National Preparedness Month: How to Prepare for the Unexpected
Every September, FEMA designates National Preparedness Month as a time to focus on building and reviewing your emergency plans. While disasters can happen anytime, this month reminds us of the importance of taking proactive steps to protect our families, homes, and businesses from unexpected crises. As SERVPRO of East Greenville, we understand first hand the devastation disasters can cause and the difference that preparedness makes in reducing long-term damage.
But preparedness isn’t just about having a first aid kit. It’s about creating comprehensive, actionable plans that ensure safety during and after disasters, whether they’re natural, man- made, or health-related. This year, as we observe National Preparedness Month, we encourage you to take stock of your family’s or business’s emergency plans to ensure you’re ready to act when disaster strikes.
The Importance of Preparedness:
Being prepared for a disaster is crucial, whether you’re safeguarding your home or keeping your business operational. Statistics from FEMA show that 40% of companies do not reopen after a disaster, and even fewer businesses have an emergency plan in place. The same concept applies to families: having an emergency plan is not only about survival but also about managing the aftermath in the most efficient way possible.
Preparedness also provides a psychological advantage. Families and businesses with concrete emergency plans tend to recover faster because they’ve mitigated risks in advance. This not only saves time and money but also reduces stress and fear when faced with the unknown.
Types of Disasters to Prepare For:
Disasters come in many forms, from severe weather events to unforeseen man-made hazards.
While each region faces different threats, the Upstate of South Carolina, including Greenville, has its own set of potential disasters.
• Natural Disasters: Hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, wildfires, and earthquakes are all threats. Although we may not face hurricanes directly, the effects of such storms, like heavy flooding, can severely impact the region. Flash floods in Greenville or nearby areas can cause significant property damage.
• Man-Made Disasters: Fires, chemical spills, and power outages are common risks. Electrical fires or industrial accidents can disrupt communities and businesses without warning.
• Pandemics: While not traditionally discussed in disaster planning, health emergencies such as pandemics, as seen with COVID-19, must be considered. These types of disasters affect both families and businesses, requiring special attention to health and wellness preparedness.
Key Elements of an Emergency Plan:
Developing an emergency plan involves much more than having a few supplies. It's about ensuring that your family or business has clear, step-by-step instructions for how to act when faced with different types of emergencies. A solid plan reduces confusion, speeds up response time, and can help minimize damage. Whether you're preparing for a flood, fire, or another type of disaster, here are the essential components to include:
• Communication Plan: Knowing how to reach your loved ones or employees during an emergency is critical. Designate a central contact person who lives outside the disaster area and ensure all parties know how to communicate through text, email, or phone.
• Evacuation Routes: Whether you’re at home or at your business, identify multiple evacuation routes. This is particularly important for homes or offices in flood-prone areas or near forests prone to wildfires.
• Disaster Kit: Every household or business should have a well-stocked disaster kit. This should include water, non-perishable food, medications, first-aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, and power backups. For businesses, this may also include critical records and data backups stored off-site or in the cloud.
• Shelter Plans: Depending on the disaster, you may need to shelter in place. Ensure you have supplies that will last at least 72 hours and understand the different types of shelter plans, whether staying at home or heading to a designated safe location.
• Disaster Preparation Tips:
For both families and businesses, preparation starts long before disaster strikes. Here are some practical steps to take today:
• For Families: Teach children how to dial emergency numbers, where to go during different types of disasters (e.g., tornadoes, floods), and ensure that important family documents are easily accessible and protected. Simple tasks like securing loose items outside can prevent damage during storms.
• For Businesses: Consider conducting an annual disaster drill with employees. Evaluate your insurance policies to ensure they cover all potential disasters. Also, review your business continuity plan, ensuring you have backup systems for power and data in place. SERVPRO of East Greenville can assist in creating a business emergency plan to reduce downtime and loss.
Managing the Aftermath of a Disaster:
The first 24 hours after a disaster are critical. Immediate action will determine the extent of the long-term damage and how quickly you can recover.
• For Families: Focus on safety first. Once the immediate threat is gone, assess the damage, ensure your loved ones are safe, and reach out to emergency services if needed.
• For Businesses: Business recovery is crucial in reducing financial losses. Securing the property, retrieving important data, and communicating with employees and customers are all key steps to getting back on track. This is where SERVPRO® steps in with restoration services, including fire damage cleanup, water damage restoration, mold remediation, and more.
SERVPRO’s Emergency Ready Profile (ERP):
For businesses in the Greenville area, SERVPRO of East Greenville offers an Emergency Ready Profile (ERP). This comprehensive plan helps businesses minimize downtime after a disaster by preparing ahead of time. The ERP includes critical information such as emergency contacts, utility shut-off locations, and insurance details. Having this profile in place means businesses can act quickly to reduce damage and restore operations.
National Preparedness Month serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of being prepared for the unexpected. Whether you're protecting your family or your business, taking the time to plan now can save lives, reduce damage, and ensure a faster recovery. SERVPRO of East Greenville is Here to Help® you through the process, offering expert advice and emergency services when you need them most.
