Recent Storm Damage Posts

Claflin University effected by storm Elliot

1/10/2023 (Permalink)

After Christmas day a winter storm named Elliot came and destroyed a lot of customers pipes. It effected Claflin University really bad. This storm made pipes bust in three buildings, the dormitories and the church to be exact. Our highly trained team gathered all the equipment needed to take care of this storm/water damage, and was there within two hours of the call. 

First we extracted the water out of every building. Then, we set up air movers and dehumidifiers to dry up the specific areas and to remove excess moisture from the air. . We do have to test the buildings for asbestos since they are old buildings and because it is a commercial building.

A couple things to remember when preparing for a storm:

  • Leave your water dripping 
  • If you don't leave your water dripping , DO NOT turn on your water after a winter storm 
  • Call SERVPRO if you encounter a storm/water damage 803-536-1285

How to prepare for a storm

1/10/2023 (Permalink)

These are somethings to keep in mind when preparing for any type of storm. 

  • Insulate any water lines that run along exterior walls so your water supply will be less likely to freeze. 
  • Leave your faucet dripping. 
  • Repair any roof leaks or window leaks before the storm comes. 
  • If your using a fireplace, wood stove, or kerosene heater, install a smoke detector and a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector near the area to be heated. Test them monthly and replace batteries twice a year.

Make sure you have an emergency car kit incase you have to evacuate your premises. 

  • Cell phone, charger, portable charger 
  • Gas jug
  • Blankets
  • Flashlight & batteries 
  • Shovel
  • First aid kit
  • Tire Chains
  • Water and snacks 

The most important thing of all is make sure you have SERVPRO of Orangeburg's phone number handy just incase any mishaps 803.536.1285.

Water Damages due to Storms

3/1/2022 (Permalink)

A water damage of any kind can be absolutely devastating, but storms in particular tend to do the most overall damage. SERVPRO understands the headaches that come along with dealing with a catastrophe. Below is an overview of the restoration process;

  • One Hour - Within one hour of notice of loss, a SERVPRO Professional will contact you to arrange for service
  • Four Hours - Within four hours of loss notification, a SERVPRO Professional will be on-site to start mitigation services. The key to reducing damage and saving money is responding quickly to your damage.
  • Detailed Explanation - A trained, uniformed and equipped SERVPRO Professional will walk you through the job process step-by-step, explaining what to expect and the anticipated outcome.
  • Pretesting - A SERVPRO Professional will begin pretesting for restorability, working from the source of the damage outward.
  • Eight Hours - Within eight hours of on-site arrival, a verbal briefing of the scope will be communicated to the appropriate person.
  • Cleaning and Restoration - SERVPRO Professionals will work to help you regain control of your property when a damaging event has taken over.
  • Final Walk-through - After the work has been completed, a final walk-through will be conducted to help ensure your satisfaction

If you or a loved one are dealing with the effects of a storm, know you can count on SERVPRO to take care of you and your home.

Hurricane Season

3/1/2022 (Permalink)

South Carolina's hurricane season runs from the beginning of June to the end of November, but can start and end later than these dates. We still have awhile before the season is said to start but it is never too early to be prepared. We compiled a few tips to help you protect your home or business;

  • Prepare for wind
    • Protect windows with storm-shutters or plywood
    • Reinforce roof hurricane straps and ties
  • Prepare for rain 
    • Clear gutters and drains to avoid blockages
    • Have tarps ready
  • Prepare for power outages
    • Extra ice for perishables
    • Generators can be extremely helpful
  • Prepare for flooding
    • Waterproof your basement or crawlspace
    • Install sump pump

We hope you found these tips helpful and that this hurricane season you stay safe and dry.

When Storms Arise

1/24/2022 (Permalink)

When storms arise everyone's filled with many hard questions;

  • How bad will this storm be?
  • What can I do to prepare?
  • Will my property receive potential damages from this storm?
  • Am I prepared enough for this storm event?

