Two Fire Prevention Tasks for Your Business

8/11/2022 (Permalink)

Have fire protection equipment

If you have an automatic sprinkler system in place, this will provide primary fire protection for your business.

Standard fire safety practices call for smoke detectors and fire extinguishers on every floor. Your best bet is multipurpose extinguishers, which will douse most small fires with ease, without shorting out your electronics.

Protect your people : Your employees are your most important business asset. These tips can help prevent them from being injured in a fire.

• Fire Plan : Make sure your employees know what to do if there's a fire, including calling 911 immediately. Conduct a fire drill at least once a year to keep employees aware of your workplace fire safety protocol. 
• Evacuation Plan : In larger buildings, post a fire evacuation plan in several spots around the workplace. Never include elevators in an evacuation plan; always use the stairs. 
• First Aid : In case of fire injuries, your employees should be familiar with the location of the first-aid kit, which should be kept where possible hazards can occur most-such as in the kitchen.

Save the phone number for SERVPRO of The Hill Country in your phone. Give us a call today to get a plan in place. (830) 995-4102

Why SERVPRO is the Best for Commercial Cleaning and Commercial Damage Restoration

7/14/2022 (Permalink)

Did you know SERVPRO of The Hill Country is not just for disasters such as floods, water damage, or fires in the home?  We also help Commercial Businesses!

SERVPRO employees are certified to clean and sanitize: Upholstery, Carpeting, Flooring, and other hard surfaces.  SERVPRO of The Hill Country is even certified to remove biohazard contaminants such as blood, urine, feces, and other things no one else wants to clean.  Refresh your carpeting and office cubical- we also specialize in odor removal and deodorization!   Additionally, SERVPRO of The Hill Country is available after hours if services are needed when customers and/or clients are not present.

SERVPRO means reliable, certified professionals will show up at your door.  Please call today for a quote; we would be very happy to serve you on a reoccurring basis.

SERVPRO® of The Hill Country will Deep Clean your Restaurant

2/22/2022 (Permalink)

Obviously, a restaurant's preparation areas should be kept clean. But, besides the everyday cleaning of kitchen equipment and appliances, it is necessary to perform a deep cleaning of kitchens at least once to twice a year.

Appearance

A restaurant's atmosphere, attention to detail, and well-kept facilities are important for a customer's good first impression. The appearance of a restaurant's kitchen can bring in clients as well as scare them away.

Safety

A messy and unorganized look will affect guests' appetites as well as employee productivity. Daily mopping sustains a clean floor, but will not scrub deeply enough to remove certain bacteria. Sticky floors and unwanted objects can cause personnel or guests to slip. For a truly clean floor, it is important to remove: grease, oil, gum and even mold.

For a deep cleaning of your restaurant, please call SERVPRO® of The Hill Country today!

Source: Finance Yahoo Jan 2019

Ways Mold Forms in Your Business' Building

2/22/2022 (Permalink)

The best way to prevent mold is to control moisture. The main requirements for outdoor mold growth are moisture and shade. Mold does not like the sun and/or ultra violet rays. The main requirement for inside mold growth is simply moisture, and it can occur in: ceilings, attics, floors, insulation, wood, drywall, clothing, carpeting, bathrooms, and more. Some causes of excessive moisture are: condensation, humidity, cooking, washing, or water from a flood, leak or spill. Mold also grows in environments with warm temperatures. Mold growth can begin in less than 48 hours of excessive moisture.

What you can do as a business owner to prevent mold growth from forming in your place of business:

• Fix water leaks. Any known water leaks should be fixed quickly. Have a contractor and/or plumber inspect for unknown leaks.
• Limit condensation. Keep room temperatures warm and well insulated.
• Reduce humidity. Open windows, install exhaust fans or use a dehumidifier.
• Clean and dry wet/damp areas. Any wet or damp area, materials or affected equipment should be cleaned within 48 hours to prevent mold growth.

If your business has experienced water damage or mold growth, please do not hesitate to call SERVPRO of The Hill Country today!

Top 3 Causes of Fires in Commercial Buildings and Tips on How to Help Prevent Them

12/6/2021 (Permalink)

1. Cooking/Kitchen Appliances

Cooking remains at the top of the list as a cause of non-residential fires at 25% to 30%. The fires sometimes started because of human error while cooking and sometimes by an appliance malfunctioning.

