Recent Posts

Mold in Your Home: A Guide to Identification and Prevention

12/4/2023 (Permalink)

Mold growth in your home can be a concerning issue. As a trusted restoration company, we've seen firsthand how important it is to identify and address mold problems promptly. In this blog post, we'll provide you with valuable insights on how to spot mold in your home and take steps to prevent it from becoming a more significant issue.

Spotting Mold

Mold can be sneaky, often hiding in dark and damp areas of your home. Here's how to identify signs of mold:

Musty Odor: One of the earliest signs of mold is a musty or earthy smell. If you notice an unpleasant, persistent odor in your home, it may be an indicator of hidden mold growth.

Visible Mold: The most obvious sign is seeing mold growth. It can appear as fuzzy spots, black streaks, or discolored patches on walls, ceilings, or other surfaces. Common areas for visible mold growth include bathrooms, basements, and around windows.

Water Damage: If you've experienced recent water damage, such as a leak or flooding, mold is likely to follow if not addressed promptly. Keep a close eye on areas that were affected by the water, as mold can develop within 24-48 hours.

Allergy Symptoms: Mold can trigger allergic reactions in some people. If you or your family members experience unexplained allergy symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, or itchy eyes when at home, mold could be the culprit.

Preventing Mold Growth

Preventing mold is the best way to deal with the issue. Here's how you can do it:

Control Moisture: Mold needs moisture to thrive. Keep your home dry by fixing leaks, addressing water damage promptly, and using dehumidifiers in damp areas.

Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation in areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens. Use exhaust fans and keep windows open when the weather permits.

Regular Cleaning: Regularly clean and inspect areas where mold is likely to develop, such as bathrooms and basements. Use mold-resistant paints and cleaning products.

Proper Insulation: Insulate your home properly to prevent condensation on walls and ceilings. This is especially important in colder climates.

Spotting and preventing mold growth is essential to maintaining a healthy and safe home environment. If you are struggling with mold in your home, contact our team of restoration experts at SERVPRO today!

Fall & Scented Candles

9/1/2023 (Permalink)

Fall is right around the corner!! With what feels like the hottest summer in history almost behind us, many of us are eager to eat and drink Pumpkin Spiced everything. There’s nothing cozier than watching leaves change to vibrant colors and a fall-scented candle burning (safely) in your home! Never forget that open flames are potential fire hazards. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the careless use of candles causes nearly 10,000 residential fires each year. Here are some helpful tips you can use to avoid fires caused by candles.

  • Extinguish candles whenever you leave a room or go to sleep.
    • It’s best to avoid burning candles in bedrooms or sleeping areas. Opt for a flameless candle or diffuser instead.
  • Maintain at least 12 inches between the candle and anything flammable (decorations, curtains/fabric, paper, plants, and clothing).
  • Keep lit candles in well-ventilated areas.
  • Keep candles out of reach of pets and children.
  • If using a candle holder, ensure it’s sturdy and cannot be knocked over. Always place them on heat-resistant surfaces.
  • Trim wicks within ¼ inch of the wax to prevent sparks from popping while burning.
  • Avoid burning candles to the bottom of the jar. Extinguish a candle when there are at least two inches of wax left or ½ in if they’re in a container.

If you experience fire or smoke damage from a candle and are unsure of your next steps, call SERVPRO of The Dutch Fork (803) 749-0178. Our team has the equipment and training to quickly respond to any fire emergency in the Chapin Community and surrounding areas.

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.

Autumn Warnings for Storm or Flood

9/12/2022 (Permalink)

tree damage after storm

With the changing seasons comes changing temperatures and weather patterns. Storms can become more frequent and with it, floods and flash floods. Floods can be dangerous for homes, businesses, and traffic of all kinds. It's best to know what to do in case of a flood or major storm.

  1. Always have a plan ready in case a storm or flood happens. Not only for your home, but in case you are caught out in a vehicle or as a pedestrian. Know what to do to keep your loved ones and pets safe.
  2. Know the risks for floods and storms in your area. Web sites such as FEMA.gov, NOAA.gov, and weather sites are good sources to know when to expect the possibility of storms and floods and potential water damage.
  3. Make sure you have adequate insurance coverage for your home and vehicle that covers flood and water damages.
  4. Keep important documents in a waterproof container so they aren't damaged.
  5. Keep your home in good repair to avoid leaks and storm damage as much as possible.

