Recent Posts

Weathering the Storm: How SERVPRO Team Cox Helps Charlotte and Columbia Recover from Storm Damage

3/12/2024 (Permalink)

Storms can wreak havoc on homes and businesses, causing damage that ranges from minor leaks to catastrophic flooding. When disaster strikes, SERVPRO Team Cox is here to help. With locations in Charlotte and Columbia, our team is ready to respond quickly and efficiently to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Understanding Storm Damage:

Storm damage can take many forms, including roof leaks, flooded basements, and structural damage caused by high winds. These issues can lead to mold growth, electrical hazards, and other safety concerns if not addressed promptly.

Our Services:

At SERVPRO Team Cox, we offer a comprehensive range of storm damage restoration services to help you get back on your feet after a storm. Our services include water extraction, drying and dehumidification, mold remediation, and structural repairs. We also work directly with your insurance company to ensure a smooth claims process.

Emergency Response:

When a storm strikes, time is of the essence. That's why SERVPRO Team Cox offers 24/7 emergency response services. Our team will arrive quickly to assess the damage and begin the restoration process, minimizing further damage and helping you get back to normal as soon as possible.

The SERVPRO Difference:

What sets SERVPRO Team Cox apart from other restoration companies is our commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction. Our team is highly trained and certified in all aspects of storm damage restoration, and we use the latest equipment and techniques to ensure the job is done right the first time.

When it comes to storm damage restoration, SERVPRO Team Cox is the name you can trust. With our expertise, dedication, and commitment to customer satisfaction, we're here to help you weather the storm and rebuild stronger than ever. Contact us today for all your storm damage restoration needs in Charlotte and Columbia.

How to Deal with Frozen Pipes

12/4/2023 (Permalink)

Frozen pipes are a common issue that many homeowners face, especially during the cold winter months. As a restoration company, we've encountered numerous cases of water damage resulting from frozen pipes. To provide you with essential information on everything you should know about frozen pipes, we have asked our team of experts to put together all the information you need to be prepared for frozen pipes this winter.

Understanding the Causes

Frozen pipes occur when water in the pipes freezes due to cold temperatures. This can happen in any section of your plumbing, both inside and outside your home. Common factors that contribute to frozen pipes include inadequate insulation, exposure to extreme cold, and cracks or gaps in the building structure.

Signs of Frozen Pipes

Identifying frozen pipes early is crucial to prevent further damage. Look out for warning signs such as reduced water flow or no water at all from faucets, strange odors, or visible frost on exposed pipes. If you notice any of these indicators, it's time to act.

The Risk of Burst Pipes

Frozen pipes pose a risk of bursting. When water freezes, it expands, which can exert tremendous pressure on the pipe walls. When the pressure exceeds the pipe's capacity, it may rupture, leading to a potentially significant water leak.

Immediate Actions to Take

If you suspect frozen pipes, act promptly:

  1. Keep faucets open to allow a slow drip of water, as moving water is less likely to freeze.
  2. Apply gentle heat to the affected area using a hairdryer or space heater. Avoid using open flames or high-temperature devices.
  3. Locate and insulate exposed pipes or those in vulnerable areas of your home.
  4. If a pipe has burst, shut off the main water supply to your home and call a restoration company immediately.

Restoration Services

In the event of a burst pipe, SERVPRO can provide immediate assistance. We will assess the extent of the damage, remove the water, and begin the drying and restoration process. Prompt action is vital to prevent mold growth and further structural damage. Call SERVPRO to get back to normal, like it never even happened.

Stay Warm and Safe: Heating Equipment Safety Tips

11/2/2023 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO, we've seen the aftermath of heating equipment-related incidents, which can lead to fires, carbon monoxide poisoning, and property damage. To keep your home cozy and safe, we're sharing essential heating equipment safety tips in this blog post.

  1. Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance is essential for keeping your heating equipment in good working condition. Ensure that your heating system is inspected, cleaned, and serviced by a professional at least once a year. This includes furnaces, boilers, and chimneys.

