Michigan 2023: fast flooding requires fast action.

9/25/2023 (Permalink)

the recent flash flooding that occurred in Michigan left a lot of local resident in peril. In news reports they say some businesses were left as "Islands," and homes were virtually underwater.  With all of the local company's overloaded with calls, we send our team of water mitigation specialists to help. After 3 weeks of working day and night our team helped many people get their homes cleaned up and ready for reconstruction. Some of the work done, included sewage backups in their basements, main floor flooding, or water coming in from the outside. 

After leaving their families, driving across the country (South Carolina to Michigan) and then immediately getting to work to exact and dry, Our team has returned safely home. 

Pets Starting Fires During the Holidays in South Greenville?

12/15/2022 (Permalink)

We respond to fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day in South Greenville County.

The winter season is a busy time for all, our pets included! According to the American Red Cross, more home fires occur during December and January each year on Saturdays and Sundays. Our pets are curious creatures responsible for starting approximately 750 fires each year in the United States. Here are some fire safety tips for pets from the National Fire Protection Association:

• Some pets are chewers. Watch pets to make sure they don’t chew through electrical cords. Have any problems checked by a professional.
• Keep pets away from stoves and countertops
• Keep pets away from candles, lamps, and space heaters
• Always use a metal or heat-tempered glass screen on a fireplace and keep it in place
• Keep pets away from a chimney’s outside vents.
• Have a “pet-free zone” of at least three feet away from the fireplace. Glass doors and screens can stay dangerously hot for several hours after the fire goes out.

Call Us Today!

When you have a fire damage emergency in your home or business, you can rely on our highly trained team at SERVPRO of South Greenville to restore the damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 864.292.3137!

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Dryer Fire, Don't Be a Victim!

8/23/2022 (Permalink)

An electric or gas clothes dryer is nearly an essential part of life in most homes. In families with children, the laundry can seem a daunting task, going on forever with washing machines and dryers churning and turning away slowly at a never-ending mountain of laundry.

But, all that convenience carries with it the possibility of a deadly hazard -- a dryer fire -- the leading cause of home fires in this country at the rate of about 15,000 every year.

*Don't dry dangerously*

While today's clothes dryer is in itself a safe piece of machinery and a feat of modern technology, it isn't fail-safe and requires regular preventive maintenance to prevent fires that could start in your lint trap or anywhere within your dryer's venting.

When lint traps aren't cleaned as often as they should be, the resulting build-up in the screen or other areas can cause the dryer to perform poorly, operate at elevated temperatures and possibly overheat -- with dangerous consequences. Vent systems must also be checked and cleaned to maintain proper air flow for the same reasons.

Problems may also occur if consumers place improper items in their dryers, such as foam backed rugs or athletic shoes, or vent their appliances with plastic or vinyl exhaust materials. Make sure that whatever you put in your dryer is approved and safe to place in a dryer. When in doubt, check the washing instructions on the tag of the clothing or consult the manufacturers website for more information.

Please follow these useful tips to avoid a dryer fire. In the unfortunate event that you encounter a dryer fire and the damage left in its wake, please call us at SERVPRO of South Greenville County!

Smoke Alarms Save Lives!

8/23/2022 (Permalink)

Smoke alarms save lives when property installed and maintained, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

Test smoke alarms monthly using the test button. Smoke alarms with non-replaceable batteries need the entire smoke alarm unit replaced every ten years. If the alarm chirps signaling low battery, take the proper steps to replace the unit or the batteries immediately. Never disable or remove the battery from an alarm. Almost half of first where smoke alarms were present but did not activate had missing or disconnected batteries (NFPA).

In larger commercial facilities, hard wired or wireless smoke alarms offer benefits such as not needing to be tested as often and activating throughout the entire building if smoke is detected in just one area (NFPA).

If you need help installing, testing or changing batteries in your smoke alarms, contact your local fire department, an electrician or the American Red Cross.

Be sure your home or workplace has a fire emergency plan in place and conduct regular fire drills. For more information on Emergency Preparedness, contact SERVPRO of South Greenville County!

