Archived Blog Posts
When Disaster Strikes Your Business, You’ll Need a Plan | SERVPRO of Sumter
11/17/2023 (Permalink)
Are you prepared for disaster? SERVPRO of Sumter is here for you when disaster strikes!
Natural disasters can occur at any point, and they are actually occurring more often across the country. The number of natural disasters has steadily increased over the course of the last five years, and they are becoming stronger and more destructive as well. That could mean some serious damage to your business if one comes our way!
While this is not a complete guarantee that a natural disaster will affect your business, it is always a possibility. There is also the possibility that a manmade problem or accident will leave you with serious damage.
Planning for the different scenarios can help you avoid significant damage and protect the future of your business.
Why Creating a Plan Matters
Because of the fact that natural disasters are occurring more frequently and are more destructive, planning ahead for them can reduce your risk of suffering serious damage and it can also help protect your staff. Different threats like fires, floods or storms can pop up quickly, so knowing what to do in the moment is crucial.
The sheer amount of damage left behind in the wake of a disaster is one thing, but it can also cause a serious financial strain on the future of your business.
Insurance issues, lost revenue and the cost of repairs can all work against you when it comes to reopening your business. Sometimes, it can all be too much, and businesses will close and never reopen. We are here to make sure that does not happen to you.
The Benefits of an Emergency Ready Plan
SERVPRO® is proud to offer our restoration services to our community, but we can also help you plan for the unexpected! Our Emergency Ready Plan is a planning service that we offer to every business owner in the Sumter area. It is a complete guide that will walk you through every sort of disaster situation that you could experience at your business.
We will come out to your place of business and assess your risk for different threats, like warehouse fires, floods if your building is in a flood zone, and different storm scenarios. We will outline what to do before, during and after each scenario.
The best way to stay in control during an emergency is to plan ahead! Our plans will include all kinds of things to do now so you can navigate a disaster situation more smoothly. This could include tips on how to store important documents, what to do with electronics when a water issue is present or even how to pack go-bags for your staff to grab during an emergency.
We will also ensure that a strong line of communication is developed within your staff. Having a chain of command and knowing who is in charge of what is crucial during a disaster situation.
Your business deserves to overcome whatever disaster situation it faces! Our Emergency Ready Plan can help you prepare for and overcome whatever life throws at you.
Ready to create your Emergency Ready Plan for your business? Contact us for your free assessment to start the plan you need.
Prep for the Holiday Season With Fire Safety in Mind | SERVPRO of Sumter
11/17/2023 (Permalink)
Fire damage in your home? Not for long with SERVPRO of Sumter on the case!
The holidays are right around the corner, and we certainly hope you are gearing up for another season surrounded by your very best friends and loving family. No matter what holidays you celebrate with your family, you are bound to be making some sort of delicious homemade food.
Whether you are in charge of bringing your famous pumpkin pie or you are hosting the entire dinner yourself, practicing safe food strategies is key to avoiding dangerous house fires.
The number of house fires increases during the holiday season, especially those that start in the kitchen. Taking these preventive steps while you are whipping up your food can greatly reduce your risk of starting a fire that would certainly derail your holiday festivities.
Controlling Flammable Materials in the Kitchen
Before you even light your stove or preheat your oven, preparing your space should always take priority. Since so many fires start in the kitchen, having a clean and safe work space from the start can reduce your risk.
Remove as many flammable items as possible from around your appliances. Pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils and holiday decorations can easily catch on fire if too close to an open flame or heat.
In addition, you need to be cautious about your outfit choice when you are cooking. Cute holiday accessories or decorative aprons may add a nice touch to your holiday season, but loose strings or clothing can also catch on fire and lead to catastrophe. Roll up your sleeves and choose your wardrobe wisely.
Keep a Watchful Eye on Food
Do not leave the kitchen if you are actively cooking or if you have something in the oven. This is incredibly important if you want to avoid a kitchen fire. It doesn’t matter if you are grilling, boiling, baking or frying, a fire can start in an instant and lead to your entire kitchen going up in flames by the time you return.
You also need to take extra precautions if your holiday festivities include deep-frying a turkey this year. Do not add too much oil to the fryer and be sure to set it up on a level, non-flammable surface.
Check the size of your turkey and set it out to thaw days before you need it, as your turkey should be completely thawed before being lowered into the pot.
Check on Your Protective Measures
We all know that accidents happen and fires aren’t completely preventable, but making sure your protective measures are in place can also reduce your risk of serious fire damage. Smoke alarms are crucial for every level of your home, and you should have at least one in your kitchen. Check the batteries often to ensure they are working properly.
You also should have a fire extinguisher close by. Move your fire extinguisher to the kitchen or purchase one that will stay there always. You should also keep a lid or another pan nearby while you are cooking to help you quickly extinguish any grease fires that pop up unexpectedly.
Be safe this holiday season and enjoy all of this wonderful time with friends and family. Remember, if your home does suffer any sort of fire damage, our team can help you clean up and rebuild your home right away so you don’t miss out on the festivities of the season.
House fires can happen in the blink of an eye. Contact us for a quick restoration day or night!
Navigating Winter Weather With Confidence | SERVPRO of Sumter
11/17/2023 (Permalink)
The winter season is almost upon us! SERVPRO of Sumter has your back with these helpful tips.
Now that the heat of the summer is behind us and we are in the thick of the fall season, it’s time to start talking about winter weather! While we are grateful that we don’t have to experience some of the more intense winter weather patterns like blizzards and subzero temperatures around here, winter weather can impact us in its own way.
Heavy rain, strong wind, sleet and the occasional flurry can all have an impact on our homes and make travel dangerous. Preparing ahead of time and addressing any potential damage right after the storm passes is crucial for keeping your family safe.
Getting Your Home Ready for Winter Weather
We always recommend staying home when the weather is less than ideal. Heavy rain or sleet can make travel more difficult and depending on the temperature, roads can be slick as well.
Instead, grab your weather radio and start gathering any supplies you will need to ride out the storm. Severe weather can knock out power at any time of the year, and the winter is no exception.
Being prepared with extra flashlights and batteries, your first-aid kit and extra blankets can help ensure that your family is safe and cozy in case the power goes out. You should also have a backup heating source if the power is out for more than just an hour or two.
Homes can cool down quickly if the heat is not working, so be sure you have a backup location in mind that you can head to if your home gets really chilly and the power will be out for the foreseeable future. Head to a friend’s home, a public space or a warming center nearby.
Addressing Your Home After the Storm
Winter weather can be really unpredictable, turning rain into sleet, ice pellets or even snow from time to time. After the storm is gone, take a look at your home start on any cleanup requirements right away.
Strong wind is often one of the most damaging parts of a winter storm, so check your roof and siding for damage. You should also be checking the vents around your home and removing any ice buildup around the grates. If carbon monoxide cannot safely escape your home, it can become a danger to everyone in your household.
How We Can Help Repair Your Home
If your home has suffered serious water damage or structural damage as a result of the storm, we want you to call us right away. Our team will be able to assess the damage, secure your home and get right to work restoring and repairing your space.
We will keep working until you are 100% satisfied with the final product, only stopping when your home has been successfully returned to its preloss condition.
Our team is always ready for anything! Contact us at SERVPRO of Sumter for a quick restoration after suffering damage from a winter storm.
Water Damage Protection in All Seasons | SERVPRO of Cookeville/Carthage/Smithville/Woodbury
11/17/2023 (Permalink)
Is your home experiencing water damage? No worries, we are here to help. Contact SERVPRO of Cookeville/Carthage/Smithville/Woodbury today.
Water is one of the leading causes of home damage across the nation. It can strike year-round in a number of different ways, and it can even hide out long-term. Water moves quickly and creates compounded damage, too—making it a truly challenging disaster for a homeowner to deal with.
There are plenty of ways we can protect our homes from water damage, though. Even when it comes to natural disasters! You may not be able to prevent floodwaters, but you can prepare for them and mitigate your losses.
Each season, take some time to protect your home from water damage. Add a few things to your seasonal to-do list that can go a long way to keeping your home dry.
Spring and Summer
If you are a big spring-cleaner, you may not be super excited to add more to your to-do list for the season, but the good news is that protecting your home from water damage is actually pretty simple. There is also a good chance you are already doing a few of these housekeeping things, too.
Clean your gutters early in the spring in order to ensure rain can run through them easily. Make sure your downspouts are clear as well, and check around your home to ensure your landscaping slopes away.
Uncover your outside faucets in early spring and let some water run through them. Check for drips, unusual flow or any other issues so that you can correct it quickly.
During the summer, keep a close eye under your sinks and all around your bathrooms. With the addition of a high humidity in the weather outside, a small drip inside can quickly become a large mold problem. Check for musty smells, wet spots or slow drainage, which are all signs you could have a bigger problem.
If you are going on vacation over the summer, be sure to prepare your home ahead of your trip. Set your air to a steady temperature to avoid too much moisture inside, and consider having someone stop by every few days to walk-through your home so that you don’t come back to a surprise flood.
Fall and Winter
We may not talk about it as much, but fall cleaning is just as important as spring-cleaning in order to prevent damage during the cold season. Some of what you need to do to prevent water damage in the fall and winter is the same as spring and summer. Clean your gutters, check your downspouts and make sure your yard is in good shape.
Checking under sinks and around other water lines should be another piece of maintenance that you do year-round, but in the fall and winter, you want to pay particular attention to your pipes to prevent potential freezing. Make sure your pipes are well-insulated, allow them to drip when the temperatures take a dive and consider turning off the water to your outside faucets if you are able.
Take a look at the insulation in your attic during the fall and make sure there is enough—particularly in the corners. We do not see a lot of snow in our area during the winter, but ice is always possible. A well-insulated attic can help stop rainwater that may be on your roof or in your gutters from freezing, which will prevent water seeping in from the roof down.
Spend a little time each season protecting your home from water damage. With some simple home maintenance, you can avoid costly repairs.
Do you have water damage in your home? Contact us for fast restoration.
Storm-Proofing the Outside of Your Home | SERVPRO of Sumter
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
Have you been impacted by the unusual summer storm season? SERVPRO of Sumter has your back when you experience flood and water damage.
The summer season is unique when it comes to the different kinds of weather we can receive on a daily basis. Severe storms can bring rain, hail and flooding situations, and even sunny days can bring about extreme wind!
While we all enjoy the sun and warmer temperatures, it can be scary when a strong summer storm forms later in the day and rolls into town. Here in the Sumter area, we have to be on the lookout for rapidly changing conditions that can bring severe storms and tornadoes quickly.
Any sort of storm has the potential to cause damage to your home, so preparing ahead of time can help you minimize those damages no matter what kind of storm arrives.
Seasonal Outdoor Tasks
If you are a homeowner, you probably have a list of yard maintenance work that you do on a regular basis to keep your home and property looking clean. Some of these tasks are actually helpful in preparing your home against incoming severe weather systems.
Trimming your trees and removing dead branches or fallen limbs is a great way to prevent impact damages when the winds pick up. Cleaning out your gutters ensures that rainwater will flow down and away from your home, and simply maintaining a clean property by not leaving clutter out can help avoid your children’s toys, bikes or yard equipment from becoming projectiles.
In addition to those regular tasks, you should take the time to check around your windows and doors for signs of gaps or deteriorated wood. A small water leak can quickly turn into widespread water damage. Your roof is also a potential source of a water problem! Replace missing or broken shingles right away.
Optional Home Upgrades
Thankfully, most preparations for storms can be done cost-free, but you can take it one step further if you like to give yourself added protection.
Investing in storm shutters can help protect your windows from breaking, and installing triple-pane windows can help provide an added layer of protection. If your property is located in a heavily wooded area, consider installing gutter guards to help keep debris out of your gutters.
The preparations don’t stop at your house! Adding reinforcements or bracing to your outbuildings and sheds can help protect them from wind damage when a storm or tornado makes its way into town.
Even if you do your best to prepare for everything, there is always the chance that you will suffer storm damage anyway. Call SERVPRO of Sumter for a fast and efficient restoration!
Was your home damaged in a storm? Call us at SERVPRO of Sumter to start restoration, 24/7.
Enjoying BBQ Season Without Starting a Fire | SERVPRO of Sumter
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
Have you had a barbeque gone wrong? Call SERVPRO of Sumter to get your space back in shape.
We are in the middle of a classic Sumter summer right now, and we are so grateful for it! We thoroughly enjoy the extra time spent outside with family and friends, laughing around the bonfire and grilling up our favorite hotdogs and burgers. If you’re a self-appointed grillmaster as well, you need to make sure your equipment is safe and ready to use.
Improper use of a grill can quickly lead to dangerous fire conditions that can impact your property and your home. SERVPRO of Sumter’s fire damage restoration team wants you to enjoy your BBQs without the risk of fire, so check out our latest blog to learn more.
Creating the Perfect Grilling Environment
This first rule might be obvious, but your grill needs to be set up outside. In addition to keeping it out of your house, it also needs to be far away from your garage or even any overhangs on your roof. If your grill can’t vent properly, it becomes a danger to you and your guests. The heat from the flames can also start a fire if there is anything combustible above the grill.
Not only should it be set up outside, it needs to be far away from your siding and deck railing. Aim for at least a 10 foot barrier from anything flammable, and keep kids and pets out of this area as well. A concrete pad or a level driveway are good spaces for this.
Once you are all set up, it’s time for the inspection. If you own a charcoal grill, check the drum for dents or cracks and be sure the vent cover slides easily. Remove any ash buildup at this time as well. If you have a propane grill, check the gas lines and connections to be sure they are secure. A single small leak could eventually turn into a big problem that can actually become a danger to your entire party.
When the Grill Is Hot
Once your grill is ready and the food is on, be a responsible grillmaster and stay close by. You should also have a reliable way of quickly extinguishing the flames, whether it be your water hose or a fire extinguisher at the ready.
Knock down any sparks or wandering flames with a spray bottle, and keep a close eye on your food. Once it’s time to eat, hand off the food so you can start shutting everything down. Close the vents and scatter the coals or turn off the burners and close the propane tank. Before you head in for the night, check on your grill one more time to make sure it is cold to the touch and everything is either off or extinguished.
We love summer in the Sumter community, and we hope you do, too! If you do wind up suffering home damage due to a grill fire, SERVPRO of Sumter is here to help with your entire restoration process.
Don’t let fire damage linger in your home. Call us at SERVPRO of Sumter for a fast restoration.
Overcoming Water Damage With SERVPRO by Your Side | SERVPRO of Sumter
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
If you discover water damage in your home or business, call SERVPRO of Sumter right away.
Whether you actively think about it or not, water is an essential part of a smoothly functioning household. We need it to wash clothes and dishes, make food and even give the family car a thorough washing in the driveway.
While we need water to help us get through our days, it also has the potential to cause significant issues and damages if an accident or damage occurs to your home. In addition to regular everyday mishaps, the flooding issues in Sumter County have already contributed to some water issues this year across the area.
Preparing for disasters can help you avoid certain water damage situations, but avoiding water damage altogether just isn’t possible at times. Our SERVPRO of Sumter team explains more below about water damage and how we can help dry out your space.
The Drying Process
Controlling water damage is all about your timing. The faster you identify the problem and the faster you move to dry up the water, the better chance you have of avoiding extensive or lasting damages. Locating the source of the leak is a good first place to start.
If the leak is coming from an appliance or pipe malfunction, turn off the water valve to stop the flow of water. If the leak is caused by damage to your roof or a situation with Mother Nature, you may just have to wait until the storm or threat has passed before evaluating your situation.
Remember, walking through standing water is never advised. This is especially true inside your home as electrical wires or electricity can make the water dangerous or even deadly.
Once you have taken these measures to protect your home and your family, give SERVPRO of Sumter a call. Our team is here 24/7, and we will jump into action for you right away.
Our Drying and Repair Plan
While we are chatting about your current situation, take some photos of the affected area. This not only helps us form our recovery plan for you, but it also helps the insurance claim process much smoother if there is evidence of the disaster.
Once we have our plan ready, we will head your direction! Our team will simultaneously work on drying up the water with our air movers and blowers as well as locating and stopping the leak. We will also ensure that the affected space is sanitized and deodorized before we are done.
Now that your space is dry, we can tackle the repairs! We are trained to handle everything from minor repairs to full reconstructions and rebuilds of rooms or levels of your home.
It doesn’t take much water at all to cause problems. If you discover even an inch of water or a water spot near your ceiling, call SERVPRO of Sumer right away to avoid long-term issues and more costly damages.
Do you have water damage in your home? Call us for fast and complete restoration.
Steps to Follow After Suffering Storm Damage | SERVPRO of Sumter
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
Summer storms affecting your property? Call SERVPRO of Sumter to restore your space in no time!
The storm season is a long one in the summertime, and it can cause chaos no matter what time of day it is. Some storms blow into town slowly and give us all adequate time to prepare, while others form quickly and can leave us scrambling for cover.
In the summertime here in the Sumter area, we are more prone to experiencing heavy rain, wind and hail during thunderstorms than we are to see tornadoes, but the occasional twister is not out of the realm of possibility.
No matter what the situation is, it is important that you take all the steps you can to stay safe. Remain inside, stay away from windows and don’t travel until the threat has passed.
Once the storm has blown on, take these steps below to make sure you are being safe while assessing any damages.
Assessing the Damage
It can be a relief when the storm passes and the sounds and sights fade away, but don’t let your guard down. Another storm may be brewing off on the horizon. Stay sky-aware as you walk around your property, and keep your weather radio or radar close at hand.
One of the first things you should do is connect with your loved ones and household members. Check to make sure everyone is OK and doesn’t need immediate assistance.
You should also check on your neighbors if you are able. Storms can cause widespread damage or can have very specific damage paths, so your home may be fine but others may not be.
If you do discover damage, take as many photos as possible. This will help us form our recovery plan, but it will also help make the insurance claim process smoother if you have fresh images. After that, grab your phone and call SERVPRO® of Sumter.
Where Our Team Comes In
The faster you respond to any damage, the easier your recovery will be for your whole family. Just be sure to walk about cautiously. Loose nails, damaged floorboards or broken windows can all be a safety hazard if you are not careful. Keep your cell phone close by in case you get stuck or run into any issues.
We are quick to respond and will be at your home as fast as we can, but there are some things you can do in the meantime to help protect your home. If it is still actively raining or another storm is coming, lay down tarps or board up windows to protect your home from further damage. We will do this more extensively when we arrive and start working, but whatever actions you can take to safeguard your home will pay off in a big way.
We can also work with your insurance company to make sure your claim is being processed correctly and you are getting the best outcome. If your home is severely damaged and you need to live off site during the repair process, we can help you sort that out, too.
Our restoration specialists are here for you day or night, and we truly hope you call us when you need help after a storm damages your home. We will repair your home in no time at all!
If a storm leaves your home damaged, contact us for fast recovery. We’re here 24/7 when you need us.
Protecting Your Home When It Starts to Flood | SERVPRO of Sumter
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
Water damage in your home? Not for long with SERVPRO of Sumter on the case!
We can all appreciate a gentle rain in the late summer or early fall after experiencing a few strong storms throughout the season! Soft rain has a way of calming everything down and refreshing our yards and gardens.
However, not all rain is calm and idyllic at this time of year. Severe weather is still a very real threat that can bring intense rain, strong wind and damaging hail. While we often are safe and dry under the comfort of our own roofs, sometimes the rain can fall too fast and force its way into our homes anyway.
Our SERVPRO of Sumter team wants you to stay dry and comfortable no matter what is going on outside, so check out our tips for avoiding lasting home damage when the rain comes pouring down.
The Dangers of Intense Rain
Rain can cause all kinds of trouble in our area, including thunderstorms, flash flooding and the residual effects from hurricanes. It can pose trouble for any roads or low-lying areas in a matter of minutes, so staying aware of your surroundings is crucial. Heavy rain can even cause landslides that sweep away trees, cars and homes.
While you can’t prevent Mother Nature from doing her thing, you can prepare in advance to help minimize damages and keep your family safe. Stay connected to local authorities and start making plans as soon as a watch or warning is issued.
Tips for Staying Safe
Getting your home ready and preparing your family should always be at the top of your priority list whenever there is the chance of intense rain. Flash floods can develop quickly, so head for home as soon as a warning is issued. Avoid low areas and any nearby drainage ditches on your travels. Once home, do a quick tidy of your yard and secure down anything that could be swept away by the water, including trampolines, lawn furniture and propane tanks.
Prepare the lowest level of your home just in case water does start flowing in. Get the most fragile materials and possessions up to a higher room and turn off the electricity just to be safe. If the rain does start leaking in, stay calm and stay above the water line. Once the storm or threat has passed, call us right away.
Steps for Staying Dry in the Future
Once we have done our thing and dried, cleaned and sanitized your home, it is time to reflect on your situation and make some changes. While not every flood situation is preventable, there are some things you can do to prevent it from happening in the future. If you live in a low-lying area or always seem to have a flooded basement after a storm, grading your property can help naturally move rainwater down and away from your foundation.
You can also invest in home equipment like a sump pump to help you stay dry. Sump pumps automatically kick on when excess water is present in the area around your home and they will pump water from around your foundation and push it back up to the surface. This helpful pump can be a great backup if the rain is falling too fast for your gutters to keep up.
Remember that our team is here for you whenever you need us. Contact us for a full restoration that includes damage repair and sanitization to prevent a mold infestation.
We are here for all of your water disasters. Contact us day or night for a quick recovery.
The Dos and Don’ts of Starting an Outdoor Fire | SERVPRO of Sumter
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
Bonfire season is upon us! SERVPRO of Sumter has your back with these helpful fire safety tips.
There is a lot to be excited for at this time of year! The fall season brings football Sundays, pumpkin spice and the eventual cooldown as the cooler months approach. It also becomes a little more tolerable to be outside since the summer heat isn’t as intense.
Bonfires at this time of year can be relaxing and even a bit cozier when the temperatures start to drop, but that doesn’t mean you can let your guard down when it comes to fire safety.
Our SERVPRO® team explains below some responsible ways to start and maintain your outdoor fires so you can enjoy the crackling flames and s’mores without worry of starting an out-of-control blaze.
Tips for Starting the Fire
Do choose a safe location for your fire. Most permanent bonfire pits are already in the ground, but be sure it is far away from any outbuildings, sheds or flammable objects. Keep your log and brush pile a safe distance away.