This September, take action. Review your emergency plans, create a disaster kit, and let SERVPRO of East Greenville guide you in protecting what matters most.
Preparing for Winter Storm | A SERVPRO Guide for Residential Homeowners, Business Owners, and Property Managers.
A SERVPRO® Guide for Residential Homeowners, Business Owners, and Property Managers
With winter quickly approaching, there is a high possibility of heightened storm activity. So now is a good time to prepare as a resident or property owner in East Greenville which includes Greer, SC. It is important to be proactive and take measures to safeguard your property and assets from the damaging effects of winter storms. In addition to reducing anxiety and ensuring you are ready to handle any emergency that may arise, being well-prepared can help protect your assets. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to prepare for winter storms in Greer, SC.
Create a winter emergency kit: Having a winter emergency kit on hand is one of the best first steps to prepare for a winter storm. Be sure your kit contains items such as a first-aid kit, a flashlight, blankets, a portable radio, and non-perishable food such as canned goods and snacks. A backup power source such as a generator is an investment worth making, just in case of power outages.
Insulate your property: Winter storms often lead to frozen pipes and water damage. To avoid this, ensure that pipes and outdoor fixtures are well-insulated. Consider covering hose outlets with this protector (Amazon Link). These will not only help to prevent frozen pipes but will also help to reduce energy bills by keeping your property well heated. Do a visual check of all weatherstrip doors and windows to prevent drafts and retain warm indoor air.
Trim trees and clear gutters: Southern winter storms can produce heavy snowfall, strong winds that can cause tree branches to fall, causing damage to your property. Simply, trimming your tree branches, so they don't hang in critical areas, can be a game changer. Clearing your gutters of fallen leaves and asphalt granules, will also help to prevent water from seeping into your roof and causing damage.
Secure loose outdoor items: Winter storms will often cause debris to fly around. It is a good idea to secure outdoor items like patio furniture, planters, and grill covers. It would be a good idea to store them in a secure location, like a storage unit. Or tie them together or down to prevent them from getting carried away by strong winds.
Have SERVPRO, a restoration and cleaning professional on standby: Add SERVPRO of East Greenville County's phone number, (864) 292-3495 to your cell phone. In the event of damage to your property caused by a winter storm, SERVPRO of East Greenville County, is on standby. We can assess the damage to your property and provide the necessary services such as water damage restoration or mold removal. SERVPRO restoration and cleaning professionals have the expertise and equipment required to handle any storm damage.
Winter storms can be devastating, but being well-prepared can help reduce the impact. Creating an emergency kit, insulating your property, clearing gutters, trimming tree branches, securing loose outdoor items, and having a restoration and cleaning professional on standby are all effective measures to prepare for winter storms. Take these preventative measures, and you'll be well on your way to protecting your property from winter storms. With the right preparation, you can keep your home or business safe and secure this winter season.
SERVPRO® of East Greenville County's new Quick Response Water Truck with our super excited team.
The key to any battle is the equipment you have to work with. We just received our One Of A Kind, Quick Response Water Truck and our entire team is PUMPED! Speaking of pumped, we have ordered a top of the line extraction pump for this truck and will have it installed soon. When you have a loss and time is of the essence, we have the equipment to get your loss restored. We continue to invest in our staffs training and the equipment that we use. This makes us Faster To Any Size Disaster Trust SERVPRO® of East Greenville County, we will make it "Like it never even happened." If you find yourself in need of help, call the pros. 864 292-3495
SERVPRO of East Greenville County is the leading fire and water restoration company in the Upstate. SERVPRO of East Greenville county also provides full scale construction services as well. SERVPRO of East Greenville County offers 24/7 365 days a year of emergency services; be it water or fire. We are standing by with fully trained technicians to be able to handle any size disaster that may arise. SERVPRO of East Greenville County also has the luxury of having over 2000 other franchises to be able help if there should be major storm impact of East Greenville county causing heavy damages to the area. SERVPRO of East Greenville County is here in the event that disaster strikes and to help make it "like it never even happened".
SERVPRO of East Greenville County is the leading fire and water restoration company in the Upstate. SERVPRO of East Greenville county also provides full scale construction services as well. SERVPRO of East Greenville County offers 24/7 365 days a year of emergency services; be it water or fire. We are standing by with fully trained technicians to be able to handle any size disaster that may arise. SERVPRO of East Greenville County also has the luxury of having over 2000 other franchises to be able help if there should be major storm impact of East Greenville county causing heavy damages to the area. SERVPRO of East Greenville County is here in the event that disaster strikes and to help make it "like it never even happened".
SERVPRO of East Greenville County is the leading fire and water restoration company in the Upstate. SERVPRO of East Greenville county also provides full scale construction services as well. SERVPRO of East Greenville County offers 24/7 365 days a year of emergency services; be it water or fire. We are standing by with fully trained technicians to be able to handle any size disaster that may arise. SERVPRO of East Greenville County also has the luxury of having over 2000 other franchises to be able help if there should be major storm impact of East Greenville county causing heavy damages to the area. SERVPRO of East Greenville County is here in the event that disaster strikes and to help make it "like it never even happened".
