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The Best Alert? The Alert That Works for You | SERVPRO of Northeast Charlotte

3/1/2024 (Permalink)

heavy rain pouring down on an outdoor metal roof in a storm Let SERVPRO of Northeast Charlotte help you get from April showers to May flowers.

The spring season in the Charlotte area is always an interesting one! It can be warm and dry, mild and rainy, or a combination of everything in between. In addition, we all need to keep an eye out for serious thunderstorms and severe weather.

While we can all glance at the sky when the clouds start to change, it is important to know far in advance when severe storms are in the area. Check out our tips below for some easy ways to stay connected and stay in the know when storms are on the horizon.

Connecting With the Internet

Is your phone in your hand right now? Or is it right next to you near your computer? We are constantly surrounded by electronics, especially our phones, so it should be no secret that the majority of our weather information comes from apps and other online sources. National Wireless Emergency Alerts is an alert system that can be issued automatically to your phone, just be sure that your notifications are turned on. You can (and should) also have an additional weather app that is specific to our location.

However, don’t just download the first weather app you see! Weather apps are created for different reasons, and some of them solely exist to create exaggerated or outlandish forecasts for likes or engagement. Stick with nationally recognized organizations or locally trusted sources. Check out the city of Charlotte’s website to make sure you have the most updated information and local alerts ready to go.

News stations and other weather channels are also great resources when a storm is in the area. Live footage can track as a system works its way across the city and local anchors can give real-time information of the conditions and can offer advice on when to shelter in place.

Other Alerts to Utilize

While having the internet is so helpful when it comes to emergency situations, it is unfortunately not guaranteed to have at any given time. Be sure to have at least one alert system that doesn’t require power in order to work. Once the power goes out, your TV won’t work and your phone and computer batteries will only work until they are drained.

Stay connected without power in a variety of ways! Locate your closest weather siren and walk around your house to listen for it during tests to see if you can hear it from any room in your home.

A helpful investment when it comes to weather alerts is in an NOAA weather radio. Weather radios will work regardless of your power situation as they can often be powered through hand-crank power or by solar power. Weather radios are also portable, which means you can take them with you as you navigate your property or shelter safely in your home.

We hope you have a safe spring weather season, but remember that we are here for you if your home or property suffers from any sort of damage. We will put your space back together again in no time at all.

Serious storms can cause serious property damage. Call SERVPRO® 247 for immediate restoration assistance.

Tackling Business Damage After a Disaster | SERVPRO of Northeast Charlotte

2/15/2024 (Permalink)

business man in office talking to female SERVPRO rep SERVPRO of Northeast Charlotte is here for your business every step of the way, from ERPs to disaster recovery.

Even though you hopefully don’t dwell on the potential for disasters every day, the chance is unfortunately always there. A simple water leak, serious fire or disastrous flood could leave you with extensive damage and a lot of questions.

Thankfully, SERVPRO of Northeast Charlotte is here to make sure your business recovers and reopens quickly no matter what! Read on to learn how our talented team will be there for you from start to finish.

Preparing for the Worst

While we don’t want the potential of a disaster to consume our thoughts, it is important to have a plan. If your team knows what to do before, during and after a disaster situation, you can stay in control and respond as an organized unit instead of devolving into chaos.

Communication is key when it comes to disaster responses, so focus on making sure your employees are connected with each other and that there is a strong chain of command. Your staff needs to know who is in charge of what ahead of a potential disaster.

In addition, they should all be familiar with where your emergency exits are located and how to access water shut-off valves and fire extinguishers. While your custodial staff may have these responsibilities handled, it is important for everyone to have a basic understanding of your building just in case.

Once the disaster has occurred and you have surveyed your building, it is important to keep your staff in good spirits and help everyone figure out where to go in the aftermath. Set up a remote work strategy or have a backup location in mind that your team can go to for the foreseeable future.

Recovering With SERVPRO®

Now that your team is secure and everyone is safe, it’s time to turn your attention to your recovery. Without the proper support and recovery plan, it can be really easy to experience long-term or even permanent closures. Call SERVPRO right away so we can get started on your restoration.

Our professional team will take over your space as soon as we get there so you can focus on your staff and your customers. People are naturally curious, and your customers are going to want to know what happened and when you plan on getting back open! The more communication and clear explanations, the better.

