Grease fires and what you need to know!

6/20/2023 (Permalink)

So, you’ve began to warm up the grease to fry some mouth watering French fries and all of a sudden the phone rings. The grease on the stove starts to overheat and smoke, and before you know it, the fryer catches on fire. What you do next to put out the grease fire is very important, so keep these tips in mind.

1. Turn the heat off, but don’t move the container of grease.
2. Don't pour water on a grease fire. Water could cause the grease to splash on other kitchen surfaces and possibly spread the flames.
3. Put a lid on it. Covering the container will hopefully smother the fire.
4. Call 911, if the fire has gotten out of control and get out of the building.
5. Dont use flour on a grease fire. Sometimes using baking soda can put out a SMALL grease fire, but flour should never be used.
6. Fire extinguisher should be the last resort, due to the risk of contaminating your kitchen.

Why choose us?

6/14/2023 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of Lenoir, Duplin and Jones Counties we often get the question of Why SERVPRO?  What is it that SERVPRO can do differently than all the other cleaning and restoration companies out there?  The answer to those questions always start the same way, with the list of all the training and certifications held by SERVPRO employees, the systematic process that are used to manage different projects, and the support provided by corporate and the SERVPRO network.  While those are all valuable assets, what truly sets SERVPRO of Lenoir, Duplin, and Jones Counties apart is the people.  Between the office manager, production manager and our production team, they average 18 years of experience just with SERVPRO.  This amount of experience provides them with all of the tools and knowledge necessary to handle projects of any type or size. 

Whether it's routine carpet cleaning or a large commercial water loss or fire damage, the crew at SERVPRO Lenoir, Duplin and Jones Counties has the experience to make it "Like it never even happened."

Are you hurricane ready?

6/14/2023 (Permalink)

Are you prepared in case a hurricane hits the Lenoir, Duplin and Jones County Area. SERVPRO of Lenoir, Duplin and Jones Counties hopes everyone is prepared, but in case you're not here are 8 tips to make sure you are ready.

1. Water. Be sure to buy enough bottled water to last your family several days. Each person normally needs at least a half-gallon per day.
2. Food. Store at least 3-5 days of non-perishable food such as peanut butter, tuna, canned beans, cereals, protein bars, dried fruits, etc.
3. Medications. Make sure you and other family members have your prescription medications on hand because the pharmacies may be out of stock for a couple of weeks after a storm.
4. Cooler. If the electricity does go out, be sure to keep a cooler on hand to make sure your food and medications are kept cold until the power returns.
5. Gasoline. Make sure at least one of your vehicles is filled with gas a day or 2 before the approaching storm is due to hit. Also, don't forget to fill your gas cans for your generator.
6. Flashlights, Batteries & Weather Radio. If your electricity does go out, make sure you have a flashlight for each person. Store enough batteries to power your necessities for at least 3 days. Also, a weather radio can prove to be a very valuable item that every family should have no mater where you live.
7. Disposable Items. Try to make sure you have things like paper plates, plastic utensils, diapers, paper towels and toilet paper, garbage bags, etc.

8. Comfort Items. To pass the time, make sure to have reading material, a deck of cards, board games, etc. Also, keep your kids comfort items close by. It's nice to have something to keep them busy and calm.

These are probably the most important tips to apply when preparing for a hurricane. We, here at SERVPRO of Lenoir, Duplin, and Jones Counties, hope none of this is ever needed.  This is information that will prove very useful if a hurricane should hit our area. 

Are you prepared for spring and summer storms?

3/24/2023 (Permalink)

Storms don’t wait for regular business hours to strike, that's why you need to call the professionals here at SERVPRO of Lenoir, Duplin & Jones Counties, who are available to you 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year.

We understand the process of helping you to put your life back together when a storm hits. Allow us here at SERVPRO of Lenoir, Duplin & Jones Counties to show you what several other family members have previously experienced-our willingness to help make your life normal again.

Advance planning for thunderstorms, lightning, tornadoes, and floods requires specific safety precautions. You can follow many of the same steps for all extreme weather events like keeping an emergency kit on hand. Some items to include are:

• A battery-operated flashlight, a battery-operated NOAA Weather Radio, and extra batteries for both
• An emergency evacuation or shelter plan including a map of your home and, for every type of severe weather emergency, routes to safety from each room
• A list of important personal information such as, 
  • telephone numbers of neighbors, family, and friends
  • insurance and property information
  • telephone numbers of utility companies
  • medical information
• According to the American Red Cross an emergency kit may include:
  • non-latex gloves
  • assortment of adhesive bandages
  • antibiotic ointment
  • sterile gauze pads in assorted sizes
  • absorbent compress dressings
  • tweezers
  • scissors
  • adhesive cloth tape
  • aspirin packets (81 mg each)
  • first aid instruction booklet 
• A 3–5 day supply of bottled water and nonperishable food
• Personal hygiene items
• Blankets or sleeping bags

We are hoping for a mild storm season but in the event you suffer a loss caused by storm damage, call us at (252)208-7888

What you need to know about sewage backups

4/4/2022 (Permalink)

Did you know that a sewage back up is considered a biohazard?