  1. Check for Carbon Monoxide Leaks

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that can be emitted from heating equipment. Install CO detectors in your home, particularly in areas near heating equipment, bedrooms, and common spaces. Test these detectors regularly and replace their batteries as needed.

  1. Ventilation Matters

Proper ventilation is crucial for heating equipment that uses combustion. Ensure that chimneys and flues are clear of obstructions, such as nests or debris, to allow the safe escape of exhaust gases. An obstructed vent can lead to a dangerous buildup of carbon monoxide.

  1. Flammable Material Safety

Keep all flammable materials, such as paper, clothing, and furniture, away from heating equipment. Maintain a safe clearance distance to prevent the risk of fires. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for the minimum clearance required.

  1. Space Heater Safety

If you use space heaters, exercise caution. Place them on a stable, non-flammable surface and keep them away from combustible materials. Use space heaters with an automatic shutoff feature, which turns off the unit if it tips over.

  1. Electrical Safety

For electric heaters, inspect cords and plugs regularly for damage. Do not overload electrical outlets with multiple heating appliances. Ensure that you're using the appropriate extension cords for the heater's power requirements.

  1. Maintain Smoke and Fire Alarms

Test smoke and fire alarms in your home regularly, and replace the batteries as needed. Install alarms near heating equipment, bedrooms, and common areas. These alarms can provide early warning in case of a fire.

  1. Chimney Cleaning

If you have a fireplace, it's essential to have the chimney cleaned and inspected annually by a professional chimney sweep. Creosote buildup and debris in the chimney can pose a fire hazard.

  1. Keep Combustibles at a Distance

Keep all combustibles, such as firewood, newspapers, and cleaning supplies, a safe distance from heating equipment. Avoid using the top of a furnace or stove for storage.

  1. Emergency Shut-Off

Know the location of the emergency shut-off switch for your heating equipment. If you suspect a problem, such as a gas leak or an equipment malfunction, use this switch to turn off the heating system and contact a professional for assistance.

  1. Fire Extinguisher

Have a fire extinguisher in your home and ensure that it's easily accessible. Know how to use it in case of a small fire. In the event of a larger fire, evacuate your home and call 911.

  1. Insulation and Sealing

Proper insulation and sealing in your home help retain heat, reducing the need to overwork heating equipment. Check for drafts around doors and windows and add insulation in your attic and walls to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Heating equipment is essential for staying warm during the colder months, but it must be used with safety in mind. By following these heating equipment safety tips, you can ensure a cozy, warm, and most importantly, safe living environment for you and your family. If you suspect a problem, or have suffered damage due to heating equipment, call SERVPRO today and our team of experts will get you back to normal tomorrow.

Protect Your Home from Winter Fires

1/31/2023 (Permalink)

Fire Home Winter Fire Protecting

Most home fires in South Carolina happen during the winter season. Follow these fire safety tips to keep your home and family safe:

  • Keep area around heating equipment clear of flammables.
  • If you use a fireplace, have the chimney swept yearly, use a sturdy screen to stop sparks and store ashes outside at least 10 feet away from the house. 
  • Use space heaters with automatic shut-offs and keep pets & children 3 feet away.
  • Test smoke & carbon monoxide alarms and make sure batteries are fresh.
  • Keep a fire extinguisher on each floor and teach family members how to use it.
  • Keep baking soda by the stove to combat grease fires.
Candles

December is the peak time of year for home candle fires; the top three days for home candle fires are Christmas, New Year’s Day, and New Year’s Eve.

Heating

Heating is the second leading cause of U.S. home fires, deaths and injuries. December, January and February are the peak months for heating fires. 

Carbon Monoxide

Often called the invisible killer, carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas created when fuels such as gasoline, wood, coal, propane, etc. do not burn completely. In the home, heating and cooking equipment that burn fuel are potential sources of CO. Carbon monoxide incidents are more common during the winter months, and in residential properties. 

