Cat 3 Water

1/24/2019 (Permalink)

After a hurricane, which causes major flooding, we cut everything out. The only thing remaining is the studs and the areas that didn’t touch the water.  This is an image of a home previously flooded by water.

“Flood waters resulting from hurricanes, tropical storms, rising rivers, or tsunamis may be significantly more contaminated than flood waters from clean sources such as potable water or rainwater that leaks into buildings. The S500 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Water Damage Restoration, published by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration (IICRC), categorizes water by level of contamination, from potable water (Category 1) to grossly contaminated water (Category 3) (IICRC 2006). The IICRC considers all water originating from sea water, ground or surface water, rising rivers and streams, and wind-driven rain from hurricanes and tropical storms to be Category 3”

Resources:

https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2014-08/documents/flood-related_cleaning_report.pdf

We are here 24/7 for your emergency needs at 843-884-2258

House Gut and Dry

1/16/2019 (Permalink)

Our office has had the pleasure of helping during storms, 4 years in a row. The first 3 years were here locally. The last storm was a couple hours away. But, we went to put in the teamwork, that SERVPRO prides itself for. This image we are sharing is of a house almost completely gutted. The flood waters went as high as you see. Because, we don't know what is in flood waters, we cut out all drywall that touches. We are IICRC certified and follow such standards. This home is back to normal today, because of our speedy arrival times, and drying process. 

As always, feel free to call us with questions to help you at 843-884-2258. We are always happy to answer questions, to help educate our clients, so they know what to do in the case of a storm. 

Good News For Hurricane Season 2018

7/3/2018 (Permalink)

Good news! New studies show 2018 Hurricane season will be less active than originally thought. “The 2018 Atlantic hurricane season is increasingly expected to be less active than average, according to an updated seasonal outlook released by Colorado State University.” We do our best at SERVPRO of Mt. Pleasant, to watch all these conditions, so we can prepare ahead of a possible storm. The reasons for the new predictions are listed below:

“There are several reasons these outlooks are calling for lower numbers in 2018:

1. Atlantic Ocean Temperature Patterns

A pattern of cooler-than-average water temperatures has persisted and expanded in the eastern Atlantic and in the central northern Atlantic.

The Weather Company compared sea-surface temperature anomalies in June for inactive vs. active hurricane seasons and found that the current pattern more closely represents inactive hurricane seasons.

Atlantic Basin sea-surface temperature anomalies as of July 2, 2018.

Temperatures between the Lesser Antilles and Africa are supportive for tropical growth nearly year-round, but the warmer the water in that region, the more likely a tropical cyclone is to develop, all other factors (wind shear, atmospheric moisture, forward speed, etc.) held constant.

Should this pattern of cooler-than-average ocean temperatures continue into the heart of hurricane season (August, September and October), we can expect less tropical activity east of the Caribbean.

The Gulf of Mexico, while supportive of tropical storms and hurricanes, has cooled relative to average since May. Subtropical Storm Alberto was able to develop over these waters in late May.

2. Transition Toward El Niño Becoming More Possible

Waters in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean have warmed above average but are still short of El Niño conditions as of early July.

The latest outlook from NOAA's Climate Prediction Center, released June 14, forecasts neutral conditions to last through much of the summer, if not into the autumn, before El Niño conditions potentially take over later this fall. This is a few months earlier than forecast in earlier outlooks.

The atmospheric component of this global atmospheric and oceanic phenomena is, so far, also leaning toward a less active season than originally thought. Dr. Michael Ventrice, The Weather Company meteorological scientist, noted model guidance suggesting the atmosphere's response to this warming water may finally be shifting toward what you'd expect from an El Niño.

FEMA atmospheric scientist Michael Lowry also noted wind shear over the Caribbean Sea was abnormally strong in June, taking on the overall look of a hurricane season feeling the effects of a developing El Niño.

Conditions across the Atlantic this June were reminiscent of #ElNino years, with high Caribbean wind shear and cool waters in the deep tropics. Let's hope these hostile conditions persist into the heart of #hurricane season.

11:11 PM - Jul 1, 2018

Twitter Ads info and privacy

Dr. Phil Klotzbach, tropical scientist and head of the CSU tropical forecast team, emphasized in the CSU July outlook that while a weak El Niño may develop, the main reason the team adjusted its late-May forecast down was the cooler tropical Atlantic water, rather than the equatorial Pacific warming.

