One Stop Shop

7/23/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of High Point has come a long way over the years to create a client base that was generous enough to introduce reconstruction for our customers. We've been doing an excellent job at mitigation, but to be competitive in the industry and to round out our capabilities, the decision was made to hire a top of the line reconstruction team. That crew is made up of Dan Olvera, Troy Lescalleet, and Shane Kline. They work very well together and strive to make every job "Like It Never Even Happened". Their expertise in reconstruction is to put back all the demo that was done during the mitigation process. We have a great referral network since this new department was added, and have been getting lots of repeat business just by word of mouth. And being the marketing person here, those are the best referrals to get. We are a "One Stop Shop" here at SERVPRO of High Point.

Importance of Networking

7/23/2023 (Permalink)

As the Sales & Marketing person for SERVPRO of High Point, it is very important for me to meet and have relationships with as many people as possible. These folks are met a lot through networking opportunities like the Chamber of Commerce, Women to Women organizations, General Merchants Association, and a variety of other associations that our owner, Carlos Olvera, is involved in. He is very well established in the community and is highly respected among all the movers and shakers in the Triad community. He volunteers with a variety of organizations who acknowledge his commitment to improving processes and business excellence. In addition to our networking responsibilities, we also are committed to doing "route sales" in the High Point community to where we can stay in touch with insurance agents who make great referral partners. Our current emphasis is on obtaining more commercial accounts as our growth will mostly come from them moving forward.

Importance of the FNOL

7/23/2023 (Permalink)

It takes a dedicated team of individuals to successfully run a disaster restoration business. It really takes everyone employed to retain customers and to establish new ones. From the first phone call to the after completion review, there are many moving parts that have to work together to make the customer experience "Like It Never Even Happened". The initial contact from the customer requires a First Notice of Loss form to be filled out in detail so the technicians understand what the set of circumstances are for that property. It must contain an email address as that's how we get the estimates to the customer and as much information on what happened and where in the structure the damage was done. Is the job a self pay or an insurance claim? If it's an insurance claim, there is a lot of pertinent information to gather such as name of insurance company, claim number, deductible, and adjuster name and number if possible. This form that is filled out by office personnel lays the groundwork for how well prepared the technician is in knowing the circumstances of the situation. This is critical in them knowing what type and how much equipment to take on a job.

The Best In Marketing

9/16/2022 (Permalink)

Why does SERVPRO utilize Salesforce Marketing? Salesforce is the #1 CRM (Customer Relationship Management) tool in the world, used by more than 90% of all Fortune 500 companies. The account management and contact management tools compliment each other. The initial download of contacts and contact history is possible when utilizing Work Center Marketing. It offers task management and enhanced over site features to optimize team performance. It has an advanced route mapping feature, including automatic scheduling and routing functionality. The Salesforce Marketing calendar supports drag and drop functionality.  The calendar also includes event scheduling and event ROI tracking components. It provides dynamic dashboard and reporting functionality. It interacts with Tableau and KPM reporting. Report creation and development capabilities are enhanced. It enables referral source tracking. Documentation is captured for completed sales calls. Salesforce Marketing allows users to identify new potential lead sources and centers of influence. SERVPRO utilizes the best tools available to ensure success! 

Corporate Training Excellence

6/15/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO National Headquarters employs a training staff of over 75 people dedicated to helping SERVPRO Franchises achieve operational excellence.

Since 1967, SERVPRO has been redefining and improving the mitigation and restoration industries. In 1992, the SERVPRO National Training Center was developed specifically to teach restoration and mitigation skills to insurance industry employees, as well as, Franchise owners. SERVPRO has been a state-approved Continuing Education Course location and an IICRC-approved school since 1997. SERVPRO offers WRT and ASD certification, exemplifying our commitment to providing great service.

SERVPRO is one of 15 organizations qualified to offer the Applied Structural Drying course. Not only is the ASD course available to SERVPRO franchises, it is also available to our insurance clients. The Applied Structural Drying course covers the effective, efficient and timely drying of water-damaged structures and contents. Using a comprehensive classroom and hands-on training, the course facilitates appropriate decision making within a restorative drying environment. Students will experience hands-on use of instruments, extraction systems, drying equipment and cleaning products in an actual flooded building situation.

SERVPRO Validation Processes

6/15/2022 (Permalink)

Through professional test cleaning before work begins, SERVPRO can determine the restorability of damaged structure and contents. We will identify what items can be restored, what items may not be restorable and what items will need the adjuster's input. This is called pretesting.

