When Every Dollar Counts

7/21/2022 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO Technicians take great care with your belongings and contents after you have experienced the hardships of fire and flooding.

Whether you are a business owner or a homeowner, experiencing the hardship of property damage due to fire or flooding, can be quite devastating.  Not only does is disrupt your life and business, but it also potentially damages and ruins your belongings.  That is why SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston and Dorchester County prefers the mentality of “restore” versus “replace”.

SERVPRO has the ability with its expertise in mitigation and restoration, to provide a clear path to helping you save money wherever possible.  One area where we can help is assessing whether your property and belongings needs to be replaced, or whether we can work to restore the item back like it was pre-disaster. 

Our technicians are trained to help you determine if something like a chair or couch is salvageable, where ultimately you decide if you want us to restore it back to how it was pre-disaster or have it replaced altogether.  If a belonging is not going to be covered by insurance, and will come out-of-pocket, then consider our ability to restore, and the cost savings that come with that decision.

We provide a pretest of belongings and contents to determine which can be restored, we use different methods to clean your belongings, this includes:

• Dry Cleaning – Cleaning light residues or a pre-wipe before wet cleaning.
• Wet Cleaning – A cleaning method used on moderate to heavy residues.
• Spray and Wipe – Used for items that cannot withstand getting wet.
• Abrasive Cleaning – The surface is cleaned using agitation by brush or bristle.
• Foam Cleaning – Used when upholstery fabrics will shrink or color bleeds with wet cleaning.
• Immersion Cleaning – Contents are cleaned via dipping into cleaning solution.

Beyond our different methods of cleaning to help the restoration process of your property contents we also have the ability to assist with move-outs and pack-outs where belongings are placed into temporary storage to protect them during property restoration and construction.

SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston & Dorchester County cares about your property, and the contents within it.  Our team has the skills and tools to help you take the appropriate steps towards getting your life and business back on track.  Whenever we can save you money and employ our “restore” versus “replace” mentality, we will.   

If you have experienced fire, water or mold damage to your property call us today for an assessment: 843-552-1226.

Building a New Tomorrow, One Home at a Time

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

New homes are popping up everywhere around Summerville, South Carolina! Can we assist on your new home construction?

It is no surprise to anyone living in the Charleston and Summerville areas how quickly the region is growing.  The construction trucks have been busy for years now and it does not look to be stopping anytime soon.  Entire neighborhoods are being built right before our eyes, home after home are popping up all around Berkeley and Dorchester counties and here at SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston and Dorchester County we have been on the front lines of new home construction assisting contractors with our post-construction cleaning and maintenance services.

One of the great ways we can assist new home builders is with our ability to clean up a site and get it ready for living.  From cleaning up heavy debris and dust to doing deep carpet cleaning, we are ready to assist.  We work hard at developing relationships with Project Managers and Construction Managers in the area to provide support in assuring the houses they build are ready for their new homeowners.

Another way we support local construction is during the pre-drywall phase.  Sometimes lumber can be impacted by rainy weather either during storage or at the construction site during the build.  SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston and Dorchester County provides drying and mold remediation services for framing and trusses.  This can mean the difference between keeping your build on schedule and assuring the lumber is not negatively impacted by moisture and mold.

And the final service we are going to talk about today is our light construction work during the warranty period of new home ownership.   This is another way that we help support and assist new home builders in our community with our ability to do light construction and maintenance on homes that need repair while the home is still under warranty.  If the home has been damaged by mold, water or fire, we are able to come out and mitigate the problem and restore the property.  This allows the contractors to focus on new projects while we work to keep the properties they’ve just built in tip-top condition. 

If you are a new home builder or construction company, please reach out to us today to discuss how we can assist you on your next big project. 

Emergency Ready Profiles are perfect for Hurricane Season

6/6/2022 (Permalink)

Preparing for rain in the South Carolina Lowcountry is a crucial aspect of living in the hurricane-prone region. Have an Emergency Ready Plan!

One of the ways we help our customers, and our community, is by providing property owners, or their facility or property managers, with a functional tool called the Emergency Ready Plan, aka, the Emergency Ready Profile. 

Here in the Lowcountry of South Carolina, along the Atlantic shoreline, we are in direct threat of major storms for a good portion of the year that stretches from May into November.  Not to mention, we also see some pretty nasty thunderstorms on an almost daily basis in the spring and summer seasons.  So having a plan for storms is an important step to being prepared.

Our franchise territories stretch from North Charleston to Summerville, South Carolina, and from Moncks Corner to Ridgeville.  Our community is large and apt to see storm damage of some kind across the region when big storms come through. 

One of our community members is Palmetto Rail, and we recently worked with them to provide them with Emergency Ready Profiles for each of their facilities.  Each facility has critical equipment and staff that need to know what to do in case of a storm.   Bad storms can cause all sorts of trouble for people, from down wires and trees, to flooding and wind damage.  Our ERPs will create a visual aid for Palmetto Rail’s staff with critical information like key contacts, infrastructure cutoffs and directions for staff to follow.  Those directions can include where to store loose materials, to where the water and electric cutoffs are during an emergency.

An Emergency Ready Profile comes in a hard copy that you can keep on site, or you can use the app version which allows the Property Owner or Manager to update information and contacts, and share with staff and employees.  It becomes an important tool for those managing large buildings or multiple properties like Palmetto Rail. 

And if our customer, or community member, is in need of help extracting water or mitigating disaster, the ERP gives our SERVPRO teams the lay of the land to plan and respond accordingly.  So whether you have multiple properties and facilities under your management, or you’re simply a homeowner, the Emergency Ready Profile can be an invaluable tool to prepare for the worst case scenarios. 

Call us today to set up an appointment for a FREE property assessment and Emergency Ready Profile @ 843-552-1226

Flooding and the Ramification of Waiting Too Long

6/6/2022 (Permalink)

Waiting too long to extract water and start the drying process on residual moisture can cause serious damage to your home and property.

If you have been the victim of flooding, then you are in a race against time, damage and mold.  It is never too late to start the process of mitigation and restoration when your home or property have been impacted by water incursions.  But waiting to respond and fix the situation can make your life that much more difficult if you wait too long.

One of the biggest challenges of water incursions is drying everywhere that moisture is now residing.  Water loves porous materials like cloth, wood and drywall where the water can be soaked up like a sponge.  Unfortunately, the longer it takes to extract water and start the drying process the higher the propensity for bigger problems to start arising.

Water damage can start ruining your home and property within the first 24 hours of getting wet.  Mold will begin growing, and damage will worsen to floors, walls and electrics unless the extraction of water and drying processes has begun.  If water is left unattended long enough, it can even start eating through concrete, and wood will begin to rot within a month in some cases.  And if a leak persists through multiple floors you will see additional damage as the water collects between floors and causes infrastructure collapse of insulation and ceiling panels. 

If you have walked into a water loss at your property you will want to call your insurance company as soon as possible, that’s the first step.   The second step is to call a water restoration company like us to come out and assess the situation, start emergency water extraction and mitigation processes right away.   The sooner you start extracting and drying up the water, the sooner you stop the process of damage and mold growth.

Always keep our emergency phone number somewhere handy, or save our number in your cellphone.  Saving precious minutes can greatly impact the cost of the water loss and the necessary work and repairs that will be required to fix your home or business.     

Emergency 24/7 phone line: 843-552-1226

Leadership Day at Devon Forest Elementary

5/19/2022 (Permalink)

Student's welcome attendees on Leadership Day at Devon Forest Elementary school in Goose Creek, South Carolina.

SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston and Dorchester County has the honor of working with a wide community in South Carolina that stretches from the city of North Charleston to Summerville, from Moncks Corner to Goose Creek, and to helping folks in Ladson and Hanahan it’s always a privilege to work with our community. 

We were recently invited to join other local community leaders attending the “Leaders In Me” Leadership Day at Devon Forest Elementary in Goose Creek.  And what an event it was, with the wonderful theme of being on a Jungle Adventure.  We were greeted by a host of children waving large hands and shaking pom-poms as we all walked into the school.  We were then lead to the cafeteria for a very generous breakfast of delicious doughnuts, fruits and beverages.

The event officially kicked off with a couple small performances by the students.  The children expressed how they grew as leaders throughout the year focusing on seven key habits; Being proactive, beginning with the end in mind, putting first things first, think in win-win terms, seeking first to understand and then to be understood, synergy, and staying sharp.  These are all great habits that will absolutely lead these young leaders to success. 

We were then taken on a tour of the school where we got to learn firsthand about how the children have worked towards their goals this year.   Our young Jungle Adventure tour guides took us to different classrooms where the children showcased displays that highlighted their activities, from collecting can tabs for a donation goal to those in need, to the Kindness Crew and their efforts to do kind things around the school, all of the children did a fabulous job expressing themselves, and their efforts.

The last stop of our tour was to the 4^th and 5^th grader classrooms.   We were provided with an opportunity to step into classrooms in action where the teachers worked their normal curriculum and the students showcased what they were studying or working on.  Every classroom was very welcoming, and it was a marvel to see how the kids truly loved their work with “Leaders in Me” and how it helps them stay focused on achieving their goals.

The event concluded with the tour leading us back to the cafeteria for another rousing performance from the students.  The school’s drumline did a wonderful native drum song, followed by the choir singing “You are never fully dressed without a smile” from the play Annie.  The students finished the event with a speaker’s panel where they took questions from the attendees.  Each student did a great job of expressing themselves and the importance of becoming leaders and sticking to those seven habits that will surely get them to their goals.

It was a great experience to be invited to a wonderful community event.  It is so important that we as a company not only make ourselves available as a business but also as neighbors showing support to those who live in our community.   SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston and Dorchester County hopes each one of the students of Devon Forest Elementary grow up to be successful leaders and positive forces in their community because it was so obvious that they have already begun to take that path.  Great job Devon Forest!  See you next year!

To see more photos, and learn more about Devon Forest Elementary and Leadership Day follow these links!

The Quality of Honesty

5/19/2022 (Permalink)

A customer speaks with a SERVPRO Crew Chief about service options.

We have customers call us from all over the Tri-County area, from North Charleston to Summerville and from Ladson to Moncks Corner, and we appreciate every call we get because we know our customers have options out there.   When you live in a disaster prone area that deals with hurricane season each year, you will find that there are a lot of restoration and disaster mitigation companies to choose from.  And I’m sure a lot of you out there are thinking, well how do you make the right choice? 

I could simply say, well choose us, because we are the best!  But you will still be asking why?  Well, one of the reasons we are an excellent choice to get you through any disaster is because we work to provide the highest quality workmanship through honesty.   Being up front about the fine details of a job, and the timelines required to complete them, is an important way unto which we work with our customers.  People who are dealing with disaster just want their lives back to normal, and they want that done as quickly as possible, and we absolutely understand that feeling, and need.

Here at SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston and Dorchester County we go well beyond touting the color of our vans as a reason to choose us over the competition, we choose to focus on excellent customer service that guides its customers through the reality and hardships that come with disaster restoration.  Being upfront about all the steps and time required to complete the job is very important for us to build trust with our customers. 

One of the ways we provide quality work through honesty is by doing thorough estimates that truly break down all of the steps, materials and time it will take to complete a job, and making sure all of their questions are answered about the cost and time needed to restore their home.  We also take great pride in working with insurance companies, providing support on claims to ease the burden for the customer, and then assuring the customer understands the process clearly.

It is critical to provide our customers with a clear path to restoring their property and belongings.  We want our customers to feel they are working with someone they can trust.  Honest communication provides that clear path to quality work that satisfies our standards and the customer’s expectations. 

We know that you have options out there, and we want to be the option that gives you the confidence you need to get through your disaster, one step at a time.   Call us today if you are dealing with water, fire or mold damage, we are happy to come meet you and discuss your options. 

Fire Culprits – Preventing Lithium Battery Fires

5/18/2022 (Permalink)

Lithium battery fires can start in Lap Tops to Radio Controlled Cars. Always follow the manufacturer's directions for proper battery use and care.

There are many different culprits that can cause fires.   We have seen all sorts of devastation caused by fire in our community from North Charleston to Summerville, South Carolina.   This blog series focuses on the varying ways that fires start, and the things we can do to help prevent them.  Today we will talk about fires that are caused by lithium batteries.  

It’s not a common occurrence but rechargeable lithium batteries can be very volatile and dangerous, especially if steps are missed in the care and maintenance of these battery types.  First off, where do we see these types of batteries being used?  Well typically, you would find Lithium Polymer (LiPo) and Lithium Ion batteries in hobby products like Radio Controlled Vehicles and Drones, but we also find these battery types in other common electronics, like cellphones, laptops, and wireless speakers.  These batteries store a large amount of energy in a small amount of space.

These batteries also have the propensity for overheating and sometimes explosion under certain conditions or improper recharging.  You always want to make sure you are handling these batteries and electronics with great care when recharging and storing.  The first thing you want to do is make sure you always follow all directions, instructions and warnings that come with the purchase of your electronic device that contains a Lithium battery. 

When recharging larger batteries with higher energy capacity like we see with Radio Control and drone hobbies you want to purchase a Lithium Fire Safety Bag or Case.  This is a special bag meant to store your batteries during charging and storage to assure that overheating and explosions are contained. 

When charging phones and other electronic devices, never keep them under your pillow, on your bed or couch, most fires will begin that way when electronics begin to overheat with a bad battery or poor connection on the charging port.  Always make sure your charging cables are in good shape, no frays or exposed wires, and when plugging them into the device make sure the connection is plugged in all the way.

If you fear that something is wrong with the battery never discard of it in the trash.  Stop using it right away, contact the proper authorities for disposal instructions or for immediate response if you suspect a risk of fire.  If possible, it is important to safely remove the battery from the vicinity of other flammable materials.

Our team here at SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston and Dorchester County has been there to help put back the pieces after fires have destroyed property and belongings for some of our neighbors here in the Lowcountry.  But we also want to help prevent these disasters for our community as well.  We hope some of these tips, provided by the NFPA, will help you protect your family and home.   

The Quality of Respect

5/12/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technicians are always ready to help their customers.

One way that we provide superior service is in the way we treat our customers.   We always want to be improving upon the work we do across our services by learning new skills and technical abilities, but another way we enhance the experience for our customers is by assuring that we treat them with respect.  Great customer service is at the heart of what we strive for in achieving a high standard of quality reviews and customer testimonials. 

The first way we show our customers respect is by listening to them.  Here at SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston & Dorchester County we make sure our customers feel heard.  We find that many of our customers might have just experienced a traumatic event, and sometimes those events might have destroyed their home or belongings, and tragically sometimes even worst.  We understand what it means to be empathetic, and how important it can be to listen to our customers during times of crisis.  Listening also allows us to better respond to our customer’s needs and expectations. 

Another way we show respect to our customers is by always being calm, courteous and kind.  We know that under some of those circumstances where a customer is dealing with the aftermath of fire or flooding, they might be upset, sometimes even angry about the situation.  We know how important it is to be patient and to show kindness to those who have just experienced hardship.  We also live in the community to which we serve so we see our customers as neighbors as well.   A little bit of kindness can go a long way to making people feel better about their situation, and their community.

The final way we show respect for our customers is by taking great care with their home and belongings.  At SERVPRO we understand that your home maybe in a terrible state when we show up but we take a lot of pride in how we treat your belongings, and your home, even when it’s been impacted by water or fire.  The things that you value the most are the things we try to save and restore.

High quality customer service is at the core of what we do here at SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston and Dorchester County.  From the moment you call us, to the moment we show up with vacuums and fans, we are going to take good care of you, and your property. 

Call us today for an Emergency Ready Plan – 843.609.4812

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Every Restaurant Needs An Emergency Ready Plan

4/18/2022 (Permalink)

Restaurant Fires Can Start in the Kitchen

According to one report the United States sees approximately 8,000 restaurant fires each year.  It notes that grease fires, gas leaks and faulty wiring leads to more than $200 million in property damage each year.  And that figure does not account for the financial loss in down time while your business is being put back together.

Many chefs and business owners can sometimes forget about the risks of fire until it’s too late.  Running a fast paced business like a restaurant that runs on ovens, stoves and fryers, and has major equipment working all the time like refrigeration and other appliances, always carries a potential risk of fire.  

Prevention is critical for a restaurant.  Making sure you are following state and local regulations for fire code is the first step.  Assuring that your business has an adequate suppression system is another.  And making sure you are maintaining your fire suppression and safety protocols is always very important.  But another way to be ready for a disaster is to have an Emergency Ready Plan.

When you have put your life’s work into building your livelihood its gut-wrenching to see that all taken away with a spark that turns into a major fire.   Having a plan to get yourself back up and running could save critical time and money from your business being down.

SERVPRO’s Emergency Ready Plan puts you in the position to respond quickly and efficiently when disaster strikes.  An app-based Emergency Ready Profile is created for your business at no cost to you, and it details all the critical information that someone would need when responding to the aftermath of a fire.   It gets our teams to your site quick, and they know exactly the lay of the land, where important cut-offs are, and what the size and scope of the operation looks like to provide the appropriate response.

When facing the risks of fire and all the damage that comes with it, you need to have a plan and some confidence that there is a path to getting back up and running.  Whether you are running a restaurant, or any other type of business, an Emergency Ready Plan is a great tool to have.

Call us today for more information.

Storm Season is Upon Us!

4/18/2022 (Permalink)

Are you ready for storm season?

Nothing can really prepare you for what mother nature sometimes throws our way.  And when it comes to hurricanes and tornadoes its best to follow the local orders of your municipality and always evacuate as soon as you can.   But the damage that is left behind can sometimes be immeasurable, we have been there with you when disaster strikes.  And sometimes disaster strikes with a random passing of a thunderstorm without much notice.  But you do not need to feel unprepared, are some basic things you can do to help when storms roll through. 

Here in the Lowcountry we deal with our fair share of storms and being prepared is something we should all be thinking about.  A couple great tips to prepare for storms.

• Make sure your yard is clear. Remove items that can blow around like children toys, tables, umbrellas, chairs and even garbage cans.
• Know where your cutoffs are for water, electric and gas.
• Have drinking water in containers or bottles.
• Make sure you have fresh batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Store flashlights in accessible spots.
• Keep tarps and boards set aside to cover windows.

SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston and Dorchester County is here to help when you need us, we understand storms and the impact they have on homeowners and property owners around the Lowcountry.  Being prepared is an important step to mitigating disaster, keep our number nearby, and call us today for a free Emergency Ready Plan.

Be ready for the STORMS!  And if you have already been negatively impacted by a storm call us right away, we can help you get back up on your feet.  

The Road to Storm Recovery

4/18/2022 (Permalink)

Tree goes through roof of home in the Lowcountry, Charleston area.

For some people even a normal everyday thunderstorm can cause absolute devastation.  We saw this with our own eyes with a powerful line of thunderstorms that barreled through the Lowcountry a few weeks ago, bringing with it powerful winds, monsoon rains and even tornadoes. 

One home in our community sadly took a direct hit from a large tree that came right through the homeowner’s roof in the middle of the storm.  We were there to get that call for help when they needed us the most.  When storms cause this level of severe damage SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston and Dorchester County is just a call away to help and have our team dispatched. 

Getting to the scene it was evident this house was in need of a lot of help.  The tree would need to be cut and extracted right away as the rainwaters just poured into the home through the cracks and rips in the roof.  Flooding now became the second part of this disaster.

As soon as the tree was removed, the roof and walls were covered up to prevent any further rain water from getting into the house.  The job also required our crew to extract water and start the cleaning process inside while the roof required tarps to cover the gaping wounds that would need to be repaired on the outside.  It was a full scale disaster for this homeowner but we were there right away to start putting back the pieces.

And soon thereafter the rain and clouds moved on and it was clear that this home was going to survive to see another sunny day of blue skies.  It’s a very difficult situation for any homeowner to get through but with a restoration company like SERVPRO you should have some peace of mind knowing there are people here to help you through these disasters.   Slowly bringing the pieces back together.  Bringing your home back to life and getting you back on track.  "Like it never even happened."

It’s not always something you can prepare for but it’s a good idea to have your yard and property surveyed by an arborist each year before the storm season to make sure your trees are healthy.  In the event that you have a tree that is dead or has dead limbs, an arborist can provide the proper tree services to assure those trees and limbs are cut back.  Better to have the tree cut down before it falls on your house in a bad storm.

Hurricane Season 2021, A Recap

4/18/2022 (Permalink)

Hurricane Ida plows into the Louisiana coast on August 29th, on the 16th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.

When looking back at last year for 2021 we dodged some bullets here in the Lowcountry when it comes to major storms.  But 2021 wasn’t so kind to the rest of America when we look at last year’s hurricane season and most of that damage was caused by one storm, Hurricane Ida.

In 2021 we had 21 named storms during the hurricane season which officially starts on June 1^st and ends on November 30^th.  The peak of the Atlantic hurricane season is September 10^th.  The 21 named storms for the season was just the third time on record that the seasonal naming list was exhausted.  Total storm damage in dollars was approximately $70 billion in damage.  And the eye-opening detail of that damage in dollars is that Hurricane Ida caused ninety percent of it. 

When Hurricane Ida struck the Louisiana coast on August 29^th it walloped the state with 150 mph winds, the most powerful storm to ever hit the state.  The damage along the Gulf Coast was terrible, temporarily displacing hundreds of thousands of people, with many areas remaining uninhabitable without electricity for weeks.

But the storm didn’t stop in Louisiana, it continued to barrel up the east coast, along the Appalachians, dumping historic amounts of rain all the way up to New York City.  Hurricane Ida caused 95 U.S. deaths, 48 of which were in New York and New Jersey which saw flooded subway systems and basements across the region. 

With the effects of Tropical Storm Free just happening weeks before, Hurricane Ida also flooded Tennessee and North Carolina causing more destruction, and sadly more deaths.  Another example of the widespread destruction this one storm caused. 

With 11 landfalls in the United States in 2020, and 8 landfalls in 2021, we can only assume 2022 will be another year of potentially disastrous storms.  With that knowledge there are many ways to be prepared.  Keeping your eye on this blog is one way to receive great information and tips on how you can protect your property and loved ones. 

SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston and Dorchester Country provides the services necessary to mitigate, restore and rebuild your properties after disaster strikes but we can also help you prepare for the worst case scenarios.  Ask us today about our Emergency Ready Plans and what you can do to prepare as homeowner or property owner. 

Get to Know Your Water Heater

4/18/2022 (Permalink)

We worked on a home that had a busted water heater in the attic that flooded through all floors causing severe damage throughout the house.

One common issue that could potentially save a lot of people from a lot of trouble is making sure you know where your water heater is located in your home, and making sure its maintained.  If you want to prolong you water heater’s efficiency and longevity, follow these useful tips.

The first tip is knowing where your water heater is located.  Often it is located conveniently in your garage but sometimes it can be in very inconspicuous places like a closet, and sometimes it can even be in your attic.  If your water heater is in an attic or closet within the home, it’s even more critical to make sure it’s being taken care of and well maintained.  We have seen our fair share of busted water heaters in the attic that have cause severe damage to entire homes as the water floods through each floor.  Get familiar with its location, and know how to shut off the water valve to the water heater in case of a leak or busted water heater, this will save you immeasurable time and money lost.

The next tip is to have a professional come out and check the water heater.  There are a few things that a professional will do to make sure the water heater is functioning optimally.  The first thing they will do is make sure the temperature-pressure-release valve is tested and working properly.  Then they will check the anode rod, this rod runs inside the tank and it attracts iron, limestone and other minerals present in the water so that it corrodes before your tank does.  Having this replaced is relatively inexpensive and it can save many years on the lifespan of your water heater tank.

Another important step to maintaining your water heater is to drain it and wash out any sediment.  This also helps the water heater run more efficiently and last longer as mineral sediment is removed.  A professional will also recommend that the temperature on the water heater’s thermostat(s) be lowered to increase energy efficiency.   Adjusting the thermostat and also adding insulation around the pipes and water heater itself can also increase lifespan, efficiency and energy savings.

Some of these tips can be done yourself with the right tools and proper instruction, there are great how-to guides for maintaining water heaters on the internet and through your water heater’s manufacturer.  If you don’t feel comfortable and confident then please call a professional plumber to come out and take a look at your water heater. 

Following these steps to maintaining your water heater can save you from severe damage and major headaches.  It’s better to replace or fix a water heater before it’s too late and you need us to come and extract the flood waters.    

April Showers Bring... MOLD?

4/14/2022 (Permalink)

Got Mold? We are here to help!

Mold and mildew are no strangers to us here in Charleston!  And it is a problem that we take very seriously here at SERVPRO of Dorchester County.  Do you have mold lurking behind your walls, around windows, or on vents? Mold can grow just about anywhere there is the presence of moisture. Isn't it enough that we deal with the high humidity here in the Lowcountry?  Here are just a few ways mold can be an issue in your home or business: 

• Leaks in windows, roofs and piping can cause a mold issue on and around the leaky area.
• Flooding, whether caused by mother nature or an appliance issue, is another source of moisture that can cause growth issues.
• Once mold gets into paper products or wood, it grows fast and often these items cannot be salvaged. 
• Dust, paint, wallpaper, drywall, insulation, carpet, and any type of fabric or upholstery. All susceptible to encouraging microbial growth.
• Suffer from allergies?  Don't even get us started on the list of issues here!  

If you feel your home or business has a moisture issue that may be causing mold growth and damage, we are here to help. Call us today for an inspection! We have professionally trained technicians ready and happy to help.  843.552.1226

Fires Often Start in the Kitchen

4/14/2022 (Permalink)

Fires often start on the stovetop.

So many fires start in the kitchen... on the stovetop to be specific.

Being prepared for the worst case scenario will allow you to find the best solutions when disasters like those caused by a stovetop fire strike.

One tip is to always keep an extinguisher in the kitchen, but keep it in a place that's NOT above or near the stovetop and oven. Make sure its functioning properly and up-to-date with the assistance of your local fire department. In case of a fire never put your life in danger, always call 911 and exit the property as quickly and safely as possible.

Another great way to be prepared is to call or message us today about Emergency Ready Plans, it is a great tool to minimize down time getting your life and business back on track after a fire.

For more information on our fire services go here.

Golfing on a Thursday? Count Us In!

4/14/2022 (Permalink)

Gotta love all that SERVPRO orange! Thank you to our sales staff for volunteering on the Charleston Leader team!

We had a blast participating as the Final Round Sponsor for Charleston Leader’s 3^rd Annual Golf Tournament, benefiting educational programs in local elementary schools!  If you are unfamiliar with Charleston Leaders and their mission, we encourage you to visit their website to get in the know.

