Water Damage is a Result of Fire Damage

10/5/2022 (Permalink)

If you have a fire, you need to call in a professional restoration company as soon as possible.

Fire Damage Leads to Water Damage

Fire damage is a major problem that can cause extensive and costly damage to your home. This type of damage is caused by fire, which can be caused by either an accident or arson. Fire damage can affect your entire home, but it is important to note that not all fires leave behind only fire-related problems. Water damage is also common in homes that have been affected by fire; this occurs when the water used to extinguish the flames gets into various places within your home and causes mold spores to grow in those areas. In addition to these issues, there are other key points about fire damage that you need to know about:

Water Damage

You will have to deal with the water damage as well. This is not a good time to be lax. Water damage can be caused by fire sprinklers, fire hoses, or firefighters trying to put out the flames and keep them from spreading further. Water damage can cause mold and mildew if left untreated for too long; this may lead to structural damage because of weakened materials like drywall or wood paneling (which makes up most interior walls). Electrical components can also be affected by water, which causes short circuits and other malfunctions that could cause fires themselves if left alone for too long.

To avoid these issues after a fire has been extinguished on your property, you should hire professional services from companies like SERVPRO of Hendersonville who specialize in restoring properties damaged by fires—and floods!

Smoke and Soot Damage

Fire damage is more than just the fire itself. Fire causes smoke and soot that can quickly infiltrate your home's structure, walls, ceilings, and floors. In addition to these immediate dangers, many items exposed to intense heat may be damaged beyond repair by being melted or warped out of shape. This can include electronics like computers and televisions as well as clothing and furniture items that were left behind during evacuation efforts.

Call SERVPRO of Hendersonville

Not all fire restoration companies are created equal. Some are better than others, and if you're dealing with fire damage, it's important that you choose a good one. When choosing a fire restoration company, make sure they have the equipment and know-how to deal with issues of water damage from firefighting efforts. They should be able to address any lingering smoke odor in your home caused by their clean-up efforts as well as help fix structural problems resulting from heat exposure during a fire (i.e., warped floors).

In addition to helping you repair the physical damage caused by smoke, water influxes, and other aspects of fires that often require expert removal techniques (such as burnt wiring), these companies will also handle insurance claims for those who need them after an unfortunate incident like this happens at their home or business location!

If you have a fire, you need to call in a professional restoration company as soon as possible. They will be able to assess the damage and make sure you have everything taken care of quickly and efficiently so that you can move on with your life.

The Importance of Fast Home Fire Restoration

8/12/2022 (Permalink)

Home fire damage in Mountain Home, NC.

Getting Your Home Repaired After A Fire

Fire restoration experts in Mountain Home, NC, have identified three key factors in getting your home repaired quickly after a fire. Critical to the success of this process is to use an experienced local restoration company for your damage cleaning and restoration. SERVPRO professionals have an array of techniques to return the condition of your home until it's “Like it never even happened.”

1. Why Is Speedy Restoration So Crucial?
If your home has been damaged in a fire, the building envelope may be breached, letting in the weather. Also, firefighting efforts can also cause substantial water damage. The faster these issues can be addressed, the less ongoing damage can occur.
Professional fire restoration companies can become insurance industry partners, meaning they’ve been vetted and have a relationship with insurance professionals. With pre-approval, in the case of a serious fire, one call can quickly get the restoration process started — literally before the fire trucks have left. Pre-approved professionals can even start mitigation efforts before formal approval is granted.

2. What Does Mitigation Involve?
Copious amounts of water may be necessary to extinguish a fire. Anything absorbent can be damaged to a greater or lesser degree as the water sits inside, getting behind walls through cracks and causing mold and other trouble. It’s vital to have it removed as soon as possible.
In addition, exposed areas of a home need to be tarped and boarded from the elements. Both of these steps work together to prevent further damage. After the first steps to protect a house and remove the water, trained crew can bring in air movers to extract moisture.

3. How Fast Can a Home Be Restored?
The length of time needed for a restoration depends on the degree of destruction and how it’s handled. In addition to water damage, smoke damage can be extensive even from small fires. However, professional restoration technicians have commercial damage cleaning agents that can dramatically speed up the process by restoring instead of replacing much of the damage.
Fire restoration can be simplified by keeping these points in mind. Professional assistance can save tons of time, money and a huge amount of frustration.

What To Know About Commercial Property Insurance

7/28/2022 (Permalink)

Various types of businesses should carry commercial property insurance

What Does It Cover?

You probably have homeowners' insurance that helps pay for repairs to your house following an emergency. You similarly need commercial insurance for your office or business headquarters. Your commercial policy should cover any smoke or fire damage to the Mills River, NC property.

What To Insure
Various types of businesses should carry commercial property insurance. If you run any of the following, you should purchase insurance for the premises:

• Retail store
• Service business
• Not-for-Profit
• Manufacturing company

It is not just the properties themselves that need insurance coverage. After all, fires can affect various assets within a building, as well. You should thus get insurance for any processing, manufacturing or office equipment. That includes the phone systems, furniture and computers.
Any inventory should also be included in your commercial insurance policy. You should additionally insure your satellite dishes, landscaping, fences and essential business records.

