Archived Commercial Blog Posts
Has there been recent fire damage to your business?
7/21/2021 (Permalink)
Picture of the after math of a fire in a storage unit
Fire damage is especially devastating for a business or commercial property. In addition to the fire and smoke damage, significant water damage from firefighting efforts and fire suppression systems may occur. Every hour spent restoring your business back to pre-fire condition is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. If your business experiences a fire loss, call the fire and water damage restoration experts and we’ll respond immediately to get you back to business.
- 24 Hour Emergency Service
- Faster to Any Size Disaster
- A Trusted Leader in the Fire and Water Restoration Industry with over 1,700 Franchises
- Highly Trained Fire and Water Damage Restoration Specialists
SERVPRO of West Pasco has the training, experience, and equipment to handle large commercial fire damage emergencies Call Us Today (727) 847-3000.
Restoring Your Lutz Commercial Property After a Water Damage
4/15/2021 (Permalink)
Flooding and water damage events at Lutz commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large-scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.
Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges
Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.
About SERVPRO of West Pasco
SERVPRO of West Pasco specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.
Smoke and Soot Cleanup In West Pasco
4/13/2021 (Permalink)
Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. At SERVPRO of West Pasco, our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.
Smoke and soot facts:
- Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
- Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
- The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.
Different Types of Smoke
There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of West Pasco will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:
Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber
- Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.
Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood
- Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.
Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire
- Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.
Our Fire Damage Restoration Services
Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.
Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – 727-847-3000
When You See Green, Think SERVPRO!
4/7/2021 (Permalink)
Neon green is not my car color preference, but it serves a very specific purpose when it comes to customer and company recognition. It is said that the first person who started SERVPRO did a test to see what color people liked better on cars, which ones stood out and caught the eye more. He had a variety of colors and more times than not people chose the neon green. To this day, all the SERVPRO franchises you see around have the neon green color and when you see green, you think SERVPRO. It is sort of funny the way that it sticks in people’s minds. One of the questions we ask our clients when they call in for us to come out to help them is, “where did you hear about us?’, and a lot of the times the response will be “I saw your truck, or I saw your cubes driving around town”. We love to hear this because that just goes to show that when our customers see green, they too think of SERVPRO!
Stop The Growth!
3/9/2021 (Permalink)
Stop the growth, “mold” Turkey!!
Want to know how to avoid mold growth and stop it cold turkey? Here are some helpful hints:
Mold growth can happen anywhere in your home or business. Most of the time it is due to high humidity and condensation build up over time. In Florida it is more common than people think and has become a well known issue in the state. The condensation that forms when a house is colder than the outside air is the perfect environment for mold to grow.
Here are some ways to prevent mold growth in your home:
First is to keep an eye on the humidity levels in your home. Make sure that they are no more than around 50% as the day goes on. If levels reach above 50% that could cause growth to happen.
Also, make sure that the air in your home flows freely and there are no restrictions on air flow.
Any leaks that may be present, no matter how small, should be addressed immediately. Always dry up wet items quickly and fully. If you are unsure if a wall or affected item is completely dry, allow SERVPRO of West Pasco to come out and check for you!
Protect Yourself and Your Home
3/9/2021 (Permalink)
Protect Yourself and Your Home
Water damages happen all the time. In fact, about 40% of all homeowners have experienced a water damage of some sort.
On the other hand, about 93% of all water damages could have been prevented if the homeowner were educated on the steps you can take to prevent any damage from happening.
Here are some things that homeowners can do to prevent water damages in their home:
Always inspect your home for leaks, that included the roof and pipes that constantly have running water running through them.
It is always smart to know where the main water shut off value is. It could save homeowners a lot of money and reduce panic.
If you are planning on going away for a long trip, turn your water off to save your home from any incidentals.
Clean your gutters regularly. Gutters should be cleaned monthly to unsure that there is no debris blocking the flow of water.
As always, if you end up suffering from damage in your home, give SERVPRO of West Pasco a call at 727-847-3000! We'd be happy to assist.
Mold Prevention
7/21/2020 (Permalink)
Mold Prevention
Mold: It’s a sight no business owner wants to see. The discovery of mold in your New Port Richey, office can cause alarm with everyone. Not only this, but mold growth can result in heavy costs on your part. Luckily, there are things you can do to help prevent microbial growth.
Pay Attention to Humidity
Mold thrives in humid environments, so be aware of areas at work where the humidity levels may be on the high side. If you spot concerns, get a dehumidifier. Basements, attics and the areas under sinks are common culprits.
