There is a good chance at some point during the year that your
tenants may head off for a much-needed break, leaving your property
empty, and potentially vulnerable.
The below will help ensure that your property remains protected while your tenants are away.
1. Knock, knock…who’s there?
Most burglaries take place when nobody’s home, so it is important to make sure the property appears to be occupied.
There are a few simple tricks for doing this, including setting
timers on internal lights and investing in a television simulator light.
These can act as visual deterrents by making thieves think someone is
at home.
Ask your tenant to cancel regular deliveries, such as newspapers and
if they plan to be away for a while, they may want to consider having
post temporarily redirected so it’s not stacking up behind the door –
particularly if it has a glass panel.
2. Neighbourhood watch
If you don’t live near to your investment property, good neighbours
can be a valuable asset. Asking them to put the dustbin out on the
appropriate day, or if they have a key, to open and close the curtains
on a daily basis can help to create the illusion that someone is home.
3. Window shopping
The majority of burglaries aren’t pre-planned, so make sure there’s
nothing left on display to tempt an opportunist thief. Always ask your
tenant to store away valuable items, such as jewellery and electronic
items, and to never leave money or important documents lying around.
Blinds can help to reduce visibility, if your rental property doesn’t
currently have them, consider fitting them, particularly on the ground
floor windows.
4. Be alarmed
If the property has an alarm system, make sure your tenant knows how
to use it and that it is set before they leave. It’s also a good idea to
ask them to provide you with the security code so the property can
still be entered in an emergency – they can always change the code when
they return.
Window security is often overlooked but there are several types of
window alarms that you can fit which detect and sound when a window is
opened or broken. Just by having these visible from the outside can help
to deter thieves from trying to enter, as it indicates that the rest of
the house is probably quite secure.
5. Light it up
Well-lit areas are generally off-putting to would-be intruders so
make sure the outside of the property is suitably lit. Security lights
should be in full working order, with timers or motion sensors and
double check that the nearest streetlights are working too.
6. Lock up and leave
It goes without saying, but you would be surprised to find that many
people forget to lock their doors before going on holiday. Remind your
tenant that they need to lock all external entry points, including doors
and windows, and shut internal doors too. If the property has gates, a
shed or a garage, ask tenants to lock these too, to prevent access to
the premises.
As a landlord, it is your responsibility to make sure all locks are
fit for purpose, your tenant has a copy of the keys, and they are aware
that they are expected to use them.
7. Access all areas
Before your tenant heads off on vacation, it’s wise to ask for their
permission to enter the property in their absence. This can be useful in
order to make sure everything is in working order and to troubleshoot
maintenance issues, such as potential leaks. Even a small drip can cause
a lot of damage if left undetected for a long period of time.
8. Anti-social media
It’s important that your tenant is selective in who they tell about
their forth-coming trip, particularly when it comes to social media.
Posting pictures and updates about a holiday online advertises to
tech-savvy burglars that no one is home.
9. Police your policy
If your property is going to be empty for an extended period of time,
your insurance company may need to be informed. Failing to do so could
invalidate the policy, and any claims made could be affected. So, make
sure to read your policy documents carefully – and don’t forget the
small print!
10. Expert advice
If your tenant is going to be away for a long period of time and you would like additional advice, why not speak to your local ARLA Propertymark letting agent.
They are experts in all things rental-related and will be able to give
you the best tips to make sure your property is properly protected.
As the congested highways and busy airports around Australia will
prove later this month, the Christmas – New Year period is a time when
many of us decide to travel away for an annual holiday.
But there is more involved in preparing for that annual trip than
simply packing enough beach towels or finding minders for the family
cat.
Burglars are opportunistic in their activity; during Christmas, they
are on the prowl. Here are some tips to better protect your home during
the holiday season.
1. Check and secure all locks & look like you’re at home
If you have faulty locks on any doors or windows or other entry
points, replace them before you head off on your travels. When leaving,
double check that all the locks are secured, and have another family
member check as well.
Lock the back and side gates, activate your security system and bring the spare key that you have hidden outside, back indoors.
Mow your lawn just before leaving, lock the garage and shed, and keep the second car, if you have one, in the driveway.
2. Make your home look occupied
Thieves are drawn to dark spaces to hide their activity. Consider
installing outside motion detector sensor lights to come on if anyone
walks up your path or near windows. Add timer switches to some of your
internal lights so they come on automatically for a period of time each
night. Adding one to the TV is also a good idea as the noise makes it
sound like someone is home.
3. Monitor your home from your holiday
Modern IP monitored security systems allow homeowners to arm and
disarm their alarm system remotely, receive instant notification of
security breaches, manage and automate home appliances and visually
check in your home. This is a smart (but expensive) way to enhance your
home security but may be worth considering.
4. Cancel the post and deliveries
Having Christmas cards spilling out of the mailbox is an obvious sign
no one is home. Think about redirecting or getting a hold put on your
mail. And cancel newspaper deliveries, or ask your next door neighbour
to take the newspaper off the front lawn.
5. Carefully discard Christmas packaging
Whilst you may be excited about the new large screen television
sitting under the tree, and just as excited to get the bulky packaging
it came in out of the house. But displaying the cardboard box it came
in, complete with its make and style on the front kerb next to the
garbage bin is bait for thieves.
The better idea is to rip up the
cardboard box into various pieces and place in a black plastic bag
before the next garbage collection.
6. Don’t be too social
While the holidays are a time for us all to enjoy each other’s company, be circumspect in how you share your adventures.
Displaying Instagram photos from New York or checking in to your
Facebook account from Fiji lets everyone know you’re not home. Don’t
rely on privacy settings on social media to protect your home. Wait
until you’ve returned home, then share your holiday snaps.
7. Talk to your trusted neighbours
Letting your neighbours know you will be away during the holidays and
that they can contact you if anything was to happen to your property is
a good idea. If you have a good relationship with them, ask them to
keep an eye on your place, bring in your garbage bins after you’ve left
and collect the mail.
8. Check your insurance
Before you head off on holidays it’s worth making sure your home and
contents insurance is up to date and paid. It would be horrendous if
you were robbed to find out you hadn’t paid your latest instalment.
9. Secure levels up high
First floor entry points are often easier to access for criminals and
they know this. Toeholds such as external air conditioners and window
grills can help robbers gain access to upper levels. So make sure all
the windows and doors are locked securely.
Highrise apartments are not always safe either. While you may think
you live 10 stories up, you are really only one storey above the balcony
below yours. So don’t get complacent, lock your apartment up securely –
it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Holidays can be fun and exciting, but how much thought do you give to the home you’re leaving behind when you set off on your travels?
Alongside the mammoth laundry loads, organising travel, pet sitters
and doing double the amount of work to compensate for your time away,
the safety and security of your nest can be easy to overlook.
Our advice below will ensure you can leave your home safe in the
knowledge that you’ve done all you can to safeguard your abode and its
contents.
