Why You Should Invite SERVPRO of Edmonds to Your Board Meeting

8/1/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Edmonds has been a proud member of WSCAI (Washington State Community Associations Institute) for nearly 15 years. We aim to serve condominium associations in Edmonds and the greater region by understanding their unique needs and wants. This comes from expertise, knowledge and experience, we take great pride and care in training our employees.  

SERVPRO of Edmonds can proudly say we have an excellent team that is well experienced in serving condominiums and is privy to rules surrounding insurance, documentation and all the moving parts that can come from dealing with a multifamily building.

We want to know what issues and concerns are important to our local condominium associations. In fact, our SERVPRO of Edmonds team is happy to meet with boards members and educate or assist with the following;

• Emergency preparedness
• Safety Planning
• Workshops or Q & A’s regarding water damage or fire damage working process.
• Questions regarding the SERVPRO process and insurance claims
• Building vendor lists, recommending trusted industry partners
• Locating and mapping vital shut-offs

If you would like to meet our experts, ask questions or have us speak on a specific topic, please reach out to us by calling 425-775-5723. We are happy to be a presenter or to just provide food and beverages for your next board meeting!

Is your Commercial Business Prepared for a Disaster?

8/1/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Edmonds is a full service commercial restoration firm. We specialize in commercial drying, cleaning and decontamination needs. Our approach uses a collaborative method to reduce operational risks, minimize downtime and save you money in order to get your business up and running after a disaster.

Consider the statistic that 50% of businesses who suffer a major disaster will never reopen. Of the businesses that reopened, most of them had a plan in place.

Several questions a business owner may consider;

Do your employees know your chain-of-command?

Do your teams know where your water shut-offs are?

Would your employees be able to direct first responders?

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.

Thankfully, SERVPRO of Edmonds has an excellent system in place to help streamline your emergency response plan. With the Emergency Ready Program SERVPRO will help you create a functional cloud based data set that can be used for things like staff emergency manuals, emergency contact information and building emergency critical information. Because disasters often happen when you are away, your team will have all of this data at their fingertips, wherever you need it, with a push of a button.

To strategically align your building operations to make sure you have the help you need in an emergency, give us a call today. The consultation and emergency planning is offered at no cost to your facility, give us a call at 425-775-5723.

Tips For Handling Commercial Water Damage

6/30/2022 (Permalink)

Broken pipes are a common problem that many businesses face. When you deal with water damage from a burst pipe, it is easy to become overwhelmed. The cost, the water cleanup and business closure are just a few of the many things that you have to worry about. To avoid more stress, keep calm and follow these tips to handle your commercial water damage.

1. Shut Off the Water

In the case of a burst pipe, it might look like the water is never going to stop flooding your business. If you can locate the water source, turn it off. Once the water stops, you can assess the flood.

2. Remove Extra Water

If you can, try to remove as much excess water as possible. Do not attempt to clean up the water yourself if it is too deep or contaminated, but mop up any excess clean water.

3. Protect Furniture Legs

If your carpeting is damp, the legs of your furniture are also in contact with water. Water damage can be extensive and irreversible to wooden furniture. You can use blocks or sheets of aluminum foil to protect your furniture from the water. To do this, place the wood or foil beneath the legs of your tables or chairs.

4. Turn Off the HVAC System 

In the event of a water issue turn off your HVAC system in case it was compromised. Ducts should be inspected by a HVAC professional. You may need a duct cleaning as part of your service.  

5. Remove Carpeting

Carpets and rugs are difficult to dry. Your best option is to hang rugs out to dry in the sun. Sometimes water damage can make rugs unusable. In this case, it is best to throw them out.

When your Edmonds, WA business floods, it can feel overwhelming. These steps should help ease some of your stress and we are always here to help! 

Preventative Maintenance Checklist

6/30/2022 (Permalink)

Preventive maintenance is an important part of facilities management. The goal of a successful preventive maintenance program is to establish consistent practices designed to improve the performance and safety of the equipment at your property. SERVPRO of Edmonds encourages you to create a maintenance plan which will help lessen the risk of unexpected issues at your property that could lead to water, mold or sewage damage. 

