More to Us Behind the Scenes.

9/26/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Logo

You may know us as the Fire and Water Cleanup and Restoration Company. But did you know that there are over 20 services that we can provide to a home or business owner. Our team at SERVPRO^® of North Kanawha Valley & Teays Valley is always ready to help you at a moment’s notice 24/7/365.  A few of the other services that we provide include…

• Mold Mitigation
• Document Restoration
• Duct Cleaning
• Deodorization                  
• Reconstruction
• Vandalism Cleanup
• Forensic Remediation
• Storm Response
• Tarping and Board ups 

Our team here at SERVPRO^® of North Kanawha Valley & Teays Valley can help you with whatever disaster that you may have. We have been in the Kanawha Valley and surrounding areas for nearly 30 years, locally owned and operated, and ready to serve you.

Whether you are a homeowner, business owner, property manager, or first responder we are here for you. There is no disaster that is too large or too small that we can't handle. From our trained and uniformed crews to our professional restoration consultants, and our SERVPRO^® Ready App that is in the palm of your hand, the cleanup team at SERVPRO^® of North Kanawha Valley & Teays Valley is here to help make your disaster, “Like it never even happened." For more information on how we can help you be prepared or for a consultation please call us at 304-755-9510.

Identifying Types of Water

8/2/2022 (Permalink)

Carpet wet from water getting inside the house

When water damage occurs SERVPRO has three categories of water. The three types of water are clean, gray, and black. We determine the classification of the water during the inspection of your property. What are the differences between the categories?

1. Clean water

  Clean water is water that has never been contaminated. Clean water typically comes from a hot water tank or appliances. Clean water is not an immediate threat to your health. Clean water is generally safe for you to do some fast water removing methods such as mopping up water or using towels to clean up.

2. Gray water

   Gray water is contaminated wastewater. Gray water usually comes from bathtubs, showers, washing machines, dishwashers, or sinks. Wear protective gear such as rubber gloves and boots when cleaning up gray water. Keep children and pets away from the flooded area. Clean-up must begin immediately; gray water can turn to black water in as little as 48 hours.

3. Black water

    Black water is highly contaminated water. Black water comes from storm flooding, flushing toilets, and sewage is considered black water. This can be dangerous being in contact with. If you do experience black water stay away from flooded areas.

If you, unfortunately, experience any of these types of water types we at SERVPRO of North Kanawha and Teays Valley are here to help. Our teams are highly trained in water restoration and how to properly clean all types of water.

A Storm is a-Brewin'

7/29/2022 (Permalink)

Flood sign in high water.

It's that time of year in West Virginia. Summer storms that inevitably cause flooding along the valley are something we are all very familiar with. Being stuck in the holler because your car, unfortunately, does not have boat capabilities is frustrating and can be dangerous. Remember turn around, don’t drown. It does not take much water to float your vehicle.

Being prepared for the summer storms brewing will help you and your family stay safe and comfortable during a possible flood event. Here are a few ways you can be prepared:

-Have enough drinking water stocked up. One gallon per family member per day that you are preparing for should be sufficient.

-Prepare for power outages with things like flashlights and lanterns. 

-Keep extra blankets in storage. You never know what will happen during an extreme winter storm, and the last thing you want is to be cold or wet.

-Stock up on non-perishable foods.

-Last but not least, get some board games and puzzles for the family. You could be stuck in the house for a few days, and it could get boring!

Fast Is As Slow As We Go

7/11/2022 (Permalink)

Fast is as slow as we go written on the wall.

Here at SERVPRO of North Kanawha and Teays Valley one of our goals is to get your property back to preloss conditions as quickly as we can. We know when you experience a loss in your home or business it is stressful, and we want you to know we are here to help. Our technicians are highly trained, and they are prepared for any size disaster. SERVPRO trains our technicians in mold mitigation, and fire and water restoration. With their training, our crews know what equipment to use and how to get your property back in order. We pride ourselves here at SERVPRO of North Kanawha and Teays Valley on the hard work of our team members and their ability to collaborate to make your property look “Like it never even happened” the fastest we can.

Our Franchise

7/11/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO van

One thing we pride ourselves on here at SERVPRO North Kanawha and Teays Valley is giving our all to our customers on every job we do. We want to show you guys how serious we are about helping to our full extent and making sure our employees have the correct training. All our staff here at SERVPRO go through initial and ongoing training at our SERVPRO corporate training facility. We strive to be the very best for our customers. Our employees have certifications and training ranging from OSHA's 30-hour general and construction training to odor control technician. Our employees are highly trained and ready to make your property look, "Like it never even happened."

IICRC Certified

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) has been providing the highest quality certifications in this industry. We have been a part of the IICRC for over five years. Our professionals are constantly studying restoration and cleaning courses and upholding the IICRC standards.

Committed to Our Community

SERVPRO of North Kanawha and Teays Valley is locally owned and operated. Most of our team has grown up in this community. Our franchise has invested in helping our community when we are needed. We have volunteered for a variety of organizations, including the Central West Virginia Chapter of the American Red Cross and others.

Safety is the name; grilling is the game.

7/11/2022 (Permalink)

Grill Safety written over a back ground of steaks grilling

The smell of hot dogs and hamburgers on the grill; family spending time together; pool parties; music playing; all of these are things that make summer fantastic. If you are planning on having a family BBQ or even just grilling for yourself, it is a good idea to be aware of grill safety. While we, SERVPRO of North Kanawha Valley, would be happy to help if fire damage did occur, we would like to share some tips to help you out this summer season.

For the grill masters and BBQ legends:

1. If you are using a grill, be sure that it isn’t defective in any way. Always check for propane leaks, and if you’re using charcoal, make sure there are no holes rusted into the grill.

1. Always make sure your grill is on a flat surface. If it isn’t stable, it may fall, causing fire damage.

1. When using a charcoal grill, let the starter fluid soak into the coals for a minute before igniting them to allow the explosive vapors time to dissipate.

1. If you are grilling using an electric grill, never use lighter fluid or other combustible materials.

1. Although a shady spot may seem nice to grill under, do not use grills close to the house or any other structures where they have the potential to catch on fire.

Water Restoration Steps

7/11/2022 (Permalink)

Small red house in a water puddle.

If you have water damage to your property SERVPRO of North Kanawha and Teays Valley are here to help. When water has entered your home, we understand the emotions that come along with this crisis. Here are the steps to our water restoration process.

1. Emergency Contact

The restoration process starts when you give us a call. We will guide you through the crisis and may ask you many questions to determine what equipment and resources are needed.

2. Inspection and Water Damage Assessment:

This stage of the process is where we determine the extent of your water damage. Our team checks to see how far the moisture has traveled.

3. Water Extraction

The removal process begins almost immediately. We use pumps and vacuum units to remove the water from your property helping to prevent any further damage such as mold growth.

4. Drying and Dehumidification

We use specialized equipment to remove any water that was harder to access. Our team will use room measurements, temperature, and relative humidity to determine how many air movers and dehumidifiers are needed to dry your home or business.

5. Cleaning and Sanitizing

We clean all the restorable structures and items that were damaged by the water. Our team is trained to sanitize and deodorize your property.

6. Restoration

This is the stage where we return your home or business back to pre-water damage condition. This may involve replacing drywall and installing new carpets, or larger repairs such as the reconstruction of different areas or rooms on the property.

Staying Safe During a Power Outage

7/11/2022 (Permalink)

Power line and tress down after a storm.

Power outages have been a reoccurring thing here in West Virginia. With all the storms we have been having, some people are almost expecting to lose power. Even with the power off, there are some safety precautions you may want to take. Here are some tips to keep you and your property safe.

1. Unplug all appliances to avoid power surges.

A power surge is a surge of power that is a higher voltage than normal. They can be caused by an electrical overload, faulty wiring, or a power outage.

2. Use flashlights instead of candles.

It is important to always use a flashlight when your power is off. Leaving a candle unattended could cause a fire leaving damage to your property.

3. Never use a gas stove to heat your house

Never use a gas stove to heart un your house. Turning on an oven and leaving the door open can increase the amount of carbon monoxide to unhealthy levels.

4. Keep grills and generators outside

Grills are great during power outages, but it is important to keep them outside. Generators need to stay outside as well as they both put out carbon monoxide.

Avoiding Water Damage While Away

7/6/2022 (Permalink)

pipe with water leaking out

Summer months are here, and for most people, that means a trip to the beach. Packing the family and ensuring you have everything you will need can be stressful, and while we don’t want to add any more to your plate it may be good in the long run. If you are leaving your house unattended while away, it may be smart to turn off your water. Burst pipes can happen at any time, and there are multiple causes to them. Burst pipes can be caused by aging, corrosion, clogs, and more. Here is how to turn off your water: 

1. Always hand-turn your valves. If you are unable to turn the valves on or off, it’s best to call a plumber. 
2. If you have a gate or “wheel” valve to shut it off, you will need to turn it clockwise.
3. If you have a ball valve turn it perpendicular to the pipe. 

         It’s a time to relax, and not have to stress about your house while you’re gone. You went to the beach to see the ocean; you don’t want to come home and see it. If water damage does occur, we are always ready to help. 

Fire Extinguishers: Have You Checked Yours?

7/1/2022 (Permalink)

Red Fire extinguishers in a group

Have you checked your fire extinguisher? I know it’s a task that most people forget about, you get busy and never think to check it. While we are all hoping this situation never happens, it is important to ensure you are prepared. Here are some tips to make sure your extinguisher is fire ready just in case you need it.

1. Check the date, how old is it? You will find an expiration date at the bottom of the label. If it is more than ten years old, it should be replaced or refilled. The pressure could be gone, or it simply could not work.
2. Check the gauge to be sure it is pointing to the green area on the gauge.
3. Does it have a UL listing on the label to verify that is certified?
4. Make sure you know the location of your extinguisher in the home. Familiarize yourself with how to operate it as well.

To help you to remember, you can use the acronym P.A.S.S.

P-Pull Pin

A-Aim at the base of the fire

S-Squeeze trigger

S-Sweep from side to side

5. If there is more than one person in the home, have one call 911 and the other use the extinguisher. If the fire has reached a stage other than the start of the fire, it is very important to GET OUT of your home or business and wait for the fire department.

4 Things to Know About Commercial Flood Insurance

6/17/2022 (Permalink)

High water sign in a flooded area.

Owning a business comes with a lot of decisions and stress, and much like a residential house, you never know when a water loss will happen. When considering if flood insurance would be beneficial to you and your business, think about these four things you should know. 

1. Most commercial insurance policies do not cover flooding. 

Most of the time, if you want flood insurance, you will have to purchase a separate policy for it. Flood insurance will cover your property, structure, and sometimes your belongings if ruined by natural water. Requirements for reimbursement vary between different insurance companies. Check with an insurance agent to see what the requirements are right for you. 

2. Flood insurance is not always a requirement. 

Although flood insurance is not always a requirement, it could still help give business owners peace of mind. Flood insurance is sometimes mandatory, depending on if you are in a high-risk area for flooding. 

3. Some flood insurance policies have a 30-day waiting period. 

Depending on the insurance company you are going through, you may have a waiting period before you have coverage. You may not want to wait until the notice of a widespread storm to purchase flood insurance. 

4. SERVPRO works with many different Commercial Flood Insurance Companies. 

Here at SERVPRO of North Kanawha and Teays Valley, we know flooding is stressful, and we are happy to help get your business back on track. Check with your insurance agent for more details on your policy coverage. 

Uh oh...I see water damage!

6/15/2022 (Permalink)

If you suspect water damage, call the pros.

Spring and summer time in Kanawha and Putnam Counties means lots, and lots, and lots of rain. Anyone that has lived in West Virginia knows that spring time here is that time of year when the weather can be completely unpredictable- sunny one day and thunderstorms the next. This also means that you could have water coming into your home during times of heavy rain, and not be prepared. Some signs that you have water damage in your home are:

-Dark or wet spots on the ceiling and interior/exterior walls. These watermarks indicate a leak.

-Cracking, bubbling, or flaking in the drywall or paint on your ceiling or walls. 

-Leaks can cause pools of water to collect on the floor. If you dry the puddle up, and it comes back, you have a leak!

-Musty smell. Any type of damp or moldy smell is an indicator of water damage in your home. 

A leak is not always caused by heavy rain. A faucet leak inside your home can also occur, and can usually be detected by monitoring your water bill and listening for dripping sounds.

If you suspect water damage in your home, call the pros. SERVPRO of North Kanawha Valley and Teays Valley is always "Here to Help".

Weatherman Reporting Another Flash Flood Watch?

6/14/2022 (Permalink)

Living in West Virginia, flash flood warnings are something we hear a lot. Don’t panic, here are some ways you can be prepared in case a flash flood does happen. Create an evacuation plan. Stay informed about your community's plans and risks. Make sure your family knows how to get in touch with each other if they are separated. Create an emergency kit for your family and pets. Your emergency kit should include food, water, phone chargers, a flashlight, medications, and emergency contact information.

While those are all good ways to help prepare your family for a potential flood, it is always a good idea to prepare your home. Unplug all electrical appliances to reduce the chances of a potential power surge. Move valuables to a higher area in your home and turn off utilities if told to by authorities. If flooding is expected, you may want to use sandbags to help slow down flooding in your home.

Floods are scary when they happen, but always remember to try to stay as calm as possible. If a flood does occur, it is important to stay informed to make sure you and your family can be as safe as possible. Try your best to stay out of flood water. It can contain sewage and other bacteria harmful to you. Always remember, it only takes six feet of swift-moving water to knock you over and two feet of water to move your vehicle. Throw away food that has been contaminated by flood water. Stay out of areas such as underpasses and low spots, and never drive through flood waters.

Thankfully, all bad things must come to an end. If you were evacuated, it is important to only return home if approved by the authorities. Check with your friends and family to make sure everyone is safe, and check if there is damage to your house. Here are some things we suggest doing after flooding here at SERVPRO.

• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.

• Wipe excess water from wood furniture.

• Remove and prop up wet upholstery and cushions.

• Turn on the air conditioner for drying in the summer.

Don’t panic if your home was affected by the flood. SERVPRO of North Kanawha and Teays Valley are here to help. Give us a call to learn what services we offer that may be of help to you. At SERVPRO, we have your back. We are a 24-hour emergency service. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. Not only do we specialize in water restoration, but we are also highly trained in helping with secondary damage restoration such as mold remediation and reconstruction services. Our main goal is to make your home look "Like it never even happened."

Raise the Roof

6/8/2022 (Permalink)

Leaky roof...now what?

“The other night I walked into my sunroom and stepped onto wet tile. I thought “great, what now?”. So, I turn the light on and look around to see what could have caused the puddle. Of course it’s raining, so I look up to see if it’s a roof leak. It is. Awesome, just one more thing to add to the list. See, we’re in the middle of renovating a bathroom and building a fence around our property, so to have something else to deal with just added to the headache. But, it has to be taken care of. Working at SERVPRO, I know how expensive a small leak like that can become and I want to avoid any damage to my home. So, what do you do when something like this happens to you during this very rainy season? Here’s a brief run-down on what to do when your roof springs a leak:

First things first, you need to stop the water damage. Cover any contents in that room that would be damaged by the water with plastic. You will also want to put a bucket under the leak immediately to catch the water and prevent it from pooling and causing damage to the floor. Dry the floor with towels and set a fan up to insure it gets completely dry. If you catch the leak quickly and there is minimal damage, you are probably in the clear other than, of course, getting your roof fixed or fixing it yourself if you know how. Obviously, if you feel that your home has sustained significant water damage that you can not take care of on your own, call us to come give you an estimate. Our phone lines work 24/7/365 and we are always available to help. We work with all major insurance companies and can get you and your home taken care of!”

-Sarah King, Business Development Coordinator

Fireworks are fun; enjoy them safely!

6/3/2022 (Permalink)

Enjoy fireworks at public displays conducted by professionals for a fun and safe July 4th!

Summertime and the Fourth of July means fireworks. To quote the National Safety Council, "fireworks should be enjoyed at public displays conducted by professionals and should not be used at home." Although fireworks are legal, that does not mean that they are safe. And while we, SERVPRO of North Kanawha and Teays Valley, would take care of your home if a fireworks accident did occur leaving fire damage to your property, we would rather you and your family be safe. 

IF you choose to use fireworks this Fourth of July, follow these safety tips to ensure that you and your community stay safe this holiday:

-Never hold a lit firework in your hand

-Never light fireworks inside

-Only use fireworks in an area clear of houses, vehicles and trees

-Keep a bucket of water nearby to extinguish any fires that may occur and to put out lit fireworks that do not go off

-Never re-light a firework that does not go off

Of course, if things don’t go to plan and your house gets hit by a rogue firework, give us a call. We’re available every day, 24/7, even on holidays such as the 4th!

More to the story...

6/1/2022 (Permalink)

From storm cleanup to mold remediation, the pros at SERVPRO have you covered.

You may know us as the Fire and Water Cleanup and Restoration Company. But did you know that there are over 20 services that we can provide to a home or business owner. Our team at SERVPRO^® of North Kanawha Valley & Teays Valley is always ready to help you at a moment’s notice 24/7/365.  A few of the other services that we provide include…

• Mold Mitigation
• COVID Cleaning
• Document Restoration
• Deodorization                  
• Reconstruction
• Vandalism Cleanup
• Forensic Remediation
• Storm Response
• Tarping and Board ups 

Our team here at SERVPRO^® of North Kanawha Valley & Teays Valley can help you with whatever disaster that you may have. We have been in the Kanawha Valley and surrounding areas for over 30 years, locally owned and operated, and ready to serve you.

Whether you are a homeowner, business owner, property manager, or first responder we are here for you. There is no disaster that is too large or too small that we cannot handle. From our trained and uniformed crews to our professional restoration consultants, the cleanup team at SERVPRO^® of North Kanawha Valley & Teays Valley is here to help make your disaster “Like it never even happened." 

Who Else?

5/18/2022 (Permalink)

We can get you back to business after a disaster.

Let's talk about commercial jobs for a minute. Commercial property owners, we're looking at you! We had a water/fire loss job come in for a local grocery store earlier this year. A fire occurred in one of the rooms and therefore caused the sprinkler system to go off, causing major water damage. We made contact with them and had a crew out there shortly.

Crews worked through the night to get the water extracted and begin the drying process. We know how important it is to get a business back up and running after a loss.

We have the equipment and the crews to get the job done, big or small. We are local, so being onsite quickly is our specialty. Who else would you want taking care of your business?

In the Eye of a Hurricane

5/9/2022 (Permalink)

If your commercial property is affected by the aftermath of a hurricane, call the pros at SERVPRO.

With National Hurricane Preparedness Week ending yesterday, we thought it would be nice to do a recap for how to prepare your business for inclement weather, specifically for a hurricane. The National Weather Service provides many insights and resources for how to prepare for a hurricane. Typically in the Kanawha and Putnam Counties of West Virginia, we don't have damage from the hurricane, but rather from the storms that linger after the fact. These storms can bring extreme winds and flooding to Kanawha and Putnam Counties.

In this blog, we will talk specifically about how your business can be prepared for a hurricane. First things first, speaking with your insurance agent and knowing your policy is imperative preparation before any storm event. Keep your business’ insurance documentation with you and consider adding flood insurance to your current plan.

Much like having a fire evacuation plan, every business should have an evacuation plan specifically for in the event of a hurricane. When developing an evacuation plan for your business, the first step is finding out if your commercial building is located in a hurricane evacuation zone. If you are, have a bag readily available of supplies in case you and your employees need to evacuate. When assembling your disaster supplies, be sure that there is enough food and water for each person for at least three days. Radios, batteries, and phone chargers are all things you should have with your supplies. If a hurricane is set to hit your area, follow the evacuation orders given by reputable sources and plan several routes.

If there are senior citizens or disabled persons living near your business, consider checking on them and helping them prepare for the hurricane. Help them evacuate if they don’t have anyone else assisting them and check in on them after the storm. Last, but of course not least, have a plan for your pets as well.

And, of course, if your business suffers damage from the aftermath of a hurricane, give us a call. We have trained professionals that specialize in remediation for commercial properties! 

Spring Showers

5/9/2022 (Permalink)

If the Spring showers dampen your day, you know who to call!

Spring and Summer are full of sunshine, flowers, and fresh-cut grass. However, it can also bring on unexpected periods of heavy rains. Unfortunately, this can lead to major water damage to homes in Kanawha & Putnam Counties which means wet basements and backed up drains.

Always ensure that you keep an eye on the weather and watch for any heavy rainfall warnings that could result in water damages in your area. When a warning is given, make sure to keep all basement windows and doors closed and be sure they are properly sealed. Keep an eye on the basement to catch if there are any leaks that water may be coming in from.

SERVPRO® of North Kanawha & Teays valley is your leading restoration company when it comes to water damage in West Virginia. If you experience any water intrusion, make sure to call us right away. We have highly trained and certified teams on standby, 24/7/365.

If you are unfortunate enough to experience some sort of water damage to your home, we will be there as quickly as possible to extract the water. Not only will remove all the water, but we will clean all affected areas with anti-microbial to ensure that the area is thoroughly disinfected. We will also take care of any belongings that were affected by water, whether that be to clean and sanitize the item, or haul it away to be discarded.

We hope that you stay dry this Spring and Summer season, but if you don’t, you know who to call. SERVPRO® of North Kanawha Valley & Teays Valley is always Here to Help®!

Soot webs: what are they?

5/9/2022 (Permalink)

They aren't spider webs. These black webs are caused by soot after a fire occurs.

When we enter a home with fire damage, we see a lot of different things. Black dust on the tops of door frames and furniture, soot on AC registers and smoke damage on the ceilings. Something else very common we see is something called soot webs, or soot tags. 

Soot webs are black 'cob web' looking things. Most of the time, a home owner will think that the soot has attached itself to all of the dust webs and cob webs in their home, and they always say "I did not realize my house was so dusty!" No fear, it is not dust. 

Soot webs or tags form in areas of little circulation when synthetic or petroleum based sources burn. Soot particles follow the air into colder areas with lower circulation and concentrate in those areas. Since the soot occurs due to a combustion event, it makes the particles create long chains of soot. So do not worry! It is not dust or spider webs. It is just something fires leave behind, and is no issue for us to clean up. 

If your home or business suffers from fire damage, give us a call. Soot webs, smoke damage, water damage from sprinklers. We will take care of your property from start to finish. 

Trauma Scene Cleanup

4/25/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has professionals trained in Trauma Scene Cleanup and can take care of you during your time of grief.

Content Warning: Blood, death

Trauma Scene Cleanup is a solemn but necessary practice in the field of restoration. If you have ever had the misfortune to discover a deceased family member or loved one, you may not realize how important it is to inquire about forensic remediation, biohazard, or trauma cleanup services. These services may be necessary to restore a home back to preloss conditions.

Outsourcing the forensic remediation to a professional company such as SERVPRO of North Kanawha/Teays Valley is recommended for numerous reasons. We have professionals that are certified in Trauma Scene Cleanup. Blood is pathogenic, which means any fresh blood has the possibility to make you sick. Our technicians would be dressed in full personal protective equipment and this is crucial when handling any materials affected with blood. The stress of cleaning up after an unfortunate situation is not something a bereaved should be burdened with.

After the damage has been assessed and the areas properly mitigated, any soiled materials are then bagged in biohazard bags and properly discarded and hauled from the work site. We will also take care of any lingering odor that may occur. SERVPRO of North Kanawha Valley and Teays Valley has several different pieces of equipment that are designed to handle many types of odors. Once the technicians are finished, the affected area is now safe for the bereaved and will allow them to mourn properly without added stress.

A Dynamic Duo

3/14/2022 (Permalink)

Brittany and Tim are two wonderful examples of what a career at a locally owned and operated business could look like.

Employee retention is one of the many positives of a locally owned and operated business. Hiring and promoting within is a benefit locally owned businesses can offer to their employees and as a result,  employees are typically better compensated as far as pay, benefits, and flexible scheduling. This in turn translates into more money being put back into the local economy and more time spent volunteering in the community. The local company is in turn compensated with a more faithful and dedicated employee who is willing to go the extra mile.

Today’s blog will highlight two of our loyal and dedicated employees that embody this message, Brittany Sutherland and Tim McDaniel. The years of service that these great employees have given to the community accounts for countless certifications, tons of hands-on-experience, and extensive training in all areas of the restoration industry.

Let’s start with Brittany’s inspirational story. Brittany started with SERVPRO through a temp agency in May of 2018 as a technician, working on the truck and assisting the crew chief on jobs. She studied hard in her spare time and obtained her Water Restoration Technician and Advanced Structural Drying certifications and became a Crew Chief. In 2021, she took more exams and obtained her Fire Restoration and Content Process certifications and helped build the foundation of our Contents Division. From there, Brittany assumed the role of Project Manager at the beginning of this year where she oversees water, fire and mold restoration jobs and crews. To say we are proud of the hard work and dedication it has taken Brittany to get where she is today would be an understatement.

Another riveting employee journey is that of Tim McDaniel. Tim has been with SERVPRO since the 90’s and spent his first five years with as a crew chief working on truck. Tim came back in 2004 as a project manager and then moved to the Sales and Marketing department to pursue a career as our Commercial Restoration Specialist. Customer service was always one of Tim's strengths, and he used that to build strong relationships with our commercial clients and assisted production with customer service on large commercial jobs to ensure his client’s satisfaction. Tim worked as our Commercial Restoration Specialist until 2020 when he was given a much-deserved promotion to Operations Manager. Tim’s well-rounded knowledge of all facets of this business made him the perfect person for the job. In this role, he oversees our restoration teams as well as office staff and collaborates with our owners on new ways to generate business. 

SERVPRO of North Kanawha and Teays Valley has been servicing Kanawha and Putnam Counties and surrounding areas for over 3 decades and we have invested in our employees, which has translated into quality service to our customers. Brittany and Tim are only two examples of the dedicated team we have put together, and we are lucky to have them!

Contents Restoration

2/25/2022 (Permalink)

Our Contents Crew is taking inventory of a customer’s belongings before taking them to our warehouse to be stored.

In 2021, we decided to add another essential service to our Cleaning and Restoration line: Contents. Although contents cleaning is something that has been a part of our overall restoration abilities, we knew it was time to dedicate more time and resources to enhance our customer’s experience. In preparation for our contents division, we converted our warehouse into a space where customers’ belongings can be stored safely and securely in a climate controlled environment. Our warehouse is also equipped with a modern security system to better protect our customer’s belongings while in our possession.

Let us share a bit about how our Contents Division works. Our Contents Coordinator oversees the process and works alongside the Contents Production Crew from beginning to end. They do a thorough and complete inventory of salvageable, as well as non-salvageable items. When an opportunity arises to assist a customer with their contents that have been affected by fire, water, mold, or any other type of disaster, our contents crew will neatly pack the customers valuables into boxes after doing an initial inspection and pre-cleaning onsite. The biggest benefit our team members use in this process is a QR code box sticker system. This system enables us to keep track of every belonging from the beginning, to the final move back, and placement in the proper area of the home. If a customer decides they need an item while in storage, our technicians can easily locate that item with our state of the art system. It also allows us to know exactly what room an item originated in.

After the initial pack up, the contents are then transported to our secure warehouse where they are cleaned and stored until the restoration process is complete. For certain items, the Omegasonic ultrasonic machine is used. This state of the art contents cleaning machine easily removes smoke residues, mold, water damage, heat scale, and rust. This cleaning system reduces the amount of unsalvageable items, and restores more of the customers valuable belongings back to original condition. Once the restoration process is finished, and any reconstruction on the home is completed, our contents crews will move the items back into the home and place them exactly where they belong.

The main focus of our Content Division is to assist our customers in ensuring the restoration of their possessions are handled with great care so they can enjoy them for many years to come. We are very happy to offer this much needed service to our wonderful customers.

Reviews don't lie

2/1/2022 (Permalink)

Prompt, efficient and professional: these are the words that we live by.

As a local, family-owned business, word of mouth is everything. We rely on what our customers say about us and the job we have done. With the world of technology making it so easy to share our thoughts on services and goods we purchase, Google and Facebook Reviews have been an excellent way for us to see what our customers think. In 2021 alone, we received a total of 37 positive Google Reviews. We went through each of these reviews to see what it is that we are doing right, and this is what we found:

Prompt, efficient and professional. These are the words costumers used over and over when detailing their experience with SERVPRO of North Kanawha and Teays Valley. These are things we pride ourselves on and strive to achieve with every job, and it is great to see that it seems we have been successful. Prompt and efficient service is what sets us apart

If you would like to let us know how we are doing, please click here to leave us a Google review!

What's that smell?

