Recent Posts

The Power of Master Service Agreements: Fast Response and Strong Relationships

9/18/2023 (Permalink)

Do you have a super hero on speed dial?

In the fast-paced world of business, rapid response is essential, especially during emergencies. Picture this: a national heatwave causes an abrupt A/C outage, with the potential to turn a hospital into an oven of stress and panic. In times like these, having a Master Service Agreement (MSA) in place can be the lifeline that transforms panic into a strategic, well-managed solution.

A Race Against Time

SERVPRO® Team Nicholson's Scott Askew and his crew proved the power of an MSA recently. Within hours of receiving the call, our team was on-site, ready to help. Seven hours later, cooling equipment was up and running - thanks to our subcontractor, Coastal Mechanical. We even had a team of welders fabricating quick hose connections in the hospital parking lot in order to connect the mobile chillers to the hospital's existing cooling system.

By the evening, the hospital was cooling to a comfortable temperature, all without displacing patients or disrupting critical operations. The team avoided an evacuation and multiple diversions, where a hospital has to transfer patients to another hospital. In the end, all this was possible without having to tell an MSA client, "no," — the word doesn't exist in our vocabulary anyways.

Building a Bridge to Swift Solutions

The MSA is more than just a contract - we become your logistics team, your trusted solutions provider. The last thing a business owner wants is to face a double emergency – the primary situation and its repercussions. Like the scramble to evacuate patients, and to secure specialized equipment, like chillers, at odd hours in order to prevent high temperatures from spoiling medication. An MSA eliminates the chaos, minimizing the complexity and severity of interruptions to business.

The Value of Strong Relationships

In the realm of crisis management, strong relationships are worth their weight in gold. Our connections with clients, subcontractor partnerships, and a network of SERVPRO teams across the nation, our bonds serve as the cornerstone of effective and efficient solutions. When challenges arise, leveraging our network's capabilities means clients have access to additional equipment and resources quickly.

In a world of emergencies, a Master Service Agreement isn't just a contract – it's a promise - to provide rapid response, leverage strong relationships, and transform potential chaos into smoothly managed solutions. It's the assurance that when a crisis arises, our team of professionals is ready to shift the perspective - becoming your total solutions provider for whatever happens.

Protecting What Matters: The Emergency Plan Every Parent Needs Before School Starts

8/8/2023 (Permalink)

girl at bottom of blue slide smiling with thumbs up Protect what matters most. Have a back-to-school emergency plan.

Do You Have a Back-to-School Family Emergency Plan?

No one likes to think that an emergency could happen to them, but the reality is that disaster can happen anytime, anywhere, including while your child is at school.

Even if you never end up needing your family emergency plan, it's best to be prepared—just in case. Having a detailed plan in place will give you everyday peace of mind, and—in the event of an emergency—could save lives.

Emergency Contacts

  1. List 1-3 trusted emergency contacts who can pick up your child from school if you are unable to do so.

  2. Confirm their availability and willingness to be emergency contacts.

  3. Teach your child how to contact each person by phone.

  4. Familiarize your child with each contact's appearance and vehicle.

Communicate with the School

  1. Keep school up-to-date with who is allowed to pick your child up.

  2. Provide correct contact information and identification for their records.

  3. Inquire about the school's policies for emergency situations and designated pick-up areas.

Alternative Drop-Off Locations

  1. Establish an alternative drop-off location in case emergency contacts cannot be reached promptly.

  2. This location could be a trusted friend or family member's house, or another secure spot.

  3. Familiarize your child with the alternate location's address and phone number to accurately guide authorities there.

Re-Evaluate Each Year

As your child ages, changes schools, or your family moves, it's smart to update your plan annually. 

Although we hope your family never experiences an unexpected disaster, if you do, SERVPRO® is available 24/7/365 for emergency service. Learn more here. Your family's safety and preparedness are paramount, and having a well-structured emergency plan is a crucial step in ensuring their protection.

Unseen Water Leaks Can Cause Damage, Too

7/18/2023 (Permalink)

 

There's always cause for concern whether you come home to a small water leak or a large water leak. Why should someone worry about a small leak?

It is the water you can't see that causes the most damage! Your SERVPRO professionals understand how disruptive unseen water damage is. The water can contain bacteria, within a few days causes mold, and stopping the source can be very difficult if you can not easily see the water. That is where we can help! Do not risk secondary damages trying to clean up the mess yourself. Call SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth to ensure the source of the leak is stopped. We can thoroughly dry the structure with our top-of-the-line equipment so that mold will not spread and give you peace of mind.

