eco-friendly products, recycling waste materials, and adopting techniques that reduce energy consumption and carbon footprint. It's an acknowledgment that every step in the restoration process can and should be evaluated through the lens of its impact on our planet.
How does SERVPRO showcase its commitment to the environment?
A vivid example of our commitment was recently highlighted when our SERVPRO of North Bethesda team was called to a property in Rockville, Maryland, that suffered significant water damage. The property, a mid-sized office building, had a burst water pipe, which led to waterlogged floors, walls, and damaged office equipment. Water damage incidents like this often lead to waste—discarded materials, use of non-biodegradable products for cleanup, and sometimes energy-intensive methods to dry and restore the place.
However, our team approached the situation differently:
- Eco-friendly cleaning products: Instead of using harsh, chemical-laden products, our team used eco-friendly, biodegradable cleaning agents to treat and clean the affected areas.
- Waste reduction: Damaged materials like carpets, drywall, and insulation often end up in landfills. Our team sorted these materials to separate what could be recycled or repurposed, ensuring minimal waste.
- Energy-efficient methods: We used energy-efficient equipment and techniques to extract water and dry the affected areas rather than employing energy-intensive drying methods.
- Environmental education: Our team didn't just come in, clean up, and leave. We took the time to educate the property managers about preventive measures, maintenance routines, and the benefits of opting for eco-friendly alternatives in their daily operations.
- Continuous improvement: Afterwards, we reviewed to identify areas where we could have been more eco-friendly, ensuring we're continually refining and improving our processes.
Why is waste reduction vital in restoration?
Waste reduction goes beyond just reducing the physical waste in landfills. It's about efficiently using resources and minimizing wasted energy and raw materials. In the restoration industry, where damaged materials are a given, it's essential to have a waste reduction strategy in place. Not only does it contribute to a healthier planet, but it also translates to cost savings, which can be passed on to the customer.
Why choose SERVPRO for water damage cleanup?
Now, more than ever, customers seek services from companies that align with their values, especially regarding environmental responsibility. Here's why choosing SERVPRO is a wise decision:
- Experience and expertise: Our years of experience have equipped us with the knowledge to handle any situation efficiently and in an eco-friendly manner.
- Commitment to the environment: As showcased in our approach to the Rockville property, environmental responsibility is not just a catchphrase for us; it's a way of doing business.
- Value for money: Our waste reduction and efficiency measures often translate into cost savings for our customers without compromising quality.
- Customer education: We believe in empowering our customers with knowledge. Our team ensures that you're well-informed about our processes and the environmental benefits tied to them.
Wrapping up
Restoration is not just about bringing a property back to its former glory. It's about doing so in a manner that respects and protects our environment. At SERVPRO, we recognize our role in safeguarding our planet; every service we offer is a testament to this commitment.
From the eco-friendly products we use and our waste reduction techniques to our focus on environmental education, our mission is clear: offer top-notch restoration services while prioritizing environmental responsibility. For those needing water damage cleanup or any other restoration service, opting for SERVPRO is choosing a partner that values the planet as much as you do.
Disaster Recovery Plan: Helpful Advice From the #1 Team
7/7/2022 (Permalink)
Our Emergency Ready Plans help streamlines the insurance claim process.
A disaster recovery plan helps when your property experiences flood or fire damage.
Disasters can happen at any time, and it's essential to have a disaster recovery plan in place in case of an emergency. Your disaster recovery plan should include:
- Evacuation routes.
- A list of contacts.
- Information on how to restore your business operations after a disaster.
Make sure you update your plan regularly and practice it with your team, so everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency.
This article will detail why a disaster recovery plan is important, what's typically included in a disaster recovery plan, and how the disaster restoration specialists at SERVPRO can help.
What is a disaster recovery plan, and why do you need one?
A disaster recovery plan is a documented action plan outlining how a business will recover from a disaster. It's important to have one in place in case of an emergency, as it can help you get your business back up and running quickly.
Here at SERVPRO, we call these profiles the Emergency Ready Plan (ERP). We offer these assessments at no cost so that you and your property can be ready in the event of a disaster!
What should be included in your disaster recovery plan
Your disaster recovery plan should include a list of contacts, evacuation routes, and information on how to restore your business operations. Make sure you update your plan regularly and practice it with your team so everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency like a flood or fire.
Some other things commonly included in a disaster recovery plan include:
- A list of critical systems and how to restore them
- Procedures for notifying employees, customers, and suppliers
- Facility information like circuit breakers and shut-off valves
- Building access information, including all windows and exits
Benefits of using a disaster recovery plan
Critical information all in one place.
