RESOURCES....

                                                                          Maintenance Tips:

                                                 IMH HOME INSPECTION SERVICES LLC.

ROY A. WILLIAMS

Home Inspector/Owner

License# 70001132 (Active/Insured) 

Web-site: imhinspector.net 

Business # (580) 284-7484

ENERGY LOOK EXAMPLE:

ENERGY LOOK COST: $25 W/INSPECTION/ WITHOUT HOME INSPECTION COST: $50.00

THE HOME THERMOSTAT WAS SET AT 71 DEGREES.

These photos show a 15 to 16 degrees difference, unnoticed to the naked eye.

     

  

  Recall information : www.cpsc.gov

 Things a home owner should do annually.

NOVEMBER

Check Your Fireplace

Fireplaces can be cozy and warm, but they also can be a safety hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration offers these tips to keep them maintained and ready to use.

• Have your chimney inspected and cleaned every year by a certified professional.
• Clear the area around the hearth of debris, decorations and flammable materials.
• If the glass doors on your fireplace have a metal mesh screen, close it when the glass doors are open. If your fireplace doesn't have glass doors, be sure to use a metal mesh screen.
• Never use flammable liquids to start a fire. Use only seasoned hardwood. Soft, moist wood accelerates the buildup of creosote — unburned wood particles and condensed gases that can catch fire easily.
• Stack firewood outdoors at least 30 feet from your home. Keep the roof clear of leaves, pine needles and other debris.
• Make sure you have adequate smoke detectors in your home and that they are working properly.

Avoid Winter Water Damage

The mixture of warm air inside your home and freezing temperatures outside can lead to leaky roofs and burst water pipes. To help avoid the costly damage that can result, the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety's Reducing Severe Winter Weather Risk offers these suggestions:

• Ventilate your attic and insulate the attic floor to stop warm air in the house from melting the snow and ice on the roof.
• Wrap exposed pipes with insulation sleeves to prevent them from freezing and bursting.
• Caulk cracks and holes near those pipes in outer walls and the foundation.
• Leave kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors open during cold spells to allow warm air to circulate around pipes.
• Trickle water through faucets connected to pipes that run through unheated or unprotected spaces.
• If your house will be unoccupied for an extended period of time, shut off and drain your water system.

 Household checklist provides more tips to help stop damage from freezing weather.

Extreme Temperatures: Winterize Your Home Before a Storm (Federal Alliance for Safe Homes)

Monthly Reminder

Each year on the first Sunday of November, daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. and standard time returns. So, if you live in a state that adheres to the time change, make sure you adjust your clocks on Nov. 4. Use the time change in November as a reminder to replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors, if you haven’t done so already.

DECEMBER

Reduce the Risk of Fires in Your Home

Heaters, holiday lights and seasonal baking and cooking can boost the chance of fires, but you can reduce these risks by taking precautions and being diligent about maintenance around your home.

• Make sure your fire extinguishers are charged and within reach of your kitchen and garage.
• Inspect electrical cords to see if they're frayed, and be sure outlets and power strips are not overloaded.
• Check lamp sockets to ensure the bulb you're using doesn't exceed the recommended wattage.
• Turn off tree and outdoor holiday lights, as well as space heaters, when you're away or asleep.
• Have gas furnaces and heat pumps serviced every two years and oil-fired systems checked annually.
• Test smoke alarms regularly to ensure they're working properly — and make sure to change the batteries at least once a year.

What's Your Escape Plan?

The U.S. Fire Administration says it takes less than 30 seconds for a small flame to turn into a major fire and only minutes for a house to fill with thick, black smoke and become engulfed in flames. It recommends creating a family escape plan that includes two ways out of each room. Practice the plan each month. For a dose of reality when you practice, feel your way out of the house in the dark or with your eyes closed.

Christmas Tree Fire Hazards (U.S. Fire Administration)

Watch Out for Ice Dams

Ice dams form on roofs when rain and snow accumulate, freeze, thaw and refreeze. This causes water to back up, which can lead to leaks and water damage. Take these steps to help prevent ice dams from forming on your roof:

• Eliminate heat sources under the roof, such as lights and heaters in the attic. They can contribute to thawing.
• On low-slope or flat roofs, use a roof rake or heavy-duty push broom to remove snow or rain before an ice dam can form. Also, keep gutters free of leaves and debris.
• If you do see an ice jam, use caution when trying to break it up because you could damage the roofing materials.

