Flooding

5/23/2023 (Permalink)

This flooded office was from a recent storm.

Water damage cleanup processes at commercial properties can present unexpected dangers, which should not be underestimated. It is crucial to take proper precautions to ensure safety. Our water damage restoration professionals at SERVPRO of Dubuque recommend the following simple precautions during water damage cleanup to keep you safe in the event of a flood at your business:

• Stay out until it's safe: It is best to avoid reentering your business until it has been declared safe by SERVPRO of Dubuque's technicians. Various hazards such as water contamination, structural damage, mold growth, and electrocution may be present. If reentering is necessary, make sure to wear appropriate protective gear to ensure safety.

• Be prepared for potential hazards: During the water damage cleanup process, complications can arise. While not all of them may occur after a flood, being prepared for each possibility is important. This includes being aware of potential issues such as collapsed walls or roofs, gas leaks, compromised electrical systems, and pest infestations.

• Use proper protective gear: Floodwater often contains hazardous bacteria and microorganisms. If you must reenter your business, it is crucial to wear appropriate protective gear. Depending on the extent of the damage, this may include respiratory protection, rubber gloves, rubber boots, Tyvek coveralls, and other necessary equipment.

• Prompt water removal: The water should be removed as soon as possible to minimize mold growth and water damage. SERVPRO of Dubuque has trained technicians and the right equipment to efficiently remove the water and dry your facilities. Swift action in this regard helps mitigate potential safety hazards.

• Avoid procrastination: It is important not to delay the cleanup process, regardless of other distractions or tasks at hand. Mold and water damage pose their own safety risks, so prioritize the cleanup to prevent further damage and potential health hazards.

By following these precautions, you can enhance safety during water damage cleanup at your commercial property.

Commercial Water Damage

5/23/2023 (Permalink)

This pipe is frozen and could bust causing water damage in your commercial building.

The piping systems in many older commercial buildings often pose a significant risk due to their deteriorating condition. What was once considered state-of-the-art during installation may now be recognized as problematic or due for replacement. Unfortunately, commercial property owners tend to overlook the condition of these hidden pipes until a leak occurs, resulting in water damage, tenant displacement, and the potential growth of mold.

Various types of older piping can be a cause for concern. Polybutylene piping, popular between the 1970s and 1990s due to its cost-effectiveness and easy installation, has proven to be problematic. Exposure to water treatment chemicals like chlorine causes it to become brittle and prone to breakage. Even if the piping remains intact, water quality is compromised as chemicals leach into the water, necessitating its replacement.

Cast iron or galvanized metal piping is susceptible to erosion, corrosion, or a combination of both. The friction caused by water flow within the pipes leads to erosion, wearing away the metal over time. Corrosion occurs when the metal chemically reacts with water, posing an even greater challenge for metal piping. Galvanized iron piping, for instance, which involved coating steel with zinc, was commonly used in structures built before 1960. However, zinc erodes and corrodes over time, leading to reduced water flow, increased leak risk, and compromised water quality. Galvanized pipes generally have a reliable lifespan of about 25 years.

In newer commercial buildings, stainless steel and copper piping may be used if the construction budget allows for it. Plastic plumbing types like PEX, PVC, and CPVC are also common in newer installations. While durable and flexible, they come with their own challenges, such as vulnerability to freezing conditions or UV degradation. It's important to note that no piping material is immune to deterioration, as none of them last indefinitely.

If you ever experience water damage resulting from pipe failure, you can rely on the services of SERVPRO of Dubuque to restore your property to its pre-damaged state. Their expertise and dedication will ensure that the water damage is addressed professionally, leaving no trace of the incident.

Commercial VS Residential

5/23/2023 (Permalink)

This photo shows Commercial VS Residential buildings.

Commercial water damage differs significantly from residential damage due to the nature of the buildings involved. Commercial properties are generally larger in size, which means there is often a greater volume of water involved. Additionally, commercial buildings are utilized for business purposes, further complicating the impact of water damage. While there are similarities, it is crucial to understand the distinct factors and considerations associated with commercial water damage compared to residential situations. Moreover, the water damage restoration process varies between these two property types.

