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When Storms or Floods hit, SERVPRO® Downtown Charleston is Ready

9/9/2022 (Permalink)

commercial property flooded Flooded Commercial Property

SERVPRO® of Downtown Charleston specializes in storm and flood damage restoration. Our crews are highly trained, and we use specialized equipment to restore your business to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we can respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Charleston, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of more than 2,000 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today at 843-577-2470

How You Can Reduce the Effects of Storm Damage | SERVPRO® of Downtown Charleston

7/14/2022 (Permalink)

a large tree splitting in half at the trunk from a recent storm Do you experience any storm damage to your home or property? Contact us today for a quick response!

Storms can cause a lot of damage to the exteriors of your home or business. Modern building materials like vinyl siding are designed to withstand minor damage, but severe storms can cause major destruction.

The most dangerous part of storm damage is that which goes undetected, slowly becoming more serious without being addressed. By the time this kind of damage shows itself, it could be irreversible.

Minimizing storm damage will not only protect you from potential troubling storms but can also help extend the lifespan of your home. This all starts with preparation:

Preparing Your Home’s Structure

As mentioned previously, there are many kinds of products and features that one can add to their home in order to provide extra protection from storms. However, these items will often be costly to implement and could be more trouble than it’s worth.

There are specialized landscaping techniques that you can employ around your property. These are designed to change your lawn to direct water away from your home, while still serving its purpose of being your beautiful yard.

Lastly, it’s important to remove any dead or dying trees from around your home so that they don’t fall onto your house below during a severe storm.

Preparing Your Household

The first thing everyone who owns a home should do to prepare for storms is to designate a safe room or a storm shelter zone. This is a location that is away from external walls and windows, ideally in the center of your home. Everyone in the home should know this location in the event that they must take shelter.

Second, you should create an emergency kit with any supplies that could aid you while you’re sheltering. This includes nonperishable foods, water, flashlights and extra clothing. Think of anything that you may need for at least 72 hours of potential sheltering.

Lastly, you should identify the severe weather that we see here most so that you can best prepare for the most likely disasters. Here in South Carolina, we see nearly 50 inches of rain per year over 20% more than the national average. Additionally, we see hurricanes and the resulting flooding that has affected so many in our region in the past.

After the Storm Has Passed

Once the dangerous weather has gone and you no longer need to shelter, it’s tempting to walk through every part of the home and check for damage. However, prioritizing safety is the most important thing, and it could be dangerous to walk around.

If your home has sustained heavy damage, parts could collapse at any moment. When it’s safe to do so, exit the home and walk around the exterior to check for any major destruction that could cause a chain reaction.

Call the Professionals

While your insurance provider can help you assess the damage caused by a storm, it’s also best to have a report from a professional contractor. At SERVPRO of Downtown Charleston, we can help you identify areas of concern that may be invisible to the untrained eye.

Our restoration professionals are available 24⁄7 to assist with any and all of your cleanup and restoration needs.

Experienced storm damage to your home or property? Contact us today for a quick response!

Team Bowen Expands SERVPRO® Franchise Territory into Charlotte and Surrounding Communities

7/12/2022 (Permalink)

southeastern states with Servpro logo “Here we GROW again! Team Bowen is ready to make it “Like it never even happened®.”

Team Bowen is excited to announce our expansion in Charlotte, North Carolina, which will add to the existing SERVPRO franchise in East Mecklenburg/Matthews. East Charlotte, Northeast Mecklenburg County, and South Mecklenburg County are now a part of the Team Bowen franchise. This means over 250,000 additional households and 8,000 businesses will receive support when in need of emergency response due to fire, water, or mold damage.

These additions are part of our commitment to helping our local communities flourish. We are available 24/7, 365, and are ready to take your call. Although we can’t prevent a disaster, we are ready for whatever happens!

“We are humbled yet excited to continue to grow and expand our market presence in the Charlotte community,” Bruce Bowen, CEO of Team Bowen, commented. “Our team of quality people who focus on excellent service, fairness, and mutual respect, have allowed us to expand our footprint and still provide that same quality service throughout the southeast. These locations are key to our regional coverage. Whether it is a storm event or a complex commercial/industrial loss, quick response time is critical. Our team has the resources, manpower, and equipment necessary to respond to these specific situations. We are the National Disaster Recovery Team.”