An ERP provides a central place to store all of your critical information so that it's readily available in the event of an emergency. This information includes contact information for key personnel, insurance policy numbers, and evacuation routes.
Minimize downtime
By having a disaster recovery plan in place, you can minimize the amount of downtime after a disaster. In addition, you will have a plan of action to follow to get your business back up and running quickly.
Reduce stress.
In the event of a disaster, having a disaster recovery plan can help reduce stress. You will know what needs to be done to get your business back up and running.
Streamlined insurance claims
If you have a disaster recovery plan in place, it can help streamline your insurance claims because you will have all of the necessary documentation and information readily available.
How SERVPRO can help with disaster recovery
SERVPRO is a nationwide provider of disaster restoration services. We have extensive experience in helping businesses recover from disasters and can help you get your business back up and running quickly.
Our disaster restoration services include water damage restoration, fire damage restoration, storm damage restoration, and mold remediation. We also offer emergency response services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If you need help with disaster recovery, please don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to help!
Call SERVPRO of North Bethesda for your Emergency Ready Plan!
Having a disaster recovery plan in place can help you minimize downtime after a disaster. SERVPRO's Emergency Ready Plans make sure your local SERVPRO franchise has the correct information on hand if your property requires any of our expert restoration services.
Whenever disaster strikes, you can count on the experts at SERVPRO of North Bethesda to make your property "Like it never even happened." So give us a call or reach out via our contact page to get started today!
Contents Restoration 101: Expert Recovery From Disaster
5/26/2022 (Permalink)
Contact the professionals at SERVPRO to have your contents professionally restored after damages!
Let our expert contents restoration team get your life back to how it was!
Disasters can happen anytime, anywhere. A natural disaster such as a tornado or hurricane can destroy homes and businesses in minutes. A fire can ravage an entire building in a matter of hours. And floods can damage everything in their path for days on end.
When disaster strikes, the first order of business is to ensure the safety of you and your loved ones. Once everyone is safe, you can begin the process of contents restoration—a process by which your personal belongings and furnishings are restored to their preloss condition.
In this article, we'll look at contents restoration after a disaster, including the steps you need to take and the things you need to consider.
What is contents restoration?
Contents restoration is the process of cleaning, repairing, and restoring your personal belongings and furnishings after a disaster. "Contents" can include clothing, electronics, furniture, art, and more.
Contents restoration is vital because it can help you salvage some of your most prized possessions and sentimental items. It can also help you get your life back to normal as quickly as possible after a disaster.
What does a contents restoration company do?
A contents restoration company will work with you to inventory all of your damaged belongings and create a plan for their restoration. They will also work with your insurance company to ensure all of your damages are covered.
Contents restoration companies can usually provide an estimate of how long the process will take and what it will cost.
Contents restoration after a disaster can be a difficult and time-consuming process, but with the help of a professional contents restoration company, you can rest assured that your belongings will be handled with care and returned to you as soon as possible.
The contents restoration process
The contents restoration process usually begins with an inventory of all damaged belongings. This inventory is then used to create a plan for restoring these items. The contents restoration company will also work with your insurance company to ensure all of your damages are covered.
Once the inventory and plan are in place, the contents restoration company will begin the process of cleaning, repairing, and restoring your belongings—it's also known as a "pack-out." This step can be lengthy, but the contents restoration company will keep you updated on their progress and let you know when your belongings are ready to be returned.
Frequently, contents restoration companies take your belongings off-site to their facility for deep cleaning. This measure allows them to work more quickly and efficiently, and it also helps prevent further damage to your belongings.
Once the contents restoration process is complete, your belongings will be returned to you, usually within a few weeks. This step is often called the "pack-in." However, in some cases, contents restoration can take months, depending on the severity of the damage.
What to consider when choosing a contents restoration company
When you're looking for a contents restoration company, it's essential to choose one that is experienced and has a good reputation. You should also make sure the contents restoration company is licensed and insured.
It's also a good idea to ask for referrals from friends or family who have used a contents restoration company in the past.
SERVPRO of North Bethesda can help with your contents restoration!
Contents restoration can help return your belongings to the way they were before regardless of the disaster—whether it's a fire, a flood, or a severe storm. With the help of a professional contents restoration company like SERVPRO of North Bethesda, you can rest assured that your belongings will be handled with care and returned to you as soon as possible after a disaster.
Give us a call today or reach out via our contact page if your property has suffered from a disaster. Our expert team can get your home and belongings back to the way they were before the event, making your life "Like it never even happened."