Water damage restoration in a commercial property shares similarities with residential cleanup, but it often operates on a larger scale. In commercial settings, timing is of utmost importance when dealing with water damage. Have you ever encountered a minor pipe leak or a clogged toilet that you chose to ignore? Unfortunately, such negligence can lead to a burst pipe or overflowing toilet, causing extensive water damage. If you are a property manager or owner of a commercial property, it is crucial not to delay addressing issues like leaky pipes or clogged toilets. Commercial water damage tends to escalate more rapidly than residential damage due to the larger building size, increased water usage, and other potential risks. Therefore, contacting water damage restoration professionals, such as SERVPRO of Dubuque, becomes critical to mitigate the damage effectively.

Immediate action should be taken to commence the processes of extraction, drying, and disinfection. While some individuals may attempt to carry out these tasks independently, it is best for your business and its interests to entrust the cleanup to experts. When these steps are not executed properly or promptly enough, the risk of mold growth intensifies the damage and escalates repair costs. Moreover, extensive water damage can cause a decrease in the value of your commercial property. Furthermore, the longer the cleanup process takes, the more it disrupts your business and affects customers. To save time, avoid hassles, and ensure a thorough restoration, it is advisable to address the water damage promptly with the assistance of water damage restoration experts like SERVPRO of Dubuque. Their expertise will make the restoration process "Like it never even happened."

ERP- Emergency Ready Plan

5/23/2023 (Permalink)

Emergency Ready Plan other known as ERP

An Emergency Ready Plan is a valuable tool that every commercial property should have. Disasters can strike at any time, and it's crucial to be prepared. Imagine if an emergency occurs in the middle of the night when maintenance staff may not be available. This is especially critical for properties such as apartment complexes, where having emergency information readily accessible on-site is essential.

So, what exactly is an Emergency Ready Plan?

It is a complimentary assessment of your facility conducted by our team. We will create a comprehensive document that contains only the critical information needed during an emergency. This includes essential details about your facility, such as the locations of shut-off valves, priority areas, and crucial contact information. The plan will also outline the best access points to the building and optimal locations for emergency vehicles and equipment placement. Creating this plan will only require a small amount of your time and will not interfere with your other responsibilities. However, it will prove invaluable if an emergency arises. Essentially, it serves as a guide to help you quickly recover and get back into your building following a disaster. By having an immediate plan of action, you can minimize the downtime of your business.

Additionally, the Emergency Ready Plan establishes SERVPRO of Dubuque as your trusted disaster mitigation and restoration provider. As an industry leader with a local presence, we are well-equipped to handle any emergency situation efficiently. The plan also clearly identifies the line of command for authorizing work to begin. This streamlined communication saves precious time, enabling us to promptly initiate the mitigation process, ultimately saving you both time and money.

Having a readily available reference guide that outlines what to do, how to do it, and who to contact in case of an emergency provides proactive solutions. This means that even before an emergency occurs, you are "Ready for whatever happens." Moreover, by signing a call first agreement with SERVPRO of Dubuque, you can establish a preauthorized amount of funds. This ensures that we can commence the necessary work immediately in the event of a loss. As part of this agreement, you also gain access to preferential pricing and priority service during a major disaster in your community.

Rest assured that SERVPRO of Dubuque will handle the restoration process with expertise, making it "Like it never even happened." By having an Emergency Ready Plan in place, you are taking a proactive step to protect your commercial property and ensure a swift and efficient response in times of crisis.

Business Interruption

5/22/2023 (Permalink)

This photo shows standing water in a commercial building in Dubuque, IA.

Business interruptions can have far-reaching consequences beyond financial losses. They can result in the loss of valuable customers, decreased employee morale, and even impact the health and well-being of both you and your employees. Whether the interruption is due to water damage, fire incidents, or natural disasters, it is crucial to restore normal operations as quickly as possible. That's where SERVPRO of Dubuque comes in, equipped with highly trained technicians and specialized equipment to expedite the recovery of your facility.

Our dedicated technicians will assess the damage and provide you with a comprehensive plan outlining the necessary steps to be taken. Whether it involves extracting water and cleaning up after damaged pipes or addressing the need for mold testing and potential remediation, we will keep you informed throughout the entire project. To ensure the best possible outcome, SERVPRO of Dubuque partners with trusted external vendors for Mold Testing and Remediation plans.