What Insurers Consider
Once you apply for insurance, the provider will decide how much to charge you for premiums. Whatever premiums you do end up paying can be deducted as expenses.
The insurer considers several factors when calculating the cost of your policy. First, it will look at the value of your building and the assets inside it. Before you meet with your agent, you should thus take an inventory of all the items within your property.
Since insurers do not like risk, they will charge more for properties in areas prone to wildfires or other weather catastrophes. Similarly, you may have to pay higher premiums if your building is made from combustible materials. Conversely, properties with fire-resistant floors, doors and walls may have lower premiums.
Commercial insurance premiums can be high, especially for businesses that own valuable equipment. However, insurance is worth the expense in the long run. After all, without proper coverage, you might have to use your company's earnings to pay for fire damage cleanup services.

Preventing Dryer Fires

7/19/2022 (Permalink)

Clean your lint filter regularly.

Keeping Dryer Fires at Bay

A lint fire is a dangerous and preventable situation. Nearly 34 percent of the 2,900 dryer fires that occur annually are because homeowners fail to maintain and clean their dryers correctly. Therefore, it is vital to understand the areas of your dryer that should be regularly inspected and to understand when professional maintenance should be performed.

1. Lint Filter

The most apparent cause of any dryer fire is a dirty lint filter. Lint is essentially kindling for the fire, and if not removed frequently and thoroughly it can ignite in the high heat of a dryer. Therefore, you should clean the lint from the filter before and after every use. Also, biannually, you may want to use a nylon brush to clean any residual dust from the crevices of the filter.

2. Behind Dryer

Many people incorrectly assume that a fire stemming from dryer use must occur inside the dryer, but this is not true. A lint fire can begin outside of the appliance and often does, especially when there is a buildup of dust and debris behind the unit, nestled around the vent tube and pipe. Therefore, at least once a month, it is a good idea to pull the dryer out and clean.

3. Vent Pipe

While a vent pipe may be protected from massive buildups of lint because of the dryer filter, it can still develop mounds of dust and lint remnants that have the potential to start a fire, especially if these mounds block the exhaust, allowing heat to build in the pipe and dryer. Therefore, you should aim to clean the vent pipe at least once every three months.

4. Maintenance

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, your dryer is not functioning as it should. If this occurs, you may want to contact an appliance repair company or a plumbing specialist in the Hendersonville area to look over your appliance and determine a cause for the issue.

A lint fire can lead to substantial loss. However, it can be prevented through due diligence and a proper cleaning schedule. Don’t fall victim to one of the leading causes of home fires, clean your lint and dryer vent routinely.

Effects Storm Damage Can Have on Your Building

7/12/2022 (Permalink)

A burst pipe in Balfour, NC.

When you consider the effects a massive storm can have on your workplace, you probably think about torrential rains and heavy winds. While Mother Nature can certainly wreak havoc on your building in this way, there are other potential consequences to bad weather in Balfour, NC. A burst pipe, for example, can lead to extensive flooding. In turn, you could face time-consuming, expensive cleanup. As you understand some of these other effects of storm damage, you can prepare your business for such an emergency.

How Pipes Burst

Throughout your building, you have a network of pipes carrying water in and out of the facility. At any time, if a pipe were to break, it could expel hundreds or even thousands of gallons of water onto floors, walls, and ceilings, not to mention personal belongings and equipment. A burst pipe can occur from the following:

• Poor construction or low-quality materials
• Lack of maintenance and upkeep
• Frozen water inside that expands and begins to crack the pipes.

Gradual Flooding

It's possible for a frozen pipe to crack and begin to leak without you ever knowing it. Water could gradually trickle out of pipes in walls or ceilings, or under sinks over weeks or months before you detected a problem. This could result in mold growth, the rotting of wood and severe damage to other materials.

Sudden Flooding

If a pipe bursts, it could leave standing water in your building in a matter of minutes. If this happens, move items to higher ground and get to safety as soon as possible. Shut off the water to the building and contact a professional flood remediation company. Cleanup crews can salvage many damaged items and will restore your building as well.
Cold weather can cause a burst pipe. The consequences could be severe damage to your building. Be aware of these dangers and regularly inspect and maintain your plumbing system.

3 Types of Water Leaks That May Cost Your Business Money

6/25/2022 (Permalink)

A leaking tap can be costing you more than you think.

Types of Water Leaks

Did you know that even small leaks at your Flat Rock, NC, business can cost you hundreds of dollars per year in wasted water and repair costs? While you might think of a water leak as a common problem, failing to maintain your building's plumbing could transform a small leak into a major issue, and there are several types of leaks you can watch for to stop major water losses before they happen. 

1. A Fast-Dripping Water Leak
That fast drip in your public restroom's sink or in the breakroom might be old news to you or your employees, but this type of leak may be costing you more than you think. It can cause damage to your building's pipes and weaken the interiors of finished cabinets. Having a fast leak repaired can not only lower your commercial water bill but protect the building materials that surround the plumbing as well. 

