Recent Why SERVPRO Posts

Is Restoration the Best Route for My Home After Damages? | SERVPRO® of East Mecklenburg/Matthews

7/14/2023 (Permalink)

Two SERVPRO® of East Mecklenburg/matthews' teamamte loading equipment into two pickup trucks Have you sustained property damage and are not sure what to do next? SERVPRO® of East Mecklenburg/Matthews is available 24/7 and ready to assist you.

If you have discovered that you have damage to your home, whether it be due to fire, water or some other incident, you are likely trying to figure out what comes next. Your insurance company will cover many types of damage, but claims for things like water damage can get pricy quickly. Fortunately, working with a qualified restoration company is a fantastic way to save.

Choosing restoration for your home is a cost-saving measure because it prevents you from having to liquidate all of your items and go through the expensive replacement process. It is also a great way to keep the things you love that could not be replaced and the items that make your house feel like a home. Read on to learn a little bit more about how we handle the restoration.

How We Handle Household Restoration After Damage

We can handle all the rebuilding. While many types of damage can be hidden, there are also quite a few cosmetic situations to take into account. Small things, such as the paint on the walls or the finish on the floors, do not feel small if they are not properly restored after damage occurs. We handle all the aspects of rebuilding and putting these cosmetic touches on so your home is recognizable when you walk through the door.

We can work with your insurance. We can handle all the back-and-forth of the insurance claim, so you do not have to. Not only does restoration keep the cost low, but we can also reduce the hassle you endure by handling this difficult process on your behalf.

We can save the things you love. Simply replacing items fails to account for all the memories, sentiments and emotions that the objects in your home hold. The loss after damages can be emotionally devastating, but by saving sentimental things when possible, we can help your family heal.

If you have damage, it is best to call us as soon as possible so we can respond quickly. Get in touch 24⁄7 to start the process and dispatch a restoration team quickly.

Team Bowen Expands SERVPRO® Franchise Territory into Charlotte and Surrounding Communities

7/12/2022 (Permalink)

Map of southeastern states showing Team Bowen locations with Servpro logo “Here we GROW again! Team Bowen is ready to make it “Like it never even happened®.”

Team Bowen is excited to announce our expansion in Charlotte, North Carolina, which will add to the existing SERVPRO franchise in East Mecklenburg/Matthews. East Charlotte, Northeast Mecklenburg County, and South Mecklenburg County are now a part of the Team Bowen franchise. This means over 250,000 additional households and 8,000 businesses will receive support when in need of emergency response due to fire, water, or mold damage.

These additions are part of our commitment to helping our local communities flourish. We are available 24/7, 365, and are ready to take your call. Although we can’t prevent a disaster, we are ready for whatever happens!

“We are humbled yet excited to continue to grow and expand our market presence in the Charlotte community,” Bruce Bowen, CEO of Team Bowen, commented. “Our team of quality people who focus on excellent service, fairness, and mutual respect, have allowed us to expand our footprint and still provide that same quality service throughout the southeast. These locations are key to our regional coverage. Whether it is a storm event or a complex commercial/industrial loss, quick response time is critical. Our team has the resources, manpower, and equipment necessary to respond to these specific situations. We are the National Disaster Recovery Team.”

About SERVPRO®

For more than 50 years, SERVPRO® has been a trusted leader in fire and water cleanup and restoration services, mold mitigation, and biohazard and pathogen remediation. SERVPRO’s professional service network of more than 2,000 individually owned and operated franchises spans the United States and Canada, responding to property damage emergencies large and small – from million-square-foot commercial facilities to individual homes. When disaster strikes, homeowners, business owners, and major insurance companies alike rely on SERVPRO® to make it “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO® Team Bowen

In 1977, Barry and Beth Bowen decided to follow their passion for service to others with their careers and set out on a mission to build a reputable and respected property damage restoration company in Tuscaloosa, AL. Having grown up entrenched in the family business, it was no surprise when the current owners, Bruce and Brian Bowen, took over in 2004. Now based in Montgomery, AL., the Bowen Team has franchise locations in Montgomery, AL., Norcross, GA., Charleston, SC., and Charlotte, NC. Today, due to their continued dedication and hard work, we are a leader and trusted name in mitigation, remediation, restoration, reconstruction, and premier cleaning throughout Southeast and U.S.