SERVPRO is IICRC validated. We can provide industry-standard proof that the proper amount of equipment was used on the job and that the job was dried properly and completely. We will be happy to show every customer the SERVPRO Drying Workbook!

Contents Claim Inventory Service provides itemized room-by-room loss inventory, allowing insurance agents and adjusters to document claim items and capture inventory items immediately. This helps ensure the policyholder gets a complete list and the insurance company can identify "like kind of quality".

SERVPRO's continuing education classes are an educational service provided to insurance clients to help them achieve credits quickly and easily while learning more about the science behind the cleanup and restoration.

How We Do It

6/15/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO provides Electronic File Documentation complete with loss reports. Our Claims Information Center has been a leader in reporting and validating mitigation performance since 1997. We provide these reporting and documentation services for no additional fees or cost to the insurance company.

With thousand's of trained crews and enormous inventory of commercial equipment and service vehicles, SERVPRO's Large Loss Response Teams can initiate response to any size loss in any part of the country within hours. We have the resources to get the job done fast so the insured can get back in business or back to work sooner.

SERVPRO has brand leadership assurance and consistency. As recognized leaders in cleanup and restoration, insurance clients know and trust SERVPRO to help make it "Like it never even happened." We maintain a professional appearance in uniform, equipment, vehicles and cleaning methods to help convey the professionalism the policyholders expect from us.

Emergency Fire and Water Damage Tips

6/15/2022 (Permalink)

In a fire damage situation, it is important to limit movement in the home to prevent further damage. Place dry, colorfast towels or old linens on carpeted traffic areas to prevent more soiling. If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open. Wipe soot from chrome on kitchen and bathroom faucets and appliances then protect with a light coating of lubricant. Do not attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces. Talk with your SERVPRO of High Point Franchise Professional. Do not attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture without first consulting with your SERVPRO of High Point Franchise Professional. Do not attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire or water without consulting a repair service.

In a water damage situation, shut off the water source if possible. Remove excess water by mopping and blotting. Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying. Place aluminum foil or wood blocks under furniture legs. Hang furs and leather goods separately at room temperature. Remove oriental or other rugs from wet carpeting. Do not use a regular vacuum to remove water. Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of areas where ceilings are sagging from retained water. Do not leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpeting.

Faster To Any Size Commercial Disaster

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

Timely mitigation is key to controlling damage, downtime and recovery costs. You and those who depend on your facility will appreciate the rapid response, and the training of your SERVPRO of High Point professionals will help limit damage and get your facility back in operation quickly. You can count on SERVPRO of High Point's mitigation and restoration services to help make you look good. What are the 1-4-8 service guidelines that makes our service so exceptional? Within one hour from notice of loss, the owner or myself will contact you to arrange for service. Within four hours of loss notification, we will be on site to start mitigation services. Within eight business hours, a verbal briefing of the scope will be communicated to you by a member of our SERVPRO of High Point team!

Commercial Loss Communication

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

You'll know what's happening every step of the way. From the first telephone call within the first hour following damage notification, until the job is complete, SERVPRO of High Point professionals are dedicated to effectively communicating with property owners and managers. You will be aware of job status and the progress toward project completion.

Jobs are documented with itemized estimates, digital photographs, signed work authorization forms and regular progress reports. SERVPRO of High Point utilize technology developed for documenting insurance claims, electronically collect and store project information which is accessible to you via a secure email link 24 hours a day. Upon project completion, a signed customer satisfaction form is the final piece of information entered into the file. SERVPRO of High Point professionals keep you informed from start to finish!

Full Line of Services

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

Utilizing the right equipment and supplies, SERVPRO of High Point can handle all of your cleanup needs. In addition to the superior fire, water, and mold remediation and restoration services, SERVPRO of High Point provides cleanup services for those special needs that surpass the capabilities of your regular maintenance staff.

SERVPRO of High Point professionals are trained to safely and effectively clean biohazardous substances and prepare waste for proper disposal according to OSHA, EPA and state and local health regulations. Biohazard includes servicing customers who have experienced a death where there are blood and bodily fluids present. Crime scene and vandalism cleanup are also considered biohazard and are handled specifically to their conditions.

SERVPRO of High Point can also inspect your HVAC system and ductwork. Cleaning services can be provided to help restore peak energy efficiency, eliminate offensive odors and improve indoor air quality.