About SERVPRO®

For more than 50 years, SERVPRO® has been a trusted leader in fire and water cleanup and restoration services, mold mitigation, and biohazard and pathogen remediation. SERVPRO’s professional service network of more than 2,000 individually owned and operated franchises spans the United States and Canada, responding to property damage emergencies large and small – from million-square-foot commercial facilities to individual homes. When disaster strikes, homeowners, business owners, and major insurance companies alike rely on SERVPRO® to make it “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO® Team Bowen

In 1977, Barry and Beth Bowen decided to follow their passion for service to others with their careers and set out on a mission to build a reputable and respected property damage restoration company in Tuscaloosa, AL. Having grown up entrenched in the family business, it was no surprise when the current owners, Bruce and Brian Bowen, took over in 2004. Now based in Montgomery, AL., the Bowen Team has franchise locations in Montgomery, AL., Norcross, GA., Charleston, SC., and Charlotte, NC. Today, due to their continued dedication and hard work, we are a leader and trusted name in mitigation, remediation, restoration, reconstruction, and premier cleaning throughout Southeast and U.S.

Our team has more than a century of combined restoration experience. Each team member is equipped with unique and practical skills to excel in every project and exceed the expectations of our customers. Furthermore, we have an extensive inventory of restoration equipment designed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of every facet of mitigation and reconstruction for damaged homes and businesses that we serve, no matter how big or how small.

Click below to find more information on our expansion:

SERVPROeastcharlotte.com

SERVPROsouthmecklenburgcounty.com

How Fast Should I Address Water Damage? | SERVPRO® of Downtown Charleston

7/5/2022 (Permalink)

a white drywall ceiling showing signs of water damage and spotting Do you have water damage or flooding? Let SERVPRO® of Downtown Charleston guide you through your water-related issues.

Water damage is something that no one wants to discover in their home, but depending on the overall damage done, it may not seem like an immediately pressing issue. While discovering a pipe has burst or a flood has occurred will necessitate swift action, if the water damage is due to a minor leak, is acting quickly really that important?

Unfortunately, even mild water damage benefits from a rapid response. The longer water damage is allowed to sit, the more complicated it can be to address—and the damage it causes can grow much worse, too. Read on as we look at the timeline of water damage so you can understand just how rapidly it can develop.

The Timeline of Water Damage

With any type of water damage, taking action quickly for restoration is key. Below is a general timeline for how quickly water damage can become severe once it starts.

Immediately following water damage: Water spreads very quickly. It will saturate everything it comes into contact with, soaking upholstery, carpet, paper products and anything else that is porous while working to seep into nonporous materials it touches.

In the first 24 hours: Materials that have been exposed to water will become fully saturated. Wood will begin to swell, and drywall and insulation will start to break down. Mold growth will also typically start during this time frame, as it can invade a moisture-ridden area rapidly.

In the first 48 hours: Mold will become visible on surfaces, while wooden objects will warp and bend drastically. Depending on the contamination level of the water, bacteria may also be spreading as well. Moisture will also likely be invading the structural elements of the home, such as floor joists, support beams and framing boards, compromising their integrity.

In the first week: The cost and timeline for water damage restoration will be significantly increased. Even clean water can become contaminated after sitting this long, and many items will likely be soaked beyond restoration at this point. Structural damage will also be significant, and there will likely be many elements of the home that will need to be fully restored.

If you are in need of water damage restoration, we are here 24/7 so you do not have to wait. Get in touch at any time to learn more or to report damages.

The Many Hazards Severe Storms Pose to Your Home | SERVPRO® of Downtown Charleston

7/5/2022 (Permalink)

multiple lightning strikes occurring in a dark stormy sky Storm/lightning damage requires specialized restoration techniques & equipment. When a storm hits, you need a company with experience & expertise.

The threats that storms bring with them can take many different forms. The unpredictable and sudden nature of severe weather can do a number on your home.

Understanding the impact these hazards can have on your Charleston property is the best way to prepare your home to endure storms of all types.

In Charleston, the cost of flood damage is high—and expected to continue rising. Flooding and other weather-related damage might result in expensive repairs.

Fortunately, by being aware of how the weather could affect your property, you can minimize your risk of damage. Here are a few of the hazards you can prepare your home for ahead of time:

Severe Winds

Strong winds can reach speeds of up to 100 mph. Wind gusts cause damage to the exterior of your property by blowing debris into the air, shattering windows and sending branches flying. Stronger wind gusts have the power to uproot trees, causing them to crash into your house and even rip off roofs!

Secure outdoor items and clear your yard of any debris, such as tree branches, to prepare your property for strong winds brought on by weather conditions like hurricanes. Cutting any tree limbs that might hang over your home’s roof can also help you create a safer landscape. Make sure to frequently inspect your roof to make sure it can withstand strong winds.

Flooding and Water Damage

We are located right along the coast, so flooding is a prevalent issue for Charleston residents. Floodwater can pour into any openings around your house and compromise its structural integrity.

