Emergency Ready Plan

6/27/2023 (Permalink)

What is ERP? It stands for Emergency Ready Plan. Now that we know the acronym, what does it mean and why do we need it? Below are the reasons why an ERP is so important for a business and how SERVPRO of Marshalltown can help you.

An emergency-ready plan is a genius way to identify very important locations of your business. Whether you are looking for water shut-off, electrical breaker boxes, phone panels, or internet, you name it, SERVPRO will tag it! Giving your staff the tools to identify where things are located could be a lifesaver.

Let’s look at an example. You own a three-story hotel and a pipe burst on the second floor in the middle of the night. What should you do? First, locate the main water shut-off. Easy right? Well, maybe, but does the entire staff know where to find the shut-off? Water is now flooding, and employees are scrambling to find the main stuff which could take minutes or much longer. With an ERP in place for your business, we put together an action plan that all employees can access in case an emergency should arise. Included in the ERP is a map layout of your entire building, with all the main shut-offs identified. This could end up saving you thousands of dollars in secondary damages the faster you can shut off the source and limit your damages.

Along with identifying important shut-off points, we also log your provider's information for every service such as phone company, internet provider, water, electric, cable, etc. In this log you can find the service name, address, and phone number for easy access. When you receive your plan, we can make multiple copies so they can be spread throughout the building for any employee to access at any time if needed. You can also download an app with all the information already stored making it available anytime and anywhere. The app also makes direct contact calls with SERVPRO of Marshalltown in case of an emergency!

Right about now you are probably asking yourself “This sounds great, but how much will my company be charged for such a great service as an ERP?”. Guess what….it’s FREE!! Contact SERVPRO of Marshalltown now to start the process of creating your business Emergency Ready Plan and be prepared for any unexpected event.

SERVPRO of Marshalltown Takes on Any Size Commercial Disasters

6/27/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Marshalltown takes on commercial disasters, no matter how large, whether from a tornado, hurricane, fire, flood, or a derecho like we recently experienced here in Iowa. We’re part of a nationwide network of more than 1,700 strategically positioned SERVPRO franchises on standby and ready to mobilize when large disaster teams are needed.

We Have the Right Team for Big Jobs

We start by assessing the damage. In the event we need more feet on the ground and extra resources, we contact the SERVPRO Commercial Large Loss Division, staffed by elite large-loss specialists who are prequalified to handle any size disaster. They immediately dispatch any needed personnel to the site and set up a local command center with a commercial operations manager to supervise the loss and ensure communication is seamless and remediation is completed as quickly as possible. 

For example, we recently received a call about a large commercial fire. We immediately contacted the SERVPRO Large Loss Division to help complete an assessment and put together a scope of estimated work. SERVPRO was there within hours and was the first company on the scene with a large loss project manager to work directly with the client and the insurance company and quickly present an evaluation and estimate. 

Our National Team Knows What It’s Doing

When you call SERVPRO of Marshalltown with a large loss, you’re also calling a national disaster team — one of the best you can get. We’re different than other large response teams because we quickly and efficiently dispatch professionals who have the same high-level training, and we cut costs through the strategic placement and oversight of temporary labor. That’s why so many hotel owners, property managers, universities, municipalities, and even the Pentagon have relied on SERVPRO for recovery from large disasters. 

Call us right away at (642) 758-9746 if your commercial business, school, city, or township in Marshall, Hardin, Grundy, or Tama counties experiences a large loss. You can be sure we’ll respond immediately with all the staff, resources, and experience needed to handle the recovery process smoothly and efficiently.

Construction Commercial Cleaning

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

After any construction work to your business, you’re likely more than ready to move back into the space that has been under construction and back to normal.

Why do you need post-construction cleanup?

• To make sure the air is clean to breathe. 
• To remove debris from places you might not clean on your own. 
• To ensure dust is removed from all the places it has settled without you realizing. 

A construction project creates a lot of dust and mess that you see (e.g. sawdust, drywall particles, and more) as well as a lot of impurities that you don’t see. The dust and gases that have released into your business and even into your ventilation system. It’s important to not just hire a regular cleaning service to come in and surface clean your business. Call SERVPRO of Marshalltown today to help with your post construction clean up!

What Commercial Buildings are Most Susceptible to Mold

5/9/2022 (Permalink)

Several factors, environments, and building components impact the susceptibility and speed in which mold grows. There are three aspects of a property that could indicate a high chance of mold growth. 

