Recent Posts

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

12/27/2023 (Permalink)

Can you believe it's going to be 2024 in a few short days? We certainly can't.

Here at SERVPRO of Franklin, Vance, and Granville Counties, we would like to say thank you to our customers for a great year. We are grateful that in the face of disaster and times of stress, you put your trust in us to help you, and make it look like it never happened. We have stood with many of our customers through storm damages, fire damage, mold damage, and general repairs this year, and each job has allowed us to grow and learn as a company. 2023 has definitely been a memorable year, and we are looking forward to the new things to come in the new year. 

Please remember we are here to help 24/7 with all of your fire, water, mold, and biohazard needs. 

Thank you again for a great 2023, and best wishes for a happy, and successful 2024! 

Don't get left in the cold, prepare your house now!

12/19/2023 (Permalink)

The days are short, and the temps are dropping. Are you prepared for what's to come? Check out these winter-proofing tips to ensure your house makes it safely through the snow! 

  1. Protect your pipes! Pipe bursts are never fun. They are costly to repair, and you risk even more associated costs with the potential of your household belongings being ruined. It's a simple process to install pipe insulation yourself. Make sure to insulate any exposed copper, or PVC water pipes. Use it under sinks, in attics, crawl spaces, and any exposed pipes along exterior walls. Pay close attention to any pipes in uninsulated rooms, and basements. 
  2. Make sure your attics and crawl spaces are insulated. Having proper insulation will ensure that heat stays where it belongs,and keeps cold weather out. 
  3. Furnace and chimney service! Fireplaces, chimneys, and heating equipment are leading causes of home fires. Annual service and inspections are important to stay on top of. 
  4. Storm windows! Remove all your screens and install glass storm windows. This will create a insulating layer of air between your windows and the cold air. 
  5. Repair loose roofing shingles. If you know you have loose, damaged, or missing shingles, have a licensed roofing contractor do an inspection and make any repairs prior to the first snow. Snow can weigh a lot, that pressure can cause more damage allowing water or moisture to leak into your home. 
  6. Gutters! Clogged gutters can cause water to back up and freeze once temps drop. Keep gutters clear and properly connected to ensure melting snow runs off your roof. 
  7. Trim your trees! A dead branch covered in snow can easily snap, putting people and property in jeopardy, causing thousands of dollars worth of damage. Call a reputable tree service, landscaper, or arborist to remove any dead or ailing limbs. 
  8. Secure outdoor water sources. Drain and store your hoses or sprinklers to eliminate the chance of freezing and bursting. Shut off the water supply to outdoor spigots and cover with a spigot cover. 

Take care of yourself and your home this winter season. If you find yourself in need of our services, we are available to you 24/7, 365.

Deep-fried Danger

11/1/2023 (Permalink)

It's hard to believe that we're only 3 weeks away from Turkey Day, but here we are. It's time to dust off those recipe books, make your lists, and start planning how you're going to cook your turkey. 

Here at SERVPRO Franklin, Vance, and Granville Counties, we HIGHLY recommend any method but frying. But we know a fried turkey is a delicious turkey, so we're here with some tips on how to stay safe if your bird will be taking the plunge. 

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) discourages the use of outdoor, gas-fueled turkey fryers, which can lead to devastating burns, destruction of property, and other injuries. Additionally, Underwriters Laboratories (UL), the organization that certifies safe products, does not certify these types of fryers with its UL label. 

Both organizations discourage the use of open-flame fryers due to the following:

  • Turkey fryers tip easily, spilling their contents, and causing oil to ignite.
  • Overfilling the fryer is common. The oil spills out of the pot when the turkey is placed in the fryer, engulfing the whole unit in flames.
  • With no thermostat controls, the oil is prone to overheating to the combustion point.
  • The handles and lid get extremely hot, which can cause severe burns.
  • Since the unit is designed for outdoor use, rain or snow can fall on the unit, splattering the oil and converting the water to scalding steam.

Despite these hazards, if you still plan on using a turkey fryer, please follow these safety guidelines:

  • Always use the fryer outdoors on a flat surface, safely away from structures, wooden decks, and covered patios. No matter what, DO NOT be tempted to use the fryer in a garage.
  • Have the correct kind of fire extinguisher nearby and ready to use.
  • To ensure you are using the right amount of oil, place a thawed turkey in the fry pot and add enough water to cover the bird by ½". Remove the turkey and mark the water level. Dump the water and thoroughly dry the pot and turkey. Fill the pot with oil to the marked level.
  • Do not leave the fryer unattended. Monitor the temperature of the oil with a thermometer to prevent the oil from overheating and catching fire. If the oil begins to smoke, immediately turn the gas off.
  • Ensure the turkey is COMPLETELY THAWED to prevent a fire or explosion hazard.
  • Raise and lower the turkey slowly to prevent oil splatter, burns, and fire.
  • Keep children and pets away from the fryer to prevent tipping, even after the turkey is done. The oil is dangerously hot for hours.
  • Use your safety tools: Oven mitts, gloves, and safety goggles.
  • Stand upwind of the propane tank and fryer so heat blows away from you.

