Recent Storm Damage Posts

Summer Storm Preparation

8/18/2023 (Permalink)

Summertime in South Carolina is a time for cookouts, cannonballs in the pool, and time well spent with friends and family. It’s also the season for storms!

Even a small rain shower can cause damage to your home. Preparing your home for storm season can be a simple process – try getting other members of your home involved too!

  • Secure Outdoor Items
    • Furniture, lanterns, and other décor items that can be moved by strong winds should be tied down/secured or stored away when you leave town or know a storm is approaching.
  • Clean & Inspect Gutters
    • Especially if your home is shaded by trees, the leaves and other debris can clog your gutters and reduce their efficiency. You want your gutter system to route water away from your home, not pool on or around it.
  • Check Your Roof
    • Do a visual inspection from the ground level to determine if there are any holes, missing shingles, or obvious damage to your roof.
    • If you have an attic space you can check it for dark spots on the decking, pooling of water or mold growth. These would all indicate the intrusion of water somewhere.
    • Hire a professional if you feel that the roof needs an up-close look or repairs are needed.
  • Manage Foliage
    • Trim tree branches or limbs that hang over your roof or near windows. Strong winds can cause them to break and damage or enter your home.

If you do experience storm damage to your home, it’s important to call a professional water mitigation company like SERVPRO of The Dutch Fork. As a full-service provider we’re able to handle any tree removals, debris cleanup and water mitigation you may need.

April Showers May Bring Storms!

5/5/2022 (Permalink)

Mother nature can strike at any time. It can turn violent in an instant: floods, hurricanes, blizzards, tornadoes. All of these storm events can turn your life upside-down and cause serious damage to your home.

SERVPRO of the Dutch Fork is always there when you need us. We have highly trained technicians that can be there at a moment’s notice. We are available 24/7/365. We are customer focused and understand the havoc that any type of storm damage can cause to your home and life. We will do everything we can to restore your home and get your life back to normal following multiple kinds of storm damages.

We have the expertise and the proper equipment to manage cleanup and restore your home after any and all storm damages. Always be sure to call SERVPRO of The Dutch Fork if you encounter mother natures storms and the damage they can cause to your home.

Summer Storm Season is Upon Us

3/1/2022 (Permalink)

With hurricane season right around the corner. You should consider preparing for you and your family. According to FEMA.gov, Summer storm safety is crucial to making sure you have a safe summer. Therefore, you and your family should start with a plan. Make sure everyone knows the plan and practices the plan, so that when a real disaster happens, everyone will know what to do.

Familiarize yourself with local evacuation routes. Be sure to check with your local officials about what shelter spaces are available this year. Be aware – coronavirus may have altered your community’s plans. Please be mindful that some shelters do not take pets. Have a talk with neighbors, friends, or relatives to be sure you have a safe place for your pet to go if you must evacuate

Ensure you have enough supplies (water and nonperishable food) for every member of your family and pets to last multiple days. Be mindful of the unique needs of your family, including medications. Adding extra cleaning supplies would be helpful to protect you and your family from illness if you are displaced in a shelter.

Make certain you have important documents in a waterproof bag and always keep them with you. It helps to plan for disasters when all family members are in different locations that your family frequents (office, daycare center, school, and any other locations you go to normally).

Summer hurricane season is right around the corner and it’s always best to plan and be prepared for the worst.

Spring Showers Bring...

2/23/2022 (Permalink)

Spring Showers bring May flowers...... and potential  damages to your home.

You should always inspect your home from top to bottom after heavy rain storms.

Roof inspection

Inspect your roof for missing shingles or missing nails from high winds or strong gusts. Even a missing nail can cause leaks.

Gutter Inspection

You should keep your gutters clean and clear from debris. Always direct water away from your foundation. Be sure that your downspouts and drains don’t have any clogs and are free flowing.

Siding Inspection

Depending on what material your home is made out of: brick & mortar, vinyl siding, wood, engineered wood, hardy board, stucco, stone veneer and/or metal; be sure to inspect seams and seals. Faulty seals are a sure way for water to enter your home and cause serious damage and possible mold growth.

Window Inspection 

Inspect windows for moisture buildup (fog) between the glass panes and check caulking inside and outside of windows. Inspect the weather stripping, as this too ages throughout the seasons. Replace as needed.