The planned maintenance of equipment will help to improve equipment life and avoid any unplanned maintenance activity.  A successful preventive maintenance program is dependent on the cooperation of all the parties involved.  Managers must rely on the knowledge, ideas, and contributions of all the maintenance personnel at the property.

Maintenance Checklist to consider;

Annual Fire extinguisher service

Dryer vent cleaning

Community HVAC Systems maintenance

Fire suppression systems

Backflow prevention valves for irrigation and sprinkler

Lighting services                                                  

Groundwater sump pump cleaning and service

Drain line cleaning

Storm water catch basins

Consider top to bottom coverage of your building;

Roof maintenance and cleaning

Gutters and downspouts

Siding, review for cracks, chipping, peeling, sealant failure and adhesive failure. Buried siding at ground level, trims and whitewood (dry-rot) decay.

Decks, clean surfaces yearly and watch for bubbling cracks and decay

Windows, flush sill tracks, check failing sealant

Parking garages, review for cracks and water leaks

Walkways should be reviewed for cracks and trip hazards, check for moss and algae

If you encounter a maintenance emergency call SERVPRO of Edmonds at 425-775-5723 for assistance, we are available 24/7.

Helpful Tips for Property Management Professionals

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Edmonds enjoys working with Property Managers and acting as a first responder for their problems related to water, fire, sewage, mold and bio-hazard issues.

If you’re a property manager, you understand the daily stresses that come along with the job. While some of these stresses are inevitable, it’s possible that you could make your day to day duties less stressful by improving some of your processes. Follow these 5 helpful tips:

• Embrace technology. The more properties you manage, the trickier it becomes to keep track of all the things that need to be done. Try some of the new market apps and software systems. These programs were made for property managers, featuring all kinds of tools that allow you to schedule maintenance for individual properties, keep track of vacancies, record finances, create an online tenant portal, and more.
• Choose tenants wisely. Its understandable you might be tempted to fill any vacancies as quickly as possible to keep revenue flowing, but it’s also critical that you have a process in place (while still following all local rental laws) that requires certain criteria of the renter. 
• Find a trustworthy emergency services provider. Look no further than SERVPRO of Edmonds for your restoration needs. Our team is highly trained and has experience in a multitude of projects. We are reliable 24/7 365 days a year for all of your emergency needs. Keep us on speed dial; 425-775-5723.
• Don’t Procrastinate. Don’t let that leaky toilet wait until next week, don’t wait until next month to look for a plumber or see about fixing that nasty pothole or roof leak. Address problems as they occur to avoid chaos in the future.
• Engage with your clients. Client engagement is key to maintaining good relationships with your tenants. Some landlords or property managers are very hands off – and that can be a plus for some tenants. However, we can guarantee you that just about every tenant will want you to be hands-on when they’re experiencing an issue or have a complaint. Make your tenants aware that you’re easy to reach and let your vendors be your eyes and ears! 

Commercial Property Maintenance Tips

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial properties of every type and size have one thing common: The need for regular maintenance. If you don’t take the time to perform routine checks of your property, some things that might be a minor problem now could turn into a full-blown emergency later and In that case you may be calling SERVPRO of Edmonds. Here are some tips for what to include in your property’s routine maintenance, which could save you thousands of dollars in the long run.