2. A Leaky Toilet 
That old leaking toilet in your office can cost you hundreds of dollars in water damage, especially once the moisture starts to affect the floor or wall around it. Over time, the water may start to warp or rot building materials like drywall and wood. Unless you take steps to rectify the leak, you may have to replace not only the toilet but the adjacent materials as well. 

3. A Leaking Pipe 
A plumbing pipe water leak is usually the most damaging when it is not detected right away. Over time, the pipe may degrade and then eventually burst, especially with a seasonal temperature change. A pipe break can cause a massive flood inside your building and require the assistance of water restoration and mitigation service to remove standing water before the moisture and increased humidity cause more damage. 
Water leaks at your Flat Rock, NC, business may cause you more headaches than you might think. Fixing current leaks and remaining aware of potential plumbing problems can help you to better protect your investments. 

The Responsibilities of FEMA in a Disaster Area

6/14/2022 (Permalink)

Property was destroyed after a hurricane in Etowah, NC.

The Responsibilities of FEMA in a Disaster Area

The Federal Emergency Management Agency or FEMA responds to all declared domestic disasters and emergencies. This could include natural weather events such as hurricanes and tornadoes, or it could include man-made catastrophes such as wildfires or even terrorist acts. The agency has responded to many large disasters in recent years, including hurricanes in New Orleans, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and New York and New Jersey. The agency separates dealing with disasters into four stages:

• Mitigation
  
• Preparedness
  
• Response
  
• Recovery
  
  

As a common and recurring problem, rising waters are one particularly challenging aspect of disaster management. Dangerous water events occur in nearly every part of the country.

The Elements of Effective Flood Response and Recovery
The first part of a response after a major storm deals with treating injured individuals and rescuing those in trouble. This can tax community resources, so FEMA is often instrumental in bringing in outside help. These include first responder personnel as well as managing and arranging assistance in the form of food and shelter. Providing valuable information to the community is also a critical role at this time.
The recovery stage that follows includes the use of a professional storm mitigation franchise that has access to significant corporate resources. Industrial equipment such as water vacuums, pumps, and dryers all help mitigate flooding damage. Highly-trained technicians assess the situation for each impacted homeowner in Etowah, NC, and come up with an effective recovery plan.

The Final Stage
Damaged structures are rebuilt using knowledge obtained in other disasters and using the best practices of the restoration industry. Financial burdens are also addressed at this time, as organizations help individuals find funding in the form of loans or grants. Many government agencies work to find resources for homeowners who did not carry insurance, and a disaster declaration often provides additional funds. FEMA plays a coordinating role in helping the country deal with large-scale disasters.

3 Types of Smoke Detectors To Protect Your Family

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

Photoelectric alarms work best in bedrooms, laundry rooms, and hallways.

Three Types Of Alarms To Consider For Your Home

Purchasing a smoke alarm is an investment in your family’s safety. And although these alarms have been around for decades, they are not a one-size-fits-all product. Here are the three types of alarms to consider for your home.

1. Ionization Alarm
The first type of alarm detects small smoke particles in flames. Therefore, install them in the garage or basement to protect against fires from combustible materials, in a reading room or library full of highly flammable books and newspapers and in the kitchen to warn against grease fires. When installing an ionization alarm in the kitchen, place it far enough away from the cooktop to avoid false alarms.

2. Photoelectric Alarm
This smoke detector senses the larger smoke particles released by smoldering fires. Mattresses, clothes and carpets burn this way. So photoelectric alarms work best in bedrooms, laundry rooms and hallways. They are also appropriate for living rooms or furnished basements with couches and fireplaces. Place these alarms high on the wall or ceiling, putting the alarm four inches from the top in rooms with vaulted ceilings.

3. Dual Smoke Alarm
The third type of alarm combines the technology of ionization and photoelectric alarms to provide the best in fire safety. Whether you choose to mix and match ionization and photoelectric alarms in your Fletcher, NC, home, or use dual alarms throughout, interconnecting the alarms provides your family with the most protection. When you interconnect the alarms, if one gets triggered, they all will sound. This setup gives your loved ones the best chance of reaching safety in the case of a fire. If your house suffers fire damage, hire fire restoration professionals.
Your family’s well-being is your highest priority. So, install a smoke alarm in every room of your home to protect them. It will be money well spent.

3 Ways Fire and Smoke Affect Electronics

5/24/2022 (Permalink)

Open flames and high heat melt electronics.

Three Effects of Fire and Smoke on Electronics

High heat, soot and smoke can stop electronics from working or even raise the risk of another electrical fire at a commercial building in Hendersonville, NC. Here are three ways in which fire at your business or at a commercial property can damage electronics and necessitate professional content cleaning at an off-site location or replacement. 

1. Open Flames and High Heat Melt Electronics
The temperature of building fires tops out around 1,500 to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Needless to say, contents exposed to open flames and very high temperatures are likely to ignite and burn, melt or otherwise or suffer damage caused by heat, fire, soot and smoke. Electronic devices are very sensitive to all of these types of damage and require specialized computer cleanup.