Basement or Crawlspace

Consider waterproofing your basement or crawlspace. If your basement or crawlspace is prone to flooding, consider purchasing a sump pump. If you already have one, please be sure to check it regularly to make certain it is in working good order. Also, consider putting down a moisture barrier. This is as simple as 6 ml plastic sheeting to help stop moisture from rising from the ground up.

These five steps could save you from certain disaster and keep your home safe from mother nature and her Spring time showers.

If you do have water damage or find a leaky pipe, be sure to call your plumber first. Then call SERVPRO of The Dutch Fork, to help you make it "Like it never even happened."

We are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

$5 Could Save You Thousands

1/10/2022 (Permalink)

What if we told you that you could potentially save thousands of dollars and protect your home for less than the price of your favorite latte?

A simple faucet cover can be purchased at your local hardware store for around $5. This humble device could prevent a major headache. It’s generally made of Styrofoam, and it’s designed to insulate and cover outdoor faucets by retaining heat during cold winter nights.

When temperatures dip below freezing, we see a lot of broken or burst pipes causing water damage within and underneath homes. The water has no way to drain completely from the plumbing under your home and if they burst, they can often go undetected. This slow spraying of water can flood your crawlspace, saturate insulation, and damage the subfloor.

Sacrificing a latte is surely worth it considering the damage that can be done to your home!

National Preparedness Month: Week Three

9/8/2021 (Permalink)

In week three of National Preparedness Month the focus is on low and no cost prepping! These are fun and free ways to get your family involved in your emergency plans. It’s important for your entire household to be familiar with your disaster plan, the location of your emergency kit, and any evacuation tactics you may have set in place during your planning.

  1. Download or order your free preparedness products to help your family plan, and prepare for the next emergency: ready.gov/publications
  2. Practice drills! – children practice fire, tornado, and other safety drills in school, but what about at home? Talk with your family about what to do, how to get out and where to go.
  3. Create a communication plan – less than half of American families have one: ready.gov/publications
  4. Get the kids involved! – Create a scavenger hunt around the house for items that you already have that you can add to your disaster supply kit. Create a checklist using: ready.gov/kitand make a game of it.
  5. Educate yourself on the possible disasters and hazards that could affect your area, how to get emergency alerts, and where you would go if you and your family need to evacuate. In South Carolina, we likely don’t need to spend time preparing for a blizzard… ready.gov/be-informed.

SERVPRO Storm Team Headed to Texas

2/22/2021 (Permalink)

The winter storm that recently hit Texas has left many without power, water and in need of emergency restoration services. Burst pipes, water heaters and leaks, have caused massive damage in the homes of residents unaccustomed to cold weather.

SERVPRO is a national franchise system which provides the opportunity for crews to travel and assist other areas. Currently, there are a number of franchises sending crews to Texas in order to help with the vast number of homeowners in need of our help.

If you or someone you know has been affected by this historic freeze, call 1-800-SERVPRO. Crews are responding as quickly as possible. Or follow this link to submit a claim:

https://SERVPRO.com/fnol?fbclid=IwAR3OEKb7vN9E_QRVZaL159AltZ4QdGlBtJGaCyzokxwnBGXtBzyM5mbkf_0 

SERVPRO is always, "Here to Help!"

Days of Rain, Carpet Cleaning Pain!

2/16/2021 (Permalink)

It seems like the rain hasn’t stopped over the past week, with no plans to dry out in the next few days, we know what that means…. muddy yards! If you have little ones or pets you know all too well the fear that comes from the sight or puddles forming in your yard. The carpet and flooring that you’ve spent your quarantine time deep cleaning, is now lacking its luster.

Fear not! We’ve put together a simple solution for removing those pesky mud stains, and it’s much simpler than you’d think! Don’t run to the store for a specialty product or “miracle” stain remover, everything you need is probably already in your cabinets.

You’re probably tempted to start cleaning that mud the moment you spot it, but, practice some patience and allow the spot to dry completely before you touch it. After it has dried, you’ll want to vacuum the area to remove all loose dirt. Next, you’ll want to spray the spot with a mixture of 50% water and 50% white vinegar (keep this handy as it’s a wonderful all-purpose cleaner). Using a white cloth or towel begin to blot up the 50/50 mixture you’ve sprayed on. Continue until all signs of the stain have disappeared.

