Prevent Flood Damage from Jettisoning Your Customers' Sunset Beach Vacation Plans

12/11/2023 (Permalink)

Download the free Ready Plan Application onto your mobile device to share with us information in the event we need to respond to an emergency.

You’ve lined up a season’s worth of guests for your Sunset Beach oceanfront townhomes. Now you are hoping Mother Nature has not lined up a series of storms to send rain and storm surge through your rental units. Keep a hopeful eye on the forecast and SERVPRO® as your quick solution for flood damage should it happen. 
 
Be ready for unexpected flood damage that may threaten your Sunset Beach rental townhomes by developing an Emergency Ready Plan (ERP) with input from our experienced disaster team project managers. We will visit your rental units, at no cost to you, to assess proactively the risk presented and familiarize ourselves with the layout of your business. Our staff takes the time to discuss ways to avoid and prepare for a flooding disaster with you, sharing tips that may minimize the chances of severe damage to your buildings and annoying inconvenience for your clients. Together we can devise a list of tasks you, as the business owner, can complete to limit or even eliminate downtime for the guests who visit you after any flooding, even before our team of disaster recovery technicians arrives. 
 
Download the free SERVPRO® Ready Plan Application onto your mobile device to share with us, even more, information in the event we need to respond to a flooding emergency at one or more of your townhomes. Our app walks you through each step, ensuring all pertinent details are saved. List key employees to let us know the hierarchy of who has the authority to give us the go-ahead when disaster strikes. Identify the location of shut-off valves and mechanical systems so our technicians can move surely and quickly if they are called upon to respond. 
 
If you have more than one rental property that is in harm's way if flooding occurs complete an ERP for each. Details may vary from site to site, but you can communicate this to us easily with this technology. The key to your business’s viability and your customers’ vacation pleasure is a fast flood damage restoration response. Your guests will rest easier and book with you again if they know you have a comprehensive Emergency Ready Plan electronically filed by our team.  

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

Oceanside rentals must always be ready to respond to the threat of flooding. SERVPRO® of Brunswick and South Columbus Counties invites you to develop an ERP for each commercial townhome you own. Call (910) 755-6717 today to start the process.

The Role of Filtration Agents When Repairing Fire Damage in Caswell Beach

10/3/2023 (Permalink)

Our experience with Odor Removal can Help with Fire Damage Remediation in Your Home

One of the biggest responsibilities of fire damage restorers is matching the methods to the environment. It is of particular importance when picking the right deodorizing formulas and chemicals. There is such a thing as ‘one fits all’ for eliminating acrid smoke odors in a home. 

There are several substances that SERVPRO® can use to tackle fire damage in Caswell Beach properties and neutralize bad smells. Some of the most common are absorption and filtration agents. They are designed to either filter the unclean air or absorb water from the air while re-odorizing the space at the same time.

There are two main types of filtration/absorption agents used by fire damage technicians. 

Sorbents 

Most sorbents are made up of three primary ingredients – sodium sulfate (the inert carrier), sodium bicarbonate (the absorptive compound), and a fragrance-emitting substance. They have a limited impact, so SERVPRO® never uses them alone. Normally, they get combined with more potent deodorizers and (sometimes) masking agents. 

They are most effective on short-pile carpets because longer fibers can end up trapping sorbents and making them difficult to vacuum later. While this is useful for the eradication of smoky odors, it is not good for a carpet to be in contact with these chemicals for too long. 

Activated Charcoal 

The other option is activated charcoal. Rather than being absorbent, it is actually AD-sorbent. The difference is that instead of drawing odor particles into their chemical structure, they cause them to stick to the outside. 

Activated charcoal is a type of high-grade wood, which gets treated with super-heated air (more than 600 degrees Fahrenheit). It causes the wood to expand, and the surface area of the material substantially increases. The bigger the size, the more odor particles the charcoal can pick up. 

This substance is a common part of filtration deodorization procedures. Odors get eradicated by drawing affected air through filters of charcoal. These filters neutralize volatile organic compounds (VOCs) via adsorption. In some cases, SERVPRO® then re-odorizes the fire-damaged space by introducing a pleasant fragrance. 

SERVPRO® of Brunswick and South Columbus Counties has spent many years serving homeowners in the Caswell Beach area. We have all the skills and expertise you need to get rid of smoke and soot for good. Call us 24/7 at (910) 755-6717 for fast, reliable fire damage repairs.

SERVPRO® is your one-stop-shop to make it “Like it never even happened.”

10/3/2023 (Permalink)

Localized flooding and SERVPRO® of Brunswick and South Columbus Counties can help with the clean-up.