If your Thanksgiving goes awry, or your turkey ends up more smoked than fried, SERVPRO Franklin, Vance, and Granville Counties is here to help 24/7.

We wish you and your family a safe, happy, and delicious Thanksgiving!

Not Gone, Not Forgotten

5/3/2022 (Permalink)

An office in Henderson, North Carolina reached out for anti-microbial cleaning services after several staff tested positive for COVID-19.

The COVID-19 Community Levels in Franklin, Vance and Granville Counties are all LOW. This is really good news! However, before we completely let down our guard, keep this in mind. SERVPRO of Franklin, Vance and Granville Counties received a call from a home health care provider that their office had an outbreak of COVID-19 just this week. So although our Community Level of Covid-19 is low, we still need to be diligent in dealing with this deadly virus. 

SERVPRO understand the value in business owners being able to reassure their staff and customers that they are doing all possible to protect against COVID.

SERVPRO follows the CDC guidelines on cleaning for viral pathogens. First, it is important to pre-clean all surfaces before disinfecting. We use an EPA registered disinfectant throughout the area, killing germs on surfaces and objects. The ULV fogger we use gives the disinfectant an electrostatic charge, allowing it to wrap conductive surfaces with an even coverage. A final wipe down is done to ensure no residue is left behind. 

Each commercial cleaning job is different, depending on the size and type of space, and if it is a preventative clean or a confirmed COVID clean. We tailor the cleaning scope to match the needs at hand. Call SERVPRO of Franklin, Vance and Granville Counties with all your cleaning needs. We can be reached at 252-433-0005 or at 919-339-4848.

Lightning Strike!

5/1/2022 (Permalink)

You’re sleeping soundly in the middle of the night. A bright flash of light makes your room look like daytime. Immediately, there is an earsplitting crack of thunder. That sounded like it was right overhead! Did you know that the chances of your house being struck by lightning is one in 200?

According to the National Weather Service, the average lightning strike can carry 300 million volts of electricity. If your house is not properly grounded, this can cause severe damage to electronics, to your electrical system, and, by fire, to everything you own. As bad as this can be, SERVPRO of Franklin, Vance and Granville Counties is here to help make it “Like it never even happened.”  

Please call us at 252-433-0005 or at 919-339-4848 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Let us help you get your life back.

Disasters Don't Feel Natural

4/29/2022 (Permalink)

Natural disasters can occur at any time. Whether it is flooding, fire or storm damage, it can be comforting to know that the restoration company you choose is up to the challenge. Our SERVPRO technicians are trained and ready to get to work 24 hours a day, every day of the year, to help you with your damages. Our technicians are certified in the restoration industry including the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification. (IICRC)

Storms are not new to SERVPRO of Franklin, Vance and Granville Counties; we have been in business for 22 years dealing with everything from hailstorms to hurricanes. We will help you from start to finish, working with your insurance company, and dealing with the aftermath of the storm to get your home or business back to normal as quickly as possible.

Our SERVPRO technicians are trained to handle a variety of situations, since storms can cause more than one type of damage to a home or a business. We are knowledgeable in different types of cleanup and restoration methods. You will receive first class, quality care from our family-owned business. We are committed to providing the best services to our neighbors in Henderson, Oxford, Louisburg, Franklinton, Butner, Manson, Stovall, and all around the surrounding communities. Keep our name and number handy, in case the next storm becomes the one you talk about for years to come. Remember, we are SERVPRO of Franklin, Vance and Granville Counties, and we can be reached at 252-433-0005 or 919-339-4848, 24 hours a day, every day of the year!

We Can Help You Prepare

4/29/2022 (Permalink)

In the spring and summer, fire damage can often be a threat. If you’re not prepared, dry conditions and humidity can lead to an unforeseen disaster. SERVPRO of Franklin, Vance and Granville would like to remind you to please follow the proper safety precautions in order to keep your property safe from a fire-related event.