Watch for Flooding
Water damage is perhaps the most common source for mold trouble. After a heavy storm or pipe break, hire a competent water cleanup team to thoroughly dry the building and sanitize the area.
Repair Leaks Promptly
Inspect your kitchens, break rooms and restrooms regularly. As soon as you spot trouble with pipes and faucets, especially persistent dripping and leaks, get the right people on the job to fix the issues.
Ventilation Is Critical
Mold prevention will be successful if your building has effective ventilation throughout all areas. This is especially important in kitchens or laundry areas. If you have these rooms in your building, ensure that you have functioning fans in them.
Like any disaster or unforeseen incident, preventing mold may not be 100 percent possible, but you can significantly increase the likelihood that this unwanted invader will stay away from the premises. Don’t wait for water damage or other issues to spring you into action. Pay attention to all of these factors so you can keep mold away.
Day 15: The Day My Zoom Reflection Made Me Reflective
4/22/2020 (Permalink)
The idea of the Zoom or Microsoft Teams conference video is to provide live stream with colleagues to make it feel like a real live meeting, where people are having conversations and collaborating. However, everyone appears to be staring at their own self. After a month of these calls, I am still trying to figure out why everyone else’s head looks so big on the screen but my head looks small in the picture. Does my head look big on their screen or is there something wrong with my head? Those thoughts quickly shift to thinking about the bags under my eyes accentuated by these office fluorescent lights- can we do something about this? And then I move on to, ‘Why am I wearing pants right now anyway?’ A friend warned from personal experience, if you don’t wear pants, make sure a mirror is not behind you – good tip. My early studies conclude it is not just me. The deadpan straight-ahead look is on almost everyone’s face. These studies are finding people are just trying to mask over the fact that they binged on “Ozark” Season 3 last night until 1 a.m. and they are just hoping to get through the call without having to participate. These early studies also suggest as the Pandemic Groundhog Days keep churning, blow-up dolls will soon take the place of people, just to see if anyone notices or, better yet, if anyone cares. A friend told me if you angle the camera just right, you can slide your phone under the camera, hit the mute button and complete your grocery list on Shipt all while appearing completely engaged. My studies have not confirmed this as fact. This seems like an advanced technique, more of a pro’s pro kind of move. So, if you see me driving down the road and I appear to be in a complete trance, just know it is not you nor it is personal, I am probably just on a Zoom hangover. Feel free to snap me out of it just don’t say anything about the bags under my eyes – I have already seen them in glaring light. On the bright side, the Bucs are rumored to sign Gronk. All is good in the world.
Day 13: The Day I Licked Cheetos Dust Off My Fingers
4/21/2020 (Permalink)
I am not sure how the idea started; it felt innocent enough when I was first approached and quickly signed off on the deal. A few days passed, I didn’t think much about it and then one day I walked in and there it was plugged in and ready for my money. The first time I walked by it, I swear I heard a whisper that said, 'Put your apple down and get a bag of Cheetos.' Our office has a vending machine. Hopes of not gaining the COVID 19 diminishes with each quarter dropped into its reservoir. A bag of Cheetos is only 50 cents and it's RIGHT there. With no one in the office to observe and judge my intake, I have had more than my far share as of late. I can even be disgusting and lick the powder cheese without anyone seeing – the definition of freedom. Turns out one vending machine is not enough, you cannot have snacks without drinks. So we have a drink machine too. All the soda and energy drinks you can imagine and it even offers Yoo-hoo. Nothing reduces stress like chocolate water sweetened with corn syrup. During this time of quarantining we are thinking about the things we could accomplish. You know, "I am going to start doing (insert here)." It is a like New Years Goal in April. With Tom Brady coming to town, I ordered the TB12 book. I figure now is a good time to start. There is not a single food item within the vending machine that meets the TB12 standards. I was doomed before I started. I did read an article that said it is okay not to do much during the crisis other than survive – I am nailing that, my kind of goal. I read this in The New York Times – so there has to be some credibility, right? On the bright side, my boys think the vending machine is the coolest thing they have ever seen. I now have three bucks in quarters at all times in my truck, so feel free to stop by to commiserate with a guilt-free Coke and a bag of Cheetos on me. Just stay your distance and don’t lick the powdered cheese off your fingers -- because no one wants to see that. -JG
Day 11: The Day Someone Sneezed Four Times
4/16/2020 (Permalink)
