Always Prioritize Safety as You Grill

4/18/2023 (Permalink)

The risk of a grill fire is there every time you light yours up.

For us, enjoying summer is all about getting outside with family and firing up the grill, but safety is key to making sure this stays a fun activity. Grilling dangers are something many people do not discuss, but as with any open flame, the risk of a grill fire is there every time you light yours up. Fortunately, a bit of prevention goes a long way.

It is reported by the U.S. Fire Administration that grill fires occur at least 5,700 times every year, making them more prevalent than many realize. But grilling can be a fun and safe activity if you follow the proper fire safety protocols when you do it.

Keep Grilling Fun, Safe and Fire-Free

• Create a safe zone around your grill. It is convenient to place your grill in a spot close to your home but giving yourself plenty of surrounding space is important in case of flare-ups. Three feet is the recommended distance to have around your grill, free from wood, siding or any other flammable materials.
• Clean your grill grates often. By keeping your grill grates clean, you can keep the temperature inside your grill steadier and reduce the chances of a sudden fire starting. Built-on food particles can get extremely hot when the grill is in use, even suddenly igniting in some cases. A quick scrape after each grill session can go a long way in reducing this danger.
• Never leave the grill unattended. There is no safe way to ever leave a grill unattended, even if the lid is closed. Fires only take a second to start, so your best bet to circumvent damage is by always being nearby with a fire extinguisher just in case. Even for a quick break, it is best to have someone take over your grill station to keep a vigilant eye out.
• Inspect the grill regularly. The components of a grill are not made to last forever, and even if you are using yours regularly, you never know when something could finally give out. Before you ever light your grill, do a visual inspection to make sure everything looks like it is in good shape and there are no areas that could lead to a gas leak on your connectors.

Protecting Your Garden During Rainstorms

4/18/2023 (Permalink)

Although our gardens love a nice rain shower, too much rain can be harmful to all the plants.

Although our gardens love a nice rain shower, too much rain can be harmful to all the plants. After all the hard work you have done to manage your garden, do not let heavy rainstorms ruin it! Follow these tips to protect your garden during heavy storms:

Before Rainstorm:

• Remove damaged limbs and shoots – Removing dead limbs and shoots from your plants will help make them more streamlined and will reduce snapping and tangling.
• Add compost and mulch – Adding a couple of inches of compost to the top 8 to 12 inches of soil will help with drainage.
• Support taller plants – Push wooden or metal support into the ground and tie taller plants to it. This will help keep them stable against rain and strong winds.
• Drainage – Make sure there is a proper runoff that tilts away from your garden and make sure it is not blocked. Water collecting in your garden can be damaging to your plants, possibly drowning them.

During Rainstorm:

• Cover your most delicate plants – Use a waterproof tarp to cover your most fragile plants during heavy rainstorms. Make sure that the covering is not blocking water from draining because it can cause other plants to drown.

After Rainstorm:

• Check your vegetable roots – Once the rainstorm has stopped, make sure there are no exposed roots following soil erosion. If there are exposed roots, cover them with soil or compost before they dry out.
• Check your pots and planters – Pots and planters can easily become flooded if the drainage is blocked. Check them before, during and after rainstorms. You can always cover pots and planters if necessary.
• Pull weeds up by hand – The moist soil after rain means you are much more likely to retrieve the whole root without it snapping or breaking.

Need more tips? Go to The Plant Guide for more information on maintaining your garden during severe weather.

SERVPRO Insider – April 2023

4/12/2023 (Permalink)

Our newest issue of our quarterly newsletter is here!

Our newest issue of our quarterly newsletter is here! The SERVPRO Insider gives an inside look at what SERVPRO Team Miller has been up to!   

Winter Storm Elliott swept across the Midwest in late December 2022. The Team Miller Disaster Recovery Team was dispatched to Kentucky when suppression lines broke in multiple buildings throughout the University of Kentucky campus. Learn just how much equipment our team utilized to get the buildings dry within a matter of days.  

We are highlighting some of our amazing #GreenTeam events where we celebrated St. Patrick’s Day within our communities! Also featured are articles with helpful facts about surviving thunderstorms and maintaining a home to prevent flooding basements. 

