How to Keep Your Home & Business Afloat

5/31/2022 (Permalink)

If your home or business has ever experienced a water loss, then you’re aware that the most important piece to resolving the issue and starting mitigation is to stop the source of the water loss. The next most important piece is a timely response to begin mitigation and restoration. One thing that surely impedes the water mitigation and restoration process is not knowing where the source originates or having to find the sources of the loss. Not knowing or having to find the source of a water loss is time-consuming and costly! This can even result in the denial of a claim due to negligence. The best way to keep your home or business afloat in the event of a flood or water loss is to practice effective water loss prevention and preparation behavior for your home and business. State Farm Insurance recommends evaluating pipework consistently, constantly reviewing the water bill, frequently analyzing differences in meter readings, and asking about a leak detection protection system for unusually high water usage to stop and prevent water leaks before they start. Again, determining where water might come ahead of time can go a long way in preventing water damage for a business in the long run as well! Common water sources for water damage in businesses occur mostly in aged appliances, pipes and drains, and roofing. Good preparation and prevention for the exterior of commercial businesses are just as important to monitor and consistently assess as well. Practicing habits like regular roofing maintenance, regular HVAC maintenance, and regularly replacing appliance hosing and piping with upgraded materials or new materials help monitor the chance of leaks or breaks for the business. However, two of the most preventative measures any residence or business can employ is installing an active or passive automatic leak detection system. Not only does this offer a modernized and advanced technology leak system to the structure, but it “detects potential water leaks by either monitoring flows in the pipe or by detecting water on the floor. When flow is irregular or moisture is detected, the valve will automatically shut off the water supply to your home. This may help prevent a significant amount of the damage that water leaks can cause.” Hopefully, the information provided assists you in preventing water loss for your residential or commercial establishment. Whatever size the water damage is to your home or business, our Water Restoration specialists have the experience and equipment to deal with it. Our mitigation and restoration professionals at SERVPRO of South Durham will work closely with you and the other occupants during the restoration process to have as little disruption as possible to your personal life and daily business activities. We are the professionals to restore your home or business to the preloss condition “Like it never even happened.”

When you think, “Cleaning. Restoration. Construction.” Think SERVPRO of South Durham!

SERVPRO of South Durham: A Better Restoration System for Your Commercial Business

5/10/2022 (Permalink)

A commercial property says a lot about the product or service a business is offering or providing commercially to its clients. How confident would you feel visiting a doctor’s office with water damage and stains on the walls accompanied by an odor? How secure would you feel throughout the insurance process having to do all the leg work yourself – calling the adjuster; speaking to the agent; speaking with several contractors about 1 project, and having to wait hours on hand for a response. This would place an unwarranted amount of stress on any commercial property manager, owner, or client. Ownership or leadership will inevitably experience a commercial loss. The goal is to be prepared and to have an emergency response restoration system or protocol in place when this happens. Some major universal issues that commercial properties experience during a loss are a difficult claims process, accurate and timely job file documentation, communication, and business interruption. The restoration professionals at SERVPRO work with a SERVPRO National Claims Center Support team to be on hand 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to address your loss concerns whether an adjuster, agent, or client making your experience filing a commercial claim seamless. At SERVPRO of South Durham, we use electronic filing making your claim information always accessible, timely, accurate, and delivered right to your computer. Every project is assigned its individual and IICRC trained Project Manager to be the main point of communication about everything from mitigation to reconstruction. The single point of contact from mitigation to reconstruction is made possible by having the capability to offer all cleanup, restoration, and construction services in a central location; this makes SERVPRO of South Durham a one-stop shop, thus eliminating business interruptions and saving the business money! Simply put, when it comes to your commercial cleaning, restoration, and construction needs – SERVPRO is available 24 hours a day to respond timely, professionally, and thoroughly to make your commercial loss “Like it never even happened.”

When you think, “Cleaning. Restoration. Construction.” Think SERVPRO of South Durham!

It's Electric!

4/29/2022 (Permalink)

Very little was known about electricity until the 18^th century when founding father Benjamin Franklin conducted the famous “kite and key” experiment to show the relationship between lighting and electricity. Shortly afterward, the light bulb was patented and perfected by Thomas Edison in 1879 and electricity has made modern life easier by powering our homes, electronics, appliances, and entertainment ever since. However, without proper safety and handling, the convenience of electricity can also destroy homes, neighborhoods, and even lives. Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) states, “Home electrical fires account for an estimated 51,000 fires each year, nearly 500 deaths, more than 1,400 injuries, and $1.3 billion in property damage.” May 1^st kicks off National Electrical Safety Month intended to reduce the number of electrically related fires, fatalities, injuries, and property loss. Safeelectricity.org offers great tips and resources on how to avoid electrical fires in the home. It’s important to visually monitor outlets, plugs, and cords for damage or malfunction. ESFI states, “While electrical hazards are not the leading cause of on-the-job injuries and accidents, they are disproportionately fatal and costly.” The National Electrical Code (NEC), OSHA, and the National Fire Protection Agency are all great industry standards and codes to follow to provide an electrically fire-safe work environment for employees. Esafety.com offers 10 quick tips for electrical safety in the workplace. Every business and homeowner should know that when the firetruck leaves, your home or business has likely suffered from extensive fire, smoke, and possible water damage. The certified fire restoration specialists and water damage restoration technicians employed at SERVPRO of South Durham have specialized equipment, the expertise, and the response time required to get your home or business back to preloss condition. Our professionals also understand that commercial fire losses present a unique set of problems for large businesses. Whether your fire emergency occurs in a restaurant, motel, or office building, SERVPRO of South Durham is your one-stop shop for cleaning, restoration, and construction. Our commercial fire restoration services include inspection and estimating, mitigation, restoration, and reconstruction. Remember, our goal in any residential or commercial loss is to leave the client feeling completely satisfied and “like it never even happened!”

When you think, “Cleaning. Restoration. Construction.” Think SERVPRO of South Durham!!!!

Twister!

4/25/2022 (Permalink)

What was seemingly a normal day at the office on April 1st would prove to turn out slightly different. While working on a project in the office upstairs during a seemingly severe thunderstorm (a common occurrence in NC), a somewhat frantic employee walked in and stated, “There’s a Tornado warning. You need to come downstairs to a safer area!” According to the local News & Observer, “a confirmed tornado touched down near Research Triangle Park” that Thursday. That’s just 4 miles from the SERVPRO of South Durham’s office! Luckily there were no deaths or injuries, but there was what appeared to be roof damage to the Pfizer building! It was more evident than ever before why storm damage restoration services are important for any commercial business or residential structure. Our highly trained Storm Damage Specialists are available 24 hours ready to respond faster to any storm disaster-like the April 1st RTP tornado. With the ability to mobilize local resources and national resources from a Disaster Recovery Team for widespread storm damage, our storm damage repair specialists are always close by and equipped to respond to any loss no matter how small or large the structure. Some of the many services offered during storm losses are water and flood restoration, contents restoration (including electronic and document drying), as well as roof tarp and board up to prevent further damage and provide security for belongings. Lastly, to help offer peace of mind, SERVPRO of South Durham will help navigate, coordinate, and communicate the necessary steps in the insurance claims process for a quicker more comforting experience during your storm loss. As we learned from the April 1st RTP tornado, disaster does not wait for business hours to strike. When a disaster occurs, contact SERVPRO of South Durham at (919) 596-1242 or office@SERVPROsouthdurham.com to help restore your commercial business or home back to preloss condition.

When you think, “Cleaning. Restoration. Construction.” Think SERVPRO!

Why SERVPRO: The Power of Professionalism

4/15/2022 (Permalink)

At this point, hopefully you have been following the blog spot and are informed on who SERVPRO is as a company and the value in the services we provide for our clients and the community. This week, the topic in discussion is the power in professionalism. Recently, a client detailed their experience using two different companies on separate incidents for losses that occurred at their property; one of the companies being SERVPRO of South Durham. When the client was asked about their experience with SERVPRO and what they liked best, he responded: “The professionalism and quality of work.” From there, the client continued to detail that we responded to the emergency call in less than 15 minutes, and was on site and beginning mitigation within the hour! This was important to him, as the building was new and that made preservation and presentation paramount. This was accounted for firsthand; having the opportunity to be onsite for another client where I witnessed the project manager lead and execute a team of IICRC trained remediation specialists to effectively remediate a commercial grade office space. The restoration professionals at SERVPRO of South Durham take pride in the quality of work we provide, by taking the necessary training and certifications to become masters at what we do. Providing greatly quality work provides results “Like it never even happened.” Professionalism is arriving in proper attire that allows you to distinguish the service professionals on the job from the general public on the property. Professionalism is providing one single point of contact for several ongoing operations for a suite of services offered on a commercial job. Having a sense of urgency for your emergency is professionalism! Lastly, professionalism is the power to make a customer smile from the quality of work and sense of normalcy restored when the job is completed. Take time to visit our webpage and meet our team or contact me at tony.lucas@SERVPROsouthdurham.com. Our team is available 24 hours a day!

When you think, “Cleaning. Restoration. Construction.” Think SERVPRO of South Durham!!!!

There's a Leak in this Old Building

4/8/2022 (Permalink)

Have you ever walked into an old schoolhouse or a 20-year-old office building and viewed water stains on the wall or ceiling tile? The slow, continuous leak over years may have seemed minor at the time but has now evolved into a costly, full-fledged commercial water loss. In an article, published in Risk & Insurance, The Hartford states that “75 percent of all commercial property water damages losses are caused by an accidental discharge of plumbing, HVAC systems, and appliances.” Dealing with a commercial water loss also exposes the insured to additional costs such as loss of revenue if operations are interrupted, the cost to relocate tenants and or employees, and the cost to rebuild. The risk for water damage in commercials buildings increases due to the design, volume of appliances that utilize water, the related piping systems, or the type of business utilizing the structure. For example, water flows down from a leak on the top floor of a high rise damaging multiple floors or units underneath. However, the risks for water losses can be mitigated and repair costs lowered by incorporating a water mitigation response plan through the use of technology. SERVPRO of South Durham provides a free tool, called an ERP (Emergency Ready Plan), that provides an immediate plan of action of knowing what to do, what to expect, and who to call in advance. This minimizes crucial time by providing information in a central location that can be accessed remotely from anywhere by any individual who is granted access. This allows for a quick response, thus reducing secondary damage, business interruption, and confusion by staff that essentially requires the crucial time needed to address the loss and begin the mitigation process. It is important for commercial property management, superintendents, and facility managers to proactively incorporate an emergency mitigation response plan through technology to reduce the risk of a large water loss. The longer time it takes to locate the source of a water loss and start mitigation means the longer it will take to dry the affected materials and the more money it will cost. If you want to be prepared for your next commercial loss using the free ERP tool in the South Durham area, please reach out to tony.lucas@SERVPROsouthdurham to schedule your appointment!

When you think, “Cleaning. Restoration. Construction.” Think SERVPRO of South Durham!!!!

Trust The Process

4/5/2022 (Permalink)

Recently there has been an increase in commercial losses in the Durham community. The series of unfortunate events lately has created an opportunity to assess the business environment in the South Durham community and also focus on aggravating factors that contribute to costly repairs and business interruption (downtime). During observation, there were two persistent themes, either present or absent, that seemingly determined whether the business would experience interruption and higher costs or minimal to no interruptions accompanied by lower costs. The contributing factors are time and secondary damage. Each factor is co-dependent on the other. To achieve lowered costs for the commercial customer, a sense of urgency (low response time) is needed to address commercial losses which drastically reduces secondary damage. Secondary damage is a direct effect of prolonged response times and or negligence in addressing the source of the loss. The solution is in the process. At SERVPRO of South Durham, we follow a process for any commercial loss that assures the commercial customer experiences minimal business interruptions if any, and if possible, the avoidance of secondary damage. The first step in our process is a prompt response to the initial emergency contact from the customer. This perhaps is the most important step the commercial customer can take to minimize secondary damage. The more prolonged time it takes to make the initial emergency contract of the loss is directly related to the amount of potential secondary damage the loss is exposed to. The initial contact is the most considerable factor that affects time and money! The reasoning is that prolonged emergency contact usually results in unnoticed/missed damage or customer negligence. The preceding factors affect the loss in two ways: 1) it could affect the insurance claim process resulting in out-of-pocket expenses due to negligence or customer fault and 2) the prolonged notice delays the clean-up, restoration, and repair time resulting in additional or irreparable secondary damage. Again, resulting in additional costs. The next step is the initial inspection and assessment. During this portion of the process, our restoration Project Manager determines the extent of the loss and the scope of work, through testing and inspection, that needs to be completed to ensure proper and complete restoration! Then our restoration professionals clean and repair! This is where all of the restorable items and structures damaged are cleaned and repaired using several advanced techniques contingent on the type of loss presented. Our professionals are trained to provide sanitizing treatments, remove odors, and deodorize your property. Restoration is the next step! Restoration is where the magic happens in which our restoration specialists begin the process of restoring your commercial business to its preloss condition. Restoration may involve minor reconstruction repairs, such as replacing drywall and installing new carpets to full-scale construction repairs, such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in business or structural repairs. Once the cleaning, restoration, and construction are complete, the final and most meaningful step in the process is initiated. The process is the customer’s approval by signing off on the Certificate of Satisfaction. This assures all the needs, challenges, and expectations have been addressed and resolved to result in a completely satisfying customer experience. It’s when this happens when the Certificate of Satisfaction is signed, that makes it “like it never even happened!”

When you think, “Cleaning. Restoration. Construction.” Think SERVPRO of South Durham!!!!

“The Roof! The Roof! The Roof Is On Fire!”

3/21/2022 (Permalink)

Before we dive deep into this week’s blog about fire safety. I want to take time to send a special, “Happy Birthday!” to Sparky who turns 71 years young today! Sparky is Durham City’s Fire Dog Mascot and the National Fire Protection Mascot that has been serving our local and national communities through fire prevention education since 1951! If you’d like to meet Sparky in person, he will be at the Museum of Life and Science tomorrow from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm to promote the science of fire safety! Earlier this year I posted a blog, New Year Fire Resolution, that addresses fire preparedness and how well we are prepared to prevent a fire from occurring. While the audience has been prepped on fire safety and prevention, it is helpful to know what to do after an unfortunate experience with fire. Last month in South Durham, a fire started by a pickup truck caused major damage to a home. Luckily, no one was home or injured during the blaze. However, can you imagine the emotion, shock, and disappointment the family must have experienced once they arrived home to see all their personal belongings destroyed? This week’s blog motivation is to help educate the audience on determining the next steps after dealing with a fire. Durham Fire Department offers a great tool, After the Fire, to help families and individuals determine the next step. One of the more important themes I pulled from the manual is to always have a “vital information” sheet. This sheet helps provide first responders, the family, and the main point of contact with important information, like the date and time of the incident, report numbers, and restoration contact numbers to enable a quicker response in the time of an emergency. Many times, during catastrophes, we lose sight of what should matter the most – our wellbeing! The manual states, “immediately after a fire to have any injuries treated by a qualified professional.” This is important as any untreated injury could easily transition into a serious injury. Lastly, as the victim of a fire may be anxious to enter the dwelling and begin to rebuild their life, it is important to remember to check with the fire department to ensure your residence is safe. It is important not to eat, drink, or inhale fumes from anything that has encountered flames, smoke, or soot. When the time comes to enter the home, trust your IICRC Certified Fire Restoration Specialists at SERVPRO of South Durham to help you restore your home and life to pre-fire condition.

When you think, “Cleaning. Restoration. Construction.” Think SERVPRO of South Durham!!!!

We Like What We Like: Why SERVPRO

3/14/2022 (Permalink)

As a consumer advocate, it is always important for any business, customer, client, buyer, or vendor to understand why an entity has chosen to patronize a particular service or product. The simple question, “Why did you decide to purchase with us?” can answer many questions about your product or service and how repeat business is influenced. The top three reasons I discovered online according to one website, customerthink.com, is that customers choose to do business based on: 1) Customer Service; 2) Competitive Pricing; and 3) the product or service itself. It is not surprising that the aforementioned are three essential business values that SERVPRO of South Durham believes in strongly! Customer Service. It is not the extensive IICRC certification or the numerous continuing education hours required for employment, but rather the empathy our restoration specialists exhibit toward clients as they realize their contents were affected in a water loss. Pricing. We understand that “it has nothing to do with money” but everything to do with fair pricing. That is why our cleanup and restoration professionals use Xactimate pricing –pricing used by insurance carriers. Xactware (the program for the Xactimate application) is an independent, third-party company that researches and reports on industry average pricing. They use pricing information from general contractors, subcontractors, insurance carriers, insurance adjusters, and then report on the average market price for each list item to ensure each customer gets fair and appropriate pricing. Lastly, it simply boils down to the perceived value/quality of the Product or Service itself. It is no secret that not only is SERVPRO “the standard,” but we pride ourselves on “setting the standard.” “How do we set the standard” you may ask? At SERVPRO of South Durham, we believe in doing things right the first time! We believe in having a reputation of NOT cutting corners. Finally, if in the unlikely chance (we are human) you are not happy, or there is a fault in our completed work down the line, we guarantee it with a 3-year warranty to ensure you have been treated with the highest level of care and concern! It is not WHAT we do at SERVPRO of South Durham to be the leading cleanup and restoration provider, it is Why!

When you think, “Cleaning. Restoration. Construction.” Think SERVPRO of South Durham!!!!

The Problem with Standing Water...

3/4/2022 (Permalink)

As an IICRC water damage restoration specialist, I am here to tell you, eventually, your business or home will experience a water loss. Water loss by far is the most common emergency in the industry. Generally, most water loss categories are mild in comparison; meaning the water loss is coming from a clean source and poses no substantial risk of causing sickness or discomfort. When you think of clean water sources, think of supply lines to fixtures or appliances. The problem with water losses, even from a clean source, is that condition of the environment will almost always likely influence natural biological changes in the condition of the water. Simply put, time is never on your side when dealing with a water loss. In as little as 24-48, biological growth can begin to develop in and when exposed to water. This can lead to mold spore colonization, growth, and spreading if not promptly and properly handled. Water that has been trapped over a while or not effectively dried can damage structures or materials to an unsalvageable or unrepairable state. While exposure to bacteria and fungi is essential to life, prolonged exposure to an excessive amount of certain biological growth that colonizes or is not properly remediated from a water loss can lead to health complications. What may seem to be minor when it comes to a water loss has proven to have major effects if not addressed properly. That is why SERVPRO of South Durham employs Certified Water Damage Restoration Specialists, Structural Drying Technicians trained to effectively dry materials, and Mold/Microbial Remediation Specialists available 24hrs a day to assure that in addition to primary damage from water loss, no secondary damage is influenced due to prolonged exposure or ineffective drying techniques! Check out some additional information on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for some proactive ways to prevent waterborne germs in your home! Lastly, when you think, “Cleaning. Restoration. Construction.” for your water loss, think SERVPRO of South Durham!