Tell a trusted friend, family member of neighbour that you’re going away
Having someone you trust to pop round, open and close curtains and
blinds, collect post and, generally, alert any observers to some
activity is generally agreed to be a good thing.
A pile of mail on the front door mat is a green light for potential
intruders, so finding someone to collect this is a good call.
Giving your trusted person a key is always wiser than simply leaving a
key underneath a doormat or plant pot – a rookie error, if ever there
was one. This also enables someone to gain access to the property in the
event of an emergency.
Don’t advertise your departure on social media
While it can be very tempting to advertise your impending departure
on social media, it’s also a sure-fire way to draw attention to a vacant
home.
If you simply can’t stomach the prospect of missing out on bragging
rights whilst you’re poolside, consider changing your security settings
to trusted friends and family for the duration of your trip.
Alternatively, turn off your location services and wait until your return home to upload any photographs.
Install timer switches
Make the most of smart tech to give the illusion of occupancy and deter potential intruders.
Smart plugs and light bulbs can be easily installed and programmed to
switch electrical appliances on and off at particular times – much
better than simply leaving a light on for the entirety of your time
away.
Depending on the type of property you reside in, an outdoor security light can also be a worthy investment.
Cancel newspapers
Save yourself some cash, reduce your paper consumption and avoid
drawing attention to a pile of newspapers on the doormat – another dead
giveaway of an empty home.
Switch off plugs and ensure windows and doors are locked
A no-brainer for many, but there’s nothing worse than getting hours
from home and being unable to shake the sense that you’ve left some
straighteners plugged in.
Do a comprehensive sweep of your property to ensure everything that
needs to be unplugged is (usually everything apart from your
fridge-freezer).
Don’t forget the insurance!
This applies to both your trip and your home. In the event something
does happen in your absence, making sure you’re fully covered for all
eventualities will ensure you can rest easy and focus on the task of
enjoying yourself.
How to Lubricate a Garage Door: Cincinnati Garage Door Maintenance
You know the sound. It’s the terrible, ear-piercing “screeeech” your
garage door makes every time it goes up and down. That horrible sound is
actually the metal parts of your garage door wearing against each other
over time. Cincinnati garage door maintenance isn’t difficult, and you
don’t have to do it all that often; maybe once every two years. It turns
out that just some mild lubrication can go a long way towards
lengthening the life of your garage door and its components. Here is how
to lubricate a garage door:
How to Lubricate a Garage Door, Step 1:
Purchase a lithium-based grease or garage door spray, such as Blaster White Lithium Grease.
WD-40 isn’t best for this type of lubrication, and won’t last as long.
Aerosol cans of lubricant such as “Blaster” generally run anywhere from
five to ten dollars. Additionally, one can should be more than enough to
complete the job on your garage door.
How to Lubricate a Garage Door, Step 2:
Unplug your garage door opener, and use the emergency release cord to
disengage the door from the opener. This will prevent the door from
accidentally moving while you lubricate your garage door.
How to Lubricate a Garage Door, Step 3:
Clean the tracks of your garage door using a rag, a little dish soap,
and water. The tracks don’t need to be lubricated, but they do need to
be cleared of debris, spiderwebs, and other material that can get stuck
inside of them from season to season. Vacuuming them before wiping them
down may help if they are particularly dirty.
How to Lubricate a Garage Door, Step 4:
Spray a small amount of lubricant on the hinges of your garage door.
It may be helpful to open the garage door slightly and apply the
lubricant to the hinges as the sections of your door begin to pivot.
How to Lubricate a Garage Door, Step 5:
If you have white, nylon-coated rollers you do not need to lubricate
them, as their bearings are sealed and already lubricated. If you have
metal or black nylon rollers, spray a small amount of lubricant on the
bearings or the shaft of the roller.
How to Lubricate a Garage Door, Step 6:
Spray the top of your door springs with an even coating of lubricant.
Use a rag to spread the grease around the spring from top to bottom.
How to Lubricate a Garage Door, Step 7:
Apply a small amount of lubricant to the center of your bearing plates.
How to Lubricate a Garage Door, Step 8:
Re-engage your door to the opener, and plug your garage door opener back in.
How to Lubricate a Garage Door, Step 9:
Open and close your garage door two or three times. This will help distribute the lubrication across the important surfaces.
Cincinnati Garage Door Maintenance
If you would like some assistance maintaining your garage door, or
have any other home repair needs, hail a Home Repair Hero! Our ProMaster
craftsmen would love to help you with whatever issues you need taken
care of. You can schedule service online, use the “reach out” form at the bottom of the page, or call 513-322-2914.
Whether you’re out shopping or even at home, thieves are on the lookout for an opportunity to take your valuables.
So don’t let yourself become a victim.
It’s not the type of thing you want to think about during the holidays, but experts say a little precaution can go a long way.
Pearl City resident Kaimana Sasaki had her big screen television stolen from her garage last week.
Earlier this week, thieves broke into her truck and stole her purse inside with cash, credit cards, and other personal items.
“I’m not too sure how they broke in, but pretty much as you can see,
the window is shattered,” Sasaki said. “We didn’t hear anything. My dogs
actually woke us up, started barking. We didn’t hear any glass
shattering. Our alarm didn’t go off, so they must have used something to
crack the window, and when we found the window, there was actually a
hole inside.”
She’s not sure if it’s just bad luck or her house was being watched,
but she says the family has since installed security cameras around the
house.
“It kind of hit home, because I have kids, and it’s kind of scary
knowing that somebody’s around here watching me, or just coming by and
looking through the neighborhood and stuff,” Sasaki said.
Michael Kitchens created and runs the Facebook page Stolen Stuff Hawaii, now with more than a hundred thousand members who report crime in their area.
He says reports of thefts go up three times as much starting in November.
“You just see a slow, steady (stream), where sometimes a post will
sit at the top of the page, now it doesn’t around this time of the
year,” Kitchens said. “It’s just constantly having posts leapfrog each
other.”
Kitchens says in most cases, they are crimes of opportunity. Thieves
see an easy way of getting to your valuables and they’re able to run off
with it in a matter of seconds.
“Everything from just breaking into people’s mailboxes, car
break-ins, burglary, robbery. It’s just people are so desperate this
time of the year, I guess it’s whatever they can get,” Kitchens said.
Kitchens says you should never leave your purse or wallet in your
car, even if it’s hidden and the car is locked. When shopping, don’t put
your packages in the car until you’re ready to leave the parking lot.
Thieves could be watching and break into the car when you walk away.
Don’t store keys for your house or car in a lock box, because thieves
can get to them easily. Avoid leaving gifts under the tree until you’re
ready to give them out.
HPD also recommends that you don’t post on social media when you’ll
be away from home. Keep wrapped gifts away from windows, and break down
boxes for large expensive items like TVs and computers before putting
out the trash.
As always, you can report suspicious activity by calling 911.
