The professionals at SERVPRO of Greensburg have seen the devastation that a grill fire can cause, and we want to help you avoid severe damage.

6/8/2022 (Permalink)

If you are part of that 8,900, we can help! Call SERVPRO of Greensburg at (724) 837-8830

With the summer months comes delicious BBQ! But before you get too excited about all of those backyard cookouts, let us give you a few tips and tricks to make sure you entertain safely. 

The professionals at SERVPRO of Greensburg understand that BBQs are a great way to bring together friends and family. Still, they can also be a significant source of fire damage if not used safely. 

Here are 5 BBQ grill fire prevention tips to help keep your summer BBQs safe:

1. Keep a close eye on the grill at all times.
2. Make sure the grill is in a well-ventilated area.
3. Clean the grill regularly to prevent grease build-up
4. Keep flammable materials away from the grill.
5. Use the right fuel.

Keep on reading to learn more about each of these tips in detail!

What causes a grill fire?

Grill fires can happen for various reasons, but the most common cause is an overheated grill. When the fat or grease from your food drips down onto the heat source, it can burst into flame. As well as that, sparks from the grill coming in contact with the heat source are another cause for devastating grill fires.

Five tips to prevent grill fires

Now that we know what can cause a grill fire let’s go over some tips on avoiding them:

1) Keep a close eye on the grill at all times

Keeping a close eye on your grill may seem like a no-brainer, but it is essential to be aware and watcful whenever it is in use. If you leave the grill unattended, you risk a fire starting.

2) Make sure the grill is in a well-ventilated area

It is crucial to make sure the grill is in a well-ventilated area. If the area lacks ventilation, the smoke will have nowhere to go. When smoke becomes trapped, it can cause a fire.

3) Clean the grill regularly to prevent grease build-up

Cleaning your grill is one of the best and most foolproof ways to avoid fires. When you remove any old food and grease build-up, it greatly reduces the chances of a fire. Make sure to clean your grill before and after each use.

4) Keep flammable materials away from the grill.

It’s important to keep anything flammable away from the grill. Everyday flammable items include things like paper plates, napkins, and towels. If these materials come in contact with the heat source, they can catch fire quickly.

5) Use the right fuel

Another way to prevent grill fires is to use the correct fuel type. Only use charcoal or propanel, and make sure to follow the instructions on how to light the grill. Never add accelerants to your grill, as this can cause a fire.

What to do if a grill fire starts

If a grill fire does start, the first thing you should do is turn off the heat source. If the fire is small, you can try to extinguish it with a fire extinguisher. If you don’t have a fire extinguisher, baking soda, sand, or salt can be used, but NEVER put water on a grill fire. If the fire is large, or if you cannot put it out, call 911 immediately.

Once the fire has been extinguished, you will need to assess the damage. If there is any damage to your grill, it’s imperative to have it repaired or replaced before using it again.

If your home sustains any fire damage from the grill fire, SERVPRO of Greensburg is here to help. We are a 24-hour emergency service company, and we are faster to any size disaster.

Wrapping up

Preventing grill fires this summertime will help you avoid costly repairs and damages. Use these five tips to help you enjoy a safe and fun summer grilling season!

When you contact us, we will start the fire damage restoration process right away. Our fire restoration process includes:

• Assessment of the damage
• Pack out of undamaged belongings
• Contents cleaning
• Demolition
• Cleaning
• Deodorization

Here at SERVPRO of Greensburg, we know the overwhelming emotions that come with a fire in your home. That is why our goal is to make the restoration process as easy and stress-free as possible. To ensure this happens, we will work hand in hand with your insurance company and keep you updated throughout the entire process.

If you have any questions about fire damage restoration or if you need emergency services, feel free to contact us today. SERVPRO of Greensburg is here to make it "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO of Greensburg/Candle Safety

4/16/2021 (Permalink)

Millions of decorative candles are sold every year.  They bring a soothing ambiance and different aromas for the rooms in your home.   

Are Candles a Fire Hazard? 

Candles might seem harmless on the surface until you look at how significant their damages can and have been in U.S. homes. FEMA estimates that there are more than 15.000 home candle fires every year, many resulting in injury for death. 

