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SERVPRO of South Mecklenburg County: Fire Safety Tips for Your Charlotte, NC Property
11/15/2024 (Permalink)
Smoke alarms save lives! Make sure they’re in the right spots to fully protect your Charlotte, NC property. Check out our latest fire safety tips!
Keeping your Charlotte, NC home or business safe from fire damage starts with properly installed smoke alarms. Did you know that the placement of these alarms is just as crucial as having them?
Top Smoke Alarm Placement Tips to Protect Your Property:
- Bedrooms: Install a smoke detector in every bedroom for optimal safety.
- Living Spaces: Alarms should be placed in main gathering areas, like the living room, den, or family room.
- Stairways: Place alarms at the base of any staircases to catch rising smoke quickly.
- Kitchen Areas: Keep alarms at least 10 feet away from cooking appliances to avoid false alarms.
- Height & Draft Considerations: Never place smoke alarms more than one foot from the ceiling, and avoid areas near windows or drafty spaces.
- General Tips: Don't paint over alarms, as this can interfere with their effectiveness.
For more details on smoke alarm placement and testing, visit the National Fire Protection Association website.
If fire damage occurs at your Charlotte, NC home or business, SERVPRO of South Mecklenburg County is here 24/7 to restore your property and make it "Like it never even happened."
Stay Safe with SERVPRO of South Mecklenburg County!
Why Choose SERVPRO® of South Mecklenburg County?
8/13/2024 (Permalink)
SERVPRO® of South Mecklenburg County: Faster to Any Size Disaster™. Ready 24/7 for water, storm, fire, mold, and biohazard cleanup.
At SERVPRO®, we're committed to being Faster to any size disaster™. Whether you're dealing with water, fire, or natural disaster damage, one thing is certain: the longer you wait, the more costly the repair.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, timely response to disasters can significantly reduce the overall damage and costs. This is why SERVPRO of South Mecklenburg County firmly believes in timely mitigation to manage any damage to your property. Unlike many other restoration services that may leave you waiting for a spot on their schedule—putting your property at further risk—SERVPRO of South Mecklenburg County is different. Here's the policy that sets us apart from other restoration companies:
1 Hour: Within one hour of receiving notice of a loss, our team will contact you to arrange service that fits YOUR schedule and addresses the issue immediately.
4 Hours: Within four hours of loss notification, SERVPRO of South Mecklenburg County will be on-site to inspect and begin services.
8 Hours: Within eight hours, customers will receive a briefing on the scope of damage and the necessary mitigation efforts.
These guidelines are what every SERVPRO franchise strives to meet, including your local SERVPRO of South Mecklenburg County.
What’s Next?
If you've experienced an emergency in your home, call SERVPRO of South Mecklenburg County to make it “Like it never even happened.®”
(704) 840-6112
For more information on the importance of quick response after a disaster, you can visit FEMA’s guidelines.
We Pack-Out Your Home or Business | SERVPRO® of South Mecklenburg County
7/18/2024 (Permalink)
A pack-out refers to the moving of contents out of a damaged structure to access work areas and perform restoration work in our facilities.
One of the many services that SERVPRO® of South Mecklenburg County specializes in is pack-out and content restoration for your home or business.
Let’s say you have had a minor fire or flood in your Charlotte, NC home or business. One of your many concerns is keeping your sentimental items safe from damage. Photos from important events, indicators of big milestones, and holiday decorations passed down from many generations are just a few of the valuables that you hope are out of harm’s way.
When worries like this creep up, you need a reliable team that can assure you they will relieve you of this stress - this is where our professionals here at SERVPRO of South Mecklenburg County come into the picture and make it "Like it never even happened."
When your home or business experiences fire or water damage, our professionals can properly pack out all of your belongings and perform content restoration. As always, we will treat you and your belongings with the same amount of respect and care.
