Recent General Posts
What's that Smell?
11/10/2023 (Permalink)
Your nose knows!
What’s that Smell?
When an unusual odor wafts through it’s a call-to-action, not a wait-and-see situation. It could be a benign issue like a clogged garbage disposal or a potentially hazardous problem that demands your attention. So explore, don’t ignore! Here are five weird smells and what they could mean:
- Fishy- Most people would never draw this connection but a fishy smell can be tied to an electrical issue such as frayed wires or faulty outlets. When an electrical component overheats, the heat-resistant chemicals covering the wires release that terrible fishy smell.
- Wet Dog- If you notice this smell and don’t have a dog the first thing you want to check for is mold/mildew growth. Bacterial growth in a damp area can often be the culprit for this smell. If you can’t pinpoint where the smell is coming from, it’s possible the odor is blowing from your HVAC unit and you may have a dirty air filter that needs to be cleaned. Excessive moisture is what’s causing this smell so if you don’t find evidence of mold check your appliances to see if you have any leaks causing rotting wood, as this issue can also effuse the “wet dog” smell. In a rare instance, if you ruled out all the above causes, you may have a rodent issue on your hand and should contact an exterminator.
- Pickle- A pickly or vinegary scent could mean formaldehyde, a potentially harmful chemical from adhesives and resins. When this chemical reaches room temperature it turns into a gas and when inhaled can cause serious medical problems. To remove this odor from your home open all windows and run fans to get the air moving. You can also sprinkle baking soda on any carpet or upholstery that seems to be emitting the smell, let it sit overnight, and vacuum it as a last step.
- Cat Urine- This distinctive smell could indicate black mold. If you find circular-shaped dark green, black, or brown spots that smell similar to cat urine you should call SERVPRO right away and we’ll send someone out to take a look. It’s advised to vacate the house but if you do not have that option try your best to seal off that area and avoid any contact with the affected region. If you or someone in your household is experiencing unusual respiratory issues, allergic reactions, or headaches it’s best to seek medical attention.
- Rotten Eggs- This smell isn’t just unpleasant; it could mean a serious gas leak, a worst-case scenario that poses a risk of fire or explosion if left undetected. Interestingly, natural gas is odorless. But gas companies deliberately add a foul-smelling odorant for safety reasons.
So trust your nose! Remember, your home’s smells are like messages, and addressing them quickly can prevent potential issues. And if you encounter a challenge beyond your expertise, don’t hesitate to reach out to SERVPRO. We’re here to ensure your home stays not only clean but also safe. Trust us to handle the unexpected, so you can enjoy a worry-free home environment.
Fall Decorating 101: Safety Tips and Ideas for a Stunning Seasonal Display
10/13/2023 (Permalink)
Stay safe with SERVPRO!
Decorating for the holidays is something millions of people do, but it can get extra spooky if you aren’t careful. There’s no need to shy away from pulling out all the bells and whistles for the holidays as long as you prioritize safety. Here are some tips to ensure your home remains secure throughout the holiday season:
Open Flames- Avoid them at all costs. Instead, consider using battery-operated or LED lights. There are even lights that can give you that same flickering effect you get from a real flame but without the danger!
Inflatables- Display with caution. Storing inflatables inside during severe weather offers the best protection.When you bring them indoors be sure to store them away from sources of ignition. When deciding where to put your inflatable outdoors, pick a spot with level ground and a good distance from any tree branches.
Outdoor lights- Double and triple-check that the lights you are using outdoors are actually designed to be used outdoors! Outdoor lights have a special coating that protects them from water damage. Always check the warning labels before you use any decoration with an electrical component outdoors. It’s best to unplug the lights before leaving your house as leaving them on unattended is a potential fire hazard.
Electrical Wires- Pinching cords in doors, windows, or under heavy furniture could damage the cord’s insulation. Never run electrical wires across driveways and/or walkways as it could become a tripping hazard and cause exposed wires and damaged sockets.
So next time you pull that box of decorations down and unravel those lights hopefully these safety tips spring to the forefront of your mind!
SERVPRO Hosting Continuing Education Classes
8/10/2018 (Permalink)
Do you need to earn additional Continuing Education Credits for your professional license?
SERVPRO® of Columbia, Montour & Sullivan Counties will be hosting two Continuing Education classes for Insurance Professionals on Wednesday, October 3, 2018at our officelocated at 18 Sweet Valley Road, Hunlock Creek, PA 18621.
9AM – 11AM Understanding Mold in the Restoration Industry. This will award 2 Continuing Education Credit Hours. 100% Attendance is REQUIRED in order to receive Continuing Education Credit for this course.
11:00AM – 1PM Restoring Contaminated Buildings. This will award 2 Continuing Education Credit Hours. 100% Attendance is REQUIRED in order to receive Continuing Education Credit for this course.
**Please remember to bring your Photo ID and Licensing Number. **
To reserve your seat, please contact:
SERVPRO® of Columbia, Montour & Sullivan Counties at 570-759-0966 or send an email to SERVPRO8807@ptd.net
Class Size is Limited. Please Confirm Guests Attending.
Working to make it “Like it never even happened.”
While You Are Away..
4/9/2018 (Permalink)
Save Energy While You’re Away
- Unplug appliances that consume electricity even when they’re not in use such as DVD players, microwaves, coffeemakers and computers (also make sure to disconnect the computer from the Internet). This is both a cost savings and a safety issue. It’s not unheard of to have a cat tiptoe across a counter and unwittingly turn on the coffeemaker.
- Turn the water heater down to the “vacation,” “low” or “pilot” setting.
- During the winter, set your thermostat to 60 degrees F and have a neighbor check on the house regularly for furnace malfunctions.
- In the summer, set your air conditioner to 85 degrees F so it runs less often but keeps electronics cool and gives the house an occupied appearance. Having no air conditioner humming and no windows open on a sweltering day is a sure signal to a thief that no one is home.
- If you’ll be gone for an extended period, clean out the fridge (and freezer) completely, shut it off and leave the door propped open.
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