Because kitchens are an extremely high-risk zone, strong effort should be taken to ensure full protection and prevention. Sprinklers, alarms and easily accessible fire extinguishers are an absolute must.

2. Arson/Intentional

Arson, or an intentional fire, is the next common cause of a non-residential fire, with roughly 10% of fires occurring from arson.  Intentional fires are most likely to occur after working hours, between 3 p.m. to 12 a.m.  An arsonist may start a fire anywhere, but bathrooms, trash cans, dumpsters and garages are likely spots.

While you can’t prevent arson completely, you can take precautions to limit the damage and opportunities:

• Make sure trash cans are emptied every day.
• If possible, keep dumpsters away from the building so a dumpster fire can’t spread to the building.
• Keep trees and shrubs trimmed to make them harder to set on fire and so arsonists can’t use them for cover while setting a fire.
• Put up motion detection cameras or lights in dark or normally unused areas so any fires can be caught and put out faster.
• Install smoke/fire curtains near the doorways of the areas most likely to be used for arson.

3. Human Error

Human error, or unintentional fires, are also responsible for about 10% of fires. Because there are a vast number of reasons why a fire might occur accidentally, employee fire safety training is extremely important.

Some examples of an unintentional fire include cigarettes being improperly discarded, employees leaving heating equipment too close to walls or flammable surfaces, candles, and improper use of electrical cords.

Source: Smoke Guard Online. 2017-2016 Data

SERVPRO® Will Work with Your Business' Insurance Company

12/6/2021 (Permalink)

Which remediation companies work with my business' insurance in The Hill Country? 

In the unfortunate event your business suffers water, fire, or mold damage, SERVPRO® of The Hill Country will work with your company's insurance company, so you have less work load on your plate.  Our employees talk with insurance adjusters every day to make sure things are billed correctly with your insurance and the job is properly documented to ensure things are going according to plan. Being in business for over 14 years, whatever property and casualty insurance company your business uses, odds are we have worked with them in the past.  Give us a call to set up an emergency preparedness plan for your business today. SERVPRO® of The Hill Country will work hard to make any damage, "Like it never even happened."

Mold on Air Ducts and in the Ventilation System

8/12/2021 (Permalink)

How to prevent mold and bacterial growth in a building’s ventilation system: 

Ventilation systems should be checked regularly, particularly for damp filters and overall cleanliness. A preventive maintenance plan should be put into place for each major component of the building’s ventilation system. Contact your equipment supplier or manufacturer for recommended maintenance schedules and operations and maintenance manuals. Components that are exposed to water (e.g., drainage pans, coils, cooling towers, and humidifiers) require scrupulous maintenance to prevent microbial 10 growth and the entry of undesired microorganisms or chemicals into the indoor air stream.

Air duct cleaning generally refers to the cleaning of various heating and cooling system components of forced air systems. The components of these systems may become contaminated with mold if moisture is present within the system, resulting in the potential release of mold spores throughout the building. All components of the system must be cleaned. Failure to clean a component of a contaminated system can result in re-contamination of the entire system. Water-damaged or contaminated porous materials in the ductwork or other air handling system components should be removed and replaced. Ventilation system filters should be checked regularly to ensure that they are seated properly. Filters should be replaced on a routine schedule.

Call SERVPRO of The Hill Country today and get the job done right.

Source: Osha Jan 2019

Mold Growth in a Restaurant in San Antonio

7/15/2021 (Permalink)

Upon moving appliances, a restaurant in the San Antonio area found mold in their commercial kitchen. After receiving a protocol, the professionals at SERVPRO of The Hill Country were called in to remediate the mold. If a kitchen is not properly ventilated, steam from cooking can cause moisture that can produce mold after prolonged exposure. SERVPRO of The Hill Country strongly encourages any place with a commercial kitchen: church, hotel, restaurant, etc. to have their commercial kitchens deep cleaned at least twice a year. When SERVPRO of The Hill Country deep cleans, we sanitize as well as remove any dirt and/or food particles. We will move the fixtures to the best of our abilities and clean in and around those as well - something that is not typically, frequently done. To schedule a deep cleaning of your commercial kitchen, call SERVPRO of The Hill Country: (830) 995-4102

Tips for Preventing Water Damage to Your Commercial Space

12/1/2020 (Permalink)

1. Train all employees on the location of the water shut off valves and make sure the valves are easily accessible.
2. Find out if your business is located on a flood plain and if your area offers programs for business owners.
3. Conduct regular inspections of your HVAC units, roof, water heaters, refrigerators, sinks, toilets, and any other area you have that may have a water leak.
4. Make sure your insurance policy is up to date and you are insured.
5. Keep any documents, inventory, or anything critical to your business' survival at least a few feet off the ground.
6. Be prepared for a water damage event. The faster the water is removed and dried out, the better off you are going to be. Time is an important factor. Please save our number to your phone so you know who to call. SERVPRO® of The Hill Country, (210) 361-3235.