Some of us wait eagerly all year for the holidays and the jolly
merriment that accompanies these few crazy weeks: the festive shindigs,
the bottomless eggnog bowls, and the no-longer-so-ironic ugly sweaters.
All of it might have you feeling like nothing can go wrong.
But as much as you’re looking forward to the holidays, so are the bad guys.
(Warning: Buzzkill ahead.)
Yes, that dizzying schedule of end-of-the-year fêtes and last-minute
holiday shopping means you’re out of your home more often than in it,
providing would-be burglars ample opportunity to case your place. And whether you’re checking in at a winter ski getaway or Instagramming that sweet Black Friday deal you just nabbed, your social media profile is also alerting the world that nobody’s home.
Don’t give the bad guys a holiday bonus! You can outsmart them and protect your home, as long as you know where you’re most vulnerable. Luckily,
we’ve done the heavy lifting to gather security experts’ top tips to
keep your home—and everything in it—safe during the busy holiday season.
1. Lock it down
Nothing too earth-shattering here, but it bears repeating: If you’re
going to be out of town, program your outdoor lights to switch on at
dusk and off at dawn, keep your doors and windows locked, and set your
alarm system, if you have one.
If you’re going on vacation, some experts recommend keeping a car
parked in the driveway so it looks like someone’s home. To prevent your mailbox from overflowing while you’re away, have your mail held until you return.
“Packages sitting outside your door are like a billboard that screams ‘no one is home,'” says Justin Lavelle, chief communications director for BeenVerified, an online background check platform.
His recommendation? If you live in a city or high–foot traffic area,
consider using an Amazon Locker, where you can pick up packages at your
own convenience. (You can also have packages sent to your office address
or, for U.S. Postal Service deliveries, held for pickup at a post
office location.)
If you’re purchasing from a retailer with brick-and-mortar locations
in your area, consider having your items shipped to the local store for
pickup.
If that sounds like a lot of work, most shipping providers (including
UPS and FedEx) allow you to postpone delivery until you know someone is
home. UPS and FedEx also allow consumers to leave directions for where
to drop off packages.
“Follow their shipping details so you know what date the delivery is
anticipated, and leave a note attached to your door with where you want
the delivery to be left,” he says. “Just make sure you write ‘For UPS’
or ‘For FedEx’ on the outside and fold the note over or put it in an
envelope.”
Also, make sure the path to your door is open, clear, and visible to neighbors and the street.
“If thieves can shield themselves behind large bushes and decor such
as large blowups and Christmas trees, it’s that much easier for them to
go unnoticed,” Lavelle says.
3. Take a break from social media
Yes, we realize this is a tall order in today’s like-happy society.
But trust us here: Smart thieves are watching not only your house, but
also your social media channels.
Be aware that when you trumpet that two-week holiday trip to Bali all
over Facebook, you’re telling the world that your pad will be
unattended.
The same logic applies to sharing photos of your home and your stuff:
They tell would-be burglars what else you have in your home and if
there’s something worth stealing.
And while you’re taking stock of your online profile, take a minute to adjust your privacy settings for event RSVPs as well.
“Anytime you publicly RSVP to parties, school events, concerts, or
any other event, you’re giving an intruder an invitation to target
your home,” Lavelle says. “Social media may not give away
your home address, but with the internet it’s not hard to find out.”
4. Get smart
If you’ve been wavering on outfitting your home with the latest smart home technology,
the holidays could be the perfect time to finally get on board. You’ll
have the fun of a new gadget to play with, and the peace of mind that
your home has some extra safeguards—even when you can’t be there.
The options are virtually endless: Consider a smart doorbell (like Ring’s video doorbell), which detects motion and provides a view of your front door from your smartphone. Or try the Maximus Smart Security Light,
which sends real-time push alerts to your phone so you can see and
speak to who’s lurking on your porch—or sound an alarm directly from an
app, if necessary.
Want to control your lights with the swipe of a finger? Check out innovations like the Philips Hue smart lightbulbs, which allow you to operate your lighting from anywhere.
And if you’re looking for an all-in-one smart security solution, consider a system like Nest Secure, which combines a variety of self-installable cameras, motion sensors, and alarms and poses a serious threat to traditional, clunkier alarm companies.
5. Consider a home upgrade
Wood or glass can break easily under pressure from an intruder, says home security expert Sadie Cornelius of SafeSmartLiving.com. Consider upgrading your door to stainless steel.
If that doesn’t jibe with your aesthetic, make sure your deadbolt
requires a key on both sides. Smart locks (like those from Schlage and
Kwikset) are easy to install and provide an additional layer of security
from would-be burglars.
And to better illuminate wannabe burglars, consider installing
motion-detecting lights, which use little energy and are usually
affordable.
6. Beef up your online security
“While it might not seem obvious, security goes beyond the physical,” Cornelius says. “Cyber Monday and online shopping are an opportunity for hackers to steal your credit data and identity.”
She recommends using a virtual private network, or VPN, when using
public Wi-Fi to protect your online data from hackers. If you’re
shopping online, be sure the sites are secure and have a valid
encryption certificate (which you can usually spot with the green locked
indicator in front of the site address).
Ensure your system is running the latest security updates and
antivirus software, and consider signing up for identity theft
protection so you’re immediately alerted to suspicious activity on any
of your accounts. Many banks will allow you to set up mobile push alerts
for certain types of transactions or spending thresholds.
Securing your home to prevent a burglary is important. While making
sure your home is protected and to prevent filing a claim with your homeowners insurance, have you considered your garage door? Of all the areas of your home where unwanted visitors could gain access, homeowners insurance agents find that garage doors are commonly overlooked.
Garage doors can also be a family safety issue when not used properly. Keep your home safe and reduce home owners insurance costs by being sure that your garage door is secured.
Garage Doors – An Overlooked Access Point
As sturdy as a garage door may seem, it will not stop a clever
burglar who knows how to get past it. Using little more than a wire
clothing hanger, thieves can activate the emergency release lever on
your automatic garage door opener and open the door.
Once they have gained access to the garage, burglars can ransack your home and put you in a situation of needing to call your homeowners insurance company to report damage to your home and/or loss of personal property.
Garage Doors Can Be Dangerous
In addition to how easily garage doors can be breached, homeowners insurance agents
note that the garage door also presents home safety issues. Power
outages can prevent the mechanism from working. Children and animals are
sometimes injured when garage doors accidentally close on them. Damaged
mechanisms may fail, allowing the door to fall and cause damage that
must be repaired via a home owners insurance claim.
Best Tips for A Safe and Secure Garage Door
Fortunately, keeping the garage door secure so you don’t have to file a homeowners insurance claim is easy. Practice the tips below from experienced homeowners insurance agents to prevent break-ins and keep your entire family safe:
Buy A High-Security Garage Door Opener – Choose an
automatic opener with a numerical keypad for code control. It should
also allow for remote activation from a smartphone app, just in case.
These kind of systems are harder to breach and provide you with greater
home security and fewer possibilities of having to make a claim on your home owners insurance.