Move-Outs/Pack-Outs
If your Charlotte, NC home or business is in need of extensive restoration or cleaning due to fire or water damage, SERVPRO of South Mecklenburg County can conduct an organized, efficient plan of action. Move-out services can provide many benefits, including:
- A quicker remodeling process
- Protection of items from possible damage
- Protection of contents from further on-site damage
If your home needs items packed and stored, we are there for the entire process. We safely pack and catalog all of your items so you can rest easy knowing your belongings will be safe. Not only will we pack your items, but we also transport and store them for you, eliminating the hassle of finding storage locations.
When the restoration process is complete, our team will work alongside you to coordinate moving back in. Such pack-out and move-in services may vary according to your insurance coverage.
Content Restoration
If any of your possessions are affected by fire or water damage, our expert technicians can restore them with our content restoration process. SERVPRO of South Mecklenburg County's expertise and priority to restore your keepsakes rather than replace them can help prevent the loss of irreplaceable items. Our team of professionals will assess your belongings to determine which of your items can be restored to their original condition. We utilize several methods of cleaning, including:
- Dry Cleaning - Used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to wet cleaning
- Wet Cleaning - An effective method to remove moderate to heavy residues
- Spray and Wipe- An effective method for items that cannot withstand wet cleaning
- Abrasive Cleaning - Involves agitation of the surface that is being cleaned
- Immersion Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product
If you ever find yourself needing such services after damage has been done to your keepsakes, do not hesitate to call SERVPRO of South Mecklenburg County at (704) 840-6112. We pride ourselves on our ability to quickly restore your home to its desired condition in an efficient manner.
What Are Soot Webs? | SERVPRO® of South Mecklenburg County
11/2/2023 (Permalink)
What are these black webs on my window shades?
When you are in the Fire Restoration business, you see a lot of damage caused by fires. Sometimes, fire damage is hidden behind walls or in attic spaces, while other Charlotte, NC fires cause more visible damage. We’ve seen all levels of damage over the years, and one phenomenon that mystifies some of our customers is soot webs. Soot webs, also called soot tags, are nothing to fear.
What are soot tags?
While it might look like a gigantic “fire spider” has come into your home, we can assure you that is untrue. Soot tags have nothing to do with spiders and are caused by air circulation and soot.
Soot tags happen when petroleum or synthetic-based sources burn in areas with low circulation. When a fire burns in your Pineville, NC, home or business, the hot air will move to cooler areas to create an equilibrium. As the soot from these petroleum or synthetic sources rises, it travels with the air into colder areas with lower circulation. As the soot concentrates in these low-circulation areas, they can create long chains of soot. The long chains are created because the soot is charged from the combustion process, making it attract other similar particles.
While you might be worried that soot has coated an existing spider web or the elusive “fire spider” has been in your home, the reality is much simpler.
Have you had a fire emergency?
If your home or business in Matthews, NC, and the surrounding areas experience a fire emergency, be sure to call SERVPRO® of South Mecklenburg County. We are always Faster to Any Size Disaster to help restore your home or business to its original state.
If you have more questions about soot tags or other fire-related damages, please email us at admin@SERVPRO10981.com or call us at (704) 840-6112.
Find more fire-related information from the National Fire Protection Association, the Charlotte Fire Department, or the Pineville Fire Department.
Ladder Safety | SERVPRO® of South Mecklenburg County
8/1/2023 (Permalink)
Ensure you are following proper ladder safety.
After a water or fire disaster, chances are you will find yourself on a ladder at some point. We would prefer that you let us assume the risk and perform the mitigation for you, but sometimes after a disaster, you feel like you need to "do something" to make things better.
We understand how our clients may feel when they begin to face damage from their water or fire loss. If you are going to get on the ladder, SERVPRO® of South Mecklenburg County wants to ensure you follow proper ladder safety.
We have an IICRC Health and Safety Certified technician on staff. In addition, our teams always follow OSHA guidelines to keep technicians and our customers safe.