• Inspect your roof. Rain, wind and clogged gutters can wreak havoc. To perform an internal roof inspection, check the attic and ceilings for leaks, stains, rot, or any signs of daylight. Externally check all vents to make sure they still fit, look for signs of standing water, and whether HVAC hoses and pipes show gaps in their connections where they enter your building. Make sure shingles are all firmly attached, not chipped or torn in any way, and still retain their outer coating/treatment.
• Check your plumbing fixtures. Any exposed water pipes should be checked bi-annually. Be sure and wrap them if they will be exposed to freezing weather.  In addition to costly plumbing repairs, faulty pipes can wreck your foundation, landscaping, and cause water damage.
• Have Your HVAC Inspected annually (per your unit’s guidelines) filter inspection and replacement will ensure that your HVAC system is operating optimally. If your system seems to be on all the time in the summer, you may want to have it inspected by a technician to see if the system could be better balanced. Additionally, your technician can suggest if the system needs a new thermostat, or even additional units to help with the cooling capacity of your property.
• Inspect Doors and Windows. Air leaks are the number one reason for cooling/heating energy loss—particularly during the summer when the cold air inside leaks outdoors through cracks, crevices and failed seals. Careful inspection of your caulking and weather-stripping is a simple preventative measure that could save you thousands in excess energy bills. 

If you want to stay on top of your building maintenance plan call SERVPRO of Edmonds at 425-775-5723 and they will tell you more about the Emergency Ready Profile and disaster preparedness planning. 

How to prepare your Business for the Fall season

9/7/2021 (Permalink)

What does the fall season mean to you? Perhaps vibrantly colored leaves, pumpkin spice lattes, early morning fog and cooler weather setting in. As the seasons change its always a great time to check in on the health of your building. Temperature and weather changes can affect structures more than we think.

SERVPRO of Edmonds would like to offer you some great advice on how to prepare your business for fall.

• Clean Out Your Gutters: Throughout the summer months there a high chance your gutters filled with leaves and grime and this will get worse as fall progresses. Clogged gutters can form ice dams in the colder months that prevent your drainage systems from working properly. Then, leaks can happen within the business, causing a multitude of issues. Get ahead by simply clearing out your gutters as the leaves begin to collect.
• Light Up Your Outdoor Area: Fall and winter means less daylight, leaving a possibility for more accidents. If you don't have lights outside of your home and driveway yet, installing some is a great way to keep your home just a little safer. Lights around the perimeter of your driveway and business or home can mean fewer accidents and even act as a deterrent for break-ins.
• Check In On Your Heating System: Fall signals the first time in months that you will be using your heating system. Schedule an annual heating system checkup, and manually survey your heating vents to make sure they aren't blocked by anything that could be a fire hazard. Dust off vents and clean filters to ensure everything is functioning properly.

Lastly make sure you have SERVPRO of Edmonds’s contact information on hand if you may have an emergency; our helpful team can be reached at 425-775-5723.

Common Causes of Fire Damage in Commercial Properties

9/7/2021 (Permalink)

Fires within commercial buildings can cause a devastating amount of damage. Thankfully a large amount of fire damage can be avoided with a good, up to date fire system. The most effective fire systems include detection, control and extinguishing. A key part of fire systems are fire alarms and sprinklers, which demand constant maintenance to not only ensure the buildings safety, but also your inventory and save human lives. Being able to identify the most common causes of commercial fires should be the first step in prevention. Makes sure you consider an ERP – Emergency Ready Profile for your commercial property. SERVPRO of Edmonds offers this as a cost-free assessment to help you develop your emergency plans. Call us at 425-775-5723.

Here are the 3 most common reasons why fires occur in commercial building.

1. Kitchen: Approximately 25%-30% of all commercial fires occur because of cooking and human error in the kitchen. Due to the kitchen being a high-risk zone, this area requires extra caution while using and more prevention. Sprinklers and Fire Alarms should be central in the kitchen and a fire extinguisher should be easy to access while in the kitchen.
2. Arson: Roughly 10% of all non-residential fires occur on purpose. These fires are the most destructive because they are usually planned after working hours where nobody is around to pull the fire alarm. Some of the most common areas to start an Arson Fire are bathrooms, trash cans, dumpsters and garages. To try and prevent these fires from occurring we suggest making sure trash cans are emptied at the end of the day, keep dumpsters away from the building, keep trees and shrubs trimmed, putting motion cameras or lights in unused or dark areas and installing smoke/fire curtains near doorways. Due to the nature of Arson fires, these are the hardest type of fires to prevent. These few steps are a great way to prepare and minimize damage to important parts of the office.
3. Human Error: These also account for about 10% of commercial building fires and can be very hard to prevent. Human error could include forgetting to blow out a candle, leaving heating equipment near walls or flammable objects or as simple as overloading an outlet. The best way to prevent these is to make sure everybody in your office knows the risk of what can happen and urge them to be cautious when dealing with anything that could possibly be harmful.

