Cleaning your home during a pandemic

7/16/2020 (Permalink)

During a global pandemic cleaning your home looks  a lot different. Instead of grabbing the 409 you're now grabbing the beach and Lysol. 

Another great idea is to check the CDC website for cleaning product approved for Coronaviruses. While some products are listed for commercial use, there are tons of residential products as well. 

The following items should be cleaned when someone enters or leaves the home:

• Counter tops
• Door handles
• Doors
• Tables
• light switches
• Desk
• Phones
• Keyboards
• Toilets
• Faucets
• Chairs

Ensure routine cleanings are cleaned of non-high touch areas as well. While data is ever changing, contaminated particles will land on surfaces within at least 3 feet of the source. 

Other tips for keep your home sanitary is to ventilate as much as possible. Wash your clothes and clothes bin on a routine bases. Clean soft surfaces such as couches, chairs, mattresses, rugs and drapes. 

If you are in need of a professional cleaning for your vacation home, rental home, or are selling a home give us a call!

We are dedicated to responding immediately when you contact us. A fast response lessens the damage. limit further damages and reduces the cost. Our professional make disasters, "Like it never even happened."

If your home or business suffers from an emergency, call (503) 648-8513

Be preparred

9/26/2019 (Permalink)

IS YOUR FACILITY AT RISK?

I found this Risk Assessment Questionnaire and I believe that it is good tool to use to help stay on top of the maintenance and operations of your facility.*

This assessment covers Fire Protection, Electrical, Plumbing, HAVAC, Operational Issues and Community Rooms.

 Over the years we have restored many businesses that had fallen behind on their maintenance and had AVOIDABLE DISASTERS!

Note: State and Local government generally establish inspection schedules as part of building codes. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) establish requirements related to workplace safety. Use of this questionnaire should take into account the various regulatory requirements for inspection and testing. Also, a building’s use and occupancy, including visitors, may determine the level or risk—the presence of children and/or elderly or disabled persons may increase some risk.

Risk Assessment Questionnaire

FIRE PROTECTION

• Is there an automatic detection system
• Are there smoke and fire alarm systems
• Are the systems inspected and serviced annually
• Are there sufficient number of fire extinguishers of the appropriate class
• Are the fire extinguishers readily identifiable
• Are the fire extinguishers inspected and recharge annually
• Are there automatic sprinklers and/or standpipe and hoses in the building
• Are they inspected annually
• Is the fire suppression systems tested according to the local codes

 ELECTRICAL

• Are all of the breaker and fuses enclosed in metal cabinets that close securely
• Are all circuits easily identifiable
• Are all of the fuse or breakers sized for the equipment or lighting they control
• Is the area in front of the panels assessable
• Are there reoccurring problems with fuses or breakers being continually tripping
• Do metal-enclosed switch gears receive scheduled preventative maintenance
• Are ground fault interrupters (GFIs) utilized in potentially wet or damp areas
• Are surge protectors used on phone systems, computers, and office equipment? They are generally required on leased equipment
• Are extension cords use for permanent power sources in lieu of hard wiring or adding an outlet
• Are space heaters being used to augment the HVAC system
• Are tenants reminded not use extension cord as permanent power sources and not to use space heaters
• Is there proper space around and above recessed lighting
• If there is a back power supply is inspected and test on a regular schedule i.e. backup batteries or a generator
• Are the electrical rooms and cabinets that accessible from common areas kept locked.

PLUMBING & DRAINS

• Are water and drain pipes, seals, etc., inspected periodically for leaks
• Are pipes properly insulated (this very important due to the fact we don’t have hard freezes)
• Clear rain gutters annually
• Clean and clear storm water run-off drains bi-annually

HVAC

• Has the HVAC system been inspected and serviced with in the past year
• Is the boil’s low water cutoff/water supply flushed out every month during the heating season
• Dose the boiler meet fire code requirements concerning noncombustible material and proper fire rated doors and closers
• Is the boiler room properly ventilated
• Is the boiler room inspected periodically to ensure that no combustible materials are stored there
• Are vents and chimney flues inspected annually for clear passage
• Is there a program in place for cleaning ductwork and diffusers
• Are windows checked periodically to ensure that they open and close properly and fasteners are in good operating condition
• Are windows system checked periodically to ensure that they are not deteriorating
• Is installed window-washing apparatus and/or scaffolding properly attached to the roof decking