Fire damage presents unique challenges, often accompanied by water cleanup resulting from firefighting efforts. When you contact SERVPRO of Dubuque, we swiftly secure your structure to prevent further damage. After a thorough assessment, we embark on the journey of restoring your property to its pre-damage condition. This includes debris removal, addressing damaged areas, and preparing for the cleaning and reconstruction process. We work in close coordination with your insurance adjuster to streamline the entire process, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.

SERVPRO of Dubuque understands the urgency of minimizing business interruptions and mitigating their impact. With our skilled technicians and state-of-the-art equipment, we are committed to getting your facility operational as soon as possible. Our goal is to provide you with a seamless restoration process, allowing you to resume normal operations and alleviate the stress associated with the interruption.

FASTER TO ANY SIZE DISASTER

SERVPRO of Dubuque

563-584-2242

www.SERVPROdubuque.com

 Smoke and Water Damage to your Commercial Structure

5/22/2023 (Permalink)

This photo shows fire damage and soot on the walls.

Imagine the dread that sets in when you hear fire sirens blaring and realize they're heading to the neighboring address. The fear intensifies as you realize your building shares a wall with the affected property. However, upon arriving at the scene, a wave of relief washes over you as you see that the fire has been extinguished and your shared wall remains intact. However, the aftermath reveals extensive damage to your own business due to smoke and water from the neighboring fire. As you contact your insurance agent and seek a solution, you know exactly who to call: SERVPRO of Dubuque, the trusted experts in water and smoke remediation.

Our team, equipped with the latest water extraction methods and powerful desiccant dehumidifiers, swiftly gets to work removing the water from your premises. Every surface is diligently cleaned, and our air scrubbers ensure the air quality is restored to optimal levels, allowing your business to resume its operations promptly.

At SERVPRO of Dubuque, we understand that the cause of damage can vary, whether it's fire, water, mold, or the aftermath of a storm. Regardless of the disaster, we have a highly trained staff and specialized equipment to handle any situation effectively and efficiently. Our goal is to restore your property to its pre-damage condition.

Using the most current water extraction methods and our desiccant dehumidifiers we will get the water removed. Our techs will clean all the surfaces and air scrubbers will get your business back up and running. You can trust in our expertise and dedication to deliver top-notch restoration services, providing you with the peace of mind you need during challenging times.

"Like it never even happened."

It doesn’t matter if the cause of the damage is FIRE, WATER, MOLD or from a STORM. For any disaster SERVPRO of Dubuque has the trained staff and the equipment needed.

"Faster to any size Disaster"

SERVPRO of Dubuque

563-584-2242

www.SERVPROdubuque.com

No matter the type of loss SERVPRO is here to help

5/22/2023 (Permalink)

This floor is soot from a fire damage in Platteville, WI.

When your commercial building experiences damage that requires swift and efficient cleaning and restoration to minimize income loss, SERVPRO of Dubuque is here to help. Whether the damage is caused by water, fire, or mold, we have the necessary resources and expertise to employ the appropriate cleaning methods and get your business back on track.

We offer a range of effective cleaning methods tailored to address specific types of damage to your business. Here are some of the methods we can utilize:

• Soda-blasting: This method involves using sodium bicarbonate as an abrasive medium propelled by compressed air. Baking-soda abrasive blasting is highly effective for removing mold while minimizing damage to underlying surfaces such as wood, PVC, modern wiring, ductwork, and more.

• Dry ice blasting: Ideal for properties with smoke or fire damage, dry ice blasting is a top-notch restoration method. It is particularly suitable for restoring wood, concrete, brick, and other building materials. This method is fast, leaves little to no residue, and ensures quick drying of surfaces.

• Garnet abrasive: Primarily used as a high-performance blast media, garnet abrasive is excellent for cleaning aluminum and fiberglass structures. It is an inert, non-toxic mineral, making it safe for use in areas where water contamination is a concern, including dry docks, bridges, and harbors.

At SERVPRO of Dubuque, we understand the importance of choosing the right cleaning method for each specific situation. Our team will assess the damage to your commercial property and determine the most effective approach to restore it. We prioritize efficiency and quality to ensure that your business can resume normal operations promptly.

Count on us to provide the expertise, tools, and techniques needed to clean and restore your commercial building to its pre-damage condition. Your satisfaction and the smooth recovery of your business are our utmost priorities.