We don’t recommend following the instructions given by popular blogs and DIY sources that suggest the use of mild dish soap or detergent. While they do clean effectively, if they are not thoroughly rinsed afterwards, a sticky residue is left behind. This residue, may be difficult to feel, attracts dirt particles like a magnet. The clean spot you once had will be quickly discolored.

Having trouble with a stain? Call our office, our Certified Carpet Cleaning Technicians have the tools and know-how to restore your carpets!

Spring Storm Prep

2/9/2021 (Permalink)

As Spring approaches its important to remember that a transition in seasons can bring unpredictable weather patterns. We typically see a fair amount of rain in the Midlands, SC, and this year should be no different. With rain and storms comes wind and water damage. We can’t control what happens outside of our homes, but there are steps we can take to prevent potential damage.

  • Clean up your yard - branches and limbs that hang over your home or other structures pose a hazard, remove dead or sickly trees that can easily fall during strong winds.
  • Free up drains – gutters, downspouts, French drains, etc. Anything that allows water to drain on your property, clean them out and ensure the area around them will allow for proper function.
  • Basements – many of us have them, especially our lake homes. Consider installing a sump pump, they even have models with alarms to alert you of unwanted moisture accumulating in your home.

If water damage does occur because of storms, be sure to call SERVPRO of The Dutch Fork to assist. We’ll help you make it “Like it never even happened.”

South Carolina Emergency Managment

12/21/2020 (Permalink)

Winter is upon us here in South Carolina (finally…) while we’re not likely to see snowfall in numbers like our friends up north, there are still winter weather precautions we should take! Ice, sleet and hail are the biggest concerns we have during winter weather months. These create driving hazards, safety hazards and can make getting the things we need quite difficult.

Preparing for winter weather starts with making yourself aware of changes and weather events to come. The South Carolina Emergency Management Division has created an app downloadable from the Apple App Store as well as Google Play Store. The SC Emergency Manager app and Severe Winter Weather Guide is designed for users to build their own emergency plans, keep tack of supplies and to stay connected to loved ones. The app also allows users to view open emergency shelters in the event one is needed. This app provides a long list of features designed specifically for the needs of South Carolina residents during all types of emergencies, a great asset to add to your app library!

Insulating Your Pipes

12/1/2020 (Permalink)

As temperatures begin to drop, you’re bound to get notices of freeze warnings. In the Midlands area, it’s not common for us to see temperatures below freezing for more than a few hours at a time, but it’s best to act with caution when it comes to your home.

     Insulating water supply pipes in exposed areas of your home, is an easy and affordable way to limit the risk of water damage during colder months. Water supply pipes that are exposed to exterior walls, unheated spaces and inside cabinets, can freeze, burst and cause water damage to your home. In addition to reducing the risk of a frozen pipe, you’re able to cut down on your energy costs. Hot water pipes that are exposed to cold temperatures require more energy or power, to maintain their warm temperature.

     Pipe insulation does not have to be seasonal – in the summer time a cold-water supply that comes in contact with warmer air, creates condensation along the line. That condensation increases the humidity levels within the house and can also cause water damage. Some of the same practices used in the winter have proven beneficial all year-round.

                There are several methods that can be used when insulating pipes. The method you choose depends upon the end goal. Are you hoping to prevent frozen pipes? Lower water-heating costs? Or to prevent your pipes from sweating?

  • Prevent Frozen Pipes: you’ll want to focus on the pipes that run through unheated spaces. That includes exterior walls, unheated garages, floor cavities above crawl spaces, and unheated attics.
  • Lower Water-Heating Costs: you’ll want to focus on hot water pipes where accessible. Insulating the water lines that leave your hot water heater is a great place to start.
  • Prevent Pipe Sweating and Humidity: you’ll focus on the cold-water lines that are exposed in and around your home. Especially in basements.

Insulation Methods - There are so many to choose from, do your research on what works best for your home/region.

  • Pipe wrap
  • Foam pipe sleeves
  • Wall insulation
  • Faucet covers on outdoor spigots
  • Installing frost-proof outdoor spigots
  • Insulating gaps where pipes enter walls.

Emergency Preparedness Kits

9/8/2020 (Permalink)

September is National Preparedness Month! Throughout the month you’re likely to see a variety of ads that offer tips and advice becoming prepared should you and your family ever face any type of emergency. Ready.gov provides information on every type of emergency situation thinkable, and some you might not have thought about. There’s resources on assembling emergency plans, how to educate children on implementing these plans and how to prepare for survival.

