Commercial Large Water Loss at Office Building in Waltham

7/15/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO uses containment barriers to create drying chambers with air movers and dehumidifiers in them to dry large open spaces

Our franchise recently responded to a commercial large loss at a 500,000-square-foot office building in Waltham. The building is currently under construction and while spraying foam insulation onto the ceiling, a scissor lift operator accidentally hit a sprinkler head causing it to discharge. The property management company called SERVPRO to assist with drying and remediation. While the contractors had drying equipment themselves, it was not sufficient for the size and scope of the loss. We provided supplemental power via a generator outside of the building running into a feeder panel inside that fed multiple power distribution boxes. Our team set up containment barriers around the affected space on 3 different floors to create drying chambers. In those chambers, nearly 100 air movers and 20 commercial-grade dehumidifiers were placed. The high-velocity air movers push moisture off of any surfaces into the air and the dehumidifiers capture that air and remove the moisture from it causing the space in the drying chambers to be completely dry in just 3 days' time. After only 3 days, with tens of thousands of square footage affected, construction could resume. Any delays on a project this size cause a lot of disruption which leads to increased costs. If you experience a flood of any size, SERVPRO can get you back up and running faster than anyone else.  

Commercial Water Loss at Biotech Lab Space in Waltham, MA

4/11/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is faster to any size disaster

Our office was called to respond to a commercial water loss in Waltham, MA on a Friday afternoon. The cause of loss was an accidental discharge of a sprinkler head. This job required coordination between multiple large corporations which we managed seamlessly to accommodate all needs and to produce effective and rapid results, to establish a safe environment (with engineered controls as needed - HEPA filtered air filtration devices), and to allow all zones to be operational so the businesses were not interrupted. Including the high-tech state-of-the-art biochemical laboratory. 

We managed the procurement and application of supplemental power due via a 100 kW portable generator, 400 AMP feeder panel, and 8 power distribution boxes, to the limited power available as a result of shutdowns made by our customers electrician.  Shutdowns were sparked by concerns of water intrusion into outlets. 

We managed drying in two zones. The Second Floor Zone equated to 16,233.21 Square Feet and the Lower Level Zone of 2876.72 Square Feet.

Equipment was provided by, installed by, and monitored by SERVPRO.  Equipment was installed based on the scientific calculations outlined in the ANSI/IICRC S500 Standard. 

We installed:

• 124 Axial Air Movers (Fans)
• 40 Dehumidifiers
• 8 Air filtration devices (HEPA filtered)
• 2 4-optic Hydroxyl Generators 
• 8 Power distribution boxes
• 1 400 AMP feeder panel

We applied learned and certified tactics to facilitate a dry-in-place procedure in order to eliminate the need for demolition and saving 10's of thousands in carpet replacement, drywall replacement, and repainting.  Another huge benefit of drying in place to avoid this demolition is that operational downtime is significantly reduced from potentially multiple weeks down to 3-4 days.  This effectively reduces the loss of profit for the clients. 

This building houses a world-famous and highly reputable biotech company which is ranked as the third-largest biotech firm globally.  Their research focuses on finding cures to rare diseases, rare blood disorders, and has groundbreaking research on neurology, immunology, and oncology. Their work is fundamental to creating a better, safer, healthier world for today, tomorrow, and all the future to come.  Any time out of operation is extremely harmful to their operational goals and needs. Those needs are in discovering ways to cure mankind.  In essence, they are working to save the world and with great success. That's why having SERVPRO of Waltham is the best tool at their disposal when it comes to mitigating the loss and making it "Like it never even happened."   We save their world so they can save ours!

Commercial Water Loss at Private School in Weston

2/7/2022 (Permalink)

We used multiple fans, dehumidifiers, air filtration devices, wood floor drying mats, and a hydroxyl generator to mitigate water damage