Do have a water source close by before you even light the fire. A bucket filled with water or a hose that is turned on and ready to use are both good options. If you don’t have a water source readily available, have a shovel ready to use that you can pile dirt or sand on top of the embers.
Do keep an eye on the forecast and any burn bans. Windy days or days that are less ideal for outdoor fires can make it more dangerous to have even a small fire going. Keep in mind that burn bans can change by the day, so checking with local authorities or on your city or county website is always encouraged.
Tips for While the Fire Is Hot
Don’t use any sort of accelerant to get your flames going. Aerosol cans, lighter fluid and gas can all start on fire quickly, but they are unpredictable and have different flash points.
Don’t let kids play around or near the flames. Accidents can occur in seconds and result in serious injury or a dangerous situation.
Don’t make your fire too big. It can get easy to get carried away with adding brush and logs to your fire, but things can get out of hand pretty quickly. All it takes is for a wandering flame or spark to reach a nearby bush or log pile for it to catch and spread.
Don’t go inside until your fire is completely extinguished. Pour your water over the flames until the logs are cold to the touch and all of the embers are extinguished.
Wildfire Prevention
Remember, most wildfires are started by humans. Do your part whenever you are outside to keep your fires small and never leave them unattended.
If your home or property is ever damaged by a fire, SERVPRO is here to help. Call us right away for fast and efficient restoration.
Fire can cause a lot of damage in a short amount of time. Contact us day or night for immediate assistance.
Preparing Your Staff for Impending Weather | SERVPRO of Sumter
6/16/2023 (Permalink)
As a business owner, you know what calls to make when extreme weather hits. If you're affected by a storm, call SERVPRO of Sumter to help!
Preparation is part of your everyday life as a business owner. You are constantly getting ready for the next big thing and making sure your staff members are being safe and taken care of.
While your efforts are probably focused on your workplace environment, it is important to plan for weather emergencies as well! A single severe storm can cause widespread damages and can create a dangerous situation for your employees if they are not prepared to take action.
Using these tips below, you can ensure your staff will know what to do in the face of a weather emergency and everyone can stay safe no matter what is going on outside.
Understanding the Risk Level of Situations
Assessing weather threats is the first step to creating an action plan. In the Sumter area, most of your planning should revolve around storm preparation! We see heavy rain and high winds, and we are even in a moderate risk zone for hurricanes during the summer and fall months.
Because of that, it is also important to prepare for the chance of flooding. Organizing your business so you can easily pull things from your lowest levels and purchasing flood insurance can help you avoid costly damages. Keep an eye on the forecast each week so you know what to expect and you can prepare ahead of time.
Your Communication Strategy
Communicating is one of the most crucial parts of any emergency. Your staff need to know where to go, when to get there and how! Thankfully, all of this can happen with a click of a button.
Set up a group chat or an email chain so that you can easily send a message to your entire crew. In the event of a true emergency, this will help ensure your staff react quickly but calmly and will allow them to take action right away. You can also use this as an easy way to reconnect after the storm passes.
Planning Your Escape Route or Sheltering Location
It is your job to help your staff stay safe, so having a plan in place for a possible evacuation during a weather disaster is critical. Make sure your team knows where to go by highlighting evacuation routes, and clearly label any exits so that your staff can quickly recognize them in an emergency.
On the other hand, staying in the safety of your building might be the best course of action. In this instance, ensure your staff know which room is your safe shelter location and prepare the area now with food, safe drinking water and an emergency kit.
In order to keep your team calm as you are ushering them out through your evacuation routes or are hunkering down together in your sheltering location, practicing these strategies is crucial! If your team knows where to go and what to do, everyone will be calm, safe and confident as they ride out the storm.
Don’t let extreme weather take control! If storms strike your business, SERVPRO can help you restore your losses.
Teaching Fire Safety in a Child-Friendly Way | SERVPRO® of Sumter
6/14/2023 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Sumter is here for you and your family if you experience a fire in your home or business.
Teaching fire safety to everyone in your home is vital to your family’s safety during an emergency. While it can seem overwhelming thinking about how to explain a house fire to a small child, there are things you can do to make this process a little less scary for everyone involved.
Our SERVPRO of Sumter team explains how to start teaching the fire safety basics for every member of your family below, so read on to learn more and get some great ideas.
How to Explain Fire
It can be hard to explain the concept of fire to a small child. While little ones can see the flame and understand what it is, the idea of cause and effect is bit harder to master. Start by walking around to each space in your home that produces fire, like your bonfire pit, stove or even the candles around your house. Discuss how a fire starts in each one and what would happen if the fire spread.
This is also an important time to introduce the idea of match and lighter safety. A single match or lighter in the hands of a curious child can lead to an incredibly dangerous and potentially devastating situation.
Ensure that your child knows that these items are never to be played with and should always be given to a responsible adult.
Trusting Authority
Many kids want to grow up to become firefighters and police officers, but many of these same children often become shy around authority figures. When firefighters or police officers are in uniform, they are usually equipped with heavy equipment and sometimes even masks that shield their face from view. That can be scary for kids!
Expose your kids to pictures, books and videos about firefighters, and take them down to our local fire station during open house days so they can meet a firefighter in real life. This connection can help them react quicker in a real house fire when a firefighter is there trying to help them escape from their rooms.
Forming Your Escape Plan
Does your family have an emergency exit plan? If you don’t, now is the time to create one. Have your children lead the way for this and challenge them to find all exits for each room in your home, and have a contest to see who can get out of the house the fastest. Write down all of this information into a diagram together when you are done.
Don’t let your children overlook the windows in your home, either. While it is our responsibility to keep our little ones safe and away from high level windows, they can be crucial in a true emergency situation. Teach your children how to open your windows, but ensure that they understand that they are only to be used in a serious fire emergency.
Finally, designate some place outside as your meeting location and then put it all together into one final practice. Do this a couple of times a year, and act it out as a family so everyone knows their role and what to do.
Fires can cause widespread damage. Call us for a thorough and efficient restoration.
Prep Your Home for Windy Weather | SERVPRO® of Sumter
6/9/2023 (Permalink)
If you've suffered from storm-related damage to your home or business, make SERVPRO of Sumter your first call.
Wind is often overlooked when it comes to weather systems, but it can pack a punch! While a gentle breeze on a summer afternoon may feel like a relief, strong wind during a severe thunderstorm can be scary and even dangerous.
Strong winds can cause widespread damage in a short amount of time. Dangerous wind conditions can even occur when it’s bright and sunny outside.
By understanding what kinds of wind can affect us here in the Sumter area, you can better protect your home and keep your family safe.
The Different Varieties of Wind
The majority of damaging winds come from thunderstorms or tornadoes. Wind from a tornado can almost guarantee destruction of some kind.
Wind within a regular thunderstorm can easily reach up to 60 miles per hour. Wind at this speed can pick up and toss around debris with ease.
Straight-line winds can blow even faster! This type of wind has no rotation in it, so it can cause widespread destruction as it blows up to 100 miles per hour.
Tornadoes can produce many different kinds of wind and each can be particularly dangerous. Straight-line winds, downdrafts, and micro- or macro-bursts are all common and can cause devastation.
We are also close enough to the coast to be vulnerable to any hurricanes and the wind they produce. Even just last year we were hit hard by Hurricane Ian. Hurricane-force winds can be incredibly destructive and can cause all kinds of damage to our homes and properties.
Preventing Wind Damage Around Your Home
Wind can cause a lot of damage in a short amount of time. It can topple trees, blow debris into your siding and down power lines. It can even topple mobile homes and cars if it blows over 80 miles per hour.
Staying safe during wind alerts or advisories involves preparing your home and property as soon as the alert is issued. Start by securing loose objects like porch chairs, trash cans and children’s toys.
You should also try to pick up branches and other yard debris before the wind starts to blow. A single fallen branch can turn into a dangerous flying object at the right wind speed.
Once your home is secure, get your family inside and into an interior room that is away from windows. You should stay there until the storm has passed and the wind dies down.
As soon as it is safe to do so, walk around your property to look for damage. Don’t forget to look on your roof! A single missing shingle can invite water into your attic during the next storm. Call SERVPRO of Sumter right away, and we will get your home back together fast.
Has your home been damaged by wind? Call us and get things cleaned up fast.
The Most Common Reasons for House Fires | SERVPRO® of Sumter
5/18/2023 (Permalink)
Have you experience a fire in your home? Call SERVPRO of Sumter to help get your residence back to normal.
If you are a homeowner, chances are you have thought about what you would do if faced with a house fire at least once. It is a scary situation that can not only completely destroy your home, it can even be a dangerous or deadly event.
The good news is that the majority of house fires can actually be prevented with a little time and attention to detail around your home. We explain some of the most common places and reasons that house fires break out below so you can take steps to reduce your risk today.
The Power of Electronics
We are surrounded by technology in today’s day and age, so it’s no surprise that many house fires are caused by overheated electronics or by a power surge. Try to get into the habit of unplugging your computers and gaming systems when they are not in use.
If you have a room in your home that has a lot of electrical outlets and those outlets are loaded with cords, it’s time to get a surge protector. A power surge can not only damage your electronics beyond repair, it can also cause them to overheat or spark a fire.
Electrical fires can get really hot, really fast, so it is important to prioritize these steps when attempting to reduce your house fire risk.
The Risks in Your Kitchen
The majority of house fires begin in the kitchen. Stoves, ovens, and any other appliance that uses heat or flame to function has the potential to start a fire. You should always be close to the kitchen when you are cooking. Flammable materials can easily get bumped into the flames or a grease fire can erupt at any moment. If you are in another room while your pot is on the stove, your entire kitchen could be in flames in the few minutes that you stepped away.
We extend this same word of caution to your outdoor grills or bonfires. If you consider yourself the grill master, stay outside and in the line of sight of your grill. Maintain the heat and flames, and ensure that the coals are completely out and cool or your propane tanks are shut and your grill is off.
Keep It Clean
Did you know that the clutter in your home can actually be a danger to you in the event of a house fire? Unnecessary piles of things or possessions stacked near windows or doors can become more fuel to a fire, making it grow faster in a shorter amount of time.
The clutter is also a tripping hazard. All paths throughout your home should be easy to access and each exit should be clear and ready to use if necessary.
Once your home is picked up and organized, it’s time to clean out your air filters and lint traps. A blocked lint trap in your dryer is a huge fire hazard as well as a dirty furnace filter. Even though some of these tasks seem insignificant, they very well might just help you avoid a house fire.
Experiencing a house fire can be overwhelming. Call SERVPRO of Sumter for a full restoration.
Catching a Water Leak Early | SERVPRO® of Sumter
5/9/2023 (Permalink)
Think you may have water damage in your home? Here are some tips from SERVPRO of Sumter to find the source.
Water damage can be really frustrating to deal with. Once it starts, it can spread quickly and without much warning. It can also stay hidden and cause destruction behind the scenes until it becomes large enough to be noticeable.
Because of all of these unpleasant qualities, recognizing and stopping water damage as soon as it starts is one of the best prevention strategies when it comes to widespread damage.
Our SERVPRO of Sumter team wants you to avoid water damage as much as possible, so read on to learn the most common areas for water troubles in your home below.
Your roof. How often do you get on your roof to look for damage? Chances are that you don’t do it as often as you should, which increases your risk of experiencing a leak at any time.
A roof leak can cause obvious and large-scale damage in a single event, or it can start slowly and leak down your walls over an extended period of time.
If this happens, you are vulnerable to water damage virtually everywhere! It can seep down your ceiling, through your walls and into your floorboards. Once it settles in, moisture can linger and cause mold growth.
In your bathroom. This one may be obvious, but your bathrooms are at a uniquely high risk of experiencing water damage because of all of your bathroom futures. Sinks, toilets, showers and tubs all have water lines and pipes that can leak or malfunction at any time.
The best thing to do in these spaces is to check for puddled water or drips any time you are in the bathroom. It is also important to reduce the amount of moisture in the air by letting your bathroom dry out as often as possible.
Even though puddled water may seem like an obvious sign of water damage, a puddle could mean that the problem has been happening for a while and you are now just being alerted to it. Investigate quickly and thoroughly.
Other appliances. In addition to your bathroom fixtures, the appliances in your home also have the potential to leak on any given day. Whenever water flows through their pipes or your washing machine fills up with water to run a load, you are at risk of a water disaster.
If the leak is obvious, you can tend to it right away, but oftentimes it happens with a slow drip or a leak underneath the appliance. This can make it hard to recognize it immediately and act appropriately.
Pull your appliances away from the wall on occasion to check for water spots and mold growth and try to replace old or unreliable appliances when you can. Newer equipment can help your Sumter home stay dry day in and day out.
Dealing with a water emergency? Our SERVPRO specialists can be on the scene of the disaster ASAP to restore your water-damaged home!
SERVPRO: The Trained Team You Deserve | SERVPRO® of Sumter
5/4/2023 (Permalink)
Is your home or business in need of restoration? SERVPRO of Sumter is ready to help you recover around the clock.
If you are a homeowner, you know how many decisions you have to make to keep it running smoothly. While minor decisions like what kind of dishwasher pods to get aren’t life-changing, the major decisions like which company to choose help you recover from a flooded basement can make a big impact.
Selecting the right company can make all the difference! A less experienced and trained team is certainly an option, but wouldn’t you rather have a company come to your house that has the training and expertise to overcome even the most widespread damages?
When you choose SERVPRO of Sumter to help you, you are one step closer to a full restoration. Our team has the training and certifications that give us the knowledge we need to help you recover from whatever disaster you face.
We Prioritize Industry-Leading Trainings
We take training seriously, so that is why we follow all IICRC standards for our training. Every member of our restoration team takes the time to learn the best practices and policies in our industry for cleaning and restoration. We take courses in many different areas, including, but not limited to:
- water damage restoration
- fire damage restoration
- mold remediation
- carpet and upholstery and cleaning
In addition to formal training, we also offer our employees certification training to give them the knowledge they need on specific parts of restoration and cleaning. These individual certifications are self-paced, allowing our staff the time they need to fully understand what they are learning.
We Believe Learning Is a Lifelong Skill
We don’t ever stop learning, even after we fully train and onboard our staff. We continually give our staff access to continuing education classes and e-learning opportunities to help expand their knowledge base and refresh their skills.
No two home damage situations are the same, which is why we have to know as much about different restoration techniques as possible in order to help you. Our continual training helps us do this!
If we learn about a new process or procedure, we are able to adjust our own procedures to align with current best practices. Our goal is to make sure your home is restored as thoroughly and efficiently as possible.
Our Training Benefits Our Community
A fully trained and certified restoration team can make your recovery process so much smoother. Since we are the leading experts in our field, we know how to help you overcome any scenario!
Many restoration companies can help restore your home, but SERVPRO of Sumter guarantees that your restoration will be done completely and thoroughly no matter what disaster you experienced. We won’t leave until you are 100% satisfied!
When you want your restoration job done right, just give SERVPRO a call.
When you need help recovering from a disaster, SERVPRO is here for you. Get in touch 24/7 to start your disaster recovery.
National Preparedness Month Tips
9/15/2022 (Permalink)
National Preparedness Month is sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) within the Department of Homeland Security. For the entire month of September, this initiative encourages people to take steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses, schools, and communities.
The devastating wildfires, hurricanes and earthquakes in 2017 and 2018 show the importance of preparing for disasters. Seeing that these disasters can strike in any shape or form at any given time, it is important to prepare in advance to help yourself and your community. Ask your community how you can volunteer.
Business also need to be prepared. Ask us about out Emergency Ready Program. It is imperative to have all the shut off information to your water, electric, and gas handy in case of an emergency. SERVPRO of Sumter can help with all that. We even have an app you can download so all the information can be at your fingertips.
Don't Let A Hurricane Leave You In A Twist
9/15/2022 (Permalink)
How to Prepare for a Hurricane
Hurricanes are massive storm systems that form over ocean water and often move toward land.
Threats from hurricanes include high winds, heavy rainfall, storm surge, coastal and inland flooding, rip currents, and tornadoes. The heavy winds of hurricanes can cause damage or destroy homes, buildings, and roads, as well as cause power, water, and gas outages. These effects can injure or kill people, disrupt transportation, and pollute drinking water. Hurricanes cause deaths and injuries primarily from drowning, wind, and wind-borne debris. The impact from hurricanes can extend from the coast to several hundred miles inland. To find your risk, visit FEMA’s “Know Your Risk Map.” Be better prepared for this hurricane season, and learn more at ready.gov/prepare. Sign up for local alerts and
warnings. Monitor local news and weather reports. Prepare to evacuate by testing your emergency communication plan(s), learning evacuation routes, having a place to stay, and packing a “go bag.” Stock emergency supplies. Protect your property by installing sewer back flow valves, anchoring fuel tanks, reviewing insurance policies, and cataloging belongings. Collect and safeguard critical financial, medical, educational, and legal documents and records.. Follow guidance from local authorities. If advised to evacuate, grab your “go bag” and leave immediately. For protection from high winds, stay away from windows and seek shelter on the lowest level in an interior room. Move to higher ground if there is flooding or a flood warning. Turn Around Don’t Drown.® Never walk or drive on flooded roads or through water. Call 9-1-1 if you are in life threatening danger. Return to the area only after authorities say it is safe to do so. Do not enter damaged buildings until they are inspected by qualified professionals. Never walk or drive on flooded roads or through floodwaters. Look out for downed or unstable trees, poles, and power lines. Do not remove heavy debris by yourself. Wear gloves and sturdy, thick-soled shoes to protect your hands and feet. Do not drink tap water unless authorities say it is safe.
How you put out the fire could increase your damage.
7/22/2022 (Permalink)
Fires often trigger damage in a way homeowners do not expect: significant water damage. Whether during the efforts to put the fire out or leaks caused by the heat, fire can directly or indirectly cause your home to take on large amounts of water unexpectedly.
Fast response after the fire out is very important. Your furniture and belongs need immediate attention if they have been saturated with water and debris from the extinguishing of the fire.
Growth, swelling of wood, and rust are some of the things that can happen to your belongings after they have been through a fire.
Remember the first 48 hours after a fire damage can make the difference between restoring versus replacing. SERVPRO Professionals can help prevent fire damage from creating long-term affects.
Ozone can help make hard to reach smell a thing of the past.
7/22/2022 (Permalink)
Ozone is a colorless unstable toxic gas with a pungent odor and powerful oxidizing properties, formed from oxygen by electrical discharges or ultraviolet light. It differs from normal oxygen (O2) in having three atoms in its molecule (O3). Ozone treatments are one of the best tools for removing odor caused by smoke damage. Ozone works to remove odors by chemically changing the structure of the molecules in the smoke that are creating the smell. The extra oxygen atom attaches itself to the other molecules to create a new molecule that is non-offensive—and non-smelly—in a process called oxidation. As a gas, ozone can clean anywhere air is allowed to flow. That’s one of the features that makes it so effective in removing odors that other cleaning techniques just can’t touch.
Proper HVAC maintain will keep you cool and dry during the summer.
7/19/2022 (Permalink)
Coming home to soaked carpet or ceiling damage isn’t fun. But it happens more often than you think. Here are some of the most common reasons your HVAC unit will leak inside your home.
FILTERS
Air Filters are easy to forget about. The average homeowner only changes their air filter 4 times a year, and if you forget…. bad things can happen.
LOW REFRIGERANT
A low refrigerant level can also cause your unit to freeze. Low refrigerant could be the sign of a refrigerant leak in your HVAC unit.
CLOGGED DRAIN LINE
Your drain pan sits under your unit and catches and excess water created by your HVAC unit. If this pan accumulates dust or algae, it can cause the drain to be clogged. A clogged drain line will cause your pan to over flow which means dripping water and water damage.
Each HVAC unit has a drain line. Sometimes drain lines become disconnected and you start to notice puddles of water or water damage coming from your unit.
The first thing you need to do is shut off your HVAC unit if any of this is happening then you want to call your service man to locate and fix the problem. After this has been done it is time for SERVPRO Professionals to come assess your damage from the water and dry your home properly.
Fire tips until help arrives.
7/1/2022 (Permalink)
Here are some helpful tips prior to the arrival of SERVPRO® of Sumter:
Emergency Fire and Smoke Damage Tips
- Limit movement in the home to prevent further damage.
- Place dry, colorfast towels or old linens on carpeted traffic areas to prevent more soiling.
- If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
- Wipe soot from chrome on kitchen and bathroom faucets and appliances then protect with a light coating of lubricant.
- Do not attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting a SERVPRO Franchise Professional.
- Do not attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture without first consulting a SERVPRO Franchise Professional.
- Do not attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire or water without consulting a repair service.
Fire and Smoke Damage Services
- Emergency Response: Reduce Loss Severity/Pretesting for Restorability.
- Contents Cleaning Specialists: On-Site or Move Out.
- Structural Restoration Services.
- Large Loss Completion with Trained Crew Leaders.
Hidden dangers in old buildings
7/1/2022 (Permalink)
When a loss happens in an old commercial building it may on the surface appear like a residential loss, but can truly be far different and possibly more dangerous.
Old buildings could contain hazardous building materials such as asbestos, lead, polychlorinated bisphenols (PCBs), chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), heavy metals, or even radioactive materials due to limited knowledge of the safety risks that exposures to these materials posed.
Due to the safety risks posed regulations have been set on federal, state, and local levels on how these materials must he handed and disposed of.
If you have a loss at your business do not try to take on the mitigation yourself and unknowingly risk possible exposure to one of these hazardous materials, call SERVPRO so we may put our knowledge and network of professionals to work safely restoring your business back to preloss conditions.
Thunder Facts
6/29/2022 (Permalink)
Thunder Facts
Thunder is the sound caused by lightning.
The intense heat from lightning causes the surrounding air to rapidly expand and create a sonic wave that you hear as thunder.
The average temperature of lightning is around 20000 °C (36000 °F).
The sound of thunder can be anything from a loud crack to a low rumble.
Light travels faster than sound so we see lightning before we hear thunder.
The closer you are, the shorter the gap between the lightning and thunder.
The speed of sound is around 767 miles per hour (1,230 kilometres per hour).
The speed of light is around 669600000 miles per hour (1080000000 kilometres per hour).
Thunder is difficult to hear at distances over 12 miles (20 kilometres).
Thousands of years ago philosophers such as Aristotle believed that thunder was caused by the collision of clouds.
Astraphobia is the fear of thunder and lightning.