Choose A Safe System – A garage door that closes
down on a child or pet can be a disaster; however, the safest systems
detect when something is in the way of the door and stops lowering the
door. Laser sensors and sensitivity adjustments are great features that
can reduce the chance of a person or pet becoming injured by a closing
garage door.
Learn to Use the Emergency Release – As with any
electronic device, begin by reading the garage opener user manual to
learn how to correctly program and operate it. Most importantly, learn
how to use the emergency release lever so you can safely operate the
door even if you lose power.
Secure the Emergency Release Lever – To prevent
burglars from using the wire hanger trick discussed above, secure the
emergency release lever on your opener with a plastic zip tie. The tie
is sturdy enough to prevent activation of the lever with a hanger;
however, it can easily be broken if you need to use the emergency
release.
Avoid Tempting Burglars – Never leave your garage
door partially open. This weaken the opener mechanism, increase the
chance of damage, and attract the attention of burglars. Keep your door
remote out of any car that stays parked in your driveway. A visible
garage remote is an invitation for a car break-in that may allow thieves
access to your entire house. If you will be away for more than a few
days, turn the power off to your opener.
Electronic garage doors are a great convenience; however, they can
cause injuries if they malfunction. You may even end up with a homeowners insurance claim if burglars gain access to your home through an improperly secured door. Keep uninvited visitors out and prevent higher home owners insurance premiums by paying close attention to the tips offered above by homeowners insurance agents that will keep both your home and family safe and secure!
SACRAMENTO – Gov. Jerry Brown signed a bill Friday from Senator Bill
Dodd, D-Napa, requiring newly sold or installed electric garage door
openers to be equipped with backup batteries. The new law will prevent
people from being trapped in their garages during power failures such as
those triggered by recent wildfires.
“Requiring backup batteries on garage door openers will saves lives
and ensure no one is left vulnerable,” Sen. Dodd said. “With the threat
of more wildfires to come, we must do everything possible to keep people
safe. I thank Gov. Brown for recognizing the importance of this bill.”
Senate Bill 969
follows the devastating October wildfires that caused widespread power
outages, leaving many evacuees unable to open their garage doors to flee
the flames. The remains of at least five victims were found where
garages once stood.
The senator is personally aware of the peril posed by power failures
in the face of emergencies. He was forced to evacuate his own Napa home
the night of the fall fires and could not open his heavy wooden garage
door because power was out in his neighborhood. While garage door motors
can be disconnected and opened manually, many people, especially
seniors, find it difficult or impossible to do so.
“Most people don’t think about this until it is too late,” Dodd said.
“My goal with this bill is to raise awareness and give people the
security of a battery backup.”
Senate Bill 969 was supported by the Consumer Federation of
California. Assembly member Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, D-Winters, is
co-author.
“It is clear from this past year’s fires that we need to protect
people when the power goes out,” said Richard Holober, the Consumer
Federation’s executive director. “I applaud Sen. Dodd and Gov. Brown for
this important new law that will keep people from being trapped in
their garages.”
###
Senator Bill Dodd represents the 3rd Senate District, which
includes all or portions of Solano, Napa, Sonoma, Yolo, Contra Costa,
and Sacramento counties. You can learn more about the district and
Senator Dodd at www.sen.ca.gov/dodd.
Garage doors are opened and closed multiple times a day, yet few
homeowners conduct regular checks and inspections on it. In fact, they
are often the most neglected part of a house, even though they are
frequently used and make up a large portion of a home’s outward
appearance.
Conducting repeated tests on a garage door and its opener
can help you catch any problems before they become worse. Moreover,
inspections ensure that it is safe. Safety is a particularly important
concern when you have kids and pets in the house.
How can you maintain your door so it lasts longer? Here are 10 tips:
Check the hardware
The easiest way to do a quick hardware check is to listen to the door
when it opens and closes. It should move effortlessly and make minimum
noise. Scraping noises, grinding sounds and jerky movements suggest
there is an issue.
Furthermore, ensure that all loose hardware is tightened up. Use a socket wrench to fasten any loose bolts or roller brackets.
Review the balance
To review your door’s balance, you’ll need to first disconnect the
opener to the door. Next, manually move the door halfway up or down. It
should stay in place. If it doesn’t, the garage door isn’t balanced. You
will need to seek a professional garage door repairman to correct this
problem.
Replace batteries in remote
Garage doors are opened and closed innumerable times a year.
Therefore, it’s essential to replace the remote’s batteries
periodically. The remote’s manual should provide the information on when
you need to replace the batteries.
Replace weather-stripping if needed
Look at the sides and bottom of your door. There should be
weather-stripping on the sides and a rubber weather-seal on the bottom.
If it’s cracked or the weather-stripping on the sides is jamming the
door, consider adjusting it or replacing it altogether. Use your
judgment.
Wooden garage doors might not have weather-stripping at the bottom.
However, ideally, you should add weather-stripping to it – which can be
purchased at any hardware store – and get it painted.
Lubricate the moving parts
Garage doors are connected by springs, rollers, nuts and bolts. All
of these moving parts are used constantly every time you press the
remote, and the door opens and closes. Hence, it’s vital to lubricate
these moving parts with spray lubricant for springs, and white lithium
grease for the chain or screw.
Don’t smear lubricant on the track, because it could cause the door to slip and lose its balance.
Examine the cables
Cables are responsible for lifting your door. Examine them
periodically for damage. If you notice signs of wear and tear, contact a
garage door repair service rather than take matters into your own
hands. High-tension cables have the ability to inflict serious injuries
and should always be handled by a professional.
Inspect the garage door’s safety feature
Every door is equipped with two safety features which are mechanical
and photocell. To test the mechanical safety feature, simply place a
piece of wood or brick below it and close the door. Once the door comes
in contact with the wooden piece, it should automatically reverse its
direction and go up. If it doesn’t, you will need to adjust the
downforce control limit. Read your opener’s manual for directions on how
to adjust it.
The second safety feature, photocell which uses photo-eye sensors,
are located at the bottom of your garage door and has a beam. They
prevent the door from closing if an object is in the door’s path.
You
can test this feature by closing the door and placing an object quickly
in the path of the beam. If the door stops closing, it’s in good working
condition. If it doesn’t, clean the sensors with a damp cotton ball and
retry the process.
Remove rust
Rust tends to accumulate on steel doors. Locate the rusted areas,
sand it, prime it and finally paint over them. Wooden doors should also
be examined for damages and kept painted to protect the wood.
Check if tracks are clean
Talk to a garage door specialist in order to get the best cleaner for
the tracks on your door. Do not lubricate or use an all-purpose
cleaner.
Clean your garage door
Last but certainly not the least, it’s imperative to wash your garage
door with an all-purpose cleaner.
You can do it while washing your cars
during the weekend and make it a fun family activity. Cleaning removes
built-up grease and gunk and maintains your house’s spotless appearance.