A faster warming of the Pacific, or a quicker transition toward El Niño, could mean fewer storms and hurricanes, especially toward the end of hurricane season.

3. Increasing North Atlantic Oscillation

The North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), defined as a pattern of pressure gradients over the northern Atlantic Ocean, is expected to remain positive through the next few months.

Both the Azores-Bermuda high-pressure system and the Greenland low-pressure system are strengthened in the positive phase of the NAO. This creates a stronger pressure gradient and increased wind between the two systems. This also creates more wind around the Azores-Bermuda high

Typical setup for the positive phase of the North Atlantic Oscillation.

In the winter, this means a quicker storm track for winter storms crossing the northern Atlantic, but in hurricane season, it may bring a few less-than-favorable conditions:

• Gustier winds across much of the subtropics and North Atlantic.
• Cooler water temperatures.
• A slightly faster tropical wave track across the Atlantic.

The positive phase of the NAO decreases the chances of an active year.”

Even though, the season is supposed to be less active; always be prepared.

If you need any help, call us at 843-884-2258

Resources:

https://weather.com/storms/hurricane/news/2018-07-02-2018-hurricane-season-forecast-csu-twc-july

Prepare for 2018 Hurricane Season

6/19/2018 (Permalink)

Hurricane season 2018, started June 1^st. Are you and your loved ones prepared? FEMA offers many tips, for preparing and even has an app, you can add to your phone. We start a list of homes that are in high flood areas, before a storm hits. It’s better to be prepared.

“Make A Plan

Make a plan today. Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes, so it is important to know which types of disasters could affect your area.  Know how you’ll contact one another and reconnect if separated. Establish a family meeting place that’s familiar and easy to find.

Step 1: Put together a plan by discussing these 4 questions with your family, friends, or household to start your emergency plan.

1. How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?
2. What is my shelter plan?
3. What is my evacuation route?
4. What is my family/household communication plan?

Step 2:  Consider specific needs in your household.

As you prepare your plan tailor your plans and supplies to your specific daily living needs and responsibilities. Discuss your needs and responsibilities and how people in the network can assist each other with communication, care of children, business, pets, or specific needs like the operation of durable medical equipment. Create your own personal network for specific areas where you need assistance.  Keep in mind some these factors when developing your plan:

• Different ages of members within your household
• Responsibilities for assisting others
• Locations frequented
• Dietary needs
• Medical needs including prescriptions and equipment
• Disabilities or access and functional needs including devices and equipment
• Languages spoken
• Cultural and religious considerations
• Pets or service animals
• Households with school-aged children

Step 3: Fill out a Family Emergency Plan

Download and fill out a family emergency plan or use them as a guide to create your own.

• Emergency Plan for Parents (PDF)

Step 4: Practice your plan with your family/household”

If you need any help,call usat 842-884-2258

Resources by: https://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan

Home Insurance and Storm Damage

1/18/2018 (Permalink)

Winter Storms, spring thaws, water damage and other losses caused by weather variations are often covered by your home insurance. 

Consider that in 2015 Winter storms caused an estimated $3.5 billion in insured losses according to Munich Re. As weather patterns change bringing harsh conditions to areas that traditionally do not see such heavy winter activity, claims due to winter storm damage will likely rise.

Are You Insured for Winter Storm or Water Damage?

Many homeowners are insured and can make a claim if they sustain damage from a winter storm, spring thaw or cold snap. Depending on the type of policy you have, several types of risks and damage arising from weather, heavy snowfall, thaws or cold snaps that may be covered and you may be able to get help and compensation for losses from your insurance company.

What Kind of Weather Related Damage Is Covered by Insurance?

The most common causes of winter storm or weather damage include:

• Hail Damage
• Roof Damage
• Water Damage
• Sewer Back Up
• Freezing Pipes
• Fallen Trees - There are many reasons a tree might fall, and whether or not it caused damage to property becomes important for the purpose of paying a claim. Different policies offer different types of coverage.
• Ice dams forming on the roof 
• Weight of snow and ice on the roof causing damage
• Wind damage (Which can include fallen trees and shingles or bricks flying off buildings and roofs)

• Flooding due to melting snow, a sudden thaw, or excessive rainfall
• Water infiltration into the home.  This may or may not be covered depending on how the damage is happening. Always call to find out what you might be eligible for. 

Although not all damages are covered by standard insurance, most of the above items are.

The major exception to most policies is flood damage. Flood damage is not usually covered by the home insurance company in the United States; you can find out more about flood insurance frequently asked questions here.  