Winter storms

Home fires occur more in the winter than in any other season, and heating equipment is involved in one of every six reported home fires, and one in every five home fire deaths.

Generators

Portable generators are useful during power outages, however, many homeowners are unaware that the improper use of portable generators can be risky. The most common dangers associated with portable generators are carbon monoxide poisoning, electrical shock, and fires. 

Electrical

Electrical home fires are a leading cause of home fires in the United States. Almost half of all home electrical fires involved electrical distribution or lighting equipment, and almost another half involved other known types of equipment like washer or dryer fans, and portable or stationary space heaters.

Prevent Freezing Pipes & Protect Your Home

1/6/2023 (Permalink)

Water Pipe Bursting Protect Your Home During Winter

When temperatures drop in South Carolina, pipes can freeze due. Freezing water in your pipes expands and cold pipes contract. The result, pipe bursts and water damage.  Follow these tips to keep your house safe this winter:

Indoor winterization tips

  • Use pipe foam to insulate your pipes, especially those warm to the touch.
  • Check and repair any attic, garage or shed leaks. 
  • Seal any water pipe or hose leaks.
  • Be sure the temperature hot water tank is set safely, and clean your dryer vents. 
  • Seal the top of your fireplace if you don’t plan to use it during the winter. 
  • Change the batteries on any smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and make sure the equipment is working correctly. 
  • Replace filters throughout your house and open heating system vents. 
  • Flush your water heater to let any sediment run out.
  • Install window insulation film and weather-stripping tape around doors and windows. For a quick fix, use a rolled-up towel or blanket to keep under door drafts at bay. 

Outdoor winterization tips

  • Clean your downspouts and gutters of any debris, twigs, leaves, nuts or rocks so ice can’t build up and clog them.
  • Trim tree limbs around your home. When weighed down from wet snow or an ice storm, they can break or fall, causing damage to your roof, home, car or fence.
  • Fill any siding and window cracks or gaps with caulk. 
  • Take out any window AC units and remove any debris, branches or leaves around your air conditioner condenser.
  • Drain and disconnect hoses and turn off your sprinklers. If your pipes aren’t frost-proof, turn off the water valve by the spigot.  
  • Move outdoor furniture, grills and propane tanks away from the elements, or wrap them in tarps and bungee cords to keep them secure outside. 
  • Remove any moss or vegetation from your roof.

For questions, contact us anytime.

Holiday Safety During the Holidays

12/16/2022 (Permalink)

House decorated for the Holidays. Holiday Home Safety

The holidays are in full swing, but before your family and friends roll into town, be sure to check if your home isholiday ready - when it comes to fire and electrical safety? The National Fire Protection Association claims that electrical issues are responsible for one in three Christmas fires. You can prevent fires in your home by following these easy recommendations before the weekend.

Lights

    • Check your lights. In fact, look over each string for signs of damage including a frayed cord, defective or rusted sockets, detached connections or exposed wires. If your bulbs need to be replaced, be sure to use the same voltage in order to reduce any risk of the bulbs overheating, melting or sparking and causing a fire. If possible, be sure to use light strands that are UL listed.

    • Limit the number of connected strands. Be sure not to attach more than three strings together at one time or the chances of fire will increase.

Christmas Trees

  • Location. One cause of Christmas tree fires is when a tree is located too close to a heat source such as a heat vent, fireplace, wood stove, furnace or candle(s). Make sure your tree is at least three feet from any heat source. In addition, make sure your tree is not blocking an exit in your home.

  • Water daily. Be sure to water your tree daily, and take it down once it begins to dry out.