The short version is that Charleston Leaders uses multiple events and programing to raise funds to implement Leader in Me platform in local elementary schools, meet various needs of classrooms and schools, and foster and grow leadership skills in local business men and women across the Lowcountry.  From Oyster Roasts to panel discussions with the local Mayors, they have got you covered.

During the course of business at SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston, we provide education on and encourage being prepared.  Making sure you have taken all advance precautions and put in place the relevant relationships with the vendors and resources you will need in an emergency.  So as you can can imagine, as far as we are concerned, creating young leaders in our schools seems the perfect way to prepare for the future of our communities and we are so proud to play our part! 

Thursday’s event was held at Summerville Country Club and was a raging success.  It was the first time we had been able to gather for an after party at a tournament due to Covid and we are pretty sure no one went home hungry! 

We love serving Charleston and all her surrounding areas. If you are local business owner and want to discuss further how we can help you better prepare for a fire, water, or mold issue, please do not hesitate to reach out and ask about our Emergency Ready Profile, customized just for your business. 

Interested in more information on becoming a Charleston Leader?  We can help with that too… just follow this link or email beth@SERVPROofgnc.com

Biohazards... Did You Know?

2/25/2022 (Permalink)

The deer broke in through the window and survived, but not with out first making a mess!

Did you know that SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston and Dorchester County clean up biohazard disasters in both residential and commercial properties?  Here’s a little more info on what constitutes a bio-hazard.

What Are Biohazards?

Biohazards are dangerous organisms such as bacteria, mold, fungi, viruses, and toxins from an organic source. Biohazardous materials can exist anywhere and are a serious health risk to people when eaten, inhaled, or come into contact with skin.

Different Types of Biohazardous Waste*

• Liquid Biohazardous Waste:  Liquid waste including blood, blood products, and any bodily fluids from humans and animals.
• Sharp Biohazardous Waste: Instruments contaminated with biological material that are sharp enough to puncture the skin. Examples include needles, syringes, microscope slides, and broken tubes.
• Solid Biohazardous Waste: Contaminated biohazardous materials that are not capable of breaking human skin. They include gloves, towels, and plastic ware such as pipettes and specimen vials.
• Pathological: Animal and human body tissue, organs, and bones.

Why Choose SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston for Biohazard Cleanup?

Very few words make people as anxious as ‘biohazard.’ It conjures mental images of abandoned property, hazard tape, and people roaming around in hazmat suits.

Trained and experienced experts should handle biohazardous cleanup for public and occupational health and safety, and that is exactly what we offer.  We have trained professionals ready to answer your call 24/7 and biohazard remediation and cleanup to your home or office. Click to learn more about the biohazard services we offer.

You can reach us through the Contact Us page on our website or by calling 843-552-1226.  We are always ready and eager to help.

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*For more detail visit the BWS website. 

Your Ductwork and the Dreaded Pollen

2/25/2022 (Permalink)

If you see this... you could have a problem! We are here to help.

The ventilation system in your home or business heats and cools to your desired temperature, however, it can also distribute dirt, dust, or heaven forbid… Charleston springtime pollen. Affecting the air quality in the building, and frankly, most of our sinuses!

Particulates like dust, pollen, dirt, and other contaminants can be airborne or carried around by animals, birds, insects, etc.  When indoors, the hope is that the air quality in the building will provide you with relief from the outdoor particles, however, they do often find their way inside and get trapped in the HVAC system.

These outdoor intruders enter the ventilation system, move through the ducts, and travel into various areas in your home or business. When you keep your HVAC system and the air ducts clean and well maintained, you extend the life of the equipment, which will save you money in the long run. You can also rest assured knowing that the quality of the air your family or employees and customers are breathing is as fresh as possible.

If you have ductwork with visible dust and dirt built up in them, or you are not sure when they were last cleaned, we are here to help.  SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston has the equipment and knowledge to remove the dreaded pollen and other contaminants from your system  and we are only a phone call away! 

Whether you need services right now or want to schedule a cleaning after the Spring Pollen Storm we are all so familiar with here in the Lowcountry?  Give us a call today and let’s get you scheduled.   

We are locally owned and operated since 2006, and we are proud to serve you, Charleston!

Top 3 from Swampfox Insurance Agency

2/25/2022 (Permalink)

Want more personalized service when it comes to your insurance coverage. Call Danielle!

Partnering with dependable and trustworthy businesses in the Tri-Counter area is critical to our success at SERVPRO of Dorchester County.

We spent a little time with one of our favorite insurance agents last week, Danielle Butler with Swamp Fox Agency.  We wanted to know if she could pick just 3 things to have customers be on the lookout when changing an existing policy or shopping for a new one. 

Here is what she had to say: 

1. Review policies & check deductibles for homeowners & flood insurance –

• Make sure to check all deductibles and especially look for wind & hail or named storm deductible. They are either a flat number or a percentage of your Coverage A limit and can be very high.
• Flood insurance is not not covered under your homeowners policy & has a 30 day waiting period so make sure to get the coverage before you need it!
• Also, keep in mind insurance carriers will put moratoriums in place once they know the path of the storm so ALL policy changes will need to be done ahead of time. You cannot make any changes or bind any new coverage once a mortarium is in place. Once the storm passes, its about 24-48 hrs. before we can start writing coverage again.

2. Take inventory of personal property & photos – Take photos & inventory of your personal property & photos of your home before the storm so you can have records for this if a claim were to happen. This is great for adjusters so they can be quick to pay out a claim.

3. Update your disaster supplies kit – (this is a list taken from the Berkeley County website)

• A portable, battery-powered radio or television and extra batteries.
• Flashlight and extra batteries.
• First aid kit and first aid manual.
• Supply of prescription medications.
• Credit card and cash.
• Personal identification.
• An extra set of car keys.
• Matches in a waterproof container.
• Signal flare.
• Map of the area and phone numbers of places you could go.
• Special needs, for example, diapers or formula, prescription medicines and copies of prescriptions, hearing aid batteries, spare wheelchair battery, spare eyeglasses, or other physical needs.

Danielle is an active part of the Moncks Corner and Goose Creek community and is in the process of helping the agency expand to include another location.  The whole Swamp Fox team is responsive and always puts their customers needs front and center.  The not only provide insurance policies for your residential or commercial properties, but also personal and liability policies as well. 

Feel free to reach out to with any questions or insurance needs.  And be sure to tell her SERVPRO of Dorchester County sent you! 

Who You Gonna Call??

2/25/2022 (Permalink)

Who are you going to call if you have a fire or water disaster at your business? Photo by Bruno Cantuária from Pexels

Calling all local business owners!

• Is your business open around the clock?
• Do you have staff monitoring the building over night?
• Do you have a designated person who opens the office every morning?
• None of the above? Read on, this cheery little disaster restoration tip is for you too!

The most important question we at SERVPRO of Greater North Charleston ask daily:

Do you and all of your key employees know who to contact in the event that a fire or water damage occur?  Especially if you are not present to make immediate response decisions?

Not just the obvious… Fire Department, law enforcement, and 911 are certainly the priority. But what about when the dust settles and you are left with the mess of the aftermath?

Have you built a relationship with someone that can help you get things back in order so you can get back to business?  If not, we would love to become part of your team. 

Here’s why we should be that next call:

• We have a KNOWLEDGEABLE employee answering our phones (no voicemail) ready to dispatch our production teams at any time, day or night. We believe the person who answers your call should be able to mobilize relief in just a few minutes and be available to answer whatever questions you have throughout the process.
• We have a crew of professionally trained mitigation specialist certified in areas like mold remediation, fire restoration, and water mitigation. We only employ the best.
• We keep an extensive inventory of quality products, tools, and equipment on hand at all times in order to be able to accommodate any size disaster.
• Our reconstruction staff stays fully informed of the cleanup progress so we are ready to provide information and estimates to you as quickly as possible so you can make decisions about any construction issues as a result of the damage.
• We work with all insurance companies and will walk with you through the entire process to ensure there are no coverage issues or surprises at the end of the job.
• Lastly… and most importantly, every person on our office, restoration, and reconstruction teams take great pride treating your business and property as if it were our own.

Response time is critical in getting your business up and running after a disaster.  We can help.  If you are interesting in hearing more on how we can help you be prepared, reach out any time.  

Click to see more of what we have to offer our Commercial clients.

Click to get a sneak peek at our Emergency Ready Profile, customized just for your business.

Click here to contact us so we can be ready for you when you call.

We have been locally owned and operated here in the Lowcountry since 2006, and we truly love serving the Charleston area business community.

Is Your Business Protected from Fire Damage?

1/28/2022 (Permalink)

Is your business prepared?

Business owners are constantly assessing risks to their business, staff and visitors. One of those risks can be fire hazards in the building. 

Ways to Protect Your Business

There are many steps you can take to protect your business from the risk of fires. By focusing on fire risk assessment, fire prevention and staff education, you can work toward reducing the chance of a fire.

• Assess the risk. Your local Fire Marshal's office will schedule a time to visit your building and do a full inspection that will identify any areas of concern.
• Have the right fire protection equipment in place, which would include an automatic sprinkler system, smoke detectors and fire extinguishers on each floor.
• Create a fire plan and review it with your staff on a regular basis to ensure everyone knows what to do and where to exit in the event of fire.
• Conduct fire drills at least once a year to keep the fire safety protocol fresh. 
• Take time to review evacuation plans any time there is a structural change to the building. 

Despite best efforts with fire prevention and safety tips, a fire may still occur. If a fire has damaged your business, SERVPRO® of Greater Northern Charleston is available to help make it "Like it never even happened."  Here for you 24/7 ~ 843.552.1226

New Year...Time to Inventory!

1/28/2022 (Permalink)

Water. Fire. Mold. "Like it never even happened."

A current Home Inventory can save you thousands in lost contents! 

Our technicians specialize in the restoration of contents damaged by fire, water, or mold. Their expertise can help you save money on your loss.  Having a complete inventory of the contents of your home BEFORE a water or fire damage can make certain that all items lost in the fire or flood are included in your insurance claim.

How to create a home inventory

• Group your possessions into logical categories, i.e., by hobby, by room in your home, etc. 
• Your list should include not just essentials, but all types of belongings. For example: jewelry and art, as well as everyday leisure items such as televisions and guitars.
• Don't forget items you use rarely such as holiday decorations, sports equipment, tools, contents stored in the attic or garage, etc.
• Pull together copies of original sales receipts and/or appraisal documents. Also note model and serial numbers and put in a safe place.
• Carefully photograph or videotape each item and document a brief description, including age, purchase price and estimated current value. 
• Store your home inventory and related documents in a safe, easily accessible place online, on your computer or in a fire-proof box or safe deposit box. Consider sharing a copy your insurance provider as well.
• Once you have completed your home inventory and stored it safely, set a reminder to update the inventory and photos annually.

These are all suggestions and the detail you want to include is up to you.  In the event of a fire, water, or mold damage to your home, ALL contents that are not salvageable should be covered by your insurance claim.  Right down to the spices in your kitchen cabinet.  So whether you go through the whole process of creating a cataloged inventory, or just take pictures of the contents in each room a few times a year, we highly recommend you have a current home inventory.  Just in case.  

We are here and always ready to help if you suffer a damage to your home.  Our teams are trained, professional, and treat each and every home as if it were our own.  

Ready.  24/7 (843) 552-1226

Keeping Ice Where It Belongs

1/28/2022 (Permalink)

If the winter temps causes ice to form where it doesn't belong and causes trouble. We are here! 24/7 (843) 552-1226

Frozen pipes are not something we typically have to worry about here in Charleston.  And we much prefer our ice to stick to chilling our cocktails and not our pipes.  However, it's going to get cold this weekend so, as a reminder that ice does occasionally cause some winter woes, Charleston Water Systems has great information and tips on to protect your home or business from a winter storm related water loss. From insulating pipes in advance to as simple as letting faucets drip in below 32 degree temps.  Check out the full article here.

As many of the homes in the South are on a slab and have plumbing in the attic, even a small leak can cover a lot of territory as it not only seeps horizontally, but down into the lower floors as well.  Just a few moments of preparation, could very well save you thousands in damages. 

We hope we have an ice-free winter… but, as always… we are here to help - 24/7 - if you find yourself in a chilly mess!  

We are always ready to help make it "Like it never even happened."  (843) 552-1226 

Don't Let That Water Damage Turn To Mold

1/28/2022 (Permalink)

Faster to any disaster! Here for you 24/7 (843) 552-1226

It takes no more than 48 hours after water damage occurs for mold to begin to grow. This is why dealing with a leak or flood in your home in a timely manner is so critical.  We pride ourselves in our rapid response time and treat a loss in every home as if it were our own. However, some water damage cannot be seen right away and growth is inevitable. 

Got Mold?

If you encounter a mold problem evaluate the size of the problem. The Environmental Protection Agency suggests if the affected area is larger than 10 square feet, it is best to bring in professionals.

Be sure that the company you bring in are highly trained and certified in the following areas:

• Applied microbial remediation
• Water damage restoration
• Applied structural drying

Sometimes, minor mold issues can be successfully resolved by a homeowner on their own, but it is always in your best interest to talk to the professionals to ensure the safest resolution to the problem.

At SERVPRO® of Greater Northern Charleston, our mold damage specialists are trained and certified experts in mold remediation. If your home or business is experiencing a mold issue, contact us to begin the mold remediation process. 843-552-1226 

Signs That You Need A Fire Restoration Company

1/11/2022 (Permalink)

Always ready to take care of your fire restoration needs!

What is Fire Damage Restoration, and When Do You Need It?

Fire damage restoration involves the process of repairing and restoring your property, residential or commercial, after the damage caused by fire or smoke. Fire restoration may content cleaning asbestos and lead abatement, property board up, eradicating soot, smoke odors, and debris removal, demolition, and reconstruction. 

The best option for addressing a fire damage situation is by immediately calling a professional fire damage restoration company, like SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston. Delayed restoration after even small fire damage might lead to many issues, including decay of your property and structural issues. You might also face other problems such as mold growth, water damage, and even theft.

Sometimes a fire may not seem to have caused enough damage to involve a professional team or your insurance company.  Here are some common signs that you should get a restoration company involved.

• Dirty or Stained Walls: One of the easiest ways to trace fire damages is through checking ceilings and walls where the fire originated. You should immediately address the matter if you notice your walls have black or gray stains days after the fire. A fire damage restoration contractor will be able to conduct a quality fire cleanup service that will also enable you to avoid replacing the material in some situations.   
• Cloudy Air: If you still see cloudiness even after turning on your fans and opening your windows call a professional to conduct a fire damage cleanup. Breathing this kind of air can be very dangerous to your health.
• Persistent Smoke Smell Smoke: odor in their homes gets absorbed into many materials and can remain for quite some time, even after a thorough cleaning. Fire restoration services are equipped with the proper cleaning and equipment supplies to ensure proper cleaning.
• Rusting: Metal hardware that was on the pathway during a fire might start to rust a few days later. If your personal property relies on this hardware, the deterioration can be dangerous. Experts from a restoration company will guide you on whether to clean them thoroughly so that you can minimize rust or replace them altogether.

Why Choose SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston?

When you encounter a fire damage disaster, timing is everything.  You'll need professionals who will get to your home or commercial property within the shortest time possible. SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston, we are available 24/7 and we always respond fast to ensure that our clients limit the property damage of the fire loss and lessen their fire restoration cost.

We are a locally owned company and we've served the residents of the Greater Northern Charleston as good neighbors with quality services at affordable rates. We are here for you, 24/7.  843-552-1226

Causes of Water Damage

1/6/2022 (Permalink)

Here for you 24/7!

Are you a North Charleston SC resident?  If so, you are well aware that water plays a huge role in our lifestyles here.  Most of the time…that is a good thing. But, when the water is causing damage to our homes, it’s an entirely different story.

Water damage can occur from a myriad of circumstances. In many cases, water damage happens about when an issue goes unnoticed. It may take weeks or months for the damage to show up. Time is of the essence when dealing with any water damage problems, and you need to act immediately. This water can destroy not only your ceiling, furniture, and carpets, but also irreplaceable personal goods, precious family possessions

When dealing with water damage, immediate action is critical to minimizing damage. The franchise experts of SERVPRO in North Charleston, South Carolina, respond immediately and utilize advanced resources and techniques to remove the water hastily. Additionally, they closely observe and detail the drying process to ascertain that your property is dried to industry standards.

Some of the common water damage issues include:

Structural Damage from Leaking Roofs

Roof leaks are among the most responsible causes of water damage in South Carolina and a common problem that homeowners face. Breaks in the material used for roofing, ineffective seals on the vents, or even chimneys could cause water leaks. When saturated with water, the structural integrity of the wood is compromised. Metals, also, when they rust, result in structural instability.  Water seepage inside walls, concrete or wood framing, or the foundation weakens the home’s or business’s structure, potentially leading to collapse. Non-structural water damage to the ceiling and drywall can also wreak havoc in your home.

Leaking or bursting pipes

Leaking or bursting pipes are a common cause of water damage in all homes. Toilets and drains that get backed up and blocked cause undue pressure in the pipes, causing them to leak or burst. Additionally, improper functioning of garbage disposals and rusty pipes are also more susceptible to leaking.

Malfunctioning Bathroom and Kitchen Appliances

Tubs leak water around the edges or in cracks found in the tiles as well as in the fixture or faucet areas. Refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters and all predisposed to deterioration. When household appliances get old, pipes start to wear and tear, and their hoses become fragile. Regular maintenance and monitoring of all appliances is critical to preventing unnecessary water damage.

Sewage Leaks and Spills

Sewage cleanup by a professional is imperative. Sewage spills lead to seepage of toxic gray or black water that contains human and animal contaminations or biological waste and can pose health risks. Therefore, restoration should always be completed by trained water damage professional.

Weather Related Problems

While we do not have any control over natural weather-related disasters we can embrace all the preventative measures possible in advance to limit their effect on your property. Hurricanes, sudden storms, and flash floods can all elicit water buildup. Contact our water damage specialists in North Charleston, South Carolina, as soon as possible to help fix the damage and prevent additional damage.

We Are Here To Help.

At SERVPRO, our goal is to restore your property to its original form and minimize the damage. We guarantee exceptional customer experience, and for this, we avail our certified cleanup experts to you 24 hours a day, seven days each week.. Our customer service is the best in the industry and will help you deal with your insurance company, reducing the stress and making the process smooth.

Our team of water damage experts is always on standby 24-hours a day to offer emergency support and fix water-related disasters when they arise. Contact us anytime at (843) 552-1226 or request our help through our Contact Us page on our website.

What To Expect During Water Restoration

1/6/2022 (Permalink)

The more you know!

SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston’s water restoration experts have the best resources and skills for water removal, cleanup, and flood damage restoration and repair. Our services include water extraction, cleanup, dry-outs, dehumidifying, flood water removal, and emergency services. We also offer sewage cleanup, damage assessments, odor removal, mold removal, tarp-over services, and structural drying.  

At SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston, our technicians are trained and certified in water disaster management and all forms of remediation. We have helped many Charleston area residents recover from different disasters in the past 16 years.

Here is a breakdown of what to expect if you were to need our services due to water loss to your home or business: 

Damage Inspection and Assessment

We dispatch a restoration professional to your home in North Charleston, Summerville or any of the neighboring areas for a property inspection and assessment of the water, fire or mold damage to be done. The inspection and assessment ensure that everything from the scope, budget, timeframe, and restoration service demands are analyzed.

Dehumidification, Water Removal, and Dry Outs

In this step, our technicians often use specialized dehumidifiers, water extraction equipment, and air movers to ensure any water or moisture that may have remained in the furniture, carpets, and on the floors is removed. Once standing water is removed and equipment is set, our crew makes daily visits to monitor and assure the materials are drying appropriately. 

Cleaning and Sanitization

Once the affected materials are dry and equipment is pulled, all areas are disinfected and cleaned as necessary.  This step often involves deodorizing and cleaning up the carpets, floors, furniture, and other important areas. The two activities are precautionary steps to prevent microbial growth and remove odors.

Reconstruction

Once the mitigation teams have completed the drying and disinfecting process, we can move on to rebuilding and restoring the damaged property.  From replacing carpet to complete rebuild, our construction services team is here to walk through the entire process with you and your insurance company. 

Here for you 24/7

SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston has friendly and professionally trained teams on call 24/7 for you in the event of an emergency in your home.  Contact us anytime at 843-552-1226 or reach out to us on our Contact Us page on our website. 

What To Do After A Fire In Your Home

10/26/2021 (Permalink)

We are always here to help.

What To Do After A Fire

In the midst of the chaos of a fire, it helps to know that someone is here to help.  Here are a few tips on what to do immediately after a fire, and how a professional restoration company like SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston can help. 

Most Important:  Your health comes first! 

Having a house fire can be disconcerting at best!  Often causing feelings of fear, confusion, and stress. The most important part of the recovery process is to work with first responders and medical professionals to ensure everyone… including your pets!... receive any needed medical care.  Smoke inhalation, burns, and even feelings of panic or anxiety are all potential symptoms of a fire.  The EPA's website has extensive information about potential health effects when you have experienced a smoke or fire disaster.

Now.  On to what to do in the aftermath of a fire in your home. 

Contact A Professional Fire Damage Restoration Company

Fire damage restoration experts will perform mitigation work and ensure that it is safe for you to be on your property. There are many risks that can develop after a house fire and our technicians at SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston are trained to assess and create a restoration plan that takes into account your safety, personal belongings, insurance claim, and peace of mind.    

Secure Your Home

Any windows, doors, or areas of the roof that were damaged by the fire itself or during the process of the fire department extinguishing the fire should be boarded up and secured as soon as the fire chief says it is safe to do so.  If you do not know a contractor who can take care of this for you, our construction team is ready and available.

Get A Fire Report

As they fire department conducts their assessment after a fire, they generate a report that is important throughout the recovery process.  It has valuable information on the cause of the fire, as well as the “all clear” from the fire chief that it is safe to move forward with getting your life put back together. 

Contact Your Insurance Company

Fire damage and smoke clean-up can be expensive, so it is best to know exactly what your options are early in the process.  Confirming your coverage and deductible amounts, along with what the claim representative will need from you in order to expedite payment and repairs, reduces stress in the chaos of the first few days of clean up.

Take Inventory

List everything that you lost as a result of the fire for your insurance company. Pictures and videos are extremely helpful as well.  When our restoration teams arrives onsite, they will be listing as much as they can see was damaged. But only you truly know exactly what was in rooms with extensive damage.  We will also be determining what items can and cannot be cleaned and listing those that cannot for insurance reimbursement as well. 

How Professional Restoration Services Can Help You With Your Home's Recovery Process

Why is a professional service needed?  Here are a few reasons.

Emergency Removal and Storage of Belongings

Professional restoration experts will begin work immediately and help you to safely remove your belongings including your personal items from your property. They will then move your belongings to their facility for storage purposes where they will be safe until you have repaired the structural damage of your property.  No renting trucks, storage units, or mobile pods.  All of those issues already have a solution. 

Emergency Boarding Up and Tarping

Fire restoration companies will send their professionals to tarp and board up any areas in your property that were damaged and exposed as a result of a fire. On staff technicians and partnerships with contractors are already in place.  Lessing the time it takes to secure your home.

Communicating With Your Insurance Companies

SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston has worked with just about every insurance company in the US.  We understand the fire damage claims process very well and we will do all we can to ensure your claim is as stress free as possible. Our goal is to work with your insurance adjuster to help you receive payments quickly and accurately.

Clean Your Home

House fire and smoke damages can sometimes be very extensive and it can leave dangerous contaminates behind.  Especially when water is used to extinguish the fire.  Our trained technicians are certified in IICRC cleaning standards and take great pride in taking care of your home and family by meeting or exceeding those standards at all times.   

Why Choose SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston

When you encounter a fire damage disaster, time is everything. SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston, is available 24/7 and have managers and teams on call at all times to ensure a rapid response time.  

We are a locally owned company and we've served the residents of the Greater Northern Charleston as good neighbors with quality services at affordable rates. We will be involved from start to finish during your home or property fire damage restoration process.

Contact us and let us help you restore fire damage in your home or property in the most efficient way possible with our experienced and friendly professionals.  

At Your Service! 24/7

8/16/2021 (Permalink)

We answer 24/7. No answering service or voicemail!

Our goal is to help minimize the interruption to your life and quickly make it "Like it never even happened." Our highly trained crew is always ready to take care of your restoration needs. We understand the stress and worry that comes with a fire or water damage and the disruption it causes your life and home or business.

SERVPRO is the cleaning and restoration brand you know and trusts serving you since 1967, we specialize in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke, or water damage. Our franchises, SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston and Dorchester County, have been locally owned and serving the Lowcountry since 2006. You can rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property no matter the size or type of loss. And the best part…  we have a manager answering the phones 24/7 so you never have to wait on an answering service.

Here for you, Charleston. 24/7.

Water Mitigation in a Nutshell!

8/9/2021 (Permalink)

Unfortunately, disasters happen. Are you ready?

Property disasters are a certainty. They can be minor or significant, but damage issues are a guaranteed part of property ownership.

Damages and their repair becomes more complicated when water is added to the mix. Rainwater can spill over and enter into places that it should not be, from places such as the roof, attic, crawlspaces, or basements. Water build-up can wreak havoc as it continues to rise and accumulate.  A dishwasher malfunction or burst pipe can create a world of chaos if it is not dealt with as swiftly as possible.

These are merely a few of the instances that compel a property owner to seek out water restoration professionals.  In any circumstance, the mitigation team will show up on site to evaluate the extent of the damage, and determine the best course of action.  Though jobs vary drastically, all follow the same basic process.  Here is what you can expect:

• Communication of drying plan with property owner and completion of appropriate documentation.
• Extraction of any excess water.
• Removal of any materials or contents that cannot be salvaged. A couple of examples are carpet padding and drywall that are fully saturated.
• Disinfectant application to all affected areas and materials in order to prevent any mildew or mold growth during the drying process.
• Fans and dehumidifiers set strategically to promote the most efficient drying timeline.
• Schedule to monitor the drying progress over the following day.
• Final equipment removed upon all materials drying to IICRC standards.
• Final loss report and supporting documents sent to insurance adjuster for payment.

At SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston always prioritize restoration over replacement during water mitigation.*  Other firms may take a more replacement approach and this can affect the way the job is run as well as how efficiently the insurance claim is handled.  Most insurance professionals realize that restoration versus replacement allows for property protection and long-term preservation and is the key to minimizing further damage within the property.