Depending on the specific situation, you may even be able to continue working in your building while we are restoring and repairing. You might just need to scale back for a while or adjust how you do things in the meantime. We will work with you where you are at to ensure everyone is successful under your roof.

The best way to avoid serious damage is to prepare ahead of time, but we are always here to help if your situation gets out of control or happens really unexpectedly. Call SERVPRO of Northeast Charlotte for a quick and reliable restoration, and you can expect to be back open like new in no time at all.

Has your business experienced a disaster, or do you want help building an emergency plan? Contact us to find everything you need.

Relying on SERVPRO® to Recover From Disaster | SERVPRO of Northeast Charlotte

2/1/2024 (Permalink)

heavy rain pounding down on a blacktop surface SERVPRO of Northeast Charlotte is Here to Help® when any disaster strikes!

When disaster strikes, it always seems unexpected and can be really overwhelming. We often aren’t prepared and that can lead to further issues and a longer recovery period.

Disasters can happen when Mother Nature decides to bring a strong storm to town or they can even occur from something as simple as an overlooked leaky faucet in your utility room.

However they happen, having a reliable restoration company to handle your recovery is vital. That’s why SERVPRO of Northeast Charlotte is here to help! A single phone call to our team will jumpstart your entire recovery process and we will take it from there.

Understanding Disasters

Depending on the particular disaster, you could be dealing with minor damage or be faced with seemingly insurmountable destruction. Unfortunately, acting quickly is crucial no matter your situation, otherwise the damage will continue to get worse as time goes on.

If your home floods during a heavy rain, it can cause structural damage but can also cause mold growth and rot over time. If you suffer a house fire, the initial destruction will be apparent, but you will also be left with water damage and lingering soot and smoke odors.

The longer you wait to address these issues, the worse they can get and recovery can become more costly at this point as well. Our team is proudly available 247 to respond to your call for help and we truly hope you call as soon as you suffer any sort of damage.

Relying on SERVPRO Every Step of the Way

When disaster strikes, pick up the phone and call us after you have determined that your family and neighbors are safe. We will get started by asking all kinds of questions about your situation so we can gather the right team and the right tools for your restoration. After that, we hop in our trucks and make our way to you!

Our highly trained team of experts will evaluate your damage situation firsthand when we arrive and then we will get to work on repairing, restoring and drying out your home. We only use the latest and most advanced equipment, so you can rest assured that your home is in good hands whenever one of our classic green trucks is in your drive.

If your roof suffers damage in a storm, we will work quickly to remove your possessions from the affected area while also tarping off the damaged section. If you experience a flood, we will prioritize removing standing water while also focusing on drying out your fragile or soft possessions.

We are even trained to handle any demolition projects if the damage is too extensive! We can tear down extremely damaged parts of your home and then rebuild them to exactly how they looked before the disaster occurred.

Total restoration also means that you only are working with us throughout your recovery process. Since we are trained in every aspect of disaster recovery, there is no need to be working with multiple different contractors to get the job done. We will take care of it all.

When the rain comes pouring in or a house fire causes chaos in the middle of the night, call SERVPRO of Northeast Charlotte for a fast and thorough restoration.

Have you experienced a disaster and need restoration? Make one call to our office to start recovery fast.

Staying Warm Without Starting House Fires | SERVPRO of Northeast Charlotte

1/16/2024 (Permalink)

brick chimney with lit fire logs Fire safety is a top priority for us at SERVPRO of Northeast Charlotte this winter. Keep your home safe with these helpful tips!

The temperatures have dropped, and we are all spending much more time indoors at this time of year. While we are grateful to not suffer through extreme winter weather, we do see our fair share of chilly days and snow is not out of the question on any given year.

While we hunker down for the season, many of us lean on our heat sources like fireplaces and space heaters for some extra warmth. Unfortunately, that’s also what causes a spike in house fires across our community. Our SERVPRO of Northeast Charlotte team explains more about how to stay warm without starting an out-of-control fire below.

Safeguarding Your Fireplace

A softly crackling fire can be the perfect backdrop for the season, but only if your fireplace is properly prepared. Wood-burning fireplaces need to be cleaned regularly to remove ash buildup, and the chimney should be inspected and cleaned to remove creosote buildup.

