Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned – a defensive cleaning program

5/15/2020 (Permalink)

Let us help you get back to business

As our communities re-open, we’re all moving back toward a new kind of normal. The expectations of visitors, customers, and employees who come into our establishments have evolved, and staying safe and well is a top concern. The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, and we’ve developed a program to help your business meet the new higher standard of clean that is now expected.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive cleaning program we’re offering to businesses and commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This proactive viral pathogen cleaning program goes well beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. By choosing Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you, your employees, your customers, and your community can rest assured that you’ve selected a higher cleaning standard – you are Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Extensive training and specialized products

As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration*, we stand on more than 50 years of experience and expertise to help your business become Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.  Beyond fire & water, SERVPRO professionals are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination and chemical spills – always adhering to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities. 

From formulating and creating our proprietary cleaning products, like SERVPROXIDE, at our headquarters in Gallatin, TN, to taking the utmost care while disinfecting, we will ensure you and your business are set up to inspire consumer confidence as the economy continues to reopen.

3 C’s – Consult, Clean, and Certify

When the stakes are this high, you want a partner who has developed an industry leading, proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes over decades. We’ve cleaned up some of the most challenging biohazards imaginable. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned reflects our unique experiences and capabilities. The program is grounded with our unique 3 C’s: Consult, Clean, and Certify.

• Consult – Every business is different, which is why you’ll be assigned a Cleaning Protocol Consultant who understands your business and will create a cleaning program to meet your specific needs. This program will be developed based on your business type, size of space, amount of high frequency touchpoints, foot traffic and congestion points.
• Clean – Based on your specific business needs, your location will undergo a thorough, deep clean, using exclusive cleaning products, according to protocols set forth by the CDC. Our employees have years of experience, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform. 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. 
• Certify - Once your business location has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you will gain access to proprietary signage, digital emblems, and other collateral that communicates that 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 choose Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, but that your location is being cleaned regularly at this standard.

Call today for a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation

We’re Here to Help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – until life is back to normal in the communities we all call home.

Call SERVPRO of Aurora today at 303-576-6868 for your Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation.

* #1 Choice in cleanup & restoration based Commercial Attitude & Usage Tracking study. Polling 816 commercial business decision makers on first choice for future needs related to cleanup & restoration work. Study conducted by C&R Research: October 2019

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned means professionally trained SERVPRO franchises perform the requested cleaning, sanitizing and disinfection services according to proprietary SERVPRO protocols and recognized industry and CDC standards with EPA approved cleaning products to deliver a SERVPRO certified cleaning experience.  Each SERVPRO franchise is independently owned and operated.

Natural Disaster Tips

4/17/2020 (Permalink)

After a natural disaster like a hurricane or a tornado, your first priority will be to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. When the storm passes there will likely be challenges to face, but there are a few things you can do to help make sure you stay protected when it comes to your home and finances.

Before Making Repairs, Document the Natural Disaster Damage

It’s normal to want to start making repairs as soon as you can, but it’s recommended that you document any natural disaster damage first. This will likely help in discussions with your insurance company. Once you’ve protected your home from further damage, take photographs of debris and other natural disaster damages before removing or repairing anything.

If You Have Been Temporarily Relocated, Save Your Receipts

Your homeowner’s insurance policy may cover living expenses if your home has natural disaster damage and you need to leave it temporarily. It’s best to keep a record of all of your expenses during this time so that you have a record of what you spend, and so that you can submit them to your adjuster and insurance company for reimbursement consideration. If you have to leave your home and your address will change temporarily, it is important to update your contact information with your mortgage company. If you’re a Mr. Cooper customer, you can call 888-480-2432 or make updates through your online account.

Beware of Fraud After Natural Disasters — From Home Repair Scams to Price Gouging

Home repair scams and price gouging efforts increase after natural disasters. Consider finding a contractor through a recommendation from someone who can vouch for their work. Be wary of contractors who ask for large amounts of money upfront or provide very low bids. Get multiple bids, set an agreement in writing, and make sure your contractor is insured. Keep these “red flags” in mind, too:

• Unsolicited phone calls or visits
• Fake officials or people impersonating government officials
• Credentials that cannot be easily checked, such as a contractor address that can’t be verified
• Price-busting promises, or people who promise a hefty discount without telling you the total cost of the job
• Scare tactics or high-pressure sales tactics

How to Properly Wear a Mask

4/9/2020 (Permalink)

Proper use of PPE

Below are tips on when to wear a mask:
-Wear a mask if you are in public or in close contact with others.
-Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing.
-Masks are effective only when used along with frequent hand-cleaning with soap and water.

