Springtime Fire Safety Tips

4/2/2025 (Permalink)

Be sure to use caution this springtime when enjoying the outdoors to prevent fires!

Spring practically begs us to head outdoors. There’s so much to enjoy, from the mild, breezy weather to the incredible display of nature’s beauty. And there’s a renewed sense of life that it all brings that energizes us and calls us to get out of the house and enjoy the world around us, or at the very least to head out in the yard and play catch.

One of the things many people love to do most outdoors in this season is barbecue, and just about any excuse to fire up the grill will do. But the increase in grilling and backyard activity also unfortunately means a rise in spring and summer fires.

Spring is surprisingly a very common time of year for fires. But keeping fires at bay is pretty simple, and you can stay ahead of the curve by observing a few simple guidelines:

The grill. The grill is the first thing to check to avoid fires caused in springtime. This is only natural because grills are basically billboards for fire danger. Make sure your grill is sturdy and on solid ground, away from anything flammable. Don’t use liquid accelerants to make your fire burn quicker or hotter (the same goes for fire pits), always stay with the grill while it’s cooking and make sure to clean it between uses. Many grill fires are caused by not properly cleaning. 

The fire pit. Visions of marshmallows roast in your head at this time of year, and you should by all means make them a reality. But be safe with your fire pit! Avoid flying embers by using a grate cover, keeping leaves and pine needles out of the fire and extinguishing your fire slowly instead of dumping water on it suddenly. Don’t ever leave it unattended, and don’t allow pets or kids near unsupervised.

Chimneys and dryer vents. While you’re thinking about fire safety, go ahead and clean that chimney out, removing dangerous soot and ash from inside, so you don’t end up with a hazard in the fall when you need your fireplace again. Take off your dryer’s vent pipe, removing any dangerous lint from the inside—and do this again in six months.

3 things to do to get your home ready for winter storm weather

3/3/2025 (Permalink)

Chart featuring the three tips to keep your home ready for winter storm weather

Do you know what three things you can do to get your home ready for winter weather? The first tip is to clean your gutters so that ice doesn't build up. If ice builds up, it can cause roof damage that can create a leak inside. The second is to keep your hot water heater maintained so hot water can run through your pipes easily. Finally, check our attic insulation. If your attic isn't insulated properly, it can create leaks from condensation. If you do find you need help this winter, be sure to give us a call! 

The Do's and Don'ts of Fire and Smoke Damage

10/17/2024 (Permalink)

Smoke and fire damaged kitchen

Do:

• Limit Movement within the area to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets
• Keep hands clean as dirty hands can further soil items when touched
• Place dry, colorfast towels on rugs, upholstery, and carpet traffic areas.
• Empty fridge/freezer completely and prop the door open if the electric is off
• Clean any soot from chrome on kitchen/bathroom faucets, trim, and appliances and protect with a light coating of petroleum jelly or oil if possible
• Pour RV antifreeze into sinks, toilet bowls, and tubs if heat is off and weather is of freezing conditions
• Wash house plant leaves on both sides
• Change HVAC filters
• Tape a double layer of cheesecloth over air registers to help keep soot from getting into or out of the HVAC system

Don't

• Attempt to wash walls or painted surfaces without contacting your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional first
• Attempt to shampoo carpets or upholstered furniture without consulting with your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional
• Attempt to clean any electrical appliances without consulting an authorized repair service. 
• Consume any food or beverage in or near the area as it may be contaminated
• Turn on ceiling fixtures
• Send garments to dry cleaning services as improper cleaning may set in the smoke odor.  

When was the last time you changed the hoses in your washing machine?

10/16/2024 (Permalink)

Image of a washing machine and hose with our logo

When was the last time you changed the hoses on your washing machine?

Are you aware that a $20 hose can save you thousands in damages?  Check your hose and take time to go to your local hardware store to get a new one if it looks like it may not be up to par.  If your washing machine hose springs a leak it can cause a major water loss in your home. When water losses occur, much damage can occur to your structure as well as contents. So, change those hoses, and if you do have water damage, call us!

Check your appliances!