Storm's A Brewin'

2/25/2022 (Permalink)

Perhaps Ralph Waldo Emerson described storms best when he stated, "Our life is like March weather, savage and serene in one hour." It is not uncommon for the residents of South Durham to find themselves glued to a television, set on the local news station to receive the most up-to-date information on the approaching severe storm system. While the initial onset of rain, wind, thunder, and lighting are expected effects that accompany spring thunderstorms, is is the unexpected and secondary damage to structures that are the true disruptions for any business or residence, The water damage specialists at SERVPRO South Durham understand that a roof leak when it rains is not just a leak but possibly standing water that could cause mold-producing spores or worse, structural damage. 

Our construction team realizes it’s not just wind and property damage but the appearance of your home or business to the public. Most importantly, our cleaning and restoration specialists can empathize that it is not just damage caused to your personal belongings, but a way to get your life back to preloss condition. The key ingredients important to getting life back in order when dealing with storm damage emergencies are timeliness, quality, and convenience. Our highly trained and certified specialists are available 24 hours to respond immediately to any emergency, day or night, and to minimize the impact of loss exposure. Our staff of highly-trained specialists is guided by The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) standards and certified to implement the best practices and standard operation in water, fire, mold, specialty cleaning, and restoration to ensure quality work to our clientele. Perhaps the most important component to restoring life to preloss condition post stormy weather is the convenience of getting all your cleaning, restoration, and construction needs from a single service provider. For both the customer and the insurance provider, the ability to deal with one vendor reduces adjusting expenses, improves prioritization of the claim and work needed, and allows for more timely completion of projects, thus limiting your level of discomfort during the cleanup and restoration process! As the industry leader, when you think CLEANING. RESTORATION CONSTRUCTION. Think SERVPRO of South Durham! 

Why SERVPRO For Your Commercial Loss

2/24/2022 (Permalink)

Imagine being at work, diligently working on a project that you’ve been chipping away at for the last month, and suddenly you feel a water drip onto your desk. You call building maintenance to bring awareness to the leak. You take a lunch, as you plan to finish up the project when you return, and begin to enjoy the weekend (it’s Friday)! You step back into your cubicle to find out the leak wasn’t just a minor leak from a loose valve, yet an overflow from the 2^nd-floor bathroom that has now flooded the entire 2^nd story of the office building and flowed into your office that has now covered your desk, saturated your work, and flooded your workspace! What do you do next? Time is pertinent as you present on Monday. Now put yourself in your boss's shoes. The answer to the question is simple; you call professional commercial large-loss specialists at SERVPRO of South Durham! Our cleanup and restorations specialists are available 24-hours for unfortunate catastrophic events that commercial businesses may experience. As the #1 choice for cleanup and restoration in the commercial industry, our highly trained professionals are equipped and experienced to work in all fields from schools and hotels to restaurants, warehouses, office buildings, and hospitals. The professionals at SERVPRO of South Durham specialize in offering workable solutions that separate contaminated or damaged space from operable space for the clients to allow the business to go as uninterrupted as possible. This allows customers and revenue to continue to flow as usual. Other workable solutions for our commercial clients include working after hours and or around the clock to keep any commercial business up and running. Our full portfolio of commercial services in water, fire, mold, storm damage, specialty cleaning (including biohazard, COVID-19, and vandalism), and construction allow for SERVPRO of South Durham to offer a one-stop-shop! That means one job, one team! The most important tool that any commercial business can have in the event of a catastrophic emergency is preparation. SERVPRO offers an emergency-ready plan (ERP) that allows you to preplan for when disaster strikes. The ERP is a no-cost assessment of the commercial facility that provides a tangible profile document for your business that includes organized critical information like who to call, how to access the building in a disaster, dispatches your local SERVPRO, provides facility details, and helps navigate any insurance claims process. When you think Cleaning. Restoration. Construction. Think SERVPRO of South Durham. The only professionals to get your commercial property back to preloss condition “Like it never even happened.” That’s Why!

Did You Get Fido?

2/11/2022 (Permalink)

Recently, when trying to decide what to blog about this week, I experienced writer’s block and briefly came to a standstill; lost as to what to write. I did what any modern person in this day and age would do; I pulled out my phone and started scrolling through social media! While doing so, I came across a heartfelt article about a dog being rescued from a home electrical fire; while the family was away! This led me to think about a recent blog post where I discussed fire preparation. I realized nowhere in the post did I mention our beloved pets and how we can prepare them in the case of a fire emergency. In addition to implementing the steps mentioned in the previous post for fire prevention and preparation, ASCPA lists some great suggestions to ensure our “fury” friends are prepared should a fire or emergency occur. Here are some steps I found that I overlooked but would be super resourceful in the time of a fire emergency:

• Pet-proof your home. Many times, as pet owners, we overlook potential fire hazard areas where pets could inadvertently start a fire. These forgotten areas include stove knobs, loose wires, candles, and fireplaces to name a few.
• Get a rescue alert sticker! The specific decal alerts rescue workers and public service officials that your home has pets. It generally includes information like the number of pets, veterinarian contact, and even a section if you have evacuated your pets!
• If you have to evacuate, take your pets when possible! If conditions are severe enough where the owner needs to evacuate, try to evacuate the pets in the home if permitted!

In the unfortunate event that you and your pet experience a fire or emergency, you may feel stressed or confused about how to begin the process to get your life back on track. Our caring and professional fire restoration and clean-up specialists at SERVPRO of South Durham can help guide you through the crisis and get your home back to preloss condition “Like it never even happened.”

The Right Tools To Get The Job Done

2/1/2022 (Permalink)

If you have ever had the unfortunate experience of disaster or an emergency, then you all too well that the most important aspect of the process is being able to return your life, your contents, and your dwelling to a preloss condition. Many times the preloss desired state is clouded by lengthy repair times, endless bureaucracy between departments, multiple contractors for one job, or low-quality level work. The distinguishing difference between SERVPRO of South Durham and other restoration providers is that we have built a business and service based on the ability, responsibility, and accountability to provide high-level, professional, quality results. Our ability is displayed through being able to offer our residential and commercial clients 24-hour emergency service with timely assignments that result in reduced claims and loss expenses for the impacted customer. We take responsibility for our work by deploying our highly trained and IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) certified clean-up and restoration specialists promptly to inspect and assess, remediate, and finally clean up and restore the environment to our client's satisfaction the first time! Lastly, the cleanup and restoration professionals at SERVPRO promote accountability by using proven and contingent advanced technology and techniques that establish a favorable environment for remediation and restoration. Such techniques include psychrometrics to manipulate temperature and humidity levels to produce optimum drying void of secondary damage, detection equipment to detect water intrusion or moisture levels, and extraction equipment to name a few. If you haven’t realized it by now, the reason why SERVPRO of South Durham is a better restoration and cleanup system is that “WE” are the leading restoration and cleanup specialists that possess the right tools to get the job done, “Like it never even happened.”

When It Rains, It Pours

1/28/2022 (Permalink)

The great Benjamin Franklin once said, “In wine there is wisdom, in beer there is freedom, in water there is bacteria.” If you’re a homeowner or business, one of the most timely and costly threats to your dwelling and personal belongings is the intrusion of water that will result in water damage. While most homeowners and businesses find it appropriate to bring out the mop, industrial yellow mop bucket, and residential grade fans to fix water damage; it is always most often the water you don’t see from prolonged leaky plumbing, storm water damage, or water damage from a fire that causes harmful bacteria and mold, rotting to the structure, and more importantly –  damage to your personal belongings. Forbes Advisors states, “Every year, about one in 50 homeowners will file a water damage or freezing claim, accounting for almost 24% of all homeowners insurance claims, according to the Insurance Information Institute. The average cost of water damage or freezing claim is about $10,900.” The goal to avoid costly future restoration and irrevocable damage to personal belongings is an immediate response and effective drying. Equipped with advanced water inspection, extraction, and drying equipment, a SERVPRO of South Durham water restoration specialists,  available 24 hours a day (including holidays), will be on-site, uniformed, and initiating water mitigation services within four hours of loss to offer an immediate response when your water emergency happens! Remember, the quicker the water is removed, the less costly the damage, cleanup, and restoration to your commercial or residential property “like it never even happened.”

Time Waits For No One…Especially During A Commercial Loss!

1/20/2022 (Permalink)

Recently, working as a Business Development Representative, I have had the privilege of seeing first hand, emergency clean-up and restoration jobs completed in the field. The jobs have covered a range of specialty services ranging from mold remediation to property management reconstruction, to residential deep cleaning and deodorization. However, most recently I have been exposed to far larger losses on a commercial level. Each time I have had the opportunity to be a part of a commercial loss project, it has undoubtedly been an emergency. The one thing noticed during these emergencies is that time is crucial for your clients. Whether tenants for an apartment complex, patients in your medical facility, or customers shopping in your retail environment. Time is the difference between having your establishment open for business or closed for repairs. SERVPRO of South Durham makes our commercial customer’s time and business priority by providing 24-hour emergency response to help ensure minimal business interruption for the establishment and service interruption for the customer. Our Commercial Large Loss Division, a team of elite certified technicians, are trained and ready to respond within 1 hour to the loss customer, be on-site within 4 hours, and begin cleanup/restorations services within 8 hours! An additional service that has also been found to help commercial clients maximize time, minimize loss, and create a seamless process is the ability to offer reconstruction services that provide a one-stop-shop experience for the loss customer! The reconstruction allows for single contact, expedited restoration, and an easier claims process that results in an overall more timely and seamless process for commercial loss clean up or restoration. Trust in SERVPRO of South Durham that if your establishment experiences a commercial loss, we are the professionals to quickly and professionally help your business regain control of operations "Like it never even happened."

Any Which Way the Wind Blows

1/14/2022 (Permalink)

If you have ever lived in North Carolina, have family in the state, or have been fortunate enough to visit ole Tar Heel country, then you are aware of the absolute beauty the mild weather adds to the seasons! However, with the good comes the bad! If any of the above is true, then you also know that North Carolina is no stranger to severe winter and summer weather. Currently, the Durham, NC area is bracing for a winter storm headed our way! Winter storms can present countless problems from freezing temperatures that cause leaky pipes to burst and create water damage, to strong winds and down power lines that lead to no working electricity or heat! The National Weather Service provides great tips for preparation for not only severe winter weather but severe weather for all seasons! Severe weather is all but synonymous for Eastern, NC under which the residents of South Durham fall. The CDC

offers a great guide on how your family or workplace can prepare for all types of natural disasters and severe weather as well, while at home or traveling! Some of the most important storm-ready tips to offer the reader are listed below:

Have an Emergency Ready Plan. This is a preparation tool that was developed by SERVPRO

1. for your home or work on what to do in case of an emergency or disaster. This helps your family or business minimize interruptions to daily routines, what to do and what to expect in an emergency, and most importantly provides an immediate plan of action!

2. Get your home ready. Clean your yard and make sure there’s nothing that could cause damage to your home or surrounding structures during the storm. This minimizes the cost of structural damages and casualties.

3. Be prepared to evacuate! This involves making sure that the family or business has a master emergency plan ready to implement. It involves making sure the car is ready before the storm; filling your gas tank and keeping an emergency kit in the car are all tips that help you safely evacuate. Remember to unplug all appliances, and follow recommended emergency routes if you have to evacuate your home or facility.

Lastly, in the unfortunate event, you are faced with storm damage, the professionals at SERVPRO of South Durham work around the clock 24/7 to clean up and restore your property to preloss condition, “Like it never even happened.”

New Year Fire Resolution

1/7/2022 (Permalink)

As we leave 2021 in the past and look forward to New Year resolutions for 2022, we begin the routine of preparing ourselves for the next chapter of our lives in a new year! Many of us prepare for a new fitness journey by eating healthy or prepare to purchase a new house by dialing back on unnecessary expenses. However, what steps have you taken to prepare for an unexpected fire emergency? Have you discussed with your family or team at work what to do before, during, and after a fire occurs? The American Red Cross offers great tips on preparation in the event of a fire for families. For businesses, OSHA offers resources and guides on how to prepare a business for fire safety, prevention, and preparation by OSHA standards. The most important tip any household or business can do to prepare is to make sure that every level of the structure has a fire alarm or fire alarms adequate to the square footage needed to alert all occupants in the case of a fire. Lastly, in the unfortunate event that you experience a fire emergency at home or at work, allow the professionals at SERVPRO of South Durham to get your home or business back to pre-fire condition “Like it never even happened.”

Fire Safety and Your Pet

10/11/2021 (Permalink)

Pet Fire Safety

According to an article on the American Red Cross website, the National Fire Protection Association estimates that one thousand (1000) house fires can be attributed to pets each year.  With this fact in mind they compiled a list of helpful, best practices to protect your home, your family and pet. 

• Have a Home Fire Escape Plan and include your pets. Formulating and implementing an escape plan is simple and requires little time.  Simply diagram exit and escape routes.  Create a meeting spot.  Plan for second story egress, elderly, children and pets.  Make sure everyone knows their role and responsibility.  Practice your escape plan twice a year.
• Make sure you have proper working smoke detectors. Have monitored smoke detectors that are tied to a central station.  Check batteries of detectors monthly.  Make sure all occupants of the home know the sound of the alarm.
• Place a sticker on door or window to alert fire fighters of how many pets are in the home.
• Keep pets near an exit door so they can be easily found and rescued.
• Keep pets away from open flames like candles and fire places. Never leave pet unattended where there is an open flame.
• Crate young or untrained pets to prevent them from chewing electrical wires and causing a fire.
• Remove knobs from stoves to prevent accidently turning on a stove eye.
• Keep a collar on your pet to aid in rescue if necessary.
• Prepare a disaster or displacement kit for your pets.
• Pre-plan a location to house your pets if you have a fire and are displaced.
• Never delay your escape from a burning building to save your pet.

Teaching Your Kids About Preparedness

9/24/2021 (Permalink)

Teaching Your Kids About Preparedness

September has been deemed by the United States government as National Preparedness Month.  The purpose of this month is to become educated and to prepare for disasters and emergencies such as tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, and tropical storms.  Having a plan is essential in easing the traumatic affects disasters impose on you and your family.  The weekly theme for September 19-25^th is teaching kids about preparedness. 

It is natural for children to be fearful in the midst of a traumatizing natural disaster, but preventive educational planning can ease their fears and empower them to be an asset when the time comes for the plan to be implemented.

Key questions children should know the answers to in time of an emergency are:

• Who to call- have a category in the cell phone listed- in case of emergency
• Where to meet if separated from parents or guardians
• Where the emergency kit is located
• What things to avoid

There are numerous tools including games on the Ready.gov site to teach these lessons in a fun manner.  Planning ahead is preparing to succeed.

National Preparedness Month - Are You Tech Ready?

9/21/2021 (Permalink)

National Preparedness Month - Are You Prepared?

September has been designated as National Preparedness Month, bringing awareness for the need to have an effective plan for you, your family and business in the event of an emergency or natural disaster.  Weather emergencies such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and severe thunderstorms can impact you, your family and business, through disruption of power, impassable roads due to flooding or downed trees, loss of essential services such as clean water and access to food.  Additionally, severe property damage can impact safety when the damage makes the building unsafe for habitation.   There can also be loss of communication services when cell towers are damaged.  In a concerted effort by Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) this government entity has compiled numerous resources on their site at ready.gov to inform the public how to be prepared if and when an emergency happens. 

One important category to consider in being emergency ready is planning for your technical equipment including cell phones, computers and laptops.  Several key points to consider when dealing with tech issues are:

• Text rather than call when attempting to communicate with family and loved ones. Cell towers may be overwhelmed making it easier to communicate via text as texting uses less bandwidth.
• Back up computers
• Charge your smartphone, tablets and laptops prior to the storm
• Have back up power supplies
• Scan critical documents into your computer and save to a password protected jump drive.
• Make sure to have a phone charger in your automobile.
• Find open shelters by texting SHELTER to 43362
• Sign up for the FEMA app to get weather information

Get additional information at https://www.ready.gov/get-tech-ready

Commercial Vandalism Cleanup

9/10/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial Vandalism Cleanup

A brick through a window, a discharged fire extinguisher and graffiti can have an extreme economic impact on a commercial business.  There are numerous safety issues along with the negative image it portrays and lost revenue.  In some instances cleanup of certain vandalized chemicals extends beyond the capacity of the regular maintenance staff, requiring specialized equipment and training to safely return the environment to its preloss condition.  For these reasons commercial businesses should have SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County on speed dial.

SERVPRO technicians are highly trained to deal with situations involving vandalism, including board up of broken windows, graffiti removal, mercury and fire extinguisher dust cleanup.   In addition to having the proper equipment, SERVPRO has their own product line to deal with specific situations and make the vandalized area "Like it never even happened."   Safety is the top priority along with quickly addressing the problem so the business can return to regular operations.  Quality workmanship and fair pricing are additional reasons to call SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County when a vandalism situation occurs.   We can be reached at (919) 596-1242.

Critical Actions that Every Local Employer Should Take Right Now

9/10/2021 (Permalink)

Reduce Risk, Increase Resilience, and Ensure Business Continuity During Disasters

Critical Actions that Every Local Employer Should Take Right Now

Reduce Risk, Increase Resilience, and Ensure Business Continuity During Disasters

By Katie Loovis on September 1, 2021

Presented by SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County

It’s not if, but when your business will face a disruption. Manmade and natural disasters can cause prolonged interruptions to your internet, electricity, or water supply - critical infrastructure for your business operations and success.

Providers, including Duke Energy and Orange Water and Sewer Authority (OWASA), are making significant investments to improve the continuity of your business during disasters, but what are YOU doing?

Below are critical actions that every local employer should take right now to reduce risk, increase resilience, and ensure business continuity during disasters. This list is informed with input and feedback from expert guest speakers during The Chamber’s June 2021 Risk and Resilience Forum (watch the discussion).

PREPARE NOW 

The time to prepare is now, not once the disaster happens.

There’s no such thing as being too small. Chatham County Government suffered a prolonged cyber-attack and data breach last year, our community has already navigated two very real water disruptions with severe negative local business impact (2017, 2018), and we are in hurricane season (e.g., Hurricane Ida in New Orleans).

Get clear NOW on what you will do across several very likely scenarios, including a cyber-attack and prolonged water or power outages. An investment of time and resources now will save you money and headache in the long run.

Emergency Ready Plan

Fifty percent 50% of all businesses that experience a catastrophic loss such as major water damage, (i.e.) flood or fire never reopen.  Having a plan is planning to succeed in the midst of adversity.  SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County offers an Emergency Ready Plan which compiles critical shut-offs such as electric, gas and water, along with key contacts and emergency services in a no cost app to aid business in times of crisis.  The Emergency Ready Plan or (ERP) comes with a free site assessment to locate and photo document shut-offs and install the app on computers and mobile phones.  This invaluable service allows businesses to respond quickly in the event of an emergency to minimize the economic impact and deploy needed help to get the business up and running as quick as possible.  To schedule your ERP, call 919-596-1242.