Fireplace

  • Know your chimney health. If you are not certain of the safety of your chimney, it is better not to burn a fire. A nice alternative is to light candles inside the fireplace or cover logs with a safe strand of lights (see recommendations above) for a festive effect. 
  • Open the flue. Before starting a fire, be sure that you have opened the flue to the chimney. 
  • Remove potential fire hazards. Also before starting a fire, make sure to remove any greenery from the mantle or from around the fireplace. 
  • Use a screen.  A screen will eliminate flying embers which could potentially start a fire or cause injury to a loved one or pet. 
  • Throw away wrapping paper.  Reduce the urge to throw wrapping paper into the fire as it can cause an unexpected flash fire. It is better to dispose of the wrapping paper in a proper trash bag or can. 

By paying attention to these few extra details right now, you will ensure nothing steals the magic of the season for you and your loved ones.

Our wishes you and your family a safe and happy holiday season. Remember that in the event of an emergency, call us 24/7.

Is it Time to Winterize your Home?

11/30/2022 (Permalink)

Home wrapped in scarf during winter. Winterizing your Home

As cooler temperatures arrive, have you taken the opportunity to make sure your home is correctly winterized? Home winterization is not only the process of preparing and protecting a home or building from potentially freezing temperatures but also protecting it from the effects that such freezing temperatures could have including pipe bursts and water damage. Most homes are built to withstand the typical temperatures in which they reside. However, cold temperatures over a while can still test the ability to withstand such elements. 

Make sure you’ve completed these quick and easy recommendations to prevent a temperature-related disaster.

  1. Turn up the inside heat temperature by a few degrees. Even though this may raise your utility bill a few dollars, it will save you the potentially large expense of disaster recovery.
  2. If the weather is calling for freezing temperatures, be sure to turn any sink, bath, and outside faucets to a drip to prevent them from freezing.

  3. Also if there is going to be freezing temperatures, open cabinets underneath sinks so that the heat can keep the pipes warm. You can also wrap your pipes in insulation for an extra measure of protection.

  4. Whether your home or business is occupied or empty, never completely turn off the heat. To prevent freezing or other damage, buildings need to be at least 55 degrees even if they are empty. 

  5. If your home or business is in an older building, there is an increased risk of air drafts that allows the cold temperatures to enter. Be sure to block such drafts. Plastic winter insulation kits are available for drafty windows. Caulk or weather stripping can also help with drafts. 

  6. Make sure that your vents can flow freely without being blocked by furniture or any other obstruction.

  7. Change your filters if needed to ensure your heat is working properly. Heat that is working improperly can be a risk for fire, carbon monoxide, and more.

  8. Make sure your fans are reversed to a clockwise rotation for them to rotate the warm air towards the ceiling downward and into the room. 

  9. Be sure your gutters are free of leaves and any other blockages. Otherwise, excess water can freeze and cause unwanted damage to your property including water falling down the side of the house and saturating the ground around your foundation, along the walls, and in your basement. Also, Ice dams could cause major water damage to your roof, siding, and inside your walls.

  10. Replace any loose shingles on your roof. If the roof is exposed to rain or snow, your home is subject to water damage. 

By taking these measures now, your property will be winter-ready for the elements of the season before disaster strikes.

However, should you suffer damages, we are available 24/7.

SERVPRO is Available Around the Clock to Help you Restore Your Home After a Fire.

9/9/2021 (Permalink)

Most homeowners in Rock Hill & York County know that restoring their home after a fire takes time. The flames, smoke, and extinguishing agents left behind by the fire and first responders can leave your home in disarray. Do not let the mess intimidate you; instead, call a company certified to handle these situations.

Only a professional group can help mitigate your loss as it helps you salvage, remove, and restore your home and your personal belongings.

For our Rock Hill & York County neighbors, fire damage restoration is a phone call away. Our SERVPRO team is available around the clock because we recognize that emergencies happen day and night. Our Green Fleet is ready to spring into action, assess the incident's impact, and create an action plan for your home. Our goal is to erase this disruption from your life by doing a conscientious and thorough job of restoring your home.

How do I decide what to keep and what to toss after a fire?