Cost of water mitigation

The first question we are usually faced with in an emergent water damage is, “What do we do now?”  The next most commons question is, “How much is it going to cost?” Property owners want to know how much it will cost to remove water within a property and to dry out the area.

The truth is that, while specific line items have standard pricing, cost of the full job varies from job to job, depending on severity and circumstances.  Here are a few things that factor into cost:

• Source of damage. For example, sewage is more expensive to clean up than the water from an ice maker due to additional precautions and disinfecting processes to prevent the spread of dangerous contaminants.
• Severity of damage. Size of job can be deceiving.  Occasionally, jobs with a small area of visible damage can actually be quite complicated to mitigate based on what is under the surface. One instance is when a water damage is left unattended and mold grows in the walls and under the flooring with no external sign of its presence
• Time of day emergency services are needed. After hours, weekends, and holidays often have different pricing, as the cost of production staff is more expensive during these times. However, insurance companies consider this when approving your claim.  We work directly with the insurance company to ensure they are in agreement with the necessity of the afterhours work and pricing.
• The specifics of your insurance policy. All policies range in deductible and coverage requirements. It is critical to know what you coverage is before beginning a job.  By calling us immediately upon discovering a water damage, we can help you navigate the beginning portion of the process and ensure that we are working within the parameters of your specific policy.

While the insurance and billing process of a water loss can be daunting, we have a team of trained professionals on staff 24/7 to make sure the claims and payment process is as seamless as possible. 

We are here for you.

Fortunately, water mitigation services are not something property owners require very often, but it is certainly a necessary service when dealing with chaotic water situations.  So, we highly recommend you research and find a restoration company that you will feel confident in calling if damage does occur. 

SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston & Dorchester County has been serving the Lowcountry for 16 years and have an incredible team ready to help.  Feel free to call us to discuss any questions you may have in advance of a disaster so you are as prepared as possible.

Always just a phone call away to make your water damage, "Like it never even happened."

*If you’d like to know a little bit more about why we restore rather than replace when possible, here is another post on the subject. 

Got Smoke??

8/4/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke damage can be daunting to tackle. We can help!

The complexity of property loss or destruction due to fire damage is largely due to smoke's unique behavior. Smoke can penetrate any porous material not only inside the home, but within cavities of the structure as well, causing hidden damage and odor.

Having a SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston Professional inspect and assess your home after fire damage before beginning the cleaning process saves time. It can prevent the loss of essential items or keepsakes as we can  help put a plan in place for you as you await insurance approval or for the fire department to complete their investigaton. 

For more detail on the behavior of smoke, the risk of hidden damage, and how we at SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston can help, please contact us at 843-552-1226 or through our "Contact Us" page on our website. 

We are always here to help!

Response Time is Key!

7/22/2021 (Permalink)

Response time matter! We are always ready to help!

Rapid Response on EVERY call is what sets our SERVPRO franchises apart from our competitors.  While all SERVPRO franchises are independently owned and operated, we are all held to the same response time guidelines.  We are actually scored on our ability to maintain consistent response times with the 1-4-8 standard set by our corporate leadership. 

At SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston and Dorchester County, we take the 1-4-8 guideline as a challenge.  When we are notified of a loss by your insurance company, property manager, or a direct call from you, we IMMEDIATELY take steps to contact the appropriate person and make arrangements to be on site for emergency service in as little time as possible.  Highly trained and professional technicians are usually on site in less than 2 hours unless otherwise requested by the client.

We also make it a practice to contact your insurance adjuster, if possible, during the initial visit to your property in order to expedite necessary approvals for the work required to mitigate the fire or water damage and restore your home or business as quickly as possible.  We work diligently with your adjuster to be sure the scope of work falls within the parameters of your covereage with no surprises when it comes time for invoicing. 

SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston and SERVPRO of Dorchester County are proud to be part of a nationwide system that challenges us to provide expedient, quality service to our local home and business owners.

We are ready 24/7 to serve the North Charleston, Goose Creek, Moncks Corner, Summerville, Ladson, Hanahan... and all of Dorchester County.  Always just a phone call away.  843-552-1226

2021 Hurricane Season is Here!

6/10/2021 (Permalink)

Are you familiar with your storm/flood insurance coverage?

Last year’s season on the East coast was relatively quiet, so it may have been some time since most of us have even thought about our flood insurance and homeowners insurance policies.  Now is the perfect time to change that! 

Do you know where your insurance policy is?  The amount of your deductible?  What the best way to file a claim?  Is there an app you can put on your phone in the event that you cannot access paper copies?  Does your car or boat have adequate coverage? Do you have a local agent?

Etc, etc, etc.

Take a few minutes this weekend to brush up on the questions above and reach out to a local agent to make sure there is nothing more you need to be taken care of well and quickly in the event this year’s storm season is not as kind to Charleston as last year. 

Feel free to reach out to us at SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston and Dorchester County with any questions you may have concerning hurricane preparedness as well.  We are always here to help.

Response Time is Critical!

6/10/2021 (Permalink)

Faster to any disaster!

SERVPRO strives to have the best response time possible when called for help on water damage. Our goal is two-fold:  To reduce interruption to your family or business and to make the insurance claim resolution seamless and timely.  On a practical level, we simply want to stop the rapid time in which damage can occur.

Here is a timeline on how the damage from water can progress over just a few weeks:

IN MINUTES…

• Water spreads very quickly from source to adjoining rooms.   
• Furniture can stain carpets.  
• Paper items are ruined.
• Color in carpets can run.
• Odors, especially pet or smoke, are released from the carpet and pad. 
• Electronics (computer towers, power bars, etc.) can be damaged.

IN HOURS…

• Wood and cabinets begin to swell, split or delaminate.
• Drywall begins to disintegrate.
• Bacteria begins to present and sewage contaminants become airborne.
• Many metal surfaces will begin to tarnish.
• Odor becomes stronger and more nauseating.
• Wooden & Vinyl floors can bubble, buckle or cup.

WITHIN A WEEK…

• Mold will begin to appear and affected areas will no longer be restorable.
• Metal surfaces will begin to rust.
• Wood on cabinets or doors and door casings begin to swell.
• Water will have seeped into the internal areas of furniture increasing the cost of drying, or make drying impossible.

 IN WEEKS…

• Residence may need to be evacuated due to health hazards.
• Drywall surface beyond the original affected area can be affected by seeping moisture, mold and mildew.
• Wood on cabinets, doors and casings can split and finishes be destroyed.
• Original affected area, as well as additional areas covered in mold and mildew, will become unsalvageable and will need to be replaced. 

SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston has professionally trained teams, ready for your call. Contact us 24/7 at (843) 552-1226.  

Your Business and the 2021 Storm Season?

6/10/2021 (Permalink)

Call to discuss creating your Emergency Ready Profile!

With storm season upon us, you will be hearing a lot about being prepared.  Natural disasters can cause businesses to shut down for days or months until repairs can be made and structures are safe enough to enter and resume business. Every day you remain closed is another day of lost profits. 

With SERVPRO® of Greater Northern Charleston, you can count on us to get to the disaster faster and make it "Like it never even happened." Our training and expertise have prepared us to help with water damage, storm damage, fire damage and mold remediation quickly and effectively.

Give us a call today to learn how we can help by implementing an Emergency Ready Plan, specific to your business - no contract, no charge.  Just our way of helping you be ready for whatever happens.  24/7 ~ 843.552.1226 or use our Contact Us page on the web. 

Did you know??

5/25/2021 (Permalink)

Just a few facts that set's SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston apart!

• SERVPRO was founded in 1967.
• The Greater Northern Charleston franchise has been in business for 16 years.
• We are the National leader and provider of fire and water cleanup and restoration services.
• We also specialize in mold mitigation and remediation.
• SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston is locally owned and operated and answer the phones 24/7.  No answering services!
• A network of more than 1,700 individually owned and operated Franchises make up the SERVPRO family.
• We are international and now have franchises in Canada.
• We respond to property damage emergencies ranging from individual residential disasters to multi-million dollar commercial losses.
• The SERVPRO® System has established relationships with all major insurance companies.

Most of all… We love working with our Lowcountry home and business owners!

1 Year Down... Many to go!

5/25/2021 (Permalink)

We just celebratred our 1 year anniversary of offering Reconstruction!

Any restoration project, regardless of the cause of loss, has 3 phases from start to finish.  Assessment, mitigation, and reconstruction.  We have prided ourselves in offering quality services in 2 out of the 3 phases over the years, and now we are also offering reconstruction!  SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston and Dorchester County can now be your one-stop-shop to get your life or business put back in order as efficiently as possible.

Between ownership and management, there is nearly a cumulative century in experience to navigate you through the process of recovering from a fire or flood in your home or commercial space.  Here is a little about our Reconstruction management team:

• Tom Gomolka, Reconstruction Services Manager.  Tom owned a local contracting company and has been restoring and remodeling homes for the last 10 years. Tom joined our team in 2020 and we are looking forward to the leadership he brings to the table. 
• Beth Williams, Marketing & Construction Services Manager.  If it has to do with the real estate industry, Beth likely has experience somewhere in her resume.  Lending, property management, investment, renovations, and the last 8 years have been all things SERVPRO.  Dedicated to growing a respected and community conscious business is her goal, and we are all on board.
• Most important, there is no list without these two: Liz and Brandon Ferm, Owners.  Liz is a 2nd generation SERVPRO franchise owner and Brandon joined the Green Truck family 14 years ago when they first bought the Greater North Charleston license.  Liz has background, not only in restoration, but in mortgage lending, processing, investment, and property and business ownership.  Before becoming one of the owners of an IICRC Certified Firm, Brandon was heavily involved in the Charleston Food & Beverage scene. From bartending to restaurant ownership to growing a multi-license SERVPRO franchise, there is little that can happen to a business that he has not experienced and managed first hand.

If you want people that know the cost of being out of business due to a disaster, this is the team to choose. Our crews are trained from day one that getting the doors back open as quickly and efficiently as possible is priority one.

Contact us any time at (843) 552-1226 or on through our website.

Why Replace When You Can Restore?

5/25/2021 (Permalink)

We work with all insurance companies to get you back into your home quickly and efficiently.

At SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston & Dorchester County, we are in the business of restoration rather than replacement. Restoration vs. replacement provides the homeowner peace of mind, in the event of a loss, that they will be able to make the most of any insurance payments they receive. 

Why do we focus on restoration?

• To help minimize the amount of building material discarded into landfills.
• To help preserve the original architecture of building structures.
• Restoration is much more cost-efficient than replacement.
• Many items cannot be replaced, such as important documents and family heirlooms.
• Restoration can better satisfy a complete return to normalcy when catastrophe occurs.
• Insurance policies often have limits that cap the amount of a claim - restoration allows for minimizing the costs of returning a structure to preloss condition.

SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston works seamlessly with insurance companies nationwide, providing them with restoration budgets that not only meet their stringent guidelines, but provide the homeowner with the best possible outcome.

You have a choice when it comes to who to trust with your home after a fire or flood. Choose SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston & Dorchester County and let us help you make it… “Like it never even happened.”

We can be reached 24/7 at (843) 552-1226.  

Just a Month Away!

4/30/2021 (Permalink)

Storm season is on its way... Ready or not?

We are only a month away from the 2021 Hurricane season!  It’s never too early to get your home and family prepared. There is not much that can be done once a storm is imminent, but taking just a little bit of time in advance can not only help ensure your family’s safety, but it also brings a peace of mind and keeps you out of some of the crazy last minutes lines at the store!

Our favorite resource for all things storm preparedness is ready.gov.  Among many other things you can find information and tools on:

• Creating a plan for your home and family.
• Finding your evacuation route.
• Insurance and financial necessities to consider.
• Building an emergency kit.
• Downloading and utilizing the FEMA disaster help/alerts app.

We at SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston and Dorchester County are also here to help you prepare.  If you own a local business, we have a program especially for you.  Our Emergency Ready Program allows us to set you up in our system in advance of a disaster with all of the necessary information to reduce response time to getting your restoration under way. 

For our homeowners, we have a deductible advantage program.  By registering and answering just a few pertinent questions, we will cover up to $1,000 of your deductible if you had an insurance claim that we were hired to complete the work.

We love serving the Charleston area and while no one wants to see a storm hit our beautiful coast, we all know they are somewhat inevitable.  So we may as well be as prepared as possible!  If you have any questions about the 2 programs above, please feel free to call 843-552-1226 or email beth@SERVPROofgnc.com and ask for Beth. 

Here's to an easy breezy 2021 storm season, Charleston! 

Getting Back to Business

4/22/2021 (Permalink)

We can make it "Like it never even happened," with just one call.

Water or fire disasters can cause businesses to shut down for days or months until repairs can be made and structures are safe enough to enter and resume business. Every day you remain closed is another day of lost profits. 

By building a relationship with contractors that would be available for repairs and knowing which cleanup and restoration service will be available to quickly respond to your emergency situation, you will be well on your way to doing business again.

With SERVPRO® of Greater Northern Charleston, you can count on us to get to the disaster faster and make it "Like it never even happened." Our training and expertise have prepared us to help with water damage, storm damage, fire damage and mold remediation quickly and effectively. Not only can we take care of all the clean up, but we have a reconstruction department as well.  One call is all it takes to get your business back to business.

Give us a call today to learn how we can help by implementing an Emergency Ready Plan, specific to your business - no contract, no charge.  Just our way of helping you be ready for whatever happens.  24/7 ~ 843.552.1226 or use our Contact Us page on the web. 

Protecting Your Business From Fire

4/22/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage? We are always here to help.

Business owners have plenty of safety factors to take into consideration regarding risks to their business, staff and visitors. Fires are one of those risks to your business that you need to spend a little extra time planning for and preventing.

Ways to Protect Your Business

There are many steps you can take to protect your business from the risk of fires. By focusing on fire risk assessment, fire prevention and staff education, you can work toward reducing the chance of a fire breaking out.

• Assess your risk of fire hazards. There are some local governments that may offer a visit from a fire marshal to help you identify these risks and provide guidance on creating your fire prevention plan.
• Have the right fire protection equipment in place, which would include an automatic sprinkler system, smoke detectors and fire extinguishers on each floor.
• Create a fire plan and review it with your staff on a regular basis to ensure everyone knows what to do in the event of fire.
• Conduct fire drills at least once a year to keep the fire safety protocol fresh. 
• Take time to review evacuation plans and where the first-aid kits are.

Despite best efforts with fire prevention and safety tips, the worst could always happen at your business. If a fire has damaged your business, SERVPRO® of Greater Northern Charleston is available to help make it "Like it never even happened."  Here for you 24/7 ~ 843.552.1226

Covering Contents.

4/22/2021 (Permalink)

Would you remember all the items in this room?

It is no secret how damaging flames and smoke can be to your home or business.  Smoke and soot clean up alone can be tedious and expensive.  One area we find is often overlook when it comes to protecting a home and office, are the contents contained within.

Most insurance policies have contents coverage, in the event that they get damaged in a fire or water (sometimes both!) loss.  However, policy holders are still required to submit a list of the items that were deemed unsalvageable in order to receive payment.  We assess and do our very best when on the job site to notate any item we determine must be thrown away.  But sadly, not all items can be recognized.  Especially in the room where the fire started. 

Having pictures and an up to date home inventory, can help determine what times were stored in each room so nothing gets missed.  If you are renting your home or office space, and have tenant's insurance, your inventory is just as critical! 

Set aside a few minutes every quarter to take pictures and make note of any new valuable items. Hopefully you will never need to use them, but if disaster does strike, they could keep you from losing out on content reimbursement.

We are here for you 24/7 if you have a fire or smoke disaster.  843.552.1226

2021 Hurricane Names

4/22/2021 (Permalink)

Just a few more weeks and Hurricane season will be underway. Remember, we are always here to help.

2021 seems like it is just flying by!  April showers are nearly behind us and hurricane season is just around the corner.  Ever wonder who comes up with the storm names each year?  The World Meteorological Organization names the Atlantic Storms and the NOAA names the rest!  The Atlantic names for 2021 are listed below.

1. Ana
2. Bill
3. Claudette
4. Danny
5. Elsa
6. Fred
7. Grace
8. Henri
9. Ida
10. Julian
11. Kate
12. Larry
13. Mindy
14. Nicholas
15. Odette
16. Peter
17. Rose
18. Sam
19. Teresa
20. Victor
21. Wanda

We always hope for a safe season, but also work very hard to be as prepared as we possibly can if a storm does affect the Charleston area.  We can help you plan as well.  Contact us for information on how you can have your business set up for priority response if there is a city-wide storm or flooding event this year.

Stay safe, Charleston.  We are here if you need us.  24/7

Spring Showers.

4/22/2021 (Permalink)

We love serving you Charleston! We are always here to help.

Spring is in full swing and it has been beautiful! But be sure to prepare for whatever Mother Nature may send our way.

With the arrival of spring comes longer days and more sunshine.  However, drastic changes in temperature are also common, bringing with them the threat of severe weather throughout the country.

There is no way to be able to predict the weather with 100% accuracy, however, advanced warnings, along with the right preparation, can greatly improve overall safety for your family.

Below are some suggestions  to your home to prepare for severe weather:

• Clean gutters, drains and downspouts.
• Trim trees of loose or dead limbs
• Secure outdoor belongings

Having an emergency kit with the following items is also advisable:

• Battery-operated flashlight and NOAA weather radio, with extra batteries for both
• Emergency evacuation or shelter plans
• Important personal information including contacts and medical information.
• A first-aid kit with things like non-latex gloves, adhesive bandages, tweezers, sterile gauze pads, aspirin packets, adhesive cloth tape and scissors
• 3–5 day supply of bottled water and nonperishable food
• Personal hygiene items
• Blankets or sleeping bag

One thing that always remains true of unpredictable spring weather: It always happens. If your home or business is damaged in a storm, you can depend on SERVPRO® of Greater Northern Charleston to get the cleanup and restoration process started fast.

How well do you know your water?

4/22/2021 (Permalink)

Our professionally trained and certified technicians can identify the type of water and how to safely mitigate any damage.

We deal with water damages every day.  Part of effectively cleaning up a loss is identifying what type of water caused the damage.  There are three different classifications for water: clean, gray and black.

Clean Water

Much like its name states, “clean” water is free of harmful contaminants and is the result of broken water lines, malfunctioning appliances, toilet holding tanks, snow melt, and rainwater.

This is the easiest type of water damage to clean up after, but after sitting for 48 hours and following contact with the surfaces of a building, clean water then moves up to a category two, which is gray water.

Gray Water

With “gray” water, water damage cleanup and restoration will become a bit more serious and involved as it generally contains some kind chemical or biological contamination. 

Gray water can often come from dishwashers, aquariums, showers, etc. Again, the 48-hour exposure time applies here as well because if it is not quickly treated, gray water will turn into black water.

Black Water

Black water is the third classification of damaging water and the most serious of the three classifications. Considered highly contaminated by harmful chemicals and biological matter, it would include floodwaters containing soil and all sewage waters.

Sewage is laden with contaminating microbes, including bacteria, protozoans, molds, fungi and more, which can be harmful to humans. Some of the diseases that can be transmitted by black water are:

• Cholera
• Typhoid
• Hepatitis
• Gastroenteritis-type illnesses

When it comes to floods, assume that all water is black water since it will pick up contaminants as it travels along its path.

All three of these water classifications are recognized by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Remediation Certification (IICRC), which is an organization that certifies and sets the standard for the cleaning and restoration industry. Our technicians are certified in IICRC standards and best practices in water restoration and are available to help determine the steps to take to get your home back to normal.

It doesn’t matter what type of water has caused damage to your home or business, SERVPRO® of Greater Northern Charleston is here to help get the situation under control and make it "Like it never even happened." Don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you need emergency cleanup and restoration services!  We are here for you 24/7 ~ 843.552.1226

Preventing Water Damage.

4/22/2021 (Permalink)

If you have a water damage in your home, we are here to help. 24/7.

Did you know water damage can be one of the most common and costliest disasters your home may experience? Bursting pipes, malfunctioning appliances or storm damage are just some of the ways water can damage your home.

While water damage can be a common issue to deal with as a homeowner, there are things you can do to protect your home from these difficult scenarios.

Be sure to regularly:

• Inspect all appliances, correcting any issues with hoses and faucets
• Check all seals and caulking around your showers and tubs.
• Know where the main shut-off valve is in your home
• Only run the washing machine or dishwasher while you are home.

How to Start the Recovery Process

In the event you do encounter a water damage situation in your home, you can stand a good chance at salvaging items if they can be dried out within 48 hours.

You will want to quickly dry your home out and dehumidify it following a water damage disaster. Be sure to remove wet objects and disinfect remaining materials. Working with SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston simplifies the entire process from drying to insurance claim for you as we work to put your home back together. 

It may seem like recovering from water damage is an overwhelming and slightly impossible task, but it doesn’t have to be. You can call on the highly trained experts at SERVPRO® of Greater Northern Charleston, who are here to make it "Like it never even happened."  We are here 24/7 ~ 843.552.1226.

What You Need to Know About Water Mitigation

1/27/2021 (Permalink)

We can help with your water loss!

Water Mitigation in North Charleston

Property disasters are a certainty. It can be minor problems or significant problems. But whatever the case may be, it is sure that problems are a key part of the property ownership picture.

The problems can be even more dangerous when we start including water in the overall picture. For instance, rainwater can spill over and enter into places that it should not be, from places such as the cellar or other places that are partially or wholly below the surface.

Water build-up can cause havoc and general damage as it continues to rise and accumulate. Residential or commercial dishwashers may go awry and create further consequences within the property, damaging floors and walls along the way.

Yes, even a burst pipe in North Charleston can create a world of chaos momentarily or for longer unless it is dealt with as swiftly as possible.

These are merely a few of the instances that happen when water is behaving negatively. Indeed, these are water situations that will compel a property to seek out water mitigation or water damage restoration professionals.

Now, it is essential to realize that there are two segments within this water damage situation. The first is water mitigation, and the second is water damage restoration.

Companies like SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston conduct water mitigation while other companies may only focus on water damage restoration. 

Here is what you should know about companies like SERVPRO and how they deal with water mitigation. Learn about the differences between water mitigation and water damage restoration.

SERVPRO's Water Mitigation

Water mitigation is different from water damage restoration and targets different segments of the process. Yes, both of these processes can help you eliminate your water issues and the effects of these unruly water behaviors.

Water mitigation is the primary and most popular option for many because of its many different unique characteristics. Individuals and professionals realize that water mitigation allows for property protection and long-term preservation.

The key point here is that water mitigation can help in minimizing further damage within the property.

What is the point of water mitigation? It is a process that helps to minimize even more problems in water damage situations. You will notice that service providers in the water mitigation domain will take out complicated structures that range from the drywall and fickle flooring.

Water mitigation contractors know that moist flooring and affected drywall can perpetuate significant issues that range from structural destruction to the unwanted rise of mold infestations that can quickly take over different property areas.

While water mitigation is about stemming the tide, water damage restoration services will focus more on the restoration of the property after the heavy-duty mitigation contractors have done their job.

Average Cost Water Mitigation

As you can see, they are both crucial in the process, but what about the average cost of water mitigation?

Indeed, this is one of the more standard questions professionals like SERVPRO will face when it comes to water mitigation services. Property owners want to know how much it will cost to remove water within a property and to dry out the area.

The truth is that there is a variance in the costs and averages depending on where property owners reside in the country. That is why water mitigation companies will seek to estimate your property before telling you the exact cost.

These jobs may cost quite a bit, or it may not. It will depend on the situation.

Water mitigation can take quite a bit of work because of the drying present within the situation. The core point in water mitigation is to dry out the area and negate the moisture present within specific regions.

Reach Out To The Water Mitigation Service Professionals at SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston Today

Property owners like yourself realize why water mitigation is necessary for your property. It is not something that you require every day, but it is certainly a service you must use when dealing with certain chaotic water situations.

Recall that water mitigation service professionals like SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston have the knowledge, the expertise, and the overall experience to help you move past the situation and get to drier grounds.

Reach out to the water mitigation professionals in North Charleston to stay on dry ground and preserve the integrity of your property and health today. Our professionals are standing by to address your service needs today.

What are Mold Remediation Services?

1/27/2021 (Permalink)

Got mold? We are here to help.

What Are Mold Remediation Services?

Mold growth is one of the most challenging situations to experience as a property owner/homeowner. Even when the infestation is not related to black mold, it can still pose considerable risks to structure and fixtures alike.

That’s why all property experts recommend that you call for mold remediation services at the first sign of a mold infestation. This ensures that you don’t have to bear significant financial losses. Instead, you can resolve the issue before it grows to highly problematic levels.

Mold is essentially fungi that grow naturally through moisture and humidity. But even when the fungus is not being visible or causing problems such as musty smells or respiratory issues, it exists at non-threatening levels across our environment as a natural organism.

That’s why many mold removal experts prefer to use the technical term of remediation services, which bring existing mold spores to their natural levels after removing the excess infestation and addressing the underlying cause. As a result, you get rid of your mold problem while ensuring that it doesn’t spring back.

But exactly how does this removal or remediation work for mold? How much does it cost? Most importantly, why exactly do you need to remove mold in the first place? To help you answer all of these questions, here’s a lowdown on these services and all they can do for your property.

Mold Remediation Average Cost

Removing mold infestation through thorough cleaning processes, reverting the fungi to harmless levels via targeted ventilation, and addressing the root cause with detailed approaches can be quite an intricate procedure. In addition to using specialized products and industrial equipment, it also calls for detecting moisture, humidity, or unaddressed damage to the property. 

That’s why the overall procedure comes at a higher cost than standard cleaning services. This is especially true when you are dealing with excessive mold growth that is hard to remove and remediate. 

Like many other processes related to specific areas of a property, mold removal or remediation costs are also dependent on the size of the area being worked upon. For instance, if the mold growth has enveloped your whole basement, it would cost you more to get rid of it compared to addressing mold growth that’s limited to your kitchen cupboards.

But apart from the size of the area, the amount of mold infestation in a specific site also directly relates to the cost. The correlation is simple to comprehend. Remember that the more mold you have on a surface, the more time it takes to remove it through targeted processes.

Due to these reasons, you should keep in mind that mold remediation costs vary on a case to case basis. Specific mold removal fees that once applied for a particular home in your neighborhood may not work in your case, and vice versa. That’s why it’s critical that you obtain detailed inspections from mold removal and remediation professionals in your area to receive a personalized quote.

