9 Carlisle Rd.
Branchburg, New Jersey 08876
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of Home Maintenance
Remove screens from windows and install storm windows
Clean out gutters and downspouts
Insulate pipes in your home's crawl spaces and attic
Store firewood at least 30 feet away from your home
Familiarize responsible family members with the gas main valve and other appliance valves
Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct, damper and space under the dryer
Make sure all electrical holiday decorations have tight connections
Check the attic for adequate ventilation
Clean the kitchen exhaust hood and air filter
Check the water hoses on the clothes washer, refrigerator icemaker, and dishwasher for cracks and bubbles
Test all ground-fault-circuit-interrupter (GFCI ) type outlets
Vacation Checklist:
Protect your home while you're on vacation.
Before you leave, it's always a great idea to:
· Lock all windows and doors
· Have newspaper and mail stopped or regularly picked up by a trusted neighbor
· Ask a trusted neighbor to check on your home
· Make sure a neighbor knows where the water main shut-off is located in the event of a broken pipe
· Set timers on interior lights, to deter burglars
· Unplug TV, computer and appliances susceptible to lightning and power surges
· Advise your alarm company and local police if you will be gone for an extended vacation
· Take jewelry and valuable papers to a safe deposit box
· Arrange for care of pets
· Turn off water valves to your washing machine, icemaker and dishwasher
And when cold weather threatens, make sure to:
· Set the heat in your home to no lower than 55 degrees
· Allow water to drip from a faucet near an outside wall
· Keep downspouts and gutters clean to prevent ice dams on your roof
· Disconnect all garden hoses
· Locate and insulate pipes most susceptible to freezing. Typically, those near outer walls, in crawl spaces, and in the attic are
most vulnerable.
· Open cabinet doors to allow heat to reach uninsulated pipes under sinks and where appliances are near exterior walls
· Shut off and drain the water system in your home (except indoor sprinkler systems) before an extended vacation
Remove the screens from the storm window frames and install storm windows. Storm windows help reduce the cost to heat your
home and help prevent windowsills from rotting.
Inspecting gutters and downspouts for debris and fallen leaves can reduce the chances of an ice dam forming. One good step is
to spray water down the downspouts to wash away leaves and other debris. A good tip: Place gutter screens over gutters.
Extreme caution should be exercised when working on or around the roof. Consider hiring a professional.
Insulate pipes in your home's crawl spaces and attic. These exposed pipes are most susceptible to freezing. Remember: the more
insulation you use, the better protected your pipes will be.
Store firewood at least 30 feet away from your home to reduce a home's fire load and the chance of attracting termites.
Familiarize responsible family members with the main gas valve and other appliance valves. Responsible family members should
be familiar with the location and operation of valves. If you are unsure of the location and operation of these valves, contact a
qualified plumber.
Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct, damper and space under the dryer. Poor maintenance allows lint to build up in the exhaust
duct and may cause a fire.
Make sure all electrical holiday decorations have tight connections. If possible, use 3-prong plugs and cords. The use of 2-prong
adapters, which permit 3-prong plugs to be used in 2-prong outlets, doesn't always provide grounding to protect against shock.
Unplug decorations when not in use.
Use of extension cords should be temporary. To help reduce the chances of overheating, electric cords, including extension cords,
should never be bundled together or run under rugs and carpet.
Check the attic for adequate ventilation. Check the exterior wall to be sure the ceiling insulation is not blocking the outside air from
the soffit vents from getting into the attic. Make sure the attic has plenty of vents. Caution should be taken in all attic spaces that
are unfinished.
Clean the kitchen exhaust hood and air filter.Keeping this clean of cooking grease will help keep a stovetop fire from spreading.
Check the water hoses on the clothes washer, refrigerator icemaker, and dishwasher for cracks and bubbles. Replace hoses that
show signs of leaking.
Test all ground-fault-circuit-interrupter (GFCI ) type outlets. These need to be tripped and reset once a month. If they do not trip or
reset, have the outlet changed by a qualified electrician. These types of outlets are required around wet areas like bathrooms and
kitchens to offer protection against shock.
A qualified electrician should only do changes in your home’s electrical system!
Spring Tips
Replace your furnace filter
Clean the kitchen exhaust hood and air filter
Check your electrical system
Always have a multi-purpose fire extinguisher accessible.