Each newsletter comes with a special feature on the services that SERVPRO offers. The service of this quarter: Specialty Cleaning Services. SERVPRO is more than just fire, water, and storm damage restoration. Our team offers specialty cleaning services like carpet cleaning, hoarding house cleanup, odor removal, and more. Take a peek to learn more! 

If you’d like to subscribe to receive our full quarterly newsletters, send us a request at marketing@rdmhc.com. 

SERVPRO Insider – January 2023

1/13/2023 (Permalink)

Our newest issue of our quarterly newsletter is here!

Our newest issue of our quarterly newsletter is here! The SERVPRO Insider gives an inside look at what SERVPRO Team Miller has been up to!   

Hurricane Ian left behind flooding and destruction as it made its way across Florida in October 2022. The Team Miller Disaster Recovery Team was dispatched to help the locals start the process of rebuilding their homes, businesses, and livelihoods. Check out some great pictures of our teams and commercial projects! 

We are highlighting some of our team members with fun photos of our Halloween costume contest and the winner of our employee customer service winner! Also featured are articles with helpful tips for preventing winter water damage with a focus on ice dams, snowmelt, and frozen pipes.  

Each newsletter comes with a special feature on the services that SERVPRO offers. The service of this quarter: Commercial Water Damage Restoration. SERVPRO specializes in large loss restoration services. Water can be especially destructive. Whether a commercial facility faces water damage from a storm or a pipe break, SERVPRO has the training and experience to provide emergency mitigation services and get your property back to preloss condition as quickly as possible. 

If you’d like to subscribe to receive our full quarterly newsletters, send us a request at marketing@rdmhc.com. 

SERVPRO Insider – October 2022

11/1/2022 (Permalink)

Our newest quarterly newsletter is here!

Our newest quarterly newsletter is here! The SERVPRO Insider gives an inside look at what SERVPRO Team Miller has been up to!   

In this issue, we’re helping you prepare for the holidays! Follow our fire safety tips to safely deep fry your Thanksgiving turkey and learn about the potential fire hazards that can come with holiday decorations.  

Get an inside look at our storm damage restoration projects in Fort Wayne, Indiana, learn about a few of our dedicated team members who services residential and commercial large loss projects, and help us celebrate our amazing employee Bob who has been working for SERVPRO Team Miller for the past 25 years!  

Each newsletter comes with a special feature on the services that SERVPRO offers. The service of this quarter: Fire Damage Restoration. Fire and smoke damage is especially destructive to properties and belongings. The SERVPRO team specializes in restoring versus replacing smoke and soot damaged contents and can perform restoration services to get fire-damaged buildings back to pre-fire condition.  

If you’d like to subscribe to receive our full quarterly newsletters, send us a request at marketing@rdmhc.com. 

Removing Odors Yourself After a Flood

8/28/2022 (Permalink)

In some circumstances, odors will need professional help to fully be removed.

Any water damage that occurs when your home floods can often come with odors and mold growth that continue to seep into your residence long after the water has subsided. You can take care to eliminate odors and preserve the safety of your dwelling with the following measures:  

• Air Things Out - Open all doors and windows to allow air to circulate in your residence. This should help dissipate any lingering smells that remain and will also facilitate drying of the affected areas.  
• Dry the Wet Areas - You may install dehumidifiers to speed up the drying process. Removing moisture from porous and absorbent surfaces such as carpet and upholstery can greatly reduce the chance of foul aromas remaining after the flood and can mitigate the appearance of mold.  
• Deodorize Your Home - There are natural and inexpensive methods that you can utilize to expedite the deodorizing process in your house. Baking soda sprinkled into carpets or other absorbent surfaces can be vacuumed up and can get rid of foul odors. On less porous surfaces, vinegar applied liberally can aid in combating persistent smells.  

In some circumstances, odors will need professional help to fully be removed. That’s where SERVPRO of West Sterling Heights can step in. If you need assistance with odor removal, our team has the training and the equipment that can get the job done right. 

Storm Damage Services

8/28/2022 (Permalink)

When water damage strikes, a fast response is critical.