SERVPRO of Waltham/Weston/Watertown/Wayland received a notification that the fire department was called to a private school in Weston. When looking up the address we realized we had done a water loss at the same school back in August. Our office manager called the contact we had on file to see if they needed our help with the fire. They responded with a resounding, “YES!” Our project manager arrived on-site within one hour to assess the situation and found there was in fact a fire on top of the gymnasium from an air handler. The fire was small but the response from the fire department was large. They doused the roof with so much water that it flooded the gym in the process. Now it was time for us to get to work. First, was how to save the gym floor for this school so they do not have to shut down to replace it. We had (2) 5000 CFM desiccant dehumidifiers dropped off immediately. These units are about the size of a large van and came with a generator about the same size to power them. These intense dehumidifiers are used to remove moisture from the air in the entire gym in an attempt to save the floor. We set up fans, wood floor drying mats, air filtration devices, and a hydroxyl generator to support the dehumidifiers in drying and sanitizing. Once the gym was completely dry we needed to rent scissor lifts to clean the soot off the gym wall. Beyond that, the hallways behind the wall needed to be cleaned to remove soot as well. We are currently still cleaning and our hope is to have the gym open in no more than 1 week from the fire. SERVPRO is faster to any size disaster and we have the capacity to handle large commercial losses. 

More Equipment = More Capacity

1/24/2022 (Permalink)

We have increased our equipment to handle any size disasters!

SERVPRO of Lexington-Bedford & of Waltham/Weston/Watertown/Wayland just acquired Arlington, Somerville, Charlestown. The original franchise was purchased by the current owner’s parents over 35 years ago. It has been locally owned and operated by the same family ever since. Now, a new legacy is born with the third franchise. We will still be based out of Waltham at the same warehouse/office building on Sun Street. We will still continue to provide the best service in the industry. The only major difference that will occur is a new focus on serving our commercial clients in our territories. SERVPRO as a company grew and flourished in the residential space. A majority of our business is taking care of your homes and we love that. Now, as we grow into the #1 cleaning and restoration company in the country, it is time to take care of your businesses as well. We have the capacity to respond faster to any size disaster. To prepare for this shift and expansion we have increased the amount of equipment we have available to our clients. We now have an additional 50 Phoenix Focus Axial Fans, 10 Phoenix Dry Max XL dehumidifiers, and 1 Phoenix D850 Desiccant Dehumidifier. With this equipment we will be fully capable of handling any size water damage you may encounter at your home or your business. Thank you for your nearly 40 years of support and we look forward to another 40!  

Commercial Water Loss at University in Cambridge, MA

1/18/2022 (Permalink)

159 air movers were deployed to dry 3 floors of office space

‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse….

And then a water pipe burst, giving 3 floors a douse.

That’s right, on Christmas Eve our franchise responded to a water emergency at an administrative building for a prestigious university in Cambridge, MA. A water line, about six inches in diameter, carrying hot water for heating finally gave out. Upon inspection the line was severely rusted and corroded, it was only a matter of time before it popped open releasing an immense amount of water. The water flooded the 3rd floor of the building and the two floors below it. Our crews responded immediately, delivering 159 fans, 14 dehumidifiers, air filtration devices, and hydroxyl generators to the property. Our team returned on Christmas day to monitor the equipment and the progress of drying. The day after Christmas our technicians thoroughly cleaned everything including steam cleaning the carpets and applying antimicrobial to prevent mold growth. I share this story to let you know about our capacity to handle any size commercial job and that our crews are standing by 24/7/365 to respond. While I sincerely hope something like this does not happen to your property, if it does, call the pros to handle it.

Commercial Water Loss at Office Building in Dedham, MA

11/1/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has crews standing by 24/7 to respond to any size disaster at your commercial property

It was just after 8 am Wednesday morning when I got a call from my good friend Jim Currie at Stanton Insurance. We have done a lot of work over the years with Jim and he recognizes our franchises’ value to his clients. We recently provided an estimate for mold remediation at a movie theatre in Maynard that impressed one of his insureds. That same client walked into her office space in Dedham to find it completely flooded with rainwater from the storm the night before. In a panic, she remembered the mold estimate she received from SERVPRO of Lexington-Bedford and Waltham/Weston/Watertown/Wayland for the theater and quickly called Jim Currie to get the contact information for the company. Jim let me know she would be calling me soon about the water loss. I took the call and let her know we could have a project manager out to her office space within the hour. She was happy to hear we would be on site so soon. Our project manager showed up right away, as promised, to assess the damage. He then dispatched a crew to arrive later that day to set up drying equipment. Our crew chief monitored the equipment daily to be sure the property was drying out properly, which it was. After only 3 days, the building was completely dry and it was "Like it never even happened." Our office worked directly with her insurance company to handle the billing side of things so she did not have to worry about that. This is what you can expect when you call our franchise to handle a commercial water loss. Don’t leave your business in the hands of just anyone, call the PROs. 