Candle Fire Safety Tips 

Here are a few tips to follow to reduce your risk of a fire in your home while your candle is burning: 

1. Burning candles should never be unattended. 

1. Candles should never be under shelves or other enclosed spaces.  

1. Keep candles at least 12 inches from anything that can burn. 

1. Candles should never be placed where children and pets can knock it over. 

1. To prevent uneven or rapid burning and excessive dripping avoid drafts, vents or air currents.  

1. Always put candles on a heat resistant surface. 

1. Use a suitable candle holder sturdy enough to avoid being easily knocked over. 

1. NEVER move or touch  a candle while it is burning or while the wax is liquefied. 

1. Make sure that you have a working smoke detector in every room where you burn candles. 

1. Extinguish candles with a candle snuffer rather than blowing them out, a hot was can splatter. 

Following a Candle Fire - Fire Restoration 

Following these safety tips when you’re enjoying the candle aromas in your home, can lower your risk for a home fire in the future. If candles do happen to cause a home fire and you’re in need of fire restoration solutions, call SERVPRO of Greensburg at (724)837-8830. Our technicians will be respectful of your home and work with you to put your home back to home sweet home again. 

Grease Fires - How They Can Affect Your Westmoreland County Home

4/1/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Greenburg can help with all your fire restoration needs.   

Cooking at home can be a fire hazard due to grease fires.  The National Fire Protection Association reports that firefighters respond to roughly 172,100 fires started from cooking each year, or an average of 471 cooking fires each day.  

Though there are more occurrences around the winter holidays. We should be prepared year-round for grease fires. Here are a few ways to prevent these grease fires: 

• Never leave a pot or pan unattended 
• Be gentle when adding food or oil to the pot or pan 
• Use a thermometer to monitor temperature 
• Always keep a lid, baking soda, and salt nearby 
• Keep anything flammable (wooden spoon, oven mitts, etc.) away from pot or pan 

These measures can all significantly help prevent a grease fire. Sometimes, these fires do break out, and here’s what you can do to fight it: 

• If your fire leaves the stovetop, call 911 immediately 
• Cover your pot or pan with a metal pan or cooking sheet 
• NEVER use water to put out a grease fire 
• Turn your burner off 
• Use a Class-K fire extinguisher to fight the fire 

Remember, if your fire leaves your stovetop, you should call 911 immediately. If those prevention tips do not work, and you do experience a fire, please follow those tips. If your Westmoreland County home has some damage, SERVPRO of Greensburg can help with all your fire restoration needs.

SERVPRO of Greensburg can provide you with: 

• Board-up and tarp-up services 
• Smoke and soot removal 
• Odor removal 
• Carpet and upholstery cleaning 
• Caring for your belongings 

SERVPRO of Greensburg understands how important it is to have your home and lives back  to normal. If fire restoration services are needed, please call us at                    (724-837-8830). 

What Causes Ice Dams and How Can You Prevent Them?

2/15/2021 (Permalink)

Ice dams– literal dams made of ice – usually form at the eaves and gutters and prevent snow/ice from melting and leaving the roof. 

Primary cause is a Temperature Imbalance in the Attic: 

Poor attic insulation– Insufficient or deteriorated attic insulation can allow warm air to move from the heated areas of the house to the attic space. 

Lack of proper attic ventilation – Properly balanced attic ventilation helps slow snow melting by allowing cold air to enter the attic space, in turn driving out the warmer air.  This reduction in warm attic air helps decrease the chance of snow melting on the roof. 

 
Problems Caused by Dams 
Because the water from melting snow cannot drain from the surface of the roof, water may leak into the home. These leaks can cause several problems: 

• Damage to ceilings, walls, insulation, and other surfaces 
• Mold and mildew growth 
• Roof damage 

The first step to repairing damage from a dam that forms after a winter storm  

Dry out walls, ceiling and other interior surfaces affected by leaks.  

SERVPRO Of Greensburg,can assist you with this process. Your homeowners' policy may include ice dam coverage that will compensate you for the cost of repairs. 

