Tag: fire safety (Page 2 of 4)

October Home Maintenanace

October 1, 2017 /

Boo! Did I scare you? No? Well, these maintenance items aren’t so scary either. We’ll stick to providing good home maintenance advice and leave the scaring to the trick-or-treaters, haunted houses and horror films. Happy pumpkin spice EVERYTHING season!

  • Test all of your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
  • If you haven’t already done it from our June list, have your chimneys and wood stoves swept and inspected by a professional.
  • Add extra insulation to any exposed pipes in unfinished rooms that may drop below 65°F.
  • Vacuum and clean dust from vents, baseboard heaters and cold-air returns.
  • Clean your windows and if they aren’t double pane replace screens with storm windows.
  • Once the leaves have fallen clear your gutters and downspouts. Consider replacing old gutters with new ones that include built-in leaf guards.
  • Clear your lawn of all debris from trees and shrubs. If the health of a tree looks questionable contact a tree professional and consider having it removed.
  • Check your windows and doors for air leaks and apply weather stripping and caulk where needed. Incense is a great tool for identifying the source of drafts. Don’t forget the basement!

Printable version: October Home Maintenance Checklist

July Home Maintenance

July 1, 2017 /

Summertime and the living is easy. We can help you keep it that way! Complete these few monthly to-do’s and your toes will be back in the sand in no time!

dune-grass
  • Test all of your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
  • Check for peeling or cracked paint on your exterior walls. South and west facing walls deteriorate the fastest.
  • Repair any cracks or missing mortar in your brick or masonry siding. You can use fresh mortar or concrete caulk.
  • Check your roof, inside and out, for cracks, loose or missing shingles, or signs of leaks. Pay close attention to valleys around chimneys, and around vent stacks.
  • Trim shrubs and branches so that they are not coming in contact with your siding.
  • Repair your driveway where necessary. Cracks in concrete can be sealed with an epoxy patching material, asphalt can be repaired with an asphalt material, and driveways should be sealed every other year.
  • Clean your refrigerator inside and out, removing all food, shelves, trays, and old ice from the ice maker. Replace the baking soda.

Printable version: July Home Maintenance

June Home Maintenance

June 27, 2017 /
Beach Chairs

We’ve simplified a quick list of monthly to-do’s to keep you on track with your home maintenance so that you can get things done, and then with peace of mind, enjoy everything special about the season. June is the start of summer, so tackle these early and enjoy the warm weather!

  • Test all of your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
  • Seal your deck. You will need 3 consecutive warm, sunny days. Give the deck a full day to get nice and dry. On the second day, scrub and clean it early. On the third day, at least 24hours after cleaning apply the sealer.
  • Hire a certified chimney sweep. Cleaning and inspecting the chimney now, instead of in the cooler fall months, allows for ample time to complete any necessary repairs. It will also be easier to schedule with them since many people wait until just before the heating season.
  • Clean your home’s exterior with a mild detergent and a water hose. Pressure washers are great tools, but when it comes to siding, they are so powerful that they can actually force water underneath, encouraging the growth of mold and mildew.
  • Clean your dryer vent system. This is a key task for fire safety. Lint is extremely flammable. Open up the back of the dryer and clean in there too. If you’re looking for a professional to do it, ask your local duct cleaners.
  • Make sure that your motion detector lighting systems and automatic timers are all set and working properly. Those automatic timers are particularly important if you plan to be away on vacation.

Printable version: June Home Maintenance Checklist

Campfires, Bonfires and Fire Pits – Oh My!

June 2, 2017 /

Safely Enjoying Campfires & Bonfires

camp_Fire_Bonfire_fire_pit

As the weather warms up, backyards and camp sites come alive! Priceless memories can built around campfires and who doesn’t have some favorite variation of s‘more! Whether you’re planning to add a fire pit, or even if you already have one, it’s especially important to make sure you’re safely using it. Follow these safety tips and enjoy the great outdoors!

Materials:

  • Shovel
  • Rake
  • Bucket of water
  • Kindling, tinder, and logs
  • Stones to ring the fire pit

Choosing and preparing the space:

  • Call your local fire department to make sure that fires are allowed where you plan to have one. They’ll probably have some specific guidelines of their own to add.
  • Choose level ground.
  • Choose a spot at that is at least 10-20 feet from any of structures (houses, sheds, fences, decks). Some fire departments require that it be at least 30’ from habitable structures. The further, the better!
  • Makes sure the area is clear of debris, dead or dry brush, rotten stumps, leaves, pine needles, and tall grass.
  • Depress the center of the area where the fire will be built and surround it with a ring of rocks.

Burning:

  • Only use untreated, dry paper and wood-based materials.
  • Chop wood in short lengths.
  • Always keep a shovel and bucket of water handy.
  • Wear fitted clothing opposed to loose, flowy pieces.
  • Never leave the fire unattended. An adult should be present at all times.

Extinguishing:

  • Drown the fire with water
  • Stir the doused fire with your shovel to make sure everything gets nice and wet. Coals and wood should be wet on all sides. Add some more water and stir again.
  • Use the back of your hand to feel all around the area and make sure all embers are fully extinguished.
  • Smother it by shoveling some dirt onto it and mixing it up.

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