Are you ready?

Research indicates that only 43 percent of businesses that suffer an incapacitating disaster are able to recover and resume operations…and only 29 percent remain in business just two years later.  It is also estimated that 95% of disasters affecting regular business operations are internal or man-made, such as fire or internal flooding.  Many businesses have an emergency contingency plan in place, but few have a plan to get back into their buildings following a disaster. 

Most full contingency plans are made up of three main parts:  incident response, disaster recovery and business continuity.  SERVPRO’s Emergency READY Profile is not a contingency plan but is a vital component of any existing plan as it addresses both incident response and disaster recovery. 

By developing a SERVPRO^® ERP for your business, you can help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive by having an immediate plan of action.  Knowing what to do, who to call and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation.  Timely mitigation minimizes the effects of water and fire damage allowing your property and business to be restored at an advanced rate.  Putting you back in business with as little down time as possible. 

For more information on creating your customized Emergency Ready Profile email beready@servproofgnc.com or call (843) 747-8750 and ask for Bryan!

Flood Safety Awareness Week

Flood Safety Awareness Week

This is Flood Safety Awareness Week, and the Red Cross wants people to know how to be prepared if flooding threatens their neighborhood. Floods can occur anywhere, at any time, throughout the United States and cause more damage in this country every year than any other weather-related disaster.

Flooding can be a local disaster affecting a single neighborhood, or very large, impacting entire river basins across many states. Some floods develop slowly, but flash floods can develop in just a few minutes without any rain. Residents should know if their neighborhood is at risk for flooding and be alert to the possibility of a flood. Listen to local radio or TV stations for possible warnings or other critical information from the National Weather Service (NWS).

The Red Cross has more safety steps people should follow if flooding threatens their home. If a flood or flash flood watch is issued, they should be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice. If a flood or flash flood warning is issued for their area, they should head for higher ground and stay there.

If a flood WATCH is issued, it means a flood is possible in the area and residents should move furniture and valuables to higher floors of the home and make sure to fill their vehicle’s gas tank in case they have to evacuate.

A flood WARNING means flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in the area. If a flood warning is issued, listen to local radio and television stations for information. If told to evacuate, do so as soon as possible. 

A flash flood WATCH means flash flooding is possible in the area. Be alert to signs of flash flooding and be ready to evacuate quickly.

A flash flood WARNING means a flash flood is occurring or will occur very soon. If a flash flood warning is issued, evacuate immediately. There may only be seconds to escape. Act quickly and move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks and storm drains. Do not drive around barricades. If the car stalls in rapidly rising waters, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.

For more information, visit Flood Safety Awareness at redcross.org or Flood Safety at NOAA

SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston

FASTER TO ANY DISASTER.

843-747-8750

info@servproofgnc.com  ~  servpronortherncharleston.com

Smoke isn't as Easy as 1, 2, 3...

  Behavior of Smoke

A fire loss is very complex because of the unique behavior of smoke. That is why it is important to have trained technicians in your home or business. SERVPRO Professionals know their smoke!

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas.
• Smoke migrates to upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, using holes around pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke will greatly affect the restoration process.

Types of Smoke

The SERVPRO Professional at a fire scene will test the smoke to see what type of fire has taken place.

Wet Smoke
Plastics and Rubbers
Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke
Paper and Wood
Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore the smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue
Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire
Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extremely pungent odor.

Fuel Oil Soot
Furnace Puff Backs
While "puff backs" can create havoc, SERVPRO Professionals can in most cases restore the contents and structure quickly.

Other Types
Tear gas, fingerprint powder, and fire extinguisher residue
Special loss situations require special care. SERVPRO Professionals are trained to handle your toughest losses!

SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston

FASTER TO ANY DISASTER.

843-747-8750

info@servproofgnc.com  ~  servpronortherncharleston.com

Tuesday Tip! ~ 3/12/2013

Did you know that over 60% of fatalties due to flood occur in a vehicle??  The risk of drowning in your car during a flash flood is so high the National Weather Service has coined the phrase "Turn Around... Don't Drown!"  for flood safety awareness.  So...today's tip?  If the road is covered, don't risk it! Turn around and find an alternate route, or safe place to wait it out!

"It only takes 18 inches of water to lift your car or SUV. Once your vehicle becomes buoyant; the water will easily push it sideways. Most vehicles will then tend to roll over, trapping those inside and washing them downstream."  ~Kelli Tarpe, NOAA


For more information on Flood Safety: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/floodsafety/index.shtml

To learn how SERVPRO can help you recover from damage to your home or business after a flood:  http://www.servprogreaternortherncharleston.com/disaster-recovery-team

Green Cleaning Process

 

Green Cleaning Process

What is green cleaning, and how does it differ from the traditional cleaning processes? Green Cleaning can be defined as the process of using non-toxic, environmentally friendly chemicals that pose no threat to the air or human health. Whereas with some of the traditional cleaners there are volatile organic compounds present which can cause respiratory and dermatological complications. With the green cleaning process, maximum efficiency can be achieved while preserving human health and the environment. This statement is built within the core of SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston’s mission.

Chemical Utilization

You can take a look at our products page which gives a comprehensive list of the products we use during regular cleanings. As stated before, the importance of chemicals used during cleaning is vital to preserving the surrounding environment and air. These principles are essential to all kinds of facilities; however, with medical facilities additional importance needs to be placed on what processes are implemented. With medical facility cleaning, responsible yet effective strategies need to be set in place to protect patients and staff from harmful chemicals used during the cleaning process. Consistent assessment of practices and strategies need to be utilized to assure the prevention of harmful bacteria/infections while minimizing contamination of the surrounding environment. The traditional cleaning agents have been linked to work-related asthma, and are known to have carcinogenic properties along with chronic diseases. It is time to transition into the new way to clean! Let us be responsible for the efficient and safe cleaning of your facility.