Preventing Ice Dams on Homes (Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety)

Monthly Reminder

To prevent water damage and electrical malfunction, inspect your water heater for rust or cracks. Remember to drain the tank each year.

JANUARY

Be Prepared for Power Outages

Winter storms can cause ice to build up on trees and utility lines, leading to power outages. Draw up a plan so you and your family will be ready in case of a blizzard blackout.

• Keep enough nonperishable supplies to last your family at least a few days. In addition to food, remember medicines, diapers and pet food.
• Stock an emergency kit with flashlights, batteries, a battery-powered radio and first-aid supplies.
• If you have a backup heat source, such as a fireplace or wood-burning stove, don't leave it unattended and be sure it is properly ventilated, either via a chimney or a direct vent through an exterior wall. (See manufacturer's guidelines, if available, and have a professional inspect the ventilation system every year.)
• To keep warm, dress in layers of loose clothing, put on a hat and grab extra blankets.
• If you use a portable generator, keep it outdoors. Its exhaust contains odorless-yet-deadly carbon monoxide fumes, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say are a leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in the United States.

Winter Storm Questions & Answers

Winter Storm Safety Checklist (American Red Cross)

Extreme Temperatures: Power Outage (Federal Alliance for Safe Homes)

Family Disaster Plan (American Red Cross)

Assess Your Home's Risk Factors

The New Year is a good time to examine your home's ability to stand up to natural hazards. The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety suggests some risk factors to consider:

• Is your home located near wooded areas? That could present a risk of forest fires. Your local fire department can provide safety tips.
• How old is your home? Older homes may not meet current safety codes. An inspector or contractor can identify areas that need updating.
• Is there a river, lake or creek nearby? Flooding may be a risk. Check for exterior water damage and look into flood insurance.
• Is the roof in good shape? If it shows signs of wear, it may need to be repaired or replaced to prevent water damage.

Monthly Reminder

Make sure your house number is clearly marked and visible from the street so emergency responders can find you quickly. In the winter, remember to keep snow and ice cleared away. Throughout the year:

• Use brightly colored, reflective numbers that are well-lit by a porch light, directed spotlight or nearby street light at night. Most jurisdictions require house numbers to be between 3 and 6 inches tall, according to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors.
• If your home is set back from the street, post the address numbers closer to the road near the driveway. If numbers are painted on curbs, they should be located near driveways where they aren’t likely to be blocked by parked cars.
• Keep your driveway as clear as possible so it is accessible by emergency vehicles.

FEBRUARY

Beware of Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can kill a person quickly. Carbon monoxide poisonings are more common in winter, when people use generators or heaters that give off exhaust containing the deadly gas.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency offers the following tips to prevent a carbon monoxide poisoning:

• Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other device that burns gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal inside a home, garage or partially enclosed area. Place the unit outside away from doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to seep indoors.
• Install battery-operated carbon monoxide detectors. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends placing one in hallway near sleeping areas, but having one on each level of your home provides extra protection. Test them frequently to ensure they are working properly.
• Don't keep a vehicle running in a garage attached to your home.
• Evacuate your home and seek prompt medical attention if your carbon monoxide alarm sounds, or if you suddenly start feeling dizzy, light-headed or nauseous (especially if everyone in the home begins experiencing similar symptoms at the same time).
• Have furnaces and fuel-burning appliances inspected annually by a professional technician.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Guidance (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Protect Your Family and Yourself from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning (Environmental Protection Agency)

Do you know what you own?

Monthly Reminder

Stay aware of potentially dangerous weather by checking the National Weather Service website or listening to your local radio or television stations for weather alerts. The NWS issues several types of alerts. For example, a watch means that conditions exist that could make severe storms likely in the next few hours, whereas a warning means severe weather has begun or is forecast to start soon. Local NWS offices issue detailed alerts with explanations of their meanings. Monitoring local media will help you stay informed of any recommendations or alerts issued by officials in your area

MARCH

Protect Yourself and Your Home from Tornadoes

Tornadoes are one of the most dangerous weather events. According to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety, about 1,000 tornadoes occur each year in the United States, wreaking an average of $1.1 billion in property damage and causing 80 deaths. If a tornado warning is issued for your area (or you spot an oncoming tornado), you won't have much time to react. So be prepared and have a plan.