Commercial Property Cleanup

8/23/2022 (Permalink)

You don’t have time to worry about the common wear and tear that gradually soils your office. When grime, odor and moisture challenges go beyond the scope of your regular janitorial staff, call in SERVPRO. Whether it’s removing an odor problem or deep cleaning flooring or carpets, you can rely on SERVPRO  to make your workspace look its very best.  SERVPRO will get the job done right and get it done quickly, because the SERVPRO Advantage includes these benefits:  The state-of-the-art SERVPRO National Training Center teaches restoration and mitigation skills to Franchise Owners, SERVPRO’s Corporate employees and insurance industry employees. It is one of the few facilities in the country that has been recognized as a state-approved continuing education course location and IICRC approved training facility.  SERVPRO Franchise Professionals offer cleaning services ranging from cleaning restaurant hoods to removing bio-hazard contaminants. We have the specialized training and products to get your property back to business. Their cleaning services include the following:

- Air Ducts and HVAC

- Biohazard

- Carpet and Upholstery

- Ceilings, Floors, and Walls

- Drapes and Blinds

- Odor Removal

- Sewage

- Trauma and Crime Scene

- Vandalism

Award-Winning Training Nearly 50 Years of Experience Exclusive Cleaning Products

SPECIALTY CLEANING SERVICES TRAINING EXCELLENCE

SERVPRO Commercial Large Loss Division is composed of our best of the best in restoration. Our elite large-loss specialists are prequalified and strategically positioned throughout the United States to handle any-size disaster. Every large loss is supervised by a commercial operations manager to help ensure seamless communication and timely mitigation.

The SERVPRO Advantage is our ability to dispatch trained production professionals and cut costs through the strategic placement and oversight of temporary labor.

COMMERCIAL LARGE LOSS DIVISION

1,700+ FRANCHISES

Property Management Hospitality Facilities

Healthcare Facilities Food Service Facilities

Education Facilities

Retail Facilities

NO JOB IS TOO LARGE

The Three Levels of Lost

8/23/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of South Greenville County specializes in both residential and commercial losses.  Similar to residential losses, commercial losses have a three tier damage level that we access.

Level 1: Level 1 is a small commercial loss involving 15,000 square feet or less of affected floor space. Examples of a small commercial loss may include a stand-alone store front, a small church or a daycare facility.   A Level 1 loss can also be a small portion of a much larger structure.

Level 2: Level 2 is a medium commercial loss involving 15,000 to 60,000 square feet of affected floor space. They are typically multi-level or greatly divided spaces.  Examples of a level 2 loss may include a small multi-family property, a midsize church or a school. A Level 2 loss can also be just a portion of a much larger structure 

Level 3: Level 3 is a large commercial loss typically involving more than 60,000 square feet of affected floor space. The building or buildings involved will likely be large multi-level structures. Examples of a level 3 loss can include, a large church, hospital, school, or university; a large multi-family property; or a large strip-style shopping center or shopping mall. This is the level at which it would be appropriate to refer to the project as a “large loss.” 

Make SERVPRO® of South Greenville County your first call to help you or your business and your local insurance agent assess the damage.  We will work for you to restore the property to make it "Like it never even happened."

The Three Different Categories of Water

8/23/2022 (Permalink)

When a water event occurs in your property, damage to the structure and contents can occur. The type of water that affects a building includes:

Category 1 water originates from a sanitary water source and does not pose substantial risk from dermal, ingestion, or inhalation exposure. In most cases drying procedures are recommended.

Category 2 water contains significant contamination and has the potential to cause discomfort or sickness if contacted by people. For this category, environmental interpretation is critical as drying for some materials is acceptable while removal of others must occur

Category 3 water is grossly contaminated and can contain pathogenic, toxigenic or other harmful agents. In most cases removal is necessary and environmental remediation is necessary.

When a water event occurs a water extraction contractor is generally hired to remove the water. However, the ability of the contractor to identify the water category, deal with the issues of health and safety properly as well as remove or dry out the affected building materials and contents can vary greatly.

Assessment for water damage independently of the water removal contractor ensures that the project is dealt with relative to the category of water, health and safety concerns are identified and controlled and their work product is validated.

What Storm Damage Looks Like

8/23/2022 (Permalink)

A terrible storm can cause an immense amount of damage to your home.  Some visible to the naked eye some not. Below are a few things homeowners should look for.  