Healthcare & Green Cleaning

According to the CDC, healthcare-acquired infections (HAI) have racked up 45 billion annually in direct costs, and caused an estimated 100,000 deaths in the United States. It is essential for healthcare facilities to be effective against infection prevention and control harm against the environment from cleaning processes. Take a look at these findings by Health Care without Harm Organization:
What Part of Our Chronic Disease Problem Comes From Chemicals?

• 1% of chronic disease
• 3% of developmental disabilities
• 5% of childhood cancer
• 10% of diabetes, Parkinson’s disease and neurodevelopmental disabilities
• 10% of children’s neurobehavioral disorders
• 30% of childhood asthma

We understand the mission of hospitals and doctors “first, do no harm” philosophy. There may not be a significant relationship between conventional vs. green cleaning in regards to infection prevention; however, the responsibility of products and processes implemented must to be recognized. Using preferable alternatives can have an effect on many other elements, such as evaluations based on patient response to service. These evaluations can negatively or positively affect the amount of money distributed by the government.
More importantly, we understand the processes preferable to be effective against infection prevention, and it lies primarily with the operational techniques used in medical facilities. Our many years of experience within cleaning all types of facilities have allowed us to master many cleaning techniques, while minimizing harm to the environment and humans. We have strategies in place to be fully attentive to medical facility’s needs, while being effective against infection prevention in all aspects.

Green Clean Makes a Difference

Green cleaning makes a difference for all facilities! Whether it is a public establishment or a manufacturing facility, green cleaning can make the superior difference. Protecting workers from harmful agents while maintaining the proper ways to effectively clean an establishment is the optimal alternative to traditional methods. We have the manpower and expertise to execute all specialized demands for your particular company. Take a look at all of the facts stated above and how green cleaning makes the difference. If you are not convinced, give one of our representatives a call at 843-747-8750.

SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston

FASTER TO ANY DISASTER.

843-747-8750

info@servproofgnc.com  ~  servpronortherncharleston.com

Green Means Clean - Cleaning Products

GREEN MEANS CLEAN
SERVPRO® Industries, Inc. is a member of the EPA’s Design for Environment (EPA/DFE) initiative. As a member company, SERVPRO® can access the listing known formally as CleanGredients. The EPA/DFE has established a set of criteria for formulating environmentally friendly cleaning products. With the assistance of larger chemical companies the EPA/DFE has put together a listing of safe cleaning components that can be used in Green cleaning formulations.

From the listing a formulation can be derived that incorporates “green” chemistry. The initiative is designed to allow chemical formulators a resource to formulate environmentally friendly cleaning products using environmentally friendly raw materials. We have formulated three Green Cleaning Products that allow us to finish any cleaning project in an environmentally sound way.


Carpet & Upholstery Green Clean #251 is a product designed for cleaning both carpet and upholstery. It is truly a “one product does all” in that it can be used as a spotter, pre-spray, in-line cleaner for both truck mount and portable equipment, and in low-moisture bonnet cleaning. The product is pH neutral, biodegradable, contains no phosphates, solvents, dyes or fragrances.


All Surface Green Clean #250 is an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional surface cleaners. It is pH neutral, contains no dyes or fragrances. All components are safe, non-toxic, phosphate free, Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) compliant and rapidly bio-degradable. The product is designed as a one product cleans all for surfaces that can be wiped or mopped. It can safely be used on walls, ceilings, countertops, floors, etc. The exclusive formulation contains both ionic and non-ionic surfactants that are naturally derived and provide excellent multi-functional cleaning.


Window Green Clean #249 is an environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional glass cleaners. It is pH neutral, contains no dyes or fragrances. All components are safe, non-toxic, phosphate free, VOC-compliant and rapidly biodegradable. The product comes ready to use and is formulated with soft water to eliminate spotting and streaking.


Two areas the EPA/DFE does not address that are common in our restoration tasks are disinfectants and deodorizers. Disinfectants are “kill” agents and not considered green per the EPA/DFE. The EPA does though classify disinfectants by the overall toxicity. The lowest toxicity disinfectants get a rating of category 3. SERVPRO® provides Sporicidin® as a low toxicity disinfectant and it carries the EPA’s lowest toxicity rating of category 3. Therefore in the course of Green Cleaning it is recommended Sporicidin® be used for your disinfecting requirements.

The final area is Deodorization and the problem is the fragrances used in these products can cause reactions with certain individuals. The EPA/DFE does not currently have “Green” fragrances listed. SERVPRO® provides air scrubbers with activated charcoal to serve as a “Green” method of deodorization. This method will scrub the odor particles from the air and trap them in the activated charcoal filter.

SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston

FASTER TO ANY DISASTER.

843-747-8750

info@servproofgnc.com  ~  servpronortherncharleston.com

Rapid Response ~ Water

SERVPRO strives to have the best response time possible when we are called for a fire or water damage.   Our 1-4-8 policy sets us apart when it comes to taking care of your home or business in the most expeditious manner possible. 

Our goal is two-fold.  To reduce interruption to your family or business and to make the insurance claim resolution seamless and timely.  

Dealing with all of the facets of a water damage and insurance claim can be overwhelming.  Adding additional frustrations and circumstances to the mix due to a delay in response time, is simply unnecessary.

Here is a timeline on how the damage from water can progress over just a few weeks!


SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston is ready for your call. 
For more information please visit servpronortherncharleston.com.

Contact Us Now!