Before a storm

• Use metal framing connectors to reinforce connection points between roof and walls, and between walls and foundation. Install wind-resistant garage doors, or use braces to reinforce the doors you have.
• Identify the safest place in your home — the basement or a small, windowless interior room — that is easily accessible. If you live in an area prone to tornadoes, use a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration all-hazards radio that is tuned to pick up warnings.
• Become familiar with your community's severe weather warning system, and make certain your family knows the difference between a tornado watch and warning. A tornado watch means that tornado conditions exist in an area. A tornado warning means that a tornado has been sighted, or is likely soon, and you should take shelter.
• Consider adding a safe room, or storm shelter, to protect you and your family from severe winds.

If storm danger exists

Head for your family's designated safe room, and keep doors and windows closed. During storms, flying debris and glass can cause injuries, so stay as far away from windows and doors as possible. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, every state is at some risk of tornadoes.

They are most frequently reported east of the Rocky Mountains during the spring and summer months. Peak tornado season in the southern states is March through May; in the northern states, it is late spring through early summer. Tornadoes are most likely to occur between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m., but they can form at any time.

Related Links

Tornadoes: Safe Rooms (Federal Alliance for Safe Homes)
After the Storm: Filing a Damage Claim

Should you replace your roof?

If your roof is old or in disrepair, your home is vulnerable to wind and water damage from storms. Choosing the right roofer and roofing material can help protect your home.

The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety recommends you choose roof materials rated for the wind speed in your area. For example, shingles meeting the ASTM D3161 Class F standard are rated for wind speeds up to 110 mph, while shingles meeting the ASTM D7158 Class H standard are rated for wind speeds greater than 120 mph.

Look for an established, licensed professional contractor. USAA's Home Improvement Network can help you find a professional roofing contractor based on your needs and ZIP code.

Did you set your clock forward one hour?

Daylight saving time begins the second Sunday of March (this year, that's March 11), which means it's time to change the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

Monthly Reminder

Windy weather can mean damage from flying debris. The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety recommends trimming dead limbs from trees, removing dead trees and shrubs, securing outdoor lightweight items, such as lawn furniture or decorations, and considering alternative landscaping materials instead of gravel or rock

April/May

Spring Showers Bring Flowers — and Flooding

Could you recover if your home was flooded? To find out how much flood insurance you need, enter your address, city, state and ZIP code at FloodSmart.gov.

Prepare for Wildfire Season

Spring means warmer weather, outdoor activities and improvements around the house. As you plan updates or basic spring cleaning and repairs, be aware that wildfire season is approaching. These quick-moving fires won't give you much time to act if they head your way, so be prepared.

If you are planning renovations or sprucing up the exterior of your home, here are some suggestions for added protection.

• Use only noncombustible roofing materials.
• Cover exterior walls with stucco, stone, brick or other nonflammable materials.
• Choose dual-paned, tempered windows, which don't break as easily as single-paned glass.
• Install mesh screens on vents to prevent embers from entering the house.
• Add protective barriers made from masonry or metal between your home and an attached structure, such as a wood fence.
• Remove dead plants and branches and tall, dry grasses and landscape with fire-resistant plants.
• Clean leaves and debris from your roof and gutters and under and around porches and decks.

Around your home, look at your landscape as three zones — the area immediately adjacent to your home, the area 30 feet from your home and the area 30 to 100 feet from your home. Make Sure Your Home is Not a Wildfire Victim offers tips for preparing each zone.

How to Reduce Risks from a Wildfire (Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety)

Interactive Tool: Preparing Your Home (Firewise)

Preparing a House for Wildland Fire Season (Firewise)

Protecting Your Home (Federal Alliance for Safe Homes)

Monthly Reminder

Don't forget to include your gutters in your spring cleaning. Improper drainage can lead to water in basements or crawl spaces. Fix loose or leaky gutters, and make sure downspouts drain away from the foundation and are clear of debris.