It usually begins with a gurgling... or a slow drain. If you notice either, your number may be up. When confined to a single drain, you probably don't have anything to worry about - break out the plunger or pull out that hair clump. But if the tub is backing up when the toilet's flushed, or the kitchen sink appears to drain straight to your basement, you could have a major problem. The sewer drain could be backing into your building drain.

Did you know...

• The most common causes of sewer backups are tree roots clogging pipes, FOG (Fats, Oils, and Grease) going down the drain, and connecting things like french drains, sump pump discharges, and other flood control systems to the sanitary sewer system (which is why such connections are usually not permitted). Blockages in main sewer lines can also be caused by soil settlement over time or collapsed pipes.
• "Flushable" wipes aren't so flushable: utilities around the country have found them to be the chief culprit in many a clogged main sewer drain. Trash them!
• Municipalities with combined sewage and storm water systems are at a higher risk of being inundated by severe rainfall, resulting in backups.

Sewage backups can put you in a messy situation but we can take care it quickly! If you suffer a sewage back up, call 252-208-7888 for a quick response and we will make it "Like it never even happened."

What is in your ducts?

4/4/2022 (Permalink)

How is your indoor air quality?

Have you ever stopped to consider the air that circulates inside your home? It travels from your furnace, through your ductwork, into your home’s air, and back through the cold air return system. On its journey, it accumulates all kinds of nasty stuff: dust, hair, allergens, pet dander, mold spores, you name it. If it’s airborne, it will eventually collect in your ductwork.

From there, it will get blown out into your home, making a dusty, dirty mess of your indoor air (you know, the stuff you breathe). The Benefits of Professional Air Duct Cleaning Purify Your Indoor Air. Getting rid of all the nasty particulate in your duct-work will help clean up the air inside your home.

SERVPRO of Lenoir, Duplin & Jones has a  comprehensive cleaning system that ensures every square inch of your duct-work is thoroughly cleaned, helping you breathe easy in your own home. Reduce Allergies. While the seasons determine the severity of most allergy issues, homes with congested ventilation can cause allergic reactions year round. Contaminants such as dust, mold spores, pet dander and dirt accumulate in your air ducts over time and are blown around into various rooms in your house, preventing the allergy sufferers in your home from ever experiencing total relief. Less Dusting. Getting rid of the dust in your indoor air means less dust on your furniture/pictures/counters/everywhere!

Who wouldn’t want to cut down on the tiresome chore of dusting? Improve Furnace Efficiency. Removing the dust, dirt, and debris from your HVAC system will help your furnace run better! Instead of heating the mess inside the vents, the heat generated by the furnace is more easily transferred through the ducts into your home’s air. As any homeowner will tell you, running a furnace is expensive! Don’t make your furnace work any harder than it needs to.

CALL US AT 252-208-7888 and get cleaner, healthier indoor air!

How does your home rate in preventing water damage?

3/20/2022 (Permalink)

Making sure that your yard is graded correctly is important

Certain factors which eliminate the potential for water damage should be a top priority whether you are shopping for a pre-existing home or property on which you plan to build your own home. Yard grading is a construction or landscaping technique that changes a property’s directional slope.

A pre-existing home that sits on land that slopes downward towards its foundation could be in for destruction after heavy rains, storms and melting snow. Changing the grade to slope away from its foundation effectively could eliminate these risks.

Yard grading around a pre-existing structure can be accomplished by clearing all landscaping within a five-foot area around the home’s perimeter. Low-lying spots or lawn dips could result in post-storm mud and  small pools of water. Fill the dips up with clean soil and use a compactor to tamp down the soil.

Another method some homeowners choose to employ is to install a dry creek bed straight up the middle of their land and fill it in with attractive river rocks. This bed-like feature draws runoff deep down into the earth, keeping above-ground outbuildings dry.

If you are considering designing your own home, it’s a lot cheaper to change the home's design than regrade the ground. Draw home plans with the structure on highest ground point. Try to leave at least six inches between the home’s perimeter and landscape plantings.

Some homeowners install gutter systems that are easy to maintain consistently or place river rocks around downspouts, so runoff doesn’t create sinkholes. Homeowners may choose to install double-pane windows or water resistant flooring. Central heat and air units with dehumidifying systems could also help. Area rugs made from natural fibers that are washable and furniture made of moisture repellent materials like bamboo could also prevent moisture build up. Be sure to insulate any plumbing against condensation and 
seal air ducts thoroughly, paying close attention to adjoining seams.
Once you have established a safe, water-tight home environment, you are ready to move into your new residence.

Clothes dryers, lint and what you need to know

3/14/2022 (Permalink)

Firefighters across the country respond to countless home fires caused by clothes dryers. A buildup of lint can cause a fire. In other words, not cleaning your dryer can be more of a threat of fire than an electrical malfunction.

