Commercial Property Damage

6/30/2023 (Permalink)

Office interior

If you are a commercial business owner, you know that any type of water damage can be detrimental to your business. It is important when faced with a water damage, fire, mold or any other loss that you can resume normal operations as soon as possible to protect your business. If your business is forced to close until damage repairs are complete your short-term losses will start to add up and your customers may find somewhere else to go which could cause you to lose their business long-term.

SERVPRO of West Topeka specializes in commercial damage mitigation and repair and can help ensure that damages are kept to a minimum, reducing your total losses. Commercial businesses have unique needs when it comes to damage repairs and the best way to protect your business is to leave damage repairs to the pros.

What to Do If Your Property Floods

When your commercial property is affected by water or flooding, the source of water needs to be addressed before water damage repairs can begin. Water damage can affect expensive or specialized equipment and inventory, and it is imperative to act quickly! SERVPRO of West Topeka is ready to respond!

In an event of a disaster call SERVPRO of West Topeka at 785-862-0550. Our SERVPRO® team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year!

Water Damage Cleanup

6/29/2023 (Permalink)

24/7 Image

SERVPRO of West Topeka is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of West Topeka has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

Your name and contact information
Your insurance information (if applicable)
The street address of the water-damaged home or business
When did the flooding or water damage occur?
What caused the water damage (if known)?
Is there electricity available (on-site)?
We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - 785-862-0550

About SERVPRO of West Topeka

SERVPRO of West Topeka specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or 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.

Fire Damage Cleanup

6/28/2023 (Permalink)

Packing boxes

Identify the type of residues

Different types of smoke residues can exist in
the same loss environment. SERVPRO of West Topeka will select a cleaning method that will effectively remove the type of smoke residues present.

Identify the type of surface

The type of surface determines which cleaning
methods and products are safe to use on that surface. SERVPRO will be careful to preserve the material or surface being cleaned, and unfortunately some materials may not be restorable because they cannot withstand the cleaning process.

Capture and remove residues

Smoke residues bond with surfaces they contact. SERVPRO uses dry and wet cleaning processes to release and carry residue particles away
from the affected surface.

Dispose of residues

SERVPRO of West Topeka properly disposes of debris and cleaning waste.

Our highly trained staff is available to roll out to any fire damage 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Tornado Safety

6/22/2023 (Permalink)

Storm

With all the crazy weather that hits the Midwest during the spring and summer seasons, it is always better to be prepared and know how to stay safe ahead of time. Below are some tips from the American Red Cross on the best ways to stay safe during a tornado.

Top Tips

Identify a safe place in your home where household members and pets will gather during a tornado: a basement, storm cellar or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows.
In a high-rise building, pick a hallway in the center of the building. You may not have enough time to go to the lowest floor.
In a mobile home, choose a safe place in a nearby sturdy building. If your mobile home park has a designated shelter, make it your safe place. No mobile home, however it is configured, is safe in a tornado.
Know the Difference between a Tornado Watch and a Tornado Warning!

A tornado WATCH means a tornado is possible.
A tornado WARNING means a tornado is already occurring or will occur soon. GO TO YOUR SAFE PLACE IMMEDIATELY.

Professionally Drying Out Water Damage

6/22/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO equipment

Box fans are a good way to stay cool in the summer, but when it comes to significant water damage something more powerful is required to put a residence or commercial building back to where it needs to be.

The same can be said of general dehumidifiers. Small dehumidifiers in the basement can be helpful for general maintenance but when there is more than just moisture in the air something stronger is helpful.

SERVPRO of West Topeka is fully stocked with professional equipment to help with your next water damage. We have specialty fans and dehumidifiers to bring down humidity, conduct air, and help prevent any secondary damage.

SERVPRO also has a highly trained crew of professional water technicians that are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help out on any loss.

Commercial Building Maintenance

6/22/2023 (Permalink)

Commercial buildings

When commercial business owners think about water damage, they often picture storms and natural disasters wiping out power lines, flooding offices, and shutting down businesses for days at a time. While it is true that commercial water damage is often the result of floods and water coming from weather events and storms, that is not the only cause.

Many businesses on commercial property forget that damage can come from other internal issues as well. Here are some of the typical causes of water damage to commercial buildings.

Malfunctioning sprinkler systems

Some older office and retail buildings still have outdated sprinkler systems that work with fire protection systems. While these sprinklers can come in handy during a fire emergency, they can also cause commercial flood damage if they are faulty or in need of replacement. This could easily damage inventory and business assets.