How to properly wear a mask:
-Before putting on a mask, clean hands with soap and water.
-Cover your mouth and nose with the mask and make sure there are no gaps.
-Avoid touching the mask while using it; if you do, clean your hands with soap and water.
-Replace the mask with a new one as soon as it is damp. Do not re-use single-use masks.
-To remove the mask, remove it from behind your ears (do not touch the front of mask); discard immediately and clean your hands with soap and water.

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public

SERVPRO Cleanup During the COVID-19 Outbreak

3/23/2020 (Permalink)

With each passing day during the COVID-19 global health crisis, the importance of adhering to rigorous disinfecting procedures becomes increasingly important. With no current vaccine available for the virus, the only way to mitigate its spread is by avoiding contact with others whenever possible. 

The federal government and states across the country have already taken drastic, never-before enacted measures to slow the spread of COVID-19, such as shutting down restaurants, workplaces and other public establishments. Unfortunately, many industries in the US are essential to the overall function of the country and the survival of its population.

For businesses that require continued operations that may not fully comply with the Center for Disease Control’s COVID-19 prevention guidelines, extra steps should be taken to reduce the possibility of infection. This includes a thorough disinfection of any and all surfaces that may have come in contact with humans or may have been contaminated with droplets from an infected person. 

The virus that causes COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, has demonstrated exceptional capabilities insofar as its ability to survive on many types of surfaces for prolonged periods of time. Scientists from the National Institute of Health, CDC, UCLA and Princeton University found that SARS-CoV-2 remains stable on cardboard for 24 hours, and plastic and stainless steel for up to 3 days. 

Because of COVID-19’s formidable survivability, it is highly recommended that workspaces and residences that are at risk of spreading the virus invoke expert assistance from sanitation professionals like those at SERVPRO of Aurora. Our years of experience providing biohazard cleanup and restoration services has uniquely prepared us to tackle this challenge, and we possess the proper equipment, knowledge and professional service team to assist us in that goal.

For starters, SERVPRO of Aurora only uses cleaning products that meet the Environmental Protection Agency’s criteria for use against emerging viral pathogens, including coronaviruses. While there is no current verifiable product tested for the COVID-19 strain, the CDC currently recommends usage of a hospital-grade disinfectant that abides by these criteria and is known to be effective against similar viral pathogens. 

In addition to our cleaning and disinfecting services, SERVPRO of Aurora has taken steps internally to prevent the spread of COVID-19 amongst our staff. These include more frequent cleanings of SERVPRO equipment and facilities, prohibiting sick employees from working, and ensuring that all relevant and updated information regarding the virus is shared promptly and in full to the team.

As the situation develops, SERVPRO of Aurora will continue to comply with all standards and protocols set forth by the CDC regarding COVID-19. In the meantime, we ask our customers to be conscientious and do their part during this tumultuous time by continuing to wash their hands often and to practice social distancing whenever possible.

If your home or business is in need of a deep clean or disinfecting, be it COVID-19 related or otherwise, don’t hesitate to contact SERVPRO of Aurora today. Our team is standing by and ready to assist in this fight!

We are Cleaning Experts

3/21/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Aurora is Here to Help during this time of need

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis. The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Kitchen/Food Areas

• Bathrooms

• Schools/Classrooms

• Offices

• Retail Spaces

• Water Fountains

• Shelving/Racks

• Sales Counters

• Carpets and Rugs

• Stair Handrails

• Elevator Cars

• Playground Equipment

• Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

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 carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Aurora, 303-576-6868

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-prevent-spread.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F %2F

www.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fguidance-prevent-spread.html https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-business-response.html

Note to Customers

3/16/2020 (Permalink)

Your wellbeing is our number one concern. We are proud of the community we serve, and we want you to know we are committed to doing everything within our power to help limit the spread of SARS-CoV-2, and its resulting disease, coronavirus (COVID-19), and any other widely spread illnesses including the flu and cold.

Over the past few weeks, it has become clear the world is facing an unprecedented challenge. Like you, we are deeply concerned and want to do what we can to help keep our teammates, customers and community safe and healthy. 

Our hearts and thoughts go out to all who have been affected by this unprecedented event. We appreciate the healthcare workers, local communities and governments around the world who are on the front line working to contain this coronavirus. From the onset of this situation, we have been listening to the Center for Disease Control and other appropriate sources for accurate and up to date information so we can adapt quickly to provide the level of service you expect from SERVPRO. 