• Building Age 

• Ventilation Systems

• Building Materials 

While these three indicators don’t mean that mold is an inevitability — they do influence the severity and likelihood of mold. 

Building Age

Older buildings are indeed more likely to have mold — but it’s not always a guarantee. Aging buildings have simply been around longer and therefore have been defending against the elements for extended periods of time. There are also time periods where certain building practices made ventilation and air circulation a mess. 

Commercial buildings built during the 70s are notorious for poor ventilation practices — so mold in these properties is not uncommon. 

Ventilation Systems 

No matter how old a building is, poor ventilation can lead to condensation. As we’ve mentioned, moisture is what mold feeds off of, and poor air circulation equates to stagnant air and condensation buildup — which in turn leads to mold. 

Building Materials 

The final indicator that a building may be susceptible to mold growth is right in front of you — the building materials. Certain walls provide ideal food for mold, while others are far less likely to trap moisture. So, what are these building materials that hold water more than others? 

• Paper-faced drywall is a popular choice for many homes and commercial buildings, and for a good reason. It doesn’t hold hardly any moisture and isn’t very susceptible to mold growth. 

• Solid lumber is pretty common in older buildings. It’s made from a part of the tree called heartwood and does a good job of holding moisture before releasing condensation. 

• Sheathing plywood comes from combining strips of sapwood. Compared to solid lumber, it doesn’t do nearly as well at combatting mold growth. 

• Particleboard & MDF are at the bottom of the barrel when it comes to fighting off mold growth. Fungi love to grow in the medium-density boards and underlayment. 

• Brick is probably the best building material for preventing mold growth, but only if it’s done correctly. How brick is laid ultimately determines if wood framing gets water damage.

for more info visit zotapro.com

Get A Free Emergency Ready Profile for Your Business From SERVPRO of Marshalltown

5/9/2022 (Permalink)

We’re heading into storm season here in the Midwest. Is your business ready to handle severe tornado or flood damage? What about a disaster that can happen any time of year, like a fire or a water line break?

No one can prevent every disaster from happening, but if your business is prepared with a SERVPRO® Emergency Ready Profile (ERP), you’ll recover more quickly. You’ll also give your business the best chance of reopening. About 50 percent of companies never reopen after extended interruptions from disasters.

Insurance companies know this too, which is why most recommend that businesses make an emergency response plan part of their overall contingency plans.

Let SERVPRO of Marshalltown Help You Put Your Profile Together

We enjoy the process of putting together ERPs, and we do it for FREE. It gives us a chance to get to know you and your business so we can serve you in the best possible way should a disaster ever strike. 

Our highly certified technicians will work closely with you to develop your profile containing all the critical information you’ll need in the event of an emergency.

What’s In the ERP?

This well-organized document includes:

• Primary staff and local emergency contacts
• Primary contractor/vendor contacts (electrician, internet provider, HVAC, etc.)
• Utility shut-off locations with photos for fast identification
• All needed information for your insurance company 
• Property overview with maps, photos, and structural descriptions
• Building access information
• Ability to add extra reports of your own (evacuation floor plans, lead/asbestos reports)

Access Your ERP With an Easy-to-Access Mobile App and Web Portal

Once we’ve captured all your information, SERVPRO of Marshalltown will make it all available to you through our quick and easy-to-use SERVPRO® Ready Plan mobile app and web portal. Ready Plan is password secured and allows you to manage your profile and share your information with people you choose, such as property or facility managers. 

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

The sooner you call us, the sooner we’ll create your ERP, which can make the difference between the life and death of your business. 

Call (641) 758-9746 to set up an appointment as soon as possible, before a disaster hits.

We serve businesses in Marshalltown and the surrounding areas, including Iowa Falls, Wellsburg, Reinbeck, State Center and Dike.

Large Loss Commercial Restoration

4/12/2022 (Permalink)

Disaster takes no time striking, so neither do we! Call or send us a message today.

As the #1 choice in the cleanup and restoration industry, SERVPRO of Marshalltown can help your commercial property or business throughout every step of the process, SERVPRO of Marshalltown is faster to any size disaster. From immediately after the disaster, to returning your property to its preloss condition, we want to make the process run as smooth as possible in as little time as we can. Call SERVPRO of Marshalltown today at (641) 758-9746 for immediate assistance. You can also reach out to us anytime on Facebook at SERVPRO of Marshalltown. 