Do You Have an Emergency Response Plan in Place?

10/8/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profiles prevent businesses from closing their doors after disaster strikes

A common question I ask business owners is, “If there were 6 inches of water on the floor right now, what would you do?” The overwhelming majority respond with, “I have no idea”. To me, this is shocking, but that is because I work for a water damage restoration company so I am constantly reminded of the importance of preparedness. Business owners have a lot on their plates and most of their bandwidth is dedicated to running their company. Emergency response is of course not top of mind until an emergency happens….and then what? Do you have a plan in place to respond to a disaster? According to the latest research, as many as 50% of businesses close following a disaster. The overwhelming majority of businesses that survive had an emergency plan in place. If you own a restaurant and it floods, you cannot be open for dinner service thus resulting in loss of revenue. Having a response plan in place will shorten the amount of time your doors are closed. The same goes for retail, hotels, gyms, and numerous other businesses. SERVPRO of Lexington-Bedford and Waltham/Weston/Watertown/Wayland is offering a complimentary Emergency Ready Plan for businesses in our community. A representative will come out to assess your property and create a profile of your business. This profile will include relevant information like where your water shutoff valve, gas shutoff, and electric shutoff are located. That way your employees can reference it in an emergency situation to limit the amount of time damage can occur. The plan will also compile important contact information such as your insurance company, alarm company, and plumber contact information. Having all of this information on hand will significantly reduce the amount of damage occurring in an emergency situation. This plan can be printed and left at key locations at the property. The plan is also stored in our database that can be accessed via our mobile app so you can access the plan from anywhere and share access with anyone you wish. If you would like an Emergency Ready Plan to be created for your business give us a call to schedule it at 781-861-0500. 

Increased Mold Risk in Commercial Buildings due to Prolonged Closures

4/12/2021 (Permalink)

Highly trained SERVPRO technician inspects crawlspace for moisture and mold growth on wood beams and ductwork.

Molds can be found almost anywhere and they do not need much to grow indoors. Mold spores float through the air constantly and when they land on damp areas indoors, they may begin spreading. After a full year of shutdowns due to the pandemic, many commercial buildings in Massachusetts have been closed for prolonged periods of time. Without HVAC systems operating daily, temperature fluctuations are going to occur which could cause condensation at various locations in the structure. Also, older buildings typically have tighter envelopes that do not allow for proper ventilation. With buildings being closed and no regular airflow from open windows, doors, and HVAC systems – moisture will not be ventilated. Mold can grow quickly on ceiling tiles, carpet, drywall, wallpaper, fabrics, and insulation. Leaks from plumbing pipes, outdoor gutters, or sinks naturally occur over time and can be addressed if noticed but, if left unnoticed will create a perfect environment for mold to thrive. All of these factors and more are acting together in commercial buildings across the Commonwealth. Molds have the potential to cause health effects especially in those with asthma or mold allergies. Here are five steps you can take to minimize mold risk after a prolonged shutdown of your commercial property:

1. Maintain as low a humidity level as possible in the structure – never exceeding 50%. Building managers should use a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels daily.
2. After a prolonged shutdown, the property should be thoroughly inspected before reopening. An inspection from an industrial hygienist is ideal and if they detect anything, remediation is required immediately to prevent further spread.
3. After an inspection has confirmed there is no mold in the structure or remediation of mold has occurred you need to flush the HVAC system. Run the HVAC system for at least 48 to 72 hours with outdoor air dampers set to the max setting. If an odor is detected look for mold and have remediation completed if mold is discovered in the HVAC system. Complete another flush of the system until no odors or mold is present. You should replace your filters or at the very least clean them before reopening the building.
4. After the building is reopened be sure to routinely monitor your HVAC system and its filters.
5. If there is no routine maintenance program in place for your HVAC system, now is the time to create one. Inspection, calibration, testing, balancing, and cleaning of the system regularly is vital to keeping indoor air quality at healthy levels.

Here at SERVPRO of Lexington, Bedford, Waltham, Wayland, Weston, and Watertown we can help with your commercial mold and HVAC needs. We have a team of highly trained professionals to remediate mold with advanced techniques and equipment. We also offer comprehensive HVAC and duct cleaning services making us the only call you need to make before reopening your property after being closed due to the pandemic.