Winter Weather Can Also Put You at Risk of Being Sued: Liability Claims

We often think about the risks of damage to our own homes, but there is also a significant risk that if you do not maintain your property, other people could get injured  on your property and hold you responsible. Your home insurance covers liability.

Contact your  own insurance Company Immediately even if you think the damage or injury is not your fault. The insurance company can help give advice on the next steps and get involved to help you.

Insurance companies help with this legal aspect and legal defense costs if needed as part of the liability portion of your insurance in many cases as well. Take advantage of their services, this is what you pay an insurance company for: to help you!

The Insurance Agreement for Claims and Your Responsibility

 Your Policy is a Contract with the Insurance Company and you as the homeowner have  agreed to keep them aware of circumstances that might impact liability.

Do not try and solve the issue by yourself, in doing so you may create a problem for your own insurance coverage. Your insurance representative is in the best position to explain how you are covered and what they will do to help you in the situation.

Examples of Winter Liability Risks and Claims

• Property damage to others. For example, a tree falls on your neighbor's fence or home.
• Personal injury: the mailman comes to deliver a package and slips on ice on your walkway. You have to do your best during storms to keep walkways de-iced and clear of snow to avoid injury to yourself and others.
• Snow or ice on the roof of your home suddenly crashes down on a parked car, or a person walking along your property and injures them. This is a very dangerous risk, which is why it is important to pay attention to accumulation on your roof and take preventative measures following a storm.

What to Do If You Have Winter Storm Damage to Make a Claim

• Don't wait if you notice damage to your home, call your insurance company as soon as possible. Most insurance companies have 24-hour claims numbers that can help you in an emergency.

Insurance does not cover gradual damage, so leaving things until later could cost you a lot of money, and may even cause further damage that would not be covered and you claim could be denied.

IF Water is Coming Into Your Home? Call Your Insurance Company!

Normally if you have damage happening, like water coming into your home, the insurance company can be really useful because as soon as they become alerted they may send an emergency crew out to help you prevent further damage. Take advantage of all the advice and services your insurance company can offer during a claim. You don't need to go through the situation alone.

In many cases, because of the insurer's experience with claims, and the established relationships insurance companies have with emergency contractors and service providers, going through your insurance company will get you help immediately. If you try and contact contractors on your own or after hours, you may not be on the top of their list. Give your insurance company the opportunity to get things resolved by experienced professionals as quickly as possible.

Preventing Further Damage

While you wait for the insurance company, you are responsible to prevent further damage. In this process, you might be tempted to take things and throw them away, or move things. Before you do this take a few minutes to document what is happening. It could become very important when the insurance company reviews the claim.

• Take photos or video as soon as you notice damage, so you have these on record.
• If you need to take immediate action to prevent further damage, keep any receipts and records of any money you spend.

How to Make a Claim and Get Paid for Winter Storm and Water Damage 

Regardless of the situation, anytime you notice damage to your property or home, or you get accused of being responsible for damage to others, you should contact your insurance representative immediately. They will guide you through the process to protect your best interests and let you know what is covered. 

Find out what coverage is available to protect yourself and if you do not have it, make the necessary changes to your home policy to get the best homeowner coverage possible for the future. With changing weather patterns you may be at risk for extensive damages that you may not have been subject to before.

With a few adjustments and a good plan for home winter maintence and prevention, you should be able to keep your home safe from storm damage, and if you do have a claim, get the help you need from the insurance company so you don't lose money and come out on top.

Examples of Storm Damage Claims

'My Neighbor's Tree Fell on My Fence, or My House! What Do I Do?'

A very common issue between neighbors is when damage occurs across property lines. The example of the tree is very common. Branches can fall and hit a neighbor's home, fence, or garage. Sometimes trees fall over driveways and hit the neighbor's cars.

Contact your insurance company right away so that they can help you determine if you can recover damages from your neighbor using the proper channels. You do not need to handle these issues alone. They will be able to help you take care of the situation and get you back on track.

Damages to Your Roof 

For homes that are connected, or semi-detached, damages on the roof or within the walls can also cross property lines. The help of experts in these situations, like those of your insurance company, is in your best interest. You have a responsibility as part of your insurance contract to make them aware of any issues or potential claims being brought against you.

What to Do If You Aren't Sure Who Is Responsible In a Claim

In the scenario above, for example, your neighbor needs to contact their insurance company and you need to contact yours. This will facilitate the situation for you. You're not alone in these situations. 