JUNE

Hurricane Season Blows In

June 1 marks the start of hurricane season. If you live in a hurricane region, start preparing by purchasing storm shutters or plywood to cover windows, clearing debris from your gutters and cleaning up any clutter around your yard.

Disaster and Recovery Center

Preparing for Hurricanes: Review Your Coverage

Getting Your Home Hurricane-Ready

Before the Next Emergency, Get Your Home Finances in Order

Rise Up Against Flood Damage

To help reduce water damage if your home is flooded during a summer storm, elevate the following items:

• Large appliances, such as the washer and dryer.
• Electrical system components, including fuse and circuit breaker boxes, meters, switches and outlets.
• Furnace.
• Water heater.
• Air-conditioning unit.

This not only can prevent damage but reduces the risk of a short circuit fire and hastens the cleanup and repair process. The Federal Alliance for Safe Homes recommends that all electrical system components be raised at least a foot above the 100-year flood level, as determined by the National Flood Insurance Program.

Do You Live in a Flood Zone?

Flood maps have changed recently, so you could be at increased risk and not realize it. Visit floodsmart.gov for a Flood Map Update Schedule or to get more flood facts.

After the Storm

The risk isn't necessarily over once a storm has passed. Stay informed by monitoring local news updates, and be on the lookout for downed power lines or gas leaks. Consider having a professional inspect your home for damage, gas leaks or electrical problems.

Frequently Asked Questions: Claims on usaa.com or Your Mobile Device

Reduce Risks from High Winds

Summer storms can bring damaging winds. To protect yourself and your property, consider that:

• FEMA recommends permanent storm shutters made of aluminum or steel that can be easily closed when a storm approaches.
• Attached structures can be particularly vulnerable to high winds. Use this checklist from the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety to evaluate the risk of attached structures on your property.
• A safe room can help provide shelter during a storm. The Federal Alliance for Safe Homes says safe rooms should be designed to withstand wind speeds up to 250 mph and should be structurally isolated from the main structure of your home.

Taping Windows Won't Protect Against Storm Damage

Many people believe the myth that duct tape or window film can protect windows during storms. They don’t. Instead, protect windows with shutters, wood or another solid material.

Go Tapeless Campaign (Federal Alliance for Safe Homes)

Safe Rooms (Federal Alliance for Safe Homes)

Safety Tips During High Wind Weather (U.S. Air Force)

Monthly Reminder

• Check the outside of your home for maintenance needs.
• Does it need a new coat of paint?
• Does the brick or stucco have cracks that should be repaired?
• Is the material chipping or crumbling?
• Are areas around windows and doors in need of caulking?

Regular maintenance can prevent water damage, rot and mold, and prevent the need for costly repairs in the future.

JULY

Don't Be All Wet

Even a small water leak can be costly. Left undetected, it can quickly cause serious issues, such as mold, rotting wood and other structural damage. Routinely inspecting your home is an important step in preventing losses from leaking water. Also, consider installing devices that alert you to a leak before it turns into a big problem.

• Water alarms are inexpensive, battery-operated tools that are simple to use. If a water alarm comes in contact with a small amount of water, it sounds to let you know about the problem. Water alarms can be purchased through the USAA MemberShop (logon required) or at many local home improvement stores.
• Steel-braided hoses with shut-off connectors protect against water damage by automatically shutting off the water supply to plumbing fixtures and appliances if excess water flow is sensed.
• A whole-house system features a shut-off valve at the main water supply. When a leak is detected, the system turns off the water to the entire home. This system needs to be professionally installed, and some can be linked to a local or central security system.

Annual Plumbing Inspection (Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety)

Keep Water Out During a Hurricane

During hurricane season, your home may be vulnerable to water damage caused by wind and rain. Before a storm blows in, check your home for gaps around pipes, electrical boxes and vents. Use waterproof caulk to seal any gaps or holes. After a storm, look for standing water or leaks in your home.

Monthly Reminder

In many areas, July tends to be hot and dry, which creates the right conditions for wildfires. Take steps to shield your home from wildfires by properly landscaping and building or retrofitting your home with nonflammable materials.