Use the aforementioned garage door maintenance tips to ensure that
your door lasts long and saves you on repair costs. Most of these
suggestions are easy to follow and only take a few minutes. It’s a good
idea to call a garage door repairman to conduct biannual inspections.
Always keep your door clean, fully-functional and safe throughout the
year.
Editor’s Note: Ran Keller is an experienced handyman who’s been working for EliteGarageWA for 10 years. When he’s not fixing garage doors, he likes to share his repairment ideas and knowledge with others.
Cars are investments, and every investment deserves the best in terms
of security. Security should be a priority for drivers even if cars
were not at risk of theft. Not every car is built to the security standards of a Tesla, or with the schematics of a bulletproof car, so drivers have to realize that their vehicles have some inherent flaws that criminals can take advantage of.
Some of these flaws are compounded by the bad habits of car owners
and also by the wiles of criminals. With so much at stake and so many
factors influencing the safety of cars, I would like to help car owners
tip the scales in their favor. So, today we will take an in depth look
at some car security tips you can use to prevent your car from being
stolen.
Notable Car Theft Statistics
There is no shortage of statistics to show you the way car theft has
evolved over the years, and to also show its current trajectory.
According to data collected by the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR)
Program, the estimated number of motor vehicle thefts
increased by 3.1% (2015). In terms of monetary value, motor vehicle
theft accounted for the loss of more than $4.9 billion, and 74.7% of
motor vehicles stolen were automobiles.
This data clarifies a few things. First, it shows that automobiles
are a favorite among motor vehicle thieves. Essentially, this means that
drivers have to do all that they can to minimize their exposure to car
thieves. Cars are not the only motor vehicles that are threatened, a guide to motorcycle security
would be handy as well. However, cars are the highest number of motor
vehicles stolen, so for today’s article that will be our focal point.
Ideally, these car security tips should help you practice better
automotive security, regardless of whether you want to keep your car
safe at home, or keep your car safe abroad.
Car Theft Practices
Before we dive into the car security tips that will help you prevent
your car from being stolen, let’s take a look at some of the threats
your vehicle faces. I do believe that understanding these threats makes
it immensely easier for you to implement the necessary solutions.
Car thieves usually target vehicles in two unique ways. The first
method requires opportunity as a precedent and the second requires
immaculate planning. Knowing this helps keep drivers aware of how they
can be targeted which, in turn, helps them fight back. A crime of
opportunity means that in a specific moment, a car thief singles you out
because they can tell that you are vulnerable in some way.
This is usually how most carjackings come about. A planned heist
requires much more thought and is hardly ever done in the spur of the
moment. Here are some handy car security tips that will help prevent
your car from being stolen, and keep you and your investment safe in the
process:
1. Keep your car doors locked at all times
Learning to lock your car doors at all times is probably the most
crucial security tip that you need to know. When I say at all times, I
mean at all times, even while you are driving and the car is in motion.
Unfortunately, most drivers believe in the common misconception that
their cars can only be targeted while the vehicle is at rest. However,
car thieves have a plethora of skills that they can use to compromise
vehicles that are in motion. This is a unique danger that is ever
present, which is why you have to make sure that your car is locked at
all times.
In comparison to residential and commercial door locks, car door locks cannot be overcome with all of the same methods. For instance, a burglar might be able to bump a residential door lock, but luckily for drivers, bump keys don’t work on cars.
This does not mean that there aren’t other methods that car thieves
might use to get into your vehicle. Many car thieves prey on an
opportunity, and there is no better opportunity to them than stumbling
across a car that is not locked.
Stealing the car becomes much easier for them if the vehicle is at rest, but they are not above carjacking. Carjacking is defined
as the action of violently stealing an occupied car. Many car thieves
utilize this method to steal cars that are occupied or in motion.
Constantly locking your doors is the first safeguard against thieves
that would seek to steal your vehicle.
2. Do not leave your vehicle unattended
Leaving your vehicle unattended, especially when it is unlocked, is
an efficient way to get your car stolen. Remember how I pointed out that
car theft is often a crime of opportunity? An unlocked car that is left
unattended is the perfect opportunity for any car thief. I completely
understand that it is rather difficult to always keep an eye on your
vehicle, after all, you are probably a very busy person. However, there
are some tricks that you can utilize to make sure that your vehicle is
always within someone’s field of vision.
First, try to avoid parking in isolated areas that are not well lit.
Parking in locations like this reduces the visibility that you afford
your vehicle, and doing so increases the likelihood of a criminal
successfully stealing your car. Most criminals abhor visibility because
it leaves them exposed, use this to your advantage. You do not always
have to be physically present to keep an eye on your vehicle. There are
several auxiliary measures that make it easier for you to keep an eye on
your car, directly or indirectly.
3. Do not leave your car running
Another handy tip that helps many drivers out, is learning not to
leave their car running, even if they step away from their vehicle for a
few seconds. People often take the influence that time has on a crime
for granted. The truth is, given even a sliver of time, a criminal will
do the best they can to make the most out of it. I am tempted to say car
thieves are inspirational, but they are not.
It is important for drivers to develop the habit of turning their
vehicles off and ensuring that everything is securely stowed away, even
if they are moving away for a brief moment. Turning your car off and
taking your keys with you, is simply another way of keeping your car
secured. As the old adage goes, it is better to be safe than sorry.
Practicing this will reduce the likelihood that your vehicle becomes
another statistic that the FBI UCR references.
4. Always roll up your windows
Rolling up your windows is the perfect complementary action to
constantly locking your doors. It is simply another measure that helps
keep your car sealed away and protected. Windows are one of the primary
access points that car thieves use to compromise vehicles, therefore
reinforcing them and keeping them rolled all the way up makes your
vehicle more impenetrable.
I know that there are some car owners who believe in humanity so much
so that they choose to leave their windows rolled down, especially in
the summer. I am not sure if this is done because of the faith they have
in humanity, or the faith they have in the security of their vehicle.
The truth is, vehicles are very similar to locks. If a car thief is
given enough time, they can break into a car and steal it, the same way all locks can be picked given enough time. For this reason, you should strive to avoid giving criminals any kind of access to your vehicle.
5. Install car alarm systems
Car alarms are the face of modern automobile security, and they
actively help increase the security of your vehicle. A car alarm is the
perfect solution for an extra layer of protection that will stay active
even if you are not in close proximity to your vehicle. The alarm serves
to notify you of any danger, and can also help notify individuals
within the general vicinity that something might be amiss. This is the
easiest way to call a good samaritan to your aid when you are in need of
help.
A common security mistake that people make with their classic cars
is that they never have a car alarm installed. This ends up making
their vehicles more vulnerable and susceptible to car theft. In this day
and age, car alarm systems are commonly paired with keyless entry remotes that enhance automotive security. Car alarm systems can also be paired with anti-theft mechanisms like cruciform locks
used to guard steering wheels. These are simple methods that can be
used to layer your security measures, and ensure that there is a backup
in place should one measure fail to prevent your car from being broken
into during an attempted theft.
