The Edmondson Restoration Preparedness Checklist for Columbia and Charlotte

Emergencies don’t wait for a convenient time. Whether it’s a burst pipe in the middle of the night or a summer storm sweeping through town, property damage can happen fast—and repairs can become much more expensive if you’re caught unprepared.

At Edmondson Restoration, we know preparation can save you time, money, and stress when it matters most. That’s why we put together this straightforward checklist for homeowners and businesses in Columbia, SC, and Charlotte/Fort Mill, NC. Use it to get ahead of problems before they start—and know exactly what to do if they do.

Why Preparation Matters

In the Carolinas, we’ve seen our fair share of extreme weather, from heavy rains and flash flooding to tropical storms and tornadoes. Recent storms have caused significant property damage across the region, highlighting just how important it is to have a plan.

Being prepared means you can minimize damage, reduce out-of-pocket costs, and get back to normal faster. Insurance claims go more smoothly with good documentation, and restoration work can start without delays when you know whom to call and what steps to take first.

Preparing Your Property in Advance

For homeowners, the best defense is routine maintenance and planning. Inspect your roof, siding, windows, and drainage systems regularly to spot issues before they become emergencies. Take clear photos or videos of your property in good condition—these are invaluable for insurance claims if damage does occur.

It’s also smart to move valuables and electronics to higher ground if flooding is a possibility, and keep an updated list of emergency contacts, including Edmondson Restoration’s 24/7 hotline.

Businesses should focus on both property and operations. Train your employees on safety and evacuation procedures. Make sure important data is securely backed up offsite or in the cloud, and have a communication plan ready for staff, vendors, and clients in case of disruptions. Protect critical equipment with waterproof or elevated storage to reduce downtime.

What to Do Immediately After Damage

After water damage, shut off the main water supply if you can do so safely. Remove standing water with mops or buckets to limit further damage, but avoid turning on electricity in wet areas. Calling a professional restoration team quickly is essential to prevent mold growth and structural issues.

In the case of fire damage, safety is always first. Don’t re-enter the property until authorities say it’s safe. Once you can go inside, document the damage thoroughly with photos before any cleanup, and arrange for a professional assessment to understand the full scope of restoration needed.

For storm damage, check for visible issues like roof leaks, broken windows, or fallen trees once the area is safe. Boarding up openings and calling professionals for tarping can prevent further damage from additional weather.

If you suspect mold, it’s critical not to disturb it, as this can spread spores throughout the property. Avoid using fans or the HVAC system until a certified mold remediation expert can inspect and advise on next steps.

Documenting Damage and

Working with Insurance

One of the most important parts of disaster recovery is good documentation. Take photos and videos of all damage as soon as it’s safe. Make an inventory of affected items, including purchase dates and estimated values.

Notify your insurance provider promptly to start the claims process without delay. Edmondson Restoration can also help by providing thorough documentation to support your claim, making it easier to get the coverage you deserve.

Why Choose Edmondson Restoration

When emergencies strike, you want help from people who know the area—and know what they’re doing. With offices in both Columbia and Charlotte, our teams respond quickly with local expertise and familiarity with area weather patterns, building codes, and insurance requirements.

Our technicians are IICRC-certified and trained to handle water, fire, storm, and mold restoration, as well as complete reconstruction. As a veteran-owned business, we take pride in delivering reliable, caring service you can trust. And with 24/7 emergency availability, we’re always just a phone call away when you need help the most.

How We Can Help

At Edmondson Restoration, we offer comprehensive services for every stage of recovery—from immediate emergency response to full reconstruction. We understand how stressful property damage can be, and our goal is to make the process as smooth as possible.

We provide free assessments and estimates with no hidden fees or surprises. And with teams stationed in both the Midlands and Charlotte metro area, you can count on us for fast, local response when every minute counts.

“5 stars! Edmondson Restoration came to the rescue after our washer drain line malfunctioned and flooded part of our home. They are extremely professional and did everything they could to make this an easy process for us! We appreciate them so much!”

— Taylor Hannah

Conclusion

Preparation is the best way to protect your home or business. Use this checklist to plan ahead, avoid costly damage, and reduce stress when disaster strikes. And if you ever need help, Edmondson Restoration is ready 24/7 with local expertise and trusted service.

For Additional Information and Resources

If you’d like to learn more about preparing your home or business for emergencies, check out these helpful resources:

Local Emergency Management and Weather

• South Carolina Emergency Management Division – SCEMD.gov

  Up-to-date alerts and planning guides for South Carolina residents.

• North Carolina Department of Public Safety – ncdps.gov

  Resources and emergency plans for North Carolina.

• National Weather Service Columbia SC Office – weather.gov/cae

  Real-time local forecasts and severe weather alerts.

• Charlotte-Mecklenburg Emergency Management – charlottenc.gov/emergency

  Planning resources for the Charlotte area.

National Emergency Preparedness

• FEMA – Ready.gov – ready.gov/plan

  Build your family or business emergency plan step by step.

• American Red Cross – Disaster Preparedness – redcross.org

  Guides for home, workplace, and community readiness.

Insurance and Documentation Tips

• South Carolina Department of Insurance – doi.sc.gov

  Advice on filing claims and understanding coverage.

• North Carolina Department of Insurance – ncdoi.gov

  Consumer guides for property insurance and disaster claims.

Edmondson Restoration Services

For local, professional help in the Carolinas:

• Water Damage Restoration

• Storm Damage Restoration

• Mold Remediation

• Full Reconstruction Services