We hope that these tips help your building and employees stay safe. The number 1 way of preventing a fire is proper preparation and preparedness. If you believe your Commercial Building is at risk for any type of emergency, then ask SERVPRO of Edmonds to create an Emergency Ready Plan to help you get prepared!

Commercial Property Maintenance Tips

5/21/2021 (Permalink)

If you are a property manager or commercial building owner in need of preparedness planning for your structure call SERVPRO of Edmonds at 425-775-5723. We can assist you with a complimentary preparedness walk-through! Check out the following preparedness tips to keep your building safe and hazard-free.

• Walk Your Landscape. Here in the Pacific Northwest large tree branches and limbs can become serious issues for your roof if they are too close to your structure. Trim trees and bushes back from buildings to minimize risk. The condition and health of large trees and limbs should also be inspected to determine if they are likely to break and fall during strong winds. If your property contains many large trees, the services of a certified arborist might be in order. Check your insurance coverages to see what your policy does and does not cover.
• Check Your Electrical & Alarm Systems. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, electrical issues, including electrical, heating, appliance, and equipment malfunctions, are one of the top causes of fires in non-residential buildings, accounting for 24.5% of all reported fires. An annual inspection by a professional electrician can ensure your wiring, breakers and appliances are in good working order. Additionally, most inspectors can check your building’s smoke alarms and fire-retardant systems.
• Inspect the exterior foundation of your property. Visible cracks as well as cracks between bricks, cracks in the mortar, and separation between adjoining walls could indicate trouble. Inside, if you notice windows and doors that aren’t working properly, cracks where walls and ceilings meet, or any irregularities in your flooring such as cracks, warping or sloping, you might be looking at potential foundation issues which could mean water intrusion.
• Mark all of your shut-offs. SERVPRO of Edmonds has free gas and water shut-off tags for your properties. We recommend placing them on all of your shut-offs and briefing staff or on-site personal how to locate and turn them off. If you have a water or fire emergency or general questions about preparedness call SERVPRO of Edmonds at 425-775-5723.

Re-Entry and Re-Occupancy of Commercial Buildings in King County

5/14/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Edmonds enjoys supporting several professional associations related to the property management and building management sectors. Not only are the associations beneficial in keeping up with educational updates they are fabulous sources for networking among our industries.

One of our favorite associations is BOMA (Building Operations Management Association)

Recently a popular topic of conversation at BOMA has been regarding the re-entry of tenants to commercial buildings. While BOMA does not endorse any specific policy, they discuss a list of helpful considerations for property managers as they develop their own re-entry protocols. Each property is unique and while there will be some commonalities across different properties BOMA recommends each property team should seek their own legal counsel.

Property managers have a difficult position as they should not be required to perform compliance authority with tenants and visitors. While building managers will work to enact measures that encourage social distancing protocols, compliance rests with the personal responsibility each person has to safeguard their own health. Tenants and tenant businesses should remain responsible for all compliance.

Some Re-Entry Protocol Ideas Include:

- Some buildings might reduce entry points, but not if this causes people to gather or jam up at choke points where they cannot maintain distancing.

- Greater security staffing at entry points as needed.

- Installing shielding paneling at concierge and greeting desks

- For some properties, a requirement for tenants to meet and escort visitors or report their expected arrival to security

- Consider an elevator lobby patrol person during peak foot traffic times whose presence will encourage social distancing practices

• Adding touchless options for opening doors

- Require vendor firms to maintain adequate supply of personal protection equipment for their staff. Amend vendor contracts as necessary.

- Create a cost profile and confirmation within vendor to clean, disinfect and/or sanitize space where future cases of an infected worker having been present are identified. Call SERVPRO of Edmonds for COVID decontamination questions or service!

