Christmas is coming!

12/17/2023 (Permalink)

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, Christmas – family- festivities and fun will fill this month. It’s a special time of the year; our homes are decorated to celebrate the holiday season with lights and candles.  During the holidays there is a greater risk of a fire in your home. Make sure safety is a part of your holiday plans.

• Check all light cords to ensure that they aren’t frayed or broken. Connect only three strands per extension cord.
• When installing outdoor lights make sure they are for outdoor use.
• Trees – if you are using a live tree make sure it’s fresh and keep it watered throughout the season, if you are using an artificial tree make sure the label reads fire- resistant. Always keep your tree away from fireplaces, radiators and all other heat sources.
• Test your smoke detectors on each level of your home.

Enjoy this holiday season and know SERVPRO of Greenwood, Abbeville, & McCormick Counties will be here for you!

Christmas Tree Fire Safety

12/12/2023 (Permalink)

Fire Safe Your Tree

Getting in the Christmas Cheer is all around us as many homes have already started decorating for the Christmas holiday. If you are choosing a live tree for your home, a fresh will stay greener longer – check the needles to make sure they do not fall off if touched and the trunk of the tree should be sticky. Before standing your tree – cut about two inches off the bottom of the trunk so your tree can better absorb water. Check your water levels daily, especially if you have animals in the house. Just remember the scene from Christmas Vacation, you do not want that to happen! If your tree is in a warmer room in your home your tree will dry out quicker and could cause a fire hazard – so turn your thermostat down a few degrees to preserve your tree longer. Never place your tree near fireplaces or other heat sources. These safety tips are the same for an artificial tree – never purchase and artificial tree that is not fire resistant. Practice safety this holiday season.

Cooking Safety

12/12/2023 (Permalink)

Happy Holidays

As we embark on the Holiday Season when most are in the kitchen cooking for their families for the Holidays– be sure to remember these top cooking safety tips to avoid a house fire and a trip to your local restaurant for your holiday meal.

• Never leave the kitchen when you are cooking on the stove top.
• Do not leave your Turkey or Ham unattended – even if your stove is on low.
• Keep the kids out of the cooking zone.
• If you are deep frying your Turkey – do that outside away from your home.
• Do not wear loose clothing – finish your cooking and change into your festive outfit prior to dinner.
• Test your smoke alarms to assure they are in the proper working condition.
• Turn your pot handles towards the back to avoid a turnover.

Following these tips can and will prevent a house fire. Enjoy your holiday with family and friends and rest assure SERVPRO of Greenwood, Abbeville & McCormick Counties will be here if you need us! 

Happy Holidays!

Space Heater Safety

12/16/2022 (Permalink)

Space Heater Safety

With the colder temperatures moving into our area over the next few days, some people may be preparing to pull out the space heaters to help keep their homes warm. When the temperature drops well below freezing our main heat sources (heat pumps) cannot keep up -  leaving larger rooms and drafty areas in your home harder to keep warm.

Always keep safety your top priority – and follow these tips to keep you home safe during these cold temperatures!

• Plug your space heater directly into an electrical outlet – never use an extension cord or power strip
• If your heater is an older model, consider purchasing a newer one as they have the most current safety features
• Choose a heater that allows you to adjust the temperature and has an auto timer and shutoff feature
• Place your heaters on a hard surface – clear of any drapes or flammable furniture

Winter is here – following these safety precautions can and will prevent a house fire!

Decorating Safety

12/16/2022 (Permalink)

Decorating your tree

Our houses are beginning to look a lot like Christmas – Decorations are going up and families are getting geared up to decorate for the Christmas Holiday Season. Safety is key – review the below points to keep you and your family safe and festive this holiday season.

• Before you string up a single strand of lights, carefully check them for cracked cords frayed ends or loose connections.
• The combination of shorts in electrical lights and a tinder-dry tree can be deadly. Keep your tree well-watered. Not only will it stay fresh and green, but it will also prevent a house fire
• Ditch old stands of lights – purchase lights with fused plugs
• Remember the 3 light connection strand
• Check your extension plugs – if its hot unplug and replace the cord
• Turn off your lights when you go to bed or leave your home

Following these tips will you and your family safe from a house fire

Candle Fire Safety

12/16/2022 (Permalink)

Facts

Candles bring the perfect holiday scent to any home and make great gifts to give to any person. Although they bring great joy to people everywhere during the holiday season, it is important to note how to properly and safely use candles. According to the NFPA (National Fire Prevention Association) "Candle fires peak in December and January with 11 percent of house fires in each of these months." 