Make sure the light bulbs in all your fixtures are the correct wattage
Review your fire escape plan with your family
Consider installing a lightning protection system on your home
Protect all your electrical appliances from power surges and lightning
Have a professional air conditioning contractor inspect and maintain your system as recommended by the manufacturer
Check for damage to your roof
Run through a severe-weather drill with your family
Repair all cracked, broken, or uneven driveways and walks to help provide a level walking surface
Protect your home from sewer or drain back-up losses
Check all the fascia and trim for deterioration
Check your water heater
Check the shutoff valve at each plumbing fixture to make sure they function
Clean clothes dryer exhaust duct, damper, and space under the dryer
Replace all extension cords that have become brittle, worn, or damaged
Inspect and clean dust from the covers of your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
Replace or clean your furnace filter. It should be checked once a month and replaced or cleaned as needed. Some filters are
reusable and are supposed to be taken out, washed with a hose and re-inserted. A dirty filter can lower the efficiency of the
heating/cooling system, increase heating costs, and cause fires.
Clean the kitchen exhaust hood and air filter. Keeping this clean of cooking grease will help keep a stovetop fire from spreading.
Check your electrical system.
· Look for burn marks at the main electrical panel; they can be a sign of arcing inside the panel, which can easily lead to a fire.
Loose connections or damaged insulation can cause the arcing. Note: Only a qualified electrician should remove the front panel
cover.
· Trip and reset the circuit breakers regularly.
· Remove any combustible materials such as paper boxes or flammable liquids from the area near the main electrical panel.
Sparks caused by arcing inside the panel can ignite material stored nearby.
· Check all electrical outlets for loose-fitting plugs -- they are an indication of a worn out receptacle. Worn receptacles should
be replaced as they cause overheating and fires. Also check electrical outlets and switches to be sure they work properly. If any
switches, outlets, or receptacles do not work, have a qualified electrician determine the problem and fix it to avoid fires inside the
walls of your home.
· Install safety covers to help protect children from electrical shock. Any appliance or tool that gives even the slightest shock
should be unplugged and checked by an electrician or repair shop.
Always have a multi-purpose fire extinguisher accessible. Make sure it is Underwriters Laboratories (UL) listed or Factory Mutual
(FM) approved. Check the gauges to make sure they are charged and ready to use.
Make sure the light bulbs in all your fixtures are the correct wattage as recommended by the light fixture manufacturer. If too high a
wattage bulb is used in a light fixture, heat produced inside the fixture can lead to fire inside the fixture, ceiling or wall.
Review your fire escape plan with your family.
Consider installing a lightning protection system on your home.
Protect all your electrical appliances from power surges and lightning.
Have a professional air conditioning contractor inspect and maintain your system as recommended by the manufacturer.
Maintenance should include:
· Cleaning the evaporator coil
· Lubricating fans and motors
· Tightening or changing the belts
· Checking electrical safeties
· Checking the drain pan for leaks
· Testing the capacitors
· Check the condensate drain
· Test the crankcase heater
· Calibrating the thermostat
· Visually checking the wiring for potential short circuits
These steps can help decrease the chance of fire, save money by making the system run more efficiently, and help prevent
breakdowns -- which are quite a nuisance when it is hot outside.
What things can you maintain?
· Check the condensate hose to be sure it is not blocked with algae.
· Clean the outside condensing unit screen of leaves.>
· Listen for unusual noises.
Check for damage to your roof
Summer Tips
Vacation Checklist: Protect your home while you're on vacation.
Before you leave, it's always a great idea to:
· Lock all windows and doors
· Have newspaper and mail stopped or regularly picked up by a trusted neighbor
· Ask a trusted neighbor to check on your home
· Make sure a neighbor knows where the water main shut-off is located in the event of a broken pipe
· Set timers on interior lights, to deter burglars
· Unplug TV, computer and appliances susceptible to lightning and power surges
· Advise your alarm company and local police if you will be gone for an extended vacation
· Take jewelry and valuable papers to a safe deposit box
· Arrange for care of pets
· Turn off water valves to your washing machine, icemaker and dishwasher
Check all recreational equipment and review outdoor safety tips.
Trampoline safety
· Trampolines should be used only with adult supervision, including spotters.
