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. 

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.

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

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

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. 

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

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.

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.  

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

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

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! 

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!  

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. 

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

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.

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. 

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!

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

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

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

24/7 ~ (843)-552-1226

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 

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.

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. 

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.”