Floor care and cleaning, stain removal, odor identification and deodorization, and upholstery/drape cleaning are also services SERVPRO of High Point offers to their customers.

Training Excellence

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO National Headquarters employs a training staff in the hundreds who are dedicated to helping SERVPRO franchises achieve operational excellence.

Since 1967, SERVPRO has been redefining and improving the mitigation and restoration industries. In 1992, the SERVPRO National Training Center was developed specifically to teach restoration and mitigation skills to insurance industry employees, as well as, Franchise owners. SERVPRO has been a state-approved Continuing Education Course location and an IICRC-approved school since 1997. SERVPRO offers WRT and ASD certification, exemplifying our commitment to providing you great service.

SERVPRO is one of 15 organizations qualified to offer the Applied Structural Drying course. Not only is the ASD course available to SERVPRO Franchises, it is also available to our insurance clients. The Applied Structural Drying course covers the effective, efficient and timely drying of water damaged structures and contents. Using a comprehensive classroom and hands-on training, the course facilitates appropriate decision making within a restorative drying environment. Students will experience hands on use of instruments, extraction systems, drying equipment and cleaning products in an actual flooded building situation.

Critical Timeframe

10/4/2021 (Permalink)

It takes a team to make a Company run smoothly. What protocols does your Company have in place to make sure all your customers are taken care of in a timely manner?

SERVPRO of High Point practices the 1-4-8 rule. In our business, time is of the essence. A lot of our calls are for emergency type situations, and require a quick response time. The rules are to respond to the initial customer call within a hour. To be on site within four hours. And to be in contact with an adjuster within eight hours.  These times vary depending on each individual franchise and their workload at the time.

SERVPRO of High Point prides itself in returning a customer call within 10 minutes. Carlos and Susan work together when a call comes through after hours to make sure the customer is called back immediately. Depending on the severity of the loss, a crew will be dispatched to the site in less than 4 hours. The actual time that we respond here is more like 2 hours. That's staff coming from their homes, to the shop to get the necessary equipment, then to the job site. Those on call personnel always know to be available. Documentation and an initial call to the adjuster will be made within eight hours. This time also varies and is often shortened in order to get the necessary approvals to complete the clean up.

Importance of Reviews

10/1/2021 (Permalink)

Just about everything we do in life has consequences. It would be nice if we received positive feedback for our good actions, every time. But oftentimes, it's when we do something negative that we are "recognized" for our mistake. In business, whether you sell a product(s) or service(s), each end user customer has their own opinion on their experience with your Company. Due to the competition in most industries, it has become very important for most companies to frequently measure their performance by receiving regular customer feedback. At SERVPRO of High Point, five star customer reviews are critical to growing our business. We encourage all of our customers to give us a Google review to where we are rated according to our performance. It is best to leave a review shortly after your job is completed. Oftentimes, reviews are only given when the customer is very satisfied or very dissatisfied. It often becomes an outlet of emotion. Mistakes can be made where a customer has confused you with another company, or they just wanted to publicly "vent" in general and it really had nothing to do with the company's performance. A bad review can be devastating for your Company. Your "Google review score" is oftentimes the reason your Company gets additional business. Reviews are a very important part of our marketing effort at SERVPRO of High Point. 

The SERVPRO Difference

6/16/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has some very unique features and capabilities that make us different from other competitive Companies in our industry.

Being a locally owned and operated franchise with under 20 employees, it is very important to have a cohesive group of people working towards the same goal. And that goal is providing service excellence in all areas of the business.  

What makes SERVPRO of High Point unique? The work culture is driven by a very involved Owner. Carlos conducts morning meetings that start at 8:00 where all jobs and scopes are discussed in detail. He works with production on key estimates and goes on critical scopes with the lead techs. There is no part of any job that is unfamiliar to him.

SERVPRO of High Point practices "minimal invasion"  when working on all jobs. We will do only what is absolutely necessary to get the customer back to preloss condition. Additional walls/sheetrock will not be compromised in order to make for a larger claim. Honesty and integrity is critical when working on a person's home or business.

We are always well prepared for the hurricane season because SERVPRO corporate provides what is called "large loss teams". These teams represent 10,000 trained personnel, over 140,000 pieces of restoration equipment, and over 7,000 vehicles. The support we receive from the SERVPRO folks in Gallatin, Tennessee is unmatched in the industry.

