Home Emergency Tips

Here at SERVPRO we clean and restore fire and water damage, but our desire is that you never need to call us.

Harmful Waste (Sewage, Bloodborne Pathogens, Etc.)

Here are some home emergency tips:

Do:

-Stay out of affected areas

-Call emergency service personnel if the situation is life threatening.

-Treat all bodily fluids as if they are contaminated

-Turn off the HVAC system if there is sewage damage.

Don’t:

-Attempt cleanup of any kind

-Touch or handle items that might be contaminated with bodily fluids.

-Eat, drink, smoke, apply cosmetics or handle contact lenses in affected areas.

*If exposed to harmful waste, OSHA recommends a post- exposure medical evaluation. Consult your local health department or physician.

47th Annual Carolina Classic Home & Garden Show

The Home Builders Association of Greater Columbia (HBAGC) presents the 47^th Annual Carolina Classic Home & Garden Show at the SC State Fairgrounds Friday, March 8 through Sunday, March 10, 2012.

The Carolina Classic Home & Garden Show is the largest home and garden exhibition in the Midlands. Over 250 construction, home improvement, and outdoor product exhibits are displayed within and outside of the Cantey, Ellison, Moore, Ruff and Hampton Buildings.

Educational seminars are offered daily by exhibitors on a variety of topics such as home building, remodeling, crawl space maintennance, and gardening. All seminars are free to attend with admission to the show.

What:

Clyde Nettles Roofing Presents the 47th annual Carolina Classic Home & Garden Show

Hosted by the Home Builders Association of Greater Columbia

See over 250 exhibitors with products and services for your home and garden.Exhibitors List here.

Educational Seminars offered daily. See schedule here.

Couponing Workshops presented by Southern Savers. See schedule here.

Register to win prizes from exhibitors. More information here.

Wine Walk on Friday, March 8 from 5p - 8p. More information here.

When:

Friday, March 8 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Saturday, March 9 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, March 10 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Admission:

Tickets are $6/person at the gate during hours of operation.

> Kids 14 and under enter free every day

> Ages 62 and older enter free on Friday, March 8

Senior Day and Expo Information here

> Active Military members enter free Saturday, March 9 (with I.D.)

Where:

All five buildings and outdoor areas of the SC State Fairgrounds in Columbia, SC.

Vehicles enter through Gate 6 located on George Rogers Blvd., near Williams-Brice Stadium.

Before you leave, make sure to stop by our booth in the Moore building for some goodies to take home!

You cant clean everywhere, but we can!

SERVPRO'S PROVEN DUCT CLEANING SYSTEM IS COST EFFICIENT

Unlike many duct cleaning services, Servpro of Cayce/ West Columbia/ Lexington uses a portable ventilation and Air Duct Cleaning system to examine ductwork and make a clean sweep, removing years of dust and grime.

CLEAN SWEEP FOR DUCTS

*Improve the Air Quality of Your Business
When addressing air quality inspecting the ductwork is your SERVPRO of Cayce/ West Columbia/ Lexington first order of business. Dirty ducts can circulate odors and contaminats like mold and irritating dust throughout the building. Servpro uses a proven Portable Ventilation & Air Duct Cleaning system to help improve the air quality of your business.

Sweeping Away Years of Dust and Dirt- Reducing Potential Health Risks

Since the ventilation system is often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality, inspecting the ductwork should be a high priority. Often times the HVAC system has been operating for some time without much attention. Dirty ducts can circulate odors, contaminants such as mold and irritating dust throughout your building. A routine part of a SERVPRO service is inspecting the heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit. Keeping the HVAC system and ductwork clean can potientially extend the life span of equipment by allowing it to operate at peak condition, which can in turn save you money!


-Denea Duran

Image Credit: Googleimages.com

Spring Ahead

Since spring is in full effect, it is now time to start thinking about how you will welcome the warm weather in your home. Here is a list of ideas to get a start on your cleaning.

Around The House:
•Schedule a family garage clean-out. Create efficient storage for sporting goods, camping equipment, recreational vehicles, and garden tools. You'll have the jump on summer fun!
•Inspect, clean and repair outdoor furniture.
•Tour house exterior and grounds. Make a list of any needed seasonal maintenance.
•Inspect the roof for winter damage: leaks, missing or broken shingles or tiles. Arrange for any needed repairs early; roofing contractors can be hard to find during summer's construction season.
•Use a sunny Saturday to scrape, prime and paint peeling spots on trim or woodwork. You'll protect wood against Summer's heat and moisture--and prevent a more difficult paint job come fall.
•Clear away any remaining dead foliage and weeds from beds and lawn. New growth will be protected from damage or disease.

•Begin major Spring landscaping projects. Spring's the time to put in shrubs and trees, but check with your local extension office for specific planting recommendations for your area.

The Inside Story:
•Changing seasons, changing clothes. Hold a family wardrobe check as you bring out warm-weather clothing. Sort winter clothing for discards and donations before you store.