One of their most visited sections provides suggestions on assembling an emergency kit. Following an emergency, you could be without power, food and water for hours, even days. By putting together an emergency kit, you’re lowering the chances your household will go without necessities.

Each kit can vary from home to home but these are their suggestions:

  • Water – one gallon per person, per day, for at least three days.
  • Food – at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
  • Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
  • Flashlights
  • First Aid Kit
  • Extra batteries
  • Whistle – to signal for help
  • Dust mask – to filter contaminated air
  • Plastic sheeting and duct tape – to create shelter
  • Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties – for personal sanitation
  • Wrench or pliers – to turn off utilities
  • Manual can opener
  • Local maps
  • Cell phone chargers and a backup battery
  • Prescription medications
  • Pet food and extra water for your pet
  • Cash or travelers’ checks
  • Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person

These are just examples of items you might include in a basic emergency kit, to see the full list of suggested items you can follow this link – Full List of Suggested Items

WINTER IS COMING!!! Finally...

2/20/2020 (Permalink)

WINTER IS COMING!!!! A little late, but nonetheless temperatures are dropping and snow is beginning to fall in the upstate. Remember our simple tips for avoiding frozen water pipes? If not, here’s a refresher:

  1. Let a faucet drip overnight. It may create a slightly annoying noise, but far less of a headache than water in your home, we promise.
  2. Open the cabinet doors under sinks. This allows the warm air keeping you cozy to reach those pipes and water lines that might not be insulated.
  3. Check under your home! Water lines running under your home might leak undetected for days before you notice a puddle outside. If you see standing water or water flowing from the plumbing under your home, act quickly. Saving time will also save you money.
  4. Unclog your gutters. Allowing water to flow properly rather than build up and accumulate can prevent leaks in your roof, attic and siding.

If you experience water related issues during this freeze, call us at 803-749-0178. We’re available 24/7!

Flood Water Rising? Call SERVPRO!

2/18/2020 (Permalink)

With heavy rains we typically see flooding on roads, in ditches and low-lying portions of terrain around us. If you live in a flood plain you’ve likely seen water rising at a frightening distance to your home. Water that comes from within your home or even rain that finds its way inside from a leak is treated differently than water flowing on the ground.

When storm water moves across the ground it can pick up a number of contaminants that you certainly don’t want in your home; manure, pesticides, chemical waste and hazardous garbage are all capable of being swept into your home by the water. While it may be tempting to pull that shop-vac out of your garage and get the water up yourself, we highly recommend thinking twice. If storm water has invaded your home it needs to be removed properly, that involves water extraction and then additional treatment of any materials it may have touched. Drywall that is left with excess moisture is a breeding ground for mold, add in bacteria from contaminants that may have been picked up and your home could become a true hazard. If flood waters are rising, call SERVPRO of The Dutch Fork!

Windy Weather in the Midlands

2/7/2020 (Permalink)

This Columbia, SC home had a large tree fall on the roof. Unfortunately the homeowner had planned to have an arbor company remove it the next day.

Storms in our area can be pretty fierce. Lots of rain, wind and even hail. Homeowners as well as business owners become fearful of their property being damaged as a result of these storms. Wind can cause major damage to any building, especially those surrounded by trees. With wind speeds exceeding 10mph it's not uncommon for debris and other objects to blow against or fall down on a structure. While you cannot totally prevent your home or business from wind damage, there are steps you can take to help protect them.

Tree Care

The trees on your property, especially the larger ones, should be trimmed regularly. Loose or decaying limbs can easily fly off with high winds. Trees that are not trimmed are at a higher risk of falling due to these problems:

  • overcrowded branches
  • hanging limbs
  • decay
  • disease
  • leaning that occurs over time

Properly maintaining trees is proven to keep them healthier and less likely to break in a storm.

Eliminate Debris

Keeping your yard free of clutter and debris goes beyond an aesthetically pleasing curb appeal. Loose shingles can fly off, lawn decor can end up in your home and trash cans are notorious for rolling away. If you know a storm is approaching, double check that loose items, no matter how large or secured or stored somewhere they cannot cause damage.