What is the SERVPRO Ready Plan Tool

12/1/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO^® Franchise Professionals have restoration experts available 24 hours a day to get your business back up and running. Our expertise includes restoration services for fire and water damage, including electronics restoration and document drying. We are also your business’s best resource for mold mitigation and removal. Our Large Loss Division has the expertise to manage the cost and operations of large commercial disaster recovery projects.

SERVPRO Certified Clean

7/20/2020 (Permalink)

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, our new defensive pathogen cleaning program, goes way beyond standard janitorial cleaning practices. It is a proactive viral pathogen cleaning. 

SERVPRO of The Hill Country has been cleaning, sanitizing, and removing Bio Hazard in both homes and businesses for over a decade. Deep cleaning is not new to us. 

Below are the Three "C's" of SERVPRO Certified Cleaned: 

• Consult: Not all businesses are the same, so we’ll tailor a bespoke cleaning program based on the unique needs of each facility.
• Clean: Based on the agreed plan, an expert deep clean is initiated using our proprietary EPA-Approved Hospital-Grade cleaning solutions and always adhering to the leading level of cleaning and decontamination standards set by the CDC.
• Certify: You’ll know a business is Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned by the shield posted on their front window. Along with digital emblems and other collateral, this beacon represents their commitment to the comfort and security of their employees, customers and community.

So when you are walking around The Hill Country, when you see the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned shield sticker in the window, you know the #1 choice in clean up and restoration was there.

Office Disinfecting for COVID-19

3/23/2020 (Permalink)

Office Disinfecting for COVID-19

During these difficult times, please know that SERVPRO of The Hill Country is here to help your business. SERVPRO of The Hill Country will disinfect your business, office, restaurant, school, commercial building, and more! Was your commercial space contaminated with the virus? We can clean and disinfect for that! Would you like to assure your customers and employees that your commercial space has been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected? We can help you with that! Deep cleanings and bio hazard removals have been services SERVPRO of The Hill Country has been offering for over a decade. We know how to do it safely and effectively. To learn more about Commercial Cleaning from SERVPRO of The Hill Country, click HERE. Or, call today for more information – we are here to help: (830) 995-4102.

HVAC and Electrical Fires in Commercial Buildings

12/2/2019 (Permalink)

HVAC and Electrical Fires in Commercial Buildings

HVAC System Malfunction

Roughly 9% of fires happen when an HVAC system malfunctions. This includes central heating systems, as well as water heaters, space heaters, and other appliances.

Heating systems should be regularly inspected, especially during winter when they are used most heavily. And always ensure flammable materials are kept well away from heat sources. Areas where the main HVAC system is housed, as well as any water heaters or storage rooms, should be outfitted with smoke alarms.

Electrical Malfunction

About 7% of fires are linked to an electrical system malfunction, often due to problems with wiring in the building. These fires are more likely to occur in older buildings with questionable wiring. Make sure your building is regularly inspected.

Source: Smoke Guard Online

"Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certified"

12/3/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of The Hill Country is "Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certified"

Do you need upholstery cleaning or carpet cleaning for your business?  SERVPRO of The Hill Country cleans upholstery for general cleaning , pet dander, smoke damage, office carpet tile, and more. 

The IICRC is a certification and Standards Developing Organization (SDO) non-profit organization for the inspection, cleaning and restoration industries. In partnership with regional and international trade associates, the IICRC serves more than 25 countries.

The IICRC works with other organizations to increase awareness of certified firms – from companies like Shaw, which requires warranty work be done by an IICRC Certified Firm, to associations, to government officials. Additionally, the IICRC also partners with the American Home Furnishings Alliance (AHFA) to include a suggestion for use of IICRC Certified Firms that specialize in upholstery cleaning in its Furniture Care Codes.

When you see a IICRC logo, you can be confident that an IICRC-certified experienced, qualified professional is caring for your valuable property.