SERVPRO of East Greenville County is the leading fire and water restoration company in the Upstate. SERVPRO of East Greenville county also provides full scale construction services as well. SERVPRO of East Greenville County offers 24/7 365 days a year of emergency services; be it water or fire. We are standing by with fully trained technicians to be able to handle any size disaster that may arise. SERVPRO of East Greenville County also has the luxury of having over 2000 other franchises to be able help if there should be major storm impact of East Greenville county causing heavy damages to the area. SERVPRO of East Greenville County is here in the event that disaster strikes and to help make it "like it never even happened".
Under a microscope these colonies represent thousands of little tiny mold spores.
Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:
Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.
If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.
Understand Storm Warnings to Best Prepare for Severe Weather | SERVPRO® of East Greenville County
There are about 42 different types of weather warnings, each classified into seven different categories. This is a lot of information to become familiar with, especially in the midst of what could be a severe storm!
Knowing what a warning or advisory issued in our area means can help you know what shelter to take and how soon to take it. You can also ready your home to best protect you and your property.
While having a general understanding of any weather scenario is beneficial, it is critical to understand the weather that can have the strongest impact on Greenville and the surrounding area.
How Alerts Are Issued
So, how do weather warnings get sent out in the first place? After all, weather forecasts are just predictions, so how are the severity, location, and duration of a storm monitored? Many factors affect why and when you receive a weather alert.
The National Weather Service is responsible for weather predicting and, as a result, issuing any important alerts. There are six regional offices around the nation that issue these warnings, which allows alerts to be more localized.
To make forecasts, NWS meteorologists and other professionals use a variety of data sources, including satellite radar, sensors, seismic activity meters, and even solar activity. While the type of data used varies depending on the intensity of the weather event, the goal is to be as comprehensive and precise as possible.
The Most Important Alerts to Understand
Understanding the distinction between a “watch” and a “warning” is essential to knowing what precautions to take. This is language that is used in almost all weather warnings, including thunderstorms, strong winds, and tornadoes.
A watch means to begin preparing for a developing storm that could become more severe. Watches are often issued within a large area, while a warning is issued in a smaller area, such as a county or city. A severe storm is approaching, and you should take precautions to keep yourself safe and protect your home.
It’s also important to understand what types of weather our local community faces regularly so that you can better understand any alerts that may be issued during these weather events. Expect weather hazards like thunderstorms, winter storms, flooding and the occasional wildfire in Greenville. Keep an eye out for alerts related to these kinds of weather conditions so you can prepare your home before severe weather strikes!
Protecting Your Home During a Storm
Being aware of the weather alerts you may receive is the key to protecting yourself and your home from severe weather, but there are many precautions you can around the house to reduce damage.
If you’re left with property damage after a severe storm, contact SERVPRO! We’re here to serve you 24⁄7 and can begin repairs to your home as fast as possible.
The more you know about the weather in our area, the better prepared you will be for any weather alert. Understand the different warnings that may be issued in your neighborhood and beyond so you can survive any weather that may occur.
Experienced storm damage to your home or property? Contact us today for a quick response!
Protect your home and property from Christmas tree fires by following these helpful tips!
Every year there are thousands of reports of falls from ladders while stringing lights and hanging decorations, incidents of lacerations from broken glass ornaments, and other holiday-related injuries. Emergency rooms treated an estimated 14,700 holiday decorating-related injuries in 2016! Between 2012 and 2014, there was an average of 10 deaths and $15.7 million in property loss that were related to Christmas tree fires. During that same time period, an average of 10 deaths and $42.2 million in property loss occurred as a result of fires related to candles.
Make sure that your live tree is fresh – nobody likes a burning Christmas tree! The needles should be difficult to pull from the branches and they shouldn’t break between your fingers. Make sure your live tree has plenty of water.
If you’re using an artificial tree, make sure to look for the “Fire Resistant” label. The label doesn’t guarantee a tree won’t catch on fire, but it does mean it’s more resistant to it catching on fire. If you tap the tree on the ground, very few needles should fall off.
Keep the tree away from heat sources such as candles, vents, radiators, and fireplaces.
Practice Christmas tree safety by making sure the tree is out of traffic and that it’s not blocking any doors
Improving The Air Quality In Your Greenville, SC home
Make sure to have all of your ducts in a row. Make sure your Air ducts are up to code with a cleaning. Contact SERVPRO of East Greenville today!
Keeping good air quality inside your home is important to prevent any health risks for you and your family. You may not know it, but sometimes indoor air can be even more polluted than the one outdoors. The good thing is that this is a risk you can do something about; so here are some ways you can improve the air quality in your Greenville, SC home.
Increase the amount of outdoor air coming indoors. Let some fresh air come into your house by opening windows and doors whenever is possible. Improving the ventilation in your home is a way to lower the concentrations of indoor air pollutants.
Air Cleaners. You have probably heard about these devices or have a friend recommend you to buy one. Air cleaners can be very effective at particle removal and improving indoor air quality. There are different types and sizes you can choose from; their efficiency is based on how well it collects pollutants from indoor air and how much air it draws through its filter.