Here are a few tips to prevent leaks and a headache when they do happen:

  1. Always keep your roof inspected and up-to-date on all repairs.
  2. Document your possessions.
  3. Keep your trees trimmed to prevent them from falling onto your roof.
  4. Keep all gutters and spouts cleared out to make sure they are draining properly.
  5. Guard your foundation and basement.
  6. Keep up with your HVAC equipment and appliances.

3 Step Plan for a Flooded Furnace

7/12/2023 (Permalink)

A small amount of water from a broken pipe can flood a functional basement and result in a water damage nightmare, especially if the water permeates your furnace. SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth identified three steps to help keep you stress-free and organized when dealing with a flooded furnace. Following these steps will make the claims process run smoothly and help your business or home get up and running again.

Document the Damage

The furnace can be the most costly loss in a flood, other damaged property also needs to be considered when documenting damage for insurance. Use the following process to record losses and assign values in a notebook or spreadsheet.

  • Photograph the damage.
  • Write down the serial number or another unique identifier if available.
  • Assign a value.

Don’t forget to include items that may have little to no monetary value but are still of high value to your business, like important documents. Search professional recovery services within the area to save irreplaceable items such as documents or photographs.

Investigate Coverage and Decide to Repair or Replace

A burst pipe resulting in a flooded furnace is an insurable event, so be sure to check with your provider that you are covered. If a natural disaster occurred, contact the Federal Emergency Management Agency to inquire if government aid is available. FEMA offers financing options to those who qualify for HVAC and furnace replacement costs.

According to the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute, flooded furnaces should be replaced rather than repaired. For a professional opinion, contact a qualified heating and cooling contractor to inspect the damage. They may advise that the furnace will be operational after a total dry-out and minor electrical repair. However, the life of the unit reduces. You likely don’t want to choose repair over replacement and have a related problem surface a couple of years later, long after the claim closes.

Take Care of the Air Ducts

The air quality from a furnace is often only as good as the ducts it travels through. Call SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth, Edgecliff Village at (682) 708-1004 to schedule a professional air duct cleaning to ensure ducts are clean, dry, and free of mold and debris.

Tasks associated with a furnace flood are something nobody wants on their to-do list. Take this systematic approach to efficiently ensure the return of a safe and comfortable environment in your commercial or residential property in Fort Worth, TX, for years to come. To ease your mind even further, SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth specializes in cleaning, restoration, and construction. Whether big or small, we can make your disaster feel, "Like it never even happened." On top of that, we are local and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We proudly serve Fort Worth, TX, and surrounding areas.

Career Opportunities at SERVPRO

5/4/2023 (Permalink)

With over 20 franchises in 6 locations throughout TN, FL, and TX, SERVPRO Team Nicholson is an exciting, diverse, innovative place to work. We foster positive company culture, offer competitive compensation packages, and prioritize community involvement. Come find out what it takes to be a part of our team! 

Our mission is to be a proud, laser-focused team holding each other accountable while creating positive opportunities for our people and becoming the most efficiently run organization in the markets we serve. We value honesty, reliability, relationships, trustworthiness, and authenticity! Our team develops and provides solutions; we are go-getters and carry a “bring it” attitude to our work environment. We listen and value each other’s thoughts and ideas and strive to bring them to life. We are built on hard work, transparency, good business, and integrity. We believe “You can’t go wrong doing the right thing.” 

Bill Repsel, our Regional Administrator, shared his testimony on what it's like working for SERVPRO. He said "Every day is a new day. It is an opportunity to serve others in our community in a time of need. We have an incredible team of people with great talent that strives to make a difference every day." 

SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth is proud of the work we do and is always looking for like-minded people interested in a rewarding career. Please submit your resume to recruiting@SERVPROclarksville.com, stop by our office 8:00 am-5:00 pm Monday-Friday, or click here to check out our current job openings.

What is SERVPRO’s Cleaning Process for a Commercial Large Loss?

5/4/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Cleaning Process After Catastrophic Commercial Emergencies

From 1980 to 2020, on average, the U.S. endured 7 severe climate events per year. Throughout the past year, that number has more than doubled, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information. Although statistics help describe the destruction brought on by natural disasters, no measurement can quantify the loss and trauma to individuals, families, and communities. The struggle of those involved as they work to rebuild a sense of normalcy is often not seen.

SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth is proud to assist by offering Commercial Large Loss and Disaster Recovery services after any catastrophic emergency in the United States. With the resources of 17 SERVPRO franchise licenses in 6 locations throughout 3 southern states, we are well-positioned to respond to any disaster.

Our flexible, efficient team can tackle damage at private businesses, hospitals, schools, government facilities, and more. SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth professionals are highly trained in fire, storm, and water damage mitigation. When mitigating damage on a large scale, our team uses the following framework:

Control the Environment

Commercial-sized desiccant dehumidifiers remove water from the air and dense materials while increasing the air temperature, further drying the structure, and helping to better control the environment.

Remove Contaminated Material 

To ensure a safe and efficient clean-up, SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth crews will remove contaminated material and items that are beyond repair and remove restorable items for off-site cleaning. 

Dry the Structure

Various sized air movers and dehumidifiers are strategically placed throughout the structure to accelerate the drying process. 

Our crews can be ready at a moment’s notice, deploying cutting-edge drying equipment and service vehicles that feature truck-mounted water extractors that operate even without electricity. Response time is critical for communities to get up and running again. When disaster strikes, we are ready to answer the call and make it “Like it never even happened.” 

Why It's Important to Clean Your Air Ducts

5/4/2023 (Permalink)

 

Ventilation systems are often the biggest culprit in low indoor air quality. Make it a priority to inspect the ductwork of your Texas home or business.

If your HVAC has been operating for some time without attention, it could be circulating the following:

  • Dust
  • Pollen
  • Odors
  • Dirt and debris
  • Other contaminants

According to the U.S. Department of Energy25 to 40 percent of the energy used in homes for heating or cooling is wasted. Contaminants in the heating and cooling system cause it to work harder and shorten your system's life. Although filters are used, the heating and cooling system still gets dirty through normal use.

When an HVAC system is clean, it doesn't have to work as hard to maintain the temperature you desire. As a result, less energy is used, leading to improved cost-effectiveness.

In addition to normal accumulations of dust and dirt found in all homes with air ducts, several other factors can increase the need for regular HVAC system cleaning:

  • Pets
  • Occupants with allergies or asthma
  • Cigarette or cigar smoke
  • Water contamination or damage to the home or HVAC system
  • Home renovation or remodeling projects

Some occupants are more sensitive to these contaminants than others. Allergy and asthma sufferers and young children, and the elderly, tend to be more susceptible to the types of low indoor air quality that air duct cleaning can help address.

SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth professionals routinely inspects the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit (HVAC). Keeping them clean can extend the life of the equipment. This can save you money and give you cleaner air to breathe. For additional information on HVAC and air duct cleaning, call us today, (817) 557-6895.

Humidity: Primary and Secondary Damages Explained by Restoration Experts

8/8/2022 (Permalink)

moisture meter held by a SERVPRO technician, hand on frame holding a small remote-looking device with screen, Call SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth restoration experts to mitigate primary and secondary damage due to storm, flooding + water.
 

Different Types of Water Damage

Whenever excessive moisture gets inside a building, the problems it causes can be broken down into two categories: primary and secondary damage.

Primary Damage

When water leaks from a pipe or an appliance, it comes in contact with contents and building materials. Anything that happens due to direct contact with liquid water, such as the carpet's de-lamination, is considered primary damage. 

Secondary Damage

Once water gets inside a structure, it naturally raises humidity levels indoors when moisture from wet materials evaporates into the air. Elevated humidity levels can also cause building materials issues since water transfers from the air into dry materials to reach equilibrium. When water vapor causes structural problems, it is called secondary damage.

Extraction procedures help reduce primary issues, and structural drying helps mitigate both primary and secondary water damage. When our SERVPRO technicians deal with any water damage situation, we monitor both relative and specific humidity.

What Controls Humidity?

Controlling humidity levels in a structure helps speed up structural drying times. Wet materials dry out faster if the humidity inside a building is kept low using air movers and dehumidifiers. Monitoring and strategic placement of these devices optimize drying times. When we keep humidity levels low, we also reduce water vapor in the air, causing fewer secondary issues. 

Relative Humidity

Relative Humidity (RH) is a measure of how much water is in the air at any given temperature. RH is expressed as a percentage, so if the relative humidity is 100%, then the air is holding as much moisture as it can at that temperature. At this point, if not sooner, condensation can occur inside the building. "Raining" inside your home can only exacerbate the already water damaging effects. Air can hold more water at higher temperatures, so increasing the house's temperature will lower the relative humidity. That is one of the features of our HEPA filters. Not only does the filter suck the moisture from the air, but it also heats the air to dry the space quicker.