Keep flammable materials and possessions far away from the fireplace as well as off the mantle, and make sure you are checking your smoke detectors regularly and replacing batteries as needed. If your fireplace is gas or electric, you should be inspecting it before turning it on to check for loose lines or leaks.

Space Heaters

We all love the portability and convenience that space heaters can offer, but they can be dangerous if they are misused. In fact, space heater mishaps are responsible for 1,700 house fires every year.

The best way to avoid space heater fires is to make sure the surface you set yours up on is able to withstand the heat. Choose a hard, nonflammable surface that is far away from things like curtains and couch cushions, and always check the cord for signs of fraying before turning it on.

Create a three-foot barrier around your heaters to keep your kids and pets away from it, and never leave it unattended in a room. In addition, you should always be turning off your space heater completely before going to bed.

Safety Features to Look For

Not all space heaters are good investments, so doing your research before buying anything is always recommended. Just because it’s cheaper doesn’t necessarily mean its a good (or safe) deal!

First, choose a reliable company that has passed all of their certifications for safety and check their reviews to make sure it has been a reliable purchase for other users. A helpful feature that you should consider is a safety shutoff switch. These switches are programmed to turn your heater off after a certain period of use, which can be really helpful for busy families or if you have trouble remembering to turn things off.

Finally, you need to inspect the cord that is attached to the heater. It should be well-made and not showing any signs of fraying or have any loose connections, and it should also be at least six feet long so you can easily set it up in a safe location.

Have a safe and warm winter season! If you do suffer from any sort of fire damage, call SERVPRO of Northeast Charlotte right away for a quick and reliable restoration.

A quick fire damage restoration is just a phone call away. Call SERVPRO® for immediate assistance.

Discovering Water Leaks With Confidence | SERVPRO of Northeast Charlotte

1/2/2024 (Permalink)

close up of condensation on window pane and ledge Water damage can happen anywhere in your home. Call SERVPRO of Northeast Charlotte to restore water damage on your property 24/7, 365.

Water is flowing in and out of your home all of the time. It flows out of your taps when you wash your hands, it drains down your utility sink when you run a load of laundry and it flows into your ice maker to slowly become ice cubes that will eventually chill your drinks.

Because of this close relationship that we have with water, the risk of suffering from water damage at any point is always constant. While it is not possible to always prevent water damage from occurring, knowing where it often starts can help you track down a problem quicker and with more confidence.

Your Sink Lines

You probably don’t think much of it when you wash your hands and watch the water flow down the drain, but that water has to go somewhere! You have water lines all over your home that are constantly pulling used water away and replacing it with fresh water. As your home gets older, these lines can start to experience wear and tear and can suffer leaks at any time.

Once a water leak starts under a cupboard or beneath a sink, it can quickly seep into your walls and floors and leak throughout your entire room or area of your house. Try to make it a habit to check your water lines when you are cleaning and address potential issues right away so you can prevent a much larger problem later.

Around Your Appliances

Having appliances in our home to help us accomplish tasks can be such a time saver! We rely on dishwashers, washing machines and water heaters on a daily basis, which also means that they could leak any day without much warning.

These types of leaks can be hard to spot right away because they often start underneath or behind your appliances. Try to pull your appliances away from the wall often to check for signs of damage like water spots, puddles or mold growth.

Under Floors and Behind Walls

Water pipes are located all over your home, but most of them are tucked away behind your walls. Unfortunately, water leaks can happen there as well and that can be really troublesome for your home. Over time, those water leaks can get into your floors and can be really hard to dry out on your own.

Water leaks behind walls and under floors often don’t show signs until the damage has already occurred. Because of that, keep an eye out for any dark spots on your walls or a musty odor that indicates a mold problem.

Your Windows

Experiencing occasional condensation on your windows is normal, but that condensation can linger or drip down onto your windowsills, which can cause the wood around your window casings and trim to swell and warp. Run your fingers along your windows after a rain and wipe down lingering condensation right away.

Moisture can also get into your home through your windows if there are any small gaps or cracks around the windows themselves. Even a small leak can build up over time and lead to serious structural integrity issues around your windows.