We are prepared, trained and equipped to proactively clean and minimize the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 as well as provide cleaning and disinfectant services to those who have experienced confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19.

What we are doing:

• Introducing additional rigorous cleaning and disinfecting procedures while taking sensible steps to protect our team. This means frequent and routine disinfecting of our equipment, vehicles, touch points (bathrooms, handles, common areas) at our facility.
• Strictly enforcing our employee illness policy. Teammates showing any signs of cold, flu or respiratory illness are prohibited from working. 
• Focusing on teammate health and safety. We are sharing the latest information with everyone on our team and ensuring they are aware of the frequent need to wash their hands and avoid touching their face.
• Monitoring new developments so we can quickly adapt to continue to provide the level of service you need and the best possible experience. 

We recognize this is a challenging time for all, and we remain deeply committed to the safety of our teammates, customers and community. Our customers, subcontractors and teammates are the heart of our company and we look forward to continuing our service to you.

Please take care of yourselves and each other. We are all in this together.

SERVPRO of Aurora

Coronavirus Pathogen Disinfecting

3/9/2020 (Permalink)

Coronavirus Pathogen disinfecting

SERVPRO stands ready to assist those in need of Coronavirus (COVID19) pathogen disinfecting. SERVPRO has the cleaning products, personal protective equipment, protocol, and trained personnel to provide emergency and scheduled service. If you are a property manager, building owner, school district, airport, medical facility, retail business, or homeowner give our office a call now at 303-576-6868.

SERVPRO is sensitive to our customers uniques needs and circumstances, no matter the job. Let us know what we can do to work around your schedule to meet your needs.

We can provide you with professional guidance and service. For more information and the latest news, visit the World Health Organization website at the link below.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html

What Damage Does a Blizzard Cause?

3/4/2020 (Permalink)

Snowfall in Colorado can be extreme. Every season here among the Rockies, we hunker down and prepare for the worst. 

Harsh winter weather takes a toll on all of us, regardless of whether we’re a property owner or not. Our commutes are lengthened due to inclement weather, there are road closures, and CDOT snow clearing vehicles often work overtime to keep our urban areas safe for motorists. 

With all of the inconveniences that come with heavy snowfall, one of the chief among them is the damage that it can cause. Blizzards in particular can be the source of extensive exterior and interior damage to residential and commercial buildings.

At SERVPRO of Aurora, we are experts at diagnosing and remediating damage caused by environmental events like blizzards, snow squalls, and hailstorms. Given enough time, virtually every building in Colorado will eventually encounter damage due to destructive winter weather. 

Because blizzards often carry with them a host of unforeseen damage potential, we’re going to explain why it is that these weather events can be so ruinous. With a little preparation and some understanding of what could happen, you can help protect your property and have a better handle on what to do should a Colorado blizzard find its way to your doorstep. 

The Cascading Effect of Big Snow

It’s not unheard of for blizzards to completely shut down entire cities. 

From March 17th to March 19th, 2003, more than 31 inches of snow fell in the metro Denver area. This unprecedented volume of snow caused numerous suburban communities to lose power for long stretches of time, and it was nearly impossible to travel on any of the surface streets or interstates. 

This blizzard was followed by multiple days of freezing weather, which further compounded the problem. As Coloradoans unburied their cars, patio furniture, and storage sheds from underneath all of the snow, they quickly discovered just how damaging blizzards can be. The most significant damage that was caused by this snowfall didn’t even take place on the days when the snow fell.

Rather, it was the days after the blizzard when most of the costliest damage was incurred by home and business owners. 

Here are some of the biggest reasons why the aftermath of a Colorado blizzard is so destructive: 

1. Snow is heavy. Melting snow is even heavier. When we head out to the front yard to scoop up a snowball, it’s easy to view snow as being a light, fluffy substance. However, when dozens of inches of snow accumulate on the rooftops and trees above, the added weight of it begins to develop pressure.
   
   As the snow melts during the daytime, it will often refreeze when the sun goes down. This effect causes ‘ice damming’, a potentially damaging phenomenon that is not easily dealt with.
   
   The aggregated weight of snow, slush, ice, and water runoff is enough to snap large tree branches, cause cave-ins for weaker roofs, and damage RVs, awnings, gutters, and other exterior fixtures.
   
   
2. Large snow volumes impede the progress of utility workers. It’s common for power to go out during exceptionally bad blizzards. This can happen due to tree branches falling onto power lines.
   