In addition to creating a variety of health effects, mold growth can also cause serious property damage. Besides creating a rotten smell and unsightly mold spores, they can also cause the affected building to be inhabitable. When left untreated, mold can grow to the point where it costs a fortune to remediate and make the structure safe for use again.

With many years of experience in mold removal and remediation, SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston offers targeted solutions to fit the needs of your property. 

To see how our solutions can help, don’t hesitate to contact us for a quote today. We will be here to discuss your concerns and deploy our services for you as swiftly as possible.

Top Fire Damage Company in North Charleston.

1/27/2021 (Permalink)

We can help restore your home after a fire damage.

Whether you have recently experienced a fire-related accident or went through the incident a while ago, revisiting the damaged site is sometimes enough to bring up painful memories. While coping with the loss can take its own time, the first step is mostly about repairing your affected property and salvaging what you can. 

The process to restore your building and belongings to their former state may sound immensely difficult. But it is not at all impossible. As long as you reach out to a reliable provider like SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston, you can go through the issues without any stress.

Through our targeted cleaning, specialized recovery, and intensive repair processes, the SERVPRO team can help you restore your property from fire or smoke damage. With our holistic approach and affordable solutions, our fire and smoke damage restoration services are just a call away.

Fire Damage Restoration Process

Regardless of your affected building's size, restoring the destroyed belongings and property after a fire can be an intensive process. Apart from the visible devastation of your furniture and appliances, you need to also look out for associated factors such as smoke damage and water damage. 

It is because even being highly destructive, deadly flames are not the only consequence of a fire. In addition to destroying everything they touch, these flames also result in other byproducts such as soot and smoke stains. If the flames come in contact with your electrical or plumbing fixtures, they can cause excessive damage on that front as well. The efforts put in place to extinguish the fire also leave excessive water on the site, which could create problems such as water damage, soaked belongings, and mold growth.

As a result, the associated damage from a fire often goes beyond burnt furniture or destroyed fixtures. This also calls for an intensive restoration approach that comprises much more than typical deep cleaning. 

SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston's fire damage restoration services bring extensive processes and targeted expertise to the table. From taking care of damaged windows to preventing mold formation, our recovery processes look at the big picture while restoring your property to its original state. 

This careful execution mitigates added risks and keeps unnecessary problems at bay. As a result, you can steer clear of any issues that could affect the restoration process or cause further damage to your property long after the fire is out.

With this in mind, our usual fire damage recovery process includes the following steps.

• Inspection and Analysis of the Affected Site

We start with a thorough examination and assessment of the damaged site. Besides noting the damage, it also helps us factor in all related repair processes that you may need to restore your property to its former state. The approach is incredibly helpful in planning a timely restoration project that ensures your property's recovery without further stress. 

• Risk Mitigation and Recovery Preparation

Similar to other accidents, fire incidents can also come out of nowhere. This makes them a devastating emergency in all senses of the phrase. With SERVPRO’s extensive experience in performing fire damage restoration, our team executes a swift response to risk management in such situations. In addition to cutting electricity and water supply, we also secure the area to ensure no further harm comes to it due to exposure to different elements. 

3. Deep Cleaning of Property and Belongings

The next step in the process comes in the form of targeted cleaning. In addition to clearing up excess water from the site, we also move forward with cleaning smoke stains and visual damage. This process also applies to your furniture and related belongings. We also prevent moisture in your property and your belongings while also executing mold remediation services wherever they are required. 

4. Thorough Repair and Restoration

Once your property is clean and clear of debris, damaged furniture, and smoke stains, our repair and restoration process takes care of associated fixtures. Fixing your floors, replacing your windows, and painting your walls are just a few of the steps that fall under this process. We also take care of your electrical and plumbing infrastructure to ensure you don't have to go through different providers to fulfill this requirement.

While these steps are typical to performing fire damage restoration on most affected sites, the actual execution may vary upon the extent of the damage on your property. 

That's why our fire damage restoration experts ensure to make active communication our top priority and keep you posted throughout the process with a focus on transparency. This ensures that you are never blindsided by sudden costs and know about your restoration project's actual expenditure, delivery timeline, and overall progress.

Fire Damage Restoration Cost

While the costs for restoring fire damage broadly vary on the specific site itself, you can still get a rough idea of how much the process may cost you. 

It is also essential to understand that fire damage recovery requires several restoration segments to come together. Due to the requirement to address aspects such as smoke damage and water damage, the process often encompasses these critical segments' costs. This is why, even if the initial outlay may seem high, they remain justified due to their overall coverage of different aspects of restoration and repair. 

Contact Our Fire Damage Restoration Experts Today!

To get a free quote or discuss the overall process, don't hesitate to contact SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston today. We will be here to answer your questions and help you obtain targeted yet swift recovery services right away.

$1,000 Value! Check it out!

9/21/2020 (Permalink)

Just a few quick minutes registers you for deductible relief if you end up with a fire or water damage insurance claim on your home.

SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston & Dorchester County is excited to introduce a new program to the Charleston area!

Our Residential Emergency Ready Program offers homeowners up to $1,000 of their deductible, paid by us, if you are registered with us, have current insurance coverage, and choose to use our services to recover from a water, fire, or mold damage in your home. By registering in advance of any damage, you know exactly what to do during a time that can be very unsettling. 

It is super simple - Fill out this quick and easy Google form.  And...that's it. No obligation, no contract, no cost, and you can cancel at any time.

We will send you periodic updates or information relevant to preventative care and residential preparedness. We promise not to flood your inbox! We just want to be able to stay in touch. Especially if there is a city-wide flood or storm event.

We love serving the Lowcountry and are always here to help. Please feel free to call or email our office with any questions.  

Golfing for Education

8/13/2020 (Permalink)

Only a few spots left!

Charleston Leaders is an organization that is near a dear to our hearts.  This is where we choose to spend the majority of our volunteer time and fundraising efforts as a franchise.  The mission of Charleston Leaders is to bring local leaders, at every stage of business and growth, together to encourage greatness in each other and our city.  

The not for profit organization creates events and programs, not only to train up business leaders, but to raise funds to implement leadership programs in local schools.  The Covey Leader In Me program is a complete school platform for elementary schools.  They immerse all facets of the student's day in Franklin Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. The original book has been transformed into the 7 Habits of Happy Kids and the program is in nearly over 1000 schools across the country. It is impressive to see the growth in the student body of the schools that have embraced this program!

Our Marketing and Reconstruction Manager, Beth Williams, has been on the team that is organizing a golf tournament to raise funds for Leader In Me on August 27th at Patriot's Point Links.  We would love for you to be a part of this day! 

Visit the Golfing for Education website for more information on playing the tournament, volunteering, or sponsoring.  Also feel free to reach out to Beth via phone (843) 552-1226 or email beth@SERVPROofgnc.com if you'd like more information on Leader In Me or Charleston Leaders. 

We are always here to help and we absolutely love serving the Lowcountry!

Preparing For the Worst: First Steps.

8/3/2020 (Permalink)

Preparing for the worst lessens confusion and uncertainty when disaster strikes.

Disaster has struck! Your worst nightmare has come true. Your refuge has been compromised. Emotion is running high. There’s so much to do - so many questions. Where do you turn? Who do you trust? What are the next steps? Hopefully, in the next few minutes we can help you sort this stuff out.

1. Notify your insurance company of the loss. PLAN AHEAD: keep a copy of your policy and contact information at a safe alternate location. Set up an insurance contact in your phone in advance, just in case. In a catastrophe, emotions run high and trying to remember insurance details is an unnecessary stressor. 
2. Get advice from a first response company. They can quickly send out an expert who will evaluate your situation and help you protect the property from further damage. We all  live busy lives, but taking time to research beforehand so you aren’t making snap decisions in a tough moment, is time well spent. Here at  SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston, we offer programs to evaluate your home or business and put you on a preferential service list in the event of a community wide disaster.
3. Hire a pre-screened construction professional. Some mitigation companies, like ours,  do turn-key projects. We not only mitigate the original damage but can handle the reconstruction as well. If yours doesn’t offer this,  take the time to investigate your options beforehand. The key to managing stress in a crisis is eliminating as many unknowns as possible before disaster strikes. 
4. Notify your mortgage company that you’ve had damage. Most companies have a “Loss Draft Department” that exists solely to process money as the insurance company issues it. Larger settlements are often escrowed by the company and distributed in increments based upon progress made by the contractor. There is usually a package of documents that has to be filled out and submitted by you and your licensed contractor to begin distribution of funds.  
5. Understand the limits of your policy. This is a complex process with many moving parts. On larger claims many home owners make mistakes early in the process that can cause grave financial harm to them as the situation unfolds. Beware of offers of convenience as they are often quite costly. Every expense in an insurance claim is assigned to a category within the policy. When the category is used up there’s no more money. Ask your agent to go over the various components with you and explain what protections you are buying and how they match up to real world expenses if you ever have to file a claim. 

We are locally owned and have been serving the Lowcountry for 16 years, and counting!  If you have any questions about how you can be prepared for a fire or flood emergency in  your home or business, do not hesitate to call or contact us through our site! 

We are here for you 24/7. 

__________________

Resources:

• https://www.iii.org/article/settling-insurance-claims-after-a-disaster
• https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-should-i-do-if-my-house-is-destroyed-in-a-natural-disaster-en-1521/#:~:text=There%20are%20four%20things%20to,let%20them%20know%20what%20happened.
• https://www.allstate.com/tr/insurance-basics/limit.aspx
• https://www.naic.org/documents/prod_serv_consumer_guide_home.pdf

There When You Need Us To Be.

7/21/2020 (Permalink)

Water. Fire. Mold. Disinfecting. We are ready. 24/7

Time becomes a precious commodity when disaster strikes. Waiting for help is stressful when your home or livelihood is on the line. Responding faster to any size disaster is more than just a slogan to us, it is an essential part of how we do business. 

Why is response time so important?

It only takes minutes for water to spread throughout your property and saturate everything in its path. The walls, the floors, upholstery, and your belongings are fast casualties of water.

During the first 24 hours:

• Drywall will begin to break down
• Tarnishing begins on metal surfaces
• Furniture swells and begins to crack
• Colors on paper and cloth begin to bleed
• The affected area takes on a musty odor

Between 48 hours and a week:

• Mold and mildew begin to grow
• Doors, studs, wood flooring swell and warp
• Metal starts to rust and become corroded
• Paint begins to blister
• The risk of bio-hazard contamination increases

Water damage left unchecked for over a week can lead to dramatically increased restoration time and costs, as well as impact the building’s structural safety.

How we can help:

We can set up a plan of action for you in advance of a disaster striking your business.

We can provide an immediate response which can help minimize damage and help keep restoration costs manageable.

Our professionally trained crews are available 24/7 to be dispatched to your property, day or night, with the industry's best equipment and supplies. 

We are locally owned and operated.  We know our Charleston area communities and love serving the Lowcountry.

Water. Fire. Mold. Disinfecting.  Whatever your need, we are here for you, 24/7. Need more information?  Call (843) 552-1226 or fill our our Contact Us page on the web.

The More You Know.

6/11/2020 (Permalink)

We are are always ready to help. Here's what we will need to know.

Living in Charleston, we are no strangers to flooding, and heavy wind and rain forcing water into places it does not belong!  A water damage in your home can be an incredibly daunting experience and our teams are trained to efficiently navigate you through the entire experience.  Knowing a little about what we will need before you call, can help expedite the process and allow us to answer your questions more effectively.

Here are a few of the questions you can expect to be asked during that nerve-wracking initial call:

• Your name, address, email, and the best contact information to reach you.
• Insurance claim information, if you have already called them.
• The cause of water damage and when it occurred.
• Is power and water still on at property?
• How many rooms, and what type of flooring was affected?
• Are ceilings affected in any of the rooms?
• Is your home on a slab or a crawlspace and how many stories?
• Is property accessible and who will be meeting our crew?

We are available to help make the water clean-up and reconstruction process as painless as possible for you and your family.

Call, any time. 24/7 ~ 843.552.1226

2020 Hurricane Season Coming On Strong!

6/10/2020 (Permalink)

We are ready for whatever this Hurricane Seasons brings!

According to National Oceanic Atmospheric Association (aka NOAA) the 2020 hurricane season has a 60 percent chance of being an "above normal" season.  This means, potentially, 13-19 named storms, with up to 10 of them becoming hurricanes.  While no one, including NOAA, truly has a crystal ball that can clearly see into the future, it would not be out of step for 2020 to deliver just such a season!  

With social distancing, remote work changes, and most businesses not operating fully "business as usual," it would be easy to set aside properly preparing for a hurricane.

We encourage you to take a look at your plan, evacuation options, and supplies in your home  before there is a named storm on the horizon.  This year, more than ever, it is important to be prepared.  Supply chains have been slowed and stores are just now getting some essential items restocked regularly.  No one wants to get stuck during a storm after another mad rush on TP!  

NOAA also offers a mobile app that tracks storms, sends notifications, shares locations of shelters, along with providing helpful safety tips.  Click here to check it out and download:  https://www.fema.gov/mobile-app

As always, SERVPRO of Greater North Charleston and Dorchester County are here to help in any way we can. If your home is affected by a storm, named or not, we are available 24/7.  Save our number, 843-552-1226, in your phone now so you are ready. 

Here's to a safe and peaceful Hurricane Season!  We think we have earned it! 

Is Your Business Ready?

6/10/2020 (Permalink)

We are here to help you be as ready as possible for the 2020 hurricane season.

If you are like most businesses (including us!), you started 2020 with brand new exciting intentions for the year, only to have to completely reevaluate everything from payroll, work environment, to services or products offered. One thing we want to be sure you give attention to, in the midst of the chaos this year, is your plan in the event of a hurricane.  No one needs to be caught unprepared for another potential 2020 disaster.

FEMA records that 40-60 percent of small businesses do not reopen after suffering an incapacitating disaster... and 90 percent of the ones that do, do not remain in business more than a year if they have to close for much more than 5 days. Often business owners have an emergency contingency plan in place for employee safety, but few have a plan specifically to stabilize damage efficiently and quickly. This is where we can help. 

SERVPRO® offers an Emergency Ready Plan that provides you an immediate plan of action, limiting the amount of time your business is inactive.  Timely mitigation minimizes the effects of water damage. Knowing what to do, who to call, and what to expect, in advance, is the key to timely mitigation.

Benefits of having a SERVPRO ERP in place:

• We are familiar with your property, access points, and type of materials likely affected.
• We are familiar with you, as an owner, and what you would have us prioritize upon arrival.
• We know square footage, layout of rooms, and power access. This allows our Crew Chiefs to estimate equipment, supplies, and labor needs immediately upon receiving the call from you.
• All of the above, gives us the ability to prioritize your business during a city wide event, as we have critical information in a cloud-based app that can be shared at a moment’s notice with the appropriate storm team.

For more information on creating your free, customized Emergency Ready Plan, call (843) 552-1226 or use our Contact Us Form.

 We love serving you, Charleston, and we are always here to help! 

FEMA info-graphic.  

Now Offering Reconstruction!

5/21/2020 (Permalink)

From start to finish, we can take care of your fire, water, or mold loss.

Any restoration project, regardless of the cause of loss, has 3 phases from start to finish.  Assessment, mitigation, and reconstruction.  We have prided ourselves in offering quality services in 2 out of the 3 phases over the years, and now we are over the moon to officially announce that we are also offering reconstruction!  SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston and Dorchester County can now be your one-stop-shop to get your life or business put back in order as efficiently as possible.

Between ownership and management, there is nearly a cumulative century in experience to navigate you through the process of recovering from a fire or flood in your home or commercial space.  Here is a little about our Reconstruction management team:

• Mark VanHaelst, Construction Coordinator & Commercial Sales Rep.  Mark has been a General Contractor and owner of Triton Construction for 30 years in the Charleston area. He has also been our “go to” for the last 8 years as a referral for our customer’s reconstruction.  We are beyond thrilled to have him in the fold and running our reconstruction projects from the inside! His extensive experience affords us the opportunity to be the only call you need to make in the face of any type of property damage.
• Beth Williams, Marketing & Reconstruction Manager.  If it has to do with the real estate industry, Beth likely has experience somewhere in her resume.  Lending, property management, investment, renovations, and the last 8 years have been all things SERVPRO.  Dedicated to growing a respected and community conscious business is her goal, and we are all on board,
• Most important, there is no list without these two: Liz and Brandon Ferm, Owners.  Liz is a 2^nd generation SERVPRO franchise owner and Brandon joined the Green Truck family 14 years ago when they first bought the Greater North Charleston license.  Liz has background, not only in restoration, but in mortgage lending, processing, investment, and property and business ownership.  Before becoming one of the owners of an IICRC Certified Firm, Brandon was heavily involved in the Charleston Food & Beverage scene. From bartending to restaurant ownership to growing a multi-license SERVPRO franchise, there is little that can happen to a business that he has not experienced and managed first hand.

If you want people that know the cost of being out of business due to a disaster, this is the team to choose. Our crews are trained from day one that getting the doors back open as quickly and efficiently as possible is priority one. 

Contact us any time at (843) 552-1226 or on through our website.

Now Offering Textile Cleaning!

5/21/2020 (Permalink)

We can take care of your textile cleaning in the aftermath of a fire or water damage.

Restoration projects due to a fire, water, or mold loss have many different variables and moving parts.  SERVPRO of Greater N. Charleston and Dorchester County pride ourselves in our ability to respond quickly and perform mitigation in an efficient and timely matter.  We are always looking for new ways to streamline the process and, as the result of this effort, we can now offer you textile services directly through our franchise! 

We understand the value of restoring, in lieu of replacing, as many of the affected contents and materials as possible for an ongoing job.  Not only does restoring contents save more of your belongings and save you money, it also helps make the insurance claim process run a bit more smoothly.  By having full oversight of the textile cleaning process, we will be able to ensure that all restorable contents are cleaned and returned to you in an efficient and orderly manner. 

Please feel free to call (843-552-1226) or email us with any questions you may have and to discuss how we can best serve you in the aftermath of a disaster in your home or commercial space.  

We Can Help With Your Disinfecting Needs.

5/1/2020 (Permalink)

When you are ready, we are here to do help you get back to business.

Working remotely, retail stores closed, shortages of certain essential products, (We will not even begin discussing the TP crisis!), Charleston food and beverage fighting to stay a float, cleanest hands in history, homeschooling, all day happy hours, and the disconcerting realization that not touching your face is nearly impossible. To say the least, the last 6 weeks have been unprecedented in so many ways.   

Now that things are beginning to loosen up a bit, we wanted to let you know about the disinfecting services we have available when you are ready to consider reopening your commercial space. 

• An Ultra-Low fogging system allows us to disperse a safe anti-microbial agent in a fine mist throughout the office. Starting at 9 cents per square foot.
• Application of an antimicrobial agent to the touch points in your office.  Desks, doorknobs, cabinets, counter tops, sinks, light switches, etc. Starting at 25 cents per square foot.
• Combination of both of the above processes, with increased precautions and attention to deeper cleaning details.  Starting at 75 cents per square foot. (This option is required if there is a confirmed case of COVID-19 associated with the property.)

For more information and pricing specific to your needs, please do not hesitate to call. We are here to help in any way we can. (843) 552-1226

Take care and stay safe, Charleston!

Response Time Is Our Specialty!

5/1/2020 (Permalink)

We are here 24/7, ready to respond quickly!

Rapid Response on every call is one of the things that sets SERVPRO apart from our competitors. The longer a water damage sits, unattended, the more costly and extensive the damage. 

At SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston we take the 1-4-8 guidelines pictured as a challenge!  When we are notified of a loss by your insurance company or property manager, we make sure someone stops immediately  to contact the appropriate person and make arrangements to access the site for needed emergency services.  Highly trained and professional technicians are usually on site in less than 2 hours, unless otherwise requested by the client.

We also make it a practice to contact your insurance adjuster, if at all possible, during the initial visit to your property in order to expedite necessary approvals for the work required to mitigate the fire or water damage and restore your home or business.

SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston is proud to be part of a nationwide company that challenges us to provide expedient, quality service to our local home owners and small businesses.

We are here 24/7 to serve the North Charleston and surrounding areas:  Park Circle, Goose Creek, Moncks Corner, Summerville, Ladson, Hanahan, etc.  (843) 552-1226 or contact us through our website.

We love calling the Greater Charleston area home, and are here to help any way we can. 

Can You Say, "Severe Thunderstorms," Charleston??

4/28/2020 (Permalink)

We are here and ready to help you clean up after a severe storm. We love serving you, Charleston!

The National Severe Storms Laboratory classifies a thunderstorm 'severe' “…when it contains one or more of the following: hail one inch or greater, winds gusting in excess of 50 knots (57.5 mph), or a tornado.”  By this definition, the Lowcountry has certainly seen its share of severe thunderstorms this spring!  With spring not quite behind us and Hurricane Season coming up, we thought it might be a good time to freshen up on some safety tips!

“Get In. Get Down. Cover Up.” 

Under the threat of a severe weather warning, get inside and as close as you can get to the center of the building, and go low.  An underground basements or bottom floor is best.  The goal is to get as low as possible.  Lastly, safeguard your head and body from dangerous debris with pillows, blanket, bike helmets, jackets, etc.  These few actions can be taken very quickly if you spend a few minutes planning ahead where you will go and what you will have available in that part of the house.

For extensive detail on how you can assess the specific rooms in your home for safety and many other tips on how to respond during a severe storm situation, check out this link on the National Weather Service website.

SERVPRO of Greater N. Charleston is gearing up and preparing for the 2020 hurricane season right along with you.  You be sure to have a plan to keep your family safe, we will have a plan to help if your home is damaged during a storm.  (843) 552-1226 ~ 24/7.  Save it in your phone and have one less thing to worry about if the time comes.

Stay safe and here’s to an easy breezy storm season.  We think we have all earned it! 

Image: https://www.weather.gov/wrn/spring2020-spring-storms-sm#sp1

Just in Case...

4/3/2020 (Permalink)

Too much of this commodity going in the toilet? We can help!

Schools are cancelled and kids are home all day,  looking for things to do!  While there are many options to choose between TV, online lessons, board games, family activities, etc, we are betting a bit of boredom might set in from time to time!  If that boredom, a random accident, or use of something other than TP causes a toilet clog or over flow, we thought we'd share a couple tips!  

First...the clog.  We thought about compiling our own list, but then we found this one from Sunrise Specialty.  We worry a bit about number 6 because of a few dishwasher meets dish detergent mishaps!  But, upon a bit of research, it seems legit.  Check them out! If you are unfortunate and have to try one of these DIY solutions, please take a pic and share it with us!

In the event the toilet does overflow, we are available to you, even if it is just to answer questions.  If you aren't comfortable with someone coming into your home, we want to make sure you are doing all you can to avoid as much damage as possible. 

The safer way to protect additional damage down the road is to have us mitigate, dry, and disinfect properly.  This is the best way to prevent potential mold and ensure your insurance claim isn't questioned. 

Our teams are taking extra precaution with protective gear, hospital-grade disinfectants, and adjusted monitoring schedules to minimize our time in your home.  We are also sanitizing high traffic surfaces in rooms we have to work in or walk through, at no additional charge to you. 

We understand how unsettling this time is for everyone, and we want to do all we can to help.  Please do not hesitate to call.

Stay well, and enjoy as much of this time with your littles as you can! 

Small Business Resources

4/1/2020 (Permalink)

Here to Help!

SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston is navigating the drastic downturn in business many of us are seeing here in the Lowcountry.  We are still open, 24/7, have all office staff working from home, and our emergency technicians are taking extra precaution as they enter people's homes and businesses to perform emergency and disinfecting services.

There is an abundance of information now available about the relief options for local business, but it can be difficult to dig through and find exactly what pertains to you.  Lowcountry Local First has done a fantastic job of compiling the information on their COVID-19 Resource and Action Page.

We are in this with you Charleston!  Stay safe and stay well!  Here to help if you need us.  843-552-1226, 24/7

How We Can Help You.

3/27/2020 (Permalink)

We are here to help our fellow local businesses!

We, at SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston, have spent many hours this week speaking and collaborating with other business owners on how to best maneuver this unnerving swing in business. 

SERVPRO works in disaster recovery and professional clean-up and our corporate office has been amazing at getting information to the locally owned franchises as soon as it was made available by the CDC. 

There is some great content in the text from our latest commercial informational brochure.  If SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston & Dorchester County can help you in any way, please don’t hesitate to call.  We are here to help you do all you can to be prepared to safely reopen for your employees.

If you’d like the full pdf of the brochure below, please email beth@SERVPROofgnc.com

Stay safe and well, Charleston!

_________________________

SERVPRO is being called on by numerous businesses and community leaders to perform the necessary bioremediation services to clean, disinfect and sanitize their properties. All of our cleanup practices are in accordance with the guidelines provided by the CDC and local authorities. If you are interested in inquiring about our services we’re here to help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week, while life gets back to normal in the communities we all call home.

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 meet this standard and carry the EPA-registered 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.

SERVPRO can respond quickly and effectively to help minimize business interruption to your company.

SERVPRO franchise professionals are uniquely prepared during this unprecedented time to clean and disinfect your home or business according to the protocols set forth by the CDC. 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 at a minimum. These same surfaces are mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces as well.

The CDC also recommends regular cleaning of the following areas/items:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevators and Escalators
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

SERVPRO professionals are trained to perform a proactive cleanup that involves facility or structure cleaning and disinfection. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for cleanup process, and disposal of waste.

i. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-preventspread.html? CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fguidance-preventspread.html

ii  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-business-response.html

iii  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/summary.html

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

Water From Above!

3/25/2020 (Permalink)

Got water? We are here to help!

The paint bubbling on the ceiling of this Summerville home is the result of a plumbing leak in a second floor bathroom.  This was not a happy day for this homeowner!  Our technicians showed up, assessed the situation, and were able to put the family at ease.  Within just a few days, the affected areas were dried out, disinfected, and the home was ready for new flooring, paint, and bathroom cabinets! We were able to take care of that for them too!  "Like it never even happened," is always the goal.

We at SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston and Dorchester County are ready, professionally trained, and eager to help.  From fires to disinfecting cleanings, we can take care of all of your restoration needs. 

Here for you 24/7.

April Showers!

3/25/2020 (Permalink)

If April Showers invade your home, we can help!

