Red X Program

What is the Red X Program?

In the spring of 2017, the City of Greensburg launched the Red X Program.  The Program is designed to alert firefighters, and other first responders, that certain properties are not safe to enter.  Properties in the Program are unoccupied blighted structures that are marked with a large red “X” sign placed on the front of the building in a highly visible area.  The Program represents the shared effort of the City of Greensburg Volunteer Fire Department and the Planning & Development Department.    

Currently, there are forty-two (42) Red X properties in the City of Greensburg.  Click here to see the list. 

Why is the Program important?

Vacant properties can contain hazards such as missing stairs and holes in floors that are especially hard to see in a dark and smoky building.  Emergency responders will still search for all people in a burning building.  The purpose of the Red X Program is to let responders know that they should proceed with caution.

Research has shown that vacant, dilapidated structures in urban environments are sometimes susceptible to “squatting” and other criminal activity including drug use and manufacturing.  The Red X alerts firefighters and other responders to watch for drug supplies and paraphernalia.

How do properties get into the Program?

Vacant properties will be marked with a Red X if they meet one or more of the criteria of structural compromise:

  • Unusually heavy water load on roof due to poor drainage
  • Holes in floors
  • Holes in roof, open, missing, or broken skylights
  • Missing stairway treads and or railings
  • Weakened parapets
  • Breached or missing fire walls
  • Unstable front or rear porches, stairs, or fire escapes
  • Damage from previous fires

The Red X does NOT mean the building has been marked for demolition.

The Red X does not mean the property is City-owned; vacant properties are still privately owned.

How do I get my property off the list?

Improved properties can be removed from the Red X Program.  All candidate for removal must be cleared by the City of Greensburg Volunteer Fire Department and the Planning & Development Department.  To start the removal process, contact the City at 724-838-4335.

Questions and Contact

If you have questions about the program, contact the Planning & Development Department at 724-838-4335.