SERVPRO of Greenwood, Abbeville & McCormick Counties is 'Faster to Any Disaster' and trained to handle any size fire remediation job, but the first step you can take is to take proper precaution when using candles. Here are some tips from the NFPA.

• Use candle holders that are sturdy, and won’t tip over easily.
• Put candle holders on a sturdy, uncluttered surface.
• Light candles carefully. Keep your hair and any loose clothing away from the flame.
• Don’t burn a candle all the way down — put it out before it gets too close to the holder or container.
• Never use a candle if oxygen is used in the home.
• Have flashlights and battery-powered lighting ready to use during a power outage. Never use candles.

While all of these tips can help prevent a house fire this holiday season, we understand that disaster can strike at any time. Call the professionals at SERVPRO of Greenwood, Abbeville & McCormick Counties at (864)229-6610 for services 24/7.

Grease Fires

3/21/2022 (Permalink)

Grease fires are the most dangerous when it comes to cooking fires and are responsible for 1 in every 5 home fire deaths. Below are some tips on how to put out grease fires. These tips could help save your or a loved one's life. 

Putting Out a Grease Fire  

• Turn off source of heat  
• Do NOT pour water on it. Water and oil do not mix and when you add water it will sink right to the bottom and evaporate instantly, spreading flaming oil everywhere.  
• Attempt to remove all oxygen from the flame. Cover with another pot or baking pan.  
• If you cannot cover it, dump lots of baking soda on it. 

If you do experience fire damage from a grease fire in your home, the team at SERVPRO are fire restoration specialists. Call us today at 864-229-6610

Prevent Oven Fires

3/21/2022 (Permalink)

Accidents in the kitchen can happen but they can be prevented. Keep the heart of your kitchen happy and healthy with these oven maintenance tips. 

How to prevent oven fires:  

• Make sure your oven is clean before each use. 
• Do not leave cooking food unattended. 
• When making cakes, cookies, or pastries, put a slightly larger baking tray underneath your baking pan to prevent batter dripping onto the bottom of the oven.  
• Cover any food that might splatter. 
• When roasting meat, drain some of the hot grease by removing pan from the oven every 30 minutes.  
• Get your oven checked out by a professional to make sure it is working correctly if there are any noticeable issues while using the oven. 

If your oven does catch fire, it’s crucial to contain the smoke and flames. By leaving the oven door closed and turning off the oven, you are starving the fire, increasing the chances of safely containing a fire. Opening the oven door will only cause the fire to expand and cause more damage. 

If you happen to suffer from a kitchen fire, SERVPRO of Greenwood, Abbeville & McCormick Counties  is “Here to help” when disaster strikes. 

Why Charging Your Phone on Your Bed is a Fire Risk!

3/16/2022 (Permalink)

Charging cables sometimes cannot handle the current flowing through them, so it has to let off heat and damage the wire. When you have your bed and pillow trapping the heat, allowing it to build up, it gives the energy necessary to ignite combustible material. Fire risks from wires are common for households since 53% of teenagers charge their phones on their bed or under their pillow, and electrical failures cause 13% of home fires. 

Causes for phone charger fires 

Bad cables 

Wire tears  

• There are two main ways of how a charger could start a fire with torn wires. One way is when some of the internal strands of wires are disconnected. The wire then relies on a smaller number of copper strands to pass the current through the full wire, putting more strain on the strands, deteriorating them further, and causing a need for heat to dissipate the overflow of energy. As this heat builds up, it can be trapped by the bed and the pillow, igniting combustible cotton. Another way the wire tear can catch fire is if the wires are close enough but torn, they can create a free spark as a short circuit and ignite any combustible cotton in its path. 

Kinks and tangles 

• Kinks and tangles can make it harder for the direct current to flow through, creating heat dissipation and further deteriorating the wires. Most kinks and tangles do not cause enough heat to ignite the cotton. However, it adds to the heat when it occurs alongside other electrical malfunctions. 

Poor current rating 

• There can be too much current flowing through a wire. Having a current exchange mitch match happens when you put a heavy-duty charging brick with a low-quality wire or vice versa. It also happens with extremely long wires, where the gauge of the wire cannot handle the current flowing through, or the wire is simply too thin, and the electricity is too much for it.  

Bad charging brick 

A charging brick can have multiple reasons for causing a fire. Some of the main reasons are a bad resistor or a bad capacitor inside of the charging brick. If a resistor is bad, it cannot properly reduce the voltage, so the wires will take on more current than they can handle. 