1/24/2022 (Permalink)

Don't let odors like smoke be an inconvenience. Call the pros to get your house smelling like it should.

Fire, smoke and soot damages in your home or business can create unpleasant and potentially permanent problems.  Even small fires can cause odors for years to come if the affected areas are not properly cleaned and deodorized. SERVPRO of North Kanawha and Teays Valley specializes in restoring, cleaning and deodorizing after the fire and possible water damage has caused odor issues at your property.

Other odors that may require deodorization:

• Cigarette Smoke
• Pet Odors
• Decomposition
• Mold

As various materials burn, or other problems like mold growth go untreated, the odorous residues and deposits on surfaces are left behind. Unless fast, professional action is taken, these residues and deposits can cause permanent damage to contents and may result in resurfacing odors. 

Our services don't cover up the odor with fragrance; we seek out and remove the sources of the odor. Once the source is found, SERVPRO's own proprietary line of cleaning products is used to treat and prevent the odor from returning. Any restorable item in affected areas will also be professionally cleaned and deodorized, including furniture, draperies, upholstery, electronics, art, flooring, walls, ceilings, HVAC ducts and more. 

Whether it's fire, water, mold damage, or just a stubborn odor that refuses to go away, SERVPRO of North Kanawha and Teays Valley will make it "Like it never even happened."

The Science of Drying

1/17/2022 (Permalink)

Our top-of-the-line equipment helps us get your home back to normal quickly and effectively.

Did you know there is actually a science behind the process of drying? Having the knowledge of psychometrics is essential to restoring a water-damaged structure to its preloss condition. SERVPRO technicians are trained in the science of drying and follow strict industry approved standards. This helps lower the chances of any secondary damages like mold growth. 

Here are the steps we will take to ensure your water damage restoration is handled correctly and efficiently.

• Inspect the building to detect every component that is wet to help prevent secondary damage from happening.
• Measure how much moisture is in wet materials is in wet materials and monitor whether the materials are drying properly.
• Speed up Mother Nature by using professional drying equipment.

What exactly does it mean to help "speed up mother nature"? A wet building can often dry naturally because the environment always seeks equilibrium. When materials are wet, moisture will naturally move to drier air at the surface of the material-but only if the air-is drier.  The only issue is that nature often takes too long and secondary damage such as mold may occur. SERVPRO of Kanawha and Teays Valley has special equipment such as Dry Mat System for Wood Floors and tools to help dry hard wood floors, and hard to reach spaces inside walls. We use modern moisture monitoring equipment and a proven scientific process called DryBook to help speed the drying of your home or business.

DryBook is a proprietary tool that provides real-time documentation and updates on the drying process. It helps ensure industry drying requirements are met. With DryBook Mobile, you have the ability to know exactly where your property is in the drying process. SERVPRO of North Kanawha and Teays Valley has the training, equipment and technology to help make your water damage disaster "Like it never even happened."

Stop the freeze!

1/11/2022 (Permalink)

Frozen pipes burst and caused water damage? Give us a call. We're always here to help.

Burst water pipes are the leading cause of property damage during cold months. The reason for this is that these pipes that supply our homes with fresh running water are usually made of soft copper or PVC and are extremely vulnerable to freezing conditions. Pair this with pipes in an unheated area such us a crawl space or attic and you’ve got yourself the perfect situation for frozen pipes. And if you thought the only inconvenience of a frozen pipe is the lack of running water, you are wrong. When water freezes inside a pipe, it expands and causes pressure to build between the blockage and the closed faucet. This can cause the line to rupture and flood your home.

Let’s talk about the best ways to protect your water pipes from freezing so that you can protect your home from unexpected water damage and expensive repairs:

• Insulating your pipes can be a cheap and easy way to keep your pipes from freezing
• Keep your garage doors shut if you have water lines running through your garage
• If you plan to be away from home for an extended period of time, leave the heat on and set the temperature to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit
• On days that will be exceptionally frigid, let water drip from the faucets. Running water helps to keep the pipes from freezing

Mother Nature has a great way of attacking us when we’re most vulnerable and unsuspecting. If you ended up with burst pipes after this last cold-front, we’re here to help.

What do you have to lose?

12/21/2021 (Permalink)

Our Marketing Rep, Austin, is ready to talk to you about completing an Emergency Ready Profile for your business.

Managing a commercial building can be headache. If you’re unprepared, it could quickly become a migraine. Do your employees know what to do in the event of a fire, flood or leak? When it comes to a business, time lost equals money lost when an otherwise small problem goes unattended. That’s why it is absolutely essential to have an Emergency Ready Plan. Fortunately, SERVPRO of North Kanawha and Teays Valley are here to help. 

Did you know that SERVPRO offers a FREE service where we will come to your business, do an inspection, and create a personal, customized, Emergency Ready Profile? First, we will take pictures of the property and include pictures of the locations of things like water, gas and electric shutoff, as well as installing a high visibility tag so that your staff can see right where it is. Next, we gather important information such as emergency contacts, utilities and first responder phone numbers and addresses. Lastly, we neatly package all this information into a custom app for your smart device so that you and your staff can quickly access it in your time of crisis. Need us to respond right away? Simple, just press the button that says contact SERVPRO and we will be immediately dispatched to your location, already knowing the details of your building and layout of the area. It is that simple, and it doesn’t cost you a dime.

So, the only real question is, what do you have to lose? The only answer to that question is, everything your company owns. SERVPRO of North Kanawha and Teays Valley has been offering this service for years and have completed hundreds of ERPs in the area. Contact us today and see for yourself how we make it, “Like it never even happened.”

Commercial buildings are not just large houses...here's why:

12/6/2021 (Permalink)

Has a loss occurred on your commercial property? Call the pros. We will get you back to business.

Your local SERVPRO® franchise has multiple Commercial Drying Specialists on staff and this is one of the first things that our techs learn while attending the Institute Of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) class.

Drying and restoring commercial properties can be very complex and pose a multitude of situations not typically found in residential properties. Some of the differences between commercial and residential properties are obvious, such as size and use but others may not be as obvious as intricacies in HVAC systems, and complex electrical systems.

Other differences in commercial and residential structures that may concern a restorer would be things like public access, multiple stakeholders, construction materials & building codes, as well as the potential for increased safety issues in a commercial property.

Our certified Commercial Drying Specialists know the differences between commercial and residential properties and can “change hats” instantly when going from one to the other with very little effort. This ability to understand and adapt to these differences is one of the many things that help our restorers stand out in the restoration industry. It is also the reason that the majority of municipalities, utility companies, property management firms, healthcare facilities, and school systems in the area trust SERVPRO® of North Kanawha and Teays Valley for all their restoration and cleaning needs.

SERVPRO® of North Kanawha and Teays Valley is also on the cutting edge of document drying science and have the ability to dry, clean, sanitize, digitize and restore documents once deemed unsalvageable a few years ago. This can save a business thousands of dollars and major headaches if these documents are irreplaceable. 

Another advantage SERVPRO® of North Kanawha and Teays Valley has over other restoration companies is although our local franchise can produce most commercial jobs on our own, if we get a job that is beyond our local capabilities, we can have our SERVPRO Large Loss Division assist us with staff and equipment to handle any size disaster.

Knowing the differences between residential and commercial properties is very important in our industry and if a restorer does not understand those differences, it could lead to catastrophic results from safety issues or much higher cost of a commercial project than is necessary. Trust your business to the pros in the know, SERVPRO of North Kanawha and Teays Valley. We are standing by 24/7/365 for ALL your restoration and cleaning needs.

Winter Fire Safety

11/29/2021 (Permalink)

Keep yourself and your homes safe this winter season with these winter fire safety tips courtesy of your local SERVPRO.

Winter is here and for West Virginia that means snowy tree branches and white mountain landscapes. The kids are excited to make snow angels and decorate the Christmas Tree and you are busy holiday shopping- all the things that make Winter one of the best times of year. We all know that with cold and snowy days comes the breaking out of our space heaters and firewood and with this comes an obvious fire hazard. Here is everything you need to know about Winter Fire Safety:

• Keep things that could catch fire at least three feet away from any space heaters or fireplaces
• Teach kids to stay at least three feet away from any open fires and space heaters
• Test your smoke alarms monthly
• Always turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or house and when going to bed
• Ensure you have a sturdy screen in front of your fireplace to keep sparks and embers from flying out of the fireplace and catching something on fire
• Never use an oven or stovetop to heat your home

More specifically, here are some fire safety tips for your Christmas Tree, since this is a leading cause of house fires during the holiday season:

• Pick a tree that has fresh, green needles
• Place the tree at least three feet away from any heat source
• Add water to the tree stand daily
• Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed
• Get rid of the tree when it starts becoming dry

Have a safe winter and a joyous holiday season everyone! If your home or business is affected by fire damage from a space heater or dried out Christmas tree, give us a call.

Biohazard Clean-up

11/2/2021 (Permalink)

In this photo, we cleaned up human waste from carpet and tile flooring at a biohazard job in Charleston, WV.

SERVPRO of North Kanawha and Teays Valley is diversified in what we have to offer. Of course, we are most well known for our fire, water and mold cleanup and restoration. However, we do a variety of biohazard cleanups as well. Due to the different situations that warrant a biohazard clean, the services we offer range from cleaning up after an unassisted death to cleaning a home that was broken into where drug paraphernalia was left behind. Most of these situations are dangerous due to the potential exposure to biological and chemical contaminants. Our technicians are highly trained in dealing with contaminants and wear the necessary personal protective gear to do biohazard cleanups. These situations are not ideal, but with the necessary safety apparatus and cleaning products, we can help transform these unhealthy environments back into clean, safe homes and offices. 

If you see yourself in one of these unfortunate circumstances, please give us a call.  

"Aaachooo!"

10/27/2021 (Permalink)

Use these tips courtesy of SERVPRO of North Kanawha & Teays Valley to keep yourself healthy this winter

When you look outside, you see orange, yellow and red leaves sprinkled over our beautiful mountains. Soon our mountains will replace the leaves for heaps of snow. This time of year is the most exquisite for West Virginia. However, this time of year has an icky drawback- the sniffles. Parents especially know how frustrating winter-time is when their kids are sick on and off throughout the season. Although we know sometimes illness is inevitable, we hope these tips will help you and your family stay healthy and safe from the sniffles.  

• Up your vitamin C intake. Better yet, make sure you are taking a multivitamin on a daily basis.  
• Stay active. It is easy to fall into a sedentary lifestyle during cold weather, but this will only do you a disservice.  
• Keep a humidifier going in your bedroom. This may seem trivial, but making sure the air in your home isn’t too dry can actually keep you from getting ill during the winter.  
• Keep your workspace clean. Sanitize your desk, phone and other surfaces you touch frequently throughout the day on a regular basis.  
• Donate Lysol Wipes to your child’s classroom.  Teachers do their best to keep the classroom clean, but it is always nice to make it easier on them with sanitizing wipes.  
• Put a hand sanitizer clip on your child’s backpack. Get them in the habit of using hand sanitizer often, especially after they get off the bus before they get home. 
• Wash your hands OFTEN. Teach your kids to wash their hands often and lead by example. This is the most valuable advice.  

Enjoy all of the beauty that comes with Winter and use our tips to be prepared for the yuckiness that accompanies it as well! If your workplace has an illness outbreak, give us a call to do Commercial Sanitization on the property.

Prepare Your Home for Winter

10/25/2021 (Permalink)

Use these tips to prepare your home before the snow falls.

Winter is quickly approaching us here in West Virginia. Leaves are starting to change color and you can feel the cool, brisk air in the morning. With winter usually comes heavy snowfall and winter storms sweeping across Central West Virginia. What does this mean for your home? We will share a few tips with you so that you may prepare your home for the winter months and possible winter storms to come.

• First things first, you should test your heating unit. If it is an older one, it is a good idea to have it inspected by an HVAC professional. The worst thing that can happen is a blizzard coming through and you are stuck in a cold home because you forgot to check your furnace prior to winter!
• This may seem trivial, but you should also reverse your ceiling fans. If your fan has the capability to reverse the direction that it spins, it will produce an updraft and push the warm air down towards the floor.
• Check your roof for loose or missing shingles. Fix these as soon as possible to prevent any leaks from rain or snow.
• Seal your windows and doors with caulk to keep your home insulated.
• Clean your gutters. If your gutters are full of debris and we get a large snowstorm, once the snow melts it will causse the water to back up against the house and cause leaks.
• Turn off exterior faucets. Leftover water in pipes can freeze and cause pipes to burst which can cause a large water loss.

Doing these things will keep your home comfortable and safe for winter. If a winter storm does hit our area and your home experiences damage due to damaged shingles or gutters, give us a call.

Our Construction Team

10/7/2021 (Permalink)

This kitchen damage was caused by a recent fire.

Not only does SERVPRO of North Kanawha and Teays Valley have trained production professionals that can tackle any job that comes to them, but we also have a skilled Construction Division. Our Construction Manager, Casey McFann, has been in the construction industry for 15 years and is a Certified Level II Proficient in Xactimate. Recently our team was sent to Belle, West Virginia to help with a heavy fire damaged house. The kitchen needed extensive demolition as well as surrounding rooms. With the help of our Mitigation Construction crews, we got the house restored. Included in the home's reconstruction was new electric, flooring, paint, bathroom vanities, kitchen cabinets and tile backsplash, and a floor to ceiling tile walk-in-shower. We were happy to help them after their loss. Our construction team at SERVPRO of North Kanawha and Teays Valley always makes sure that the SERVPRO standards are met. If you have any more questions about SERVPRO and the services we offer, give us a call.

What is flash flooding?

9/22/2021 (Permalink)

Cole (technician) and Austin (marketing representative) prepare the van for flood cleanup.

Earlier this month, central counties in West Virginia were hit by flash flooding from the heavy rainfall that hurricane Ida brought. In this blog, we are going to talk about what flash flooding is and what affects it can have on your home or business. 

According to the National Weather Service, flash flooding is "flooding that begins within 6 hours, and often within 3 hours, of the heavy rainfall (or other cause)." Flash floods mostly occur from extremely heavy rainfall but can also happen if a dam or levee breaks, or if there is a mudslide. 

Flash flooding can cause tremendous damage to homes and businesses. A lot of the time, this type of intense flooding can carry large debris like boulders and trees. This and even just the force of the water alone can easily cause structural damage to a building, and ultimately flood it inside. This then affects your belongings and possibly your own life. 

If your home or business was affected by the flash floods in West Virginia this month and you have noticed water damage or mold, please give us a call. We would be happy to give you a free estimate and get your home back to pre-flood conditions.

National Preparedness Month and What SERVPRO is Doing for it

9/1/2021 (Permalink)

National Preparedness Month occurs every September and lasts for the entire month.

As August ends, we can now set our eyes to National Preparedness Month! Every September is National Preparedness Month, where the entire nation raises awareness about preparing for a disaster that can happen anywhere and anytime. What is SERVPRO doing for National Preparedness Month? Each week there will be a theme with a total of 4 themes in September. The themes include: “Make a plan”, “Build a Kit”, “Prepare For Disasters”, and “Teach Youth About Preparedness”. Each theme will give you instructions on what is the best way to prepare you and your family for a disaster. What about Commercial buildings? What about your company’s safety? Look no further with SERVPRO’s Emergency Ready Plan. With this plan it will give you, your residents, and SERVPRO the knowledge to prevent as much damage as possible. If you would like to have an ERP on your Commercial Building to ensure safety to anyone in the building, call SERVPRO today! We can send a representative to your location and get you started. The process of setting it up does not take long and is completely free. Call 304-755-9510 and ask us about setting up an ERP in your location!

Can You Feel the Heat?

8/12/2021 (Permalink)

The areas in orange are those affected by the heat wave. Stay safe West Virginia!

A heatwave is making it's way through most of West Virginia today, and while we all enjoy the nice warm summer days, this heatwave is far from enjoyable. Some key tips to remember when you see a heatwave on the weather forecast:

1. Drink before you realize you're thirsty. If you have reached the point of being thirsty, you are probably already dehydrated.

2. Stay inside in the air conditioning if possible. 

3. Keep outdoor activities to the early morning and evening. The hottest time of day is typically between 11 A.M. and 2 P.M, and is not the ideal time to do outdoor activities. 

4. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated/sugary drinks. These do not hydrate you and instead can cause you to dehydrate quicker. 

5. If you notice you are getting dizzy and lightheaded, sit down inside and sip on cool water. If your condition does not get better or worsens, seek professional medical assistance. 

Stay safe today West Virginia!

Cleaning Your Gutters

8/6/2021 (Permalink)

Clean gutters are not hard to achieve. All you need is a sturdy ladder and a gutter scoop!

Homeownership comes with a lot of responsibility. There is a lot of regular maintenance that needs to be done that you don't think about when you rent, like keeping your gutters clean. Having your gutters cleaned on a regular basis is necessary for many reasons, the most important being that clogged gutters will eventually cause water damage to your home. We know how much rain we get here in Kanawha and Putnam Counties. In the springtime it almost feels like it rains for days without stopping. If your gutters are clogged, they will cause rainwater to overflow and damage your roof which means...leaking. 

The easiest way to clean your gutters on a regular basis is to use a gutter scoops to remove all of that nasty gunk from the gutter. You will need a sturdy ladder placed on a level surface. After all of the debris is removed, you can use a garden hose to flush the gutters and downspouts. Doing this will also allow you to see if you have any existing leaks that need addressed. 

That's all there is to it. And now that you know how easy it is, there's no reason to put it off any longer. Go clean those gutters!

SERVPRO Storm

7/28/2021 (Permalink)

No matter the size of the disaster, SERVPRO Storm Team can assist a franchise with capacity and resources to get the damages restored!

There is a long list of reasons why SERVPRO is the premier choice for cleanup and restoration. We brag about our efficiency and professionalism, our technology and equipment. But something that sets us even more apart from the others is our ability to respond to the volume that a major storm event causes.

A large storm event caused by flood, fire, or other natural disaster that surpasses the local franchise's capacity to service in a timely manner can be taken care of by the SERVPRO System. When a storm event like this occurs, The SERVPRO System can provide state of the art restoration services through the best area coverage in the restoration industry. SERVPRO Storm Teams mobilize their crews and are deployed with additional equipment and crews to service property owners, no matter the loss size.

When a storm event occurs and there is major damage, SERVPRO comes together as One Team to help! 

Do you know where your main water shut-off valve is?

7/27/2021 (Permalink)

This is an example of an indoor main water shut off valve at a Charleston business that we completed an Emergency Ready Profile for.

There are a few things every homeowner needs to know about their home. One of the most important of these is where the main water shut-off valve is, and how to turn it off. Every home is required to have one installed inside the home and turning this valve off is crucial during certain emergency situations. 

First, you need to locate your main water valve. The best place to look is inside your home on the perimeter of the house facing the street. The water main is typically in the street and goes in a straight line to your house. There are two types of shut-off valves: it will either look like a handle that can only move in one direction or a knob that you have to turn several times to fully shut the water off. If you can not find the valve inside your home, there could be another located near the street or sidewalk. You may have to call the water company for them to shut it off. 

Any time you go out of town, you should shut off the main water valve as a preventative measure. Nothing is worse than returning home from vacation to a faucet that had been leaking the hole time you were gone and has now damaged your home. You will also want to shut the water off if there is a busted pipe or something leaking that requires attention. This will help lessen the damage to your property. 

Of course, if you forgot to turn your water off before your week long trip to the beach and come back to a bathroom full of water from a leaking faucet, don't fret. Just give us a call at 304-755-9510 and we will get you taken care of!

Once the smoke clears, what's next?

7/20/2021 (Permalink)

We have the equipment and training to make the fire damage "Like it never even happened."

A fire in your home or business is something difficult to process and handle, emotionally, physically and financially.  There are often so many "what if's" that run through your mind, but how do you figure out where to start once the fire is put out and the smoke clears. What is on your list of things to do?  How quickly can you get your property restored to its original state? Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the conditions present. SERVPRO® of North Kanawha and Teays Valley has been restoring homes and businesses in the Charleston area for over 30 years. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to bring your property back to it's preloss state.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care. With the many years of experience and our certified crews on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, all you need to know is SERVPRO of North Kanawha and Teays Valley will help make the damage “Like it never even happened.”

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today at 304-755-9510.

Julie's SERVPRO Story

7/14/2021 (Permalink)

Julie talks about her love for the franchise and how she went from Office Manager to 2nd generation Owner.

Julie Reynolds, franchise owner, shares her history with SERVPRO in this touching and heartfelt post she wrote on her 24 year anniversary with SERVPRO of North Kanawha Valley and Teays Valley.

Julie wrote, "Today marks my 24 year anniversary with SERVPRO of North Kanawha and Teays Valley. Technically I’ve been in the SERVPRO system for longer, but I’ve been doing this fulltime for 24 years, now that seems crazy! SERVPRO has been serving the Kanawha and Putnam counties for 31 years and I can say I am blessed to do what I do, first as office manager and then 11 years ago becoming a second-generation owner. This business is more than a business, more than a job, it is FAMILY. I am proud of our commitment to our customers and the local communities we serve. I am usually a more behind the scenes kind of person, and do not post much but today I am so happy of where we started but more so of where we are heading. We continue to learn and grow our business whether it is by adding employees or expanding our service line. The TEAM we have created is out of this world as we continue to strive to be your premier restoration provider. I am truly thankful to be a WV small business and for those that let us work and serve them with their needs."

What an awesome sentiment from our dedicated franchise owner!

Contents, get your contents!

7/12/2021 (Permalink)

Take a sneak peak at our new Contents Division housed in our warehouse.

SERVPRO of North Kanawha and Teays Valley is making some big and exciting changes everywhere from new garage buildings to an entire division being added. Operations Manager, Tim McDaniel, weighs in on the big news of adding a contents division to the franchise's utility belt. 

“Our new Contents Division is the next logical step in growing our two franchise's ability to service our customers who have experienced some type of disaster at there home or business as well as our insurance clients.

The customers personal belongings are the things that they hold near and dear to their heart, things that are very personal to them. Items could include antiques, family heirlooms, maybe even a piece of art one of the children made for them. Some of these items cannot be replaced. This is where our Contents Specialist comes into play. Now we will be able take those items to our new contents facility and have a better chance of restoring those items if they are damaged in a fire, or water damage.

A kitchen cabinet, flooring, or some other structural item usually holds no sentimental value, but personal belongings hold so much more value than a dollar amount. We are now able to give those contents items the special attention they deserve. SERVPRO is now able to pack out a home and store items at our facility, so they do not get broken, or lost during a remodel or cleanup.

Insurance companies like the idea of restoring an item as opposed to replacing them because it typically cost less to restore items as well. We believe that it is a win for everyone involved because the customer gets their coveted items back, it is less costly for the insurance company, and we get the satisfaction of seeing the look on a customers face when we return an item they thought would be lost forever.”

There you have it! The changes happening in our franchise, big and small, are what make us the premier restoration company in the valley. 

Oh no, MOLD!

7/7/2021 (Permalink)

Besides causing a major business interruption, a mold problem can present a serious health risk for people exposed to your commercial property.

West Virginia is known for its wet terrain which can cause many microscopic mold spores that naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a business. Therefore, SERVPRO® of North Kanawha Valley and Teays Valley's mold remediation specialist will reduce the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

If your business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

If You See Signs of Mold, 

Call Us Today: 304-755-9510

Tropical Storm Elsa

7/7/2021 (Permalink)

Although Kanawha and Putnam counties may not be directly affected by Elsa, it is good to stay informed with potentially large storms such as this one.

Our corporate meteorologist, Lela Davis, reported on Tropical Storm Elsa and her effects on the East Coast. Although West Virginia will not be directly affected by the tropical storm, it is still smart to be in the know. 

Lela Davis says, "Tropical Storm Elsa has just crossed over the Florida Keys and will move northward today, heading towards the Tampa area. Landfall will be tomorrow morning just north of Tampa at CAT 1 Hurricane Strength. The ridge of high pressure located in the central/western Atlantic is steering Elsa and will continue to do so throughout the week. Some wind shear associated with a trough of low pressure in the western Gulf of Mexico is currently keeping Elsa from intensifying but that trough will shift west towards Mexico today/tomorrow which lowers the shear and allows Elsa to strengthen."

Rainfall is expected to total 3-5 inches, the highest storm surge should range from 3-5 feet and wind gusts are reported to be up to 80+ miles per hour. 

West Virginia should not see many effects from the tropical storm currently, but we will update if that changes. Stay cool and safe Kanawha and Putnam!

Rain, rain, go away!

7/5/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is "here to help" no matter what the forecast is.

Kanawha and Putnam counties have been seeing a mixture of heat wave and thunderstorms lately. It has been either too hot to be outside, or pouring the rain. With all of this rain comes the potential for water damage in your home. Be sure to check for signs of this and call 304-755-9510 if there is suspected damage. The quicker you call, the quicker we can get your property dry and back to normal!

Now for a little forecast of the week ahead:

Monday, 7/5/21: Sunny with a high of 92, light chance of thunderstorms in the evening.

Tuesday 7/6/21: Sunny with a high of 93, light chance of thunderstorms in the evening.

Wednesday 7/7/21: Slight chance of showers and thunderstorms with a high of 91.

Thursday 7/8/21: Chance of showers and thunderstorms with a high of 86.

Friday 7/9/21: Chance of showers and thunderstorms with a high of 84.

Saturday 7/10/21: Showers and thunderstorms with a high of 89.

As you can see, Mother Nature can't quite decide whether this week is going to be nice or rainy. Either way, you can be prepared for whatever happens by having SERVPRO as your restoration professionals. 

For a more detailed weather report, click here.

We're fast, but why?

7/5/2021 (Permalink)

We pride ourselves in being "faster to any size disaster"!

As most of you know, our tag line "faster to any size disaster" is one we live by and deliver on daily. But why is that? Why is it so imperative to arrive on the scene of a job, more specifically a water loss, as quickly as possible? Aside from convenience for the property owners, there is  scientific reasoning for being on the scene of a water damaged property as quickly as possible. The water damage timeline breaks down the "why" for being "faster to any size disaster":

Within minutes, water spreads throughout the property while saturating everything in the way. In the first 24 hours, the drywall begins to swell and break down, metal begins to tarnish, furniture swells and cracks, and a musty odor begins due to bacteria growth. From the second day into the first week, mold and mildew starts to grow, wall studs swell and warp, wood flooring begins to warp, biohazard contamination is a possibility, and paint begins to blister. If water is left in a home untouched for more than a week, restoration time and cost increase dramatically due to the exponential damages. The structural safety of the home as well as the mold growth and biohazard contamination poses serious risk to the inhabitants. 

Because of this timeline and the science behind it, we strive to arrive on scene quickly and efficiently. Our crews are highly trained professionals working around the clock to ensure immediate response to water damage emergencies. 

Making Fire Damage "Like it never even happened."

7/2/2021 (Permalink)

This before and after shows how well our method for cleaning fire damage works and makes it "Like it never even happened."

One of our new reps went on a fire job this past week to see what it's like out in the field and to get a well rounded knowledge of the business. One of our seasoned Crew Chiefs took the time to show him our cleaning process for heavy soot damage and it amazed him how well it worked. What was even more amazing is the method she used and demonstrated for him: the dry sponge. She explained to him that a dry sponge is the most effective way to clean heavy soot from surfaces. If you wet the surface and then dry it, it won't get all of the soot and it will make the stains set when it dries. When working with a dry sponge, it gets a bulk of the soot without causing more staining (of course, more severe cases will have to be painted after being cleaned). Attached is a video of our Crew Chief Brittany demonstrating how the dry sponge method works. To the right is a before and after picture from the same job. 

We hope you learned something new!

Music, Sweet Music

6/30/2021 (Permalink)

Listen to the sweet sound of music while you read about how we can help in your time of need.

As you read this blog, please click on the links for your listening pleasure.

"I Love A Rainy Night" , but I don’t like it when those "Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head" so much that it causes water intrusion into my crawlspace or basement. "Have You Ever Seen The Rain" fall so hard that you feel your house and all its belongings may end up "Down By The River" ? We all know that "A Hard Rains A-Gonna Fall Sometime" and we are going to have to deal with high "Water" . Numerous places in West Virginia experience flooding issues almost every time the "Rain" falls hard and the "Ripple" effect can be devastating.

That’s where SERVPRO comes in. We are experts in restoring your property after "The River" or water from a hard rain enters your home or business. SERVPRO Technicians have the equipment and training to tackle any sized disaster and make it "Like it never even happened." "When The Levee Breaks" "Once In A Lifetime" , or its just "Another Rainy Night In Georgia" we can handle your emergency.