Our team has more than a century of combined restoration experience. Each team member is equipped with unique and practical skills to excel in every project and exceed the expectations of our customers. Furthermore, we have an extensive inventory of restoration equipment designed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of every facet of mitigation and reconstruction for damaged homes and businesses that we serve, no matter how big or how small.

Click below to find more information on our expansion:

SERVPROeastcharlotte.com

SERVPROsouthmecklenburgcounty.com

Why We Are Faster to Any Size Disaster™

7/7/2022 (Permalink)

Two SERVPRO employees unloading equipment off a SERVPRO truck Faster to Any Size Disaster™

No matter the type of damage, whether water, fire, or natural disaster, one thing is certain; the longer you wait, the costlier the repair. 

SERVPRO of East Mecklenburg/Matthews is a firm believer in timely mitigation to manage any damage to your property. Many other restoration services have you wait to be put on their schedule, leaving you out of luck when your property is in jeopardy. SERVPRO of East Mecklenburg County isn’t like that, here is our policy that sets us apart from other restoration companies. 

  • 1 hour - Within one hour of notice of a loss, our admins will contact you to arrange for service that works with YOUR schedule and addresses the loss right away.
  • 4 hours - Within four hours of loss notification, SERVPRO of East Mecklenburg/Matthews will be on-site to inspect and start services. 
  • 8 hours - Within eight hours, customers will receive a briefing on the scope of damage and what mitigation efforts are needed. 

These guidelines are what every SERVPRO franchise expects to meet, including your local SERVPRO of East Mecklenburg/Matthews. Whether water, fire, or storm damage strikes your East Charlotte, NC, home, or business, our team of experienced technicians will be there to make it "Like it never even happened.”

No Disaster Is Too Big for Our Team to Handle | SERVPRO® of East Mecklenburg/Matthews

7/5/2022 (Permalink)

a bright lightning strike off in the distance of a dark night Having a team on your side after a disaster can help relieve stress. SERVPRO® of East Mecklenburg/Matthews is here to help no matter the reason.

When it comes to taking care of a property, both homeowners and business owners bear a great deal of responsibility. You never know when an emergency will occur and cause substantial damage to your property.

The East Mecklenburg/Matthews area faces disasters in homes and businesses alike. Weather, or even an unintentional fire in the home, is to blame for some of these tragedies.

It’s essential to have a team like SERVPRO on standby to repair any residential or commercial damage left behind after a disaster. Here are some of the services we can offer your home or business in your time of need:

Fire Restoration

After a fire, your property and the belongings inside could be left ruined with smoke and soot damage. Flames can rip through your building, causing structural damage and foundation damage.

Even water damage can become a problem after a fire due to a fire sprinkler system or the firehose used by firefighters, which can harm your walls, ceilings, floors and anything else inside your property.

Water Restoration

Residential and commercial water damage never has simply one source, and you might be surprised by the potential causes.

Fires, leaks within the home and weather can all create a water emergency within your property. Water can seep into many areas of your property, creating mold, infrastructure damage and aesthetic issues on both the inside and outside.

Mold Remediation

Mold can develop in the most unassuming areas, and once it starts to grow, it doesn’t waste any time! Mold can grow in as little as 24 hours and eat away at your property’s ceilings, walls and floors.

Mold can pop up after severe storms, or over time due to roof or appliance leaks within the home or business.

Storm Damage Restoration

In East Mecklenburg/Matthews, weather like tornadoes, floods and thunderstorms can be devastating. This severe weather has the potential to rip through, causing extensive damage to homes and businesses that will need to be restored, and in some cases, entirely rebuilt.