CYBER

For cyber, prevention is key. Steve Newton, Director of Emergency Management for Chatham County Government, provided a riveting first-hand account at our forum describing how he led the county’s response to a cyber-attack that involved encryption of data, ransom, and data breach in 2020 and lasted 77 days. (Watch Steve’s presentation, beginning at the 1:08:30-mark.)

Steve recommends every local business go through an exercise, called “RANP,” which is an acronym for a) Recognize, b) Alert, c) Notify, and d) Protect. You and your colleagues should ask yourselves:

• How will you recognize indictors of compromise (what system do you have in place so you will know when you are having a cyber-security incident)? Chatham County Government had devices that were monitoring traffic coming in and out of the network, which signaled a compromise.
• How will you be alerted, especially when it’s likely to take place at two in the morning?
• Who will you notify within your organization and across your network of vendors and work groups?
• What initial steps will you take to protect your network and ensure continuity of operations and mission-essential functions (like payroll). Note: unplugging everything may not be the correct answer.

Antwine Jackson, President of Enitech IT Support and Consulting, reinforced Steve’s point that hackers are smart. Antwine shared a story of a nonprofit that was compromised. The hacker lurked in the controller’s emails for 90 days before pouncing on a wire transfer process and intercepting $300,000.

Cyber security incidents are like car accidents, according to Antwine, and you’ll eventually be part of one. Five years ago, his advice would have been to have a good backup of your system. Now, that is insufficient. In addition to a backup system, the best defense is also proper employee awareness and training. Enitech recommends every employee should have:

• Password complexity,
• not use the same passwords on every platform, and
• Multifactor authentication.

Antwine also recommends organizations purchase cyber liability insurance. Our Chamber recommends you consider booking a consultation with Enitech or another IT provider for prevention support now. This is worth your time.

WATER

For water, you should know that OWASA has 400 miles of drinking water pipe with many risk factors to the supply, including aging infrastructure and potential contractor damage. According to Todd Taylor, Executive Director of OWASA, 30 years ago OWASA had approximately 50 breaks per 100 miles (or 200 breaks/year), but with strategic investments and improvements, OWASA has brought the break rate down to approximately 10 breaks per 100 miles (or 40 breaks/year). Ongoing improvements prioritize repairs for higher consequence potential breaks, but breaks are inevitable.

OWASA recommends local businesses scenario-plan for 4–6-hour periods of interrupted water supply and sewer service. Our Chamber recommends you also plan for multi-day interruptions, as happened in 2017 and 2018.

Victoria Hudson is the Environmental Health Director for Orange County Government and the Health Department is the authority that would issue a “do not drink,” “do not use,” and/or “boil” order in times of water disruption and compromise. While OWASA is working to improve their response time and isolate breaks to prevent prolonged scenarios, lengthy “do not drink” and “do not use order” were issued in 2017 and 2018, causing substantial community, healthcare, and business disruption. This worst-case scenario could happen again, and for that reason, our Chamber recommends businesses scenario plan for that as well.

The Health Department recommends local businesses establish formal variances and/or incident agreement plans with a known alternative water supply (i.e., a brewery with tanked water) to mitigate water disruptions and ensure business continuity. 

A water outage does not have to mean business closure. Contact Victoria’s office for protocols.(Watch Todd and Victoria’s remarks., which starts at the 44:25-mark)

ENERGY

For energy, you should know that the electric grid is one of the most complicated machines ever created, with millions of components that are being changed and fixed as we use it and managed often with smart technology.

Duke Energy generates the electricity from a variety of fuel sources, transmits the power to communities, and distributes it to your business (this is referred to as “end-to-end” responsibility of an integrated utility).

There are many threats to the reliability of your power, including weather, trees and animals, physical threats, and even the overall demand for energy (if it’s not properly managed). Duke Energy is investing to modernize the grid and make it more reliable. This is in line with a clarion call to improve our grid system nationwide (CNN Analysis: "It's time to pay serious attention to the power grid")

The Duke Energy director of government affairs, energy, and the environment, Mark McIntire, shared updates along with his colleague Jeff Brooks, power delivery and grid improvement communication manager. (Watch conversation with Mark and Jeff from Duke Energy, which begins at the 13:29-mark.)

If the power goes out, do you know what you will do to ensure the continuity of your business operations? As you consider emergency response items, such as a generator, you can and should also take advantage of energy saving resources. Schedule an energy saver assessment now.

CHAMBER CONNECTIONS

Overall, the relationships you build and the action steps you take now can and will help preserve and protect your business when the disaster strikes. Chamber members like Enitech IT Support and Consulting and SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County are well-equipped to help you prepare for and respond to disasters. 

Think SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County for Commercial Biohazards and Trauma

9/1/2021 (Permalink)

Biohazard or trauma emergency call SERVPRO

When most people think about SERVPRO they about water and fire damage clean up.  Although water and fire damage cleanup are the cornerstones of the brand’s service portfolio, additional services like biohazard and vandalism cleaning are specialties also provided.   A biohazard or trauma emergency can dramatically impact a commercial work environment.  Having a company that specialized in how to properly clean the structure or affected contents is paramount to safety and getting the workplace operational.

In most cases, a company’s regular janitorial staff is not equipped to properly clean biohazards and trauma which may involve toxic chemicals like mercury or bodily fluids such as blood.  There are serious health risks associated with dealing with biohazards and trauma events and proper protective gear, training procedures and disposal processes are required to restore the structure back to the condition prior to the event occurrence.  There are also state and local laws that must be followed regarding disposal to prevent significant fines and possible imprisonment. 

Should your business experience a biohazard or trauma emergency call SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County at 919-596-1242.

Can a Water Intrusion Impact Indoor Air Quality?

8/20/2021 (Permalink)

Can a Water Intrusion Impact Indoor Air Quality?

Is there a correlation between the air we breath inside our homes or workplace environments and a water intrusion?   This question has a layered answer that is dependent on how the water intrusion is handled.  

A water intrusion, for example, from a burst hot water tank in an apartment, home, or workplace that is properly mitigated will have no impact on the indoor air quality.   The key to this or any other water intrusion and its impact on the indoor air quality is totally based on how quickly the structure is dried and if it properly dried out according to IICRC S500 standards for structural drying.  A properly mitigated and dried structure not only addresses the visible water but addresses bound water that seeps behind wall boards, quarter round molding, water that seeps into drywall or walls, water trapped in studs and floor joists or water that that is trapped beneath vinyl, tile, laminate, or hardwood flooring.  When bound or trapped water is not properly mitigated, meaning dried properly, microbial, or fungal growth will occur, and the spores released from these microorganisms will have an affect on the indoor air quality.

A true professional water restoration company will use the proper moisture reading equipment to map out where the water intruded and take the necessary steps to dry the structure according the IICRC S500 standards.   Then, and only then can you be assured that the water intrusion will not lead to mold or microbial growth that will impact the indoor air quality.

SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County provides 24/7 service for any water emergency.  Call us at 919-596-1242 if your home or office has a water intrusion.

Why SERVPRO? Scalability!

8/13/2021 (Permalink)

Why SERVPRO? Scalability!

Why SERVPRO? Scalability!

Scalability is the ability to ramp up resources and manpower to meet situational demands.  Why should this matter when selecting a restoration company?  The answer is simple, when you need help you need a company that has the resources and manpower to meet your needs right then.  SERVPRO’s franchise system allows every franchise to meet their client’s individual and specific needs, by having a support system that can accommodate even the largest loss. 

An individual franchise will have the employees and equipment to handle many large losses, but when they receive a call for assistance for an extremely large-scale water emergency on a high rise building with twenty-six floors and the water damage occurs on the twenty-fifth floor affecting ten floors and over eighty rooms the neighboring SERVPRO franchises unite.  With a single call to their surrounding SERVPRO franchises the individual franchise that received the emergency call can scale up through the combined efforts of the surrounding franchises working on one accord to make that large scale water emergency, "Like it never even happened."

Additionally, SERVPRO franchises can scale up even more by calling corporate headquarters to activate a large loss response team that specializes in national emergencies.  Scalability is one of the major ways SERVPRO differs from other restoration companies.   So when you ask, Why SERVPRO?  Scalability is at the top of the list.

Ready for Whatever Happens: Power of the Commercial ERP

8/6/2021 (Permalink)

Ready for Whatever Happens: Power of the Commercial ERP

I can’t remember where I first heard this saying, “Failing to plan is planning to fail.”  When I first heard it is irrelevant compared to the truth held in the statement.  This is ever so true when it comes to commercial businesses having a plan when catastrophe strikes.  Whether it is a supply line on a toilet, a burst pipe in a wall, an activated sprinkler head, or a fire in the break room, each can have a devastating impact on business continuation.   Knowledge is power and equipping essential onsite employees with knowledge of where emergency shut offs are and how to shut off that utility to minimize property damage and decrease the economic impact is prudent.  It is also a sign of forethought to know who to call to restore your property to preloss condition.  All these things and more are easily accomplished with the SERVPRO Ready Plan.

The SERVPRO Ready Plan is a powerful application which:

• Documents critical information in the event of an emergency
• Identifies the chain of command for work authorization
• Provides facility details such as shut-off valves, priority areas and pertinent contact information.
• Establishes your local SERVPRO franchise as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.
• It is a 100% free mobile application that works on both Android and Apple platforms. Facility assessment and set-up in a no cost service provided by your local SERVPRO franchise.

Call SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County to get your Emergency Ready Plan in place.  (919) 596-1242

Inherited Hoarder Home – How Can SERVPRO Help?

8/6/2021 (Permalink)

Inherited Hoarder Home – How Can SERVPRO Help?

There have been numerous instances where a realtor or new recipient of an inherited property that needs help with the massive accumulation of contents inside the dwelling, calls to inquire if SERVPRO can help. The answer to these inquiries is a resounding - “yes.”  SERVPRO provides debris removal, pack out services, cleaning and restoration services.  There are unique issues and concerns that make dealing with a hoarder situation a specialty service such as safety, biohazards, molds, pests and malodors. 

Safety is the first priority in dealing with any hoarder situation.  During the initial assessment all safety measures are addressed to keep SERVPRO technicians safe and to assure that once work is complete the property will be safe of the perils we are contracted to address. 

Biohazards are common in hoarder situations due to unsanitary conditions caused due to trash accumulation, human and pet fecal matter, and pest infestations.  Deceased animal carcasses are sometimes found in hoarder homes.

Mold is also common in hoarder homes due to unaddressed water intrusions, and high humidity due blocked ventilation because of the accumulation of items preventing air flow and proper dehumidification.

With the large accumulation of contents coupled with unaddressed home maintenance and unsanitary conditions make the home attractive to pests such as bugs and rodents.  SERVPRO is not in the pest control business, but we are happy to refer a qualified pest control specialist or hire a company ourselves and include their services in our estimate. 

Finally, malodors will be addressed so the property can smell fresh once the other issues have been addressed.

SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County is the company to call in the North Carolina Triangle if you inherit a property that has hoarder issues which must be addressed prior to being able to be safely occupied or sold.  Call us at 919-596-1242.

Choose SERVPRO for Document Restoration

7/23/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO's Document Restoration

One of the most valuable items to suffer damage in a flood, sewage intrusion or other water damage is the damage to documents such as books, paper files, photos and artwork.  In a commercial business setting catastrophic damage to corporate records and client files can have a far greater impact on the businesses survival in the aftermath of a catastrophe that the replacement of brick and mortar.  Artwork and photos are often one of a kind making both their sentimental valuable as in some cases true dollar value extremely high.  This is where SERVPRO is here to help with customized document restoration services.

• SERVPRO Corporate has a state of the art facility that utilizes vacuum freeze drying to preserve documents as well gamma irradiation process for sterilization.
• All documents are managed by HIPPA certified technicians and documents are secured and under 24 hour surveillance.
• All documents are properly computer inventoried and digitized
• Documents are dried, sterilized and digitized.

When your documents are at risk due to a water damage catastrophe contact SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County at (919)596-1242.

Do You Have a Home Fire Safety Plan?

7/16/2021 (Permalink)

Do You Have a Home Fire Safety Plan?

Do You Have a Home Fire Safety Plan?

Having a home fire safety plan could be the difference between life and death in a fire emergency.  Although most people agree to the importance of having a plan, sadly; they fail to have one for themselves.  Too often, people allow the tasks of daily living to stand in the way of putting a plan in place.  The goal of this this post is to show readers that it is quick, simple, and invaluable as well as to inspire readers to take the necessary action to implement a plan.  Here’s how to do it:

• Draw a simple floor plan of the home.
• Label all exit points
• Establish a meeting location for all occupants of the home
• Check smoke detectors to make sure they are working properly
• Make provisions for small children and elderly family members in the home
• Practice your drill, and make sure everyone gets out within two minutes
• Have two ways to exit all rooms if possible, this may mean purchasing a fire escape ladder
• Practice using the fire ladder with everyone
• Practice getting low and crawling to safety
• Practice the plan during different times of the day and night and at least twice a year
• Teach children over the age of six to get to safety without adult supervision and to meet at the established meeting location.
• Teach children to never go back inside a burning home
• Post your plan by the exit doors

Now go out and do it, so that the next time you asked if you have a home fire escape plan you can confidently say, “Yes”.

Investigating Smoke Odors for Deodorization

7/9/2021 (Permalink)

Investigating Smoke Odors for Deodorization

A pot of food left unattended on a stove that catches fire or a food item left too long in the oven that burns creates a significantly obtrusive malodor, that the household occupants desire to be quickly removed.  Odors can be stubborn and long-lingering, requiring specialized solutions to successfully remove.

The first thing a successful odor removal specialist must investigate regarding a malodor is to determine the source of the odor.  It may seem simple and straight forward but knowing the source requires more than just knowing where it occurred.  Successful analysis requires locating what materials were affected, and where all smoke particulates and residue went.

Smoke residue is responsible for odors that linger and cannot be successfully masked long term with chemical sprays.   An odor removal specialist will use chemical sponges and search areas beyond just the room of origination.  If the AC unit was operating they will check all rooms to determine if there is smoke residue.  If The AC Unit was off they will check to see if doors were closed or open.  If they were open they will analysis those rooms to determine if there is any residue.  The will check the returns, vents, furniture and electronics, and wall coverings.  Smoke residue can cause significant damage to items including discoloration, and system malfunctions along with odors.  There are also health considerations that must be taken into consideration when certain items burn that are carcinogens.  Removing harmful particulates that remain suspended in the air are also a consideration to a trained odor removal specialist. 

If you have had a fire, that has resulted in an obnoxious odor that air fresheners can’t remove, call SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County for a professional analysis at 919-596-1242.

Why Realtors Need SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County

7/1/2021 (Permalink)

For Sale Homes Need SERVPRO

Home sales are big business and the 2021 market is extremely lucrative for sellers and real estate agents.  With demand high and property inventory low, sellers regularly see bidding wars over their property with the winners paying significantly above the asking price.  This is only the case with properties that are market ready, with no issues to drive the list price down.  This is why local agents in Durham, Orange, Alamance, Chatham and Wake Counties need to align themselves with the services of SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County.  Top areas that realtors may encounter during a home inspection or onsite property assessment that could diminish the asking price are mold growth, pet, nicotine, other malodors, and water damage. 

Mold or fungal growth is often discovered in areas where there was water damage or areas where there is high humidity and stale air with little to no air circulation, such as attics, crawlspaces, and cabinets and closets.  Mold growth is a huge concern to buyers due to the associated health risks.  SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County is a certified mold remediation company which will both estimate and remediate any mold according to the IICRC S520standard for mold remediation.

Odor Mitigation: Odors can easily repel potential buyers.  Some of the most common odors are pet odors, smoke or nicotine odors and other malodors such as cooking odors and mustiness.  Our team understands the proper processes used to eradicate different odors in a cost effective way so the property can be sold at the highest price point.

Water Damage:  Sudden and unexpected water intrusions have occurred during a home sale and SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County has been there to mitigate the damage and save the day.  Also a discovered preexisting leak will require proper drying, which is also our forte. 

No matter the size, big or small one call does it all.  Call SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County at (919) 596-1242 to keep your list price at the highest justifiable level. 

Understanding Smoke Detectors

6/30/2021 (Permalink)

Understanding Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors in a home or commercial setting can mean the difference between life and death.  A fire can double in size in seconds, making a proper first alert system a critical component in life safety.  There are two types of smokes detectors, ionization and photoelectric smoke sensors  

Ionization smoke detectors are most effective in the detection of a flaming fire.  Ionization detection alarms function by ionizing the air between two electrically charged plates containing small amount of radioactive material.  The ionized air under normal conditions freely flows between the two plates.  When smoke enters it disrupts the current causing the detector to alarm. 

Photoelectric smoke detectors are best at detecting smoldering fires.  Photoelectric smoke detectors operate by aiming a light source away from the sensing chamber in the detector.  When smoke enters the sensing chamber it diverts the light into the sensing chamber triggering the alarm.

The most effective smoke detector is the one that is in operation.  The combination of both ionization and photoelectric smoke detectors is the most effective method of being prepared for both a smoldering and flaming fires.  It is important to make sure your detectors are operating properly.  Make sure that you change the backup battery inside the detector when you hear the detector beeping or chirping.  Also make sure the red light on the detector is on, which means it is working.

Immediate Action Steps for Homeowners with a Water Intrusion from a Clean Source

6/2/2021 (Permalink)

Water Damaged Residence in Chapel Hill, NC

You inadvertently left the water running in the tub and it overflows onto the flooring in the bathroom, hallway and into the bedroom.  You recognize your mistake as you step onto the soaked carpet.  Your mind is racing; your heart rate is elevated. What do you do now?

• First shut off the water at the source to prevent additional damage.
• Turn the circuit breakers off to cut the power to affected rooms to prevent electric shock.
• Get up as much excess water as possible through moping or a shop vacuum.
• Call SERVPRO to start the mitigation process.
• Call your insurance company to start a claim.
• Put wood block or aluminum foil under the legs of furniture to prevent damage.
• Remove paintings and art to a safe dry area. Also remove any valuables from the area
• Hang drapes with coat hangers to keep them from absorbing water from wet carpet and flooring.

The key to mitigating any water intrusion is timeliness. Don’t panic.  Take the steps above and know that everything will be okay because SERVPRO will make it "Like it never even happened."

Tips for Safe Summer Grilling

5/27/2021 (Permalink)

Safe Summer Grilling

The aroma and taste of grilled food signals the arrival of summer.  With Memorial Day weekend quickly approaching, now is a good time to review tips for safe grilling.  According to statistics listed on the National Fire Protection Association website 7 out of 10 adults own a grill.  Between 2014 and 2018 fire departments responded to an average of 8900 fire calls involving grills with 3900 being structure fires.  Safety is essential to prevent accidental injury, property damage and even death.  Follow these simple tips to assure all your grilling events will have a favorable and safe outcome.