Regular carpet cleaning can add months or years to your carpet life.
6/29/2022 (Permalink)
Proper carpet care can be a complicated part of commercial cleaning and facility management. A ton of cleaning choices are available, and deciding what carpet cleaning process or chemical to use can be a confusing task.
Up-to-date vacuums can reduce cleaning times. In some environments, traditional upright vacuums cannot be used efficiently due to furniture and other impediments.
Carpeting should be vacuumed as much as possible. Foot traffic and airborne impurities like dust, pollen and other contaminants end up in carpet fiber along with hair, dander, skin and dust mites.
Provide manual spotting tools to employees so that they can perform regular spot removal.
Look for certified products when making the change to sustainable carpet cleaning. Just because a product or service is green certified, that doesn’t mean it won’t damage carpet materials during the cleaning process.
Routine maintenance is the key to carpet appearance and longevity.
Let us help you church weather the storm.
6/29/2022 (Permalink)
Your place of worship is your congregation's shelter, helping shield them from the storms of life. But if life's literal storms damage your place of worship or if your cleaning needs go beyond the reach of your staff, call your local SERVPRO Franchise Professionals.
No stain is too small and no storm damage is too large for the SERVPRO System. SERVPRO Professionals have the training, experience, resources and equipment to restore and clean places of worship quickly, helping make it "Like it never even happened."
Catastrophic Storm and Major Event Response.
The SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team can provide help whether you're dealing with a tornado, hurricane, blizzard or flood. The SERVPRO System has a network of strategically positioned storm teams on standby should a disaster strike near you.
Don't get swept way by flood water damage
6/16/2022 (Permalink)
Flood water poses drowning risks for everyone, regardless of their ability to swim. Swiftly moving shallow water can be deadly, and even shallow standing water can be dangerous for small children. Vehicles do not provide adequate protection from flood waters. They can be swept away or may stall in moving water.
Flood waters and standing waters also pose various risks, including infectious diseases, chemical hazards, and injuries, as well as displace animals, insects, and reptiles. To protect yourself and your family, be alert and avoid contact.
Flood waters also may contain sharp objects, such as glass or metal fragments, that can cause injury and lead to infection.
It is very dangerous to play or drive in flood waters for these reasons.
- Please be mindful of all weather hazards during this time in our great state of South Carolina.
Let SERVPRO help keep your church worship ready
6/16/2022 (Permalink)
Your church is your congregation's shelter, helping shield them from the storms of life. But if life's literal storms damage your place of worship or if your cleaning needs go beyond the reach of your staff, call your local SERVPRO Franchise Professionals.
No stain is too small and no storm damage is too big for the SERVPRO System. SERVPRO Professionals have the training, experience, resources and equipment to restore and clean churches quickly, helping make it "Like it never even happened."
Catastrophic Storm and Major Event Response. The SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team can provide help whether you're dealing with a tornado, hurricane, blizzard or flood. The SERVPRO System has a network of strategically positioned storm teams on standby should a disaster strike near you.
Let SERVPRO help you get back in business fast.
6/16/2022 (Permalink)
What would you do if you came to work and was faced with a water damage? Hopefully call SERVPRO to make it "Like it never even happened."
Upon entering his multi-shop business, a owner found that they were all affected by a pipe bursting sometime overnight. They called us to start extraction and drying process in an effort to stop any further damage to their property.
As in any Business, time is money, and the longer they stayed closed, the more business they were losing. We cannot stress the importance in time is critical when dealing with a water loss. The longer water sits, the more damage it is creating.
We are usually able to arrive on site within an hour, until then, use the tips on our website to help.
Highly trained staff
6/16/2022 (Permalink)
Here at SERVPRO of Sumter we are the only Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification, IICRC, certified firm within a twenty-five mile radius with certifications in both water and fire restoration.
This status as a certified firm means that all of our employees have completed all the necessary training to earn this honor.
SERVPRO of Sumter's knowledgeable staff is prepared to assist you with both residential and commercial losses of any size.
When a disaster happens it can be a time of uncertainty and confusion. Whether it is a small leak from a bathroom pipe or an entire manufacturing or warehouse facility. SERVPRO of Sumter is ready to put our knowledge to work to make your loss "Like it never even happened".
Even clear water can have contaminates on a microscopic level.
6/16/2022 (Permalink)
It is easy to just clean up the water and never consider the source. Contaminants hide everywhere. You may think that the water from the toilet bowl is fine to just clean up if no solids are present, however that is not always the case. Even daily cleanings of your toilet bowl can leave behind germs and bacteria. It is a known fact that the water in your bowl after you flush holds millions of bacteria. If you have an overflow these bacteria are now in your carpet and padding, or under your baseboards and soaking into your walls.
The same is true from a water intrusion from a leak in ceiling or roof. The water passes through materials, such as insulation and drywall, that contaminate the water and leave behind bacteria. If insulation is left wet in your attic it can also promote growth.
It is very important to have issues like these cleaned and dried by professionals. Let SERVPRO of Sumter help.
Tips to help keep tornadoes from leaving you in a twist
6/16/2022 (Permalink)
Tornadoes can destroy buildings, flip cars, and create deadly flying debris. Tornadoes are violently rotating columns of air that extend from a thunderstorm to the ground. Tornadoes can:
IF YOU ARE UNDER A TORNADO WARNING, FIND SAFE SHELTER RIGHT AWAY- If you can safely get to a sturdy building, then do so immediately.
- Go to a safe room, basement, or storm cellar.
- If you are in a building with no basement, then get to a small interior room on the lowest level.
- Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls.
- Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You’re safer in a low, flat location.
- Watch out for flying debris that can cause injury or death.
- Use your arms to protect your head and neck.
HOW TO STAY SAFE WHEN A TORNADO THREATENS
WHAT TO DO NOW: Prepare
- Know your area’s tornado risk. In the U.S., the Midwest and the Southeast have a greater risk for tornadoes.
- Know the signs of a tornado, including a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud; an approaching cloud of debris; or a loud roar—similar to a freight train.
- Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts. If your community has sirens, then become familiar with the warning tone.
- Pay attention to weather reports. Meteorologists can predict when conditions might be right for a tornado.
- Identify and practice going to a safe shelter in the event of high winds, such as a safe room built using FEMA criteria or a storm shelter built to ICC 500 standards. The next best protection is a small, interior, windowless room on the lowest level of a sturdy building.
- Consider constructing your own safe room that meets FEMA or ICC 500 standards.
WHAT TO DO DURING: Survive
- Immediately go to a safe location that you identified.
- Take additional cover by shielding your head and neck with your arms and putting materials such as furniture and blankets around you.
- Listen to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio, or local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions.
- Do not try to outrun a tornado in a vehicle.
- If you are in a car or outdoors and cannot get to a building, cover your head and neck with your arms and cover your body with a coat or blanket, if possible.
WHAT TO DO AFTER: Be Safe
Staying Safe During A Tornado
6/1/2022 (Permalink)
Tornadoes can destroy buildings, flip cars, and create deadly flying debris. Tornadoes are violently rotating columns of air that extend from a thunderstorm to the ground. Tornadoes can:
IF YOU ARE UNDER A TORNADO WARNING, FIND SAFE SHELTER RIGHT AWAY- If you can safely get to a sturdy building, then do so immediately.
- Go to a safe room, basement, or storm cellar.
- If you are in a building with no basement, then get to a small interior room on the lowest level.
- Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls.
- Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You’re safer in a low, flat location.
- Watch out for flying debris that can cause injury or death.
- Use your arms to protect your head and neck.
HOW TO STAY SAFE WHEN A TORNADO THREATENS
WHAT TO DO NOW: Prepare
- Know your area’s tornado risk. In the U.S., the Midwest and the Southeast have a greater risk for tornadoes.
- Know the signs of a tornado, including a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud; an approaching cloud of debris; or a loud roar—similar to a freight train.
- Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts. If your community has sirens, then become familiar with the warning tone.
- Pay attention to weather reports. Meteorologists can predict when conditions might be right for a tornado.
- Identify and practice going to a safe shelter in the event of high winds, such as a safe room built using FEMA criteria or a storm shelter built to ICC 500 standards. The next best protection is a small, interior, windowless room on the lowest level of a sturdy building.
- Consider constructing your own safe room that meets FEMA or ICC 500 standards.
WHAT TO DO DURING: Survive
- Immediately go to a safe location that you identified.
- Take additional cover by shielding your head and neck with your arms and putting materials such as furniture and blankets around you.
- Listen to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio, or local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions.
- Do not try to outrun a tornado in a vehicle.
- If you are in a car or outdoors and cannot get to a building, cover your head and neck with your arms and cover your body with a coat or blanket, if possible.
WHAT TO DO AFTER: Be Safe
When Your Business Is Affected By Water
6/1/2022 (Permalink)
If you have a water damage, time is everything. Contact your insurance company to file a claim.
Mold and Mildew will develop within 24 to 48 hours of water exposure. Even worse, it will continue
to grow until steps are taken to eliminate the source of moisture, and effectively deal with the mold
problem. Which will require mold treatment if it goes untreated you will have more serious issues.
If the structure has a climate control system, then turning up the temperature slightly can
help to keep water from condensing-allowing dry out work to proceed just a bit faster. It's very
important to keep the building sealed against exposure to outside air as possible.
A few common causes of commercial water damage.
~ Damaged Windows-In commercial buildings, water damage is often caused by windows that are
not properly sealed.
~ Damaged Pipes
~ Building Foundation
~ Roof Leaks
~ HVAC Problems
~ Sewer Clogs
~ Sprinkler System Leaks
~ Appliances and Equipment
~ Weather
A few facts about commercial water damage.
~ Mold can grow quickly after a water damage if left untreated
~ Problems are not fixed if the water has not been completely dried out
~ Different building materials require different cleaning methods
~ Water extraction is best when you have standing water
Tools needed after a water damage
Wet Vacuums - to remove standing water quickly
Air Movers and/or Dehumidifiers – to extract humid air
A Thermo-Hygrometer – to track humidity in a room
Pin and/or Pinless Moisture Meters – to track the moisture content of building materials
SERVPRO Can Help You With Your Mold Issues
6/1/2022 (Permalink)
There are many types of mold, in fact there are more than 100,000 types of mold that are found
both indoors and outdoors. Mold is caused by moisture from water and can spread quickly, so a
minor infestation can quickly escalate into a major problem if it's not treated. If you have leaks in the
house or puddles of water in your crawlspace or basement, you can expect mold growth, and it can be
difficult to eliminate. Immediately remove wet or water damaged articles such as rugs and upholstered
furniture, if the items can not be thoroughly cleaned and dried, get rid of them. Mold grows best in
damp and dimly lit areas, making attics, basements, crawlspaces, and bathrooms home to many varieties
of mold.
In most cases it is best to have mold tested before remediation begins. SERVPRO of Sumter
does not test for mold, even though some SERVPRO franchises do. When visible mold is not
present, but the smell of mold is present, a mold inspection and mold testing can reveal whether
there is elevated mold, and where it is located which leads to remediation. There is absolutely no
guarantee all mold can be removed at remediation, microscopic mold spores exist almost everywhere
both indoors and outdoors.
SERVPRO Ready Plan Will Have You Ready For What Comes
6/1/2022 (Permalink)
As many as 50% of businesses close down following a disaster, according to the latest research. Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind. And knowing you are "Ready for whatever happens" speaks trust to your clients and employees that in the event your business is affected by a disaster, they don’t necessarily have to be.
By developing a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business.
- 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 it will save a lot of time if ever needed.
- A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.
This can help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive by having an immediate plan of action.
- Establishes your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.
You have a provider that is recognized as an industry leader and close by.
- Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin.
This saves time so we can begin the work of mitigating the damage which can save you time and money.
- Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information.
Having a quick reference of what to do, how to do it and who to call provides solutions in advance of an emergency so that during the emergency you are "Ready for whatever happens."
Rain Is Not Always A Good Thing
6/1/2022 (Permalink)
Often we do not think about the damage that can happen with storm events. Tornadoes, high winds, lightning strikes, and heavy rains can bring devastating damage to your home. And most of it can go undetected for some time.
A small leak in your roof from a displaced shingle during high winds can be a source of major damage down the road. From fallen ceilings due to moisture to growth on your joists and attic rafters.
Heavy rains can also cause problems by entering your crawlspace or intruding through door and window seals.
If you notice any kind of unexplained puddles in your home after a storm event, do not hesitate to have a professional come to scope the damage. It could save you thousands!!!!
It is always important to make sure you look for any damage after a severe weather event.
SERVPRO is still Here to Help during this time of need
3/24/2022 (Permalink)
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 Sumter, 803-773-4331
3 Main types of Fire losses
3/24/2022 (Permalink)
There are 3 main types of smoke and residues that can be left behind by fire damage in your home:
- Synthetic: These synthetic residues appear when oil-based materials are burned such as plastics and fabrics. This could include everything from window coverings, furniture, carpets, and electronics. When synthetic materials burn, they will produce a thick black smoke, leaving behind a smeary residue that can create quite the mess if not cleaned up properly. In these situations, avoid touching any of the residue to prevent smearing as vacuuming is the best approach to cleaning the residues left behind, followed by sponge cleaning.
- Protein: Fires caused by the burning of proteins such as meats and beans for example will leave behind a yellowish-brown residue. The texture of which is greasy feeling and can stick to any surface, making it a pain to clean up.
- Natural: These types of fires are caused by the burning of natural products such as wood and paper. They produce dry powdery residue that is grayish-black in color. These residues are easier to clean up than the synthetic or protein residues. Removing the residues can be done by vacuuming with a bristled brush, followed by sponge cleaning.
Most household fires experience a combination of all the above types.
SERVPRO of Sumter's highly trained technicians are ready to assist you with all your fire restoration needs.
Don't hesitate, call today!
3/7/2022 (Permalink)
Mitigation means acting quickly to stop the damage from getting worse, without necessarily fixing the damage. The key to storm mitigation is stopping water leaks and minor flooding so materials can dry within 24-48 hours. This prevents the further damage of structural weakening or wood rot, and stops the growth of mold on damp surfaces.
Even while it is still raining or an active leak is present, there are ways to mitigate the damage. The key is to not wait. Even if your home has been spared from acute flooding, what seems like "minor" water damage from leaks and other water intrusions can turn into major problems over time – and need to be addressed immediately.
When a leak is discovered do not delay calling to get the clean up started.
A small roof leak could be the sign of a bigger problem
3/7/2022 (Permalink)
With all the rain that we have been experiencing lately can turn the smallest of roof leaks into a major problem.
As the water begins to run into the attic of the home it will begin to absorb into the insulation causing it to become heavy on the ceiling of the home. The added weight to the ceiling could cause it to become unstable causing it to fall damaging contents and flooring in the process.
The water in the attic could also affected duct work, electrical line, as well as any contents stored in the attic.
If a roof leak takes you be surprise, call the experts in water restoration at SERVPRO of Sumter so we can make your roof leak "Like it never even happened."
First Responders We Salute You!
3/7/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Sumter would like to thank all the Firefighters, police officers, as well as EMS in Sumter County and the surrounding areas for all you do to keep our citizens safe and assist them in their most desperate time if need.
In most communities it is the local fire department that is the first to respond to emergencies, whether they are small, day-to-day types or large disasters. As the first official government agency contacted, they have the responsibility to manage the incident. Consequently, any volunteer group that wants to provide assistance during these emergencies must work with the local fire/rescue organization if they are to be effective.
Ask your local Fire Department to speak to your schools on safety and fire tips.
Don't let a roof leak rain on your parade.
2/8/2022 (Permalink)
With all the rain and thunderstorms that we have been experiencing lately can turn the smallest of roof leaks into a major problem.
As the water begins to run into the attic of the home it will begin to absorb into the insulation causing it to become heavy on the ceiling of the home. The added weight to the ceiling could cause it to become unstable causing it to fall damaging contents and flooring in the process.
The water in the attic could also affected duct work, electrical lines, as well as any contents stored in the attic.
If a roof leak takes you be surprise, call the experts in water restoration at SERVPRO of Sumter so we can make your roof leak "Like it never even happened."
Don't let you new wall color be nicotine brown
2/8/2022 (Permalink)
We all see and hear the reports on the affects of nicotine, but many don't think about how it affects your home.
Nicotine, C10H14N2, is the additive compound found in tobacco and many tobacco substitutes that when in a vapor sticks to many surfaces in your home to include ceilings, walls, and flooring.
In the pictures you can see a towel that was used to clean nicotine off of a wall. In the first picture the towel is bright white and after just on wipe, the after picture, it is dull, dingy, and brown.
If you have or are acquiring a home that has been smoked or vaped in reach out to the cleaning professionals are SERVPRO of Sumter to assist you in removing the nicotine from your home or business.
Small leaks can become large expenses
2/8/2022 (Permalink)
Mitigation means acting quickly to stop the damage from getting worse, without necessarily fixing the damage. The key to storm mitigation is stopping water leaks and minor flooding so materials can dry within 24-72 hours. This prevents the further damage of structural weakening or wood rot, and stops the growth of mold on damp surfaces.
Even while it is still raining or an active leak is present, there are ways to mitigate the damage. The key is to not wait. Even if your home has been spared from acute flooding, what seems like "minor" water damage from leaks and other water intrusions can turn into major problems over time – and need to be addressed immediately.
When a leak is discovered do not delay calling to get the clean up started.
A Safer Place to Worship
1/10/2022 (Permalink)
With the current pandemic many churches have decided to close their doors to keep their congregations safe. Many churches made the decision to turn off the HVAC to the church during the time they were closed that lead to the discovering the presence of growth in many parts of the church as the prepare to reopen.
Here at SERVPRO of Sumter we are able to quickly address the growth as well as provide a proactive sanitation to allow for the congregations to return to a safe environment to worship.
Since the pandemic started SERVPRO has been the restoration company that many places of worship have trusted to clean and sanitize so that they can continue to be the safe haven for their members that the have always been.
Hoarding can be dangerous.
1/10/2022 (Permalink)
Hoarding is the persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions, regardless of their actual value.
Hoarding can be related to compulsive buying (such as never passing up a bargain), the compulsive acquisition of free items (such as collecting flyers), or the compulsive search for perfect or unique items (which may not appear to others as unique, such as an old container).
A lack of functional living space is common among hoarders, who may also live in unhealthy or dangerous conditions. Hoarders often live with broken appliances and without heat or other necessary comforts. They cope with malfunctioning systems rather than allow a qualified person into their home to fix a problem.
Those who hoard usually experience embarrassment about their possessions and feel uncomfortable when others see them. SERVPRO Of Sumter can help with this issue and make it "Like it never even happened."
Don't let a fire ruin your HO HO Holiday
1/10/2022 (Permalink)
Every year Christmas trees start fires. Prevent most of these fires by following simple rules:
- Choose a recently cut, healthy tree. A fresh tree holds moisture better. Although some people advocate for placing various substances in the water to preserve freshness, it is recommended that consumers simply keep the tree well-watered with pure tap water.
- Avoid putting compounds such as sugar, aspirin, and other chemicals into the water. These have not been proven to work and often can inhibit the tree’s intake of water and actually cause it to be more of a hazard.
- Use lights rated for indoor use that don't create heat (such as LED lights). And don't overload your electrical outlet. Don't use electric lights on a metal tree. Unplug tree lights before leaving the house or going to bed. Keep the tree at least 3 ft. from candles and fireplaces.
Tips for Hurricane season
9/8/2021 (Permalink)
How to Prepare for a Hurricane
Hurricanes are massive storm systems that form over ocean water and often move toward land.
Threats from hurricanes include high winds, heavy rainfall, storm surge, coastal and inland flooding, rip currents, and tornadoes. The heavy winds of hurricanes can cause damage or destroy homes, buildings, and roads, as well as cause power, water, and gas outages. These effects can injure or kill people, disrupt transportation, and pollute drinking water. Hurricanes cause deaths and injuries primarily from drowning, wind, and wind-borne debris. The impact from hurricanes can extend from the coast to several hundred miles inland. To find your risk, visit FEMA’s “Know Your Risk Map.” Be better prepared for this hurricane season, and learn more at ready.gov/prepare. Sign up for local alerts and
warnings. Monitor local news and weather reports. Prepare to evacuate by testing your emergency communication plan(s), learning evacuation routes, having a place to stay, and packing a “go bag.” Stock emergency supplies. Protect your property by installing sewer back flow valves, anchoring fuel tanks, reviewing insurance policies, and cataloging belongings. Collect and safeguard critical financial, medical, educational, and legal documents and records.. Follow guidance from local authorities. If advised to evacuate, grab your “go bag” and leave immediately. For protection from high winds, stay away from windows and seek shelter on the lowest level in an interior room. Move to higher ground if there is flooding or a flood warning. Turn Around Don’t Drown.® Never walk or drive on flooded roads or through water. Call 9-1-1 if you are in life threatening danger. Return to the area only after authorities say it is safe to do so. Do not enter damaged buildings until they are inspected by qualified professionals. Never walk or drive on flooded roads or through floodwaters. Look out for downed or unstable trees, poles, and power lines. Do not remove heavy debris by yourself. Wear gloves and sturdy, thick-soled shoes to protect your hands and feet. Do not drink tap water unless authorities say it is safe.
September is National Preparedness Month
9/8/2021 (Permalink)
National Preparedness Month is sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) within the Department of Homeland Security. For the entire month of September, this initiative encourages people to take steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses, schools, and communities.
The devastating wildfires, hurricanes and earthquakes in 2017 and 2018 show the importance of preparing for disasters. Seeing that these disasters can strike in any shape or form at any given time, it is important to prepare in advance to help yourself and your community. Ask your community how you can volunteer.
Business also need to be prepared. Ask us about out Emergency Ready Program. It is imperative to have all the shut off information to your water, electric, and gas handy in case of an emergency. SERVPRO of Sumter can help with all that. We even have an app you can download so all the information can be at your fingertips.
Ozone can get touch smells out.
7/19/2021 (Permalink)
Ozone is a colorless unstable toxic gas with a pungent odor and powerful oxidizing properties, formed from oxygen by electrical discharges or ultraviolet light. It differs from normal oxygen (O2) in having three atoms in its molecule (O3). Ozone treatments are one of the best tools for removing odor caused by smoke damage. Ozone works to remove odors by chemically changing the structure of the molecules in the smoke that are creating the smell. The extra oxygen atom attaches itself to the other molecules to create a new molecule that is non-offensive—and non-smelly—in a process called oxidation. As a gas, ozone can clean anywhere air is allowed to flow. That’s one of the features that makes it so effective in removing odors that other cleaning techniques just can’t touch.