Capacitors are like little batteries inside of the charging brick. They are used to store energy and release that energy at a steady current so the rest of the components and your phone can handle the currents. Capacitors are only rated to handle a certain voltage. It is similar to if there is too much pressure in a water balloon, it will pop. When there is too much voltage, this can release energy abruptly, break other internal parts, create a short circuit, and create a loose spark. 

Combustible materials 

Being near a bed and curtains can give ample fuel for a spark to cause a flame. The heat and material used can affect the likelihood or danger of a flame. Insulating a wire with a heat-trapping material like a pillow lowers the energy needed to start a flame by a wire.  

Phone malfunctions 

Phone batteries can cause a fire, especially when overheated or damaged. If the material that separates the chemicals in the battery is broken down, damaged from a drop, or deteriorated over time, then the chemicals that are used to slowly produce power will come in contact and have a harsh reaction. This process can be accelerated by the phone being too hot, like when you see a phone explode from a microwave. It can also be accelerated from critical damage to the battery, damaging its critical safety components.

Keep Your Family Safe During a Fire with These Helpful Tips

3/15/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Greenwood, Abbeville & McCormick Counties is committed to keeping our community a very safe place to live, work and play. It is important to remember that smoke alarms save lives. If they are maintained and in good working order, they can play an integral role in saving the lives of your family members. Smoke alarms afford you the opportunity to leave your home quickly if a fire emergency occurs.

Here are some helpful tips to help keep you and your family safe if fire strikes.

• Have a fire evacuation plan for your family and practice it regularly, especially if you have small children or senior adults.
• Test your smoke alarms monthly. If they are older, replace them especially if they are 10 years or older. There have been so many advances that can help save lives.
• The alarms should be interconnected. If one alarm sounds, they all sound – alerting your family to potential dangers.
• When an alarm sounds, move quickly and safely outside your home. Treat every alarm as a serious matter.
• Keep doors closed. This can prevent smoke and fire from spreading quickly.
• In the event of a fire emergency call 911, immediately and stay outside. 

Should there be an unfortunate fire disaster at your home, call us at SERVPRO of Greenwood, Abbeville & McCormick Co at 864-229-6610“We are faster to any disaster!”  

Electrical Fires

3/10/2022 (Permalink)

Most electrical fires are caused by faulty electrical outlets and or old, outdated appliances. The following are the most common reasons why electrical fires happen:

1. Old electrical sockets and unsafe appliances

Appliances that are old and overused and those that fall short of modern safety standards are the worst culprits. Frayed electrical cords, self-jointed wires, and worn-out sockets that are not properly grounded are major causes of fires. They become ready outlets for directing heat and fire to carpets, rugs, curtains and combustible plastic. Older appliances draw more power than the wall sockets can handle.

2. Using light fixtures that exceed the permissible wattage

A very common cause of fires is plugging lights, lighting appliances and bulbs into electrical sockets that cannot handle higher wattage levels. Antique lighting appliances may have defective wiring that makes the appliance unstable by overheating. Decorating lights with colored paper and cloth shades can increase the risk of fire when the material or fabric heats up.

3. Using multiple appliances plugged into an extension cord

Unrestricted use of extension cords is a major fire hazard. The risk of fire increases when your TV, home theatre, computer and other appliances are all plugged into a single extension cord. This creates excessive power load on a single socket which may not be designed to handle that load.  So, there is a social and economic cost to damaged wiring!

4. Locating portable heaters near combustible materials

Portable space heaters that use coils are potentially dangerous when they are positioned carelessly near curtains and rugs and adjacent to beds and cloth covered furniture. The chances of inflammable material coming into contact with the red-hot coils increase the risk of fire.

5. Wiring that becomes defective with the passage of time

Over a period of time, you add more electrical appliances such as wide screen televisions, home theatre, microwave oven, refrigerator and air conditioners. The outdated home wiring cannot handle the increased power load. Older wiring tends to heat up quickly and catches fire. If the breaker boxes are themselves defective, they cannot prevent overheated electrical panels from catching fire.

If you become the unfortunate victim of an electrical fire call in the pro's here at..

SERVPRO of Greenwood, Abbeville & McCormick Counties 864-229-6610

Prevent House Fires: Do's and Don'ts of Grilling this Spring

3/10/2022 (Permalink)

Homeowners in the Greenwood, Abbeville & McCormick love to grill, but there are many dangers that come with all the outdoor fun.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, fire departments went to an annual average of 8,900 home fires involving grills, hibachis or barbecues per year.