Source: http://www.IICRC.org

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU COMPLETED THESE FIRE PREVENTION TASKS FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

8/22/2018 (Permalink)

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU COMPLETED THESE FIRE PREVENTION TASKS FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

You’ve heard all of the preventative steps, you’ve prepped your employees, and your building is up to code. However, the easiest prevention methods are usually the most overlooked. Inspect these things today and be sure to set reminders accordingly:

• Smoke Detectors. Safety experts say that you should check these at least once a month and replace the batteries once a year, or as needed.
• Fire Extinguishers. See the directions on your fire extinguisher to see when it expires and who you can call to replace your extinguishers. Extinguishers can last anywhere from five to fifteen years. Also, depending on your fire marshal’s standards, you may have to have your extinguisher certified.
• Fire Exits and Exit Signs. Can guests clearly see exit signs? Can they easily get to them? Consider having a fire drill to ensure guests and employees can easily get out of the building in the event of an emergency. Practice regularly.
• See any State or Local Guidelines. There are some local and state guidelines that businesses have to follow to stay up to code. Take a minute to read up on these laws or talk to your local fire marshal to learn about the guidelines.

Keeping your business, employees, and guests safe is important. Just by taking the time to make sure the basics of fire safety are taken care of, you can protect your investment.

Source: DKI Service Fire Services

Does Your Business Have an Emergency Ready Plan?

3/26/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has an easy to download app now available for Emergency Ready Plans for businesses. 

50% of businesses never reopen after a catastrophic loss!

As a business owner are you and your staff prepared and ready for whatever happens?  Disaster can strike at any time and knowing what to do and who to call is key to potentially minimizing damage to your property. Our Emergency Ready Profile is a great resource to have in place to educate staff on shut off locations and who to call during an emergency. Preparing your staff is key to timely mitigation. Does your staff know where the water shut off is in your building should a pipe burst occur? Does your staff know where to shut the electrical main off should an emergency occur in the building?  

The Emergency Ready Plan can be used on your smartphone or desktop. Hard copies can also be provided to help assist staff. 

Contact our office to schedule your free Emergency Ready Profile for your business and be ready for whatever happens!

(830) 995-4102

SERVPRO is Great for Businesses!

2/26/2018 (Permalink)

Our number one goal is returning damaged areas and items to preloss condition, doing all we can to make it “Like it never even happened.” Every professional at SERVPRO® of the Hill Country is dedicated to restoring both the property and the lives of the customers being helped. Like it was never dirty, like it never overflowed, like it never caught fire, like it never spilled, like it never smoldered–whatever the case, with SERVPRO® our goal is to make it “Like it never even happened.”

References

From large commercial environments to small residential losses, SERVPRO® of the Hill Country Professionals understand your loss is the job that matters most! We will be happy to provide references so you can feel confident that SERVPRO® is the best system to service your needs.

You Can Trust SERVPRO® of the Hill Country.

SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals Put Property Owners Back in Control. 

The SERVPRO Difference

2/26/2018 (Permalink)

What is the SERVPRO difference?

Serving America Since 1967

SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals have been helping business owners recover from water and fire damages across the United States.

Over 1,500 Franchises Nationwide

More locations means faster response. A SERVPRO® Franchise Professional can usually be on-site within four hours to help protect the structure, business and personal property.

SERVPRO® National Call Center Served Over 300 Insurance and Property Management

Companies and Their Clients Nationwide in the Last Year Alone.

We have earned the trust of the insurance industry by serving thousands of their policy holders and clients with respect and integrity. The more we restore the less that needs to be replaced. This helps our clients save millions of dollars each year. That helps lower your insurance rates too!

24-Hour Emergency Service

In our business, you need us fast! The sooner we arrive, the better the chance we can reduce damage and save money. Franchise Professionals are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Trained, Uniformed Franchise Professionals

A trained, uniformed and equipped SERVPRO® of the Hill Country Professional will walk you through the job process and then work quickly to restore your property to preloss condition whenever possible.

Would Your Business Be Prepared in the Event of a Disaster?

12/1/2017 (Permalink)

Would your business be prepared in the event of a disaster?

What would you do if your business suffered: Water Damage, Fire Damage, Smoke Damage, Mold, or a Bio-Hazard contamination? Do you have a plan in place? SERPVRO® offers at no charge a business "Ready Plan" app for your phone that will walk you through a preparedness  plan that could save your business $1,000's. 