Why You Should Turn to SERVPRO

When disaster strikes, we’re here to help! Our team is available to you 24/7, ensuring all emergencies are dealt with in a timely manner.

We can develop a repair plan for any damage your house or business has sustained and keep you updated on the status of your property every step of the way. We are trained in every area of damage and can use advanced technology to take your property back to preloss condition again!

When your home or business is struck by a sudden catastrophe, call our team at SERVPRO. We are more than ready to take on whatever damage your property has suffered!

How SERVPRO® Can Help You Through Any Disaster | SERVPRO® of East Mecklenburg/Matthews

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

a person wearing a yellow raincoat trying to call for help on cellphone No matter how severe the disaster, SERVPRO® of East Mecklenburg/Matthews can supply you with a top-notch disaster plan.

Each year, natural disasters destroy homes and businesses all across the world, costing countries millions of dollars to repair. Weather disaster incidents cost the United States alone more than $1 billion in economic losses in 2021.

Weather disasters can leave you in the dark, wondering where to begin and who to turn to. When a disaster strikes the community, it’s critical to know who you can rely on for home or business restoration if you’ve suffered a loss. We can help you overcome any form of loss, no matter when you require our services.

Wondering what sets us apart from competitors? Discover the SERVPRO difference:

Experience in Every Area of Restoration

 Tragedy can strike your property when you least expect it, so you should prepare for any unforeseen disaster in your Matthews home. SERVPRO has experience with all types of property damages, whether it’s flood damage, mold growth or the aftermath of a house fire. We’ll evaluate the damage and devise a strategy to restore your house or business to preloss condition.

A Team of Highly Qualified Technicians

When it comes to restoration, you’ll want a skilled staff on the job. Our crew undergoes initial and continuing training through certification programs and education classes to equip them with the knowledge and skills required to remediate homes and businesses.

No matter how severe the disaster, our SERVPRO staff can supply you with top-notch disaster repair. This is even the case when you need a combination of restoration types, such as both fire damage restoration and water damage restoration after a fire.

Advanced Restoration Technology & Techniques

As technology advances, so does SERVPRO! We are always perfecting our equipment and techniques in order to provide you with rapid and dependable cleanup services.

Our specialized equipment can clean up the aftermath of a house fire by removing any remaining smoke or soot. When dealing with water damage, we can extract and dry your property promptly with our equipment to prevent further damage. We can deodorize, sterilize and disinfect your goods and property after a tragedy to make it as good as new!

24-Hour Emergency Services

When your home or business requires restoration, you should act fast! Mold can grow quickly after water damage or a leak, for example, so disasters demand a quick response. We are available to you 24/7, guaranteeing that your emergency is resolved as soon as possible.

When disaster leaves you questioning who to turn to, the answer is simple: SERVPRO is the company to call. No matter the size of the disaster, we have the technology, team and time to perform the restoration services you require.

When disaster strikes, quick action is essential for proper restoration. Contact SERVPRO for help navigating the aftermath of any damage!

We Act Fast, Because Minutes Matter | SERVPRO® of East Mecklenburg/Matthews

5/25/2022 (Permalink)

fire and water damage in a warehouse In the aftermath of a disaster, every second counts. Call SERVPRO® of East Mecklenburg/Matthews for all your water, fire, and storm damage needs.

When disaster strikes, it can be overwhelming. Whether you’re faced with the effects of a storm, a fire or a plumbing leak, you may struggle to determine what to do next.

But we can tell you what your next move after a disaster should be—get in touch with SERVPRO of East Mecklenburg/Matthews via our 24/7 Emergency Line.

When we say that we’re available 24/7, 365 days a year, it’s more than a catchphrase. It’s a promise. We know that damage left sitting for any length of time can lead to more damage. Prompt action is essential.

