The Dangers Of Frying A Turkey

11/27/2024 (Permalink)

Every year family and friends gather together to celebrate Thanksgiving. Among the constant staples on the table like cranberry sauce and stuffing, the grand attraction is usually the turkey. There are so many ways to prep and cook a turkey. Some people brine it beforehand, others may buy it already brined or they don't bother with that step at all and just accept dry turkey. 

Many people roast the turkey in the oven, some may stick it in the slow cooker. But, one trend gaining traction is frying the turkey. It may sound like a great idea if you like a crispy skin, but what many don't know is frying a turkey can create a serious fire hazard.

The amount of moisture in a turkey can cause the oil to immediately boil up and over the pot creating a grease fire. If you plan on frying your turkey this year please set up a station somewhere safe and preferably outside. And if you are reading this article a little too late to take our advice, SERVPRO® is available 24/7 365 to repair and restore your kitchen. Happy Thanksgiving folks!

Brush Fires Across Much Of Pennsylvania

11/9/2024 (Permalink)

With no measurable rain since September, most yards have dried out and gone completely yellow. Grass is as dry as hay and many yards are dust bowls. Most trees have now lost their leaves adding to the danger of brush fires. 

Unfortunately just one spark could spread into a  catastrophic fire. There is currently a fire ban across Pennsylvania for this very reason. Just this morning Neversink Mountain in Reading had a far spread brush fire that started Friday night and went into the late morning hours of Saturday. 

Luckily firefighters were able to stop the spread before it reached the houses in town, but the mountain and wildlife that reside there were greatly affected. 

There are also many brush fires starting in people's yards and fields. Because of the dry air and wind, the conditions are perfect for them to spread quickly and damage your home or business. If it happens to you don't hesitate to give SERVPRO of Adamstown, Mohnton a call. We specialize in fire mitigation and reconstruction and can make it "Like it never even happened."

Don't Let Your Fourth of July Celebration Cause Fire Damage!

7/4/2024 (Permalink)

It's the fourth of July and that means there will be a surge in fires and fire damage. Between the heat waves, random bouts of dry weather, and the holiday fireworks and firepits, fires become a big concern.

This year make sure you stay safe and vigilant if you are grilling outdoors or lighting some of those fun little bottle rockets and sparklers that the kiddos love. It's always best to have a source of water ready to put out fires that may spark to life. 

One thing I always do is have a pitcher of water ready for used sparklers and fire crackers. It's best to collect them after use and submerge them in the water until they are fully soaked through, thus avoiding anything from catching fire.

As always if you find yourself dealing with a fire damage give us a call at (717) 484-0007!

Fire Damage? SERVPRO Is On The Way!

6/21/2024 (Permalink)

Fires can happen at any time and SERVPRO® is always ready when the calls come in. 

Recently our business development manager was at a networking event for SERVPRO when a fire damage call came in. She was offered the opportunity to ride along and see how everything is handled from the start. 

On top of sorting through the mess to see what could be saved and what plans needed to be made she got to witness how SERVPRO technicians handle the customers after a fire catastrophe. It warmed her heart to see how comforting and professional the techs were and how quickly they got to work cleaning the mess. 

By the time she left the scene, plans were already made and in motion to make it "Like it never even happened."

Fire Damage In Our Neighborhood

2/21/2024 (Permalink)

When fire trucks are using your drive way it's safe to guess there is a fire nearby. That's what happened this past week at our Adamstown SERVPRO. 

While chatting with clients we suddenly heard sirens blaring and saw lights flashing. After letting the trucks use our parking lot to set up we decided to talk to our neighbors to see if everyone was alright. 

Fortunately they were not hurt and their beloved cat, Creamsicle, was also safe and sound, but damage was done. Luckily we are only a stone's throw away and can be there to help them clean up. We can't wait until we can make it "like it never even happened."

If you suffer a water loss or fire damage please don't hesitate to give us a call at (717)484-0007. We are available 24/7 365 to help.

Commercial Restoration Services And Residential Restoration Services Are Our Specialty

12/1/2023 (Permalink)

Four unit fire damage clean up.

Whether you are a home owner, a business owner, or a renter, water damage and fire damage can be a nightmare to deal with. Luckily, SERVPRO of Adamstown, Mohnton specializes in both commercial restoration services and residential restoration services. We can be your one stop shop for repairing and restoring your property.