• All grilling, with charcoal or propane should be done outside and safely away from structures that could catch fire to include the house, deck railing, eaves of home and overhanging branches.
• Open grill cover before lighting
• Practice safety with lighter fluid. Do not use too much, and when lighting do not get too close, use a newspaper or paper to safely keep distance.
• Only use charcoal lighter fluid to start coals. Never use gasoline or any other flammable liquid.
• Keep children and pets a minimum of three feet away from the grill.
• Never leave the grill unattended.
• Always make sure your grill is cleaned of all fat and grease to prevent excessive flames.
• If you have a propane grill, make sure there are no leaks in the tank or connections.
• Never leave the grill unattended
• Allow coals to completely cool before removing them. Place removed, cooled down coals into a metal can for proper disposal.

The Correlation between Primary and Secondary Water Damage

5/25/2021 (Permalink)

Water Damaged Residence

Any water intrusion that occurs within a home or commercial building has an immediate effect on building materials and can potentially have a secondary effect as well.  The immediate impact a water intrusion has on building materials is known as primary damage.  Primary water damage is caused by the direct impact of water on the building material.   Secondary water damage is caused by the impact that water has on the material over time. 

An example of primary water damage is discoloration of a building material when it comes in contact with water.  Another example of primary damage is the crumbling of plaster or drywall due to water saturation. 

An example of secondary water damage is the loss of structural integrity and microbial growth.  Wood when it stays wet for an extended period will rot and organic building materials when they are exposed to water over an extended period, as little as seventy-two hours, will develop mold or microbial growth.

Even when the water is not in direct contact with the materials the moisture content in the air can cause secondary damage to hygroscopic or water loving, building materials.  Elevated humidity or humidity levels in excess of 60% are conducive to mold growth which will impact porous or hygroscopic building materials like drywall, carpet, and wood.  For the aforementioned reasons, proper mitigation is an urgent necessity.  A professional water damage company can help minimize the damage caused by a water intrusion and prevent secondary damage by establishing a proper drying system.  If you experience a water intrusion, call SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County at 919-596-1242.

Extraction and Dehumidification

5/21/2021 (Permalink)

Water Damage to ceiling

A burst pipe pumps gallons of water onto your floors and the walls and ceiling.  Mopping up the water is not enough to remove all the water.  Shop vacuuming the water is also not enough to adequately remove the amount of water that is damaging the home.  Professional water mitigation is necessary to properly extract the standing water and then implement the proper evaporation system to remove water that has been absorbed into building materials and contents. 

Removal of certain materials may also be necessary to remove bound water that is trapped behind molding or underneath vinyl or laminate flooring.  Another important element of proper water damage restoration is to create a balanced drying system which utilizes proper airflow to create evaporation along with dehumidification to remove the evaporated water.  Utilizing the science of structural drying assures that the building materials will dry quickly and efficiently to prevent secondary damage such as mold growth.  Water damage restoration is not a do it yourself project and should be left to properly trained professionals like SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County.  If you have a water damage event don’t hesitate to call 919-596-1242.

North Carolina Hurricane Preparedness Week

5/13/2021 (Permalink)

Inland Flooding of home from hurricane

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has declared the week of May 9, 2021 through May 15, 2021, Hurricane preparedness week.  Hurricane season is from August to October, but hurricanes have occurred as early as May and as late as November.  The National Weather Service along with North Carolina Department of public safety wants all North Carolinians to fully be prepared in the event that a hurricane hits our state.  They have designated a specific topic area of preparedness for each day of the week during hurricane preparedness week.

Day of The Week

Topics

Sunday

Determine Your Risk

Monday

Develop an Evacuation Plan/Storm Surge

Tuesday

Assemble Disaster Supplies/High Winds

Wednesday

Get an Insurance Checkup/Inland Flooding

Thursday

Strengthen Your Home/Tornadoes

Friday

Help Your Neighbor/Rip Currents

Saturday

Complete a Written Plan

The information for each topic area can be found at https://www.weather.gov/rah/2021nchpw

One important takeaway is that all areas of North Carolina from the coast to the mountains are susceptible to the impacts of a hurricane.  There are five areas of impact, with coast being at risk for storm surge, high winds, and tornadoes. The central part of the state could be impacted from freshwater flooding, high winds and tornadoes and the mountains could be impacted from tornadoes and flash floods due to heavy rain.   Having a plan in place is a key to weathering the impact of a hurricane.  It only takes a few a short amount of time to get informed and to make the necessary preparations.  Remember that failing to plan is planning to fail.

What is a Category 3 Water Intrusion

4/30/2021 (Permalink)

Category3 water damage in flooded home

A water intrusion where the water is grossly contaminated is referred to in the water mitigation and restoration industry as a Category 3 water intrusion.  Highly contaminated water is extremely unsanitary, carries pathogens which are disease causing.  Another term for Category 3 water is black water.  A Category 3 water intrusion can originate from a toilet discharge that originates beyond the toilet trap.    This is known as sewage and originates from the septic system.  Another lesser known Category water intrusion can come from the surface of ground water that intrudes inside a building.  This type of water is mostly seen in flood waters, but can occur from a large rain or thunderstorm where water intrudes inside the structure. 

 Due to the health effects of a Category 3 water intrusion, restorers must wear appropriate proper protective equipment to protect themselves from the health effects associated with mitigating this type of water intrusion.  Safety is not only important for the restorer but also for the occupants of the building.  People with compromised immune systems, young children and the elderly are at higher risk to suffering health related effects by coming in contact with Category 3 water.

In order to properly mitigate a category 3 water intrusion all porous materials must be removed which includes, carpet, underlayment or pad, drywall, and insulation.  Proper cleaning solutions that kill microorganisms and pathogens must be used to sanitize the surface of all nonporous materials.  Category 3 water intrusions are not to be taken lightly and should be reserved for professionals. 

SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County Celebrates Final 4 Team Challenge Winners

4/21/2021 (Permalink)

Final 4 Team Challenge Winners. Kevin Cook State Farm, Johnny Spillman State Farm, All About Insurance

SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County brought March Madness to their marketing campaign with their first ever Final 4 Team Challenge contest.  Contestants, representing local centers of influence that are a part of the company’s recurring marketing routes were invited to participate by submitting their picks of four teams they thought would reach the 2021 NCAA Final Four from the official NCAA selection bracket.  Then they would pick two winners from their final four selections, and then choose a winner.   Finally, they would predict a final score.  Submissions were made online.  What made the contest unique was that each contestant represented their entire office, which meant that if any member of their team won. The entire office won.  This made it a true team challenge.

The contest had a first, second and third place winners.   The winners received lunch for their entire team from a local establishment.  The winners of the 2021 SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County Final Four Challenge are:

• First Place- Julian Coleman and The Kevin Cooke State Farm Agency- which received lunch at the iconic Merritt’s Grill in Chapel Hill, NC
• Second Place- Johnny Spillman of the Johnny Spillman State Farm Agency- which chose Chipotle Mexican Grill in Chapel Hill, NC
• Third Place- Rebecca Carpenter of All About Insurance- which chose Jersey Mike’s of Chapel Hill, NC

The Baylor Bears had their shining moment by cutting down the nets as national champions, but each of our challenge winners and all that participated are winners in our eyes; and make shining moments through their company through their service to the community.

SERVPRO Is there in the time of storm

4/12/2021 (Permalink)

Storm Water Damage in Home

Whenever a massive storm impacts a city, town or state SERVPRO is there to help.  The impact of tornadoes, hurricanes, and major freeze events cause catastrophic damage to homes and businesses, disrupting families and adversely affecting the economy.   With over 1700 franchises nationwide and a national storm team, SERVPRO is positioned to help rebuild communities.  The major winter freeze event that hit the state of Texas is no different.  SERVPRO’s national storm team, along with franchises across the country is on the ground, drying out homes, remediating mold and providing reconstruction services.  

With large amounts of equipment and well-trained project managers, crew-chiefs and technicians SERVPRO is making a significant difference throughout the state.  SERVPRO crews are accustomed to working with insurance carriers and homeowners.  Customer service is paramount, as SERVPRO lives up to its motto, of making it "Like it never even happened." 

Whether it is a large scale storm impacting a large area or a small micro burst impacting a localized area, SERVPRO is here to help. 

Does it take that many fans to dry my home?

4/8/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County Water Damage Restoration Training

A supply line ruptures on a toilet and affects the bathroom, the adjoining room, hallway, and another bedroom.   SERVPRO is called to remediate the damage.  The homeowner, having never experienced a water damage situation, is shocked that so much equipment is placed in the home to dry the structure.  The burning question, the elephant in the room, is does it really take that much equipment to dry the structure, or is SERVPRO attempting to escalate the bill?  The answer to that question is that it does take that much equipment, and there is science and a standard to validate each piece of equipment.

Homeowners can be assured that SERVPRO, in placing equipment to dry a home is not, and will not attempt to place more equipment in a home than is required.  SERVPRO follows the industry standards for drying established by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) in the industry standard known as the S500.   This standard is used by all certified water mitigation specialist.  The standard is based on a science of dry called psychrometrics.  The application of psychrometrics by industry professionals is to dry the structure as quickly as possible and prevent additional damage such as mold growth, delamination of carpet, cupping of hardwoods and numerous other secondary damages that can be caused by water absorption into materials.  The standard used for drying is used by all insurance companies and adjusters and must be followed by restorers doing work for their insured.  This is verified by way of a drying log.  SERVPRO uses a system called DryBook that tells crew chiefs and technicians exactly how much equipment to place in a given area based on the percentage of affected area in a room.   This assures that each job is done according to standard. 

SERVPRO makes that drying log available to not only the insurance adjuster but the homeowner as well.  SERVPRO is transparent in its process and desires to keep happy customers willing to pay.  Although water damage is traumatic and disruptive, SERVPRO will make it "Like it never even happened."

Why the First 48 Matters..

4/8/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Durham Water Damage timeline to avoid Mold growth

You may have heard of the ground-breaking television show, The First 48, where homicide detectives in major cities race to apprehend killers in the first 48 hours after the crime is discovered.  In the realm of water damage the first 48 hours are also extremely critical.

Imagine this real life scenario; a bathroom sink is left running with the plunger fully depressed.   The water overflows onto the counter down the vanity, onto the tile floor, and proceeds into the carpeted hallway, and begins to intrude into the living space below, affecting the ceiling and walls.   The mess is discovered a few hours later when the homeowner returns from the store.   What the homeowner does next is critical to minimizing the affects this water damage will have on the home and its contents. 

Time is of the essence.   If the homeowner tries to handle it himself by only shop vacuuming the water up, running some home fans and an in home dehumidifier, the situation can easily go from bad to worst.  This is because what started as a Category 1 water loss, (a water loss originating from a clean source) has now turned into a Category 2 (a loss with significant chemical, biological or physical contamination).  Without the proper extraction methods, demolition processes and drying protocols secondary damage will occur when water remains in contact with the structure and its contents for an extended period of time.  These damages can include swelling of furniture, mold growth, delamination of carpet, and cupping and crowning of floors. 

The first 24 to 48 hours are essential in the mitigation process and in the reduction of cost. 

To properly mitigate your water damage situation call the professionals at SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County at 919-596-1242.

Preparing for Inclement Weather

3/19/2021 (Permalink)

Preparing for Inclement Weather - Storm Damage, Flooding and Water Damage

You can’t stop storms from occurring but you can have a plan when inclement weather strikes.   As springtime ushers in warmer weather and the budding of flowers, it is also a time for storms.  Severe weather can come in the form of thunderstorms, hurricanes, tornadoes and flooding.  Each of these events can pose a serious threat to human life and property.   An action plan entails:

• Having a safe place to go in event of a tornado, such as a basement, interior closet, or if caught outside in a low lying ditch. Never stay in a mobile home.  Stay away from windows.
• Fully charge your cell phone prior to the storm event
• Have a back-up power source to charge your phone
• Have a severe weather alert on your cell phone to provides up to the minute storm news
• Have flashlights and batteries
• Have an adequate supply of bottled water and nonperishable food.
• Have a portable radio and a fully charged cell phone.
• Pull out cash from the bank prior to the event to be able to make purchases if necessary.
• Fill your car with gas prior to the event.
• Have provisions for pets

Most importantly stay safe.

SERVPRO is Hero Ready!

3/12/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is Hero Ready!

When your home is in need of a hero due to water or fire damage, SERVPRO technicians and crew chiefs are here to answer the call.  Proper assessment, the right action plan, the correct equipment, adherence to safety, proper documentation and insurance paperwork are key ingredients to making sure your household emergency can be mitigated and restored professionally.  To make sure the highest level of professionalism and onsite quality of workmanship is uniform across all SERVPRO franchises nationwide, SERVPRO Head Quarters or (HQ) has created a comprehensive training program for all production technicians and crew chiefs called the HeroReady Program. 

The HeroReady program takes production technicians and crew chiefs through and online training program that consist of over twenty hours of ready and testing to prepare them for real world applications.  They learn the essentials of safety on the jobsite.  They are taught the key principals of water and fire mitigation.  Advanced training modules provide lessons in Textile cleaning and content management along with more in depth training on water and fire restoration as well as mold remediation.   The HeroReady platform created a foundation of knowledge that enables SERVPRO technicians and crew chiefs to be the heroes you need in an emergency.

Why is Mold on Your Ceiling?

3/5/2021 (Permalink)

Why is Mold on Your Ceiling?

You observe an unsightly discoloration on the ceiling of your home.  It is relatively small in size so you add it the list of things to care of in the near future.  Because you know that it is there, you can’t help but look at it each time you walk in the room.  Over the next few weeks you identify that there are several other spots of discoloration and the initial one appears to have grown in size.  What is it, and should you be concerned?   If you smell a musty odor in the room that the discoloration is located in, it is almost certainly due to fungal growth, a.k.a. mold.  With this being said, this is something you should definitely be concerned with.

The presence of water-born molds in an indoor environment create a situation where the indoor air quality is compromised, and can cause health effects in people that have mold sensitivity or respiratory issues.  The best course of action to deal with the problem is to identify the source of the problem and have it corrected.   Mold or fungal growth on a ceiling is most commonly the result of a water intrusion.  If there is a floor above the ceiling where the discoloration is located it is often the result of a pipe leak.  If there is no flooring, above, but the attic, the likely culprit could be the roof.  However, there are other ways water intrusions can occur as well, which is why a trained professional should do a proper assessment.  

Once the source of the moisture intrusion is corrected, have a certified mold remediator, like SERVPRO® of South Durham and Orange County, assess the situation and create a remediation plan.  During the assessment, moisture readings will be taken of building surfaces where there could be hidden moisture that could result in more fungal growth.  The remediation plan will address removing the mold safely according to industry standards established by the IICRC and drying of any remaining building materials.  Additionally, relative humidity readings will be taken to make sure that there is not too much humidity in the source location, which would create conditions for further growth. Mold removal should be done by a professional remediator, according to the standards to prevent cross contamination due to improperly transferring of mold spores throughout the building environment. 

If you suspect that you have a mold issue, call SERVPRO® of South Durham and Orange County at (919) 596-1242.

Mold Vs. Mildew

2/25/2021 (Permalink)

Mold Vs. Mildew

The word mildew is often thrown around as an interchangeable reference to mold; however, although they are both microscopic fungi, they are different species.  It is the difference in the species that makes all the difference as it relates to toxicity.  Commonly seen mold in a bathroom that grows in a flat pattern is most likely mildew.   As with all fungi or mold, they are attracted to areas of excessive moisture where they can feed on organic substances, such as wood, drywall, dead skin cells, etc...  Mold in the bathroom is understandable if the excess moisture from showering is not properly ventilated out.   An adequate bathroom ceiling fan is an efficient means of controlling moisture as is running a dehumidifier.  If you observe a small amount of flat growth mold on your bathroom shower door or in the caulking, it can easily be treated with common products purchased from your local hardware store.

If the growth pattern is different, with dark discolorations on ceiling or walls, or discoloration showing through vinyl flooring, it is indicative of a larger moisture problem, and a different species of mold.  A mold remediation specialist like SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County can properly address the moisture issue and remediate the mold in a safe manner according to standards established by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).  This will assure that your home or work place is returned to a state of normal fungal ecology.

SERVPRO® of South Durham & Orange County Celebrates Random Acts of Kindness Week

2/22/2021 (Permalink)

Random Acts of Kindness Week

Community Involvement is one of the core values of SERVPRO® of South Durham & Orange County, this commitment to service was on full display this week in the company’s first ever “Random Acts of Kindness Week.”  The idea to show appreciation to the community for an entire week came from Amelia Jackson, our Business Development Manager.  Enlisting willing participants from every department, the company was able to provide:

• Backpacks filled with toiletries for The Durham Crisis Response Center – Thank you to Bobby Gatewood (Crew Chief)
• Surprise Diaper Dollars given to lucky discoverers at local retailers who found $ (money) taped to the bottom of a few diaper packs – anonymously placed by Anthony Whitis (Production Manager) and Bryan Brink (Crew Chief).
• Letters to our new Pen Pals at a local Assisted Care Facility – delivered by Paul Richardson (Crew Chief), written by Jim McNeely and his fiancé (Orange County Business Development Representative), Holly Corbett (Accounting) and Amelia Jackson.
• Gift Bags delivered to Chapel Hill/Carrboro School Administration for teacher appreciation – delivered by Irene Acosta (Production Manager) and Jim McNeely (Orange County Business Development Representative)
• Gift Bags delivered to UNC Hospital Hillsborough Campus – delivered by Jim McNeely (Orange County Business Development Representative)
• Lunch provided to local Durham Fire Station – Amelia Jackson

For photos of this spectacular week head to The SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County Facebook page!

Why SERVPRO of South of Durham and Orange County? Because we have superwoman Yvonne Underwood

2/12/2021 (Permalink)

Congratulations Yvonne - Employee of the Year 2020

The “H” in the Acronym (H.A.B.I. T.C), which defines values SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County employees strive to follow, stands for happy customers willing to pay.   Satisfying the most demanding clients in the fluid, ever changing world of mitigation and restoration is not an easy task.  It requires being able to juggle numerous clients and personnel at once, along with having super other worldly customer service skills and no one does it with the style, grace and composure of our office manager- Yvonne Underwood.  

Yvonne is a true gem in every way pertaining to the core values of the company.  Each and every day she arrives early, with a positive attitude and work ethic like a green beret, ready to protect the SERVPRO brand.   Her excellence culminated in her being named the Employee of the Year.  This is an honor reserved for the best of the best in the company, as recognized by their peers.   Yvonne’s service, commitment and contribution made her the runaway choice for the 2020 Employee of the Year.

Yvonne has been with SERVPRO of South of South Durham and Orange County for four years and the company has reaped the rewards from day one.   Along with the cash prize and the prominent plaque, immortalizing her accomplishment she will also get some well-deserved time off.   Finally, Yvonne serves as an example of the remaining company values as well; “A” she achieves goals.  “B” she strives to be the best and is!  “I” stands for being safe- is at her core.  “T” which stands for team-work is what she does best.  “C” is for community involvement.  Yvonne is at the front of the line to assist the company in corporate projects such as the food drive we did in November.  In answering the question, why SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County, when you have a water damage situation- think no further than our very own super woman-Yvonne Underwood.

