Fire Prevention Tips for Businesses

10/5/2022 (Permalink)

Keep Your Business Safe

In the event of a fire, it's important to be prepared. Here are some simple things you can do to keep your business safe:

1. Install and regularly inspect smoke detectors.

To have a functioning smoke detector in every room, hallway and stairwell, install them on the ceiling or wall 5 to 7 feet above the floor. Test your smoke detectors monthly by pushing the test button. Replace batteries annually and replace the smoke detector every 10 years (or sooner if they don't work properly).

If there's ever an issue with your smoke detectors, take action immediately by contacting a professional or replacing them altogether.

2. Keep and regularly test your fire extinguishers.

It is important to regularly test your fire extinguisher. Most fire extinguishers should be tested once a month and replaced after 10 years, but you should consult with the manufacturer to see what their specific recommendations are. Each time you test the fire extinguisher, follow these steps:

• Check that the pressure gauge reads between 40-60 PSI (pounds per square inch). If it doesn't then replace it immediately.
• Pull out the safety pin (if there is one).
• Pull out the handle while holding down on top of the canister so no air escapes until foam sprays out of all nozzles at least 1 second later. Wait 30 seconds before re-pressurizing with air or nitrogen gas if there is an onboard valve available for this purpose; otherwise hold down on top of the canister again until foam comes out again and release pressure slowly after waiting 30 seconds again even if not re-pressurizing (this step does not apply to CO2 based systems).

3. Schedule fire drills with your employees.

Schedule fire drills with your employees. It’s important to have an emergency plan in place and refresh it every six months. Fire drills should be timed to coincide with business hours, so everyone can participate if they need to evacuate. The best way to ensure that all staff members are able to participate is by holding fire drills at off-peak times, such as early morning or late evening when most people are not present. This will also minimize any disruption of your customer's/patients' experiences at your organization.

Another key element of a successful drill is making sure that your staff knows where the exits are located and how far away they are from each other.

4. Maintain an evacuation map in an easily accessible place (near the front door).

The map should include escape routes and the nearest fire extinguishers. It should also be updated regularly to reflect changes to your business and employees’ routines. Keep in mind that if you have more than one floor, you may need to use alternative escape routes if your primary way out is blocked by fire or smoke.

5. Keep emergency numbers on hand.

Write down the numbers of your local fire department and your local police department. Keep the list on hand, in a place where you can easily access it if needed. If you're out of town, keep this list with you so that anyone who needs to report a fire or call for help can do so without having to look up numbers online.

If you take these steps, you can protect your business and your employees from fire. Many of the tips we’ve discussed here help keep your employees safe, but they also make it easier for them to help you in an emergency. By keeping fire extinguishers in good condition and testing them regularly, for example, everyone will be familiar with where they are located should there ever be an emergency. In addition to having an evacuation map available near the front door of your building (along with other important info like emergency numbers), it’s also important for employees to know how to use them properly so that their efforts don’t end up doing more harm than good.

Protect Your Building's Wood Flooring From Water Damage

8/30/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage in Loveland, CO

After you've spent a lot of money installing new flooring in the office area of your building, you want to protect it from damage caused by a pipe burst or other water troubles. While you can't eliminate every potential problem, there are some proactive plans that will mitigate the risks.

Tips to Protect Your Office's Wood Flooring

Water is the number one enemy of wood. If the spill is small, you may be able to tackle the problem yourself. If there is flooding, however, you should call a water damage restoration service right away to assess the damage and develop a restoration plan. Listed below are some tips to protect your wood floor from water damage.

Never leave wet materials on the flooring. Wet shoes and clothing can quickly leave a white stain that is hard to remove. If the flooring gets wet, blot up the water immediately with a clean rag or dry towel. After that, place a fan directly on the area to ensure it completely dries.
Inspect the plumbing frequently. A small leak can turn into a pipe burst, so it's critical to look for any signs of wear or small cracks on a routine basis. Add this check to your maintenance staff's inspection checklist.
Protect your flooring from outside influences. During the humid summer months in Loveland, CO, you are more likely to have a wet floor in your building. Installing a dehumidifier, along with using the air conditioning, will keep moisture out of the air.

Suggestions for Cleaning Hardwood Floors
Before using a cleaner on your floors, vacuum the area thoroughly to remove all dust and dirt. Make sure to use a high-quality cleaning product that is specifically designed for hardwood floors, and follow the directions on the bottle carefully.
Reduce the risk of water damage from a pipe burst or other water event by implementing some simple procedures.

3 Tips for Avoiding Mold Growth

5/25/2022 (Permalink)

Avoid Mold Growth In Your Business

Does your building in Loveland, CO, have a mold problem? Mold spores are everywhere; they float in the air, waiting for a suitable environment to grow. The trick is to not allow any spaces for mold growth, and most business owners know that this can be a struggle. There are, however, some tips that can help you with the process.