SERVPRO recommends an Emergency Response Profile (ERP) to be created for commercial accounts. An ERP is a no charge program that identifies the line of command for authorizing work to begin. (Who in the organization should be notified.) It also provides facility details such as shut off valve locations, etc. in preparation for emergency relief. And most importantly, it identifies SERVPRO of High Point as their disaster mitigation specialist!

Additional Services

6/16/2021 (Permalink)

In addition to our well known capabilities mitigating water, fire and mold, SERVPRO of High Point also provides some maintenance services that help maintain the integrity of any property.

Other services that are provided include air duct cleaning, odor identification and deodorization, biohazard clean up, specialty cleaning, upholstery and carpet cleaning, and dryer vent cleaning.

Most of these services are self explanatory, however, there are a few I'd like to discuss.

Air duct cleaning should be done every 3 to 5 years. The frequency of these cleanings depends upon how much the HVAC system is used, and whether there are family members with respiratory problems or allergies.

An ozone machine may be utilized in the deodorization process of properties that have a strong cigarette and tobacco smell. 

Lastly, a biohazard situation can range from a deceased body clean up to a program that addresses the spread of COVID-19. (This program is discussed in detail in other blogs.)

Giving Back

6/2/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO encourages all their franchises to be involved with the community in as many ways as possible. In several areas of the country, SERVPRO volunteered to clean and disinfect first responders vehicles, namely, police cars and fire trucks. This no charge application of Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned was very well received by all parties involved in the campaign. 

SERVPRO of High Point continues to support several organizations in the community. We are an active member with the American Red Cross, Guilford Economic Development Corporation Alliance, High Point's Art's Council, High Point Chamber of Commerce, High Point Economic Development Corporation, Hospice of the Piedmont, Y's Men Group, and the YWCA Latino Family Center.

SERVPRO of High Point continues to look for opportunities in the community where we can give back. The relationships we've built while volunteering our time has been instrumental in defining what the word SERVPRO means.

Best Practices, SERVPRO of High Point

6/1/2021 (Permalink)

Why SERVPRO of High Point you may ask? There are many reasons for choosing our Company and our franchise!  First of all, our Company is one of the most recognized and appreciated brands in the country! Who hasn't heard of SERVPRO? We have an amazing support team in Gallatin, TN who supports us at every turn. Excellence in product selection and availability, excellence in training, excellence in communication, excellence in national accounts, excellence in providing large loss teams to insure that every community has mobile disaster relief personnel on call! 

SERVPRO of High Point compliments the services already provided by Corporate with a few no charge services. There will be no charge on most scopes and estimates. Estimates will be presented within 24 hours. We also provide a no charge disaster plan to commercial accounts. This will help businesses to have quick access to critical information needed in the case of an emergency. 

We also practice minimal invasion. Which means that we'll only do what is absolutely necessary to get homes and businesses back to their original condition. There will be no demolition that is not absolutely required, keeping restoration costs to a minimum.

And finally, response times continue to be a priority! SERVPRO of High Point will respond to after hours calls within 10 minutes. We will be on site within 2 hours. And we'll be following up with the property owner and/or adjuster within 8 hours.

Certified SERVPRO Cleaned - Consultation

4/26/2021 (Permalink)

Not all businesses are the same, which is why we will assign you with a Cleaning Protocol Consultant who understands your business and will create a custom cleaning program to meet your specific needs. 

SERVPRO has worked in a wide variety of industries with business ranging from start-ups to global, multinational organizations. That's why we know to start such a critical cleaning process with a consultation. 

Your specific program will be developed based on a range of factors including business type, size of space, amount of high frequency touch points, foot traffic and congestion points. As a result, you'll know that Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is just not an industry leading standard in clean, you'll know that the clean you receive is customized to your need.

Certified SERVPRO Cleaned: The Three P's

4/26/2021 (Permalink)

Based on the specific needs of your business, your location will undergo a thorough, expert deep clean rooted in the pillars of People, Process, and Product.

People. SERVPRO professionals are uniquely prepared during this unprecedented time to clean and disinfect your home or business according to the protocols set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience with biological contaminants, and we go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform.

Process. SERVPRO professionals are trained to perform proactive or emergency response cleanups that involves facility or structure cleaning and disinfection. Cleaning procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for cleanup process, and disposal of hazardous materials. In the event of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 event, we will be there cleaning within 24 hours to ensure you get back to business as quickly as possible.

