What Are the Odds of a Housefire in Clarendon, PA

2/20/2023 (Permalink)

House fires have become more common now than ever. Prevention starts with safe cooking habits, checking electrical wires annually, etc.

House fires have become more common now than ever. If you check the news, you see a house fire almost every other week. They are a tragedy, and it is important to know how and why they can occur. Below are some house fire statistics to help gain a better understanding of how common they are.

• 356,500 house fires occurred in 2020
• 49% of house fires are caused by cooking accidents
• $78,838 is the average home insurance house fire claim
• 20% of fires occur between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.
• 28,400 was the average number of house fires started intentionally from 2015 to 2019
• 2,580 civilian deaths occurred from house fires in 2020
• 5 minutes is all it takes for a house fire to reach over 1,100?

After reading these intimidating statistics, it's important to know you have options to prevent fires and have a plan if a fire occurs. Prevention starts with safe cooking habits, checking electrical wires annually, etc. In addition, create an escape plan and prepare a route of escape if a fire were to occur when individuals are in the home.

SERVPRO of Erie and Warren Counties are fire and water damage restoration specialists. We are always Here to Help, 24/7. If you live in Sugar Grove, North East, Platea, and their surrounding areas, give us a call at (814) 806-1987 for immediate assistance or visit our Website!

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes in Edinboro, PA

2/2/2023 (Permalink)

There are ways to prevent the freezing of pipes to keep them from bursting inside the home.

SERVPRO of Erie and Warren Counties is dedicated to keeping you informed of the consequences that water can take on your home this winter. In this frigid cold weather, water has a way of freezing on pipes on the outside and inside of your Edinboro, Tidioute, Waterford, and surrounding areas homes causing damage. There are ways to prevent the freezing of pipes to keep them from bursting inside the home.

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

According The Red Cross, here are tips to preventing frozen pipes in your home:

• Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children.
• When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold-water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe - even at a trickle - helps prevent pipes from freezing.
• Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.
• If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.

SERVPRO of Erie and Warren Counties are fire and water damage restoration specialists. We are always Here to Help, 24/7. Give us a call at (814) 806-1987 for immediate assistance or visit our Website!

How to Prepare for a Fire in Sugar Grove, PA

2/2/2023 (Permalink)

Preparing for a fire is one of the smartest things you can do when you own a home. Knowing what to do in case a disaster like this is crucial.

Preparing for a fire is one of the smartest things you can do when you own a home. Knowing what to do in case a disaster like this were to occur is crucial to you and your Cranesville, Youngsville, Fairview, and surrounding areas home. To begin preparing for a disaster, you can check out these tips below from Ready.gov:

Remember that every second counts in the event of a fire. Escape plans help you get out of your home quickly. Practice your home fire escape plan twice each year. Some tips to consider when preparing this plan include:

• Find two ways to get out of each room in the event the primary way is blocked by fire or smoke.
• Make sure that windows are not stuck, screens can be taken out quickly and that security bars can be properly opened.
• Practice feeling your way out of the house in the dark or with your eyes closed.
• Teach children not to hide from firefighters.
• If you use a walker or wheelchair, check all exits to be sure you can get through the doorways.

Fire Safety Tips

• Make digital copies of valuable documents and records like birth certificates.
• Sleep with your bedroom door closed.
• Keep a fire extinguisher in your kitchen. Contact your local fire department for assistance on proper use and maintenance.
• Consider installing an automatic fire sprinkler system in your residence.

SERVPRO of Erie and Warren Counties are fire and water damage restoration specialists. We are always Here to Help, 24/7. Give us a call at (814) 806-1987 for immediate assistance or visit our Website!

How To Tell If You Have Water Damage in Your Girard Home

1/10/2023 (Permalink)

If you have experienced water damage to your home or commercial property you can call SERVPRO of Erie and Warren Counties, PA.

Water damage can occur from many ways. Sometimes water damage occurs from a pipe break in your home. Other times water damage may occur from storm events that make its way into your home. No matter how the water damage occurs, it always needs to be found out and cleaned as quickly as possible.

Here are some ways you can tell you have experienced Water Damage: 

• Peeling, bubbling, or flaking paint
• Small hairline cracks or a larger, spiderwebbed pattern of cracks
• Water rings, usually a light brown color
• ?Mold growth, especially in corners where walls and ceilings meet, and often in humid rooms or locations such as basements
• Sagging, bowed ceilings
• Water stains, often a dark, yellow color, or similar in appearance to rust
• Musty smells

If you have experienced water damage to your home or commercial property in Albion, Youngsville, Waterford, and or in their surrounding areas, you can call SERVPRO of Erie and Warren Counties, PA for immediate assistance. Call (814) 806-1987 or visit our website to Learn More!

Hot Erie Topic: No! You Should Not Rinse Your Dishes for the Dishwasher

12/27/2022 (Permalink)

If your Erie, Waterford, North East and surrounding areas home is affected by a dishwasher back-up…SERVPRO of Erie and Warren Counties can help.