Whether the water comes from a "Big River" , "The Ocean" , "Cool Water" , "Cold Water" , the "Yellow River" , The "Kern River" , "Fire Lake" , "Black Water" , or "Purple Rain" , We can make it all like it’s just "Water Under The Bridge"

We are not saying that SERVPRO can "Walk On Water" , but we CAN restore your home or business back to preloss condition and be that "Bridge Over Troubled Water" so you can get your life back to normal after rainwater has flooded you property.

Are You Ready For Whatever Happens?

6/25/2021 (Permalink)

Speak with one of our Emergency Ready Plan professionals to get a plan in place for your business.

A business-disrupting disaster can happen with the drop of a hat. As many as 50% of businesses  may not recover following a disaster, according to recent industry research.  Of the businesses that survive following a disaster, the majority of these businesses had a preparedness plan in place. We can help your business have a plan in place in case of a disaster. 

Pre-planning can serve as an additional insurance policy aimed at peace of mind.  By developing a SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action.  Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire affects your business!

Preparation is an important component in making it through any size disaster, whether it’s a small water leak, a large fire, or flooding. The best time for planning for such events is not when the disaster happens, but well before it happens.  Contact SERVPRO of North Kanawha Valley and Teays Valley to speak with our Emergency Ready Plan professional to get a plan in place for you. 

Fireworks Safety

6/16/2021 (Permalink)

Enjoy fireworks at public displays conducted by professionals for a fun and safe July 4th!

Summertime and the Fourth of July means fireworks. To quote the National Safety Council, fireworks should be enjoyed at public displays conducted by professionals and should not be used at home. Although fireworks are legal, that does not mean that they are safe. And while we, SERVPRO of North Kanawha and Teays Valley, would take care of your home if a fireworks accident did occur leaving fire damage to your property, we would rather you and your family be safe. 

IF you choose to use fireworks this Fourth of July, follow these safety tips to ensure that you and your community stay safe this holiday:

-Never hold a lit firework in your hand

-Never light fireworks inside

-Only use fireworks in an area clear of houses, vehicles and trees

-Keep a bucket of water nearby to extinguish any fires that may occur and to put out lit fireworks that do not go off

-Never re-light a firework that does not go off

Of course, if things don’t go to plan and your house gets hit by a rogue firework, give us a call. We’re available every day, 24/7, even on holidays such as the 4th!

Contain It!

3/30/2021 (Permalink)

Mold containment is an important part of the remediation process.

During a basement remodel, you find an overgrowth of mold spores on one of the walls. You start to panic. “Now what?” you ask yourself as you rack your brain on what next steps you should take. You do a quick Google search, and our franchise is one of the first choices in mold remediation. You give us a call and Sherri promptly answers the call. You are in good hands. We have trained professionals on staff that know exactly what to do in a difficult situation like this.

Mold is a tricky thing and there are a lot of variables that come into play when working through the remediation process. One of the most important steps to cleaning mold is containing the area. Calling SERVPRO of North Kanawha Valley and Teays Valley so that we can get to you quickly and assess the situation is the first step to getting your peace of mind back. Our highly trained professionals will inspect the area and do a Mold Damage Assessment. The next step is Mold Containment, and this is the step I would like to expand on as it is one of the most important steps in this process. I asked one of our Production Chiefs Tim Smart if he could tell me about this procedure. Tim said, “Mold containment ensures that any mold found in the areas of concern do not spread into other areas of the building or home. Containment chambers also lighten up the load of the clean-up process by keeping any dust and other debris within the confines of the work area.”

If you find mold in your home or business, give us a call. Our esteemed production team will get you taken care of.

ONE Team

3/15/2021 (Permalink)

We are One Team

Last month, our brand saw potentially the biggest storm event in our history throughout the South Central region of the United States. This record setting storm caused by a disruption in the polar vortex left thousands without power and with frozen water lines. States affected included Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee, and many others. Places like Texas where they are not used to more than a day of snow flurries had to deal with the lack of infrastructure for an event such as this one.

And in an instant SERVPRO says “How can we help?” We immediately started getting emails asking franchises to mobilize storm crews to assist in high need areas. A call to action was put in place and franchises, included our own, took the opportunity to help. We quickly began planning and packing. Crew leaders jumped at the chance to be a helping hand. That Monday morning, we were on our way to assist a community in need hours away. ONE Team. This is a phrase we hear often here at SERVPRO. In that moment, we were one team with one collective goal. We came together without hesitation. If that does not speak to what we are all about, I do not know what does.

We see this a lot in our beautiful country. In times of need and in moments of chaos, we become one- ONE Team.

Greasy food is delicious, but sometimes it comes at a cost

2/19/2021 (Permalink)

A grease fire in a commercial kitchen

French fries, corn dogs, fried chicken- everything is better when it is fried to a golden brown. Of course, your waistline is not the only thing that could be affected when dealing with grease. Grease fires are a common culprit for initiating kitchen fires. It does not take much for a grease fire to become uncontrollable and end up out of hand. Here are some do’s and do not’s when it comes to cooking with hot oil to protect your home from a grease fire disaster.

Do:

• Remove any flammable objects from your cooking area before you start cooking.
• Monitor your cooking space the entire time. It only takes a second for a fire to ignite, especially a grease fire.
• Keep a metal lid and some baking soda nearby to smother the fire if one does ignite.
• Call 911 as soon as you notice you will not be able to handle the fire on your own. Evacuate the premises and call from a secure location.

Do not:

• Throw food into hot oil. This can cause the hot oil to splash and cause a grease fire. Place food in the hot oil gently, instead.
• Throw liquid of any kind onto a grease fire should one break out. This will cause the fire to grow and will not smother it.
• Move the pan or pot. The movement may cause the burning oil to splash and spread.

Of course, if the unfortunate thing occurs and your kitchen does end up having fire damage due to a grease fire, you know who to call. Our crews are always on standby and ready to clean up the aftermath of your culinary catastrophes.

The Abominable Snowmelt

2/12/2021 (Permalink)

A close-up of a snowflake

The splendor of seasonal snowfall is a beautiful sight to see, but something sinister is sneaking behind those flakes…snowmelt. In West Virginia, dramatic temperature swings are a common occurrence. When periods of significant snowfall are amongst these weather patterns, the risk of home and property damage from snow accumulation intensifies. Snow tends to accumulate in areas that are not often impacted by rainfall which can expose vulnerabilities in roofs, walls, and foundations. When repeated instances of freeze and thaw occur, the opportunity for devastation increases dramatically. Here are a few tips that might protect your home from the Abominable Snowmelt:

• Remove snow from around your home: snow accumulation near your foundation, windows and doors can leak into your home once it starts to melt. Remember to shovel any decks, driveways or patios that slope towards your home.
• Check your roof and gutters: consider hiring a professional to remove the snow from your roof so that water run-off is at a minimum once temperatures rise. If that is not possible, be sure that your gutters are clear so that the water will have a path away from your home. If possible, attach a sloped leader to your downspout that leads run-off at least 10ft from your home.
• Test your sump pump: if water does get into your basement, you want to be sure it is taken care of quickly. Before the snow starts to melt, test your sump pump and your sump pump discharge pipe to ensure it's in working order.
• Clear snow from drainage areas: storm drains and catch basins can often get clogged with snow — if you can do so safely, clearing snow from these areas can help keep water away from your home.
• Rearrange your storage: in case water does get into your basement, be sure to keep any valuables, chemicals, or anything else you'd like to keep dry off the floor.
• Check your appliances: clear out space around your water heater, furnace and other appliances. If possible, raising your washer and dryer off the floor could help protect from water damage.
• Do not try to do too much: getting on ladders or your roof at any time of the year is a risky proposition, even more so when there is snow involved. Clearing snow and gutters is important in the prevention of water damage but be sure to use a professional to handle any dangerous situations.

Just remember, if being attacked by the Abominable Snowmelt this winter, the Heroes from SERVPRO North Kanawha and Teays Valley can save you and your home faster than you can say “Yukon Cornelius!”

Seeing is Believing

2/2/2021 (Permalink)

Seeing is Believing

Today’s blog was written by a phenomenal former employee of ours, Matt Paxton. We strive to be the best and to do the best for our customers and our team. To hear directly from a team member that we are doing just that is music to our ears. Thanks, Matt.

“*WARNING* Personal Blog ahead…. I’ve worked for SERVPRO for going on two years now and have had the opportunity to observe a few things that I believe are worth mentioning. I am not necessarily the “new guy” anymore but compared to the tenure of many of my colleges I am. As I find myself on the backside of 40, I have held a number of positions with a number of different companies. Each company having their own culture as well as employees and owners with different quirks and different ideas about how a business should be run, and different attitudes toward customers and the importance of customer satisfaction. What I am here to say is that SERVPRO of North Kanawha and Teays Valley cares more about it’s customers than any place I have ever worked before. They are absolutely customer obsessed!

Perhaps it was the precedence established by David Duff 30 years ago when he started the company, but current owners Julie and Stephen Reynolds start and end each day with the customer’s best interest in mind. The conversations held behind closed doors around here are not, “Hey, how can we squeeze a little extra money out of this job?” but instead are more along the lines of, “This customer is in a bad situation, how can we help them.” or “This is a fantastic cause, how can we help them achieve their charitable goals.” This might all sound common, but I assure you, this is not the mindset of many businesses today.

The office staff is no exception. The Operations Manager, Production Manager and ladies in the front office are absolutely dedicated to their jobs 24/7. There is not a doubt in my mind that they all lose sleep worrying about how a job is going and if a customer is ok. And don’t even get me started the production crews. When you work in someone’s home you cannot help but form a bond with these people. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve been standing around the water cooler and hear production staff discussing with other crews the nuances of a customer’s situation and preparing them with expectations for their own visit to the home.

If this sounds cheesy, I apologize but it is absolutely true and needed to be said. SERVPRO of North Kanawha and Teays Valley will be more committed, top to bottom, on your loss and getting you back to normal. Don’t believe me? Give us call, because seeing is believing.”

Tis the Season

12/11/2020 (Permalink)

Christmas tree with fireplace behind

Tis the Season

It’s that time of year again. The stockings are hung by the chimney with care, but I sure hope that your Christmas tree isn’t over there. Did you know that one in four Christmas fires are caused by electrical problems, and another one in four is caused by a heat source too close to the tree? The National Fire Protection Association states that although Christmas tree fires are not common, when they do occur, they are more likely to be serious. With that in mind let’s take a moment to review some tips regarding your tree to make sure that your holidays stay merry and bright.

Picking the tree

• Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.

Placing the tree

• Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 2” from the base of the trunk.
• Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights.
• Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.
• Add water to the tree stand. Be sure to add water daily.

 Lighting the tree

• Use lights that have the label of a recognized testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use.
• Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of light strands to connect.
• Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
• Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed

Some of these items may seem like common sense but a little bit of complacency mixed with the right amount of Grandpa’s eggnog and Santa might just show up to your house already looking like a lump of coal. So, this Holiday Season don’t be a Grinch. If you need help cleaning up after a fire, SERVPRO will be there in a cinch.

Commercial COVID Cleaning

12/7/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Employee using ultra mist fogger to disinfect

As if the struggles of operating a business or commercial space were not significant enough already, COVID-19 has taken these difficulties to another level. Short staffed, stressed and suspicious are no ways to be productive in the workplace. Sick and quarantined employees take a toll on each of our processes. The stress of masks, homeschooling and worry over our loved one’s safety distract us from our day to day duties. To make matters worse we must constantly be suspicious of the virus’ presence. Fear not, SERVPRO of North Kanawha and Teays Valley are here to help.

When Coronavirus first showed up in America, SERVPRO was one of the first on the scene. Featured in most national news outlets, we went in to disinfect after an outbreak in a Washington state nursing home. SERVPRO was already prepared from decades of biohazard cleanup and had the tools and experience to get the job done. Since then our franchises across the county have led the fight by running to the fire and cleaning businesses who have had positive infections and suspected in cases.

Here in West Virginia it has been no different. We used EPA approved processes and products to get your team back to work safer and faster. Having now disinfected over 1 million square feet of commercial space we are the COVID cleaning experts in the area. So if your business becomes exposed with this terrible virus, rest assured that SERVPRO of North Kanawha and Teays Valley has the skills, products and experience to disinfect your workplace.

Fall Home Maintenance

10/26/2020 (Permalink)

Gutter cleaning

Tips for Fall Home Maintenance

Fall shouldn’t be the only time you protect your home but fall is a good reminder to make sure your home is ready to combat the changing weather and potential dangers.

Check All Safety Devices

To ensure safety inside your home, take a moment and check all of your safety devices, making sure the batteries are new and working properly. For example, test all your smoke alarms inside your home. Also, make sure to replace used or expired fire extinguishers.

Fire up the Furnace

Turn your furnace on before the temperatures start to plummet so you can ensure it works. Contact a technician to inspect that it’s operating properly if you suspect it needs servicing. Keeping all flammable materials away from your furnace including clothing, paint products, toxic materials, and cardboard are a good way to minimize the dangers of a house fire.

Inspect the Insulation

Keep the cold air out by checking your insulation around your home in the fall.  Minimizing the cold drafts will allow your furnace to not overwork itself trying to heat your home and minimizing heating bills. 

Give the Heater Some Space

Heaters need space to vent and warm an area without warming things that they shouldn’t like clothing, bedding, drapery, and furniture.   These items should never be left near any type of heater.  Make sure that you read the instructions provided with your heater to ensure that the heater doesn’t require special venting. Remember to always shut them off when you leave the house and do not leave them unattended if you have children or pets.

Fire Safety

Before you relight your fireplace after the warmer seasons, check your chimney to confirm it’s free of debris and has proper ventilation. Make sure the bricks, mortar, and liner are in good condition. Lastly, use a fireplace screen to keep the sparks from flying all over the place.

Preventing dryer fires by cleaning the filters after each load of wash and removing lint that collects in dryer vents. Just like burning candles, it is never advised to leave a load of laundry in the dryer unattended either.

De-clutter the Gutters

The falling leaves can leave you with quite a mess to clean by removing all debris and leaves from your gutters you can minimize the possibility of damage to your home due to overflowing gutters. If deciding to burn leaves and debris removed from your gutters, check your city’s regulations, as it may be illegal where you live.  If you burn them, do so away from the house and use proper containers.

Trim the Trees

As plants begin to die in the cold weather, make sure you remove any dead branches or decaying limbs on the trees of your property. When weighed down by ice and snow, or blowing in the wind, they can become hazardous and fall on your house or vehicle.

Fall is a time for fun and family. Put these tips into practice today to ensure a safe fall and winter season.

Water Water Everywhere

10/19/2020 (Permalink)

Flooded Basement

Water leaks within a home or business can seep into carpet, flooring, baseboards, and walls while moving throughout the structure.  SERVPRO of North Kanawha Valley/ Teays Valley Franchise Professionals understand how disruptive water damages can be for a family. Water leaks in a business can not only disrupt the facility, but also can interrupt day to day business functions, which could possibly close the business and affect revenues. 

Timely mitigation is key to the restoration process.  Quick response time helps ensure that damage is contained and the restoration process begins promptly. This saves on the amount of damage, cost of claims, and assists in reducing losses from business interruption due to a loss.  Timely and proper water mitigation will also help keep mold from developing which could cause people to experience health effects!  SERVPRO Professionals will be able to identify water regardless of where it hides. Your local SERVPRO Franchise Professionals cover the Charleston, WV, and surrounding areas.  We offer 24-hour emergency response from our trained professionals to help make it "Like it never even happened."

            Leak Prevention Tips

•   Check roof for deterioration.  
•   Check gutters and downspouts.
•   Check basements and crawl spaces for moisture.
•   Check appliances in kitchens, break rooms, and cafeterias.
•   Check sinks and toilets in bathrooms.
•   Check HVAC for leaks and blockages. 

Good- Fast- Cheap: Pick Two

10/19/2020 (Permalink)

Construction Worker Struggling

“Good, fast, cheap…Pick two,” is an old phrase that my uncle taught me when I was young lad coming up in contracting sales. This phrase infers that there are three essential aspects to any construction project that the buyer must be aware of. Those aspects are quality, time, and cost. So, if you have a contactor who does good work and gets it done quickly then they likely will not be cheap. You can get work that is fast and cheap, but you will not get good quality…and so on. After working around construction for 20 years now I have found this old saying to pass the test of time.

Last month when visiting a home that had a water line break inside of an upstairs wall one year ago, the insurance company approved the claim and handed the homeowner a check to mitigate and repair the damages. After calling around and getting some estimates the owners hired a mitigation company from out of town who had a significantly lower bid. A couple of days into the job that contractor mentioned that they were having trouble getting some of the areas dried up and that it was, “pretty good and everything should be ok.” Fast forward to 9 months later and the moisture that was left in the walls had resulted in devastating mold growth throughout their entire basement. The cost of remediating that mold ended up being well over the savings that they had gained from the discount contractor.

SERVPRO of North Kanawha and Teays Valley has been in business for over 30 years now and knows how to get the job done right. We adhere to all IICRC standards and stand behind our work so you know that when we leave you can rest easy that a horror story like this will not happen to you. The prices we charge are directly in line with industry and insurance standards. The time we take is exactly how long it takes to get the job done right. The quality of our work is the best that science allows. So, forget good, fast, cheap. At SERVPRO we offer great work, on time and on budget.

October is Fire Safety Month

10/12/2020 (Permalink)

Red Cross Sound the Alarm

October is Fire Safety Month

According to the American Red Cross, there are 7 things you can do to help prepare your home for a fire.

https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire/home-fire-preparedness.html

1 - Install the right number of smoke alarms. Test them once a month and replace the batteries at least once a year. Purchase smoke alarms here.        

2 - Teach children what smoke alarms sound like and what to do when they hear one. 

3 - Ensure that all household members know two ways to escape from every room of your home and know the family meeting spot outside of your home.

4 - Establish a family emergency communications plan and ensure that all household members know who to contact if they cannot find one another.

5 - Practice escaping from your home at least twice a year. Press the smoke alarm test button or yell “Fire“ to alert everyone that they must get out.

6 - Make sure everyone knows how to call 9-1-1.

7 - Teach household members to STOP, DROP and ROLL if their clothes should catch on fire. 

We could not agree more with these tips and is glad the American Red Cross has a great program call Sound the alarm where they help; install free smoke alarms, share safety information, and fundraise to help families. 

If you or your companies are looking for a cause that you can be involved in and know that directly saves lives, I would suggest this one.  Join us as we "Sound The Alarm" with the American Red Cross. 

https://www.redcross.org/sound-the-alarm.html

Golfing FORE a Great Cause

10/9/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO sponsored Golf Team

On September 11^th, 2020 Hospice care of West Virginia held their 10^th annual golf outing at Edgewood golf course in Sissonville. For those who don’t know, Hospice Care is a type of health care that focuses on the palliation of a terminally ill patient's pain and symptoms and attending to their emotional and spiritual needs at the end of life. Hospice care prioritizes comfort and quality of life by reducing pain and suffering. We here at SERVPRO of North Kanawha and Teays Valley could not have been more ecstatic to have been involved.

As a sponsor of the event we were able to set up a tent on the 10^th hole to meet and greet the golfers as they teed off on the back 9.  Business leaders from across the state turned out on a beautiful late summer day to participate in the event. The 10^th hole was a particularly exciting hole as it contained a special sponsorship of its own. This slightly elevated, 165 yard, par 3 offered a $10,000 reward for anyone who could accomplish a hole in one. There were judges at the hole to confirm authenticity and we were honored to serve as judges at the tee box. Unfortunately no one was able to accomplish this feat, although a hold in one did occur on hole 4 that day.

As an added bonus this year, SERVPRO entered a foursome of our own into the competition. John Gaines and Matt Paxton of the North Kanawha and Teays Valley franchise participated with a couple of great guys from the local insurance community. After a hard fought match the group ended the round at 1 under par. Unfortunately they were slightly bested by the team from Snodgrass Funeral home who ended the day at 19 under. Perhaps our group could have used a few mulligans, and remember, if you or anyone you know could use a “do over,” be sure to contact that experts at SERVPRO of North Kanawha and Teays Valley…”Like it never even happened.”

Signs, Signs, Everywhere a Sign

10/1/2020 (Permalink)

Sign found in a flooded building during the 2016 West Virginia Floods.

No, this has nothing to do with the famous Five Man Electric Band song from the 70’s. We are not about protesting anything today. SERVPRO of North Kanawha Valley is all about protecting you from dangerous weather situations. Did you know that the National Weather Service has come up with a multitude of symbols/signs that give us advanced warning us dangerous weather related events?

Take a closer look at the NWS website to discover all the early warning symbols/signs at https://www.weather.gov/safety/.

Since the start of the spring flood season in West Virginia is coming upon us next month we thought we would concentrate this blog on flood safety. We will cover the cleanup and restoration of flooded structures another day. Today we want to concentrate on the preparedness part of flooding because we know from years of experience that being prepared ahead of time will make recovery easier and less costly.

In 2016 the devastating West Virginia floods took over 20 lives and cost millions of dollars in damage. We know that not all of the deaths were avoidable, but some of the folks that perished could possibly be alive today if they had heeded the warnings that were issued. Some waited too late to evacuate, some tried to cross roadways that were covered with water, and some just thought it couldn’t happen to them since a rain event had not happened like this in over 100 years.

In its flood safety section https://www.weather.gov/safety/flood the NWS gives us some great information to help prevent disasters like the ones we saw in 2016. The WRN program has proven to be a life saver.

Please have a preparedness plan in place and follow it should flooding ever happen near you.

As always SERVPRO of North Kanawha Valley is here for you if your Charleston, WV home or business ever sustains flood damage.

Roof damage is bad but can be worse if not repaired

9/2/2020 (Permalink)

storm made tree crash into roof of home causing damage

In any type of weather there are lots of different issues that could cause damage to your home; Roof damage is one of those. Damage due to storms is the most typical, but there are several things that COULD cause the damage to your roof some being more visible than others.

It is always good practice to have your roof inspected every 10-12 years, unless there has been a specific issue that may have caused a reason to check it sooner such as a severe storm, hail, or some other sort of natural disaster. Unfortunately, when your roof becomes damaged it can lead to bigger issues that may ultimately cause water damage to the interior of your home.

Here we mention a few things to look for when you are inspecting your roof:

• Loose or missing shingles: this could be caused by high winds, improper installation, or simply wearing out over exposure to the elements through the years. Loose nails can also leave a hole in the shingle that water can find its way through as well.

• Poor installation of the flashing. "Flashing" is the metal that is placed in the sections where the roof meets the walls, or in the valleys. This must be installed properly to divert water from the roof.

• Gutters that are not placed with the right pitch, or that have seems that are not sealed properly can also cause water to back up and then overflow into the house causing water damage to ceilings and/or walls. Not having gutter guards to keep leaves and debris from collecting in the gutters can cause overflow of water that can result in damage to your roof and other areas of your home as well.

• Rotted fascia or soffit can also be an area that allows water to intrude. 

If you suspect that you may have roof damage causing water damage to your home please feel free to contact us at 304-755-9510 and we will be happy to assist you. SERVPRO® of North Kanawha Valley and Teays Valley can also supply emergency tarping and board up if the need may arise. 

 SERVPRO® of North Kanawha Valley and Teays Valley will be there for all of your home repairs or accidents. 

Fire Damage to Your Rental Home

7/6/2020 (Permalink)

Home fires happen when we least expect them, make sure that you have home/renters insurance to protect your personal belongings.

Renting a single family home, apartment or condo may be the way that you personally choose your housing.  There are many perks that people really like about renting.  The biggest perk is that you are not typically responsible for the major incidents that may occur within those four walls like an electrical fire, busted frozen water pipe, roof leak, or even when that 15 year old furnace decides it has served its purpose.  While those are great perks, you still have the responsibility of your own personal property that may become damaged due to a number of issues that may arise while living in a home you personally do not own.  Many renters mistakenly assume that their landlord's homeowner's policy will cover them if disaster strikes.  I too felt that way at one point, until I ended up on the restoration side of the disaster.  I thought, well if the homeowner/condo owner neglected issues like water pipes, electrical and even the roof.  There is no way that their insurance wouldn't cover my personal property.  How in the world could I be responsible for something I had nothing to do with?  This was my personal theory until I began doing the work I do now.  

I truly didn’t have a full understanding of how important that renters insurance was until I was working an apartment complex fire.  The flames were contained to the one apartment, but that wasn't the biggest issue.  It was the smoke and soot that affected nearly 20 apartments throughout 7 floors.  The smoke and soot got into apartments on the other side of the building.  Here's the thing, one smoke particle is half the size of bacteria, 1/8 the size of a red blood cell neither one of those are visible to the naked eye.  Smoke and soot will find little pathways to follow holes around plumbing, and also find its way to your second floor or cooler parts of the home.  So essentially we had to pretest every apartment within that building.  A good majority of the condo renters didn't understand how they were going to have to pay for the smoke and soot cleanup within their apartments when it was a single condo that was the source of the smoke and soot.  

Unfortunately, that was the case for quite a few people within that complex.  They ended up having to attempt to clean their contents themselves, even when the owners of that condo were able to have their structure cleaned professionally.  The cleaning of smoke and soot can be very tedious and time consuming even for professionals like SERVPRO of North Kanawha Valley & Teays Valley.  Our technicians are trained and certified to identify and remediate smoke and soot properly.    

There are four types of soot: 

• Dry smoke residue: Powdery, dry small and non-smearing particles resulting from fires that burn quickly at a high heat
• Wet Smoke residue: Smearing, sticky and strong-smelling particles caused by fires that smolder at low temperatures, resulting in smoke webs that may be challenging to remove.
• Fuel oil soot: Dispersed by puff backs from furnaces
• Protein Residue: Very strong-smelling, but practically invisible residue that can ruin the color of varnish or paint. 

Renters insurance is typically covered for a small monthly premium, the average renter’s policy has a $20,000 - $25,000 worth of coverage for your contents.  There are even rider policies (Which is coverage for things that may be worth more than the per-item limit on your renter’s insurance policy).  The value of your personal contents can add up quickly.  The most important aspect of renters insurance is deciding whether to purchase replacement value or actual cost value coverage.  While renters insurance is important for smoke and soot, it also covers many other things.

• Fire, lighting
• Windstorm, hail
• Explosions
• Riots
• Damage by aircraft
• Damage by vehicle (As long as it's not your own because you fell asleep in the driveway.)
• Damage from smoke
• Vandalism
• Theft
• Volcanic eruption (Hopefully not needed in the Kanawha and Putnam counties)
• Falling objects
• Weight of snow, ice, sleet
• Damage from steam- heating/water-heating appliances/systems
• Leakage or overflow from water or steam
•  Freezing of plumbing, heating, air conditioning
•  Short-circuit damage caused by electrical appliances.

Bottom line renters insurance is essential and relatively inexpensive so call your friendly insurance agent and get a quote.

Rain.... Hail.... Winds.... Oh My!

7/6/2020 (Permalink)

Seasonal storms can be unpredictable at times, stay prepared by creating a storm safety plan.

The Kanawha and Putnam counties are no strangers to ravishing storms.  Rain, Hail, High winds all a recipe for disaster for many homeowners.  Preparation for our moody mother nature is key to help protect your home.  While you can’t control the weather, there’s still a lot you can do to protect your home and your family. Additionally, most of what we’ll discuss in this blog will also help protect your neighbors’ homes and property!

SERVPRO® of North Kanawha Valley & Teays Valley has a list of the basic outside upkeep on your home, which may help prevent or minimize the damage done to your home during a storm in West Virginia. 

• Check for missing or damaged shingles, then get them replaced

When shingles are damaged, they are more likely to break free.  If the shingles are missing this will cause a gap and allow for wind to get under the shingles causing more damage.

• Repair loose siding

The same rule as roofing applies to your siding as well.  Ensure that the siding is not damaged or pulled loose, allowing for wind to damage the remainder of the siding.

• Keep your gutters clear

Ensure that your gutters are free-flowing and your downspouts are in a direction that will allow the water to flow away from the foundation.  If the water is not directed from the foundation, the water can cause water damage to the home and flooding.

• Adjust the flow of runoff water coming toward your house.

The best way to combat runoff water coming near or inside of your home is to dig a ditch or drain to divert the water that is intruding on your home.

• Keep your sump pump, pumping.

Checking your sump pump should be done on a pretty regular basis.  It is far too often that we get a call for sump pump failure.  Purchasing a secondary pump is additional reassurance that you can minimize basement or crawlspace damage during a storm if your primary sump pump stops working.

• Trim your tree’s frequently

Keeping your tree’s trimmed regularly helps keep the risk of having damage done to your home's roof, siding, and windows.

• Take a quick walk around your property.