SERVPRO can clean and restore your business to "Like it never even happened."

When the unthinkable happens, think of SERVPRO of Dubuque to get you back to normal ASAP!

SERVPRO of Dubuque

563-584-2242

www.SERVPROdubuque.com

Rental Units vs Landlords

5/22/2023 (Permalink)

This shows water damage in the kitchen.

Imagine it's 2 o'clock in the morning, and you receive a frantic call from your tenant about water pouring from the ceiling. To add to the chaos, you can't reach your maintenance personnel, and you're unsure where the water shut-off valve is located. Managing multiple buildings can be overwhelming, especially during emergencies when time is of the essence.

But what if there was a solution? What if each of your properties had a comprehensive resource that listed the essential utility locations for you, your tenants, and your maintenance personnel to access easily?

With an Emergency Ready Plan (ERP) from SERVPRO of Dubuque, you can have exactly that. We offer the ERP service at no charge to you, providing peace of mind and preparedness for each of your locations.

So, what does an ERP include? It offers detailed facility information, such as the locations of shut-off valves, priority areas, and critical contact information. By having this quick reference guide in advance, you and your team will know exactly what to do, how to do it, and whom to call in case of an emergency. Being "Ready for whatever happens" means having solutions readily available when you need them most.

SERVPRO of Dubuque understands the importance of proactive measures and preparedness for property emergencies. Our ERP service is designed to empower property owners and managers like you with the necessary tools and information to handle unexpected situations swiftly and effectively.

Don't let emergencies catch you off guard. Contact SERVPRO of Dubuque today to take advantage of our Emergency Ready Plan service and ensure that you and your team are well-prepared for any property-related crisis that may arise.

"Ready for whatever happens."

SERVPRO of Dubuque

563-584-2242

Commercial ERP's

5/22/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is ready for whatever happens.

Let’s talk about what an ERP is and why it’s beneficial for you to have one for each of your properties.

EMERGENCY READY PROFILE

Preparation is a key component for making it through any size disaster, whether it’s a small water happens, but well before it happens.

The SERVPRO^® Emergency READY Profile serves as a quick reference of important building and contact information or can be an ideal supplement to any well-designed emergency preparedness or existing contingency program.  Rather than simply reacting to disaster situations, most prefer proactive measures to establish a relationship with a restoration services company.

By working with SERVPRO^® of Dubuque to develop your personalized Emergency READY Profile your business will receive the benefit of over 40 years of experience in reducing the impact of any natural or man-made disaster.  SERVPRO^® is a leader in water and fire damage response and can help you quickly get your property back in working order.

Let SERVPRO of Dubuque help you be prepared should disaster strike. You will have a ready reference to all your utility shut off locations and emergency contacts.

FASTER TO ANY SIZE DISASTER

SERVPRO of Dubuque

563-584-2242

www.SERVPROdubuque.com

Let SERVPRO of Dubuque help protect your facility and staff

5/22/2023 (Permalink)

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

Bacteria and viruses are both considered "germs" and can pose health hazards by causing illness and infections. However, they differ in their nature and mode of spread. Understanding the distinction between the two is crucial for maintaining the safety of your facility and staff. Whether you're dealing with a flood or sewage backup, or facing a pandemic like COVID-19, handling these challenges correctly is vital to safeguarding both human health and the physical integrity of your assets.

BACTERIA

Bacteria are single-celled living organisms. Interestingly, our bodies are teeming with bacterial cells, outnumbering human cells by a ratio of 10 to 1. While some bacteria are beneficial and aid in nutrient processing and toxin neutralization, others can cause infections and diseases, such as pneumonia, strep throat, and meningitis. It's important to note that bacteria can multiply rapidly, doubling their numbers every fifteen minutes.

To combat bacteria, SERVPRO of Dubuque employs antibacterial agents and various cleaning substances to effectively clean surfaces and inhibit their growth and reproduction.

VIRUSES

Viruses, unlike bacteria, are not considered living creatures. They are organic particles containing genetic material. Since they cannot replicate independently, they rely on infecting living cells. Viruses hijack host cells and utilize them to produce more viral particles. This can occur either through the host cell's replication or the rapid replication of the virus itself, leading to the bursting of the host cell and the release of new viral particles that go on to infect other cells within the body.