2. Smoke Damage Causes Overheating
Soot can cause a black residue to form on chips and circuits. If you power up a computer that has been exposed to fire or soot damage without first cleaning these components thoroughly, you run a much higher risk of a short-circuiting and electrical fire.

 3. Water Causes Corrosion To Form
If firefighters use water to suppress a fire, this secondary damage can cause corrosion to form on metal components in appliances, computers or devices. Contents of a structure with fire damage tend to be exposed to chemical compounds that accelerate rusting. Corrosion can also cause short-circuiting or stop electronics from working.
After a fire causes damage at a business or commercial property in Hendersonville, NC, it is important to carefully assess the condition of electronics. Do not attempt to turn on devices that have potentially been exposed to extremely high temperatures, soot or smoke, as this can cause overheating or short-circuiting and raise the risk of an electrical fire. Electronics cleaning experts can safely check, clean and test computers and devices.

What To Do With Water-Damaged Carpet

5/19/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage to carpet floor in Zirconia, NC.

What Should You Do If Your Carpet Is Wet?

If you experience a pipe break or other source of water damage in your Zirconia, NC, home, you may wonder if you can save your carpet or if it must be replaced. Fortunately, in some cases, this type of flooring can be salvaged if you act quickly.

Restoration
If the source water is clean, such as from a supply pipe break, you don’t have to worry about mold growth or other bacterial contamination for at least 24 hours. Dry the flooring out using the following equipment:

• Fans
  
• Dehumidifiers
  
• Wet/dry vacuums
  
  

If the carpet was soaked through to the underlayers, pull up the flooring and hang it out to dry. Replace the padding if necessary. An experienced restoration service can help you determine what must be thrown away and what can be salvaged. They also have commercial equipment that can get the job done quickly and thoroughly.

Replacement
In other cases, carpeting must be replaced. If the source is not clean water, or if the water has been present for more than 24 hours, bacteria and other contaminants are likely to present. Carpeting is difficult to completely sanitize, and it is generally safer to replace the flooring. An exception may be small rugs that can be thoroughly cleaned with a fabric sanitizer and hot water.
In other cases, it may simply be more practical to replace the flooring than restore it. Even if the water is from a clean pipe break, it may not be worth the hassle to restore carpeting that is old or inexpensive. Pulling up the carpeting often requires cutting it into smaller pieces, making it impossible to reinstall.
Carpet is expensive, and many homeowners wish to salvage their investment from water damage. If the water is from a clean source and is removed quickly, it is usually okay to restore rather than replace the flooring.

4 Flood Safety Tips for Protecting Your Home

5/5/2022 (Permalink)

Gutters and downspouts are among the most important tools outside your home.

Flood Prevention Methods For Your House

There is no feasible way to ensure your house is flood proof. While there are many ways to ensure the flood safety of your home through recommended prevention methods, there are always going to be potential threats or unforeseen circumstances that can result in flooding. The best any homeowner can do is talk to a local flood restoration specialist in Hooper's Creek, NC, to figure out the best prevention methods for your house.

1. Ensure Proper Slope for Flood Safety

One of the best safety tips is to ensure the slope of landscaping and driveways is correct. The property surrounding your home should slant away from your house's foundation, typically at about 10°. If you do not have an adequate slope, water will settle against the foundation, potentially leading to cracks, settling, and flooding.

2. Maintain Exterior Components

Gutters and downspouts are among the most important tools outside your home. The components ensure water exits the roof and settles away from the foundation. When gutters and downspouts are clogged, water can settle along the foundation. Additionally, water can back up underneath shingles or find its way into your home through damaged seals.

3. Install Prevention Tools

The best way to prevent interior flooding is by installing prevention devices, such as sump pumps and backflow valves. The type of device best suited to your property will depend on your location and potential flood zone. Therefore, it is best to contact a plumbing professional for recommendations.

4. Perform Routine Maintenance

Clogged drains or collapsed pipes can also lead to a flooded basement. It would be best to consider hiring a plumbing service to perform routine, bi-annual inspections and cleanings to avoid such issues.
The key to flood safety is to follow proper prevention strategies and routine maintenance. While no method guarantees a dry home forever, each reduces flooding risks.

How To Use Candles Safely

4/22/2022 (Permalink)

If you want to use candles, consider flameless options.

How to Use Candles in a Safe Manner

There is nothing quite like the flickering flame of a lit candle, particularly if you are trying to be romantic. Unfortunately, they can be dangerous as well as romantic. A candle fire can very quickly cause massive destruction.

General Rules

There are some general rules you should always obey when using candles:

• Keep clothes, hair and cloth away from the open flame
  
• Never leave a burning candle in a vacant room
  
• Don't use candles under shelves
  
• Always place them on a heat-resistant surface
  
  

These rules may seem basic, but a lot of damage can occur if they are ignored. Approximately 8,200 fires are started by candles every year, and many of these destroy homes. If you have a fire, you may need a smoke cleanup and fire damage remediation company in Mountain Home, NC.