Here are a few ways to stay safe and prevent house fires while grilling:

Do -

1. Keep your grill at least 10 feet away from your house. Farther is even better. This includes portions attached to your house like carports, garages and porches. Grills should not be used underneath wooden overhangs either, as the fire could flare up into the structure above. This applies to both charcoal and gas grills.

2. Clean your grill regularly. If you allow grease and fat to build up on your grill, they provide more fuel for a fire. Grease is a major source of flare ups.

3. Check for gas leaks. You can make sure no gas is leaking from your gas grill by making a solution of half liquid dish soap and half water and rubbing it on the hoses and connections. Then, turn the gas on (with the grill lid open.) If the soap forms large bubbles, that's a sign that the hoses have tiny holes or that the connections are not tight enough.

4. Keep decorations away from your grill. Decorations like hanging baskets, pillows and umbrellas look pretty AND provide fuel for a fire. To make matters worse, today's decor is mostly made of artificial fibers that burn fast and hot, making this tip even more important.

5. Keep a spray bottle of water handy. That way, if you have a minor flare-up, you can spray it with the water to instantly calm it. The bonus of this tip is that water won't harm your food, so dinner won't be ruined!

6. Keep a fire extinguisher within a couple steps of your grill. And KNOW HOW TO USE IT. If you are unsure how to use the extinguisher, don't waste time fiddling with it before calling 911. Firefighters say many fire deaths occur when people try to fight a fire themselves instead of calling for expert help and letting the fire department do its job.

Don't -

7. Turn on the gas while your grill lid is closed. NEVER do this. It causes gas to build up inside your grill, and when you do light it and open it, a fireball can explode in your face. 

8. Leave a grill unattended. Fires double in size every minute. Plan ahead so that all of your other food prep chores are done and you can focus on grilling.

9. Overload your grill with food. This applies especially fatty meats. The basic reason for this tip is that if too much fat drips on the flames at once, it can cause a large flare-up that could light nearby things on fire.

10. Use a grill indoors. People often think it will be safe to use a grill, especially a small one, indoors. NOT TRUE. In addition to the fire hazard, grills release carbon monoxide, the deadly colorless, odorless gas. That gas needs to vent in fresh air, or it can kill you, your family and pets.

In case you experience a house fire, call your local fire department immediately. Be sure to contact a licensed fire damage restoration company SERVPRO of Greenwood, Abbeville & McCormick Counties to cleanup and repair any damage to your home occurs. 864-229-6610

Professional Smoke and Soot Cleaning 2022

3/1/2022 (Permalink)

It is not common knowledge, to know how to properly clean smoke and soot damage. If you have experienced a fire, then you know how smoke and soot can damage the property, however, improper cleaning can cause further damages. SERVPRO of Greenwood, Abbeville & McCormick County is here to tell you why it is important to leave the cleaning to a professional. Smoke damage can be severe, and often goes much deeper than just the surface.

Trying to clean up a fire or smoke damage on your own, can often exasperate the extent of the soot damage. If you are not using the appropriate products to clean with, it can also cause irritants to your lungs. SERVPRO of Greenwood makes sure that the building is a safe environment to work in by eliminating the smoke smell and using the appropriate personal protective equipment. These are things that are often not thought of when trying to clean soot damage on your own.

SERVPRO of Greenwood, Abbeville & McCormick County knows that after a fire is a scary and trying time, but we are “Here to Help!” Call us at (864)229-6610 to let us help restore your fire or smoke damage.

Office Space Heaters

2/1/2022 (Permalink)

Space heater warming an office space.

We all have that one co-worker who is always cold and must have the need to additional heat in their office space. Space heaters can keep you cozy during these cold days of winter, but they can also become a major hazard if used incorrectly. Space heaters cause about one-third of all winter fires Mostly caused by a space heater being too close to curtains or upholstered furniture. This doesn’t include the people who end up in emergency rooms from encountering space heaters. 

Follow these Space Heater Safety tips to help keep you and your coworkers safe this winter season.

• Review all instructions and warning labels prior to setting up your space heater
• Heater should be placed on a hard low surface and out of high traffic areas in your home
• Heaters should be at least 3 feet away from any flammable items or furniture
• Purchase heaters with an automatic shutoff and tip over feature
• Never plug a space heater into an extension cord or power strip
• Avoid leaving spice heaters unattended and unplug when you leave for the day.

A space heater can be a create a warm comfortable space for those co-workers who are “always” cold but always remember safety first!