Some property owners are hesitant to properly maintain trees and yards due to the cost. We assure you that cost is far less than what could be a home damaged by wind damage.

Traveling During Winter Holidays? Take Caution!

12/23/2019 (Permalink)

Whether you're going down the road this holiday season, or across the country, traveling in winter weather can be a tricky task. AAA provided some simple solutions to avoiding a motor vehicle mishap.

  1. Accelerate and decelerate slowly
    • avoid skids and take time to slow down for a stoplight on icy roads.
  2. Properly position feet on pedals
    • keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.
  3. Don't stop if you can avoid it
    • if you can, slow down enough to keep rolling until a traffic light changes. Always stop at stop signs or signal lights when required.
  4. Uphill Driving
    • applying extra acceleration on snow-covered roads can cause your wheels to spin. Try to obtain extra speed before reaching the hill and let inertia carry you to the top. As you reach the top, reduce speed and proceed downhill slowly.
  5. Safe Following Distances
    • normal driving conditions suggest a 3-4 second car spacing. When driving in snow or icy conditions increase that to 8-10 seconds. Doing so allows you time to stop and avoid collisions should you need to.

SERVPRO Storm Response Team

12/3/2019 (Permalink)

Did you know that each SERVPRO Franchise has the opportunity to leave their designated regions to assist in the event of a catastrophic storm? By joining the SERVPRO Storm Response Team, each participating franchise sends a crew to the affected areas to assist in high volume storm losses. The idea behind this operation is to reduce the amount of time homeowners and business owners are displaced or working/living in unsafe conditions. If residents of communities affected by catastrophic storms depended solely on the local mitigation services, it’s likely they would wait months even years to have their structures restored.

Working together as a Storm Response Team also allows multiple franchises to team up and accomplish jobs even faster. During Hurricane Florence our crews worked alongside multiple others to remove water and dry out an elementary school on the coast of North Carolina. Because of the teamwork structure set up by this program the school was completed in just three days! We’re proud members of this program and hope to continue to help those in need. The SERVPRO Storm Response Team is proud to make it “Like it never even happened.”

If you're not always prepared, are you prepared at all?

9/4/2019 (Permalink)

Pay close attention to storm warnings - keep new channels on and weather apps up to date as they issue notifications for your area.

Even though we live a safe distance from the coast, there is a chance of a tropical storm or hurricane making its way to the Chapin, SC. In the event that a powerful storm does make it to the Midlands of South Carolina, the last thing you want to think about is where you put that box of batteries or whether you have enough food for you and your family. The SERVPRO family recommends preparing for situations that might leave you without power, water and even shelter. To prep for any situation and the aftermath review these top tips:

  1. Put Together an Emergency Kit

Evacuation orders can be issued at any time - If you’re required or even voluntarily choose to leave your home in a hurry, you'll want some necessities handy. Keep the following supplies, recommended by FEMA, in a portable container in the area of your house where you'll take shelter:

  • Three days' worth of food (nonperishable)
  • Water (at least a gallon per family member)
  • Battery powered (or hand crank) flashlights and radio
  • Extra batteries
  • First aid kit
  • Whistle to signal for help
  • Trash bags and duct tape, along with a dust mask
  • Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
  • Manual can opener for food
  • Regional maps
  • Cell phone with chargers, inverter, or solar charger
  • Moist towelettes and any personal sanitation or specific family needs, like pet supplies
  • Prescription medication along with some generics in case they’re needed

(For additional recommendations, be sure to check out ready.gov)

We also suggest having smaller versions of your kit stocked with a few necessities like walking shoes, snacks, and a flashlight at work. In general, you'll also need enough cash on hand for five days of basic needs (gas and food), but any amount of ready money will help if ATMs are down.

Once you have your supplies together, it pays to go through them at least once a year too, to weed out expired food and batteries.

  1. Make an Action Plan

When things get chaotic, you want to make sure that every family member knows what to do. We suggest designating two meeting places (one close by and one a little further away in your neighborhood) and hang a map with the spots marked near your emergency kit.

It also pays to have important contacts written down if the power goes out and there's nowhere to charge your cell phone. Make a mini contact list — ready.gov has templates you can print out — with important numbers that everyone can stow in their wallets. Leave a copy in your emergency kit, too. Establish a plan for checking in with relatives in case local lines get jammed. Text messages will often go through, even when phone lines are clogged.