Clogged Gutters and Water Damage

2/10/2021 (Permalink)

Clogged Gutters and Water Damage

A painted seamless gutter on a house is aesthetically pleasing to eye and adds to a home’s curb appeal, but gutters serve a greater purpose than looks when it comes to protecting your home from water damage. 

Gutters are designed to transport rain water from the roof to the downspouts and away from the home.  A gutter system that becomes clogged with leaves and debris such twigs, and nuts can lead to significant damage to a home.  Most people don’t realize the large volume of rain water that is moved by the gutters.  Every square foot of the roof collects six gallons of water in 1 inch of rainfall.   1800 square feet of roof transports a staggering 10,800 gallons per inch of rain.  When the gutter becomes clogged the water can only flow over the sides, or back up behind the gutter, causing damage to the fascia and roof deck boards.  When these areas get wet it can lead to leaks, mold and long term wood rot.  

Water Damage due to clogged gutters is not limited to just rainwater, a clogged gutter can also lead to ice damning in the winter.  This is where the water in the gutter track freezes, and pushes the shingles up as it expands when it freezes.  When it melts the roof deck and or ceiling of the home becomes wet.  

To prevent water damage from clogged gutters it vital that the gutters be cleaned of debris.  Another solution is to have gutter guards or caps placed on the gutters to eliminate anything other than water from entering the gutter. 

If you are experiencing water damage due to a clogged gutter system, SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County can help once the gutter system has been cleaned, by properly drying the structure and performing any necessary mold remediation.

'Twas the Night before Christmas Fire Safety Style

12/22/2020 (Permalink)

Merry Christmas

‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house

The only thing that was stirring was a lone stray mouse

That chewed the house wire

And started a fire.

At that moment appeared Jolly Saint Nick-

who extinguished the fire ever so quick.

He placed the presents one by one

 then left some fire tips before he was done.

He sat at the table and began to write

An overloaded outlet came to sight,

This is a No, No and should not be.

The shimmering holiday lights were a sight to see,

But make sure there is water in the base of the tree.

As he finished his cookies he left a new fire alarm

To alert the family of any imminent harm.

A final gift was a trap for the mouse,

as he wiggled his nose and departed the house.

Merry Christmas and to all a good night

As he rode in his sleigh and flew out of sight.

Merry Christmas from SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County

Is there a connection between COVID-19 outbreaks and your sewer water?

12/14/2020 (Permalink)

Wash Hands

Even though a COVID-19 vaccine was just approved on Saturday, Deceember12, 2020 mass distribution to the general public won’t likely occur until the spring of 2021 and COVID-19 virus infections and death totals continue to rise. The State of North Carolina is currently under a stay at home curfew from 10:00 pm until 5:00 am. The Center for Disease Control continues to research not only how to limit the spread of the virus but also key indicators as to where a flare up may be imminent. In a recent article on the CDC website entitled, For COVID-19 Clues, Researchers Look to the Sewer, the question addressing the relationship between your sewer water and COVID-19 outbreaks was investigated.

In this article, CDC microbiologist Amy Kirby and Environmental Engineer Mia Mattioli discovered that the COVID-19 virus could be detected in contaminated water and by testing sewer water, and the amount of virus detected in the water was an indicator of whether an outbreak was likely in the community where the water was tested.

'When people get infected with COVID-19, pieces of the virus can be found in feces. So when researchers like Mia and Amy find those bits of virus in sewer water, “we know there’s somebody in that community who has COVID-19,” Mia says.

By taking many samples over time, they can watch whether the amount of virus in those samples is going up or down. That might tell local health departments whether an outbreak is getting better or worse—or provide an extra insight when other data are murky.

“The trends in the sewage concentration have been shown to be a leading indicator in numbers of cases,” Mia says. “When the number of COVID-19-positive samples in sewage go up, 3 to 7 days later, the number of reported cases go up.”'

The compelling extrapolation that can be deduced from this article is that cleaning and disinfecting bathrooms and proper hand washing is essential to limit the spread of the virus. This is especially important as the holiday shopping season is in full swing; businesses must be proactive in cleaning and patrons must be extra vigilant as they wash their hands after using the rest room and should not assume that the person that went before them used proper hygiene. Therefore they should use a paper towel to open the door to exit or find an alternative to open the door without using their hands. Safety must be always practiced in order to keep both us and everyone in our community safe.

SERVPRO of South Durham & Orange County is dedicated to being involved in our community.

12/4/2020 (Permalink)

Community Involvement

SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County has served the Triangle area of North Carolina for over twenty years and community involvement has always been an important core value of the company. Brad Armstrong, franchise owner, from the company’s inception established a core value system where giving back to the community was a critical pillar of what he wanted the company to be known for. To him, he wanted to support good causes that served those in need, in the community that supported him, his family and employees. As a way of passing on the spirit of giving to the company’s employees, each employee gets one paid volunteer day a year. In addition, the company has collective causes that have supported The Ronald McDonald House, Share Your Christmas, and the Food Bank of Central North Carolina.

Most recently, the company spearheaded a Thanksgiving Food Drive promoting The North Carolina Food Bank of Central North Carolina with Feeding America. Along with business leaders in Durham and Orange Counties over 1,500 pounds of food was generated to provide meals for those facing food insecurity. This month as the Christmas season is now in full swing, our efforts are to provide holiday gifts and food for at risk children through the Share Your Christmas project which is cosponsored by the Volunteer Center of Greater Durham, Durham County Department of Social Services, The Herald Sun and the Foster Parents Association. Have a cause you are passionate about, or looking to see what we are up to this month? Contact us at (919) 596-1242 or head to facebook.com/SERVPROSouthDurham

Thanksgiving and Fire Safety

11/23/2020 (Permalink)

Thanksgiving and Fire Safety

Thanksgiving is a special holiday that celebrates good food, family, fun and fires.  Thanksgiving Day is the number #1 day in which home fires occur and 87% of those fires are cooking related.  In order to make your Thanksgiving fire free, safety must be a priority.  Here are several key tips you can easily implement.

• Make sure your cooking apparatuses are clean. Clean the eyes of the stove to remove potential debris that could catch fire.  Clean the oven to remove any spill overs which could become flammable.
• Make sure cooking apparatuses are in good working order. Make sure there are no electrical shorts or frayed wires.
• Never plug cooking devices into an extension cord
• Never leave food unattended
• Be vigilant- when cooking don’t become distracted where you are not closely watching items that are cooking. An engaging conversation, either on the phone or in person can cause a distraction that could allow a situation to flare up which could have been prevented.
• Keep flammable items away from cooking surfaces.
• Make sure electrical cords are outside of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep pets outside of the cooking area
• Never overload outlets
• Deep fry turkeys outside and sufficiently away from the home.
• Make sure turkey is thawed all the way prior to placing it in the oil to prevent splatter which could cause burn injury.
• Keep a fire extinguisher in close proximity to your cooking area.

Moisture Mapping, What is it and Why Does It Matter?

11/13/2020 (Permalink)

Water Damage

Moisture Mapping, what is it and why does it matter when you have a water damage emergency? In a water loss situation, it not just the water that is seen that can cause significant damage to a property and its contents, but also the unseen water, that is not visible to the naked eye that can cause serious damage. Moisture mapping is the detailed process to identify all areas of water migration, using specialty tools to detect the moisture content of building materials, so they can be dried properly.

Improper drying due to unseen and undetected water can cause mold as well as rot if the materials stay wet for an extended period of time. This is often most evident in a situation such as a bathroom or kitchen where a water damage occurs. A supply line to the toilet or a water line to an ice maker breaks and flows onto the tile or vinyl flooring. It is quickly detected by the homeowner. They are able to stop the water flow and proceed to get the water up with towels and a shop vacuum. Due to their lack of understanding the migration pattern of water and moisture mapping, they think the job is done. Within a few days or weeks they notice a musty smell or observe discoloration on the flooring. It is then they call for a mold assessment. During the initial water loss, moisture mapping was crucial to detect water that had migrated behind baseboards, under flooring, inside wall cavities, behind cabinet kick plates or had migrated into the crawl space. Water damage Restoration professionals use moisture meters, penetrating and non-penetrating to detect water migration into these areas. Then they are to use the proper equipment, according to industry standards to effectively dry the structure and prevent the secondary damage caused by improper drying.

If you have a water damage emergency, don’t do it yourself. Call SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County at 919-596-1242.

Dealing with Mold in Commercial Buildings

11/9/2020 (Permalink)

Dealing with Mold in Commercial Buildings

Dealing with fungal growth, commonly called mold, in commercial buildings is a problem all facility engineers will or have faced.   Mold in indoor air environments can cause health related issues and must be addressed to assure worker safety.  Due to the health dangers that can be caused by mold, proper remediation is necessary.  This is where SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County can help.   As a certified mold remediation company, no mold problem is too big or too small for us to handle.   In addition to properly remediating mold issues in commercial buildings, we also aid facility engineers and property managers, and business owners in addressing and controlling the conditions conducive to mold growth, this is critical in preventing and controlling mold growth to assure a safe and healthy indoor air environment.  

The most common source of mold issues are moisture related.   This can be anything from a water intrusion caused by a slow leak, or major water intrusion that was not properly dried out.  It can also be moisture in the air, relative humidity, which is too high which can cause significant mold problems.   SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County can properly deal with and address each of these issues.

Why Choose SERVPRO in the time of Storm?

10/30/2020 (Permalink)

Why Choose SERVPRO in the time of Storm?

The 2020 hurricane season has seen 27 named storms, the second most in recorded history, with the most recent hurricane being named Zeta. Zeta is the most recent hurricane to slam into the Gulf of Mexico and impact Louisiana, Mississippi, Georgia, and the Carolinas. Zeta has caused six deaths, caused millions of dollars in property damage and left over two million people without power. The impact of this most recent hurricane, like the others before, often leaves local contractors and restoration companies overwhelmed due the massive volume of work required to rebuild their local communities. This is one main reason to choose SERVPRO.

SERVPRO answers the call in storm situations with a specialized storm response team and a large loss response network to provide the resources necessary to mitigate and restore properties left in the wake of the storm. The SERVPRO storm response team is equipped with skilled management, manpower and equipment to get service to those in need when others can’t. The SERVPRO storm response team works side by side with the local franchises in the area to make it "Like it never even happened."

Preventive Maintenance and Storm Damage

10/23/2020 (Permalink)

Storm Damage

Most people can relate to experiencing the powerful impact of a powerful storm that brings wind, driving rain, thunder, lightning and hail.  These powerful storms often leave a path of destruction, evident in downed trees, localized flooding, power outages, wind damaged properties and vehicles.  The immense impact of storms causes millions of dollars each year in property damage.  However, proper preventive maintenance to property can minimize the damage and economic impact of storm damage.  Here are several things that can be proactively done to lessen the impact of storm damage to your property.

• Have your roof inspected for damage prior to storm season, to correct any issues such loose shingles, damage to chimney flashing or damaged roof vents.
• Have your siding and windows checked to correct any damage that may have previously occurred through normal wear and tear.
• Have foundation checked for cracks and have fixed
• Make sure your sump pump is working correctly
• Fix landscaping issues that may cause water to flow towards the home
• Caulk areas that could be access points for wind driven rain
• Have trees that r leaning, or have dead branches removed

By following these simple tips you can effectively lessen the impact of storm damage to your home.

Fire Safety Should Be a Concern Before You Burn

10/16/2020 (Permalink)

Fall is synonymous for the falling of leaves and the yard work associated with removing them to keep your lawn tidy. In many places the leaves are racked or blown into piles bagged and placed by the curb for removal. Other locations allow the leaves to be blown into the street for cleanup and in rural communities where neither of the aforementioned methods is available, the leaves are burned. Leaf burning is an effective method, but there are perils associated with it. There have been numerous incidents where the fire has gotten out of hand and caused significant property and land damage. In order to prevent a catastrophic leaf burning incident applying the appropriate safety measures is critical.

• Make sure leaf burning is allowed in the locale you intend to burn in. If so get the proper burn permit.
• Call the fire department to make sure that the weather conditions are conducive to burning.
• Make sure to have a rack and hose at the burn site to control the fire and prevent it from getting out of hand.
• Only burn dry leaves, as wet leaves take longer to burn and produce more smoke, which would obstruct seeing escaping embers.
• Never leave the burn site unattended.
• Never burn close to a home, storage shed or other flammable items.
• Never burn when wind speeds exceed 15mph.

My Carpet is Wet, Now What?

10/9/2020 (Permalink)

One of the primary building materials found in both residential and commercial buildings is carpet.  Carpet comes in many different styles from traditional cut-pile to Berber and commercial glue down.  In a water damaged environment carpet is one of the most common building materials restoration companies, like SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County are faced with mitigating and restoring if possible.  Salvaging damaged carpeting is not a one-size fits all application, but varies based on category of water loss and current condition of carpet 

The water loss category as classified in the restoration industry is the determining factor denoting the amount of contamination in the water. 

• Category 1 is clean water that may be found when an ice-maker line ruptures.  If the restoration process begins within hours of occurring the likelihood of salvaging the carpet is extremely high. 
• Category 2 is a reference to gray water which has picked up some forms of contamination, for example water from the dishwashing machine or an overflow of washing machine. The soap, food particles and soil combined with the water make the water a Category 2 water loss.  Salvaging carpets under this condition is also extremely high, but the emergency service of drying must begin quickly to prevent the current category from progressing to a Category 3 and rendering it unsalvageable.
• Category 3 water damage is denotes gross contamination and hazardous. This can be raw sewage or water damage that started as another category due to prolonged interaction with bacteria and other pathogens on the building materials that populate due to the increased moisture content.  Category 3 water damage is not considered salvageable in most cases.

An additional matter of consideration as to whether carpet is salvageable is its current condition.  Pre-existing conditions such as delamination, separating seams, fiber loss and frayed fibers are determining factors as to whether a carpet can be salvaged and restored. 

If you have experienced any type of water loss, mitigating the damage quickly is essential to prevent a bad situation from becoming worse.  Call SERVPRO of South Durham and orange County at (919)596-1242 and we will make it “Like it never even happened.”

Helpful Tips to Prevent Household Water Damage

9/28/2020 (Permalink)

Household water damage can be a very traumatic and costly experience that no one looks forward to experiencing.  However, outside of purchasing homeowner’s coverage very few people go any further to prevent potential water losses.  This is largely because most people rarely think about the potentiality of it occurring to them, thus they fail to plan.  The reality is that on average homeowners will experience one water loss during a twenty year time period.  Planning for prevention is a wise strategy to mitigate the impact of a water loss, if and when the time comes.  Here are some helpful, inexpensive and simple tips to employ to prevent or mitigate the impact of water damage to your home.

• Check your water heater for rust and leaks. Make sure the water pan isn’t about to overflow.  If it is have it serviced.
• Have your dishwater and HVAC unit serviced to make sure it is in proper working order.
• Cut the water off at the washing machine when not in use.
• Replace supply line hoses to the toilet every four to five years.
• Turn water off at toilet supplies when leaving the home for extended periods of time.
• Install a water monitoring sensor to the hot water tank.
• Allow faucets to dip during freezing conditions to prevent the lines from freezing.
• Keep the heat running even when away during freezing conditions.
• Make sure pipes are properly insulated.
• Have roof inspected for loose or missing shingles.
• Cut water off to the whole house when leaving for vacation during spring, summer or fall. This can be done by purchasing a simple tool at your local hardware store and turning the main valve off at the street.
• Purchase a moisture meter and check your walls and floors for excessive moisture periodically.

Although these tips are sound and easy ways to prevent or mitigate water damage, they are not guarantee that a loss won’t occur.  If you do experience a water loss and need help to mitigate the damage, call SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County at (919) 596-1242.

National Fire Safety Week-October 4-10, 2020

9/24/2020 (Permalink)

October 4-10, 2020 is designated as National Fire Safety Week.  The theme of this year’s campaign is Serving up Fire Safety in the Kitchen.  The National Fire Safety campaign is sponsored by the National Fire Prevention Association.  The weeklong event began in 1922 and in 1925 President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed national observance of it.  This campaign is the longest running public health observance in the nation.  It was established to commemorate the great Chicago fire that began October 8, 1871.  The horrific fire killed over 250 people, left over 100,000 people homeless, destroyed 17400 building and affected 2000 acres of land.  Fire prevention week is observed each year during the week of October 9^th.    This year’s theme is very appropriate as cooking is the leading cause of home fires and injuries.  As we look forward to observing the upcoming event, we must be conscious to make fire safety, especially in the kitchen a common practice.   

Here are the top 10 things we can do to be safe in the kitchen.

1. Keep appliances serviced and in good repair.
2. Never leave cooking items unattended.
3. Turn pot and pan handles inside to prevent them from being snagged when someone passes by or pulled off by a child.
4. Keep area clear of flammable items such as potholders, or loose-fitting clothing.
5. Never overfill pots or pans.
6. Make sure grease does not get too hot. When you observe a wisp of smoke turn the temperature down.
7. Have a smoke detector installed near the kitchen.
8. Have an ABC fire extinguisher in the kitchen.
9. Never cook when sleepy, or under the influence of alcohol.

• Unplug small appliances when not in use.

Why Choose SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County?

9/21/2020 (Permalink)

HABITC - Why SERVPRO?

When faced with a water, fire or trauma emergency why should someone call SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County?   When answering this question, the principle subject, above all else, is the customer.  All other things are secondary during the time a customer calls in their time of need.  The mission statement of SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County reflects this very sentiment.  “To develop a team of quality people who focus on excellent service, fairness and mutual respect.”

The team at SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County is focused from the initial call for service to provide an exceptional customer service experience.  Our technicians, crew chiefs and project managers treat each and every customer as well as each other with mutual respect and fairness.   As a team, each individual reflects the company vision, “to be the premiere fire and water clean-up and restoration company in the Triangle.  This is achieved by steadfastly, representing the company’s core values shown in the acronym H.A.B.I.T.C.

• Happy Customers: Create happy customers through immediate response, clean presentation, excellent service and communication and a desire to help.
• Achieve Goals: We set and accomplish business goals that help us achieve our personal goals.
• Be the Best: Be the best leader, best manager, best sales representative, best technician, and best office staff.  To be the best we must strive for constant improvement.
• I will be safe: for me, my family, my customers, and my company.
• Team Success: We are accountable for ourselves and the roles and responsibilities of our job so that our team will succeed.
• Community Branding: Build brand awareness in our community by respecting our customers, displaying integrity and giving back whenever we are able.

These are the reasons to choose SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County when you have a water, fire or trauma emergency.

Three Phases of Water and Damages They Cause

9/18/2020 (Permalink)

Three Phases of Water

Water may possibly be the most powerful element in the universe.  It is comprised of two hydrogen molecules and a single molecule of oxygen.  This tiny molecular structure is essential to all forms of life.  The human body is made up of mostly water and humans can only survive three days without it.  The earth has more water than land.  Water has the ability to exist in three phases: Gas, Liquid and Solid.  Each of these phases is vital to the ecosystem.  Water in each of its phases has the power of creation, as in life sustaining, as well as the power of destruction.  The force of water, as a destructive force, has a direct relationship to homeowners and the restoration industry.