Under the right circumstances, flood damage can develop quickly, destroying your home’s belongings and fostering the growth of mold.

To safeguard your home from flooding, be aware of your flood zone and keep an eye on any local flood warnings or watches that are issued.

You can also take steps to protect your home by adding plants and other vegetation to your yard, which can prevent flood water from flowing through your home. To avoid blockages and allow water to drain away from your home, be sure to regularly clear leaves and other debris from your gutters and drains.

Hail Storms

Hail can grow to be as big as softballs sometimes, but even the smallest hailstones can inflict damage to your home. Hail moves fast and can quickly damage roofs and windows, as well as any outdoor items like your patio or vehicles.

To reduce the risk of hail damage, keep your shutters and blinds closed at all times during hail storms to keep dangerous weather from affecting the inside of your home.

Regular roof inspections have previously been mentioned, so it should go without saying that they are an essential part of preventing storm damage to your property! To extend the longevity of your roof, make sure to repair it if you see any signs of aging or damage.

If your home is damaged by one or more of the many threats severe weather creates, our team at SERVPRO can help. Our team can begin restoring your home immediately to promptly restore it to its pre-storm state.

How to Handle Flooding In Your Business | SERVPRO® of Downtown Charleston

6/28/2022 (Permalink)

a flooded side street with multiple cars submerged in water SERVPRO® of Downtown Charleston is your local commercial restoration expert. Contact us if your company experiences any disaster.

Flooding is one of the most common causes of commercial damage in our country. Whether it be from natural causes, like rivers overflowing during storms, or manmade ones like pipes bursting or an appliance malfunction, they all can be devastating to a business.

In Charleston, we see severe storms fairly frequently, and it can seem like there’s never a rest. We face damage from hurricanes every season, but we also see other weather events during the warmer months as well. Like this batch of storms just last month that produced tornadoes, high winds and a trail of damage.

When flooding happens, it’s important to begin the cleanup process quickly to prevent as much damage as possible, especially to the flooring and foundation of your facility. Make sure you and your employees stay safe when experiencing flooding and begin the cleaning process promptly.

Here are some simple tips so you know what to do when experiencing a flooded business:

Check With Your Insurance Company

In many cases, business insurance will cover extensive damage from flooding, but it’s always best to call immediately for verification. Take photos of everything when you notice damage so everyone has a record of the destruction.

As stated previously, some insurance plans will cover flooding, but the costs can vary based on the specific plan and deductible you have in place.

It’s estimated that in America in 2022, flooding will cost businesses over $50 billion between direct losses and lost output due to downtime.

Cut Power to the Building

When flooding becomes severe, it’s a smart idea to cut the power or call the city to do so before entering the building or checking on anything. Flooding can often do major structural damage that can affect the electrical systems, putting you at risk of shock and personal injury.

The last thing anyone wants during a flooding disaster is to see someone injured while trying to provide assistance. Always cut the power before touching any standing water inside of your building.

Stop the Source of Water (If Possible)

To prevent your business from filling further and possibly spreading out onto the surrounding buildings, make sure you attempt to stop the source of water. If a pipe has burst, make sure the water main is turned off.

This is also a good idea if the water is coming from a sewage backup, as a flushed toilet can easily cause more water to expel into your building.

If you’re unfortunately dealing with a natural disaster like a hurricane or storm surge, stopping the source may not be possible. You can use sandbags to block doorways and spots where water is coming from, but evacuate as directed, since staying safe is most important.

Call the Professionals

At SERVPRO of Downtown Charleston, we know how damaging and dangerous flooding can be for our business owners. Losing product to the water, losing time from closing for repairs and losing potential thousands in repair costs can be too much for some businesses to overcome.

FEMA has provided a good framework for recovery after a flood happens, but calling us is a great addition to that list.

Thankfully, we offer 24⁄7 availability with a quick response time so that we can be there as soon as you need us. Our expert team will guide you through the process as we clean up, recover and restore your business back to its preloss condition.

If you have experienced damage to your business or want to learn more about our commercial damage restoration services, contact us today. We’re here to act fast, 24⁄7.

What You Should and Shouldn’t Do After a House Fire | SERVPRO® of Downtown Charleston

6/3/2022 (Permalink)

a person looking at a home completely destroyed by fire When you have fire damage, call your local expert at SERVPRO® of Downtown Charleston so that we can get the job done right.

Once the smoke clears and the flames have been stopped, the fire department leaves and you might be stuck with a disaster that you don’t know how to handle. Regardless of the extent of the damage, it’s crucial that you plan accordingly and know the next step when fires erupt.