These are questions we tend to ask ourselves during times of inclement weather. Our homes, place of business and even churches are major parts of our everyday lives that we hope to protect, they can also act as shelters for us during these intense storms. Shelters can endure damages on the inside of the structure just as well as the exterior. In the Orangeburg area specifically, we endure a lot of flooding during such storms. SERVPRO, your local cleanup and restoration company, is available to help 24/7. 

In the event of a Storm related damage, feel secure in knowing your local SERVPRO Franchise is always available to help make it 'Like it Never Even Happened."

National Leader in Storm Response

1/24/2022 (Permalink)

In the event of a major catastrophe, the SERVPRO Franchise System has a nationwide Large Loss Response Team comprised of trained and equipped professionals capable of responding to your facility. While most systems have a waiting list, you get priority service with SERVPRO. SERVPRO's Storm Response Team are prequalified and strategically positioned throughout the United States with substantial resources through a network of over 1,500 locations. Corporate oversight and communication on every file help to meet the predetermined client-specific needs. Immediate response, available 24/7/365 through 1-800-SERVPRO, will minimize interruptions.

  • Strategically positioned Storm Teams on Standby
  • Immediate Mobilization
  • 1-800-SERVPRO - 24/7/365
  • Mobile and Local Command Centers
  • Commercial and Residential Losses Serviced
  • Waiting Lists Minimized

No storm damage is too big for the SERVPRO System, when life's storms roll in, rely on us to make it "Like it never even happened."

Hurricane Preparedness Week

5/13/2021 (Permalink)

Hurricane Prep. Hurricane Prep.

Hurricane Prep Week is May 10-14 and we're sharing tips to help you get ready.

Day 1: Start by creating an emergency plan for your family that includes emergency meeting places in your home, neighborhood, and outside your neighborhood. Create a plan here-> https://bddy.me/3tCHLSW

Day 2 of Hurricane Prep Week is about having an emergency kit at work, in your car, and at home. This could include a backpack, water, non-perishable food, a blanket, etc. See the full list here-> https://bddy.me/3hgd5EL

Day 3 of Hurricane Prep Week is about reviewing your insurance. Look at your policies ahead of time to see what's covered and if flood insurance is available to you since it's the leading cause of damage from tropical systems. For more insurance tips visit https://bddy.me/33BvT9h

Day 4 of Hurricane Prep Week is about having an evacuation plan. Plan your route and have an alternate. Remember, you may not have to drive hundreds of miles to evacuate, only far enough away from the evacuation area.

Day 5 of Hurricane Prep Week is about getting your home ready. Trim your trees to prevent damage from snapped branches and board up your windows to protect them from flying debris. More ways to strengthen your home visit https://www.weather.gov/wrn/hurricane-strengthen-home

If your home is damaged, remember we are here to help. (803)536-1285.

Emergency Ready Profiles

5/3/2021 (Permalink)

If your business were to experience a storm or any other disaster, do you know the first steps to take? Is your staff aware of who to contact or how to turn off power and water to minimize damage?

Here, at SERVPRO of Orangeburg, we offer businesses a plan of action, also known as an Emergency Ready Profile (ERP.) This profile is free of charge and contains extremely helpful information that we compile into one bright green folder to make locating it easy during an emergency. 

The ERP contains all emergency contacts phone numbers and email addresses, property details, building accesses, photos of main cut offs and typed instructions on where they are located, as well as any notes that you would like included. This will be very valuable information, available at your fingertips in the event that you need it. 

It is always best to be prepared, so contact SERVPRO of Orangeburg today to schedule an ERP meeting for your business. (803)536-1285.

Tornado Damage

2/4/2021 (Permalink)

Roof Damage from a Tornado Roof Damage from a Tornado.

On April 23, 2020; Orangeburg was hit by a tornado. There was extensive damage throughout the county. We received quite a few calls to help customers treat and restore their properties. 

This particular home had roof damage through out, which also caused significant water damage as well. Once contacted we were on site within an hour to begin mitigation. We were aware of the lack of power throughout the home due to powerline damage, so we came prepared.