Everyone ready to be out of the month of March??  It has been a long, stressful one! Thankfully, a new month is right around the corner. April has been a busy month over the years.  It’s the month that starts with a practical joke, the first cell phone call was made, first weather satellite was launched, Pocahontas got married, Nickelodeon premiered, and it is officially BLT Sandwich Month! (Check out the Pop Culture page on for more fun facts!)

With the month also comes spring showers! We always hope the rain stays OUTSIDE of the home, where it belongs, but in the event that you have any flooding or roof leaking, we are always here to help! 

We are available for you 24/7, year round. 

Wood and Water Do Not Mix!

3/19/2020 (Permalink)

Find yourself with a water loss that has damaged your floors? We can help! 24/7

Response time is critical when it comes to a water loss in your home.  The longer water sits, the more damage it causes.  Sadly, there was nothing that could be done for these wood floors!  

This Charleston area home had fairly extensive damage throughout, and we were so happy we could help.  Our technicians showed up on site prepared and trained to extract excess water, remove flooring, and dry and disinfect the salvageable materials.  In just a few days, this homeowner was ready to reinstall flooring and get their lives back to normal. 

SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston has a fully trained team ready at all times to take care of your home in the event of a water loss.  We can be reached 24/7 at 843-552-1226.  

2020 Storm Names!

3/19/2020 (Permalink)

2020 Hurricane Season is right around the corner. Are you ready?

2020 has certainly been an eventful year so far and Hurricane season is just around the corner.  Ever wonder who comes up with the storm names each year?  The World Meteorological Organization names the Atlantic Storms and the NOAA names the rest!  The Atlantic names for 2020 are listed below.

1. Arthur
2. Bertha
3. Cristobal
4. Dolly
5. Edouard
6. Fay
7. Gonzalo
8. Hanna
9. Isaias
10. Josephine
11. Kyle
12. Laura
13. Marco
14. Nana
15. Omar
16. Paulette
17. Rene
18. Sally
19. Teddy
20. Vicky
21. Wilfred

We always hope for a safe season, but also work very hard to be as prepared as we possibly can if a storm does affect the Charleston area.  We can help you plan as well.  Contact us for information on how you can have your business set up for priority response if there is a city-wide storm or flooding event this year.

Stay safe, Charleston.  We are here if you need us.  24/7

What to do??

3/18/2020 (Permalink)

Creative isolation streaming!

With schools closed, employees working from home, and a vast portion of the population social distancing, the streaming services are being used like crazy!  

This time of year we are usually preparing for spring storms and the upcoming hurricane season, but this year, thanks to COVID-19, we have also been doing a little research for the whirlwind that is taking place in so many homes around the globe!

Here are some of our favorite live streaming and virtual tour suggestions: 

• New movie releases on demand.
• Live Broadway Recordings
• National Gallery of Art, Washington DC
• Upcoming Live Streaming Concerts
• Virtual Rides with Disney
• NASA – Entire Media Library Accessible to Public
• Live Underwater Cameras at the Atlanta Aquarium
• The Museum of the World, British Museum

Stay well, Charleston. 

We are here to help.  

We Are Cleaning Experts

3/17/2020 (Permalink)

Stay well, Charleston.  We love serving the Lowcountry and are always ready if you need us. 

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 Greater Northern Charleston and Dorchester County.  843-552-1226

The More You Know About Smoke.

3/12/2020 (Permalink)

Got smoke? We can help!

The complexity of property loss or destruction due to fire damage is due to the unique behavior of smoke. Smoke can penetrate within cavities of the structure, causing hidden damage and odor.

Some things you may not know about smoke:

Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.

Smoke flows around plumbing systems, using holes around pipes to go from floor to floor.

The type of smoke may greatly affect the fire damage restoration process.

There are many types of soot and residues left behind by smoke: Wet, Dry, Protein, Fuel Oil and others.

Having a SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston Professional inspect and pretest your home after fire damage, prior to beginning the cleaning process, saves time and can prevent the loss of important items or keepsakes.

For more detail on the behavior of smoke, the risk of hidden damage and how we at SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston can help, visit our Fire Damage and Restoration page and feel free to contact us, 24/7 at (843)-552-1226 or via our Contact Us form.

The Kitchen is Where Most Fires Start!

2/27/2020 (Permalink)

Kitchen fire? We are always here to help!

House fires, no matter how or why they start, are frightening at best and there are many causes.  Cooking equipment is at the top of the list for causing kitchen fires because they are often left unattended.  Fires that begin this way are the highest cause of personal injury and 2nd cause of death in home fires.  This link has some great information about preventing home fires on the National Fire Protection Association website. 

As always, we at SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston hope you never have to face the aftermath of a fire damage in your home, but in the unfortunate event that it does happen, we are here to help.   We can be reached 24/7/365 days a year at (843) 552-1226. We love taking care of you, Charleston... Feel free to call us anytime. 

SERVPRO's 2019 Vendor of the Year!

1/21/2020 (Permalink)

Congrats, PeopleReady, and thank you for all you do!

This just in! Every year, SERVPRO Headquarters selects a vendor that stood out above the rest during the previous year.  This year, we are so very excited to announce PeopleReady as SERVPRO’s 2019 Vendor of the Year!  We work tirelessly to provide the best service and customer experience, and love to work with vendors who do the same.  All over the country, PeopleReady consistantly provides quality temp labor during times of heavy work load and/or natural disaster.  In an emergency service industry, response time is paramount.  With access to the work force PeopleReady provides, we are able to handle any size job, anytime, anywhere.  If your home or business experiences a fire, water, or mold loss, please do not hesitate to call! We are here and ready to help.

Another Favorite Vendor!

12/5/2019 (Permalink)

Are you ready for some football??

Sportsbook of Charleston is one of our favorite local spots!  They boast dozens of screens, lots of seating, local beer on tap, awesome food, and even better staff.  From one on one meetings with clients to football watch parties, they are one of our "go to" locations.  

Speaking of football watch parties!!  We are hosting one at Sportsbook on December 30, 2019 at 12:30pm.  We will be watching the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl and would love for you to join us!  

The last Monday of the month... of the DECADE, should not be spent in an office!  Come on out with us and have lunch, watch a little football, and maybe even win a prize!  See our facebook page invite to RSVP! 

Oh...and the first round is on us! 

Can You Feel the Heat?

9/25/2019 (Permalink)

When will you be installing your heat detector?

Anytime anyone, anywhere, talks about the subject of fire safety, they ask the dreaded question, "Have you tested your smoke detectors lately?" While we certainly hope you have checked them in the last 30 days (wink), today, we are discussing heat detectors. 

There are over 6,500 garage fires in the U.S. every year, and the majority of them are in one and two family homes.  Insects, humidity, fumes, temperature changes, and dust are just a few of the variables that exist in spaces like your attic and garage that can damage a smoke detector.  Rendering them unreliable.  Heat detectors, on the other hand, respond only to extreme changes in temperature.  If a fire breaks out, the detector sounds an alarm,  giving homeowners the opportunity to minimize property damage and quickly get help on the way. 

Without question, interior smoke detectors are the best way to protect the people in your home.  Heat detectors are meant to help you better protect your property.  Click for more information on heat detectors and to learn more about reducing the risk of a garage fire in your home.

Prevention and preparedness are at the heart of everything we do at SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston.  However, if you find yourself dealing with the aftermath of a fire in your home or business, we are always ready to help.  24/7, 365 days a year. 

Happy 2019 Preparedness Month!

8/31/2019 (Permalink)

Happy National Preparedness Month! Are you ready, Charleston? We can help.

It’s finally here!  September, National Preparedness Month, is a disaster recovery company’s December!   Instead of talking about holiday menus and checking off items on a gift list, we spend our time on best preparedness practices and emergency kit items.   Ok, so September doesn’t have the glitter of December.  However, we find great joy in every emergency planning tip that helps you provide another layer of safety during an emergency in your home or a city wide natural disaster.

This month, we are going to post some of our favorite weather sites, preparedness tips for your home, insight on how to protect your business, and what you should have on hand in those emergency kits.  So… stay tuned!

We may as well start with Hurricane Dorian! Keep an eye on him with Count on 2 Hurricane Central.  Stay safe, Charleston.  We don’t want a major storm affecting our families or businesses any more than you do, but know we are here if one heads our way.

24/7 – Always live, no answering service.  Always ready to help.  843.552.1226 (Go ahead… put it in your phone so you can be ready too!)

All the Right Ingredients!

8/21/2019 (Permalink)

Think GREEN for all your fire and water restoration needs!

Green leafy veggies are part of what is needed to take care of the health and well being of you and your family.  Choosing SERVPRO green can be just as effective at taking care of your home and business!  When disaster strikes, and you trust SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston and Dorchester County to provide restoration services, you are guaranteed to receive exactly what you need.

Certified and trained technicians, consistent IICRC standard processes, and use of safe and effective products is the recipe we use to “make it like it never even happened.”  

We certainly do not wish disaster on any of our Charleston neighbors, but sadly, messes do happen.  If you find yourself in need of help after a water or fire related loss, please do not hesitate to call. We are here for you 24/7, 365 days a year.  

NOW is the time to have a plan.

8/21/2019 (Permalink)

You take care of your family. We will take care of the rest.

Statistics show you will likely have less than 2 minutes get out of your home, if a fire breaks out.  Every family should have an escape plan worked out, in advance, to help prevent injury to family members and pets. 

Here are few things to remember when creating your plan:

• All rooms need 2 exit strategies, if possible. 
• Take into account the physical abilities of all family members and pets. 
• Make sure all windows and doors function properly.
• Choose a safe meeting space outside, a safe distance from the home.  
• Never go back into the house once you are out! 
• Make a drawing of your plan, showing all rooms, windows, doors and share with everyone in the home.
• Practice, practice, practice! 

FEMA has more information and ideas on how to put your escape plan together.  

Stay safe, Friends!  If you have a fire damage in your home, you take care of getting your family out safely, we will take care of the aftermath. Here for you 24/7, 843.552.1226Y

Hidden Mold!

8/14/2019 (Permalink)

Hidden mold in Summerville, SC.

Even a small water leak, over time, can lead to a major mold problem.  This commercial bathroom was used frequently and on the surface seemed fine, until recently.   We were happy to help this Summerville business with the necessary mold remediation and getting their bathroom back to use.  Trained technicians, national standards, and the most effective products, allow SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston to get your business whole in the least amount of time possible.   We know that any inconvenience to your customers and staff also affects your bottom line.  

If you suspect that you have a leak in your home or business, do not wait to have it addressed! If you find yourself in the same position as this business, please give us a call.  24/7, we are here for you!  

Secrets of Renovation Workshop

6/19/2019 (Permalink)

Mold in the walls of this Summerville, SC home!

We were proud to be one of the local sponsors for AnnieMac’s “Secrets of Renovation… For Agents, by an Agent” Workshop at the Hilton Garden Inn - Airport this month!  Loan Officer, Ronda Tucker Hammang and Agent Liason, Alana Hopkins did a fantastic job training a room full of Lowcountry agents how to utilize AnnieMac’s renovation loan to meet the needs of their clientele.  Materials covered sales tips, benefits of instant equity,  loan terms, and target demographics… these ladies had it covered. If you are looking to buy in the Charleston area and do not have a lender or agent working with you, contact AnnieMac Charleston to get started!

At SERVPRO, we are always educating clients concerning the cost effectiveness of restoration versus replacement, so today was right up our alley.  Plus… who doesn’t like an opportunity to display gross photos of mold?

If you are in the process of renovating your home or business, and run into a mold, water, or smoke related issue, please give us a call.  We will meet you on site to assess the most effective way to resolve the issue so you don’t get behind schedule.

We are always ready to help:

SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston – (843) 552-1226

SERVPRO of Dorchester County – (843) 225-5433

IICRC Certified Firm!

6/19/2019 (Permalink)

IICRC Certified Firm!

The IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) is a non-profit organization that establishes standards and certifications for all aspects of the cleaning and restoration industry.  This includes cleaning processes and products, inspection practices, mitigation techniques, and installations.

While SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston has been around for over a decade, we have just recently purchased a second franchise license, SERVPRO of Dorchester County.  This purchase inevitably brought about some organizational changes.  We are proud to announce that the entire Ferm franchise family, as a whole, is an IICRC certified firm.

The IICRC also provides the certification requirements for our water and fire restoration technicians.  We provide only the best training for the crew members that will be working in your home or business. 

We love taking care of you, Charleston!  Call us anytime, 24/7, for your restoration needs. 843.552.1226 or use our Contact Us page on the site.  We are here to help.  

Product Spotlight: Wall and All Surface Cleaner

6/13/2019 (Permalink)

One of our favorites Fire Cleaning products!

Introducing, Wall and All Surface Cleaner. We simply cannot say enough about this product or use enough of it!  The name speaks for itself.  This heavy duty cleaner works on just about any hard surface to clean smoke and soot with ease.  The best part is the fact that it is still gentle enough to use on painted surfaces without removing the paint or deteriorating salvageable drywall.  In the process of fire restoration cleaning, this plays an important role in limiting the amount of material that must be replaced versus cleaned and treated.  Being able to clean and restore is more cost effective, timely, and insurance "friendly" than replacement. 

We love working with home and business owners in the Greater Charleston area.  If you have a fire or smoke damage, please feel free to call us, 24/7, for more information on how we can help.  (843) 552-1226 

2019 Hurricane Season is Here!

6/13/2019 (Permalink)

2019 Hurricane season is here. Are you ready?

Whether we like it or not, every year, June continues to bring us the beginning of Hurricane season.  Over the last few years, in the Carolina's, the storms we have encountered have been a bit later in the season.  However, that does not mean you should wait to pay attention to the forecast and spend a little time brushing up on preparation activities.  

Of course, NOAA's National Hurricane Center is our "go to" resource for all things Hurricane. There are other resources out there as well.  One of our all-time favorites is Mike's Weather Page.  If it is happening, his page has every model imaginable to help you prepare.  

This year, the most comprehensive guide for storm preparedness, understanding forecasts, and what to do to remain safe during a weather event, is the National Weather Service Hurricane Guide. 

We hope you will take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with these sites and have a plan in place for your family and business.  Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have and don't forget to add our phone number to your emergency contact list!  (843-552-1226) Response time is key during a water intrusion and wait lists can be daunting, so don't waste any time calling to claim your spot if there is a city wide disaster. 

SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston will always have teams ready to get on the road as soon as they become passable.  Stay safe this season, Charleston!  And remember, we are always here to help. 

Is your business prepared for the 2019 Hurricane Season?

6/12/2019 (Permalink)

Is your business ready?

With hurricane season upon us, it's time to make sure we are prepared.

Research indicates that only around 50 percent of businesses that suffer an incapacitating disaster are able to recover and resume operations... and only 29 percent remain in business just two years later.  Natural disasters like flash flooding and hurricanes play their role in destroying many businesses. Often business owners have an emergency contingency plan in place, but few have a plan specifically to stabilize damage efficiently to get back into their buildings following a disaster. 

Most full contingency plans are made up of three main parts:  incident response, disaster recovery and business continuity.  SERVPRO’s Emergency READY Profile addresses both incident response and disaster recovery, making it a vital component of any existing contingency plan.

Developing a SERVPRO^® ERP for your business affords you an immediate plan of action, limiting the amount of time your business is inactive.  Timely mitigation minimizes the effects of water and fire damage, allowing your property and business to be restored at an advanced rate.  Knowing what to do, who to call, and what to expect, in advance, is the key to timely mitigation.  

For more information on creating your customized Emergency Ready Profile email beready@SERVPROofgnc.com, call (843) 552-1226 or use our Contact Us Web Form. 

Product Spotlight: Sporicidin

5/1/2019 (Permalink)

Sporicidin Fresh ~ Safe and effective.

A water damage can cause affected areas to grow dangerous mold, mildew or bacteria. After a water loss in your home or business, we assess damage, remove unsalvageable materials, and then dry out the rest. These steps are well known of the restoration process.  At SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston, we take care of both what you can and CANNOT see.  Before the drying starts, we treat all affected and surrounding areas with an anti-microbial in order to discourage potential mold growth.  

Our anti-microbial of choice is Sporicidin Fresh.  Per it's official Safety Data Sheet, "Sporicidin® Disinfectant Solution is an EPA registered and OSHA compliant, alcohol and bleach free disinfectant cleaner. It is ideal for cleaning, restoration and indoor air quality applications, such as mold, water, fire, and sewage remediation, trauma clean up, misting and dust suppression." 

In addition to Sporicidin's cocktail of active ingredients being "effective against viruses, bacteria, fungus and TB, this product is also rated by the EPA as Category III (Low Toxicity) for eye irritation and Category IV (Very Low Toxicity) for acute oral, acute dermal, acute inhalation, and skin irritation exposure studies."

We seek out products that are, not only highly effective, but safe for your family or employees.  We are here for you 24/7, Charleston!  843.552.1226.

What We Need to Know.

5/1/2019 (Permalink)

Knowing what questions we may ask helps you be more prepared for a water damage.

A water damage in your home can be a daunting experience.  Knowing a little about what we will need before you call, can help expedite the process and allow us to answer your questions more effectively during the first call.  Here are a few of the questions you can expect to be asked during that nerve-wracking initial call: 

• Your name, address, and the best contact information to reach you.
• Insurance information, if you have already called them. 
• The cause of water damage and when it occurred.
• Is power and water still on at property?
• How many rooms, and what type of flooring was affected?
• Are ceilings affected in any of the rooms?
• Is your home on a slab or a crawlspace and how many stories?
• Is property accessible and who will be meeting our crew?

We are available to help make the water clean up process as painless as possible for you and your family.  Call, any time. 24/7 ~ 843.552.1226

2019 North Charleston Business Expo

5/1/2019 (Permalink)

May 15, Booth 420.. .Come see us for a chance to win!

What do you get when you mix Charleston RiverDogs, SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston, and the North Charleston Business Expo?  Well... you might just have to show up to find out!   

We will be out at the Expo on May 15th, in booth 420.  Some of SERVPRO's finest will be on site all day to chat with you about how we can help if your family or business is impacted by a fire, water, or mold situation.  

Oh...and did we mention prizes??

Yes, there will be prizes, and if you've got a good pitching arm, you definitely want to stop by! Riverdogs season is upon us, here in the Lowcountry, and we plan on celebrating with some 7th inning stretch goodies!  Ok... and maybe a grand prize for you and 9 of your friends. 

See you there!  

Contents! Contents! Contents!

5/1/2019 (Permalink)

Would you be able to remember everything you have stored in your garage if a devastating fire were to break out?

It is no secret how damaging flames and smoke can be to your home or business.  Smoke and soot clean up alone can be tedious and expensive.  One area we find that home and business owners overlook when it comes to protecting their home and office, are the contents contained within.

Most insurance policies have contents coverage, in the event that they get damaged in a fire or water (sometimes both!) loss.  However, policy holders are still required to submit a list of the items that were deemed unsalvageable in order to receive payment.  We do our very best when on the job site to notate any item we determine must be thrown away.  But sadly, not all items can be recognized.  Especially in the room where the fire started. 

Having pictures and an up to date home inventory, can help jog your memory as to what was stored in each room so nothing gets missed.  If you are renting your home or office space, and have tenant's insurance, your inventory is just as critical! 

We are here for you 24/7 if you have a fire or smoke disaster.  843.552.1226

Our Fearless Leader!

4/29/2019 (Permalink)

Production Manager, Allison Elliott, getting a little dirty with some on the job training!

Once a hero, always a hero!  Allison Elliott, our Production Manager,  was onsite at this Johns Island, SC home after there crawlspace was affected by a water damage.  We had a couple new technicians on site, so Allison gave them a bit of on the job training on accessing and maneuvering a crawlspace.  Everyone on our crew is always ready to do what it takes to help you get your home back in order.  Within just a day or two we had the issues in this crawlspace resolved and we were happy to do our part in getting the homeowners on the way to full restoration of property.  If you are having an issue in your crawlspace, please do not hesitate to call!  Hero Ready, 24/7 ~ 843.552.1226

Are You Ready For Spring Weather?

4/25/2019 (Permalink)

Spring storms can wreak havoc, but we are ready!

Spring is upon us and the future is looking bright, but be sure to prepare for whatever Mother Nature may send our way.

The Risk of Severe Weather in the Spring

With the arrival of spring comes longer days and more sunshine.  However, drastic changes in temperature are also common, bringing with them the threat of severe weather throughout the country.

Thunderstorms become increasingly common during the spring and are the main cause of severe weather. 

These storms can cause the threat of flooding, high winds and even tornadoes if the conditions are right.

How to Be Prepared

There is no way to be able to predict the weather with 100% accuracy, however, advanced warnings, along with the right preparation, can greatly improve overall safety for your family.

Below are some suggestions  to your home to prepare for severe weather:

1. Clean gutters, drains and downspouts.
2. Trim trees of loose or dead limbs
3. Secure outdoor belongings

Having an emergency kit with the following items is also advisable:

• Battery-operated flashlight and NOAA weather radio, with extra batteries for both
• Emergency evacuation or shelter plans
• Important personal information including contacts and medical information.
• A first-aid kit with things like non-latex gloves, adhesive bandages, tweezers, sterile gauze pads, aspirin packets, adhesive cloth tape and scissors
• 3–5 day supply of bottled water and nonperishable food
• Personal hygiene items
• Blankets or sleeping bag

One thing that always remains true of unpredictable spring weather: It always happens. If your home or business is damaged in a storm, you can depend on SERVPRO® of Greater Northern Charleston to get the cleanup and restoration process started fast.

It's Tornado Season... Stay Safe!

4/25/2019 (Permalink)

Springtime thunderstorms can bring more than just wind and rain! Be ready.

That beautiful springtime weather you are enjoying can also be unpredictable.  Severe thunderstorms are common this time of year and can cause perfect conditions for a tornado to form.

April and May traditionally have the highest occurrences of tornadoes across the country.  Here are some tips to help you be prepared if your home were to be threatened by a tornado

The Formation of a Tornado

There are approximately 1,200 tornadoes that occur in the U.S. each year. A tornado will form when changes in wind speed and direction create a horizontal spinning effect within a storm cell. This is then tipped vertical by rising air moving up through the thunderclouds.

Spring and summer tornadoes typically occur later in the afternoon, but it is vital to remember that they can occur anytime.

Knowing What to Do

There is an important difference between a tornado watch and tornado warning. A watch indicates conditions are favorable for tornadoes, while a warning occurs when a tornado has been reported or became visible by radar.

If there has been a warning and you are in the path of the tornado, it is vital to act and find safe shelter.

Shelter options include:

• Basement or storm shelter.
• In an area that is away from outside walls, doors and windows. Interior closets and bathrooms can be ideal options.  Make sure it is in the lowest part of your home.
• If you are outside, try to get to a sturdy building.  Not a mobile homes or trailer.
• If on the road and no building access is available, do not get under an overpass or bridge. Instead, find a low, flat location and use your arms to protect your head and neck.  DO NOT try to out run it. 

If you have a safe place in your home for shelter, be sure to equip with flashlights, a battery-powered weather radio, and extra batteries.

There is very little time to react when a warning is issued for your area, so think and plan ahead so that everyone knows their options before hand. 

If your home or business has been damaged by a tornado, know that SERVPRO® of Greater Northern Charleston is ready and waiting to jump into action and get cleanup and restoration of your property underway.

Our Job is to be Faster to Any Disaster.

3/28/2019 (Permalink)

Our job is to get to you fast if a water damage occurs in your home or business.

Time becomes a precious commodity when disaster strikes your home or business. Waiting for help is stressful when it is your home or livelihood on the line—you need it right away.

Nobody understands a fast response like we do, which is why responding faster to any size disaster is more than just a slogan to us.

The Importance of Cleaning Up Quickly

When it’s your belongings or business on the line, time is not a luxury you have regarding disaster cleanup. This is especially true when water damage has come into play.

It only takes mere minutes for water to spread throughout your property, where it will saturate everything in its path. The walls, the floors, upholstery and your belongings are fast casualties of water.

The effects of water damage within the first 24 hours include:

• Drywall beginning to swell and break down
• Metal surfaces beginning to tarnish
• Furniture beginning to swell and crack
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper items spreading and staining
• The beginning of a musty odor

The damage continues to worsen as time goes on. Between 48 hours and a week later, you could begin to see:

• The growth and spreading of mold and mildew
• Swelling and warping of doors, windows and studs
• Metal beginning to rust and corrode
• Paint beginning to blister
• Wood flooring swelling and warping
• The possibilities of serious bio-hazard contamination

Water damage that is left unchecked for over a week can lead to a dramatically increased restoration time and costs and can also impact structural safety.

How We’ll Help

We can provide an immediate response to any size disaster, which can help minimize the damage and help keep the cleaning and restoration costs manageable.

Our trained cleanup and restoration specialists can be dispatched to your property or business at any time, no matter what day or time it is.

Being a locally owned and operated franchise helps us be close by and ready to respond whenever the call comes in. 

If you need us, we’ll be there—no matter the time or day. The team of highly trained restoration experts at SERVPRO® of Greater Northern Charleston is available for emergency cleanup and restoration services 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  Here for you! 843.552.1226

Protect Your Home From Water Damage

3/27/2019 (Permalink)

Did you know water damage can be one of the most common and costliest disasters your home may experience? Bursting pipes, malfunctioning appliances or storm damage are just some of the ways water can damage your home.

While water damage can be a common issue to deal with as a homeowner, there are things you can do to protect your home from these difficult scenarios.

How to Protect Your Home

Not only will you find that water damage is a big headache to deal with, but it can also have a long-term impact on your home—namely, mold. Mold can start to grow in as little as 24–48 hours of water exposure.

As you begin to think about ways to safeguard your home, break it down by areas of impact to make the task easier. 

You can prevent water damage from happening in the basement by checking for water seepage. Look for vulnerable areas of the basement that may need resealing, make sure water drains away from your home and install a backwater valve.

In the kitchen and bathrooms, water damage can occur due to plumbing and appliance failures.

Be sure to regularly:

• Inspect all appliances, correcting any issues with hoses and faucets
• Check all seals and caulking around your showers and tubs.
• Know where the main shut-off valve is in your home
• Only run the washing machine or dishwasher while you are home.

Protecting your possessions from water damage can’t always happen, but there are steps to take that may decrease the amount of loss. Using waterproof bins to store items is always advised and, if using your basement for storage, keep items stored on shelving off of the floor.

How to Start the Recovery Process

In the event you do encounter a water damage situation in your home, you can stand a good chance at salvaging items if they can be dried out within 48 hours.