Catastrophic Restoration Specialists

When your commercial property is suddenly hit with damage due to a storm, flood, fire or other disaster, it can leave you, your employees and customers in shock. It’s important to know that you have professional large-loss specialists to handle the restoration process as quickly as possible so that you can get back to business. SERVPRO of Marshalltown’ Disaster Recovery Team is an elite team of technicians experienced in traveling throughout the United States assisting in a wide variety of large-loss commercial events. 

Why Choose Us? 

Available 24/7

Storms and other disasters can strike at any time of the day or night, so we are ready to help as soon as we’re needed.

Commercial Large Loss Division

Our Disaster Recovery Team is composed of elite technicians who have the training and resources to handle large-loss events for industries that have included hospitals, universities and government facilities.

Personal Attention

Each large loss project is managed by a project manager from SERVPRO of Marshalltown. They’re backed by the SERVPRO headquarters operations team to help you have the smoothest restoration experience possible.

Easier Insurance Claims Process

SERVPRO of Marshalltown will help you navigate the insurance claims process and coordinate the necessary paperwork for a quicker, easier experience.

Janitorial Cleaning Services in Marshall, Tama, Grundy & Hardin County

2/3/2022 (Permalink)

Let us help clean your office or commercial business with SERVPRO of Marshalltown janitorial cleaning services today!

SERVPRO of Marshalltown offers office cleaning plus disinfecting services to commercial businesses throughout Marshall, Tama, Grundy and Hardin County. We target the grime, odor and moisture that gradually wear and tear at your office. It is important during this current state of affairs relating to the Coronavirus that your janitorial company has the ability to disinfect the high-touch surfaces in your commercial property. SERVPRO of Marshalltown uses the CDC recommended hospital-grade cleaners, targeting harmful pathogens and bacteria.

High touch surfaces include:

• Doorknobs

• Countertops

• Tables

• Light Switches

• Handles

• Desks

• Phones

• Tablets

• Keyboards

• Toilets

• Faucets

• Soap Dispensers

• Sinks

• Remotes

SERVPRO of Marshalltown Janitorial Cleaning Services

• Spot Clean Carpet, i.e. Spills
• Detail Vacuum All Carpet
• Detail Vacuum-Corners and Edges
• Dust Mop Hard Surface Floors
• Damp Mop Hard Surface Floors
• Clean All Ceiling Vents
• Vacuum Walk-Off Maps
• Vacuum or Brush Upholstered Furniture
• Clean and Sanitize Telephones
• Clean Sinks ~ Per Instructions
• Clean and Polish Drinking Fountains
• Clean Refrigerators, Empty Contents if Requested
• Damp Clean Exterior and Interior of Microwaves
• Empty and Remove Trash

Additional Services for Special Projects

• Carpet Cleaning
• Upholstery Cleaning
• Duct Cleaning

For further information regarding both residential and commercial cleaning, as well as restoration services offered by SERVPRO of Marshalltown, contact our office anytime by phone at (515) 233-4544 or send us a message on Facebook at SERVPRO of Marshalltown. 

Is Your Business Protected With Fire Extinguishers?

11/19/2020 (Permalink)

Make sure your business has fire extinguishers and your staff knows how to use them.

It doesn’t happen often, but when a fire breaks out at a place of work, employees are often the first line of defense to keep a small fire from becoming a large disaster. It’s best to be prepared for fires that can be managed with the use of a fire-extinguisher. 

Every type of building except a one- or two-family house is required by the National Fire Protection Association to have fire extinguishers. Whether you own a simple seamstress shop or a tool making business, it’s important to know how to use one.

Your fire extinguisher must be located where people can easily get to it. It also needs to be visible. If it’s in a cabinet or under a sink, signs must clearly indicate where to find it. 

Types of Fire Extinguishers

Depending on the kinds of fire hazards in your business, you may need one or more of the following types of fires extinguishers:

Type A: For combustible solid materials such as wood or fire. If you have an office or shop with a low level of fire hazards, a type A extinguisher is probably enough.

Type B: For flammable liquid or gas. If you run a business that includes or kitchen or uses flammable liquids like paint or grease, you need a type B extinguisher.

Type C: For energized electrical sources. Businesses ranging from server farms to welding shops that use a large amount of electricity or electronics need type C fire extinguishers, which can be used for electrical fires.

