What To Do After a Fire to your Business Occurs

5/19/2023 (Permalink)

Take action after Fire

A fire to your business can leave your property vulnerable. Fortunately, installing a security fence and taking other safety measures can help keep your property safe from vandals and wildlife.

Securing the Property

After the fire has been extinguished, do not return to the property until the fire department says it is safe to do so. Once you have access to your property, taking the following actions can help you protect your business:

• Install a security fence
• Board up broken windows and other openings
• Tarp over damaged areas of the roof
  
  

In addition to damage from the fire itself, the firefighters may have broken windows or created other openings during their fire-extinguishing efforts. Therefore, the building could have several entry points for vandals and wildlife. It is important to board up or tarp over these areas. Installing a fence adds another layer of protection. If damage occurs after the fire has been extinguished and the insurance company determines the damage resulted from the building not being properly secured, they may deny that portion of the claim. If anyone enters the property, even without permission, and gets injured, the business could be held liable.

Restoring the Property

After the property has been secured, it is time to document the damage and begin restoration. Take a detailed photo or video evidence for the insurance company so that they can adequately assess the property. Then remove the water from the fire-suppression efforts. Do this as quickly as possible because mold can begin to grow within 24 hours. Next, clean the smoke and soot from the surfaces. Clean and sanitize affected areas. Throw everything away that cannot be fully dried and cleaned. Finally, begin repairing and replacing damaged items.
From installing a security fence to smoke cleaning, taking care of your commercial property after a fire can be a complicated endeavor. Fortunately, a certified restoration service can help you get your business back to normal quickly and safely.

We're Available 24/7 to Help after a Home Fire.

5/17/2023 (Permalink)

Home Fire in South Carolina

Most homeowners in South Carolina know that repairing and restoring their property after a fire takes time. The smoke, flames,  and extinguishing agents left behind by the fire and first responders can leave your home in disarray. Do not let the situation intimidate you; instead, call a company certified to handle these situations.

An experienced fire damage restoration company can help mitigate your loss as it helps you salvage, remove, and restore your home and your personal belongings.

For our local neighbors, fire damage restoration is a phone call away. Our SERVPRO team is available around the clock because we recognize that emergencies happen day and night. Our Team is ready to spring into action, assess the incident's impact, and create an action plan for your home. Our goal is to erase this disruption from your life by doing a conscientious and thorough job of restoring your home.

How do I decide what to keep and what to remove after a fire?

Looking at the soot sitting on your furniture, books, and decor may leave a hopeless feeling in your heart, but don't jump to conclusions until you consult our Damage Restoration experts. Our team has the expertise and solutions to restore documents, electronics, and flooring, among others. Fires also leave behind an acrid smell, which our team can address as well. 

Our team is here to help when you need it the most. Call us when disaster strikes and let us help you make your home, "Like it never even happened." 

Is it Water ot Flood Damage?

5/12/2023 (Permalink)

We're here to help you 24/7/

Mitigation and restoration after water damage occurs in your property is not always an easy task to understand. After water causes damage, an insurance claim should be made as soon as possible.

Filing an insurance due to water damage can be complex. The first step is knowing the difference between a water damage and flood damage claim. This information is important to the homeowner because it determines what is covered and what is not.

The distinction between a flood damage claim and a water damage claim is best be defined by (FEMA) the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s flood definition. According to FEMA, a flood is a general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of two or more acres and two or more properties of normally dry land.

To make it easy, if the water that caused the damage occurred from a natural source and any neighbors are experiencing the same water issues, its generally flood damage. According to FEMA, flood damage can only be caused by overflow of inland or tidal waters, unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source, mudflow, or collapse of land along the shore of a lake or similar body of water as a result of erosion or undermining caused by waves or currents of water exceeding anticipated cyclical levels that result in a flood.

If a flood has damaged your home, it is important to know if you currently have flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program, because homeowners insurance companies do not offer coverage on flood damage. Having flood insurance is extremely beneficial to homeowners who think they might even have the slightest chance of being affected by a flood.