 
Here are 3 steps you can take to prevent ice damming: 

Remove snow from the roof  

Ventilate attic 

Insulate attic 

WINTER IS ON IT'S WAY! SERVPRO OF GREENSBURG Offers Tips To Prevent Frozen/Burst Pipes.

10/30/2020 (Permalink)

It is time for SERVPRO of Greensburg to once again remind homeowners and renters to be aware of the potential for frozen pipes.  Every winter season, the pipes in your business and home are at risk of damage from freezing conditions. Low temperatures can cause your water pipes to freeze, and in some cases burst. The following tips can help you safeguard your home before, during and after a pipe freezes.

PREVENT YOUR PIPES FROM FREEZING

• Disconnect all gardening hoses and install covers on all outside faucets.
• Keep your house temperature at 68 degrees or higher, even if you're leaving the house for an extended period of time.
• Open cabinet doors below sinks to allow heat from the home to circulate.
• Identify the location of the main water valve and the valve on your water heater. (Learning the location of these valves may come in handy during an emergency.:
• Wrap pipes nearest exterior walls and in crawl spaces with pipe insulation or with heating tape. This can prevent freezing, especially for interior pipes that run along outside walls.
• Close all windows near water pipes; cover or close open-air vents. Freezing temperatures combined with wind drafts can cause pipes to freeze more frequently.
• Heat your basement and consider weather sealing your windows.
• Insulate outside walls and unheated areas of your home.
• If you plan to be away from home for an extended period of time, shut off water supply valves to your washing machine. Also have someone checking your home daily.

IF YOUR PIPES UNFORTUNATELY FREEZE AND BURST, CALL SERVPRO OF GREENSBURG TO HELP ASSIST YOU IN YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS at 724-837-8830.  

Mold and Mildew from Water Damage

9/15/2020 (Permalink)

Make sure to look for the signs of water damage in your home.

With the ongoing rain and high temps in the Greensburg area, it has been a perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew.   

Make sure you’re prepared during the summer season! 

1. Stay vigilant during flooding season.  You may not realize your home is leaking water until it's too late. This water can lead to potential mold and mildew growth.
2. Purchasing a simple hygrometer to measure the humidity in your home can do wonders.  The ideal humidity level in your house should be 40-50%.  Temperature also plays a key role in managing the mold growth in your home.  Keep your home around 68-72 degrees.  
3. If you cannot manage the humidity in your home, you may need to purchase a dehumidifier.  This will work to take any lingering water out of the air in your home. 

If you are noticing signs of mold or water damage in your home, call SERVPRO of Greensburg today.  We use top of the line anti-microbial cleaners and dehumidifiers to eradicate any signs of mold and water damage.  If your home or business is at risk for mold, call us at 724-837-8830.

Hurricane Laura is Passing Through

8/29/2020 (Permalink)

Even a small blip on the radar could mean damaging winds!

While we won’t see the mass effects of the Stage 4 hurricane, we are still receiving residual effects from Hurricane Laura.  Locals have reported severe lightning and heavy thunderstorms across the Greensburg area.  

In the case of any prediction of inclement weather it’s always a good idea to be prepared.  Laura is still bringing hoards of showers.  This can result in heavy winds, flooding, and even lightning strikes to your home.  Pay close attention to the weather reports in your area and act quickly in the case of an emergency. 

If your home becomes flooded, do not panic.  Call emergency authorities, and remember to turn off any electrical breakers that could be affected by the water.  SERVPRO of Greensburg will act fast to mitigate any standing water and work to dry the area as quickly as possible.  

Stay alert to changing weather and know that SERVPRO of Greensburg is here for you!  

SERVPRO OF GREENSBURG IS HERE TO HELP IN A DISTRESSING TIME

5/15/2020 (Permalink)

This is a unique time in our lives dealing with the coronavirus pandemic. SERVPRO recognizes
the importance of having a service available to help protect the community.

Specialized Cleaning
The CDC encourages cleaning of all high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs,
light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilet, 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
• 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 EPAapproved
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.