Air duct cleaning. Not inspecting the ductwork of your home might be one of the reasons for poor indoor air quality. Your air ducts can be contaminated with particles of dust, pollen, or other debris. Mold can also begin to grow without you even realizing it. We at SERVPRO of East Greenville County offer residential cleaning services to help you with the maintenance of your home, we can make a contaminated air duct “Like it never even happened.”
SERVPRO of East Greenville County can assist you with the maintenance of your ventilation systems and improve the air quality inside your home. Call us today, (864) 292- 3495.
No matter the season, SERVPRO of East Greenville County is here to help you out of your unfortunate situation!
Summer is a great time for vacations; having a cookout with your family, celebrating special dates such as the 4th of July, among other activities, make this season one of the most enjoyable. However, it is a time where fires are highly likely to happen, so you have to make sure you and your family are taking enough precautions.
Cookouts are a great activity to do in the summer, but you must be aware of its potential risks; during July most grill fires occur, according to the Sandy Spring Fire Department. Here are some precautions you must have in mind:
Keep your grill cleaned and do not have something that can catch fire close to it.
Only use your grill outside in a safe space, away from tree branches and wood surfaces.
Do not let children or pets get close to the grill and avoid leaving it unattended.
Fireworks are also pretty common during this time of the year and they can be enjoyable to watch. We recommend going to a public show; using fireworks can be very dangerous for you and your family, and it could put your property at risk.
No matter the time of the year, if you experience a fire, SERVPRO of East Greenville County is here to help. Call us today at (864) 292- 3495.
Should you be facing a fire in your home, call SERVPRO of East Greenville County right away! We're here to help!
With the Fourth of July quickly approaching, young and old are excited for their local firework displays around South Carolina. NFPA reports that an average of 18,500 fires per year are caused by fireworks, including 1,300 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires, and 16,900 outside and miscellaneous fires. Property damage, injury and even death are caused by these fires each year. Many of the injuries occur to children and teens under the age of 15 years old. One idea to help promote safety for these young ones is to attend a firework show that’s put on by your local community.
Studies show that there is more property damage on the Fourth of July than any other day of the year. Check with your home owner’s insurance company on your coverage relating to fireworks. If you are involved in illegal fireworks you may not be covered. This could be a costly celebration!
If you do have a fire property loss, SERVPRO of East Grenville County has professionally trained production teams that can quickly respond to your fire loss. We will send an estimator to your home to evaluate the loss and supply you with an estimate for the fire restoration needed in your home. If your damage is severe, SERVPRO can assist with the pack out of your contents and store them until your home repairs are complete. SERVPRO will clean all cleanable structures and remove any contents that are not salvageable. This is a process we will go through with you step by step should you face a fire damage loss.
A gas fire pit on your back patio is a great way to enjoy the ambience of having an outdoor fire without the dangers of having a wood fire.
A gas fire pit on your back patio is a great way to enjoy the ambience of having an outdoor fire without the dangers of having a wood fire. Just because you’re using gas doesn’t mean you’re in the clear with safety issues. Here are a few outdoor fire pit safety guides to keep your fire free from hazards. • Set up your gas fire pit in an area that is far away from adjacent walls or building overhangs • Keep an eye out for low-hanging branches or drooping power lines, and place the fire pit clear of them • Move all cleaning fluids, brooms, wicker patio furniture, leaves and other outdoor debris from the patio • Don’t leave a gas fire pit unattended while it’s lit • Don’t line a pit with tin foil • When not in use, the pit should be covered. Spiders and bugs can find a way to clog your burner. Rainwaters can destroy porous objects like the simulated logs on top of the pit. Before you buy your pit, check it’s BTU rating. A normal range is anywhere between 40,000-60,000 BTU’s. The higher the BTU, the larger the flame. If possible, test out the pit before your buy to see the size of the flame it will produce. Remember to factor in how winds in your back yard can increase the flame size.
SERVPRO of East Greenville County is happy to celebrate moms and all other caregivers this Mother’s Day.
What better way to celebrate Mom, or any caregiver, than taking some of the burdens off of their shoulders. That is why SERVPRO of East Greenville County is holding a contest to win carpet cleaning for up to 4 rooms.
Entry is easy; all our customers have to do is leave a review on Facebook between now and Mother’s Day (May 13, 2018). And 1 lucky winner will be randomly selected to win SERVPRO carpet cleaning services for UP TO 4 Rooms, a $175 value.
Rules and Conditions
One entry per person per review
Reviews submitted before May 5, 2018, and after May 13, 2018, do notqualify
Prize is notredeemable for cash
Prize must be redeemed for residence within 20 miles of our location and must be redeemed before July 31, 2018
Prize amount value covers 4 rooms, but service for additional rooms can be purchased (Contact SERVPRO of East Greenville County for pricing details)
Prize must be redeemed at one time, and only for 1 location, service is for traffic areas only and must be scheduled in advance (regular business hours only)
SERVPRO Ready Plan: Save Time Recovering from the Unexpected
SERVPRO Ready Plan allows users to create an emergency ready profile of their facility containing critical information to help speed up response time.