Everything from the actual building and its foundation to the refrigerator and the food inside of it is covered by flood insurance and will be taken into consideration when claims are filed. Flood insurance does cover basements and areas below the lowest elevated floor, but it depends on the flood zone and the date of construction. It is important to remember that flood insurance does not cover the sentimental value of any property, so be sure to remove any precious items such as photos, documents, or personal items that cannot be replaced as quickly as possible.

When water damage occurs in your home, did not originate from a natural source, and is not affecting any surrounding buildings, a water damage claim is necessary. Circumstances such as  overflowing bathtubs, broken toilets, broken pipes, and burst water mains are all grounds for water damage claims that should be filed by contacting your homeowners insurance company.

Working through the process of filing both a water damage claim and a flood damage claim can be confusing, and seem overwhelming. 

If water damage does occur, we can help and can clean and restore your home to make it "Like it never even happened." Call us 24/7.

Take Action action after Storm Damage

5/12/2023 (Permalink)

Fend off water damage and mold issues after storm damage occurs.

Time is of the utmost importance when facing water storm damage of any size. Immediate action is a necessity.

Our team is highly trained to respond immediately with proven techniques and advanced equipment that remove water quickly and minimize the potential of unnecessary damage. We’re aware that water damage comes in all shapes and sizes and may require individual solutions. We have streamlined the process for you.

Because you are our #1 priority, we’ve created this quick and easy checklist as your go-to resource for all things storm & water damage. 

Safety
Your safety is of our utmost concern. Upon the onset of water damage, please assess the following questions:

• Is it safe to stay in the house?
• Are there electrical or hazards that could cause someone to slip and fall?
• If a movable material has become wet, it is likely heavier than normal. If so, do not move it or be sure to exercise caution when lifting.

Contact & Communication
Call SERVPRO of NW Charlotte immediately so that we can walk you through important questions that will allow us to help you efficiently and with quick response. The quicker you call us, the quicker we can provide cleanup and restoration "Like it never even happened."

Inspection and Assessment
Our team will thoroughly inspect the extent and type of water damage. This step is critical in creating a solid and effective action plan. In addition, we will begin the removal of water using our pumps and vacuums so that no further damage occurs and in order to prevent mold.

Drying and Dehumidification
Once the majority of water has been removed, we will use specially designed equipment to extract the water that is more difficult to reach and absorb. This equipment applies a scientific drying approach which includes air movers and dehumidifiers.

Cleaning and Sanitizing
If the water damage has affected your personal property including clothing, furniture or more, we are able to clean the items with specially designed cleaning methods. After cleaning your items, we sanitize them with an antimicrobial treatment and remove odors with industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.

Restoration
This is the last step in returning your property to the condition "Like it never even happened." This step completes the process by replacing and rebuilding the affected areas.

We’re ready to help you 24/7. Call us today.

Mold Damage Repair

4/5/2023 (Permalink)

A common cause of mold growth is water leaking from a pipe. The most serious leaks originate from above a ceiling or inside a wall. Such leaks fester mold, which may widely spread by the time you realize it. By attempting to manage the situation yourself, you might aggravate it hence the need for someone with the right skills. SERVPRO technicians have all the protective gear, detection tools, and technical skills necessary to eradicate the mold in your home.

Splotches from mold damage can sprout anywhere along a wall. However, they are commonly found down low near the floor, up high near the ceiling, or along edges of trim or baseboards. The spores attach to your drywall's paper face, which becomes a food source, leading to its propagation.

Conditions necessary for the growth of mold

• Constant moisture presence
• Food sources like drywall or wood
• Humidity
• Warmth and darkness

Handling of mold-damaged drywall

When the drywall is removed and the framing exposed, the source of the problem becomes apparent. The cause of the leak ought to be repaired before replacing the drywall. If not, mold eventually reforms over the new drywall. Also, an unresolved leak might create additional damage to framing, siding, insulation, and flooring. SERVPRO checks the exposed framing for dry rot. If present, we remove and replace the affected structure. Our crew also uses a scrub brush or a scrubbing pad to clean mold off framing and thoroughly dry the exposed area using dehumidifiers.