•Hold a garage sale! Declutter house and garage to turn trash into cash. Build your yard sale savvy here.
•Pick a weekend and enlist the family for Spring cleaning. Many hands make light work! Reward the team with dinner at a pizza parlor.
•Wash windows inside and out.
•While at the window area, check drapes and window treatments. Vacuum any dust; send dirtier drapes to the cleaners.
•Move furniture and vacuum beneath it.
•Arrange for a spring inspection of cooling systems. Don't wait for the first hot day! Air conditioning firms will give better service when they're not busy.
•When the weather warms, deactivate heat system humidifiers. Check the system manual for instructions on how to power down for the summer.
•Drain sediment from hot water heaters.

Cleaning that SERVPRO handles:

• Air Ducts and HVAC
• Carpet, Upholstery, Drapes and Blinds
• Ceilings,Walls and Hard Floors
• Deodorization

Call us SERVPRO of Cayce/West Columbia & Lexington 803-755-9774


-Denea Duran

Picture Credit: Google Image

Content Credit: http://organizedhome.com/seasonal-spin/spring-cleaning-chore-checklist

Fun Friday Live: Refill Wallflowers DIY

Streaming live video by Ustream


We have not forgotten about Fun Friday, we just took it to another level. We are now doing Do It Yourself (DIY) projects live on our Ustream page. This week was DIY: Refill Wallflowers.

Did you know that the Wallflowers and Plug-Ins that you buy could be hazardous to your health and your home?

The National Resources Defense Council, in a study of 14 different air fresheners, confirms that phthalates a chemical found in many air fresheners that may cause reproductive problems and birth defects. It was found that Phthalates may also cause premature delivery of babies.

Fire Hazard- Pinene, an extremely flammable ingredient is commonly used in plug-in air fresheners. Plug-in air fresheners use a small heating element, which combined with flammable ingredients like the pinene can be a fire hazard. It is important that over 53,000 home fires occur each year because of malfunction of electrical appliances, including plug-in air fresheners.

Toxic Ingredients- Toxic ingredients such as formaldehyde, fragrance chemicals and dichlorobenzene and silica are used in a variety of plug in air freshners brands. These ingredients are highly dangerous if ingested accidentally, causing issues such as dizziness, nausea a drop in blood pressure and convulsions.

Everyone has the right to know what toxic chemicals they are breathing in. We decided to do a simple and healthier DIY project, so those expensive wallflowers dont go to waist. (video above)


-Denea Duran

Photocredit: Google Images

Home & Garden Show

On Friday, March 9 through Sunday March 11, 2012 SERVPRO participated in the 46th Annual Carolina Classic Home & Garden Show at the SC State Fairgounds.

The largest home and garden exhibition in the Midlands, over 250 construction, home improvement, and outdoor product exhibits are displayed within and outside of the Cantey, Ellison, Moore, Ruff and Hampton Buildings. To say the least, it was a success!



We had a lot of fun chatting with everyone who visited our booth! Be sure to return next year!

                      

- Denea Duran

46th Annual Carolina Classic Home & Garden Show

The Home Builders Association of Greater Columbia (HBAGC) presents the 46^th Annual Carolina Classic Home & Garden Show at the SC State Fairgrounds Friday, March 9 through Sunday, March 11, 2012.

The Carolina Classic Home & Garden Show is the largest home and garden exhibition in the Midlands. Over 250 construction, home improvement, and outdoor product exhibits are displayed within and outside of the Cantey, Ellison, Moore, Ruff and Hampton Buildings.

Educational seminars are offered daily by exhibitors on a variety of topics such as home building, remodeling, crawl space maintennance, and gardening. All seminars are free to attend with admission to the show.  This year's seminars are sponsored by Remodeling Services Unlimited and McGuinn Homes.



Before you leave, make sure to stop by our booth in the Moore building for some goodies to take home!

Photo Content: Google.com

Clean House + Clean Air = Happy, Healthy People

 Did you know that there is not only a such thing as outside pollution but also indoor pollution? To be honest, I never knew what would cause indoor pollution besides tobacco smoke. Here is a list of things that can cause indoor pollution!

Causes of Indoors Air Pollution

• Asbestos building products when dislodged (no longer intact)  

• Biological contaminants such as mold, dust mites, viruses and pet dander


• Carbon Monoxide


• Formaldehyde found in pressure treated wood


• Lead (pre-1978 house paint)


• Nitrogen dioxide


• Particulates found in dust, pollen, cleaning sprays and poorly ventilated areas


• Tobacco Smoke


• Volatile organic compounds including household cleaning products, pesticides and aerosol propellants

If you don't think it is important to have clean air in your home, well here is a few fun facts!

Clean Air in the Home

• Children in homes with high levels of mold show persistent, cold-like symptons-300% more than those in clean environments.            


• Every year about 40 pounds of dust is generated per 1,5000 square feet in a home.


• Roughly 80 percent of the particles you see floating in your home in a ray of sunshine are dead human skin.

So now what do you think?

-Denea Duran

Photo Credit: www.emaxhealth.com

Keep Your Home Safe!

Since the severe weather has made an appearance across the country, it's only right if I give you Awesome Tips on keeping your home and business safe!