 In the event of a flood, storm (particularly a hurricane and you are on the coast), or other such emergency, always:

  1. Follow the instructions of emergency personnel. If you are ordered to evacuate - then evacuate! Have a plan ready and materials to board up your home if needed. Don't wait until the last minute as you may get caught in traffic. Although here in the Columbia area we aren't as affected as the coast in a hurricane, we can still get nasty storms that can bring floods and excess water.
  2. Know what to do if you are caught in a storm or flood while in a vehicle. Never try to drive through moving water, or even still water. It is not easy to tell how deep the water is and a vehicle can easily be swept away and pose a drowning hazard.
  3. Never try to walk or swim through moving water. Not only can it be stronger than your ability to move through it, you may not know what hazards are in that water. There could be moving debris as well as microorganisms that could pose a health hazard.
  4. Be aware of other hazards in water such as snakes, animals, or electrocution due to exposed wires or downed power lines.
  5. If you are trapped, try to get to high ground (roof, top of vehicle, etc.) and wave a bright, colorful cloth or flashlight to attract the attention of emergency services.

If your home is damaged by a flood or storm, be sure to call us here at SERVPRO for professional assistance in assessing and mitigating the damage and getting you back into your home as soon as possible.

In case of fire...

9/7/2022 (Permalink)

No one wants to think about a fire happening in their home. However, it is important to be prepared and know what to do in case a fire does break out.

According to the American Red Cross, there are several points you may need to be aware of prior to an emergency.  Being prepared helps alleviate some of the stress of dealing with a fire.

  • Know how to operate a fire extinguisher and what you can use it on. Fire extinguishers can be used for small fires. However, if a large fire breaks out, or one that a proper fire extinguisher for the type of fire is unavailable, it's best to get out and call the fire department. Always have the proper fire extinguisher rated for an area, such as the kitchen.
  • Know your exits and have emergency gear available and easily obtained at or near an exit.
  • Get out as quickly and safely as possible. Make sure everyone, especially children and the elderly, can get safely out. Always use stairs instead of elevators. Don't worry about belongings. Lives are far more important. Once out and safe, stay out of the building and out of the way of emergency crew. Never go back in for something you thing may be important.
  • Make sure to escape under the level of smoke. Smoke can contain particulates that can be harmful or even deadly. Crawl if necessary.
  • Never open doors where handles are warm or smoke blocks the route out, unless it's the only route.
  • If you are unable to get out, stay in a closed room and place et towels under the door. Call  911 immediately and let them know you are trapped and where. Open a window and wave a bright cloth or flashlight to let them know where you are.
  • In the event your clothes catch fire, stop immediately and remember STOP DROP and ROLL. Drop to the ground and protect your face. Roll over back and forth to put out the flames. Do not try to run as the flames could be fanned and worsened. Cool burned skin with water and get medical attention immediately.

Saving yourself and loved ones is the most important thing to remember if a fire breaks out. Belongings and homes can be replaced and repaired. Lives cannot.

SERVPRO is here to help after the disaster to help clean up and get you back into your home as quickly as possible.

Full Service Solutions

8/29/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO At Your Service

During a disaster or emergency, you want to know who you can count on to get your home or business back to normal. So, why choose SERVPRO?

At SERVPRO of the Dutch Fork, we offer full-service solutions as, in many cases, a disaster may mean more than one kind of issue that needs to be taken care of. Our trained professionals know how to get in and get the job done, recognizing any additional problems that have arisen, or may arise, due to a flood, leak, fire, mold, cleaning/biohazard situation, or whatever your need may be. Our team can quickly assess your particular situation and offer solutions, including repairs in most cases, to get you back to your pre-disaster condition. We have the tools and equipment necessary to be ready for just about any disaster.  We are available 24/7 for any size job from post-construction cleanup to full fire and water damage mitigation. We work with your insurance and do whatever we can to take the pressure off your already stressful and traumatic situation.