How to Prevent Flood Damage at Your Commercial Property

2/18/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage in a basement caused by flooding.

As temperatures begin to rise in the Lexington / Bedford and Waltham / Watertown / Wayland / Weston area it is time to think about potential flooding at your commercial property. As snow storms change to rain and accumulated snow melts - a sudden influx of water can cause serious damage to buildings leading to costly repairs and potential injuries. According to Statista.com there were nearly 100 deaths and approximately $3.75 billion worth of damage due to flooding in 2019 in the United States alone. 

Commercial Property Flood Prevention Tips

• Assess: Inspect your property and identify areas where flooding could be a problem. Make repairs as needed to protect your building from water damage.
• Basement: Check your basement for cracks and holes to patch as needed - consider a sump pump for an added layer of protection.
• Flood Proofing: If you had issues with flooding and/or water damage in the past, consider flood proofing which will wrap your property in water resistant material.
• Landscaping: Be sure downspouts move water away from your building and landscaping around your property is elevated to achieve the same goal.
• Clean: Clear out downspouts, drains, gutters, and roof so water does not collect.
• Take a Proactive Approach: Do not wait for a storm to hit to begin protecting your property, stay ahead of potentially bad weather to prepare when potential flooding or water damage could occur and have a plan in place to respond to an emergency.

After the Storm

Flood and water damage can devastate companies with an estimated 50% never reopening after a disaster. Almost all companies that are able to reopen had some sort of emergency response plan in place. If water damage is to occur give us a call and our highly trained professionals will survey the damage and give you a quote to begin restoration immediately to make it, “Like it never even happened.” Timely mitigation allows your building to reopen as soon as possible and prevent large losses in revenue. For over 30 years SERVPRO® has been providing high quality 24/7 emergency services to the Lexington-Bedford area, give us a call 781-861-0500.

Any Golf fans out there?

1/29/2021 (Permalink)

Here is a little fun fact for you on this Friday:

SERVPRO is the official cleanup and restoration partner of the Pro Golfers Association (PGA). The PGA is the highest level of competition in the field of professional golf and SERVPRO is proud to be a part of their community. Keeping golf courses clean and pristine is optimal for comfort and high quality tournaments. In past years, SERVPRO has been fortunate to show off our work and perform services for major PGA events such as The Players Championship and The TOUR Championship. We are always happy to help out our friends associated with the PGA because we understand a major draw for playing golf is the beauty and scenic environment a golf course can provide.

In addition to our partnership with the PGA, PGA Golfer Brandt Snedeker became the official our official Brand ambassador of SERVPRO last year. We are thrilled to have Brandt represent us because he stands for our core values and is an excellent professional golfer. Brandt has won several major PGA tournaments and is view respected by his peers. 

If we can provide repair, restoration and clean up services for an entity like the PGA, there is nothing we cannot do for you. We are always here for our local communities and can respond at a moments notice if you need immediate repair, restoration or clean up services in your home or business. 

24/7 Emergency Services, 365 days a year. 

We know how to take care of Your Contents

1/27/2021 (Permalink)

After fire or water damage occurs on your property, how the restoration process is handled is pivotal. Trust our team to help you restore your property and get back on your feet. Our crew prioritizes taking care of and salvaging your valuable contents after fire or water accident. 

During the fire and water restoration process, our team can conduct a "pack out" process at your request. The pack out process consists of our highly-trained team members packing up the properties contents in the affected area. After the contents are packed up, our team will temporarily move them to a safe area until the affected area is cleaned and restored. 

We know you value your contents. We value them too and want nothing more than to ensure they stay intact and unaffected. Our professional team members have countless years of training and experience and always know how to handle a situation after fire and water damage strikes. 

Fire Damage 101

1/26/2021 (Permalink)

While, fire Extinguishers are often in the very back of our minds everyday, they should never been neglected. Each year, fire extinguishers save countless lives and minimize damage. Always make sure there is a easily accessible fire extinguisher in your home, office, restaurant, etc. Fire extinguishers should be immediately visible and everyone in the building should know where one is. 

Everyone above the age of fifteen should know how to use a fire extinguisher properly. The process is quite simple but only those who have been trained on how to use one should use them. For offices and commercial spaces, it is recommended that new employees are trained on how to use fire extinguishers. Extinguishers only work properly and efficiently when the people using them know what they are doing. Contrary to popular belief, fire extinguishers do not last forever. It is recommended that they are changed out every 5 to 10 years whether or not the previous one was used. 