   With utility companies scrambling to restore power, home and business owners are often left in the dark for days on end. This inability to keep buildings warm and habitable can itself cause damage as water pipes freeze, food spoils, and appliances that require electricity cease functioning.
   
   
3. Snowmelt seeps into compromised buildings, often undetected. With as much snow as there can be covering up the entire landscape, it can be impossible to visually detect where melting snow could be making its way indoors.
   
   Ice damming is often the culprit for water intrusion after a blizzard. But, because it can take so long to even detect the issue, the water can already start causing bigger problems like mold and rot.
   

Thankfully, there are some things you can do to stay safe before a blizzard hits. Stay tuned to your local news source, stock up on emergency food rations, and apply salt to exterior areas where snow and ice accumulation is likely. 

After the Blizzard, Call the Clean-up Wizards

No matter how bad blizzard damage is, there will always be SERVPRO available to help with the restoration effort after the fact. 

If your home or commercial building ends up on the receiving end of a particularly nasty blizzard, be sure to contact SERVPRO of Aurora for help restoring your property safely, quickly, and effectively.

Does SERVPRO Clean Crime Scenes?

2/10/2020 (Permalink)

After a crime has been committed and the police, forensics team, and investigators have completed their evidence-gathering activities, there’s a lot more that needs to be done to return the area to its original condition.

Depending on the numerous factors involved in the crime, the resulting environment could be exceptionally dangerous. Bloodborne pathogens can pose a significant threat for anyone who enters the area. There can also be chemical residues left behind by forensics teams—residues that must be cleaned in order to restore the area to pre-crime conditions. 

A crime scene is very often classified as a biohazard, which adds a layer of complexity for whomever is tasked with cleaning it up. 

That’s where SERVPRO of Aurora can help. 

Yes, SERVPRO Cleans Crime Scenes 

Crime scene and trauma cleanup is a hallmark service offered by SERVPRO, and your local Aurora SERVPRO professionals have the knowledge and skill required to safely and effectively clean virtually any crime scene. 

We do this by following the exacting standards set forth by both the Occupational Safety and Hazard Association (OSHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Both of these governmental institutions have very clear guidelines for how to manage the cleanup of a crime scene, including specific steps related to:

• Identifying and removing fingerprinting powder, luminol, and other forensics chemicals
• Safe, complete removal of chemical sprays like pepper gas, tear gas, and combustion residues
• Effective cleaning of fire extinguishing fluids and powders
• Precision removal of blood, bodily fluids, tissue remnants, and other organic material
• Containment of potentially hazardous compounds found throughout the area

When it comes to cleaning up a crime scene, attention to detail is absolutely critical to the overall success of the job. SERVPRO has developed the tools and techniques necessary to quickly and effectively clean crime scenes while maintaining a level of professionalism and respect that is unparalleled in this industry. 

Illicit Substance Manufacturing Cleanup

When drugs like methamphetamine, PCP, and heroin are manufactured in black market laboratories, the entire area can become infused with dangerous residues. The reason for this is because the drug manufacturers rarely, if ever, adequately protect the walls, flooring, and fixtures as they work. 

So, when harmful, volatile substances like kerosene and other alcohol esters seep into the surfaces in a home, warehouse, or other area, cleanup can be especially challenging. Not only could there be a risk of combustion, but there could also be trace amounts of the illicit drug itself still in the area. 

To address the complex problem of illicit substance manufacturing cleanup, SERVPRO uses highly specialized tools and cleaning solvents that are specifically engineered for just this purpose. Combined with the expertise of our team, the result is a cleaning job that is extensive, thorough, and expedient. 

Adherence to Federal and State Guidelines

Both the State of Colorado and the federal government have set forth explicit guidelines that must be followed by any person or organization responsible for crime scene cleanup. Even the documentation of the cleanup itself has its own directives. 

Failing to abide by these guidelines can result in severe civil or criminal infractions. To comply with the rigorous state and federal guidelines that apply to crime scene cleanup, SERVPRO cleaning technicians are exhaustively trained and kept current on all relevant laws. If these guidelines change for whatever reason, our training changes in lockstep.

This commitment to ‘following the rules’ results in peace of mind for our clients. Moreover, if you ever have a question about our cleaning methodologies, we will always be happy to share the details with you. And, if there are any post-cleanup concerns that you need to know about, we’ll make sure you’re completely informed at every turn. 

For Fast, Effective Crime Scene Cleanup, Contact SERVPRO of Aurora

At SERVPRO, we have a passion for restoring crime scenes to a state that doesn’t suggest that a crime ever even occurred. 