        OPERATIONAL ISSUES

• Dose the building have Emergency Ready Profile (emergency procedures manual)
• Dose the building have a safety committee
• Do building staff receive appropriate training related to blood borne pathogens, first aid, and other emergency response subjects 

        COMMUNITY ROOM

• What is the maximum occupancy of your community room Is it posted
• Are exits keep clear
• When positioning furniture for functions, are clear aisles maintained for quick and easy egress in an emergency
• Is the range and or microwave oven maintained in a clean and manner? Are orifices in gas ranges kept clear
• Are there curtains or any other combustible material near the range
• Is there a properly sized and vented range hood
• Is grease periodically cleaned from the hood and duct-work
• Has a Class B fire extinguisher been provided in the kitchen area
• Are the coils on the refrigerator/freezer kept clean of dirt and lint

*Source DexerityDynamics

Meet our newest Estimator

10/8/2018 (Permalink)

Cassie has a a huge heart and loves animals of all kinds!

As of Today, Cassie has officially been with us here at SERVPRO for one month! 

With 5 years of restoration experience under her belt, Cassie has been a great addition to our SERVPRO Family!

When a disaster occurs at your home or place of work, you may have the chance of getting to speak with Cassie as she works in our office!

We're faster to any disaster

We are dedicated to responding immediately when you contact us. A fast response lessens the damage. limit further damages and reduces the cost. Our professional make disasters, "Like it never even happened."

If your home or business suffers from an emergency, call (503) 648-8513

SERVPRO of Hillsboro/Forest Grove is Hiring

10/1/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties and SERVPRO of Hillsboro / Forest Grove is currently hiring Production and Cleaning Technicians.

Primary Role: Perform services as assigned, following SERVPRO production guidelines. Communicate with the customer to make sure that all needs are met. Support crew chief and other production personnel as needed. Clean and maintain vehicles, equipment, warehouse and office areas as needed.

Results Expected: Production processes are performed according to guidelines and work orders. Communications to crew chief and customer are timely. Jobs are completed at or beyond customer expectations. Vehicles, equipment, and facilities remain clean, orderly, and working properly.

The requirements for this position:

• Must have a professional appearance and great attitude.
• Ability to pass a criminal background check with no felony convictions or misdemeanors involving violence or theft.
• Because we provide 24-hour emergency services, must be willing to be on call, as needed.
• Some night and weekend work is required.
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds.
• Must have a high school diploma or a GED certificate.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. This company does not and will not discriminate in employment and personnel practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, national origin, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Please call 503-648-8513 for more information or email your resume to erin@SERVPROhfyt.com

SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties is Hiring!

9/19/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is hiring!

SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties and SERVPRO of Hillsboro / Forest Grove is currently hiring Production and Cleaning Technicians.

Primary Role: Perform services as assigned, following SERVPRO production guidelines. Communicate with the customer to make sure that all needs are met. Support crew chief and other production personnel as needed. Clean and maintain vehicles, equipment, warehouse and office areas as needed.

Results Expected: Production processes are performed according to guidelines and work orders. Communications to crew chief and customer are timely. Jobs are completed at or beyond customer expectations. Vehicles, equipment, and facilities remain clean, orderly, and working properly.

The requirements for this position:

• Must have a professional appearance and great attitude.
• Ability to pass a criminal background check with no felony convictions or misdemeanors involving violence or theft.
• Because we provide 24-hour emergency services, must be willing to be on call, as needed.
• Some night and weekend work is required.
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds.
• Must have a high school diploma or a GED certificate.
  

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. This company does not and will not discriminate in employment and personnel practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, national origin, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Please call 503-648-8513 for more information or email your resume to erin@SERVPROhfyt.com

1-4-8

6/13/2017 (Permalink)

1-4-8

What does 1-4-8 mean?  Is it important?  Will it benefit me and my insured?

The answer is yes, yes and yes!

1-4-8 is the service response guideline that SERVPRO of Yamhill and Tillamook Counties uses to guarantee your insured gets the very best help when they need it most.

1. Within one hour from notice of loss, a SERVPRO of Yamhill and Tillamook Counties project manager will contact your insured to arrange for service.
2. Within four hours of loss notification, a SERVPRO of Yamhill and Tillamook Counties project manager will be on-site to start mitigation services (if necessary).
3. Within eight business hours of on-site arrival, a verbal briefing of the scope will be communicated to the appropriate person.

*Exception may apply under certain conditions, such as a local catastrophic event or storm situation.

To demonstrate the importance of our 1-4-8 response, let’s take a look at the water damage timeline.