Our ability to quickly jump into action and start your restoration project is a big part of what sets us apart from our competitors. We don’t delay. Here’s why:

When Water Damage Lingers…

Standing water in a home is a no-go. When water starts to infiltrate your property, whether due to a leak in the roof, a hole in a plumbing hose or storm damage opening up a window, it needs to be removed quickly.

As water hangs around, excess moisture does, too. This moisture, even though it may not be visible, creates an ideal breeding ground for mold. Your water damage could quickly lead to mold damage and additional costs.

It doesn’t take long for this to happen, either. Within 24 to 48 hours after water goes where it doesn’t belong, mold can pop up.

When Fire Damage Isn’t Cleaned Up…

You might think the aftereffects of a fire wouldn’t worsen after the flames are put out. But when it comes to a fire, the flames can sometimes be the least of your worries.

After a fire, you’ll not only see visible scorching and damage from the fire itself, but in many cases, you’ll have multiple kinds of damage. Fires leave behind lingering smoke that can permeate into the walls, noxious odors from the fire itself and chemicals used to fight it, soot that coats walls and belongings, and even water damage from the firefighting effort.

The faster you act, the less impact those damages can have. It’s easier to clear out odors, smoke and soot residue, and water when you start the process quickly.

When Storm Damage Isn’t Repaired…

What about when storms strike? You might think the potential for damage is over after a storm moves through, but that isn’t always true.

If your house is damaged in some way by a storm like these that passed through just southeast of Charlotte in April 2022, you may have things like broken windows, doors off their hinges, nonfunctional gutters or roof tears. All of these have the potential to lead to additional damage, because the normal job of those items is to keep the outdoors outside.

When they’re broken in some way, the outdoors can quickly creep inside. This can allow rain or puddling water inside, and it can also allow for creepy critters to infiltrate the home.

Waiting to repair storm damage can also put you at increased danger if another storm comes through our area.

When you need us, we’re here to help. That’s the SERVPRO difference. Get in touch today to get help from a team of experts, day or night.

Trust SERVPRO for Specialty Cleaning | SERVPRO® of East Mecklenburg/Matthews

2/3/2022 (Permalink)

a SERVPRO employee looking for signs of damage with a flashlight When you need cleanup and recovery of any kind, you can trust SERVPRO of Mecklenburg/Matthews to get the job done.

As with nearly everything, cleaning needs vary greatly from situation to situation. There are everyday jobs, the kind you may expect to encounter—and then there are unique jobs, the kind that catch you off-guard or require unusual methods or approaches to make right.

Everybody knows (or at least we hope they do) that SERVPRO can help you when you need office cleaning or cleanup after a water damage event. But when it comes to outside-the-box situations, it pays to know we have you covered there, too.

Your local SERVPRO can take care of all your specialty cleaning needs—here are just a few.

HVAC and Air Duct Cleaning. Every few years, your duct work may need some attention. It’s not an everyday need, or even an every-year need—even the EPA says some light particle buildup in your ducts is no danger. But if you have a mold issue or critter infestation, it’s time to call us to get things cleared up before bigger issues occur.

Biohazard/Crime Scene Cleanup. Situations involving hazardous materials require special care for removal and cleaning, and these often cross over into crime scenes or traumatic situations, which means they also require a certain level of professionalism, respect and care. When you call on SERVPRO for this type of cleaning, you know you’re getting the best, most experienced crew to handle the job, and that the cleanup and restoration will be done in compliance with all requisite care and regulations.

Document and Data Restoration. Fires, floods and natural disasters are among the top causes of document and data loss for business, many of which don’t recover after a massive loss. Not to mention the fact that both home and business disasters can cause seemingly irreparable harm to precious physical documents, heirlooms and records. Your SERVPRO experts are equipped to work near-magic levels of restoration on documents and data drives of all kinds, saving your memories, and perhaps even your business, from expiration.