Anytime you have a claim brought against you, you should call your insurance company so they can help, that's why you have liability coverage.

Resources By The Balance.com

https://www.thebalance.com/weather-water-damage-home-insurance-coverage-3862186?utm_content=buffer352e3&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

Coastal Flooding in Charleston SC

1/10/2018 (Permalink)

Living on the Coast in Charleston, SC you probably have experienced or been impacted by coastal flooding. “Coastal flooding” is defined as the phenomenon when salt water from the ocean floods or inundates areas that are normally dry. You might think these flooding tides are mainly the result of strong storms or hurricanes. However, it’s really coastal flooding from very high astronomical or “normal tides”, which are a result of the gravitational pull of the Sun and the Moon on the water surfaces of the Earth, that have been on the increase. High Tides combined  with winds blowing from the water toward the coast, the water levels can be even higher and more damaging. To make the situation worse, cities such as Charleston, SC have an added issue with coastal flooding. When heavy rainfall occurs around the time of high tide the result is even more widespread flooding of streets, roads, and some homes and businesses across the city. 

If your Homes or Businesses are affected by the rising waters, SERVPRO of Mount Pleasant is there to Assist with Water Removal and Dehumidification. Call us when this Water or Storm Event happens at 843-884-2258.

Resources by National Weather Service by Ron Morales- Warning Coordination Meterologist.

http://www.weather.gov/media/chs/newsletters/2017-OfficeNewsletter.pdf

Frozen Pipes During Winter Storms

1/2/2018 (Permalink)

Why Pipe Freezing is a Problem

Water has a unique property in that it expands as it freezes. This expansion puts tremendous pressure on whatever is containing it, including metal or plastic pipes. No matter the strength of a container, expanding water can cause pipes to break.

Pipes that freeze most frequently are:

• Pipes that are exposed to severe cold, like outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, and water sprinkler lines.
• Water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets.
• Pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation.

How to Protect Pipes From Freezing

• Drain water from swimming pool and water sprinkler supply lines following manufacturer's or installer's directions. Do not put antifreeze in these lines unless directed. Antifreeze is environmentally harmful, and is dangerous to humans, pets, wildlife, and landscaping.
• Remove, drain, and store hoses used outdoors. Close inside valves supplying outdoor hose bibs. Open the outside hose bibs to allow water to drain. Keep the outside valve open so that any water remaining in the pipe can expand without causing the pipe to break.
• Add insulation to attics, basements and crawl spaces. Insulation will maintain higher temperatures in these areas.
• Check around the home for other areas where water supply lines are located in unheated areas. Look in the garage, and under kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Both hot and cold water pipes in these areas should be insulated.
• Consider installing specific products made to insulate water pipes like a "pipe sleeve" or installing UL-listed "heat tape," "heat cable," or similar materials on exposed water pipes. Newspaper can provide some degree of insulation and protection to exposed pipes – even ¼” of newspaper can provide significant protection in areas that usually do not have frequent or prolonged temperatures below freezing.
• Consider relocating exposed pipes to provide increased protection from freezing.

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

• Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children.
• When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe - even at a trickle - helps prevent pipes from freezing.
• Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.
• If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.

How to Thaw Frozen Pipes

• If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. Likely places for frozen pipes include against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.
• Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area. Running water through the pipe will help melt ice in the pipe.
• Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials), or by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame device.
• Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. If you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible, or if you can not thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber. In case of Water Damage - Call SERVPRO of Mt Pleasant. 843-884-2258.
• Check all other faucets in your home to find out if you have additional frozen pipes. If one pipe freezes, others may freeze, too.

Resources By American Red Cross

http://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/winter-storm/frozen-pipes

Irma

12/5/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Mt. Pleasant, has done storms damage three years in a row. We are pleased we could help our regular clients, whom with stood these storms. It’s truly hard time, when your home is damaged from a storm.  SERVPRO of Mt. Pleasant is here to guide you through the insurance filing, to listen, and get your home “Like it never even happened.”  We are here for you, even if it’s to ask questions, please call us 843-884-2258.

This year Irma caused “the worst tidal surge in 80 years” . Downtown Charleston was flooded, with many homes left in standing water.  

”At its height, the storm generated a nearly 10-foot tide. That was 4 feet more than normal and among the worst tidal surges in 80 years after Hugo in 1989 and a storm in 1940. It was about 8 inches higher than last year’s Hurricane Matthew.”

