SERVPRO Des Moines NW Commercial Property Preparation & Emergency Safety

1/26/2021 (Permalink)

Emergency events such as fire or flooding and water damage to Des Moines, Iowa commercial properties require a quick and knowledgeable response catered to each facilities unique needs.

At SERVPRO of Des Moines NW, we have the customized resources and expertise needed to respond and to ensure remediation is done efficiently and as stress free as possible.

We currently work with companies in the Des Moines area (Ankeny, West Des Moines, Waukee, Clive, Grimes) and are happy to provide information to help prepare your business for the unexpected. In this article we will explore various important aspects of emergency events from preparation to response so normal operations can continue and damage is contained.

Fire Route with Business

Many businesses experience devastating fires every year. Here is how you can begin to create a fire evacuation procedure for your business.

Consult with your local fire officials

Reach out to the local fire department. Often times, getting in touch with fire officials is a great place to start. They will typically be happy to consult with you on necessary safety measures that your business can take, including the most efficient evacuation routes for your facility.

Communicate

You want to involve your employees in the fire safety process. This makes everyone feel safe and prepares them for when you start scheduling routine drills. So, once you have determined your evacuation route, mark them clearly with signs and communicate with your staff on what they mean.

Schedule Fire Drills Frequently

Ideally, you should get to the point where there is no question on what to do in the event of a fire. So, the best way to prepare staff is to hold regular fire drills, preferably at least once every quarter. A good example of the overall process is to create mandatory drills that require everyone to leave the premise according to the established escape route and gather at a predesignated area to be accounted for. Staff should be trained to not leave the designated area until given the “all-clear” to return.

Run Different Scenarios

Fires can start anywhere at any time. So, it is important to prepare for all possibilities when you hold your drills. To prepare for unique situations, create scenarios where different exits are blocked off or have the fire “originate” at different parts of the facility each time. Doing this gives everyone the tools they need to escape to safety regardless of what type of fire is started.

Employee Break Room

Keeping your employees happy and safe is one of the most important aspects of owning a business. One key area that this principle goes into effect is the employee break room. In making safety a high priority, you can prevent the unthinkable from happening.

Tips for a safe break room

• Review proper microwave and oven operating procedures. As they are both heating elements, they can cause serious fire hazards if left on unattended or if used improperly

• Set up guidelines for break room capacity. By staggering lunch and break times, you can limit the number of people in the break room to safe numbers. This will prevent overcrowding and reduce the possibility of a safety hazard in case of an emergency

• Be sure there is a fully operation smoke detector in the break room. Checking the smoke alarm monthly to ensure it is operational may be the first step in proactively preventing an emergency.

Implementing safety precautions like this, paired with general maintenance attentiveness, a company fire route, and a trusted fire mitigations service is a guaranteed step in the right direct to protect your business and your employees

Preparing Your Business for Winter Weather

Winter is here and Des Moines is seeing its first snow fall of the year! With winter season comes freezing cold temperatures and blizzards, all of which can cause serious damage to your business. Not being prepared for the weather to come can put you and your business in a lot of trouble down the road, but being prepared could potentially save you from all the headaches that can come with winter weather affecting your building. With that being said, SERVPRO of Des Moines NW wants to extend a few tips for preparing your business for the coming winter months

• Make sure to do a sweep of the building and make sure all your pipes are insulated.

• Inspect your property, especially walkways and parking lots, for proper drainage to alleviate flood hazard potential

• While inspecting your property, check for downed tree limbs or branches. Winter weather like winds, ice, and snow can cause branches to fall, resulting in damage to the property and potentially cause personal injury.

• Inspect handrails, stairwells, and entryways to address potential hazardous or slippery areas. Install matts or non-slip surfaces and post caution signs where water and/or ice cold be present.

As always, if disaster strikes SERVPRO of Des Moines NW is here to help. Keep us in your contacts at 515-987-3711