· Beginners should wear elbow and knee pads over their clothing.
· No jewelry, belts with buckles, or other dangling items should be worn.
· Place the trampoline away from obstructions and use ground mats to soften a fall. (The surface surrounding the trampoline
should be soft.)
· There should be only one person on a trampoline at a time; horseplay should not be permitted.
· No one should use the trampoline when tired, on medication, or under the influence of alcohol.
· Consider using safety devices, such as a harness-like belt that attaches to the sides of the trampoline to keep the jumper
centered.
· Somersaults are the leading cause of quadriplegic injuries. They should never be allowed.
Swimming pool safety
To help insure a safer swimming experience, pool equipment should be checked frequently and the following rules stressed:
· Consider removing diving boards. At a minimum, check them periodically to make sure bolts are tightened, the base is
secured to the concrete and surfaces are slip-resistant.
· Pool slides can be particularly dangerous. Never go down the slide headfirst. Make sure bolts are tightened and secured.
· Provide handrails where narrow or steep steps are present and cover steps with a nonskid material. Check routinely to make
sure they are secure and have no sharp edges and replace all broken treads.
· Make sure there is secure fencing around any pool to keep children and unauthorized individuals from the pool area. All
gates should be self-closing and lockable.
· Completely remove pool covers when anyone is in the pool. Extreme care should be taken to prevent children from climbing
on top of the cover or getting caught underneath. Check the cover often and remove water that accumulates on top; make sure
the cover is properly anchored and tied down.
· Make sure there is rescue equipment around the pool.
· Depth markings should be completely visible to all swimmers.
· Secure all grates and drains so they cannot be removed without the use of tools. Instruct all swimmers on the dangers of
entrapment and drowning that can occur when fingers, toes, or the body come too close to these items. Anyone with long hair
should also be cautioned not to get his or her hair near a pool outlet because the suction can be strong enough to hold even an
adult under water.
· Follow manufacturer directions for proper storage of all pool chemicals in a clean, well-ventilated area that can be secured.
· Make sure all electrical appliances are kept away from the pool and use ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets at
outside receptacles.
Check your wood deck or concrete patio for possible deterioration.
· If you find any exposed wood surfaces, they should be stained or painted.
Make sure there are working night lights at the top and bottom of all stairs.
Other safety ideas for stairs:
· Tile and painted wood or concrete stairs can be slippery when wet or when a person's shoes are wet. Resurface the treads
with slip-resistant strips near the stair nosing.
· All stairs of at least three risers should have a handrail.
· Do not store items on the stairs.
Check exterior siding.
Brick veneer
· Check for any open cracks that are wider than 1/16 inch. Seal these with a clear silicone sealant or have them tuck-pointed.
Fill only the crack to prevent excessive water from getting inside the wall.
· Check for soft mortar joints, which crumble. If the mortar joints are still flush, they should be watched. If they have washed out
beyond 1/4 inch from the face, the mortar joints in this area should be tuck-pointed. Mortar joints are usually most susceptible to
deterioration. The mortar should be firm and extend to the corner of the brick. Contact a qualified professional to complete these
repairs.
· If the mortar is soft and crumbly or has holes, exposing the brick edges, the mortar joints need to be tuck-pointed. This
involves removing the existing mortar back at least 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch and replacing with new mortar. Contact a qualified
professional to complete these repairs.
Synthetic stucco (EIFS siding)
· For additional information on EIFS, establish a link with Institute for Business and Home Safety at http://www.ibhs.org/
Vinyl and aluminum siding
· Checks for cracks or damaged siding; replaces or repair. The biggest threat to siding is the wind. Wind can catch seams and
corners and tear lightweight vinyl or aluminum siding off the walls. This then allows water into the wall cavity, causing water
damage.
Wood Siding
· Check for any peeling paint. Scrape and repaint these areas.
· Remove vines growing on the house, siding, brick or mortar. They can compromise the integrity of the siding.
· Trim or cut back tree branches away from your home to reduce damage in the event of a wind or ice storm.
Check all window and door locks for proper operation.
· Windows: Windows that can be opened by breaking the glass and unlocking the lock are less effective deterrents to
criminals. Check with your local hardware store for window lock alternatives.
· Exterior Doors: All exterior doors, including doors from your attached garage, should have deadbolt locks.