Interactive Tool: Explore a Firewise Home (Firewise)

AUGUST

Heading to College? Be Smart with Your Belongings

If you're going away to college, you'll probably be taking some of your most expensive possessions (such as electronics and clothing) with you. The Insurance Information Institute recommends leaving nonessential valuables at home and offers these tips on protecting the belongings you do bring to campus:

• Create an inventory of all your items and their estimated value. Use KnowYourStuff.org to help.
• Engrave your electronics with your name or other identifying information, and consider using laptop locks or other security devices. Always lock your dorm room or apartment and keep the keys with you. Never leave your property unattended on campus, even for a moment. Thefts frequently occur when students leave their rooms open when they go to shower, or set down items in a dining hall or other common area and walk away.
• Contact your insurance company to make sure you know what items are and aren't covered. Understand what the coverage limits are for any losses that occur away from home and consider buying renters insurance.

Prevent Sewer Line Backups

If you live in a flood-prone area, your sewer line is vulnerable to backups caused by floodwaters. These backups can be difficult and expensive to repair, and they also pose health hazards. The Federal Alliance for Safe Homes recommends installing backflow valves, which can prevent return flow when a sewer backs up.

• All work on sewer lines should be performed by a licensed plumber or contractor.
• Backflow valves come in a variety of designs — a simple flap valve will cost around $600, including fees for a plumber. A more complex valve system can cost up to $1,400 or more. If extensive excavating is involved, the cost could go higher. Your contractor can provide information about the features and advantages of the different types.

Other water losses can be detected early with the use of water alarms. An alarm enables you to catch a small leak before it becomes a big problem. Water alarms can be purchased through the USAA MemberShop (logon required) or at many home improvement stores.

Before the Flood

Even if you think you don’t live in a high risk flood zone, you may be at risk for flash floods. According to the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes, 90% of all presidentially declared natural disasters involve flooding. Taking precautions can help protect your home:

• To prevent recurring basement flooding, relocate downspouts, rearrange landscaping or install drainage to steer water away from your home's foundation. Use caulking to seal cracks and consider adding waterproofing barrier materials to the basement interior walls or the foundation's exterior.
• When there is a risk of flooding, move valuables and other property to upper floors. Elevate appliances, if possible, and secure fuel tanks. Shut off the main electrical breaker (be sure to have an electrician check the service later if the electrical system was underwater).
• Make sure drains are clear and sump pumps are operating properly.
• Install backflow valves or plugs for kitchen drains, toilets and other sewer connections.

Storms Underscore Importance of Flood Insurance

Could You Recover?

Now — before you need it — is the time to review your flood coverage. To find out how much flood coverage you need, type in your street address, city, state and ZIP code at FloodSmart.gov, which will describe the risk of flooding in your area.

Flood Protection (video from Federal Alliance for Safe Homes)

Prepare, Respond and Recover (Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety)

Monthly Reminder

Earthquakes can cause additional damage from fire or water if they rip rigid gas or water lines from their connections. If you live in an earthquake-prone location, install flexible connection pipes between appliances and their gas and supply water lines.

SEPTEMBER

Get Prepared

September is National Preparedness Month, and it's a great time to get family, neighbors and your community involved. Being prepared can mean the difference between a difficult but safe experience and a chaotic and potentially life-threatening one.

• The Red Cross offers preparedness checklists based on your specific needs and location.
• Ready Kids has information, activities and games to teach children about potential disasters and how to prepare for them.
• The National Preparedness Coalition can help you find opportunities to support community preparedness.

Be Proactive about Preventing Dog Bites

Dog bites accounted for more than one-third of all homeowners’ insurance liability claims in 2011, reports the Insurance Information Institute. Not to mention, they can cause serious and painful injuries. Follow these tips to help your pet become friendly toward others:

• Make socialization a high priority, so your dog will be accustomed to playing well with others (both animals and humans). Play nonaggressive games, and avoid exposing your dog to unfamiliar or frightening situations. Also, consider obedience training by a professional.
• Choose an effective fencing solution. Invisible fences are popular and can be effective at containing your pet. But remember, someone can still enter your yard.
• Never leave your pet unattended in an open or public area.
• Health conditions can sometimes cause a dog to act aggressively. Contact your veterinarian if your dog is behaving strangely or bites or snaps at others.

Review your homeowners or renters insurance to make make sure you are adequately covered in the event of an incident with your dog.