This is primarily to clean up around your home of anything that could be potentially become projectiles.  Things like lawn furniture, tools, flower pots, trash cans, anything that can be lifted off of the ground

• Purchase a generator

Larger storms can cause serious outages leaving you without power anywhere from a few minutes to a few days.  The generator can be used so that you minimize the loss of food, keeping medications cold, there are a number of things that make it a good idea to have a generator.

Keep in mind that your home and the things inside of your home are replaceable.  Your family is not.  Creating a storm safety plan is essential and should be regularly reviewed and practiced with your family.  If you believe that your home may have still obtained damage during the storm, contact SERVPRO of North Kanawha Valley & Teays Valley to have your property assessed for storm damage.

More to us than what you think...

7/6/2020 (Permalink)

Storms can strike at any time, trust that SERVPRO will be available 24/7/365 to help you in your time of need.

You may know us as the Fire and Water Cleanup and Restoration Company. But did you know that there are over 20 services that we can provide to a home or business owner? Our team at SERVPRO^® of North Kanawha Valley & Teays Valley is always ready to help you at a moment’s notice 24/7/365.  A few of the other services that we provide include…

• Mold Mitigation
• Document Restoration
• Duct Cleaning
• Deodorization                  
• Reconstruction
• Vandalism Cleanup
• Forensic Remediation
• Storm Response
• Tarping and Board ups 

Our team here at SERVPRO^® of North Kanawha & Teays Valley can help you with whatever disaster that you may have. We have been in the Kanawha Valley and surrounding areas for nearly 30 years, locally owned and operated, and ready to serve you.

Whether you are a homeowner, business owner, property manager, or first responder we are here for you. There is no disaster that is too large or too small that we can't handle. From our trained and uniformed crews to our professional restoration consultants, and our SERVPRO^® Ready App that is in the palm of your hand, the cleanup team at SERVPRO^® of North Kanawha & Teays Valley is here to help make your disaster, “Like it never even happened." For more information on how we can help you be prepared or for a consultation please call us at 304-755-9510.

Commercial Buildings are Not Large Houses!

7/6/2020 (Permalink)

No matter the hat we are all under the same roof, working together to ensure great quality work for you.

Your local SERVPRO® franchise has 3 Commercial Drying Specialists on staff and this is one of the first things that our techs learn while attending the Institute Of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) class.

Drying and restoring commercial properties can be very complex and pose a multitude of situations not typically found in residential properties. Some of the differences between commercial and residential properties are obvious, such as size and use but others may not be as obvious as intricacies in HVAC systems, and complex electrical systems.

Other differences in commercial and residential structures that may concern a restorer would be things like public access, multiple stakeholders, construction materials & building codes, as well as the potential for increased safety issues in a commercial property.

Our certified Commercial Drying Specialists know the differences between commercial and residential properties and can “change hats” instantly when going from one to the other with very little effort. This ability to understand and adapt to these differences is one of the many things that help our restorers stand out in the restoration industry. It is also the reason that the majority of municipalities, utility companies, property management firms, healthcare facilities, and school systems in the area trust SERVPRO® Of North Kanawha and Teays Valley for all their restoration and cleaning needs.

SERVPRO® of North Kanawha and Teays Valley is also on the cutting edge of document drying science and have the ability to dry, clean, sanitize, digitize and restore documents once deemed unsalvageable a few years ago. This can save a business thousands of dollars and major headaches if these documents are irreplaceable. 

Another advantage SERVPRO® of North Kanawha and Teays Valley has over other restoration companies is although our local franchise can produce most commercial jobs on our own, if we get a job that is beyond our local capabilities, we can have our Corporate Large Loss Division assist us with staff and equipment to handle any size disaster.

Knowing the differences between residential and commercial properties is very important in our industry and if a restorer does not understand those differences, it could lead to catastrophic results from safety issues or much higher cost of a commercial project than is necessary. Trust your business to the Pro’s in the know, SERVPRO of North Kanawha and Teays Valley. We are standing by 24/7/365 for ALL your restoration and cleaning needs.

All Up in Your Grill About Safty

7/6/2020 (Permalink)

Whether you are using a propane grill, a charcoal grill, or a campfire, there are some basic safety guidelines.

The crackling sound of a campfire, the smell of hot dogs on the grill, marshmallows turning into little fireballs on a skewer… all of these are things that make summer fantastic.  If you are planning on spending summer indulging in one of these classic activities, it is a good idea to be aware of campfire/grill safety. Whether you are using a propane grill, a charcoal grill, or a campfire, there are some basic safety guidelines that the whole family should be educated on to protect themselves and their homes.

For the grillers:

1. If you are using a grill be sure that it isn’t defective in any way.
2. For propane, check the tank before use to make sure it isn’t damaged.
3. When using a charcoal grill, let the starter fluid soak into the coals for a minute before igniting them to allow the explosive vapors time to dissipate.
4. If you are grilling using an electric grill, never use lighter fluid or other combustible materials.
5. Do not use grills close to the house where it has the potential to catch the structure on fire

For all of the campers and s’ mores connoisseurs out there, here are a few campfire safety tips that will help keep you, your families and our forests safe:

1. Never build a campfire somewhere that it could easily spread. Steer clear of areas with large amounts of dead leaves and dry brush
2. Do not keep flammables around the campfire. This includes lighter fluid and gasoline
3. Keep the campfire to a size that is easy to control. Do not build one so large that it will get out of hand and spread
4. Keep water or a shovel or both nearby so that the campfire can be extinguished if needed
5. Keep tents and sleeping bags a safe distance from the fire
6. Be sure that everyone at the campfire knows to stop, drop, and roll if an article of their clothing catches fire
7. Extinguish correctly when leaving the fire (here is a great resource that demonstrates how to properly extinguish a fire https://www.smokeybear.com/en/prevention-how-tos/campfire-safety/how-to-maintain-and-extinguish-your-campfire)

Business as Usual

6/29/2020 (Permalink)

Fire, water and mold cleanup and restoration are what we are primarily known for, but it is not all that we do.

When the COVID-19 pandemic gripped our nation early this year a lot of things changed. Fear, panic, and uncertainty have run rampant and have forced many companies to close or dramatically change the way they do business. During these unprecedented times, SERVPRO® of North Kanawha and Teays Valley has been the exception to that rule and continued operating business as usual.

               For 30 years now SERVPRO® of North Kanawha and Teays Valley has been cleaning and disinfecting viruses, bloodborne pathogens, and other biohazards. The same products and methods we have been using for three decades are proving to stand the test of time. Many of our hospital-grade disinfectants have been included on the EPA’s coveted “N List” of products confirmed to be effective at neutralizing Coronavirus. Additionally, our methods and practices comply with the CDC’s recommendations. This is a large part of the reason that SERVPRO franchises have been seen across the country on the frontline of the battle against infection. Whenever government offices, commercial spaces, and healthcare centers are in fear of infection they turn to the reassurance of the skill, professionalism, and expertise of the trusted leader of disinfection, SERVPRO.

They say, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” and this has been SERVPRO’s attitude throughout this pandemic. When times got tough we took confidence in our experience. Now, after more than a million square feet of COVID cleaning, with virtually no incidence of reinfection, our system has proven to still be effective. All while continuing to do the fire, water, and mold mitigation that we are so well known for. If your business needs mitigation of any kind, turn to experts who have been doing it right all along, SERVPRO of North Kanawha and Teays Valley.

Misconceptions of fire damage in your rental home

6/29/2020 (Permalink)

Home fires happen every 87seconds. Don't become a statistic.

Renting a single-family home, apartment or condo may be the way that you personally choose your housing.  There are many perks that people really like about renting.  The biggest perk is that you are not typically responsible for the major incidents that may occur within those four walls like an electrical fire, busted frozen water pipe, roof leak, or even when that 15-year-old furnace decides it has served its purpose.  While those are great perks, you still have the responsibility of your own personal property that may become damaged due to a number of issues that may arise while living in a home you personally do not own.  Many renters mistakenly assume that their landlord's homeowner's policy will cover them if disaster strikes.  I too felt that way at one point, until I ended up on the restoration side of the disaster.  I thought, well if the homeowner/condo owner neglected issues like water pipes, electrical, and even the roof.  There is no way that their insurance wouldn't cover my personal property.  How in the world could I be responsible for something I had nothing to do with?  This was my personal theory until I began doing the work I do now.  

I truly didn’t have a full understanding of how important that renters insurance was until I was working an apartment complex fire.  The flames were contained to the one apartment, but that wasn't the biggest issue.  It was the smoke and soot that affected nearly 20 apartments throughout 7 floors.  The smoke and soot got into apartments on the other side of the building.  Here's the thing, one smoke particle is half the size of bacteria, 1/8 the size of a red blood cell neither one of those are visible to the naked eye.  Smoke and soot will find little pathways to follow holes around plumbing, and also find its way to your second floor or cooler parts of the home.  So essentially we had to pretest every apartment within that building.  A good majority of the condo renters didn't understand how they were going to have to pay for the smoke and soot cleanup within their apartments when it was a single condo that was the source of the smoke and soot.  

Unfortunately, that was the case for quite a few people within that complex.  They ended up having to attempt to clean their contents themselves, even when the owners of that condo were able to have their structure cleaned professionally.  The cleaning of smoke and soot can be very tedious and time-consuming even for professionals like SERVPRO of North Kanawha Valley & Teays Valley.  Our technicians are trained and certified to identify and remediate smoke and soot properly.    

There are four types of soot: 

• Dry smoke residue: Powdery, dry small and non-smearing particles resulting from fires that burn quickly at a high heat
• Wet Smoke residue: Smearing, sticky and strong-smelling particles caused by fires that smolder at low temperatures, resulting in smoke webs that may be challenging to remove.
• Fuel oil soot: Dispersed by puff backs from furnaces
• Protein Residue: Very strong-smelling, but practically invisible residue that can ruin the color of varnish or paint. 

Renters insurance is typically covered for a small monthly premium, the average renter’s policy has a $20,000 - $25,000 worth of coverage for your contents.  There are even rider policies (Which is coverage for things that may be worth more than the per-item limit on your renter’s insurance policy).  The value of your personal contents can add up quickly.  The most important aspect of renters insurance is deciding whether to purchase replacement value or actual cost value coverage.  While renters insurance is important for smoke and soot, it also covers many other things.

• Fire, lighting
• Windstorm, hail
• Explosions
• Riots
• Damage by aircraft
• Damage by vehicle (As long as it's not your own because you fell asleep in the driveway.)
• Damage from smoke
• Vandalism
• Theft
• Volcanic eruption (Hopefully not needed in the Kanawha and Putnam counties)
• Falling objects
• Weight of snow, ice, sleet
• Damage from steam- heating/water-heating appliances/systems
• Leakage or overflow from water or steam
•  Freezing of plumbing, heating, air conditioning
•  Short-circuit damage caused by electrical appliances.

Bottom line renters insurance is essential and relatively inexpensive so call your friendly insurance agent and get a quote.

Independence Day is approaching fast.

6/29/2020 (Permalink)

As independence day approaches quickly, always remember to make safety a priority.

Independence Day is fast approaching. That comes with the chances of fire hazards, accidents, and injuries resulting from putting those fires out.

Follow these tips to make sure your fire extinguisher is ready, just in case something goes wrong.

When is the last time you checked your fire extinguisher?

How old is it? You will find an expiration date at the bottom of the label. If it is more than ten years old, it should be replaced. The pressure could be gone or it simply could not work.

Check the gauge to be sure it is pointing to the green area on the gauge.

Does it have a UL listing on the label to verify that it is certified and ready to go?

Once these questions have been verified, make sure you know the location of your extinguisher in the home. Familiarize yourself with how to operate it as well.

To help you to remember, you can use the acronym P.A.S.S.

P-Pull Pin

A-Aim at the base of the fire

S-Squeeze trigger

S-Sweep from side to side

If there is more than one person in the home, have one call 911 and the other use the extinguisher. If the fire has reached a stage other than the start of the fire, it is very important to GET OUT of your residence and wait for the fire department.

TIP: Never add water to put out a grease fire. It could cause an explosion or make the fire even bigger. Try to smother with a lid, pizza pan, or cookie sheet. Do not try to remove the pan from the stove. Turn the heat off and smother.

CELEBRATE OUR INDEPENDENCE BUT ABOVE ALL STAY SAFE.

We are more than what we appear......

6/26/2020 (Permalink)

Storms can wreak havoc on your life, let SERVPRO® help put your life back together.

The name SERVPRO® you may automatically think Fire and Water cleanup, but there is more to us than that.  Did you know that there are over 20 services that we can provide to a home or business owner. Our team at SERVPRO^® of North Kanawha & Teays Valley we are always ready to help you at a moment’s notice 24/7/365.  By having the ability to provide more than fire and water we can be a full-service contractor for you. This minimizes the headache of having numerous contractors at your home.

A few of the other services that we provide include…

• Mold Mitigation
• Disinfecting
• Document Restoration
• Duct Cleaning
• Deodorization                  
• Reconstruction
• Vandalism Cleanup
• Forensic Remediation
• Storm Response
• Tarping and Board ups 

Our team here at SERVPRO^® of North Kanawha & Teays Valley can help you with whatever disaster that you may have. We have been in the Kanawha Valley and surrounding areas for 30 years, locally owned and operated, and ready to serve you.

Whether you are a homeowner, business owner, property manager, or first responder we are here for you. There is no disaster that is too large or too small that we cannot handle.  SERVPRO^® of North Kanawha & Teays Valley is here to help make your disaster, "Like it never even happened."

For more information on how we can help you be prepared or for a consultation please call us at 304-755-9510.

Spring has sprung!

5/22/2020 (Permalink)

Spring rains often cause a tremendous amount of rain outside, which can sometimes end up inside of your home.

Spring and Summer are full of sunshine, flowers and fresh-cut grass but can also bring on unexpected periods of heavy rains. Unfortunately, this can lead to major water damage to homes in Kanawha & Putnam Counties this can lead to wet basements and backed up drains.

Always ensure that you keep an eye on the weather and watch for any heavy rainfall warnings that could result in water damages in your area. When a warning is given, make sure to keep all basement windows and doors closed and make sure they are properly sealed. Keep an eye on the basement to catch if there are any leaks that water may be coming in from.

SERVPRO® of North Kanawha & Teays valley is your leading restoration company when it comes to water damage in West Virginia. If you experience any water intrusion, make sure to call us right away. We have highly trained and certified teams on standby, 24/7 365 we are always Here to Help®.

We understand how precious your home is and we take care of it as if it was one of our own.

Whether it is sewage damage, plumbing leak, overland plumbing, window leaking, a crack in the foundation, we will always try to identify the source, and you to prevent any future water issues.

During the water remediation process, It will begin by extracting any standing water from the affected area and then we will install drying equipment to get the basement as dry as quickly as possible. Air movers and fans are put in place strategically to ensure optimal area coverage. Any contents you have in the basement, we can help move or store until your basement is restored. Our pack-out services include packing and storing your precious belongings and keeping them safe during the restoration period. Once your home is restored, we will safely bring back your items in the same condition that they were taken away in.

Not only will remove all the water but we will clean all affected areas with anti-microbial to ensure that the area is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.  Ensuring that your home has been properly dried after water damage is crucial. The secondary damage can be caused by improper drying.  Mold can grow very quickly after water damage and it is important to get the area as dry as possible. Our certified teams can handle both mold and water and we can ensure that your property is in good hands!

Do not hesitate if you have water damage to contact your local SERVPRO® for all your restoration needs.

SERVPRO® of North Kanawha & Teays Valley will handle your restoration needs from start to finish minimizing your headaches. 

We offer the highest possible standard of professionalism with the restoration, cleanup, and mitigation of your home or business.  We are a locally owned and operated West Virginia company and part of over 1700 franchises, providing our company with the ability to respond faster to any size disaster.

Contact us today!! 304-343-6170

Let Us Help You Get Back to Business!

5/22/2020 (Permalink)

Here In Your Community. Here to Help.

As our communities re-open, we are all moving back toward a new kind of normal. The expectations of visitors, customers, and employees who come into our establishments have evolved, and staying safe and well is a top concern. The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean and we are “Here to Help”.

SERVPRO of North Kanawha & Teays Valley offers a cleaning program to businesses and commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This proactive viral pathogen cleaning program goes well beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning.  Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned allows you, your employees, your customers, and your community can rest assured that you’ve selected a higher cleaning standard by choosing SERVPRO to assist in the cleaning and disinfecting of your business.

As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration*, we stand on more than 50 years of experience and expertise to help your business.  Beyond fire & water, our SERVPRO® employees are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination. Always adhering to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities. 

When the stakes are this high, you want a partner who has developed an industry-leading, proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes over decades. We’ve cleaned up some of the most challenging biohazards imaginable. 

Call today to speak to a SERVPRO consultation

We’re Here to Help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – until life is back to normal in the communities, we all call home.

Call SERVPRO of North Kanawha & Teays Valley today at 304-343-6170 and allow us to assist you in getting back to business safely.

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need

3/20/2020 (Permalink)

We adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards no matter the situation and are always Here To Help.

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of corona virus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today –

SERVPRO of North Kanawha and Teays Valley, 304-755-9510

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-prevent-spread.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fguidance-prevent-spread.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-business-response.html

What to expect when a water damage occurs

2/19/2020 (Permalink)

Basement full of contents that some have been saturated with category 3 water.

 What to Expect

The restoration process begins when you call us. SERVPRO® of North Kanawha and Teays Valley we are available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. Even a delay of a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO® Professionals may need to dispatch to your location. The following steps described below will help you better understand what to expect when the unexpected happens to you. 

Step 1: Emergency Contact

Upon our first initial contact with you our SERVPRO® Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

*If you have questions don’t hesitate to ask. Our employees would love to help you understand what is happening inside your home. After all, it is YOUR HOME.

Step 2: Inspection

Our Water Damage Restoration Process

When responding to a water damage emergency, we begin with a detailed inspection of your home or property, including a damage assessment. At this stage, our professionals are trying to determine the scope of the damage so that we can develop an appropriate plan of action.

Identify and Stop the Water Source

We will check for the source of moisture in your home or business. The source must be stopped before any restoration or drying of the building can be successful.

• Stop the Source
• Check for Contaminated Water

Identify the Type of Water

We will identify the category and classification of water damage to ensure our professionals restore your property based on industry guidelines. The level of contamination of the water will affect the specific restoration processes we use.

• Category 1: "Clean Water" originates from a sanitary source and poses no substantial risk from dermal, ingestion, or inhalation exposure. However, it may not always remain clean after it comes into contact with other surfaces or materials.
• Category 2: "Gray Water" contains significant contamination and has the potential to cause discomfort or sickness if contacted or consumed by humans. It may contain potentially unsafe levels of microorganisms or nutrients for microorganisms, as well as other organic or inorganic matter (chemical or biological).
• Category 3: "Black Water" is grossly contaminated and may contain pathogenic, toxigenic or other harmful agents. Such water sources may carry silt, organic matter, pesticides, heavy metals, regulated materials, or toxic organic substances.

Survey the Extent of the Water Damage and Inspect the Premises

We inspect and test to determine the extent of damage and how far the moisture has traveled to ensure proper and complete restoration. In addition, we will inspect for safety concerns that may be evident. If there are any safety issues like lead or asbestos, please bring them to our attention.

• Survey Damage
• Complete Safety Inspection

Move or Block Furniture

We move furniture and property contents and block items to help prevent rust or furniture stains on wet carpet.

• Block Furniture

*If you have questions don’t hesitate to ask. Our employees would love to help you understand what is happening inside your home. After all, it is YOUR HOME. 

Step 3: Water Removal

After the inspection and damage assessment step, the water extraction process begins. This step removes the majority of the water. We use powerful pumps and truck-mounted vacuum units to quickly remove hundreds or thousands of gallons of water from your property.

Move-Out / Pack-Out

If your home requires extensive restoration or cleaning, SERVPRO of North Kanawha and Teays Valley can conduct an organized, efficient move-out to protect your belongings from further damage.

• Move-Out Service

Emergency Water Removal

Our highly trained technicians will begin the water removal process almost immediately. Depending on the amount of water, we may use powerful submersible pumps in addition to industrial strength, wet/dry vacuums. Removing most of the water helps reduce drying time and helps prevent secondary water damage and mold and bacterial growth.

• Remove Excess Water
• Use Submersible Pumps and Industrial Wet/Dry Vacuums

Inspect the Carpet Pad and Carpet

We inspect the carpet and pad and determine if they should be removed to protect the subfloor.

• Inspect Carpet Pad and Remove If Needed
• Inspect Carpet and Remove If Needed

Water Removal Equipment

• Moisture detectors, hygrometers, and other meters measure the extent of moisture saturation.
• Infrared cameras may be used to find “hidden” water behind walls and ceilings.
• Submersible and gas-powered pumps are used for continuous pumping of high-level water.
• Truck-mounted and portable extraction units perform efficient water removal.

*If you have questions don’t hesitate to ask. Our employees would love to help you understand what is happening inside your home. After all, it is YOUR HOME. 

Step 4: Drying

Once the excess water has been removed, the floors and walls may appear dry, but a quick inspection will reveal they are wet to the touch. Nearly all building materials, like wood, drywall, and flooring materials, are porous and therefore retain water. This retained water can cause the materials to break down, warp, or cause mold damage.

Drying / Dehumidification

Our Professionals will use room measurements, temperature, and relative humidity to determine the optimal number of air movers and dehumidifiers to dry your home or business. We’ll carefully monitor the progress using moisture meters until the materials return to acceptable drying goals.

• Use Dehumidification Equipment
• Use Monitoring Equipment to Track Progress

Monitor Floor and Walls

We check the moisture levels to monitor the drying process. 

• Monitor Floors
• Monitor Walls

Drying Equipment

• Industrial-grade dehumidifiers help prevent secondary water damage like swelling and warping of floors, walls, and furniture.
• High-speed air movers create airflow across walls, carpets, pads, and furniture, which accelerates the evaporation of moisture.

*If you have questions don’t hesitate to ask. Our employees would love to help you understand what is happening inside your home. After all, it is YOUR HOME.

Step 5: Cleaning and Sanitizing

Your walls, flooring, and ceiling will most likely require professional cleaning services. In addition to cleaning your property’s structure, we will clean your furniture, upholstery, clothing, and other restorable belongings damaged by the water. Most flooding and water damage also require professional odor removal and deodorization since wet materials have a very distinct odor.

Contents Restoration

SERVPRO of North Kanawha and Teays Valley specializes in restoring contents damaged by fire, water, or mold. Our expertise and “restore” versus “replace” mentality can help you save money while preserving precious keepsakes that can’t be replaced. Learn more about Contents Restoration.

•  Dry Cleaning
•  Wet Cleaning
•  Spray and Wipe
•  Foam Cleaning
•  Abrasive Cleaning
•  Immersion Cleaning

Odor Removal and Deodorization

We are trained to identify and eliminate offensive odors. Our technical expertise and industrial-grade air scrubbers and fogging equipment go well beyond simply masking odors and other shortcuts that don’t work when your odor problem is serious or persistent.

•  Odor Removal and Deodorization
•  Air Scrubbers and Fogging Equipment

Sanitizing Treatments

Depending on the scenario, we may use antimicrobial, antibacterial, or disinfectant treatments to clean your property.

•  Antimicrobial and Antibacterial Treatments
•  Sanitizing and Disinfectant Treatments

Disposal

We will remove and dispose of damaged materials with guidance from you and your insurance adjuster.

•  Properly Dispose of Refuse

*If you have questions don’t hesitate to ask. Our employees would love to help you understand what is happening inside your home. After all, it is YOUR HOME. 

Step 6: Restoration

Restoration, the final step, is the process of restoring your home or business to its pre-water damage condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall and installing new carpet or may entail major repairs, such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

Emergency Building Services

When your home has been damaged by a storm or water, the immediate concern may include temporary protective measures to prevent additional damages, like placing a roof tarp. Learn more about our building services.

•  Board-Up
•  Roof Tarp
•  Temporary Fencing
•  Move-Out / Pack-Out
•  Temporary Warehouse Space

Repairs and Minor Building Services

The following building and repair services may be necessary to restore your home to pre-water damage conditions. 

•  Drywall Removal and Installation
•  Hardwood Floor Repair
•  Tile Floor Repair
•  Painting
•  Carpet Repair and Installation

Building Services and Reconstruction

SERVPRO of North Kanawha and Teays Valley can simplify the restoration process by handling both the initial water damage mitigation and rebuilding the affected areas. Having one qualified company for the entire process can save time and keep costs low. We can provide this continuity by supervising a full range of restoration services that will bring a building back to full functionality.

•  Reconstruction and Building Services

*If you have questions don’t hesitate to ask. Our employees would love to help you understand what is happening inside your home. After all, it is YOUR HOME. 

Veterans Put the SERVe in SERVPRO

2/13/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO hard hat with the challenge coin provided from our corporate office to show appreciation to our past and presently serving service members.

According to the United States Department of Labor, the military currently discharges over 225,000 service members annually. Veterans form a sizable pool of skilled and experienced individuals in our society. However, there is no "employment agency" for veterans to turn to when they return from active duty. As a mission-driven company, our core values and mission align with the teachings of the military to their service members. By hiring a veteran you are not only providing a job to someone who made a selfless commitment to our country, but you are allowing them to start a career.
SERVPRO understands the value that veterans, military spouses, veteran caregivers, and disabled veterans bring to our SERVPRO Family. We believe that it is our responsibility and civic duty to help these returning veterans as they transition back into civilian life. It is incumbent on us to provide them with opportunities to find meaningful work and reintegrate into the business world. It is our corporate goal to hire 1,000 veterans by 2022. The individuals who benefit most from this program are our customers. As anyone who has ever worked with prior service employees can tell you, their integrity and attention to detail are unparalleled.
The opportunity for us to help those who have fought for our freedom is an honor. Without the brave men and women of our United States military, we would not have the privilege of serving our communities. So next time you see a veteran be sure to thank them for their service. Here at SERVPRO® of North Kanawha and Teays Valley, we’re working to make sure that the next uniform they put on has SERVPRO® on it.

We’re Not Out of the Woods Yet

2/6/2020 (Permalink)

We are not out of the woods yet but there is a small path leading to the light.

The prognosticators have spoken and one has already been proven to be wrong…Will the other? The Farmers’ Almanac predicted that the winter of 2020 would be frigid throughout our region of Appalachia. The phrase “Polar Coaster Winter Ahead” was used by this legendary meteorological medium to describe the winter that we are currently engaged in. This once reliable source has been just flat out wrong this time…so far.

So what of our other prophet of precipitation? Punxsutawney Phil, America’s favorite varmint weatherman, emerged from his hole to see no shadow, which means the coming of an early spring. Although this winter has seemed like just an extended fall, with mild temperatures and little to no snowfall, Phil’s prediction seems to be more likely than the Almanac’s, but we’re not out of the woods yet.

As anyone who has grown up West Virginia will tell you, we’re just as likely to see heavy snowfall in March as we are in December. My own birthday is on the Spring Equinox, March 20th. With my 40th birthday quickly approaching, I for one can tell you that I’ve spent just as many birthday parties sleigh riding as I have playing whiffle ball in the front yard.

So far this winter has been gentle on freezing pipes and snowmelt flooding but this fortune teller thinks that Mother Nature isn’t quite done. She’s lured us into a false sense of security only to hit us when we least expect it. I can’t remember a single year without a major snow event and I don’t expect this year to be any different. So… before you start planning your spring cleaning you might want to spend your next February day that is 70 degrees double-checking the insulation of your exposed pipes and the cleanliness of your drains. However, if you choose not to heed this Birthday Boy’s warning, and disaster does descend upon you, Just remember that the mitigation and restoration professionals of SERVPRO® of North Kanawha and Teays Valley are here to make it just like this winter, “Like it never even happened.”

Our Next 30 Years!

1/20/2020 (Permalink)

1990-2020 2020 makes SERVPRO of North Kanawha and Teays Valley's 30th year in the Kanawha & Teays Valleys.

As the clock struck midnight on December 31, 2019, and the world ushered in a New Year and decade, we here at SERVPRO of North Kanawha and Teays Valley were ringing in the beginning of our 30^th year in business. In 1990 when David and Rachael Duff opened the doors to this exciting and promising new franchise they could have only dreamed about the growth and success that their young company would experience.

30 years is a tremendous milestone for any organization. In the highly competitive business climate that we see today there are several things required to consistently stay relevant in the industry. First and foremost is quality. It’s been said that, “Quality is the best business plan,” and we couldn’t agree more. From the attention to detail that our production teams strive to assure in every job, to the diligence in the communication and follow-up from our customer support staff. SERVPRO® of North Kanawha and Teays Valley have always gone the extra mile when performing your mitigation and restoration projects from beginning to end.