  • Clear your yard, roof, deck and gutters of flammable materials that can set fire such as branches, leaves, and grass clippings.
  • Trash and wood should be placed at least thirty feet away from your home.
  • When cooking outdoors, maintain a ten foot distance between your grill and any trees, plants or other potentially flammable materials.
  • Keep fire pits at a safe distance from your trees and home. They should not be in use during heavy winds.
  • Keep an eye on the fire pit, and be sure to scoop the ashes into a metal can the next day, dousing them with water to be sure no stray ember is lurking about. During windy conditions, embers can travel to trees, plants or grass around your home, and for miles away from your home. 
  • When using rags with chemicals such as paint, the NFPA recommends taking the rags outside to dry or placing them in a container with water and detergent to eliminate the oils. If the oils in the rags are left to release heat indoors, the heat will then have nowhere to escape, leading to possible fire damage. They should also be kept away from heat sources such as sunlight.

SERVPRO of Franklin, Vance and Granville Counties is here to help when it comes to your residential or commercial fire restoration needs.  We offer complete fire damage and reconstruction services in the event of a fire. Give us a call at 252-433-0005 or at 919-339-4848. We are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year.  Let us help you get back to your life.

Commercial Restoration Services

4/28/2022 (Permalink)

The key to proper building restoration is how quickly you act to mitigate the damage. SERVPRO of Franklin, Vance & Granville Counties is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year, providing you with emergency restoration and professional cleaning and reconstruction services when you need them most. We have the skill and equipment to handle any size disaster. We will work with your insurance company to make the process easier for you and we will keep you informed every step of the way.

We provide restoration solutions for:

  • Apartment and condominium buildings
  • Office buildings
  • Restaurants
  • Retail stores
  • Municipal buildings and more

Whether you need immediate service or you have questions about your restoration or reconstruction project, contact the experts at SERVPRO of Franklin, Vance and Granville Counties. SERVPRO has the knowledge and experience in restoration services for fire, water, storm, hurricane, and mold damage. 

As a proud member of the Granville County Chamber of Commerce, the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce, and the Greater Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, we're here to help support other small businesses in our community! Contact us for an inspection and estimate for your restoration project. 252-433-0005 or 919-339-4848 and let us help you get back to business as usual.

Let Us Spots Clue You In

4/28/2022 (Permalink)

How To Spot Water Damage

Do you know how to spot damage from water?  Some clues are obvious, while others may not be. So what should you look for to see if you have a water damage issue in your home or commercial office?

  • Water Accumulation– Is there standing or pooling water on your floor that is building up in an area of your home or office? This could be from a faulty appliance line, toilets, leaky pipe or flooding from a storm. Or did someone leave the bathtub faucet running?
  • Discoloration- When water begins to accumulate above your ceiling, you may not be able to see the water but you will begin to see the ceiling change color. The area may appear wet or dry, and can be a yellow, brown or copper color. Walls may also have bubbling, cracking or peeling paint or wallpaper in addition to staining.
  • Changes in texture- Water if let unattended will begin to cause additional damages.
    • Buckling– The edges of your wood floors may begin to rise up after the water seeps into them, causing damage to the floor.
    • Sagging/Sinking-The water can get into the floor board and cause your hardwood floors to 'feel soft' and 'sag'. If you notice this in your home, call SERVPRO of Franklin, Vance & Granville Counties right away so a professional can evaluate the affected area.
    • Expansion - If the humidity is too high and/or the building materials absorb too much water, they can begin to separate, as known as delamination. Two areas to keep an eye out for this are your wood floor and the casing around your doors and baseboards. Those are early signs you might have water damage.

Mold can grow in your home or office after finding water damage within 24-48 hours. SERVPRO responds fast to begin the water removal process. By responding quickly, SERVPRO minimizes the water damage while also reducing the chance of having mold damage in your home. 

When dealing with water damage, the faster you can begin the restoration process, the better chance you have of insurance covering the damage and you of mitigating the issue from becoming larger. Please call SERVPRO of Franklin, Vance & Granville Counties at 252-433-0005 or 919-433-0009, and we will make it “Like it never even happened.”

We Care About You

4/26/2022 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of Franklin, Vance and Granville Counties, we understand that Fire and Water Damage knows know "perfect timing," nor any "pathogen-related delays." We are open and always here to help.

During the past two years, we know that things have often felt uncertain and unstable - for businesses and homes, alike. Students are still navigating changes in their schooling, restaurants are still fighting their way back to regular schedules and busy dinner times. Here in our small community, we want to keep our customers safe. Our staff are continuing to monitor personal health, watching for illnesses, and beings sure that proper PPE is being worn. Shoe coverings, Tyvek suits, gloves, masks and eye protection are kept available for our employees to use while they are in your home for your protection.

All of our equipment is disinfected, with a hospital grade disinfectant, before it is placed in your house. We are taking every precaution necessary to keep our employees and our customer safe. We're always here to help!