Have your roof inspected for potential leaks once every few years.
Inspect and clean dust from the covers of your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
· Check your home for water leaks
Check the water hoses on the clothes washer, refrigerator icemaker, and dishwasher for cracks and bubbles.
· Replace hoses that show signs of leaking. If needed, hire a qualified plumber.
Check your water heater.
· If you have a gas-fired water heater, check to make sure it is venting properly. Light a match next to the vent and wave it out
(don't blow it out). See if the smoke is pulled up into the vent. If it isn't, have a professional inspect and repair. This can cause
carbon monoxide and other by products of incomplete combustion to build up in the home.
· Check around the base of your water heater for evidence of leaks. If your water heater is over five years old, it should be
checked monthly for any leakage or rusting at the bottom. If water leakage or rust is found, the water heater should be replaced.
Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct, damper and space under the dryer
· Poor maintenance allows lint to build up in the exhaust duct and cause fire.
Clothes Dryers -- A Fire Hazard to Know AboutClothes Dryers Fire StatisticsIn 1997, according to the United States Consumer
Products Safety Commission, there were 16,800 residential fires reported and responded to by fire departments where the source
of the fire was the clothes dryer or vent. These fires caused $97.3 million in damage, 430 civilian injuries, and 30 civilian deaths.1
What Causes Clothes Dryer Fires?Clothes dryers must vent hot air from the dryer to the outside of the house. Lint becomes
detached from the clothes and is carried out through the exhaust.
If lint builds up in the exhaust pipe or inside the dryer, it slows the air movement through the dryer and out the exhaust. The slower
air movement causes more lint to collect on the backside of the dryer drum, on the dryer motor, or on the electrical connections
inside the dryer, placing the highly combustible lint on top of and adjacent to heat sources inside the dryer.
Keeping the exhaust pipe clear of lint keeps the airflow moving efficiently and reduces the amount of lint collecting inside the dryer,
thus reducing the chances of fire. What Can a Homeowner Do?Using the right type of exhaust pipe is the first step in reducing lint
buildup. Some vents are made of plastic-coated flexible wire. The 4" diameter white-plastic or aluminum-foil exhaust duct typically
used to exhaust the heated air from clothes dryers can create a dangerous fire hazard if not inspected regularly and kept clean of
lint. The ribbed surface inside can slow the air movement and catch lint.A better solution is using sheet metal vent pipes. They are
more fire resistant and can help contain a fire should one start. Another advantage of sheet metal vent pipes is the rigid metal
cannot be smashed in between the wall and the dryer as easily as plastic vents.To facilitate airflow the exhaust pipe should be as
short as possible and have a limited number of bends. When designing your home or locating the clothes dryer, place it near an
outside wall. Also use pop rivets, and not screws, to connect metal vent pipe pieces. The pop rivets do not collect as much lint as
the threaded ends of screws inside the vent pipe.And finally, properly maintain the dryer by cleaning the lint out of the exhaust
pipe and the exhaust of the dryer once a year. Not only will you be reducing the chances of a dryer fire, but this should result in
faster drying times and energy savings also.1"1997 Residential Fire Loss Estimates", Table 1 Estimated Fire Losses in Residential
Structures -- Selected Equipment, 1997; U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Fall tips
Check all window and door locks for proper operation
Check your home for water leaks
Review your fire escape plan with your family
Make sure there are working night lights at the top and bottom of all stairs
Have a heating professional check your heating system every year
Protect your home from frozen pipes
Replace your furnace filter
Run all gas-powered lawn equipment until the fuel is gone
Test your emergency generator
Have a certified chimney sweep inspect and clean the flues and check
your fireplace damper
Remove bird nests from chimney flues and outdoor electrical fixtures
Inspect and clean dust from the covers of your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
Make sure the caulking around doors and windows is adequate to reduce heat/cooling loss
Make sure that the caulking around your bathroom fixtures is adequate to prevent water from seeping into the sub-flooring
Winter | Spring | Summer | Fall
Check all window and door locks for proper operation.
· Windows: Windows that can be opened by breaking the glass and unlocking them, are less effective deterrents to criminals.
Check with the hardware store for window lock alternatives.
· Exterior Doors: All exterior doors should have deadbolt locks.
