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." "Many people enjoy entertaining outdoors. When the temperature drops, they often
create additional heat with an outdoor recreational fire in a chiminea or fire pit.
The popularity of these devices has soared in the last several years and they are
available at most retail chain stores, garden centers and hearth stores.
However, residents in multi-residential housing must take special precautions to
enjoy the benefits of recreational burning. Recreational fires on or beneath
balconies are unsafe and, in many cases, prohibited by local fire ordinances.
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." "A wood burning or gas log fireplace is a common amenity in many homes. With the
rising price of heating oil, natural gas and propane, many residents are more likely
to rely on alternative heat sources like fireplaces and wood stoves to supplement the
heating systems in their homes during colder months.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) estimates that chimneys and chimney
connectors are the direct cause of nearly 40% of all home heating fires. Failure to
clean the chimney is a contributing factor in 64% of these fires. As the use of
alternate heat sources grows these figures are likely to rise as well. Clogged
chimneys or vents are also a contributing factor in many carbon monoxide poisonings
as well." "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." "3,425 deaths
16,400 injuries
$11.3 billion in property loss
That was the tragic outcome of fires in residential buildings during 2006 as reported
by the U.S. Fire Administration. The number of residential fire deaths in 2006
exceeded the number of deaths attributed to all of the natural disasters in the
United States during the same time.
An installed and properly functioning smoke alarm can reduce the chance of
residential fire death by over 50 percent. Sadly, over two thirds of the fire deaths
occur in homes with no smoke alarms or with smoke alarms that do not work."
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."
Swimming Pools and Spas "Pool and spa drains are a necessary part of the circulation system but the suction
created by pumping water through the drains can trap swimmers, especially children
and those with long hair. Pools and spas with a single drain system present a greater
risk of entrapment than those with two or more drains.
The granddaughter of former Secretary of State James Baker, Graeme Baker, died as the
result of entrapment in a spa drain. This tragic event was the catalyst for a new
Federal law.
The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act of 2007 is a federal law that
became effective on December 19, 2008. The law requires owners and operators of
public pools and spas to comply with new Federal standards for pool and spa
construction, including incorporation of anti-entrapment drains and drainage systems
to protect against entrapment and drowning."
Fire Safety
Water Damage
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