Many of us have a relationship with our smartphone, and why not? Smartphones are one of the greatest multitaskers ever invented. They allow us to connect with friends and family in a myriad of ways. We can summon transportation, food, information and entertainment with the press of a few buttons. Memories are captured and saved in the moment and then can be sent to or pulled from a cloud. They help to monitor physical activity and provide motivation to keep going to reach that goal. Phones are our friends. Chances are that you may be reading this from a phone right now, and if not, you might be checking your pockets or purse to make sure your BFF is not too far off.
While it is nearly impossible to predict a calamitous event, it is now easier to be prepared to respond and recover from one. ANd our phones can be more than just a friend; they can be a HERO. Thanks to SERVPRO, smartphones can be a great tool during and after a crisis event for risk managers and residential or commercial property managers/owners in Greenville and the surrounding areas. SERVPRO Ready Plan allows users to create profiles that contain that can help to speed up response time. Setting up an Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) and having critical information readily available will allow SERVPRO of East Greenville County to provide faster service and can reduce displacement /downtime and loss of revenue.
SERVPRO Ready Plan Features
Designate priority contacts to have decision makers easily accessible
Indicate location of shut-off valves, access points, and other essential systems
Provides critical building information such as square footage and parking accessibility
You can download the SERVPRO Ready Plan app here, and SERVPRO of East Greenville County is available to assist in setting up ERPs. Visit our website or call (864) 292-3495.
Whether or not you know it's coming, a power outage can be a major disturbance. It never hurts to know what to do once the lights go out.
From ready.gov
Before
Power outages can happen at any time and are unavoidable, but the costs associated with them can be lessened by installing a home backup generator at a home or business.
Have a place in your home where flashlights, a battery-powered radio, and extra batteries can be easily found.
If you know the outage is coming, set aside extra water and buy or make extra ice. You can use the ice to keep perishable items cool.
Make sure the battery in your smoke detector is fresh. Test the smoke detector on a monthly basis to make sure it's working.
Keep an appliance thermometer in the freezer. If the freezer is 40 degrees Fahrenheit or colder when the power returns, all the food is safe.
During
If possible, use flashlights instead of candles for emergency lighting. Candles used in unfamiliar settings can be dangerous fire hazards.
Turn off or disconnect any appliances, equipment, or electronics that were on when the power went out. When power comes back on, it may come back with momentary "surges" or "spikes" that can damage equipment such as computers and motors in appliances like the air conditioner, refrigerator, washer, or furnace.
Leave one light on so you know when the power returns.
Avoid opening the refrigerator and freezer. This will help keep your food as fresh as possible. Be sure to check food for signs of spoilage.
Use generators safely. If you have a portable generator, only run it outdoors with adequate ventilation. Never use a generator indoors or in attached garages. The exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide, which can be deadly if inhaled.
If your home was built before 1978, it likely contains lead-based paint. Deteriorated lead-based paint is present in as many as 24 million residences
No safe levels
Lead is dangerous to people of all ages, but children younger than 6 years old are particularly susceptible. Some of the effects of lead exposure — even low levels — in children and adults can include:
Damage to the kidneys and nervous system
Learning disabilities
Issues with speech, language and behavior
Slowed physical growth
High-risk pregnancies and fertility issues
High blood pressure
Problems with digestion
A simple blood test at the doctor's office can detect lead poisoning. The best way to treat lead poisoning is to remove or minimize exposure to lead.
Reducing the risk
Hire a certified inspector or risk assessor to test your home. If your home has lead-based paint, take these steps to keep your family safe.
Check surfaces. Lead-based paint in good shape is not a threat. But wear and tear is likely, particularly with painted window frames, doors, doorframes and stairs. Regularly inspect surfaces for peeling, chipping or damage.
Keep it clean. Even a few particles of lead-based paint can be hazardous. Regularly wipe down floors, windowsills and other paint-covered surfaces to keep them free from lead dust.
Remodel with care. Home improvements that involve scraping or disturbing paint may release toxic lead dust. If you're the DIY type, learn as much as you can about lead-safe practices. Or, better yet ...
Hire a pro. Enlist a Lead-Safe Certified renovation firm to help with your next project, or hire a certified lead abatement contractor to ditch lead for good. Find certified inspection, risk assessment, abatement and renovation firms on the EPA's website.
Look past the paint. Lead also may be present in soil tracked into the house, on some children's toys and even in older pipes and plumbing. Is there lead in your tap water?
Your drinking water may not be as safe as you think especially if your home has lead plumbing. Corrosion in your home's plumbing and water-supply syst
Know the risks
Lead can affect family members differently depending on their age and development. Children and pregnant women are most at risk.
Infants: Delays in physical and mental abilities
Children: Brain and nervous system damage, behavioral and learning problems, lower IQ, issues with hearing, slowed growth and anemia
Adults: Nervous system impairment, high blood pressure, hypertension, kidney problems, and reproductive issues
Test your water
You can't see, smell, or taste lead, so how do you know if your water is contaminated? The answer: regular testing. If your home was built before 1986, there is a greater risk that your plumbing has lead-containing materials. But regardless of your home's age, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends testing your water regularly if it comes from a private water system. Most public water systems test for contaminants annually. However, these tests reflect the water quality of the entire system not individual homes.
