3 Important Flood Prevention Techniques for Protecting Cities

2/7/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is your local water, flood, and fire damage restoration professional. Call SERVPRO today to learn more about how we can help!

Cities Are Protected By Three Important Flood Prevention Techniques.

Sandbags and other similar alternatives are useful for reducing the damage caused by floodwaters, but there are several flood prevention methods that can be used to help protect the city of Hollywood, FL. Although storm damage restoration companies are very effective at reversing the damage flooding causes, the costs of these flood cleaning services are often too much for business owners to bear. By prioritizing prevention and implementing the following three techniques, cities can make the recovery process easier on all their citizens.

1. Vegetation

One easy method that cities and its residents can put into action to help prevent flooding is using vegetation as a means to stop erosion and stop floodwater in its tracks. Grass, trees, and shrubs help absorb water in the area and limit water run-off. Trees can also catch rainfall and help it evaporate before ever reaching the ground.

2. Drainage Systems

Poor drainage systems are a major cause of flooding. Typically, this is caused by improperly cleaned drains that collect plastic litter and result in a clog. Residents can participate in flood prevention by reducing their use of plastic, keeping trash off the streets, and bagging yard waste. It is also important that cities regularly clean their drainage systems and educate the public on what happens when their garbage ends up in the drain instead of the trash.

3. Coastal Defense Walls

For towns located near the ocean, tidal waves can easily cause flooding and damage homes near the shores. Many cities around the world have invested in building sea defense walls as a way to prevent waves from pushing too high up the shore and causing extensive damage. They also help limit the erosion waves can cause.

Investing in flood prevention is essential for cities that consistently receive heavy rainfall or are located near large bodies of water. It is important to remember that residents can have just as much as an effect as city officials in protecting their homes and businesses from floodwaters.

Prevent Mold Growth In Your Hollywood Business

7/3/2019 (Permalink)

Many times, mold can be avoided by following these tips.

Preventing Mold Growth.

SERVPRO of Hollywood/Hallandale/Aventura is licensed in mold remediation. We hope you never have a mold problem.

Mold starts growing within 24 hours of exposure to moisture.

To prevent mold from getting a start in your office building, SERVPRO of Hollywood/Hallandale/Aventura suggests:

• Elevate equipment above floor when possible
• Repair leaky pipes
• Remove any damp areas near sinks and tubs
• Maintain humidity below 40%
• Use water-resistant materials when you build or rebuild. Materials include:
• galvanized or stainless-steel hardware
• waterproof wallboard
• tile
• sealed stone
• sealed concrete
• water-resistant glues
• synthetic fibers
• Use gutters to divert rain water
• Landscape, so water moves away from the house
• Cover dirt in crawl spaces. Moisture can seep up through dirt
• Ventilate as much as possible

Important:

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines a “large amount” of mold as 10 square feet or more. The EPA rules that only licensed professionals can remediate large areas.

You cannot prevent storms or floods. However, if a storm or flood affects you, we can help you clean up the damage.

Links:

https://www.fema.gov/pdf/rebuild/recover/fema_mold_brochure_english.pdf

Tips to Keep Your Golden Beach Employees Safe During a Storm

7/3/2019 (Permalink)

Safety first! Always be prepared before disaster strikes.

Floods in Golden Beach:

Floods are the most common natural disaster in the U.S.  Flooding can happen near major bodies of water, but also inland.

Floods can develop slowly or quickly. Floods that come with no warning are known as flash floods.

Floods:

• Come from rain, snow, hurricanes, tornadoes, and storm surges
• Overflows of dams or other water systems
• Can cause power or water outages
• Damage buildings
• Create landslides
• Make roads impassable
• Sweep away people, animals, or cars

If you are in a flood in Golden Beach:

• If you have a warning, get to a safe place
• Don’t drive around barricades 
• Don’t walk, swim, or drive through flood waters.  SERVPRO of Hollywood/Hallandale/Aventura likes the warning, “Turn around! Don’t Drown!”
• 6 inches of moving water can knock a person down. 12 inches of moving water can sweep a car away
• Stay off bridges over fast-moving water. The water can wash bridges away
• If your car is trapped in quickly-moving water, stay inside. If the water rises inside the vehicle, climb onto the roof
• If you are trapped in a building, go to the highest level. Do NOT climb into a closed attic. Floodwater can trap you. Go to the roof only if there is no other escape

Links:

https://www.ready.gov/floods 

https://www.fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program

Fire Prevention in Hollywood Florida

7/2/2019 (Permalink)

Arson's cause unnecessary fires each year.