Viruses can cause a wide range of diseases, including influenza, smallpox, herpes, hepatitis, measles, polio, rabies, SARS, and COVID-19.

While there are numerous broad-spectrum antibiotic drugs available, antiviral drugs are less common. Not all substances that can kill bacteria are effective against viruses. For this reason, SERVPRO of Dubuque utilizes disinfectants registered with the EPA specifically designed to eliminate viruses. These disinfectants are applied to wipe down surfaces and are instrumental in the company's approach to maintaining cleanliness and combating viral contamination.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

In response to the current COVID-19 pandemic, SERVPRO offers Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, a proactive viral pathogen cleaning program tailored to businesses and commercial locations. This program goes beyond traditional janitorial or carpet cleaning services, providing a higher cleaning standard to ensure the safety of you, your employees, your customers, and your community. By choosing Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you can have peace of mind knowing that you have selected a superior cleaning solution.

SERVPRO of Dubuque

563-584-2242

www.SERVPROdubuque.com

COVID

1/19/2021 (Permalink)

Decon 30 is what we use while disinfecting a covid job.

COVID is something we will have around like a virus. So SERVPRO of Dubuque is always prepared to go and tackle the COVID clean. We have Benefect Botanical Decon 30 disinfectant cleaner also known as Decon 30. Decon-30 is a safe product for adults, children, and animals.

Is Decon 30 safe?

Benefect is so natural, you can drink it! It's one of our all-purpose cleaners.

So, what does SERVPRO do when we COVID clean?

If it is a Category 1, we will come and do touch points and fog. When doing touchpoints, we will take a rag with Decon 30 and wipe everything down that could be touched by someone daily. Then we will go around and use an electrostatic sprayer to fog the touchpoints.

If it is a Category 2, we will do touchpoints, walls, and fog of the area of the positive case or the whole building depending on the customer's choice. When doing touchpoints, we will take a rag with Decon 30 and wipe everything down that could be touched by someone daily, along with the walls, we will use a Swiffer, and pad with Decon 30 Then we will go around and use an electrostatic sprayer to fog the touchpoints.

What is the difference between 'cleaning' and 'disinfecting' for COVID-19?

Cleaning with soap and water or a detergent removes germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces. It lowers the risk of spreading infection. Disinfecting with a household disinfectant on List N: Disinfectants for use against SARs-CoV-2external icon kills germs on the surface. By disinfecting or killing germs on a surface after cleaning the surface, it can further lower the risk of spreading infection.

What do we wear?

When SERVPRO shows up, we are in full PPE. What is PPE? Protective personal equipment, we wear a full-face respirator, Tyvek suit, and gloves (two pairs). This is for the safety of our employees while disinfecting a positive cased area and while fogging.

According to Benefect.com:

“Typical disinfectants require 10 minutes contact time, which is difficult to achieve on vertical surfaces and materials. New Decon 30 solves this problem by being specially formulated to kill gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria with a more realistic contact time of just 30 seconds!”

2021 New Year’s Resolution: Plan Ahead!!

12/14/2020 (Permalink)

Goal. Plan. Action

With each new year, many people resolve to better themselves or some part of their life.  This year, make a resolution to be READY.  No one ever plans on a disaster, but you can prepare for it.  The SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile (ERP) will help ensure you are “Ready for whatever happens” in 2021.

In the event of an emergency, the ERP 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 contacts, shut-off valve location and priority areas.  The ERP also establishes SERVPRO of Dubuque as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider, giving you access to over 22 years of Experience and a System more than 1,700 locations strong.  The ERP is a no-cost assessment; all it requires is a little time investment, making it a great value that could save you time and money in the future.  By utilizing the free SERVPRO READY App, this information is stored electronically and can be accessed using your mobile device, putting help at your fingertips.

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.  Having a plan in place may help minimize the amount of time that your business is inactive and helps get you back into your building more quickly following a disaster.  Don’t wait until disaster strikes, resolve to be READY.  Contact our Sales and Marketing department Callie Waterman, Jenny Dazey or, Ken Shannon at 563-584-2242, and make an appointment to establish your Emergency READY Profile and be “Ready for whatever happens” in 2021.