Once the flames are gone.
7/19/2021 (Permalink)
Fires often trigger damage in a way homeowners do not expect: significant water damage. Whether during the efforts to put the fire out or leaks caused by the heat, fire can directly or indirectly cause your home to take on large amounts of water unexpectedly.
Fast response after the fire out is very important. Your furniture and belongs need immediate attention if they have been saturated with water and debris from the extinguishing of the fire.
Growth, swelling of wood, and rust are some of the things that can happen to your belongings after they have been through a fire.
Remember the first 48 hours after a fire damage can make the difference between restoring versus replacing. SERVPRO Professionals can help prevent fire damage from creating long-term affects.
Not maintaining your HVAC can run into problems.
7/19/2021 (Permalink)
Coming home to soaked carpet or ceiling damage isn’t fun. But it happens more often than you think. Here are some of the most common reasons your HVAC unit will leak inside your home.
FILTERS
Air Filters are easy to forget about. The average homeowner only changes their air filter 4 times a year, and if you forget…. bad things can happen.
LOW REFRIGERANT
A low refrigerant level can also cause your unit to freeze. Low refrigerant could be the sign of a refrigerant leak in your HVAC unit.
CLOGGED DRAIN LINE
Your drain pan sits under your unit and catches and excess water created by your HVAC unit. If this pan accumulates dust or algae, it can cause the drain to be clogged. A clogged drain line will cause your pan to over flow which means dripping water and water damage.
Each HVAC unit has a drain line. Sometimes drain lines become disconnected and you start to notice puddles of water or water damage coming from your unit.
The first thing you need to do is shut off your HVAC unit if any of this is happening then you want to call your service man to locate and fix the problem. After this has been done it is time for SERVPRO Professionals to come assess your damage from the water and dry your home properly.
Thunder Information
6/29/2021 (Permalink)
Thunder Facts
Thunder is the sound caused by lightning.
The intense heat from lightning causes the surrounding air to rapidly expand and create a sonic wave that you hear as thunder.
The average temperature of lightning is around 20000 °C (36000 °F).
The sound of thunder can be anything from a loud crack to a low rumble.
Light travels faster than sound so we see lightning before we hear thunder.
The closer you are, the shorter the gap between the lightning and thunder.
The speed of sound is around 767 miles per hour (1,230 kilometres per hour).
The speed of light is around 669600000 miles per hour (1080000000 kilometres per hour).
Thunder is difficult to hear at distances over 12 miles (20 kilometres).
Thousands of years ago philosophers such as Aristotle believed that thunder was caused by the collision of clouds.
Astraphobia is the fear of thunder and lightning.
Proper cleaning can extend carpet life
6/29/2021 (Permalink)
6/29/2020
Proper carpet care can be a complicated part of commercial cleaning and facility management. A ton of cleaning choices are available, and deciding what carpet cleaning process or chemical to use can be a confusing task.
Up-to-date vacuums can reduce cleaning times.In some environments, traditional upright vacuums cannot be used efficiently due to furniture and other impediments.
Carpeting should be vacuumed as much as possible. Foot traffic and airborne impurities like dust, pollen and other contaminants end up in carpet fiber along with hair, dander, skin and dust mites.
Provide manual spotting tools to employees so that they can perform regular spot removal.
Look for certified products when making the change to sustainable carpet cleaning. Just because a product or service is green certified, that doesn’t mean it won’t damage carpet materials during the cleaning process.
Routine maintenance is the key to carpet appearance and longevity.
We are faster to every disaster
6/29/2021 (Permalink)
Your place of worship is your congregation's shelter, helping shield them from the storms of life. But if life's literal storms damage your place of worship or if your cleaning needs go beyond the reach of your staff, call your local SERVPRO Franchise Professionals.
No stain is too small and no storm damage is too large for the SERVPRO System. SERVPRO Professionals have the training, experience, resources and equipment to restore and clean places of worship quickly, helping make it "Like it never even happened."
Catastrophic Storm and Major Event Response.
The SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team can provide help whether you're dealing with a tornado, hurricane, blizzard or flood. The SERVPRO System has a network of strategically positioned storm teams on standby should a disaster strike near you.
Storm safety tips
6/10/2021 (Permalink)
Tornadoes can destroy buildings, flip cars, and create deadly flying debris. Tornadoes are violently rotating columns of air that extend from a thunderstorm to the ground. Tornadoes can:
IF YOU ARE UNDER A TORNADO WARNING, FIND SAFE SHELTER RIGHT AWAY- If you can safely get to a sturdy building, then do so immediately.
- Go to a safe room, basement, or storm cellar.
- If you are in a building with no basement, then get to a small interior room on the lowest level.
- Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls.
- Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You’re safer in a low, flat location.
- Watch out for flying debris that can cause injury or death.
- Use your arms to protect your head and neck.
HOW TO STAY SAFE WHEN A TORNADO THREATENS
WHAT TO DO NOW: Prepare
- Know your area’s tornado risk. In the U.S., the Midwest and the Southeast have a greater risk for tornadoes.
- Know the signs of a tornado, including a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud; an approaching cloud of debris; or a loud roar—similar to a freight train.
- Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts. If your community has sirens, then become familiar with the warning tone.
- Pay attention to weather reports. Meteorologists can predict when conditions might be right for a tornado.
- Identify and practice going to a safe shelter in the event of high winds, such as a safe room built using FEMA criteria or a storm shelter built to ICC 500 standards. The next best protection is a small, interior, windowless room on the lowest level of a sturdy building.
- Consider constructing your own safe room that meets FEMA or ICC 500 standards.
WHAT TO DO DURING: Survive
- Immediately go to a safe location that you identified.
- Take additional cover by shielding your head and neck with your arms and putting materials such as furniture and blankets around you.
- Listen to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio, or local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions.
- Do not try to outrun a tornado in a vehicle.
- If you are in a car or outdoors and cannot get to a building, cover your head and neck with your arms and cover your body with a coat or blanket, if possible.
WHAT TO DO AFTER: Be Safe
Even clear water can have contaminates.
6/9/2021 (Permalink)
It is easy to just clean up the water and never consider the source. Contaminants hide everywhere. You may think that the water from the toilet bowl is fine to just clean up if no solids are present, however that is not always the case. Even daily cleanings of your toilet bowl can leave behind germs and bacteria. It is a known fact that the water in your bowl after you flush holds millions of bacteria. If you have an overflow these bacteria are now in your carpet and padding, or under your baseboards and soaking into your walls.
The same is true from a water intrusion from a leak in ceiling or roof. The water passes through materials, such as insulation and drywall, that contaminate the water and leave behind bacteria. If insulation is left wet in your attic it can also promote growth.
It is very important to have issues like these cleaned and dried by professionals. Let SERVPRO of Sumter help.
Back to making money after a loss.
6/4/2021 (Permalink)
What would you do if you came to work and was faced with this? Hopefully call SERVPRO like this business did!
Upon entering this multi-shop business, this owner found that they were all affected by a pipe bursting sometime overnight. They called us to start extraction and drying process in an effort to stop any further damage to their property.
As in any Business, time is money, and the longer they stayed closed, the more business they were losing. We cannot stress the importance in time is critical when dealing with a water loss. The longer water sits, the more damage it is creating.
We are usually able to arrive on site within an hour, until then, use the tips on our website to help.
SERVPRO is here when you need it most.
6/4/2021 (Permalink)
Material of biological origin that is hazardous to humans includes bodily fluids such as blood, microbial growth such as mold, or Coronavirus to name just a couple. SERVPRO Professionals take great care and pride in removing any and all bio hazards you may be experiencing weather it is from the death of a loved one or the unsightly growth of mold. Personal protective equipment is always used to protect not only our SERVPRO Professionals but also the parts of your home that are not contaminated. The disposal of these contaminants are also handled carefully by being bagged and boxed in biohazard bags and containers and hauled off by a company who specializes in bio hazard disposal. Let SERVPRO of Sumter do the unpleasant work for you.
Let SERVPRO take care of your church.
6/4/2021 (Permalink)
Your church is your congregation's shelter, helping shield them from the storms of life. But if life's literal storms damage your place of worship or if your cleaning needs go beyond the reach of your staff, call your local SERVPRO Franchise Professionals.
No stain is too small and no storm damage is too big for the SERVPRO System. SERVPRO Professionals have the training, experience, resources and equipment to restore and clean churches quickly, helping make it "Like it never even happened."
Catastrophic Storm and Major Event Response. The SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team can provide help whether you're dealing with a tornado, hurricane, blizzard or flood. The SERVPRO System has a network of strategically positioned storm teams on standby should a disaster strike near you.
Flood water damage is not something to wade through alone,
6/4/2021 (Permalink)
Flood water poses drowning risks for everyone, regardless of their ability to swim. Swiftly moving shallow water can be deadly, and even shallow standing water can be dangerous for small children. Vehicles do not provide adequate protection from flood waters. They can be swept away or may stall in moving water.
Flood waters and standing waters also pose various risks, including infectious diseases, chemical hazards, and injuries, as well as displace animals, insects, and reptiles. To protect yourself and your family, be alert and avoid contact.
Flood waters also may contain sharp objects, such as glass or metal fragments, that can cause injury and lead to infection.
It is very dangerous to play or drive in flood waters for these reasons.
Please be mindful of all weather hazards during this time in our great state of South Carolina.
Water Damage can com from anywhere.
6/1/2021 (Permalink)
Often we do not think about the damage that can happen with storm events. Tornadoes, high winds, lightning strikes, and heavy rains can bring devastating damage to your home. And most of it can go undetected for some time.
A small leak in your roof from a displaced shingle during high winds can be a source of major damage down the road. From fallen ceilings due to moisture to growth on your joists and attic rafters.
Heavy rains can also cause problems by entering your crawlspace or intruding through door and window seals.
If you notice any kind of unexplained puddles in your home after a storm event, do not hesitate to have a professional come to scope the damage. It could save you thousands!!!!
It is always important to make sure you look for any damage after a severe weather event.
Be ready for anything with SERVPRO ReadyPlan
6/1/2021 (Permalink)
As many as 50% of businesses close down following a disaster, according to the latest research. Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind. And knowing you are "Ready for whatever happens" speaks trust to your clients and employees that in the event your business is affected by a disaster, they don’t necessarily have to be.
By developing a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business.
- 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 it will save a lot of time if ever needed.
- A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.
This can help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive by having an immediate plan of action.
- Establishes your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.
You have a provider that is recognized as an industry leader and close by.
- Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin.
This saves time so we can begin the work of mitigating the damage which can save you time and money.
- Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information.
Having a quick reference of what to do, how to do it and who to call provides solutions in advance of an emergency so that during the emergency you are "Ready for whatever happens."
Mold Remediation
6/1/2021 (Permalink)
There are many types of mold,in fact there are more than 100,000 types of mold that are found
both indoors and outdoors. Mold is caused by moisture from water and can spread quickly,so a
minor infestation can quickly escalate into a major problem if it's not treated. If you have leaks in the
house or puddles of water in your crawlspace or basement, you can expect mold growth, and it can be
difficult to eliminate. Immediately remove wet or water damaged articles such as rugs and upholstered
furniture,if the items can not be thoroughly cleaned and dried, get rid of them. Mold grows best in
damp and dimly lit areas, making attics,basements,crawlspaces,and bathrooms home to many varieties
of mold.
In most cases it is best to have mold tested before remediation begins. SERVPRO OF SUMTER
does not test for mold, even though some SERVPRO franchises do. When visible mold is not
present,but the smell of mold is present,a mold inspection and mold testing can reveal whether
there is elevated mold,and where it is located which leads to remediation. There is absolutely no
guarantee all mold can be removed at remediation, microscopic mold spores exist almost everywhere
both indoors and outdoors.
Water damage at your business
6/1/2021 (Permalink)
If you have a water damage, time is everything. Contact your insurance company to file a claim.
Mold and Mildew will develop within 24 to 48 hours of water exposure. Even worse, it will continue
to grow until steps are taken to eliminate the source of moisture, and effectively deal with the mold
problem. Which will require mold treatment if it goes untreated you will have more serious issues.
If the structure has a climate control system, then turning up the temperature slightly can
help to keep water from condensing-allowing dry out work to proceed just a bit faster. It's very
important to keep the building sealed against exposure to outside air as possible.
A few common causes of commercial water damage.
~ Damaged Windows-In commercial buildings, water damage is often caused by windows that are
not properly sealed.
~ Damaged Pipes
~ Building Foundation
~ Roof Leaks
~ HVAC Problems
~ Sewer Clogs
~ Sprinkler System Leaks
~ Appliances and Equipment
~ Weather
A few facts about commercial water damage.
~ Mold can grow quickly after a water damage if left untreated
~ Problems are not fixed if the water has not been completely dried out
~ Different building materials require different cleaning methods
~ Water extraction is best when you have standing water
Tools needed after a water damage
Wet Vacuums - to remove standing water quickly
Air Movers and/or Dehumidifiers – to extract humid air
A Thermo-Hygrometer – to track humidity in a room
Pin and/or Pinless Moisture Meters – to track the moisture content of building materials
Tornado safety facts
6/1/2021 (Permalink)
Tornadoes can destroy buildings, flip cars, and create deadly flying debris. Tornadoes are violently rotating columns of air that extend from a thunderstorm to the ground. Tornadoes can:
IF YOU ARE UNDER A TORNADO WARNING, FIND SAFE SHELTER RIGHT AWAY- If you can safely get to a sturdy building, then do so immediately.
- Go to a safe room, basement, or storm cellar.
- If you are in a building with no basement, then get to a small interior room on the lowest level.
- Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls.
- Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You’re safer in a low, flat location.
- Watch out for flying debris that can cause injury or death.
- Use your arms to protect your head and neck.
HOW TO STAY SAFE WHEN A TORNADO THREATENS
WHAT TO DO NOW: Prepare
- Know your area’s tornado risk. In the U.S., the Midwest and the Southeast have a greater risk for tornadoes.
- Know the signs of a tornado, including a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud; an approaching cloud of debris; or a loud roar—similar to a freight train.
- Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts. If your community has sirens, then become familiar with the warning tone.
- Pay attention to weather reports. Meteorologists can predict when conditions might be right for a tornado.
- Identify and practice going to a safe shelter in the event of high winds, such as a safe room built using FEMA criteria or a storm shelter built to ICC 500 standards. The next best protection is a small, interior, windowless room on the lowest level of a sturdy building.
- Consider constructing your own safe room that meets FEMA or ICC 500 standards.
WHAT TO DO DURING: Survive
- Immediately go to a safe location that you identified.
- Take additional cover by shielding your head and neck with your arms and putting materials such as furniture and blankets around you.
- Listen to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio, or local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions.
- Do not try to outrun a tornado in a vehicle.
- If you are in a car or outdoors and cannot get to a building, cover your head and neck with your arms and cover your body with a coat or blanket, if possible.
WHAT TO DO AFTER: Be Safe
Fire tips to keep your family safe.
5/19/2021 (Permalink)
Here are some helpful tips prior to the arrival of SERVPRO® of Sumter:
Emergency Fire and Smoke Damage Tips
- Limit movement in the home to prevent further damage.
- Place dry, colorfast towels or old linens on carpeted traffic areas to prevent more soiling.
- If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
- Wipe soot from chrome on kitchen and bathroom faucets and appliances then protect with a light coating of lubricant.
- Do not attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting a SERVPRO Franchise Professional.
- Do not attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture without first consulting a SERVPRO Franchise Professional.
- Do not attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire or water without consulting a repair service.
Fire and Smoke Damage Services
- Emergency Response: Reduce Loss Severity/Pretesting for Restorability.
- Contents Cleaning Specialists: On-Site or Move Out.
- Structural Restoration Services.
- Large Loss Completion with Trained Crew Leaders.
3 common house fire types.
3/29/2021 (Permalink)
There are 3 main types of smoke and residues that can be left behind by fire damage in your home:
- Synthetic: These synthetic residues appear when oil-based materials are burned such as plastics and fabrics. This could include everything from window coverings, furniture, carpets, and electronics. When synthetic materials burn, they will produce a thick black smoke, leaving behind a smeary residue that can create quite the mess if not cleaned up properly. In these situations, avoid touching any of the residue to prevent smearing as vacuuming is the best approach to cleaning the residues left behind, followed by sponge cleaning.
- Protein: Fires caused by the burning of proteins such as meats and beans for example will leave behind a yellowish-brown residue. The texture of which is greasy feeling and can stick to any surface, making it a pain to clean up.
- Natural: These types of fires are caused by the burning of natural products such as wood and paper. They produce dry powdery residue that is grayish-black in color. These residues are easier to clean up than the synthetic or protein residues. Removing the residues can be done by vacuuming with a bristled brush, followed by sponge cleaning.
Most household fires experience a combination of all the above types.
SERVPRO of Sumter's highly trained technicians are ready to assist you with all your fire restoration needs.
SERVPRO is ALWAYS here to help
3/22/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO 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 Sumter, 803-773-4331
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-prevent-spread.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fguidance-prevent-spread.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-business-response.html
Act Fast, It is Not Just a Leak!
3/3/2021 (Permalink)
Mitigation means acting quickly to stop the damage from getting worse, without necessarily fixing the damage. The key to storm mitigation is stopping water leaks and minor flooding so materials can dry within 24-48 hours. This prevents the further damage of structural weakening or wood rot, and stops the growth of mold on damp surfaces.
Even while it is still raining or an active leak is present, there are ways to mitigate the damage. The key is to not wait. Even if your home has been spared from acute flooding, what seems like "minor" water damage from leaks and other water intrusions can turn into major problems over time – and need to be addressed immediately.
When a leak is discovered do not delay calling to get the clean up started.
Rain Can Be Trouble For Your Roof
3/3/2021 (Permalink)
With all the rain that we have been experiencing lately can turn the smallest of roof leaks into a major problem.
As the water begins to run into the attic of the home it will begin to absorb into the insulation causing it to become heavy on the ceiling of the home. The added weight to the ceiling could cause it to become unstable causing it to fall damaging contents and flooring in the process.
The water in the attic could also affected duct work, electrical line, as well as any contents stored in the attic.
If a roof leak takes you be surprise, call the experts in water restoration at SERVPRO of Sumter so we can make your roof leak "Like it never even happened."
Sumter County First Responders! Thank you
3/3/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Sumter would like to thank all the Firefighters, police officers, as well as EMS in Sumter County and the surrounding areas for all you do to keep our citizens safe and assist them in their most desperate time if need.
In most communities it is the local fire department that is the first to respond to emergencies, whether they are small, day-to-day types or large disasters. As the first official government agency contacted, they have the responsibility to manage the incident. Consequently, any volunteer group that wants to provide assistance during these emergencies must work with the local fire/rescue organization if they are to be effective.
Ask your local Fire Department to speak to your schools on safety and fire tips.
A small leak may equal big problems.
2/9/2021 (Permalink)
Mitigation means acting quickly to stop the damage from getting worse, without necessarily fixing the damage. The key to storm mitigation is stopping water leaks and minor flooding so materials can dry within 24-72 hours. This prevents the further damage of structural weakening or wood rot, and stops the growth of mold on damp surfaces.
Even while it is still raining or an active leak is present, there are ways to mitigate the damage. The key is to not wait. Even if your home has been spared from acute flooding, what seems like "minor" water damage from leaks and other water intrusions can turn into major problems over time – and need to be addressed immediately.
When a leak is discovered do not delay calling to get the clean up started.
Small leaks in your roof a large amount of interior damage.
2/8/2021 (Permalink)
Ceiling that fell in from roof leak
With all the rain and thunderstorms that we have been experiencing lately can turn the smallest of roof leaks into a major problem.
As the water begins to run into the attic of the home it will begin to absorb into the insulation causing it to become heavy on the ceiling of the home. The added weight to the ceiling could cause it to become unstable causing it to fall damaging contents and flooring in the process.
The water in the attic could also affected duct work, electrical lines, as well as any contents stored in the attic.
If a roof leak takes you be surprise, call the experts in water restoration at SERVPRO of Sumter so we can make your roof leak "Like it never even happened."
Nicotine can turn into a sticky situation.
2/8/2021 (Permalink)
Before and after of a towel used to clean nicotine from a wall.
We all see and hear the reports on how nicotine, affects the lungs, but many don't think about how it affects your home.
Nicotine, C10H14N2, is the additive compound found in tobacco and many tobacco substitutes that when in a vapor sticks to many surfaces in your home to include ceilings, walls, and flooring.
In the pictures you can see a towel that was used to clean nicotine off of a wall. In the first picture the towel is bright white and after just on wipe, the after picture, it is dull, dingy, and brown.
If you have or are acquiring a home that has been smoked or vaped in reach out to the cleaning professionals are SERVPRO of Sumter to assist you in removing the nicotine from your home or business.
A safe place to worship
12/18/2020 (Permalink)
Growth under a church pew.
With the current pandemic many churches have decided to close their doors to keep their congregations safe. Many churches made the decision to turn off the HVAC to the church during the time they were closed that lead to the discovering the presence of growth in many parts of the church as the prepare to reopen.
Here at SERVPRO of Sumter we are able to quickly address the growth as well as provide a proactive sanitation to allow for the congregations to return to a safe environment to worship.
Since the pandemic started SERVPRO has been the restoration company that many places of worship have trusted to clean and sanitize so that they can continue to be the safe haven for their members that the have always been.
Time Is Money
12/14/2020 (Permalink)
Any water loss is scary and stressful, but when it happens to a business it can cause lost hours of operation. We have all the term "Time is money", and for businesses and water damages it rings true.
In just minutes, water can travel the distance through ceilings, attics, and under flooring. In hours, the dampness and standing water can cause ceiling collapses, vinyl bubbling, and carpet delamination. Now all this damage on top of losing revenue is a big deal to all businesses.
Not all damage can be seen until its too late for restoration, and time replacement. Once replacement is involved, repairs for a business can skyrocket. Most businesses never reopen after a disaster.
Something else to consider is the structural integrity of a building. If the situation is not handled promptly, efficiently, and correctly, the building itself can become compromised.