Jarred Candles

Some people think that jarred candles are safer, but this is not the case. When they burn down to the bottom, the wax can superheat the glass. This causes the jar to explode. If you use jarred candles, make sure you do not burn them below the safety point (about 2 inches above the bottom of the candle.) Not only can they cause a candle fire, but the exploding glass is also dangerous.

Safer Options

If you want to use candles, consider flameless options. These are battery-operated versions that flicker just like the real ones. This can save you and your home. Flameless candles even come in scented versions that use fans and essential oils to provide the same fragrant effects. They are child and pet safe even if they are knocked over. The only thing you have to worry about is changing the batteries.
Candles can be beautiful, but it is always best to remember that they are open flames. Candle fire incidents cost homeowners thousands of dollars every year. Taking simple safety precautions can save your home.

Commercials Owners Face Multiple Repairs During Fire Restoration

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

We want to help restore your property after a fire.

Fire Restoration

Fire restoration is a complex process involving more than merely dealing with ashen walls. Commercial owners in Mills River, NC, face several significant hurdles to returning the structure into a safe, functional space. Proprietors should expect to handle multiple stages and concepts over several weeks to months, depending on the severity of the destruction. Working with insurance and a remediation team may simply be the process as business leaders move through the following fire cleanup stages.

1. Secure the Facility

Before a fire rebuild happens, the premises must be contained, safeguarding the establishment from additional property harm as well as potential lawsuits. Expert care is given to board up any exposures in the roof or walls, preventing wind and rain from hurting the structure. Also, trespassers, robbers and vagrants see a burnt building as an easy target. It’s essential to work with people who understand how to defend the entire structure.

2. Survey the Building’s Damage

During fire restoration, crews must think about several elements:

• odor treatment
  
• ash cleanup
  
• restoring deteriorated parts
  
• mold containment
  
• water cleanup
  
• electrical hazards
  
  

A water remediation company such as SERVPRO has experts in all of these fields, capable of saving agencies and owners from calling multiple services. Instead, tied into one team, they collaborate to establish efficient, methodical restoration.

3. Treat the Space and Belongings

Specialists use high-tech equipment to salvage electronics, photos and documents, and items deemed especially valuable and hard to replace during rebuilding services. This assists in cost replacement.
The general location is dried to avoid secondary issues such as mold. With that complete, those employees can directly contact a crew to begin washing and scrubbing the facility. A final group of construction staff repairs anything torn out or burnt through.
Fire restoration demands focus, concentration and teamwork since so many stages are required. With a group working as one, owners and agents streamline the efforts and simplify contact information, making the ordeal simpler and smoother.

3 Kinds of IIRC Certified Specialists Trained To Handle Drying in Water Damage Remediation

4/8/2022 (Permalink)

Water extraction and cleanup are only one call away.

Three Types of IIRC Certified Specialists Trained in Water Damage Remediation Drying

Water damage may arise from many sources. It is the product of weather conditions, home malfunctions and random acts of nature. Whether they are the result of a broken pipe, rain from a leaking roof, or some other cause, large influxes of water may lead to destruction and irreparable harm. It is important to contact professionals like a remediation and restoration company in Balfour, NC, to prevent or lessen commercial property damage and carry out water clean-up in flooding cases. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification, or IICRC, trains several kinds of experts to handle different aspects of such situations, including drying.

1. Commercial Drying Specialists

Water clean-up projects needing the services of commercial drying specialists often involve hazards like heavy equipment, high voltage in confined spaces, electric machinery and dangerous chemicals. While the course they go through to obtain certification does not cover all potential risks, they are encouraged to research them on their own. They must also be familiar with and comply with relevant regulations. They are trained in:

Damage inspection and determination
Utilization of technical drying methods for water-impacted structures, furniture, systems and more
Workflow management
Process administration

2. Water Damage Restoration Technicians

Usually working in concert with a water damage restoration team, these technicians perform mitigation tasks. They evaluate severity, remove water and try to salvage items like inventory. They also possess an understanding of the different categories of water damage, the extent of harm each can do, and how to deal with each.

3. Applied Structural Drying Technicians

Similar to commercial drying specialists, these individuals are trained to make quick, informed decisions. Like them, and like water damage restoration technicians, they work to get rid of moisture.
While all of these have overlapping roles, certified professionals must undergo specially designed coursework for each title. Companies may employ one or more of these kinds of experts for water clean-up and remediation. The IICRC also offers many other certifications in the cleaning and restoration industry.

3 Types of Protective Equipment Every Remediation Professional Should Have

3/30/2022 (Permalink)

Responsible mold removers do not just clean and restore the area effectively, but they also protect everyone inside.

Protective Gear For Mold Remediation

One sign of professionalism you should expect from qualified mold remediation specialists is their ability to protect themselves and others. Mold spreads easily and can be hazardous, which is why it is important to safely eliminate it from your Flat Rock, NC, business. This goal is best accomplished when the professionals use their resources properly. Learn about the most essential pieces of protective equipment they should have.