As many as 50% of businesses close down following a disaster, according to the latest research. Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place. In general, the faster the response time to a disaster, the less secondary damage can occur. SERVPRO is "faster to any disaster" and works with you and your employees every step of the way.

The SERVPRO Ready Plan app will guide you through a: Water Damage event, Fire Damage event, Mold, Bio-Hazard contamination, and more.  Pre-planning and having this app on the ready can help to give you tremendous 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.

Establishing an ERP for Your Business

7/6/2017 (Permalink)

You can’t plan when an emergency will arise, but you can prepare for it before it does. This is especially important if you are a business owner. When a disaster occurs in your business, everything screeches to a halt. You are no longer able to help your customers and clients. You are no longer able to offer your services. You are no longer bringing in an income. Business has been interrupted and depending on the extent of the damage, you may be looking at a long road to recovery – not just for remediation, but also to get your business back to where it was before the disaster happened. So, what can you do to prevent an emergency situation from shutting down your business? While you can’t necessarily prevent disaster from occurring (it happens to the best of us), you can prepare for what to do when it does. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can minimize how fire and water affect your business.

That is where SERVPRO of The Hill Country comes in. We can establish a plan for your business using our ERP, or Emergency READY Profile.

• A no cost assessment of your facility. This means there is no need to allocate funds, giving you a great value at no cost.
• A Profile Document containing only the crucial information you will need in case of an emergency. It doesn’t take very long to complete, but it will save you a lot of time (and from one more headache) if you ever need it.
• A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster. By having an immediate plan of action, you can help minimize downtime.
• Establishes SERVPRO of The Hill Country as your emergency mitigation and restoration provider. You have a provider that is recognized as an industry leader and is located right here in The Hill Country.
• Identifies the line of command for authorizing work to begin. This saves time so that we can begin the work of mitigating the damage immediately, which can save you both time and money.
• Provides important facility details such as priority contact information, priority areas, and shut-off valves. 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.”

Ready to set up an Emergency READY Profile for your business? Give SERVPRO of The Hill Country a call today! (830) 995-4102

Kerrville Church Experiences Water Damage

6/11/2017 (Permalink)

A damaged section of ceiling in this Kerrville church when the building experienced water damage after a recent storm.

SERVPRO of The Hill Country was recently called out one night when a severe storm rolled through Kerrville, Texas. The strong winds and torrential rains proved to be too much for the roof on this Kerrville church. Water began leaking from the ceiling and, soon, there was flooding throughout the building. An employee took steps to minimize additional damage by mopping up most of the standing water and putting garbage cans below where it was dripping from the ceiling. Then they called us, the trusted team at SERVPRO of The Hill Country, to handle the rest! Our technicians tarped the roof to keep any additional rain from getting in, removed standing water, and set up air movers and dehumidifiers throughout the building to ensure that the affected areas would be thoroughly dried out and make it "Like it never even happened."

If you experience a flood, or any kind of water damage, in your Hill Country office or commercial building, call us right away. SERVPRO of The Hill Country is here to help 24/7!

830-995-4102

Set Up An Emergency Ready Plan For Your Hill Country Business

3/5/2017 (Permalink)

50% of businesses never reopen after a catastrophic loss. As a business owner are you and your staff prepared and ready for whatever happens?  Disaster can strike at any time and knowing what to do and who to call is key to potentially minimizing damage to your property. Our Emergency Ready Profile is a great resource to have in place to educate staff on shut off locations and who to call during an emergency. Preparing your staff is key to timely mitigation. Does your staff know where the water shut off is in your building should a pipe burst occur? Does your staff know where to shut the electrical main off should an emergency occur in the building?  

The Emergency Ready Plan can be used on your smartphone or desktop. Hard copies can also be provided to help assist staff. 

Contact our office to schedule your free Emergency Ready Profile for your business and be ready for whatever happens!

(830) 995-4102

Remediation and Restoration Services To Help You Get Back To Business FAST

3/5/2017 (Permalink)

When your Hill Country business has been affected by fire, water, or storm damage, the immediate concern should be temporary protective measures such as placing roof tarps to prevent additional damage, boarding up to secure the building, and removing debris and standing water.

After protecting and securing the structure, our highly-trained remediation specialists at SERVPRO of The Hill Country can begin the restoration process. Your business may need reconstruction work to get your property back to its preloss condition.

Our professionals at SERVPRO of The Hill Country can simplify the restoration process by handling both the initial damage mitigation and rebuilding the affected areas. Having one qualified company for the entire process can save time, keeps costs low, and can save you from one more headache.