6. Plan your route whenever you are driving
Before you take up arms against me, you should know that I am not
advocating against spontaneous trips because I love them just as much as
the next guy. However, I do believe that taking the time to plan your
route, whenever you are driving will help prevent your car from being
stolen. Planning your route out allows you to be better prepared for any
eventuality and it negates the possibility of a car thief being able to
take advantage of you, by catching your off guard.
Realistically speaking, you will not always have the luxury to plan
your route because unexpected things happen every now and then. However,
you should attempt to do this whenever you get the chance. Planning
your route will inform your actions and it will help you know what to
avoid and how to navigate certain areas. For instance, if you are aware
that you will be traveling through a specific area that is considered
dangerous or prone to carjackings, it will inform you to keep your doors
locked and your windows rolled at all times.
7. Practice proper automotive maintenance
Maintenance is a key car security tip that is often never
implemented. In this instance, there are several different automotive
components that need to be maintained. Many of the mechanisms that are
used to protect your vehicle are prone to damage and wear over time.
Practicing proper maintenance is one of the simplest ways of keeping
your car security measures in prime condition.
Some of the components that you have to keep well maintained include
your car door locks and their corresponding lock cylinders, car alarm
systems, transponders and key fobs, windows, etc. If any of these
components are not properly maintained, there is is a chance that they
will be taken advantage of. The simplest way to plan for the maintenance
of any of these features, is to pay attention to them while they are in
use. Doing so will help you learn how they function, so that you can
spot any wear or damage that has to be taken care of. For instance, if
you notice any physical wear on your car keys, you should work to have a
duplicate car key made to avoid the scenario where your key breaks off in your lock.
8. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times
Situational awareness is an invaluable tool, and one that can be
utilized to increase the security of your automobile in any given
situation. One of the best ways to practice situational awareness is to
constantly study your surroundings and understand the direct impact that
your environment has on your automotive safety. In many ways,
situational awareness is a key factor in any type of safety plan, and it
is one of the best ways to enhance your personal protection.
Assessing your surroundings will influence the way you treat your car
and it will directly impact the level of security that you choose to
leave it with.
9. Do not store important personal documents in your vehicle
Many drivers store personal information in their vehicles, both
knowingly and unknowingly. Some of these documents include the car
title, driver’s license and other forms of documentation that can be
abused by car thieves. There are some documents that should always be in
your vehicle whenever you are driving, like your license and your proof
of registration. However, when you are not in the vehicle, these
documents should be removed and stored in a separate location. These
documents will not draw a car thief to take your vehicle, but they might
help facilitate their escape if they steal your car.
I know that this sounds rather tedious, but please hear me out. For
instance, if a car thief is stopped by a police officer and asked to
show proof of ownership, proof of insurance, etc., they will easily be
able to produce the required information if it is stored in the vehicle.
I am sure that some of you are thinking that if the crime has been
reported, then these documents will be of little use to the car thief.
Once again, you are underestimating the importance of time. There is no
guarantee that you will be able to report a crime fast enough for a car
thief not to utilize the information they are given. This is not a
direct method that prevents car theft, but one that looks to makes the
crime harder to execute successfully.
10. Do not keep valuables stored in your vehicle
Storing valuables in your vehicle is a sure fire way to attract car
thieves and burglars. There are some car thieves who will simply settle
for breaking into the vehicle and picking out an individual item,
whereas others will want to take the whole vehicle. It is criminals like
these that you have to be wary of because they will attempt to steal
your vehicle rather than just settling for the expensive purse or
sneakers you left out in the open.
This is something that many mobile locksmiths have to contend with on a daily basis. If someone were to steal an auto locksmiths van, their business and their livelihood
will be compromised. A mobile locksmith usually stores their tools and
equipment in their van, and some of these items are very expensive and
lucrative to a criminal. Leaving things out in the open is bound to
attract criminals and car thieves, so you want to do your best to
prevent this from happening.
Take the time to look through your car before you step away from it
to verify that nothing of value has been left out. In the instance where
you absolutely need to keep something stored in the vehicle, try to
stow it in your trunk or underneath your car seats. This will help keep
the visibility limited.
Final Thoughts
Protecting your car can be a challenging task, especially because
there are so many bases that you have to cover. The points outlined will
help you get started and they will help you foster better car security
which helps prevent your car from being stolen. Take the time to know
your vehicle and know what your flaws are so that you are better
equipped to combat them effectively.
Each year, thousands of Arizona residents email or call Rosie
Romero’s radio show with questions about everything from preventing
fires in their chimneys to getting rid of tree roots invading their
sewer systems. His goal is to provide answers that suit the specific
lifestyle wherever someone lives in Arizona.
QUESTION: I’m replacing four windows in my house that had
suffered serious sun damage, and I’m curious about whether putting
sunscreens on them each summer would provide protection so this type of
thing doesn’t happen again.
ANSWER: Yes, that’s possible. Just be sure to install a shade that will reflect 80 percent of the sun’s heat.
If you don’t have sunscreens, the summer heat and UV-rays can damage
the vinyl frames on windows and bleach furniture, flooring and rugs.
The heat on glass can also break the seals in dual-pane windows. In
that case, you might end up with moisture penetrating the seal and
fogging up windows.
One thing to remember: Sometimes installing sunscreens can void the
warranty on your windows. So check the fine print on the warranty first.
Q: What about blocking the sun with the old “aluminum foil
inside the window” trick? Will that help keep sun and heat out of your
house? Is there any harm in doing that?
A: It might keep the heat out of your house, but
then all the sun and heat would still hit the outside of the windows and
could damage the glass.
Q: I had two air conditioning units installed in my house in
1999 as part of a remodel. I was told they were horizontal units
installed vertically due to tight spacing. But as a result I have had a
big problem over the years with condensate leaking into my walls. I’ve
even used tubs under them to catch the excess water. I was told I
couldn’t install new units without removing part of the remodeled area. I
was also told that replacing them might cost $45,000. What can I do
about this continuing problem?
A: I think you have to install new properly
positioned units to solve the problem. You can buy vertical air handling
units that would probably fit the space without ripping up the house. I
also don’t think this would cost you $45,000. Have a reputable air
conditioning contractor come to your house and give you an estimate for
free. It’s also probable that those old units are now reaching the end
of their natural lifespan by now.
Q: I have a very tall palo verde tree that helped shade a
window on the second story of my house. Then a microburst from a monsoon
storm came along and tore off some of the branches. About one-third of
the tree was damaged. Can I keep the tree or does it have to be removed?
A: Desert trees are very resilient. If you trim off
some of the jagged edges on the broken branches, the tree will probably
sprout new growth and continue to shade your home.
Q: I have a red bud tree that was planted as a sapling that I
got from Georgia about 19 years ago. Now, some of the branches are
starting to die off. What can I do to save it? I’ve mulched around it
and I was wondering if I should fertilize it some more.