SERVPRO of Hollywood/Hallandale/Aventura wants you to be aware of the causes of fire damage and fire injuries so that you can help prevent them.

Common Causes of Fires:

• Arson & intentional fires. An “intentional fire” is one that is not set to cause harm, but it gets out of control. Arson is a fire that is set to cause harm. Most of the time, arson and intentional fires are set outside. Deaths, injuries, and fire damage usually happen indoors
• Cooking. Kitchen fires are the leading cause of home fire injuries and home fire damage
• Electrical. Use all electrical equipment according to the directions
• Heating. Heating equipment is the second most common cause of deaths in home fires
  December, January, and February are the months that have the most home heating fires
• Smoking. Cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other smoking materials are the biggest cause of fire deaths in the U.S. Think of preventing tragedy when explaining why to quit smoking
• Children. Children should never be left alone with matches, lighters, candles, or other dangerous materials. Children playing with fire cause hundreds of deaths and injuries every year

Please pay attention to fire safety. While we can help to restore your home or office, prevention and family safety should always come first. Share this blog with a friend who might want to learn more about fire prevention. Remember, it's easier to prepare to avoid disaster in Hollywood, than it is to repair the damage from negligence.

Links:
https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/By-topic/Top-causes-of-fire

OSHA Guidelines For Fire Extinguishers

7/2/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Hollywood/Hallandale/Aventura knows that the proper use of fire extinguishers can prevent fire from destroying lives.

Owning a fire extinguisher is not enough.  The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) requires that employers train their employees how and when to use fire extinguishers. They must provide the training shortly after the employee is hired, and then every year thereafter.

OSHA does not allow untrained employees to use a fire extinguisher.

OSHA also requires monthly inspections of the fire extinguishers.

Fire extinguishers have to be placed where they cannot be moved or damaged..

The carrying handle should be 3-¹/₂ to 5 feet above the floor.

Employees must know when to use fire extinguishers.

SERVPRO of Hollywood/Hallandale/Aventura suggests asking yourself these questions regarding fire extinguishers.  

• Have I pulled the fire alarm?
• Is the fire extinguisher easy to reach?
• Do I know how to use it?
• Is the fire contained in a small area?
• Is the smoke non-toxic?
• Can everyone get out?
• Do I have an escape route?

If you can answer “yes” to all of the questions, it is reasonable to use the fire extinguisher.

SERVPRO of Hollywood/Hallandale/Aventura reminds you that fire is fast. If you cannot contain it within 30 seconds, get everyone out of the area. Call 9-1-1 once you are outside.

Links:

https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/emergencypreparedness/index.html

https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.157

https://www.nfpa.org/public-education/by-topic/fire-and-life-safety-equipment/fire-extinguishers

Be prepared with a SERVPRO Emergency Ready Plan

3/1/2018 (Permalink)

Whether it is for a home or business, it is important to always be prepared for a fire or water damage emergency.

SERVPRO has set in place an app called "The SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile." Which you create to condense all necessary information within one easy to access plan both you and we can view and follow. No time needs to be lost in those critical minutes and hours after the firefighters leave the premises when your ERP is current. We assess your apartment complex prior to any disaster at no cost, helping you identify the things that will be most important to get you and your tenants back into the building, safe and healthy. Everything from identifying key personnel within your business to authorize work up to where shut off valves are located to be readily available to our commercial restoration technicians so we can move forward with no hesitation or delay in beginning the restoration process. 

Post-Construction Cleanup Ensures a Spic-and-Span Environment for Your New Building

6/20/2017 (Permalink)

Your new building or remodeling is finally complete, after months and months of planning and construction. So you’re all ready to move in, right?

Not so fast! Good contractors clean up their supplies and tools, dispose of the trash and remnants of their materials and get your new space to a point where it’s considered “move-in ready.” But that doesn’t mean it’s ready for people to sit down and work. You need one last thing before opening the doors: a post-construction cleanup.

When a construction team leaves a site they also leave behind things not always noticeable (but sometimes very noticeable), like dust, grit, wood particles, window film and other dirt that needs to be cleaned before you invite employees into the space.