While the fire is roaring, and even days after it’s put out, your home can suffer extensive damage caused by the flames and the resulting smoke. It’s not often mentioned, but when this happens, your home is exposed to the elements and can suffer serious water damage as well.

In places like South Carolina where rainfall is a constant part of life, our homes can be at extreme levels of risk once a fire opens them up to the outside world. And while fires may not seem like a major concern to us, this recent blaze in Charleston displaced over 180 people in just over an hour of burning.

This is why we recommend that you contact your local restoration professionals at SERVPRO of Downtown Charleston—that way you can get back into your home as quickly as possible.

Common Mistakes Homeowners Make

Many homeowners believe that it’s safe to walk around their home once the fire has been stopped, but this is often not the case. There are many factors you must consider before deciding whether or not to traverse your damaged home. If the damage is severe, there could be major structural issues and your walls could be mere moments away from collapse.

A lot of people who suffer fire damage immediately begin to clean up and gather personal belongings, discarding ones that are fully destroyed. This can actually hinder you, and you should keep everything until your insurance company has had ample time to assess the damage and potential claims for your situation.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, it can take as little as 30 seconds for a small flame to grow into a major problem and do major damage to your home. This does not mean that you should give up hope.

Recovering from a home fire can be very stressful and demanding. With these following ideas, however, we hope to lighten the load and keep you on the right track to restoration.

The Right Moves To Make

It goes without saying that when fire damage happens to your home, you ensure the safety of your family, and then you pull out your phone to call the insurance agent. This process is often thought of as annoying and trivial, but doing it properly can actually help you restore your home quicker.

By documenting the important information like the date and time of the fire, the specific location, potential causes, and the level of damage done to your home, you can breeze through this step.

Along with keeping the crucial details, taking photos is an absolute must! Many people become too overwhelmed by the damage and forget to photograph the damage, but you can’t allow yourself to do the same. Once it’s safe to approach the home, take as many pictures and videos as your phone can store to guarantee that all of your losses are properly documented and logged.

The last step is to remember to breathe, and attempt to stay calm. During these horrible events, emotions run high and stress levels skyrocket, which only makes you feel worse about the current situation. Hopefully, you follow these steps and call your local experts at SERVPRO of Downtown Charleston so that we can get the job done right.

If you have experienced fire damage or want to learn more about our fire damage restoration services, contact us today. We’re here to act fast, 24⁄7.

SERVPRO® Is the Solution to Your Flood Damage Challenges | SERVPRO® of Downtown Charleston

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

multiple white sandbags at the bottom of a stairway near an exit door Every water disaster is different. Let SERVPRO of Downtown Charleston help guide you through any water-related restoration.

Downtown Charleston attracts all kinds of weather. Because Charleston is surrounded by water, flooding is a regular phenomenon.

Charleston experiences multiple floods a year—a number that’s only expected to increase, with the NCCOS predicting 60 floods per year by 2051. Because floods are so unpredictable, having a plan in place in case your home or business is damaged is vital.

Floods bring the risk of water damage, and if your property has been impacted by the devastating effects of a flood, SERVPRO is here to help. When dealing with water damage from floods, we have a plan in place to guarantee that the restoration process runs efficiently.

It all starts with the first phone call. As soon as you contact us, we can go to work. We will assess the damage and begin your home or business restoration. Learn about how we restore your property to its pre-disaster state:

Qualified Water Experts

With so many water incidents in Charleston each year, it’s not surprising that our crew is well-versed in water damage. Our staff is continually learning new techniques and approaches to restore homes damaged by flooding. We have the expertise to examine standing water in your house or business and execute mitigation strategies.

Quick Services

When it comes to water damage, restoration should begin as soon as possible because delaying will only make matters worse. A quick response can prevent mold and other kinds of infrastructure damage. We respond quickly to flood damage, allowing water cleanup to begin as soon as possible in order to prevent further loss.

Water Repair Technology

The foundation of the cleanup process is our advanced technology. Our equipment can detect moisture and extract standing water, guaranteeing that your home and items are dry and damage-free.

Water damage can also leave unpleasant odors in your house or company; we can extract odors and leave your home smelling fresh.

Regional Expertise

Our area’s particular propensity to flood is paired precariously with the large number of historic properties in our midst. We pay particular attention to the specific requirements for restoring historic buildings, taking special care in every single action we take from start to finish.

We offer a solution to all the difficulties that a flood can cause! Allow SERVPRO to restore your home or business to its preloss condition.

Why Your Business Should Have Regular Fire Drills | SERVPRO® of Downtown Charleston

5/25/2022 (Permalink)

two people in a meeting room looking at multiple fire extinguishers Is your business prepared if disaster were to strike? Let our team help you create an Emergency Ready Plan.