Here are the OSHA ladder safety guidelines we follow:
- Always read and follow all labels, markings and warnings on the ladder.
- Avoid electrical hazards - Always look above the area you are working in for power lines, and never use a metal ladder when working near electricity.
- Always maintain 3-point contact while climbing - Keep either two feet and a hand or two hands and a foot on the ladder.
- Only use ladders and accessories for the manufacturers' intended purpose.
- Keep any slippery material off of ladders.
- Always fully open and lock step-ladders or other self-supporting ladders before putting any weight on them.
- Place ladders on stable and level surfaces. If the surface is unstable, secure the top or bottom of the ladder to prevent falling.
- Never place a ladder on top of boxes, barrels or other unstable elevated surfaces.
- Do not move ladders while a person or equipment is on the ladder.
- When using a ladder to reach an elevated surface, ensure the ladder extends three rungs above the surface.
- Place the ladder base a quarter of the ladder's working length from the wall or vertical surface.
- If the ladder is in an area where other work activities could move it, it must be secured to prevent displacement.
- Be sure extension ladders are properly locked.
- Never exceed the maximum load rating of a ladder. Make sure to factor in the weight of any tools.
- Have a second person to help spot you and steady the ladder.
Our SERVPRO® of South Mecklenburg County team always follows OSHA and IICRC guidelines when remediating water and fire disasters.
Why We Are Faster to Any Size Disaster | SERVPRO® of South Mecklenburg County
7/14/2023 (Permalink)
Residential and Commercial Restoration and Cleaning Services
When water damage occurs, SERVPRO® of South Mecklenburg County needs to be Faster to Any Size Disaster. The clock is ticking, and it is easier, more cost-effective, and more efficient to mediate your water loss as soon as possible.
What is happening? Here is the usual timeline:
- Within minutes of water entering your home, water contamination begins to spread, and furniture finishes become damaged and begin to leach into fabrics.
- Within hours, furniture soaking in water will begin to swell and delaminate, causing permanent damage. Odors are amplified by the humidity, and fabric dyes begin to bleed.
- If water has not been removed in a few days, fungi will begin to appear, wood floors and structures will start to warp and be rendered unsalvageable, and drywall, baseboards, and cabinets start to swell. Paint and wallpaper will begin to peel.
- After a few weeks of water in your Charlotte home, mold will begin to damage organic materials. Affected materials will need to be properly mitigated or be disposed of for the safety of the inhabitants.
Water can cause damage very quickly, which is why it is so important to begin remediation immediately. If your Charlotte, NC, home has experienced a water disaster, remember SERVPRO® of South Mecklenburg County is here to help service and support our neighbors and friends in South Mecklenburg County. We are ready to help you make it “Like it never even happened."
What Happens to Personal Belongings After a Water Loss? | SERVPRO® of South Mecklenburg County
6/12/2023 (Permalink)
Quickly call SERVPRO® of South Mecklenburg County when your home has water damage for immediate help
Several factors determine whether your home's various belongings can be salvaged. Porosity plays a significant role in helping our team determine the potential of saving certain materials and how to address the cleanup and restoration plan. We often group things into several categories, which are:
- Porous Materials: These materials require immediate attention and have a higher permeance rating. Porous items and building materials absorb water fast and are prone to rapid deterioration. These items are the most often replaced after contact with water.
- Semi-porous Materials: These are mid-level materials in terms of permeance. Bricks and OSB (Oriented Strand Board) boards that can take longer to pull moisture out of are all considered semi-porous materials.
- Non-porous Materials: These items absorb little to no water. However, if left long enough for water to take hold, it can take a very long time to dry these items.
Throughout your interior, multiple layers of porosity and permeance pose a challenge for drying. When faced with absorption differences, our skilled water damage technicians have the training and equipment to address them. We use various drying tools, including air movers, extractors and dehumidifiers, to remove moisture and lower humidity in your home. If you have experienced a water loss in your Charlotte, NC, home, be sure to follow all CDC guidelines.