Product. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned has more than 100 exclusive cleaning products to meet any need including our proprietary cleaning agent, SERVPROXIDE- a hospital grade disinfectant that carries the Environmental Protection Agency's lowest toxicity category and is National Sanitation Foundation certified for direct food contact surface use. All our products carry the Environmental Protection Agency's registered emerging  pathogen claims and meet the standard set by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention for hospital-grade disinfectants. 

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned - Certification

4/26/2021 (Permalink)

We're going to extend our credibility as a premier biohazard cleaning company in the country to your business - to give assurance to your employees and customers that only SERVPRO can deliver. 

Once your business location has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you will gain access to our property signage, digital emblems, and other collateral that communicates you've selected a higher standard of clean available to help protect your employees and customers. 

And because we add the day, month, and year to that proprietary stamp of clean, your guests will know that not only did you chose Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, but that your location is being cleaned regularly at this standard.

Let SERVPRO of High Point prove what it really means to be clean in your home or business!

Due Diligence

4/14/2021 (Permalink)

What separates SERVPRO of High Point from other companies is that we are committed to the drying process at the start of every job.  The goal is to dry out as much of the structure as possible. Then if demo is required, we practice what is called "minimal invasion".  Which means that we will cut out only what is absolutely necessary in getting the structure back to its original condition.  It is less costly conducting jobs this way, and it is less stressful for the property owner as well.  They will not have a lot of time and money tied up in the restoration process. Our technicians are trained to perform services in this manner as during their SERVPRO of High Point training sessions. We pride ourselves on this foundation to the mitigation process.

It's The Water You Don't See

10/5/2020 (Permalink)

Even small water damages have the potential to cause serious structural and indoor air quality issues over time. The key to avoiding costly future restoration is to handle every water problem as a real threat to your property. SERVPRO of High Point professionals have the equipment, training, and experience to find and dry unseen water before secondary damages occur.  The proper equipment makes a measurable difference in reducing the damage expense during a fire or water loss.  When time matters, technology and equipment must be counted on to perform. SERVPRO of High Point professionals will answer your call with fast action and a full arsenal of drying equipment. Some of the equipment that our professionals use are moisture sensors, moisture meters, thermohygrometers, ultra low volume foggers, and thermal foggers.  The bottom line is that SERVPRO of High Point has the training and equipment to make it "Like it never even happened."

Proactive and Emergency Response Program

6/26/2020 (Permalink)

Based on the specific needs of your business, your location will undergo a thorough, expert deep clean rooted in the pillars of People, Process, and Product.

People. SERVPRO of High Point professionals are uniquely prepared during this unprecedented time to clean and disinfect your home or business according to the protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform.

Process. SERVPRO of High Point professionals are trained to perform proactive or emergency responsive cleanups that involves facility or structure cleaning and disinfection. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for cleanup process, and disposal of hazardous materials. In the event of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 event, we will be there cleaning within 24 hours to ensure you get back to business as quickly as possible.

Product. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned has more than 100 exclusive cleaning products to meet any need including our proprietary, cleaning agent, SERVPROXIDE - a hospital grade disinfectant that carries the Environmental Protection Agency's lowest toxicity category and is National Sanitation Foundation certified for direct food contact surface use. All our products carry the Environmental Protection Agency's registered emerging pathogens claims and meet the standard set by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention for hospital-grade disinfectant.

Be Proactive, Not Reactive

6/2/2020 (Permalink)

For a business owner and homeowner, a worst case disaster scenario involving fire or water damage can seem unthinkable until it suddenly becomes a reality.  In the aftermath of a disaster, a quick response time by a disaster recovery company such as SERVPRO can help minimize the property damage.  Owners need to have a quick and convenient emergency disaster plan that connects them with vendors, necessary contacts, and pertinent information when disaster strikes.  The SERVPRO Emergency Ready Plan (ERP) is a respected industry tool during a disaster event.  An ERP is so valuable, that in the midst of the confusion and panic that often surround a disaster, an owner or manager can be provided a sense of calm and clarity in reaching out for expert help.  Make sure to identify your facility's greatest threats in order to assess the overall severity of the event.  Document all vital information and establish clear communication activities.  Conduct practice sessions to make sure everyone is clear on the process.  Lastly, keep your information updated, having all necessary information communicated with your insurance company and emergency restoration vendors.