10 years ago David and Rachel passed the torch to their daughter and son in law, Julie and Stephen Reynolds. As time has passed and new technologies and practices have come and gone, one thing has remained the same; an unwavering commitment to quality. When Stephen and Julie took over the company in 2010 along with it came the knowledge, experience and expertise that they gained while working under the outstanding leadership of the Duffs. The same dedication to quality and customer service that lead to SERVPRO of North Kanawha and Teays Valley first 30 years of industry leadership will carry us valiantly into our next 30 years of making it “Like it never even happened.”

30 years of New math

1/19/2020 (Permalink)

30 years of new math. The numbers may look jumbled, but that adds up to a great number of years of service to the community.

30......25,21,19,14,11,7,6……………..

No, this is not some weird “new math” countdown. These number 30 represent the years SERVPRO of North Kanawha & Teays Valley has been in the valley.  25, 21, 19, 14, 11, 7, 6, 4 are the years of service that some of our great employees have given to the community.  That length of service accounts for countless certifications, tons of hands-on experience, and extensive training in all areas of the restoration industry, as well as the construction trades.

Employee retention is one of the many positives of a locally owned and operated business. We find that out-of-state companies may not hire in-state employees at all and if they do hire our people, they typically don’t find the same loyalty as an employee working for a local company because they are more concerned with the bottom dollar and not necessarily the health and wellbeing of their employee as well as the impact those employees have on our local communities and economy.

When local companies hire within their community it is usually a win, win situation. Employees are typically better compensated as far as pay, benefits, and more flexible scheduling, which in turn translates not only into more money being put back into the local economy but also more time put back into volunteering and community involvement as well as a healthier community overall. The local company is in turn compensated with a more faithful and dedicated employee who is more willing to go the extra mile for their customers.

SERVPRO of North Kanawha and Teays Valley has been servicing Charleston, WV and the surrounding areas for almost 3 decades now and we have invested in our employees, which has in turn translated into quality service to our customers. If you have used our services; thank you, and if you find yourself in need of restoration services please consider your locally owned and operated SERVPRO because using out-of-state companies just doesn’t add up.

New Year, New You!

1/2/2020 (Permalink)

Happy New Year.

As we have entered the year 2020 preparedness is always top on our mind and with each New Year, many people make resolutions to better themselves or some part of their life.  This year, make a resolution to be READY.  No one ever plans for a disaster, but you can prepare for it.  The SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile (ERP) will help ensure you are “Ready for whatever happens” in the year to come.

Planning is the key to making it through any size disaster, whether it is a small water leak, a fire, or an area flood.  Having an emergency plan in place helps minimize the amount of time that it takes to get you back to preloss conditions.  The ERP (Emergency Readiness Plan) is a no-cost assessment to a comprehensive document containing critical information about your business, including emergency contacts, shut-off valve locations, and priority areas.  It takes little time to complete the assessment, making it a great value that could save you time and money in the future.  The information is also provided to you by downloading a free app on your smartphone or tablet.  The SERVPRO® READY app, putting all of this vital information at your fingertips, anywhere you may be.  Call us today (304)755-9510 to set up an appointment to get you “Ready for whatever happens”.

It Wasn’t Raining When Noah Built the Arc

12/26/2019 (Permalink)

Mold growing from an undiscovered water leak in a waterless hot water system. We found this as we were doing an ERP for an insurance agent.

We truly hope you don’t have an emergency of Biblical proportions like ol Noah did, but unfortunately neither we, nor you control those types of disasters. We can however help you be prepared for the storms of life by preparing you an Emergency Ready Plan for your business. In some cases, as you will see, we can even help prevent a disaster by finding ongoing issues during our inspection of your properties.

A few weeks ago we did an Emergency Readiness Plan for a local insurance agency in Hurricane, WV. As we do these ERP we have to find all the shutoffs for the businesses as well as key areas for immediate response during an incident such as a fire, or water damage. Also during the initial inspections, we look for potential maintenance issues that may present a potential problem so we can point them out to the responsible party to get corrected. During this particular inspection, we noticed a small area of mold under the kitchen sink. When we started moving items out from under the cabinet we also noticed standing water on the floor of the cabinet. Upon further inspection, we found that the waterless hot water system had a small leak and was causing the initial issues, which by the way, was the perfect condition for mold to grow with the moisture, a food source and temperature all being present in the correct amounts.

This could have been a huge problem in two ways if this leak had not been discovered during our inspection. The first could have been a major water damage in the office if the pipe had busted completely and secondly, it had the potential of becoming an even more costly mold issue with serious health issues for the building occupants. Luckily we found the leak in time and the building owner was able to resolve the problem and all we had to do was mitigate a small area of mold.

So what are you waiting for? Call us today for your complimentary ERP so you can be prepared ahead of a disaster, or even cut a disaster off at the pass. Visit our ERP page at https://ready.SERVPRO.com/ to check it out and give us a call to schedule yours at 304-755-9510.

Do you sleep with your bedroom door open or closed?

12/18/2019 (Permalink)

The door being closed during this house fire helped extremely reduce the amount of damage that this fire could have caused to this home.

Your nightly routine can (and should) include brushing your teeth, washing your face, and getting into comfy PJ’s, but one step that is frequently missed is closing your bedroom door. Nearly 60% of people sleep with their bedroom doors open, according to the safety science organization UL. That simple choice could mean the difference between life and death in the event of a house fire. Most people sleep with the door open because they mistakenly believe that it is safer, but it is the exact opposite.

After more than a decade of research, it has been found that closing your door can slow fire spreading, reduce toxic smoke level, improve oxygen levels and decrease temperature. All of which increase survival. The temperature in a room during a house fire is significantly different when it comes to open verses closed bedroom doors. It is reported that the temperature of a room with a closed-door during a house fire is around 100 degrees, while if the door is left open during a house fire, the temperature can quickly climb to around 1000 degrees.

According to the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) a house fire occurs somewhere in the United States every 88 seconds. The innovations in home furnishings, layouts, and construction over the last 40 years have reduced the average time to escape a home fire from 17 minutes to three minutes or less.

Check out this video from the National Fire Protection Association and watch how important closed doors are while you are sleeping.

#closebeforeyoudose

The Chase Is On

12/9/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technician holding a meter checking the readings in a crawlspace.

As our industry changes and with more competition moving into our area we are faced with finding different ways of attaining new business. We cherish our long term customers, but with any business to be successful, it must constantly find new opportunities. SERVPRO® corporate as a whole has many contracts, relationships and national accounts with a multitude of insurance carriers, property management companies as well as major industry leaders in a wide variety of fields that its franchises benefit from. These relationships are very helpful to the locally owned and operated franchises, but we cannot solely rely on our corporate contacts to drive our local business. In order to maintain, as well as add to, our customer base SERVPRO® of North Kanawha & Teays Valley has built a marketing team that is responsible for making sure our current customers are getting the best service possible as well as working to add new customers. This is achieved through various means such as advertising, monthly sales routes, website, and social media maintenance, community service, and relationship-building activities and events. These forms of marketing have been very successful for 30 years, but one of the ways we are adding new customers is through our Commercial Priority Response program. SERVPRO® has always been an industry leader in residential restoration services, but over the last 10 plus years or so we have become the go-to for commercial restoration as well. We apply the same concepts of, excellent customer service, having highly trained technicians, and practicing excellent communication with the customers through an entire project, to our commercial jobs that we practice on our residential jobs. The Commercial Priority Response program has one small twist that our residential side does not have and that’s the element of the chase. We have invested time and money into training priority responders to actually watch for commercial opportunities as they may arise. These responders will then be dispatched to the site of an incident to see what services SERVPRO® may provide. A lot of times the scene of these incidents can be very chaotic especially immediately after First Responders have left the scene. The potential customer will be overwhelmed and in a lot of cases won’t have a clue as to what to do next. That’s where our Priority Responder can bring some semblance of order to the chaos by putting the customer at ease with a plan that will allow the business to get back up and running as quickly as possible. With statistics showing that over 40 % of businesses that experience a disaster never reopen, it is critical that a plan is made and executed as quickly as possible. Now, SERVPRO® would rather have a relationship with the business long before an event happens and have a plan in place already https://ready.SERVPRO.com/ , but unfortunately in some cases we won’t and it becomes necessary to start our relationship at a very trying time for the customer. So, when you see a SERVPRO of North Kanawha & Teays Valley vehicle at the scene of a commercial fire or another type of loss, sometimes even before First Responders have left the scene, you can be assured that we have the customer’s best interest in mind and are preparing to Make It "Like it never even happened".

Why Choosing the Right Restoration Company is So Important After a Disaster in Your Home

10/24/2019 (Permalink)

Choosing the right door, for the right restoration company.

When the aftermath of a storm, fire or any other type of disaster strikes your life, it can be extremely devastating. It’s hard to know what to do and where to begin when trying to pick up the pieces. If there is significant damage to your home, the thought of the cleanup process can be overwhelming. You may find yourself frequently asking if you should do the cleanup yourself to save the cost of hiring a professional. How hard could it be? The cleanup and restoration process after a disaster is a huge job and defiantly not as simple as a DIY job. Many factors need to be considered and many hidden dangers that can get worse if not handled properly. Here are the reasons why it’s best to hire a professional restoration company after a disaster has struck your home.

Smoke and Fire Damage

On the surface, smoke damage doesn’t seem that bad. You may assume that you could probably use a household cleaner to get rid of any marks or stains. However, the danger of smoke damage isn’t necessarily about what you can see, but what you can’t see. Smoke particles are very fine and have a knack for settling into the small crack and crevices of your home. If not removed, the burnt smell can linger in your home for a long period of time, and in some cases permanently. These smoke particles can also irritate your lungs and cause health problems if not cleaned up properly.

Respiratory issues have been found to be associated with the improper treatment of smoke damage. Knowing which areas of your home have been damaged by smoke can very difficult. This is due to some smoke particles being microscopic which can be invisible to the naked eye. With every breath you take, you can be inhaling soot and smoke particles. The air can contain toxic elements that can severely damage your lungs. You may notice that you are coughing or wheezing for no particular reason.

Eye irritation can also be a result of smoke exposure. Fine smoke particles can cause you to have a burning sensation in your eyes. In some extreme cases, the eyes may even swell and it can affect your vision. Seek medical attention if this occurs.

Flood Damage

Flooding can cause extensive damage to your home. The water not only can saturate and destroy your home and its contents but also threaten it with secondary damages such as mold damage. Once the water has receded, you may assume that mopping up the water and placing some fans to dry the area is sufficient enough to keep damage at bay, but depending on the extent of the damage your home may need more than that.  A professional restoration company can accurately assess the damage and create the most efficient mitigation plan to turn your house into a home again. Quickly addressing water damage greatly reduces secondary damaged from occurring.

Water damage left unaddressed may cause mold damage which can occur in as little as 48 hours after water entered your home. Drywall and flooring are particularly susceptible to water damage due to their porous materials. A professional restoration company can make sure that all building materials in your home are cleaned thoroughly and efficiently to minimize the amount of your property need to be discarded or replaced.

Mold is silent and often rears its ugly head after flooding. If the moisture is not removed completely, mold can easily develop, multiply and infest your home. As it grows, it releases spores into the air that can be inhaled by the occupants of the house. These spores can cause serious health problems, especially for those who already have respiratory issues such as asthma. People with allergies, infants, children and the elderly are especially at risk of being harmed by the presence of mold. Every inch of the flooded area must be properly dried and sanitized so that mold is not allowed to prosper.

Safety

Whether you have experienced damage from fire, flood, broken pipe or another natural disaster, safety should always be the number one concern. If you have not had a professional assess the damage to your home, there could be a ticking time bomb just waiting to cause havoc in your home. It might be that your floor has been weakened during flooding and it could collapse. Not to mention the damaging effect on your health associated with mold or smoke exposure. After a storm, your roof may be left vulnerable and a quick repair might be all that you need to avoid extreme and costly damages. Having your home properly cleaned and restored by a professional will help keep you and your family safe.

The damaged by a natural disaster or a fire is upsetting and stressful enough. It can be hard to think of spending money on repairs and restoration when you think that you may be able to do it yourself. However, the money should be considered an investment. You are investing in the health and safety of yourself and your family, the structural integrity of your home and the contents within. If you have been affected by a disaster, call a SERVPRO of North Kanawha and Teays Valley professional today to get your home quickly restored.

Tips For Fall Home Maintance.

10/24/2019 (Permalink)

It's not only the leaves and nuts from the trees that end up in your gutters. Even a few furry friends visit from time to time.

Tips for Fall Home Maintenance

Fall shouldn’t be the only time you protect your home but fall is a good reminder to make sure your home is ready to combat the changing weather and potential dangers.

Check All Safety Devices

To ensure safety inside your home, take a moment and check all of your safety devices, making sure the batteries are new and working properly. For example, test all your smoke alarms inside your home. Also, make sure to replace used or expired fire extinguishers.

Fire up the Furnace

Turn your furnace on before the temperatures start to plummet so you can ensure it works. Contact a technician to inspect that it’s operating properly if you suspect it needs servicing. Keeping all flammable materials away from your furnace including clothing, paint products, toxic materials, and cardboard are a good way to minimize the dangers of a house fire.

Inspect the Insulation

Keep the cold air out by checking your insulation around your home in the fall.  Minimizing the cold drafts will allow your furnace to not overwork itself trying to heat your home and minimizing heating bills. 

Give the Heater Some Space

Heaters need space to vent and warm an area without warming things that they shouldn’t like clothing, bedding, drapery, and furniture.   These items should never be left near any type of heater.  Make sure that you read the instructions provided with your heater to ensure that the heater doesn’t require special venting. Remember to always shut them off when you leave the house and do not leave them unattended if you have children or pets.

Fire Safety

Before yourelight your fireplace after the warmer seasons, check your chimney to confirm it’s free of debris and has proper ventilation. Make sure the bricks, mortar, and liner are in good condition. Lastly, use a fireplace screen to keep the sparks from flying all over the place.

Preventing dryer fires by cleaning the filters after each load of wash and removing lint that collects in dryer vents. Just like burning candles, it is never advised to leave a load of laundry in the dryer unattended either.

De-clutter the Gutters

The falling leaves can leave you with quite a mess to clean by removing all debris and leaves from your gutters you can minimize the possibility of damage to your home due to overflowing gutters. If deciding to burn leaves and debris removed from your gutters, check your city’s regulations, as it may be illegal where you live.  If you burn them, do so away from the house and use proper containers.

Trim the Trees

As plants begin to die in the cold weather, make sure you remove any dead branches or decaying limbs on the trees of your property. When weighed down by ice and snow, or blowing in the wind, they can become hazardous and fall on your house or vehicle.

Fall is a time for fun and family. Put these tips into practice today to ensure a safe fall and winter season.

Endless Summer

10/10/2019 (Permalink)

Large bonfire on the side of the lake.

The other day someone said, “This is beautiful weather for July 71st.” It was intended as a little joke but in reality it is a very serious condition that we find ourselves in. As we flip our calendars to October we are generally thinking about jackets and pumpkin spice but this year has been an exception. This has been an unusually warm and dry late Summer and with that comes an increased risk of fire. As the leaves begin to fall at a more feverish pace, with no rain or cool weather to subdue their volatility, the danger of a catastrophic loss goes up exponentially. With that in mind, there are few ways to keep your family and business more protected during this endless summer.

Do not burn trash, leaves or brush outdoors.

When weather conditions produce the extreme threat of damage to life and property, the state can issue a burning ban to help reduce this risk. If the extreme weather persist the State can also place the area under a state of emergency that places stricter guidelines for burning and water usage. Debris burning can spark wild fires, as well as the fires that are intentionally started. Fire's spread fast in these types of conditions. So please heed the warnings.   

Create a Safety Zone.

Maintain a 30-foot or greater safety zone around your home that is clear of brush, tall grass, and other flammable vegetation. Fire moves more quickly up steep hills so extend that fire safety zone if your home is situated on a steep slope.

Do not Park on Grass. 

Do not park vehicles and other motorized equipment on dry grass or near shrubbery. Exhaust systems can far exceed the 500 degrees it takes to start a summer brush fire. If you need to pull off to the side of the road during a road trip, stay on the paved shoulder or find a nearby parking lot or rest stop.

Following these tips can help reduce the risk of a fire but in these conditions there is no full proof plan. We hope you never need us, but if do, SERVPRO of North Kanawha and Teays Valley has the manpower, experience and resources to make it like it never even happened.

Were Not In Kansas Anymore!

10/9/2019 (Permalink)

Large tornado after it has destroyed a tree.

When people think of areas that are prone to tornado's, the Appalachia is not the first place that may come to mind. The hills and mountains in our region generally protect us from the risk of these types of strong storms. The reason tornadoes are not as frequent, has to do with the fact that we have cooler, more stable air (which is not favorable for severe weather development) which is generally found at higher elevations. On June 24, 2019 the shocking reality of our vulnerability to these storms was exposed. Survey teams with the National Weather Service said the storm that moved through Kanawha County was an EF1 tornado that traveled for 11 miles leaving a path of destruction in its wake.

Tornadoes often strike with little or no warning. In areas that are not expecting them the warnings may not even be heeded. Just minutes before the storm in June fire departments sounded their area wide sirens. Many people were not aware of why the alarm had been raised, and in the following minutes havoc was reaped. Giant trees that have stood for hundreds of years we uprooted and tossed around like matchsticks. People who had lived in the area for their entire life were now witness to damage like they had never seen, even a few unfortunate victims suffered trees falling on their houses. Full-grown oaks trees can weigh as much as 50 tons and cause a tremendous amount of damage when they land on a roof. The physical damage that is caused by a tree fall is multiplied by the water damage that can ensue. 

If you become one of these unfortunate individuals whose home is impacted by extreme weather such as tornado's or other unexpected storms, SERVPRO of North Kanawha and Teays Valley are ready to descend on your property to mitigate these damages. The sooner help arrives the better chance you may have at reducing the chances of secondary damage. Calling SERVPRO at 304-755-9510 can be like clicking your heals and waking up from the nightmare.

Making it "Like it never even happened."

2019 Day of Caring

10/1/2019 (Permalink)

2019 United Way Day of Caring. The SERVPRO team partnered with the United Way to assist KISRA at their office.

For the last several years, SERVPRO of North Kanawha Valley and SERVPRO of Teays Valley has partnered with United Way in helping local non-profit organizations.  This Day of Caring helps in five separate counties around West Virginia and is one of the largest one-day volunteer events in the region.  Every year we are re-energized with the feeling of community and serving others as we volunteer and work within our abilities to help these organizations with up keep to their building. 

This year we were able to assist KISRA. KISRA programs offer areas of HEAL: Health, Employment, Asset Development, and Learning.  KISRA wants to work towards healing and strengthening families.  We were assigned with such tasks such as up keep to flower beds, painting, pressure washing and carpet cleaning.  When the day was done we were able to see how much they appreciated the hard work.   What a great feeling to give back to KISRA who give every day to help those whether less fortunate or just need extra help getting back on their feet. 

Per the United Way website The Day of Caring (https://www.unitedwaycwv.org/day-caring):

• Promotes the spirit & value of volunteerism
• Demonstrates the power & impact of United Way’s mission
• Generates positive community relationships
• Helps to develop contacts between volunteers, agencies & workplaces
• Gives each of us an opportunity to roll up our sleeves and work together to make a difference

We at SERVPRO couldn’t agree more with these ideas.  We are daily striving to help achieve success by giving to our customers to make sure their home or business is restored to preloss conditions.  We strive to give, whether it is by volunteer efforts or just in your everyday interactions with others.  Albert Einstein said “Only a life lived for others in worth living”.  What a great reminder for each of us.  Be on the look out to serve or volunteer today.  It will be a decision you won’t regret.  Please check out both the United Way of Central WV and KISRA's  website to see the programs they offer.  There just might be an opportunity for you to either refer someone you know or to volunteer yourself. 

https://www.unitedwaycwv.org/

https://www.kisra.org/

How to be Ready

9/27/2019 (Permalink)

Emergency Ready Plan folder

Catastrophic weather is nothing out of the ordinary anymore for us.  Recently the United States have been affected by many different types of disasters.  Flooding, fires, tornadoes, hurricanes, and blizzards threaten homes, businesses, and communities.  Statistically as many as 50% of businesses may not recover following a disaster, this is according to recent industry research.  The businesses that do survive a disaster the majority of these businesses were prepared and had a preparedness plan in place.

Pre-planning can serve as an additional insurance policy aimed at peace of mind.  By developing a SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action.  Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire can affect your business!

Preparation is an important component in making it through any size disaster, whether it’s a small water leak, a large fire, or flooding as we have recently experienced in Charleston, Sissionville, Saint Albans, and Cross Lanes, WV.  The best time for planning for such events is not when the disaster happens, but well before it happens it happens.  Contact your local SERVPRO of North Kanawha Valley Professionals to establish your Emergency Ready Program.

Emergency Ready Program

·   A no cost assessment of your facility.

(This means there is no need to allocate funds, giving you a great value at no cost.)

·   Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information.

(Having a quick reference of what to do, how to do it and who to call provides solutions in advance of an emergency so that during the emergency you are “Ready for whatever happens.”)

·   A concise profile document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.

(It will only take a little time to complete and will not take you away from current projects, but it will save a lot of time if ever needed.

·   A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.

(This can help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive by having an immediate plan of action.)

·   Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin.

           (This saves time so we can begin the work of mitigating the damage which can save you time and money.)

P.A.S.S.

7/3/2019 (Permalink)

Independence Day is here. That comes with the chances of fire hazards, accidents, and injuries resulting from putting those fires out.

Ask yourself these questions and check the following to ensure that you and your fire extinguisher are ready, in case something happens to goes wrong.

When is the last time you checked your fire extinguisher?

How old is it? You will find an expiration date at the bottom of the label. If it is more than ten years old, it should be replaced. The pressure could be gone or it simply could not work.

Check the gauge to be sure it is pointing to the green area on the gauge.

Does it have a UL listing on the label to verify that it is certified and ready to go?

After you have verified that your fire extinguisher is in working order make sure you know the location of your extinguisher in the home. Familiarize yourself with how to operate it as well.

To help you to remember, you can use the acronym P.A.S.S.

• P-Pull Pin

• A-Aim at the base of the fire

• S-Squeeze trigger

• S-Sweep from side to side

If there is more than one person in the home, have one call 911 and the other use the extinguisher.  A fire can quickly become unmanageable, it is important that you leave the house as soon as possible. 

TIP: Never add water to put out a grease fire. It could cause an explosion or make the fire even bigger. Try to smother with a lid, pizza pan or cookie sheet. Do not try to remove the pan from the stove. Turn the heat off and smother.

CELEBRATE OUR INDEPENDENCE BUT ABOVE ALL STAY SAFE.

Blog with a Twist

6/28/2019 (Permalink)

EF1 Tornado that impacted the Kanawha Valley on Monday June 24, 2019.

On the evening of June 24th, a tornado touched down in Kanawha County, West Virginia. With the tornado came damaging winds and destruction to the affected areas. Thousands are still without power, including hundreds of business owners. Being prepared for a devastating storm like this one is key for a business owner. As someone in charge of not only the structure itself but all of the lives within the structure, a tornado warning should not be taken lightly.

You must know the warning signs of a tornado so that you can be sure you and your employees know what to expect, and how to best prepare. A tornado is a narrow and violently rotating cloud that is only easily visible if it has formed a condensation funnel. Debris and dust will swirl around under the cloud base. If a tornado warning has been issued in your area, you may hear a loud roar that does not fade as thunder would.

If you see the warning signs common with a tornado and a tornado warning has been issued, take heed to the warning and find shelter immediately. Get to the lowest level of the structure and find an interior room. Stay in the center of the room and stay away from doors, windows, and walls.

After a tornado affects the area your business is in, you may have to make your employees aware of hazards brought on by the storm. Be aware of any gas leaks, structural damage, or electrical dangers. Be sure that your employees know not to touch down power lines under any circumstances. Leave the electrical work to the professionals. Be careful around any sharp objects and use precaution when operating generators.

The best way to make sure your employees know how to react when a tornado touches down near you is to make and stick to an emergency plan. In addition to your Emergency Readiness Profile, create a step by step preparedness plan that goes over different scenarios and storm situations.

Here are a couple of great resources to refer to when preparing yourself and your business for a tornado disaster:

Click HERE for an article that discusses how to create a tornado preparedness plan for your business. 

Click HERE for helpful tips from the American Red Cross on tornado safety. 

DON'T WAIT!

6/28/2019 (Permalink)

Residential fire in Kanawha County.

A house fire can be one of the most challenging things to have to process.  No matter how big or small the fire damage may be, it is overwhelming.  It is important to contact a professional to handle your fire damage.  It is always our goal to try and save your belongings verses have to have them all replaced causing a tremendous amount of stress and cost.  There a number of things that can help minimize the stress, as well as the cost during the process of returning your home back to preloss conditions.  SERVPRO® of North Kanawha Valley and Teays Valley are here to help with a few helpful tips.

Saving Fire Damaged Possessions

Fire damaged property that may look like it needs to be replaced may actually be recoverable. SERVPRO® of North Kanawha Valley and Teays Valley can save many of your heirlooms. But act quickly. Prompt fire cleanup and restoration are important because the items found in your home—heirlooms, photos, collectibles, furniture, carpet, walls, drapes, and even ceilings—can absorb smoke. If too much time lapses between when the fire damage initially occurs and when fire cleanup occurs, the effects of smoke damage can last for months.

Time Can Cost You Many Possessions

The more time between the fire and restoration the more costs you incur and the fewer items you can restore. Depending on the extent of the fire damage, you may be able to save clothing, leather, books, photographs, kitchen items, furniture, and more.

Restored To Pre-Loss Condition

SERVPRO® of North Kanawha Valley and Teays Valley cleans and deodorizes restorable items, sometimes to preloss condition. So don’t throw anything out until you’re certain it must be replaced. By saving your property and you save money. Now that’s a win/win!

Call SERVPRO® of North Kanawha Valley and Teays Valley to discuss how we can help to get you back into your home as quickly as possible. Locally owned and operated in Nitro, WV we are able to help you with all of your Fire and Water restoration needs.  Whether you are in centrally in the Kanawha and Putnam county areas or in the neighboring counties.  We are here to help.  Call today 304-755-9510.

Misconceptions of renters insurance

6/27/2019 (Permalink)

https://closeyourdoor.org/

Misconceptions of fire damage in your rental home

Renting a single family home, apartment or condo may be the way that you personally choose your housing.  There are many perks that people really like about renting.  The biggest perk is that you are not typically responsible for the major incidents that may occur within those four walls like an electrical fire, busted frozen water pipe, roof leak, or even when that 15 year old furnace decides it has served its purpose.  While those are great perks, you still have the responsibility of your own personal property that may become damaged due to a number of issues that may arise while living in a home you personally do not own.  Many renters mistakenly assume that their landlord's homeowner's policy will cover them if disaster strikes.  I too felt that way at one point, until I ended up on the restoration side of the disaster.  I thought, well if the homeowner/condo owner neglected issues like water pipes, electrical and even the roof.  There is no way that their insurance wouldn't cover my personal property.  How in the world could I be responsible for something I had nothing to do with?  This was my personal theory until I began doing the work I do now.  

I truly didn’t have a full understanding of how important that renters insurance was until I was working an apartment complex fire.  The flames were contained to the one apartment, but that wasn't the biggest issue.  It was the smoke and soot that affected nearly 20 apartments throughout 7 floors.  The smoke and soot got into apartments on the other side of the building.  Here's the thing, one smoke particle is half the size of bacteria, 1/8 the size of a red blood cell neither one of those are visible to the naked eye.  Smoke and soot will find little pathways to follow holes around plumbing, and also find its way to your second floor or cooler parts of the home.  So essentially we had to pretest every apartment within that building.  A good majority of the condo renters didn't understand how they were going to have to pay for the smoke and soot cleanup within their apartments when it was a single condo that was the source of the smoke and soot.  

Unfortunately, that was the case for quite a few people within that complex.  They ended up having to attempt to clean their contents themselves, even when the owners of that condo were able to have their structure cleaned professionally.  The cleaning of smoke and soot can be very tedious and time consuming even for professionals like SERVPRO of North Kanawha Valley & Teays Valley.  Our technicians are trained and certified to identify and remediate smoke and soot properly.    

There are four types of soot: 

• Dry smoke residue: Powdery, dry small and non-smearing particles resulting from fires that burn quickly at a high heat
• Wet Smoke residue: Smearing, sticky and strong-smelling particles caused by fires that smolder at low temperatures, resulting in smoke webs that may be challenging to remove.
• Fuel oil soot: Dispersed by puff backs from furnaces
• Protein Residue: Very strong-smelling, but practically invisible residue that can ruin the color of varnish or paint. 