Giving your new area a thorough once-over will not only make everything clean, but it will make employees feel even better about their new digs. When Jack’s Maintenance performs a post-construction cleanup, we take care of these and other areas, some of which you might not expect to gather dust and grime (but that certainly do!):

Inside cabinets and desks. Much of the drywall dust and sawdust will end up in these spots, so we vacuum or wipe until it’s gone
Ceiling tiles, vent covers and exposed pipes. Another spot where dust lands and recirculates through the air – not ideal, especially for people with allergies or respiratory problems
Furniture surfaces, frames and padding. New or old, your furniture will attract and hold dust and grime, particularly the padding. We wipe and/or vacuum ‘til it shines! Some of these items will have adhesive labels affixed to them, and a good post-construction cleanup will involve using the right products to remove them safely
Light fixtures. Ceiling fixtures and desk lamps both attract dust, which can reduce the efficiency of the bulbs. We use the right techniques to remove anything left behind by the contractor
Carpet and flooring. This is usually the last spot we clean when we do post-construction cleanups because it’s the dirtiest by far! All the traffic, dust and dirt lands here, so we take special care to get them in top shape
Stairwells. Railings and steps tend to get lots of use even during construction, so we get every nook and cranny prior to you occupying the building
Elevators, interior and exterior. This over over-looked spot gets plenty of foot traffic and fingerprints, so we wipe it all down until it’s sparkling clean
Walls. Believe it or not, walls hold on to dust, and certain wall textures hold on to it better than others. We’ll wipe or dust the walls to remove any drywall dust that’s hanging on
Windows. Windows grab on to particles in the air and will eventually look filmy. We focus on the window itself and the sills and tracks, where the “real” dirt is
Post-construction cleaning leaves a place smelling fresh, looking “shiny new,” and prevents all of that dust and grime from dulling the finishes and eroding the appearance of your new space. If you’re in the process of remodeling or building a new facility, don’t forget the critical last step of getting it cleaned and ready for work!

Commercial Cleaning on a Budget

6/20/2017 (Permalink)

Whether you are a large company or a one-man business Commercial Cleaning is something you cannot ignore. For big business not having a clean environment for your staff to work in is one of the worst economies you can make. A dirty work area is bad for moral, wastes valuable work time and can be detrimental to the health of your staff.
As a worker if you work in a dirty environment there is only so much you can take, so after a while you have to stop your paid work to clean up. Emptying bins, washing cups or just generally dusting machinery and work surfaces, has to be done sometimes. No one enjoys picking up a dirty phone or dialling on a grease covered keypad. These are the sort of things that build up when proper cleaning services are not used. As a worker it distracts you from what you are paid to do and as a boss, why are you paying trained or qualified staff to empty bins? If you are the boss cleaning your own work space, then this is an unproductive waste of your time.

When you are on a tight budget as everyone is nowadays, cleaning may seem to be a big outlay for no return, but the actual return you gain is more productivity from your staff, more focussed work and direct action. Everyone needs to drink liquids through the day, so eventually the cups have to be washed and someone has to do it. So what you need to consider is exactly what you need cleaners to do. This may seem obvious but when you start to look at cleaning companies in the area you start to realise not every corporate cleaning company is the same.

First what needs doing to keep your offices clean and tidy? Do the bins need emptying daily or twice weekly? Do you need the carpet hoovering and the floor moped in the kitchens or dining areas, and how often? Who washes the mugs, or do you use vending machine cups and if so does this cause a need for more bins to be emptied. Do your kitchens stay fairly clean or do people leave them in a mess? If they are in a mess they can definitely be a health hazard if not cleaned daily. The toilets are another area that really need cleaning daily in a big company. This is an area that should not be left to chance and if you are a really big company or in the food business then more than once a day may be necessary.

Commercial Building Automation Market - Global Industry, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2016 - 2024

4/3/2017 (Permalink)

One of the major factors driving the market for commercial building automation is increasing demand from key end user such as retail, healthcare, offices and hospitality sector among others. According to UNEP (United Nations Environment Program), buildings contribute to about one third of the total greenhouse gas emissions, mainly due to the usage of fossil fuels. In addition, a slow but gradual evolution of IoT sensors based technology has resulted in the emergence of solutions which are significantly more intelligent and have the ability to analyze granular aspects of buildings such as space utilization, gauging occupant's comfort levels and similar derive business intelligence.

Global Commercial Building Automation Market: Segmentation

Power supply, interfacing components, room automation, HVAC systems, security & surveillance, illumination & light sensors and others sectors are the various product types of the commercial building automation market. The power supply market is further segmented into UPS, battery modules and others. The interfacing components is further sub segmented into router, couplers and others. The room automation is further being sub segmented into I/O module, actuators & actuators module, controllers and others. Based on the various product types of commercial building automation, the HVAC systems segment constituted the biggest market share, followed by the security and surveillance segment, in 2015. Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) System is a technology used in building automation for vehicular and indoor environmental comfort. The heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) are largely served in offices, healthcare, retail and hospitality sector among others, therefore, it holds the largest market among all the segments in the commercial building automation market.