Recently we responded to a four unit fire damage in Mohnton. The source of the fire had been an electric couch that malfunctioned. It caught fire and the fire quickly spread to four total units before it was contained. Thankfully, there were no injuries and everyone got out safe. Unfortunately the damage was great, but SERVPRO is working diligently to make it like it never even happened. 

SERVPRO of Adamstown, Mohnton is available 24/7/365 for any restoration necessities. Please don't hesitate to give us a call at (717) 484-0007 anytime to help you with all of your fire and water damage needs.

Read This Before You Turn That Heat On

10/30/2023 (Permalink)

Puffback soot that spread through a residence.!

Now that fall is in full swing it may be time to turn on the heat in your home. Before you do make sure to take some precautions to keep your furnace in tiptop shape and prevent the dreaded puffback.
A puffback is an explosion inside your heating system and when it occurs smoke and soot can spread through your home or business. Puffbacks can cause minor to severe fire damage.
To prevent a puffback from occurring always get regular maintenance and inspections on your heating system. It's also a good idea to make sure your air vents are clear from dust, debris, and small animals that may have snuck in to find warmth; all of which can smoke or catch fire in a hot air vent.
If you experience a puffback or other fire damage give SERVPRO of Adamstown, Mohnton a call. With our experienced techs, we can make the damage "like it never even happened."

Fire Safety Tips For Your Fire Pit

10/9/2023 (Permalink)

Colder temperatures are upon us and with it comes more instances of fire damage. If you're like many in our area you've probably begun enjoying bonfires or campfires outside with friends and family. Although they are always a good time and can keep you warm while outdoors they have the potential to turn into a fire hazard quickly. 

SERVPRO of Adamstown/Mohnton is always around to clean up if you have fire damage, but here are some helpful tips to keep you safe and the good times rolling:

• Always make sure your fire pit or campfire is far enough away from your house that wind gusts won't lead the flames to your house.
• Don't let grass grow up or around your fire pit. Make sure to cut and clear the area around the pit of grass or weeds.
• Never leave the fire unattended.
• Always make sure the fire is completely out by dousing the entire pit with water.
• Look to make sure there are no embers still burning when you are done, even a single ember can relight and grow out of control to cause damage.

By keeping these helpful tips in mind, we hope you can stay safe while staying warm!

Major House Fire In Reading

8/29/2023 (Permalink)

Soot covered doll house

House fires can start out of nowhere and quickly get out of control. On one property we were called to in Reading the fire damage was some of the worst we had seen. Every room in the house was blackened and charred with smoke and fire damage. 

Our skilled crews handled the immediate fire mitigation and worked with their insurance to completely repair the house. Every room used multiple tools to clean and replace damaged walls, floors, ceilings, and fixtures. At the end of the day SERVPRO of Adamstown/Mohnton was able to make it look like it never even happened. 

A house fire as bad as this one can be completely devastating to a family. If it happens to you give us a call- (717) 484-0007 and we will do our best to help you through the process as easily as possible.

SERVPRO The Puffback Specialists

8/18/2023 (Permalink)

Puffback clean up

With summer coming to a close and temperatures cooling down furnace and boiler issues will be on the rise. So make sure to schedule yearly maintenance on your heating system to avoid puffbacks and other potential problems. 

Puffbacks occur when an excessive amount of fuel vapor collects inside the burner chamber. When the furnace is turned on it triggers an explosion in the burner chamber that can release oily soot, smoke, and fire damage throughout your house. Not only is it toxic and carcinogenic, it's also not easy to clean up!

At SERVPRO® not only are we pros at water damage restoration, storm damage clean up, and mold remediation; we also handle fire damage restoration, odor removal, and content cleaning. So if a puffback happens to you give us a call at (717) 484-0007 and let us evaluate the best options for you to make it "like it never even happened."

Northern Lancaster County Smoke and Soot Cleanup

8/29/2022 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Adamstown, Mohnton will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today –717-484-0007

Fire Damage Reading PA

8/18/2022 (Permalink)

Fire Damage Reading PA

Fires can be devastating for you and your family.

Here are some tips for fire safety:

Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement.

Make sure to change the batteries of the smoke detectors every six months.

Keep a fire extinguisher in or near your kitchen.

Always practice your escape plan with your family, including your pets. If a fire occurs, escape your house as soon as possible and never go back inside for anything or anyone.

Don’t leave burning candles unattended.
Secure your wires out of sight of your pet, as you do not want them to mistake them for a chew toy.

We are the fire damage experts and can help you at the first sign, we have 24/7 emergency service and can help you no matter the time. Call SERVPRO of Adamstown, Mohnton 717-484-0007.