1-4-8 Service Response Guidelines

 As you can see, a quick response is crucial in reducing the cost of the loss and the time needed for the restoration. By reducing the response time, your loss ratio will be reduced and your insured can go back to a normal life more quickly.

Let’s take this to the next level. A call comes in from one of your insured, they just experienced a disaster! At this point you have some choices; you want them to get the best help available.

You could simply direct them to call the Claims Call Center and be done with it, but they trust you!

You could tell them to call SERVPRO, and give them 1-800 SERVPRO contact number. The call will go to the corporate office in Tennessee then back to a local SERVPRO. The corporate office could even send an out of state SERVPRO. So if an 800 number is needed, direct them to 866-888-3894 our 24/7 live answered emergency help line.

The best choice is to have them call me direct at 971-371-0566. Immediately upon receiving their call, I will contact our office. At this point things are set in motion, your insured are on their way to becoming whole.  

Having your insured call me directly will result in a much quicker response time, and will enable me to monitor the progress of the loss ensuring you and your insured have a direct point of contact providing the peace of mind knowing it will be, “Like it never even happened”                        

Tip of the Month by John Lawrence

9/7/2016 (Permalink)

“I should have used you guys….” Ever had someone send you an email with that statement? I did recently which made me realize that I should share this experience with you.

“My discount contractors did a lousy job! Then, I had to pay someone to come in and correct their issues as well!!”
After receiving this email I peeled back the onion and found they had fallen into the trap of using the “low cost service provider” to save money!

What I discovered from this incident was a handyman was hired at discounted rate. The plan was to use a local handyman and save on the repairs and they could help a local small business at the same time, it was an ideal win-win scenario.

Risk Assessment

9/7/2016 (Permalink)

IS YOUR FACILITY AT RISK?

I found this Risk Assessment Questionnaire and I believe that it is good tool to use to help stay on top of the maintenance and operations of your facility.*

This assessment covers Fire Protection, Electrical, Plumbing, HAVAC, Operational Issues and Community Rooms.

 Over the years we have restored many businesses that had fallen behind on their maintenance and had AVOIDABLE DISASTERS!

Note: State and Local government generally establish inspection schedules as part of building codes. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) establish requirements related to workplace safety. Use of this questionnaire should take into account the various regulatory requirements for inspection and testing. Also, a building’s use and occupancy, including visitors, may determine the level or risk—the presence of children and/or elderly or disabled persons may increase some risk.

Risk Assessment Questionnaire

FIRE PROTECTION

• Is there an automatic detection system
• Are there smoke and fire alarm systems
• Are the systems inspected and serviced annually
• Are there sufficient number of fire extinguishers of the appropriate class
• Are the fire extinguishers readily identifiable
• Are the fire extinguishers inspected and recharge annually
• Are there automatic sprinklers and/or standpipe and hoses in the building
• Are they inspected annually
• Is the fire suppression systems tested according to the local codes

 ELECTRICAL

• Are all of the breaker and fuses enclosed in metal cabinets that close securely
• Are all circuits easily identifiable
• Are all of the fuse or breakers sized for the equipment or lighting they control
• Is the area in front of the panels assessable
• Are there reoccurring problems with fuses or breakers being continually tripping
• Do metal-enclosed switch gears receive scheduled preventative maintenance
• Are ground fault interrupters (GFIs) utilized in potentially wet or damp areas
• Are surge protectors used on phone systems, computers, and office equipment? They are generally required on leased equipment
• Are extension cords use for permanent power sources in lieu of hard wiring or adding an outlet
• Are space heaters being used to augment the HVAC system
• Are tenants reminded not use extension cord as permanent power sources and not to use space heaters
• Is there proper space around and above recessed lighting
• If there is a back power supply is inspected and test on a regular schedule i.e. backup batteries or a generator
• Are the electrical rooms and cabinets that accessible from common areas kept locked.

