January 17, 2012 As the temperature drops, it's always nice to keep the house warm and smelling good with the crackling of a cozy fire. Armonk's Fire Department provides us with some safety procedures to review before you build that fire.
Annual cleanings and inspections of the fireplace are the best way to make sure your system is safe. If you don’t remember when the last time the flue was cleaned, it’s been too long. Don’t use your fireplace until you have it cleaned and inspected, and do it every year.
Have a person responsible for monitoring the fire as long as it’s burning. Don't go out to a movie or fall asleep as long as there’s fuel for the fire to consume. Don’t ever leave a fire unattended.
Don’t add a lot of wood to the fire all at once. That could create a bonfire. Burning three or four logs burning nicely at a time will keep you toasty.
Make sure you have a sturdy screen that keeps hot embers in and children and pets out.
Dispose of fire ashes properly. Wait until the ashes are cool. If you have to dispose of ash when it is hot, then put the hot ashes in a metal non-combustable container with a tight fitting lid that will deprive the embers of one of the elements necessary for fire: oxygen. You can even put some water in the container over the ashes. When you put hot embers in a metal container the heat will be conducted to the container, so don’t put it on anything that could burn or be damaged by the heat. It is important to put the container at least 10 feet away from your house and your neighbor's house. Twenty feet is even better.
Button Up Your Home for the Winter
Nov. 3, 2011 It's never too late to make sure your home is well maintained. Consider these tips from Miracle Home Improvements :
• Put away the hoses and turn off all the outdoor faucets. • Shut down the sprinkler system. • Put away all clay planters to avoid cracking in the freezing weather. • Have the gutters and leaders cleaned. • Fix any roof or siding leaks before heavy snow falls. • Protect your biggest investment; the inside of your home. • Have your roof professionally inspected to make sure it will last throughout the winter. The installation of a new roof with proper ventilation (new ridge vent), will be advantageous during the winter months. There is also a better chance for a “winter discount” given, which will save even more money! • Rodent proof any openings. • Check the fire place, clean as needed. Make sure the flue is shut when the fire place is not in use. • Professionally inspect and clean the furnace and outdoor condensers. • Check all filters and dryer hoses, replace as needed. • Check all weather stripping and caulking around doors and windows, replace where worn. • Replacing windows and exterior doors at this time is extremely important to keep the heating bills down. If not in budget this year, storm windows can be helpful. Consider energy efficient triple pane windows which are now being manufactured at a price homeowners can afford. • Installing new vinyl or Fiber Cement siding with energy efficient insulation can also save money.
Safety Information from Con Edison
During power outages safety is the first concern. 80% of NOrth Castle Con Ed customers lost power during Tropical Storm Irene. And many household were without power for five days. Con Ed offers the following information to prepare for power outages.
Consider all downed lines dangerous and call Con Edison immediately at 1-800-75-CONED (1-800-752-6633). Put the number in your cell phone.
Stay away from flooded areas and debris, as they could conceal downed power lines. Avoid flooded areas and keep kids away from flooded areas after a storm. The water could hide energized line.
Refrain from driving around in damaged areas, as you could interfere with rescue and/or restoration efforts.
If you're using a generator, run it outside and connect your appliances directly to it. Do not wire your generator directly to your breaker fuse box, as it may back-feed on power lines and cause injuries. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a serious concern. This incident appeared in the police blotter on August 28: "Caller reports the CO alarms have been activated. Call was transferred to County Fire. FD reports low level of CO on the exterior of residence due to a generator."
Don't cook with a gas grill inside the house. Don't use charcoal fires or candles inside.
If you leave your home, turn off appliances that may have been on when the power went out, or turn off your main breaker.
If you have any doubt about your home electrical system or are unsure of how to proceed, call a licensed electrician.
If a storm is predicted, fill your tubs with water for cleaning up. Have extra water, food that does not require refrigeration, and batteries on hand for flashlights and radios.
New Bulbs Save Energy
Sept. 4, 2011 It was reported that North Castle experienced more electric service infrastructure damage than any other Town in Westchester. It is only logical that we'll see a rate increase to cover the billions of dollars in recovery costs.
Consider this tip from Con Edison to save on home energy.
Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs)use less energy and last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. The major benefit of using CFLs is lower electricity bills. It requires up to 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. There are also fewer replacement bulbs to buy because CFLs last 6-to-15 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.
CONTRACTORS for HIRE
AWESOME LANDSCAPING Landscaping maintenance and conditioning, Masonry and Tree Work, Armonk (914) 273-3824.
