Spring Home Safety & Maintenance Checklist

4/11/2016 (Permalink)

Prevent Potential Problems Before they Occur

SPRING AHEAD WITH THESE HOME SAFETY & MAINTENANCE TIPS

The cold winter months are finally behind us and we are ready for the warmer Spring days, but is your home prepared? Following a home maintenance plan can help prevent potential problems before they occur.

INSIDE

• Check your electrical outlets for potential fire hazards such as frayed wires or loose-fitting plugs.  Make sure outlets, fuse boxes and extension cords are not overloaded.
• Move your multi-purpose fire extinguisher to an accessible place, and make sure it is filled and ready for operation.  Have your air-conditioning system inspected by a professional as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Check your water heater for leaks and corrosion
• Clean or replace your furnace filter
• Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct and space under the dryer.  Remove all lint, dust, and pieces of material.
• Inspect your smoke detectors.  Make sure there is one on each floor of your home.  Test them monthly, and change the batteries annually or as needed.
• Check the light bulbs in all your fixtures.  Be sure they are the correct wattage as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Replace all high-intensity bulbs with fluorescent bulbs.  Other types of bulbs, like incandescent, produce more heat than fluorsscent bulbs.
• Deep-Clean carpets, vacuum thoroughly and have them professionally steam cleaned and deodorized.

OUTSIDE

• Check for damage to your roof.
• Remove dead trees in your yard
• Keep healthy trees and bushes trimmed and away from utility wires.
• Safely store oil and gas for lawn equipment and tools in a vented, locked area.
• Repair cracked, broken or uneven driveways and walkways to provide a level walking surface.
• Have your sprinkler system serviced
• Examine the exterior of the chimney for signs of damage.  Have the flue cleaned and inspected by a certified chimney sweep.
• Check for loose or leaky gutters and clean out winter debris.  Improper drainage can lead to water in the basement or crawlspace.

SERVPRO of Clifton

973-928-3705