Check your home for water leaks.
Preventing Water Damage in Your Home
From broken pipes to leaking appliances, water damage can wreak havoc, destroying your home, personal property, and
irreplaceable family heirlooms. In many case water damage can be avoided with routine maintenance and assistance from qualified
contractors.
It will be well worth your time to take a few extra moments every week to check potential trouble spots in and around your home.
Early detection could mean the difference between a simple mop-up job and major construction repairs.
Inside Your Home
Kitchen
Water leaks can happen anywhere in the house, but they occur most frequently in the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry rooms.
Whether it’s a slow drip or a sudden burst, water leaks can cause extensive damage to your home and personal belongings.
· Dishwasher -- Periodically, check under the sink to see if the hose connection to the water supply line is secure and is not
leaking. Check around the base of the dishwasher for evidence of leaks. Look for discolored, warped, or soft flooring materials or
water damage to nearby cabinets.· Refrigerator -- If your refrigerator has an icemaker, check the hose connection to make
sure it is securely attached to the water supply line. The wet spot you see on the floor near the refrigerator may be melted ice
cubes or it may be a crimped icemaker line about to burst.· Sink -- Recaulk around sinks and pay attention to slow-draining
pipes. This may indicate a partially blocked drain. Check the pipes under the sink for signs of water leaks.
Bathroom
· Showers and Bathtubs -- Discoloration or soft areas around floors and walls near showers or bathtubs may be your first
indication there is a leak. Check caulking at joints where the walls meet the floor or the bathtub, looking for cracks or mold. If either
is found, clean and remove loose material and apply new sealant. If the shower walls or floor are tiled, a leak may develop if there
are cracks or missing areas of grout.· Sinks -- Check under the sink for signs of leaks from water supply lines or drain pipes.
· Toilets -- Placing inappropriate objects or too much toilet paper in the bowl can accidentally clog toilets, especially “low-flow”
toilets now required in homes. Hanging bowl deodorants are frequently the culprits. These objects can lodge deep in the plumbing
system, and can block the line or create an obstruction that grease and other materials can cling to – eventually causing blockage.
In addition, some chlorine tablet cleaners may corrode some of the internal components, eventually leading to a leak.
Laundry/Utility Room
· Washing Machine -- Inspect washing machine hoses regularly for wetness around hose ends and signs of bulging, cracking,
or fraying. Replace the hose if a problem is found or every three to five years as part of a proactive maintenance program.
Replacing your washing machine hoses is a fairly simple home repair task. It's as easy as hooking up a hose to a water spigot.
Just shut off the water supply to your washing machine. If there's not a shutoff near your washer, close the main shutoff valve in
your house.
Unscrew the old hoses and hook up the new ones.
Make sure you line up the threads and screw the hoses on tightly. When you're done, turn on the water supply and check carefully
for leaks.
Washing machine hoses can be purchased at most home repair centers, hardware stores, and plumbing supply outlets. Expect to
pay $10 to $20 for a new set of washing machine hoses.
To Reduce The Chances of Failure…
· Make sure there are at least four inches (or 11 centimeters) between the water connection and the back of the washing
machine. This space will help reduce the chances that the hose will kink. · Check that hose connections are secure, including
the drain hose. · Make sure everyone in your household knows where the water shutoff valve is and how to open and close it.
Shut off water at valves if you will be away from your home for several days or longer. · Consider installing or having a
professional plumber install a single-handled valve that makes it easier to turn off the water supply to your washing machine.·
Water heater -- Most water heaters last 10 to 15 years. Wet spots on the floor or a rusted tank may signal a problem. Hot water
heaters should be installed on the lowest level of the home and always located next to a floor drain. If installed above or adjacent
to finished spaces, the hot water heater should be placed inside a drain pan with the drain pan piped to the floor drain.· Air
conditioning -- At the start of the cooling season, have the A/C system serviced by a qualified contractor. Make sure their service
includes inspecting and cleaning the air conditioner condensation pan drain line to keep it free of obstructions. Change the air
filters on a regular basis.
Basement
· Sump pump -- Sump pump systems assist in keeping unwanted water out of your home. Battery-operated back-up sump
pumps can offer a degree of protection against power failure or failure of the primary pump. A generator can also be used to
power the pump in case of a power failure. Test the sump pump before the start of each wet season to ensure it is in working
order. Sump pumps are not intended to last more than 10 years and must have some components replaced or serviced within
those 10 years.