No Power.... No Problem!

12/31/2019 (Permalink)

Photo of power outlets on exterior of desiccant.

One of the biggest hurdles that we encounter in the event of a disaster is the lack of usable onsite power.  Either there is no power available at a job site or the power is not reliable or is potentially unsafe due to damage.

Our Blog about our portable generators explains their capabilities and can be found here: https://www.SERVPROdubuque.com/blog/post/180441/storm/we-got-the-power 

In addition to these portable generators, our Desiccant Dehumidifier is also a power source.  Additional information about the drying capabilities of this cutting edge technology can be found here: https://www.SERVPROdubuque.com/blog/post/85591/storm/residential-desiccant

For the purposes of this blog, the Titan 5000 Desiccant generator's capacity is fully utilized during the startup and heating up of the desiccant wheel.  Once that process is completed, there is a significant amount of additional power available.  The machine is equipped with cam lock outlets to distribute this available power to other equipment. 

In the event of a water damage loss at a commercial building with out usable power, the desiccant functions as a power generator.  In addition to supplying dehumidified air to the entire structure, the power that it distributes can be utilized to run the necessary air movers, HEPA Air Filtration Devices, temporary lighting or other corded tools or equipment.

Another reason why, SERVPRO of Dubuque is the most well equipped and prepared disaster restoration contractor in the NE Iowa, SW Wisconsin and NW Illinois.  If you experience a fire or water damage event at your commercial building, local help is ready and available from SERVPRO of Dubuque.

Prevent winter water damage in your building.

12/30/2019 (Permalink)

Frozen Pipes can result in winter water damage.

As temperatures drop during the winter months, one of the largest risks of weather related damage facing commercial properties is water damage from frozen/broken water lines.  As extreme cold and winter storms make their way across the Midwest during the coldest months of the year, water supply lines are at risk of freezing.  The freezing of copper supply lines, water lines for heating boilers and other water system components, can result in bursts or other damage to these lines.  When the water in the pipes begins to thaw, water will start leaking out of the damaged pipes.  Those leaks could range from an occasional drip out of a pin hole or hairline crack or they could be geysers from highly pressurize lines.

The amount of water damage can be significant from both, a high volume of water or a small leak, which can result in mold growth from remaining unnoticed for a duration of time.  Either way, the best way to avoid these potentially dangerous and expensive issues it to prepare in advance.

Hose spigots along the exterior perimeter of the building should be properly serviced prior to winter.

Obviously, it is important to maintain heat in the building during winter months, but in the most extreme cold, additional precautions may be necessary.  Be aware of any outlying areas, away from the core of the building, that might have water supplied to them.  Restrooms in shop areas or areas of the building that are maintained at a lower temperature than finished spaces.  Supplementary heating may be necessary during extreme cold snaps. 

In areas where pipes are most likely to freeze, some experts recommend allowing a faucet to drip will prevent freezing.  For more suggestions if you discover that your pipes have frozen, check out additional tips from Consumer Reports.

https://www.consumerreports.org/home-maintenance-repairs/how-to-keep-pipes-from-freezing/

If you experience a water damage from frozen pipes this winter, give the water damage experts at SERVPRO of Dubuque a call.  We have the knowledge and equipment to remedy the situation as quickly as possible.

Indoor Air Quality - Are you concerned?

11/25/2019 (Permalink)

Indoor Air Quality Monitoring Equipment

Do you have any concerns about the indoor air quality of your office or other business property?

Has the Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) of your commercial building ever been tested?

There are three main strategies to controlling IAQ.

1. Managing pollutant sources. This is done by simply eliminating pollutants if possible, by setting physical barriers (containment), by managing air flow with pressure differentials or by timing the necessary release of pollutants to coincide with times when the building is not occupied.
2. Diluting pollutants and remove them through ventilation.
3. Using filtration to clean the air of pollutants.

According to the EPA on their website, EPA.gov:

Indoor air quality is a major concern to businesses, building managers, tenants and employees because it can impact the health, comfort, well-being and productivity of building occupants.

Most Americans spend up to 90% of their time indoors and many spend most of their working hours in an office environment. Studies conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and others show that indoor environments sometimes can have levels of pollutants that are actually higher than levels found outside.

