Does Your Business Have a Sufficient Emergency Response Plan? | SERVPRO® of Northeast Greenville County

10/9/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Northeast Greenville County can help you make sure your business has an emergency response plan.

While natural disasters occurring is something that is inevitable, they are also unpredictable and somewhat infrequent, causing many business owners to delay their emergency planning until it is too late. After a major disaster, the Institute for Business and Home Safety estimates that around a quarter of businesses are never able to reopen—but through careful planning, you can avoid being a member of this statistic.

There are many emergencies that can cause damage to a business, and it is good to know what to do for any and all possible scenarios. Identifying your risk, drafting your plan and understanding recovery can all go a long way in how quickly and effectively your business is able to reopen after any sort of disaster.

Make Sure Your Business’ Emergency Plan Is Sufficient

Is Your Plan Up to Date?

It is required by OSHA that all businesses have an emergency response plan, and that businesses with more than 10 people must have a written one. Most businesses do have at least some sort of a plan in place, but if you have not visited your plan in a long time, it is smart to check it and make sure it is up to date with current records, guidelines and advice from authorities on how to handle various types of disasters.

Train Your Staff on Your Plan

In the event of an emergency, it is important that both you and your staff know what to do to stay safe. Whether officials are advising evacuation or seeking shelter wherever you are, it is key to educate your workforce on what their role in the disaster response is so they can respond correctly if a disaster begins.

Keep Emergency Supplies Handy

It is smart to have an emergency kit in the office that contains shelf-stable food, water and medical supplies. This will help your staff in the event that you must shelter-in-place and ensure no one has to leave for any reason until the threat has passed.

If your business is damaged due to a fire, storm or other incidents, we are here for you. Our expert commercial restoration technicians are on-call 24/7, so when you get in touch, you can be guaranteed a quick response. Call us anytime to report your damage.

Reducing Fire Risks at Your Business | SERVPRO® of Northeast Greenville County

10/9/2020 (Permalink)

We're here to help you make sure you practice fire safety in your workplace

While fire risks are likely not top of mind for business owners during their daily operations, it is something that you should take the time to consider regularly to ensure you are doing all you can to prevent fires in the workplace. Not only can office fires be frightening and hazardous to staff, but they can also be a serious liability that puts the future of your business in jeopardy.

Fortunately, by educating your staff about fire safety and practicing it through your own actions, you can significantly reduce the likelihood that a fire may occur in your business. By practicing good habits and making sure to integrate safety efforts into everything you do, you can protect your business and your employees from a fire and subsequent harm.

How to Practice Fire Safety in the Workplace

While some things can’t be avoided, in the event of workplace fires, many can be. Here are some helpful safety tips to implement around your office to keep everyone safer:

• Avoid plugging an excessive amount of electronics into power strips.
• Never plug a power strip into another power strip.
• Be sure your kitchen is well-ventilated and there are no flammable objects near coffee pots, toaster ovens or microwaves.
• Educate everyone about the dangers of continuing to use frayed wires, and issue replacements to any chargers or cables that have become worn.
• Keep fire extinguishers near all common areas and ensure your staff knows how to use them.
• Have regular fire escape drills so everyone feels comfortable quickly exiting the building.
• Never allow emergency exits to be blocked or difficult to access.
• Consult with your local fire marshall on ways you can make your fire safety planning more effective.
• If you have any flammable chemicals or liquids, be sure everyone knows how to store them correctly.
• Avoid clutter, as this can give a fire fuel.
• Regularly meet regarding fire safety efforts so all employees are aware of the proper protocols.

If you have damage to your commercial property due to a fire, you can depend on us for quick and efficient restoration. You can call us 24/7 to report your damage or learn more. Get in touch now.

Helping Your Business Be More Prepared for a Disaster | SERVPRO® of Northeast Greenville County

7/24/2020 (Permalink)

Make sure you have a plan for your business in case of a disaster.

If you are a business owner who has not yet considered what you would do in the event of a disaster, now is a great time to figure it out. Preparing for a disaster is one of the best ways to protect the investment you have made in your business. Though your commercial insurance policy may cover some losses, it will often not be enough—nearly 40% of businesses are never able to reopen after a disaster strikes.

Fortunately, planning ahead can allow you to significantly reduce the likelihood that your business will sustain irreparable damage and will help you and your employees stay safe if an emergency situation occurs. Here are some ways that any business owner can prepare for a disaster:

Check Your Insurance Coverage

While many business owners assume that if their commercial insurance policy is in good standing that they are covered, this is not always the case, unfortunately. While your commercial insurance covers many types of traditional losses, damages due to natural disasters are often specifically excluded from policies, leaving many business owners at a loss when they attempt to file a claim. 

Check your insurance coverage in advance to determine exactly what is missing from your policy and consider purchasing additional protection if needed.

Make Sure You Have a Plan for Employees

If a disaster becomes imminent while you and your staff are on-site, being able to manage everyone in a panicked state is extremely important. One way you can make this easier on yourself is by having a plan in place and communicating that to your employees ahead of time. 

You should have a plan for a sudden evacuation, such as when a fire or flood becomes a threat, but you should also make a plan in case you and your staff are required to stay on-site until help arrives. If everyone knows what to do, it will be much easier to keep the group calm and make sure people are safe

If your business has suffered damage due to a disaster, let us help you with restoration. We can work with your insurance company and completely restore all of your damages. Contact us at any time to learn more.

What to Do if Your Business Has Been Impacted by a Disaster | SERVPRO® of Northeast Greenville County

7/24/2020 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Northeast Greenville County if your business has been impacted by a disaster.

