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

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. 

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!

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 

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.

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! 

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.

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! 

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

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. 

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.  

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. 

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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!

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.

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!