Pollutants in our indoor environment can increase the risk of illness. Several studies by EPA, states, and independent scientific panels have consistently ranked indoor air pollution as an important environmental health problem. While most buildings do not have severe indoor air quality problems, even well-run buildings can sometimes experience episodes of poor indoor air quality.

A 1989 EPA Report to Congress concluded that improved indoor air quality can result in higher productivity and fewer lost work days. EPA estimates that poor indoor air may cost the nation tens of billions of dollars each year in lost productivity and medical care.

SERVPRO of Dubuque uses the three methods above during the mold remediation process.  If there are other IAQ concerns in a building, we often refer to our sister company, MB Mold & Air Quality Testing.  The CIEs (Council Certified Indoor Environmentalists) and CMSIs (Council Certified Microbial Investigators) at MB Mold & Indoor Air Quality Testing can test and monitor for most aspects of indoor air quality.  They specialize in Mold, Toxic Gases, Environmental Gases, Allergens, VOC's (Volatile Organic Compounds) and Methamphetamine residue.  They can assess IAQ issues and recommend resolutions.

HIPPA Certified Document Response Team

11/25/2019 (Permalink)

Here are the two types of document drying chambers we utilize. The first is SERVPRO's large stationary unit and the second is our portable unit.

HIPPA Certified Document Response Team

What does that mean? Well, one of the unique services that we offer at SERVPRO of Dubuque is Document Restoration. 

Other restoration companies also offer this service, so what makes the service from SERVPRO of Dubuque different?

For starters, we have one of the only HIPAA Certified Document Response Teams in the area.  If an event causes documents to get wet, response time is critical to stabilize the documents before they begin to degrade.   All documents are treated using the HIPPA confidentiality safeguards and rules.

HIPPA rules were designed and are required to ensure confidentiality for medical records.  We restore a lot of medical records.  On the other hand, wouldn’t you want your important personal and business financial documents treated with the same level of confidentiality?

Our HIPPA Certified Document Response Team will inventory your documents, manipulate them as little as possible to prevent mechanical breakdown of the paper, transport the documents to secure freezer storage.  Once the documents are frozen to stabilize them, our clients have plenty of time to discuss restoration options and decide on the next course of action.

The most effective method of restoration is vacuum freeze drying.  The documents are brought under extreme vacuum to very low temperatures and as heat is reintroduced, sublimation will remove the moisture directly into a gas form.

To accomplish this, we have a large freeze drying chamber located here in the Midwest. We also have access to one of the only mobile drying chambers in the country.  If the documents are an extreme security concern, the mobile unit can be delivered to a client’s building and the restoration can take place onsite.  The process can be costly, but we have had projects where the documents are not legally allowed to leave the premises due to contractual agreement.  We are one of the only restoration companies that can accommodate this request.

Here is a list of items that can be salvaged using vacuum freeze drying:

• Books and manuscripts: coated papers, maps, parchment, pulp paper, drafting linens, text books, reference books, manuals
• Business/Personal records and documents:legal/bank/company files, patient and medical records, x-rays, engineering and architectural plans and drawings, catalogs, reference materials, certificates, contracts, passports, transcripts, tax records
• Historical and collectible items: archival documents, rare documents, maps, stamp collections, money collections
• Keepsakes: photographs, leather and hide items, newspaper articles, recipe books, cards, scrapbooks, baby books, wedding albums, yearbooks, baskets, awards & achievements
• Textiles: embroidery and needlework, silks, tapestries, flags
• Artwork: acrylic paintings, linen drawings, water colors

We can handle any size document job.  From a single file cabinet filled with personal financial documents to a warehouse full of sensitive corporate documents.  The SERVPRO of Dubuque Document Response Team can be a very valuable resource and can meet one of the needs of your disaster recovery plan.

Desiccant Dehumidifiers Large and Small!

11/21/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Dubuque's small desiccant dehumidifier

Desiccant dehumidifiers are extremely powerful pieces of specialty drying equipment, I have posted a few blogs here in the past on SERVPRO of Dubuque’s website about our amazing Titan 5000 Hybrid Desiccant dehumidifier (https://www.SERVPROdubuque.com/blog#174138). 

Some jobs have the specialty drying needs of desiccant humidification but either the buildings are simply not large enough or wet enough to warrant the use of our 5000 CFM Titan.