Unfortunately, not all water damage can be prevented. That’s where SERVPRO of Northeast Charlotte comes into play! Our team offers quick and reliable water damage restoration no matter the extent of your damage and we are ready to help you 247.

Don’t ignore signs of water damage! Call SERVPRO® for a quick restoration.

Top Benefits of Using a Local Restoration Company | SERVPRO of Northeast Charlotte

12/15/2023 (Permalink)

group of 3 SERVPRO reps standing near a green semi truck at a work site No job is too big or too small for our team of industry leading experts at SERVPRO of Northeast Charlotte!

For many of us, the very thought of suffering a disaster at home or at work can give us anxiety and cause us to worry about the possibilities when it comes to recovering. It can happen in the blink of an eye and leave you with a serious problem!

Even if you are prepared or are aware of incoming severe weather, it can be a helpless feeling to watch your property become damaged when you can’t do anything about it.

No matter what happens to your home or business, SERVPRO of Northeast Charlotte is right down the street and is always here for you.

Choosing the Right Company

Once you discover the damage or come upon it unexpectedly, your first priority should be setting up your restoration services. The faster you can get your restoration project completed, the less chance you have of developing serious structural issues or mold infestations.

Since we are local, we can be at your home right away! We are experiencing the same weather situations that you are, so we start getting our teams together when severe weather is forecast. In addition, we are also available 247, which is essential for a restoration service company. The team you choose should be friendly, knowledgeable and have extensive training on your particular disaster situation.

SERVPRO of Northeast Charlotte does all of this and more! Our team understands the sensitive nature of disaster recovery and the emotional toll it can take. We work alongside you to explain every step of the process and to help you feel more confident in the repairs.

Experience Matters

While it is important to have a friendly face who is passionate about our community, another benefit of SERVPRO® is that we come with the backing of a national brand to help us along the way. We will always have the staff, the knowledge and the resources to tackle your particular restoration.

SERVPRO has been in business since 1967 and has grown to more than 2,000 locations across the nation, including our branch that services the northeast Charlotte communities.

Our crew will handle every aspect of your recovery from the initial boarding up and tarping service to the final rebuilding of your damaged home. We will also make sure that the team that shows up to your home has the right training to handle your home with confidence.

Our reliable history and passion for our community is part of what makes SERVPRO of Northeast Charlotte your No.1 restoration choice! We’ve got your back.

Want to learn more about everything we can do for you? Contact us to be prepared for anything.

Taking Control of Standing Water at Your Business | SERVPRO of Northeast Charlotte

12/1/2023 (Permalink)

Ceiling fell through, water damage and standing water. Big water damage, busted pipe from 2nd floor came flooding the 1st floor.

You are going through your regular routine in the morning by unlocking doors, turning on lights and getting things set up for another busy day at work when you start to notice a musty smell. Is it just stagnant air or something more sinister?

Water leaks can happen at any time, and can quickly cause water damage as well as create a musty odor that lingers in the air. No matter how deep the water is or how widespread the situation has become, it can be an overwhelming discovery to make.

Regardless of whether your water damage occurs due to a plumbing failure or a burst pipe, a quick recovery is necessary to reduce your risk of long-term closures or costly repairs.

Addressing the Damage

Discovering that your business has flooded can be very unnerving. Even if you do everything right and have your place inspected and maintained well, water has a mind of its own sometimes.

Stay calm and try to follow these easy steps to focus on getting things cleaned up before the problem gets worse:

1. Stay safe. Your top priority is always your safety and your employees’ safety. Stay out of the water and assess the situation from higher ground, and then get us on the phone right away. You should also snap some photos of the damage to help make the insurance claims process a little easier.

2. Control the disaster. Acting quickly is always necessary when it comes to water disasters, because mold and mildew can set in really quickly. Identify the source of the water and locate the appropriate water valve to shut off the flow of water. If you can’t track it down quickly, turn off the main water valve for your entire building for the time being.

3. Start the drying process. Floodwater can pick up dangerous materials or substances as it flows onto your floors, so use caution and try to avoid walking through it when you can. Move around the area carefully as you open windows to start the ventilation, and section off the space to keep your customers and employees out of harm’s way.

Work With the Best

Once our talented team arrives, we will get right to work removing the standing water while assessing the rest of the situation. We will also start the process of communicating with your insurance company at this time as well.