Day 11 They had to come inside. Outside the front door they stood, clutching a check and looking earnest, kind even. Under normal circumstances, they could turn the door handle and walk right inside. But in the Covid-19 world, I had to unlock the deadbolt myself. Through the glass door I made eye contact – they appeared ok so I turned the key. The check was surrendered without issue, and then they did something unconscionable. It was beyond belief. They sneezed. Not just once, but four times. (In case you can’t picture it: “Achoo! Achoo! Achoo! Achoo!”) Two months ago, I probably would have said, ‘Bless you’ (I actually do not know why I say this), offered a tissue and forgotten about the incident. Today however... I wanted to channel my inner Hulk and heave them through the glass window that I had just looked through and decided they were ok. I thought horrible thoughts about their character, I made judgments about their values and sense and I contemplated giving them their check back. (I quickly got over the last part and made the deposit with ease.) As a sneezer myself, I realize my life will probably never be back to normal. I have tried to hold a sneeze in, but the inner forces always win and somehow create what is now considered a disgusting hand. I suppose I could sneeze in my mask but that seems potentially messy too. I get it, I do not want to be around us sneezers either – sneeze at home, weirdo! Anyway, on the bright side, you can still bring your sneeze-riddled checks to the office but you just have to put it under the front mat while we stare at you from the glass window, in a non-judgmental way of course. If you need a tissue, just ask: We will crack the door enough to offer you one, just try not to touch the box. Or sneeze. --Jeremy George
Commercial Water Loss In Local Hospital
3/16/2020 (Permalink)
When water damage occurs in our local New Port Richey hospital, it can cause significant damage to a variety of equipment and sensitive instruments in the building. Whether the cause is a sprinkler malfunction, water overflow, a pipe leak or something else, it can lead to thousands of dollars in damage and equipment loss. At SERVPRO of West Pasco, our team responds as quickly and responsibly to ensure as little damage as possible and begin treating the affected areas immediately.
Saving equipment
One of the costliest effects of a New Port Richey hospital water damage is the effect it may have on the some of the equipment. Medical equipment can be extremely sensitive to the effects of excessive moisture and most of the time will require specialized technicians to repair them correctly. SERVPRO of West Pasco maintains an extensive list of licensed local and national partners that can help recover as much of your damaged equipment as possible and can help conduct inventory services to find out what all was unsalvageable in the loss.
Getting facilities operational again
We understand the need to get a hospital up and running as quickly as possible after a water damage occurs. With copious amounts of equipment and all hands-on deck, that, along with safety for the patients is our top priority!
SERVPRO of West Pasco is a local provider of professional-grade water damage mitigation and restoration services.
Signs of Commercial Water Damage in your Business
3/16/2020 (Permalink)
Commercial water damage is not always a sudden burst pipe gushing water into your business, sometimes its as simple as an unseen slow leak for an extended period of time. The good news is, there are signs that appear with that type of loss as well. If you see the following signs affecting your Port Richey business, try to investigate a little and see if there is an issue that requires immediate assistance. If so give SERVPRO of West Pasco a call 24/7 to help mitigate!
Musty odor
Do you have a musty odor throughout your building that you can’t quite locate? That could be a sign of water damage. Musty odors begin forming when there is standing water present. This could be in an attic, crawl space or other area unseen.
Signs of mold
It only takes 24-hours for airborne mold spores to set up their home in your building if conditions are right. Where excessive moisture exists, often so do mold colonies. Professional remediation is a must to eliminate the conditions conducive to growth as well as stop the potential for cross-contamination to different areas of your business.
Water stains
Water stains are the most obvious sign of water damage in your commercial business. If you’re noticing discoloration on the ceiling or wall, chances are you have a leak. SERVPRO technicians have moisture detection equipment that allows them to “see” behind walls and under flooring to determine where the most extensive moisture is found.
If you are noticing any of these signs in your Trinity commercial property, call SERVPRO of West Pasco and let us come out and check it for you!
COVID-19
3/13/2020 (Permalink)
As we face the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, now a pandemic, SERVPRO of West Pasco is receiving calls from clients in New Port Richey asking how to address this from a cleaning perspective.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is responding to an outbreak of a respiratory disease caused by a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) that was first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, and has spread to more than 132 countries. The virus, abbreviated COVID-19, is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person or through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
From a cleaning perspective, the CDC encourages the cleaning of high-touch surfaces. This can include counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and tables at a minimum. This applies to commercial spaces as well.
SERVPRO is able to provide support by offering proactive cleaning services including removal of biohazard contaminants with an EPA-registered disinfectant and specialized cleaning methodology. We can help minimize the spread of germs with proactive cleaning! At SERVPRO, we’re trained to adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards, making us the #1 choice for cleanup and restoration. Call SERVPRO of West Pasco to see how we can help clean your New Port Richey home or business.