Sometimes water still gets in. Items stored in basement areas should be shelved or kept off the floor. Furniture should be on
casters or shims and arranged away from floor drains.
General Tips
· Check for hidden leaks by turning off faucets, all water-using appliances, and not flushing toilets for one hour. Record the
water meter reading. If the flow indicator (triangular or diamond-shaped rotating button) is spinning or the meter reading has
changed while no water is being used, a leaking pipe may exist. · Know where the main water shut off valve is located in your
home and check it frequently to make sure it is operational.
Roof
Outside Your Home
The devastation isn't limited to the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry rooms. Leaking roofs, poor drainage, and clogged gutters and
downspouts can also lead to significant water damage inside your home.
Maintenance
· Keep roof, valleys, gutters, and downspouts free from buildup of leaves, twigs, and other litter preventing proper drainage.
Leaves, debris, and dirt near roof edges or outside the gutters may impair drainage and lead to deterioration. · Proper roof
and eave ventilation may help extend the life of the roof by reducing the buildup of heat and moisture in the attic. ·
Preservatives available for some types of roofs may help limit weathering effects of moisture and retard growth of molds and
mosses. · Avoid walking on a roof to limit wear and tear. Only necessary repairs or inspections should warrant walking on the
roof. · Keep trees trimmed to prevent them from rubbing against the roof or from providing excessive shade.
Warning Signs
· Missing, curling, cupping, broken, or cracked shingles. · Damage or deterioration around the flashing at chimneys, vents
and other junctions. · Damage or deterioration in valley areas of the roof. · Water stains on your ceiling may signal a leak
in the roof. If possible, check your attic around flues, plumbing vents, and chimneys. · Pooling or ponds of water that fail to
drain from flat or low sloped roofs may indicate low areas and inadequate drainage.
Gutters/Downspouts
· Clean debris from your gutters and inspect them regularly. · Consider purchasing gutter shields if your gutters frequently
fill with debris. · Downspouts should extend several feet away from the house to carry water away from the foundation.
Other Outdoor Items
· Disconnect garden hoses from all spigots before the start of winter. · Fill in any low spots around the house so water
drains away from the foundation. · Inspect caulking around windows and doors and replace as needed where cracked or
deteriorated. · Repaint wood siding as needed.
Hardware
Hardware that can Help
To reduce or prevent damage from plumbing leaks, homeowners should be vigilant and check around the home frequently for
signs of leaks, be alert, and take action immediately. Proactive maintenance is also important. But with today’s busy lifestyles, it’s
impossible to keep watch for signs of trouble 24-hours a day. Fortunately there are water leak detection systems that can help.
Water Alarms
· These systems are typically battery-operated, stand-alone units. They are inexpensive and easy to install. · A moisture
sensor is located on the device and will activate an audible alarm when it senses moisture. · Water alarms can be placed on
the floor or they may be wall mounted.The water alarm should be located in high-risk areas such as under sinks and near
appliances and equipment that use water. · Water alarms range in cost from $8 to $45. · This device is only beneficial if
someone is inside the home, hears the alarm, and takes action to stop the leak.
Individual Appliance Systems
· These systems are installed on a specific appliance and will automatically shut off the water supply in the event of a leak.
· Depending on the type of device, you may be able to install this system without any special tools. However, in some cases, a
qualified plumber may be needed. · Individual appliance systems range in cost from $50 to $150.
Whole-house Systems
· These systems feature a shut-off valve that is installed on the main water supply piping. When a leak is detected, the system
will automatically shut off the entire water supply. · Some models can be integrated with a local or central station security
system. · If you travel often, this type of system could offer you additional peace of mind while you are away from home. ·
Whole-house systems typically take between four and six hours to install. They cost between $500 and $1,500 depending on labor
rates and the size of the system. ·
These photos depict a few of the water leak detection devices that are currently available in the marketplace. Other products with
similar safety features may also be available. The manufacturers of these devices are independent entities with no affiliation with
FM Associates and are included for reference purposes only. The photos should not imply that FM Associates has tested these
products for performance and FM Associates does not endorse or guarantee the performance of these devices. Check with your
contractor, local building official, the product manufacturer, or supplier to find the appropriate device for your situation.