PLUMBING & DRAINS

• Are water and drain pipes, seals, etc., inspected periodically for leaks
• Are pipes properly insulated (this very important due to the fact we don’t have hard freezes)
• Clear rain gutters annually
• Clean and clear storm water run-off drains bi-annually

HVAC

• Has the HVAC system been inspected and serviced with in the past year
• Is the boil’s low water cutoff/water supply flushed out every month during the heating season
• Dose the boiler meet fire code requirements concerning noncombustible material and proper fire rated doors and closers
• Is the boiler room properly ventilated
• Is the boiler room inspected periodically to ensure that no combustible materials are stored there
• Are vents and chimney flues inspected annually for clear passage
• Is there a program in place for cleaning ductwork and diffusers
• Are windows checked periodically to ensure that they open and close properly and fasteners are in good operating condition
• Are windows system checked periodically to ensure that they are not deteriorating
• Is installed window-washing apparatus and/or scaffolding properly attached to the roof decking

        OPERATIONAL ISSUES

• Dose the building have Emergency Ready Profile (emergency procedures manual)
• Dose the building have a safety committee
• Do building staff receive appropriate training related to blood borne pathogens, first aid, and other emergency response subjects 

        COMMUNITY ROOM

• What is the maximum occupancy of your community room Is it posted
• Are exits keep clear
• When positioning furniture for functions, are clear aisles maintained for quick and easy egress in an emergency
• Is the range and or microwave oven maintained in a clean and manner? Are orifices in gas ranges kept clear
• Are there curtains or any other combustible material near the range
• Is there a properly sized and vented range hood
• Is grease periodically cleaned from the hood and ductwork
• Has a Class B fire extinguisher been provided in the kitchen area
• Are the coils on the refrigerator/freezer kept clean of dirt and lint

*Source DexerityDynamics

Tip of the Month by John Lawrence

9/7/2016 (Permalink)

THE UNWANTED GUEST
I have seen a big ramp up for this year’s tourist season and by all indications it should be a good one. But this comes with some risk one of which is the subject of this month’s Tip of the Month.

The unwanted guest that nasty little bed bug. That hitchhiked in with a guest from abroad. I wrote an article about bed bugs a couple of years ago and with new staff on board and tourist on the way it is a good time to brush up on the issue.

So What Are They?
Bed Bugs are parasitic insects of the Cimicid family that feed exclusively on human blood. They are mostly nocturnal. They can cause skin rashes, allergic symptoms and psychological effects. They have been with us for thousands of years they were almost eradicated in the 1940’s in the developed world, but they have become resistant to pesticides and have made a comeback, they are here to stay.
We are all afraid of them.

Where Do They Come From
California and Washington have a high concentration of bed bugs this put us at risk of an outbreak here in Oregon. But as you can see from the map they can come from anywhere.

• How do we keep them out of our place of business
• Actually we can’t, but we can be proactive
• What about the guests that see them

These are all real issues and they carry a lot of weight. This problem must be properly addressed to avoid a negative outcome.

So Now What
As business owners and managers it is crucial to train your employees to know how to spot bed bugs as soon as they arrive. There needs be policies in place to deal with guests or residents that have encountered them. Have protocol call in place to get rid of them.

Bed Bug Prevention (Early Detection)
There is no way to stop bed bugs from being brought into your facility. New folks are arriving every day from all over the world, and bringing their potentially infested personal items with them. You can be bed bug free one day and infested the next.
So prevention relies on early detection. Bed bugs must be detected very quickly after they are brought in, hopefully before they bite someone.

We have the equipment to help you facilitate an early bed bug detection program to prevent an infestation. All employees in every department should receive bed bug identification training. Why everyone? Because your employees are located all over the facility and if everybody is looking for bed bugs there is greater chance that they will be discover quickly. Also keep in mind that guests are not the only people capable of bringing bed bugs into your facility.

How to Get Rid Of Them
Heat Treatments
Some pest control firms utilize specialized heating equipment to de-infest furnishings, rooms, and entire dwellings. The procedure involves heating up the infested item or area to temperatures lethal to bed bugs. Portable heaters and fans are used to gradually heat the air to 120 - 130°F while monitoring with strategically placed sensors. By carefully controlling the temperature, bugs and eggs are killed wherever they may be. When dealing with high temperatures it very important to check with the fire suppression company to make sure that you DO NOT EXCEED THE WORKING TEMPERATURE OF THE SPRINKLERS and remove all aerosol products.

Insecticides
While the former methods are helpful, insecticides are widely used by most pest control companies. A variety of EPA-registered materials are available formulated as liquids, dusts and aerosols. Baits used to control ants and cockroaches are ineffective in this case since bed bugs feed on blood. Professional-use insecticides such as Temprid®, Transport® and Phantom® tend to be more effective than bed bug sprays sold by retailers. Bleach, alcohol, cigarette lighters, etc. should NOT be used to control bed bugs. Besides being ineffective, such actions can result in fires and other dangerous outcomes.