1. Roof: Look for shingles that have discoloration, tearing, or even holes in them. These can all be signs that your roof has been damaged. Another sign is if there are leaks in your roof or your ceiling.
2. Gutters: After a hail storm, looking for dents or dings can also give you a better picture of what the storm did to the rest of your home. Your gutters can also give you insight to whether you have roof damage. Check to see if there are granules from the asphalt shingles in your gutter.
3. Windows: Look at each of the windows at your homes and note any signs of shattered or broken windows and frame damage. This is especially important after a hail storm or a strong wind storm.
4. Exterior: Not only is it important to look at the siding of your home to check for damage, it is also important that you check any appliances. Inspect your AC/HCAC unit as well as items such as a barbeque grill.

SERVPRO of South Greenville County has a 24/7 emergency response team that is well-versed to handle all storm damage,, 24 hour, 365 days a year emergency for any residential or commercial location.

Biohazard, Vandalism and Crime Scene Remediation & Cleanup

8/23/2022 (Permalink)

Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences for building occupants. Failure to property handle and safely remove such substances can contribute to unhealthy or even dangerous environments.

SERVPRO professionals are trained to effectively and safely remove hazardous biological substances and prepare waste for proper disposal. Equipped with the needed safety equipment and cleaning products, SERVPRO can turn unsafe environments into clean, safe homes and businesses.

Bloodborne Pathogens

SERVPRO technicians remove and dispose of bodily fluids, tissue and other potentially pathogenic substances resulting from accident, trauma, crime or death. Our professionals are trained to thoroughly clean, disinfect and deodorize the structure.

Methamphetamine Labs

Many of the chemicals used in the production of illegal drugs, such as methamphetamine, are volatile and can leave harmful residues throughout a structure. SERVPRO follows all applicable federal and state guidelines to clean all surfaces.

Arson and Vandalism

SERVPRO provides general cleaning and deodorization services for situations resulting from vandalism including graffiti, egg, spoiled foods and human or animal waste.

Sewage Backup

Sewage backups and black water intrusions are more than nasty, smelly deposits. These damages also introduce harmful microorganisms into a structure. SERVPRO technicians remove the sewage, contaminants and moisture, disinfecting as they clean. Our professionals ensure the structure is cleaned, disinfected and deodorized.

Recognized as a leading fire and water cleanup and restoration provider in the upstate, SERVPRO of South Greenville County offers fast and reliable biohazard, vandalism and crime scene cleanup and remediation services to residential and commercial property owners.

What are the 5 MOST TOXIC TYPES of MOLD?

8/23/2022 (Permalink)

Ascospores are prominent in nature commonly found in the outdoor environment. Some fungi that belong to the Ascomycete family include the sexual forms of Penicillium/Aspergillus, Chaetominum, etc that may be frequently found growing on damp substrates.

Chaetomium are found on a variety of substrates containing cellulose including paper and plant compost. Several species have been reported to play a major role in the decomposition of cellulose-made materials. These fungi are able to dissolve the cellulose fibers in cotton and paper and thus cause the materials to disintegrate. The process is especially rapid under moist conditions. Their Ascospores are brown or gray with one or two germ pores.

Fusarium is a hydrophilic mold that requires very wet conditions and is frequently isolated from plants and grains. They colonize in continuously damp materials such as damp wallboard and water reservoirs for humidifiers and drip pans. While Fusarium Keratitis can be a serious infection, it is a rare disease. Fusarium is commonly found in organic matter such as soil and plants. This infection cannot be transmitted from person to person. 

Aspergillus and Penecillium are both types of mold are ubiquitous in the environment. Aspergillus tends to colonize continuously damp materials such as damp wallboard and fabrics. Penicillium is commonly found in house dust, wallpaper, decaying fabrics, moist clipboards, etc.

Stachybotrys is the bad boy of them all

Stachybotrys, commonly called "stachy," is a greenish-black, slimy mold found only on cellulose products (such as wood or paper) that have been wet for several days or more. The mold does not grow on concrete, linoleum or tile. Stachybotrys and some other fungi may produce several toxic chemicals called mycotoxins. Mycotoxins can be present in spores and small mold fragments released into the air. Once the mold fragments, mycotoxins and spores are in the air, individuals may breathe them into their lungs.