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.

Staying Hydrated!

When the temperatures rise, getting enough to drink is important whether you’re playing sports, traveling or just sitting in the sun.

And it’s critical for your heart health.

Keeping the body hydrated helps the heart more easily pump blood through the blood vessels to the muscles. And, it helps the muscles remove waste so that they can work efficiently.

How much water do you need?

What does being well hydrated mean? The amount of water a person needs depends on climatic conditions, clothing worn and exercise intensity and duration, Batson said.

A person who perspires heavily will need to drink more than someone who doesn’t. Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, may also mean you need to drink more to avoid over-taxing the heart or other organs.  People with cystic fibrosis have high concentrations of sodium in their sweat and also need to use caution to avoid dehydration. 

Water is best.

For most people, water is the best thing to drink to stay hydrated. Sources of water also include foods, such fruits and vegetables which contain a high percentage of water. Sports drinks with electrolytes, may be useful for people doing high intensity, vigorous exercise in very hot weather, though they tend to be high in calories.

“It’s healthier to drink water while you’re exercising, and then when you’re done, eat a healthy snack like orange slices, bananas or a small handful of unsalted nuts ,” Batson said.

He cautioned against fruit juices or sugary drinks, such as soda. 

Not just for athletes or exercise.

Hydration isn’t just important during physical activity. Sitting in the sun on a hot or humid day, even if you aren’t exercising, can also cause your body to need more fluids.

People who have a heart condition, are older than 50 or overweight may also have to take extra precautions.

It’s also a good thing to keep tabs on if you’re traveling.

“You might sweat differently if you’re in a different climate,” Batson said.

Content Credit: 

-Denea Duran 

The Truth about Mold

Mold occurs naturally throughout the environment both indoors and outdoors. In fact, mold spores could be found in nearly every structure in the United States regardless of how new or clean the structure is. That’s because mold in normal amounts is no more dangerous than dust or pollen. Even through some forms of mold can add value to our lives, other forms can be harmful. Excessive amounts of mold, different types of mold or exposure to molds may present health concerns for some people. If there is an ongoing moisture problem in your office, your home or in your customer’s home it is important to be alert for:

-The presence of visible mold.

- Strong, musty odors which may indicate mold is present

-Any evidence of past moisture problems that might have caused mold growth

These conditions may require the expertise of a qualified Indoor Air Quality/ Environmental Professional to inspect the building for mold growth and water damage problems. If you think you or your customer might have a mold problem, check out our website for more information or give us a call: 803-755-9774. 

-Denea Duran

What we can do for YOU

So you know that SERVPRO does “fire and water cleanup and restoration,” but do you know what that entails? Don’t miss out on all that we can do for you.

Restoration:

-Fire, Smoke and Soot

-Water Removal and Dehumidication

-Mold Mitigation and Remediation

-Catastrophic Storm Response

-Move out sand Contents Restoration     

-Electronics and Equipment

-Document Drying

-Contents Claim Inventory Service

Cleaning:

-Air Ducts and HVAC

-Biohazzard, Crime Scene and Vandalism

-Carpet, Upholstery, Drapes and Blinds

-Ceilings, Walls and Hard Floors

-Odor Identification

-Deodorization

We’re here to serve you and make it like it never even happened.

Give us a call: (803)755-9774

For more information: http://www.servprolexingtonsc.com/

-Denea Duran 

Carpets to Catastrophes

Do you want to know what exactly we do?

• Fire, Smoke and Soot Cleanup and Restoration
• Water Removal and Dehumidification
• Crime Scene, Biohazard and Vandalism Cleanup
• Mold Migiation and Remediation
• Contents Claim, Inventory Service
• Air Ducts and HVAC Cleaning
• Carpet and Hard Floor Cleaning and Care
• Stain Removal, Stain Resistance Applications
• Odor Identification and Deodorization
• Upholstery and Drapes: Wet or Dry Cleaning Methods

-Over 40 years of experience as a leading fire and water cleanup and restoration provider.
-A SERVPRO Franchise is nearby- more than 1,500 Franchise nationwide.
-More locations for faster responses. A uniformed technician will arrive on-site usually within four hours of notification.
-Quick response time to help ensure the damage is contained and the restoration process begins promptly.
-Large loss capabilities- no fire or water damage is too big.


-Denea Duran

Your Business+ Mold = Dangerous

If you own a business or a home, here are some great facts!

In the 1970's, sick building syndrome became apparent as groups of people displayed similar symptoms after having spent extended periods of time in buildings with poor air quality. Good judgement and immediate attention can correct the situation and save you money in the event of litigation. People most at risk include:

-Infants and children
-Pregnant Women
-Elderly
-People with compromised respiratory systems or asthma/allergies
-People with weakened immune systems.


While molds are found naturally in the environment, an overabundance inside buildings is undesirable for both aesthetic and health reasons. Experts disagree about the more controversial details of molds but all agree that if you have excessive mold, it needs to be removed.