Do not hesitate to call us! Even if you are not sure of extent of the damage, our professionals can come in and assess the situation for you and hopefully prevent any drastic down time for your business.
Hoarding can be dangerous.
12/14/2020 (Permalink)
Hoarding is the persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions, regardless of their actual value.
Hoarding can be related to compulsive buying (such as never passing up a bargain), the compulsive acquisition of free items (such as collecting flyers), or the compulsive search for perfect or unique items (which may not appear to others as unique, such as an old container).
A lack of functional living space is common among hoarders, who may also live in unhealthy or dangerous conditions. Hoarders often live with broken appliances and without heat or other necessary comforts. They cope with malfunctioning systems rather than allow a qualified person into their home to fix a problem.
Those who hoard usually experience embarrassment about their possessions and feel uncomfortable when others see them. SERVPRO Of Sumter can help with this issue and make it "Like it never even happened."
Do not delay, Call today.
12/7/2020 (Permalink)
After responding to a commercial water loss in Marion, SC, our team of Professionals ran into a unique situation. While tearing out drywall that had been affected by the recent hurricane, our technicians found that the water was steadily coming down in between the wall cavity.
Water is very destructive and just because you can not see the damage does not mean it is not there. We can not stress enough the importance of having any water intrusion mitigated correctly.
With the high humidity in our great state of South Carolina it is even more important to address a water intrusion correctly so that there is less chance for mold growth. Not doing so can lead to added expenses, health effects, or possible denial of coverage. Let our trained Professionals handle the stress for you!
Tips to prevent a Christmas fire.
12/7/2020 (Permalink)
Every year Christmas trees start fires. Prevent most of these fires by following simple rules:
- Choose a recently cut, healthy tree. A fresh tree holds moisture better. Although some people advocate for placing various substances in the water to preserve freshness, it is recommended that consumers simply keep the tree well-watered with pure tap water.
- Avoid putting compounds such as sugar, aspirin, and other chemicals into the water. These have not been proven to work and often can inhibit the tree’s intake of water and actually cause it to be more of a hazard.
- Use lights rated for indoor use that don't create heat (such as LED lights). And don't overload your electrical outlet. Don't use electric lights on a metal tree. Unplug tree lights before leaving the house or going to bed. Keep the tree at least 3 ft. from candles and fireplaces.
Storm Safety
9/8/2020 (Permalink)
Home with storm damage.
National Preparedness Month is sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) within the Department of Homeland Security. For the entire month of September, this initiative encourages people to take steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses, schools, and communities.
The devastating wildfires, hurricanes and earthquakes in 2017 and 2018 show the importance of preparing for disasters. Seeing that these disasters can strike in any shape or form at any given time, it is important to prepare in advance to help yourself and your community. Ask your community how you can volunteer.
Business also need to be prepared. Ask us about out Emergency Ready Program. It is imperative to have all the shut off information to your water, electric, and gas handy in case of an emergency. SERVPRO of Sumter can help with all that. We even have an app you can download so all the information can be at your fingertips.
Hurricane safety
9/8/2020 (Permalink)
Inside after a storm damaged the roof.
How to Prepare for a Hurricane
Hurricanes are massive storm systems that form over ocean water and often move toward land.
Threats from hurricanes include high winds, heavy rainfall, storm surge, coastal and inland flooding,
rip currents, and tornadoes. The heavy winds of hurricanes can cause damage or destroy homes,
buildings, and roads, as well as cause power, water, and gas outages. These effects can injure or kill
people, disrupt transportation, and pollute drinking water. Hurricanes cause deaths and injuries
primarily from drowning, wind, and wind-borne debris. The impact from hurricanes can extend from
the coast to several hundred miles inland. To find your risk, visit FEMA’s “Know Your Risk Map.”
Be better prepared for this hurricane season, and learn more at ready.gov/prepare.
Now/Prepare
Sign up for local alerts and
warnings. Monitor local news and
weather reports.
Prepare to evacuate by testing your
emergency communication plan(s),
learning evacuation routes, having a
place to stay, and packing a “go bag.”
Stock emergency supplies.
Protect your property by installing
sewer back flow valves, anchoring
fuel tanks, reviewing insurance
policies, and cataloging belongings.
Collect and safeguard critical
financial, medical, educational, and
legal documents and records.
During/Survive
Follow guidance from local
authorities.
If advised to evacuate, grab your
“go bag” and leave immediately.
For protection from high winds,
stay away from windows and seek
shelter on the lowest level in an
interior room.
Move to higher ground if there
is flooding or a flood warning.
Turn Around Don’t Drown.®
Never walk or drive on flooded
roads or through water.
Call 9-1-1 if you are in life threatening
danger.
After/Be Safe
Return to the area only after
authorities say it is safe to do so.
Do not enter damaged buildings
until they are inspected by qualified
professionals.
Never walk or drive on flooded
roads or through floodwaters.
Look out for downed or unstable
trees, poles, and power lines.
Do not remove heavy debris by
yourself. Wear gloves and sturdy,
thick-soled shoes to protect your
hands and feet.
Do not drink tap water unless
authorities say it is safe.
HVAC tips to help save you money.
7/13/2020 (Permalink)
Air handler.
Coming home to soaked carpet or ceiling damage isn’t fun. But it happens more often than you think. Here are some of the most common reasons your HVAC unit will leak inside your home.
FILTERS
Air Filters are easy to forget about. The average homeowner only changes their air filter 4 times a year, and if you forget…. bad things can happen.
LOW REFRIGERANT
A low refrigerant level can also cause your unit to freeze. Low refrigerant could be the sign of a refrigerant leak in your HVAC unit.
CLOGGED DRAIN LINE
Your drain pan sits under your unit and catches and excess water created by your HVAC unit. If this pan accumulates dust or algae, it can cause the drain to be clogged. A clogged drain line will cause your pan to over flow which means dripping water and water damage.
Each HVAC unit has a drain line. Sometimes drain lines become disconnected and you start to notice puddles of water or water damage coming from your unit.
The first thing you need to do is shut off your HVAC unit if any of this is happening then you want to call your service man to locate and fix the problem. After this has been done it is time for SERVPRO Professionals to come assess your damage from the water and dry your home properly.
More than just a fire.
7/7/2020 (Permalink)
Burned wall from a fire.
Fires often trigger damage in a way homeowners do not expect: significant water damage. Whether during the efforts to put the fire out or leaks caused by the heat, fire can directly or indirectly cause your home to take on large amounts of water unexpectedly.
Fast response after the fire out is very important. Your furniture and belongs need immediate attention if they have been saturated with water and debris from the extinguishing of the fire.
Growth, swelling of wood, and rust are some of the things that can happen to your belongings after they have been through a fire.
Remember the first 48 hours after a fire damage can make the difference between restoring versus replacing. SERVPRO Professionals can help prevent fire damage from creating long-term affects.
Ozone and what it can do for you.
7/7/2020 (Permalink)
Ozone machine with contents.
Ozone is a colorless unstable toxic gas with a pungent odor and powerful oxidizing properties, formed from oxygen by electrical discharges or ultraviolet light. It differs from normal oxygen (O2) in having three atoms in its molecule (O3). Ozone treatments are one of the best tools for removing odor caused by smoke damage. Ozone works to remove odors by chemically changing the structure of the molecules in the smoke that are creating the smell. The extra oxygen atom attaches itself to the other molecules to create a new molecule that is non-offensive—and non-smelly—in a process called oxidation. As a gas, ozone can clean anywhere air is allowed to flow. That’s one of the features that makes it so effective in removing odors that other cleaning techniques just can’t touch.
Back to worshipping faster.
6/29/2020 (Permalink)
Fallen ceiling and insulation from water damage.
Your place of worship is your congregation's shelter, helping shield them from the storms of life. But if life's literal storms damage your place of worship or if your cleaning needs go beyond the reach of your staff, call your local SERVPRO Franchise Professionals.
No stain is too small and no storm damage is too large for the SERVPRO System. SERVPRO Professionals have the training, experience, resources and equipment to restore and clean places of worship quickly, helping make it "Like it never even happened."
Catastrophic Storm and Major Event Response.
The SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team can provide help whether you're dealing with a tornado, hurricane, blizzard or flood. The SERVPRO System has a network of strategically positioned storm teams on standby should a disaster strike near you.
Keep your carpet looking new longer with proper cleaning.
6/29/2020 (Permalink)
Carpet in an room
Proper carpet care can be a complicated part of commercial cleaning and facility management. A ton of cleaning choices are available, and deciding what carpet cleaning process or chemical to use can be a confusing task.
Up-to-date vacuums can reduce cleaning times.In some environments, traditional upright vacuums cannot be used efficiently due to furniture and other impediments.
Carpeting should be vacuumed as much as possible. Foot traffic and airborne impurities like dust, pollen and other contaminants end up in carpet fiber along with hair, dander, skin and dust mites.
Provide manual spotting tools to employees so that they can perform regular spot removal.
Look for certified products when making the change to sustainable carpet cleaning. Just because a product or service is green certified, that doesn’t mean it won’t damage carpet materials during the cleaning process.
Routine maintenance is the key to carpet appearance and longevity.
Lightning and Thunder facts.
6/29/2020 (Permalink)
Thunder Facts
Thunder is the sound caused by lightning.
The intense heat from lightning causes the surrounding air to rapidly expand and create a sonic wave that you hear as thunder.
The average temperature of lightning is around 20000 °C (36000 °F).
The sound of thunder can be anything from a loud crack to a low rumble.
Light travels faster than sound so we see lightning before we hear thunder.
The closer you are, the shorter the gap between the lightning and thunder.
The speed of sound is around 767 miles per hour (1,230 kilometres per hour).
The speed of light is around 669600000 miles per hour (1080000000 kilometres per hour).
Thunder is difficult to hear at distances over 12 miles (20 kilometres).
Thousands of years ago philosophers such as Aristotle believed that thunder was caused by the collision of clouds.
Astraphobia is the fear of thunder and lightning.
Tornado Season Is Upon Us
6/23/2020 (Permalink)
Tornadoes can destroy buildings, flip cars, and create deadly flying debris. Tornadoes are violently rotating columns of air that extend from a thunderstorm to the ground. Tornadoes can:
IF YOU ARE UNDER A TORNADO WARNING, FIND SAFE SHELTER RIGHT AWAY- If you can safely get to a sturdy building, then do so immediately.
- Go to a safe room, basement, or storm cellar.
- If you are in a building with no basement, then get to a small interior room on the lowest level.
- Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls.
- Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You’re safer in a low, flat location.
- Watch out for flying debris that can cause injury or death.
- Use your arms to protect your head and neck.
HOW TO STAY SAFE WHEN A TORNADO THREATENS
WHAT TO DO NOW: Prepare
- Know your area’s tornado risk. In the U.S., the Midwest and the Southeast have a greater risk for tornadoes.
- Know the signs of a tornado, including a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud; an approaching cloud of debris; or a loud roar—similar to a freight train.
- Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts. If your community has sirens, then become familiar with the warning tone.
- Pay attention to weather reports. Meteorologists can predict when conditions might be right for a tornado.
- Identify and practice going to a safe shelter in the event of high winds, such as a safe room built using FEMA criteria or a storm shelter built to ICC 500 standards. The next best protection is a small, interior, windowless room on the lowest level of a sturdy building.
- Consider constructing your own safe room that meets FEMA or ICC 500 standards.
WHAT TO DO DURING: Survive
- Immediately go to a safe location that you identified.
- Take additional cover by shielding your head and neck with your arms and putting materials such as furniture and blankets around you.
- Listen to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio, or local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions.
- Do not try to outrun a tornado in a vehicle.
- If you are in a car or outdoors and cannot get to a building, cover your head and neck with your arms and cover your body with a coat or blanket, if possible.
WHAT TO DO AFTER: Be Safe
Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned – a defensive cleaning program
6/18/2020 (Permalink)
Our defensive cleaning program gives your business a way forward by providing your employees and customers ongoing safety and assuredness.
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
6/18/2020 (Permalink)
As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration*, we stand on more than 50 years of experience and expertise
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.
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 Sumter today at [803-773-4331] for your Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation.
A roof drip can cause a ceiling drop.
6/9/2020 (Permalink)
It is easy to just clean up the water and never consider the source. Contaminants hide everywhere. You may think that the water from the toilet bowl is fine to just clean up if no solids are present, however that is not always the case. Even daily cleanings of your toilet bowl can leave behind germs and bacteria. It is a known fact that the water in your bowl after you flush holds millions of bacteria. If you have an overflow these bacteria are now in your carpet and padding, or under your baseboards and soaking into your walls.
The same is true from a water intrusion from a leak in ceiling or roof. The water passes through materials, such as insulation and drywall, that contaminate the water and leave behind bacteria. If insulation is left wet in your attic it can also promote growth.
It is very important to have issues like these cleaned and dried by professionals. Let SERVPRO of Sumter help.
Commercial Loss in Sumter, SC
6/5/2020 (Permalink)
Wet carpet in office.
What would you do if you came to work and was faced with this? Hopefully call SERVPRO like this business did!
Upon entering this multi-shop business, this owner found that they were all affected by a pipe bursting sometime overnight. They called us to start extraction and drying process in an effort to stop any further damage to their property.
As in any Business, time is money, and the longer they stayed closed, the more business they were losing. We cannot stress the importance in time is critical when dealing with a water loss. The longer water sits, the more damage it is creating.
We are usually able to arrive on site within an hour, until then, use the tips on our website to help.
Why put yourself at risk?
6/5/2020 (Permalink)
Material of biological origin that is hazardous to humans includes bodily fluids such as blood, microbial growth such as mold, or Coronavirus to name just a couple. SERVPRO Professionals take great care and pride in removing any and all bio hazards you may be experiencing weather it is from the death of a loved one or the unsightly growth of mold. Personal protective equipment is always used to protect not only our SERVPRO Professionals but also the parts of your home that are not contaminated. The disposal of these contaminants are also handled carefully by being bagged and boxed in biohazard bags and containers and hauled off by a company who specializes in bio hazard disposal. Let SERVPRO of Sumter do the unpleasant work for you.
Weathering the storm in God's House.
6/5/2020 (Permalink)
Front of local church
Your church is your congregation's shelter, helping shield them from the storms of life. But if life's literal storms damage your place of worship or if your cleaning needs go beyond the reach of your staff, call your local SERVPRO Franchise Professionals.
No stain is too small and no storm damage is too big for the SERVPRO System. SERVPRO Professionals have the training, experience, resources and equipment to restore and clean churches quickly, helping make it "Like it never even happened."
Catastrophic Storm and Major Event Response. The SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team can provide help whether you're dealing with a tornado, hurricane, blizzard or flood. The SERVPRO System has a network of strategically positioned storm teams on standby should a disaster strike near you.
Fast rising water
6/5/2020 (Permalink)
Flood water poses drowning risks for everyone, regardless of their ability to swim. Swiftly moving shallow water can be deadly, and even shallow standing water can be dangerous for small children. Vehicles do not provide adequate protection from flood waters. They can be swept away or may stall in moving water.
Flood waters and standing waters also pose various risks, including infectious diseases, chemical hazards, and injuries, as well as displace animals, insects, and reptiles. To protect yourself and your family, be alert and avoid contact.
Flood waters also may contain sharp objects, such as glass or metal fragments, that can cause injury and lead to infection.
It is very dangerous to play or drive in flood waters for these reasons.
Please be mindful of all weather hazards during this time in our great state of South Carolina.
What is that smell?
6/5/2020 (Permalink)
No, this is not a fire occurring at this moment. This is a process called Thermal Fogging. It is just one of our services that we offer in the event of a fire damage to help treat and deodorize odors caused by smoke damage because it acts like a smoke itself.
It is able to travel like smoke and penetrate hard porous surfaces.
Our equipment heats a water based masking agent to create fog that penetrates everywhere smoke may have traveled. A thermal fogger unit can reproduce the energy and pressure of smoke, which penetrates every possible nook and cranny that could still hold odor after soot-affected materials have been removed.
This could help specific clients that have breathing issues such as asthma or COPD.
Selling A Clean Home Is Important
6/2/2020 (Permalink)
SERVPRO logo of the orange house with Certified Clean written underneath
It is important that a home you are getting ready to list is in top show condition and ready to sell. It is a fact that a clean, fresh smelling home sells faster. Unfortunately, not all homes are maintained in the same way. Nearly all realtors are faced, at some point, with a difficult listing to show and sell. Veteran realtors encourage clients to keep their homes in top condition for very important reasons: Increased market value, reduced lit to sale conversion times, enhanced reputation for quality listings and quick sales.
SERVPRO Professionals offer a variety of services to help revive your listings to top show condition.
Besides carpet and upholstery cleaning we also clean walls, ceilings, and just about every type of flooring. Also offered are duct and HVAC cleaning, mold mitigation and remediation, and deodorization.
Let SERVPRO of Sumter help you sell a clean home faster!
Emergency Ready Plan for Your Business
6/2/2020 (Permalink)
A commercial property after a water intrusion that shows the tear out of drywall and flooring to prep for repairs
The SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile Advantage
As many as 50% of businesses close down following a disaster, according to the latest research. Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind. And knowing you are "Ready for whatever happens" speaks trust to your clients and employees that in the event your business is affected by a disaster, they don’t necessarily have to be.
By developing a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business.
- 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 it will save a lot of time if ever needed.
- A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.
This can help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive by having an immediate plan of action.
- Establishes your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.
You have a provider that is recognized as an industry leader and close by.
- Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin.
This saves time so we can begin the work of mitigating the damage which can save you time and money.
- Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information.
Having a quick reference of what to do, how to do it and who to call provides solutions in advance of an emergency so that during the emergency you are "Ready for whatever happens."
Tornado Tips and Safety
6/2/2020 (Permalink)
Tornadoes can destroy buildings, flip cars, and create deadly flying debris. Tornadoes are violently rotating columns of air that extend from a thunderstorm to the ground. Tornadoes can:
IF YOU ARE UNDER A TORNADO WARNING, FIND SAFE SHELTER RIGHT AWAY- If you can safely get to a sturdy building, then do so immediately.
- Go to a safe room, basement, or storm cellar.
- If you are in a building with no basement, then get to a small interior room on the lowest level.
- Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls.
- Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You’re safer in a low, flat location.
- Watch out for flying debris that can cause injury or death.
- Use your arms to protect your head and neck.
HOW TO STAY SAFE WHEN A TORNADO THREATENS
WHAT TO DO NOW: Prepare
- Know your area’s tornado risk. In the U.S., the Midwest and the Southeast have a greater risk for tornadoes.
- Know the signs of a tornado, including a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud; an approaching cloud of debris; or a loud roar—similar to a freight train.
- Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts. If your community has sirens, then become familiar with the warning tone.
- Pay attention to weather reports. Meteorologists can predict when conditions might be right for a tornado.
- Identify and practice going to a safe shelter in the event of high winds, such as a safe room built using FEMA criteria or a storm shelter built to ICC 500 standards. The next best protection is a small, interior, windowless room on the lowest level of a sturdy building.
- Consider constructing your own safe room that meets FEMA or ICC 500 standards.
WHAT TO DO DURING: Survive
- Immediately go to a safe location that you identified.
- Take additional cover by shielding your head and neck with your arms and putting materials such as furniture and blankets around you.
- Listen to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio, or local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions.
- Do not try to outrun a tornado in a vehicle.
- If you are in a car or outdoors and cannot get to a building, cover your head and neck with your arms and cover your body with a coat or blanket, if possible.
WHAT TO DO AFTER: Be Safe
Summer Heat Damage
6/1/2020 (Permalink)
Summer is here! That means high temperatures and humidity for South Carolina residents. It is time to check your HVAC units for leaks and condensation if you have a crawlspace or an attic that houses your unit or your ducting. These areas are prone to trap humidity, and can be the main source of growth.
When you only deal with the mold, without fixing the source – well – you’ll get mold again and again. Depending on whether your crawl space is a cold zone or a warm zone. That means it shouldn’t be pulling heat from the warm air in your home. You may think that mold and moisture in your crawl space are just a given, but the truth is, it’s not. If you understand how to prevent moisture buildup in the space, you can keep the water out and that will keep the mold at bay.
Attic mold is most often caused by moisture build-up in a poorly ventilated area. You can check your attic space for moisture by looking at the nails; if there is excess moisture in the atmosphere there will be rust around the nails.
That is where SERVPRO of Sumter can help. Our trained technicians have the experience and equipment to deal with your attic or crawlspace growth.
Damage to Local Businesses During Storm Events
6/1/2020 (Permalink)
Wet carpet in a local business from water intrusion caused by rain and storms with drying equipment placed.
Often we do not think about the damage that can happen with storm events. Tornadoes, high winds, lightning strikes, and heavy rains can bring devastating damage to your home. And most of it can go undetected for some time.
A small leak in your roof from a displaced shingle during high winds can be a source of major damage down the road. From fallen ceilings due to moisture to growth on your joists and attic rafters.
Heavy rains can also cause problems by entering your crawlspace or intruding through door and window seals.
If you notice any kind of unexplained puddles in your home after a storm event, do not hesitate to have a professional come to scope the damage. It could save you thousands!!!!
It is always important to make sure you look for any damage after a severe weather event.
Tips that will help you reduce additional damage in the wake of a fire.
5/20/2020 (Permalink)
Burned kitchen with fallen insulation.
Here are some helpful tips prior to the arrival of SERVPRO® of Sumter:
Emergency Fire and Smoke Damage Tips
- Limit movement in the home to prevent further damage.
- Place dry, colorfast towels or old linens on carpeted traffic areas to prevent more soiling.
- If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
- Wipe soot from chrome on kitchen and bathroom faucets and appliances then protect with a light coating of lubricant.
- Do not attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting a SERVPRO Franchise Professional.
- Do not attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture without first consulting a SERVPRO Franchise Professional.
- Do not attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire or water without consulting a repair service.
Fire and Smoke Damage Services
- Emergency Response: Reduce Loss Severity/Pretesting for Restorability.
- Contents Cleaning Specialists: On-Site or Move Out.
- Structural Restoration Services.
- Large Loss Completion with Trained Crew Leaders.
We are Cleaning Experts
3/18/2020 (Permalink)
SERVPRO 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 Sumter, 803-773-4331
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-prevent-spread.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fguidance-prevent-spread.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-business-response.html
Types of fires your home may experience.