1. Protective Suit

Mold spores can easily cling to clothing and spread throughout the rest of the location or even other areas. The people working with it should wear protective suits that can be washed easily and prevent spores from getting attached. Disposable hazmat suits are the most effective solution to this issue. During smaller projects, removal professionals may wear a long-sleeved shirt and pants that are distinct from their casual outfits. They wash these items in hot water immediately after use.

2. Disposable Items

A disposable full-body suit may not always cover all body parts. Experts need other disposable items to protect other areas from mold growth exposure, including:

• Gloves
  
• Foot/shoe covers
  
• Hair covers
  
  

Mold can cling to hands, shoes or hair and spread easily if there is no adequate protection. Therefore, technicians usually wear these items before entering the affected area. When they leave, they remove these items and carefully dispose of them. If they must re-enter, they put on new ones.

3. Face Mask

The most important protective item cleaners should have in their arsenal is a face mask, sometimes known as an air-purifying respirator. This item filters mold particles and any other harmful substances. There are both permanent and disposable masks and they block different particle percentages. If a mask does not include a built-in visor, remediators can use safety goggles to prevent mold, debris and chemicals from entering their eyes.
Responsible mold removers do not just clean and restore the area effectively, but they also protect everyone inside. Make sure they use their equipment appropriately to avoid any issues.

Preventing Sewage Backup

3/24/2022 (Permalink)

A sewer backup at your home is never fun.

Four Ways To Prevent Future Sewage Backups

A sewer backup at your home is never fun. It is even less enjoyable when it leads to storm damage at your Etowah, NC, home. If you have been suffering through a lot of these backups, it may be time for you to find ways to prevent them from happening again. Here are four actions you can take to prevent future sewage backups.

1. Install a Backwater Valve

Backwater valves are a very common solution to backups. They are designed to help sewage flow away from your house - but they also close if a backup is imminent. Remember that a certified contractor must install such a valve.

2. Use a Standpipe

A standpipe is a simple sewage solution - it is a pipe that is installed right in your floor drain. What makes it unique is that it has a rubber seal that is airtight, so any water that comes out of your drain is usually directed to the pipe rather than the floor. You can also remove the pipe after flooding is no longer an issue, and the remaining water will then drain.

3. Consider a Floor Drain Plug

These plugs are installed below your floor drain grates. They prevent water from backing up when sewage conditions are poor, letting the water return through its opening after the sewers calm down. They are typically very affordable and easy to install.

4. Buy an Overhead Sewer

Did you know that overhead sewer exists? They tend to be a less popular option due to their high cost, but they are highly effective. A professional must install this flood prevention tool.

Remember that even when you take preventative action against sewage backup, sewer cleaning and other upkeep are still important for a better chance of protecting your home. If you are already suffering from water-related destruction, contact a local residential storm damage company for remediation assistance.

4 Important Items To Include in Your Business Continuity Plan

3/19/2022 (Permalink)

Every enterprise needs a solid business continuity plan.

4 Things to Remember When Making a Business Continuity Plan

When flooding, fires and other natural disasters occur, companies become at risk for grinding to a halt. In addition to damage requiring the talents of a business renovation service, these extreme weather events trigger lost productivity and lower revenue. For this reason, every enterprise needs a solid business continuity plan. Having one in place will help assure that downtime is kept to a minimum. Here are four matters that are imperative to incorporate within yours.

1. Recovery Strategies

Plan out what you will do if operational necessities become unavailable. How will you continue if electricity is lost? What happens if critical employees are unable to come in? Know ahead of time what is to be done under every scenario.

2. Alternative Vendors

What should happen if other companies whose services you rely on suddenly cannot fulfill their duties? Identify providers outside of your usual channels and include them in your business continuity plan. Line up alternatives for essentials such as performing equipment fixes, delivering customer orders and providing office supplies.

3. Emergency Response Plan

In addition to keeping everyone safe, knowing what everyone is expected to do during a disaster helps smooth operations. The faster everyone gets to safety and is accounted for, the quicker you can get back up and running. Write out expected procedures and post them in your most highly-trafficked area.

4. Alternative Locations

Think about where your staff can go in the event your building in Fletcher, NC needs to be evacuated. Find a nearby office with unused space or ask employees living in larger residences if they would be willing to host a temporary headquarters. Having staffers work from home is also often a viable alternative. Perform a test run of your plans for functioning remotely ahead of a fiasco.

A well-conceived business continuity plan can keep your venture humming even after calamity strikes. Avoid losing potential income by thinking ahead and planning for the worst.

5 Fire Dangers To Be Aware of in Your Home

2/16/2022 (Permalink)

We’re dedicated to responding immediately when you need help with fire damage. A fast response lessens the damage and reduces cost.

5 Fire Hazards To Watch Out For In Your Home

If you’re worried about a home fire in Hendersonville, NC, then you may be wondering about some of the most common causes. Fortunately, many experts such as firefighters and fire damage restoration professionals can offer tips for fire prevention. Here are some fire dangers you may want to be aware of.