We use the latest methods to inhibit mold at its source. Our team builds a contained area with plastic to avoid spreading the mold spores, which could cause secondary damage. We have products specially designed for mold damage removal on wood like antimicrobial agents.

Signs your drywall has mold

• Musty, damp smell
• Discoloration and staining on the interior wall
• Crackling or bubbling wallpaper

SERVPRO of Cayce/West Columbia & Lexington, knows what not to overlook in case of mold damage. Call us at (803) 755-9774. 

Storm Season Is Never Really Over

3/6/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO knows that storms are not set  to a specific schedule, that is why all SERVPRO franchises keep their doors open 24/7/365. We have the resources to handle any size disaster with a quicker response time than any of our competitors. Roof damage caused by thunderstorms is a major problem for homeowners, here are some tips to prevent roof damage to your home:

• Trim trees and remove dead branches so they will not damage your home if they fall because of wind.
• Clear gutters and downspouts of debris. As the leaves fall, make sure they are not building up in the gutters. 
• Check for any roof damage. Pay attention to surface bubbles, areas with missing gravel on flat roofs, damaged or missing shingles or tiles on sloped roofs.
• Check the flashing on the roof to make sure it is in good condition to help prevent water from seeping through.
• If your rood needs replacing, consider impact-resistant roofing materials, especially if you live in an area where hail storms are common.

Remember SERVPRO is always here to help. Call your local SERVPRO storm response team at 803-755-9774, for all your storm remediation needs!

Water Damage

2/27/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage can be from many different causes and can have many different outcomes. Damage from water can lead to mold, odor and weakened structure. How do you know if you have water damage? Water damage can be put off or ignored if the signs aren't taken seriously. It can be seen by discoloration in a wall or ceiling and can be felt by a damp area that should be dry. Also, it can often times put off a musty odor. 

How did I get water damage?

• Leak in my property
• Appliance malfunction
• Storm causing flooding 
• Pipe burst

 How can I fix water damage?

Start by calling SERVPRO of  Lexington & SERVPRO of Cayce / West Columbia at (803)-755-9774. SERVPRO fixes water damages by finding the source and repairing the area. Then the team will bring in special gear to remove the water and dry the area to above and beyond standards. Not only will our team restore the area but will try to restore any items that were affected by the water damage as well. It is a time sensitive job so that more issues are not caused by the water damage which is why we work around the clock to better serve our community.

Is Your Business Office Prepared for An Unexpected Disaster?

2/27/2023 (Permalink)

If you own or manage an office building or other type of commercial space, fire safety and emergency preparedness should be a priority. Being prepared with a well-thought-out emergency plan can not only protect your property but potentially save the lives of the people in the property in case of an emergency. Keep reading below to see if your building is prepared should disaster strike!

Have Functioning Fire Extinguishers Readily Available 

You want to ensure that you have a suitable number of fire extinguishers readily available throughout the building, clearly labeled and accessible. Taking additional time to try and locate an extinguisher during an emergency can create a more dangerous situation and lead to more damage. Your fire extinguishers should be tested on a regular basis to make sure that they are functioning properly, as well as any fire suppressant or sprinkler system. 

Check Your Smoke Detectors and Fire Alarms 

Your smoke detector and fire alarm systems should be inspected regularly to ensure that they are functioning properly in case of an emergency situation. Also, confirm that your building has a clearly marked exit plan so that occupants know to safely exit the building. 

Implement Safety Training 

An important step for safety preparedness is safety training for both homeowners and business owners. Including a fire safety training course in your workplace will help the occupants to know exactly what they do should an emergency of any kind occurs such as a gas leak, a fire, severe weather, or flooding. You can also contact our local Fire Rescue for information available to help implement safety procedures in your place of business. 