3/16/2020 (Permalink)
There are 3 main types of smoke and residues that can be left behind by fire damage in your home:
- Synthetic: These synthetic residues appear when oil-based materials are burned such as plastics and fabrics. This could include everything from window coverings, furniture, carpets, and electronics. When synthetic materials burn, they will produce a thick black smoke, leaving behind a smeary residue that can create quite the mess if not cleaned up properly. In these situations, avoid touching any of the residue to prevent smearing as vacuuming is the best approach to cleaning the residues left behind, followed by sponge cleaning.
- Protein: Fires caused by the burning of proteins such as meats and beans for example will leave behind a yellowish-brown residue. The texture of which is greasy feeling and can stick to any surface, making it a pain to clean up.
- Natural: These types of fires are caused by the burning of natural products such as wood and paper. They produce dry powdery residue that is grayish-black in color. These residues are easier to clean up than the synthetic or protein residues. Removing the residues can be done by vacuuming with a bristled brush, followed by sponge cleaning.
Most household fires experience a combination of all the above types.
SERVPRO of Sumter's highly trained technicians are ready to assist you with all your fire restoration needs.
Thank you to our First Responders
3/9/2020 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Sumter would like to thank all the Firefighters, police officers, as well as EMS in Sumter County and the surrounding areas for all you do to keep our citizens safe and assist them in their most desperate time if need.
In most communities it is the local fire department that is the first to respond to emergencies, whether they are small, day-to-day types or large disasters. As the first official government agency contacted, they have the responsibility to manage the incident. Consequently, any volunteer group that wants to provide assistance during these emergencies must work with the local fire/rescue organization if they are to be effective.
Ask your local Fire Department to speak to your schools on safety and fire tips.
A small leak is a big deal
3/9/2020 (Permalink)
Mitigation means acting quickly to stop the damage from getting worse, without necessarily fixing the damage. The key to storm mitigation is stopping water leaks and minor flooding so materials can dry within 24-48 hours. This prevents the further damage of structural weakening or wood rot, and stops the growth of mold on damp surfaces.
Even while it is still raining or an active leak is present, there are ways to mitigate the damage. The key is to not wait. Even if your home has been spared from acute flooding, what seems like "minor" water damage from leaks and other water intrusions can turn into major problems over time – and need to be addressed immediately.
When a leak is discovered do not delay calling to get the clean up started.
Leaking roofs can leave you with your hands full
3/6/2020 (Permalink)
With all the rain that we have been experiencing lately can turn the smallest of roof leaks into a major problem.
As the water begins to run into the attic of the home it will begin to absorb into the insulation causing it to become heavy on the ceiling of the home. The added weight to the ceiling could cause it to become unstable causing it to fall damaging contents and flooring in the process.
The water in the attic could also affected duct work, electrical line, as well as any contents stored in the attic.
If a roof leak takes you be surprise, call the experts in water restoration at SERVPRO of Sumter so we can make your roof leak "Like it never even happened."
Commercial Water Loss in Sumter
12/10/2019 (Permalink)
A business cafeteria that suffered a broken a pipe in the ceiling has extended damage to painted walls, and ceilings.
Any water loss is scary and stressful, but when it happens to a business it can cause lost hours of operation. We have all the term "Time is money", and for a business it rings true.
In just minutes, water can travel the distance through ceilings, attics, and under flooring. In hours, the dampness and standing water can cause ceiling collapses, vinyl bubbling, and carpet delamination. Now all this damage on top of losing revenue is a big deal to all businesses.
Not all damage can be seen until its too late for restoration, and time replacement. Once replacement is involved, repairs for a business can skyrocket. Most businesses never reopen after a disaster.
Something else to consider is the structural integrity of a building. If the situation is not handled promptly, efficiently, and correctly, the building itself can become compromised.
Do not hesitate to call us! Even if you are not sure of extent of the damage, our professionals can come in and assess the situation for you and hopefully prevent any drastic down time for your business.
Christmas Tree Fire Prevention
12/3/2019 (Permalink)
Every year Christmas trees start fires. Prevent most of these fires by following simple rules: Choose a recently cut, healthy tree. A fresh tree holds moisture better. Although some people advocate for placing various substances in the water to preserve freshness, it is recommended that consumers simply keep the tree well-watered with pure tap water. Avoid putting compounds such as sugar, aspirin, and other chemicals into the water. These have not been proven to work and often can inhibit the tree’s intake of water and actually cause it to be more of a hazard.Use lights rated for indoor use that don't create heat (such as LED lights). And don't overload your electrical outlet. Don't use electric lights on a metal tree. Unplug tree lights before leaving the house or going to bed. Keep the tree at least 3 ft. from candles and fireplaces.
Commercial Water Damage
12/3/2019 (Permalink)
After responding to as commercial water loss in Marion, SC out team of Professionals ran into a unique situation. While tearing out drywall that had been affected by the recent hurricane, our technicians found that the water was steadily coming down in between the wall cavity.
Water is very destructive and just because you can not see the damage does not mean it is not there. We can not stress enough the importance of having any water intrusion mitigated correctly.
With the high humidity in our great state of South Carolina it is even more important to address a water intrusion correctly so that there is less chance for mold growth. Not doing so can lead to added expenses and health issues. Let our trained Professionals handle the stress for you!
Hoarding can be hazardous
12/3/2019 (Permalink)
Hoarding is the persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions, regardless of their actual value.
Hoarding can be related to compulsive buying (such as never passing up a bargain), the compulsive acquisition of free items (such as collecting flyers), or the compulsive search for perfect or unique items (which may not appear to others as unique, such as an old container).
A lack of functional living space is common among hoarders, who may also live in unhealthy or dangerous conditions. Hoarders often live with broken appliances and without heat or other necessary comforts. They cope with malfunctioning systems rather than allow a qualified person into their home to fix a problem.
Those who hoard usually experience embarrassment about their possessions and feel uncomfortable when others see them. SERVPRO Of Sumter can help with issue and make it "Like it never even happened."
National Preparedness Month
9/3/2019 (Permalink)
Our Disaster Recovery Team is always prepared!
National Preparedness Month is sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) within the Department of Homeland Security. For the entire month of September, this initiative encourages people to take steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses, schools, and communities.
The devastating wildfires, hurricanes and earthquakes in 2017 and 2018 show the importance of preparing for disasters. Seeing that these disasters can strike in any shape or form at any given time, it is important to prepare in advance to help yourself and your community. Ask your community how you can volunteer.
Business also need to be prepared. Ask us about out Emergency Ready Program. It is imperative to have all the shut off information to your water, electric, and gas handy in case of an emergency. SERVPRO of Sumter can help with all that. We even have an app you can download so all the information can be at your fingertips.
Hurricane Season Tips
9/3/2019 (Permalink)
How to Prepare for a Hurricane
Hurricanes are massive storm systems that form over ocean water and often move toward land.
Threats from hurricanes include high winds, heavy rainfall, storm surge, coastal and inland flooding,
rip currents, and tornadoes. The heavy winds of hurricanes can cause damage or destroy homes,
buildings, and roads, as well as cause power, water, and gas outages. These effects can injure or kill
people, disrupt transportation, and pollute drinking water. Hurricanes cause deaths and injuries
primarily from drowning, wind, and wind-borne debris. The impact from hurricanes can extend from
the coast to several hundred miles inland. To find your risk, visit FEMA’s “Know Your Risk Map.”
Be better prepared for this hurricane season, and learn more at ready.gov/prepare.
Now/Prepare
Sign up for local alerts and
warnings. Monitor local news and
weather reports.
Prepare to evacuate by testing your
emergency communication plan(s),
learning evacuation routes, having a
place to stay, and packing a “go bag.”
Stock emergency supplies.
Protect your property by installing
sewer back flow valves, anchoring
fuel tanks, reviewing insurance
policies, and cataloging belongings.
Collect and safeguard critical
financial, medical, educational, and
legal documents and records.
During/Survive
Follow guidance from local
authorities.
If advised to evacuate, grab your
“go bag” and leave immediately.
For protection from high winds,
stay away from windows and seek
shelter on the lowest level in an
interior room.
Move to higher ground if there
is flooding or a flood warning.
Turn Around Don’t Drown.®
Never walk or drive on flooded
roads or through water.
Call 9-1-1 if you are in life threatening
danger.
After/Be Safe
Return to the area only after
authorities say it is safe to do so.
Do not enter damaged buildings
until they are inspected by qualified
professionals.
Never walk or drive on flooded
roads or through floodwaters.
Look out for downed or unstable
trees, poles, and power lines.
Do not remove heavy debris by
yourself. Wear gloves and sturdy,
thick-soled shoes to protect your
hands and feet.
Do not drink tap water unless
authorities say it is safe.
Water Damage is Not Always Visible
7/8/2019 (Permalink)
Mitigation means acting quickly to stop the damage from getting worse, without necessarily fixing the damage. The key to storm mitigation is stopping water leaks and minor flooding so materials can dry within 24-48 hours. This prevents the further damage of structural weakening or wood rot, and stops the growth of mold on damp surfaces.
Even while it is still raining or an active leak is present, there are ways to mitigate the damage. The key is to not wait. Even if your home has been spared from acute flooding, what seems like "minor" water damage from leaks and other water intrusions can turn into major problems over time – and need to be addressed immediately.
Coverage is not always obvious or intuitive, so be sure to check your policy carefully and confirm coverage with your adjuster (this is not the same person who sold you the policy).
Tips to keep you safe while grilling
7/1/2019 (Permalink)
Independence Day is right around the corner and families will be pulling out the grills for the get togethers they have planned to celebrate.
Here are a few grill safety tips to keep uninvited first responders off the guest list:
- Ensure your grill is a minimum of 10 feet from buildings and flammable materials.
- Ensure the grill is monitored at all times
- Ensure that you never close the lid on a gas grill until after the flame is lit to prevent gas from exploding with lit.
- Ensure that your grill is cleaned prior to cooking, grease greatly increases the chance of flare ups.
- Ensure that you never attempt to grill indoors as grill produce carbon monoxide that is deadly.
Please follow these tips and the ones found in your grill owners manual to help have a happy and safe grilling experience.
Feel The Thunder!
6/25/2019 (Permalink)
Thunder Facts
Thunder is the sound caused by lightning.
The intense heat from lightning causes the surrounding air to rapidly expand and create a sonic wave that you hear as thunder.
The average temperature of lightning is around 20000 °C (36000 °F).
The sound of thunder can be anything from a loud crack to a low rumble.
Light travels faster than sound so we see lightning before we hear thunder.
The closer you are, the shorter the gap between the lightning and thunder.
The speed of sound is around 767 miles per hour (1,230 kilometres per hour).
The speed of light is around 669600000 miles per hour (1080000000 kilometres per hour).
Thunder is difficult to hear at distances over 12 miles (20 kilometres).
Thousands of years ago philosophers such as Aristotle believed that thunder was caused by the collision of clouds.
Astraphobia is the fear of thunder and lightning.
Commercial Carpet Cleaning? We Do That!!!!
6/25/2019 (Permalink)
Proper carpet care can be a complicated part of commercial cleaning and facility management.A ton of cleaning choices are available, and deciding what carpet cleaning process or chemical to use can be a confusing task.
Up-to-date vacuums can reduce cleaning times.In some environments, traditional upright vacuums cannot be used efficiently due to furniture and other impediments.
Carpeting should be vacuumed as much as possible. Foot traffic and airborne impurities like dust, pollen and other contaminants end up in carpet fiber along with hair, dander, skin and dust mites.
Provide manual spotting tools to employees so that they can perform regular spot removal.
Look for certified products when making the change to sustainable carpet cleaning. Just because a product or service is green certified, that doesn’t mean it won’t damage carpet materials during the cleaning process.
Routine maintenance is the key to carpet appearance and longevity
Keeping the Congregation Together
6/25/2019 (Permalink)
A recent water damage at a local church with a collapsed ceiling from the A/C pan located in the attic.
Your church is your congregations shelter, helping shield them from the storms of life. But if life's literal storms damage your place of worship or if your cleaning needs go beyond the reach of your staff, call your local SERVPRO Franchise Professionals.
No stain is too small and no storm damage is too big for the SERVPRO System. SERVPRO Professionals have the training, experience, resources and equipment to restore and clean churches quickly, helping make it "Like it never even happened."
Catastrophic Storm and Major Event Response. The SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team can provide help whether you're dealing with a tornado, hurricane, blizzard or flood. The SERVPRO System has a network of strategically positioned storm teams on standby should a disaster strike near you.
What Smell? The Meaning of Ozone Treatment
6/25/2019 (Permalink)
Ozone chamber in our warehouse
·zone'o?zon/noun
- a colorless unstable toxic gas with a pungent odor and powerful oxidizing properties, formed from oxygen by electrical discharges or ultraviolet light. It differs from normal oxygen (O2) in having three atoms in its molecule (O3). Ozone treatments are one of the best tools for removing odor caused by smoke damage. Ozone works to remove odors by chemically changing the structure of the molecules in the smoke that are creating the smell. The extra oxygen atom attaches itself to the other molecules to create a new molecule that is non-offensive—and non-smelly—in a process called oxidation. As a gas, ozone can clean anywhere air is allowed to flow. That’s one of the features that makes it so effective in removing odors that other cleaning techniques just can’t touch.
Household Mold
6/25/2019 (Permalink)
Tips for Mold
Aureobasidium is a mold that can sometimes be found growing behind wallpaper or on painted or wooden surfaces. Aureobasidium usually develops in a pink, brown or black color. As it ages, aureobasidium typically turns a darker brown color.
Aureobasidium spores are difficult to identify on spore traps because of morphologic variation. Its most distinguishing feature is the production of primary blastospores (spores produced by a budding process) arising directly from pigmented, vegetative hyphae on short denticles (protuberances in the hyphae). The spores may be hyaline or pigmented, variable in size, one-celled, ellipsoid or ovoid, and completely encased in a slimy coat. These primary spores can give rise to secondary or tertiary spores through yeast-like budding. The conidia (spores) adhere together to form slimy heads. The brown hyphae can differentiate to form chlamydospores (resting spores) or arthroconidia (asexual spores) at maturity.
When to Test?
- When visible mold is not present, but the smell of mold is, a mold inspection and mold test can reveal whether there is indeed elevated mold, and where it is located.
Tornado safety tips
6/21/2019 (Permalink)
Tornadoes can destroy buildings, flip cars, and create deadly flying debris. Tornadoes are violently rotating columns of air that extend from a thunderstorm to the ground. Tornadoes can:
IF YOU ARE UNDER A TORNADO WARNING, FIND SAFE SHELTER RIGHT AWAY- If you can safely get to a sturdy building, then do so immediately.
- Go to a safe room, basement, or storm cellar.
- If you are in a building with no basement, then get to a small interior room on the lowest level.
- Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls.
- Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You’re safer in a low, flat location.
- Watch out for flying debris that can cause injury or death.
- Use your arms to protect your head and neck.
HOW TO STAY SAFE WHEN A TORNADO THREATENS
WHAT TO DO NOW: Prepare
- Know your area’s tornado risk. In the U.S., the Midwest and the Southeast have a greater risk for tornadoes.
- Know the signs of a tornado, including a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud; an approaching cloud of debris; or a loud roar—similar to a freight train.
- Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts. If your community has sirens, then become familiar with the warning tone.
- Pay attention to weather reports. Meteorologists can predict when conditions might be right for a tornado.
- Identify and practice going to a safe shelter in the event of high winds, such as a safe room built using FEMA criteria or a storm shelter built to ICC 500 standards. The next best protection is a small, interior, windowless room on the lowest level of a sturdy building.
- Consider constructing your own safe room that meets FEMA or ICC 500 standards.
WHAT TO DO DURING: Survive
- Immediately go to a safe location that you identified.
- Take additional cover by shielding your head and neck with your arms and putting materials such as furniture and blankets around you.
- Listen to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio, or local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions.
- Do not try to outrun a tornado in a vehicle.
- If you are in a car or outdoors and cannot get to a building, cover your head and neck with your arms and cover your body with a coat or blanket, if possible.
WHAT TO DO AFTER: Be Safe
HVAC Leaks Go Along With Summer Heat
6/11/2019 (Permalink)
A collapsed ceiling after a HVAC pan leak in the attic.
Coming home to soaked carpet or ceiling damage isn’t fun. But it happens more often than you think. Here are some of the most common reasons your HVAC unit will leak inside your home.
FILTERS
Air Filters are easy to forget about. The average homeowner only changes their air filter 4 times a year, and if you forget…. bad things can happen.
LOW REFRIGERANT
A low refrigerant level can also cause your unit to freeze. Low refrigerant could be the sign of a refrigerant leak in your HVAC unit.
CLOGGED DRAIN LINE
Your drain pan sits under your unit and catches and excess water created by your HVAC unit. If this pan accumulates dust or algae, it can cause the drain to be clogged. A clogged drain line will cause your pan to over flow which means dripping water and water damage.
Each HVAC unit has a drain line. Sometimes drain lines become disconnected and you start to notice puddles of water or water damage coming from your unit.
The first thing you need to do is shut off your HVAC unit if any of this is happening then you want to call your service man to locate and fix the problem. After this has been done it is time for SERVPRO Professionals to come assess your damage from the water and dry your home properly.
Stay on Top of Water Damage
6/5/2019 (Permalink)
Water damage can strike your commercial property at any time. Water damage can sideline your business, regardless if the damage occurs from a major storm event or a broken water line. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. 25% of businesses never reopen after a substantial water damage.
SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have the training, experience, and equipment to manage water and flooding damage. Whether you have a large water emergency or a small water damage event, they will respond quickly to mitigate the damage and manage the restoration project through to its completion. We can minimize your down time and get you back up and running in the least amount time possible. We understand every minute counts and costs money.
Household Mold: Penicillium
6/4/2019 (Permalink)
Mold on wall surfaces.
This type of house mold can be seen on walls, spoiled food, insulation, wallpaper and carpet. It is typically found around damp areas and near food that has gone bad. It typically appears in a blue or greenish color. The spores can cause allergic reactions but are not nearly as toxic as black mold. The discovery of penicillium helped aid the finding of penicillin which is used for treatment of bacterial infections. However, you do not want to have this type of mold in your home. It can easily be spread onto other areas of your home from trapped moisture. SERVPRO of Sumter offers free visual, non invasive mold inspections to help you determine the best ways to clean and treat any growth you may have.
Facts About Lightning
6/4/2019 (Permalink)
A recent home in Sumter Sc that was damaged by a lightning strike.
Lightning is an electrical discharge caused by imbalances between storm clouds and the ground, or within the clouds themselves. Most lightning occurs within the clouds.During a storm, colliding particles of rain, ice, or snow inside storm clouds increase the imbalance between storm clouds and the ground, and often negatively charge the lower reaches of storm clouds. Objects on the ground, like steeples, trees, and the Earth itself, become positively charged—creating an imbalance that nature seeks to remedy by passing current between the two charges. Lightning is extremely hot—a flash can heat the air around it to temperatures five times hotter than the sun’s surface. Many houses are grounded by rods and other protection that conduct a lightning bolt's electricity harmlessly to the ground. Homes may also be inadvertently grounded by plumbing, gutters, or other materials. Grounded buildings offer protection, but occupants who touch running water or use a landline phone may be shocked by conducted electricity.
(Information courtesy of National Geographic)
Be Ready for Anything
6/3/2019 (Permalink)
SERVPRO is faster to any size Disaster
The SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile Advantage
As many as 50% of businesses close down following a disaster, according to the latest research. Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind. And knowing you are "Ready for whatever happens" speaks trust to your clients and employees that in the event your business is affected by a disaster, they don’t necessarily have to be.
By developing a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business.
- 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 it will save a lot of time if ever needed.
- A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.
This can help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive by having an immediate plan of action.
- Establishes your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.
You have a provider that is recognized as an industry leader and close by.
- Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin.
This saves time so we can begin the work of mitigating the damage which can save you time and money.
- Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information.
Having a quick reference of what to do, how to do it and who to call provides solutions in advance of an emergency so that during the emergency you are "Ready for whatever happens."
Coverages Can Be Confusing
6/3/2019 (Permalink)
Flooring Tear Out at a Local Business
Many property losses experienced by business owners involve water damage caused by leaky pipes. Water can be very destructive whether it seeps from a loose fitting or gushes from a ruptured main. Fortunately, many types of water leaks are covered by a commercial property policy.
Most commercial property policies cover damage to covered property caused by any peril that isn't specifically excluded.
While property policies contain a broad water exclusion, the exclusion applies mainly to flood and related perils like surface water, waves, mudflow, and the overflow of a body of water. It makes no mention of leaky pipes.
Property damage caused by water leaking from a broken pipe or appliance (such as a water heater) is generally covered under a property policy if the damage occurs suddenly.
Tornado Safety!
6/3/2019 (Permalink)
It is that time of year again. Tornadoes have already began their destruction.
In an average year, 1000 tornadoes are reported, resulting in 80 deaths and over 1,500 injuries. Tornadoes have been reported in every state and can happen at any time of the year. Take tornadoes seriously, because with winds blowing at 200 mph or more, they can destroy just about anything in its path. Always listen to the radio and television for the latest information and instructions for your area.
A TORNADO WATCH means tornadoes are possible in your area. Stay tuned to the radio or television news.
A TORNADO WARNING means a tornado is either on the ground or has been detected by Doppler radar. Seek shelter immediately!
BEFORE A TORNADO:
- Have a disaster plan. Make sure everyone knows where to go in case a tornado threatens.
- Make sure you know which county or parish you live in.
- Prepare a disaster supplies kit for your home and car. Include a first aid kit, canned food and a can opener, bottled water, battery-operated radio, flashlight, protective clothing and written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas, and water.
DURING A TORNADO:
- Go to a basement.
- If you do not have a basement, go to an interior room without windows on the lowest floor such as a bathroom or closet.
- If you can, get under a sturdy piece of furniture, like a table.
- If you live in a mobile home get out. They offer little protection against tornadoes.
- Get out of automobiles. Do not try to outrun a tornado in your car, leave it immediately.
- If you’re outside, go to a ditch or low lying area and lie flat in it.
- Stay away from fallen power lines and stay out of damaged areas.
Hurricane Weather is on the Way
6/3/2019 (Permalink)
A hurricane is an intense tropical storm with powerful winds and heavy rain.Other names for a hurricane include cyclone, typhoon and tropical storm.While they are essentially the same thing, the different names usually indicate where the storm took place.