Last but not least fire extinguishers should be well-maintained and kept in a safe place. It never hurts to inspect them from time to time. 

We're Always Ready to Help Commercial Businesses

12/1/2020 (Permalink)

Commercial Businesses play vital role in our communities and societies. At SERVPRO, we understand how important it is for local citizens to have commercial businesses functioning at their best capability.  

Just like residential property, Commercial Businesses are not invincible to Fire or Water Damage. This is why our team always stays ready and is ready to help out around the clock 24/7. No Water or fire damage job is too big or too small with us. Cold temperatures this time of year make  frozen pipes inevitable. Consider boosting the heat in your business overnight when the temperature dips below 10 degrees, and drip water from taps to keep the water moving. Make sure to check your building daily to make sure it is smooth-sailing. 

While we are known for providing fire and water clean up, we also offer commercial duct cleaning services and general cleanings. Duct cleanings lead to better air quality within environments and a better, more efficient HVAC system. So if your business has not conducted duct cleanings recently, schedule one asap. Here at SERVPRO^®, we provide free duct cleaning estimates. Your customers and employees will breathe easier when the air is clean. 

Don't hesitate to call us today if you think your Commercial Business could use our services, we are always happy to help out. 

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned (CSC)

5/13/2020 (Permalink)

Let us help you get back to business

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

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

Extensive training and specialized products

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

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

3 C’s – Consult, Clean, and Certify

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

• Consult – Every business is different, which is why you’ll be assigned a Cleaning Protocol Consultant who understands your business and will create a cleaning program to meet your specific needs. This program will be developed based on your business type, size of space, amount of high frequency touchpoints, foot traffic and congestion points.
• Clean – Based on your specific business needs, your location will undergo a thorough, deep clean, using exclusive cleaning products, according to protocols set forth by the CDC. Our employees have years of experience, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform. 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 hazardous materials.  In the event of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 event, we will be there cleaning within 24 hours to ensure you get back to business as quickly as possible. 
• Certify - Once your business location has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you will gain access to proprietary signage, digital emblems, and other collateral that communicates that you’ve selected a higher standard of clean available to help protect your employees and customers. And because we add the day, month, and year to that proprietary stamp of clean, your guests will know that not only did you choose Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, but that your location is being cleaned regularly at this standard.

Call today for a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation. 781-861-0500

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

What Is Your COVID-19 Tenant Plan?

3/27/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO professionals are available for your biohazard cleaning needs

When a tenant tests positive for COVID-19, what is your plan for the common areas?

We help property managers prepare their response to an outbreak by creating a plan in advance.

Reduce COVID-19 Transmission

Are there ways to minimize contact between tenants? Could they be asked to 

• use different entrances?
• limit themselves to their own floors?
• avoid loitering in common areas?

Are knobs and other commonly touched items being cleaned regularly? If you don’t have staff onsite, is this a task a fastidious tenant would be willing to take on? 

Free Biohazard Cleaning Estimate

Call us today at 781-647-9100 or 781-861-0500 and SERVPRO of Lexington-Bedford SERVPRO of Waltham/Weston/Watertown/Wayland will provide an estimate for cleaning and disinfecting your common areas should a tenant test positive.

You’ll have no obligation, while an estimate ensures we can act faster when you call.

Stay safe! Wash your hands!

Free Emergency Planning for Lexington, Mass. Businesses

11/2/2018 (Permalink)

If you fail to plan for your business surviving a disaster, you are planning to fail

Does your Lexington business have an emergency plan? If a pipe bursts in your building, do occupants know where to shut off the water until a plumber arrives? Can you quickly access all your emergency contact information no matter where you are? 

Free Emergency Planning in Lexington, MA

SERVPRO of Lexington-Bedford offers a free Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) for your business to ensure you are prepared for building disasters.

With our ERP, you will have the information you need to respond quickly and get back in business as soon as possible following a fire, flood, or other catastrophic event. 

Tag Utility Shutoffs

As part of the plan, we will tag your shutoffs for water, gas, electricity, and other key mechanical systems. We will also take a photo of each shutoff and note where to access it, so anyone reading the ERP can act fast when necessary.

