KATHY PRESLEY

The Drainage System

Gutters, downspouts and splash blocks collect rainwater from a roof and send it away from the structure. Gutters are the valleys located on the edge of the roof. The downspouts connect to the gutters to carry the water to the ground. Splash blocks are located at the end of the downspouts to divert water away from the building.

Damaged or leaking gutters can cause water to stain walls, pool against the foundation or seep into the walls, damaging the structure. With fall just around the corner, your gutters are susceptible to clogs from falling leaves. A few actions on your part can help prevent these problems and route water away from your home:
• Remove debris from gutters as often as needed to prevent dams and overflow. Gutters may need to be cleaned twice a year or weekly.
• Visually inspect gutters and downspouts for apparent damage from tree limbs or storms.
• Check that all downspouts are directed away from the home’s foundation and splash blocks are in place.
• Check fasteners on downspouts and gutters to insure proper connections are in place.

A National Property Inspections property inspection includes a thorough visual examination of the drainage system. Your NPI inspector will note any problems and recommend any needed repairs.
To locate an NPI professional in your area, check out National Property Inspections.
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Be Advised

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas. It is produced by the incomplete burning of solid, liquid and gaseous fuels. Appliances fueled with natural gas, liquid petroleum, oil, kerosene, coal or wood may produce CO.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), every year, over 200 people in the United States die from CO and several thousand people go to hospital emergency rooms for treatment for CO poisoning.

Symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to the flu and include headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea and dizziness. While it is important to recognize these symptoms, there are also ways to prevent CO poisoning:
• Make sure appliances are installed according to manufacturer’s instructions and local building codes.
• Install a CO detector/alarm in the hallway near every separate sleeping area of the home.
• Never burn charcoal inside a home, garage, tent or vehicle.
• Never leave a car running in an attached garage, even with the garage door open.
• Never use appliances such as ranges, ovens or clothes dryers for heating your home.
• Do not use gasoline-powered tools and engines indoors.
For more information on CO, visit The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
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Kitchen Safety

The kitchen is one of the most used rooms in a home. It can also be one of the most dangerous. Use the following checklist as a guide to help keep your family safe from kitchen hazards.

• Store harmful products in their original containers and away from food.
• Post the poison control hotline (1-800-222-1222) and other emergency numbers near every phone.
• Store knives and other sharp objects out of the reach of children.
• Wear gloves and masks when using harsh products.
• Do not mix products together as this can cause dangerous reactions.
• Put away products promptly after use and wipe up spills immediately.
• Cover the trashcan with a lid.
• Make sure your kitchen electrical outlets are GFCI protected, according to your local jurisdiction and building standards.
• Test the GFCI monthly by pushing the red test button.
• Do not leave the kitchen while cooking.
• Keep things that can burn, such as dishtowels, paper or plastic bags and curtains at least three feet from the range top.
• Carefully remove lids or other coverings from microwaved food to prevent steam burns.
• Make sure all matches and lighters are stored out of children’s reach.
For more information on kitchen safety tips, visit the Home Safety Council.
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Smart Kitchens
When it comes to energy consumption, the kitchen is the hungriest room in the house. Kitchen appliances – including refrigerators, freezers, ranges and dishwashers – account for about 27 percent of household electricity use, according to taunton.com.
Here are some tips for remodeling your kitchen into a “smart” kitchen that can save you money and resources.
Refrigerators/Freezers - look for:
• The Energy Star Label, which provides 15 percent more energy efficiency than the federal minimum.
• Freezers on top or bottom.
• Manual defrost cycles.
Cooktops and Ovens:
• Induction: the most efficient of cooktops.
• Radiant ceramic: most common cooktop.
• Electric coil: slow to heat but energy efficient.
• Gas: rates worst in energy efficiency.
Dishwashers - look for:
• The Energy Star Label, which is at least 41 percent more energy efficient than the federal minimum.
• Soil sensing determines how dirty the dishes are and adjusts water use accordingly.
• No-heat drying.
In 2006 a tax law change provided a tax credit of 10 percent for buying qualified energy efficiency improvements.
For more information on “smart” kitchens, go to www.taunton.com.
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Maintenance Matters

Are you ready for the first day of fall on Sept. 22? No matter where your home is located, cooler weather is approaching. Here are a few tips to get your home ready for the months ahead:

Inspect the deck or patio – clean the deck with soapy water and a pole brush. Apply a water sealer. To clean a concrete patio, use a concrete sealer.

Clean up/repair outdoor furniture – use a mild dish detergent with water and a sponge. Make any repairs to weathered furniture. Have a spot ready to store them when the time comes.

Check your weather-proofing – look for gaps or worn spots in weather-stripping around exterior doors and windows and replace as needed.

Clean your windows and screens – inspect the screens and repair any holes or tears. Replace screens with storm windows/doors if necessary.

Trim trees – tree branches that hang over the roof can damage the roof should they break under the weight of snow or ice.

Winterize the lawn – rake up leaves, cut the grass, remove any weeds and fertilize the lawn to keep it green and protect it from pests and cold.

Prepare your garden and planting beds – mulch around your bulbs, shrubs, roses and trees to prevent any drastic changes in soil temperature from destroying the root systems of these plants.

Take care of the lawn mower and garden tools – run the gas out of the mower for storage. Change the oil and check the spark plug. Clean garden tools and give them a light coat of oil to protect them from rust.

Drain the water – if you live in a location where it freezes, drain the hose, coil it up and hang it up where it won’t freeze or crack. If you have a sprinkler system, drain it, and shut off the water to prevent pipes from freezing.
For more information or to locate a NPI professional in your area, go to www.npiweb.com.

Am I nervous. Of course not. I am so excited to get away where I am not allowed to have a cell phone or a laptop or a file. Just me water, fish, and of course my dive buddy, Dan. I have spent way too much money on dive equipment so do not expect clear pictures. I will be using a cheap disposable camera. I may not be skilled enough to take pictures, watch my computer and stay with the team. My priority is to enjoy first and deal with pictures second.

We had a great time with Mike and Colleen and Jerry and Beth. We went to see Paul Revere and the Raiders and Bill Medley(the other Righteous brother). I left my good camera in the car and the i phone, well just did not quite get it done. It was cool to meet a rock and roll legend like Bill Medley. It was a little hard to see him be 67 though. It is a little strange to see an enigma up close because you realize they are just like us. It is funny how we expect something different than that. What are we thinking.I did get autographs. It was a great experience, though I am not sure I am old enough to get the whole Branson excitement. I looked around the room and thought for a minute I was at MIMI'S restaurant. I know most everyone was 65 and up.
But it was the Dick Clark Theater after all.