A: It’s very impressive that a red bud has lasted
for 19 years. Arizona is definitely out of a red bud’s normal growing
zone. But many unusual things can happen here if you build a little
microclimate to keep a tree like that sheltered from desert winds.
These imported trees can get established and do pretty well.
Unfortunately, however, it sounds as if your tree will have to be
replaced at this point.
For more do-it-yourself tips, go to rosieonthehouse.com.
Romero, an Arizona home-building and remodeling-industry expert for 29
years, is the host of the syndicated Saturday morning “Rosie on the
House” radio program, heard locally from 8-11 a.m. on KNST (790-AM) in
Tucson and from 9-11 a.m. on KGVY (1080-AM and 100.7-FM) in Green
Valley. Call 888-767-4348.
Home maintenance and ownership go hand in hand, so you’re no doubt aware that there’s plenty you should be
doing (hello, gutter cleaning!). Sorry to lengthen your to-do list, but
we thought you should know that there are actually a few more home maintenance tasks that may require your attention—and odds are you don’t even realize it.
Curious what you might be overlooking? Here are some
home maintenance chores that might be flying under your radar—and why
they’re important to cross off your list.
1. Clean your refrigerator drip pan
Did you know many refrigerators have drip pans? I did not. But as you
can imagine from the name, it’s a thing you really should be cleaning
once in a while.
Doug Rogers, president of Mr. Appliance, puts it this way: “Failing to clean the refrigerator drip pan will result in mold growth.” Yuck.
How to do it: To clean it, first you have to find it.
“Remove the kick panel at the bottom of your fridge, and trace the
defrost drain line to the pan, which is where it empties out,” says
Rogers. Use a flashlight if you need to.
“Be sure to gently pull the pan out as it may be full of water, and
dump any excess liquid in the sink before cleaning with an
all-purpose cleaner,” he says.
2. Flush the water heater
“Flush” the water heater? What does that even mean? Great question. According to Doyle James,
president of Mr. Rooter plumbing, you need to remove the water sitting
in your water heater to remove any sediment that may collect there.
“Sediment causes corrosion, reduces efficiency, and shortens your water heater’s life span,” James explains.
How to do it: First, turn off the electricity or gas
to the heater. Open a bathroom hot water tap and let the hot water run
for a few minutes to lower the temperature of the water in the heater.
Then shut off the cold water valve at the top of the tank, and put a
bucket under the water heater drain valve. Open the valve and drain the
water until it runs clear, with no sandy stuff. Be careful, because the
water can come out hot! When it’s clear, put everything back the way it
was and you’re done until next time.
To keep your water heater running at its best, James advises setting the temperature no higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Reseal your grout
When your tile was installed, whether it’s floor tile, bathroom
surround tile, or countertop tile, the grout was sealed to protect it
from wear and tear. But did you know that you’re supposed to reseal it
every year? If you said no, you’re not alone.
“You have to reseal grout every year, and most people don’t,” says Debbie Gartner of The Flooring Girl blog.
The reason: Most grout is a mixture of sand and cement, which can absorb water, bacteria, and stains.
“A grout sealer protects your grout so it’s waterproof,” explains
Gartner. Sealing will help your grout look better and last longer. The
only exception is epoxy grout, which is generally used with glass tile.
How to do it: To reseal grout, apply grout sealant,
wipe off any excess that gets on tiles, wait 15 minutes, apply a second
coat, then clean the tiles again. Let it cure for 24 to 48 hours. After
it cures, test it: Water should bead on top of the grout instead of
being absorbed.
Checking for water leaks around the home—even small, slow ones—will
pay off big-time down the road. Why? It can help you save water (and
money on your water bill); but more importantly, it will eliminate
damage to your house done by water behind the walls or in other
hard-to-see places.
How to do it: “Take a water meter reading and avoid
using your water for a couple of hours. After two hours, if the reading
changes, you have a leak,” James says.
If you have a leak, inspect the pipes of your water-using appliances
like the dishwasher and washing machine for cracked, bulging, or damaged
hoses. Leaky hoses are easy to replace yourself. If, however, the
damage is more extensive, you can hire a plumber.
5. Reseal stone countertops
If you have granite or marble countertops, you should be sealing
those babies every year, or possibly more often. The only exception is
if you have a presealed countertop. In that case, you’re excused from
this one. Not sure if you need to seal? Put some water on your
countertop. The more quickly it is absorbed, the more porous your stone
is, and the more frequently you should be sealing. That’s also a good
test to see if your sealer has worn off: If the water doesn’t bead on
the countertop, it’s time.
How to do it: Wash your countertop with mild soap
and water, and wipe it dry. Apply a stone sealer, let it sit 15 minutes,
then wipe away the extra.
Here’s more on how to reseal countertops.
6. Wash your dryer lint screen
You know that thing gets gross, right? You’re always scraping piles
of lint, shredded tissues, and other weird substances off of it. But it
can get clogged in less obvious ways, too. The residue from dryer sheets
and fabric softener can start to build up on the screen, blocking the
airflow. That can lead to less efficient drying and even fires.
How to do it: “Soak it in hot water and dishwashing
soap designed to remove grease and oil,” says Rogers. “Gently scrub the
screen with a soft brush, rinse it, and let it air-dry before
reinserting it into the slot.”
It’s a small thing, but it’ll help extend the life of your dryer, reduce your energy bills, and keep your home safer.
(StatePoint) Most people are pressed for
garage space, regardless of the size of their house, from DIYers
overwhelmed with tools to moms searching for places to store holiday
decorations.
Toter, a leading manufacturer of carts, cans
and containers for use in a wide range of home and work waste management
and storage solutions, is offering the following tips for making more
of precious garage space.
• Keep trash in its place: To
keep trash and odors contained, select a mobile trash cart with a
tight-fitting lid that’s compatible with your haulers’ pickup
requirements and comes with a warranty. Some manufacturers also offer
cart and can liners and deodorizers to keep your garage smelling fresh.
• Invest in a multi-purpose job box.
Most people tend to have the wrong size toolbox for their needs.
Consider the shape, capacity and compartments needed for your tools.
Rolling options are great for work done only at home, while a job box
may be better for those who do work elsewhere. If portability is
important, look at lighter-weight options. New plastic job boxes, such
as the Toter HardHead, combine the strength, durability and security of a
large metal box with enhanced maneuverability.
• Build up, not out: Ceiling
storage racks are an excellent way to use what would otherwise be dead
space. Many racks are designed to fit directly above the area where an
automatic door goes up and down. Peg boards for tools and stackable
totes are also good choices.
• Choose multipurpose storage:
Needs can change over time, so invest in storage that can be used for a
variety of items in multiple ways. For example, large, durable totes
can hold lawn gear, tools or camping equipment.
• Think mobility: Being able
to move containers within the garage is important. However, the ability
to move them into your vehicle and hit the road quickly also makes life a
lot easier.