• Gaseous phase: When water evaporates, the process by which water as a liquid becomes a gas, it has a direct relationship to humidity.  The meteorologist will often discuss the concept of dew point, when the air reaches its saturation point, and rain is produced.  In an internal environment the same thing can occur when windows sweat.  Also, if the internal humidity inside the home is not properly regulated, the conditions conducive for mold growth occur.  This can occur when the HVAC unit is not working properly or there is excessive moisture due to a leak in the home that causes a high rate of evaporation. 
• Solid: Water in its solid phase can be extremely destructive during a hail storm causing damage to roofs and cars.  Water frozen inside a pipe or sprinkler line will expand and burst the pipe.  When the line thaws out the burst pipe will result in water damage.  When ice backs up underneath the roof shingles, the result will be ice damning which will result in water damage as well.
• Liquid Phase: The most common form of water is its liquid phase.  In nature heavy rains can cause flooding and water intrusion inside structures when accompanied by wind. 

Although each phase of water can have a destructive impact on property, have no fear- your local SERVPRO franchise is here to make it "Like it never even happened."

Is Your Home Covered for Damage Caused by Storms?

9/15/2020 (Permalink)

Home Covered?

The hot humid North Carolina summers are synonymous for thunderstorms, which in some cases cause damage to homes and businesses. This leads to the all-important question of whether or not the damage will be covered by insurance. The answer to this important question depends on the type of storm damage and the provisions of the insurance policy as it relates to perils covered.

The typical homeowner’s policy owned by North Carolina policy holders covers damage caused by wind, hail, and lightning. Damages caused by water are far more complicated. When a water intrusion is the result of wind driven rain, there will be coverage. For example, when wind dislodges the roof shingles and water enters the roof causing damage the peril will be covered. However, ponding or overflowed creek or river that causes a water intrusion is considered ground water and is excluded from coverage from homeowner’s policies. Common covered losses are:

• Wind Damage that results in water damage is a covered loss.
• Hail, which is water in the form of ice which results in damage is a covered peril.
• Lightning that results in a power surge that damages electronics or causes a fire, is a covered insurance peril.

When rain water causes flooding which results in water damage, it is not covered by a homeowner’s insurance policy. There are instances where a basement or crawlspace equipped with a sump pump floods and the loss is covered by the policy, but not due to flood but as a result of the sump pump failing due to a power surge caused by a lightning strike that rendered the pump inoperable. Although storms can and do result in flooding, water damage of this sort requires a flood insurance policy. It is important to review your policies and know your coverage, before you experience a loss.

'The Princess and the Protein Fire'

9/15/2020 (Permalink)

'The Princess and the Protein Fire'

Once upon a time in Orange County North Carolina, in the quaint and lovely town of Chapel Hill there lived a princess who had come to the University to acquire her doctoral degree. Prior to her arrival, she had purchased a lovely investment property to domicile in while obtaining her degree. One night, after a long day of lectures and labs, she returned home and seasoned some organic chicken breasts and placed them in the oven. She sat down on her comfortable recliner, opened her laptop and began to study. Her eyes became heavy and before she knew it she had fallen asleep.

The loud blaring of her smoke alarm system roused her from her slumber. The house was filled with smoke. She quickly exited the home, as the local fire department quickly arrived to extinguish the fire. Fortunately, the fire was contained to the oven and there was only smoke damage. However, the smoke damage left a terrible malodor that was insufferable to her senses. She called her insurance agent who advised her to call his guy at SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County. After spending the night at the Siena Hotel, she called the referred gentleman who arranged at a time of her convenience to come out and assess the situation.

The tall, dark and handsome gentleman arrived with his trusty project manager in a sparkling SERVPRO green Italian sports car (Fiat 500) and quickly and accurately assessed the situation. They put her mind at ease with their professionalism and knowledge of fire cleaning techniques and effective processes for odor removal. They explained how her fire was protein based and would require a wet cleaning process. They addressed everything from structure cleaning, textiles and electronics. The SERVPRO team after receiving the proper authorizations, worked with her and the insurance company and restored her home, "Like it never even happened." The princess was overjoyed and wrote a glowing Google review.

The Princess went on to graduate, met a handsome prince, after her residency, married, had two children and lived happily ever after.

The End!

Why Property Management Companies and Restoration Companies Go Hand in Hand

9/4/2020 (Permalink)

Property Management

Most property managers have had an unusually large or difficult situation that required more intricate knowledge, expertise, man-power and equipment that exceeded the capacity of their regular maintenance staff or maintenance vendor. This is where a relationship with a top-notch restoration company, like SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County is a huge asset. Whether it is water damage, a fire, mold remediation, trauma or specialty cleaning, a restoration company can provide the necessary equipment, manpower, knowledge and expertise to handle the difficult task at hand.

In situations regarding water damage, a restoration company can be a huge asset on the front and back end. A restoration company can dry the structure according to the industry standards established by the IICRC, assuring all parties including the property management firm, the tenant and the insurance company that the structure is dried properly. Proper drying helps in the long run by preventing mold, which can be costly to repair in addition to the health risks caused by mold spores.

Fire situations, in many cases, will require working with an insurance company and their adjusters. Restoration companies and their staff are experienced in this area and can be a huge support to the property management company. In addition, the restoration company will be able to provide specialty services, such as textile cleaning, document preservation, and electronic restoration services. Pack-out and storage is also provided by some restoration companies, like SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County.

Mold, trauma and specialty cleaning jobs are also reasons why a property management company may need to call a restoration professional. Each of these situations requires a high level of expertise, due to health risks associated with these types of remediation and cleaning.

If you are a property management firm or property manager that does not have an established relationship with a quality restoration company call SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange at 919-596-1242.

The 4 P’s of Why SERVPRO!

8/28/2020 (Permalink)

Why SERVPRO!

You may have seen the lime green SERVPRO vehicles driving around town or perhaps seen our commercials – the powerful brand image of lime green against orange in the logo is unforgettable.  Most people know that SERVPRO is synonymous with fire, water, mold, biohazard clean up and restoration.  The question still looms, why should you trust SERVPRO above all others with your home when a catastrophe strikes?    The answer to that question is the 4 P’s, or Pillars of SERVPRO: Personnel, Process, Products, and Price.

• Personnel: Great organizations are made up of great people. The greatness of SERVPRO is the people behind the brand.  Caring, committed, professionals that take pride in their work are the foundation of the SERVPRO franchise system.  SERVPRO professionals understand the importance of their work as they assist you in a difficult and stressful time in your life.
• Process: SERVPRO, as a franchise system, has built numerous processes to assure excellence in all areas of operations.  With detailed training and structure and the newest technology, SERVPRO has the right processes to work on the smallest to largest jobs and provide exemplary service. 
• Products: SERVPRO has an in-house product development team that provides superior products that are designed to truly wow and awe.  These products in the hands of a well-trained SERVPRO professional can take water or fire damaged items and in many cases makes them like they were never even damaged. 
• Price: SERVPRO can assure fair pricing because the pricing used in insurance claims is set by the insurance company.  Your insurance company has set the price that SERVPRO will use as they estimate your claim.  This assures you that you will not be overbilled. 

Primary and Secondary Water Damage

8/24/2020 (Permalink)

A water intrusion can have immediate and long-term effects on building materials and contents such as furniture, electronics, art work, clothing and more.  The immediate effect that water has on materials is known as primary water damage, the long-term effect that water has on materials is referred to as secondary water damage.

Immediate, primary water damage is evident when a large volume of water comes through an upstairs floor and into the ceiling below.  The weight of the water which causes the ceiling to sag and the drywall tape to pull apart are examples of primary water damage.  Another example would be when water comes in contact with particle board which is used to make many types of furniture; the swelling of the particle board is immediate and irreversible.  Materials that are not made to encounter water and suffer immediate damage cause primary water damage.

Secondary water damage occurs over a period of time.  Excess humidity caused by a water intrusion and materials that are hygroscopic, or easily absorb water, are susceptible to secondary water damage.  Secondary water damage includes loss of structural integrity, dimensional changes and microbial growth.

Both primary and secondary water damage can be costly; however, the total impact and dollar value of the loss can be mitigated.  It is important to start the mitigation process immediately, which includes extraction of water, setting drying equipment and implementing controls to prevent secondary damage.  If you are experiencing a water damage emergency don’t delay – call SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange at 919-596-1242 any time, day or night.

Are You Properly Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Workplace?

7/27/2020 (Permalink)

Properly Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Workplace

In the current climate of the COVID 19 pandemic there is a much greater emphasis on having safe clean workplaces, shopping venues and eateries. The majority of people are following proper social distancing, wearing masks and using hand sanitizer. Most people have read, or heard the guidelines drafted by the CDC and EPA regarding processes for effectively minimizing the spread of the COVID 19 virus, but are they being followed?

In the CDC article entitled, Reopening Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting Public Spaces, Workplaces, Businesses, Schools and Homes, the guidelines for effective cleaning to kill the Coronavirus includes routine cleaning with soap and water to remove the virus and disinfecting with an EPA approved disinfectant. In many cases, only one part is being implemented, the applying of disinfectant with no regard to cleaning with soap and water. Most people have witnessed the few quick pumps of a chemical on the handle of a shopping cart, or restaurant table, followed by an immediate wipe away of that chemical by a well-intentioned employee. There are several reasons this should be a cause for concern:

• It provides a false sense of security.
• Virus could still be present due to lack of cleaning with soap and water
• Virus could still be present due to lack of dwell time of chemical

The simple steps of cleaning with soap and water first removes most if not all of the bacteria, viruses and debris, making it a necessary step. The applying of disinfectants works best when allowed the proper dwell time to effectively kill what they were designed to eradicate. When it is immediately wiped away it is not effective and may leave active contamination behind. Following the proper steps, including the recommendations by the CDC, EPA and the product labels will keep everyone safe. For a quote on having a proactive or positive test COVID 19 cleaning of your commercial business call SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County at (919) 596-1242.

The Truth Regarding Products Claiming to Kill the Coronavirus

7/20/2020 (Permalink)

As the number of confirmed Coronavirus cases continues to rise and businesses attempt to reopen safely, there has also been a rise in claims regarding products that claim to kill the virus for days, weeks and even longer.  Business owners with tightened budgets due to the mandatory shut downs implemented by state governments want the best value for their money in keeping their employees and patrons safe.  Many have entertained sales pitches claiming new products designed to kill the virus can be immediately used which will have a long term effect on killing the pathogen.  The sales pitches make claims that the products have proven to be effective in other countries and are merely weeks away from approval in the United States.  Should these claims be believed?

 The best answer to this question is given by the regulatory agency that governs products of this nature, the Environmental Protection Agency or (EPA).  In a recent compliance advisory entitled, “What You Need to Know Regarding Products Making Claims to Kill Coronavirus Causing Covid-19,” makes the following statement, It is unlawful for any person to distribute or sell a pesticide in the United States making claims to that it will kill a particular pathogen, unless that pesticide is registered with EPA and that particular claim has been deemed acceptable by the agency. EPA is receiving a steady stream of tips/complaints concerning potentially false or misleading claims, including efficacy claims, associated with pesticides and devices. These tips/complaints are being actively reviewed and efforts are being made to identify potentially violative products. EPA intends to pursue enforcement against products making false and misleading claims regarding coronavirus.

If the product has not been approved by the EPA, stay away!  Sadly, there are unscrupulous individuals looking to make a fast dollar at the expense of vulnerable people looking to do the right thing. 

Top 3 Reasons for Commercial Air Duct Cleaning

7/20/2020 (Permalink)

Commercial air ducts are the distribution system of conditioned air from the HVAC system and like the mechanical components of the heating and air conditioning unit they also require routine maintenance.  However, due to the lack of electrical or mechanical parts, the ducts system is often overlooked.  A clean duct system is essential for healthy indoor air quality which has a corollary relationship to employee health and safety.  The top reasons for a commercial air duct cleaning are:

1. Allergens and dust removal: Allergens and dust accumulate over time inside the ductwork and become dislodged when air moves through system. 
2. Mold removal: Mold can grow on the organic material that accumulates inside the duct system if the relative humidity is high enough to provide mold spores with a moisture source.  Mold like allergens and dust can cause employees respiratory issues which can result in lower productivity and increased sick days taken.
3. Odors: Often malodors are pushed through the duct system and create an environment that is less than pleasant.
4. Insects and pests: It is not uncommon for insects and pests such as mice, rats, and possums to access a duct system and build nests inside the ductwork.  A cleaning of the duct system is critical to removing the harmful feces, urine, bacteria and viruses they may have deposited. 

Although the ductwork may be out of sight, they should be on your mind.  A semi-annual or yearly cleaning is generally sufficient to create an environment that has healthy indoor air quality.  To schedule your commercial duct cleaning, call SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County at 919-596-1242.

Commercial Loss Scalability

7/6/2020 (Permalink)

When a very large multi-floor commercial building containing tens of thousands of square footage of office and warehouse space suffers a large scale water or fire loss, the size of the restoration response is critical in mitigating the both the physical and economic losses.  This is where your local SERVPRO franchise, provides the necessary solution.  Although SERVPRO franchises are independently owned and operated, the collaborative working relationship of local franchises, and the Large Loss Response Team, allows scalability to meet even the most severe situations. 

            Scalability is all about resources of manpower and equipment to save time and money.  When any business experiences a large loss due to water or fire damage the financial impact is great.  When the local SERVPRO franchise responds with the appropriate manpower and equipment to mitigate the damage, it lessens the economic impact.  Within hours, the response scales up in manpower and equipment to reduce further damage.  Large commercial losses require special training and the responding SERVPRO team has this training through its Commercial Large Loss Program.   

            The Commercial Large Loss provides these benefits in your time of need:

• Elite trained professionals that specialize in large commercial losses
• Substantial resources through a network of over 1700 franchises
• Experience of handling large six and seven figure projects
• Clients including Insurance Companies, Manufacturing Facilities, Restaurants, Healthcare Facilities, Churches, Libraries, Municipalities, Universities, Local, State and Federal Governments
• Business interruption minimized due to timely response
• Unit pricing on routine losses under $100,000. Time and Materials Pricing recommended on losses over $100,000
• 24/7 /365 availability

If your business has experienced a water or fire loss in Durham, NC or in Orange County North Carolina call SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County at 919-596-1242. 

Expecting the Unexpected for Your Commercial Property

6/26/2020 (Permalink)

Imagine it's 4:00 pm on a Friday afternoon and your work week is about to come to an end, when an employee runs up in a panic telling you that water is spewing from the water fountain and flooding the hallway. Murphy's Law of what could go wrong has occurred. Do you know what to do or will a bad situation get worse? Have you planned for the unexpected? Do you know where the water shut-off valve is or will you hope and pray you can get maintenance on the phone?

If the answer to these questions are unsettling because there is no plan, or the plan is in a binder somewhere, not easily accessible, SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County has a solution to calm your anxiety - The SERVPRO Ready Plan App.

The SERVPRO Ready App Benefits:

• No Cost Facility Evaluation
• Minimizes damage and lost revenue due to business interruption
• Identifies key shut off valves for water, gas and electrical
• Provides key contact information
• Identifies key lines of command for emergency services to begin
• Establishes SERVPRO as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider
• Puts information at your fingertips on cellular platforms for Apple and Android
• No Cost for Service

With the SERVPRO Ready App installed on your smartphone you will be empowered by having the critical information you need, readily available, to act quickly to avert disaster by minimizing the impact of an unfortunate situation. You will not be at the mercy of hoping you can reach the maintenance engineer because the app will tell you where the shut off is, so you can stop the water flow. What makes it even more powerful is that your employee, equipped with the app, upon seeing the damage will stop the water flow prior to alerting you of the situation.

Every second and minute matters in a disaster situation and time saved, is money saved. Don't let another day go by without scheduling a free facility assessment. Call (919)596-1242 and be prepared for the unexpected. 

Understanding Fire Extinguishers

6/19/2020 (Permalink)

Fire Extinguisher

Fires most often erupt without warning, and double in size within seconds - knowing what to do and how to do it is critical when faced with this emergency situation. Understanding types of fires, fire extinguisher coding and proper usage is a cornerstone in life safety and property damage minimization. The type of combustible material determines the fire classification and fire extinguisher codes correspond to fire classifications.

Fire Classes and Corresponding Fire Extinguisher Codes

• Class (A) Fire is a fire with a combustible material of wood, paper, plastic or clothing. It is generally the easiest fire to put out.  A Class (A) fire can be extinguished with water or foam.  A Class (A) fire extinguisher will put out these fires
• Class (B) Fire has a combustible material of oil, grease, gas or alcohol. A Class (B) Fire cannot be extinguished with water.  The use of water will cause the fire to spread by causing the combustible material to splatter or lift above the water.  Many injuries have occurred to people improperly extinguishing a grease fire.  A Class (B) Fire extinguisher uses dry foam or carbon dioxide to suppress the fire.
• Class (C) Fire is an electrical fire. Electrical fires can be caused by a malfunctioning appliance, faulty wiring, or an overloaded outlet.  This type of fire cannot be extinguished with water.  Water will intensify the fire because it conducts electricity.  A Class (C) fire is suppressed with carbon dioxide or dry powder.
• Class D Fire has combustible metals as its material source. A Class (D) fire is extinguished with dry powder.  The dry powder removes the fuel from the oxygen and extinguishes the fire.  A Class (D) fire is not common in homes.

The best type of fire extinguisher to purchase for home use is an A, B, C extinguisher.  This multipurpose extinguisher can put out most common fires.  Once purchased, place your extinguishers in highly visible areas.  Check the gauge of the extinguisher monthly to make sure they are properly pressurized.  Replace them if not.

How to use a fire extinguisher – Use the acronym PASS:

• Pull the pin.
• Aim nozzle at the base of the flames
• Squeeze the nozzle
• Sweep back and forth until flames are extinguished

      (If flames reignite, repeat the process.)

Time Sensitive Nature of Fire and Smoke Restoration

6/12/2020 (Permalink)

After everyone is safe and the fire department has extinguished the flames, the aftermath of a fire and smoke damaged home or business can be traumatic and overwhelming; especially, if the next steps of mitigation and restoration are unknown.  Every year, thousands of home and business owners experience a fire loss and the SERVPRO franchises are there to assist them in the process of making it "Like it never even happened.”  The #1 thing to remember after experiencing a fire is that time is of the essence when it comes to mitigating your loss. 

Key actions to take:

• Call your insurance carrier and file a claim
• Get approval for a restoration company to perform emergency services

Your insurance carrier will be able to answer questions you may have, start the claims process, and give authorization for emergency restoration services to be performed to prevent further damage to the property and its contents.  The insurance carrier will also assign an insurance adjuster to work with you and your restoration company in determining what is salvageable and what needs to be replaced.  

Once the property has been released by the fire marshal emergency services can proceed.

