Time to check your grill!

5/17/2023 (Permalink)

Grilling steaks and hamburgers on a gas grill.

Warmer weather has finally arrived and it’s almost time to kick off the summer season with the Memorial Day holiday approaching. Families break out the grills that for the most part have been stored away or used very little over the winter months, so make sure you have checked over your grill inside and out including your propane tank and hoses.

Three out of five households own a gas grill – unfortunately, about 9,000 home fires occur each year as a result of gas grills. Simple precautions can save your home and dinner from a fire disaster.

Always grill outside and away from our house, deck and patio furniture. Keep your grill trays cleaned regularly and make sure your grill is located on a flat solid surface.  Keep children and your pets away from the grill at all times and never leave your grill unattended. Keep your home and family safe as we kick off the summertime season after a long cold winter!

Hurricane Preparedness

5/3/2023 (Permalink)

Satellite image of a hurricane off the coast preparing for landfall

May flowers may be beginning to bloom but so is Hurricane Season – National Hurricane Preparedness kicked off this week to remind everyone to be ready for hurricane season. When taking action NOW you and your home and business will be better prepared for when the unthinkable happens. Follow these simple but effective guidelines to assure you have a plan in place.

Day 1 – Know Your Risk: Wind and Water

Day 2 – Prepare Before Hurricane Season

Day 3 - Understand Forecast Information

Day 4 – Get Moving When a Storm Threatens

Day 5 – Stay Protected During Storms

Day 6 – Use Caution After Storms

Day 7 – Take Action Today

Follow  us on social media for more information on how to prepare your home – family and business when hurricane season has arrived!

Spring Means Clean

4/26/2023 (Permalink)

Carpet Cleaning before and after in Laurens, SC

Spring is finally here and although Mother Nature has been making other plans for everyone with all seasons in one week – we can only hope warmer temperatures will be here to stay soon! When Spring arrives, you think it’s time to clean and everyone has their own way of cleaning. Whatever method works for you – so here are some tips to get your home in top condition and as clean as Spring!

• Make a schedule of the rooms or areas you want to start.
• Declutter your work or home space. Find a local donation location in your area to donate items you no longer use.
• When working with cleaning products always make sure your area is well ventilated or use Green Products
• Dust ceiling fans and light fixtures first
• Clean walls and baseboards and always start at the top and work your way down.
• Save the floors for last.

Spring cleaning is a task – one that goes above your general weekly cleaning.  If you’ve decided you just don’t have the time or energy to do a deep clean, give us a call – we’ve got you covered!

The Silent Secrets of Mold

3/2/2023 (Permalink)

Homeowner found their subfloor in this condition after removing old vinyl flooring.

We have had a some wild winter weather here in the south for the past several weeks – one day its summer temperatures and then winter will run around the corner and come out of nowhere.  These temperatures are pretty standard in early Spring  but we have had a very mild winter. Mold can grow at any time of the year – but it can multiply in changing temperatures in and outside your home. Mold grows from moisture – almost anywhere. Controlling mold growth requires maintaining proper humidity levels in your home or business.

It looks like mold but is it really mold? This homeowner in Hickory Tavern, SC were prepping their laundry room floors for new tile. When the homeowner pulled up the vinyl flooring they were shocked and very concerned at what looked like life mold covering their sub floor.  They immediately called SERVPRO and the technicians came out and tested the flooring.  There was no live mold , this was an old water damage that happened prior to the homeowner purchasing the home.  The sub floor was cleaned and prepped for the new tile to be installed.  If you are unsure if you have a problem with mold or not, let SERVPRO ease your mind and check your home prior to any home renovations.

Excessive Rain and your Septic System

1/29/2023 (Permalink)

A sure sign you need your septic pumped

The winter season has definitely not been pleasant to us this year. The rainfall we have experienced in our region has been above the normal and taken its toll on those who have a septic system. The normal schedule for a septic system to be pumped is on average every 3-4 years but if you have been experiencing problems – you may need to call the professional for service earlier.

Common signs that your septic tank is full:

• Standing water over your septic system
• Smelling sewage when you in your yard
• Drains in your household are not draining properly.
• Your pipes are making unusual sounds (gurgle) when you flush the toilet
• You find sewage backup in your tubs and sinks
• You smell sewage when running your washing machine

If you have had your septic pumped and begin to have issues you may have a clogged or broken drainage pipe or your stack pipes on the roof of your home may be clogged. Having this inspected early can help you from having sewer back up into your home.

Sub zero temps = Busted Pipes in Clinton, SC

1/9/2023 (Permalink)

When the pipes burst the ceiling fell at this business in Clinton, SC

Winter officially arrived on December 21^st and everyone here in the South wasn’t particularly welcoming of the season. We typically have mild to almost warm weather over the Christmas season, but Mother Nature had different plans this year. Below zero temperatures in the South is almost unheard of but they were here, and the havoc caused has been catastrophic for many home and businesses owners. The damage in many local business and homes were some of the worst we have seen. Frozen pipes that burst, along with power outages that didn’t help any situation. Christmas was different this year for many, but SERVPRO was there and will continue to be there not matter what the circumstances may be. This winter storm was an Historic Event, and we will be there for our community, now and in the future.

Protect your pipes

12/22/2022 (Permalink)

Frozen water line to an outside faucet

If you haven’t prepared for the freezing temperatures that will banket our area over the next few days, then today is the day to prepare.

• Disconnect outside hoses
• Insulate outdoor pipes
• Let your faucets drip
• Open your cabinet doors under sinks
• Turn up your heat inside you home

These are dangerous temperatures and when you factor in the wind, we are looking at below zero temperatures.  If you are leaving your home or closing your business, you want to make sure you follow the above tips.  Please take all necessary precautions to prevent water damage from freezing pipes.

Space Heater Safety

12/14/2022 (Permalink)

Space heater safety

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

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

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

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

Decorating Safety

12/6/2022 (Permalink)

Time to Decorate your tree

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

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

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

Turkey Tips

11/14/2022 (Permalink)

Happy Thanksgiving Turkey!

We are a little over a week away from the kickoff to the Holiday Season – Thanksgiving. The shopping cooking and family time is here to celebrate all for which we are Thankful! Preparing for your feast is key to a successful Thanksgiving Dinner for you and your family! There are several ways to thaw a frozen turkey so pick the best scenario that works best for you.

Three Ways to Thaw a Turkey

• Refrigerator – the safest way - depending on the size of your turkey it is safe to thaw your turkey in the refrigerator for 1 -2 days (24 hours for every 5lbs of turkey. This is the safest way to thaw your bird – as it can remain in the refrigerator up to two days before cooking. So basically, you can start thawing your bird the Friday before Thanksgiving.
• Cold Water – Submerge the turkey in cold water and drain and refill cold water every 30 minutes. if you decide to use this method the turkey must be cooked immediately after thawing.
• Microwave – use the defrost method based on the weight of the turkey. Again, you must cook the turkey immediately after thawing.

No matter the method of your turkey cooking – our wish is your Thanksgiving Dinner is filled with love and fellowship as we enter the most wonderful time of the year.