Building Contacts

Building owners, facility manager, and human resources manager are among the key personnel you may need to contact quickly in an emergency. We gather all these primary contacts along with direct numbers for first responders and utility companies, so you have all the information you need in one place.

Key Partners

After a disaster, you may need to partner with several different organizations to restore and rebuild. We help you organize your preferred vendors ahead of time in a list that makes it easy for you to reach out and connect with them.

Mobile App

Once we have all the pertinent information and photos, we generate a hard copy report you can keep in your facility. We also store this emergency profile in a mobile app, so you always have the information available at your fingertips and can easily update information when appropriate.

You can request our services directly from the app, and you can easily share it via email with anyone else who needs the information during your disaster response.

Call for Your Free ERP

Our marketing team is available to create an ERP for your business. Call today to schedule a walkthrough of your facility, so you are prepared no matter what happens this winter.

Were Your Fire Extinguishers Recalled in Bedford, Mass.?

10/18/2018 (Permalink)

Check your Kidde fire extinguishers to ensure they were not recalled last year

Last November, Kidde Fire Safety issued a recall on several models of fire extinguishers. We advise everyone check their fire extinguishers against the Kidde recall page to confirm that no recalled models remain in their facilities.

Bedford, MA: Check Extinguishers

The Kidde recall applies to certain models with plastic handles or push-button “pindicators”. Visit the recall page to verify whether or not your Kidde fire extinguishers are part of the recall.

Here are some other things to keep in mind regarding your equipment.

Regular Inspections

Fire extinguishers should be inspected and maintained on a regular basis. Facility managers and/or owners should inspect them every month, and a licensed company should be called in to inspect and maintain them annually.

Employee Training

Like any equipment, extinguishers only work properly when handled by someone who knows how to use them. Safety training in your facility should include teaching the proper use of extinguishers.

You could also call in a fire safety company to train all employees at once. Just remember to train new employees as they come on board as well.

Fire Safety Provider

If you would like to connect with a local company that provides fire safety equipment, annual inspections, and training, call our office at 781-861-0500. We will refer you to the team we trust to maintain our equipment.

Plan Ahead To Survive Disasters

Up to 50 percent of businesses will not survive a catastrophic loss like a fire or flood. SERVPRO of Lexington-Bedford offers a free Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) to help local businesses prepare in advance to recover quickly when things go wrong.

Please call us today to learn more about how an ERP can help your business be prepared.

Dental Office Fire Cleanup in Brookline, Mass.

9/26/2018 (Permalink)

We want to help you reopen ASAP following a fire

Who do you call when fire closes your business? You need so many things once you hear the all clear from the fire department:

• Your building secured,
• The soot removed from all surfaces,
• Damaged building materials replaced,
• Wet materials dried, and
• HVAC ductwork cleaned.

And you need all these things as soon as possible so you can return to business.

Dental Office Fire Cleanup

When a midday fire all but destroyed a restaurant in a Brookline, Mass. plaza, our franchise offered restoration services to neighboring businesses. An adjacent dental office manager said we would get the job if we could guarantee the office would open the following morning.

The other restoration companies at the scene said we were crazy to take the job. They were sure we could not follow through and we would ruin our reputation by trying and failing.

However, we knew if our crews applied themselves and worked through the night, we could get meet the deadline.

Working Through the Night

As each crew finished their assignments for that day, we sent them to the dental office to pitch in and get the job done. They scrubbed soot from floors, walls, and fixtures. They cleaned ductwork. They removed and replaced ceiling tiles.

Four crews worked through the night. The next morning, that office opened on time and kept its commitment to patient appointments.

Hard To Believe

A competitor who had said the job could not be completed overnight was surprised when he stopped by a couple of days later to find the office open. He said we could not have completed the job so quickly. He suggested we must have misled the customer about the work we did.

Our competitor did not realize that the office manager had stayed on site and supervised our crews through the night. Our customer had no doubt we did what we said we would do in the time we said it would take.

Professionals Committed to Business

When you have a fire, any downtime threatens the life of your business. Employees who cannot work may find new jobs. Customers who depend on your goods and services may seek alternative suppliers. Lost revenue may affect capital investments, shareholder confidence, and the bottom line.

At SERVPRO of Lexington-Bedford, we understand the importance of time in commercial disaster response. We have committed fire restoration professionals who will make your loss “Like it never even happened.” Call us first when fire closes your doors and you need them opened again as soon as possible.