Odor removal. You want your place to smell its best, and we can help you restore or maintain that freshness. Whether you have a pet smell, a sewage stench or an unknown odor you want to get rid of, we’ll get right to the source to eliminate it (not merely mask it).

The list goes on—graffiti, vandalism, COVID-19 cleanup and so much more—but the bottom line is if it can get dirty, smelly or otherwise in need of cleaning, we can tackle it, no matter how unusual the situation.

When you’re ready for a world-class clean, contact the experts at SERVPRO of East Mecklenburg/Matthews. One click or call is all you need to get things smelling, looking and feeling right again.

Preventing Water Damage While You’re Away from Home | SERVPRO® of East Mecklenburg/Matthews

12/10/2021 (Permalink)

a white water pump with gauges showing the water temperature If water damage happens while you are away we can get you in the dry again. Contact SERVPRO of East Mecklenburg/Matthews to get started.

Ahh, what a relaxing vacation. Wasn’t it great? You got to go to that special, sentimental place with those people you love, you experienced that thing you always hoped as a kid you’d get to do, and you got fully recharged after a long, weird year. You even did that one thing you were afraid to try, but you ended up loving it—congratulations!

After the perfect trip away from home, the last thing you want to find is that while you were gone your home experienced a dreadful water event. In only a couple days’ time, literal tons of water can gush through your home, ruining treasured personal belongings, materials, floors and even foundations.

The truth is that your home much more likely to suffer a water emergency while you’re away than a fire or burglary, and yet fewer than 20% of homeowners consider the need to mitigate potential damage before leaving home.

So let’s look at a few things you should be doing on your way out the door to prevent a soggy end to an otherwise great trip.

Turn off your water main. This is the most sure-fire way to mitigate damage. Even if a pipe or hose suddenly fails while you’re gone, it can only leak so much water without being fed more from the main supply line. This step alone can save multiple thousands of dollars in repair costs.

Your water main is likely located on the lowest floor of your home, directly in line with the street side shutoff valve used by your local municipality.

Examine your sump pump. Your sump pump, if installed, collects groundwater and drains it away from your house. This can help your home stay dry in heavy storms and area flooding. To check that it’s working properly, dump a bucket of water into the sump pit and listen for the pump to begin working. A battery backup can also ensure your pump keeps working even it electricity fails while you’re gone.

Freeze-proof your toilets. If you’re traveling for winter, you can’t prevent all possible frozen pipes, but you can do something to keep your toilet water from freezing and cracking the porcelain. Step one is to turn off the water supply to the toilets and then flush them. Then pour marine antifreeze (the non-toxic kind for boats) into the remaining water in the bowl, and it will keep it from freezing while you’re gone.

Lastly, you can adjust your water heater, either by lowering the temperature several degrees or switching it to vacation mode if your heater has that option. Turning your heater off completely is not recommended.

If water damage happens while you’re on vacation, we can get you in the dry again. Contact SERVPRO to get started.

Residential Cleaning Services | SERVPRO® of East Mecklenburg/Matthews

7/6/2021 (Permalink)

Green vehicle Let’s be honest. Clean ducts aren’t necessarily at the top of our day-to-day priority list, but it’s important!

Let’s be honest. Clean ducts aren’t necessarily at the top of our day-to-day priority list, but it’s important!

The phrase “duct cleaning” usually refers to cleaning heating and cooling systems such as an air conditioning unit (HVAC) or ventilation. If these pieces of equipment are not properly installed or maintained, their parts can collect dust or pollen. If this occurs in a humid or moist environment, this material can be released into parts of the home. Breathing this in can cause health effects. Essentially, failing to maintain your ducts can lead to poor air quality in the home.

Don’t let that happen to you! Call SERVPRO® of Prattville for a duct cleaning.

Why SERVPRO?

  1. Our technicians have the skillset needed to give your home the detailed cleaning that it needs to look its best.
  2. We have the equipment and training needed to eliminate offensive odors from your home.
  3. An HVAC cleaning can help reduce the potential for mold growth.