What Caused Your Commercial Water Damage?
7/30/2019 (Permalink)
In homes or residential properties water damages occur pretty frequently. You may be familiar with our company treating your home after water damages, but we also treat commercial size properties. Below are 4 most common cause of water damages to commercial facilities or businesses.
Here in Florida we are aware of our crazy storm seasons. Everything from a light rain to a full-blown hurricane comes our way. When a storm hits, there is a high possibility that it can bring damage to your commercial property. Whether its flooding from a mass amount of rain, a tree that fell and exposed your exterior, or a broken window that created access for water to enter your business facility.
- Plumbing Mishap or Backup
Blocked plumping happens more often than not, and this can lead to a sink or toilet rapidly overflowing. When a backup has been formed within a pipe it is easiest for water to escape the quickest way out, the wrong way. Spilling out into your bathroom area or all over break-room, it can happen. These backups are a result of all sorts of things being put down the drain- paper, large food pieces, grease, clothing materials, etc.- all leading to an overflowing appliance.
Foundation cracks happen to all buildings, new or old, and of any size. Often times it can be a small crack that goes unnoticed until the water starts to seep in. Water entering through your foundation can not only lead to water damage but can lead towards further problems such as mold. It is best to be assertive and investigate for potential cracks in your foundation. If found, contact a professional to assess your damage and create the best plan of action for you and your company.
A broken pipe can occur for a number of reasons---weather, loose fittings, aged material, clogged---and these can all result in water damage to your property. Doing regular maintenance to your facilities system can greatly lessen the chance of a pipe burst. Checking for leaks, not clogging pipes, having a plumber come inspect, etc. all to prevent a possible disaster.
SERVPRO Commercial Large Loss Division
7/25/2019 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of West Pasco is a proud designee to the corporate Large Loss Response Team, joining a small group of the 1,700 franchises specially trained in the execution and leadership of more significant commercial restoration projects.
Over the years our local team has worked with local clients in the fields of property management, hospitality, education, healthcare, foodservice, and retail, cleaning up damage from fire, water, mold, and biohazard. We understand how to work in an operating environment and that a quick and strategic response can help get a building back in business faster.
The SERVPRO Commercial Large Loss Division is composed of our best of the best in restoration. Our elite large-loss specialists are prequalified and strategically positioned across the United States to handle any-sized disaster, anywhere. Every large loss is supervised by a commercial operations manager to help ensure seamless communication and timely mitigation.
Why choose SERVPRO to respond to your large loss situation?
- We have the resources to help you immediately.
- We perform the work necessary to reduce further damage.
- We work with you and your carrier to develop and approve a recovery plan designed to reduce business interruption.
Commercial Properties: Emergency READY Profiles
7/25/2019 (Permalink)
Recently our management team met to discuss how to tackle a large project: creating the SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile for 11 branches of the local operation of a global organization that provides recreational and community facilities.
As we discussed each branch property and its unique features, we wondered why every operation wouldn’t have this tool!
Research shows that up to 50 percent of businesses close following a disaster. But of the ones that survive, most had a preparedness plan in place.
One way to put that plan in place is to employ the SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile. Our team can help develop this personalized tool that will create an immediate plan of action for a property manager and the entire facility team. The key is the entire team knows what to do and what to expect in advance, allowing for timely mitigation to help minimize how fire and water damage can affect a business.
The SERVPRO ERP tool includes:
- A no-cost assessment of your facility
- A concise, personalized Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.
- Facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas, and priority contact information
- Establishment SERVPRO of West Pasco as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.
- Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin.
- A guide to help get back into the building following a disaster.
Each of these items is specifically required to launch a recovery following unexpected damage, and our team listed situations they have encountered when this information was an issue. The appreciation for the ERP tool went on almost too long…
Before the meeting was scheduled to end, but after we finalized plans to complete this important ERP project, we got an all-hands call to respond to a large-loss commercial water damage.
Fingers crossed the operation had a plan in place!
Commercial Cleaning Services
7/24/2019 (Permalink)
Most local building and facility managers know SERVPRO is there 24/7 to respond to fire and water damage emergencies, but they are often surprised when they learn about our array of specialized cleaning and maintenance services.
We understand that while a regular janitorial staff is critical to a building’s operation, and sometimes grime, odor, and moisture challenges go beyond their scope of work. That’s when SERVPRO can step in to help keep space looking (and smelling!) its very best.
