Archive for the ‘07 July’ Category

Try the smoke alarms to make sure they’re working.

Check the pressure gauge on fire extinguishers. (Your owner’s manual will give the correct reading.)

Make sure the automatic garage door safely reverses as it should (see your owner’s manual). Adjust as necessary.

Take a child’s-eye tour of your home. Look for potential hazards (a hair dryer permanently plugged into a bathroom outlet, toxic cleaning products easily reached, uncapped electrical outlets, window shade cords reachable from a crib) and do something about them.

Unplug (and keep unplugged) all appliances not in daily use. If they’re not connected, they can’t start a fire or become a hazard to curious kids.

Wash the interior of the dishwasher with warm, soapy water to prevent fungus and mildew. (If you’re going to be away, have a neighbor run the dishwasher every two weeks so gaskets don’t dry out.)

Examine all your small appliances and recheck power tools for damaged cords. Clean and lubricate as needed. Replace if necessary.

Clean room-air-conditioner filters and grills again. If you have central air conditioning, clean the units filter and wash off debris from the condenser outside.

Trim back shrubs and trees to keep them from damaging wood siding.

Check gutters again. Clear blockages.

Inspect storm windows. Repair and repaint, if necessary, or replace them.