1. Candles

A candle’s open flame is a common fire source. Always keep the area around a lit candle free of flammable materials, and never leave one unattended.

2. Kitchen Stoves

The kitchen stove is another one of the most common fire causes. Keeping your stove stop clean and clear of debris is an important prevention step. Also be sure to ensure that the stove is turned completely off when you’re done using it.

3. Faulty Wiring

A source of a possible home fire can also be faulty wiring. If you have an older home, or have experienced damage to the building, you may want to have the wiring inspected to ensure everything is in working order.

4. Wood Stoves and Fireplaces

Wood-stoves and fireplaces can be another fire source if improperly used. Many such come with use and care instructions from the manufacturer. A screen or grate can help prevent flying sparks. After fire cleaning of your stove or fireplace can also help insure that the fire is completely put out, and no coals have been left to smolder.

5. Appliances

Appliances, such as a clothes dryer, can also be a cause for a fire. It’s important to look for signs of wear and tear in these machines, as well as follow any maintenance instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Being aware of these dangers can help prevent a home fire in your Hendersonville, NC, residence. Never leave a heat source such as a stove or candle unattended, make sure the area is cleared of flammable debris before use, and always make sure everything is put out properly. It’s also a good idea to regularly inspect wiring and appliances. With some time and care you can take steps to help prevent a fire in your home.

Water’s Rising: Protecting Your Business from Flood Damage

2/16/2022 (Permalink)

Our team has the equipment and knowledge to mitigate the damage after flood damage. Call SERVPRO and we will help you.

Protecting Your Business From Flood Damage As the Water Level Rises

Flood damage can be brutal. Businesses can be boarded up and shut down for weeks or months. While precautions that you take now will likely not eliminate all damage sustained during a flood, it can help to make the mitigation and restoration process go smoother.

1. Sandbag Barricades

While storm damage can wreak havoc on your roof, a flood focuses on your foundation. To prevent damage to the interior and crawlspace of your business, purchase several sandbags that can then be stacked as a barricade against the rising water. While sandbags may not eliminate all evidence of water, they will help to divert the water away from weak points in your facility.

2. Secure Exterior Decorations

Believe it or not, exterior decorations, like lawn furniture and garden statues, cause a lot of flood damage. These items become floating battery rams when not secured. Purchase chains or weights, and tie down or weigh down loose decorations to prevent harm to your property.

3. Elevate Electronics and Office Furniture

Flooding can damage sensitive electronics and turn office furniture into dangerous unmanned weapons. The best thing you can do is move sensitive equipment and portable office furniture above the ground floor. This way you protect your property, employees and yourself from harm.

4. Create a Response Plan

A response plan does not refer to your personal response to a flooded business but rather the emergency response for cleanup and restoration. A disaster restoration specialist in the Fletcher, NC, area can help you with this plan by assessing your business and making suggestions for possible actions to take after an emergency.

Flood damage is likely devastating when it occurs, and while preparations may not resolve every issue with a flood, they can minimize loss. Preparation is more about security than the complete elimination of risk. Take the steps above to ensure that you are doing everything you can to protect your business.

The SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team

2/16/2022 (Permalink)

We are storm damage specialists who get started the restoration process quickly to get your business or home back to pre-storm condition.

The SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team Is Here To Help.

There are times that extremely thorough storm response is required from a damage restoration company in Etowah, NC. Major weather-related disasters can be hard for a local service to handle alone. Luckily, SERVPRO is different in that its corporate team is ready to help local franchises with disaster recovery in severe situations.

Prepared for Any Storm

SERVPRO corporate is ready to help local Etowah, NC, teams during blizzards, tornadoes, floods and other disasters by sending crucial disaster equipment that would otherwise not be present at these smaller local franchises. Here are some of the infamous disasters from recent history where SERVPRO corporate professionals and local Catastrophic Storm Response Teams around the country provided much-needed emergency storm services:

• Hurricane Katrina in 2005
  
• California wildfires in 2007
  
• Chicago floods in 2007
  
• Hurricane Ike in 2008
  
• Nashville floods in 2010
  
• Hurricane Sandy in 2012
  
• Polar Vortex in 2014
• Carolina floods in 2015
  
• Hurricane Irma in 2017
  
• California wildfires in 2017

SERVPRO is uniquely equipped with temporary labor teams, production professionals, large-loss experts and specialized managers who are ready to help in whatever way needed when a monstrous storm hits and necessitates fast and efficient disaster recovery.

Faster to Any Size Disaster

Whether a storm is large or small, SERVPRO’s 1700 franchise employees and corporate teams are ready at a moment’s notice to help with storm damage assessment, restoration and remediation. Whether a massive flood suddenly takes over or a violent wildfire starts to spread, SERVPRO technicians are ready to do whatever they can to help restore normalcy and peace.

It is not always easy for anyone or any organization involved in disaster recovery to know what the best plan of action is to pursue, but SERVPRO teams use their experience and skills to take every possible action in to do the right thing at the right time. They are always Here to Help.

DIY Solutions for Removing Shower Mold

1/30/2022 (Permalink)

Borax is a great cleaner.