HERE TO HELP – PROACTIVE CLEANING
For expert deep cleaning services, call SERVPRO of Greensburg at (724)837-8830

Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidnce-prevent-spread.html?CDC AA
refVal=https%3A%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fguidance-preventspread.
html
https://ww.cdc.gov/coronavrus/2019-ncov/prepare/disinfecting-building-facility.html

Westmoreland County 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

7/3/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Greensburg is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - 724-837-8830

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Greensburg has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

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 be needed.

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)?

About SERVPRO of Greensburg

SERVPRO of Greensburg specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Washing Machine Leaks Require Urgent Water Removal In Westmoreland Homes

2/13/2019 (Permalink)

Water removal services are essential for anyone who has had a significant water leak in their home. The laundry room inside your home can be struck with significant water damage when your washer begins to gush water. A water-supply line can become detached and began to flood the carpeted room with water at a quick pace. By the time you noticed, the water has covered the floor, and it is beginning to leak into the rest of your home. Turning off the water in your home is essential at this point, but you can't call a plumber right away, if there is too much water.  

It is imperative for you to call for a Westmoreland based water removal service as fast as possible. Getting professionals onto the scene to remove the excess water allows you to get an appliance service expert in faster. Until the water-supply line is fixed, you can't turn the water back on, or else the problem can begin all over again.  

When you reach out to SERVPRO of Greensburg, we make an effort to travel to your home as quickly as possible because we understand how stressful the situation is. Once we arrive, we can launch right into removing the excess water from your home. At SERVPRO, we use advanced trade technology to do our jobs, ensuring that qualified technicians and proper equipment restore your home.  

We use industrial-quality wet/dry vacuums to remove the water as fast as possible. SERVPRO uses these particular devices because they can remove large volumes of water swiftly. If the volume of water is significant enough, we can even bring truck-mounted tools to do the job.  

After removing the majority of the water from your laundry room, SERVPRO can use extractors on your carpeted floor. Extractors are like wet/dry vacuums but designed for drying carpets, upholstery, and drapes. A heating element warms the fabric as it pulls moisture from it, drying it as it extracts water.  

Once the water has been adequately cleaned up, SERVPRO will place the proper drying equipment and monitor until all affected areas are dry.

When water damage strikes your home, always get help right away. Get in touch with SERVPRO of Greensburg by phoning (724)837-8830. Our techs are always prepared to help as soon as possible.

6 Ways to Prevent Frozen Pipes

1/18/2019 (Permalink)

Below zero temperatures are heading to Greensburg and the entire Westmoreland County this weekend.  Here are some tips on ways to help prevent frozen pipes.

1.  Open kitchen and bathroom cabinets to allow warmer air to reach plumbing/pipes.  
2. Keep all garage doors closed, especially if there are water supply lines in the garage.
3. Keep your thermostat set to the same temperature during the day and night, making sure it is never below 55 degrees F. 
4. Allow the faucet to drip if it is served by pipes on an exterior wall. Running water through the pipe can help prevent pipes from freezing.
5. Make arrangements to have a neighbor check on your home during a cold spell if you are out of town. 
6. Turn the water off at the main if you know you will be away for an extended period of time. 

Stay warm neighbors, and remember SERVPRO of Greensburg is here for any water and/or fire emergencies you may have!  Our emergency restoration technicians are available 24 hours a day. 

Need to sell a home FAST?

3/27/2017 (Permalink)

It is a fact:  A clean, fresh smelling home sells faster.  Unfortunately, not all homes are maintained in the same way.  Nearly all realtors are faced, at some point, with a difficult listing to show. 

Need to pass a home inspection?  Your sellers may have trouble spots to address before you list a property or schedule an inspection.  The clients may choose to handle these issues themselves to avoid filing an insurance claim for the damage because it may not be covered by their policy and can affect the home's CLUE report.  CLUE (Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange) is a database which records reported loss and damage information, and it is utilized by most insurance companies.  Unfavorable CLUE reports can lead to increased premiums and policy renewal issues for property owners.  Whether the problem is a water stain on a hardwood floor or a mildew smell in the basement, reassure your clients that your SERVPRO of Greensburg Professional can get their home in top show condition and ready to sell.