Important Note
It is extremely important that no employee ever attempt to treat bed bugs themselves. Making pesticide applications in a facility when you are not a certified applicator is a lawsuit waiting to happen. Also, attempting to treat bed bugs when you have no experience will interfere with your pest management company’s treatment plan and potentially increase the bed bug problem. Always have bed bug infestations treated by an experienced pest management company. If your current company does not have bed bug experience, call us for suggestions or an inspection.

Sources for this article came from the following:
Michael F. Potter, Extension Entomologist
University of Kentucky College of Agriculture
Dini M. Miller, Ph.D., Department of Entomology, Virginia Tech
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bed_bug

For More Info See:

http://www.bloomberg.com/bw/stories/2007-11-08/the-cost-of-bedbugsbusinessweek-business-news-stock-market-and-financial-advice

http://www.ndhealth.gov/Disease/Documents/faqs/Bed%20Bugs.pdf

http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7454.html

www.SERVPROyamhilltillamookcounties.com

Tip of the Month by John Lawrence

9/7/2016 (Permalink)

Taking Steps to Help Prevent Suicides in Hotels While working on the new “Tip of the Month,” I was talking to my wife about a hotel I once worked with in Idaho. 

Tip of the Month by John Lawrence

9/7/2016 (Permalink)

September is National Preparedness Month

Disaster recovery specialist SERVPRO says a readiness plan is the key to business continuity when disaster strikes

GALLATIN, Tenn. (Grassroots Newswire) September 1, 2015 - September is National Preparedness Month, an annual awareness event sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Disaster recovery specialist SERVPRO says this is a great time for business owners to review their emergency preparedness and business continuity plans. SERVPRO points to startling statistics like this one to emphasize the importance of advance planning: according to FEMA, as many as 40 percent of businesses never reopen following a major flood disaster.

“Business owners who think they are prepared for an emergency because exits are clearly marked and fire or flood drills are parts of the regular routine really need to take another look at their preparations,” said Sue Steen, SERVPRO Industries, Inc. chief executive officer. “A comprehensive emergency plan also contains critical information about the location of shut-off valves, fire suppression system controls, and emergency contact numbers and more—information that can save emergency responders precious time and help contain damage and minimize injury.”

Because SERVPRO knows the time to create a disaster readiness plan is before you need it, they have developed the SERVPRO Emergency READY Program to help business owners create an Emergency READY Profile (ERP) for their facility, at no charge. The business owner works with SERVPRO to gather and document information that will become critical if a disaster strikes. Once the ERP is created, business owners have access to their information 24/7 online and by using SERVPRO’s free smartphone app.

“For a business to survive and thrive, it needs to get back to business as soon as possible after a disaster strikes,” said Steen. “With an ERP in place, SERVPRO’s Disaster Response teams can immediately assess the situation and take the first critical steps to protect employees from harm and property from further damage setting the business on the road to recover

On a local note I had an opportunity to participate in a live evacuation drill at Columbia Care Center.  I was very impressed with how well the drill was planned and carried out. However, even with the entire advance planning, things can still go wrong. The evacuation was going smoothly until a bed ridden resident needed to be evacuated. It was only then that they discovered the bed was too large to maneuver around the corners of the evacuation route. This slowed the evacuation process to a crawl, losing precious time. This issue did not become known until the drill was performed live. This drill illustrated that planning and practicing is the best way to ensure safety for all the residents. 

Last winter, Kilchi’s House in Tillamook was evacuated due to severe winter conditions. Debbie, their Executive Director offers this advice, “Make sure the community is ready to go (With a cart) with pillows, blankets and comfort items for the residents as well as the staff and this cart should be on standby with the rest of your emergency supplies.”

Disasters will and do happen.

Locally, floods, mudslides, fires and even broken pipes have led to evacuations.

Is your property READY?

Are You Ready?

11/14/2013 (Permalink)

ARE YOU READY?

Guess What? The rain is here again! We are faced with the challenge of keeping the water outside of your structures. We need to be diligent with this as water will migrate in for though the smallest leaks in a building. These leaks can cause hundreds or thousands of dollars of damage and reduce the income to your business. The exterior envelope should have an annual inspection.

When inspecting the roof look for broken or missing shingles or any damaged components of the roof. Check the flashing around any pipes or vents that come through the roof. The rain gutters need to be clean of debris and if they are equipped with heated cables they need to checked. Make all the repairs before the rain, snow and freezing weather strikes.

When inspecting the exterior walls of your building look for any damage to the siding, deteriorated or missing caulking around the doors and windows. Make all the repairs.