Make sure that you immediately contact your insurance company and evaluate the extent of the water damage in your home.

You will want to quickly dry your home out and dehumidify it following a water damage disaster. Be sure to remove wet objects and disinfect remaining materials. Working with SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston simplifies the entire process from drying to insurance claim for you as you work to put your home back together. 

It may seem like recovering from water damage is an overwhelming and slightly impossible task, but it doesn’t have to be. You can call on the highly trained experts at SERVPRO® of Greater Northern Charleston, who are here to make it "Like it never even happened!"  We are here 24/7 ~ 843.552.1226.

Protect Your Business From Fire Damage

3/27/2019 (Permalink)

Have a plan for your business and employees. And remember we are here to help. 24/7

Business owners have plenty of safety factors to take into consideration regarding risks to their business, staff and visitors. Fires are one of those risks to your business that you need to spend a little extra time planning for and preventing.

Leading Causes of Commercial Fires

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) states that the leading causes of structure fires in office properties from 2007–2011 were (in order):

1. Cooking equipment, 29% of fires
2. Electrical distribution and lighting equipment, 12% of fires
3. Heating equipment, 11% of fires
4. Intentional, 10% of fires
5. Smoking materials, 9% of fires
6. Exposure, 4% of fires
7. Electronic, office or entertainment equipment, 3% of fires

Of those causes, intentional, exposure, and electrical distribution and lighting equipment were the cause of the most property damage with 20%, 18% and 15% respectively.

Ways to Protect Your Business

There are many steps you can take to protect your business from the risk of fires. By focusing on fire risk assessment, fire prevention and staff education, you can work toward reducing the chance of a fire breaking out.

• Assess your risk of fire hazards. There are some local governments that may offer a visit from a fire marshal to help you identify these risks and provide guidance on creating your fire prevention plan.
• Have the right fire protection equipment in place, which would include an automatic sprinkler system, smoke detectors and fire extinguishers on each floor.
• Create a fire plan and review it with your staff on a regular basis to ensure everyone knows what to do in the event of fire.
• Conduct fire drills at least once a year to keep the fire safety protocol fresh. 
• Take time to review evacuation plans and where the first-aid kits are.

Despite best efforts with fire prevention and safety tips, the worst could always happen at your business. If a fire has damaged your business, SERVPRO® of Greater Northern Charleston is available to help make it "Like it never even happened."  Here for you 24/7 ~ 843.552.1226

What is your Family's Weather Plan?

3/22/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston is Ready 24/7 for any weather related emergency you may experience.

While we often receive advanced warning for some types of severe weather, there are also those times when severe weather manages to catch us off-guard.

There are steps you can follow and safety tips to take that will ensure your family is prepared for just those severe weather occurrences. 

One of the most important ways to ensure your family’s safety in severe weather is to have an established family emergency plan at the ready.

If your family already has an emergency plan, be sure to practice so everyone remembers what to do! 

If you’ve not yet created a family emergency plan, there are some things listed below to take into consideration when creating it:

1. How will emergency alerts and warnings be received?

Thanks to today’s smartphone technology, it is easy to receive emergency alerts and warnings on your smartphone through many weather apps. But if there is no smartphone available, you can still receive warnings through the radio or television.

2. What type of storm shelter do you have?

In areas where tornadoes are common, ideally, you’ll want to have a basement, but if that is not possible, then find an interior room on the lowest level that is away from corners, windows, doors and outside walls. Tornadoes are not the only situations requiring a form of storm shelter, and you can learn about more of the situations where they are necessary by visiting ready.gov.

3. What is our evacuation route?

Put together a map of various evacuation routes and keep it handy in the event of hurricanes, floods or fires, which can force you out of your home in a hurry. Multiple routes are wise to have just in case one is impassable, and be sure to account for your pets and find out if there are places to stay with them along your route.

4. How will the family stay in touch?

You’re going to want an alternative communication plan for your family because reliance on cell phones can fail you in some circumstances. Cell phone towers can be damaged, phones could be lost or left behind, and phone batteries will not be able to be recharged if power is out.

Put a family emergency communication plan in place and choose a safe meeting place for your family so that you can all meet there if separated.

If a storm does cause damage to your home or business, don’t hesitate to call your friends at SERVPRO® of Greater Northern Charleston to get the cleanup and restoration process started. Feel free to call 24/7, 843.552.1226.

Not All Water Is Created Equal.

3/22/2019 (Permalink)

Our professionally trained and certified technicians can help you identify the type of water and how to safely mitigate any damage.

It would be much simpler if we could think of all water causing damage as the same, but in reality, there are three different classifications for this water: clean, gray and black. Understanding the differences in these types of water will help you understand how to better handle the situation.

What Is Clean Water?

Much like its name states, “clean” water is not the type to pose an immediate threat to your health as this water is free of contaminants and resulting from:

• Broken water lines
• Malfunctioning appliances
• Toilet holding tanks
• Snow melt and rainwater

This is the easiest type of water damage to clean up after, as there will not be as many microbes living in the water, but after sitting for 48 hours and following contact with the surfaces of a building, clean water then moves up to a category two, which is gray water.

What Is Gray Water?

With “gray” water, water damage cleanup and restoration will become a bit more serious and involved. It may pose a health risk because it will contain chemical or biological contamination. 

Gray water can often come from dishwashers, aquariums, showers, etc. Again, the 48-hour exposure time applies here as well because if it is not quickly treated, gray water will turn into black water.

What Is Black Water?

Black water is the third classification of damaging water and the most serious of the three classifications. Considered highly contaminated by harmful chemicals and biological matter, it would include floodwaters containing soil and all sewage waters.

Sewage is laden with contaminating microbes, including bacteria, protozoans, molds, fungi and more, which can be harmful to humans. Some of the diseases that can be transmitted by black water are:

• Cholera
• Typhoid
• Hepatitis
• Gastroenteritis-type illnesses

Remember, when it comes to floods, assume that all water is black water since it will pick up contaminants as it travels along its path.

All three of these floodwater classifications are recognized by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Remediation Certification (IICRC), which is an organization that certifies and sets the standard for the cleaning and restoration industry. Our technicians all study IICRC standards and best practices in water restoration and are available to help determine the steps to take to get your home back to normal.

It doesn’t matter what type of water has caused damage to your home or business, SERVPRO® of Greater Northern Charleston is here to help get the situation under control and make it "Like it never even happened." Don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you need emergency cleanup and restoration services!  We are here for you 24/7 ~ 843.552.1226

Turn Around. Don't Drown.

3/19/2019 (Permalink)

Check for road closures when flooding is a in the forecast for Downtown Charleston. Turn around, don't drown!

We have posted the information below in a previous post, but considering the forecast the next couple days, though it couldn't hurt to post again!

Flooding remains one of the top weather killers in the U.S., with the average number of annual fatalities totaling near 90. More than half of these fatalities are vehicle-related. The National Weather Service has been working to bring those numbers down and, for the past decade, has been doing so using its “Turn Around Don’t Drown” campaign, which is dedicated to teaching the public about flood safety.

Hector Guerrero, warning coordination meteorologist at the NWS San Angelo, Texas, forecast office, began formulating a plan for a program to raise awareness of the dangers of driving or walking into flooded areas in the early 2000s. While Guerrero worked at the NWS forecast office in Brownsville, Texas, he became concerned when hurricane evacuees from the Texas coast would relocate to the heart of Texas’ Flash Flood Alley. He was also aware of the dangers associated with flash floods having grown up in Austin, also part of Flash Flood Alley. “I wanted a catchy phrase along the lines of the fire-safety mantra "Stop, Drop and Roll,” said Guerrero. “After brainstorming with a group of firefighters from Harlingen, Texas, I chose ‘Turn Around Don’t Drown.’” 

Guerrero worked with a team from NWS Southern Region Headquarters and together they partnered with the Texas Division of Emergency Management, the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes, and the City of Fort Worth Fire Department. NWS launched the “Turn Around Don’t Drown” program in Texas in 2003. Once the phrase was officially trademarked by NOAA, the program made its national debut in 2004. 

Since then, hundreds of permanent “Turn Around Don’t Drown” signs have been established along roadways prone to flooding across the U.S. and the slogan has become an often repeated catchphrase in the media, classrooms and even the home. In addition to the NWS education materials, NWS partners also distribute resources bearing the phrase. 

For information on how SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston can help if you are facing flood damage to your home or business, please take a look at the Water Damage Restoration page on our website.

You can also Contact Us, 24/7, for help if your home or business is impacted by flooding.  (843) 552-1226

Atricle courtesy of NWS & NOAA

Common Causes of Water Damage to Your Home

3/12/2019 (Permalink)

A broken pipe caused this Summerville, SC home's water damage.

While severe weather is one of the first things one thinks of where water damage is concerned, water damage can happen in other ways.

Storms and flooding can cause catastrophic water damage, but they are often not the main culprits. Everyday household items in your home can be responsible for many situations that result in water damage.

There are different types of water damage, storm damage, and gradual damage.  Gradual damage is something that has been happening over time, i.e. plumbing issues behind the walls causing damage to the walls, ceilings or floors, or water damage caused by cracks in the foundation. Unfortunately, this type of water damage is usually not covered by homeowners insurance, while storm-related and other emergency water damage usually is.

Common Water Damage Culprits

According to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), the leading household systems that cause water damage are:

• Frozen pipes can burst due to water pressure buildup caused by freezing water or when the supply system materials fail and results in pipes leaking or bursting. 

• Plumbing drain system failures occur when a sewer drain backs up and overflows into a home or from material breakdown issues. 

• Toilets are the second leading source of residential water damage loss after plumbing supply system failures and can range from faulty fill valves or clogged drain lines. 

• When an older water heater has reached its life expectancy, the tank begins to deteriorate and rust and corrode, resulting in leaking or bursting issues. 

• Typically caused by water supply hose failures, machines overflowing and drain line failures, washing machines are one of the top 10 sources of residential water damage losses. 

If your home has experienced water damage of any type, the team at SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston is available ²⁴⁄₇ to help with cleanup and restoration and make it look “Like it never even happened.”

Feel free to call our emergency line 24/7 ~ 843.552.1226 or through our Contact Us page.  We are always here to help!

Got Mold? Professional Remediation Can Help!

3/12/2019 (Permalink)

This mold grew over some time due to a small leak left undetected around the windows of this Goose Creek SC home. We were happy to help!

It takes no more than 48 hours after water damage occurs in a home or commercial property for mold to begin to grow. Especially in our warm and humid Charleston, SC climate.

That is why if you are faced with water damage and a resultant mold issue, knowing your next steps is very important.

Why Mold Remediation?

We’re sure you’ve seen those ads about mold remediation and mold removal, but the second of these two is false. Removing all mold from a home or business is simply not achievable. A qualified restoration company will, however, focus on mold remediation, setting the achievable goal of bringing mold levels back to a normal and natural level.

It is true that mold spores occur naturally almost everywhere, both inside and outside. These mold spores only become an issue when a minor problem is left untreated, which allows the problem to turn into a major problem.

The mold remediation process involves technicians isolating the contaminated areas and remove and discard the wet and mold-damaged materials.  Any areas that have been exposed to or affected by mold are then thoroughly cleaned and dried. In some cases, a HEPA vacuum may be brought in aid in the removal of contamination and debris.

Then the mold-affected area is treated with a biocide and left overnight to kill and destroy the mold spores. 

What to Do With a Mold Problem

If there is a good chance your home or business may have encountered a mold problem, you’ll want to act quickly. Evaluate the size of the problem, and if the affected area is larger than 10 square feet, it is best to bring in the professionals.

Be sure that the professionals you bring in are highly trained and certified in the following areas:

• Applied microbial remediation
• Water damage restoration
• Applied structural drying

Sometimes, some minor mold issues can be successfully resolved by a homeowner or a business owner on their own, but it is always in your best interest to talk to the professionals to ensure the quickest resolution to the problem.

At SERVPRO® of Greater Northern Charleston, our mold damage specialists are trained and certified experts in mold remediation. If your home or business is experiencing a mold issue, contact us to begin the mold remediation process.

Do you have a natural disaster plan for your business?

3/12/2019 (Permalink)

Call and ask about our Emergency Ready Program and make sure your business is as prepared as possible for a natural disaster.

Floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires and earthquakes are enough to bring even the strongest business to it's knees when Mother Nature strikes out. However, you can survive in the worst of these scenarios if you are prepared in advance for them.

Being prepared is the key to surviving those scenarios, and being prepared means creating a natural disaster plan for your business. Let’s look at some ways to prepare and considerations when designing a disaster plan.

A Look at How Damaging Wind Can Be

3/8/2019 (Permalink)

Protect your home from wind damage.

When you think of severe storms, what do you think of? There are many concerns that accompany severe storms, including damaging winds. These winds, which can come with little to no notice, can cause many long-term structural impacts.

Do you know the fire hazards in your home?

3/7/2019 (Permalink)

Know the fire hazard risks in your home.

The possibility of seeing your home damaged by fire is never a pleasant thought, but unfortunately, it’s a harsh reality for thousands of Americans.

One way you can help protect your home is by understanding common fire hazards and knowing how to identify them and lesser-known hazards.

Here are just a few:

• Cooking may be the leading cause of home fires, but smoking inside is the leading cause of home fire deaths. And most of those fires start in bedrooms and living rooms due to excess flammable materials
• Watch your candles! When you’re burning a candle, be sure it’s kept at least one foot away from flammable materials; use a sturdy holder; never use a candle if oxygen is used in the home; and always blow out all candles before bed.
• Dust bunnies can pose a fire risk when collecting near electrical sockets and floor heaters. Sweeping or vacuuming in especially hard-to-reach areas like behind the entertainment system can help prevent buildup.
• Loose outlets in your home can cause movement and loosen the wires connected to the outlet, creating dangerous arching.

Fire and smoke damage can be devastating to homes, and in many circumstances, can be accompanied by water damage from firefighting efforts. If your home is damaged by fire or smoke, SERVPRO® of Greater Northern Charleston is here to help restore your home to pre-fire condition.

We are available 24/7 at 843.552.1226 or you can use our Contact Us page on the web. 

Is your business ready?

2/27/2019 (Permalink)

Is your Lowcountry business ready if disaster strikes?

Research indicates that only around 50 percent of businesses that suffer an incapacitating disaster are able to recover and resume operations... and only 29 percent remain in business just two years later.  While natural disasters certainly play their role, it is estimated that 95% of disasters affecting regular business operations are internal or man-made.  Electrical fires, kitchen fires, leaky plumbing, and faulty sprinkler systems are just a few sources of potential loss for any business.  Many business owners have an emergency contingency plan in place, but few have a plan specifically to stabilize and mitigate damage efficiently in order to get back into their buildings following a disaster. 

Most full contingency plans are made up of three main parts:  incident response, disaster recovery and business continuity.  SERVPRO’s Emergency READY Profile addresses both incident response and disaster recovery, making it a vital component of any existing contingency plan.

Developing a SERVPRO^® ERP for your business affords you an immediate plan of action, limiting the amount of time your business is inactive.  Timely mitigation minimizes the effects of water and fire damage, allowing your property and business to be restored at an advanced rate.  Knowing what to do, who to call, and what to expect, in advance, is the key to timely mitigation.  

For more information on creating your customized Emergency Ready Profile email beready@SERVPROofgnc.com, call (843) 552-1226 or use our Contact Us Web Form. 

Does your home have a mold problem??

2/27/2019 (Permalink)

We were happy to help remediate the mold issue in this Moncks Corner, SC home!

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. Especially in Charleston, SC! This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. They can quickly grow into colonies that may produce allergens and irritants.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. 
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – (843) 552-1226

Heat your home safely.

2/27/2019 (Permalink)

Portable heating devices are a leading cause of house fires.

Each year fire claims the lives of 3,500 Americans, injures 18,300, and causes billions of dollars worth of damage. Our winters in Charleston, SC may be mild in comparison to other parts of the country, but this often results in the use of portable heat sources more often.  Space heaters in the office and outdoor heaters on our patios, offer just enough warmth to be comfortable and cost effective. 

Here are a few tips to avoid a fire:

• All heating equipment needs space.
• Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away.
• Supervise children whenever a wood stove or space heater is being used.
• Have a three-foot "kid-free" zone around open fires and space heaters.
• Always unplug your electric space heater when not in use.
• Never burn trash, paper or green wood in your fireplace.
• Make sure all smoke alarms are functioning.

To find out how SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston responds to a fire damage, visit the Fire Restoration page on our website.  Feel free to contact us at anytime if you are affected by a fire or smoke damage in your home or business.  

24/7 - 843.552.1226 or Contact Us via our website.

For more information on Home Heating Safety from FEMA, visit http://www.usfa.fema.gov/citizens/home_fire_prev/heating/.

Is hoarding affecting your property?

2/27/2019 (Permalink)

Is your property affected by a hoarding situation? We can help!

If you’ve had a rental or family property impacted by hoarding, you’re familiar with the piles upon piles of objects that can accumulate. But how much do you know about the dangers?

Hoarding is an obsessive disorder that causes people to hang on to possessions.  Hoarding is a serious issue that increases the risk of fires, mold, and any number of other household hazards.

As objects pile up in the home, they present fire hazards and can hide pests or mold growth. All of those effects of hoarding could render a property unusable.

So if you’ve discovered that one of your properties has been used for hoarding, call in professionals, like the team at SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston who can clean up the space and ensure the area is safely rehabilitated for future use.

What’s Involved in the Clean-up Process

A professional team will provide a comprehensive clean-up plan to mitigate any safety hazards that have been created due to objects and trash building up over time

Removal of Dangerous Substances

Because hoarding leads to piles of clutter and other objects, it can conceal dangerous hazards, including toxic mold, insects, and rodents.

To ensure you are safely cleaning the space, partner with professionals who are educated about best practices for removal and outfitted in the appropriate safety gear.

Removal of Items

This is likely the part of clean-up that comes to mind first. During this stage, the space is cleared of all affected items, furniture, clutter, including items like newspapers and even trash.

Complete Cleaning

Once everything is removed and the space is cleared entirely, a professional team will then deep clean the property. During this phase, they’ll take steps to remove all residue and mitigate any odors.

This will help restore the property to its habitable status again.

In need of a team to help restore a space where hoarding has been an issue? Contact our team at SERVPRO® of Greater Northern Charleston, and we’ll make it like it never even happened.

Contact us 24/7 at 843.552.1226 or on our Contact Us page on the web. We are always here to help!

Are you ready?

6/11/2018 (Permalink)

A few minutes of your time could mean shorter downtime for your Charleston area business!

With all the rain the last few weeks, Charleston is no stranger to flooding.  Statistics show that May 2018 broke rainfall records from years past.  Not only are homes impacted each time there are flooding issues, but lately, it seems more and more business are being disrupted by storm rain and flood damages. 

We want to make sure you are as ready as possible to get your business back up and running in the event of a storm. And we have just the plan to do just that.  Have you heard of our Emergency Ready Plan?  It is an electronic application that identifies, in advance of an event, pertinent information about your business, building, and property that we would need to respond quickly and efficiently if you had a fire or water damage.  It is no cost to you and only takes a few minutes of your time.  The SERVPRO ERP is a valuable addition to your contingency planning, as it expedites getting you back into your business with as little production loss as possible. 

Please take a moment and check out the commercial services we provide and give us a call for more information on setting up your customized Emergency Ready Plan. 

Introducing SERVPRO of Dorchester County!

6/4/2018 (Permalink)

We have a new franchise in town! Welcome to Charleston, SERVPRO of Dorchester County!

We are so happy to announce that as of May 2018, SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston has added a new member to our franchise family!   We have expanded to include any and all of Dorchester County! SERVPRO of Dorchester County is up and running and is ready to take care of your fire and water restoration needs.  In addition to offering a complete menu of residential cleaning and restoration services, we also want to make sure you know that both franchises have trained teams on hand to handle any size commercial damage you may have as well.  

Please take a few minutes to visit the new franchise website and social media pages to keep up with what's up and coming for this brand new franchise!

Crazy Charleston Weather!

3/9/2018 (Permalink)

Ready for Spring, Charleston?

Charleston weather has been unpredictable at best in 2018!  From flooding rain, inches of snow, crazy winds, and those glorious 80 degree days, it is no wonder that so many are struggling allergies, high energy bills, and mold/mildew popping up in new places.  Condensation around windows, rains revealing leaks, moisture left behind by issues caused by days of freezing;  all have the potential to mix with the infamous South Carolina humidity and temperature swings to cause microbial growth issues.

If you are noticing a new odor or musty smell or find new spots of growth in your attic during a fit of Spring Cleaning, don’t hesitate to call! We are always here to help.  We will provide and assessment of exactly what you have going on, our recommendations on how to move forward, and an estimated cost to remediate.

We are here for you 24/7, Charleston!  (843) 553-1226 or contact us through our Contact Us page on our website.

Our Newest Addition!

3/9/2018 (Permalink)

Welcome, Velo, to SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston!

Everyone likes new stuff right?  We certainly do! SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston takes great pride in making sure we have the best possible products and equipment on hand.  This allows us to take care of your restoration needs in the most efficient manner and reduce the impact on your day to day life.

This is our newest addition to the Production inventory:  The DRI-EAZ Velo Low Profile Centrifugal Air Mover.  The Velo is at least 10 pounds lighter and uses just shy of 50% less amps to run. These facts, coupled with reduced noise and size, make this fan ideal to most comfortably and quickly dry out water damage in your home or business.

Remember, we are here 24/7 for all of your fire, water, and mold restoration needs.  (843) 552-1226

Leading Cause of Home Fires? Your Kitchen!

3/6/2018 (Permalink)

Kitchen fires are the leading cause of house fires!

House fires, no matter how or why they start, are frightening at best and can easily become deadly. What you may not know is exactly how preventable so many kitchen fires can be. Cooking equipment is at the top of the list for causing kitchen fires; and what is on the top of the list of reasons why? Pot and pans being left unattended. Food drying out and catching fire and, more notably, oils left on the stove exceeding their smoking point. Statistically fires that begin with cooking equipment are the highest cause of personal injury and sadly, the 2^nd leading cause of deaths in home fires.  Please take a few minutes to read up about preventing home fires on the National Fire Protection Association website. 

We also did a little digging for some information on what oils have the highest and lowest smoking points. Whether you cook often or typically just use your oven for extra storage, the more you know, the safer you will be. Check out this table of smoking points of your  favorite cooking oils from one of our favorite websites, The Spruce. 

As always, we at SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston hope you never have to face the aftermath of a fire damage in your home, but in the unfortunate event that it does happen, we are here to help.   We can be reached 24/7/365 days a year at (843) 552-1226, always with a knowledgeable manager answering the phone.  No answering service here!  We love taking care of you, Charleston... Feel free to call us anytime. 

Got Pollen??

2/23/2018 (Permalink)

Pollen can be a pest in the Charleston area this time of year!

With Spring waking up and covering the Lowcountry with the dreaded annual pollen blanket, we feel it’s the perfect time to remind you that we at SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston offer HVAC duct cleaning! As allergies explode and everything gathers a faint yellow layer of dust, just remember relief is only a few weeks away!

Our duct cleaning process is eco-friendly and helps to eliminate pollen, dust, dirt, odors, and other air contaminates from your HVAC system... and in turn your home! 

Changing the filter every month is without a doubt the most important thing you can do in order to prevent contaminates from making it into the duct work and air handler.  While some filters are certainly better than others, build up still happens over the course of time.  (Here’s a link from ConsumerReports.org to  help you choose the best filter for your system during this year’s pollen season.)

Give us a call to reserve your spot for a duct cleaning this spring.  (843) 552-1226 or use our website’s Contact Us page.  We are always here to help and look forward to hearing from you!

Product Spotlight: Sporicidin

2/19/2018 (Permalink)

Only the best products for our clients. Check out one of or favorites, Sporicidin.

Sporicidin is the most widely used antimicrobial and disinfectant product at SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston.  It is an EPA registered disinfectant for hard surfaces, and cleaner and deodorizer for porous surfaces. The active ingredients phenol and sodium phenate are also FDA approved for use in over-the counter medicines such as throat sprays. Effective against a wide range of pathogens, Sporicidin also provides residual bacteriostatic activity for up to six months.*

Sporicidin is effective against a number of molds and other organisms.  Included are the following:*

• Aspergillus brasiliensis (formerly calls Aspergillus niger)
• Acinetobacter baumanniiPenicillium variabile
• Feline calcivirus (surrogate for Norovirus)
• Trichophyton mentagrophytes
• Mycobacterium bovis BCG (Tuberculosis)
• Streptococcus salivarius
• Streptococcus pyogenes
• Staphylococcus aureus
• Salmonella enterica
• Salmonella choleraesuis
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• Escherichia coli (E. coli)
• Herpes Simplex Types 1/F & 2/G
• HIV-a (AIDS Virus)
• Polio Virus Type 1
• Influenza A virus (H1N1 Pandemic Flu)
• Vaccinia Virus
• Parainfluenza type 3 virus
• Cytomegalovirus
• Human Coronavirus (Infections Bronchitis Virus)
• Methicillin Resistant
• Vancomycin Resistant
• Enterococcus faecium

Please feel free to contact of office at (843) 552-1226 if you’d like additional information about disinfecting high risk surfaces in your home or office.  We can also be reach via our Contact Us page on our website.

_________

*Information obtained directly from the Product Application Sheet provided by SERVPRO Corporate.

Winter Storm Grayson

1/10/2018 (Permalink)

Our view for several days at SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston.

Grayson blew through the Southeast January 3rd and 4th leaving unprecedented temperatures, ice, and snowfall.  The Charleston area rarely gets any snow, much less 5 or so inches that stick around for a week!   The white landscape in yards and lining roads was peppered with snowmen and driveways were in need of shoveling.  Quite an unfamiliar scene for our coastal Lowcountry! The kids were thrilled to not have to return to school until the 10th, but in his wake, Grayson left a flurry of broken pipes, leaking roofs, and malfunctioning heaters.  

SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston employees were all too happy to travel not just to our office in North Charleston, but also to Columbia, SC as soon as roads were remotely passable to help out. As of today (1/10) we still have a full crew working around the clock in the Columbia area which experienced far more widespread damage than here at home.  

We love taking care of you, Charleston! Please call with any water restoration needs you may have. We are always here to help.

(843) 552-1226 ~ 24/7/365

Hurricane Irma Damage? We are here to Help!

9/6/2017 (Permalink)

Charleston, if you experience water damage during Hurricane Irma, we are here to help!