When you’re operating a business, you have so many things on your plate. You’re concerned with everything from operational expenses to income to employee welfare to the ROI of your marketing efforts.

With all of those to-dos, it can be easy to allow some aspects of business to slip by. One that you shouldn’t allow to fall by the wayside? Regular fire drills.

In fact, when was the last time your business had a fire drill? If you can’t name it, you’re probably overdue.

Why Fire Drills Are Important

First things first, why are fire drills needed? A fire can have disastrous consequences for a business, impacting the structure of the facility and the products inside. But it can also put the lives of people in danger.

And that danger zone starts within seconds after a fire sparks. Once a fire begins, you may only have a couple minutes to safely exit the building before the entire structure can go up in flames.

Most office buildings, or retail facilities, aren’t necessarily set up for quick evacuation. Depending on your specific building and setup, you may have to navigate around multiple offices and down staircases—or you may need to dodge clothing racks and mannequins.

That’s why it is vitally important to plot out the escape route ahead of time and to practice it with all employees so they know how to quickly get out.

How to Conduct a Business Fire Drill

Not sure where to begin? Some basics will help:

  1. Work with the fire department to determine an escape plan. They can help you determine the best way to evacuate when needed. Like in the home, there should be two ways to evacuate from every room in the building.
  2. Outline those plans and place them strategically in the building. These need to be easily referenceable, both during an emergency and at other times for review. It should also be included in employee onboarding and training materials.
  3. Determine who’s in charge. You need to have a safety team with leaders who are responsible in case a fire begins. This team of employees should be prepared to roll-call your entire roster of employees once evacuated, as well as any vendors or other people inside the building.
  4. Run the drill. During a fire drill, your team should act as if the building is actually on fire. Run through every part of the scenario, including escaping from the building and taking roll to ensure everyone is out. During these drills, practice alternative scenarios, too, such as what to do in case one route is blocked and another needs to be used.
  5. Repeat the drill. When you initially create a fire escape plan for your business, you should practice it every few weeks for a little while. This develops familiarity, which can help prevent chaos in the case of an actual fire. After a while, you can begin having unannounced fire drills every quarter.

Would your business be prepared if disaster were to strike? Our team of experts can help you create an Emergency Ready Plan for your business. Get in touch today to get started. 

Spring-Clean to Get Rid of Fire Hazards | SERVPRO® of Downtown Charleston

5/25/2022 (Permalink)

a person cleaning the inside of a kitchen oven A fire can break out at any time, SERVPRO® of Downtown Charleston is ready to take your call, day or night.

When you think about spring-cleaning, you probably think about sprucing up the house and making it sparkle. But as you clean up this spring, you can also boost your family’s fire safety.

That’s because many fire hazards lurk in plain sight. You walk past them on a daily basis, without ever really thinking about the danger. Taking a close look at your house and cleaning up those hazards this time of year can keep you safer year-round.

Have an hour or so and want to give your house a good hazard-cleaning? Start here:

  1. Look for flammable objects in the kitchen. That handy rag you keep near the stove may help you wipe up spills, but it’s also a fire hazard. Nothing flammable should be kept near the stove or other cooking appliances, so clear out the space.
  2. Check and put away heating devices. We’re probably past the time of year when you might need a space heater or portable fireplace. Take time to give them a good once-over, looking to ensure the cord isn’t frayed or otherwise damaged. If it is, it’s time to replace the device. If not, store the heater away safely until next winter.
  3. Have the fireplace checked and cleaned. Have a fireplace? Now’s a good time to have a professional inspect it, make repairs and clean it out.
  4. Clean out the lint trap in the dryer. Hopefully you do this after every load of laundry, but if not, it’s time to remove the lint. Even if you do check it regularly, take time during your spring-cleaning routine to give it a more thorough cleaning.
  5. Take a look at your outlets. Are any of them overloaded? Are you using multiple extension cords? Are any of your cords frayed or otherwise damaged? All of these are fire hazards, so make corrections and find replacements.
  6. Review your grill placement. You might be ready to fire up the grill, but is your grill in a safe place? Grills should be placed at least 10 feet away from the side of the house and any other flammable surfaces or objects. It should also ideally be near a working water source.
  7. Clear the clutter. This is probably already part of your spring-cleaning list, but it’s an important part of preventing fires. When you have piles of clutter, including items such as newspapers, the clutter is a double fire hazard — it can quickly spark in a fire and it can make it more challenging to get out of the house safely if a fire occurs.

Need help cleaning up after a fire sparked in your home? Get in touch today to get your restoration started—we’re here 24/7!*