Looking at the soot sitting on your furniture, books, and decor may leave a hopeless feeling in your heart, but don't jump to conclusions until you consult our SERVPRO experts. At its fingertips, our team has different options to restore documents, electronics, and flooring, among others. Fires also leave behind an acrid smell, which our team can address as well. At the core of our restoration process, we focus on the following-

Use of chemical agents to loosen soot and dirt while protecting the surface itself. Once the process of emulsion occurs, removing debris becomes easier.

Use deodorizing agents to neutralize and kill any smell molecules lingering in your home, including those that traveled through your ventilation system.

Use of extraction equipment to remove any remaining water used to extinguish the fire.

Our team at SERVPRO of Rock Hill & York County is looking out for you when you need it the most. Call us at (803) 324-5780 when disaster strikes and let us leave your home, "Like it never even happened." 

Training of our SERVPRO Technicians

9/7/2021 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO, we take pride in sending highly trained technicians to service our York County locations. Each of our technicians is IICRC Certified and is required to maintain that certification. Our technicians are trained to look for damages that may not be visible to the naked eye and utilize state-of-the-art equipment to locate damages.

SERVPRO of Rock Hill & York County requires our employees to undergo initial and ongoing continuing education. Our training program includes the following:

  • IICRC Training
  • Employee Certification Training
  • Initial Franchise Training
  • e-Learnings
  • Continuing Education Classes

IICRC Training and Certification

The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) certifies and sets the standards for the cleaning and restoration industries. Our Professionals study IICRC standards and best practices in water restoration, fire restoration, mold remediation, carpet and upholstery cleaning, and other cleaning and restoration courses.

Employee Certification Training

The Employee Certification Training is a voluntary, self-paced program designed for SERVPRO Franchise employees. Certification is awarded after the successful completion of course materials and an examination. Modules include:

  • Crew Training
  • Fire Restoration
  • Water Restoration
  • Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning

Initial Franchise Training

A 15-day hands-on course at the SERVPRO Corporate Training Facility is the foundation of the SERVPRO training program. This course is primarily for new Franchise owners and covers many restoration topics:

  • Fire Restoration
  • Water Restoration
  • Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning
  • Mold Mitigation

e-Learnings

Ongoing education and e-learnings are provided through web-based training. This voluntary program is designed to keep our office staff and technicians up-to-speed on industry standards. It allows us to provide high-quality service and support that our residential and commercial business customers expect.

What To Do After a Business Fire

9/5/2021 (Permalink)

A fire to your York County business can leave your property vulnerable. Fortunately, installing a security fence and taking other safety measures can help keep your property safe from vandals and wildlife.

Securing the Property

After the fire has been extinguished, do not return to the property until the fire department says it is safe to do so. Once you have access to your property, taking the following actions can help you protect your business:

  • Install a security fence
  • Board up broken windows and other openings
  • Tarp over damaged areas of the roof

In addition to damage from the fire itself, the firefighters may have broken windows or created other openings during their fire-extinguishing efforts. Therefore, the building could have several entry points for vandals and wildlife. It is important to board up or tarp over these areas. Installing a fence adds another layer of protection. If damage occurs after the fire has been extinguished and the insurance company determines the damage resulted from the building not being properly secured, they may deny that portion of the claim. If anyone enters the property, even without permission, and gets injured, the business could be held liable.

Restoring the Property

After the property has been secured, it is time to document the damage and begin restoration. Take a detailed photo or video evidence for the insurance company so that they can adequately assess the property. Then remove the water from the fire-suppression efforts. Do this as quickly as possible because mold can begin to grow within 24 hours. Next, clean the smoke and soot from the surfaces. Clean and sanitize affected areas. Throw everything away that cannot be fully dried and cleaned. Finally, begin repairing and replacing damaged items.
From installing a security fence to smoke cleaning, taking care of your commercial property after a fire can be a complicated endeavor. Fortunately, a certified restoration service can help you get your business back to normal quickly and safely.