Separating Contents

3/19/2021 (Permalink)

In this scenario at a home in Greenwood, SC, the customer suffered major damage in their kitchen when their stove caught on fire. The rest of the home suffered smoke and soot damage, and all of the contents within were affected. SERVPRO of Greenwood's production crew went out right away to assess the damage and come up with a game plan that best suited the customer’s needs and availability. If you or your business has experienced a fire, then you know how much work it can be to not only get your space back to the way it was pre fire, but to get the smoke smell out of all of your belongings. Very often, SERVPRO of Greenwood encounters fire restoration jobs that include the cleaning of contents. It can be extremely difficult to trust a business with all of your belongings, which is why SERVPRO Greenwood has a production crew that goes over every detail with our customers. Production will come out to your home and pack up all of your affected belongings while documenting very carefully with photos and inventory sheets. It is a very careful process to ensure all belongings are accounted for and in the assigned box from your home, to the warehouse, back to you.

At SERVPRO of Greenwood, we understand that some of your belongings are more essential to everyday life than others, so first we make sure to see what belongings take priority and get those cleaned of soot first thing. Once these contents are cleaned, we set up a time for pick up or delivery, whatever is most convenient to the customer. Contents that take less priority are cleaned over the following weeks, while restoration on the structure is completed. Once your home is ready to be lived in again production arranges delivery of all the cleaned contents. Content cleaning is a very extensive job that can sometimes take weeks to finish, but if the contents are complete before your home restoration is complete, SERVPRO of Greenwood will store them until your home is move in ready. If you experience a fire and need the smoke and soot cleaned from your belongings, give us a call at 864-229-6610!

Fire Cleanup Process

3/18/2021 (Permalink)

Fire restoration is one of, if not the most, intricate forms of remediation we offer. There are several stages to ensure the structure is truly left “Like it never even happened.” We do our best to explain these steps to our customers from the moment we set foot on their property. Because there are so many stages in restoring a fire damaged property, these types of jobs take a significant amount of time. We work with insurance adjusters to ensure that every item that is deemed unsalvageable will be replaced for the property owner. The items that can be salvaged will be cleaned onsite, or in our warehouses using specially formulated products that gently remove soot and smoke residue.

While cleaning, we’re also removing the affected structural materials. That includes drywall, insulation, flooring, and any other burned items. What remains will also be cleaned with our SERVPRO products and equipment designed to remove smoke particles. Once cleaned, our reconstruction division begins working their magic – we rebuild, replace and restore the property to its pre-fire glory!

Home Fire Pit Tips

3/17/2021 (Permalink)

Here in Greenwood, SC it's a tradition to enjoy the cooler nights outside around a homemade fire pit! Many of us are looking forward to spending time gathering around them to enjoy time with family and friends. Before you start dreaming of moonlit nights and toasted marshmallows, take a moment to check out some of these tips to remember.

Backyard Fire Pit Safety Tips:

• Whether you prefer a built-in or portable fire pit, choose one that is not too large for the area. The pit should be a minimum of 10 feet away from any structures or combustible materials as well as away from trees, fences, sheds, power lines, and telephone wires.
• Make sure that the seating area is large enough and properly placed for comfort and ventilation.
• Check wind direction before lighting a fire.
• Don’t use flammable fluids (gasoline, lighter fluid, etc.) to light or relight fires.
• To start the fire, use a lighter to ignite crumpled pieces of paper covered with small sticks. Then, add larger sticks and a log or two to keep it burning. 
• Burn only dry material. Damp material will create excess smoke. 
• Don’t wear flammable clothing (like nylon) or any loose-fitting clothing.
• Never leave the fire unattended, and keep pets and children far away from the fire as they will be attracted to it.
• Keep a fire extinguisher, garden hose, or bucket of water nearby.
• As the fire dies down, use a shovel and spread out the ashes to allow them to cool down. Then slowly pour water over those ashes and watch them closely to be sure that no burning embers remain or reignite. Put the cooled ashes in a specially designated ash storage metal can. 

Just remember SERVPRO of Greenwood, Abbeville & McCormick Counties is here for you 24/7 at 864-229-6610.

Why It's Important To Test Your Smoke Detector

3/16/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke detectors save lives when property installed and maintained, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

Test smoke alarms monthly using the test button. Smoke alarms with non-replaceable batteries need the entire smoke alarm unit replaced every ten years. If the alarm chirps signaling low battery, take the proper steps to replace the unit or the batteries immediately. Never disable or remove the battery from an alarm. Almost half of first where smoke alarms were present but did not activate had missing or disconnected batteries (NFPA).