Renters insurance is typically covered for a small monthly premium, the average renter’s policy has a $20,000 - $25,000 worth of coverage for your contents.  There are even rider policies (Which is coverage for things that may be worth more than the per-item limit on your renter’s insurance policy).  The value of your personal contents can add up quickly.  The most important aspect of renters insurance is deciding whether to purchase replacement value or actual cost value coverage.  While renters insurance is important for smoke and soot, it also covers many other things.

• Fire, lighting
•  Windstorm, hail
• Explosions
• Riots
• Damage by aircraft
• Damage by vehicle (As long as it's not your own because you fell asleep in the driveway.)
• Damage from smoke
• Vandalism
• Theft
• Volcanic eruption (Hopefully not needed in the Kanawha and Putnam counties)
• Falling objects
• Weight of snow, ice, sleet
• Damage from steam- heating/water-heating appliances/systems
• Leakage or overflow from water or steam
•  Freezing of plumbing, heating, air conditioning
•  Short-circuit damage caused by electrical appliances.

Bottom line renters insurance is essential and relatively inexpensive so call you friendly insurance agent and get a

Give Me Closure

6/18/2019 (Permalink)

Fire in local restaurant in Charleston, WV

When you are dealing with grief, divorce, or any other loss in your life we have to sometimes search for closure. This closure involves healing and brings about the ability to move on in life. In most cases, people want closure in times of tragedy, but today we will look at a different kind of closure that nobody wants to experience.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 20% of all small businesses will close in their first year and about 50% of small businesses will close by their 5^th year.  Although there may be many different reasons for these businesses to close, you can be sure that it is not an easy thing to go through.

With the odds already stacked against a business being able to survive in normal circumstances, you throw an unexpected tragedy such as a fire, or water loss and you really up the odds for a permanent closure. It is estimated that over 50% of businesses that sustain a catastrophe will not recuperate from it.

That is why SERVPRO came up with its Emergency Ready Plan for businesses. Knowing as much as 50% of businesses close down following a disaster and with the businesses that do actually survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place we saw the need for pre-planning. Our “ERP” can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind by knowing you are "Ready for whatever happens." Having a SERVPRO “ERP” along with other contingency plans can speak trust to your clients and employees that in the event your business is affected by a disaster, they don’t necessarily have to be affected by it. You can get help quickly and start the recovery process faster.

Our Commercial Restoration Consultants are trained to look for potential safety issues at you Charleston, WV area business and will create an Emergency Readiness Plan with emergency contact information. We will even tag all of your properties main shutoffs as well as deliver an emergency escape plan for the building occupants. Our ERP only takes about 30 minutes of your time, but supplies many years of comfort in knowing you are ready if disaster ever strikes your business. The best part of SERVPRO’s ERP is that we offer it at absolutely no cost to you.

Reach out to us and schedule your complimentary Emergency Ready Plan today because we truly don’t want you to have to search for closure because of a closure.

All up in your grill about safety!

6/18/2019 (Permalink)

Back yard campfire

All Up in Your Grill About Safety

The crackling sound of a campfire, the smell of hot dogs on the grill, marshmallows turning into little fireballs on a skewer… all of these are things that make summer fantastic.  If you are planning on spending summer indulging in one of these classic activities, it is a good idea to be aware of campfire/grill safety. Whether you are using a propane grill, a charcoal grill or a campfire, there are some basic safety guidelines that the whole family should be educated on to protect themselves and their homes.

For the grillers (that’s you, dad):

1. If you are using a grill be sure that it isn’t defective in any way.
2. For propane, check the tank before use to make sure it isn’t damaged.
3. When using a charcoal grill, let the starter fluid soak into the coals for a minute before igniting them to allow the explosive vapors time to dissipate.
4. If you are grilling using an electric grill, never use lighter fluid or other combustible materials.
5. Do not use grills close to the house where it has the potential to catch the structure on fire

For all of the campers and s’mores connoisseurs out there, here are a few campfire safety tips that will help keep you, your families and our forests safe:

1. Never build a campfire somewhere that it could easily spread. Steer clear of areas with large amounts of dead leaves and dry brush
2. Do not keep flammables around the campfire. This includes lighter fluid and gasoline
3. Keep the campfire to a size that is easy to control. Do not build one so large that it will get out of hand and spread
4. Keep water or a shovel or both nearby so that the campfire can be extinguished if needed
5. Keep tents and sleeping bags a safe distance from the fire
6. Be sure that everyone at the campfire knows to stop, drop, and roll if an article of their clothing catches fire
7. Extinguish correctly when leaving the fire (here is a great resource that demonstrates how to properly extinguish a fire https://www.smokeybear.com/en/prevention-how-tos/campfire-safety/how-to-maintain-and-extinguish-your-campfire)

Rain, Hail and High Winds OH MY!

6/18/2019 (Permalink)

The Kanawha and Putnam counties have recently been ravished with storms.  Rain, Hail, High winds all a recipe for disaster for many home owners.  Preparation for our moody mother nature is key to help protect your home.  While you can’t control the weather, there’s still a lot you can do to protect your home and your family. Additionally, most of what we’ll discuss in this blog will also help protect your neighbors’ homes and property!

SERVPRO® of North Kanawha Valley & Teays Valley have a list of the basic outside upkeep on your home, may help prevent or minimize the damage done to your home during a storm in West Virginia. 

• Check for missing or damaged shingles, then get them replaced

When shingles are damaged, they are more likely to break free.  If the shingles are missing this will cause a gap and allow for wind to get under the singles causing more damage.

• Repair loose siding

The same rule as roofing apply to your siding as well.  Insure that the siding is not damaged or pulled loose, allowing for wind to damage the remainder of the siding.

• Keep your gutters clear

Ensure that your gutters are free-flowing and your downspouts are in a direction that will allow the water to flow away from the foundation.  If the water is not directed from the foundation, the water can cause water damage to the home and flooding.

• Adjust the flow of runoff water coming toward your house.

The best way to combat runoff water coming near or inside of your home is to dig a ditch, or drain to divert the water that is intruding your home.

• Keep your sump pump, pumping.

Checking your sump pump should be done on a pretty regular basis.  It is far too often that we get a call for sump pump failure.  Purchasing a secondary pump is additional reassurance that you can minimize basement or crawlspace damage during a storm if your primary sump pump stops working.

• Trim your tree’s frequently

Keeping your tree’s trimmed regularly helps keep the risk of having damaged done to your home's roof, siding and windows.

• Take a quick walk around your property.

This is primarily to clean up around your home of anything that could be potentially become projectiles.  Things like lawn furniture, tools, flower pots, trash cans, anything that can be lifted off of the ground

• Purchase a generator

Larger storms can cause serious outages leaving you without power anywhere from a few minutes to a few days.  The generator can be used so that you minimize the loss of food, keeping medications cold, there are a number of things that make it a good idea to have a generator.

Keep in mind that your home and the things inside of your home are replaceable.  Your family is not.  Creating a storm safety plan is essential and should be regularly reviewed and practiced with your family.  If you believe that your home may have still obtained damage during the storm, contact SERVPRO of North Kanawha Valley & Teays Valley to have your property assessed for storm damage.

It's Raining, It's Pouring.................

5/31/2019 (Permalink)

Recent heavy rain fall that caused homes and businesses in the Charleston and Teays Valley area to flood.

Water leaks within a home or business can seep into carpet, flooring, baseboards, and walls while moving throughout the structure.  SERVPRO of North Kanawha Valley and Teays Valley Franchise Professionals understand how disruptive water damages can be for a family. Water leaks in a business can not only disrupt the facility, but also can interrupt day to day business functions, which could possibly close the business and affect revenues. 

Timely mitigation is key to the restoration process.  Quick response time helps ensure that damage is contained and the restoration process begins promptly. This saves on the amount of damage, cost of claims, and assists in reducing losses from business interruption due to a loss.  Timely and proper water mitigation will also help keep mold from developing which could cause people to become ill!  SERVPRO® Professionals will be able to identify water regardless of where it hides. Your local SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals cover the Charleston and Teays Valley area's as well as the surrounding areas.  We offer 24-hour emergency response from our trained professionals to help make it "Like it never even happened."

            Leak Prevention Tips

•   Check roof for deterioration.  
•   Check gutters and downspouts.
•   Check basements and crawl spaces for moisture.
•   Check appliances in kitchens, break rooms, and cafeterias.
•   Check sinks and toilets in bathrooms.
•   Check HVAC for leaks and blockages. 

Roof damage is bad enough, but a roof not repaired can cause some serious issues.

5/31/2019 (Permalink)

In any type of weather there are lots of different issues that could cause damage to your home; Roof damage is one of those. Damage due to storms is the most typical, but there are several things that COULD cause the damage to your roof some being more visible than others.

It is always good practice to have your roof inspected every 10-12 years, unless there has been a specific issue that may have caused a reason to check it sooner such as a severe storm, hail, or some other sort of natural disaster. Unfortunately, when your roof becomes damaged it can lead to bigger issues that may ultimately cause water damage to the interior of your home.

Here we mention a few things to look for when you are inspecting your roof:

• Loose or missing shingles: this could be caused by high winds, improper installation, or simply wearing out over exposure to the elements through the years. Loose nails can also leave a hole in the shingle that water can find its way through as well.

• Poor installation of the flashing. "Flashing" is the metal that is placed in the sections where the roof meets the walls, or in the valleys. This must be installed properly to divert water from the roof.

• Gutters that are not placed with the right pitch, or that have seems that are not sealed properly can also cause water to back up and then overflow into the house causing water damage to ceilings and/or walls. Not having gutter guards to keep leaves and debris from collecting in the gutters can cause overflow of water that can result in damage to your roof and other areas of your home as well.

• Rotted fascia or soffit can also be an area that allows water to intrude. 

If you suspect that you may have roof damage causing water damage to your home please feel free to contact us at 304-755-9510 and we will be happy to assist you. SERVPRO® of North Kanawha Valley and Teays Valley can also supply emergency tarping and board up if the need may arise. 

 SERVPRO® of North Kanawha Valley and Teays Valley will be there for all of your home repairs or accidents. 

Different Hats

5/30/2019 (Permalink)

Different hats over the many years.

”Commercial buildings are not large houses!”

Your local SERVPRO franchise has 5 Commercial Drying Specialist on staff and this is one of the first things that our techs learn while attending the Institute Of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) class.

Drying and restoring commercial properties can be very complex and pose a multitude of situations not typically found in residential properties. Some of the differences between commercial and residential properties are obvious, such as size and use but others may not be as obvious like intricacies in HVAC systems, and complex electrical systems.

Other differences in commercial and residential structures that may concern a restorer would be things like public access, multiple stakeholders, construction materials & building codes, as well as the potential for increased safety issues in a commercial property.

Our certified Commercial Drying Specialist know the differences between commercial and residential properties and can “change hats” instantly when going from one to the other with very little effort. This ability to understand and adapt to these differences is one of the many things that help our restorers stand out in the restoration industry. It is also the reason that the majority of municipalities, utility companies, property management firms, healthcare facilities, and school systems in the area trust SERVPRO® Of North Kanawha Valley and Teays Valley for all their restoration and cleaning needs.

SERVPRO® of North Kanawha Valley and Teays Valley are also on the cutting edge of document drying science and have the ability to dry, clean, sanitize,digitize and restore documents once deemed unsalvageable a few years ago. This can save a business thousands of dollars and major headaches if these documents are irreplaceable. 

Another advantage SERVPRO® of North Kanawha Valley and Teays Valley has over other restoration companies is although our local franchise can produce most commercial jobs on our own, if we get a job that is beyond our local capabilities, we can have our Corporate Large Loss Division assist us with staff and equipment to handle any size disaster.

Knowing the differences between residential and commercial properties is very important in our industry and if a restorer does not understand those differences, it could lead to catastrophic results from safety issues, or much higher cost of a commercial project than is necessary. Trust your business to the Pro’s in the know, SERVPRO of North Kanawha Valley and Teays Valley. We are standing by 24/7/365 for ALL your restoration and cleaning needs.

ARE YOU READY?

5/16/2019 (Permalink)

ARE YOU READY?

Is Your Business Ready?

Disasters always seem to strike when you least expect it. Flooding, fires, tornadoes, hurricanes, and blizzards are a threat to your business. This is especially true if you are not prepared for a disaster when it strikes. Here is an unsettling statistic to think about: more than 40% of businesses never reopen following a disaster. Of the businesses that survive after a disaster, the majority of these businesses had a preparedness plan in place.

A disaster can bring your business to a halt. By developing a SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action.  Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can minimize how water and fire affect your business!

SERVPRO’s Emergency Readiness Profile is a “no cost to you” assessment of your facility which provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information. The Emergency Readiness Profile is conveniently available on the SERVPRO® Ready App and identifies the line of command that authorizes work to begin.

Join the multitude of businesses in our area that are better prepared for a disaster by using our Emergency Readiness Profile! Contact SERVPRO® of North Kanawha Valley & Teays Valley for more information.  304-755-9510

For information CLICK HERE

Kanawha Valley’s Mightiest Heroes

4/8/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO'S mightiest Heroes are Here to Help in Charleston,WV and the surrounding area.

You experience an awakening in the middle of the night by a strange loud sound. You jump out of bed to notice you are standing on a shocking amount of saturated carpet. You have now come to the unsettling conclusion that your water heater has sprung a leak. This will undoubtedly send you into quite a fury. Fortunately, all you have to do now is make the call for SERVPRO® to assemble the crew.  Most houses are not shielded from water or fire damage, nor do they have the eye of Agamotto to reverse time. However, SERVPRO® is always here to save the day. 

            When it comes to structural damage, we may not have Stark Industries technology; but, we do have the latest “state of the art” restorative equipment that the industry offers today.  Our inventory ranges anywhere from air movers and dehumidifiers, to air scrubbers and HVAC duct cleaning machines.  Whenever Thanos snaps in your home, we can clean the thick layer of dust out of your ductwork, registers, and fog a pleasant anti-microbial deodorizer through the cold air return. You will marvel at the job we have done. SERVPRO® technicians are equipped with custom manufactured restorative products, making SERVPRO® the guardians of everything you hold dear.

            Thanks to social media, yellow pages, word of mouth, etc. it does not take an interstellar pager to contact SERVPRO®. The Avengers of all things unclean are available 24/7/365 and are faster to any sized disaster. All our technicians have been thoroughly trained and are experienced to meet all your restoration needs. SERVPRO® conveniently has over 1,700 locations so you do not have to shrink down to the quantum realm in order to find us. Next time your home or business is exposed to a disaster, call SERVPRO® of North Kanawha Valley’s Mightiest Heroes.

Give Till it ......

2/21/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Helping with a rebuild for a well deserving Grandmother. This was a project withThe Religious Coalition For Community Renewal.

A lot of people like to quote Mother Teresa and tell you to “Give, but give till it hurts”. At SERVPRO, we lean more towards the advice of Dr. Dennis P Kimbro, PH.D. who said “Don’t give until it hurts, give until it feels good.”

One of the most important items that we task ourselves with is to give back to the community. Our faithful clients have helped transform us from that 2 bay garage in Pinch, WV with its 2 employees to the multiple location 25+ employee business it is today. SERVPRO of North Kanawha Valley would not be where it is today as an industry leader in the Charleston, WV area without the faithful partners that have entrusted us with their restoration and cleaning needs.

This brings us to the dilemma of how do we effectively give in a way that will have the most impact on the issues facing our community.

After a lot of research, we found several agencies that we felt have their finger on the pulse of the issues facing the people of our area.

The longest lasting relationship we have had over the years is with the Union Mission. The folks at Union Mission feed the less fortunate in 28 counties in West Virginia as well as help those in need with clothing and other essentials, that sometimes we take for granted, in 17 counties. Please visit them at http://unionmission.com/ to see what other good works they are doing.

The other agency that we have supported for many years is The United Way of Central WV. Through their efforts they are empowering kids at risk to graduate, they are helping single moms learn new job skills, providing dental care, making substance abuse treatment and recovery a reality. See more at http://www.unitedwaycwv.org/.

 The following is a list of other charitable organizations SERVPRO assists.

 American Cancer Society/ Relay for Life. Join our team at http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/?fr_id=92215&pg=team&team_id=2369508

 American Red Cross at: https://www.redcross.org/local/west-virginia.html

 Prestera Foundation at: http://www.prestera.org/about-us/our-history/

 This is just a sampling of some of the organizations we give to. We also help our local schools with various fundraisers, area non-profit dog rescue groups and shelters, as well as other various charities and organizations that may need assistance from time to time.

If so moved, we ask you to join us in helping our community be the best it can be and remember; give till it feels good.

Sign, Sign, Everywhere a Sign

2/19/2019 (Permalink)

Sign found in a flooded building during the 2016 West Virginia Floods.

No, this has nothing to do with the famous Five Man Electric Band song from the 70’s. We are not about protesting anything today. SERVPRO of North Kanawha Valley is all about protecting you from dangerous weather situations. Did you know that the National Weather Service has come up with a multitude of symbols/signs that give us advanced warning us dangerous weather related events?

Take a closer look at the NWS website to discover all the early warning symbols/signs at https://www.weather.gov/safety/ .

Since the start of the spring flood season in West Virginia is coming upon us next month we thought we would concentrate this blog on flood safety. We will cover the cleanup and restoration of flooded structures another day. Today we want to concentrate on the preparedness part of flooding because we know from years of experience that being prepared ahead of time will make recovery easier and less costly.

In 2016 the devastating West Virginia floods took over 20 lives and cost millions of dollars in damage. We know that not all of the deaths were avoidable, but some of the folks that perished could possibly be alive today if they had heeded the warnings that were issued. Some waited too late to evacuate, some tried to cross roadways that were covered with water, and some just thought it couldn’t happen to them since a rain event had not happened like this in over 100 years.

In its flood safety section https://www.weather.gov/safety/flood the NWS gives us some great information to help prevent disasters like the ones we saw in 2016. The WRN program has proven to be a life saver.

Please have a preparedness plan in place and follow it should flooding ever happen near you.

As always SERVPRO of North Kanawha Valley is here for you if your Charleston, WV home or business ever sustains flood damage.

Extraction Sucks

2/15/2019 (Permalink)

Production Team Leader Jason Vinyard extracting water in a local commercial building.

Lately we have been hearing stories of some restoration companies in our area not doing an initial extraction of standing water during a water damage.

They are telling the customer that that is what the drying equipment is for and it’s just a waste of time to suck the standing water out.

Although there are very rare cases, such as when a concrete floor has sufficient floor drains to carry off excess water where we would not have to extract, in most cases we will have to extract some water. One of the reasons I suspect that other companies do not want to do an initial extraction is cost. The drying equipment used on a water loss is usually the most expensive part of the restoration process and the longer it takes to dry the more money these said companies make. The water extraction step removes the majority of the water from your home or business. By performing a thorough water extraction, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals help reduce the drying time, thus saving you money on drying time as well as to help to prevent mold and other secondary water damage. Our highly trained technicians will begin the water removal process almost immediately upon arrival on a water loss using powerful pumps, truck-mounted vacuum units, or portable extraction machines to quickly remove hundreds or thousands of gallons of water from the properties we are restoring.

If you find yourself in need of a truly professional restoration company, call the professionals at SERVPRO of North Kanawha Valley. One of the reasons we are better is because we suck.

The Doctor Is In

2/13/2019 (Permalink)

Brittany Sutherland one of our production team doctors.

There are certain events that happen in our lives that call for people that are highly trained in their profession.

When we need a surgical procedure, especially one that could affect our lives forever, we want someone that has the education, experience, good reputation, compassion and is up on the latest technological advances in their field. What we do not want is a beginner or someone that does not keep up with the latest advancements in their area of expertise.  We also don’t want someone just in it for the money that doesn’t really care about us as a person. Also, if your surgeon does not come highly recommended then it’s a safe bet you need to look elsewhere.

The same goes for Restoration providers. We know that there are a ton of choices when it comes to picking a company to help you recover from a disaster in your home or business. We also know that just like surgeons, these vendors have different levels of education, experience, abilities/desires to keep up with the latest technology in the restoration industry, as well as various levels of care concerning their clients.

At SERVPRO of North Kanawha Valley we have the balance that should make us your preferred provider.

As we mentioned in our previous blog entitled “New Math”, we have assembled a team of professionals at SERVPRO that have many years of service and countless certifications as well as the hands-on experience you need when you are in need of critical care for your home and business. We handle every one of our customers with compassion and never try to drive up the prices. We come highly recommended as well; you can check out the testimony section of our website https://www.SERVPROnorthkanawhavalley.com/testimonials as well as our Google business, or yelp pages.

Next time your home or business has suffered an accident call on the Drs. of Restoration to make it all better. Oh, and by the way, our team of doctors make house calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year!

New Year, New You

1/2/2019 (Permalink)

With each New Year, many people make resolutions to better themselves or some part of their life.  This year, make a resolution to be READY.  No one ever plans for a disaster, but you can prepare for it.  The SERVPRO® Emergency READY profile (ERP) will help ensure you are “Ready for whatever happens” in the year to come.

Planning is the key to making it through any size disaster, whether it is a small water leak, a fire, or an area flood.  Having an emergency plan in place helps minimize the amount of time that it takes to get you back to preloss conditions.  The ERP (Emergency Readiness Plan) is a no-cost assessment to a comprehensive document containing critical information about your business, including emergency contacts, shut-off valve locations and priority areas.  It takes little time to complete the assessment, making it a great value that could save you time and money in the future.  The information is also provided to you by downloading a free app on your smart phone or tablet.  The SERVPRO® READY app, putting all of this vital information at your fingertips, anywhere you may be.  Call us today (304)343-6170 to set up an appointment to get you “Ready for whatever happens”.

Up,Up and away at the Yeager Airport Airshow

10/22/2018 (Permalink)

Loved seeing and interacting with Hercules and Greg of Fly Away Geese, the wildlife removal dogs at Yeager Airport!

What a great weekend SERVPRO had on October 13^th and 14^th at Yeager Airport in Charleston, WV for the Salute to Our Veterans and First Responder's Air Show!

SERVPRO of North Kanawha Valley was a sponsor this year of this amazing event that included demonstrations from The US Army Golden Knights parachute team, as well as various stunt planes like The Canadian Harvard Aerobatic Team that performed amazing feats for the crowds. One of the stars s of the show were the adorable dogs of Fly Away Geese that are used as wildlife removal animals at the airport; they gave several demonstrations of their abilities during the show. There were also many aircraft parked on the tarmac that the public could tour and learn the history of how these wonderful aircraft contributed to history as well one company that offered helicopter rides over the city and airport. Also there were several souvenir and food vendors on site for those that came hungry, or wanted a memento of their time at the show.

As a sponsor, SERVPRO of North Kanawha Valley was able to set up a display and promote our services to the general public and others who attended the event, but the main focus of our participation was to honor our Military personnel and First Responders. We gave out American Flag lapel pins and registered anyone in the Fire, Emt, Police, and military fields for custom knives. The general public was also included in a drawing for two $50.00 Rock City Cakes gift cards.

We hope that the opportunity presents itself to do this event next year as it was so much fun!

Rain, Rain Go Away!

5/29/2018 (Permalink)

Flood waters receding

It's spring and Mother Nature has a lot to say. Spring storms can cause a tremendous amount of damage to your home, in a small amount of time, but it is not only storms that caused that damage.  There are many reasons that water can cause damage to your home.  According to the institute of business and home safety, homes over 30 years old are three times more likely to have a major plumbing or drain problems.  Some studies have shown that 75% of water heaters also fail within the first 12 years.  While this study only covered homes over 30 years, new homes are not excluded from issues either.

                There are some signs to look for when examining your home or a home that you may be looking to purchase:

                Look up- Look for water spots forming on your ceiling they may look like small to large brown rings.  You can also press on these spots they will be soft to the touch. This is to see if they may be formed from a recent leak.

                Feel for soft spots- While we do this for spots in the ceiling, it is also important to watch for these on the floor as well. The floor may sag a little when you are walking to the shower or be soft around the base of the toilet.  This can happen not only in the bathroom, but anywhere within the house.  This could be from current or previous water damage the wet floor or subfloor could be wet and causing the floor to rot.

                Look for rust-  Rust on your hot water tank could indicate a small leak. It is suggested to flush your hot water tank and it will prevent sediment build up.

                Step Outside- After a good rain step outside and inspect the ground around your home.  Is your home landscaped for proper drainage or does the water gather around the base of your home?

                Inspecting your roof-  Inspection of your roof is very important, particularly after a heavy storm.  The combination of high winds, rain and sometimes hail could be detrimental to the life of your roof.  Watch for missing shingles, damaged flashing and pools of water.

                Smell- Odor caused by mold or mildew that could be linked to some kind of water damage inside your house that may have passed unnoticed or unintentionally mistreated.

                Once water damage has happened the clock starts ticking.  The water problem can quickly worsen, causing secondary damage like mold.  When your property has a water damage you don't have the luxury of waiting around to hope that it dries out on its own so call the professionals to get help.  Secondary damage can begin as early as 24 to 48 hours.  Mildew spores are everywhere, but need moisture and a food source to develop. That is just what your wet carpet and drywall offers.  So proper and timely treatment of the water damage is important.

                It is important to note that not all water damages are treated equally.  Each cause of origin has its own standards as far as treatment and coverage.  It is always important to contact your insurance company immediately for them to determine your policy for coverage.

Saving lives one home at a time.

5/29/2018 (Permalink)

readyrating.org

Saving Lives One Home at a Time

This fall, Red Cross volunteers and our partners will install 100,000 free smoke alarms in high risk neighborhoods nationwide. Sound the Alarm installation and fire safety events will take place in more than 100 communities across the country, providing a lifesaving service in our quest to reduce death and injury from home fires.

Every day, seven people die in home fires. Most, in homes that lack working smoke alarms. Sadly, children and the elderly disproportionately lose their lives. That’s why the Red Cross rallied an army of volunteers and launched our Home Fire Campaign in 2014. Since then, they've accomplished so much.

Each year, the Red Cross responds to nearly 64,000 disasters, the vast majority of which are home fires. So we set a goal to reduce fire-related deaths and injuries in the US by 25% by 2020.

If you or your companies are looking for a cause that you can be involved in and know that directly saves lives, I would suggest this one.  Join us as we "Sound The Alarm" with the American Red Cross.

Different Hats

4/27/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® hats through out the many years

”Commercial buildings are not large houses!”

Your local SERVPRO franchise has 5 Commercial Drying Specialist on staff and this is one of the first things that our techs learn while attending the Institute Of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) class.

Drying and restoring commercial properties can be very complex and pose a multitude of situations not typically found in residential properties. Some of the differences between commercial and residential properties are obvious, such as size and use but others may not be as obvious like intricacies in HVAC systems, and complex electrical systems.

Other differences in commercial and residential structures that may concern a restorer would be things like public access, multiple stakeholders, construction materials & building codes, as well as the potential for increased safety issues in a commercial property.

Our certified Commercial Drying Specialist know the differences between commercial and residential properties and can “change hats” instantly when going from one to the other with very little effort. This ability to understand and adapt to these differences is one of the many things that help our restorers stand out in the restoration industry. It is also the reason that the majority of municipalities, utility companies, property management firms, healthcare facilities, and school systems in the area trust SERVPRO® Of North Kanawha Valley and Teays Valley for all their restoration and cleaning needs.

SERVPRO® of North Kanawha Valley and Teays Valley are also on the cutting edge of document drying science and have the ability to dry, clean, sanitize,digitize and restore documents once deemed unsalvageable a few years ago. This can save a business thousands of dollars and major headaches if these documents are irreplaceable. 

Another advantage SERVPRO® of North Kanawha Valley and Teays Valley has over other restoration companies is although our local franchise can produce most commercial jobs on our own, if we get a job that is beyond our local capabilities, we can have our Corporate Large Loss Division assist us with staff and equipment to handle any size disaster.

Knowing the differences between residential and commercial properties is very important in our industry and if a restorer does not understand those differences, it could lead to catastrophic results from safety issues, or much higher cost of a commercial project than is necessary. Trust your business to the Pro’s in the know, SERVPRO of North Kanawha Valley and Teays Valley. We are standing by 24/7/365 for ALL your restoration and cleaning needs.

Serving those who serve

4/24/2018 (Permalink)

Thank You to our veterans and their families for the sacrifices that are made.