Specific Humidity 

The temperature has such a significant effect on relative humidity, but it's not always a good gauge of how much water exists in the air. Specific humidity is the actual amount of moisture in the air. When our restoration professionals measure specific humidity, they count the actual grains of moisture in each pound of air. To find specific humidity, we measure relative humidity levels and the room's temperature. We then put these numbers in a psychrometric chart that gives us the grains per pound (GPP) number. 

If you ever need help with issues related to water or humidity, such as flood damage, storm damage, or microbial growth, call SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth at (817) 557-6895, available 24 hours a day.

Do You Have a Back-to-School Family Emergency Plan?

8/4/2022 (Permalink)

No one ever likes to think that an emergency could happen to them, but the reality is that disasters can strike anytime, anywhere, including while your child is at school.

Even if you never end up needing your family emergency plan, it's best to be prepared just in case. Having a solid plan in place will give you everyday peace of mind and, in the event of an emergency, could save lives.

Emergency Contacts

Make a list of 1-3 trusted emergency contacts who can pick up your child from school in the event that you are unable. Be sure to notify these people and get their permission. Review the list with your child to ensure they're comfortable with these people, know how to contact them by phone, and know what their vehicle looks like. Including an emergency card in your child’s backpack could prove useful for ensuring your child has the correct, pertinent information.

Communicate with the School

Ensure your child's school is kept up to date about who is allowed to pick them up. They'll need correct contact information and sometimes require a form of identification for their records. Many schools have materials they distribute to indicate designated pick up areas and other important information.

Drop Off Location

It’s scary, but it could happen. If none of the emergency contacts can be reached by phone or they're unable to pick your child up in a timely manner, alternative transportation may have to be arranged. Be sure to have a designated alternative drop-off spot. This could be a friend or relative's house, or another trusted location. Be sure your child knows the location, their current address, and phone number so that they can accurately tell authorities how to get there safely.

Reevaluate Each Year

As your child ages, changes schools, or your family moves, it's smart to update your plan. 

Although we hope your family never experiences an unexpected disaster, if you do, SERVPRO is available 24/7/365 for emergency service. Learn more here.

Reduce Business Disruption After a Commercial Disaster

6/22/2022 (Permalink)

two people holding an ipad with the SERVPRO ERP app, orange background, green stripe on right, SERVPRO logo Contact SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth at (817) 460-7766 to get started on your SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile today.

After a major disaster, businesses suffer a variety of interruptions like:

  • financial and emotional stress
  • production downtime
  • sullied reputation
  • a plethora of other strains.

In the time period following a trauma like a fire, flood, pipe break, or other form of disaster, making the right decisions can be taxing and confusing. At SERVPRO, we regularly see local companies go through this and want business owners to know we are here to help after a commercial disaster. Part of that help comes through an emergency readiness checklist and disaster plan.

How To Minimize Risks and Loss of Revenue?

Creating a disaster readiness plan for your business can save you thousands on your bottom line, and can save your business, entirely. And the planning process does not have to be overwhelming when placed on top of all other responsibilities. SERVPRO of Southwest Ft. Worth is here to help take the weight off your shoulders by developing an Emergency Ready Profile for your company. Knowing you are, "Ready for whatever happens," will give you, your clients, and employees confidence if or when your business is affected by a disaster.

We Generate A Plan For You

By developing a SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate action plan. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize the severity of water and fire damage on your business.

SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile Advantages Provide You With:

  • A no-cost assessment of your facility.

    This means there is no need to allocate funds, giving you a great value at no cost.
  • A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.

    It will only take a little time to complete and will not take you away from current projects, but will save a lot of time if ever needed.
  • A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.

    This helps minimize the amount of time your business is inactive by having an immediate plan of action.
  • Professionals at SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth, established as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider!

    You have a provider that is recognized as an industry leader and is close by for an emergency response.
  • Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin.

    This saves time so we can start cleaning up the damage, so you can reopen your business as soon as possible.
  • Specific Facility Details of your business such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas, and priority contact information.

    You will have a quick reference of what to do, how to do it, and who to call in case of an emergency so that you are "Ready for whatever happens."

Contact SERVPRO of Southwest Fort Worth at (817) 460-7766 to get started on your SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile today.

We are here to be your total solutions provider during an emergency commercial disaster so you can do what’s important: taking care of your clients, employees, and other business needs.