In larger commercial facilities, hard wired or wireless smoke alarms offer benefits such as not needing to be tested as often and activating throughout the entire building if smoke is detected in just one area (NFPA).

If you need help installing, testing or changing batteries in your smoke alarms, contact your local fire department, an electrician or the American Red Cross.

Be sure your home or workplace has a fire emergency plan in place and conduct regular fire drills. For more information on Emergency Preparedness, contact SERVPRO of Greenwood, Abbeville & McCormick Counties 864-229-6610

Know about Fire Safety in your Home

3/11/2021 (Permalink)

• Cooking is the #1 cause of house fires - Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you must leave, even for a short time, turn off the stove.
• Space heaters need their space - Keep fixed and portable space heaters at least 3 feet from anything that is flammable and never leave space heaters on while you are away from your home.
• Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children.
• Inspect electrical cords often – especially your smartphone cords – they tend to become frayed sooner than normal electrical cords. Replace any cords that have any visible damage or broken plugs.
• Install smoke alarms and check the batteries monthly and replace them often – test your alarms often.
• Have a fire escape plan and practice it often with your family.
• Candles smell great but they are also a fire hazard – keep candles away from flammable items and never leave your home or go to bed with a candle burning.

Putting Out a Fire Can Be Worse Than The Fire Itself

3/11/2021 (Permalink)

If you are in the unfortunate situation where you have a fire in your home or business, SERVPRO of Greenwood, Abbeville& McCormick Counties is always here to help. No matter how big or small the fire is, SERVPRO has highly trained technicians to make your home look as good as new. Below are some tips until we arrive.

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from spreading and additional damage from occurring.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs and high traffic areas and upholstery.
• Coat chrome faucets, trim and appliances with petroleum jelly or oil.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpets.
• Do not wash any walls or painted surfaces.
• Do not shampoo carpet or upholstery.
• Do not clean any electrical equipment.
• Do not send clothing to a dry cleaner since improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

As a reminder, SERVPRO is available 24-hours a day, 365 days a year to help you regain control quickly!

Give us a call at 864-229-6610

Common House Fires

3/11/2021 (Permalink)

Some of the most common house fires and the proper ways to extinguish them are as followed:

(Please remember always call 9-1-1 in case of an emergency)

• Grease Fire- Extinguishable with a lid/covering, baking soda or a chemical extinguisher.
• Electrical Fire- Extinguishable with baking soda or a dry extinguisher.
• Flammable Liquids- Extinguishable with a foam or powder extinguisher
• Candles- Smother the flame. Stopping oxygen from getting to the flame can help slow the spread, a chemical extinguisher can also be used.
• Space Heaters- Like an electrical fire smother with baking soda or use a dry extinguisher.

Whatever the type of fire there is or the amount of damage caused to your property SERVPRO is here 24/7 to help you get back to pre-damage conditions.

CALL US TODAY!!

864-229-6610

Space Heaters

2/8/2021 (Permalink)

What happens when a Surge Protector overloads!

Here in the South, we experienced an unusually cold over the last month, and these cold temperatures will only get worse.  Our central heat can sometimes leave us cold, so we tend to break out the space heater for larger drafty areas in your home that are harder to keep warm. Whatever you do, do not plug these heaters into a power strip.  Power strips and extension cords are not designed to handle the high current flow needed for a space heater and can overheat or even catch fire. Purchase newer model space heaters as they have the most current safety features. Choose a heater that allows you to adjust the temperature to avoid overheating. Always place your heaters on a hard level surface that are not in close contact to drapes, furniture or in the line of pets or children.   Following these few simple steps can help make winter a little more bearable and safer or you and your family!

Soot Cleanup

3/16/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.

Smoke and soot facts:

•   Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
•   Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
•   The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke-wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Greenwood, Abbeville, & McCormick will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage has occurred. The cleaning process will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet smoke- Plastic and Rubber   

•   Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke- Paper and Wood

•   Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore the smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue-Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

  Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage Call SERVPRO of Greenwood, Abbeville & McCormick Co. 864-229-6610

Smoke Alarm Tips

3/16/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke alarms are very important. They must be installed and maintained properly because they play a vital role in saving lives. Having a smoke alarm can reduce the risk of fire injury. 