Along with most Eastern coastal communities, we have been monitoring Hurricane Irma over the last few days and preparing for any number of scenarios. 

SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston hopes everyone escapes any severe impact from whatever Irma has in store for the Charleston area.  However, if your home or business experiences a water intrusion, do not hesitate to contact us.  Our office manager, Beth, will be taking calls 24/7 (No answering service!) and we will have crews on the road as soon as any travel restrictions are lifted. 

We love serving the Lowcountry and are here for you and ready to help.  

Take just a moment and save our number to your phone… just in case!  (843) 552-1226

Stay safe, Charleston!  ~The SERVPRO of GNC Crew

Is your college student ready for a flood??

8/2/2017 (Permalink)

Charleston students! Are you ready in the event of a flood or fire in your dorm or apartment?

With the school year finally upon us, there are many college students on the move!  Whether they are moving away from home or just moving from one dorm or apartment to another, they all have one need in common.  Renter’s Insurance!  On more than one occasion, SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston has watched frustrated parents and students, throw away and have to come out of pocket to replace items damaged by water, fire, or mold.

For an extremely minimal premium, most content policies cover replacement cost of contents damaged the event of a water or fire loss, living expenses if you are displaced from the unit, and possibly items borrowed from someone else that happened to be damaged in the same loss.  Some have liability coverage for injury after an accident with your pet or other incident in the home.  There is also often coverage for a burglary or financial fraud.

Needless to say the value far outweighs the cost when you consider that recovering from a single event could cost thousands of dollars.  Reach out to your local insurance agent for a quote before you unpack that first box!  If you don’t know a local agent, feel free to give us a call for recommendations.

As always, we are here to help.  24/7/365 ~ (843) 552-1226 or on our website.

All of us at SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston hope you have a safe and amazing school year!    

Charleston Summer Sun and Fun

7/6/2017 (Permalink)

The Charleston sun can be brutal. Be prepared to protect yourself before hitting the sand! #BeReady #SERVPROnchs

Unless you have been trapped inside the last couple weeks, you are well aware that Summer has officially arrived in Charleston, SC!  Temperatures are rising, beach and boat traffic are picking up, pools are full, and flip flops are the city wide choice of footwear.   This time of year the risk of sun damage to the skin is at an all-time high.  Premature aging, aggravated cataracts, skin tone change, and most importantly skin cancer are all risks of too much exposure to the harmful rays of the sun. 

The US Environmental Protection Agency has a wealth of information available on the subject of sun damage and how to protect yourself.  Obviously, staying out of the sun all the time is not an option that most of us on the coast will even consider.  However, there are options to at least do what we can to protect our skin when we are out and about having fun in the Charleston sun!   Sunscreen, hats, swim shirts, etc. Check out this article from the EPA for all the information you need: "The Burning Facts"

When you have taken the necessary precautions to protect your skin, you will also need to be prepared to have a little fun.  We thought we’d help with that as well.  Check out the Charleston Visitor’s Bureau calendar of family events for the Summer: Family Fun Events

Have fun and be safe out there!

Top 3 from AIRE SERVE of Summerville.

5/31/2017 (Permalink)

Thank you AIRE SERV of Summerville, SC for your HVAC Top 3!

Summer is just about in full swing and as the temperature rises outside, we start cranking down the temperature inside!  This time of year has local air conditioning companies working around the clock repairing or replacing faulty units.  Here at SERVPRO of Greather Northern Charleston there is also a spike in the number calls we get when rooms are flooding by clogged AC lines or overflowing drain pans.  For this installment of Top 3, we reached out to our favorite HVAC contractor, Russell Harshman, the General Manager at AIRE SERVE of Summerville, to find out his top 3 word of advice to make sure your summer is a cool as possible. 

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Top 3 words of wisdom in the HVAC world in Charleston:

Have routine maintenance.   A lot of homeowners (especially new homes) let maintenance go by the wayside. Here at AIRE SERV, we recommend twice a year maintenance to prevent breakdowns in operation and efficiency. Make sure the technician does a thorough electrical inspection on your indoor and outdoor unit, clears the drain line, cleans the evaporator and condenser coils, and checks refrigerant pressures. Ask for a report showing measurements for your records, if they cannot provide this then I would take it as a cautionary sign.

Use reviews and referrals.  Charleston is a busy place with a lot of new-comers to the area. When problems arise a lot of folks don’t know who to call, so they ask for a referral from a local friend or a neighbor. More often these days people are turning to their neighborhood Facebook page for referrals and it has really changed the dynamic of finding what will work best for you in your area. AIRE SERV recommends you still do your research on the contractor using review websites easily found online. Things on the company webpage like 24/7/365 service, drug testing, background screens on employees and satisfaction guarantees are very important. AIRE SERV OFFERS ALL OF THESE TO EVERY CUSTOMER, EVERYDAY.

Don’t waste any more money on R-22 FREON.  R-22 FREON is the type of refrigerant over half of South Carolina still uses to cool and heat their home. January 1, 2020 the EPA will complete the phase out of this gas by making it illegal to manufacture or import in the U.S. ...FOREVER! This means that any homeowner with an R-22 system in their home would, could or will find themselves in a position where their HVAC system will cost an unreasonable amount to repair in the event they need FREON to fix your system. Since this is a very common repair item, the problem will also get more common the closer we get to 2020. Homeowners will be forced to replace the entire system re-actively based on the cost of R-22 alone. At AIRE SERV, we recommend consulting with an HVAC professional to talk about the options to replace your system before then, PRO-ACTIVELY. To get your NO-COST NO-PRESSURE consultation, CALL AIRE SERV TODAY!

STAY COOL AND BREATH EASY CHARLESTON!

Russell Harshman, "I guarantee your satisfaction."

russell.aireserv.summerville@gmail.com

Phone:  (843) 513-9153 Fax: (888) 803-1442 Website: www.aireserv.com/summerville

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If you have an AC mishap that causes flooding or water damage in your home or business, SERVPRO of GnC is here for you 24/7.  (843) 552-1226

School's Out, Charleston!

5/30/2017 (Permalink)

Congratulations Class of 2017 Charleston Area Students!

Congratulations Lowcountry students, teachers, school staff, and parents!  One more school year successfully on the books and it’s time for summer!  We will have plenty of summer safety and vacation activities to share with you during your family’s break from the school year, but for now we just want to say “Congrats!”  SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston loves working with local schools across the Tri-County area and we look forward to helping you be as prepared as possible if you experience any unfortunate water or fire disaster over the coming months. 

So, in between your trips to the beach and other Charleston summer shenanigans, be on the lookout for posts that can help you protect your home or business! 

If you need us in the meantime, we can be reached 24/7 at (843) 552-1226

Top 3 from Charleston Lighting!

5/24/2017 (Permalink)

If a water or fire loss damages your light fixtures, call Charleston Lighting, one our favorite Lowcountry businesses.

We are so excited to have had the chance to talk to Melissa Muhl with Charleston Lighting & Interiors for our first Top 3 installment!  In each blog post, SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston will be asking our local vendors their top 3 words of advice for their particular industry.

Many times when a building has a fire or water loss, the light fixtures cannot be salvaged and must be replaced, making it an ideal time to rethink lighting scheme and fixture style.  So we asked Melissa to send us over her top 3 tips to making perfect selections.  Here’s what she had to say.

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Top three things to consider when choosing lighting for your home:
     1.  The Amount:  Consider the things you do in each room and choose light that fits your needs. Bright enough to read in the study, dim enough in the dining room to set the mood for a fine meal, etc. Be sure you have the fixtures and levels of light you need for each space in your home.
     2.  The Placement:  Are you plagued with glare from a too high lamp shade? Fumble around in your dim pantry? Pay attention to where the light – or lack thereof – is making tasks difficult or causing a safety concern. Back staircase anyone? A smaller harp to lower a shade, a small flush mount placed in a closet, all seemingly small things that make a big difference.  
Light is also great at highlighting your passions and special places. Showcase some artwork in the wall, unique architectural feature in your home, or your kitchen island family gathering place with some brighter light for emphasis.
     3.  The Color:  Have you noticed some medical offices seem to have a blue light? You favorite restaurant may have light with a golden hue?  Light has color temperature ranges (measured in Kelvins) that allow you to choose between a warmer more golden light feel and a cooler more blue light feel.  Choose your light bulbs based on 2700 Kelvins for a warmer look (check the side of the box). 3000 and above kelvins will provide the more cool blue feel preferred by some offices, retailers and institutions.
Above all else be sure to keep your lighting safe. No frayed cords or exposed wires.  

Have any additional questions or looking to make a lighting change in your home or business?  Feel free to give me a call anytime!

          Melissa Muhl,  Lighting Consultant
          843-766-3055 ext 210
          1640 Sam Rittenberg Blvd, Charleston SC 29407

          www.CharlestonLightingAndInteriors.com

_______________________________________

Fire. Water. Mold ~ Like it never even happened.

24/7 ~ (843)-552-1226

Help... on the go!

5/23/2017 (Permalink)

Free Red Cross emergency apps available for download today! #BeReady #SERVPROnchs

SERVPRO has had a long standing relationship with the American Red Cross, both as a first responder and corporate sponsor.   The American Red Cross does far more than just show up after disaster has struck.  They are constantly distributing new information concerning disaster repair and recovery and to educate individuals and businesses in being as prepared as possible.   One of the best examples of this is their menu of mobile applications.  There is an application for nearly every type of natural disaster.  Hurricane, earthquake, tornado, fire, flood, etc.  Here are a few of our favorites: 

• Hello Care - Resources catered specifically to military family.


• First Aid - Have a first aid emergency? This should do it!


• Blood - A blood donation scheduling application.


• Pet First Aid - What to do during an emergency?  Professional advice on every day pet needs. 

Click on the American Red Cross today and download your favorites today. 

As always, Charleston, we are here for you 24/7 - (843) 552-1226.  Take a moment to save our number in your phone to save you time in the event of a fire, water, or storm disaster. 

2016 storm damage costs at a glance.

5/22/2017 (Permalink)

What happened last year helps prepare us to serve the Charleston, SC are better this year!

Weather experts are expecting this year to be a quieter storm season than last year. CoreLogic’s 2016 Natural Hazard Risk Summary for 2016 details the cost of storm related damages incurred throughout  the year.  Thank you to Restoration & Remediation for taking all that detail and breaking it down for us!  Click here to view full 2016 Natural Hazard infograpic. Even during a “slow” season,   damage and restoration costs can be astronomical.  The staff of SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston works tirelessly to ensure that we are prepared for any type of weather related disaster.   We have trained technicians and state of the art equipment on standby at all times in order to arrive as quickly and prepared as possible to your home or business.  

If you find yourself dealing with storm related damage this year, we are here to help 24/7!  Just a phone call away (843) 552-1226.

2017 Spoleto Festival is just days away!

5/18/2017 (Permalink)

The Spoleto Festival is one of Charleston’s crown jewels each year and one of the many reasons SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston is proud to call the Lowcountry our home.  Founded in 1977 in order to mirror the summer music and arts Festival dei Due Mondi in Spoleto, Italy, Charleston set the perfect stage and has attracted musical and visual artists from all over the world. In true Charleston “love of all things local” fashion, the festival expanded rapidly to incorporate our abundant local and regional talent in 1979.  Piccolo Spoleto was born and now showcases over 500 artists and performers each year.  Truth be told, for most locals, it is our favorite part of this incredible 17 day event.

For more information on the schedule of events for this year’s Spoleto and Piccolo Festivals check out the links below:

                ~ Spoleto Festival, 2017

                ~ Piccolo Spoleto, 2017

See you on the Square!

As always, we love doing business with you, Charleston!

Is your Lowcountry Business ready for the 2017 Hurricane Season?

5/16/2017 (Permalink)

2017 Hurricane Season is almost here! Are you ready, Charleston?

With hurricane season right around the corner, it is time to start preparing for the worst and hoping for the best.  Last year, North Charleston and the surrounding areas were hit with a lot of flooding due to record high tides and Hurricane Matthew.  According to Weather.com, this year’s season is predicted to be a bit less active than last year, but it only takes one storm to cause substantial damage to your home or business.  We are here to help ensure you are as ready as possible for whatever this season has in store.   

If you own a Lowcountry business, take a few moments to reach out to Hoyt Williams, our Commercial Account Manager.  He has experience in post storm or disaster restoration with SERVPRO’s Disaster Recovery Teams.   This makes him uniquely qualified to help you set up a plan that will ready your business for a fire, water, or storm loss. SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston is locally owned and operated and we love taking care of our Lowcountry commercial clients. Having a relationship with us prior to the emergency call reduces response time, allows for priority scheduling, and arms our technicians with valuable information about your business so they can hit the ground running when they arrive on site.

Check out Weather.com’s detailed analysis of this year’s Hurricane Season here: 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season Forecast

Contact our office today and ask for Hoyt to make sure your business is ready. Contact via Website Here or by phone, (843) 552-1226 ~ 24/7 

Does Your Charleston Area Home Have A Mold Problem?

5/1/2017 (Permalink)

We were happy to help remediate the mold in this Moncks Corner, SC home.

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. Especially in Charleston, SC! This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. They can quickly grow into colonies that may produce allergens and irritants.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. 
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – (843) 552-1226

No Disaster Too Large or Too Far.

9/6/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of West Virginia headed to LA in force!

The weather the last couple weeks has certainly wreaked havoc on many cities across the Southeast.  SERVPRO franchises across the country came together to assist areas that were affected by disastrous storms and flooding.  Last week while we were battening down here in Charleston anticipating Tropical Storm Hermine, teams from all over were headed to Louisiana and the Panhadle of Florida to lend a hand.  

So many are still displaced from their homes and in need.  If you are looking for a way to contribute but do not know where to start, please consider donating to the Red Cross.  Volunteers are working tirelessly and no matter how large the organization, funds are not unlimited. 

Hermine, thankfully, did not hit Charleston with the strength that was expected and yet we had crews working around the clock with homeowners and businesses all weekend that suffered extensive property damage.

We are here 24/7, ready to serve the Charleston area. Contacts us online or call 843-552-1226 and let us help you make it "Like it Never Even Happened."  

We love taking care of you, Charleston!

Restoring Your Charleston Area Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

9/6/2016 (Permalink)

Commercial Water Damage Events Present Unique Challenges

Flooding and water damage events at Charleston commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges.

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston

SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Contact us on line or at (843) 552-1226 ~ 24/7.

Loving Local!

4/6/2016 (Permalink)

Franchise Owners, Liz & Brandon Ferm

Local businesses are run by people who don’t just know what they want to do professionally, but most have a clear understanding of why they put in the crazy work it takes to be self-employed.  With a long family lineage of self-starters and entrepreneurs, working for a locally owned and operated business has always been my preferred employment. Working directly with the owners of a local business, I have a front row seat to their Why, and nothing short of my own is as motivational.

Daily life at SERVPRO of GNC is far from calm and cozy - we work in a 24/7 emergency service industry! However, working with Liz and Brandon Ferm as their Office and Marketing Manager for 5 years, and counting, is definitely on the highlight reel of my professional life. 

I asked Brandon recently about his favorite part of being a local SERVPRO franchise owner.  This is the difference between an owner raised in the town he services and a huge corporate entity that ships in strangers.

“I find great fulfillment in helping clients gain control of their disaster. Often, during a large water or fire loss, people feel helpless with nothing within their control while they wait on help to arrive.  

Even before the team even steps foot onsite, our office staff or afterhours on-call manager (NEVER an answering service!)  begin to walk the clients through what they can expect.  On site, the SERVPRO team immediately gets to work doing the emergency mitigation, assessing the full scope of work, and helping the client line up any additional contractors that may be needed in order expedite getting their home or business put  back together.  

Once a client can get answers and see things moving in a positive direction, the victims of the disaster start to feel they are regaining control of their lives.  For me, this is by far the most satisfying part of what we do at SERVPRO of GNC. “

Take a second and save this number in your phone:  843-552-1226.  You never know when something unexpected is going to happen and turn your home or business upside down, but at least you will know the first call to make when it does.

SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston ~ Like it Never Even Happened.

~Beth Williams

Family Planning Time: School Years, Vacations and… Emergency Preparedness?

9/10/2014 (Permalink)

Here to help you be prepared: (843)-747-8750 ~ 24/7 #NatlPrep #BeReady

Those of us who work for SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston are just like everyone else. We have to hustle every morning and make sure the kids get to school. Then we are sitting right next to you at our kids’ sporting events, piano recitals, school plays, and occasionally the hospital waiting room when one of them tries an absolutely ‘fool-proof’ stunt. It takes a lot of planning to get everybody where they need to be on time and like you, we have a lot of planning ahead of us for the holiday season this year! 

We realize we are going into the busiest time of the year, but we urge you to take some time and go over with your family your plan of action in case of emergencies. This is the perfect time as September is National Preparedness Month and there are many resources available to assist you put together your emergency plan of action.  It sounds like something that can easily be put off until tomorrow or next week but the problem with emergencies- they happen when we least expect them. Are you sure your spouse or children know what to do in case the family is separated by a flash flood or hurricane? If not, make a plan now, share it with your family, and enjoy a little added peace of mind. 

If you need help putting a plan together, the federal government has created some great templates for an emergency plan and ideas to communicate it with the rest of your family. Don’t forget to make sure you have a way to power flashlights and radios, plenty of drinking water and a way for everybody to keep warm.

A happy holiday season starts out by being a safe holiday season. We want to see you and the rest of your family happy and healthy next year so get started on that emergency plan as soon as possible.  Don't forget to save our contact information... just in case!  843-747-8750 ~ 24/7

With Water Damage, Response Time is Critical!

5/13/2014 (Permalink)

Faster to any size disaster! Any where in the Charleston Area.

SERVPRO strives to have the best response time possible when we are called for a fire or water damage.   Our 1-4-8 policy sets us apart when it comes to taking care of your home or business in the most expeditious manner.   Our goal is two-fold:  To reduce interruption to your family or business and to make the insurance claim resolution seamless and timely.  Dealing with all of the facets of a water damage and insurance claim can be overwhelming.  Adding additional frustration and cost to the mix due to a delay in response time is simply unnecessary.

Here is a timeline on how the damage from water can progress over just a few weeks:

WITHIN MINUTES…

WITHIN HOURS…

WITHIN A WEEK…

 WITHIN WEEKS…

SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston is ready for your call. Contact us 24/7 at (843) 552-1226.  For non-emergent needs we can also be reached thru the on line Contact Us Form.

Air Filters and the Quality of YOUR Air

4/30/2014 (Permalink)

Questions about improving your air quality? Call us anytime! (843) 552-1226

As we close out Air Quality Week we wanted to share an extremely useful article by Bryan McElveen, Charelston’s EcoRealtor.  Bryan is committed to sustainable communities and high performance homes.  We have partnered with Bryan on several non-profit events in the Charleston area and look forward to hearing more from him in the future.

The following is an excerpt from his “Indoor Air Quality of Homes” article.  This addresses specifically air filters, including a link to a clear comparison of different types of filters.  We encourage you to read the whole article for more of his thoughts on action you can take to ensure the quality of the air in your home or business.

“Filter and Freshen - The sources of pollutants can never be totally eliminated, so it is important to filter and replenish the air in the home.

The air conditioning and heating system in your home has a system filter that all the circulated air passes through. This filter not only cleans particulates from the air, but also prevents the settling of dust and mold in the ventilation ducts. Not all filters are made the same, and there are varying degrees of quality from useless to overkill – read HERE for an easy guide (some sizes can be difficult to find, email me for help). Filters should be changed regularly, depending on use. There are often set periods such as 30 or 90 days, but it’s best to be subjective – observe the filter each month and if it looks filthy, change it.

Your central system should have a “Fan” setting that allows you to change from “auto” to “on” or something similar. The automatic setting runs the fan only when the system is actively cooling or heating, whereas “on” will run the fan and circulate the air regardless of system mode. Be mindful of how much the system is running – during temperate times of year (like right now in April or later in October), your system may go for a few days without turning on. If that’s the case, then flip the switch to “on” every now and then so that the air in your home can be circulated and filtered.”

SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston takes the air quality in your home and office seriously.  If you feel you have a mold, mildew, or HVAC issue possibly contributing to health or comfort issues in your home or business… We can help.

We are available 24/7 at (843) 552-1226 or for non-emergent needs you can reach us via our Contact Us page. 

Green Means Clean

4/23/2014 (Permalink)

Safely cleaning the Charleston area.

SERVPRO® Industries, Inc. is a member of the EPA’s Design for Environment (EPA/DFE) initiative. As a member company, SERVPRO® can access the listing known formally as CleanGredients. The EPA/DFE has established a set of criteria for formulating environmentally friendly cleaning products. With the assistance of larger chemical companies the EPA/DFE has put together a listing of safe cleaning components that can be used in Green cleaning formulations.

From the listing a formulation can be derived that incorporates “green” chemistry. The initiative is designed to allow chemical formulators a resource to formulate environmentally friendly cleaning products using environmentally friendly raw materials. We have formulated three Green Cleaning Products that allow us to finish any cleaning project in an environmentally sound way.

Carpet & Upholstery Green Clean #251 is a product designed for cleaning both carpet and upholstery. It is truly a “one product does all” in that it can be used as a spotter, pre-spray, in-line cleaner for both truck mount and portable equipment, and in low-moisture bonnet cleaning. The product is pH neutral, biodegradable, contains no phosphates, solvents, dyes or fragrances.

All Surface Green Clean #250 is an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional surface cleaners. It is pH neutral, contains no dyes or fragrances. All components are safe, non-toxic, phosphate free, Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) compliant and rapidly biodegradable. The product is designed as a one product cleans all for surfaces that can be wiped or mopped. It can safely be used on walls, ceilings, countertops, floors, etc. The exclusive formulation contains both ionic and non-ionic surfactants that are naturally derived and provide excellent multi-functional cleaning.

Window Green Clean #249 is an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional glass cleaners. It is pH neutral, contains no dyes or fragrances. All components are safe, non-toxic, phosphate free, VOC-compliant and rapidly biodegradable. The product comes ready to use and is formulated with soft water to eliminate spotting and streaking.

SERVPRO takes great care in providing safe, effective, and environmentally friendly cleaning products for use in your home or business. We know the disruption that accompanies fire or water damage and take great pride in knowing you can be confident that your family, pets, or employees will not be exposed to unnecessary or harmful toxins during the restoration process.

SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to SAFELY make your fire or water damage “Like it Never Even Happened.” 

(843) 747-8750

Turn Around, Don't Drown!

3/18/2014 (Permalink)

Turn Around, Don't Drown! Flood Safety Awareness Week 2014

Flooding remains one of the top weather killers in the U.S., with the average number of annual fatalities totaling near 90. More than half of these fatalities are vehicle-related. The National Weather Service has been working to bring those numbers down and, for the past decade, has been doing so using its “Turn Around Don’t Drown” campaign, which is dedicated to teaching the public about flood safety.

Hector Guerrero, warning coordination meteorologist at the NWS San Angelo, Texas, forecast office, began formulating a plan for a program to raise awareness of the dangers of driving or walking into flooded areas in the early 2000s. While Guerrero worked at the NWS forecast office in Brownsville, Texas, he became concerned when hurricane evacuees from the Texas coast would relocate to the heart of Texas’ Flash Flood Alley. He was also aware of the dangers associated with flash floods having grown up in Austin, also part of Flash Flood Alley. “I wanted a catchy phrase along the lines of the fire-safety mantra "Stop, Drop and Roll,” said Guerrero. “After brainstorming with a group of firefighters from Harlingen, Texas, I chose ‘Turn Around Don’t Drown.’” 

Guerrero worked with a team from NWS Southern Region Headquarters and together they partnered with the Texas Division of Emergency Management, the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes, and the City of Fort Worth Fire Department. NWS launched the “Turn Around Don’t Drown” program in Texas in 2003. Once the phrase was officially trademarked by NOAA, the program made its national debut in 2004. 

Since then, hundreds of permanent “Turn Around Don’t Drown” signs have been established along roadways prone to flooding across the U.S. and the slogan has become an often repeated catchphrase in the media, classrooms and even the home. In addition to the NWS education materials, NWS partners also distribute resources bearing the phrase. 

For information on how SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston can help if you are facing flood damage to your home or business, please take a look at the Water Damage Restoration page on our website.

You can also Contact Us, 24/7, for help.  (843) 747-8750

Atricle courtesy of NWS & NOAA

9th Annual LifePoint Race for Life

2/24/2014 (Permalink)

Awesome turn out at the Race for Life, Charleston SC!

SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston was so proud to see our 2014 pet project, LocalPassport.org, make their first appearance this weekend at LifePoint's 2014 Race for Life.   LifePoint creates awareness of the extreme need for increased organ donor registry and provides donor services to 62 hospitals in the state of South Carolina.  In addition, they educate hospital staff members and and helps families through the process of making a confident decision about organ donation during and extremely difficult and confusing time.

We also had the privilege of working side by side with Palmetto Crossfit owner , Alana Hopkins.   Alana has spent the last several years raising funds for a double lung transplant for her son, Tripp, with Cystic Fibrosis. Tripp did not find relief and healing in the way friends and family had hoped. However, his loving and vibrant spirit continues to live on and inspire so many.  The most notable are certainly his mother and sister.  They have not wavered in their fight to help those who need lifesaving transplants to have a better chance of living every single day.  As incredible as she is, Alana was only one of many in attendance this weekend that are pushing thru loss and putting their grief on display with the hope that more will choose to be organ donors.  If by now, you are wondering how you can register:  This link can help.

With almost 600 run/walk participants, a field full of vendors and even a few furry friends, the 9th Annual Race for Life was a huge success.  We met some awesome new people and thoroughly enjoyed the warm, beautiful weather!  A much needed change from the weeks of ice, freezing rain and frozen water pipes!  Needless to say, we walked out of the park Saturday with a heightened understanding of what we can accomplish as a community if we pull together. 

Every year more and more lives are saved due to new technology and medical procedures using donor organs. Localpassport.org worked tirelessly to help promote this event and increase participation. This is just the first of many events they will support and we are thrilled to be their 2014 calendar sponsor!

We at SERVPRO of GNC have dedicated 2014 to digging in a little deeper into the communities we serve in the Greater Charleston Area. Do you have a favorite charitable organization or fundraising event? Please contact Local Passport's 2014 ambassador, Bryan McElveen at Bryan@CharlestonEcoRealtor.com to have your event listed and promoted... Free of charge!  As Charleston’s EcoRealtor, his passion for sustainability and community in the Lowcountry is contagious. 