If your mother is anything like mine there was no placing dishes, even with one miniscule crumb on them, in the dishwasher without rinsing. “IT WILL CLOG THE DISHWASHER!” At least that was always the argument why I had to spend an extra few minutes cleaning each dish prior to sticking it in the machine that supposedly washes dishes. SERVPRO of Erie and Warren Counties is here to debunk you and your mom’s time-old argument.

If you ask the Wall Street Journal---you should not wash your dishes AT ALL before loading them. *MIND BLOWN. * “Believe it or not, it’s actually more beneficial to not rinse your dishes before putting them into the dishwasher, says Procter & Gamble’s Cascade scientist, Morgan Brasher.” She goes on to say that most modern dishwashers can tell how long and heavy to run a cycle because of a sensor inside of them. The sensor can determine the soil level and it decides how long the cycle will run. Therefore, if you rinse prior to placing them in the dishwasher, the cycle will be shorter and will not clean them as long or thorough as they probably need. And that would not be a clean outcome.

So, you can tell your mom she’s wrong. (One point for you!)  But then she will then ask where does all that excess food go? Well. Newer models have an internal filter and garbage disposal. And yes! This does have to be cleaned regularly to prevent clogging and backups. A dishwasher is not a garbage disposal. So, this means you do have to scrape off the excess food on the plate. It is just not necessary to take the dish wand to after.

Childhood life transformed. But I guess it is too late for that. But that doesn’t mean dishwashers can’t back-up. There are still many ways this can happen. It could either be not cleaning out that filter, like stated above, or a clogged drain hose, or even a garbage disposal backup. If your Erie, Waterford, North East and surrounding areas home is affected by a dishwasher back-up…SERVPRO of Erie and Warren Counties can help. We know water. In fact---this is the cornerstone of our business. A dishwasher overflow would be considered a “Category 1” water loss…since it would be deemed ‘clean water’. This is water from a clean source, such as a broken clean water supply line or faucet. If left untreated, category 1 water can quickly degrade into categories 2 or 3 water depending upon such factors as time, temperature, and contact with contaminants. And this is where the “yucky stuff” starts. Special training and equipment are necessary to safely clean this type of contamination.

SERVPRO of Erie and Warren Counties highly trained technicians are ready to respond immediately to flood or water damage at your Lake City, Cranesville, Platea and surrounding areas property. We have the experience, expertise, and training to restore your home or business quickly and properly. We use advanced inspection and extraction equipment to find the water and remove it as quickly as possible. Our technicians will monitor and document the drying process to ensure your property is back to normal.

Should you need us anytime, we are here. We are open 24/7 for incidents at your Girard, Union City, Clarendon, and surrounding areas home. For immediate assistance, give us a call at (814) 806-1987 or visit our Website to learn more!

Why SERVPRO: Ethics in Restoration in Erie

10/10/2022 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO Team Dobson we understand that being a reputable company is important because it is so rare anymore.

“Moral principles that govern a person's behavior or the conducting of an activity.” This sentence correctly defines the word “Ethics.” A word that is extremely important, but especially in our line of work of restoration. Here at SERVPRO of Erie and Warren Counties we take the application of ethics into our daily work extremely seriously. Our Importance to ethics is displayed daily on our job sites and out office environments.

According to the 2018 Global Business Ethics survey, “Employees are more likely to apply ethical reasoning when their company clearly demonstrates why business ethics is important. Ninety-nine percent of U.S. employees who experience a strong ethics culture said they’re prepared to handle ethical issues. Companies that advocate for business ethics motivate their employees to perform their roles with integrity.”

Here at SERVPRO Team Dobson we understand that being a reputable company is important because it is so rare anymore. We are invited into homes and businesses each day by clients. In an age where it is considered common to get ripped off a company, we believe our company provides a breath of fresh air. When we show up to your front door you can expect honesty and transparency. We will do right by you, and we will do good work for you, no matter what the scenario.

SERVPRO of Erie and Warren Counties specializes in fire and water - restoration and cleanup. We understand that if you have experienced a disaster, you need someone you can call on 24/7. Call us at any time, day, or night at (814) 806-1987 or visit our Website! We are always Here to Help!

It’s National Storm Preparation Month in Millcreek Township

9/11/2022 (Permalink)

Besides the looming threat of potentially being effected by a dreadful storm, September is also a wonderful time to prepare for winter.

As another summer begins to wind down and fall begins to roll in, it is imperative to be aware that many dangerous storms are still quite likely to occur during these months.

In fact, this time of the year, August through October, is when storms and tornadoes are the most common to hit.

Besides the looming threat of potentially being affected by a dreadful storm, September is also a wonderful time to prepare for future severe weather events such as winter storms.

Here at SERVPRO of Erie and Warren Counties we have several recommendations to keep your residence or business safe all year long!