Testing kits are available at most home improvement stores. To get the best results, the EPA recommends sending your sample to a certified laboratory in your area.
Take precautions
If your water tests positive for lead, there are things you can do to reduce risk in the short-term and long-term. But first, visit your doctor to make sure no one in your family has high levels of lead in their system.
Here are some things you can do at home:
Use the cold-water tap it has lower levels of lead than warm water.
Flush your pipes by running your tap for at least one minute until the water becomes cold if it hasn't been used for the last six hours.
Replace lead plumbing pipes. According to the EPA, lead is a dull gray metal that can be easily scratched.
Use bottled or distilled water.
Use a filter certified to remove lead from your water.
This was a great article from Restoration & Remediation Magazine. Written by Michelle Blevins
Women in the workforce: a consistently hot topic. Times have changed. Today, it is the norm for a household to have two working parents. Thirty or forty years ago, it was not – it was believed women belonged in the home, and men in the workforce. Generation X, and now millennials, and the up and coming Generation Z are changing the landscape of the workforce in big ways. That must be why the topic of women in the workforce is so popular this presidential election year, perhaps more so than ever.
Did you know 70 percent of women in the U.S. with children younger than 18 work? And according to The Occupational Safety & Health Administration, the number of women in the U.S. construction industry grew by more than 81 percent from 1985 to 2007? Despite that staggering increase, however, only 9 percent of U.S. construction workers are women – which is obviously a very low number compared to other industries.
While we don’t know the exact number of women in the restoration industry specifically, it is very safe to say women are rising in the ranks of restoration companies – and doing it quickly. Women bring a new way of doing things to the table … a sort of quiet strength and the ability to help build others up, and bring out the very best in everyone around them.
When Restoration & Remediation launched the 2016 Recognizing Women in Restoration campaign, we really didn’t know how it would go. All I knew was in my short time in the industry, I have met a number of truly remarkable women who have a bit of a different take on restoration. While most understand this industry is all about helping other people on their worst day, not everyone has the ability to comfort and connect like a woman! They are also shedding more light on the importance of using safe, clean products – especially around children, the elderly, those who are sick, and so on. The women who come to my mind are also strong and not easily intimidated. They know this industry, they know their niche, and they will not back down.
I had the opportunity to attend Violand Management Associates’ Women in Leadership event in June of this year and sat in a room full of women who left me in awe. Each was so intelligent, and full of fresh, innovative ideas on how to tackle everyday problems in a restoration business. As the staff at Violand would say, these women are ready to “kick some glass!” Thank you very much, Violand, for being such a strong supporter of the campaign this year and for your work to help women rise in the ranks of restoration companies around the country.
The Judging Process
A lot of work, planning, and organization went in to this year’s Recognizing Women in Restoration campaign. It was vitally important to R&R that the process be fair and unbiased. To the right, you can “meet” two of the three judges (the third being myself) who thoroughly read and scored every single one of the 40 (yes FORTY!!!) entries and nominations. Each entry was graded based on six categories:
Thoroughness of the entry
Supporting documentation
Journey & experience
Job growth & future reach potential
Worthiness of recognition
Advice to others
Each of those categories was weighted (with some categories being worth more than others), and the judges plugged in numbers on a score sheet to come up with a final score for every entry. There was little to no room for bias as the scores were truly based on every woman’s individual journey, knowledge and wisdom they had to share, credentials, and so on.
Bottom line: this was a well-developed process judged by three women heavily involved in the restoration industry – myself, Susan Pinto, and Ashlee Carpentier. We all have varying degrees and lengths of involvement in the industry, but in the end our scores for every entry came out very similar – and when added together, established a pretty clear winner.
Susan Pinto
Susan’s master’s degree in educational leadership proved very useful in the business world as she migrated from an elementary school teacher to president of Wonder Makers Environmental alongside her husband, Michael Pinto. For 28 years, she has focused on the business aspects of the company including personnel management, customer service, distributor relations, marketing, and financial management. Wonder Makers has a mission of serving God and society by helping people solve environmental, health, and safety problems and Susan works with each client with unparalleled kindness and integrity.
Ashlee Carpentier
Ashlee is married to her best friend and business partner, Shaun Carpentier. Together, they own Complete DKI and 1-800-Packouts of the Gulf Coast. Ashlee has a huge heart for those experiencing a disaster, and put that passion in action serving as the Board Chair for a local Red Cross Chapter. She is also an avid supporter of the Escambia County Professional Fire Fighters Charity and Complete DKI volunteers time and resources for the Trauma Intervention Program. Ashlee also serves as Board President for the Gulf Coast Association of Insurance Professions, is the membership chair for her local chapter of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association and an active board member of NAIOP of Northwest Florida.
Winner: Annissa Coy
Who: Annissa Coy
What: Owner and founder of Firehouse Education and Mobile Clean Systems
When: She has been in the restoration industry since 2000.