Tips for Preparing Your Home for Winter Weather

• Keep cabinet doors open during cold spells. This allows warm air to circulate around pipes


• Keep a slow trickle of water flowing through faucets, especially if the pipes for faucets, especially if the pipes for faucets run through unheated or uninsulated areas of your home.


• Consider shutting off outdoor faucets. Find the shut-off valve in the basement or crawl space and turn it to "off".


• If you follow the previous step, then open the outdoor faucet to help ensure it drains completely and the inner valve is shut off.


• Ensure gutters are clean and secure. Leaves and debris accumulate, causing a damming effect on gutters, which could lead to roof problems and water damage.


• Proper maintenance of your furnace can help reduce the risk of puffbacks.

Tips for Preparing Your Business for Winter Weather

• Check your business property for downed tree limbs and branches. Weather such as wind, heavy rain, ice and snow, can cause branches to fall, which could cause damage to the property and potentially cause personal injuries.


• Inspect property, especially walkways and parking lots, for proper drainage to alleviate flood hazard potential.


• Inspect all handrails, stairwells and entryways to address and correct potential slippery or hazardous areas. Install mats or non-slip surfaces and post caution signs where water could be present.


• Ask SERVPRO of Cayce/West Columbia/ Lexington about starting a FREE Emergency Ready Profile for your business.  Call us! 803-755-9774

-Denea Duran

Content Credit: www.wallcoo.net

Home Emergency Tips: Part 4

What to do until help arrives. 

It's time for our last Home Emergency Tips entry. The way you respond after a home emergency can make a huge impact on the scale of the damage. Follow these tips to minimize water damage as much as possible in your home.

Water Damage

Do:

• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting.


• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and table top items.


• Remove and prop wet upholstery and pillow cushions for even drying.


• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.


• Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.


• Remove Oriental rugs or other colored rugs from wet wall-to-wall carpeting.


• Remove valuable paintings and art objects to a safe, dry place.


• Open and place luggage in sunlight to dry, if possible.


• Gather loose items, toys, etc. from floors.

Don’t:

• Leave wet fabrics in place; dry as soon as possible. Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.


• Leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpets or floors.


• Use your household vacuum to remove water.


• Use TVs or other household appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors, especially not on wet concrete floors.


• Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.

Home Emergency Tips: Part 3

Helpful tips on what to do until help arrives.

Today we post Part 3 of Home Emergency Tips. Here at SERVPRO we clean and restore fire and water damage, but our desire is that you never need to call us. June is Home Safety Month, so stay tuned to tips to keep your home the safest home it can be.

Harmful Waste (Sewage, Bloodborne Pathogens, Etc.) 

Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.


• Call emergency service personnel if the situation is life threatening.


• Treat all bodily fluids as if they are contaminated.


• Turn off the HVAC system if there is sewage damage.

Don't:

• Attempt cleanup of any kind.


• Touch or handle items that might be contaminated with bodily fluids.


• Eat, drink, smoke, apply cosmetics or handle contact lenses in affected areas.

*If exposed to harmful waste, OSHA recommends a post-exposure medical evaluation. Consult your local health department or physician.

Home Emergency Tips: Part 2

Helpful tips on what to do until help arrives. 

It's time for Part 2 of our 4-part Home Emergency Tips. June is Home Safety Month and we want to equip you to minimize home injuries with brief tips that go a long way. Stay tuned for more tips!

Vandalism Damage

Do:

• Hose or wash egg damage from building exterior as soon as possible.


• Blot freshly spilled food from carpets and fabrics with a dampened cloth or sponge (but don't overwet). Scrape and blot; don't rub since it can damage fibers.


• Vacuum glass particles from carpets and upholstery.


• Save containers that reveal the composition of spilled inks, cosmetics and paints.

Don't:

• Attempt to remove ink, paint or cosmetic stains.


• Operate damaged lamps or appliances.


• Discard wood chips, broken pieces from furniture, porcelain or other art objects.

Home Emergency Tips: Part 1

Helpful tips on what to do until help arrives

June is kicking off the SERVPRO West Columbia blog with Home Safety Month. According to the Citizen Corp website, "Some 20 million medical visits were required for treatment of home injuries last year." Simple steps can go a long way to minimize risk, so tune in for our 4-part Home Emergency Tips.

Fire and Smoke Damage

Do:

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being imbedded into upholstery and carpets.


• Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.


• Blow or brush vacuum loose soot particles from upholstery, drapes and carpets.


• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.


• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator completely and prop doors open.


• Clean and protect chrome on kitchen and bathroom faucets, trim and appliances with light coating of Vaseline or oil.


• Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.


• Change HVAC filter.


• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.

Don't:

• Attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting your SERVPRO Professional.


• Attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture without first consulting your SERVPRO Professional.


• Attempt to clean any electrical appliances, TV sets, radios, etc. that may have been close to fire, heat or water without first consulting an authorized repair service.


• Use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored close to fire, heat or water (they may have been contaminated).


• Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. Wiring may be wet or damaged.


• Send garments to ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.