If you need our services, you can depend on us. You can contact us at any hour of the day to learn more about our services or to report damages.

East Mecklenburg/Matthews Residents Can Get Quality Restoration Help Now | SERVPRO® of East Mecklenburg/Matthews

6/1/2021 (Permalink)

insurance document, pen and blue book sitting on black tabletop Contact SERVPRO® of East Mecklenburg/Matthews for your restoration needs. We will work with you to get things back to normal quickly.

Here’s a question for homeowners to think about. When you’re putting together your yearly budget, do you consider putting money aside in case a natural (or accidental) disaster strikes your home?

It’s a hard question. And it’s also one no one likes to think about answering. But it’s something you do need to think about because home damage is more common than you probably think.

Millions of Homeowners Every Year File Claims

The Insurance Information Institute has pulled together a lot of statistics that show just how common homeowner damage is.

For example, about one out of every 350 American homeowners will deal with a fire damage claim each year. Water damage claims will be filed by about one in 50 homeowners.

That translates to millions of American homeowners. Some of these homeowners will need to seek help from restoration professionals to restore their homes.

Overall, one in 20 homeowners will file a damage claim this year. That means if you know 60 people (through work, worship services or other community events), three of them might need restoration help this year.

So having a quality restoration team in mind now can make a difference for you or someone you love later.

Our Teams Have the Training You Need

We provide a high level of service in a few ways. They include our local availability, our 247 staffing, and the quality of technicians and equipment we offer. But its our highly trained expert technicians that set us apart.

Beyond the training offered by SERVPRO at a national level, our technicians earn valuable certifications through the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification. This non-profit group provides an array of certifications to ensure restoration and cleaning technicians are able to use the latest proven techniques when restoring your home.

And when you choose your local SERVPRO, these restoration experts will take the knowledge they’ve gained through our intensive training programs and use it to restore your home.

If your home is damaged due to a fire or any other cause, you can always count on us for restoration assistance. We have teams who are available 247 in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time. We are ready to help!

What to Do After a House Fire Caused By a Lightning Strike | SERVPRO® of East Mecklenburg/Matthews

5/7/2021 (Permalink)

multiple lighting strikes coming out of dark stormy clouds Any damage to your home is heart-wrenching. If you experience any storm damage, contact SERVPRO of East Mecklenburg/Matthews.

On average, a fire department responds to a house fire in the United States every 93 seconds. The National Weather Service reports that lightning is responsible for starting about 4,400 house fires each year, resulting in an estimated $283 million in damages.

In the instance that a fire does happen to your home because of a thunderstorm, we wanted to share some tips of what to do in the aftermath.

File an Insurance Claim

First things first, contact your insurance company and file a claim. Just like any other unfortunate occurrence that would happen to your home, you need to take photos or videos to share with the insurance company. In a fire instance, this helps the adjusters decide whether to send a restoration vendor or an investigator.

Document Damage

House fires not only damage and demolish things, but the fire is followed by water to put the fire out, meaning that you could be dealing with losses due to both fire and water. You’ll have to make a list of the items that are damaged or completely gone. If you don’t have photographs, look for receipts to prove you actually owned these items.

Secure Your Property

Just because the fire is out, doesn’t mean that it’s safe to stay in your home. If you’re not able to stay in your home, you will need to board up, lock and move things so that nothing more gets vandalized, stolen or destroyed.

Keep Track

If you’re forced to leave your home, you are likely to incur some substantial expenses. Make sure you keep up with everything you are having to purchase. These can range from expenses like accommodations to clothing and food. Get a folder or a binder and keep everything in there so it’s easy to keep up with.

Fire damage caused by a lightning strike will require professional cleanup. We have highly trained fire and water restoration specialists, and we are available 247. After everything you have been through, let us do the work for you.