SERVPRO specializes in making disaster that strikes your home or business “Like it never even happened.”    LifePoint also strives to provide recovery solutions... on a far, far greater scale.  Every day they are dedicated to increasing the odds of those who otherwise would have run out of options.   Thank you LocalPassport.org for introducing us to LifePoint!  

For information on when/where you can catch the next SERVRO of Greater Northern Charleston sponsored event follow us on facebook, linkedin, and twitter.   And for a little “Save the Date” heads up:  March 28th.  Details to come!

Have an awesome week, Charleston!   

PS.  There were quite a few links for some great local businesses and organizations in the blog post above.  If you have time, go back and check a few of them out!  

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

1/22/2014 (Permalink)

Frozen pipes in Charleston, SC. Who would have thought?

Typically, freezing pipes are not a common concern in South Carolina.  However, the last several weeks hundreds of homes and businesses have had water damages due to the unusual sustained low temperatures brought on by the Polar Vortex.   Our Charleston franchises, sent technicians to assist the Columbia SERVPROs as they were inundated with hundreds of calls from home and business owners during record breaking winter weather.   Everyone has been working around the clock to get repairs complete before another devastating dip in temperature occurs. 

The Weather Channel gives little insight into pipes freezing in Southern climates, like our own.  As well as some tips to protect your home or business from a winter storm related water loss.  As many of the homes in the South are on a slab and have plumbing in the attic, even a small leak can cover far more territory as it not only seeps out horizontally, but down into the lower floors as well.  Just a few moments of preparation, could very well save you thousands in damages. (Read more from the Weather Channel here)

We hope you have an ice-free winter… but, as always… we are here to help - 24/7 - if you find yourself in a chilly mess!  We are always ready to help make it Like It Never Even Happened. 

(843) 747-8750 

For more information on SERVPRO and our Storm Response Teams, Click Here.

Our "Gross" 2013!

1/15/2014 (Permalink)

A look at some of what we cleaned up in the Charleston area in 2013!

We love our technicians!  We even go so far as to call them Heroes!

Click the link below for a glance at the water, fire and mold damages our guys took care of in 2013.  We are looking forward to an even messier 2014!

The Tech Files. Vol. 2 - Snapshots of 2013!

Don't forget to save our contact information in your phone, just in case you come home to a loss like this in your home!

We are available to you 24/7 ~ (843) 747-8750

Rapid Response is Critical!

1/14/2014 (Permalink)

Rapid response is critical to a water damage clean up.

Rapid Response on EVERY call is what sets SERVPRO apart from our competitors.  While all SERVPRO franchises are independently owned and operated, we are all held to the same response time guidelines.  We are actually scored on our ability to maintain consistent response times with the 1-4-8 standard set by our corporate leadership. 

At SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston we take the 1-4-8 guideline as a challenge.  When we are notified of a loss by your insurance company or property manager, we make sure someone stops IMMEDIATELY to contact the appropriate person to make arrangements to be on site for emergency service in as little time as possible.  Highly trained and professional technicians are usually on site in less than 2 hours unless otherwise requested by the client.

We also make it a practice, to contact your insurance adjuster if at all possible during the initial visit to your property in order to expedite necessary approvals for the work required to mitigate the fire or water damage and restore your home or business as quickly as possible.

SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston is proud to be part of a nationwide company that challenges us to provide expedient, quality service to our local home owners and small businesses.

We are here 24/7 to serve the North Charleston and surrounding areas:  Goose Creek, Moncks Corner, Summerville, Ladson, Hanahan... Call anytime:  843-747-8750.

Happy New Year!

1/7/2014 (Permalink)

Looking so forward to another great year working with Charleston area home and business owners.

We just wanted to take a minute to slow down and wish all of our friends, family, clients and future clients a hearty Happy New Year!  The holiday season is always a whirlwind for everyone and we sincerely hope you have all had a chance to take a breath and catch up a bit this first week of 2014.

We have some exciting new things on the books for this year. Our favorite:  Having the opportunity to host the 2014 Final Friday networking events.  The last Friday of every quarter, we will be partnering with Charelston EcoRealtor on Passport 72's newest project, www.localpassport.org.  This online calendar focuses on non-profit events exclusively, and each quarter features a local organization to receive all proceeds from a corporate sponsored business networking event.  Sounds fun, right?  This year's 4 netoworking functions will be held at 4 of our favorite restaraunts in the North Charleston Area.  You do not want to miss out!  

Please take a couple minutes to check out the facebook pages of Passport 72 and LocalPassport.org so you can stay up to date on the details of when, where, and who will benefit from the March Final Friday. (Links at the bottom of this post.)

We are thrilled to be part of the Charleston community and can't wait to give a little back this year.  Thank you so much for trusting us with your homes and businesses over the 7 years.  Looking forward to what the next 7 have in store! 

With Overwhelming Gratitude, 

Liz and Brandon Ferm

Facebook Links Below... even throwing ours in there as a bonus!

Passport 72    LocalPassport.org  Charelston EcoRealtor

SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston

Lights, Candles, Action!

12/16/2013 (Permalink)

Seasonal traditions cause an average of 230 home fires each year.

The holidays bring with them brightly lighted decorations, elaborate meals and large gatherings are all part of traditional holiday celebrations. Unfortunately, these seasonal traditions also cause an average of 230 home fires each year, with an average of 4 deaths, 21 injuries and $17.3 million in property damage.

There are almost twice as many on Christmas Day as there are on non-holidays. Homeowners can help keep their homes and their families safe during the holiday season by understanding the dangers and taking some simple, commonsense precautions in the kitchen.  Here are a few facts to consider:

Holiday Cooking Fire Facts

·         Thanksgiving Day has three times the average number of reported home structure fires involving cooking equipment.

·         The two other peak days for cooking-related fires are Christmas Day and Christmas Eve.

Holiday Cooking Safety Tips

·      Supervise items on the stovetop. Fifty-eight percent of kitchen fires involve ranges; homes with electric cooktops have a higher risk of fire than homes with gas cooktops.

·      Keep flammable items – potholders, packaging, wrapping, wooden utensils, loose clothing – away from the stovetop.

·      Don’t let lack of sleep or alcohol consumption affect your ability to concentrate on preparing the meal.

We hope these tips will be a reminder to families in North Charleston and surrounding Charleston communities to make fire prevention a priority in preparing for the holidays.   The aftermath and clean up after a house fire would certainly be an unwanted interruption to time celebrating with family and friends!   

For more fire prevention tips and information about fire and water damage restoration services, contact SERVPRO^® of Greater Northern Charleston at (843) 747-8750, 24/7.  

Heat Your Home Safely

12/11/2013 (Permalink)

Portable heating devices are a leading cause of house fires.

Each year fire claims the lives of 3,500 Americans, injures 18,300, and causes billions of dollars worth of damage. Our winters in Charleston, SC may be mild in comparison to other parts of the country, but this often results in the use of portable heat sources more often.  Space heaters in the office and outdoor heaters on our patios, offer just enough warmth to be comfortable and cost effective. 

Here are a few tips to avoid a fire:

• All heating equipment needs space.
• Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away.
• Supervise children whenever a wood stove or space heater is being used.
• Have a three-foot "kid-free" zone around open fires and space heaters.
• Always unplug your electric space heater when not in use.
• Never burn trash, paper or green wood in your fireplace.
• Make sure all smoke alarms are functioning.

To find out how SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston responds to a fire damage, visit the Fire Restoration page on our website.  Feel free to contact us at anytime if you are affected by a fire or smoke damage in your home or business.  

24/7 - 843.552.1226 or Contact Us via our website.

For more information on Home Heating Safety from FEMA, visit http://www.usfa.fema.gov/citizens/home_fire_prev/heating/.

Smoke Can Be Surprising!

11/5/2013 (Permalink)

Even a small fire can produce devastating smoke damage.

The complexity of property loss or destruction due to fire damage is due to the unique behavior of smoke. Smoke can penetrate within cavities of the structure, causing hidden damage and odor.

Some things you may not know about smoke:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.


• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, using holes around pipes to go from floor to floor.


• The type of smoke may greatly affect the fire damage restoration process.


• There are at least many types of soot and residues left behind by smoke:  Wet, Dry, Protein, Fuel Oil and others.

Having a SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston Professional inspect and pretest your home after fire damage prior to beginning the cleaning process saves time and can prevent the loss of important items or keepsakes.

For more detail on the behavior of smoke, the risk of hidden damage and how we at SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston can help, visit our Fire Damage and Restoration page and feel free to contact us, 24/7 at (843)-747-8750 or via our Contact Us form.

Restoration vs. Replacement

10/18/2013 (Permalink)

Working hand in hand with your insurance company to restore your home.

At SERVPRO we are in the business of restoration rather than replacement - this provides the benefits of not only lower costs but also a smaller ecological footprint. On a more personal level, restoration vs. replacement provides the homeowner peace of mind, in the event of a loss, that they will be able to make the most of any insurance payments they receive. 

Why do we focus on restoration?

• We minimize the amount of building material discarded into landfills.
• We preserve the original architecture of building structures.
• Restoration is much more cost-efficient than replacement.
• Many items cannot be replaced, such as important documents and family heirlooms.

In addition to preserving original structures and items, a drive towards restoration can better satisfy a complete return to normalcy when catastrophe occurs. Insurance policies often have limits that cap the amount of a claim - restoration allows for minimizing the costs of returning a structure to preloss condition.

SERVPRO works seamlessly with insurance companies nationwide, providing them with restoration budgets that not only meet their stringent guidelines, but provide the homeowner with the best possible outcome.

You have a choice when it comes to who to trust with your home after a fire or flood. Choose SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston and let us help you make it… “Like it never even happened.”

We can be reached 24/7 at (843) 747-8750.  

Do you have a current Home Inventory?

10/10/2013 (Permalink)

How up to date is your Home Inventory?

A current Home Inventory can save you thousands in lost contents! 

Our technicians specialize in the restoration of contents damaged by fire, water, or mold. Their expertise can help you save money on your loss.  Having a complete inventory of the contents of your home BEFORE a water or fire damage can make certain that all items lost in the fire or flood are included in your insurance claim.

How to create a home inventory

Once you have completed your home inventory and stored it safely, set a reminder to update the inventory and photos annually.

THIS WEEK! Fire Prevention Week

10/4/2013 (Permalink)

Sparky and the NFPA bringing you National Fire Prevention Week, 2013.

With over 90 years of history, Fire Prevention Week is the longest running national health and public safely observance.  What started as a commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire 1871, has become a week dedicated to educating and preventing fires and the injury, death and destruction they produce.  

President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed the first Fire Prevention Week in 1925. As part of his proclamation that day, he cited that fires the previous year were responsible for the loss of 15,000 lives and over 500 million dollars in damages.  His determined response remains the focus of the National Fire Prevention Association as they sponsor this important week each year. 

“This vast waste is incurred under conditions which cannot fail to arouse a sense of horror and shame, for our experience indicates a major portion of it is preventable. “

The number of deaths due to fire has been drastically reduced over the past 9 decades; however, the number of unnecessary deaths is still staggering.  In the United States, an average of 7 people, per day, die in-home fires.  Many of which could have been prevented. 

As we provide information and tips to you this week, we hope that you will take a little time to inspect your home and office for potential fire hazards.  Most are very easy and inexpensive to correct.

Follow SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/servproofgnc), Twitter (https://twitter.com/servproofgnc) , Google+(https://plus.google.com/u/0/104866530372825233415/posts) or Pinterest (http://www.pinterest.com/servproofgnc/)  so you don't miss out on some great information...and a lot of fun stuff too!

Have a safe and happy week! 

Sources for this blog and more information on Fire Safety:  National Fire Prevention Association:  http://www.nfpa.org/safety-information/fire-prevention-week;  Fire Files Digital Library:  http://fire.omeka.net/items/show/596

Mold: Potential Health Risks

10/2/2013 (Permalink)

Do you have visible mold in your home? It could be affecting your health.

Mold is a term used to describe a type of fungus that is an often fuzzy-looking growth that appears on the surface of organic materials in damp conditions, both outdoors and indoors. Molds may be gray, black, green, yellow, orange or various other colors, and may have a velvety or wooly texture.

Like other fungi, molds produce tiny spores in order to reproduce. Mold spores continually waft through the air, both indoors and out-of-doors. When mold spores land on a damp spot, they may begin to grow. Indoors, molds can grow on wood, paper, fabrics, carpet, foods and other organic materials.

Molds are a natural part of the environment, but human health problems may result when people are exposed to large amounts of mold, particularly indoors. Inhaling excessive quantities of airborne mold particles or spores may adversely affect your health. 

Potential Health Effects of Indoor Mold:

• Allergic Illness - When mold cells are inhaled and land in the respiratory tract, the body's immune system's response to those invading cells can cause allergic illness. The immune system tries to destroy the mold as it would an agent, like a flu virus, that might cause infection. In a relatively small portion of the population (about 10 percent of people in the U.S.), the immune system overreacts and causes the allergic response that results in symptoms such as runny nose, scratchy throat and sneezing. Most of us know this allergic illness as "hay fever" or "allergic rhinitis."


• Asthma - Asthma is a lung disease in which the airways that carry oxygen to the lungs can partially close, causing breathing difficulties ranging from mild (such as a dry cough) to life-threatening (inability to breathe). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in 12 adults and one in 11 children in the United States has asthma. More than half of asthmatics have respiratory allergies, often to mold. Molds can trigger asthma episodes in sensitive asthmatics.


• Respiratory Infection - Some mold species can cause respiratory infection when the live mold invades the tissues of the lungs or respiratory tract. This is not a significant risk for healthy people, but can be dangerous for individuals with severely weakened immune systems.


• Toxic Effects - Very large doses of certain molds, whether inhaled or ingested, can result in poisoning caused by mycotoxins in the mold cells. One particular type of mold that has been highlighted in the media is Stachybotrys chartarum (also known as Stachybotrys atra), commonly referred to as "black mold". Stachybotrys is a greenish-black mold that grows on materials with high cellulose content (drywall, wood, paper, ceiling tiles) that are chronically wet or moist. It is one of several molds that can produce mycotoxins under certain environmental conditions.

The health effects of breathing mycotoxins are not well understood, but we do know that most molds can present the health risks mentioned above.  Therefore, any mold growth in a building should be cleaned up, regardless of the type of mold. 

If you feel you are experiencing a mold problem in your home or office.  Don’t delay getting it corrected.  SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston is happy to assist you in creating a healthier, mold free environment for you and your family or employees.  Contact us at (843) 747-8750 or via our Web Contact Page.

Sources for this post and additional information on the effects of mold on your health:

• American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine: Adverse Human Health Effects Associated with Molds in the Indoor Environment


• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Asthma Triggers: Molds 


• EPA: Mold Resources


• Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC): Mold


• Minnesota Department of Health: Mold/Moisture Resource List 

Is Your Business Ready?

10/1/2013 (Permalink)

Does your Lowcountry business have an emergency plan?

Research indicates that only around 50 percent of businesses that suffer an incapacitating disaster are able to recover and resume operations... and only 29 percent remain in business just two years later.  While natural disasters certainly play their role, it is estimated that 95% of disasters affecting regular business operations are internal or man-made.  Electrical fires, kitchen fires, leaky plumbing, and faulty sprinkler systems are just a few sources of potential loss for any business.  Many business owners have an emergency contingency plan in place, but few have a plan specifically to stabilize and mitigate damage efficiently in order to get back into their buildings following a disaster. 

Most full contingency plans are made up of three main parts:  incident response, disaster recovery and business continuity.  SERVPRO’s Emergency READY Profile addresses both incident response and disaster recovery, making it a vital component of any existing contingency plan.

Developing a SERVPRO^® ERP for your business affords you an immediate plan of action, limiting the amount of time your business is inactive.  Timely mitigation minimizes the effects of water and fire damage, allowing your property and business to be restored at an advanced rate.  Knowing what to do, who to call, and what to expect, in advance, is the key to timely mitigation.  

For more information on creating your customized Emergency Ready Profile email beready@SERVPROofgnc.com, call (843) 552-1226 or use our Contact Us Web Form. 

Preparedness on a Budget

9/25/2013 (Permalink)

It doesn't have to cost alot to be prepared.

It is no secret that many families and individuals are looking to cut back on spending. But with the frequency of disasters, both natural and manmade, can you afford not to be prepared? Preparedness doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. September is National Preparedness Month, and we are asking you to help your family and friends prepare for whatever may come. Here are a few tips* on how you can protect those that matter to you without spending a fortune.

• Make a Plan. Work with you family and neighbors to make an emergency plan for the types of disasters that affect your area. Make sure everyone in your family understands where to go and what to do in case of an emergency. You can download Family Emergency Plan templates www.ready.gov/make-a-plan

• Update Contact Information. Having accurate records for family, friends and neighbors will help you stay in contact and possibly help those in need. Make sure updated contact information is posted in visible places throughout your house and workplace.

• Check Your Policy. Review your insurance policy annually and make any necessary changes – renters, too! When a disaster strikes, you want to know that your coverage will get you back on your feet.

• Make a Ready List. You may not need all of the items in ready-made preparedness kits. Choose the essentials that fit your needs and budget. Don’t forget to keep supplies at work and in your car. Sample Ready Lists can be found at www.ready.gov/document/family-supply-list

• Plan Your Purchases. You can save money by thinking ahead. Don’t buy preparedness items just before a storm when they’re expensive and supplies will be in high demand. Buy items at the end of the season when you can get good deals.

• Shop Sales. Shop at sales and used goods stores. Buy preparedness items throughout the year, instead of all at once, and you won’t notice the cost as much.

• Make Sure it Keeps. Store water in safe, containers. You don’t need to buy expensive bottled water, just make sure your water containers are disinfected and airtight

• Request a Gift. We all get things we don’t need. Suggest preparedness supplies as gifts from your friends and family. It just might save your life.

• Trade a Night Out. Trade one night out to fund your 72-hour kit. Taking a family of four to the movies can cost upwards of $80. Just one night staying in could fund your Ready kit.

*The best tip: start now. Take small steps toward preparedness and before you know it, you will be Ready! 

Got Jewelry?

9/13/2013 (Permalink)

Protect your personal valuables without weighing down your homeowner's insurance.

We spent a little time chatting this week with our friend Carl Phillips, one of the top producers CT Lowndes here in the Lowcountry.  The topic of conversation?  Jewelry!  We were surprised to hear that Carl does NOT recommend you add your jewelry to your homeowner’s policy.  Instead, he suggests a personal articles floater for his clientele. 

According to Carl, separate coverage often results in higher limits, fewer exclusions, and the most important benefit:  Jewelry claims do not affect the homeowner coverage.  Jewelry and valuable personal items are not always actually in the home when they are lost or stolen.  However, when attached to the homeowner coverage, a claim of any size shows as a loss and counts against a “claim free” rating.   This causes many homeowners to choose to resist making the claim and simply take the loss of the jewelry in order to protect their policy premiums. 

Interested in hearing more about how you can effectively cover your valuable personal items?  Please contact Carl for details and a quote customized to suit your needs.  Be sure to tell him his friends at SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston sent you!  Click this link for all of his contact information or contact SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston and ask for Beth. 

Two-Step Approach to Disaster Readiness

9/5/2013 (Permalink)

Helping homes and businesses in Charleston, SC be more prepared.

North Charleston, SC (Grassroots Newswire) August 22, 2013 - There is no predicting when or where a disaster may strike, leaving property destruction and damage in its wake. But National Preparedness Month, sponsored each year in September by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), focuses the nation’s attention on the steps home and business owners can and should take to be ready to respond to emergencies, including natural and man-made disasters.

“SERVPRO^® professionals know a lot about disaster cleanup,” said BrandonFerm, Owner of SERVPRO^® of Greater Northern Charleston. “And one of the most important things we know is that it’s better to take steps to prevent or minimize damage from an unexpected weather event or other disaster than it is to try to clean up after it. That’s why we emphasize the importance of readiness to our clients through SERVPRO’s ‘Emergency READY Program.’ Being ‘READY’ can make the difference between moving back into your home or losing it – or staying in business or closing the doors forever.”

As a National Sponsor of the American Red Cross Ready Rating Program^TM and the originator of SERVPRO’s Emergency READY Program, SERVPRO^® is uniquely positioned to offer North Charleston area home and business owners guidance on a robust, two-step approach to disaster planning and recovery, encompassing both readiness and recovery planning, according to Ferm.

Step 1: Readiness Planning

Knowledge is power, and the American Red Cross Ready Rating™ program is designed to help home and business owners assess their level of preparedness for weather-related or other emergencies in advance.  This free, web-based program, available at readyrating.org, walks responsible parties at businesses, organizations and schools through a 123-point self-assessment of their establishment’s level of preparedness for weather-related or other emergencies, and then offers tips and best practices to help improve their readiness.

Step 2: Recovery Planning

Through SERVPRO’s Emergency READY Program, local schools, businesses and other establishments can arrange for a SERVPRO^® of Greater Northern Charleston disaster recovery professional to establish an Emergency READY Profile^® (ERP) for their facility, at no charge. The ERP is a comprehensive document containing critical information about the business, including emergency contact information, shut-off valve locations and priority areas. In the event of an emergency, the ERP can help minimize business interruption by ensuring there is an immediate plan of action already in place for the facility. If disaster strikes and damages the business, the ERP can save the property owner both time and money during the recovery period. Smartphone app and web versions of the Emergency READY Program are also available.

“This two-step approach to disaster readiness makes perfect sense,” said Rick Isaacson, Executive Vice President of SERVPRO Industries, Inc., “because it provides a complete readiness solution for businesses and other property owners. In Step One, The Red Cross Ready Rating Program gives individuals the knowledge they need to take all necessary steps before disaster strikes to protect their property from damage and loss. Step Two kicks in when disaster does strike and fast response is key to minimizing damage and downtime. Knowing what to do and who to call saves critical time – and that’s where SERVPRO’s Emergency READY Program can help. Together, these two programs offer maximum peace of mind to businesses and other organizations.”

SERVPRO^® of Greater Northern Charleston specializes in disaster restoration, cleanup and repair services, helping to remediate damage, making it “Like it never even happened,” for both commercial and residential customers. North Charleston area residents are encouraged to contact BrandonFerm of SERVPRO^® of Greater Northern Charleston at (843) 747-8750 or beready@servproofgnc.com or visit www.servpronortherncharleston.com for information on readiness resources including SERVPRO’s free READY Plan Mobile Application, available on all smartphones.

For more information on the Red Cross Ready Rating program, please visit http://readyrating.org/.

Did you know?

8/30/2013 (Permalink)

We are proud to be locally owned and operated in Charleston, SC.

• SERVPRO was founded in 1967.
• We are the National leader and provider of fire and water cleanup and restoration services.
• We also specialize in mold mitigation and remediation.
• A network of more than 1,600 individually owned and operated Franchises make up the SERVPRO family.
• We have franchises in Canada.
• We respond to property damage emergencies ranging from individual residential disasters to multi-million dollar commercial losses.
• The SERVPRO^® System has established relationships with all major insurance companies.
• Most of all… We love working with our Lowcountry home and business owners!

Congratulations, Beth Williams!

8/14/2013 (Permalink)

Beth Williams is now DryBook Certified!

Congratulations to our Sales/Office Manager, Beth Peterson Williams, for being the first SERVPRO employee in the Greater North Charleston area to successfully complete SERVPRO's DryBook Training with flying colors!

This new program will make it possible to capture drying information and readings more efficiently on site at a water damaged property. Just another tool SERVPRO has to offer that makes us best the restoration industry has to offer. 

Charleston Business Owner Honored!

8/6/2013 (Permalink)

Local Business Owner Honored at SERVPRO^® Annual Convention
Brandon Ferm recognized for outstanding revenue performance at annual event

North Charleston, SC (Grassroots Newswire) July 25, 2013 -- Brandon Ferm, Owner of SERVPRO^® of Greater Northern Charleston, was honored with the Director's Platinum award for outstanding revenue performance during SERVPRO’s 44^th Annual Convention, held June 17 – June 21 at the Anaheim Marriott Hotel and the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California. 

In addition to providing a networking and educational forum for the more than 1,600 Franchise Owners in the SERVPRO^® Franchise System, SERVPRO’s Annual Convention provides a platform to recognize and reward Franchisees for outstanding success in their businesses.

“I’m proud to have earned this award this year,” said Ferm. “Everyone at SERVPRO^® of Greater Northern Charleston is dedicated to being the leader in our industry in the North Charleston area. This award is recognition that our community knows they can depend on us to help them recover from a storm, fire or other disaster.”

SERVPRO^®, an industry leader in disaster cleanup, restoration and remediation services, welcomed a record number of Franchisees to their annual event. In addition to the awards ceremony, this year’s Convention offered more than 60 workshop sessions covering more than 30 different topics - the most extensive program ever offered at a SERVPRO^® Convention. The keynote speaker was Walter Bond, former NBA player.

“SERVPRO Industries, Inc. congratulates Brandon and all of our award winners on their success,” said Sue Steen, Chief Executive Officer of SERVPRO Industries, Inc. “We know our leadership position in the marketplace is a direct result of the dedication and professionalism of our Franchisees and their staffs. Hopefully, this year’s Annual Convention provided all of our attendees with the latest intelligence about our company and our industry–so they can continue to grow their businesses and support their customers with the best possible service.”

Storm Season Warning!

8/1/2013 (Permalink)

Storm season is almost here! Are you ready?

During the last several years in the Charleston area, few have escaped the hair raising severe weather alerts screaming from our radios, televisions, and now, and smartphones.   Flash flood and severe weather warnings have just about become the norm.  We did a little digging into where those alerts are generated and found that it takes an impressive amount of study and testing by NOAA's National Severe Storms Lab to ensure those alerts get to us as quickly and as accurately as possible.

From collecting local information thru public survey responses to simulated weather projects, the NSSL is constantly increasing our understanding of the science behind forecasting the weather and providing weather warnings with the most lead time possible.  Every day they are discovering new information that will ultimately translate into local protocols that will improve the safety of our communities, here at home, under the threat of severe weather.

Want to know more?  Click here to check out the full scoop on the National Severe Storms Lab.

This week is Hurricane Preparedness week and SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston wishes everyone in Charleston and the surrounding areas a disaster free storm season.  However, if your home or business experiences a water intrusion and you find yourself in need of a little help getting back up and running, don't hesitate to call us at (843) 552-1226 or through our contact us page.  We are here for you ~ 24/7!