Works Cited

“The Post and Courier” https://www.postandcourier.com/news/area-sees-incredible-flooding-as-irma-pounds-charleston-coastal-south/article_b752803e-96ee-11e7-9c8a-3f6a906b40d4.html

Water under home

12/5/2017 (Permalink)

This photo is under a home after hurricane Irma. As you can tell water was still present. It took time, effort, and patience to make it through this storm. But, we alongside our clients worked tirelessly to get them back in the home.  We are pleased to say our clients are not only clients, but friends. They count on us for their water loss, cleaning needs, duct cleaning, mold, and fire loss. We have shown time and again we can make it "Like it never even happened.”

“Storm-battered Charleston began drying out Tuesday from a hurricane-driven tidal surge that had turned the historic district and other parts of the Lowcountry into a watery mass of flooded streets, floating debris and swamped buildings.

A day after near record tides hit the Charleston area; the water had begun to recede as communities worked to recover from a flood caused by the remnants of Hurricane Irma.

High tides that flooded the downtown were among the most significant to hit Charleston in recent years. Surrounding areas, such as Isle of Palms and Folly Beach, also suffered from the storm surge associated with Irma. The damage included substantial beach erosion.

"Thankfully, we appear to have come through this storm with no loss of life or serious injury,’’ Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg said in an afternoon statement. “That's a real blessing. Now, our job is to move forward with recovery efforts and get our city back to normal for our residents as quickly as possible."

Works Cited

“The State” http://www.thestate.com/news/local/article172835176.html

Thunderstorms

2/27/2017 (Permalink)

As we sit here looking at our yellow, pollen covered cars. We remember it’s almost springtime. Our area gets warm fast and thunderstorm’s are something to watch for, here are some tips, to prepare:

. To prepare for a thunderstorm, you should do the following:

• To begin preparing, you should build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.


• Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage during a severe thunderstorm.


• Postpone outdoor activities.


• Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage.


• Get inside a home, building, or hard top automobile (not a convertible). Although you may be injured if lightning strikes your car, you are much safer inside a vehicle than outside.


• Remember, rubber-soled shoes and rubber tires provide NO protection from lightning. However, the steel frame of a hard-topped vehicle provides increased protection if you are not touching metal.


• Shutter windows and secure outside doors. If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades or curtains.


• Unplug any electronic equipment well before the storm arrives.

Resources are taking from: 

https://www.ready.gov/thunderstorms-lightning

Click drop down menu under Before Thunderstorm and Lighting

As always if you need us call us, 24/7 843-884-2258

Frozen Pipes

1/30/2017 (Permalink)

February is extreme cold month.  In the south we usually don’t have to worry. But, we have seen freezing pipes in the past. So, we have some types to follow:

Preventing Frozen Pipes

Before the onset of cold weather, prevent freezing of these water supply lines and pipes by following these recommendations:

• Drain water from swimming pool and water sprinkler supply lines following manufacturer's or installer's directions. Do not put antifreeze in these lines unless directed. Antifreeze is environmentally harmful, and is dangerous to humans, pets, wildlife, and landscaping.
  
  


• Remove, drain, and store hoses used outdoors. Close inside valves supplying outdoor hose bibs. Open the outside hose bibs to allow water to drain. Keep the outside valve open so that any water remaining in the pipe can expand without causing the pipe to break.
  
  


• Check around the home for other areas where water supply lines are located in unheated areas. Look in the basement, crawl space, attic, garage, and under kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Both hot and cold water pipes in these areas should be insulated.
  
  


• Consider installing specific products made to insulate water pipes like a "pipe sleeve" or installing UL-listed "heat tape," "heat cable," or similar materials on exposed water pipes. Newspaper can provide some degree of insulation and protection to exposed pipes – even ¼” of newspaper can provide significant protection in areas that usually do not have frequent or prolonged temperatures below freezing.

If by some chance you have frozen pipes and need any advice call us, we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 843-884-2258

Resources taken from: http://www.redcross.org/get-help/prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/winter-storm/frozen-pipes

When Storms or Floods hit Charleston/Mt Pleasant, SERVPRO is ready!

5/31/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Downtown Charleston/Mt Pleasant specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition. Our office staff are able to take calls from any location, making sure your calls wont be missed or in a que.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit the Charleston/Mt Pleasant area we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 843.577.2470 or 843.884.2258