• Sign up for Alerts and Warnings
• Make an Emergency Storm Plan
• Practice the Emergency Drills
• Make Improvements to Your Home or Business
• Assemble First Aid Supplies and Non-Perishables

SERVPRO of Erie and Warren Counties is locally owned and operated, so we are part of this community too. When you have a cleaning or restoration need, we are already nearby and ready to help.

We are a Cleaning, Restoration and Construction company. We are Here to Help, 24/7. For immediate assistance give us a call at (814) 806-1987 or visit us on our Website!

Two Birds of Feather Flock Together: Water and Mold in Edinboro, PA

9/10/2022 (Permalink)

So, you might ask what makes us the industry leaders? The answer is simple, 24-Hour Emergency Service, which makes us “Faster to Any Size Disaster.”

Ah yes, the worst power couple in the world. No, I’m not talking about Kim and Pete!

I’m talking about water damage and mold. These two are the definition of a toxic relationship. They are the couple that annoys everyone, the couple you wish would break up, but somehow are always together. We all know this kind of couple, unfortunately in our line of work in the restoration field, we come across this dreadful situation almost on a daily basis in the Edinboro, Girard, and Springfield Township area.

As an industry leader of water mitigation and mold remediation it is our job to break up this revolting couple! Which we will in a quick and timely manner having this horrendous problem looking “Like it never even happened.”                

So, you might ask what makes us the industry leaders? The answer is simple, 24-Hour Emergency Service, which makes us “Faster to Any Size Disaster.” Highly trained water and mold restoration technicians and advanced water and mold inspection and extraction equipment. We pride ourselves on doing the best possible job in our line of work for residents and business owners in Summit Township, Cranesville, and Youngsville.

SERVPRO of Erie and Warren Counties specializes in fire and water - restoration and cleanup. We understand that if you have experienced a disaster, you need someone you can call on 24/7.

Call us at any time, day, or night at (814) 806-1987 or visit our Website! We are always Here to Help!

The Importance of Mold Removal in Your Albion Business

9/1/2022 (Permalink)

Mold is an annoying menace to any commercial business, growing easily in almost any environment.

Mold is an annoying menace to any commercial business, growing easily in almost any environment. The type of environment mold needs to grow is moist and warm conditions and before you know it, you are experiencing problems with mold. No mold is the same, and it can come in a number of different aliases, such as being invisible. In addition, mold can only be found from the odor it produces and high-quality air testing. Mold mitigation is especially important, due to the fact if not taken care of it only grows worse. Unattended to mold can cause the following problems for you and your employees. According to EPA.gov, “Molds produce allergens, irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances. Allergic reactions to mold are common. They can be immediate or delayed.”

Why You Should Call SERVPRO to Take Care of Your Mold Problem

Since the substance of mold is so tricky, it takes industry knowledge, training, and experience to get a handle on any mold situation. If you try to get rid of a mold problem on your own, there is a great chance it never actually goes away, or only grows back worse. SERVPRO of Erie and Warren Counties is ready to take on any challenge mold may bring. Furthermore, we have extensive training and certifications for containing the infestation and remediating the mold.

SERVPRO of Erie and Warren Counties specializes in fire and water - restoration and cleanup. We understand that if you have experienced a disaster, you need someone you can call on 24/7. Call us at any time, day, or night at (814) 806-1987 or visit our Website! We are always Here to Help!

What Can Severe Winds Do to Your Erie Residence?

9/1/2022 (Permalink)

High winds can be prevalent year-round in Erie and Warren Counties. When these storms kick up in our backyards, it can be extremely destructive.

High winds can be prevalent year-round in Erie and Warren Counties. When these storms kick up in our backyards, it can be extremely destructive. SERVPRO of Erie and Warren Counties suggests always paying attention to weather advisories and heed their warnings. We know firsthand how dangerous these events can be! Before a storm is ever on the horizon you should always have a preparation plan in place to prevent any potential damages your residence. The National Weather Service gives a great checklist to help and ensure this!

• Trim Trees and Shrubs
  • Trees close to your home can snap or uproot.
  • High wind can turn branches into projectiles during the storm.
• Remove debris from your yard
• Bring in outdoor furniture.
• Lawn chairs, trampolines, pool supplies, etc. can be turned into flying debris. 
• Reinforce garage doors
• This will prevent wind from entering and causing dangerous/expensive damage.
• Proper Maintenance
• Ensure that roofing materials, fencing, etc. are properly maintained and in good condition.
• This will allow them to be more resistant to wind damage.

SERVPRO of Erie and Warren Counties is locally owned and operated, so we are part of this community too. When you have a cleaning or restoration need, we are nearby and ready to help. We are a Fire and Water - Restoration and Cleanup company. We are Here to Help, 24/7. For immediate assistance give us a call at (814) 806-1987 or visit us on our Website.