How To Deal with Smoke Damage from Nearby Fires | SERVPRO® of South Mecklenburg County
6/8/2023 (Permalink)
Can smoke spread from nearby fires into my home?
Even the smallest of fires can create large amounts of smoke damage, and that damage isn’t just confined to the area of the fire. Fires can spread smoke for miles, so even that little fire a few doors down could cause smoke damage in your home. If your home or business has suffered smoke damage because of a fire near you, there are some steps you can take.
- You should first speak with your insurance agent to discuss how damages will be covered. Smoke damage is often covered by most insurance policies, but be sure to check yours and improve your coverage if needed.
- Be sure to thoroughly document damages by noting the date of the fire, location, types of damages and losses, injuries, and description of damages. Make sure to include images of all damage as well.
- It is also important to understand that even though some items may not appear smoky, they may still need to be replaced. Electronics can make this especially difficult. Smoke can easily enter through the vents of electronics causing internal damage that may not be visible externally.
- After you have documented damages, turn the rest over to professionals. There are often dangers associated with cleaning soot and ash from items that professionals know how to deal with. Smoke can very easily spread throughout your home if you aren’t careful, and some items need specialized cleaning to remove tough soot stains. Your technicians will have the right gear to deal with these dangers and protect your belongings.
Many factors go into determining the extent of damage, and without the experience and knowledge that comes from professionals, certain damages may be overlooked. If you are unsure whether or not items can be saved, a fire restoration specialist can help you determine the extent of the damage. If you notice a fire near you, take steps to keep your family, friends, employees, and others safe first, then call the proper emergency authorities. When it has been determined safe for you to return to your property, call your insurance company and SERVPRO® of South Mecklenburg County to make it "Like it never even happened."
It’s Hurricane Season – Take Steps to Prevent Water Damage | SERVPRO® of South Mecklenburg County
6/1/2023 (Permalink)
June 1 marks the first day of the 2023 Hurricane season
Hurricane rainfall presents an opportunity for water damage to your property. Leaks and floods can cause damage and require that you temporarily move out of your building while it’s restored. This presents a challenge as you want to get back to business as usual as soon as possible! Furthermore, severe leaks can lead to floods which can increase your risk of exposure to mold, chemical hazards, injuries, and more.
Fortunately, these inconveniences are preventable! Whether your water emergency occurs in an office building or big box store, it is imperative that you take measures to prevent leaks and damage to your property. Keep a look out for the following:
Damaged Windows
Water can seep through windows that aren’t properly sealed. This can cause mold build-up and damage to walls. Because caulk, the material that’s often used to seal windows, breaks down over time, be sure to have your windows resealed regularly.
Broken Pipes
Changes in pressure throughout the year and cold weather can cause pipes to break and burst. Although there are some tell-tell signs of this issue, such as water stains on walls or floors or an unpleasant and musty smell, detecting leaky pipes is challenging. With that said, it’s best to consult a professional to help determine whether your property has broken pipes.
HVAC Problems
Hurricane season often coincides with colder temperatures so we crank up the heat! However, ducts in the HVAC system can get worn out and damaged over time, especially during seasons like this, and cause leaks. For that reason, the system needs to be cleaned regularly and any water in it needs to be removed. Like broken pipes, it’s sometimes difficult to determine whether your HVAC system is causing a leak, so it’s best to consult a professional.
One of the best ways to get ahead is to create an Emergency Ready Profile. This is an immediate plan of action for how to restore your building after a disaster and get back to business. Additionally, we have 360 degree technology to document preloss conditions, including your equipment and where it was before disaster struck.
If you want to prepare your business for future disasters, contact us today and we will help you create an Emergency Ready Profile.
Team Bowen Expands SERVPRO® Franchise Territory into Charlotte and Surrounding Communities
7/14/2022 (Permalink)
“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:
SERVPRO East Charlotte
SERVPRO South Mecklenburg County
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