Make Your Home Less Tempting to Thieves

Burglars tend to look for the easiest targets. By keeping your home secure and making it tougher to access, you increase the odds that thieves will go elsewhere. The Insurance Information Institute says you can make your home less burglar-friendly with a few easy steps.

• Do a walk-around of your house, thinking like a burglar. Focus on entry points such as doors and windows, and think about ways to make them more secure.
• Look for areas where a burglar might be able to hide, such as behind large shrubs or trees near the home. Trim landscaping around the house to give thieves less cover.
• Thieves love working in the dark. Make sure you have plenty of exterior lights, including motion-activated systems.
• Don't underestimate simple but effective items such as padlocks and window bars or grates. Anything that slows a would-be thief will make him more likely to give up.
• Invest in a security system — ideally, one that has an off-site monitoring system that will be alerted if a possible security breach occurs at your home. (Remember, USAA members can get discounts on ADT home security services.)
• Avoid displaying collectibles or other valuable items where they are easily visible from the street, as this may make it tough for a thief to resist.

Also, if you are planning to be away, arrange to have your home look lived in and avoid doing or saying anything that might inadvertently let others know your home will be unattended.

Don't Let A Leak Catch You Off-Guard

Water losses account for one in every three home claims reported by USAA members that are not the result of a catastrophe. Detect water leaks early before serious damage is done with easy-to-use, battery-operated water alarms. Water detection devices can be purchased through the USAA MemberShop or at many home improvement stores.

Monthly Reminder: Know Your Risk

For most people, their home is their greatest asset. USAA can help you identify potential natural disaster risks that can make your home vulnerable to damage. Access the property risk assessment tool to see if your home is at risk.

OCTOBER

Choose and Use Smoke Alarms Wisely

October is National Fire Safety Month, a good time to remember how smoke alarms can protect you. Use the following tips to make sure you have what you need:

• Look for the "UL" logo. Underwriters Laboratories provides product safety testing and certification. The UL symbol on the packaging means the alarm meets nationally recognized standards.
• Don't cut corners. Experts recommend having alarms on each floor of your home and posting them near sleeping areas.
• Check the batteries monthly. Smoke alarms most often fail because of missing, dead or disconnected batteries. Testing batteries is generally as simple as pushing a button and listening to hear the beep.

Fix Faulty Wiring

Most electrical fires are the result of faulty electrical outlets, old wiring and problems with cords, receptacles and switches, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. You can lessen the chances of an electrical fire with a few prudent precautions:

• Routinely check appliances and wiring, looking for anything that appears frayed or damaged.
• Replace old or damaged electrical cords.
• Don't overload extension cords by plugging in appliances that draw a total of more watts than the rating of the cord.
• If light switches flicker or feel hot, stop using them immediately and have them replaced or serviced by a professional.
• Buy appliances and electrical supplies that have been tested by a nationally known laboratory, such as UL.

To help prevent fire damage to your home, USAA offers a household checklist.

Extension Cord Safety: What You Might Not Know About Choosing a Cord. (UL)

Prepare for Cold Weather

Leaving home for the holidays or heading south for the winter? Heed these to-do’s from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety:

• Turn the thermostat no lower than 55 degrees so pipes don't freeze.
• Drain your water system, and turn off the main water source to prevent serious damage from a buildup of pressure if water freezes in your pipes.
• Cut off the water supply to your washing machine, ice maker, toilets and sinks to stave off flooding from ruptured hoses. Even a small crack can spew hundreds of gallons of water a day, ruining floors, furniture and mementos.
• Unplug electrical appliances, such as the coffee maker, microwave, television and computer. If a power outage occurs while you're gone, this will prevent damage to appliances once power is restored.
• Check that the sump pump is working to prevent flooding from melting snow or heavy rain.
• Install a home security system to monitor break-ins, fire, smoke or carbon monoxide. Also, provide the security company with the name of an emergency contact.

Monthly Reminder

Don't wait for a blizzard to prepare your snow-removal supplies. Make sure snow shovels are in good condition and easily accessible. Perform routine maintenance on your snow blower so it's ready for action. Stock up on rock salt and sand, if needed in your area.

For FHA loan inspections please visit: http://www.fhahandbook.com/appraisal-guidelines.php