Our goal is to focus on all aspects of your recovery so you can focus on next steps for your business. We will do our best to close off only the affected section of your building so you can still operate in whatever capacity that you are able in the meantime.

We will make sure your property is restored quickly and efficiently so you can open back up completely faster! Our team will work hard for you from start to finish so you can overcome your water disaster right away.

Do you need repairs after a water disaster in your commercial building? Contact us to get dried out quickly.

Understanding Home Damage Possibilities in the Charlotte Area | SERVPRO of Northeast Charlotte

11/17/2023 (Permalink)

residentail home with roof destroyed and debris falling down If you discover damage in your residence, call SERVPRO of Northeast Charlotte right away. 

Severe weather, house fires, a fallen tree or even a busted water line can happen at any moment and cause serious issues for your home and family. It seems like disaster is only one accident or act of nature away sometimes!

While that is true, we don’t want you to be consumed with the thought of suffering home damage. Being prepared for the possibility of home damage can help you ride out the unexpected with minimal damage.

SERVPRO® of Northeast Charlotte is dedicated to helping you recover from disaster! We explain the different home damage possibilities below and how we can help you overcome them.

The Biggest Risks for Charlotte Residents

We experience some strong storms in the Charlotte area that can bring extremely high wind and heavy rain to our community. This can lead to wind, water or impact damages in the blink of an eye! In addition, house fires and other water disasters can happen at any time and leave you with significant damage.

Water damage is often associated with Mother Nature in the form of floods and rainwater leaks, but that’s not always the case. Malfunctioning appliances and other home accidents can cause just as much, if not more, damage in a short amount of time. The same is true when it comes to fire damage! Fires can start from a natural source like a lightning strike or they can occur due to some sort of human error or negligence around flame.

Preventing the Damage From Getting Worse

Suffering one disaster can be bad enough, but unfortunately certain disasters can lead to other unforeseen issues. For example, a flooded basement can be a huge headache when it comes to water damage, but it can also lead to structural issues or a mold infestation if the water isn’t dried up quickly.

Another example of compounding damage is when a fire breaks out in your home. The flames will burn and destroy your home, but the residual soot and smoke after the flames are out can spread everywhere, leaving you with stained walls or stinky smoke odors. You could also be dealing with water damage because of the water and other chemical agents used to extinguish the fire.

No matter how your damage occurs, recovery is probably at the top of your list. SERVPRO is here to make sure your recovery goes as planned and is handled quickly. We will take care of every part of your restoration. This includes construction, remodeling, restoration and even mold mitigation if your project calls for it.

We will take care of your home if you suffer a flood that leads to water damage, structural damage and mold growth. We will clean, sanitize and restore every part of your home as quickly and as efficiently as we can.

The same goes for fire damage! We will remove burned debris, clean soot residue, tackle smoke odor removal and make sure your home is rebuilt right away. We will also make sure any water is dried up and any water damage is repaired.

Working with us means that you don’t have to work with multiple contractors or other companies. We are a full-service restoration team that can handle your entire recovery with just our tools, team and resources.

Does your home need restoration and you don’t want to make more than one call? Contact us to get everything handled by one team.

Would Your Business Weather a Natural Disaster? | SERVPRO of Northeast Charlotte

11/17/2023 (Permalink)

clip board with a disaster preparedness checklist and emergency supplies in the background Are you prepared for disaster? SERVPRO of Northeast Charlotte is here for you when disaster strikes!

Natural disasters are often large-scale situations that can cause significant damage in a short amount of time. They can happen at a moment’s notice anywhere across the country! In fact, natural disasters have been increasing in frequency and severity over the last five years, leaving behind more destruction and damage.

Natural disasters can be unpleasant to think about, but they are not the only way a business could be damaged. Manmade accidents or incidents could also derail your business significantly.

While we cannot always control our surroundings, we can prepare for them. Having a reliable plan in place can help you navigate a wide variety of uncertain situations.

Creating the Plan

Since it is simply a fact that more natural disasters have been occurring across the country, preparing for them is vital for the safety of your employees and the livelihood of your business. Knowing what types of storms, fires or flooding situations could occur can help you prepare for what could happen today, tomorrow or a year from now.