- Building management maintains adequate supply of PPE for their staff.

- Building personnel trained on proper use of personal protection equipment and protocols

- Social distancing signage in all gathering spaces

- Hand sanitizers in more places with discarding containers

- Air circulating and filtration system adjustments - such as operating at maximum to ensure clean air

If you have questions about sanitizing and disinfecting your commercial property call the professionals at SERVPRO of Edmonds: 425-775-5723.

Commercial Building Inspection Checklist and ERP Benefits

5/13/2021 (Permalink)

Do you own or manage a commercial building in Edmonds, WA? Have you considered an ERP (Emergency Ready Profile) or Commercial Building Inspection? Let’s discuss what an inspection entails and how to be best prepared!

The International Code Council (ICC) and the Certified Commercial Property Inspectors Association (CCPIA) have guidelines regarding what items or components should be reviewed as part of a formal building inspection.  Everything from the interior of the building to the ventilation and air conditioning system is checked during a commercial building inspection. Having a thorough checklist in hand is important so you can make sure that the entire building is assessed. Keep in mind, a SERVPRO ERP is a great addition to an inspection. Preparedness and inspections go hand-in-hand!  

The various types of commercial properties that commonly undergo inspections are:

• Office buildings
• Apartment complexes
• Retail stores and Restaurants
• Manufacturing facilities

A building Inspection includes many different factors which examines the health of the following:

• Outdoor paving, utilities, and landscaping
• Heating and plumbing systems
• Structural frame conditions
• Electrical and mechanical systems
• Roofing
• Ventilation and air conditioning systems
• Interior conditions
• Fire protection systems

An inspection will often include repair recommendations and cost analysis of these recommendations. The interior and exterior are equally important and its important to give attention to the full site even including aspects related to parking and landscaping.

If you are considering an inspection for your commercial building call SERVPRO of Edmonds for a complimentary ERP assessment: 425-775-5723. We help map your utility shut-offs, emergency contacts and outline important documents such as building plans and insurance declarations. Let us be your resource for everything preparedness related, and for your future emergency clean-up needs!

Handing Asbestos In Flood Situations

5/7/2021 (Permalink)

As with most water damage situations a flooding event can come with its own set of unique problems.  As you review a list of action items to address consider health and safety expectations. One item of importance is the possible presence of asbestos in affected building materials. Water damage can loosen and dislodge other fibrous particles that can cause health effects. 

Asbestos has been present in construction and insulation products for decades, with the height of its use occurring prior to the 1970s. While asbestos is regulated today as a result of the risks inherent in exposure, it is not banned in the United States and is occasionally still present in some materials.

According to the U.S. Consumer Production Safety Commission (CPSC), you can expect to find asbestos in the following materials:

•  Roofing materials
  •    Insulation materials
  •    Textured paints and patching materials
  •    Within walls and flooring
  •    Around pipes and plumbing

While asbestos is relatively benign while undisturbed within a structure, it becomes incredibly hazardous once exposed and airborne. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recognizes asbestos as a human carcinogen, meaning it is capable of causing health effects to those who have been exposed to it. Thus, flooding and water damage restoration activities can displace and disturb asbestos, posing a possible threat.

When conducting water damage restoration on buildings that have experienced a water loss event, in many cases demolition must occur in order properly sanitize the structure. Prior to conducting any demolition or remediation activities, we test for asbestos per Washington State Law. You can reassured SERVPRO of Edmonds always follows proper asbestos protocol to ensure safety for all.  

Keeping Edmonds, WA Safe During A Global Pandemic

8/7/2020 (Permalink)

Let’s face the facts, 2020 has been quite the year across the United States as millions of people are affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. As Snohomish County gets back to business by progressing through phases we all have a new sense of what it means to be clean, safe and healthy. In fact, 89% of consumers are uneasy about going back to brick-and-mortar locations*. At SERVPRO of Edmonds, we are dedicated to inspiring confidence in communities across the country as we find our way to a new normal. SERVPRO has rolled out a new program to help get businesses back to work while keeping people safe; Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, our new defensive pathogen cleaning program, goes far beyond standard janitorial cleaning practices. This is proactive viral pathogen cleaning. With over 50 years of experience in biochemical spill remediation and decontamination, you can trust SERVPRO Franchise Professionals to bring a higher standard of clean to the places we gather.