Storms can pound the Brunswick County area, including Southport. SERVPRO® of Brunswick & South Columbus Counties responded immediately to your flood and storm damage emergencies. We have the storm damage restoration experience and specialized equipment to restore your Southport home or business back to pre-storm condition.  When a storm hits your Southport home or business, you need help immediately. Our quick response will help prevent secondary damage and help reduce restoration costs. We live and work in this community too; we might even be neighbors. As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO® of Brunswick & South Columbus Counties is close by and ready to respond to your flood or storm damage emergency. We are proud to be an active member of the Southport community and want to do our part to make our community the best it can be.  If you need our help, call us today at 910-755-6717.

Air Conditioning Water Damage in Leland, NC

10/3/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Brunswick and South Columbus Counties can help when an HVAC air handler drip pan overflow causes water damage

Summer is ending here in Southeastern North Carolina.  But that doesn't mean the temperature is going down anytime soon.   It means our Air Conditioning units will continue to be used heavily.  If you haven’t had your normal HVAC yearly check, it's never too late.  The two most common occurrences with air conditioning units causing water damage are the air conditioner drip pan overflowing and condensation.  These causes of water damage can range from a small ceiling area to multiple ceilings, walls, and floors being affected in a house.  If you think you may have an issue causing a leak give us a call to come investigate.  If you catch it early and have an HVAC tech fix the issue, the damage can be mitigated fairly easily.  We can remove the affected areas of material, and get things dry and the end goal is always to make it “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO® of Brunswick and South Columbus Counties works hard to help the communities in the Brunswick beaches and retirement communities.  Having a water leak no matter how large or small is a traumatizing experience.  SERVPRO of Brunswick and South Columbus Counties is here to help individuals through this tough time and get their homes back to preloss condition. 

If you have had a water leak in your home, SERVPRO® of Brunswick and South Columbus Counties can help.  Call us today, 910-755-6717!

SERVPRO® is Here to Help

10/3/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® can make sure to keep your home and commercial spaces clean and safe.

This is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff performs on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages the cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends the usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO® product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO® of Brunswick and South Columbus Counties, 910-755-6717

We will respond immediately to the storm or flood event

9/12/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Brunswick & South Columbus Counties are storm and water damage restoration specialists.

Green vans and trucks driving on highway can respond immediately to any storm or flood event.

Storms and inclement weather can be devastating to any business. Wind damage, heavy rain, and flooding can occur suddenly and cause substantial damage in a matter of minutes. There’s never a convenient time for flooding or storm damage to strike your business. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

SERVPRO of Brunswick & South Columbus Counties will respond immediately to the storm or flood event affecting your commercial property, regardless of the size or scope of the damage. We are part of a national network of over 1,700 Franchises with special Disaster Recovery Teams placed strategically throughout the country to respond to large-scale events and disasters.

SERVPRO's Experience with Odor Removal can Help with Fire Damage Remediation in Your Home

9/6/2022 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO of Brunswick and South Columbus Counties help you get your home back after a fire.

Homes in the Brunswick county area all have items that are unique and almost unreplaceable.  A fire, even a small one, can leave the interior of a home and these items covered with smoke and soot.  This type of damage requires specialized cleaning procedures.  This is where the Pros from SERVPRO of Brunswick and South Columbus Counties come in.  Many times folks are unaware of how widespread the soot is throughout the home.  SERVPRO is trained to detect and clean these otherwise hard-to-detect contaminated areas throughout your home. After cleaning the affected areas throughout the home, the trained SERVPRO technicians will then work to neutralize the odors.  Using thermal fogging, the technicians will be able to sufficiently and thoroughly remove the smoke odors throughout. The end goal is always to make it “Like it never even happened.” 

SERVPRO of Brunswick and South Columbus Counties works hard to help the communities in the Brunswick beaches and retirement communities.  Having a fire no matter how large or small is a traumatizing experience.  SERVPRO of Brunswick and South Columbus Counties is here to help individuals through this tough time and get their homes back to preloss condition. 

If you have had a fire in your home, SERVPRO of Brunswick and South Columbus Counties can help.  Call us today, at 910-755-6717!

Learn more about Holden Beach.

Hurricane Season Preparedness in Brunswick County

8/23/2022 (Permalink)

Summer is coming to a close in Southeastern North Carolina, but it is still hurricane season. Below is some basic information and tips for protection

Summer is coming to a close in Southeastern North Carolina, but it is still hurricane season.  Below is some basic information and tips for protecting your Brunswick County home or business during Hurricane season. It is best to be knowledgeable, have a plan, and be prepared.

Hurricanes are massive storm systems that form over the water and move toward land. Threats from hurricanes include high winds, heavy rainfall, storm surge, coastal and inland flooding, rip currents, and tornadoes. These large storms are called typhoons in the North Pacific Ocean and cyclones in other parts of the world.

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, with the peak occurring between mid-August and late October. 

Basic Preparedness Tips

• Know where to go. If you are ordered to evacuate, know the local hurricane evacuation route(s) to take and have a plan for where you can stay. Contact your local emergency management agency for more information.
• Put together a go-bag: disaster supply kit, including a flashlight, batteries, cash, first aid supplies, medications, and copies of your critical information if you need to evacuate
• If you are not in an area that is advised to evacuate and you decide to stay in your home, plan for adequate supplies in case you lose power and water for several days and you are not able to leave due to flooding or blocked roads.
• Make a family emergency plan.