Business Owners Have a Reliable Cleaning Resource | SERVPRO® of East Mecklenburg/Matthews

4/20/2021 (Permalink)

a crew of SERVPRO employees in PPE gear walking inside commercial building If you need cleaning assistance at your business, we’re here. Contact SERVPRO of East Mecklenburg/Matthews to learn more.

When you own a business, you definitely perform a juggling act.

Business owners often find themselves performing multiple roles throughout the day. One day, you may be doing inventory or taking orders. On another, you might be interviewing potential new employees or working on budgets.

Regardless, it’s enough to keep you busy. And you likely don’t need extra to-dos.

That’s where a trusted commercial cleaning resource can make a difference. Especially during a pandemic, it’s good to know that the spaces you trust are ready and prepared for you to use safely.

There are lots of good reasons to hire a commercial cleaning service. They include feeling confident that it’s thorough and keeping your work environment healthy. Additionally, in some cases, it may release you from some liabilities.

Plus, it can save you valuable time that can be used to grow your business. You can take the time you would’ve spent cleaning or supervising a cleaning staff and put it to better use elsewhere.

Regardless of why you want to choose a commercial cleaning service, it’s a good idea to go with a trusted community resource.

Your local SERVPRO team is ready to help you. Our technicians are prepared to do a thorough deep-cleaning of your office space. When you work with us, you’ll know the certified team is ready to help and support you.

We also have advanced disinfecting technology, like our electrostatic sprayer. This device allows us to clean your business efficiently, without touching surfaces, and to deliver a high level of disinfectant.

So call us if you need commercial cleaning. Our team is ready to talk with you about your needs and can help you with an individualized plan. We’re here to be a resource for you!

If you need cleaning help, we’re here. We have teams who are available 247 in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time to learn more about our services and how we can help you with an individualized plan and leading technology.

What the Numbers Tell Us About Holiday Season Fires | SERVPRO® of East Mecklenburg/Matthews

2/18/2021 (Permalink)

eight small tea candles burning behind holiday lights Make sure your fire risk is low during the holiday season. If you experience any damage, SERVPRO of East Mecklenburg/Matthews will be here to help.

Fires are unfortunate at any time of the year, but when they occur around the holidays, there are many family memories and special moments that can be tainted. Though there is no way to fully guarantee that a fire is not a possibility, by knowing exactly what causes holiday fires, you can better work to prevent them as you go through your holiday celebrations.

Today we will be looking at data from the National Fire Protection Association as well as information from the Red Cross to examine why these fires occur and how we can work to prevent them.

Reasons Behind Decoration Fires During the Holiday Season

Many fires we see during the holiday season are due to decoration mishaps—while decorating is a fun, festive activity, it is important to be fire-safe while you do it. Here is a look at leading causes of decoration fires:

  • Candles are a leading cause of holiday season fires, with more than half of all December fires being started by them.
  • Candle fires are most likely to occur on holidays, with Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day being the top days for them.
  • If you celebrate Christmas, be careful around the tree—they are associated with one out of every four fires during the winter season.
  • Christmas tree fires are also often deadly, leading to fatalities in one out of every 52 incidents.
  • Lights are another leading cause of Christmas tree fires, as they can overheat or spark if they are frayed.

Other Reasons Why Winter Fires Are Likely to Occur

In addition to decoration-related fire incidents, winter tends to see an uptick in other types of fires as well:

  • Cooking, always the leading cause of house fires, also causes more fires during the winter.
  • The use of space heaters in the winter can cause surrounding objects to easily catch on fire if they are left unattended.
  • Fireplaces should be treated with caution, just as any open flame would be.

Fire damage can be devastating, especially around the holiday season. If you are in need of fire restoration, we can help you on any day of the year—contact us today to learn more.

