Written by Tanya Terry
Almost three out of five home fire deaths were caused by fires in properties with no smoke alarms (41%) or smoke alarms that failed to operate (16%), according to the National Fire Protection Association. The association also stated it found the risk of dying in reported home structure fires is 55% lower in homes with working smoke alarms than in homes with no alarms or none that worked.
So, it can save the lives of homeowners and their families to think about safety year-round!
David Worrell, president of HomeTeam Inspection Service of Genesee County, recently shared his expertise on helping homeowners be safer in their property this winter with the Courier.
“I would like to start any discussion on prepping a home for winter conditions with a safety-first thought,” Worrell said. “Check smoke detector batteries and ensure they are working properly. Smoke detectors should be on each floor and in bedrooms. Smoke detectors should be replaced every 10 years. If your home has natural gas, propane, fuel oil or wood burning appliances, the home should have carbon monoxide detectors near the fuel-burning appliance and within 15 feet of bedrooms. If you have a furnace with a PVC exhaust vent, make sure you keep it clear of snow and ice buildup. It must be clear to prevent carbon monoxide from backing up into the home.”
HomeTeam Inspection Service has been in business for 30 years. They have been in Genesee County for over three years. As lead inspector, Worrell is a licensed professional engineer and spent 30 years as a facilities/environmental engineer with a major automotive manufacturer. He felt fortunate to have the opportunity to share with Courier readers several ways to prevent misfortunes.
When fireplaces have not been used for a while, over the summer, animals may have built nests in the chimney. Creosote may have built inside the chimney over time. According to Worrell, both situations can lead to a chimney fire resulting in damage to the chimney and creating a potential fire hazard for the home! He said in most cases it is prudent to have a professional chimney sweep clean the chimney.
“They will inspect the chimney for any damage and recommend repairs.”
Water damage can cause rotting and makes the roof more susceptible to future leaks. Worrell also pointed out clogged gutters can hold water and ice at the roof level. He said it’s of extreme importance to clean and/or replace gutters.
“This will increase the likelihood of water damage to the roof and eave from ice damming,” he said. “If you are comfortable on ladders, using a garden shovel, trowel or even a leaf blower can clear the gutters. Downspouts should also be cleared. If you are not comfortable on a ladder, you can hire someone to clean them for you.”
A frozen outside water spigot can cause major water damage inside your home! Worrell stressed the importance of disconnecting all outdoor water sources to prevent this and shared the proper way to do so.
“Hoses can be damaged by ice. Water in the hose can back up into the spigot and crack the spigot when it freezes. Hoses should be removed and drained prior to storage. If they are currently frozen, disconnecting them will help prevent the spigot from freezing.”
Worrell suggests keeping both eyes open for any cracks in the foundation of the home.
“Grading of driveways and soil around the home is important to keep water away from the foundation. Freeze-thaw can damage foundations. Cracks in the foundation may allow water into the basement. A wet basement can damage a finished basement. Damp basements are the precursor to mold growth. Walking around the home and basement can alert the homeowner to cracks. Cracks greater than a credit card in width should be checked out by a professional.”
It’s crucial to disconnect all outdoor water sources.
“Hoses can be damaged by ice. Water in the hose can back up into the spigot and crack the spigot when it freezes. Hoses should be removed and drained prior to storage. If they are currently frozen, disconnecting them will help prevent the spigot from freezing.”
Worrell believes our home is more than the place we live.
“In many cases, it is your most valuable investment. There are many things you can easily do to ensure your home remains in good condition.”