Damaged appliances and equipment

This cause of commercial flood damage is more common in restaurants and catering facilities, as well as any business that has appliances and equipment that make use of water. If the appliance fails and sends water across your building, especially during late hours when no one is around, you may come back to work and face a water emergency.

Broken pipes and plumbing

Just like in a residence, if the plumbing system in your workplace fails water damage could be the result.

Backed up sewer lines

This is another cause of commercial water damage that often catches business owners by surprise. Should the sewer line to your building back up or become damaged, realize the potential dangers of contaminated Black Water which can cause health effects and ruin products and office furnishings.

If your business has suffered commercial water damage, SERVPRO of West Topeka will get you back up and running again. Call us anytime at 785-862-0550

What To Do If Your Basement Floods

6/7/2023 (Permalink)

Storm

Midwest summer weather is hard to predict but you can usually bet on some weeks of rainy weather, ranging from drizzles to monsoons, and knowing how to speed up the drying process and keep your belongings safe from damage is a must!

First of all Safety First!

If there is standing water, or any water, in your basement make sure you are wearing some sort of foot gear that will protect your feet from getting soaked.

NEVER plug in any sort of equipment near water or in to a damp socket!

Protect Your Belongings!

It is always a good idea to have any boxes or contents in your basement off the floor and up on pallets at all times in case of a flooded basement but if you don't or if you have a finished basement one of the first things you will want to do is move all (or as much as you can) of your contents and furniture away from the affected area. If you cannot get furniture out of the area place it up on foam blocks or at least put some sort of non permeable barrier in between the furniture and floor to help prevent further damage and staining.

Beginning the Drying Process!

Using a shop-vac, plugged in to a power supply that has not been affected by the water, start to suck up the incoming water.

During normal conditions SERVPRO would happily perform all of the above for any homeowner but when extreme weather hits and thousands of people have flooded basements, we want to try and help as many people as we can. By performing the above tasks you can insure less loss until we can get there to help!

In Case of Emergency

5/28/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO logo fire water

This page explains what actions to take when you receive a tornado watch or warning alert from the National Weather Service for your local area and what to do before, during, and after a tornado.

Know your risk

What

A tornado is a violently rotating column of air that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground and is often—although not always—visible as a funnel cloud. Lightning and hail are common in thunderstorms that produce tornadoes. Tornadoes cause extensive damage to structures and disrupt transportation, power, water, gas, communications, and other services in its direct path and in neighboring areas. Related thunderstorms can cause heavy rains, flash flooding, and hail

Where

About 1,200 tornadoes hit the United States every year and every state is at risk. Most tornadoes in the United States occur east of the Rocky Mountains with concentrations in the central and southern plains, the Gulf Coast and Florida.

When

Tornadoes can strike in any season, but occur most often in the spring and summer months. They can occur at all hours of the day and night, but are most likely to occur between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Before a Tornado

Identify safe rooms built to FEMA criteria or ICC500 storm shelters or other potential protective locations in sturdy buildings near your home, work, and other locations you frequent so you have a plan for where you will go quickly for safety when there is a Warning or an approaching tornado.
For schools, malls, and other buildings with long-span roofs or open space plans, or many occupants, ask the building manager to identify the best available refuge.
Build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or to commercial radio or television newscasts for the latest information. In any emergency, always listen to the instructions given by local emergency management officials.
Be alert to changing weather conditions. Look for approaching storms.
Look for the following danger signs:
Dark, often greenish sky
Large hail
A large, dark, low-lying cloud (particularly if rotating)
Loud roar, similar to a freight train.
If you see approaching storms or any of the danger signs, be prepared to take shelter immediately.

Tornado Facts

The extent of destruction caused by tornadoes depends on the tornado’s intensity, size, path, time of day, and amount of time it is on the ground. Wind from tornadoes can reach more than 300 miles per hour, and damage paths can be more than 1 mile wide and 50 miles long. Wind from tornadoes can destroy buildings and trees, transform debris into deadly projectiles, and roll vehicles.