Emergency Exits 

Having illuminated emergency exit signs can help direct occupants out of the building in case of an emergency. Make sure that the emergency exit is not obstructed and easily accessible at all times. 

Have an Evacuation Plan

Have your commercial building inspected for any potential fire code issues or potential safety hazards. From there conduct regular fire drills and educate employees on where emergency exits, fire extinguishers are at and how to properly use them. Another useful tool would be setting up your free SERVPRO Emergency Ready Plan. This no-cost assessment of your facility can help you get prepared with any issue that may come along, and if restoration work is required, ensure that the process is able to start as quickly as possible, keeping damages and costs down. 

 SERVPRO of  Lexington & SERVPRO of Cayce / West Columbia is here to help 24/7/365 should disaster strike! Call us at (803)-755-9774 to dispatch a crew or get more information on how we can help make it "Like it never even happened." 

How Can SERVPRO of Lexington/ Cayce, West Columbia Restore My Home From Fire Damage?

2/24/2023 (Permalink)

Once the fire has been extinguished, you are then facing the daunting question now what? Next comes fire damage restoration, fortunately, our experts have the experience to clean smoke and soot residues and eliminate orders to get your property back to pre-fire condition, "Like it never even happened."

You may be asking yourself, "Is there anything I can do to help move the process along?" Keep reading below to learn the most common questions asked when fire and smoke damage are present. 

Can I Start Cleaning What I Can Before Brining in Professionals? 

If you try to scrub away fire damage residues like soot, you run the risk of further damaging your home. Fragile surfaces and materials may tear or continue to stain because of aggressive cleaning. When leaving the cleaning to the professionals, you can have peace of mind knowing that our technicians are trained and have the proper equipment and materials to safely restore and clean your home and its belongings. 

Is the Damage left from the Fire and Soot Permanent? 

Fire damage residues left in your home are not permanent. A fire creates different kinds of smoke throughout its duration based on the materials it burns, the speed of combustion, and the amount of oxygen present. When synthetic materials burn, they create soot that clings to surfaces, whereas residues resulting from natural substances such as wood cause let soot to adhere, though still difficult to clean. Fires that burn slow and lack oxygen produce wet smoke that can be extremely difficult to remove compared to quick-burning fires that create dry smoke. Our experts are trained to know how to assess the type of smoke caused by the fire and how to address it.

Can You Adress the Smoke Odor Left from the Fire?

Yes, to eliminate the smoke odor and deodorize your home our technicians can take several steps. 

• We utilize sprayers to disperse deodorizing chemicals on heavily damaged surfaces
• Perform dust cleaning systems to clean odors from your HVAC system
• Place air scrubbers throughout the affected areas to pull odor particles from the air
• Use foggers to disperse deodorizing particles throughout your house.

Throughout the whole fire damage restoration process, we will document the damages to your home to assist you in working with insurance adjusters.

A fire can be a traumatizing experience, so it is essential to seek professional help to address the damages as soon as you can. The sooner our technicians can assess the situation, the better chance they have of successfully restoring your home before the damage has time to worsen. If you experience a fire, you can count on SERVPRO of  Lexington & SERVPRO of Cayce / West Columbia to restore your home back to preloss condition. We are available to respond to your emergency 24/7/365, call us at (803) 755-9774! 

Frozen Pipe Burst Prevention

2/23/2023 (Permalink)

When the weather gets cold frozen pipes are always a fear. So here’s a few tips and tricks to better prepare!

Preparing your home.

• If you're going to be away or out of town durning a cold front or season, you should be sure the heat is on in your home, and set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.
• When the weather very cold especially below freezing, you should let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. usually you want to use the one furthest from your water heater. Running water through the pipe - even at a trickle - helps prevent pipes from freezing
• Keeping cabinets open in kitchen an bathroom areas, alows warmer air to circulate around the exposed plumbing.
• If you have water lines in your garage, you should keep the garage doors closed and insulated, as much as possible.