If you or someone you know is experiencing problems with mold please call SERVPRO of Cayce/West Columbia & Lexington 803-755-9774

-Denea Duran

Water Leaks and Prevention Tips

 Water leaks withing a business can seep into flooring, carpets,baseboards and walls while moving throughout the structure, potentially creating mildew and staining walls. Quick action is critical in avoiding costly repairs ans expensive downtime. SERVPRO Professionals understand the water damage event can not only disrupt your facility, it can also interrupt day to day business functions-possibly closing the business and ultimately affecting your revenues.

Leak Prevention Tips:
-Regularly check the following items for leaks:

Exterior

• Check roofing for deterioration.
• Check gutters and down spouts for blockage.
• Check basements and crawl spaces for moisture.

Interiors

• Check appliances in break rooms and cafeterias.
• Check sinks and toilets in restrooms.
• Check HVAC for leaks and blockage.

If you experience any water damage please call your
SERVPRO of Cayce/West Columbia/ Lexington 803-755-9774

-Denea Duran

Do's and Dont's: Water Disaster

How many of you know how to respond during a water damage disaster? Your first and most important step should be to call your emergency mitigation specialists at SERVPRO. The sooner we arrive on site, the more you and your insurance company save in restoration and construction services.

These emergency tips will assist you in taking the proper actions and precautions until WE arrive!

Do:

• Shut off the source of water if possible or contact a qualified party to stop the water source.
• When access to the power distribution panel is safe from electrical shock, turn off circuit breakers in wet areas of the building.
• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting.  
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Any paintings, art objects, computers, documents and other materials that are valuable or sensitive to moisture should be relocated to a safe, dry place.
• Use wooden clothespins to keep furniture skirting off damp floors.
• Hang draperies with coated hangers to avoid contact with wet carpeting or floors.
• Hang furs and leather good to dry separately at room temperature.

Dont:

• Enter rooms with standing water where electrical shock hazards may exist.
• Enter affected areas if electrical outlets, switches, circuit breakers or electrical equipment are exposed to water. Always avoid electrical shock hazards.
• Leave books, newspapers, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors to cause staining.
• Leave oriental rugs or other colored rugs on wet wall-to-wall carpets to cause staining.
• Use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water, possibly causing electrical shock or damage to the vacuum cleaner.
• Use TVs or other appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors, especially not on wet concrete floors.
• Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet.
• Enter rooms where ceiling are sagging from retained water.

Contact us for 24 Hour Restoration Service:
SERVPRO of Cayce/West Columbia/ Lexington
803-755-9774



-Denea Duran

Photo Credit:  Google Image

Are you really prepared??

If a natural disaster were to strike today would you really be prepared? If the answer is yes, then  CONGRATULATIONS!  9 times out of 10 a household is not prepared for a disaster. After my last blog, I wondered if I was prepared for a disaster. Living in California our teachers and parents prepared us on what to do in case of an earthquake.

"DUCK AND COVER."

To be honest "duck and cover" is all that I am prepared for, which isn't saying much. Here is a helpful list to get you and your family prepared!

Please go through this list and make sure that all of these items are in your emergency kit. You never know when an emergency can strike you or your community!

• Water—one gallon per person, per day (3 ­day supply for evacuation, 2­ week supply for home)


• Food—non­perishable, easy­to­prepare items (3­ day supply for evacuation, 2 ­week supply for home)


• Flashlight


• Battery­-powered or hand­crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)


• Extra batteries


• First aid kit


• Medications (7­day supply) and medical items


• Multi­purpose tool


• Sanitation and personal hygiene items


• Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)


• Cell phone with chargers


• Family and emergency contact information


• Extra cash


• Emergency blanket


• Map(s) of the area

Consider the needs of all family members and add supplies to your kit. Suggested items to help meet additional needs are:

• Medical supplies (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, cane)


• Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)


• Games and activities for children


• Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl)


• Two­-way radios


• Extra set of car keys and house keys


• Manual can opener

Additional supplies to keep at home or in your kit based on the types of disasters common to your area:

• Whistle


• N95 or surgical masks


• Matches


• Rain gear


• Towels


• Work gloves


• Tools/supplies for securing your home


• Extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes


• Plastic sheeting


• Duct tape


• Scissors


• Household liquid bleach


• Entertainment items


• Blankets or sleeping bags

The Danger of not having a Emergency Kit:

Though most households are located in reasonable proximity to an emergency respondent, access to an emergency kit is often critical in securing the health and safety of residents before help arrives. For those located a significant distance from emergency assistance, or homes that contain injury-prone children or older adults, an emergency kit is non-negotiable.

Now ask yourself are you prepared for a natural disaster to strike?

-Denea Duran

Content Credit: http://www.redcross.org

Drink Water to Give Water.

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Commit to doing the 10 Days at 10days.cc

The 10 Days is a campaign where college students and communities across the nation will choose water as their only beverage for 10 Days. The money saved will go to provide 10 Rwandan communities with safe, clean water.

Join with us 10/10/11-10/19/11 and drink to give.

Sandy Hayden

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.