Fire Safety "200 deaths. 1,540 injuries. $200 million in direct property loss. That was the
estimated toll taken by fires started by candles in 2004 as reported by the
National Fire Protection Association in a publication titled Home Candle
Fires (Ahrens:11/06). While they can provide a relaxing atmosphere and
compliment a home’s décor, candles can also greatly increase the chance of
property damage, injury or death from fire as evidenced by the above estimates." "15,600 fires.
15 deaths.
400 injuries.
$99 million in direct property loss.
That was the average toll taken by fires caused by clothes dryers between 2002
and 2004, according to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA).
Many homeowners consider their clothes dryer a necessity. However, improper
installation or maintenance of this appliance can pose a serious fire risk to
families. The leading factor contributing to dryer fires is failure to clean
lint from traps, vents and areas surrounding the dryer." "One of the most enjoyable summer pastimes is cooking outdoors with family and
friends. Nearly everyone would agree that a steak or burger cooked over the
open-flame of an outdoor grill tastes better than one prepared indoors in a
broiler or frying pan.
However, residents in multi-residential housing must take special precautions
to enjoy the benefits of grilling outdoors. Using open-flame grills or other
similar devices on balconies is unsafe and, in most cases, prohibited by local
fire ordinances. An open-flame grill can use gas, charcoal, wood or pellets as
a fuel.
By taking a few simple precautions suggested in this guide, you could prevent
a relaxing evening outdoors from turning into a fiery tragedy for you and your
community."
Water Damage "If you have a sump pump installed in your home you tend to worry less about
accidental water damage. While this is a great benefit, it will only hold
true as long as the pump operates when you need it.
In many homes, a sump pump is an integral part of the foundation drainage
system so a failure could be catastrophic. Five to seven years is the
typical life span of a sump pump, but this will vary based on usage. The
pump may fail unexpectedly or be unable to keep up during periods of heavy
rain leaving your basement vulnerable to costly water damage." "Short of fire, nothing causes more damage to the inside of a property than leaking
water. It is estimated that 65% of property damage to community associations is caused
by water leaking from failing pipes, hoses, plumbing fixtures and appliances.
This guide addresses washing machine hoses, a leading cause of residential water
damage. Our research shows that there are simple and inexpensive steps associations
can take to prevent most of this damage." "Short of fire, nothing causes more damage to the inside of a property than
leaking water. It is estimated that water from failing pipes, hoses, plumbing
fixtures and appliances cause 65% of the property damage to community
associations.
This guide addresses water heaters, a leading cause of residential water
damage. Our research shows that there are simple and inexpensive steps
associations can take to prevent most of this damage." "Short of fire, nothing causes more damage to the inside of a property than leaking
water. It is estimated that 65% of property damage to community associations is
caused by water leaking from failing pipes, hoses, plumbing fixtures and appliances.
This guide addresses water valves, a contributing factor in many losses resulting
from failed washer hoses. Our research shows that there are simple and inexpensive
steps associations can take to prevent most of this damage."
| Contractual Issues "Did you know that every time an association hires an outside contractor for services
like pool maintenance, landscaping or snow removal it exposes itself to a potential
lawsuit?
That’s because associations can be held liable for wrongful acts committed by a
contractor even though the association may have no direct fault for the act.
That’s why it’s vitally important for an association to have a current Certificate of
Insurance (COI) on file for every contractor. A COI shows that a contractor has the
right insurance coverage and limits in place."
Life Safety "A "silent killer."
This term describes the possible outcome of an accumulation of carbon monoxide (CO),
a colorless, odorless, tasteless and potentially deadly gas, inside of a home.
Inhalation of either a small concentration of CO over a long time or a higher
concentration over a short time can lead to CO poisoning.
Because of several well publicized CO poisoning incidents in the 1990's, many
municipalities now require the installation of CO detectors in all new residential
construction or with the installation of a new oil or gas furnace or water heater.
A CO detector will sound an alarm before potentially life-threatening concentrations
of CO accumulate within a home."
Fire Safety
Water Damage
|