Now, some dryers have indicators designed to alert you when lint has built up or blocked the vent. It is still good practice to check with your own eyes, for lint every time you use your dryer.

Below are three simple steps for laundry-room safety.

Clean The Lint Filter

Not once a month, or even once a week, remove lint from the dryer’s lint screen every time you use your dryer. It doesn’t matter if you do this before or after drying a load, but remove any lint from the screen at some point during each use. Not only does this help prevent a fire, but it also helps your laundry dry faster.

Replace the Accordion-Style Ducts

Most of the time, dryers are equipped with a 4-inch vent in the back, which homeowners or installers connect to the outside vent with a duct. But not all ducts are made the same.

If you have plastic or foil accordion-style duct connecting your dryer to the vent, it's a good idea to replace it.They are risky because they can sag, allowing lint to build up at low points. Also, the ridges on this type of duct can trap lint. Using a metal duct won’t sag, and lint is less likely to accumulate. Try using the shortest length possible.

Inspect Vent and Exhaust Duct Regularly

If you notice that your dryer takes longer than it used to, to dry clothes, that's a clue that there may be a blockage. Another clue is when you’re drying a load, go outside, and look at the dryer vent. Do you see or feel exhaust air? If not, the vent or exhaust duct is probably blocked with lint.

Try disconnecting the duct from the dryer, cleaning it out, and reconnecting the duct to the dryer and outside vent. Also, clean behind your dryer and underneath it because lint can build up there too.

SERVPRO of Lenoir, Duplin & Jones Counties would like for homeowners to use these simple tips to prevent a fire in your home. If you find a build up of lint in your dryer vent upon inspection, we can clean that too! Call 252-208-7888 and schedule an appointment!

Your attic and water damage-is it preventable!

3/14/2022 (Permalink)

Have you inspected your attic lately?

Water and moisture in an attic can cause major headaches and costly repairs. Also, mold can grow and contaminate your home's air quality, and water can even weaken its structure. Homeowners need to know what causes the moisture in their attic in order to stop water damage. The damage could come from a leaking roof, faulty insulation and/or ventilation or appliance failures. SERVPRO of Lenoir, Duplin & Jones Counties offer these helpful tips at how to reduce attic water damage: 

Look for Leaks in Your Attic-Check the insulation and wood for signs of water damage like mold or discoloration of the wood. Also, check around where the light fixtures are paced from above.

Ventilate Your Attic-Moisture in your attic space increases without the proper ventilation. Good attic ventilation is especially important in winter, because in winter, warm air rises, enters the attic, and then condenses on any cold surfaces of the attic. Condensation can’t be released unless your attic has the proper ventilation. Also, make sure any attic vents are open and not blocked by insulation or clutter.

Insulate Your Attic-The temperature levels in your attic are controlled by the insulation you use. In the winter months, the attic temperature should be five to ten degrees warmer than the outside temperature. The attic floor needs to be properly insulated so warm air from inside your house doesn’t enter the attic.

Vent Appliances to the Outside-A common mistake a lot of homeowners experience is improper ventilation of appliances. The clothes dryer, kitchen vents, and bathroom vents should always blow the air outside of the house and not in the attic.

Maintain Attic Appliances-One other thing to note is that appliances in your attic such as air conditioners, hot water heaters, and HVAC systems may fail and cause water damage. Remember to periodically check these appliances for wear and tear and loose connections.

Storm Damage Clean Up Tips

1/14/2022 (Permalink)

The rain has finally stopped falling and the wind has finally died down. The storm finally may be finally over, but the mess it left behind remains.

Here at SERVPRO of Lenoir, Duplin, & Jones Counties, we want to help your landscape recover after a big storm and have it in tip-top shape again.

Before you head outside to clean up the mess, make sure there are no downed power lines or trees leaning on power lines.

1. Inspect trees. After storms pass, your trees may be unsafe–especially if you see large fallen branches, a split tree trunk, or a broken tree top.
2. Pick up small twigs, leaves and debris.  When all is dry, branches make excellent firewood. As for the leaves, compost them and work them into the soil to improve it.
3. Clean up smaller branches. If you have examined your tree, and only a few small branches were damaged, you can likely do it yourself. For branches less than 2” in diameter you should be able be able to reach it from the ground without a ladder. If that’s the case, then grab your tree trimming tools and get busy. 
4. Fix puddles of water on the lawn. If you often spot a small pool in the yard after storms, you’ve got a problem with water runoff in that area. Or if it’s a larger puddle each time, consider filling in the depression or redirecting the water flow. You could also plant shrubs that love water, so they can help soak up the water in that area.
5. Help your trees recover.  Throughout the year help keep your trees healthy. Healthy trees are less likely to have deadwood break off during storms.

We at SERVPRO of Lenoir, Duplin, & Jones Counties hope you can use these tips to help make your yard safe again.