SERVPROXIDE Specifications

5/29/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPROXIDE™ is an EPA registered, stabilized chlorine dioxide-based disinfectant and sanitizer. It is designed to kill harmful bacteria, viruses and mold on hard surfaces and is an effective sanitizer for soft surfaces. It carries the EPA’s lowest toxicity rating making it safe for everyday use. EPA Registration # 82972-1-93012   RTU – No mixing required  Apply the product using one of the following:  Sprayer – Electric, Pump, or Trigger  ULV misting device  Dwell up to 10 minutes  Refer to the product label for appropriate dwell times. Test fabrics in an inconspicuous area for color fastness.  DO NOT use on wool. AREAS OF USE  HVAC  Homes, Daycares, Schools, Laboratories  Hospitals, Nursing Homes, Restaurants, Refrigerated Storage Units, Vehicles, Ambulances, Buses, Airplanes, Trains, Boats, Cruise Ships, Gyms, Locker Rooms, Sports Gear, Veterinary Clinics, Animal Pens, Farms, Poultry Houses, Egg Processing Premises, Hatcheries, Federally Inspected Meat and Poultry Processing Plants, Swine Sanitation Premises, Carpeting, Fabrics, Natural Stones, Plastics, NSF rated (D2). No rinse required on food contact surfaces at full strength.  PPE AND SAFETY  PPE is not required for general use; however, it is recommended. Safety Glasses  Chemical Resistant Gloves  DO NOT allow the product to come in contact with vinegar or acid-based cleaners.  Keep out of reach of children.  Refer to the SDS for additional health and safety information prior to use. SPECIFICATIONS • pH: 8.5 – 9.5 • Shelf Life: 2 years • Color: Clear Liquid • Size: Gallon • Fragrance free with a mild odor that dissipates quickly under general ventilation. • Coverage: 1000 – 2000 ft per gallon

There Is No "Wonder" Product

5/29/2020 (Permalink)

“There are no EPA-registered products with label claims that they are effective against viruses over the course of hours to months (i.e., “residual” or “long lasting” efficacy claims).” The above is part of a new statement issued by the EPA that definitively advises against the use of products claiming to offer long term protection against viruses such as SARS-CoV-2. The full statement can be found on the EPA’s FAQ section of their COVID-19 disinfectant information page, here: https://www.epa.gov/coronavirus/there-anything-i-can-do-make-surfaces-resistant-sars-cov-2. SERVPRO recently addressed long-term protection claims being made by competitors and manufacturers promoting “COVID-19 long term prevention” products in a memo that can be read here. This memo detailed why the use of long term COVID-19 “protectants”, such as the referenced nano quaternary ammonium organosilane class of products, was not an approved EPA method or product for the COVID-19 virus, SARS-CoV-2. Many competitors have been reckless, selling this application to uninformed customers through false and misleading claims. There have been many stories about this new “wonder” product. If you have a customer that is requesting this service either through a competitor or information they may have found on their own we recommend that you direct them to the EPA statement so they can be informed that these “wonder” products are not approved through the EPA. Instead, inform customers that when they use SERVPRO’s CSC program they can be assured they will be getting the utmost service to address their COVID-19 concerns using only EPA-approved products listed for use on SARS-CoV-2 and cleaning methods approved by the CDC. 

Commercial Cleaning for COVID-19

5/8/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of High Point is being called by numerous business owners and community leaders to perform necessary bioremediation services to clean, disinfect, and sanitize their facilities.  Our cleanup procedures are in accordance with the CDC recommendations.  The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus.  Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line meet this standard and carry the EPA-registered emerging pathogens claims.  There are specifically two products that we stock here at SERVPRO of High Point that we use for sanitizing and disinfecting.  Those products are Benefect Decon 30 and SERVPROXIDE.

We are here and ready to aid you in your time of need, providing these services so your facility can be cleaned and ready for business to resume.  We are in this with you.  Please continue to stay safe and maintain social distance as we all do our part to combat this and lessen the spread of this horrible disease.

Why EPA Lead Certification Is Important

4/20/2020 (Permalink)

Buildings built before 1978 are likely to contain lead-based paint.  This paint has a heavy mercury-like substance that has been identified as a public health hazard.  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has put guidelines in place that help regulate the renovation of older homes that may contain lead paint.  In April 2008, the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule (RRP) was adopted to improve how painters and other contractors approach work in these older buildings. Companies with an EPA lead-safe certification have been specially trained to ensure that lead-based paint removal and handling is conducted in a way that is safe to your family.  SERVPRO of High Point is proud to be an EPA certified contractor! 

