Quick Tip #0003 – Safety First . . . and second.

Okay, I admit it, I care about you. Since I care about you, I just couldn’t go on to providing nice, but not life-changing, tips before I knew you were safe.

So here we go again focusing on safety. If just one of these safety rules is new information for one of you, it could prevent a disaster or even save a life – I, for one, think that’s worth taking the time to talk about them before moving on.

We’ve created a basic 20-point safety checklist to help you to avoid the most common sources of disasters.

Everyone needs to do this. I went through the process at my home with my family just the other day. Not only did everyone learn important lessons for the future, but we found that one of the kids moved a gas can right near the gas water heater – a definite recipe for disaster.

I was shocked that I could let that happen in my own home, but I’m sure glad we took the time to be like Santa by “keeping a list and checking it twice.”

Invest a few minutes of your time now to learn and check on these safety basics, you’ll be glad you did!

Here’s the big 20:

1. All shut off valves are easily accessible and operate smoothly and effectively? (see Quick Tip #0001) If you don’t know where they are or if they don’t function properly, then even a minor nuisance could turn into a major disaster.

2. When all gas appliances and pilot lights are off, the gas meter stops turning? If the meter keeps turning, then there is a leak somewhere along the line. Gas leaks are never a good thing.

3. When all water fixtures are turned off, the water meter stops turning? Not only does wasted water cost you money and waste a critical resource, the leaking water may be slowly causing extensive damage to your structure or feeding the growth of molds.

4. No combustible gasses near flame or spark source (water heater, appliances, space heaters, etc.)? Here we go – the gas can is never to be kept near the water heater!! The same applies for all combustible material and all gas appliances.

5. All gas devices have proper air flow to, through and away from unit (especially the water heater & furnace)? To burn safely and properly, gas appliances need a sufficient free flow of fresh air at the base of the unit and a properly vented and free flowing path (with proper heat protection) to draw the dangerous exhaust gases out of the home. Breathing CO2 can be deadly.

6. Hot water tested to be no more than 120 degrees? 150 degree water scalds in just 1/2 second! 140 degree water scalds in just 1 second! But, It takes four minutes for water at 120 degrees to scald. The old and the young are slower to recognize burning and could scald themselves before realizing the risk. Water heater temperature control dials are not reliable guides, you must actually test the temperature of the water by drawing hot water until the heater kicks on, allowing it to reach maximum temperature, then drawing and testing how hot the hottest water coming out of a spout is.

7. Hose bibs and irrigation valves are protected by backflow preventers or air gaps? If a hose is left attached, back pressure in the system can draw whatever is in or by the hose into your drinking water supply system and contaminate it (think of a pesticide sprayer attached to the hose and having that pesticide drawn into your drinking water and all of your piping). Backflow preventers or air gaps are required to prevent this serious problem.

8. No evidence of leaks (no moisture, water staining, or rust on or beneath sinks, water heater, drain pipes, etc.)? Just because it’s dry now doesn’t mean that you don’t have a problem. Look for any evidence that there has been a leak as it may have temporarily sealed itself, which means that you got lucky as long as you get it fixed before more damage occurs. Don’t ignore the signals.

9. Any odors, wet spots, stains or other symptoms of problems not resolved? Is there discoloration under your linoleum around tubs, showers or toilets? Does it always stink near a particular bathroom (and not for the reason you might first think of)?

10. Fuses and Circuit Breakers proper for amperage rating of each circuit? Ratings are there for a reason: to protect you and your home. Mismatching results in overloading and puts everyone at serious risk.

11. No fuses or circuit breakers bypassed in any way? Don’t even think about it!

12. Plugs and outlets all match and are unaltered? They are designed that way for a reason – don’t try to cut corners with your safety.

13. Light bulbs within the wattage recommendations of each lamp or fixture? Do you sense a trend here?

14. Only weatherproof fixtures and GFCI outlets with weatherproof covers in outdoor locations? Water and electricity don’t play nicely together, and you don’t want to get in the middle of one of their fights.

15. Maximum of 1 high-amperage appliance per circuit? This would include irons, space heaters, microwave ovens, toasters and toaster ovens, etc.

16. Extension cords only used for temporary, immediate use? Extension cords are not designed to take the place of having sufficient circuits and outlets to serve your ongoing electrical needs.

17. No electrical cords by heat-producing appliances? A melting electrical cord is a very unpleasant experience.

18. No electrical cords exposed in traffic paths or play areas? Combining a trip hazard with electricity – bad idea.

19. No electrical cords pinched behind or under furniture? I’ve done this. Dumb, real dumb.

20. No electrical cords under carpets or across doorways? Put receptacles where you need them; shortcuts lead to short circuits and other dangers.

An additional safety tidbit: Don't hammer a nail or put a screw through a sheet rock wall unless you know what's behind the sheet rock (you don't want to be rudely introduced to an electrical wire or a plastic water or sewer pipe when you're just trying to hang a picture). The same thing applies to putting a shovel in the ground (utilities will come and mark their underground lines if you call 1-800-227-2600).

If any of your plumbing or electrical systems are not installed in accordance with the applicable Code requirements (see Quick Tip #0002), you will likely have other safety concerns as well and should call a professional (obviously, I recommend Able Plumbing & Electrical) to evaluate and address those.

Walk through your home with this check list now - see if you can score 100%. Or feel free to give us a call to perform a convenient inspection for you. We care about your safety.