Fire damage may also bring about water damage due to exposed areas or use of fire hoses or sprinklers, even areas not seriously affected by smoke, heat, and fire. Water damage may easily bring about mold issues which can further damage woodwork, walls, ceilings, floors, and furnishings.  Conversely, mold issues may uncover a water issue that has caused damage. What may seem a simple cleaning job could expose underlying problems that, if left untreated, may cause further damage and expense.  Storm damage could easily cause water damage, structural issues, as well as potential fire damage due to compromised wiring.

 You are never just a "number" with SERVPRO. Locally owned and operated since 1998, under the umbrella of a successful, 55-year strong corporation, means you get professional, personalized, and caring service. “Like it never even happened.”

Fall Fire Prevention

8/16/2022 (Permalink)

Autumn is nearly upon us and with it comes cooler and drier weather, breezes, and beautiful leaves falling. Many will be decorating for the early holidays and starting up the fireplaces and backyard fire pits.

With all the pumpkin spice and decorations, it is easy to forget about the fire hazards that can manifest when we least expect it. Prevention is the key to having a happy and safe autumn season and avoiding a traumatic fire.

Now is a good time to check areas for hazards and put preventions in place. Here are some things to be aware of:

  • Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms. Check and replace any batteries and make sure the units are working. There should be adequate smoke alarms near or in every living area or room.
  • Fireplaces. Now is a great time to have that fireplace cleaned out (chimney and all) and make sure the flue is working correctly. Make sure there are no nests from the springtime birds or any other blockages.
  • Heating and air ducts: Having these checked and cleaned if needed is a good idea. Build-up of dust may not only a fire hazard, but may cause health issues for people with allergies.  Be sure to have your heating unit checked for debris or loose/bare wires.
  • Know how to safely operate any space heaters that may be in use. Don't let them operate too close to furniture or flammable objects. Be aware that children and animals can knock these over, so be sure that they have automatic shut-offs if they do and that they are in proper working order.
  • This is a great time of year for decorations. Be sure they are far enough away from lit candles and the fireplace. Never leave a candle burning unattended.
  • The kitchen tends to be a busy room this time of year. Be sure your appliances and outlets are in good order and that when cooking, never leave the stove or oven unattended.
  • Be sure to check for leaks in the water heater, water sources, and the attic. A leak may short out electrical outlets or appliances which could produce a fire hazard.
  • Check those fire extinguishers and know how to properly use them. Be sure they are the proper type for the area of use and that they are adequately filled.
  • Emergency preparedness. Be sure to have an escape plan in case of a fire with your exits clearly marked and unblocked.

We here at SERVPRO hope you have a safe and happy autumn season. In the event that disaster strikes, we are here, 24/7, 365 days a year, to help with your emergency needs. Whether it be fire, water, mold mitigation or other emergency. Our highly trained professionals are on call.

Make SERVPRO Your First Call

5/5/2022 (Permalink)

A disaster can be devastating. That’s why you should always call SERVPRO of The Dutch Fork. We have specially trained technicians that can handle your disaster, no matter how big or small. We can help you with a water leak in your home or a fire and smoke damage to your business. We can be dispatched to you usually within one to two hours after you call us. We are experienced with all kinds of disasters and we show up with our customer’s comfort in mind.

Time is of the essence after a disaster. The faster you call us for help, the faster we can help you get back to normal. Our motto is: “Like it never even happened.”

We can help you from start to finish. We can also help you file a claim with your home or business insurance company. One less stress on you. We care about you and your home or business. We are available 24/7/365.

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.

Fire in your Business? Let us Help!

4/28/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of The Dutch Fork has IICRC Fire and Smoke Restoration Technicians (FSRT) available 24/7/365 to help you restore your business if you’ve experienced fire damage. A fire is an unexpected event that causes major damage to your commercial property. The first few hours after a fire are the most crucial to help you minimize any further damage, and our fire damage restoration service can help. When we are called, we dispatch a team out to you within an hour, we help board up your damaged property to protect it from any further damages, install a roof tarp if needed, offer cleanup, odor and soot removal, and, the utmost importance, host services to restore your belongings.

            We can assist you from start to finish with your commercial fire damage. We also communicate with your insurance company, provide them updates and necessary documentation. We understand that you have a business to run and the longer your business is down the more profits you are losing. We have over 50 years of experience with Fire and Smoke Damage. Be sure to call SERVPRO of The Dutch Fork if you experience a commercial fire damage.