It is impossible to know when a disaster will strike or how severe it will be when it does—and while this is a frightening thought, it is especially scary for business owners. Because business owners often have their assets tied up in their business, if a disaster comes along and damages that business, they are often put in a difficult position.

One of the best things for businesses to focus on is planning ahead for how they will reopen after a disaster. While you may not be able to predict exactly what damage a disaster scenario will do, you can plan for how you will handle any damages that come your way so you can recover as quickly as possible.

Steps to Recovery After a Disaster Damages Your Business:

Contact Employees and Stakeholders

Communication is so important for businesses, especially during an uncertain period of the aftermath of a disaster. Make sure to check in with your employees and any other stakeholders (including your customers) so everyone knows that you are currently closed and actively rebuilding.

Get in Touch With Your Insurance Agent

Because every commercial insurance policy varies so much regarding what is covered, getting in touch with yours right away to determine exactly how to file your claim is so important. After a disaster impacts a large area, insurance companies are often inundated with requests, so getting in touch and putting your name in the queue early on can help you get quick service.

Research Your Disaster Loan Options

In the aftermath of a disaster, businesses are often eligible for loans from FEMA and the Small Business Administration to help them recoup some of the expenses they have had to incur due to a disaster. Just as with filing your insurance claim, it is best to be aware of these ahead of time and apply for them early so you can get your name on the list.

If your business has been damaged after a disaster, we are here to help you during the recovery process. We can handle all types of commercial damage and are here for you 24/7. Contact us today to learn more

How to Plan Workplace Fire Escape Drills | SERVPRO® of Northeast Greenville County

6/25/2020 (Permalink)

Make sure your business has a plan in case of a fire. SERVPRO of Northeast Greenville is here for all of your fire needs.

Preparation is key for businesses in any industry, as anticipating risks can help you recover from any adversity your business might face. One of the most crucial things to plan for is workplace fires, which devastate so many businesses every year.

By having a fire safety plan in place, you can significantly reduce the impact one might have on your business.

The first step to take in workplace fire preparedness is establishing your fire evacuation procedures with your employees. Panic can often ensue when fire alarms go off, but having a staff that is well-educated on how to evacuate safely from the building will help everyone remain calm and get to security more quickly.

The First Step to Take in Workplace Fire Preparedness

Consult with your local fire officials. The internet is a great resource for doing research regarding the fire safety of your business, but working with your own local fire marshal is likely the best resource there is. They can visit your building and advise you on how to plan out your fire drills and give you pointers on how to increase your overall fire safety.

Communicate and mark fire evacuation routes. Once you have mapped out the evacuation drills for your building, mark them well so they are visible and discuss evacuation procedures with the staff. Preparing everyone in advance for a drill is the best way to ensure that no one panics and everyone remembers exactly what to do from their pre-drill briefing.

Have fire drills frequently. Fire drills should happen often enough that the details of fire evacuation are fresh in everyone’s mind, but not so often that they become routine and their gravity is ignored. Many businesses find that once a quarter or once every six months is a good frequency.

Run different fire scenarios. While one can consider the statistical probabilities of what might cause a fire in their building, there is no way to know for sure where a fire may start. That is why it is important to run various fire scenarios every time you do a drill so that everyone can get to safety no matter where flames start from.

If your business has experienced fire damage, you can count on us. We specialize in commercial fire restoration and will be here for you at any hour—contact us today.

Disaster Planning for Business Owners | SERVPRO® of Northeast Greenville County

12/20/2019 (Permalink)

Having a disaster plan in place is crucial. SERVPRO of Northeast Greenville County is your full service commercial restoration company.

While your business plans are likely focused on income reports and projected rate of growth, it is important to also plan for things that are a bit riskier—namely, natural disasters.

Though it may not be a common concern for most, more and more people are feeling the effects of these emergencies and planning accordingly. Natural disasters continue to become more frequent, making preparedness the best way to cope with this frightening trend.

Planning ahead for natural disasters involves evaluating your coverage, making an action plan for yourself and your employees and having a strategy for your business’ recovery for the aftermath. Reopening quickly is key to staying successful following a disaster, and all of these things will help.

Restoring Your Greenville County Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

5/8/2019 (Permalink)

Commercial Water Damage Events Present Unique Challenges

Flooding and water damage events at Greenville County 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 Northeast Greenville County

SERVPRO of Northeast Greenville County 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.

ERP to the Rescue

10/18/2017 (Permalink)

As a commercial client you always want to make sure you have emergency contacts close by in case anything unexpected happens.

We know personally how not being prepared can add additional stress to ones operation! SERVPRO of Northeast Greenville County realizes that you might not think about the unexpected until it happens. 

This is why SERVPRO has our Emergency Ready Program available to you. Our ERP, Emergency Ready Profile is the best way to reduce business interruption following a disaster, plan for it now.

Statistically speaking, as many as 50% of all businesses never recover following a disaster. Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place. Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind. By developing a SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile for your business, you 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 and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business.

ERP Equals:
 The SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile Advantage is a no cost assessment of your facility. – there is no need to allocate funds, giving you a great value at no cost. A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency. – It will only take a little time to complete and will not take you away from current projects. But it will save a lot of time if ever needed. A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster. – This can help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive by having an immediate plan of action.

This Establishes your local SERVPRO® Franchise Professional as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider. – You have a provider that is recognized as an industry leader and close by. Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin. – This saves time so we can begin the work of mitigating the damage which can save you time and money. Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information. – Having a quick reference of what to do, how to do it and who to call provides solutions in advance of an emergency so that during the emergency you are “Ready for whatever happens.”  Give us a call at SERVPRO of Northeast Greenville County today and set up your ERP!