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Quick Tips

Seasonal Tips
Some more local and personal emergencies, such as the flooding of storm drains and the danger of fire to your house, can be avoided with dedicated maintenance around your house and your neighborhood. Each season has it's own set of challenges to keep us on our toes! Below are some simple tips that can go a long way to protecting your family, home and neighborhood.

 

Fall/Winter Tips:

  • Rake leaves from street storm drains to prevent flooding (it rains a lot here!)
  • Clear out gutters to prevent home flooding
  • Change out batteries in all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
  • Have furnaces, wood stoves and chimneys cleaned and inspected by qualified personnel before the cold season arrives
  • Turn off water to outside spigots and cover them to prevent pipes from freezing and then bursting
  • Clean out the lint form your dryer before each load to prevent fires
  • Keep the area around the furnace and hot water heater free form clutter
  • If a fuse or breaker blows, find the cause and call an electrician if you suspect a bad wire or connection
  • If using a fireplace, burn only small loads of wood or follow instructions when using artificial logs. Never burn newspapers or gift wrappings in the fireplace; they create high, hot flames that can start a chimney fire.
  • Use a metal fireplace screen or tempered glass door enclosure. Be sure the fire goes out completely before leaving home or going to bed.

Spring/Summer Tips:

  • Gather items to be recycled at the Richmond Clean Up (see RNA main page for when this event happens)
  • Recycle and remove unwanted hazardous products from the house and garage, as heat can cause them to ignite or release toxic gases (https://www.oregonmetro.gov/tools-living/garbage-and-recycling)
  • Trim vegetation from power, phone and cable lines
  • Check and replenish first aid kits
  • Change out the food and water of your emergency kits
  • Store unused charcoal in a cool and dry place, as damp coal can ignite itself
  • Get to know your neighbors and host a block party!