Smoke Alarm Tips

• Install smoke alarms inside and outside each bedroom and sleeping area.
• Install alarms on every level of the home. Smoke alarms should be interconnected. When one sounds, they all sound.
• Smoke alarms should be installed 10 feet away from cooking appliance to prevent false alarms.
• Replace all smoke alarms every 10 years
• Replace batteries in all smoke alarms at least once year

 (Daylight Savings Time works well for maintenance.)

• Test smoke alarms once a month
• Clean Dust from sensor openings.

SERVPRO of Greenwood, Abbeville & McCormick Counties is here to help. Give us a call with any questions you may have at 864-229-6610

Our Experts Discuss Our Procedures After A Fire

3/11/2020 (Permalink)

Dealing with the odor following a fire can be offensive and difficult to eliminate. After even the smallest kitchen fire, odor particles permeate throughout your home into every nook and cranny, creating long-lasting smells. While airing out your home does assist with ventilation, which helps with odor control, it is not enough to eliminate malodor after a fire.

Fire and Odor removal is difficult at any time of year, but summer and winter present unique challenges. The weather can have an impact on odors after a fire. During winter, it may be difficult to properly ventilate your home, especially if it was a minor fire where you do not need to leave your house. Having open windows and doors to ventilate is not possible if you are trying to function in your home. During summer, the odor may present itself again due to a rise in humidity.

There are four basic procedures for deodorization. There is not a one size fits all method since odor problems tend to be unique and do not always come from one source. SERVPRO restoration technicians create a plan to suit your individual needs following a fire.

First, it is imperative to remove the odor source instead of trying to deodorize the source. Technicians identify and remove charred materials before deodorizing. Debris may give off smoke odors if it is contaminated. Although every situation is different, this first step of removal is standard with most fire restorations.

Then, SERVPRO technicians clean surfaces containing odor-causing residues. Odor particles may keep generating if not adequately cleaned. If the fire in your kitchen was a grease fire, there might be a lot of residue on the stone, vent hood, filters, walls, etc. All of these things need cleaning to ensure deodorization is effective. Sometimes, the whole house needs cleaning since smoke odors often penetrate throughout the structure.

The third procedure is to recreate the conditions that caused odor penetration, except instead of smoke clouding the house technicians use a deodorizing fog or "smoke" from a thermal fogger to attack the odors. This procedure is for the most offensive and stubborn smells as residents and pets need to vacate the home during fogging. The last method of sealing is also reserved for difficult situations. Technicians seal surfaces by painting over walls to trap malodors under the fresh coat of paint, or they seal duct surfaces within the air handling system that are unreachable.

The above procedures to eliminate malodors after a house fire is typically linked with mechanical means. During the cleanup segment of the service, hydroxyl generators and air scrubbers are often deployed in strategic interior locations to physically change the chemical composition of airborne particulates and compounds.

For 24/7 assistance after a fire, contact SERVPRO of Greenwood, Abbeville & McCormick Co. at (864)229-6610

Recovering Fragile and Porous Materials from your Home after a Fire Damage

3/11/2020 (Permalink)

One of the challenges you are going to face when performing fire restoration is the considerable amount of different materials and surfaces you may encounter. Your home is full of fabrics, stones, woodwork, and plastics. Each of these categories divides further into even more considerations. Silk, for example, cannot respond well to the same restoration procedure as a robust polyester or cotton. Smoke does not delineate between different materials but can bond with some and not others.

Pre-testing and due diligence when applying cleaning methods to a fire damage home are both essential. While agitation may be an easy option to dislodge and remove soils, it can spread costs further or cause harm to the materials you are attempting to recover. Take care to read the instructions of both the article you are trying to clean as well as the cleaning solution itself. Oil-based cleaners work with oil-based stains. Water-based cleaners, on the other hand, work with water-based soiling.

At SERVPRO, our technicians undergo years of training and qualifications to assess your home after a fire confidently. While we have extensive access to mechanical cleaning equipment, there are many parts of your home that may not suit abrasive cleaning. Carpeting and expensive fabrics, for example, may lose much of their texture and fibers during aggressive vacuuming or rotary cleaning. These fibers may also clog up your vacuum cleaner or extractor, causing problems.

Our routine for sensitive materials and fabrics is to use absorption. Absorption incorporates the dispersal of power directly onto the surface of the material. SERVPRO can adapt truck-mounted extractors to disperse powders quicker over a large surface area. These powders absorb odor particles as well as smoke. SERVPRO technicians find they are effective at recovering porous materials like marble, brick, and concrete, as well as fabrics, upholstery, and drapery. Once soiling is absorbed, we can use light vacuums to remove them from the affected material.