• Many communities have text or email alerting systems for emergency notifications. To find out what alerts are available in your area, search the Internet with your town, city, or county name and the word “alerts.”

Preparing Your Home or Business

• Hurricane winds can cause trees and branches to fall, so before hurricane season trim or remove damaged trees and limbs to keep you and your property safe.
• Secure loose rain gutters and downspouts and clear any clogged areas or debris to prevent water damage to your property.
• Reduce property damage by retrofitting to secure and reinforce the roof, windows, and doors, including the garage doors.
• Purchase a portable generator or install a generator for use during power outages. Remember to keep generators and other alternate power/heat sources outside, at least 20 feet away from windows and doors and protected from moisture; and NEVER try to power the house wiring by plugging a generator into a wall outlet.

If you are affected by a strong storm or hurricane, SERVPRO of Brunswick & South Columbus Counties. can help. If you need our services, call us today at (910) 755-6717. 

Water Loss at your Brunswick County Business

8/1/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial water damage to your Brunswick County business is a serious matter, and you want to get the water and damage cleaned up as fast as possible

A water line break in your business can be stressful and confusing since there are many factors to think about when figuring out if there is a leak, where it is, and how to repair it. The most common indication of a leak in your water line is physically seeing water come up on the street, on the sidewalk in front of your shop, or coming through the foundation wall. If the water is coming up in front of your business, it does not necessarily mean the leak is from the water line. Water travels and looks to the point of least resistance to the surface.

Commercial water damage to your Brunswick County business is a serious matter, and you want to get the water and damage cleaned up as fast as possible so you can operate as usual again. You need to close your shop while it is being repaired, and that means lost profits. That is when you need to call in the professionals at SERVPRO, who can clean up the water and fix any damages the leak has caused. When the break is small, our technicians can repair it before they begin cleanup. For larger problems, we partner with other professional tradesmen who can fix the break in a timely and reasonable fashion. The municipality should be called in if to inspect and repair major street line breaks.

 Another sign of a broken water line is a hissing or rumbling noise. Likely, your water main is broken if your water is not in use when you hear noise on the water pipe. The hissing is a great indicator of water exiting the pipe somewhere in-between the building and the city water main in the roadway. 

 Another sign is water pressure which is low. Not all water main leaks result in this. However, it is a possibility that should be checked out by professionals. SERVPRO can help you find the cause for the water line break so that it can be fixed properly and your building does not sustain any more water damage than it already has. 

 SERVPRO of Brunswick and South Columbus Counties understands that when water damage of any kind happens to your business, that time is of the essence to prevent further damage and loss. That is why we are ready to come out to your building and help you anytime you need when you reach out to us at (910) 755-6717.

Water Category Can Be Vital To Water Damage Cleanup in Calabash

6/8/2022 (Permalink)

We have the expertise, experience, and equipment to handle your home's water damage emergency needs.

Do You Know What Type of Water Damage Could Affect Your Calabash Home? 

Water can enter the home at any time of day or night, which can be traumatic for residents in Calabash. When possible, call a professional migration team right away. The source of the water can play an essential role in the migration and clean-up process. A prompt response by a skilled team may save your property and could result in less contamination. 

During these situations, one of the last things property owners want to have to cope with is cleaning up and restoring their homes. We are a well-respected nationwide franchise known for our expertise in water damage cleanup and restoration. When we arrive, our technicians classify the severity of the damage by checking the source of the water in the affected areas. 

There are three categories of water, which are clean, gray, and black. Typically, when the source is clean water, the level of damage is less dangerous than when it is gray or black water. Clean water is the least contaminated type. Tap water and rainwater are prime examples of what we classify as clean. Gray water contains some contamination that could be harmful to homeowners. Examples of gray water include urine, wash water, and aquamarine water. Blackwater is the most dangerous to humans and may contain feces, parasites, bacteria, sewage, chemicals, and viruses. One of the most common examples of black water is flood water. 

Even though clean water is the least dangerous type, it is still essential to begin migration quickly because bacteria and fungi can contaminate clean water within 48 hours. Homeowners in Calabash can rest a little easier when facing a water emergency in their homes. SERVPRO uses proven and scientific methods to classify and remove each water category. Also, we use proper and efficient methods to clean up and restore the affected areas back to their preloss condition when possible. Homeowners should be aware that we may deem your home unsafe due to the water category. When this happens, a move-out may be necessary until after the cleanup and restoration are complete. We can be there to assist with packing and moving.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

SERVPRO of Brunswick and South Columbus Counties provides emergency services. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster. Contact us 24/7 at (910) 755-6717 for our professional water damage cleanup and restoration.

For more on Calabash, click here.