Restoration Technology: Our Effective Gear’s 3 Key Benefits
4/21/2022 (Permalink)
Quality restoration technology is essential quality restoration services!
The team at SERVPRO of North Bethesda can help you recover from disaster with our advanced restoration equipment!
Natural disasters can cause a lot of damage to buildings and other infrastructure. Our team uses pioneering restoration technology to help rebuild and restore your property to its original condition. This technology can help clean up the damage caused by floods, fires, storms, and mold.
We must have this technology ready to go at a moment's notice so that we can quickly get your property back to normal after a disaster.
This article will outline some benefits of trusting SERVPRO of North Bethesda's restoration technology after a natural disaster.
What can our advanced restoration technology do for you?
The restoration technology our disaster restoration professionals use can help you:
- quickly get your property back to normal
- clean up the damage caused by floods, fires, storms, and mold
- rebuild and restore your property to its original condition
SERVPRO of North Bethesda is always here to help in your time of need. We have the restoration technology and experience necessary to get your property back to its pre-disaster condition quickly and efficiently.
Benefits of trusting SERVPRO's restoration technology
Some of the benefits of trusting SERVPRO of North Bethesda's restoration technology include:
- Faster drying times: our restoration technology can help your property dry more quickly, preventing further damage from occurring.
- Lower energy consumption: our restoration technology is designed to be energy efficient, which can help you save money on your utility bills.
- Better air quality: our restoration technology can help improve the air quality in your home or office by making sure mold doesn't grow.
If you have been affected by a natural disaster, call SERVPRO of North Bethesda today. We will be there to help you every step of the way.
Advances in restoration technology
The restoration technology our professionals use is constantly being upgraded. We are always looking for new ways to help our customers clean up the damage caused by natural disasters.
Some of the latest advances in restoration technology include:
- portable water extractors that can quickly remove water from carpets and furniture
- thermal imaging cameras that can help identify hidden water damage
- moisture meters that can help measure the amount of water in building materials
Restoration technology example: thermal moisture imaging
Thermal moisture imaging is a vital restoration technology that can help you quickly get your property back to normal after a natural disaster. This technology uses thermal imaging to detect moisture levels on your property. We can then use this information to create a restoration plan that will help you clean up the damage and rebuild your property.
Thermal moisture imaging can detect leaks from:
- pipelines
- roofs
- windows
- doors
This technology is a crucial part of our toolkit to find areas traditional methods might miss.
Thermal moisture imaging also plays a key role in minimizing mold growth. Since mold needs moisture to grow, if we can quickly identify and address high moisture areas, we can prevent it from growing.
This restoration technology is just one example of how SERVPRO of North Bethesda can help you quickly get your property back to normal after a natural disaster. We have the tools and experience to help you through every step of the restoration process!
Trust the restoration technology at SERVPRO of North Bethesda
When a natural disaster hits, it can be challenging to know where to start in terms of restoration. That's where our team comes in—with years of experience in disaster restoration. We have the tools and knowledge to help you get your property back to normal as quickly as possible.
Our professionals use the latest restoration technology to identify and address areas of damage quickly. This technology helps us create a restoration plan tailored to your specific needs.
If you have been affected by a natural disaster, call SERVPRO of North Bethesda today. We will be there to help you every step of the way until your property is "Like it never even happened."
Need a 5-star Restoration Estimate? Our Effective Advice
3/10/2022 (Permalink)
Contact the restoration estimating professionals at SERVPRO when you have property damage!
Getting a restoration estimate from the experts at SERVPRO of North Bethesda helps with your insurance claim!
When your home or office experiences water, fire, or storm damage, the first step in the restoration process is to get a restoration estimate. This document outlines the work your property needs to restore it to its previous condition.
A professional restoration company will provide you with a restoration estimate after assessing the damage in person. By working with a reputable restoration company like SERVPRO of North Bethesda, you can rest assured that we will do the job right and that your property will be "Like it never even happened."
What is a restoration estimate?
A restoration estimate is a detailed list of the work that needs to be done in order to restore your home or office to its previous condition. It will include the time and materials required to complete the restoration, as well as the projected cost. With an accurate restoration estimate, you can budget for the restoration work and ensure proper job completion.
A restoration company will typically visit your property to assess the damage before providing you with a restoration estimate. They will consider the type of damage, the size of the property, and the materials required to complete the restoration.
If you've recently suffered water, fire, or storm damage, it's essential to contact a restoration company right away. You can minimize the damage and get your property back to its previous condition by acting quickly.
Why restoration estimates are important for insurance
In the event of a property loss, an insurance company will want to see a restoration estimate to determine the value of your claim. A restoration estimate can help you recover the total value of your claim and get your property back to its original condition.