10/16/2024 (Permalink)

dish washer and our logo

How often do you check your supply line to your appliances?  It is a good idea to check them on a regular basis to ensure there are no leaks, worn spots, or that a pest has chewed them.  We helped a customer who had a slow leak that was not caught until the homeowner was sitting in her basement family room watching tv when water started to drip from the ceiling.  It didn't take long to figure out that the dishwasher had a very slow leak.  This leak got under the vinyl flooring in the kitchen which also soaked into the bottom of her cabinets and eventually down through the floor and insulation in the basement causing the drip that caught her eye.  When we arrived on site, the homeowner's sons had already tore out the vinyl and set up a few small fans to help start the drying process, saving us time to where we could just set up equipment and get the drying process underway with our professional grade equipment.  

Be Prepared for Impending Hurricane's During This Time of Year

9/10/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO symbol, hurricane symbol and a precaution sign.

Do you know any safety precaution's for hurricanes? The more prepared you are the less damage to your home will occur. We are always here to help whether damage occurs from a storm or not. Check out the tips below.

1. Secure any yard items that could blow

2. Board up windows

3. If your basement frequently floods, take precaution by moving items off the floor and/or servicing your sump pump.

4. Consider the use of sandbags around the outside of your home.

If damage does occur don't forget to call us!  

A Lot of Water Damage Can Occur in the First 24 Hours of a Water-loss

9/10/2024 (Permalink)

A graphic that explains the damages that can occur in the first 24 hours of a water-loss

Unfortunately a lot of damage can occur in a very short amount of time when a water-loss happens in your home. What is a water-loss? A pipe breaking or leaking is considered a water-loss. The following are 5 things that can occur in the first 24 hours of a water-loss. 

1 . Water is absorbed into walls and furniture. 

2. carpets and flooring will be saturated. 

3. Paper items will begin to swell and warp

4. metal surfaces will tarnish and furniture finishes will bleed.

5. A musty odor will appear. 

It is of utmost importance to give us a call as soon as a water-loss occurs. 

What to do in the Event of a Grease Fire in Your Kitchen

9/10/2024 (Permalink)

A graphic that explains the steps to put out a grease fire in a pan in your kitchen,

To help prevent a dangerous house fire in your kitchen, be sure to suffocate the fire by placing a lid over the pan that is aflame. Turn off the burner immediately and do not try to put the fire out with water. Water will not put a grease fire out, the flame must be suffocated of oxygen instead. Lastly, remove the lid when the pan has cooled. The sooner you act in a situation like this, the less damage will occur. If damage does occur be sure to call us, after you call the fire company, of course. We have what you need to remediate the fire damage, remove odors, and clean up the mess.

What Should You Do When the Snow Melts and the Rain Comes Down Hard

9/10/2024 (Permalink)

A graphic explaining what do do when flooding rain comes and there's already snow in the ground.

What happens when there's snow on the ground and spring rains come? That's right, flooding. So what can we do to help prevent flood damage in to our homes? Be sure to keep an eye on areas that flood most easily. Do you live in a flood plane? Do you live near a body of water that floods? If so, take proper precautions such as making sure your sump pump is in working order. Also fill and seal any cracks and or gaps in your foundation. And if damage does unfortunately occur, be sure to call us for help! We can extract water, do proper dry out, clean up the mess, and rebuild!

How to Prepare for an Impending Storm

6/12/2024 (Permalink)

Be sure to call us if you have hurricane damage this hurricane season. SERVPRO of Shippensburg/Perry County (717)-300-3347

Hurricane season is right around the corner. What can we do to prevent major damage? 

One result of hurricanes or other storms is flooding. The best prevention for flooding is to just keep an eye on areas that can easily flood. Seal any cracks or gaps if you can. Lastly, make sure your sump pump is in working order. And call us if your house floods!

Another helpful tip is to put together an emergency kit to include flashlights, generators, and non-perishable food.

It is also important to make an emergency family plan. Decide how to evacuate, where to meet, and what do to in case you get split up. 

Lastly, a few other important tips are to review and understand your insurance plan, board up doors and windows, secure outdoor items like grills, AND don't forget to locate the number for your nearest

| SERVPRO®

franchise in case you do incur damage and need to call us!