Emergency services include:

• Board up of fire damaged and compromised windows and doors
• Installing roof tarps to prevent water intrusion due to fire damaged roofing
• Providing temporary power if necessary
• Winterization of utilities
• Drying and dehumidification of home or business if water was used to extinguish the fire to prevent further damage to the structure and contents
• Initial cleaning to salvage items that could be permanently damaged due to soot exposure
• Pack out of contents for cleaning

Quickly getting emergency services started increases the odds of salvaging high value and sentimental soot damaged items like electronics, marble counter tops, furniture, precious metals, artwork, and photos.  It also reduces the size of your insurance claim which can be a benefit at the time of renewal.

If you experience a fire loss your knowledgeable SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County team will work with you to get you back into your home or business as quickly as possible. Call us 24/7 at (919)596-1242.

Clothes Dryer Fires – Costly and Dire

6/5/2020 (Permalink)

Annually, clothes dryer fires cause 233 million dollars in property damage, accounting for seven deaths and 344 civilian injuries. According to the National Fire Prevention Association, fire fighters respond to over 13,000 home fires caused by clothes dryers each year. The primary factor for dryer fires is failure to clean – the root cause of 27% of these fires can be attributed to electrical component malfunction with lint acting as a tinder to accelerate the fire. Preventive measures are essential in protecting both yourself and your home. Here are a few key tips you can easily put into practice to lessen the risk of a home dryer fire:

• Clean the lint trap before and after each use
• Never operate the dryer without the lint trap
• Do not overload the dryer
• Have gas dryers serviced annually
• Check the duct work that exhausts outside the home for proper connection
• Check the exhaust flap to ensure it is properly working
• Dry on the lowest setting after washing chemically stained clothing
• Do not operate the dryer while away from the home
• Pull the dryer out, clean under and behind it to remove potential fire hazards
• Have SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County clean your dryer ducts semi-annually or annually (depending on dryer use)
• Replace flexible duct with a ridged duct, as flexible ductwork can accumulate large amounts of lint and sag causing a fire hazard

Understanding Volts, Amperage and Watts to Prevent Electrical Fires

5/29/2020 (Permalink)

Each year SERVPRO franchises are called in to clean up the aftermath of commercial and residential fires and like the corporate model, we do all we can to, make it "Like it never even happened." Fire damage can have far more ominous and long lasting effect than the water damage restoration services we provide. In addition to structural damage to the property, environmental toxins releases in the air by burning objects, fires sometimes do take lives. 

• Electrical Fires in the United States cause $1.3 billion dollars in property damage, 51,000 fires and 500 deaths annually.
• The US Consumer Product Safety Commission claims faulty electrical receptacles as the cause of 5,300 fires annually.
• Electrical Arching, discharge or jump of current on an unintended path to a grounded object, as the cause of 28,000 fires and $700 million dollars in damage annually.

Fire Prevention, beginning with educational awareness and exposure is critical in saving lives and reducing the annual cost of property losses.  Understanding the practical relationship of volts, amperage and watts to daily living is essential in preventing and reducing electrical fires.

Appliances and electrical devices are a part of everyday life that functions by plugging the cords into the outlets or receptacles and turning the devices on.  How this works is often taken for granted.  Being properly educated on the basics of electrical terminology and their practical functionality can save your life and property.

Homes have numerous wires running behind walls from a distribution panel and terminating at a receptacle, switch, or light fixture.  Inside the electrical distribution box are circuit breakers or fuses.  The circuit breakers or fuses are designed to detect current that exceeds the load capacity of the wire or circuit and to click off or blow to prevent a potential fire.  Voltage, Amperage and Watts are the forms of measurement that appliances and electrical devices use; understanding the electrical current draw of each appliance and the load tolerance of each circuit in your home will prevent an overloaded circuit and minimize the risk of a fire.

• Voltage or Volts is an electrical measurement of line pressure. The power or current from the power plant feeds into the home at either 120V or 240V.  Most receptacles and household appliances and electronic devices run on 120V.  The 240V are reserved for the water heater, dryer and stove.
• Amperage or Amps is a measurement of current flow or pull of current by an appliance or electrical device. Most household wiring or circuits are set to not exceed 15 amps, with the exception of 20 amp circuits in the kitchen for the microwave, 50 amp circuits for the stove and 30 amp circuits for the clothes dryer.  All appliances or electrical devices will have a small silver plate on them that tells the amperage or watts pulled by them. 
• Watts is a load rating of current pull of electrical devices. Watts can be calculated by multiplying volts by amps.  A 15 amp circuit is equivalent to 1800 watts and a 20 amp fuse is equivalent to 2400 watts running on 120V.

It is important to read the label on the back or underside of appliances to understand the current drawn.  Too much current drawn through a line causes the wire to overheat and breaks down the insulation on the wire.  This can cause faulty wiring that results in a fire.  Overloading a circuit with too much current will either trip the breaker or blow the fuse to stop the current flow to minimize damage and prevent a fire.  A great resource directory for household appliance wattage can be found at https://generatorist.com/power-consumption-of-household-appliances.

Load capacity on wiring is set to match its tolerance limits.  Household wiring that is set for 15 amps is not designed to conduct loads higher than 15 amps.  As a general practice it is best not to push the tolerance limits on a circuit.  Never under any circumstance replace a circuit breaker or fuse with a one of higher capacity without rewiring the entire circuit for the equivalent tolerance and rating.  Failing to do so will result in catastrophic line failure and fire.

• Also never use an extension cord rated less than the amperage or wattage pulled by the electrical device it will be plugged into.

• Replace any frayed cords on appliances or electrical devices.

• If you see sparks cut the power.

• Have an ABC rated fire extinguisher to put out a fire including a Class “C “electrical fire.

• Install and regularly check your smoke detectors.

• Never plug in an appliance or electrical device without knowing your line load.

• If you have experienced a fire and need remediation, call SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County at 919-596-1242

Oh No! Water Damage and My Hardwood Floor

5/22/2020 (Permalink)

One of the most common calls our franchise receives is from customers in distress over a water loss event impacting their hardwood flooring.  The #1 question they have is, “Can my floors be saved?”  It is a well-known fact that water causes significant damage to hardwood flooring.  Wood is hydroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air, and is subject to catastrophic damage if not dried quickly.  Our customers have every right to be concerned, but the answer to the question as to whether the floors are salvageable is not a yes or no response, but depends on numerous variables that must be accessed by our ICRC certified technicians.  These include:

• Category of water loss
• Class of water loss
• Amount of time flooring has been wet
• Type of hardwoods

Category of water loss simply defined relates to amount of contaminates in the water.  A Category 1 water loss is indicative of clean water from a burst pipe.  A Category 2 water loss contains significant levels of contaminates, such as an overflowed washing machine or dishwasher.  A Category 3 water loss contains gross levels of contaminations including harmful pathogens and toxins and could be the result of sewage or a toilet back flow.  A Category 1 water loss is the most likely category for hardwoods to be saved because the water is clean.  A Category 3 water loss is not salvageable.  However the amount of water impacting the floors, which is indicative of the Class of water loss, has a significant bearing on how much absorption of water the floors will take in and has a direct correlation to flooring damage.

 There are 4 Classes of water loss. The greater the amount of water directly impacting the hardwoods the more likely it is for water to penetrate the joints and impact the sub floor.  Once water is trapped in the flooring joints it would requires specialty drying equipment, making it a Class 4 water loss.  SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County has specialty drying systems to remove moisture trapped in the joints of hardwood flooring.

Time or Duration of Moisture is a huge factor in determining whether hardwood flooring can be saved.  It is imperative to respond immediately.  The longer the flooring stays in contact with the water the more damage it creates limiting the chances of saving the floors.  Hardwood flooring that is mitigated within the first 24 hours has the greatest chance of being salvaged.

The Type of Hardwood Flooring is a critical factor as to whether the flooring can be saved.   Real Hardwood flooring is made out of a single layer of wood, and is salvageable if mitigated in time and is not a Category 3.  Although water in the subterranean layer will cause the ends to bow upwards a condition called cupping, the floors can be sanded down and refinished.    Engineered hardwood flooring is made of multiple layers of wood going in different directions.  The veneer finish cannot be sanded and refinished.  Often when engineered floors are impacted with moisture the expansion of the wood will result in a cracked finish or the popping up of the wood because it expands in all directions.  With these conditions present, the engineered hardwood flooring cannot be saved. 

Regardless of whether the floors can be saved or have to removed, SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County can help clients through the mitigation and the restoration process, making it "Like it never even happened."

Water Damage and Odor Control

5/21/2020 (Permalink)

One of the first things homeowners often notice in a water damage environment is the persistent, unbearable malodors.  There have been times where homeowners had a small water loss that they felt was unnecessary to call a restoration company to dry because they felt they could easily handle it themselves, until the manifestation of odors forced their hand.  The looming question is why does it seem that water damage and odors go hand in hand?

Moisture is one of the key components in odor creation as microorganisms, such, as mold, fungi, and pathogens and other bio-pollutants need it flourish.  In a water damaged environment the moisture creates a suitable environment for them to multiply.  The organic materials, such as wood, drywall and carpet backing found in homes are the food source these organisms thrive on.  They are already present in most home environments, but at very low levels; because without moisture they are unable to survive.  This is one of the reasons why proper drying to the IICRCS500 standard is necessary for each water damaged environment.  When water is trapped under flooring, behind baseboards, wall cavities, and behind toe kicks of cabinets and is not properly dried it creates the conditions for exacerbated microbial growth and the mycotoxins they release are the odors that are smelt.  These malodors are a warning of danger and it is a well-known fact that water damaged environments can pose serious health risks if not properly mitigated.  The number 1 reason for residual malodors in a water damaged environment is improper drying.

The solution to odor elimination is to remove the source of the odor and this is not done by spraying air freshener and masking the odor.  The well trained water restoration specialists of SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County will not only treat the odor, but will leave you with the peace of mind that your home or business has been returned to a condition 1 , level of dryness, which is the drying goal of the industry standard aforementioned.  SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County will make it "Like it never even happened."

The Dynamic Duo of Air Movers and Dehumidifiers

5/8/2020 (Permalink)

Our signature green air mover and dehumidifier at work.

Like the superhero Batman, who was armed with a utility belt with gadgets to fight crime, every SERVPRO crew chief and technician is armed with a formidable arsenal of air movers, dehumidifiers and the science behind them, to thwart the perils associated with water damage.  The science of water damage mitigation is called psychometrics. 

• Psychometrics is the scientific relationship between temperature, humidity and air flow.

Understanding the aforementioned relationships allows the SERVPRO team to dry materials quicker and more thoroughly.

When materials such as flooring, walls and ceilings are wet the SERVPRO crew will extract any standing water because the most effective means of drying is removal of the water.  Once the standing water is extracted and areas where trapped water could be located have been opened, the dynamic duo of air movers and dehumidifiers comes into play.

The Air Mover is engineered to create high volume air flow across a wet surface increasing the rate of evaporation which is the process of turning a liquid into a gas.  The air mover alone is not enough, in order to be most effective, adequate temperature and proper dehumidification are required.  The higher the temperature the more moisture molecules the air can hold.  This accelerates evaporation. 

The Dehumidifier is a piece of drying equipment that pulls the moisture created by evaporation out of the air and collects it so it cannot re-evaporate.  Dehumidification also lowers vapor pressure and reduces the relative humidity which allows the wet materials to dry quicker.  Vapor pressure is the force exerted by water vapor (humidity) in the environment.  The area with the greatest amount of moisture will have the highest vapor pressure and it will seek equilibrium or balance.  The danger with this is that moisture created due to water damage in one area will spread and cause secondary damage in adjoining areas if not mitigated properly. 

The SERVPRO team uses the science of psychometrics along with the dynamic duo of air movers and dehumidification to quickly and effectively dry your structure and get you on the road to recovery; making it “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County Recognizes 2019 Employee of the Year

5/8/2020 (Permalink)

Patrick Hotte

As recognized by a vote of his coworkers, Patrick Hotte is the 2019 SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County Employee of the Year.  The Employee of the Year award is a prestigious accomplishment that recognizes the company’s most exceptional employee.  The recipient of this award embodies the company core values but does so in a way that goes far above and beyond what is expected.  The person who has earned this honor is awarded a plaque with their picture prominently displayed in the corporate conference room, a cash prize and additional vacation days.  Patrick is project manager that has been with company since November of 2014.  Patrick is truly worthy of this award as he has represented the company in an exemplary fashion throughout the year, often pitching in wherever help was needed. 

Patrick has a construction background of over 20 years.  He is the ultimate team player that mentors new employees and is quick to share his knowledge in order to help the company perform at an optimum level.  Patrick is a native of Vermont.  He is happily married to his lovey wife Sarah and has three children.  He is an avid fisherman, hunter and cook.  His sports loyalties are the Boston Bruins, The Michigan Wolverines and The Las Vegas Raiders.   He is defined by his large personality, quick wit and friendly demeanor.  He is an asset to the company and is truly worthy of the recognition as SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County Employee of the Year.  Congratulations Patrick and Thank you for your commitment to excellence.

SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County Salutes Carrboro Police Department

5/4/2020 (Permalink)

On May 1, 2020 SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County showed their appreciation to the brave officers of the Carrboro Police Department with a volunteer effort that included a cruiser disinfecting service and lunch from Amante Gourmet Pizzeria.   The police cruiser disinfecting service included a through vacuuming, application of disinfectant and a UV fogging.   Special Thanks to Chief Walter Horton and Lt. James Walker for helping us coordinate the event.  We would also like to thank the staff of Amante Gourmet Pizzeria for their exceptional service and donation of the chocolate brownie tray for the officers.   SERVPRO technicians Alec Hotte, and Bryan Brink disinfected around a dozen cruisers and one SUV belonging to Deputy Chief Enoch of the Carrboro Fire Department.  The event was coordinated by franchise owner Brad Armstrong and Orange County Marketing Rep Jim McNeely.

During this ongoing time of pandemic due to the COVID-19 virus and state and local ordinances of shelter in place which only allow essential services to stay in operation, of which law enforcement and restaurants providing delivery or take out are included, the company, as a fellow essential service provider, felt this would be a great way to say thank you and give back.  

SERVPRO of Orange County Serves Pizza With Purpose to the Hillsborough Police Department

4/24/2020 (Permalink)

LT Thompson of the Hillsborough Police Department and Orange County Marketing Rep Jim McNeely

In an effort to serve the community and show support for the essential service providers in the restaurant industry and first responders, SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County provided pizza from Anna Maria's Pizzeria for the Hillsborough Police Department on April 21, 2020. The Appreciation Lunch was our way of saying thank you to the staff of Anna Maria's and others in the restaurant industry that put themselves in harms way during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic to provide food for the local community as the community shelters in place to create social distancing and curb the spread of the virus. We can not thank Police Chief Duane Hampton and his staff of exceptional officers for all they do daily, to keep the local community safe, especially during these unusual and difficult times. As a fellow essential service provider, SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County, recognizes the sacrifices and commitment it takes to keep our local communities functioning. We salute our local heroes as we all work together to flatten the curve.

Local COVID-19 Crisis Doesn't Stop Essential Services at SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County

3/30/2020 (Permalink)

When a toilet overflowed in a commercial building affecting three floors and two businesses, during the Orange County government's order to shelter in place, our clients were able to call and depend on SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County. The shelter in place order closed all businesses except those that provide essential services such as grocery and convenience stores, banks and financial institutions, gas stations, hardware stores, public utilities, healthcare, law enforcement and businesses ensuring business continuity functions such as electricians, HVAC companies, plumbers and restoration companies like SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County. The more than 1800 SERVPRO franchises throughout the nation are considered essential service providers and are available 24/7/365 during this time of uncertainty and change. 

The disaster recovery, emergency mitigation disinfection and restoration services provided by SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County are necessary to protect public health, safety and essential operation of homes and businesses. As your local franchise SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County we are here to help and together we will get through the challenges facing us. 

Emergency Supply Checklist for your Vehicle

3/10/2020 (Permalink)

We at SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County are passionate about emergency preparedness and personal safety no matter the situation. You might hear disaster preparedness warnings in regard to what emergency supplies you should keep in your home, but have you given any thought about your vehicle? Here are some things you should consider:

• How much time do you spend in your vehicle?
• Do you take extra supplies for long trips?
• What would you do in the event of bad weather, car trouble or a flat tire that could cause you to become stranded? 

The National Safety Council recommends an array of items to keep in your vehicle and most of these items depend on the distance and landscape that you travel. Every vehicle should have an emergency supply kit located in the trunk. These kits should be checked every six months, and expired items should be replaced to keep it up to date. The vehicle emergency kit should include the following:

• A properly inflated spare tire, wheel wrench and tripod jack
• Jumper cables
• Tool kit and/or multipurpose utility tool
• Flashlight along with extra batteries
• Reflective triangles and brightly colored cloth to make your vehicle more viable
• Compass
• First aid kit with gauze, tape, bandages, antibiotic ointment, aspirin, a blanket, non-latex gloves, scissors, hydrocortisone, thermometer, tweezers and instant cold compress
• Nonperishable, high-energy foods, such as unsalted nuts, dried fruits and hard candy
• Drinking water
• Reflective vest in case you need to walk to get help
• Car charger for your cell phone
• Fire extinguisher
• Duct tape
• Rain poncho
• Additional items for cold weather include a snow brush, shovel, windshield waster fluid, warm clothing, cat litter for traction and blankets

It's also a good idea to keep family and emergency phone numbers, including your auto insurance provider and a towing company, in your phone and even on paper in cause your phones loses battery/power. Equip your vehicles and stay safe. Always expect the unexpected and you will never be ill prepared.

We Are an IICRC Certified Firm

3/10/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County is an Institute of Inspection, Clean and Restoration Certification (IICRC) Certified Firm.

As an IICRC Certified Firm we must:

• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up to date on the latest changes in the industry.
• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of in accident.
• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration. 
• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity. 
• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.

The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace. Every five years the standards of the IICRC are reviewed and updated accordingly.

Categories and Classes of Water Damage

3/10/2020 (Permalink)

Not everyone knows that water damage has different categories and classes, and just because it is a low category doesn't mean that is is a low class.

Categories of Water Damage

Assessing the severity of the damage is important for determining what is needed to start the water loss repair and mitigation. 

Category 1 - clean water, or water that does not pose a threat to humans. Possible causes of this type of damage include broken appliances or sink overflows. 

Category 2 - gray water, this means that the water is contaminated and may cause sickness if ingested. This type of water contains microorganisms. Broken toilets, broken sump pumps and seepage may cause category 2 water damage. 

Category 3 - black water, this type of water is unsanitary, as it contains bacteria and other organisms that cause sickness. The possible sources of black water damage include sewage problems and contamination of standing water. 

Classes of Water Damage

The class of damage is important when assessing water damage repair options.

Class 1 is the least harmful form of damage. Materials absorb very little of the water from this type of damage. Water damage repair is the easiest in this type of situation.

Class 2 has a fast rate of evaporation, which means that carpets and cushions may be damaged. Water damage repair is more difficult when it involves class 2 damage. 

Class 3 has the fastest rate of evaporation. In this case, the water may come from broken sprinklers or other overhead sources, soaking the walls and furniture. 