Review your fire escape plan with your family.
Make sure there are working night-lights at the top and bottom of all stairs.
Other safety ideas for stairs:
· Tile and painted wood or concrete stairs can be slippery when wet or when a person's shoes are wet. Resurface the treads
with slip-resistant strips near the stair nosing.
· All stairs of at least three risers should have a handrail.
· Do not store items on the stairs.
Have a heating professional check your heating system every year.
Wood-burning stove connector pipes and chimneys should be inspected by a certified chimney sweep at least annually.
Protect your home from frozen pipes.
Preventing Frozen Pipes
Your carpet's soaked. Your furniture's ruined. You have to walk through six inches of water to get across your kitchen. You've
fallen victim to a catastrophe, but it wasn't a flood or hurricane. You could have avoided this disaster. You can prevent frozen
pipes.
Frozen pipes aren't just an inconvenience. An average of a quarter-million families have their homes ruined and their lives
disrupted each winter…all because of water pipes that freeze, burst and destroy.
And if you think recovering from frozen pipes is as simple as calling a plumber, think again.
An eighth-inch (three millimeter) crack in a pipe can spew up to 250 gallons (946 liters) of water a day, wrecking floors, furniture
and keepsakes. Both plastic (PVC) and copper pipes may burst.
Imagine if your pipes were to freeze and break while you were away on vacation: Your homecoming would be a soggy one and
your fix-it plea to a plumber would have to be accompanied by calls to a contractor, carpet-layer, painter and furniture store.
Damage might be so severe that you and your family would have to move out of your home while repairs are made.
By taking a few simple precautions, you can save yourself the mess, money and aggravation frozen pipes cause. Here are a few
simple steps to protect your home or apartment:
Before the Cold Hits
Insulate pipes in your home's crawl spaces and attic. These exposed pipes are most susceptible to freezing. Remember: The more
insulation you use, the better protected your pipes will be.
Heat tape or thermostatically controlled heat cables can be used to wrap pipes. Be sure to use products approved by an
independent testing organization, such as Underwriters Laboratories Inc., and only for the use intended (exterior or interior).
Closely follow all manufacturers' installation and operation instructions.
Seal leaks that allow cold air inside, near where pipes are located. Look for air leaks around electrical wiring, dryer vents and
pipes. Use caulk or insulation to keep the cold out and the heat in. With severe cold, a tiny opening can let in enough cold air to
cause a pipe to freeze.
Disconnect garden hoses and, if practical, use an indoor valve to shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets.
This reduces the chance of freezing in the short span of pipe just inside the house.
When the Mercury Drops
A trickle of hot and cold water might be all it takes to keep your pipes from freezing. Let warm water drip overnight, preferably
from a faucet on an outside wall.
Open cabinet doors to allow heat to get to uninsulated pipes under sinks and appliances near exterior walls.
If You're Away
Set the thermostat in your house no lower than 55 degrees (12 degrees Celsius).
Ask a friend or neighbor to check your house daily to make sure it's warm enough to prevent freezing, or…
Shut off and drain the water system. Be aware that if you have a fire protection sprinkler system in your house, it will be
deactivated when you shut off the water.
If Your Pipes Freeze
·
Don't take chances. If you turn on your faucets and nothing comes out, leave the faucets turned on and call a plumber. If you
detect that your water pipes have frozen and burst, turn off the water at the main shut-off valve in the house; leave the water
faucets turned on. (Make sure everyone in your family knows where the water shut-off valve is and how to open and close it.)
Never try to thaw a pipe with a torch or other open flame. Water damage is preferable to burning down your house. You may be
able to thaw a frozen pipe with the warm air from a hair dryer. Start by warming the pipe as close to the faucet as possible, working
toward the coldest section of pipe.
Do not use electrical appliances in areas of standing water because you could be electrocuted.
Replace your furnace filter.
· Furnace filters need to be replaced frequently to allow your heating and cooling systems to operate properly.
Run all gas-powered lawn equipment until the fuel tank is empty.
· By doing this, you are removing flammable liquid storage from your garage. At the same time, make sure you aren't storing
dirty, oily rags in a pile. They can ignite spontaneously.
Test your emergency generator.