Every once in a while, we get the chance to run into a previous customer. This time, just so happened to be at one of our most recent continuing education classes. On this day while we were waiting for the instructor to start the second of two classes, a conversation was started about the military because several of the participants in the class were prior service veterans. Afterwards, when we were caught up in our conversations a gentleman began telling a tale about when he was called back to duty after 9/11, and how his household was hit with a catastrophe and need our assistance. Before being able to really tell his whole story the class started and cut his story short. Just the next day after returning to the office, we received and email finishing his story.

So we would like to share his story with you:

As always it was a phenomenal experience having your team provide us with our required ethics course. They represented SERVPRO extraordinarily well, much like my personal experience when I suffered a basement water loss in my own residence.

While I was retiring from an honorable career of military service, the Trade Center tragedy occurred and caused the services to reach out and return many of us back to active duty (Stop Loss). Having just retired and moved my family and belongings to our new home in Dunbar, West Virginia, I shrugged my shoulders and returned to service as ordered. No one knew when the Stop Loss would end. Two and a half years later, I was able to finally enter retirement and rejoin my family. Being away from home was what my particular service specialty became used to. Even the capability for others to help take care of my family’s needs while I’m away was something the military installations did well. In this rare Stop Loss condition, there was no one in the civilian world that we could count on, with the exception of a hand full of elderly family members.

About two or three months after leaving the family in Dunbar to once again deploy to the desert, my wife was able to contact me and our insurance agent, who recommended SERVPRO® of North Kanawha Valley and Teays Valley to remediate the flooded basement. Today we still tell everyone we know about our SERVPRO® of North Kanawha Valley and Teays Valley experience and try to provide your contact information. I was impressed, through my wife’s reports while I was deployed, that SERVPRO attacked the job like a well-oiled military machine. She explained that the entire team was friendly, supportive and they all appeared to know their roles and set out to ensure they saved our basement from further damage. One of SERVPRO’s technicians found the water heater pop off valve stuck in the drywall about eight feet away. It must have been quite the explosion by the brand new water heater that had been installed. Fortunately, no one was injured, and SERVPRO worked to get the water damage under control in just a few hours. It’s important to note that SERVPRO worked directly with our homeowner's insurance carrier to ensure our residence was once again made functional for our family to enjoy. My remaining family never had to go to a hotel or stay with another family member due to SERVPRO’s immediate responsiveness. They live up to their slogan, Like it never even happened®. You could tell their work ethic and customer centric culture means you can rely on them to walk the walk and talk the talk. The Cooper family cannot thank you enough or say enough about how satisfied we were that you had our backs!

Cooper Family

If roof damage isn't bad enough, the secondary damage can sometimes be worse.

4/19/2018 (Permalink)

Roof Damage

In any type of weather there are lots of different issues that could cause damage to your home; Roof damage is one of those. Damage due to storms is the most typical, but there are several things that COULD cause the damage to your roof some being more visible than others.

It is always good practice to have your roof inspected every 10-12 years, unless there has been a specific issue that may have caused a reason to check it sooner such as a severe storm, hail, or some other sort of natural disaster. Unfortunately, when your roof becomes damaged it can lead to bigger issues that may ultimately cause water damage to the interior of your home.

Here we mention a few things to look for when you are inspecting your roof:

• Loose or missing shingles: this could be caused by high winds, improper installation, or simply wearing out over exposure to the elements through the years. Loose nails can also leave a hole in the shingle that water can find its way through as well.

• Poor installation of the flashing. "Flashing" is the metal that is placed in the sections where the roof meets the walls, or in the valleys. This must be installed properly to divert water from the roof.

• Gutters that are not placed with the right pitch, or that have seems that are not sealed properly can also cause water to back up and then overflow into the house causing water damage to ceilings and/or walls. Not having gutter guards to keep leaves and debris from collecting in the gutters can cause overflow of water that can result in damage to your roof and other areas of your home as well.

• Rotted fascia or soffit can also be an area that allows water to intrude. 

If you suspect that you may have roof damage causing water damage to your home please feel free to contact us at 304-755-9510 and we will be happy to assist you. SERVPRO of North Kanawha Valley and Teays Valley can also supply emergency tarping and board up if the need may arise. 

 SERVPRO of North Kanawha Valley and Teays Valley will be there for all of your home repairs or accidents.

Are your Ducts in a row....

3/28/2018 (Permalink)

Before and After duct cleaning

The Benefits of Cleaning Your HVAC System

There are many obvious benefits to cleaning just about anything, and that is especially true for the HVAC system in your home.  Many people overlook the importance of regular cleaning of their air ducts because it’s not particularly the first thing that they see every day, nor is it the surface they eat on. However, your HVAC system is probably the most used equipment in your home.  After all, it does have a lot to do with the quality of the air you breathe and the overall comfort of your home.

It’s simple, things get dirty over time.  Airborne particles, dust, dirt, allergens and chemicals are pulled through the HVAC system each day and as much as the filter works to retain most of these particles, some still make their way through the air ducts. Did you know that dirt and dust trapped in your HVAC system can be recirculated through your home 5-7 times a day? No wonder allergies aren’t getting any better.  

Why should you have your HVAC system cleaned?

Energy Savings

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 25 to 40 percent of the energy used for heating or cooling is wasted. Contaminants in the heating and cooling system cause it to work harder and shorten the life of your system. Although filters are used, the heating and cooling system still get dirty through normal use. When an HVAC system is clean, it doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain the temperature you desire. As a result, less energy is used, leading to improved cost-effectiveness. 

View NADCA's White Paper on Restoring Energy Efficiency Through HVAC Air Distribution System Cleaning

Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality is one concern that building managers and building inhabitants have when they decide to investigate HVAC system. Normal occupation in a building, we generate a great deal of contaminants and air pollutants, such as dander, dust, and chemicals. Contaminants then pulled into the HVAC system and re-circulated 5 to 7 times per day, on average. Over time, this re-circulation causes a build-up of contaminants in the ductwork.

While a contaminated HVAC system doesn't necessarily mean unhealthy air, the situation may be contributing to larger health issues or harboring contaminants that could cause serious problems for people with respiratory health conditions, autoimmune disorders or some environmental allergies.

A good tip to remember is to check your filter at least once a month. This way you can determine the level of dirtiness, especially during months of heavy use. An unchanged, dirty filter slows down your HVAC system and makes it work harder to ventilate air through your home. This not only wastes household energy and causes higher utility bills, but can lead to decreased air quality filled with allergens or micro bacterial agents and can ultimately cause damage and repairs or system failure.

It’s also important to note that filters can only go so far, they do not catch everything. Ducts harbor and collect dust and allergens that air filters cannot deter. To prevent build-up over time, it’s no secret that HVAC systems and ducts need to be kept clean. It is important to regularly schedule an HVAC system cleaning. SERVPRO of North Kanawha Valley is here to help. Please give us a call today to schedule your free estimate for HVAC cleaning. 304-755-9510.

Residential HVAC cleaning at SERVPRO starts at $399.00 for a three bedroom, one HVAC unit per household. There will be additional charges for an increase in bedrooms and units.

For Commercial owners please contact our office for an estimate.

"You eyes can deceive you. Do not trust them" - Obi-Wan Kenobi

12/13/2017 (Permalink)

May the force be with you when you choose a restoration vendor in Charleston, WV

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away……….

Ok, we know this is a shameless ploy to play upon the release of the latest Star Wars film opening soon in a theater near you, but we just couldn’t help ourselves.

We all love these fantastic voyages into deep space where we can check out of reality for a bit and imagine we have Jedi powers to save the World. We can relate these classic and revered movies to real life, so that’s what we are going to do.

Using only quotes from the Star Wars saga, we will explain the difference between SERVPRO of North Kanawha Valley and our competitors in the restoration industry.

1.“Do, or do not, there is no try”- Yoda

  With SERVPRO handling your disaster   situation in the Charleston, WV area you will never have to worry about us giving you the best service possible. Our highly trained technicians will never have to make a guess when it comes to the proper way to handle the cleanup and restoration of your project.

 2. “I’ll not leave you here: I’ve got to save you!” – Luke Skywalker

  This is the attitude of every one of our technicians as they tackle the task of getting your emergency under control, no matter what time of day or night. We will always be there for you 24/7/365!

3.“We shall double our efforts !” – MOFF Jerjerrod

  SERVPRO will always go the extra mile for our customers; if it means we have to call in reinforcements from one of our trusted SERVPRO Large Loss Recovery teams, then that’s what we will do. No loss is too large for us.  

 4.“Train yourself to let go of everything you fear to lose.” – Yoda

  With SERVPRO’s “Restore vs Replace” philosophy, we can keep the cost down on our projects by “saving” your property and contents by following very specific procedures in our restoration processes. These ideals keep us from having to perform excessive amounts of demo to the structure. Also, with the advances in technology in our field, we are able to restore content items that would have once been considered non-restorable a few years back. 

5.“Great kid. Don’t get cocky.” – Han Solo

  We do occasionally make mistakes, but unlike some of our competitors, we own up to our miscues and diligently correct any issues in order to restore your confidence in us. 

6.“You will know when you are calm, at peace, passive. A Jedi uses the Force for knowledge and defense, never for attack. “ – YODA

  We always strive to leave you cool, calm, and collected when we restore your home or business. This can be a very stressful time for you, but with our help, you can have the peace that comes with knowing you have someone that truly has YOUR best interest in mind.

 7.“You do have your moments. Not many, but you do have them. “ – Princess Leia

  It is not our practice to run down our competition, but the following has been just too much fun for us to pass up. To be honest, there may be one or two restorers that we might recommend if it was a situation in which we could, for some crazy reason, not be able to respond.

 8.“I wouldn’t be nice to you; it doesn’t pay much.” – Han Solo

  Some companies in our field are only worried about landing the “big one”. They won’t bother themselves with “smaller jobs” that may not pay them what they think they are worth. This pious attitude is not found in our organization. We care about every disaster no matter what size it is or how much it pays.

 9.“It’s not my fault.” – Han solo

  You may hear this from another company, but never from us. As we stated earlier, we do make mistakes, but we try everything possible to resolve them.

 10.“Mind tricks don’t work on me.” – Watto

  Some contractors may try to run up the cost of a claim by doing what we call “upselling a job”. These companies spend so much time trying to find other ways to take your hard earned cash that it clouds their vision of why they are there in the first place. We will always be upfront with you and NEVER try to get more out of you, or your insurance carrier, than is applicable to your emergency.

 11.“It’s a trap! “ – Admiral Ackbar

  Some contractors will also try to tell you that you HAVE to use them because they are on a specific insurance companies provider list. This is NOT true! It is the homeowner, or business owner’s choice of who they use as their trusted vendor. SERVPRO is a trusted vendor for many insurance companies, municipalities, and corporations and we are able to service you no matter what insurance program you have. Don’t let others fool you by telling you that you MUST use their services.  

 12.“The ability to speak does not make you intelligent, now get out of here.” –Qui-Gon Jinn

  Any company can spout restoration rhetoric; however, it takes a highly trained and certified technician to perform cleanup and restoration properly. All of our leaders are certified through The IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification). They also go through extensive SERVPRO continuing education and training during their time with us. Our technicians can not only talk the talk, but they can walk the walk as well.

 13.“In my experience there is no such thing as luck.” – Obi-Wan Kenobi

   In conclusion, don’t take chances when it comes to your restoration project. Call the Pro’s at SERVPRO for an out of this World experience. You’ll be glad you joined forces with the most respected company in the restoration field.

Forensic Remediation

11/30/2017 (Permalink)

Forensic Remediation

Forensic remediation is a solemn but necessary practice in the field of restoration.  If you have ever had the misfortune to discover a deceased family member or loved one, you may not realize how important it is to inquire about forensic remediation services.  Forensic remediation can be necessary to restore a home back to preloss conditions.  The three main causes of forensic damage are suicide, homicide, and unassisted deaths.  An unassisted death occurs with someone expires and the body is not discovered for an extended period of time.  When a body sits for an excessive amount of time the advanced stages of decomposition sets in. Unassisted deaths are unfortunately common and more damage to the home can occur the longer a body is allowed to decompose. 

The biggest reason to have a professional company such as SERVPRO to perform this service is safety.  It cannot be stressed enough how important safety is when it comes to any environment that may deal with blood or other bodily fluids.  First and foremost blood is pathogenic.  What that means is any fresh blood has the possibility to make you sick.  SERVPRO technicians are donned in Tyvek suits, gloves, and full face shields.  Having the correct personal protection equipment is crucial when handling any materials affected with blood.  There are times when the bereaved enlist volunteers to help clean up the areas whom wear little or no protective gear and are subjecting themselves to a harmful environment.  During extreme cases, any illness obtained by volunteers could potentially hold the bereaved liable for damages.  When you hire SERVPRO, you needn’t worry about any such complications because SERVPRO educates their employees to be certified in all restorative fields, and each franchise carries various insurances necessary for the restoration field.

            Another main reason to outsource this line of work to the professionals at SERVPRO is to insure that you are receiving the most quality of service.  Certified technicians will understand what types of materials are salvageable or not depending on how affected the areas are.  When blood is pooled on the carpet it is not safe to clean and sanitize the area.  The most appropriate step to take is to remove the carpet and pad.  Once the carpet and pad has been removed the technicians will now address the sub floor.  The sub floor will be cleaned and sanitize with an E.P.A. registered disinfectant and sealed with an antimicrobial sealer.  There have been scenarios where the bereaved have tried to clean and sanitized porous materials such as carpet, but then have become sick in the future.  If porous materials are only lightly affected by splatter instead of being completely saturated they may be cleaned and sanitized.  However, in many instances of cleaning and sanitizing these lightly affected areas still leave an unsightly stain.

            After the damage has been assessed, and the areas properly mitigated any soiled materials are then bagged in bio hazard bags and properly discarded and hauled from the work site.  A side effect of the deceased can be the odor.  SERVPRO has several different pieces of equipment that are designed to handle many types of odors, especially odors that are protein base.  Once the technicians are completely finished the affected area is now safe for the bereaved and will allow them to mourn properly without the added stress.

2017 United Way Day of Caring

10/9/2017 (Permalink)

2017 Day of Caring rally for Kanawha/ Putnam County

On September 20, 2017, volunteers gathered to kick-off a day of giving – giving in the form of volunteer work. Day of Caring is the largest one-day volunteer event in the region that provides an opportunity for individuals and businesses to perform hands-on service projects with nonprofit agencies in our community. Volunteers come from the community, businesses, nonprofits, educational institutions, civic and service organizations, schools, and local and state governments. 

Volunteers sign up as individuals or teams to help local nonprofits that request help with their projects. Lisa Hudnall, the Day of Caring Coordinator for United Way of Central WV, said," Oftentimes people don't know where to help or how to get started volunteering, so we consider the Day of Caring a good way for people to connect with nonprofits and understand their needs. Plus, it's a great way to meet people, help others and have fun! "   

This year we had the opportunity to help a local Senior Citizen Center in Buffalo, WV.  The seniors as well as the director were overly ecstatic about the help that was being provided.   While we were there we were able to clean up the front of their building.  Clean and organize the third floor of their facility for them to have more storage. We also organize all of their garage bays while providing them with much needed storage shelves.  It was a very humbling moment when we finally finished up.  We were very thankful for the opportunity to be involved in this amazing day yet again this year and look forward to another great year of volunteering with the United Way of Central West Virginia.

It's a credo. A mission. A goal. A constant reminder that when we reach out a hand to one, we influence the condition of all. We build the strength of our neighborhoods. We bolster the health of our communities. And we change the lives of those who walk by us every day.

http://www.unitedwaycwv.org/index.html

The Love/Hate Relationship With Your Carpet!

9/27/2017 (Permalink)

Carpeting: A Love / Hate Relationship

Here's the thing about carpeting: the plush, dense fibers we love to feel underfoot (the Love part) are also really great at clinging to dust, dirt, smoke, pet odors, and whatever other grime comes through the door. (The Hate part)

Wayne Pauley with SERVPRO of North Kanawha Valley gives us a few tips.

"Don't clean your carpet on a humid day," he says, "You don't want it to take too long to dry." Extra moisture could cause mold and mildew, so open windows when your carpet is drying.

Before you deep clean with the machine, suck up loose dirt and debris with a thorough vacuuming. Otherwise, you might end up grinding dirt deeper into the fibers.

Give your carpet's dirtiest spots and spills attention first. "Pretreat the worst stains with a spotting solution," says Pauley. "Let it sit for the recommended length — it will need some time to work."

Pauley says you should have your carpets cleaned professionally at least once a year. A company like SERVPRO of North Kanawha Valley can do a great job on regular maintenance cleaning, because they are trained to do the more difficult deep cleaning like fire damage and soot.

"Regular vacuuming is your carpet's best friend "Dirt is gritty, and actually wears at the fibers." Vacuum at least once a week, and more often if you have pets, allergies, or lots of dirty-foot traffic. 

Most of us have busy lifestyles, so make it easy on yourself and call a real professional like SERVPRO of North Kanawha Valley!

The dirt behind mold.

9/6/2017 (Permalink)

It only takes 48 hours for mold spores to begin to spread.

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials

The mold remediation process depends on the amount of mold growth and the types of surfaces on which the mold appears. We’ll use antifungal and antimicrobial treatments to eliminate mold colonies and to help prevent new colonies from forming. It may be necessary to remove and dispose of mold-infested porous materials, like drywall and carpeting, to remediate heavy mold growth.

If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – (304)755-9510

Teaching your children to handle the unexpected

9/1/2017 (Permalink)

Handling the Unexpected

It's that time of the year again.  Our children are returning to school and we continue our daily life of work.  Sometimes things happen and our children are left to fend for themselves for part of the day and sometimes the entire day.  This can come with some hesitation as we allow our children to grow up and fend for themselves.  Rest assure the more that you prepare them for this phenomenon the better off you both will be. Latchkey-kids.com  gives a handy list of suggested things to do to prepare everyone for when this may happen...

Handling the Unexpected

You can feel more confident about your absence if your child learns some basic skills that might come in handy during an emergency. Organizations such as the American Red Cross offer courses in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in local places like schools, hospitals, and community centers.

Before being left home alone home alone, your child should be able to complete certain tasks and safety precautions, such as:

• knowing when and how to call 911 and what address information to give the dispatcher
• knowing how to work the home security system, if you have one, and what to do if the alarm is accidentally set off
• locking and unlocking doors
• working the phone/cell phone (in some areas, you have to dial 1 or the area code to dial out)
• turning lights off and on
• operating the microwave

Knowing what to do if:

• there's a small fire in the kitchen
• the smoke alarm goes off
• there's a tornado or other severe weather
• a stranger comes to the door
• someone calls for a parent who isn't home
• there's a power outage

Regularly discuss some emergency scenarios — ask what your child would do if, for example, he or she smelled smoke, a stranger knocked at the door, or someone called for you while you're gone.

http://www.latchkey-kids.com/latchkey-kids-age-limits.htm

Saving Lives One Home At A Time.

8/24/2017 (Permalink)

Saving Lives One Home at a Time

This fall, Red Cross volunteers and our partners will install 100,000 free smoke alarms in high risk neighborhoods nationwide. Sound the Alarm installation and fire safety events will take place in more than 100 communities across the country, providing a lifesaving service in our quest to reduce death and injury from home fires.

Every day, seven people die in home fires. Most, in homes that lack working smoke alarms. Sadly, children and the elderly disproportionately lose their lives. That’s why the Red Cross rallied an army of volunteers and launched our Home Fire Campaign in 2014. Since then, they've accomplished so much.

Each year, the Red Cross responds to nearly 64,000 disasters, the vast majority of which are home fires. So we set a goal to reduce fire-related deaths and injuries in the US by 25% by 2020.

If you or your companies are looking for a cause that you can be involved in and know that directly saves lives, I would suggest this one. Join us as we "Sound The Alarm" with the American Red Cross.

Why clean air ducts?

8/17/2017 (Permalink)

Before and After Duct Cleaning

Why Clean Air Ducts?

Answer: Because they get dirty!

In addition to normal accumulations of dust and dirt found in all homes with air ducts, there are several other factors that can increase the need for regular HVAC system cleaning:

• pets
• occupants with allergies or asthma
• cigarette or cigar smoke
• water contamination or damage to the home or HVAC system
• home renovation or remodeling projects

Some occupants are more sensitive to these contaminants than others. Allergy and asthma sufferers, as well as young children and the elderly tend to be more susceptible to the types of poor indoor air quality that air duct cleaning can help address.

Top Benefits of HVAC Cleaning

NADCA’s rule of thumb for consumers is that “if your air ducts look dirty, they probably are,” and that dirty HVAC systems should be inspected by a reputable, certified HVAC professional. Below are some other reasons homeowners choose to have their air ducts cleaned.

Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality is one concern that homeowners have when they decide to investigate air duct cleaning. Your heating and cooling system are the lungs of your home. The system takes air in and breathes air out.

Through normal occupation in a home, we generate a great deal of contaminants and air pollutants, such as dander, dust, and chemicals. These contaminants are pulled into the HVAC system and re-circulated 5 to 7 times per day, on average. Over time, this re-circulation causes a build-up of contaminants in the duct work.

While dirty ducts don’t necessarily mean unhealthy air in your home, school or workplace, they may be contributing to larger health issues or harboring contaminants that could cause serious problems for people with respiratory health conditions, autoimmune disorders or some environmental allergies.

Energy Savings

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 25 to 40 percent of the energy used for heating or cooling a home is wasted. Contaminants in the heating and cooling system cause it to work harder and shorten the life of your system. Although filters are used, the heating and cooling system can still get dirty through normal use.

When an HVAC system is clean, it doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain the temperature you desire. As a result, less energy is used, leading to improved cost-effectiveness.

https://nadca.com/homeowners/why-clean-air-ducts

SERVPRO of North Kanawha Valley  Professionals routinely inspects the heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit (HVAC).  Keeping them clean can extend the life of the equipment. This can in turn save you money and give you cleaner air to breathe.

However, duct cleaning is not always necessary. We will make recommendations about the best way to address any indoor air quality concerns. This can save you money and provide peace of mind for the health of your system.

Duct Cleaning Starting at $399.99 for up to a 3-bedroom home with one HVAC unit.

Each additional bedroom and each additional HVAC unit are $99.99.  For commercial property please contact our office.

For more information on HVAC and air duct cleaning, call us today,(304)755-9510

Emergency Preparedness In Charleston, WV

6/22/2017 (Permalink)

Frogs in Charleston, WV

Procrastination is a huge issue these days.

The world we live in is full of so many distractions that keep us from doing what we know needs to be done. Social media as well as other forms of entertainment steal much of our time. We are constantly putting things off that need our attention.

We have all heard the famous Philip Stanhope quote; “Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today”, but most of us LIVE by Mark Twain’s quote: “Never put off till tomorrow what you can do the day after tomorrow”.

Preparing for an emergency is one thing we never want to put off.

Do you check your smoke alarms regularly to make sure they are working properly? Do you know important phone numbers without counting on your smart phone? How about an emergency plan; do you have one in place? 

SERVPRO of North Kanawha Valley can help you get prepared NOW!

Our Emergency Ready Plan (ERP) can keep you prepared in the event of an emergency. You will have all the important information you need all in one convenient place. Things like phone numbers, locations of shut-offs for utilities, hazardous material list and locations and so much more.

The ERP is available as an App, desktop version and even can be printed and kept in a secure location off site to be accessed when electronics are not working properly. https://ready.SERVPRO.com/

The best thing about our ERP is that we create it at absolutely no charge to you.

As our Dads would say back in the day; “So, what are you waiting for, Christmas?”

Call 304-755-9510 to schedule your Emergency Ready Plan today.

If you struggle with procrastination, then check out Andy Molinsky’s article on LinkedIn; 5 Simple Tips That Can Help even the worst Procrastinator. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/5-simple-tips-can-help-even-worst-procrastinators-andy-molinsky

Summer Grilling Safety Tips for Charleston, WV

5/8/2017 (Permalink)

Grill Safety to consider when breaking out your inner backyard culinary skills.

June and July are peak months for summer grilling fires.  The Memorial Day weekend is approaching quickly, it’s time to dust off the grills and let the inner backyard culinary skills to work.  As exciting as it is to break out the grill for the official start of the summer season right, we have to always consider the safety that needs to be taken when preparing to light up the grill.

NFPA (National Fire Protection Agency) says that the U.S. fire department responded to an average of 8,900 home fire that involved the use of grills, hibachis, or barbecues per year.  These 8,900 fires caused annual averages of 10 civilian deaths, 160 injuries, and $118 million in direct property damage. Almost all the losses resulted from structure fires. The leading causes of grill fires were a failure to properly cleaning of the grill, placement of the grill because it was placed to close to a structure, and leaving the grill unattended. Five out of six (83%) of grills involved in home fires were fueled by gas while 13% used other sources of fuel.

Precautions to take while grilling

Propane:

• Stay alert when grilling. Avoid grilling when you are tired or have consumed too much alcohol.
• Do Not leave your grill unattended.
• Keep the grill in a place that is free from flammable items and away from porch rails, and low lying branches.
• Keep children and pets as far away from the grill as possible
• Check the gas tank hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year.

NOTE: A light soap and water solution applied to the hose is a great way to check for leaks. You can often smell a propane leak, but propane will also release bubbles when the soap and water solution is applied. If you detect a leak, turn the gas tank and grill off. If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again. If the leak does not stop, call the fire department.

• Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before igniting.
• If you smell gas while cooking, immediately move away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not move the grill.
• If the flames go out for any reason, turn the grill and gas off and wait at least 15 minutes before re-lighting it.
• Keep your grill clean by regularly removing grease or fat buildup from the grates and trays below.

Charcoal grill safety tips to consider:

• If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquid to the flames.
• Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources.
• Electric charcoal starters do not use fire. Be sure to use an extension cord for outdoor use.
• When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container with a lid.

Resolve to be "READY" in 2017

12/14/2016 (Permalink)

     With New Year’s Eve rapidly approaching, now is the perfect time to think of resolutions. While resolutions typically involve committing to personal changes and reaching goals, the single most important resolution that both business and homeowners can make for 2017 is to “Resolve to be Ready.”

     Preparing in advance to deal with the unexpected can make a world of difference in how quickly and completely property owners can put the pieces of their lives back together.  Emergency readiness plans are the foundation for effective and timely emergency response.

     We would like to encourage all property owners, commercial or residential, to take advantage of the no-cost emergency planning tools available from FEMA, as well as SERVPRO’s Emergency READY Profile and READY Plan Mobile App.

       For homeowners:

• FEMA resources include guidelines for creating a Family Emergency Plan and Emergency Supply List, with additional tips for pet owners, seniors, people with disabilities, and even commuters.
• SERVPRO of North Kanawha Valley offers their free SERVPRO READY Plan App, which stores critical contact and property information electronically in advance, where it can be accessed with a mobile device in seconds if disaster strikes.

       For business owners:

• FEMA offers materials on topics ranging from creating a Business Continuity Plan to an Insurance Discussion Coverage Form in addition to guidelines for creating an Emergency Response Plan.
• SERVPRO of North Kanawha Valley offers a no-cost facility assessment and assistance in creating a comprehensive Emergency READY Profile^® (ERP). The ERP includes information about emergency contact numbers, priority and high/risk areas, shut-off valve locations and more that can be stored in the READY app.

      The time to gather and store information like emergency contact numbers; insurance contacts; and location of shut-offs, fire suppression system controls, and such is before an emergency strikes, not during an emergency.  Having this information at your fingertips can help emergency responders react as quickly and effectively as possible, helping to limit loss of property and even lives.

      SERVPRO of North Kanawha Valley specializes in disaster restoration, cleanup repair services, helping to remediate damage, making it “Like it never even happened,” for both commercial and residential customers. For more information on SERVPRO of Teays Valley the SERVPRO mobile app and the SERVPRO Emergency READY Program, please contact your local SERVPRO Restoration Consultants (Tim McDaniel @ 304-542-9257 / t.mcdaniel@SERVPRO9835.com or contact Jon Miller @ 304-610-8031 / j.miller@SERVPRO9835.com   ).

Holy Smoke! Charleston, WV

11/17/2016 (Permalink)

Cooking fires are on the rise during the holidays

The holidays are approaching and many families are finalizing plans for elaborate meals, get-togethers with friends, and decorating with festive lights. Amidst all this planning, SERVPRO of North Kanawha Valley reminds homeowners that they may be overlooking the most important plan they can make—a fire safety plan.

Each year, statistics1 show the incidence of home cooking and candle fires peaks during the holiday season. This tends to focus homeowners on fire prevention precautions—and that’s a good thing, But to truly protect your family from the dangers of a home fire, at the holidays and throughout the year, you need to start with a fire safety plan. Developing a fire safety plan and practicing it regularly with your family is the most important step you can take to help prevent a house fire from turning into a devastating tragedy.