Where: Based in Spokane, Wash.
Why: “I truly love helping people and there is no better place to do this than the restoration industry, in my opinion.”
How: Annissa runs both a mobile contents cleaning business, and a school for cleaners and restorers.
From Bookkeeper to Owner
Annissa got her start in the restoration industry in 2000, hired in as a bookkeeper for a company grossing about $360,000 a year. She quickly worked her way up to office manager and began taking on some of the marketing as well.
“Within three years, I helped increase the gross revenue to about $900,000,” Annissa explained. “At this point, the owner incorporated and I became the CEO and ran the business overseeing all operations, purchases and marketing.”
In 2006, the owner sold the business to Annissa and her husband, Kevin. Two years later, they started Mobile Clean Systems – an onsite, 34-foot trailer that is specially designed and engineered to clean contents as efficiently and effectively as possible, even at a home in the middle of nowhere.
Then in 2009, they launched Firehouse Education – a hands-on school teaching contents restoration and systems management, plus marketing.
Today, Annissa and her crew travel to CAT losses all over the country, and do residential contents restoration (mainly fires) in the Western U.S.
“I went from an employee and having zero restoration experience, to owning the restoration business in just six years,” Annissa said. “Then within two years of owning the company, we grossed $1.3 million in revenue and increased our net profit by 1,003 percent.”
Finding Success
Annissa takes pride that Mobile Clean’s business is 100 percent referral-based. She does not hesitate for a second to ask a customer for a testimonial after a successful contents cleaning job.
“I truly love helping people and there is no better place to do this than the restoration industry, in my opinion,” she said. “I am good at creating systems and helping others feel comfortable and cared for. My biggest contributions to the industry would be my natural ability to teach and to help others see things differently and encourage them to challenge the status quo.”
She admits when she first came into the industry 16 years ago, she shook things up a bit by challenging the way things were done, and suggesting better, more efficient ways to clean contents. She is also first to admit the path into this tight-knit industry, especially the niche of contents, wasn’t easy as she was surrounded by people who had been doing restoration for decades. But she also felt she had some insights that could help.
Through Firehouse Education and her YouTube channel, Annissa was able to create a voice for herself.
“I was the first one to take my camera on CAT losses and out on job sites and film what was happening step-by-step,” she said. “I was also one of the first to capture video testimonials onsite from homeowners and adjusters and post them to my website, blog, and throughout my marketing.”
Annissa’s Advice
“Don’t think you have to do things the way they have always been done. Constantly ask yourself ‘can this be done better, faster, and with more care?’” she said. “And never stop asking yourself how you can serve your clients better. Bring your heart to the game every single day. It’s what your clients and your team need and want from you most.”
First Runner-Up
Who: Jessika James
What: Certified Indoor Industrialist | Owner, JMJ Consulting and Inspections
When: A lifetime! She joined her family’s construction and restoration business when she was just 10 years old, and her high school graduation gift in 1978 was a Chevy van with a truckmount. The note from her dad said: “Congratulations! You are a carpet cleaner! Rent is now $300.” For Jessika, this was a dream come true.
Where: Jessika works nationwide as a consultant and previously had a variety of roles in the industry including restoration company owner, ProChem’s education director, IICRC instructor, and more.
Why: “My father was very work-oriented. As a child, my weekly allowance wasn’t for setting the table or doing the dishes, but helping out in the family construction and restoration business,” Jessika said. “I would do everything from setting up equipment to fire damage packouts to filing in the office on the weekends.”
Jessika’s journey is far too impressive to do justice in a short write up, but she has worn a number of hats over the years, and earned a number of IICRC and other certifications.
“I have had the incredible opportunity to work with and learn from some of the industry superstars! Carl Williams, Jeff Bishop, Ron Toney, Tom Hill, Steve Marsh – they all played a major part in my in-field experiences, then my movement into the education area,” Jessika recalled. “Teaching classes and seminars is always my favorite thing to do, and what I feel is my largest contribution to the industry.”
Her Advice:
“Although it is still a largely male-dominated industry, women are seen more and more frequently in all different jobs, from packing out houses on fire damage jobs, to remediating water and mold projects, to independently running their own businesses! The biggest piece of advice I could give would be- spread the news! This is a great industry for women!”
She also said: “It is amazing how just in the past 10-15 years, we have seen so many strong, independent, educated, professional women joining the workforce in the cleaning and restoration fields – and kicking some serious behind!”
Second Runner-Up
Who: Kris Rudarmel
What: President, Anchor Restoration
When: Anchor Restoration was created in 2005
Where: South Jordan, Utah
Why: Kris and her husband, Frank, had an unpleasant experience with an emergency flood service in the early 2000’s, inspiring them to start their own restoration company to better serve the needs in their community.
“I had a dream to create an experience for my clients that was about more than just flood damage cleanup,” she said. “I wanted to stand out and provide an eclectic customer experience and build a company that my team members would be proud to work for and share a vision with what I had created.”