Fragile materials that are a part of your home environment could suffer permanent harm without the correct cleaning method. Contact SERVPRO of Greenwood, Abbeville & McCormick Co. at 864-229-6610.

When Your Apartment Sprinkler System Goes Off

3/11/2020 (Permalink)

The overhead sprinkler system in your apartment complex is there to keep tenants safe from possible fire damage, and everyone is glad the system is in place. However, when it does go off, there is going to be a mess to clean up. What should you do when your apartment complex sprinkler system goes off?

You know that it is important to handle any sort of water issues immediately in order to avoid the costly problems that can arise from your damp property, such as mold and mildew. Keep in mind that any intense heat will cause your sprinklers to discharge, and the sprinkler heads contain a temperature-sensitive mechanism that can only be activated when the temperature at the sprinkler head exceeds the allowable range, so make sure your tenants understand that they need to be careful with heat inside their units. You will also want to make sure that residents know never to hang items from the sprinkler heads, as this can damage them, as well as cause them to go off unexpectedly. 

Here are a few cleanup tips to consider when cleaning up after your overhead sprinkler system goes off:

• Prompt professional assistance following a sprinkler discharge could be vital in saving your property and your residents’ belongings from permanent damage. Your actions in the first 24-48 hours can save you significant time and money and eliminate subsequent mold growth. 
• Professional followup will also be a big help when it comes to odors, and they can evaluate the water damage and potential for mold growth in hidden areas as well as ensure that any affected building materials are dry prior to work area rebuilding. 
• We recommend that you hire an independent water damage and mold remediation expert to represent you during planning, response, and closeout, and work together with their insurance carrier. 
• Water within the sprinkler system is stagnant and non-potable, and the water picks up and absorbs oils and other contaminants within the piping, resulting in discoloration and odors from its sedimentary state. Cleanup actions typically not only involve moisture remediation but also involve surface cleaning from stains as well as additional measures to alleviate odors. 
• Prompt action for cleaning is essential when it comes to fabric and textile items that have been affected to minimize permanent staining and damage.

If your apartment complex has been affected by fire and water damage, whether from an overhead sprinkler system here at SERVPRO of Greenwood, Abbeville & McCormick Counties we are ready to help right away.

No job too BIG or too small for SERVPRO of Greenwood, Abbeville & McCormick Counties

3/10/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Greenwood, Abbeville & McCormick Counties is able to help you clean and restore your property after damage and disaster. Our team of skilled technicians has the experience and knowledge to help you restore your residential or commercial property after water damage, fire damage, sewage damage, a biohazard, graffiti and even more. No matter what the damage is, we are ready to help you get to work cleaning, drying, restoring and rebuilding after the damage. We have over 20 years of experience helping customers making it “Like it never even happened.” No matter the type of damage you have, we are ready 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help. If property damage strikes you give us a call at (864)229-6610.

How to Prevent a Kitchen Fire

3/5/2020 (Permalink)

Kitchen fires are some of the main causes of a home fire. Here are 10 tips on how to prevent kitchen fires:

1. Never leave a cooking area unattended.
2. Clean cooking surfaces regularly to avoid grease buildup.
3. Never wear loose clothing while cooking near an open flame.
4. Keep pot holders, towels, utensils, plastic bags, oven mitts etc. away from anything that generates heat in your kitchen.
5. Check your kitchen before you leave the house or go to bed to make your sure everything is turned off.
6. Have smoke alarms installed in your kitchen and throughout your home.
7. Use a timer to remember that the stove or oven is on.
8. Unplug electric appliances when they aren't in use.
9. Use caution with what you put in the microwave- make sure you are using microwave safe containers.
10. Don't overfill pots and pans with oil or grease. 

SERVPRO of Greenwood, Abbeville & McCormick Counties wants you to be safe and aware of the safety tips of cooking in a kitchen. If you do ever experience a home fire, call us at 864-229-6610 and we will help restore your home!

Greenwood, Abbeville, & McCormick Smoke and Soot Cleanup

8/29/2017 (Permalink)

Smoke and Soot Damage Can Cause a Pervasive Odor in Your Greenwood, Abbeville, McCormick Home

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.

Smoke and soot facts:

•   Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
•   Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
•   The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke-wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Greenwood, Abbeville, & McCormick will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage has occurred. The cleaning process will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet smoke- Plastic and Rubber   

•   Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke- Paper and Wood

•   Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore the smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue-Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

  Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call us today-864-229-6610