We do this by leveraging industry best practices, highly trained staff, and diligent adherence to governmental guidelines. If you are a property owner, property manager, or other stakeholder in the remediation of a crime scene, contact SERVPRO today. 

While the details related to a crime might be sensitive and disruptive, the cleaning process doesn’t have to be. 

Contact our offices today to schedule an on-site appraisal of the cleanup work that will be necessary to fully restore the area. Our professional, knowledgeable team is standing by, ready to assist in any way we can, so that you can move on with work, business, and life.

What is Construction Cleanup?

1/6/2020 (Permalink)

After significant home renovations like room additions and wall knock-downs, the aftermath of the construction job isn’t always pretty. 

Debris resulting from construction work needs to be removed before interior design concepts can be realized and furnishings can be added. What’s more, the industrial refuse left over after the work crew has finished can sometimes present an unsafe environment. 

SERVPRO of Aurora specializes in providing post-construction cleanup services, from removing potentially dangerous construction debris to deep-cleaning carpets and upholstery. If you’ll be transitioning from the construction phase of a remodeling project to the finishing phase, you’ll need SERVPRO to come in and perform a comprehensive clean. 

We Go Beyond the Obvious

Did you know that during many residential construction projects, the interior of the home is often subjected to high amounts of moisture and humidity?

For especially time-intensive construction projects, this moisture-trapping effect can promote the growth of mold. Unfortunately, mold can establish itself and begin propagating without any visible signs whatsoever, making mold remediation a problem that often goes undetected until it’s too late. 

Eliminating mold, mildew, and accumulated moisture is one of the many ways that SERVPRO of Aurora restores interior areas after a construction project. 

While many other cleanup companies may perform cleaning services that take care of the ‘obvious’ (visible debris like dirt, sawdust, and scrap), SERVPRO goes the extra mile. We completely recondition both residential and commercial interiors and restore them to their cleanest, most presentable possible status. 

SERVPRO restoration technicians pay extra-close attention to many aspects of interior areas that often go overlooked, including:

• Resilient and non-resilient floor preparation.  Are you getting ready to put carpet, tile, or engineered flooring in? Need the professionals to ensure that the subfloor is prepared? We’ve got you covered.
  

• Extensive cleaning of walls, ceilings, and fixtures. It takes specialized equipment and trained staff to effectively clean surfaces like walls, partitions, and ceilings. SERVPRO can remove built-up residue, whether due to construction or years of accumulation.
  
  This deep clean results in a fresh, beautiful inside space that is more welcoming to live or work in.
  

• Advanced deodorization. How do you know a construction area has been cleaned by a SERVPRO team? When the air smells fresh and there aren't any lingering odors.
  
  Using state-of-the-art deodorization formulations and application techniques, SERVPRO restoration technicians can significantly reduce the smell of smoke, mold, adhesives, paint, or other odors.
  

• Cleaning of air ducts and vents. Did you know that your local SERVPRO can help to improve indoor air quality after a construction job?
  
  When woodworkers, a demo crew, or masons do the work they need to in order to complete a construction job, the amount of fine particulate matter that is released into the air can become a real problem for the HVAC system.
  
  SERVPRO can perform a thorough air duct cleaning procedure that solves this problem, allowing your furnace and AC to function optimally and for you to breathe easier. .
  

• Total window cleaning. An interior space isn’t completely clean until the windows have been cleaned by SERVPRO. Our team cleans all accessible windowed surfaces, both interior and exterior.
  
  We’ll even clean the drapes and blinds, too!
  

Because SERVPRO of Aurora is able to provide such a broad array of post-construction cleanup services, our customers enjoy the convenience of dealing with a single point-of-contact for all of their cleaning needs.

And, because of our commitment to communication and customer service, you’re always kept informed on the status of your cleaning project. After our crew has left the building, you can be sure it will be its cleanest, ready for paint, carpet, furniture, or appliances. 

When It Has to Look the Very Best, Put SERVPRO to the Test

We’re only so confident that we’re the best post-construction cleanup company in the area because our customers tell us we are! 

If you need fast, affordable, efficient cleanup after a residential or commercial construction project, your local SERVPRO is here to help. 

Contact SERVPRO of Aurora today, and inquire about having a member of our team meet with you to go over your options. We’ll conduct a thorough appraisal of the area and provide you with a quote for all the cleaning work that will be required to bring the interior space to its best possible condition. 

Don’t forget that we’re available 24 hours a day! Call us now at (303) 576-6868. Regardless of how chaotic your post-construction area is, our team of certified, professional staff is looking forward to cleaning it for you!