Kris’s business has won a number of awards, including being named to Utah Business Magazine’s “30 Women in Watch” in 2013, NAWBO’s “Woman Business Owner of the Year” Award in 2013, and the Enterprise 7 Award: Woman Business Owner (for the seventh time!) and a number of others.
Her advice:
“It is vitally important to savor your successes and appreciate your failures. Our failures teach us a lot and make us strong,” she said. “Believe in yourself! Your beliefs become your reality! Do not be afraid to dream BIG! Find or create passion in whatever you do and stay out of your comfort zone by feeling the fear and doing it anyway.”
This is Only the Beginning!
R&R has big plans for the Recognizing Women in Restoration campaign for 2017! Be on the lookout for a call to action in the beginning of the year, and some exciting announcements and evolutions in the campaign! We hope this is only the beginning of recognizing women who are truly “kicking some glass” and hope those who didn’t win this year (including our runners-up) will continue to be involved in future!
To all the women who participated this year, and the people who took the time to nominate a woman in the industry who they respect, thank you!
This photo shows just how serious the drought is in South Carolina.
SPARTANBURG, SC (WSPA) – Despite the flooding for the low country of SC the drought is getting worse for the Upstate.
We are more than 8 inches below average rainfall for the year at GSP due to missing out on the two tropical cyclones to come up the coast.
The United States drought monitor shows the Upstate ranging from severe to extreme drought in a few spots. But the state climatologist, Dr. Hope Mizzell says our drought monitor in SC is based on several factors, not just precipitation. Forest fire threat, rainfall, and water supply are some of the factors taken into account when considering the drought status. Regardless, Mizzell says the upstate is in Severe Drought and expects that to be upgraded during this week’s meeting with the South Carolina Drought Response Committee.
Dr. Mizzell says the water supply for the upstate is fine for now, but need to be monitored as we move through our driest months of the year. She says that drought relief is not expected for November, but that is normal. However, Mizzell stressed that the Winter months is when we replenish the reservoirs before the hot and dry Summer conditions approach. Winter is the time we need normal rainfall, not necessarily above normal precipitation.
Mizzell says our drought monitor at the state level is geared more towards water supply problems and the committee normally meets every 8 weeks to avoid the windshield wiper effect of changing the drought status frequently. However, as conditions prove needed she says the committee will meet every 4 to 6 weeks.
At this time Mizzell says she does not see any indication of any state level water restrictions and that would have to come at a local level.
She encourages everyone to be good stewards when it comes to water resources. A full list of ways to conserve water on a daily basis is found at the SC DNR website listed below.
The reason you may see more updates from NC is that they meet every week and use their drought monitor directly off of the United States Drought Monitor.
IICRC sets the standard in the water and mold cleanup industry. Always use a IICRC certified firm.
In the realm of water and mold, what makes someone an expert? I get asked that question a lot. When I go out behind another mitigation company, I can tell by the questions a homeowner ask, whether they have talked to someone that is knowledgeable or just someone looking to turn a dollar. To often in a field of work that is unregulated, we have people or even companies that claim to be the expert, but have never taken one course on the subject.
One of the first questions that a homeowner should ask is, are you a IICRC certified firm and what certifications does the person onsite have. IICRC sets the standards for both water mitigation and mold remediation. They administer the training and produce the protocols that we in this industry follow.
So why is this so important? If your loss is a self pay loss, you could be throwing thousands of dollars out the window to someone that claims to be an expert.
Taking pictures of your loss is so easy with a smart phone. Before and after photos are critical.
I was recently called to appear in court as a character witness for a company that we have a relationship with. This company is a great referral partner for us and they are a really good company. They have been in business for over 30 years and have never once been sued.
I showed up for court just as I was asked, and soon there after the proceedings began. Both parties submitted items into evidence and I could see that the defense submitted lots of documents, but no pictures. As we know in the insurance business, if you do not have a picture its hard to get paid for the work that was performed. We have a saying in our office that " if you didn't write it down or take a picture of it, it didn't really happen." Pictures are critical for any service work. Whether the picture shows previous damage, damage that you may have caused or the pictures show before and after work.
If you don't take pictures and write it down, did it really happen?
Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:
Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.
If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.
If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today –864-292-3495
April 6th is observed as National Sorry Charlie Day. This day is dedicated to all the times you have been rejected.
Rejection can be defined by many meanings....refusal, declining, turning down and dismissing to name a few. Don't allow a damage in your home turn into a rejection.
-Neglected water damage can cause a possible denied claim.
-Odor in your home can cause a rejection of a potential sale.
-Dismissing soot damage can pose some serious health risks.
Call us today for a scope of any damage in your home.
We are an active member of the Greer Chamber of Commerce. We take great pride in being a part of the Greenville County community. We understand that communities like ours hold America together. We want to do our part to ensure our community thrives by helping those less fortunate, keeping the area safe and making our community the best it can be.
We like tech stuff. So when we found a website that allows you to receive text or email alerts as to when you will be able to see the International Space Station (ISS) fly by, we had to share it. Go to http://spotthestation.nasa.gov/ and sign up. The first time we saw the ISS stream by, goosebumps emerged!
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National Preparedness Month: How to Prepare for the Unexpected
