Fall season is nearly here and that means special things for Southern California this year. Firstly, September and October tend to be our fire seasons, so it is very important that you make sure that your home is ready for any kind of an emergency. But as the weeks go on and we get closer to the winter season, we will start to experience the first waves of the El Nino that is being predicted. That means be prepared for a wet winter.
It is crucial then that home owners get properly prepared for the next few months to protect themselves, their families, and their homes. We at US Home Developers have composed a list of ideas and suggestions to minimize the potential damage that can befall your home!
For our fire season:
Fire Extinguishers - fire extinguishers should be a must in every home. But often people buy the hefty large fire extinguisher and keep it in an area that is out of sight. The better idea is to buy small fire extinguishers that are easily usable by adults or kids. These fire extinguishers should be next to areas prone to an accidental fire, such as a kitchen, or the family living room near the fire place. Knowing how to use them is essential so it is wise to teach the whole family, no matter how young, the proper importance of fire extinguishers.
Smoke Detectors - the first warning sign of an y kind of fire danger is from Smoke Detectors. It is essential that smoke detectors are properly maintained. It is also essential that every room where people live, or sleep should have one. All too often people forget that smoke detectors run on batteries which inevitably lose energy.
Alarm System - if you haven't already, consider installing an alarm system that is connected to your smoke detectors. When the smoke detectors go off so will the alarm, and it will dispatch the fire depart immediately. This is a perfect way to buy time for you and your family to get out of the house while the proper help arrives.
Sprinkler System - most offices have them. Why not your home? Installing a sprinkler system can reduce the chances of someone dying in a fire by a 83% according to the National Fire Protection Agency.
For our rainy season:
Roof Inspection - Keeping a well maintained roof is extremely important for rain. When sudden rain hits an area that has had prolonged dry spell like So Cal has, the water does not get a chance to fully be absorbed. Because of this there is significant run-off, which is why the first rains always bring in a flood. Making sure the roof is well maintained can prevent any kind of leaks, cracks or damage.
Clean the Gutters- if you live in an area with a lot of trees take an afternoon to really clean out those gutters that have had the fall leaves stock pile in them. Gutters are the primary source of removing water from rooftops, and when they are full of leaves water gets absorbed and the leaves get heavier and heavier, enough to either clog the drain pipe or permanently damage it.
Repair the Drive way - during heavier rain, it is essential to make sure your drive ways get repaired. Cracks and fissures form and let water through. This water collects in the soil causing it to expand and cause even more damage to the drive way. This can cause an accident or damage to your vehicle so it is important to make sure that any cracks or fissures are repaired during the dry season.
Many of these steps are simple and can be done by yourself. But don't rely on your own wits for the more complex projects. It is essential that you hire the right professionals for any major job that you need done, because these professionals would have the experience and the knowledge to properly protect your home from elemental damage.