Space Heater Safety Tips for Greenville, NC Residents

1/7/2019 (Permalink)

As the temperature outside continues to drop, we respond with heating our homes more frequently, or even by introducing new heat sources such as a space heater. As warm and cozy as this might make you feel, there are some important considerations you may want to review.

Heating equipment fires accounted for 15% of all reported home fires in 2011-2015—or over 25,000 residential fires related to space heaters. The following guidelines can help you choose the right heater to keep you and your family safe.

1. Second-hand goods are a great way to be frugal, but purchasing a newer model heater branded with the Underwriter's Laboratory (UL) label should ensure that all of the current safety features are present.
2. Heater size can make a big impact on your energy bill. Typically, manufacturers will have a guide on the box to help you choose the optimal sized heater for your needs, so be sure to pick the right size.
3. If available, choose a thermostatically controlled heater to further reduce energy costs.
4. Place the heater you choose on a stable, level surface where pets and children cannot accidentally harm themselves. Also, be sure not to place your heater anywhere near materials that can combust.        

Of course, there is always a chance that even with the best preparation, unforeseen circumstances can happen. Just remember, if you or someone you know is in need of professional cleanup or restoration services, our 24/7 emergency crews here at SERVPRO® of Pitt/Greene Counties are #HereToHelp. For questions or information, give us a call at: (252) 329-7205, or visit our website.

Cold weather tips for Greenville NC residents to keep you warm and safe for the holidays

12/3/2018 (Permalink)

With winter nearly upon us, the temperature is starting to drop to some uncomfortably low levels. Make sure you and your loved ones stay safe and comfortable with these helpful tips.

For Outside

Cooler temperatures mean even quick trips to the store can be enough to give us the chills. While making us look cool, what we choose to wear when we go outside can also make a huge difference in how well we regulate our temperature and maintain our comfort level.

• Being one of the more well-known methods for a reason, dressing in layers is an effective way to keep your body insulated and warm. Just be sure not to bundle up too much if you’re going to be active—if you start to sweat, it can siphon the heat away from you when you stop to rest.
• Aside from headgear, such as hats and beanies, another common piece of winter attire many of us wear is gloves—but did you know that mittens are actually more effective at keeping your hands warm? If you are prone to getting cold and staying outside for more than a quick walk, mittens might be a great way of keeping those digits delightfully cozy.
• Along with the cold temperatures comes dry air which accelerates dehydration. Be sure to drink plenty of liquids, especially warm ones if possible. This will help you regulate your body temperature as well so maybe it’s time to consider that hot cocoa! In fact, staying warm takes a lot of energy from our bodies, so a little extra sugar in your beverage of choice might seem a little less concerning. Just enjoy in moderation.

For Your Pets

Animals get cold in the winter time too—try and keep them indoors as much as possible to keep them happy, healthy, and ready to put a smile on your face with their unique charm.

• If it proves impossible to bring an animal inside or if a pet will be exposed to cold conditions for a prolonged period of time, be sure to provide a dry, windproof shelter that is capable of keeping them out of the elements.
• When bringing a pet back inside during wet conditions, be sure to dry them thoroughly so they can warm back up and look their best for all your holiday photos.
• Just like you, pets can become dehydrated quickly in winter conditions. Be sure your pets have a fresh, clean and unfrozen water source to keep them going strong.

For Your Home

Preparing your home for cold weather is an easily (and often) overlooked consideration that can quickly escalate into some serious problems. Try some of the following tips to keep your home and family protected.

• One of the most common heating sources for houses and apartments is gas-powered furnaces. While effective at their job and generally reliable and safe, like any mechanical device, there is a chance for different kinds of failures. To avoid the risk of carbon monoxide building up, be sure to put new batteries in existing carbon monoxide detectors or install new ones if your home is not yet equipped.
• Make sure to shut off outdoor faucets and insulate them with foam, as they are more directly exposed to temperature drops. Don’t forget to drain and disconnect any hoses to keep them in good condition for when you need them.
• Cold temperatures can also put your pipes in danger of freezing and consequently bursting from the pressure. Pipes in your outside walls, crawlspace, and attic are especially prone to this, so be sure your pipes are adequately insulated. This could potentially save you and your home from an unexpected repair.

Of course, there is always a chance that even with the best preparation, unforeseen circumstances can happen. Just remember, if you or someone you know is in need of professional cleanup or restoration services, our 24/7 emergency crews here at SERVPRO® of Pitt/Greene & Craven/Pamlico are #HereToHelp.

SERVPRO Pitt/Greene helps in Texas!

9/15/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Pitt/Greene Crew headed to Texas!

On September 5^th, five of our crew members traveled from Greenville, NC to Corpus Christi, Texas to help with the damages after Hurricane Harvey. Hurricane Harvey was a category four storm that became the first major hurricane to make landfall in the United States since Hurricane Wilma in 2005. Hurricane Harvey made landfall in the US on August 24 in Rockport, Texas. The damage done in Rockport and the surrounding areas was catastrophic and had a huge impact on the locals. Record rainfall flooded largely populated areas and forced more than 30,000 people from their homes. Since Hurricane Harvey impacted massive amounts of people SERVPRO Pitt/Greene Counties will be in Corpus Christi, Texas for a couple more weeks helping to repair damaged homes and businesses. SERVPRO restoration services include: Water Damage Restoration, Fire Damage Restoration, Mold Remediation and Storm Damage Cleanup. SERVPRO Pitt/Greene Counties took the initiative to travel to Texas to help but there are several ways that you can help contribute as well!

Donate money. The best way to help Texans affected by disasters is to donate money to charitable agencies that are experienced in disaster relief. Before giving money to an organization, do your research!

Donate blood. Blood banks have been urging people to donate since demand for blood is rising. Find your local Red Cross and donate!

Open your home. You can offer to provide free accommodations to hurricane evacuees through Airbnb. The service is waiving all fees until Sept. 25. 

Adopt a pet. If you’re thinking about adopting a dog or a cat, this could be a great time. Animal welfare organizations in Texas, Florida and around the country are likely to take in pets that have lost their owners. Check with your local animal shelter and adopt!

If you know anyone in Texas who has storm or flood damage Call Us Today at (252) 329-7205 or (252) 637-7274