Disaster situations can cause extensive physical damage to your building, but it can also lead to serious financial struggles if the damage is large enough. Navigating the insurance world, tackling lost revenue and trying to recover lost wages can be really hard on a business.

Depending on the type of situation, some businesses even have to close in order for the repairs to happen. Some businesses may never even reopen! Knowing what to do and how to react can help stop that from happening.

Using the Plan

In order to avoid all of those aforementioned disaster scenarios, you need an emergency plan! Our SERVPRO® team can help you create an Emergency Ready Plan for your business. This plan outlines all of the steps you need to take during particular emergencies or disasters to help you stay in control of the situation.

We will start by coming out to your business to lay out specific threats that could impact your daily life. We will tailor each plan to your particular business and building based on the kind of work you do and the employees you have. Doing so ensures that every possible scenario is planned and prepared for.

Our team can make suggestions like changing up how you store important documents or organizing go-bags for your employees to grab quickly during an emergency situation. We can also help plan evacuation routes and place fire extinguishers in a strategic area.

We also know how important it is to stay connected during an emergency. We will take the time to lay out specific communication strategies that will help you and your employees exchange important information quickly. Having a chain of command helps your employees stay on task and follow through on what is being asked of them.

Your business deserves to have a robust Emergency Ready Plan, and we are ready to give it to you! We are here to help you avoid disaster, but we are also here to help you overcome it as well.

Ready to create your Emergency Ready Plan for your business? Contact us for your free assessment to start the plan you need.

Cook With Fire Safety In Mind This Holiday Season | SERVPRO of Northeast Charlotte

11/17/2023 (Permalink)

pan on kitchen counter in residence ablaze while unattended Fire damage in your home? Not for long with SERVPRO of Northeast Charlotte on the case!

What is the one dish that every member of your family requests from you during the holiday season? Whether it is a famous cookie that you spent years perfecting or a turkey casserole that is always the first to run out during a family gathering, you are most definitely spending more time in the kitchen this season getting ready for your next holiday gathering.

Kitchen fires can happen at any time, but they are unfortunately more common during the fall and winter months. Taking preventive steps toward avoiding a kitchen fire while you are cooking this year can help you avoid costly and season-ruining damage.

Keeping Your Kitchen Clear

The first thing you should do is prepare your space for cooking. Make the kitchen a kid- and pet-free zone and clean up a little before you get started.

Remove clutter from the countertops and pick up anything left strewn about on the floor. You should also remove flammable materials from near your stove, so anything like pot holders, oven mitts, holiday decor and wooden utensils should be put away or moved far away from your burners.

You should also dress for success in the kitchen! Holiday accessories or seasonal aprons may be fun, but they can be dangerous if they get too close to a flame. Keep your sleeves rolled up, and be mindful about how you are dressing in the kitchen.

Stay Within Sight of Your Kitchen

Frying, baking, boiling and sauteing can all be dangerous in their own ways and can lead to serious fire situations in seconds. Leaving your kitchen even for a moment is enough time for a fire to catch and spread. Stay close by and monitor the food you are working so hard to make.

If you and your family partake in the tradition of deep-frying a turkey, be sure someone is remaining responsible and in control of the situation. Keep the fryer on a level and non-flammable surface and follow all of the rules and precautions while filling the fryer with oil.

Do your research and thaw your turkey completely in advance. Even a partially frozen section of your turkey can react with the oil and cause it to splatter and pop.

Check Your Smoke Alarms and Extinguishers

These steps can go a long way toward helping you avoid fire in the kitchen, but we all know that fire is unpredictable and can get out of control at any time. Having smoke alarms in your kitchen is crucial for alerting you to a developing situation right away. Check the batteries monthly and replace as needed.

You should also invest in a fire extinguisher that stays in your kitchen. Having a reliable way to snuff out a few flames quickly can help you minimize a situation as it appears. You should also keep a pot or extra lid nearby while cooking so you can quickly cover and smother a grease fire.

We wish you and yours a safe and relaxing holiday season without the risk of fire! However, we are always here for you if an accident occurs and your kitchen is left damaged. We will work hard to restore your affected space as quickly as possible so you can get back to your festivities ahead.

House fires can happen in the blink of an eye. Contact us for a quick restoration day or night!