A Note To Your Insurance Agent

10/3/2019 (Permalink)

Mitigation requires quick action.  The faster your SERVPRO of High Point professional arrives on-site to perform fire, smoke and soot cleanup and restoration, the better the results-including lower claim costs.  Within four hours of a loss notification, your SERVPRO of High Point professional will be on-site to help ensure a fire damage is handled properly by utilizing several services.  One of the services is structural cleaning.  After a smoke or fire damage, ceilings, walls, woodwork, carpeting and floors will often need a thorough cleaning.  A pretesting will be done to determine the extent of damage, then specific equipment will be used and cleaning products required to clean and protect the different types of surfaces found within the structure.  Another service is contents cleaning. All of the restorable contents in the affected areas will be professionally cleaned and deodorized.  This includes area rugs, furniture, draperies, and upholstery.  We can provide wet or dry cleaning services.  Additionally, all of the other restorable contents will be cleaned and deodorized to preloss condition.  This includes electronics, art, wood furniture, kitchen items, clothing, bedding, and much more.  Then we provide an inventory list of all "to be claimed" items for agents and their policyholders. And lastly, SERVPRO of High Point provides specialized services that rid the insured's home or place of business of offensive odors left behind by fire or smoke damage.  We do not merely cover up lingering odors with a fragrance; we seek out the sources of the odor and remove them.

Disaster Recovery Team

6/5/2019 (Permalink)

As a leader in water damage restoration, SERVPRO knows fast mitigation is the key to limiting business interruption.  With an unmatched national footprint of over 1,700 franchises, SERVPRO's Disaster Recovery Team can provide trained crews faster to any size disaster and can be on-site within a few hours to help reduce the future damage that water can cause.  SERVPRO has the right equipment, procedures and training to help ensure the structure is dry the first time, saving the customer time and money. There are specific tasks that need to be completed for structural drying to be performed correctly. There needs to be containment of the damaged area to reduce in-flow of water.  Shrink-wrapping also needs to take place to control the inflow of moisture.  And finally, water extraction, moisture mapping, selective demolition, containment, evaporation enhancement, dehumidification, temperature control and post-dry cleaning are all steps incorporated into these important procedures.

Superior Structural Drying Techniques

6/5/2019 (Permalink)

Our professional team utilizes specific tasks in structural drying procedures.  These tasks include:  Containment of damaged area to reduce in-flow of water.  Shrink-wrapping of structures to control inflow of moisture.  Water extraction to remove excess water from the structure.  Moisture mapping to determine impacted areas of a structure.  Selective demolition to remove wet building materials that cannot be economically dried in place.  Containment to assure potential contaminents do not spread.  Evaporation enhancement to remove moisture content from building materials.  Dehumidification to remove excess water vapor from the structures' environments.  Temperature control to assist in dehumidification and to prevent the onset of mold growth.  Post-drying cleaning to remove any potential contaminents from dried building materials.  Of course, the process varies by job and is monitored on a daily basis by trained SERVPRO of High Point professionals.

The Emergency Ready Profile

6/5/2019 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile is a start up approach that provides the critical information needed to begin mitigation and recovery services.  It is designed to serve as a quick reference of important building and contact information.  By working with the SERVPRO's Emergency Ready Profile, your business can receive the benefit of over 45 years of experience in reducing the impact of any natural or man-made disaster.  SERVPRO is a leader in the water and fire damage response and can help you quickly get your property back to working order.  Did you know that 50% of businesses may never reopen following a disaster?  Of the businesses that survive, the majority of them had a preparedness plan in place.  Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at piece of mind.  And knowing you are "Ready for whatever happens" speaks trust to your clients and employees that in the event your business is affected by a disaster, they don't necessarily have to be.   

Ethical Business Practices

6/5/2019 (Permalink)

When you choose to work with SERVPRO of High Point, you can rest assured that our team will only do what is necessary to get your property back to its' original condition.  We follow strict ethical guidelines that dictate we only remove and or treat affected areas, as we operate as a Company that practices "minimal invasion".  The goal is to create lasting partnerships with our customers so they will not only call us the next time, but also refer us to friends and family.  The goal is to save the homeowner and insurance company as much money as possible.  We work as a team with both the homeowner and their insurance company. While working on their property, we are in daily communication with all involved parties.