By type of material, the market is divided into lighting control and regulation, interfacing and inter-working with other building systems, blind and shutter control , temperature control and regulation, energy and load management, security and fault monitoring, visualization & remote control and monitoring, reporting, display. In 2015, based on material types, the temperature control and regulation segment held the largest market share followed by the lighting control and regulation segment.

The commercial building automation market has been segmented on the basis of end use into offices, retail, hospitality sector, healthcare and others. The retail segment constituted the largest market share, followed by the offices segment, in 2015. The major reason for this growth is attributed to the ability of commercial building automation to raise profit by reducing energy and operating costs in retail shops. In addition, adoption of building automation in retail stores makes life easier. It not only smoothens the management of the retail store regulating system, such as temperature and light, but also provides a host of other services such as video surveillance, HVAC services, easier energy management, and efficient security system.

Moreover, the use of building automation in retail shops represented the largest market share in the global commercial building automation market in 2015. This is primarily due to an increase in the use of building automation in enclosed malls and individual shops. Commercial building automation in retail stores has a number of uses, such as providing security to the owner of parked cars, to conserve energy and offering a great ambience.

By geography, the commercial building automation market has been broken down into four regions namely North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World (RoW). Presently, North America held the major share of the market, followed by Europe, Asia Pacific and Rest of the World (RoW).

Global Commercial Building Automation Market: Key Trends

Government initiatives for constructing green buildings and rise in green building construction by several different companies are the major factors driving the market for commercial building automation market during the forecast period of 2016 – 2024. Green buildings are constructed using recycled waste resources from construction sites. Increased demand for green building materials has been observed in the residential buildings and office & commercial buildings segments. The other factors driving the market for commercial building automation market is increasing awareness about the advantages of green building which in turn boosting the commercial building automation market during the forecast period of 2016 – 2024.

Global Commercial Building Automation Market: Key players mentioned in the report

Key players profiled in this report include ABB Ltd. (Switzerland), Cisco Systems Inc. (United States), Honeywell International Inc. (United States), Hubbell Inc. (United States), Ingersoll Rand Plc. (Ireland), Johnson Controls International plc. (United States), Robert Bosch GmbH (Germany), Schneider Electric SE (France), United Technologies Corp. (United States) and Siemens AG (Germany).

The segments covered in the Commercial building automation market are as follows:

Global Commercial Building Automation Market: By Product Type

Power Supply
UPS
Battery Modules
Others
Interfacing Components
Router
Couplers
Others
Room Automation
I/O Module
Actuators & Actuators Module
Controllers
Others
HVAC Systems
Security and Surveillance
Illumination and Light Sensors
Others

Global Commercial Building Automation Market: By Material Type

Lighting Control and Regulation
Interfacing and Inter-working with other Building Systems
Blind and Shutter Control
Temperature Control and Regulation
Energy and Load Management
Security and Fault Monitoring
Visualization and Remote Control
Monitoring, Reporting, Display
Others

Global Commercial Building Automation Market: By End Use Type

Offices
Retail
Hospitality Sector
Healthcare
Others

Global Commercial Building Automation Market: By Geography

North America
U.S.
Canada
Mexico
Europe
U.K.
Germany
France
Italy
Rest of Europe
Asia Pacific
India
China
Japan
Rest of Asia Pacific
Rest of the World (RoW)
Middle East
Latin America
Africa

Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/4662495/

SERVPRO Provides Commercial Services

12/1/2015 (Permalink)

Make sure you choose the SERVPRO way!

Cleaning and restoring commercial properties requires a blend of proper training, experience, and equipment. SERVPRO® of Hollywood/ Hallandale/ Aventura has the resources and expertise to give you excellent results, providing an immediate and efficient work process, while minimizing the disruption to your clients. We can help make it "Like it never even happened."

• Small Office Buildings
• Large/High-Rise Office Buildings
• Apartment Buildings
• Restaurants
• Hotels/Motels
• Small Retail Stores
• Large Retail/Big-box Stores
• High-rise Residential Buildings
• Manufacturing & Industrial Facilities
• Government/Military Buildings
• Churches/Public Buildings

All commercial work performed by SERVPRO® of Hollywood/ Hallandale/ Aventura is acknowledged to have high status. Our franchise understands the importance of maintaining a business' name away from being besmirched. As we share the same belief; being one of many franchises that share the name of SERVPRO®.