SERVPRO of East Mecklenburg / Matthews is Always Available

3/23/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of East Mecklenburg / Matthews provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster in. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

24-Hour Emergency Service

Faster to Any-Sized Disaster

Highly Trained Restoration Technicians

A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry

Locally Owned and Operated

Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment

Residential Services

Whether your Whittier home needs emergency flood damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us.  Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. Learn more about our residential services:

Water Damage Restoration

Fire Damage Restoration

Mold Remediation

Storm Damage Restoration

Cleaning Services

Building/Reconstruction Services

Commercial Services

There's never a convenient time for fire or water damage to strike commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business. Learn more about our commercial services:

Commercial Water Damage Restoration

Commercial Fire Damage Restoration



Have Questions? Call Us Today – 704.847.8001

Emergency Damage Process Overview

2/19/2020 (Permalink)

EMERGENCY DAMAGE PROCESS OVERVIEW

ONE HOUR

  • Within one hour from notice of loss, SERVPRO of East Mecklenburg / Matthews will contact you to arrange for service. You will know help is on the way! 

FOUR HOURS

  • Within four hours of loss notification, a SERVPRO of East Mecklenburg / Matthews Professional will be on-site to start mitigation services. The key to reducing damage and saving money is responding quickly to damage.

DETAILED INFORMATION. 

  • A trained, uniformed and equipped SERVPRO of East Mecklenburg / Matthews professional will walk you through the job process step-by-step, explaining what to expect and the anticipated outcome. 

PRETESTING

  • A SERVPRO of  East Mecklenburg / Matthews professional will begin pretesting for restorability, working from the source of the damage outward. 

EIGHT HOURS

  • Within eight business hours of on-site arrival, a verbal briefing of the scope will be communicated to the appropriate person, normally the adjuster or property manager. 

CLEANING AND RESTORATION 

  • SERVPRO of East Mecklenburg / Matthews will work neatly and efficiently to help you regain control of your property when a damaging event has taken over. They will use state of the art restoration techniques to ensure the property is taken care of right the first time. 

FINAL WALK-THROUGH

  • After the work has been completed, a final walk-through will be conducted to help ensure satisfaction. 

Call SERVPRO of East Mecklenburg / Matthews for your emergency needs! 704-847-8001 

SERVPRO'S Trained Technicians and Advanced Equipment

11/19/2019 (Permalink)

The water loss remediation industry continuously devises new equipment that takes an East Mecklenburg/Matthews property from soaked and deteriorating to dry and clean faster and more efficiently. As amazing as innovative tools are, it takes a crew of seasoned and highly-qualified technicians to use them to the best effect. Professional water remediation companies deliver their best outcomes when the workers pledge to train and recertify on a regular basis.

When you face water damage in your home, you benefit from cutting-edge equipment and crews who know how to operate them according to industry standards. Even diehard do-it-yourselfers recognize that managing water incursions is a tricky business, requiring not only hard work but also a solid understanding of the science behind water removal and structural drying.

Developing professional expertise to mitigate water damage is why SERVPRO sends our crew members to the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) classes. The IICRC is a standard developing and establishing organization worldwide. Skills taught to the employees we sent to remediate and restore your home base their effectiveness on research.

An example of a task that might seem straightforward enough to be within the grasp of every homeowner is carpet water extraction. The equipment resembles a shop vac, and a homeowner typically feels comfortable operating a vacuum. Why SERVPRO requires crew members to complete a comprehensive IICRC course in carpet cleaning relates to the problems that can occur if standards are unknown or ignored.

The art and science of extracting water from carpeting or other floor coverings are not intuitive. An effective way to pull moisture out of a carpet is with a weighted wand extractor. SERVPRO IICRC-trained technicians learned and practiced the techniques that extract moisture without putting stress on the textile floor covering. Inexperienced individuals can stretch the carpet fabric by exerting too much pressure or moving too quickly across a surface. Inappropriate force might cause delamination of the carpet backing from the carpet face. 

SERVPRO of East Mecklenburg/Matthews delivers high-quality water mitigation results by arranging for professional training of all our technicians. Schedule an appointment with our top-notch workforce by calling (704) 847-8001.