Hurricanes form over warm ocean waters near the equator. The warm, moist air above the ocean surface rises, causing air from surrounding areas to be “sucked” in. This “new” air then becomes warm and moist, and rises, too, beginning a continuous cycle that forms clouds. The clouds then rotate with the spin of the Earth. If there is enough warm water to feed the storm, a hurricane forms!
Most hurricanes occur harmlessly out at sea. However, when they move towards land they can be incredibly dangerous and cause serious damage.
Fire Damages More Than Just Your Home.
5/31/2019 (Permalink)
Contents cleaning in our warehouse.
Any fire in your home is stressful enough without having to worry about your contents as well. Your contents include personal items such as: furniture, clothing, bric brac, dishes, etc.
SERVPRO of Sumter has trained technicians that come in and pack up all your contents and transport them to our warehouse where these items will be cleaned. We take care of the boxes, bubble wrap for your fragiles, and the inventory of what is removed from your home.
Once it is in our warehouse, we hand clean all your items to pre fire conditions. If you have clothing, drapes, and linens that are affected, we help you coordinate with a textile company to have them professionally cleaned to remove the soot and smoke odor.
When we are finished cleaning all your contents, we then re pack them into clean, soot free boxes and transport them back to your newly repaired home.
Unexpected Water Damage From Storm Events
5/31/2019 (Permalink)
A recent water damage in Sumter, SC
Often we do not think about the damage that can happen with storm events. Tornadoes, high winds, lightning strikes, and heavy rains can bring devastating damage to your home. And most of it can go undetected for some time.
A small leak in your roof from a displaced shingle during high winds can be a source of major damage down the road. From fallen ceilings due to moisture to growth on your joists and attic rafters.
Heavy rains can also cause problems by entering your crawlspace or intruding through door and window seals.
If you notice any kind of unexplained puddles in your home after a storm event, do not hesitate to have a professional come to scope the damage. It could save you thousands!!!!
It is always important to make sure you look for any damage after a severe weather event.
Let Us Help You Sell That Home
5/31/2019 (Permalink)
Our office in Sumter, SC
It is important that a home you are getting ready to list is in top show condition and ready to sell. It is a fact that a clean, fresh smelling home sells faster. Unfortunately, not all homes are maintained in the same way. Nearly all realtors are faced, at some point, with a difficult listing to show and sell. Veteran realtors encourage clients to keep their homes in top condition for very important reasons: Increased market value, reduced lit to sale conversion times, enhanced reputation for quality listings and quick sales.
SERVPRO Professionals offer a variety of services to help revive your listings to top show condition.
Besides carpet and upholstery cleaning we also clean walls, ceilings, and just about every type of flooring. Also offered are duct and HVAC cleaning, mold mitigation and remediation, and deodorization.
Let SERVPRO of Sumter help you sell a clean home faster!
Summer is Here and so is the Heat and Humidity
5/17/2019 (Permalink)
Mold Bulletin
Summer is here! That means high temperatures and humidity for South Carolina residence. It is time to check your HVAC units for leaks and condensation if you have a crawlspace or an attic that houses your unit or your ducting. These areas are prone to trap humidity, and can be the main source of growth.
When you only deal with the mold, without fixing the source – well – you’ll get mold again and again. Depending on whether your crawl space is a cold zone or a warm zone. That means it shouldn’t be pulling heat from the warm air in your home. You may think that mold and moisture in your crawl space are just a given, but the truth is, it’s not. If you understand how to prevent moisture buildup in the space, you can keep the water out and that will keep the mold at bay.
Attic mold is most often caused by moisture build-up in a poorly ventilated area. You can check your attic space for moisture by looking at the nails; if there is excess moisture in the atmosphere there will be rust around the nails.
That is where SERVPRO of Sumter can help. Our trained technicians have the experience and equipment to deal with your attic or crawlspace growth.
Best of Sumter in Mold Treatment
5/10/2019 (Permalink)
Business Development Representative Buddy Newell accepting the award for Best of Sumter in Mold Treatment.
On April 25, 2019, SERVPRO of Sumter had the pleasure of accepting an award from the Chamber of Commerce for Best Mold Treatment. We would like to thank everyone in our community for this honor and we will continue to strive to be the best!
Mold growth is not something that needs to be taken likely, and SERVPRO of Sumter takes every precaution when remediating it. We have trained technicians and state of art equipment for detecting moisture inside of wall cavities and under floor coverings to determine if there is cause for concern of mold growth in your home.
So, if you have had a previous water intrusion, or notice any type of growth around your windows, crown molding, or baseboards, do not hesitate to call upon us. SERVPRO of Sumter will make it "Like it never even happened."
Be Alarmed!
5/10/2019 (Permalink)
Did you know that most fire fatalities are due to no smoke detectors being placed in the home or not being placed in correct area?
Not having a smoke detection devices in your home can be catastrophic. Smoke inhalation can more fatal than the flames. It can render your unconscious, unresponsive or even worse, end your life.
Most fire departments in the area offer free smoke detectors and instructions on how to instal them. If you already have smoke detectors in place, consider making a donation of a new smoke detector to your local fire department to help others in need.
Set a time on your calendar every month to test the batteries in your smoke detector, this can also help fatalities. We find the best time to remember to test your smoke detector is when you change your HVAC return filters.
Brush Fires Can Lead To House Fires.
3/25/2019 (Permalink)
Studies show that local fire departments across the country respond to more than 300,000 grass and brush fires, most if them caused by carelessness, with a number of them igniting home on fire as they spread.
Here are a few tips to help prevent you becoming a victim of a grass or brush fire:
- Do not throw lit cigarettes or matches on the ground.
- Create a fire break around any burn piles.
- Keep a water hose with you at all times while burning burn piles to extinguish any embers that may land on dried areas outside of the burn area.
While following the above tips can help prevent you falling victim to a grass or brush fire, accidents do happen.
At SERVPRO of Sumter when disaster strikes. we can make it "Like it never even happened."
Rain and WInds Can Bring Damage That Go Undetected
3/7/2019 (Permalink)
Storms blew the shingles from this roof and the elements were coming in for some time.
Storm damage can go undetected for some time. It is very important to do routine inspections of your roof, spickets, and gutters to make sure they are not damaged from the elements.
Shingles blowing loose during storms and high winds can cause thousands of dollars worth of damage in a very short time. The longer your roof goes unrepaired, the more the inside of your house is damaged.
Inspections in the attic routinely are also a good idea. Especially if your house is built on a slab and your HVAC or your water heater are located in the attic. Leaks from drain pans and hoses can cause just as much damage in the attic, if not more, than if located on the ground floor of your home.
A Fire Safety Plan is a Great Idea
3/5/2019 (Permalink)
A recent fire in Rembert Sc. caused by lightning.
In just a matter of minutes a home can be destroyed by fire. No matter what the cause of the fire is, be sure to have a plan for safe evacuation.
If a fire is caused by lightning that hits the roof of a home, it can ignite insulation and travel the length of your attic in a matter of minutes. A sprinkler system, smoke detectors, and even carbon monoxide detectors can be the difference in safely exiting an fire.
Planning a fire safety meeting with your family every 3 to 6 months is a great idea. Make sure that all the exits are free of blocking hazards, and your family knows that when they hear the smoke alarm go off to follow the fire safety plan.
It is alway a good idea to sleep with bedroom doors shut. This will help to eliminate some of the hazards that come with fire damage.
And as always, remember SERVPRO of Sumter is here to help make it "Like it never even happened."
Unseen Damages Caused By Water Leaks
3/5/2019 (Permalink)
A busted water line in the attic of this home caused a lot of unseen damage.
A sudden busted pipe or slow leak can lead to thousands of dollars of damage. Just because you can not see the water does not mean it is not doing any harm.
A leaking pipe in the attic can, over time, cause your ceilings to fall in. It can also sit and saturate your insulation and spread the damage to more areas that would not have previously been affected, not to mention the threat of mold.
All it takes is a crack or hole in the floor covering to allow water to get between the floor covering and your subfloor. This can lead to soft floors, rotting joist, and if your house is on a crawlspace, wet insulation under your home.
It is always important to know the extent of the water migration and SERVPRO of Sumter can be the difference between restoration or replacing.
Dangers of Christmas Tree Fires
12/3/2018 (Permalink)
Every year Christmas trees start fires. Prevent most of these fires by following simple rules: Choose a recently cut, healthy tree. A fresh tree holds moisture better. Although some people advocate for placing various substances in the water to preserve freshness, it is recommended that consumers simply keep the tree well-watered with pure tap water. Avoid putting compounds such as sugar, aspirin, and other chemicals into the water. These have not been proven to work and often can inhibit the tree’s intake of water and actually cause it to be more of a hazard.Use lights rated for indoor use that don't create heat (such as LED lights). And don't overload your electrical outlet. Don't use electric lights on a metal tree. Unplug tree lights before leaving the house or going to bed. Keep the tree at least 3 ft. from candles and fireplaces.
Commercial Water Loss in Marion, SC
11/19/2018 (Permalink)
Tear out performed at a commercial building after a water intrusion for the recent Hurricane.
After responding to as commercial water loss in Marion, SC out team of Professionals ran into a unique situation. While tearing out drywall that had been affected by the recent hurricane, our technicians found that the water was steadily coming down in between the wall cavity.
Water is very destructive and just because you can not see the damage does not mean it is not there. We can not stress enough the importance of having any water intrusion mitigated correctly.
With the high humidity in our great state of South Carolina it is even more important to address a water intrusion correctly so that there is less chance for mold growth. Not doing so can lead to added expenses and health issues. Let our trained Professionals handle the stress for you!
Mold Growth In the HVAC System
11/19/2018 (Permalink)
This picture shows growth coming from the vent of an HVAC system in a local business after a recent roof leak.
As we have stated many times before, Mold can hide anywhere.
In a local business we found the source of the growth to be coming from the HVAC system after the business experienced a roof leak. The water entered the HVAC ducting in the attic and while the unit was off over the weekend the spores began to grow. When they returned for the start of business on Monday and turned on the HVAC unit the spores went airborne and starting attaching themselves to surfaces of office equipment, counter tops, vent covers, trashcans, and carpeting.
It was immediately determined that the HVAC duct work would need to be cleaned and sealed but without total replacement, no guarantee can be given that growth will not reoccur.
Mold Cleaning Protocol
11/2/2018 (Permalink)
Katlyn preparing to take care of some growth in a residence in Sumter, SC.
There are a lot of different ways to treat and remove mold from non porous surfaces. SERVPRO of Sumter always puts safety of our technicians and homeowners first. Having the proper personal protective equipment such as disposable tyvek suits, shoe coverings, respirators, and protective eye wear for our technicians is a very important part of hazardous material remediation. We also use containment barriers to prevent the mold spores from contaminating unaffected areas.
Using an antimicrobial is another important aspect of mold remediation. Our Professional Technicians spray the affected surfaces with the antimicrobial before wiping the growth. This helps by keeping the spores from going air born. Besides antimicrobial SERVPRO also puts an air scrubber in the affected area while cleaning. This not only helps to trap the spores, but also helps with any odor the growth may be causing.
Hurricane Preparedness
9/21/2018 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Sumter gearing up for Florence
How to Prepare for a Hurricane
Hurricanes are massive storm systems that form over ocean water and often move toward land.
Threats from hurricanes include high winds, heavy rainfall, storm surge, coastal and inland flooding,
rip currents, and tornadoes. The heavy winds of hurricanes can cause damage or destroy homes,
buildings, and roads, as well as cause power, water, and gas outages. These effects can injure or kill
people, disrupt transportation, and pollute drinking water. Hurricanes cause deaths and injuries
primarily from drowning, wind, and wind-borne debris. The impact from hurricanes can extend from
the coast to several hundred miles inland. To find your risk, visit FEMA’s “Know Your Risk Map.”
Be better prepared for this hurricane season, and learn more at ready.gov/prepare.
Now/Prepare
Sign up for local alerts and
warnings. Monitor local news and
weather reports.
Prepare to evacuate by testing your
emergency communication plan(s),
learning evacuation routes, having a
place to stay, and packing a “go bag.”
Stock emergency supplies.
Protect your property by installing
sewer back flow valves, anchoring
fuel tanks, reviewing insurance
policies, and cataloging belongings.
Collect and safeguard critical
financial, medical, educational, and
legal documents and records.
During/Survive
Follow guidance from local
authorities.
If advised to evacuate, grab your
“go bag” and leave immediately.
For protection from high winds,
stay away from windows and seek
shelter on the lowest level in an
interior room.
Move to higher ground if there
is flooding or a flood warning.
Turn Around Don’t Drown.®
Never walk or drive on flooded
roads or through water.
Call 9-1-1 if you are in life threatening
danger.
After/Be Safe
Return to the area only after
authorities say it is safe to do so.
Do not enter damaged buildings
until they are inspected by qualified
professionals.
Never walk or drive on flooded
roads or through floodwaters.
Look out for downed or unstable
trees, poles, and power lines.
Do not remove heavy debris by
yourself. Wear gloves and sturdy,
thick-soled shoes to protect your
hands and feet.
Do not drink tap water unless
authorities say it is safe.
September is National Preparedness Month
9/5/2018 (Permalink)
National Preparedness Month is sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) within the Department of Homeland Security. For the entire month of September, this initiative encourages people to take steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses, schools, and communities.
The devastating wildfires, hurricanes and earthquakes in 2017 and 2018 show the importance of preparing for disasters. Seeing that these disasters can strike in any shape or form at any given time, it is important to prepare in advance to help yourself and your community. Ask your community how you can volunteer.
Business also need to be prepared. Ask us about out Emergency Ready Program. It is imperative to have all the shut off information to your water, electric, and gas handy in case of an emergency. SERVPRO of Sumter can help with all that. We even have an app you can download so all the information can be at your fingertips.
Post Construction Cleaning May Benefit You
8/9/2018 (Permalink)
Stormy and SERVPRO know Clean
If your house is under construction for a remodel you know how messy (and dangerous) the area can be. While some construction companies will clean up after a remodel, you will still be left with somewhat of a mess to deal with. SERVPRO Professional Techinciaans will go beyond just sweeping and vacuuming the floors. Post-Construction Cleaning Services include thoroughly cleaning every inch of the remodeled area and will safely remove debris along with the following:
- Dust walls
- Hand wash all doors
- Hand wash all trim
- Mop all flooring multiple times (if applicable)
- Dust entire house multiple times to pick up residual falling debris
- Vacuum entire house thoroughly to pick up debris and dust
- Hand wash all cabinets and closets inside and out
- All reachable lights wiped.
Also during the construction phase, a building can trap moisture. Excessive moisture could result in mold growth. You may need dehumidification and drying to ensure that the moisture is eliminated.
Hoarding Can Be a Serious Issue
7/23/2018 (Permalink)
Hoarding is the persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions, regardless of their actual value.
Hoarding can be related to compulsive buying (such as never passing up a bargain), the compulsive acquisition of free items (such as collecting flyers), or the compulsive search for perfect or unique items (which may not appear to others as unique, such as an old container).
A lack of functional living space is common among hoarders, who may also live in unhealthy or dangerous conditions. Hoarders often live with broken appliances and without heat or other necessary comforts. They cope with malfunctioning systems rather than allow a qualified person into their home to fix a problem.
Those who hoard usually experience embarrassment about their possessions and feel uncomfortable when others see them. SERVPRO Of Sumter can help with issue and make it "Like it never even happened."
You Do Not Have To Be "Under Water" To Need Us
7/3/2018 (Permalink)
Flood cut in a Sumter home after a pipe busted while the family was on vacation.
Mitigation means acting quickly to stop the damage from getting worse, without necessarily fixing the damage. The key to storm mitigation is stopping water leaks and minor flooding so materials can dry within 24-48 hours. This prevents the further damage of structural weakening or wood rot, and stops the growth of mold on damp surfaces.
Even while it is still raining or an active leak is present, there are ways to mitigate the damage. The key is to not wait. Even if your home has been spared from acute flooding, what seems like "minor" water damage from leaks and other water intrusions can turn into major problems over time – and need to be addressed immediately.
Coverage is not always obvious or intuitive, so be sure to check your policy carefully and confirm coverage with your adjuster (this is not the same person who sold you the policy).
Types of Mold: Aureobasidium
7/2/2018 (Permalink)
Aureobasidium is an allergenic mold that can sometimes be found growing behind wallpaper or on painted or wooden surfaces. Aureobasidium usually develops in a pink, brown or black color. As it ages, aureobasidium typically turns a darker brown color.
Aureobasidium spores are difficult to identify on spore traps because of morphologic variation. Its most distinguishing feature is the production of primary blastospores (spores produced by a budding process) arising directly from pigmented, vegetative hyphae on short denticles (protuberances in the hyphae). The spores may be hyaline or pigmented, variable in size, one-celled, ellipsoid or ovoid, and completely encased in a slimy coat. These primary spores can give rise to secondary or tertiary spores through yeast-like budding. The conidia (spores) adhere together to form slimy heads. The brown hyphae can differentiate to form chlamydospores (resting spores) or arthroconidia (asexual spores) at maturity.
When to Test?
- When visible mold is not present, but the smell of mold is, a mold inspection and mold test can reveal whether there is indeed elevated mold, and where it is located.
- n some cases a doctor or the patient has a health issue that they cannot pinpoint the cause but seems to be related to mold symptoms (coughing, sneezing, headaches, etc). Here, a mold inspection and test may help to confirm whether the doctor’s or patient’s suspicions that a mold problem exists.
Tips For Commercial Carpet Cleaning
6/29/2018 (Permalink)
Proper carpet care can be a complicated part of commercial cleaning and facility management.A ton of cleaning choices are available, and deciding what carpet cleaning process or chemical to use can be a confusing task.
Up-to-date vacuums can reduce cleaning times.In some environments, traditional upright vacuums cannot be used efficiently due to furniture and other impediments.
Carpeting should be vacuumed as much as possible. Foot traffic and airborne impurities like dust, pollen and other contaminants end up in carpet fiber along with hair, dander, skin and dust mites.
Provide manual spotting tools to employees so that they can perform regular spot removal.
Look for certified products when making the change to sustainable carpet cleaning. Just because a product or service is green certified, that doesn’t mean it won’t damage carpet materials during the cleaning process.
Routine maintenance is the key to carpet appearance and longevity.
Your Shelter from Life's Storms
6/29/2018 (Permalink)
Your church is your congregations shelter, helping shield them from the storms of life. But if life's literal storms damage your place of worship or if your cleaning needs go beyond the reach of your staff, call your local SERVPRO Franchise Professionals.
No stain is too small and no storm damage is too big for the SERVPRO System. SERVPRO Professionals have the training, experience, resources and equipment to restore and clean churches quickly, helping make it "Like it never even happened."
Catastrophic Storm and Major Event Response. The SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team can provide help whether you're dealing with a tornado, hurricane, blizzard or flood. The SERVPRO System has a network of strategically positioned storm teams on standby should a disaster strike near you.
What is Ozone Treatment for Fire Damage
6/29/2018 (Permalink)
Ozone Chamber
o·zone'o?zon/noun
- a colorless unstable toxic gas with a pungent odor and powerful oxidizing properties, formed from oxygen by electrical discharges or ultraviolet light. It differs from normal oxygen (O2) in having three atoms in its molecule (O3). Ozone treatments are one of the best tools for removing odor caused by smoke damage. Ozone works to remove odors by chemically changing the structure of the molecules in the smoke that are creating the smell. The extra oxygen atom attaches itself to the other molecules to create a new molecule that is non-offensive—and non-smelly—in a process called oxidation. As a gas, ozone can clean anywhere air is allowed to flow. That’s one of the features that makes it so effective in removing odors that other cleaning techniques just can’t touch.
Household Mold Acremonium
6/29/2018 (Permalink)
ACREMONIUM:
Acremonium mold is a toxigenic mold type that evolves in its appearance over time. It first starts out as a small moist mold that turns into a fine powdery substance. Acremonium mold is often pink, grey, orange or white in color. Acremonium typically grows in household systems and areas such as condensation from humidifiers, cooling coils, drain pans and window sealants.
Acremonium is sometimes known to grow with other types of mold including strachybotrys, which creates a particularly unpleasant and dangerous mold problem in homes. Acremonium is a genus of fungus that consists of approximately 100 species. The presence of this slow-growing, prolific mold can be detected by its unpleasant stench in the air.
Tips to Control Mold
If you have leaks in the house or puddles of water in the basement, you can expect mold growth, and it can be difficult to eliminate. Make sure your house is well ventilated by opening windows or using a fan to keep air circulating. Immediately remove wet or water damaged articles such as rugs and upholstered furniture, and if the items cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried, get rid of them.
Fire Damage leads to Water Damage
6/29/2018 (Permalink)
Fire Damage in Sumter, SC.
Fires often trigger damage in a way homeowners do not expect: significant water damage. Whether during the efforts to put the fire out or leaks caused by the heat, firecan directly or indirectly cause your home to take on large amounts of water unexpectedly.
Fast response after the fire out is very important. Your furniture and belongs need immediate attention if they have been saturated with water and debris from the extinguishing of the fire.
Growth, swelling of wood, and rust are some of the things that can happen to your belongings after they have been through a fire.
Remember the first 48 hours after a fire damage can make the difference between restoring versus replacing. SERVPRO Professionals can help prevent fire damage from creating long-term affects.
Facts About Thunder
6/27/2018 (Permalink)
Thunder Facts
Thunder is the sound caused by lightning.
The intense heat from lightning causes the surrounding air to rapidly expand and create a sonic wave that you hear as thunder.
The average temperature of lightning is around 20000 °C (36000 °F).
The sound of thunder can be anything from a loud crack to a low rumble.
Light travels faster than sound so we see lightning before we hear thunder.
The closer you are, the shorter the gap between the lightning and thunder.
The speed of sound is around 767 miles per hour (1,230 kilometres per hour).
The speed of light is around 669600000 miles per hour (1080000000 kilometres per hour).
Thunder is difficult to hear at distances over 12 miles (20 kilometres).
Thousands of years ago philosophers such as Aristotle believed that thunder was caused by the collision of clouds.
Astraphobia is the fear of thunder and lightning.