SERVPRO of Greensburg partners with the American Red Cross

7/12/2016 (Permalink)

The first 48 hours after fire damage can make the difference between restoring versus replacing your property and personal belongings.   SERVPRO of Greensburg professionals can help prevent fire damage from creating long-term problems, providing timely response to fire, smoke and soot removal, to content claims inventory, and document restoration. These services help insure your property, belongings and memories are restored to pre-loss condition when possible.

So after the first wave of heroes have rescued the property, let your SERVPRO of Greensburg professionals help you restore it.  With industry approved training, rapid response times, cutting edge technology, professionalism and open communication, we strive to restore not only your home, but your peace of mind as well.

To demonstrate SERVPRO's dedication to helping prevent fire disasters, we have partnered with the American Red Cross Smoke Alarm Initiative.  SERVPRO of Greensburg, along with other local partners such as Westmoreland Community Action, will conduct free, in-home fire safety checks and install smoke alarms at no charge for families who qualify.

Statistics show that working smoke alarms save lives and reduce injuries and property damage due to home fires.  The American Red Cross launched this nationwide campaign to reduce the number of deaths, injuries and damage to homes by 25% in the next five years.  SERVPRO of Greensburg is proud to be a part of this Home Fire Preparedness Campaign.

Does your home or business need a deep spring cleaning?

4/18/2016 (Permalink)

We have the services to get the Winter YUCK out of your home or business!

Tips to Prevent Water Damage

3/23/2016 (Permalink)

1. Ensure Good Drainage

• Clean you gutters and repair if sagging occurs.
• Direct downspouts 5-10 ft. away from the house.
• Inspect your gutters' capacity - after 15 min. of heavy rain, if water overflows the gutters, install additional downspouts.
• Adjust landscaping and irrigation so that water flows away from the foundation.

2. Test Your Sump Pump

• Run your sump pump every few months and clean it annually before the rainy season.
• Prevent backflow of sanitary sewer water by installing backflow valves and standpipes at all basement drain locations, including sinks and toilets.

3. Fix Water Leaks

• Repair any noticeable dripping pipes & check for dark spots under pipes and on ceilings.
• Repair any cracked caulking.
• Inspect the roof for missing, lose or damaged shingles.

Prepare your basement "just in case" by raising your washer, dryer, water heater, oil tank, furnace, all electrical wiring and personal items above typical water backup levels.

Fantastic Tips from houselogic: National Association of Realtors

Did you know that SERVPRO of Greensburg is not just a restoration company?

2/16/2016 (Permalink)

From Carpets to Catastrophes......we also provide the cleaning services that you would not think the BIG GREEN restoration team does.

AIR DUCT AND HVAC CLEANING - Franchise Professionals can inspect your HVAC system and ductwork. Cleaning services can be provided to help restore peak energy efficiency, eliminate offensive odors and improve indoor air quality.

CARPET AND HARD FLOOR CLEANING AND CARE - Franchise professionals use the latest IICRC training as well as state-of-the-art equipment to remove entrapped soils from deep within your carpet's pile and backings.

STAIN REMOVAL & STAIN RESISTANCE APPLICATIONS - Using IICRC standards for carpet as a guide, Franchise Professionals will show you what cleaning option would be best for your carpet's level of soiling and explain the benefits of soil protection.

ODOR IDENTIFICATION AND DEODORIZATION - Franchise Professionals will find the source of the odor and determine the best method to neutralize and eliminate it.

UPHOLSTERY AND DRAPES: WET OR DRY CLEANING METHODS - Fabrics are inspected and tested to determine the safest and most effective cleaning method.

What is a PUFFBACK?

1/29/2016 (Permalink)

When you turn on your furnace, did you ever get black particles coming from your vents? That is called a PUFFBACK. PUFFBACKS can arise when a furnace or oil burner malfunctions....oil is ignited and an "explosion" in the fire box occurs. Be careful, cautious and call SERVPRO OF GREENSBURG. We will clean damaged homes, businesses and contents. Contents include furniture, blinds, carpets and more!