When filing a property loss claim with an insurance company, it's crucial to have all of your documentation in order. In addition to your restoration estimate, include photos of the damage and receipts for any repairs.
A restoration company like SERVPRO of North Bethesda can provide you with a restoration estimate and help you file a property loss claim with your insurance company.
What's included in a restoration estimate?
A restoration estimate will include a detailed list of the work that needs to be done in order to restore your home or office to its previous condition. It will consist of the time and materials required to complete the restoration and the projected cost.
The restoration estimate will also describe the work that your property needs for a complete return to "Like it never even happened." For example, the report may include water extraction, fire damage restoration, or storm damage restoration.
In addition, a restoration estimate will list the projected start date and completion date for the restoration work. By working with a restoration company like SERVPRO of North Bethesda, you can ensure the completion of your restoration work promptly.
What is Xactimate?
If you're researching a restoration estimate, you may have run into an unfamiliar word: Xactimate.
Xactimate is a software program that restoration companies use to create restoration estimates. Restoration professionals use it to calculate the time and materials required for the restoration and the projected cost.
Xactimate is also used to create invoices for the restoration work and track the restoration project's progress.
SERVPRO of North Bethesda: our restoration professionals are here for you!
When filing a property loss claim with your insurance company, having a restoration estimate is vital. A restoration estimate will help you recover the total value of your claim and get your property back to its original condition.
A restoration company like SERVPRO of North Bethesda can provide you with a restoration estimate and guide you through the process of filing a property loss claim with your insurance company.
For more information on a restoration estimate or 24/7 emergency service, call SERVPRO of North Bethesda or get in touch with us via our contact page!
Filing an Effective Home Insurance Claim: 4 Simple Tips
2/3/2022 (Permalink)
Contact the professionals at SERVPRO for insurance restoration services!
Our expert team helps make the home insurance claim as painless as possible!
If your home experiences disaster damage, you must file a home insurance claim. Because of our extensive experience helping our customers, the experts at SERVPRO of North Bethesda can help you file your home insurance claim when damages occur on your property.
However, you should know a few things when filing a home insurance claim. It can seem like a daunting task, but you can make the process as smooth as possible with these simple tips.
What is home insurance, and what does it cover
Home insurance is a type of property insurance that covers damage to your home and its contents. Home insurance often covers a wide range of incidents, so it's essential to read the fine print and know what can be covered in a home insurance claim.
Some events that warrant a home insurance claim include water damage, fire damage, mold damage, and vandalism.
Call an agent immediately if you're not sure whether home insurance will cover the damage your property experienced.
Tips for filing a home insurance claim
Here are some tips on how to make a home insurance claim and get the process started:
- File a home insurance claim as soon as possible after the damage occurs. This step will speed up the process and ensure that you receive the reimbursement you deserve.
- Make sure you have all the necessary information handy, including photos of the damage, repair estimates, and contact information for your insurance company.
- Be prepared to answer questions about what happened and the extent of the damage. The insurance company will need this information to process your claim.
- Keep track of all expenses related to repairing or replacing damaged home items and provide the receipts to the insurance company. Duplicate home insurance claims will lead to delays in receiving reimbursement or might even result in denied claims.
Remember, your home is one of your most valuable assets. Taking care of your home insurance claim as soon as possible ensures that you are reimbursed quickly and put your home back into its original condition with minimal delay.
How the restoration experts at SERVPRO of North Bethesda help
When you experience disaster damage to your home, it's crucial to have the help of experienced professionals. Did you know that the restoration experts at SERVPRO of North Bethesda can help you file your home insurance claim?
We have extensive experience helping our customers through this process, and we know what information the insurance company will need to process your home insurance claim. We'll help you gather all the necessary information, including photos of the damage, repair estimates, and contact information for your insurance company.
We'll also answer any questions the insurance company has about what happened and the extent of the damage. This information helps ensure that your home insurance claim is processed quickly and smoothly.
In addition, we can help you track all expenses related to repairing or replacing home items. We'll provide you with receipts for all home-related costs to help your home insurance claim process more quickly.
If a covered event caused the home damage, then it's likely that your home insurance claim will be approved and processed promptly!
Call SERVPRO of North Bethesda when disaster strikes!
The home insurance process can seem daunting, but these tips will help you get started. This article should have given you a few great tips on making this process as smooth as possible and some information about what you can expect!
If questions arise about what happened and how much damage was done at any point during the claims process, contact the restoration experts at SERVPRO of North Bethesda for assistance! We'll be with you until your situation is “Like It Never Even Happened.”
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