They may strike quickly, with little or no warning.
They may appear nearly transparent until dust and debris are picked up or a cloud forms in the funnel.
The average tornado moves Southwest to Northeast, but tornadoes have been known to move in any direction.
Tornadoes can accompany tropical storms and hurricanes as they move onto land.
Waterspouts are tornadoes that form over water.
Know the Terms

Familiarize yourself with these terms to help identify a tornado hazard:

Tornado Watch - Tornadoes are possible. When there is a Watch, move to be near enough to a shelter or sturdy building to be able to get there quickly in a few minutes if there is a Warning or if you see signs of a tornado approaching. Remain alert for approaching storms. Watch the sky and stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio or television for information.
Tornado Warning - A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Take shelter immediately.

During a Tornado

If you are under a tornado warning, seek shelter immediately! Most injuries associated with high winds are from flying debris, so remember to protect your head.

If you are in school, nursing home, hospital, factory, shopping center, high-rise building pre-identified best available refuge then:

Go to a pre-designated area such as a safe room built to FEMA criteria, or a small interior windowless room on the lowest level, below ground in a basement, or storm cellar, is best. (Closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table and cover your head and neck with your arms and cover your body as best you can e.g., with a heavy coat or blankets, pillows. .
In a high-rise building, go to a small interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible.
Do not open windows.
A sturdy structure (e.g. residence, small building) , school, nursing home, hospital, factory, shopping center, high-rise building)
A manufactured home or office then:

Get out immediately and go to a pre-identified location such as the lowest floor of a sturdy, nearby building or a storm shelter. Mobile homes, even if tied down, do not offer protection from tornadoes.

The outside with no shelter then:

If you are not in a sturdy building, there is no single research-based recommendation for what last-resort action to take because many factors can affect your decision. Possible actions include:
Immediately get into a vehicle, buckle your seat belt and try to drive to the closest sturdy shelter. If your vehicle is hit by flying debris while you are driving, pull over and park.
Take cover in a stationary vehicle. Put the seat belt on and cover your head with your arms and a blanket, coat or other cushion if possible.
In all situations:
Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location.
Never try to outrun a tornado in urban or congested areas in a car or truck. Instead, leave the vehicle immediately for protection in a sturdy building. .
Outdoor areas are not protected from flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries.
After a Tornado

If you are trapped, do not move about or kick up dust. Tap on a pipe or wall or use a whistle, if you have one, so that rescuers can locate you.
Listen to local officials for updates and instructions.
Check-in with family and friends by texting or using social media.
Watch out for debris and downed power lines.
Stay out of damaged buildings and homes until local authorities indicate it is safe.
Use extreme caution during post-disaster clean-up of buildings and around debris. Do not attempt to remove heavy debris by yourself. Wear protective clothing, including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, work gloves, and sturdy, thick-soled shoes during clean-up.
Photograph the damage to your property in order to assist in filing an insurance claim.
Do what you can to prevent further damage to your property, (e.g., putting a tarp on a damaged roof), as insurance may not cover additional damage that occurs after the storm.
If your home is without power, use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns rather than candles to prevent accidental fires.
Kansas weather can be unpredictable! Be informed & stay safe!

If tragedy strikes remember, SERVPRO of West Topeka is always here to help!

785-862-0550

Smoke odors: real or imaginary?

5/23/2023 (Permalink)

Nose

SERVPRO of West Topeka knows that when your business or residence has a fire there are an overwhelming amount of tasks to deal with. From the beginning of cleaning to the final put back, there are a lot of decisions to make and sometimes not a lot of time to make them in. That is why we staff highly trained technicians, experienced in cleaning smoke and soot damage on any number of items. However, even after a thorough cleaning, odors can seem to linger. Sometimes these odors are real and sometimes they are imagined.

Did you know there are two odor types? We classify them as Real and Imagined.

1. Real odor is the sensation of smell caused by a real substance.
2. Imaginary odor is what people think they smell.

However, no matter what kind of odor you are experiencing SERVPRO is always here to help and answer any questions you might have!

Storm Preparedness: Emergency Contacts

5/17/2023 (Permalink)

Storm Preparedness: Emergency Contacts

SERVPRO of West Topeka is always prepared in case of emergency. In order to be as prepared as possible, we have compiled several different check lists and make sure to check them twice! One list that is very important is the emergency contact list. Emergency contact lists that include friends, family, and neighbors are key to prepping for any disaster. Another great tool is Facebook. You may know how to mark yourself safe on the app after a crisis, but did you know you can REQUEST updates, too? See the link for more information! https://bddy.me/3yP3k5l

If you are in need of our services or have any questions please call us! We are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year!