Locate emergency shut-offs. When there’s an emergency with heating, plumbing or wiring, the first step is to shut down the system. Furnaces generally have a kill switch with a red cover plate mounted near the unit or at the top of the basement stairs. The other systems have a network of shut-offs starting with a main valve or breaker where the services enter the building. If you haven’t located the plumbing cutoffs for specific fixtures, do it now.
- FIELD STREET PROPERTIES TENANTS: IF A UNIT CATCHES FIRE OR IS LEAKING GAS, CALL 911 FIRST, NOT OUR OFFICE. Once everyone is safe, then please notify us.
Service combustion sources. Think how efficiently your car would run after sitting idle for six months. The furnace does that every year and could probably use a tuneup and cleaning, especially as it ages. Seasonal checks also include fireplaces, wood stoves, chimneys and flues. If you burn wood fires regularly, it’s wise to call in a chimney sweep every few years.
- FIELD STREET PROPERTIES TENANTS: Make sure furnace filters are clean (should look white), fireplaces/chimneys do not have visible debris, etc. Please notify our office if a furnace filter needs to be changed or any other service is needed.
Check smoke detectors. It’s easy to forget about them and even to disable units that false-alarm or chirp as the system warns that the battery is about to die. But the stats on smoke detectors show that they are the least expensive life-saving investment you can make. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) says that 38 percent of reported fires occur in the small percentage of homes without smoke detectors, and that 62 percent of all home fire deaths occur in homes with no alarms or alarms that aren’t working. Try the test button, and replace old or dead batteries to be sure the protection is intact.
- FIELD STREET PROPERTIES TENANTS: Make sure to test the smoke detectors on a regular basis and changed batteries each year. Tenants are liable for any damage due to smoke detectors not being checked or dead batteries.
Check carbon monoxide detectors. The same goes for these alarms that warn against exposure to exhaust fumes containing carbon monoxide. Push the test button. The noise is piercing on purpose because most CO poisonings occur at night when you’re asleep.
- FIELD STREET PROPERTIES TENANTS: Make sure to test the carbon monoxide detectors on a regular basis. Also change the backup batteries at least yearly (if the unit has backup batteries).
Check the fire extinguisher. Kidde, First Alert and other companies make traditional, pressurized extinguishers. It’s important to have one handy that’s easy to use because fires can double in size in 30 seconds. With most types, you pull a safety pin, point the nozzle at the base of the fire and pull the trigger. The type you want is rated ABC. It works against all of the most common household fires. If the pressure dial is in the green, you’re OK. If not, replace the fire extinguisher. Another option is to use an extinguisher in a spray can. You might leave one near the fireplace, for instance, like First Alert’s Tundra — about $10 for a 14-ounce can.
- FIELD STREET PROPERTIES TENANTS: Fire extinguishers are valuable to have on hand. We recommend at least 1 in the kitchen, 1 in the garage and 1 on a 2nd level if you are in a multiple floor residence.
Drain outside pipes. Don’t forget the plumbing outside. Shut off the supply to exterior faucets and irrigation systems. Then open the faucet (or release pressure in underground pipes), and drain away remaining water.
- FIELD STREET PROPERTIES TENANTS: If you are in a residence with outside hose connections, you are responsible for ensuring you unhook all hoses from outside faucets. Tenants will be liable for any frozen pipes as a result of leaving an outside hose connected. If your unit has a garage with a faucet, it is also recommended to disconnect any hoses from that faucet. Garages can become very cold in the winter.