At SERVPRO of West Pasco, our team is specially trained to offer professional services ranging from cleaning restaurant hoods to removing biohazard contaminants, in the broader categories including:
- Air Ducts
- Biohazard
- Carpet and Upholstery
- Ceilings, Floors, and Walls
- Drapes and Blinds
- Odor Removal
- Sewage
- Trauma and Crime Scene
- Vandalism
Call us anytime at 727-847-3000 with questions about our commercial cleaning services and our commitment to make fire and water damage – and dirt, grime, and odor – “Like it never even happened.”
SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profiles
10/12/2018 (Permalink)
Did you know 50% of businesses close down following a disaster? Of the businesses that do survive, the majority had a preparedness plan in place. By Developing a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile (ERP) for your business, you can know that you are “Ready for whatever happens.” Whether the disaster strikes, SERVPRO of West Pasco has your back.
You can develop your business’s ERP one of two ways:
- Download the ERP app to your smartphone and fill out your Emergency READY Profile yourself.
- Call SERVPRO of West Pasco directly and ask to make an appointment for one of our team members to come down to your business and fill out an ERP for you! The number to call is (727)847-3000.
The SERVPRO Emergency READY Program is a no cost assessment of your facility. If needed, having an ERP for your business will save you a LOT of time- and when it comes to mitigation, time is money. Having an Emergency READY Program in place can also minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation.
If you have any questions about the Emergency READY Profile, or if you would like to schedule a time for one of our employees to come to your business and fill one out, give SERVPRO of West Pasco a call at (727) 847-3000.
SERVPRO Convention 2018
7/12/2018 (Permalink)
If you happened to visit Mouseland last month, you may have seen a sea of green and orange, in addition to the usual ubiquitous mouse ear hats. This year SERVPRO owners and team members from around the country gathered in Orlando for the annual franchise convention. It’s the “go to” event of the year and for the first time I was able to attend.
As SERVPRO of West Pasco’s Social Media Specialist, my goal is to represent our brand to the best of my ability and having the opportunity to meet with other franchise teams was a learning experience I’ll never forget. Although we operate as a franchise system and each service center is independently owned and operated, we all work as a family supporting our green and orange brothers and sisters, bouncing ideas off each other, what works and what doesn’t.
What made my experience even better was getting to make the two-hour drive from our New Port Richey office to Orlando with one of the best project coordinators known to man, Shanna. In speaking with her about her time at the convention, she was thrilled to learn about upcoming changes to our systems that will make day to day operations run more efficiently. Shanna added in that the presenters themselves were enthusiastic, making the “learning” experience more than just that, it was fun!
Now that the 2018 SERVPRO convention has ended and we’ve brought back the rich information and ideas to our local office, we’d like to thank the corporate team from Gallatin, Tennessee, for their hard work and dedication for continued growth of the green and orange brand.
Document Drying and Restoration Services for Pasco Businesses
6/27/2018 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of West Pasco offers a variety of services from water and fire damage restoration, mold mitigation, and both commercial and residential cleaning services. But did you know that we also provide Document Drying and Restoration for our commercial clients?
Damage from a water or fire event is not limited to the building and furniture. Sometimes files such as patient records, invoices, and legal documents are impacted by water, smoke, and soot contact. SERVPRO’s document drying process is designed to stabilize damaged documents and prevent further damage quickly. The treatment facility is secured, the chain of custody follows HIPAA guidelines – or whichever specific legalities are required, and our Drying Chamber personnel is Master HIPAA certified allowing them to handle protected health information (PHI).
Our Document Restoration Facility:
- Innovative: we use the latest vacuum freeze-drying method, as well as gamma irradiation technology for sterilizing
- Secure: managed by HIPPA Master-certified technicians, under 24/7 surveillance
- Digital: we use a computerized inventory system for digitizing your documents
- Flexible capacity - we can accommodate large commercial losses or small residential jobs
- Full Service: we offer a range of services including drying, cleaning/disinfecting, re-jacketing, digitizing, and deodorization
SERVPRO document services also include digitization services that reduce the need for large filing rooms and help make data access more accessible for businesses. Certified destruction services allow for sensitive information to be appropriately disposed of and provide peace of mind to businesses and their clients.
Types of content:
- paper documents
- books and magazines
- manuscripts and files
- photographs, films, negatives, and microfiche
- x-rays
- blueprints and maps
- parchment
For more information about document recovery provided by SERVPRO of West Pasco, based in our New Port Richey headquarters, north of Trinity, or other commercial services, visit our website or call (727) 847-3000.