Winter Storm – Are you Prepared?

1/8/2025 (Permalink)

A blanket of snow covering the roadways.

We seldom see the forecast of “Snow” in the South, but predictions of a winter storm has been determined for the upcoming weekend. Now is the time to prepare.  If we learned anything from Hurricane Helene, it was to be prepared. The most requested items are bread and milk – but there are far more important items needed to prepare for a winter storm. Storms in the south are usually followed by ice, which means a power outage is most likely going to play a factor in these storms so be prepared!

Gather your emergency supplies:

• Food and water
• First aid kit
• Fill your vehicles with a full tank of Gas (this is especially important should you lose power and need to stay warm).
• Flashlight and extra batteries and cell phone chargers
• Have extra blankets and warm clothing.
• Another heat source, kerosene heater, hand warmers, firewood if you have a fireplace.

Avoid travel and stay tuned to your local weather stations for updates on current weather situations.

Christmas Tree Safety

12/18/2024 (Permalink)

Handle your fresh tree with care

We are just a week away from Christmas – a magical time for your kids and family. Decorations have filled your home, and your freshly cut tree is glowing with wrapped presents all around but don’t forget your tree needs attention. If you decide to have a live tree, make sure you are taking into consideration the attention in keeping your home safe.

• When decorating always use miniature lights that produce low heat – it will reduce drying of the tree.
• Do not overload electrical circuits and inspect your light sets before placing them on your tree.
• If you are leaving your home or going to bed – turn off your lights.
• Check the water level in your tree especially if you have indoor pets – they will empty your water supply before you know it.
• Place your tree away from your heating vents to prevent drying out.

Following these simple steps to avoid a fire hazard – fresh farm-grown trees are safe if you follow the proper measures.

Prepare for Freezing Temperatures

12/3/2024 (Permalink)

Protect your home from busted pipes!

Although Winter is a few weeks away – Ol Man winter has made its way to the South. Below, freezing temperatures will blanket our area over the next several days, make sure you are prepared.

• Insulate your pipes – exposed pipes are more likely to freeze.
• Keep your thermostat at the same temperature during the day and night.
• Let your faucets drip to avoid freezing.
• Open your cabinets below your sinks to allow the heat inside your home to circulate.
• Drain your outside water hose and disconnect from your spout. Insulation covers are best for outside water sources.
• Take care of your fur babies!

Stay warm and keep your home safe from freezing pipes to avoid water damage to your home! SERVPRO® of Newberry and Laurens Counties will be here if you need us!

Decorating Safety Tip

12/1/2024 (Permalink)

Its time to Deck the Halls!

Now that the Thanksgiving Feast is over, its time to pull out the Christmas decorations and get your home decorated for the Christmas Holiday! There is a greater risk of a fire to your home during the holidays so before you begin to Deck the Halls of your home – keep safety as your top priority!

• Check your lights for any worn or broken cords or bulb connections and only use indoor and outdoor lights in the appropriate area.
• When purchasing decorations make sure they are flame resistant and or retardant
• Do not over connect your string of lights.
• When using extension cords make sure they are not placed in a high traffic area
• Never leave your candles unattended or near curtains or furniture and out of reach of small children.
• Always turn off your holiday lights prior to going to bed or leaving your home.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year – Happy Decorating!

Planning on Frying your Turkey?

11/20/2024 (Permalink)

Fried Turkey for Thanksgiving!

We are one week away from kicking off the Holiday Season - Thanksgiving!  Preparations will begin for days of cooking for family and friends. But did you know that cooking is the leading cause of house fires? Unattended cooking is a contributing factor especially frying.  If you plan on deep frying your turkey this holiday season, follow these safety guidelines to assure your Thanksgiving Dinner doesn’t require a 911 call for the fire department. 

• Make sure your turkey is thawed – never place a frozen turkey in a fryer
• Keep a fire extinguisher close by to extinguish a fire – DO NOT USE WATER
• Never leave your fryer unattended.
• Place your fryer outside and away from your home.
• Instruct your children to stay away from your fryer and keep your pets inside or contained in an area away from your fryer.

Celebrate the season safely with your family and friends!

Time to Clean your Gutters

11/12/2024 (Permalink)

Its time to clean the debris from your gutters

The leaves are falling on your yard, your roof and in your gutters. Unless you have a gutter guard system on your home then those gutters are going to fill up quickly and daily.  It’s a job in itself this time of year, but a needed task that all homeowners need to focus on during this time. 