1. Air Duct Cleaning
Mold truly does wait to grow wherever and whenever it can. The whole purpose of air ducts in your building is to circulate air. This is great for the comfort of your employees or temperature regulation of your products, but it also means that spores are circulated everywhere as well. The best way to prevent this is to have the ducts cleaned regularly.

2. Carpet Sanitation
Carpet is a luxury that makes any building more welcoming and cozier. Unfortunately, it's also a breeding ground for mold. Carpet cleaning can help prevent mold growth in many ways. If any moisture gets spilled on the carpet, cleaning removes the liquid and sanitizes the area, preventing any mold problems. It's always best to have your carpets sanitized by licensed mold removal and cleanup professional. These experts come equipped with all the tools needed to get the job done efficiently and effectively. They also use special equipment to detect any hidden growth of mold behind walls. Similar tools are used to find moisture pockets in your ceilings and roof.

3. Preventative Tools
Surprisingly, providing objects such as floor mats and other everyday cleanliness items drastically reduces mold issues. It also saves you money. Carpet cleaning is not as urgent if employees have somewhere to wipe their feet; you'd be surprised how much mold is tracked in from outside foot traffic.
Carpet cleaning and other given tips can help you be more prepared to stop mold growth before it happens.

3 Ways Smoke Can Damage Your Commercial Building

5/18/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damage in Loveland, CO.

Kinds of Issues Smoke Cause To Your Business

When a fire rips through your Loveland, CO, business, you may be facing more than charred walls and ruined wiring. Smoke damage can also cause a variety of problems, some of which are not always immediately evident. Learning about the kinds of issues smoke can cause to your business may help you feel more confident during the cleaning and restoration process. 

1. Porous Surfaces Absorb Smoke 
During a fire, porous surfaces, such as drywall and fabrics, can absorb smoke. When this happens, items retain the bitter, smoky odor, which can linger for months inside your business. Removing and replacing wall sections, draperies and furniture and restoring flooring can prevent odors from lingering. 

2. Smoke Damage Includes Staining 
A fire at your business can leave more than ash and soot damage behind. Trapped smoke can oxidize some surfaces, such as those that are treated or painted, including glass. This can cause staining and discoloration that cannot be cleaned away with everyday cleansers. A smoke cleaning and restoration service can assist you by removing these stains with specialized equipment. 

3. Smoke Can Harm Electronics 
Computers, printers and service machines can all take on considerable damage during a fire. Even those that do not appear affected may have internal smoke damage, such as the oxidization of wiring and chips. Smoke has a high acidity factor and may eventually cause malfunctions in your business electronics. This type of damage is not always apparent right away, which might make the use of smoke-affected electronics potentially dangerous for your employees. 
The aftermath of a fire at your Loveland, CO, business can leave you facing many different types of damage, including problems caused by smoke. Knowing how to spot the signs of damage and when to call for help can prevent a lengthy work stoppage and give you confidence when it comes to reopening your business. 

4 Things You Need To Know About Mold

4/6/2022 (Permalink)

Mold damage in Loveland, CO.

Mold: Four Things You Should Know

If you spot suspicious green or black dots on the walls or ceilings of your building, do not ignore them. There is a good chance those fuzzy spots are evidence of mold growth. If left untreated, the fungus can spread quickly and cause serious damage to your business in Loveland, CO. Mold should always be treated and removed immediately to avoid costly damage and repairs.
Here are four things you should know about mold.

1. Mold Can Spread Quickly

Mold is a fungus and can grow on many surfaces, including wood, drywall, and carpet. Once its microscopic spores enter your building and land on a damp surface, the mold will begin to grow and colonize. Depending on your building's moisture level, type of surface and temperature, the infestation can begin to develop within 24-48 hours and can cause problems throughout the entire building within a matter of days.

2. Mold Loves Moisture

High humidity and warm temperatures create a perfect environment for growth, making basements and bathrooms common areas for the fungus to form. Keep these areas well ventilated with plenty of air flow and use a dehumidifier to lower the moisture content in the air.

3. Mold is Common After Leaks and Floods

Flood and water damage can lead to mold growth when water seeps into porous and organic materials, often causing structural damage. In addition, broken pipes can leak behind a wall and provide an excellent home for growth. Performing routine maintenance on your plumbing can reduce your risk in these situations. If the fungus does appear, calling a professional mold removal service is your best bet for removing it and replacing the damaged materials.

4. Mold Can Carry an Odor

In addition to being unsightly, mold often carries a strong musty odor. In some cases, you may smell the odor before even seeing the infestation if it is growing behind a wall or in other hidden areas of the office.
Never ignore mold growth if you suspect it. It can take over your building quickly and cause severe damage. Keeping the humidity low and routinely inspecting your building’s plumbing can help reduce your chances of developing a mold problem, and swift action can save you from costly repairs to find any growth.