Heavy rainfall can lead to damage to your home or business. SERVPRO of West Sterling Heights wants local residents to know that when a storm damages your property, our highly trained professionals will respond to cleanup and restore your property to pre-damage condition. Below are just some of the services SERVPRO can provide during large storm events. 

• Emergency Contact 24/7  
• Inspection and Damage Assessment  
• Water Removal and Water Extraction  
• Drying and Dehumidification Services  
• Cleaning and Repair  
• Odor Removal  
• Restoration  

When water damage strikes, a fast response is critical. Our ability to immediately respond to a storm emergency helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs. If you’re experiencing water damage from a storm, call SERVPRO of West Sterling Heights at 586-480-2400. 

Potential Water Damage in a Home

8/23/2022 (Permalink)

From leaking pipes to defective appliances, it is crucial to recognize potential water damage causes in a home.

From leaking pipes to defective appliances, it is crucial to recognize potential water damage causes in a home. Read below to learn about the potential water damage hazards and learn how to avoid them. 

• Dishwasher - Your dishwasher can cause water damage if not properly sealed, the latch is broken, or if it is loaded with the wrong soap. Make sure any leaks are immediately addressed and your dishwasher is repaired or replaced if you see water pooling on the floor after running a dishwasher. 
• Air Conditioner - Your air conditioner removes moisture from the air and moisture can build up within the unit itself. If not properly drained, that water could slowly leak into your home and could potentially cause water to seep into the drywall and flooring. Allowing water to sit untreated can introduce mold, which requires an emergency water cleanup situation. 
• Clogged Drains - Clogged drains aren’t just annoying—they also cause water damage and mold growth if left unchecked. A clogged toilet can cause water to back up into the shower, sinks, or bathroom floor with potentially hazardous water. Sewer water is extremely dangerous because it contains raw sewage and bacteria, requiring help from water damage cleanup companies. 

If you experience water damage from any of these issues in your home, SERVPRO of West Sterling Heights has the proper equipment and experience to get your home back to pre-water damage condition. 

Unexpected Fire Hazards in Your Home

8/23/2022 (Permalink)

Not all fire hazards are so predictable.

Not all fire hazards are so predictable like leaving a candle unattended or smoking inside your house. Some of the most dangerous fire hazards in your home are things you might not think about on a daily basis. Here are some unexpected fire hazards in your home that you should pay attention to:  

• Dryer Lint – Excessive heat and lint buildup is just asking for trouble. It is important to clean the dryer vent and exhaust duct regularly.  
• Dust – Dust can be a fire hazard if it collects near floor heaters, electronics, and sockets. If sparks fly, dust piles can ignite and start a house fire. Be sure to look under appliances and remove dust buildup.  
• Gas Water Heater – Clothes piled too close to a gas water heater can ignite when the water heater comes on.  
• Laptops – Laptops running for long periods of time tend to get hot. A hot laptop that is left on a bed, couch, blanket, or other soft surfaces can prevent air flow in and out of the cooling vents. This can produce enough heat to ignite and start a fire.  
• Crumbs in the Toaster – Have you checked your toaster crumbs recently? As crumbs pile up on the bottom, a spark can easily catch fire and start a flame that catches on to items surrounding the toaster.  
• Leaves in Gutters – Allowing leaves to gather up in your gutters or bushes to over grow can cause a major fire risk. Be sure to clean your gutters and your lawn regularly to reduce the risk of a fire.  

Cleaning Up Fire Damage

8/23/2022 (Permalink)

Fire and smoke damage can be the most devastating things to happen to your home.

Fire and smoke damage can be the most devastating things to happen to your home. Once the fire is put out and everyone is safe, it is important to act quickly on cleaning up the damage.  

The first 48 hours after a fire can make the difference between restoring versus replacing your property and personal belongings. Our SERVPRO team can help prevent fire damage from creating long-term problems. We provide timely response with mitigation services after firefighters extinguish the fire and work through the project to completion, including removing smoke and soot removal to contents. These services help to ensure your property, belongings, and memories are restored to preloss condition when possible.  

We understand that after fire damages your home, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and more than a little vulnerable. Our technicians will treat your family with empathy and your home with great care. Our main goal is to help your family or property as fast and efficiently as possible. Call our team today at 586-480-2400 if you need assistance with fire damage.