Commercial Water Damage Response

12/27/2017 (Permalink)

Our crew will make your commercial water damage its highest priority

When a business suffers a water damage, the top question on the owner’s mind is usually, “How soon will I be back in business?” (Yes, “How much will this cost?” is a close second, but the total cost is usually tied to how much downtime the business suffers.)

At SERVPRO of Lexington-Bedford, we are sensitive to business needs. We understand the importance of getting back to work as soon as possible. 

The 1-4-8 Promise

SERVPRO offers commercial clients a 1-4-8 promise for emergency services.

1. We will respond to a commercial emergency call within one hour.
2. A crew will arrive onsite within four hours to begin mitigation services.
3. Within eight business hours, a scope of the loss and estimate for restoration will be discussed with the insurer or property manager.

At our franchise, we average significantly better than the promise. Most calls are returned within twenty minutes. And we rarely need four hours to rally the troops.

Cold Weather Is Here

We have already had a tease of what winter holds for Lexington and Bedford this year, with an ice storm overnight December 23rd and snow storms on December 9th and 25th. Now we are bracing for several days of frigid temperatures. 

Frigid temperatures invariably lead to frozen pipes. Consider boosting the heat in your business overnight when the temperature dips below 10 degrees, and drip water from taps to keep the water moving. Check your buildings daily over the long weekend.  

If your Middlesex County business should suffer a water damage from frozen pipes, call our office as soon as possible. We can help make it “Like it never even happened.”

Commercial Duct Cleaning in Lexington, Mass

11/7/2017 (Permalink)

Call today for a free commercial air duct cleaning estimate

SERVPRO^® of Lexington-Bedford offers duct cleaning services to businesses of all sizes in Lexington, Mass. We use a push-pull system, blowing from one end and vacuuming from the other while our brushes stir up debris stuck to the duct walls.

Why Clean the Ducts?

We recommend air duct cleaning to improve the quality of air for everyone in the building. Modern commercial buildings are designed to be airtight. This sealed environment prevents the loss of hot and cold air and saves on energy costs associated with these losses, but people in the building end up breathing the same air over and over. 

In addition, dust, dead skin cells, and microbes accumulate in the ducts. This buildup can provide a perfect home for mold if humidity ever rises in the building.

Finally, the buildup on the walls of the ducts can restrict air flow making your HVAC system run inefficiently.

Commercial Duct Cleaning - Free Estimates

Here at SERVPRO^®, we provide free duct cleaning estimates. Call to schedule your estimate today at 781-861-0500. Your customers and employees will breathe easier when the air is clean. 

Who Cleans a Hotel Tennis Court on Short Notice?

9/27/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Cleans Tennis Court in Time for Tournament

Here at SERVPRO^® of Lexington-Bedford, we help out in all kinds of emergencies. A few years ago, we were called in to do emergency cleaning of a tennis court at a hotel in Bedford, Massachusetts.

Tennis Court Covered in Paint Dust

The day before a tennis tournament, someone painted the ceiling of an indoor tennis court without protecting the surface of the court. The paint spray created droplets which dried before they hit the ground, covering the court and the walls with a fine, white dust.

The manager explains her situation that morning in our testimonial video. She had a tournament starting that afternoon. “So when I walked in and I saw the condition of my tennis court, I panicked. This would have been a violation of the contract, and I really didn’t know what I was going to do at that point.”

Saving the Day and the Tournament

“Steve mobilized a team very, very quickly. It was just an amazing amount of work that had to be accomplished in a very short amount of time.”

Our franchise sent four crew members to HEPA vacuum and pressure wash the floors. Then they had to dry the court. They managed to complete the job just minutes before the teams arrived for the tournament. 

“I would absolutely recommend SERVPRO^®. They’re a wonderful business partner.”

If you have a crisis that involves cleaning or restoration, partner with a team that has provided commercial services in Lexington, Mass. and Bedford, Mass. for over thirty years.

The Roof is on Fire!

3/13/2017 (Permalink)

We’ve all done and said it. We have all “raised the roof” at some point because it was on metaphorical fire. But what does one do when it is literal? In non-musical proportions, this recently happened to one of our local businesses.  Boston Rhythmic, a rhythmic gymnastics school, had a fire in their Watertown location.  Their roof was literally on fire. Their sprinkler system managed to retard the fire from spreading but water damage ensued.