  1. Prep Your Home

If the power goes out and you have time, unplug appliances and electronics and turn off air conditioners, whether you stay or go. This will prevent damage when the electricity surges back on. Leave one lamp on so you'll know when the power's back.

How you store food can also make a difference when it comes to salvaging items afterwards, according to the FSIS. If there's a chance of flooding, be sure to store dry goods in waterproof containers high enough that they will be safely out of the way of contaminated water.

Grouping food together in the freezer can help it stay colder longer in the case of a power outage. If you have advanced warning, freeze any items you don't need right away, like leftovers, milk, and fresh meat and poultry to keep them at a safe temperature longer and stock your freezer with as much ice as you can fit. Coolers stocked with ice can also be helpful if the power is out for more than four hours.

Though you'll want to minimize the amount you open and close your refrigerator door once the power goes out, FSIS recommends keeping an appliance thermometer in your fridge and freezer to help you determine if food is safe to eat. The refrigerator temperature should be lower than 40 degrees Fahrenheit and the freezer temperature should be below zero degrees Fahrenheit.

After the Emergency

Coming home after a major disaster can be daunting. Call SERVPRO of The Dutch Fork to help you in the event your home is affected. NEVER enter a home that has been struck by heavy debris or fallen trees.

When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!

7/11/2019 (Permalink)

As summer approaches we look forward to a lot more fun in the sun! Kids are out of school; vacation season is in full effect and our stress levels seem to be at a low with the sudden increase of vitamin D. We’ve all been through it: you’re packing up to head to the pool or to the lake and you see dark skies on the horizon, or you find yourself outdoors when suddenly a pop-up storm arrives. Do you chance it and get a little soggy, or change your plans and opt for an indoor activity? Summertime thunderstorms are known to wreck plans but they also pose a danger to your family and your home. Ready, a division of the Department of Homeland Security offers a vast amount of insight on storm safety and what to do should you find yourself in the midst of a storm.

  • When thunder roars, go indoors! Don’t wait until the storm is directly above you. Storms can move at speeds of well over 50mph.
  • Never seek shelter under an isolated tree, tower or utility pole. Lightning likes to strike taller objects. Look for somewhere indoors or even a car. If you cannot find shelter indoors find a group of trees rather than one singular.
  • Avoid elevated areas like hills, mountains or ridges.
  • Immediately get out of and far away from bodies of water.
  • Stay away from things that conduct electricity – including wires and fences.
  • Never lie flat on the ground.
  • Locate flashlights in case of a power outage – have water and basic food close by in case the power is out for an extended period of time.

If you plan to spend any amount of time outdoors be sure to sign up for a weather app that sends you alerts when a storm or rain are imminent. Don’t cut it close when seeking shelter, give yourself enough time to get yourself and everyone with you to a safe place if you know a storm is approaching.

Are You Covered?

2/19/2019 (Permalink)

If your home fell victim to a major flood or storm tomorrow, would your insurance cover all of the costs incurred from the damages? Homeowners insurance may help cover certain causes of storm damage, including wind, hail and lightning. However, damage caused by flood and catastrophic storms are typically not covered by a standard homeowners insurance policy. It's important to read your policy to learn what types of storm damage may or may not be covered.

When purchasing a new home policy or when evaluating your current policy it is important to consider the geographic location, weather patterns and flood risk assessments of the area your home or office are located in. You might perceive additional coverage as an unnecessary or excessive cost, but consider the cost to rebuild or repair damage out of pocket. SERVPRO bases its pricing off national average or market rates, you’ll be thankful you spent the extra funds on these types of coverages rather than having to pay out of pocket in a time where your stress levels are at their highest.

Steps to Take Following Storm Damage

2/18/2019 (Permalink)

Storm damage can occur at any time and can cause an immense amount of harm to your home. Heavy rains can cause flooding and powerful winds can cause roof damage and downed trees on your property. Some post-storm damage can create safety and health hazards as well, so having a strategy to deal with damage will help you to be ready to take steps immediately after the storm.

Take Safety Precautions

Heavy winds and rain can create structural hazards like  collapsed roofing material, window damage, collapsed walls or standing water in the basement or home interior. In addition, moisture can soak into furniture, carpeting, and building materials making the perfect environment for mold growth that can cause health issues. Shut off the main gas line if you smell gas. Beware of broken glass, exposed nails, and other sharp objects on the property. Contact SERVPRO immediately to help secure your property and protect it from further water damage. If necessary, arrange for an alternative place for you and your family to live while your property is being restored to safe living condition.

