by Barbara Saxton, CMCA, AMS, PCAM | The Galman Group
Trouble-proofing your home before leaving for warmer climates will help insure that your return is not met with disaster. Many residents know the basics:
• Keep the heat thermostat set at 55-60 degrees (even if you winterize your plumbing system, appliances are not designed to be kept in frigid conditions);
• Empty the hot water heater and turn off the circuit breaker to the heater to prevent heating-element burn-out;
• Turn off the main water supply, open spigots to drain the system, and put anti-freeze in the toilets;
• Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses. If you have a separate outside sprinkler system or shower, remember to disconnect and drain that system as well;
• Leave a key with a neighbor in case of emergency.
Those are the basics. But there are things you can do that can give you even more peace of mind and many are very affordable (or cost nothing but a little time).
Honeywell Winter Watchman Low-Temperature Alarm
Winter Watchman helps prevent damage from cold or freezing temperatures by signaling neighbors that your heat is off. Simply plug the alarm into an electrical outlet located on an inside wall and plug a lamp into the alarm. Set temperature dial 10 degrees below your thermostat setting. When the room temperature drops below the alarm “set-point”, the lamp will light to warn your watchful neighbors to investigate. For incandescent use only. 120W/120V maximum. UL listed. Under $30.
Unplug Nonessential Appliances
Malfunctioning appliances are a leading cause of home fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association. These include televisions, computers, toasters and toaster ovens, and room air-conditioners. Even when an appliance is turned off but still plugged in, power is delivered to the outlet. If a power surge occurs from an electrical storm, for instance, the voltage flowing to the appliance could increase, sparking a fire. So all non-essential appliances, even electric stoves, should be unplugged.
Washers and Dryers
This would seem to be a no-brainer, but never leave clothes spinning in the dryer. Fires due to malfunctioning or overheated clothes dryers (often caused by excess lint and dust in the filter) are the leading cause of appliance-related house fires in the country. Turn off the water to the washing machine. A plumber can install a simple flip valve that connects both the hot and cold water faucets, making shut-off as simple as a flip of the wrist.
Home Security Systems and Smoke Detectors
By having environmental sensors installed along with a home-security system, a homeowner can check from their vacation paradise for water or heat problems. The homeowner simply calls home, punches in a pre-determined number and waits for either a digital voice response or a specific tone indicating a problem, like a leaking hot water tank or a striking rise or drop in air temperature. The homeowner can then call a relative or neighbor to check things out. Working smoke detectors are an obvious need. Be sure to put in fresh batteries before you leave.
This last checklist item is probably the most important. Enlist a neighbor [or nearby relative] to check inside your home from time to time. Make sure the neighbor has keys and knows how to reach you in an emergency, how to shut off the water, and how to disconnect the alarm system. If your Association is professionally managed, be sure the office has your emergency contact numbers.
Now hop on that plane and enjoy the sun!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Barbara Saxton, CMCA, AMS, PCAM is Regional Condominium Manager with The Galman Group. A long time member of CAI, Ms. Saxton spent many years as a member of CAI NJ before relocating to Pennsylvania and joining CAI Keystone. Ms. Saxton has been a member of the chapter’s Communications & Content Committee for over two decades and recently completed her second term as a member of the chapter’s board of directors. Ms. Saxton is a past recipient of the Robert H. Wise, Sr. President’s Award for Lifetime Achievement. Contact her via email at: bsaxton@galmangroup.com.