Natural Cleaning Ingredients

Some homes in Flat Rock, NC, have issues with shower mold. Whether it is the high humidity, lack of ventilation, or abundance of spores, bathroom mold can be a constant problem. Many people grab a commercial cleaner to use in the battle against the unsightly fungus, but others prefer the use of more natural cleaning agents. Here are four cleaning ingredients you can find in your cupboard.

1. Borax

Borax is a great cleaner. Dissolve one-fourth cup of the crystals into one quart of water. Spray the solution on the problem area and use a brush to scrub the moldy zone. Rinse the area and repeat the process as needed.

2. Hydrogen Peroxide

For a great cleaning solution, fill a dark spray bottle with hydrogen peroxide and add two tablespoons of vinegar. Spray the cleaner on the shower mold and wait for half an hour. Spray again and wait for an hour. Wipe the area clean and repeat if necessary.

3. Vinegar

One of the best household cleaners, vinegar is known for its acidity and that makes it a natural solution to a black mold problem. Spray a full-strength solution of vinegar on the mold and wait an hour. Repeat as necessary, and then use hot water to rinse the area and dry completely.

4. Bleach and Baking Soda

Using a little hot water, a cup of baking soda, and a few drops of scented oil, form a loose paste. Spread the paste over the area and remove the majority of the mold. Once most of the fungi are gone, spray a solution of two parts water and one-part bleach on the area and allow it to dry. Repeat the spray if necessary, and rinse with water.

Although a mold colony can begin life as a small spot, it can quickly grow into an unsightly area. With these simple DIY household cleaning solutions, you can quickly vanquish that shower mold and return to a clean bathroom. If the mold keeps appearing, consider calling a mold remediation company to find the underlying problem.

5 Things You Need To Know About Broken Pipes

1/13/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage in Etowah, NC.

Five Things You Should Know About Burst Pipes

To get the most out of your Etowah, NC, home, you need a functioning plumbing system. After all, you probably use running water in your house every day. Therefore, you must watch for the warning signs of plumbing damage. Here are five things you need to know about a pipe burst.

1. Pipes Freeze

When temperatures drop, the water inside your pipes can freeze. As you probably know, water expands as it freezes. This expansion can cause your water line and other pipes to break.

2. Crowded Cabinets Hide Leaks

The areas beneath your kitchen and bathroom sinks are good places to store household chemicals and other items. If you overcrowd these spaces, though, you may not notice a water leak. Accordingly, routinely clean out cabinets and inspect your plumbing system.

3. Plumbing Systems Should Not Be Loud

Pipes generally make a bit of noise when water passes through them. Knocking, creaking, moaning and other noises, however, are not normal. If you have noisy pipes, you may need to take steps to protect your pipes from extensive damage.

4. Water Heaters Require Flushing

While a pipe burst can cause a mess, flooding from an old, damaged or ineffective water heater can be just as bad. By regularly flushing your home’s water heater, you remove sediment before it can cause a catastrophic problem.

5. Water Damage May Be Extensive

Even with your best efforts, you may not be able to avoid a home flood. You must understand that floodwaters can cause extensive damage. If your home survives a flood, consider working with a floodwater restoration service to be sure you restore your house to its pre-flood condition.

Like most homeowners, you don’t want to have to deal with a pipe burst. By understanding some fundamental facts about broken plumbing, though, you can develop a plan for keeping your home’s pipes in excellent shape.

Is Mold Inevitable After a Flood?

1/12/2022 (Permalink)

Mold growth after a flood.

After a flood, is Mold Unavoidable?

When storm waters cause flooding in your Fletcher, NC, home, the cleanup process may take some time. Not only do you likely need to hire a water removal service, but you may also have to repair secondary damage after the water has been cleaned up. While additional damage is a possibility, mold growth does not have to be inevitable after a storm causes water to permeate your house. You can avoid it by doing the following:

• Managing excessive humidity
  
• Removing standing water
  
• Reacting quickly to the flood
  
  

To better understand if your home may be affected by mold, you need to know what contributes to its growth. The type of water, the time it takes to start cleaning and thoroughness of the cleanup job each plays a part in whether or not mold will start to grow.

Dirty Water

If your home is flooded after a storm, chances are the water came from an overflowing river or backed-up sewer system. These water sources are commonly contaminated with spores and bacteria. Water from a dirty source can lead to mold growth quicker than flooding from a broken water supply line.

Lengthy Wait Time

If water sits in your home for a long period of time, the risk that mold will begin to grow is increased. Stagnant water and high humidity create the ideal environment for mold to develop. Quickly calling in a cleaning crew is always a good idea when you find standing water in your home.

Partial Cleanup

Completely removing the effects of flooding is important. Any residual dampness or humidity can encourage mold growth. Some homeowners try to take on the cleanup on their own, but they don't always know how to totally remove water damage. This partial cleanup makes it possible for spores to spread throughout a home.

Mold doesn't have to grow after a flood. Addressing flood cleanup and mold removal as soon as possible can help reduce the damage done by a storm.