For proactive and reactive viral pathogen cleaning we utilize a proprietary product known as SERVPROXIDE. The disinfectant is effective against a range of pathogens, EPA-registered, and is NSF Rated which means rinsing isn't required on food contact surfaces. We have utilized SERVPROXIDE safely and effectively in restaurants, retail and medical facilities. Our team of certified technicians are proud to have confidence in the products we use. If your facility is affected by Covid-19 or if you are interested in proactive cleaning call SERVPRO of Edmonds today for an estimate at 425-775-5723.

Indoor Air Quality Concerns?

8/7/2020 (Permalink)

Indoor air quality can vary for many different reasons depending on your climate and geographical location. If you are concerned about your indoor air quality there are a few things you can do to improve the situation.

A dirty ventilation system is most likely the main reason causing bad indoor air quality. A ventilation system is also known as an HVAC system (which stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning) and helps air circulate through a home or business. The HVAC is responsible for moving all the air throughout your building whether it’s for heating or cooling purposes. As all of the air constantly moves through a structure it collects pollutants that can build up over time. If your HVAC system has been running for a while with little to no attention placed on it could be circulating one or more of the following: Dust, Pollen, Odors, Dirt or other contaminants.

Make sure to pay attention to your HVAC system and if you start to notice worse air quality, then it should be a priority to get it inspected and cleaned. SERVPRO of Edmonds inspects HVAC and Duct systems on a regular basis and has seen it all! Sometimes it is not necessary to clean the HVAC system, if that is the case SERVPRO or HVAC professionals will make alternative recommendations to improve the air quality. If it is necessary to clean then our SERVPRO of Edmonds team can handle it and you will notice an immediate increase in energy efficiency, elimination of odors and reduce potential microbial growth. Not only is it important to keep your HVAC clean and to keep air quality good, but it also has a great return on investment for both health and saving money by making the HVAC system last longer. If you want to schedule an HVAC inspection or have any more questions, please do not hesitate to call SERVPRO of Edmonds at (425)-775-5723.

Let SERVPRO of Edmonds Help You Prepare: Create an Emergency Ready Profile!

1/29/2019 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile is a startup approach that provides the critical information needed to begin mitigation and recovery services. It is designed to serve as a quick reference of important building and contact information.  By working with SERVPRO’s Emergency READY Profile, your business can receive the benefit of over 40 years of experience in reducing the impact of any natural or man-made disaster. SERVPRO is a leader in water and fire damage response and can help you quickly get your property back in working order.

The SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile Advantage:

• A no cost assessment of your facility. – This means there is no need to allocate funds, giving you a great value at no cost.  

• A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency. – It will only take a short time to complete and will not take you away from current projects, it will save you a lot of time if ever needed.  

• A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster. – This can help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive by having an immediate plan of action.  

• Establishes SERVPRO of Edmonds, Lynnwood & Bellevue West as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider. – You have a provider that is recognized as an industry leader and is close by. 

• Identification for authorizing work to begin. – This saves time so we can begin the work of mitigating the damage which can save you time and money.  

• Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information. – Having a quick reference of what to do, how to do it and who to call provides solutions in advance of an emergency so that during the emergency you are “Ready for whatever happens.” 

The Best Way to Reduce Business Interruption Following a Disaster is to Plan For it NOW.

As many as 50% of businesses close down following a disaster and of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place.  Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind. And knowing you are “Ready for whatever happens” communicated trust and peace of mind to your clients and employees.

By developing a SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile for your business, you help to minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do, who to call and what to expect in advance is helpful in receiving timely mitigation and can help minimize the effects water and fire damage can have on your business.

Call and schedule an appointment today!425-775-5723