Type D: For combustible metals, such as magnesium, titanium and sodium. Businesses like factories, auto body shops and industrial companies need type D extinguishers.

How to Use a Fire Extinguisher

Fire extinguishers are not difficult to use. Just follow these steps:

1. Pull the pin.
2. Point the nozzle at the base of the fire.
3. Squeeze the handle.
4. Swing back and forth until the fire is out.

It’s recommended that an infographic is displayed near your fire extinguisher explaining how to use it and that training is provided for employees with regular reviews.

If you own a business in Marshall, Hardin, Grundy or Tama County, contact SERVPRO of Marshalltown to help your business prepare for a disaster like a fire with a free SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile. And if you do experience a fire, call us anytime, day or night, to help restore your business so it’s “Like it never even happened.”

Call SERVPRO of Marshalltown to Help Prepare Your Business for Flooding

11/11/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Marshalltown can help your business develop an Emergency Ready Profile to make sure you're prepared for flooding or any disaster.

For commercial business owners who do not operate in a floodplain, it may seem odd to prepare for flooding. However, national disasters include flooding around 90% of the time, and many affected areas are those not traditionally prone to flooding.

It’s smart for business owners to plan for the possibility of flooding, to keep their employees safe and to get their business reopened more quickly after a disaster.

What to Do Ahead of Time
By addressing the risk of flooding, training employees and planning ahead, business owners will be much more prepared and will know how to recover more quickly. Some key plans may include:

• Referencing the FEMA Flood Map to get an idea of your risk levels
• Copying all paperwork and records to a safe, external server or cloud-based storage
• Drafting your own Emergency Action Plan and training employees 
• Clearly marking the office evacuation route
• Considering the purchase of flood insurance if it is something your business insurance does not handle
• Assembling an emergency kit for the workplace in the event you and other employees are stranded for a time
• A plan to relocate valuable assets to the highest possible areas if flooding becomes imminent

The Documents to Preserve
In order to restore and reopen your business as soon as possible, it’s crucial to back up all important documents and data to a safe off-site or cloud-based location. Some of these essential documents include:

• The continuity plan for how you will resume operations
• Contact information for employees, as well as their emergency contacts
• Your insurance policy for the business and flood coverage, if applicable
• Vendor information, along with contact information for suppliers and any other third parties that may be crucial to operations
• Guidelines for how to recover files from computer backups
• Any pertinent financial documents

Call SERVPRO of Marshalltown at 641-758-9746 to help you set up a SERVPRO® Emergency Ready Profile. We’ll make sure you’re prepared for flooding or any other kind of disaster that can affect your business. It’s FREE and can make the difference between the life and death of your Marshall, Hardin, Grundy or Tama County business.

Trust SERVPRO of Marshalltown to Disinfect Your Business or School for Covid-19

6/16/2020 (Permalink)

Don’t trust just anyone to disinfect your business, school or organization. SERVPRO of Marshalltown is highly-trained and certified to do the job.

SERVPRO of Marshalltown is answering an increasing number of calls to clean and disinfect area businesses in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

While few businesses and organizations have had an employee test positive for the virus, many companies are asking us to help them prepare for reopening and maintain a clean environment for their staff and customers.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned – Our Viral Pathogen Cleaning Program

Don’t trust just anyone to disinfect your business, school or organization. SERVPRO of Marshalltown is highly-trained and certified to do the job. 

We offer Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, a proactive and Covid-19 emergency response cleaning program that goes way beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. This is tested and proven viral pathogen cleaning that meets the highest standards.

Our staff specializes in biohazard cleaning and decontamination for porous and non-porous surfaces – always adhering to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the CDC. 

We use EPA-approved products that won't harm your work environment or your employees, clients or students. These include our proprietary cleaning agent SERVPROXIDE, a hospital-grade disinfectant that is NSF certified for direct food surface use.

Let SERVPRO of Marshalltown Help You Maintain a Sanitized Environment

We can sanitize every space in your business or organization, including:

• offices 
• retail spaces 
• fitness rooms 
• playgrounds
• food areas (break rooms, school kitchens, cafeterias)

We’re a local business serving all of Marshall, Hardin, Grundy and Tama counties, open 24 hours/7 days per week. So we’re nearby and ready to take care of you right away.

Give us a call at (641) 758-9746.