July is Tornado Season
6/22/2018 (Permalink)
Tornadoes can destroy buildings, flip cars, and create deadly flying debris. Tornadoes are violently rotating columns of air that extend from a thunderstorm to the ground. Tornadoes can:
IF YOU ARE UNDER A TORNADO WARNING, FIND SAFE SHELTER RIGHT AWAY- If you can safely get to a sturdy building, then do so immediately.
- Go to a safe room, basement, or storm cellar.
- If you are in a building with no basement, then get to a small interior room on the lowest level.
- Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls.
- Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You’re safer in a low, flat location.
- Watch out for flying debris that can cause injury or death.
- Use your arms to protect your head and neck.
HOW TO STAY SAFE WHEN A TORNADO THREATENS
WHAT TO DO NOW: Prepare
- Know your area’s tornado risk. In the U.S., the Midwest and the Southeast have a greater risk for tornadoes.
- Know the signs of a tornado, including a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud; an approaching cloud of debris; or a loud roar—similar to a freight train.
- Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts. If your community has sirens, then become familiar with the warning tone.
- Pay attention to weather reports. Meteorologists can predict when conditions might be right for a tornado.
- Identify and practice going to a safe shelter in the event of high winds, such as a safe room built using FEMA criteria or a storm shelter built to ICC 500 standards. The next best protection is a small, interior, windowless room on the lowest level of a sturdy building.
- Consider constructing your own safe room that meets FEMA or ICC 500 standards.
WHAT TO DO DURING: Survive
- Immediately go to a safe location that you identified.
- Take additional cover by shielding your head and neck with your arms and putting materials such as furniture and blankets around you.
- Listen to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio, or local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions.
- Do not try to outrun a tornado in a vehicle.
- If you are in a car or outdoors and cannot get to a building, cover your head and neck with your arms and cover your body with a coat or blanket, if possible.
WHAT TO DO AFTER: Be Safe
Summer Is the Season for HVAC Leaks
6/12/2018 (Permalink)
HVAC unit that caused ceiling and flooring damage after a drain pan overflow.
Coming home to soaked carpet or ceiling damage isn’t fun. But it happens more often than you think. Here are some of the most common reasons your HVAC unit will leak inside your home.
FILTERS
Air Filters are easy to forget about. The average homeowner only changes their air filter 4 times a year, and if you forget…. bad things can happen.
LOW REFRIGERANT
A low refrigerant level can also cause your unit to freeze. Low refrigerant could be the sign of a refrigerant leak in your HVAC unit.
CLOGGED DRAIN LINE
Your drain pan sits under your unit and catches and excess water created by your HVAC unit. If this pan accumulates dust or algae, it can cause the drain to be clogged. A clogged drain line will cause your pan to over flow which means dripping water and water damage.
Each HVAC unit has a drain line. Sometimes drain lines become disconnected and you start to notice puddles of water or water damage coming from your unit.
The first thing you need to do is shut off your HVAC unit if any of this is happening then you want to call your service man to locate and fix the problem. After this has been done it is time for SERVPRO Professionals to come asses your damage from the water and dry your home properly.
Every Second Counts
6/6/2018 (Permalink)
Commercial Loss Team in Action
Water damage can strike your commercial property at any time. Water damage can sideline your business, regardless if the damage occurs from a major storm event or a broken water line. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. 25% of businesses never reopen after a substantial water damage.
SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have the training, experience, and equipment to manage water and flooding damage. Whether you have a large water emergency or a small water damage event, they will respond quickly to mitigate the damage and manage the restoration project through to its completion. We can minimize your down time and get you back up and running in the least amount time possible. We understand every minute counts and costs money.
Some Facts about Lightning
6/5/2018 (Permalink)
Lightning is an electrical discharge caused by imbalances between storm clouds and the ground, or within the clouds themselves. Most lightning occurs within the clouds.During a storm, colliding particles of rain, ice, or snow inside storm clouds increase the imbalance between storm clouds and the ground, and often negatively charge the lower reaches of storm clouds. Objects on the ground, like steeples, trees, and the Earth itself, become positively charged—creating an imbalance that nature seeks to remedy by passing current between the two charges. Lightning is extremely hot—a flash can heat the air around it to temperatures five times hotter than the sun’s surface. Many houses are grounded by rods and other protection that conduct a lightning bolt's electricity harmlessly to the ground. Homes may also be inadvertently grounded by plumbing, gutters, or other materials. Grounded buildings offer protection, but occupants who touch running water or use a landline phone may be shocked by conducted electricity.
(Information courtesy of National Geographic)
Flood Waters are Dangerous
6/5/2018 (Permalink)
Flood water poses drowning risks for everyone, regardless of their ability to swim. Swiftly moving shallow water can be deadly, and even shallow standing water can be dangerous for small children. Vehicles do not provide adequate protection from flood waters. They can be swept away or may stall in moving water.
Flood waters and standing waters also pose various risks, including infectious diseases, chemical hazards, and injuries, well as displace animals, insects, and reptiles. To protect yourself and your family, be alert and avoid contact.
Flood waters also may contain sharp objects, such as glass or metal fragments, that can cause injury and lead to infection.
It is very dangerous to play or drive in flood waters for these reasons.
Please be mindful of all weather hazards during this time in our great state of South Carolina.
(ERP) Emergency Ready Plan
6/4/2018 (Permalink)
ERP Readiness
The SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile Advantage
As many as 50% of businesses close down following a disaster, according to the latest research. Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind. And knowing you are "Ready for whatever happens" speaks trust to your clients and employees that in the event your business is affected by a disaster, they don’t necessarily have to be.
By developing a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business.
- 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 it will save a lot of time if ever needed.
- A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.
This can help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive by having an immediate plan of action.
- Establishes your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.
You have a provider that is recognized as an industry leader and close by.
- Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin.
This saves time so we can begin the work of mitigating the damage which can save you time and money.
- Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information.
Having a quick reference of what to do, how to do it and who to call provides solutions in advance of an emergency so that during the emergency you are "Ready for whatever happens."
Commercial Water Damage Coverage
6/4/2018 (Permalink)
Many property losses experienced by business owners involve water damage caused by leaky pipes. Water can be very destructive whether it seeps from a loose fitting or gushes from a ruptured main. Fortunately, many types of water leaks are covered by a commercial property policy.
Most commercial property policies cover damage to covered property caused by any peril that isn't specifically excluded.
While property policies contain a broad water exclusion, the exclusion applies mainly to flood and related perils like surface water, waves, mudflow, and the overflow of a body of water. It makes no mention of leaky pipes.
Property damage caused by water leaking from a broken pipe or appliance (such as a water heater) is generally covered under a property policy if the damage occurs suddenly.
Penicillium Mold
6/4/2018 (Permalink)
This type of house mold can be seen on walls, spoiled food, insulation, wallpaper and carpet. It is typically found around damp areas and near food that has gone bad. It typically appears in a blue or greenish color. The spores can cause allergic reactions but are not nearly as toxic as black mold. The discovery of penicillium helped aid the finding of penicillin which is used for treatment of bacterial infections. However, you do not want to have this type of mold in your home. It can easily be spread onto other areas of your home from trapped moisture. SERVPRO of Sumter offers free visual, non invasive mold inspections to help you determine the best ways to clean and treat any growth you may have.
The Basement Detective explains Crawl Space Mold
6/4/2018 (Permalink)
A crawl space with noticeable growth in Sumter, SC
The Basement Detective wrote an article about mold that we would like to share. It is as follows:
A moldy crawlspace is most often detected by technicians doing service work and by homeowners after noticing a hard to find musty smell in their homes. Locating mold in a crawlspace can be tricky due to a combination of low light and the presence of so many little nooks and crannies for the mold to hide.
Causes are near always attributed to water presence in some form or another. Whether moisture is pooling or condensing is often the concern in determining the source and location of any mold or moldy smells. It is the prevention and repair of the cause of these leaks that is the determining factor in preventing mold or moldy smells in the future. Simply placing plastic over the affected area will only give the moisture another substrate to condense on. This is why many crawlspaces that have been sealed without treating the water issues so often experience rotted wood corroded foundation walls and musty mold smells.
Tornado Safety
6/4/2018 (Permalink)
Weather Wiz Kids weather information for kids
In an average year, 1000 tornadoes are reported, resulting in 80 deaths and over 1,500 injuries. Tornadoes have been reported in every state and can happen at any time of the year. Take tornadoes seriously, because with winds blowing at 200 mph or more, they can destroy just about anything in its path. Always listen to the radio and television for the latest information and instructions for your area.
A TORNADO WATCH means tornadoes are possible in your area. Stay tuned to the radio or television news.
A TORNADO WARNING means a tornado is either on the ground or has been detected by Doppler radar. Seek shelter immediately!
BEFORE A TORNADO:
- Have a disaster plan. Make sure everyone knows where to go in case a tornado threatens.
- Make sure you know which county or parish you live in.
- Prepare a disaster supplies kit for your home and car. Include a first aid kit, canned food and a can opener, bottled water, battery-operated radio, flashlight, protective clothing and written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas, and water.
DURING A TORNADO:
- Go to a basement.
- If you do not have a basement, go to an interior room without windows on the lowest floor such as a bathroom or closet.
- If you can, get under a sturdy piece of furniture, like a table.
- If you live in a mobile home get out. They offer little protection against tornadoes.
- Get out of automobiles. Do not try to outrun a tornado in your car, leave it immediately.
- If you’re outside, go to a ditch or low lying area and lie flat in it.
- Stay away from fallen power lines and stay out of damaged areas.
Hurricane Facts
6/4/2018 (Permalink)
A hurricane is an intense tropical storm with powerful winds and heavy rain.Other names for a hurricane include cyclone, typhoon and tropical storm.While they are essentially the same thing, the different names usually indicate where the storm took place.
Hurricanes form over warm ocean waters near the equator. The warm, moist air above the ocean surface rises, causing air from surrounding areas to be “sucked” in. This “new” air then becomes warm and moist, and rises, too, beginning a continuous cycle that forms clouds. The clouds then rotate with the spin of the Earth. If there is enough warm water to feed the storm, a hurricane forms!
Most hurricanes occur harmlessly out at sea. However, when they move towards land they can be incredibly dangerous and cause serious damage.
Fire Safety Tips
5/30/2018 (Permalink)
Lee County Fire and Rescue Bishopville, SC
Top 10 fire safety tips
- Fit a smoke alarm and check it regularly.
- Make a fire action plan so that everyone in your house knows how to escape in the event of fire.
- Take care when cooking with hot oil and think about using thermostatically controlled deep fat fryers.
- Never leave lit candles unattended.
- Ensure cigarettes are stubbed out and disposed of carefully.
- Never smoke in bed.
- Keep matches and lighters away from children.
- Keep clothing away from heating appliances.
- Take care in the kitchen! Accidents whilst cooking account for a large number of fires in the home.
- Take special care when you are tired or when you've been drinking.
If you do experience a fire or smoke damage, SERVPRO of Sumter will do everything possible to elevate some of the stress and get you back in your home as soon as possible.
Don't Let it Grow: Mold
5/29/2018 (Permalink)
Cladosporium: a common mold that can grow on walls.
Health concerns may arise when excessive mold grows indoors. Concerns are more likely to arise for "at risk" people, However, anyone may experience health problems associated with mold in damp buildings.
There are 5 common types of mold that occur in your home but the most common is:
CLADOSPORIUM
— a much more potent fungus that can cause some serious health issues. Check out our source for the science breakdown. Cladosporium can grow indoors or out. Here are some examples of places where you might find cladosporium mold growing:
- Clothing
- Paper
- Woody plants
- Food
- Soil
- Painted walls
- Painted wood
- HVAC systems
- Mattress dust
SERVPRO Professionals are able to do a visual non invasive inspection of your home for potential growth. Recommendation of an Air Quality Professional to test the growth in your home and provide a protocol for SERVPRO to follow may be necessary to eliminate all areas of concern in your home or business.
Realtors: Let Us Help in the Sale of Your Home
5/29/2018 (Permalink)
It is important that a home you are getting ready to list is in top show condition and ready to sell. It is a fact that a clean, fresh smelling home sells faster. Unfortunately, not all homes are maintained in the same way. Nearly all realtors are faced, at some point, with a difficult listing to show and sell. Veteran realtors encourage clients to keep their homes in top condition for very important reasons: Increased market value, reduced lit to sale conversion times, enhanced reputation for quality listings and quick sales.
SERVPRO Professionals offer a variety of services to help revive your listings to top show condition.
Besides carpet and upholstery cleaning we also clean walls, ceilings, and just about every type of flooring. Also offered are duct and HVAC cleaning, mold mitigation and remediation, and deodorization.
Let SERVPRO of Sumter help you sell a clean home faster!
It is More Than Just a Roof Leak
5/29/2018 (Permalink)
Black water is nothing to mess with.
It is easy to just clean up the water and never consider the source. Contaminants hide everywhere. You may think that the water from the toilet bowl is fine to just clean up if no solids are present, however that is not always the case. Even daily cleanings of your toilet bowl can leave behind germs and bacteria. It is a known fact that the water in your bowl after you flush holds millions of bacteria. If you have an overflow these bacteria are now in your carpet and padding, or under your baseboards and soaking into your walls.
The same is true from a water intrusion from a leak in ceiling or roof. The water passes through materials, such as insulation and drywall, that contaminate the water and leave behind bacteria. If insulation is left wet in your attic it can also promote growth.
It is very important to have issues like these cleaned and dried by professionals. Let SERVPRO of Sumter help.
Support Your Local Fire and Rescue Departments
5/17/2018 (Permalink)
Lee County Fire Department
SERVPRO of Sumter would like to thank all the Firefighters, police officers, and EMS in Bishopville for letting us participate in the Lee County Rescue Day Parade. We enjoyed our time with all of you and the great townspeople of Lee County.
In most communities it is the local fire department that is the first to respond to emergencies, whether they are small, day-to-day types or large disasters. As the first official government agency contacted, they have the responsibility to manage the incident. Consequently, any volunteer group that wants to provide assistance during these emergencies must work with the local fire/rescue organization if they are to be effective.
Ask your local Fire Department to speak to your schools on safety and fire tips.
Facts You Need To Know About Pet Urine In Your Carpeting.
5/10/2018 (Permalink)
Urine deposited on carpet does not stay there, it penetrates the fibers and contaminates both the backing of the carpet and the flooring material below the carpet. Urine odors can permeate from the floor, be it cement or wood, from the tack strip, and even from the framework of the house behind the walls. As the urine dries, the liquid will evaporate but the urine crystals become even more concentrated and pungent. Re wetting the urine spots will intensify the odor and reactivate the crystals in the urine. Cleaning these stains can be very difficult and time consuming. Sometimes a professional cleaning service is needed, and even then there is no guarantee the odors can be eliminated. SERVPRO Professionals are always on hand to answer any questions you may have about pet odors.
We care for your belongings like they are our own
3/16/2018 (Permalink)
SERVPRO Professionals hand cleaning a customers contents after smoke and soot damage.
SERVPRO of Sumter knows how trying and stressful a fire can be. Our Professionals take great care to clean and pack your belongings so you do not have to worry about it.
Our warehouse is well equipment to store all of your belongings in a climate controlled area with extra steps taken to keep them clean once we have completed our process.
All items that can be cleaned to pre-fire conditioned are done so by hand with the correct SERVPRO brand cleaning agents and then repacked in clean boxes and stored until you are ready for them to be returned after repairs.
This includes all upholstered furniture and mattresses that once cleaned, will go through our ozone process to remove any lingering smoke odor.
Let SERVPRO help to make it "Like it never even happened." and alleviate some of the worry for you.
The definition of biohazard and how SERVPRO can help
3/14/2018 (Permalink)
Biohazard | Define Biohazard at Dictionary.com
biohazard
\ 'bi-o-?ha-z?rd \
noun 1. material of biological origin that is hazardous to humans This includes bodily fluids such as blood and microbial growth such as mold to name just a couple. SERVPRO Professionals take great care and pride in removing any and all bio hazards you may be experiencing weather it is from the death of a loved one or the unsightly growth of mold. Personal protective equipment is always used to protect not only our SERVPRO Professionals but also the parts of your home that are not contaminated. The disposal of these contaminants are also handled carefully by being bagged and boxed in biohazard bags and containers and hauled off by a company who specializes in bio hazard disposal. Let SERVPRO of Sumter do the unpleasant work for you.
What's Lurking in Your Ducts
3/8/2018 (Permalink)
Duct cleaning in a residence
SERVPRO technicians can sweep away years of dust and dirt, reducing potential allergies and growth.
Since the ventilation system is often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality, inspecting the ductwork should be a first order of business. Dirty ducts can circulate odors, contaminants, and irritating dust throughout your home.
Unlike the majority of duct cleaning services, your SERVPRO Professionals use a Portable Ventilation and Air Duct Cleaning System to examine ductwork and make a clean sweep, removing years of dust and grime.
Having a clean HVAC system and ductwork can potentially extend the life span of the equipment by allowing it operate at peak condition, saving you money.
In some cases duct cleaning is not necessary. Let SERVPRO inspect your duckwork first to make recommendations and save you money.
Water Damage Tips
3/6/2018 (Permalink)
Here are some helpful tips from SERVPRO® of Sumter:
Emergency Water Damage Tips
- Shut off the water source if possible.
- Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
- Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying.
- Place aluminum foil or wood blocks under furniture legs.
- Hang furs and leather goods separately at room temperature.
- Remove Oriental or other colored rugs from wet carpeting.
- Do not use a regular vacuum to remove water.
- Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of areas where ceilings are sagging from retained water.
- Do not leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpeting.
Water Damage Services
- Emergency Response: Reduce Loss Severity/Pretesting for Restorability.
- Contents Cleaning Specialists: On-Site or Move Out.
- Structural Restoration Services.
- Large Loss Completion with Trained Crew Leaders
Fire damage helpful tips before we arrive
3/5/2018 (Permalink)
Here are some helpful tips prior to the arrival of SERVPRO® of Sumter:
Emergency Fire and Smoke Damage Tips
- Limit movement in the home to prevent further damage.
- Place dry, colorfast towels or old linens on carpeted traffic areas to prevent more soiling.
- If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
- Wipe soot from chrome on kitchen and bathroom faucets and appliances then protect with a light coating of lubricant.
- Do not attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting a SERVPRO Franchise Professional.
- Do not attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture without first consulting a SERVPRO Franchise Professional.
- Do not attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire or water without consulting a repair service.
Fire and Smoke Damage Services
- Emergency Response: Reduce Loss Severity/Pretesting for Restorability.
- Contents Cleaning Specialists: On-Site or Move Out.
- Structural Restoration Services.
- Large Loss Completion with Trained Crew Leaders.
Do Not Delay, Call Today
3/1/2018 (Permalink)
Category 1 – Also known as Clean Water, this category of water is sanitary water, with no contaminants at the source, and poses no major health risks to you or your family. You can drink it, wash with it, or (if it is steaming), you can inhale it safely. Most of the water that comes into your home will be Category 1 until it leaves its source, either a supply line, an appliance, or melting snow or rain. Category 1 water may also be referred to as "Clear Water."
Once clear water has left its source for a prolonged period of time, however, it can quickly become contaminated and deteriorate to Category 2, gray water or Catergory 3, black water. Water with a foul odor is a good indicator that it has been mixed with soil or other pollutants.
www.IICRC.org/standards/IICRC-s500
That is why it is important to call us as soon as the water intrusion has been identified. If it sits too long, the floor coverings and cabinets may not be able to be restored. We are in the restoration business after all.
One service we provide
12/1/2017 (Permalink)
Thermal Fogging
No, this is not a fire occurring at this moment. This is a process called Thermal Fogging. It is just one of our services that we offer in the event of a fire damage to help treat and deodorize odors caused by smoke damage because it acts like a smoke itself.
It is able to travel like smoke and penetrate hard porous surfaces.
Our equipment heats a water based masking agent to create fog that penetrates everywhere smoke may have traveled. A thermal fogger unit can reproduce the energy and pressure of smoke, which penetrates every possible nook and cranny that could still hold odor after sooted material have been removed.
This could help specific clients that have breathing issues such as asthma or COPD.
Always Here to Help!
11/27/2017 (Permalink)
24/7 Emergency Service
Tow trucks and plumbers aren't the only ones ready at the drop of a hat! Because you never know when an emergency will occur, we have a team available 24/7, regardless of day or time, Holiday or weekend.
We have a trained staff on call to make sure someone is always ready to handle your emergency. Our staff is also IICRC certified and follow the guidelines outlined in the S500 for water and fire restoration. The faster we respond, the more we can restore. Hesitation can lead to replacement instead or restoration.
Just call our number (803) 773-4331 and we will have a crew at your home or property to begin the mitigation process to prevent any further damage occurring to your property.
Commercial Water Loss
11/14/2017 (Permalink)
Commercial Water Loss
What would you do if you came to work and was faced with this ? Hopefully call SERVPRO like this business did!
Upon entering this multi-shop business, this owner found that they were all affected by a pipe bursting sometime overnight. They called us to start extraction and drying process in an effort to stop any further damage to their property.
As in any Business, time is money, and the longer they stayed closed, the more business they were losing. We cannot stress the importance in time is critical when dealing with a water loss. The longer water sits, the more damage it is creating.
We are usually able to arrive on site within an hour, until then, use these tips to help - http://www.SERVPROsumter.com/water-damage-tips
Mold Can Grow Anywhere, We Can Remove It
11/2/2017 (Permalink)
Church Mold Remediation
SERVPRO specializes in mold remediation, the proper and safe way to remove mold and spores to prevent future recurrence.
It is important to make sure a containment barrier is used to prevent mold spores from becoming air born and settling on other areas not affected.
We use several methods to clean growth including HEPA vacuuming, soda blasting, and a plant based antimicrobial to ensure that we have the right options to fit your remediation needs.
Mold spores will grow more quickly if the temperature is above 70 degrees Fahrenheit.Significant mold growth requires moisture and food sources and a substrate capable of sustaining growth. Common building materials, such as plywood, drywall, furring strips, carpets, and carpet padding provide food for mold. In carpet, invisible dust and cellulose are food sources. After water damage to a building, mold grows in walls and then becomes dormant until subsequent high humidity; suitable conditions reactivate mold.
If you have a need of our services, please use these tips until we can arrive at your home or business.
There are times when an IEP or air quality professional is needed. Contact us if you need help in finding someone to test for mold!
24/7 Emergency Service