SERVPRO of The Hill Country can provide this continuity by supervising a full range of restoration services that will bring a building back to full functionality.

• Board Up
• Carpet Repair and Installation
• Document Drying
• Dry Cleaning
• Drywall Installation
• Drywall Removal
• Electrical
• Electronics Restoration
• Fine Art Restoration
• Furniture Restoration
• General Contracting
• Hardwood Floor Repair
• HVAC Services
• Linoleum Floor Repair
• Move Out
• Painting
• Plumbing
• Portable Power
• Roof Tarp
• Roofing Services
• Scalable Resources
• Temporary Fencing
• Temporary Warehouse Space
• Tile Floor Repair
• Tree Removal

Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. We study IICRC standards and best practices in cleaning and restoration standards.

Call us today at (830) 995-4102

SERVPRO Tips to Help Declutter Your Hill Country Office

10/30/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of The Hill Country knows how important clean is so to help with that we thought we would bring you some tips and tricks to help de-clutter your office.

• Divide Your Workplace Into Zones: Determine how you want and need to use the space and set up zones for your daily functions.  You may require a workspace for your computer, a library area for your research, a storage area for supplies and a filing area for your archives.  This will provide a foundation for a more efficient use of space.
• Keep Only What You Need At Arm's Length: Boxes of pens, stacks of papers and old coffee cups need to go.  Rid your desk of visual clutter by pairing down the items to the top essentials only.  Supplies, paperwork and personal items should be kept in the zones you've established for them.
• Create A Daily Paper System: Consider creating hanging files or baskets labeled "To Read," "To Do," and "To File." Establish sheet days for each, so that you don't get behind or feel the overwhelming need to do everything at once.
• Sort Your Catchall Drawer: Use drawer dividers to give everything a place, like compartments for paperclips and rubber bands.  Go through the drawer every six weeks and clear out anything that is out of place or isn't being used.
• Eliminate Digital Clutter: Digital clutter can be just as stressful as physical clutter.  Organize digital files and your e-mail inbox just as you would paper files- with a system of logical and clearly labeled folders.  Also, keep the icons on your desktop to a bare minimum, and trade in sticky notes on your monitor for calendar reminders.
• Disinfect Regularly: Prevent the buildup of dust, dirt, food stains, and fingerprints.  Wipe down your desk, phone, keyboard, and monitor once a week with disinfecting wipes.

SERVPRO of The Hill Country is dedicated to taking the stress out of your daily business lives whether it be through cleaning tips or through our 24 hour response to a house full of water or an office full of smoke.  

Hill Country Preparedness Tools at Your Fingertips

10/30/2016 (Permalink)

One of the easiest ways to protect yourself, your family or your employees is by having a weather radio in your home or office.  Did you know having a NOAA Weather Radio in your home is just as important as having a fire alarm?

A weather radio is the most reliable source for weather alerts.  It is designed to alert you to dangerous weather situations such as an approaching tornado, allowing you to be warned ahead of approaching storms providing time to seek shelter.  In 2012, a new nationwide text emergency alert system was launched, called Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA).  The WEA systems is a huge step toward keeping our nation informed in crisis situations, however it does not alleviate the need to own weather radios.  The new WEA system relies on cell towers to send alerts- if cell towers are knocked out during bad weather or are no longer sending a signal, you will not receive alerts.  Television and radio broadcasts can also go down during a destructive event.  Having a back-up such as a weather radio is critical to ensure you still receive information in the event media outlets can no longer broadcast or you are unable to receive the broadcast. 

When selecting a weather radio, ensure it includes SAME alert programming- sounds an alert only when specific counties are threatened (allowing you to only receive alerts for your county) and reviewable alerts (allowing you to turn off alerts you do not want to hear).

Contact your local Hill Country National Weather Service Office for assistance programming your weather radio, or for additional information, including county codes for your state, visit the NOAA Weather Radio website at www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr.

Hill Country Are You Prepared for a Disaster?

10/30/2016 (Permalink)

Commercial Customers Be Ready

10/30/2016 (Permalink)

National Preparedness Month, which just past, is a perfect opportunity to share the benefits of having a readiness plan in place with your customers, business and family. 

The SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile (ERP) will help ensure you and your business are "Ready for whatever happens."