Class 4 requires special water restoration and water removal procedures. This type of damage may affect hardwood floors, plaster and concrete. 

If your home or business experience a water loss or water damage, call us here at SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County, the leading water removal and restoration company, dedicated to protecting your biggest investment, at 919-596-1242.

Coronavirus Preparedness

3/10/2020 (Permalink)

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) has much of the world in a panic, and it is understandable as to why with the death toll rising and the symptoms are in close resemblance to the flu. So, lets discuss the main thing that you can do, prevention.

Practice everyday preventive actions now. Remind everyone in your household or workplace of the importance of practicing everyday preventive actions that can help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue. 
• Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects daily (i.e., tables, counter tops, light switches, doorknobs, cabinet handles, desks, keyboards, phones and printers) using a regular detergent and water.  
  • If surfaces are dirty, they should be cleaned using a detergent and water prior to disinfection. For disinfection a list of products with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - approved emerging viral pathogens claims, maintained but the American Chemistry Council Center for Biocide Chemistries (CBC) is available at Novel Coronavirus (COVD-19) Fighting Products. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Always wash your hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty. 

Steps for Mold Remediation

3/4/2020 (Permalink)

When you contact us here at SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County with a mold problem we will start the process with getting some basic information from you, once we get that information we will move on to an estimate. This entails us sending one of our Project Managers to your home or business to see where you believe there is mold. Our Project Manager always tries to identify what is causing the mold to form if there appears to be any.

There are several causes of fungal growth. Some of the most common causes are high humidity, moisture in the walls and leaking pipes. If you would like to know what exactly your fungal growth is we have an Industrial Hygienist that we can refer you to. 

Once our Project Manager comes out to your location and finds the source of the mold growth and has an idea of what is going on in the space where the growth is, he will come back to the office to form an estimate for your property, The estimate will contain details, line by line, what our SERVPRO team will do to rid your property of the mold. The total cost for the job will also be disclosed in this estimate. 

After you review the estimate and approve the work to be done at the property we will schedule our technicians to come and rid your property of the mold. During the remediation process you will be updated regularly to ensure you do not have any questions or answer and questions that you might have. 

Equipment Used by SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County

3/4/2020 (Permalink)

• Moisture Sensor: Used to detect moisture in carpets, baseboards and walls.
• Moisture Meters: Used to determine the actual moisture content of various materials. The moisture tester provides accurate readings, allowing us to monitor to drying process in your home or business.
• Thermo Hygrometers: Measure temperature and relative humidity. When armed with this information we can calculate and create an environment most conductive to drying. When facing a contaminated water loss, it is not only important to dry the structure, but the structure must also be disinfected and often deodorized.
• Infrared Camera: These are used to identify areas of investigation for water damage and document its location with our having to cut into walls.
• Video Borescope: There are used as a noninvasive way to capture images in hard to see locations. They are great to use for duct cleaning, before and after inspections of areas that are difficult to see such as wall cavities, under cabinets, appliances and hollow voids.
• Dehumidifier: These remove moisture from the air. They are particularly useful in basements.
• Air Scrubber: There are portable filtration systems that remove particles, gases and/or chemicals from the air within a given area. They draw air in from the surrounding environment and pass it through a series of filters to remove contaminants.
• Ultra-Low Volume Fogger: These will atomize liquid deodorizing agents producing a fine mist that can easily penetrate the site where odor-causing residues may accumulate. This device can also be used to inject fungicides and disinfectants into wall cavities and other hard to reach areas. 
• Thermal Foggers: These dispense solvent based products by creating a dense fog. The fog consists of tiny particles of deodorant solution that attach to and neutralize odor causing particles. 
• Injectidry Floor System: This is used to dry areas of hidden moisture in and under various types of flooring and sub-flooring. It is especially helpful in drying hardwood floors/

Hillsborough Police Department Calls SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County

2/28/2020 (Permalink)

When the Town of Hillsborough Police Substation had a Sewage Backup on November 1, 2019, they did not hesitate to call SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County to mitigate the damage and make it, "Like it never even happened."

Since SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County is locally owned and operated we were able to get there quickly with our experienced team and start the mitigation process. Sewage Backup is unsanitary and my contain bacteria and viruses that could cause serious illness, the Town of Hillsborough Police Substation knew that we have the special training and equipment necessary to safely clean this type of contamination.

SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County is proud to be able to assist our local law enforcement and the Town of Hillsborough. 

Mold Cleaning

2/12/2020 (Permalink)

It's not a good feeling to enter your South Durham home or business and smell a musty odor or see a strange substance on the walls, ceiling or flooring area. you may wonder if it may be mold, why it's there, and how to properly clean it. SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County's crews are ready to properly re-mediate any mold issues in your home or business.

What is Mold?

• Molds are part of the natural environment, and can be found everywhere, indoors and outdoors. When mold is indoors, it can cause problems. Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions) and irritants. Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. It's important to find out why the mold is there and re-mediate it properly. 
• Mold needs moisture to grow. The way to control mold growth indoors is to control moisture. Oftentimes mold will grow on areas that have been affected by a leak, or other water intrusion. The presence of moisture allowed the mold to grow on a source of food, such as drywall, wood, vinyl or other surfaces. 

Cleaning Mold

• If you discover a mold problem, don't wait to address the issue. Mold damages what it grows on. The longer it grows, the more damage it can cause. It's strongly recommended that if the affected area is over 10 square feet, that professional mold remediation is performed to prevent causing further issues. 
• Fix plumbing leaks and other water problems as soon as possible. Dry all items completely. 
• Scrub mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely. 
• Absorbent or porous materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet, may have to be thrown away if they become moldy. mold can grow on or fill in the empty spaces and crevices of porous materials, so the mold may be difficult or impossible to remove completely. 
• Do not paint or caulk moldy surfaces. Clean up the mold and dry the surfaces before painting. Paint applied over moldy surfaces is likely to peel.

Our expert crews at SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County are prepared should you suspect a mold issue. We're ready to help identify the source, dry the area, re-mediate the mold, and assist in the verification of air quality. No matter the size of the area affected, should you suspect your home or business is affected with mold growth, SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County is ready to provide professional remediation services.

Are you Emergency Ready?

2/11/2020 (Permalink)

A failed water heater or pipe burst can cause major damage and interrupt your business. On average 50% of all businesses never recover from a major disaster. Planning ahead is the #1 way to minimize business interruption. SERVPRO of South Durham Orange County can assist your commercial business with a no cost Emergency Ready Plan that provides critical information to mitigate damage. Key features of the Emergency Ready Plan are:

• Assessment of the building at no charge to identify shutoffs for water, electric and gas.
• A concise profile of critical emergency contracts and vendors.
• A mobile app, so the information is always available.
• Establishing a clear chain of command for mitigation to begin.
• Establishes SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County as your disaster mitigation and restoration company.

SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County is here to help any time, day or night. Call us at 919-245-0788 to get Emergency Ready.

SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County Recognizes its 2019 Building Your Dreams Winner - Russ Damron

2/11/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County is proud to recognize its 2019 Building Your Dreams winner - Russ Damron. The Building Your Dreams Program is an award started by franchise owner Brad Armstrong nine years ago. The program awards an employee that has done an exceptional job of achieving their company and personal goals. The annual winner is required to write a narrative of how achieving their personal goals. The winner receives public recognition along with a check that equals $500 per every month of company profitability. 

Russ Damron is a production manager that has been with the company since August of 2017. He provides exceptional customer service and team support. He is a remendous asset to the SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County team.

What Happens If Your Tree Falls on Your Neighbor's House?

8/25/2015 (Permalink)

In most cases, if your tree falls on your neighbor’s property, they will need to make a claim on their home’s insurance policy. If you were notified the tree needed to be removed before it actually fell and caused damage, you would then need to file a liability claim on your insurance

SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County can handle emergency tree removal safely and quickly. We ensure that your property is secure by performing any tarp and board-up services needed. Remember After any storm damage or water damage situation in Durham, your primary focus should be safety first:

•   Is it safe to stay in the house?

•   Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.

•  Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.

•  Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!

As a trusted leader in the water damage restoration industry, SERVPRO of South Durham & Orange County has highly trained technicians that are dedicated to responding faster to any size disaster. We provide 24-hour emergency service and have the training and expertise to handle your restoration and cleaning needs. "Like it never happened". Contact us for more information.

A Tree Fell on Your Home During the Storm, Now what?

8/24/2015 (Permalink)

Tree Removal and Storm Cleamup Durham, NC

Late summer is upon us which means hurricane season for the Atlantic. The first major storm, Hurricane Danny” of the season already has Durham weather forecasters on alert.

A common occurrence during tropical storms is trees falling on and damaging your property. Don’t wait until it happens. Be prepared for this type of storm emergency. Here are 5 steps to take for emergency tree removal in Durham, NC.

1. Trees that are old or diseased can easily succumb to flooding and windy storms. Go ahead and remove hazardous trees before a storm approaches.
2. In the event a tree does fall on your property, first make sure everyone is okay. Leave your home if you feel unsafe inside the property.
3.  Look to see if there are any wires or power lines hanging and if they are call the police and the power company.
4.  Call your insurance company and if you can safely do say take pictures.
5. Contact your local mitigations and emergency storm cleanup provider in Durham, NC. They will place a tarp on the roof if needed. They will also carry out any board up services required and cleanup any water inside the home. Boarding up parts of the home that have structural damage will help with your insurance claim and also deter any vandals while you are away from your home.

*TIP: The nature of emergency situations do not allow you to check licenses or BBB reports. It’s best to have a trusted restoration and storm cleanup company in mind before things like this happen. Contact SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County to receive a free Emergency Readiness Plan. This plan will organize all the necessary steps and information you will need in the event of storm damage, water damage, fire damage, and cleanup.

As a trusted leader in the restoration industry, SERVPRO of South Durham & Orange County has highly trained technicians that are dedicated to responding faster to any size disaster. We provide 24-hour emergency service and have the training and expertise to handle your restoration and cleaning needs. "Like it never happened" Contact us for more information.

Check out our video challenging you to participate in our charity cornhole tournament!

8/20/2015 (Permalink)

Ultimate Toss and Tailgate Challenge!

As a trusted leader in the restoration industry, SERVPRO of South Durham & Orange County has highly trained technicians that are dedicated to responding faster to any size disaster. We provide 24-hour emergency service and have the training and expertise to handle your restoration and cleaning needs. "Like it never happened" Contact us for more information.

Why Mold Removal May Not Be an Ideal DIY Project

8/4/2015 (Permalink)

Servpro of South Durham and Orange County Mold Remediation

There are over 1,000 types mold found in North America (Durham, North Carolina). Did you know mold will eat just about anything? This includes metals, concrete, fabric and wood. 

People (living in Durham, NC) spend about 90% of our time indoors. This makes mold and it’s destructive nature a major concern for many of us. Search DIY mold removal on the internet and you will find tons of articles suggesting different ways to rid your home of mold yourself. One of the most common suggestions is spraying the mold with bleach or some other concoction aimed and killing it. Mold cleanup is not that simple.

The EPA ( United States Environmental Protection Agency) has come up with a rigid set of guidelines for mold removal. The Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings document recommends that you should only attempt to remove mold yourself if the area impacted is less than roughly a 3ft. by 3 ft. patch. Even in this instance you should first wear protective gear and fix any leaky pipes or issues that caused the mold damage. IICRC ( Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) does not recommend spraying but promotes removal of mold and proper air filtration.Major steps in a proper mold remediation process includes  analysis of the impacted area, thorough drying, fixing any causes of water and wetness as well as wearing  proper protective gear during the process.

Before you take the health and monetary risk of improper mold remediation review the EPA guidelines and contact your local Durham, NC mold remediation and abatement professionals to have an analysis of the area. This will give you a better idea if your mold problem is a do it yourself project or not.

Source: http://www.gotmold.ca/2013/03/20-interesting-facts-about-mold/

 As a trusted leader in the restoration industry, SERVPRO of South Durham & Orange County has highly trained technicians that are dedicated to responding faster to any size disaster. We provide 24-hour emergency service and have the training and expertise to handle your restoration and cleaning needs. "Like it never happened" Contact us for more information.

2015 Employee of the Year SERVPRO of South Durham & Orange County

7/22/2015 (Permalink)

2015 Employee of The Year

Just in case you missed it in January, Mark Banks is our 2015 Employee of The Year. He was chosen by his team members because of his dependability and everyone loves being around him. "It feels great to be recognized and know that everyone appreciates your hard work."

~Mark Banks

SERVPRO of South Durham & Orange County is constantly adding amazing people like Mark to our team. To be one of them check out our career opportunities. To stay up to date on new members and get to know our crew visit our website crew photos.

As a trusted leader in the restoration industry, SERVPRO of South Durham & Orange County has highly trained technicians that are dedicated to responding faster to any size disaster. We provide 24-hour emergency service and have the training and expertise to handle your restoration and cleaning needs. "Like it never happened" Contact us for more information.

Why Your Business Needs An Emergency Ready Plan

7/14/2015 (Permalink)

Inforgraphic explains why you should have an emergency Ready Plan for your business.

CLICK HERE TO SEE FULL INFOGRAPHIC

An estimated 50% of businesses that close due to a disaster, such as fire and flood never reopen.

SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County has worked with many businesses in the area to ensure they are prepared for any emergency. 

Between 2004-2008 16,360 fires happened in retail stores and other mercantile properties such as grocery stores beauty and barber shops.

Those fires caused $648 million in property damage. Fire damage is worse after normal business hours. Fires that started bwtween 9PM-5AM caused $75,000 dollars in damage. Firest that startd between 5AM-9AM caused $24,000 dollars in fire damage.

More than 60% of U.S. small businesses do not have formal emergency response plans & do not back-up their data off site.

No Plan Means You're Less Likely to Recover

80% of companies that do not recover from a disaster within 1 month are likely to go out of business. 75% of companies without a business contingency plan fail within 3 years of a disaster.

70% of small business that experience major data loss go out of business within a year.

43% of companies that experience catastrophic data loss never reopen.

51% of companies with data loss closed within 2 years.

80% of companies that do not recover from a disaster within 1 month are likely to go out of business. 75% of companies without a business contingency plan fail within 3 years of a disaster.

Tips For Creating a Successful Emergency Ready Plan

1.  Let the professionals help you. Work with an emergency restoration company for assistance in creating your emergency ready profile.
2. Identify and label utility shut-off locations.
3. Identify local utility contact information.
4. Identify local emergency contact information such as fire, police, and hospital contacts.
5. Establish main internal contacts for purposes of employee safety and emergency work authorization.

The SERVPRO® Ready Plan is a tool for property managers and owners, both residential and commercial. It allows for the creation of an Emergency READY Profile. Please contact our Commercial Business Development Representative Dana Richardson to setup your free Emergency Ready Profile.

919-886-3838

As a trusted leader in the restoration industry, SERVPRO of South Durham & Orange County has highly trained technicians that are dedicated to responding faster to any size disaster. We provide 24-hour emergency service and have the training and expertise to handle your restoration and cleaning needs. "Like it never happened" Contact us for more information.

Top 100: SERVPRO of South Durham & Orange County

7/9/2015 (Permalink)

Top 100 SERVPRO of South Durham & Orange County

We're so excited! SERVPRO of South Durham & Orange County has been recognized at the 2015 SERVPRO Convention as one of the top 100 highest grossing franchises. Help us celebrate by liking us on Facebook page! #‎SPCONV15? 

As a trusted leader in the restoration industry, SERVPRO of South Durham & Orange County has highly trained technicians that are dedicated to responding faster to any size disaster. We provide 24-hour emergency service and have the training and expertise to handle your restoration and cleaning needs. "Like it never happened" Contact us for more information.

3 Quick Tips To Help Prevent Lightning Fire Damage: SERVPRO of South Durham & Orange County

7/6/2015 (Permalink)

3 Quick Tips To Help Prevent Lightning Fire Damage: SERVPRO of South Durham & Orange County

SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County has cleaned up our fair share of fire damage caused by lightning.

Lightning strikes the earth's surface about 100 times every second and it can reach temperatures 5 times hotter than the surface of the sun. About 10-20% of those strikes have the potential to cause a fire.

Thunderstorms and lightning strikes have been causing quite a bit of damage in the Durham area. We are experts in fire damage cleanup, and we believe in safety first. Below we've provided 3 tips to help prevent fire damage caused by lighting.

1. Avoid using water during a thunderstorm. Taking showers, washing dishes, even washing your hands could put you and the structure you are occupying at danger. Water, especially water that contains minerals can be great for conducting electricity. Definitely do not go swimming. Lightning regularly strikes water and swimming during a thunderstorm is one of the most dangerous things you can do.  

2. In recent years the cost fire damage cleanup caused by lightning has gone up. This is mainly because the average household owns more electronic equipment. During a thunderstorm be sure to unplug things like computers and televisions. Also, do not use landline phones during a storm. A surge protector is also a good idea. They do not always protect against large direct lightning currents. But, the device does attempt to limit the voltage supplied to an electrical device by either blocking or by shorting to ground any unwanted voltages above a safe threshold. 

TIP: Check your homeowner's insurance policy. Not all policies cover electronic items lost or damaged during lightning and thunderstorms.

3. Invest in a professionally installed lightning protection system. Lightning rods create a network of low resistance paths for lightning currents  to travel. Using them can help you direct the lightening towards the ground and cause less damage to the building structure. 

FUN FACT:The Empire State Building is a lightning rod for it's surrounding area. It is struck by lightning an average of 23 times per year. For more information on lightning protection systems keep reading our blog!

As a trusted leader in the restoration industry, SERVPRO of South Durham & Orange County has highly trained technicians that are dedicated to responding faster to any size disaster. We provide 24-hour emergency service and have the training and expertise to handle your restoration and cleaning needs. "Like It Never Happened" Contact us for more information.

SERVPRO of South Durham & Orange County Ultimate Toss And Tailgate: Join us For FUN and a Great Cause

7/1/2015 (Permalink)

Ultimate Toss And Tailgate: SERVPRO of South Durham & Orange County

join SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County for an evening of family fun and games as we raise money for the Ronald McDonald House of Durham.

Compete in our Cornhole tournament and enjoy the ultimate tailgate experience. We will have lots of food, games, raffles and prizes!

Come prepared to watch Sunday football on the big screen where we will have food trucks, music and adult beverages.

For more details on the event visit tinyurl.com/tossntailgate

SERVPRO of South Durham & Orange County: Does your family know what to do? 30/30 rule

9/26/2014 (Permalink)

30/30 RULE

We've had lots of severe thunderstorms this season in the durham and Orange county area. Weather.com is predicting at least seven days of thunderstorms over the next 10 days for the Durham, NC area.

SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange county has had an influx of residential and commercial storm cleanup and tree removal request.

Does your family know what to do before, during, and after a lightning storm? Learn the facts and practice your plan.  The 30/30 rule is if there is less than 30 seconds between a flash of lightning and the sound of thunder, seek shelter.  Wait at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder before leaving shelter.

Contact us today to make sure you are preared in the event of disaster!