SERVPRO is a national leader and provider of fire and water cleanup and restoration services, and their disaster response professionals know from experience how devastating a home fire can be. They also know that when fire causes a loss of life, there is no “remediation” possible. This is why SERVPRO has teamed up with the American Red Cross by supporting the ARC Disaster Responder2 program, and in particular the Home Fire Preparedness Campaign3. As a Disaster Responder, SERVPRO pledges dollars and support in advance to help the ARC develop and distribute educational materials and respond immediately when they are needed.

We at SERVPRO encourage all Charleston area homeowners to follow these fire safety guidelines, developed by the ARC through their Home Fire Preparedness Campaign, to help minimize injury or loss of life due to a residential fire.

1. Install the right number of smoke alarms4. Test them once a month and replace the batteries at least once a year.
2. Teach children what smoke alarms sound like5 and what to do when they hear one.
3. Ensure that all household members know two ways to escape6 from every room of your home and know the family meeting spot outside of your home.
4. Establish a family emergency communications plan and ensure all household members know who to contact if they cannot find one another.
5. Practice escaping from your home at least twice a year. Press the smoke alarm test button or yell “Fire” to alert everyone they must get out.
6. Make sure everyone knows how to call 9-1-1.
7. Teach household members to STOP, DROP and ROLL if their clothes should catch on fire.

Fire prevention and fire safety planning are two very different things. Fire prevention planning helps control or eliminate the causes of a fire. Fire safety planning helps prevent injury and loss of life when a fire does break out. To protect your family and your property, you need both.

For more fire prevention and fire safety tips and information about fire and water damage restoration services, please visit http://www.SERVPROnorthkanawhavalley.com/ .For more information on SERVPRO of North Kanawha Valley please contact us at 304-755-9510, or email us at office@SERVPRO9835.com

1 http://www.nfpa.org/public-education/by-topic/top-causes-of-fire/

2 http://www.redcross.org/donations/companies-and-foundations/giving-opportunities/SERVPRO

3 http://www.redcross.org/get-help/prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire/home-fire-preparedness

4 http://www.redcross.org/get-help/prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire/fire-safety-equipment#Smoke-Alarms

5 https://youtu.be/YH5YNkzl1dI

6http://www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m38640160_Home_Fire_Escape_Plan.pdf

The importance of renters Insurance for our Charleston, WV customers.

9/19/2016 (Permalink)

If there is a disaster that occurs at rented home, or apartment your contents are usually not covered unless you have a rental Insurance policy

In a World of economic unrest, it is not unusual for people to try to find ways to cut the cost of their monthly budget. It is also common for human beings to believe that nothing bad will happen to them and that disasters only happen to other people.This is a dangerous train of thought because we know from countless examples that disasters happen unexpectedly and can happen to anyone.

SERVPRO sees the results of this kind of thinking way too many times when it comes to rental property.

Some renters have the idea that nothing bad is going to happen, their stuff is not worth insuring, and hey, if a catastrophe does happen to come about, the landlord will take care of it.

Those ideas couldn’t be farther from the truth.

We at SERVPRO of North Kanawha Valley has been called by property managers all over the Charleston area to countless apartment fires, or water damages in rental properties only to have to tell the renter that their contents are not covered and they will either have to try to clean them themselves, or hire us to clean and restore them. When the renter realizes that a payment of as little as $15.00 a month for a renters insurance policy could have saved them thousands of dollars, it is not a pretty sight to see.

Please take a moment to check these common myths about renters insurance, so you can make an intelligent choice when it comes to protecting your valuables:

http://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/articles/2013/09/12/4-common-myths-about-renters-insurance

A Flood of Emotions During the WV Floods

9/2/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO was there before, during and after the Flooding to help our friends and neighbors.

A Flood of Emotions

The month of June 2016 was shaping up to be a typical summer month. The months of June and July are notorious for their lack of major weather related events in the Clendenin, WV area. We are always prepared for spring flooding, autumn tropical storm/Hurricane remnants, fall fires, and winter freezing that leads to frozen water pipes, but June and July are usually calm as far as the weather is concerned. When the severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides hit on June 22-29 our typical summer changed drastically.

SERVPRO of North Kanawha Valley has seen our fair share of disasters over our 26 years of serving the citizens of Kanawha and Putnam County, but this particular disaster was different and hit us hard, not only physically, but also took a toll on us emotionally, and mentally as well. We are not sure if it was because an event of this magnitude had not been seen in our area for 100’s of years, or if it was because it hit in our own backyard this time and we had personal relationships with so many people involved? Most likely it was a combination of both. No matter the reason for its effect on us, it was a rough couple of months.

Here’s the thing; if you’re not from West Virginia you may not understand this, but we are some of the strongest people when it comes to overcoming obstacles and this disaster was NOT going to get us down. After taking a deep breath, we rolled up our sleeves and got busy putting folks lives back together. SERVPRO was able to produce jobs of all sizes ranging from a small crawlspace to a county school system during this disaster, all while never missing an assignment from our regular customers. Here is just one example of the larger projects we are capable of doing. https://www.facebook.com/SERVPROofWV9835/photos/pcb.1105836399484149/1105829466151509/?type=3&theater

SERVPRO would not have been as successful in our endeavors during flood relief if it had not been for the wonderful agencies and volunteers that helped feed, clothe, and shelter all those people that had lost everything to the storm. These kind acts allowed the folks to concentrate on getting their homes and businesses restored without worrying about life’s essentials.

The flood recovery is not finished by any sense of the imagination. There are still folks that need assistance, and will need help for a while. Please be sure to give to a local charity that you can trust to distribute items and services to the proper people.

Here are some of our favorites:

http://www.unitedwaycwv.org/

http://unionmission.com/

http://www.redcross.org/local/west-virginia

If you find yourself in need of assistance you can call one of the agencies listed above, or check out this website for information on Governor Tomblin’s initiative “Rise West Virginia” at:

 http://wvflood.com/Pages/default.aspx

WE ARE: WV STRONG!

Home Grown in Charleston, WV

6/15/2016 (Permalink)

Home Grown Goodness

Gardening season is here and soon everyone will start enjoying the fruits of their labors. Growing your own fruit, vegetables, or herbs can bring about many positive effects in one’s life.
Things like: 
1. You get to pick the items you know, like, have grown before, and know does well in your local area.
2. You know where the products come from and have a better understanding of their benefits.
3. Home grown produce is healthier than imported products.
4. Save you money because you don't have to pay the price of imported products.
5. You usually share with friends and neighbors, so they can enjoy your bounty as well.

If you think about it, your local SERVPRO of North Kanawha Valley is a lot like home-grown produce:
1.  If you have an insurance claim you can pick someone you know, like, have used before, and that you can take confidence in knowing does well in your local community.
2. You know where your local independently owned and operated SERVPRO comes from. They live, work, worship, and play in the  North Kanawha Valley area, so you know they understand the people of West Virginia better than any out of state restoration vendor.
3. The health benefits of using your local SERVPRO is the peace of mind that it gives you knowing you've picked a company with over 25 years of continual service to our area.
4. We save you money because we are right here in your town and don't have to inflate our prices to cover the cost of running an office several states away like a lot of other restoration companies do. This also allows us to be "Faster to Any Size Disaster".
5. And lastly, when you see the many benefits you’re locally owned and operated SERVPRO can bring to you, you will want to share with your friends and family as well.

You may not know this, but one of our SERVPRO mottos is "Green Means Clean", so the next time you look at the wonderful produce from your garden you can think of this "corny" little analogy and know that it's not a "Tough Row to Hoe" when choosing a restoration company in your time of need............. Go with your local "Home Grown" SERVPRO

Employee Longevity in Charleston,WV

5/13/2016 (Permalink)

In today's society it is very difficult to find employees who are dedicated  to their employer. 

Does Your Business Have A Mold Problem?

5/2/2016 (Permalink)

Mold can spread through your business in as little as 48 hours

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a business. Therefore, SERVPRO® of North Kanawha Valley and Teays Valley mold remediation specialist will reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

If your business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – (304)755-9510

SERVPRO of N. Kanawha Valley/ Teays Valley - Area's Emergency Restoration Professionals

4/26/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO_catastrophic storm response_pic

SERVPRO of N. Kanawha Valley/ Teays Valley is locally owned and operated with over 25 years of experience in the Charleston, WV, Hurricane, WV, and surrounding areas.  We are available 24 hours 365 days to serve the community.  We have the ability to handle any emergency disaster no matter the size, promptly and professionally to help make it "Like it never even happened." 

Your local SERVPRO handles fire, smoke, soot damage restoration services, board up services, water damage mitigation services, catastrophic storm response, carpet cleaning services, deodorization  services, rug cleaning services, carpet and upholstery stain protection services, air duct/ HVAC cleaning services, cleaning services, mold removal/mitigation services, general contractor services, post construction clean up, vandalism, biohazard and crime scene clean up, and disaster repair services.

Forensic cleanup in Charleston WV and surrounding areas.

4/18/2016 (Permalink)

From the loss of a loved one to suicide, to an investigate homicide by police, or a welfare check by local fire departments and EMS,  SERVPRO is here to help.  Forensic cleanup is a specialty cleaning that only certified companies or individuals can handle.  SERVPRO of North Kanawha Valley has the capability and certification to handle any forensic cleanup that is needed.  Serving the Kanawha and Putnam counties and surrounding areas for over 25 years, we are a locally owned and operated company that you can count on. The Forensic and Biohazard types of work that we specialize in but are not limited to are …

• Homicide
• Suicide
• Putrefaction
• Luminal residue removal

As well as other various Biohazard and forensic cleanup.  With the experience you need and the quality of professionalism that you deserve during this personal and emotional time, we are here for you.

Many hats may be worn during this time to make sure that you as the customer are taking care of.  The process can be grueling and emotional from beginning to end, but we are here to make your disaster a little less painful. For more information, call SERVPRO of North Kanawha Valley 304-755-9510.

Whats that Smell?!

3/23/2016 (Permalink)

Removing rodent debris from ceiling tiles by Hepa-vacuuming.

SERVPRO is widely known for being the leader in Fire and Water Cleanup & Restoration in the Charleston,WV and  we are tops in our field for Mold Cleanup as well, but our capabilities reach so much further than those three areas of expertise.

Our local SERVPRO offers many other services that you may not be aware of. One of those services is deodorization.

Over our 25+ year history, we have been called in to eliminate foul odors in many homes and businesses. These deodorizations have included such things as the simple burnt popcorn smell, changing hotels and homes from “smoking" to "non- smoking”, eliminating pet odors, and even odors associated with deceased animals have been rectified by our trained professionals. We have many different processes we use to eliminate these types of odors, from ozone treatments, to duct cleaning, and in some severe cases, hepa-vacuuming and cleaning & deodorizing an entire home or business.

Sometimes we are called in to investigate a "mysterious smell" in order to determine exactly what is causing an odor.

SERVPRO has specialized equipment, such as moisture meters, scopes to look into wall cavities and ductwork, and even infrared technology that can be applied to investigate areas for deceased animals.

Just recently we have performed deodorizations in two different commercial properties from deceased rodents. At least one of these jobs included removing every ceiling tile in the building and cleaning and disinfecting the attic, while removing any nest, feces, and deceased rodents that we might have found.  Ceiling tile was then replaced and SERVPRO was able to clean and deodorize the entire building.

Deodorization is one of many areas we specialize in, so the next time you have a bad smell in your home, or business just give us a call, so we can "Make it Like it Never Even Happened"

Edward Jones and Home Builders Association of Greater Charleston Business After Hours

3/22/2016 (Permalink)

Business after hours_gazette_3_8_16

The South Charleston Chamber of Commerce held a Business After Hours event hosted by Edward Jones and the Home Builders Association of Greater Charleston on March 8.  SERVPRO of North Kanawha Valley/ Teays Valley WV are proud members of the SC Chamber as well as the Home Builders Association of Greater Charleston.  The above picture is from the Charleston gazette-mail from Sunday 20, 2016. 

Spring Cleaning

3/14/2016 (Permalink)

You may not be aware that we not only perform Water & Fire Cleanup & Restoration but we also perform normal day to day:

Contact your local SERVPRO of North Kanawha Valley SERVPRO of Teays Valley office at (304)755-9510 for more information.

Are You Ready? SERVPRO of Teays Valley/ North Kanawha Valley

3/7/2016 (Permalink)

Emergency Ready Plan

Recently the United States have been affected by many different types of disasters.  Flooding, fires, tornadoes, hurricanes, and blizzards threaten homes, businesses, and communities.  As many as 50% of businesses  may not recover following a disaster, according to recent industry research.  Of the businesses that survive following a disaster the majority of these businesses had a preparedness plan in place.

Pre-planning can serve as an additional insurance policy aimed at peace of mind.  By developing a SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action.  Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire can affect your business!

Preparation is an important component in making it through any size disaster, whether it’s a small water leak, a large fire, or flooding as we have recently experienced in Charleston, Sissionville, Saint Albans, and Cross Lanes, WV.  The best time for planning for such events is not when the disaster happens, but well before it happens it happens.  Contact your local SERVPRO of North Kanawha Valley/ Teays Valley Professionals to establish your Emergency Ready Program.

Emergency Ready Program

·   A no cost assessment of your facility.

(This means there is no need to allocate funds, giving you a great value at no cost.)

·   Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information.

(Having a quick reference of what to do, how to do it and who to call provides solutions in advance of an emergency so that during the emergency you are “Ready for whatever happens.”)

·   A concise profile document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.

(It will only take a little time to complete and will not take you away from current projects, but it will save a lot of time if ever needed.

·   A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.

(This can help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive by having an immediate plan of action.)

·   Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin.

(This saves time so we can begin the work of mitigating the damage which can save you time and money.)

Kanawha Valley Board of REALTORS 2016 Education Fair

2/16/2016 (Permalink)

Kanawha Valley Board of REALTORS 2016 Education Fair

                SERVPRO of North Kanawha Valley and Teays Valley will be at this year’s KVBR Education Fair, Wednesday, February 17, 2016. From timely response, large loss capabilities, to preparedness tools, we can make it like it never even happened! Just stop by and see us for all of your residential and commercial restoration questions.

For more information regarding the event times and details, please click on the link.

http://kvrealtors.net/events

Water Water Everywhere!

2/10/2016 (Permalink)

Busness_Commercial_job

Water leaks within a home or business can seep into carpet, flooring, baseboards, and walls while moving throughout the structure.  SERVPRO of North Kanawha Valley/ Teays Valley Franchise Professionals understand how disruptive water damages can be for a family. Water leaks in a business can not only disrupt the facility, but also can interrupt day to day business functions, which could possibly close the business and affect revenues. 

Timely mitigation is key to the restoration process.  Quick response time helps ensure that damage is contained and the restoration process begins promptly. This saves on the amount of damage, cost of claims, and assists in reducing losses from business interruption due to a loss.  Timely and proper water mitigation will also help keep mold from developing which could cause people to become ill!  SERVPRO Professionals will be able to identify water regardless of where it hides. Your local SERVPRO Franchise Professionals cover the Charleston, WV, and surrounding areas.  We offer 24-hour emergency response from our trained professionals to help make it "Like it never even happened."

            Leak Prevention Tips

•   Check roof for deterioration.  
•   Check gutters and downspouts.
•   Check basements and crawl spaces for moisture.
•   Check appliances in kitchens, break rooms, and cafeterias.
•   Check sinks and toilets in bathrooms.
•   Check HVAC for leaks and blockages. 

And The Beat Goes On in Charleston, WV

1/26/2016 (Permalink)

Commercial Water Loss in Charleston, WV

And the beat goes on…..

Winter Storm Jonas tried its best to shut us down, but was unsuccessful. SERVPRO of North Kanawha Valley and Teays Valley did not miss a beat as we battled 2 feet of snow this past weekend. As the snow kept falling, our phone kept ringing and our customers continued to get the service they have grown to expect. When we enter into a contract with a corporation, we take that relationship very seriously, so come snow, or high water we will make every effort to respond when our customers call. During winter storm Jonas we responded to 9 residential water losses, 2 house fires and 1 commercial water loss. If you are looking for a company that can take care of your cleaning and restoration needs in your home, or business in the Charleston, WV and surrounding areas, we are THE choice. SERVPRO can handle any loss no matter the size or complexity. SERVPRO of North Kanawha Valley and SERVPRO of Teays Valley has been locally owned and operated for over 25 years and we understand the issues that face our local community better than our out of state competitors. Let us be your vendor of choice when you experience a catastrophe and you won’t miss a beat either.

Putnam County Business of the Month

1/20/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Kanawha Valley and SERVPRO of Teays Valley has been recognized as Putnam County Business of the Month for January 2016. It is really rewarding to be acknowledged for our team’s hard work and endeavors.  Our goal is to go on to offer the best service and support possible to our customers and the local community.

SERVPRO of North Kanawha Valley and SERVPRO of Teays Valley provides cleanup and restoration services following a fire, water or even mold-related damage.  Additional services  offered include: cleaning and restoration of specialty items, such as HVAC duct systems; building exteriors; electronic equipment, including computers, and documents that have sustained water damage.

To view the full interview from the Putnam Chamber of Commerce, please click on the following link.  http://putnamchamber.org/

SERVPRO of Charleston WV Proud to be #1 in Restoration services!

1/12/2016 (Permalink)

2016 Franchise 500

The SERVPRO Franchise Company is proud to report that we have maintained the national #1 ranking position in restoration services for the 13^th consecutive year!  It is also very exciting that the SERVPRO Franchise Company has placed #4 overall in the 2016 Franchise 500 ranking in Entrepreneur magazine!  This is the 7^th consecutive year that SERVPRO has been in the magazine’s top 10 rankings, standing out in a group of more than 951 franchises that qualified for inclusion on the list.  Attached is the link to the Entrepreneur magazine 2016 Franchise 500 list.  http://www.entrepreneur.com/franchise500

SERVPRO founded in 1967 and is a leading provider of fire and water cleanup and restoration services and mold mitigation and remediation.  SERVPRO also provides professional carpet cleaning and air duct/ HVAC cleaning services.  There are more than 1,700 individually owned franchises in the United States and Canada that respond to property damage emergencies ranging from small individual disasters to multi-million dollar losses.  

2015 in the Kanawha Valley

1/4/2016 (Permalink)

2015 Christmas Day Flooding

As we look back on our year at SERVPRO, we are filled with thankfulness at the year we have had.  The year started off cold and blustery. This brought with it frozen water pipes and many water damages. As we end 2015 we are surrounded by many water emergencies from the recent Christmas flooding. In between all of these water issues we have seen our share of fire and mold remediation oppertunities. We couldn’t be more thankful that it was a successful year and that we were able to help people in their time of need. We are happy to be able to stand behind our motto, “Like it Never Even Happened.” Here’s to 2016 and all that it may bring.

Merry Christmas from SERVPRO To the Charleston, WV area

12/21/2015 (Permalink)

Blessed Christmas

The holiday season comes with its share of catastrophes, and we hope you don’t need us during this time to clean up from water damage, or fire damage, but rest assured we will be there to make It Like it Never Even Happened if you do.

Since we are a 24 hour, 365 day a year Disaster Restoration service provider, SERVPRO understands hustle and bustle.

This time of year every one of us can get caught up in the hectic-ness of the holiday season. We want to make sure everything we do is perfect; from the right gifts to buy the special people in our lives, the biggest and brightest decorations in the neighborhood, and even the most scrumptious food to serve at our holiday get-togethers. All this can add unnecessary stress to an already busy time.

We at SERVPRO would like to take a moment and ask you to slow down, take a deep breath, and concentrate on the important things this season. Take a moment to reflect on the things that truly matter; things like love of family, a roof over your head, and food on the table. Remember that true happiness does not come from things we acquire, but from the things that inspire.

Most of all we wish you a Very Merry Christmas and a blessed 2016.  May you and yours feel the love of Christmas that transforms lives.

Twas The Night Before Christmas

12/14/2015 (Permalink)

Holiday Fire Safety

http://www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m4340080_FireHolidayFactSheet.pdf"Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there. The children were nestled all snug in their beds, while visions of sugar plums danced in their heads…”

 We all know this classic holiday poem by Clement Clarke Moore, but did you know that the number of home fires the American Red Cross has responded to has risen 10% since 2000? With the holidays coming up, let SERVPRO and the American Red Cross help make sure you are prepared with these additional Holiday Home Fires Facts.

35th Annual Charleston, WV Christmas Parade

12/7/2015 (Permalink)

Merry Christmas from SERVPRO

Saturday, December 5^th was an exciting day for SERVPRO of North Kanawha Valley and SERVPRO of Teays Valley!  This was the first year that SERVPRO has participated in the City of Charleston, WV Christmas parade.  There was a huge turn-out at the parade, as the streets were filled with spectators.  Thank you for the large participation from both franchises.  We had about 15 employees and their families in attendance.  Our SERVPRO family had a lot of fun and was honored to be a participant in the 35^th annual parade!  We hope you have a safe and happy holiday season.

2015 Drumstick Dash

12/4/2015 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO Green Gobblers getting ready for run the Union Mission Drumstick Dash 5k!

It was our pleasure this year to once again be a co-sponsor for the Union Mission Drumstick Dash.  It is a great chance for our SERVPRO family to get out in the community and “shuffle our feet so others can eat.”  The opportunity to walk with one another and reflect on what we have been thankful for through life and business was a great reminder of how truly blessed we are to help those who are less fortunate.  We would like to say Happy Holiday’s from our SERVPRO family to yours! 

Charleston Area Medical Center Award

11/23/2015 (Permalink)

Working together for great customer service

 http://www.wvgazettemail.com/article/20151117/GZ01/151119531

Charleston Area Medical Center Official:

"Dear partners, I share with you the below information about a national award that CAMC has just received.  I share this with you because you too should feel proud of the quality services that you or your company provide to our organization."

 "Let's face it, if you are a vendor (partner) for CAMC, you or your company should celebrate in this achievement as well. Just as our organization provides outstanding quality service, we Expect the same thing from our partners. In many cases the services provided by our partners are constantly in the eye or judgement of the ultimate customer the patient. Just as we are recognized for our efforts and services, We would like to Thank You for the services that you or your company provide for our organization. I know that on some occasions we expect a great deal and even sometimes our expectations are really above the norm. This is why we were recognized for going the extra mile. It is our hope that your organization is better because of the partnership you have with CAMC and the requirements we have for the services provided."

Charleston, WV Apartment Building Fire

8/6/2015 (Permalink)

Sanctuary Apartments in Charleston, WV

http://www.wsaz.com/home/headlines/Nine-Families-Displaced-After-Charleston-Apartment-Fire-318579121.html

SERVPRO is actively cleaning and restoring these Charleston, WV apartments. Thankfully there were no injuries or fatalities thanks to the some quick thinking tenants and the fast response of local firefighters.

Towering Inferno Drill Charleston,WV

6/17/2015 (Permalink)

Firemen from Charleston and South Charleston responding to the Mock fire on the 11th floor; and yes they did have to take the stairs

SERVPRO of North Kanawha Valley and Teays Valley was honored to be a part of the Kanawha Putnam Emergency Planning Committee's High-rise Fire Drill on Saturday June 6, 2015.

The drill took place in Charleston, WV at the Columbia Gas Transmission Building with  the Charleston and South Charleston Fire Depts., Charleston Police, Kanawha County Ambulance, St. Francis and Thomas Hospitals, along with various other Putnam and Kanawha County agencies taking part.

The drill was created to see how well these various agencies would work together just as if a real  fire had been on the 11th floor of the building.

SERVPRO was part of the planning committee and was also on standby in case of any accidental water leaks from the fire hoses. Luckily there was very little leakage and we were able to clean it up fast 

Forensic Remediation

5/4/2015 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is adding Forensic Remediation to the services we offer in the Charleston, West Virginia area.

Foresic Remediation covers the areas that pertain to bloodborne pathogens such as crime scene, or death scene cleanup.

We are also certified in Arson/Vandalism, and crime scene residue cleanup as well.

Our certified employees will safely and effectively clean biohazardous substances and prepare waste for proper disposal according to OSHA, EPA and state and local health regulations.

2014 Drumstick Dash

1/5/2015 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO Green Gobblers 2014

SERVPRO was proud to be a part of the annual Union Mission Drumstick Dash on Thanksgiving morning.

The SERVPRO Green Gobblers braved the elements to "shuffle their feet, so others can eat".

This annual event has become one of the largest charity events in the Charleston, WV and Kanawha Valley area. 

SERVPRO turns 25!

1/5/2015 (Permalink)

25 Years of Serving Charleston,WV and the Kanawha Valley

SERVPRO of North Kanawha Valley & Teays Valley has been serving the Charleston, WV area for a quarter century this year.

We would like to thank our faithful customers for making us the most trusted Restoration Company in the Kanawha Valley.

8-22-2014 Huntington, WV storm

8/26/2014 (Permalink)

Standing flood waters in commercial building in Huntington, WV

SERVPRO spent most of this past weekend cleaning up several commercial properties in Huntington, WV. due to severe flooding.

It was "all hands on deck" for SERVPRO of N Kanawha Valley & Teays Valley on Friday as the calls for assistance started rolling in.

Our dedicated teams worked through the night helping to make the flooding, Like It Never Even Happened®.

16th Annual Smoke on the Water Chili cookoff

7/2/2014 (Permalink)

Kanawha Blvd Charleston, WV

SERVPRO of N. Kanawha Valley had a blast raising money for Hospice on Saturday June 21st in Charleston, WV at the Smoke on the Water Chili Cookoff.

https://www.facebook.com/SERVPROofWV9835/settings?tab=settings#!/photo.php?fbid=702001646534295&set=pcb.702002699867523&type=1&theater

Run For The Wall 2014

5/23/2014 (Permalink)

"All gave some, some gave all" - Thank You!

We have been so privileged to be able to participate as sponsors for the Run For the Wall motorcycle tribute when it rides in to Hurricane, WV. We had a great time providing a bike wash and helping the Star Touring 197 Bike Club in making this day the best it could be for those who were able to ride for those who cant.

Home and Garden Show, Charleston, WV 2014

4/23/2014 (Permalink)

Charleston, WV Home and Garden Show; Then and Now.

Things sure have changed over the years. This pic shows just how far SERVPRO of North Kanawha County has come.

The 1991 Home and Garden Show in Charleston, WV were very simple; with one banner, a brochure, or two, and a few, now antiquated, pieces of equipment.

In contrast, this years show was comprised of a multi-media presentation, thousands of give-away items, Literature on every service SERVPRO of North Kanawha County provides, with SERVPRO banners, table-skirts, and various other visually pleasing SERVPRO items inviting potential customers in to our booth.

West Virginia Construction and Design Expo

3/31/2014 (Permalink)

SERVPRO booth at the 2014 West Virginia Construction and Desing Expo

The 2014 West Virginia Constuction and Design Expo held in Charleston, WV March 26th & 27th was a huge success for SERVPRO of North Kanawha Valley. We were able to "Share the Best" with the gaints of contracting in our area as well as many PSD's, Municipalities, as well as some local businesses that could benefit from the services SERVPRO supplies.

Along with making new contacts, we had several former customers come by our booth and encourage us with their testimonies of how SERVPRO saved them in their time of need.

We can't wait to attend next year; plans are already in the works!

Local school-group visits SERVPRO

12/20/2013 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Kanawha Valley & Teays Valley was glad to help!

A group of students with Bible Center School in Charleston, WV, visited SERVPRO on a field trip to research cleanup and recovery from flooding. The kids are part of a robotics team that competes yearly in the First Lego League tournament (http://www.firstlegoleague.org/)

Here is a nice newspaper article about their team.

http://www.charlestondailymail.com/News/201312050147

SERVPRO Helps rescue mission in Charleston, WV

12/13/2013 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO "Green Gobblers"

SERVPRO of North Kanawha Valley & Teays Valley hooked up with Union Mission Ministries  http://unionmission.com/ as a race sponsor for thier 3rd annual Drumstick Dash.

The race is a 5k run/walk that takes place on Thanksgiving Morning. The race raises funds for the missions Christmas food distributions to needy folks in the Charleston, WV area.

Red Cross Blood Drive

8/27/2013 (Permalink)

SERVPRO and The American Red Cross; a winning combination.

The Red Cross surpassed their blood drive goal Friday night, and SERVPRO was able to pass out several cases of the co-branded safety tubes to participants.
The safety tubes consisted of an emergency light, a pouch of water, an emergency blanket, mask, and whistle.
SERVPRO was also able to educate the donors on the American Red Cross Ready Rating plan, and the SERVPRO Ready program.
Big thanks to all who attended!