Clogged gutters can cause water to overflow onto your roof – causing a leak and damage to your roof. If not addressed, it can cause water damage inside your home. Constant overflow of rainwater can also lead to siding damage and wood rot. Your foundation can also be compromised with the overflow of water due to clogged gutters and downspouts. Clogged gutters can also cause damage inside your home if pooled water accumulates to any exposed wooden areas near our roof and windows. 

Clear your gutters of any debris and check them often until all your leaves have fallen. You want to make sure they are all clear before the winter temperatures arrive.

Trick or Treat Safety

10/30/2024 (Permalink)

Happy Halloween Pumpkins

It is almost time for Halloween and Trick or Treaters running through the neighborhoods. There are trunk n treats, but Halloween night is all for the kid’s going door to door for candy n fun!

Practicing safety for this special night for kids is a high priority.  Children are more likely to be hit by a car on Halloween night more than any other night of the year. Enjoy your time with your trick-or-treaters and be safe. Follow these tips to ensure you and your kids have a great and safe Halloween.

• Avoid costumes with a mask – they can obstruct vision.
• Make sure your children’s costumes are made of flame-resistant materials.
• Use reflective tape or stickers on costumes.
• Inspect all candy prior to consumption.

Enjoy this holiday and keep your children safe!

Space Heater Safety

10/22/2024 (Permalink)

Use safety when using a space heater to warm areas of your home.

October is Fire Prevention Month and a time for homes to prepare for the cooler the temperatures that are coming. Temperatures during this time of year can vary from day to day and we tend to experience all seasons in one day here in the South. To avoid turning your heating and cooling unit from cool to heat – some prefer to use a space heater in the cooler mornings and evenings. Using an additional heat source is common but make sure you have the proper safety measures in place.

• Plug Space heaters directly into an electrical outlet (DO NOT use a power strip or electrical cord to power the heater.
• Place your heater away from a high traffic area.
• Never leave your heater unattended
• Place heaters three or more feet away from curtains, bedding and furniture.
• Unplug your heater when not in use to avoid it being turned on accidentally.

Inspect your heater prior to use. Exposed heating coils or elements can spark a fire quickly. Portable space heaters are responsible for over 1,700 fires a year so following these few tips can save you and your family from a potential fire.

Hurricane Preparedness – Were You Ready?

10/10/2024 (Permalink)

Downed tress after Hurricane Helene in Laurens, SC

Hurricane Helene made its way through our area and left a path of destruction from Florida to Tennessee. Bringing hurricane strength winds, rain, and flooding across Five States. The destruction is without a doubt the worst anyone has ever experienced in our area. This does not happen here, not in the mountains! But it did – the questions is, how prepared were you? Can anyone prepare for this, maybe not, but I am certain we are all looking back and thinking what could I have done to be more prepared?

With the amount downed trees and powerlines that we all experienced during this Hurricane the length of time for power restoration was the most problematic hardship for most families.

Going without electricity for several days can take its toll on anyone. Loss of AC, loss of water if you have a well that runs on electricity and food you had purchased prior to the storm can become a major loss for everyone.

I think we can all learn from this experience and be better prepared for the next Hurricane or severe storm when it hits our area, and rest assured, it will.

SERVPRO of Newberry and Laurens Counties is here for every storm, no matter the damage you can count on us to see you through.

Tropical Storm Helene

9/24/2024 (Permalink)

Preparing for Tropical Storm Helene

Tropical Storm Preparedness

The month of September has been dedicated to Preparedness – and now we find ourselves in this very predicament of being prepared. Tropical Storm Helene is predicted to make landfall on the coast of Florida and move its way inland to our area in the next 48 hours. Heavy rains, high winds and localized flooding are evident.

Prepare now in the event of severe weather:

• Check your emergency kit.
• Have a bottled water supply to last you for 3 or more days and non-perishable food items available.
• Prepare your home - check your gutters and make sure your down spouts are clear of debris. Secure any outdoor furniture.
• Check any trees and cut back any dead limbs that could cause damage to your home.
• Stay tuned to your local weather forecast and the potential for severe weather.
• Power outages are evident – if your home is reliant on a generator, make sure you have an ample supply of gas to see you through the storm.

Stay safe and being prepared is your best defense. If you do experience damage, know that SERVPRO of Newberry and Laurens Counties is here for you!