In the event of an emergency, the SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile, can help minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action in place for your facility.  The ERP is a comprehensive document containing critical information about your business, including: Emergency Contact Information, Shut-off Valve Locations and Priority Areas.  The ERP is also accessible online using your computer or tablet; download SERVPRO's free Ready Plan app to access this information anytime using your smartphone or tablet.

The ERP establishes SERVPRO of The Hill Country Professionals as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider, giving you access to over 40 years experience and a System nearly 1700 Franchises strong.  Knowing what to do and who to call in advance is key to quick response and timely mitigation.  Having a plan in place may help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive and get you back in the building following a disaster.

Preparation is the key to making it through any size disaster, whether it is a small water leak, a large fire or an area flood.  The best time to plan for such events is not when the event happens, but well before it happens.  No one ever plans on a disaster, but now, you can plan for it.

The ERP is a no cost assessment, all it requires is a little time, making it a great value that could save a lot of time in the future. 

SERVPRO of The Hill Country is Faster To Any Size Disaster

6/1/2016 (Permalink)

There’s no such thing as a small disaster—especially when the water you don’t see contains bacteria or can cause mold, rot and other unseen damage. Water damage can affect the value of your property. Before you get out the mop bucket and try to clean it yourself, consider how the damage can affect your property.

SERVPRO® of The Hill Country Franchise Professionals know how disruptive water damage can be for your business. Your local SERVPRO® of The Hill Country Franchise Professionals are trained and equipped to manage the drying process. By utilizing the proper equipment and moisture measuring devices, your building will be quickly and thoroughly dried to industry standards, which will help prevent secondary water damages. With rapid response time and a full line of water cleanup and restoration services,SERVPRO® of The Hill Country Franchise Professionals can help you regain control quickly, ensuring your facility and its contents are properly dried, deodorized and protected.

Before you risk further damaging the value of your facility by attempting to clean up the mess yourself, call your local water damage cleanup and restoration professionals. 

Call The Hill Country CLEANUP TEAM that’s faster to any size disaster

3/2/2016 (Permalink)

Dishwashers can quickly flood your Kerrville home. SERVPRO of The Hill Country is here to remove the water and dry out your home.

When it comes to life’s emergencies, it isn’t a matter of if they will happen- it is when will they happen. Home and business owners can take steps to prepare for disasters, but you can never fully prevent them from happening. An old pipe bursts. A storm blows in dozens of gallons of water. A washing machine malfunctions. Chances are your home or business will eventually suffer some sort of emergency; that is why it is important to prepare now, before disaster strikes.

One way that SERVPRO of The Hill Country can help you prepare for natural disasters is our Emergency Ready Profile.  As a business owner you have free access to this Ready Profile.  We can set this up for you, free of charge, quickly.  This application allow you to identify the key people that should be notified in case of an emergency at your business.  It also allows you to identify shut off valves so that water can be promptly turned off during a pipe break, etc.  It is a mobile app that can be downloaded onto your phone.

SERVPRO of The Hill Country Franchise Professionals are trained to respond quickly, professionally and efficiently when mitigating your loss. When you home or business is under water, every minute counts. That’s why your local Hill Country SERVPRO Professionals are available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. We are just a phone call away at (830) 995-4102.

Should a disaster strike, call your local SERVPRO of The Hill Country.  Ready for whatever happens.

Commercial Water Dry Out

4/4/2014 (Permalink)

Using heated air to dry a concrete slab

We were called to a commercial building in Boerne to dry out a concrete floor that was still wet weeks after a water damage occurred. Using our heating drying system, dehumidification and air movement, we tented the floor to effectively suck the moisture out of the concrete. Our SERVPRO of The Hill Country professionals have been trained and are accredited by the IICRC, our governing body.  

Whether it's water extraction, dry out or prevention of secondary damage like mold, trust SERVPRO of The Hill Country to professionally handle all of your commercial emergencies.  We are a mere phone call away and are available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, three hundred and sixty-five days a year at (830) 995-4102.  Our business is to get your business back and running.

Water Intrusion

4/3/2014 (Permalink)

Water intrusion in one room can mean water damage in other rooms!

Water intrusions invade floors, ceilings and walls to find the lowest pointin your business’ structure. Water from an overflowing bathroom stall orother water incidents will search for pinhole crevices and cracks in your floors and walls looking for a way to travel down in the building. 

Trust our SERVPRO team to locate all sources of moisture in your business, dry them out and get your business back in business sooner!