One of our newer additions to our stable of equipment is the Phoenix D385 Portable Desiccant Dehumidifier. This machine which is about the size of our normal commercial LGR (low grain refrigerant) dehumidifiers that we use every day, runs off standard household or building power.  It is a specialized piece of drying equipment that produces extremely dry air and is capable of efficient and effective dehumidification in a much larger range of temperature conditions than a standard LGR.  This machine can be very effective for drying stubborn, low evaporation materials such as ceramic tile & hardwood floors, plaster, brick and concrete.

As powerful as the 5000 CFM Titan is, the new D385 allows for a much more focused drying effort.  We are excited about this new addition and how it will allow SERVPRO of Dubuque to even better service our customers!

Previously, desiccants were only used on commercial and industrial properties due to their large size and excessively loud noise levels. The Titan 5000 is perfect for large residential, habitational or institutional properties because of its low noise levels, plus it is small and maneuverable enough to fit into a driveway or parking stall.  The D385 is perfect for the smaller commercial or residential projects or specific water damaged materials that need targeted drying.

Our desiccant dehumidifiers are just more things that set SERVPRO of Dubuque apart, another reason why we are an industry leader in the restoration industry.

Has your business planned for disaster?

11/18/2019 (Permalink)

Emergency Ready Plan Technology

If you haven't established an Emergency Plan, SERVPRO of Dubuque is here to help.

According to www.ready.gov, a website of the Department of Homeland Security, when a business suffers from a disaster the likelihood of reopening is only around 60%. When disaster comes, you can either be ruined or you can be ready with the help of technology. Disasters happen. The difference between those who make a comeback and those who don’t is preparedness. Here are some of the best ways to prepare for the worst.

• Backup online: Various services such as Google and Dropbox offer secure, online document storage. Backup your important computer files and/or images of important documents online where they can be recovered immediately.
• Stay informed: Follow local news, local government, FEMA and SERVPRO of Dubuque on social media such as Facebook and Twitter. Twitter also allows users to alert first responders in the event that rescue is needed.
• Mark yourself safe: Keep your family and friends up-to-date. Use Facebook’s Safety Check, or The American Red Cross’ Safe & Well site to mark yourself safe after you’ve been caught up in a natural disaster, or crisis situation.
• Update Contact Info: Maintain current contact information in your e-mail and phone for family and friends you may need to contact in the event of an emergency.
• Stay charged: Keep a portable charger charged up and ready to go in your home and vehicle. Solar powered chargers are available as an alternative to portable chargers. Solar chargers don’t require recharge and may be more reliable in the event of a natural disaster or crisis situation.
• Get an Emergency READY Plan profile.

Your local SERVPRO of Dubuque marketing department is specially trained to assist you in preparing an Emergency Plan for your business.  Our READY Plan software is available at no cost and once completed you can manage in online yourself through the READY Plan mobile app.

Give us a call to make an appointment to have an Emergency READY Plan custom configured for your business.

Emergency Plan for Business

10/21/2018 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Dubuque's marketing staff to get your no-cost ERP done today!

Almost 70% of businesses that don’t have an emergency plan in place, when are shut down due to a “significant disaster” never reopen?

Most of the numbers identifying the effects of storm damage from 2018 have not been released yet, but they are expected coincide with that data as well.

The SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile (ERP) will help ensure you are prepared for a disaster.

In the event of an emergency, the ERP 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 contacts, shut-off valve location and priority areas.  The ERP also establishes SERVPRO of Dubuque as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider, giving you access to over 45 years of Experience and a System more than 1,700 locations strong.  The ERP is a no-cost assessment; all it requires is a little time investment, making it a great value that could save you time and money in the future.  By utilizing the free SERVPRO READY App, this information is stored electronically and can be accessed using your mobile device, putting help at your fingertips.

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.  Having a plan in place may help minimize the amount of time that your business is inactive and helps get you back into your building more quickly following a disaster.  Don’t wait until disaster strikes, resolve to be READY.  Contact our SERVPRO of Dubuque Marketing Representative, Ken Shannon, and make an appointment to establish your Emergency READY Profile.

Remember the only investment you are required to make in the ERP is a bit of your time answering questions now, so we can have solutions ready when you are in need.