Generators had to be set up to power the equipment that was necessary to treat the home. We set up dehumidifiers in every room to keep the moisture levels down, and also had to set an air scrubber to clean and control the air quality. The air scrubber helped accomplish this by allowing air to enter the unit and pass through the three-stage filtration capturing mold spores, dust and particulate to help control the secondary damage that can occur with water damage.

We used these machines to make it "Like it never even happened," for our customers, so that could get back to normal as soon as possible.

Contact SERVPRO of Orangeburg today for all your mitigation needs (803)536-1285.

Ice Is the Southern Version of Snow.

2/2/2021 (Permalink)

Winter in the south is usually mild, however we sometimes find ourselves facing a winter storm. While snow is occasional here in South Carolina, we typically end up with ice. Ice is not nearly as beautiful as snow and can wreak havoc for home owners. 

 Anice stormis a type of winter storm characterized by freezing rain. The freezing rain from an ice storm covers everything with heavy, smooth ice. In addition to hazardous driving or walking conditions, branches or even whole trees may break from the weight of ice. Falling branches can block roads, tear down power and telephone lines, and cause heavy damages to homes roofs and windows.

The weight of the ice can also easily snap power lines or bring down power/utility poles. This can leave people without power for anywhere from several days to a month. Loss of power to heat homes can quickly lead to frozen or busted pipes, which will cause extensive water damage in homes and businesses. 

After  an ice storm you should inspect your property and the immediate surroundings for damage.If you spot downed powerlines or tree branches nearby, contact your local police or hydro company. Don’t go near downed powerlines. If you have a build up of ice on your roof, consider hiring a professional to remove it.

Always remember SERVPRO of Orangeburg is here for you 24/7 - 365. We are just a phone call away to make it "Like it never even happened." (803)536-1285.

Hurricanes

1/21/2021 (Permalink)

Hurricane season begins on June 1 and lasts until the end of November. Being so close to the ocean, Orangeburg is in the path of hurricanes that threaten the South Carolina coast .We will discuss how to prepare for a possible hurricane.

 1.Cover your air conditioner - You may want to protect your outdoor air conditioning unit against airborne debris and projectiles, which can lodge in your unit and cause damage. 

2. Stock up on plywood - Plywood is an affordable solution to protect windows from airborne projectiles. 

3.Seal windows & doors - Leaky windows and doors can let in water, so make sure your windows and doors are properly sealed. 

4. Remove area debris - You should remove or secure anything surrounding your home that could become an airborne projectile, this includes toys and tree limbs. 

5. Clean out your gutters & drains - It’s always a good idea to keep your gutters and downspouts clear, but in the case of a hurricane, clear gutters can prevent instant flooding of your attic or basement. 

6. Check your sump pump - The sump pump in your basement works to keep your basement or crawl space from flooding. Before any major storms, you should make sure it’s operating correctly. Any debris should be cleared from the pump to prevent clogging.

7. Evacuate - While preparing your home, remember things are replaceable but life isn't. If instructed to evacuate; do so. We will be here to help make it "Like it never even happened," when you return.

Storm Causes Damage at Local Store

1/18/2021 (Permalink)

Air movers Drying Affected Area Air Movers Drying Affected Area in a Local Business

When a storm struck Orangeburg, a local strip mall had major roof damage. The store is this picture had water pool at an area near the front door. SERVPRO of Orangeburg was contacted to extract the water and mitigate the damages.

Once the water was extracted, our crew got to work placing air movers (pictured) and dehumidifiers to help dry all the affected areas and to minimize the amount of damage incurred.

While the machines were helping speed the drying process, the crew began removing affected ceiling tiles, wall sections and carpet tile squares that could not be saved. 

Our client was very happy with how quick this process was once the roof was fixed and we could do what was required and get them back open and operating as quickly as possible. 

Contact our office today for any of your water damage needs - (803)536-1285.

No job is to big. We have access to everything you may need.