To paraphrase the owner of the company, she never thought she would face that type of disaster. Never her business. Water had spread at the back end of the facility and the bathrooms were nonfunctional by the time the restoration crew arrived.

It is at these types of circumstances that we are forced to respect the wisdom: better safe than sorry. SERVPRO offers Emergency Ready Profiles to give business owners peace of mind as they become disaster ready. ERP’s are a free service we provide to consolidate all building information to respond to any disaster, small or large. Whether it is knowing the where the electric shutoff is to your main building to have the property owner’s contact information, ERP’s allow SERVPRO to respond to your needs in a timely manner.

Why raise the roof when you can prepare for the fire? 

Prepare your Commercial property for a Hurricane!

3/1/2017 (Permalink)

Just 3 months ago, SERVPROs from all over the country headed to Virginia Beach and North Carolina to help residents and businesses affected by Hurricane Matthew. Commercial losses are just as important as residential ones and SERVPRO strives to get you back into business in a timely manner. We know how many factors go into getting your business back on track after a disaster so here are some things to take into consideration

Planning

- Review the property insurance with an insurance agent to determine concerns of a hurricane

- Write up some protective procedures for not only the structure of the business but also the contents

- Inform key employees of what their responsibilities are in regards to hurricane procedures and even try to set up an employee training program

- Consider having these protective tools on hand: heavy plastic sheeting, duct tape, masking tape, sandbags, an emergency generator, storm shutters, chain saw, large pieces of plywood and hand tools

- Make a plan for the protection of your computer files

Preparedness

- Monitor a local radio or television station that gives official emergency information and instructions

- Document the interior and the exterior of your business with pictures! This helps significantly with insurance claims

- Package insurance policies and financial records into waterproof containers so you have quick and accurate information to provide

Building Exterior

- Clean all the drains, gutters and downspouts of the property

- Remove antenna or loose objects from the room

- Bring in things that are usually left outside, remove outdoor signs and secure loose objects that can cause possible damage if there are strong winds

- If the property has glass frontage, clear the area as much as possible and board it up with shutters or wood. If you do not have shutters or boards, try masking or duct tape and tape the window in an “X” fashion to reduce shattering.

Building Interior

- Move things away from the windows to avoid water damage

- Clear flat surfaces of small loose objects and take down all loosely secured pictures, plaques

- Relocate files, boxes, computers, office machines and other equipment to the driest place in the building. Try not to leave boxes on the floor and remove contents within lower file cabinet drawers to a secure location

- Try to keep an inventory of where all things were relocated so when it is time to unpack you’re saving time!

- Disconnect electronics and equipment and try to secure with tarpaulins and tape.

Last but not least, do not hesitate to contact your local SERVPRO. We are faster to any sized disaster and there is no loss we cannot handle!

Post-Construction Cleanup

11/18/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO does services outside of water and fire mitigation restoration! Structural integrity materials, labor safety, customer satisfaction and deadlines - the list goes on when building a commercial facility. The bottom line, however, is you are responsible for getting the doors open on time.

Once the floors are down and the drywall is up, it's time to remove the debris and dirt in order to lay carpet, paint and decorate. SERVPRO can provide debris removal services to prepare the building for interior design. 

During the construction phase, a building can trap moisture and excessive moisture can result in mold growth. SERVPRO can help eliminate moisture and prevent potential mold growth. 

Post Construction Services we provide:

• Carpet, resilient and non-resilient floor prep and finish
• Ceilings, walls and fixture cleaning
• Deodorization
• Air Duct Cleaning
• Debris Removal (if necessary)
• Window Cleaning

Your Business & Indoor Air Quality

11/17/2016 (Permalink)

Did you know that healthier air saves you money?

Sick building syndrome became apparent as groups of people displayed similar symptoms after having spent extended periods of time in buildings with poor air quality. While mold is naturally found in the environment, an abundance of mold can cause illnesses and SERVPRO recommends it needs to be removed immediately.

The World Health Organization says that poor indoor air quality costs $60 billion in employee sick leave and lost production. As a business owner, your responsibility is to provide proper maintenance and prompt response to any situation that could cause illness or health concerns. 

You have one chance to make a first impression with your customers. SERVPRO can create a clean, fresh and long lasting impression by providing carpet cleanings, general structure cleanings, upholstery cleanings, HVAC & air duct systems.