Photograph the Damage

If it is safe to move around your property, use your cellphone or a camera to photograph the damage so that you will have a record for your insurance company. This action will ensure that you are fully compensated.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Contact your insurance agent to notify them about the damage to your home immediately. The company will send out an adjustor to determine the extent of the damage so that payment for repairs can be made.

Look Into Federal Disaster Assistance

The federal government may have declared the area affected by the storm as a disaster area that is eligible for low-cost loans to help restore your property to normal. You will be required to file documents to receive these loans.

When a storm-related disaster strikes, it may seem overwhelming, but these steps can help you to begin the process of restoring your home, and your life, to normal. At SERVPRO of The Dutch Fork, we provide 24-hour emergency disaster service. We specialize in the stabilization and restoration of homes and businesses that have suffered small or large loss from water, flood, wind, storm, fire and smoke disasters. 

Storms in Columbia? No Problem!

2/14/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of The Dutch Fork excels in storm and flood damage restoration. Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

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

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit your Irmo/Chapin property, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We have access to equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 803-749-0178

Winter Weather Safety

12/21/2018 (Permalink)

The Dutch Fork, SC and surrounding areas don’t experience a great deal of winter weather, but when we do it seems that everyone shuts down. Well everyone but Walmart and Waffle House that is. The first Winter Weather Advisory alerts are delivered to our phones and emails, which we hesitantly believe. Rain begins to fall and the temperatures drop followed by a race to a grocery store that still has milk and bread in stock. All of this just for cold rain! This pattern creates some hesitation when it comes to taking winter weather seriously.

On the rare occasion that we do find ourselves in the midst of a blizzard or ice storm, we’re far from prepared. Driving on snow- or ice-covered roads in the Midlands is a challenge – we simply don’t get enough of it to adapt to such testy conditions. It’s not rare to see a number of cars lined up and down the side of the interstate after a winter weather event, abandoned or involved in collisions – with every tow company in the area busy from dusk til’ dawn you’re thankful it’s not you stranded on I-26.

But what if one of those vehicles IS you? Do you bundle up and trek through the snow and ice for help? What if you have small children or an elderly person with you at the time? You may be forced to remain in the vehicle until conditions clear or it is safe to drive. Keeping a “Winter Weather Kit” made up of the items below in your car is an effective way to ensure that you are prepared.

Disaster Relief Team

12/4/2018 (Permalink)

One of our SERVPRO Disaster Vehicles all the way from Chapin, SC

Ready For Any Disaster

SERVPRO prides itself on being faster to any size disaster - that includes major storms, tornadoes and hurricanes. SERVPRO of The Dutch Fork is a part of the Disaster Relief Team, an initiative that allows us to mobilize our services and cover areas we would not normally service. Our equipment is designed to allow us the flexibility to be where our customers need us. 

Our Commitment to Storm Relief

Just hours after the worst of Florence passed, the technicians of SERVPRO of The Dutch Fork packed up one of our vehicles with a towable generator and our indirect fired heater to begin water damage restoration. 

Using all of our resources, SERVPRO of The Dutch Fork was able to serve the residents of Hampstead, NC.

2017 Hurricane Season

7/21/2017 (Permalink)

2017 Hurricane Season- SERVPRO is ready to help!

The 2017 Hurricane Season is underway and the Atlantic has already experienced 5 systems. Hurricane season begins on June 1st and ends November 31st. The 2017 season has already brought us 4 tropical storms and 1 depression. 

It is important to be prepared in the event a hurricane is heading in your direction. These systems bring torrential rains, major flooding and dangerous winds. 

Here are a few tips to help you be ready:

1) Sign up for alerts and watch the forecast to determine your risk.

2) Develop an emergency plan for communication and evacuation.

3) Prepare an emergency supply kit.

4) Prepare your home, check with your insurance company regarding your coverage.

5) Prepare an emergency contact list of hospitals, shelters and other resources that may be helpful

Speculations are that the Atlantic will encounter 11-17 named storms, 5-9 hurricanes, and 2-4 major hurricanes. Take the steps needed now to be prepared.

#callSERVPRO #hurricaneseason