According to Jeniffer Coates, director of
product development and warranty for Toter, “Heavy metal containers are
difficult to move, and cheap plastic bins are often too flimsy to stand
up to long-term or outdoor use. Consumers will get the most mileage from
durable, impact-resistant plastic containers.” These can cost a bit
more upfront, but will stand the test of time.
• Protect items: Moisture and
pests cause problems in even the cleanest garage. Look for durable
storage containers with tight-fitting, critter-resistant lids.
• Categorize: Assign and
color-code dedicated areas for each type of item — tools, decorations,
lawn equipment, etc. — to avoid the hassle of searching.
• Allow room to grow. While
it can be tempting to stuff every square inch, try to leave room for
future additions. To ensure everything deserves the space it’s
occupying, do a yearly purge of unneeded or unused items.
For more information on finding the right storage solutions for your needs, visit toter.com/storage-solutions.
Keeping the garage in order is a necessary evil, but with a solid game plan and the right equipment, it’s easier than you think.
It is quite annoying if the garage door gets stuck in the odd hours.
It is a double impact situation for you. On one hand you cannot leave
the door open just for this and secondly getting a professional
technician to repair the garage door is a herculean task. In this type
of situation, your problem could be resolved only by a professional
service provider who can understand your situation. You can take the
help of your friends or search online to have the address of the
professional to have emergency garage door repair done in your home.
Why you should hire a professional for garage repair?
Emergency service provider: a professional garage repair
person knows the importance of his work and takes pride in giving
services to the clients. He knows that his services could be required by
a person at the odd hours. So, he is ready to understand your problem
and very much willing to provide his services at times other than normal
working hours.
Efficiency: Your time and the proceedings of the day depend
upon the quality of repair work carried at the garage door. If the door
is repaired in a proper way, then you can have the proceedings of the
rest of the day move smoothly. As you will not be required to call the
technician again and again for the repair work. Hence, the quality of
repair counts a lot.
Safety: Safety of yourself and your family is utmost
important. Hence, it is very much necessary to have a professional for
the job who can handle the electrical as well as mechanical aspect of
the garage door effectively.
Thus, hiring a professional not only solves your problem of emergency
door repair but also provides you an effective and quality job work
done in an economical way.
Most of the household appliances we have at home are connected to a
water source, so there is a high risk of leakage, which leads to water
waste and a huge damage to the household.
Moreover, leaks impose another serious health risk- mold.
It is a common fungus type which can grow inside and outside,
throughout the entire year. Mold mostly grows in damp, warm, and humid
environments. Its microscopic spores travel through the air and attach
to various structures and materials and multiplicate.
Mold can be of 100,000 types and species, but while some do not cause
any harm, some categories are detrimental to health. For instance,
allergenic molds are the most common ones, and they contain allergens,
which lead to allergies and similar symptoms.
People who are exposed to mold experience are often unaware of the issue, so you need to know the following 17 symptoms:
Headaches
Metallic taste in the mouth
Memory problems, brain fog, trouble with focus and executive function
Numbness and tingling
Persistent nerve pain
Fatigue, weakness, post-exercise malaise and fatigue
Tremors
Muscle cramping, aches, and pains, joint pain without inflammatory arthritis, persistent nerve pain, “ice pick” pain
Weight gain despite sufficient effort (weight loss resistance)
Light sensitivity, red eyes, and/or blurred vision
Sinus problems, cough, shortness of breath, air hunger, asthma-like symptoms
Night sweats or other problems with temperature regulation.
Small amounts of mildew on the shower walls or other application
where water accumulates are completely normal, but if you notice mold or
mildew growth in room corners or non-shower walls, it is a clear sign
that there is some leak which creates a perfect environment for mold.
If you have issues with household mold, you can clean it with the
help of mold removal specialists.
Yet, to prevent additional
complications, make sure you take care of the leak after the mold has
been removed.
Hire a plumber to specify the reason for the leak, and try to solve
the problem as soon as possible, in order to prevent serious health
issues.
Better garage organization means easier gear access, which means more time to play outside
I’m about to be a dad, in a little less than two months and counting.
In addition to getting the baby’s room ready, I’ve taken on the task of
organizing my garage. Call it my form of nesting. This task is not a
small one, being that I’m Outside’s Gear Guy and have spent years
acquiring and testing about every piece of outdoor gear you can think
of. As of right now, I’m still working through the cleanup, but I wanted
to share some of the tips I’ve learned over the years.
Consider Your Car
This is the first thing you need to decide: Does the car live in the
garage? The answer to this will totally change how the garage gets
organized. A big part of the decision depends on where you live. Own a
house in Southern California? Your car is probably fine on the street.
Live in Bozeman, where it snows all the time, or Dallas, where hail can
ruin everything? In that case, you’ll need to squeeze your car in with
your gear. I live in Oregon, where it’s fine to leave my car outside,
and because it will be hard to get a baby out of the car when it’s
parked in the garage, we’ve decided to keep the garage car-free.
Invest in Shelving
Every available inch of wall in my garage has shelves, which maximizes my space. I’m a big fan of Gorilla Racks,
because they’re relatively affordable, easy to assemble, stable, and
hold a ton of weight. I’m not afraid to load them down with coolers, car
camping stoves, and other bulky items. If you’re on a budget, check out
these affordable plastic shelves that snap together in five minutes and are great for lightweight bins.
Use Your Vertical Space
The ceiling in your garage is valuable square footage. I’m currently in the process of getting a Racor PHL-1R Ceiling Storage Lift,
which will store my rooftop tent. If you have a pitched or otherwise
high ceiling, you might also consider it for hanging bikes, surfboards,
kayaks, and other bulky items that are hard to store on a wall or the
floor.
Don’t Be Afraid to Wrench
This tip relates to the one above. Installing a rooftop tent holder
or hooks for your bikes involves turning screws. Thankfully, the stakes
are usually lower in your garage than they are in your living room.
Don’t be afraid to make a mistake, redrill, reposition, repeat.
Keep Everything Accessible
By accessible, I mean you should be able to get at your gear without
effort. Don’t store your gear two or three layers deep. You shouldn’t
have to move one bin to get to the next. If you have a car in the
garage, make sure you don’t have to pull the car out to reach your most
frequently used gear.
Bins, Bins, Bins
Bins are a key part of organization, and they’re so important that
they get a heading unto themselves. All my shelves are filled with bins
that hold various parts of my gear. For example, all my car camping
cooking gear goes in one bin. All my base layers go in another. I like
18-gallon bins—they hold a lot of gear but aren’t so big that they’ll
topple me over when I try to get one off the top shelf. When possible, I
prefer clear bins so I can see inside. Even with clear bins, I’m
militant about labeling. I slap on a piece of duct tape and write the
contents so there’s never any guessing. My go-tos, for those who are
curious, are the Sterilite 18-gallon bins, which I buy in bulk.
Plan for the Seasons
If you have a small garage or a garage with a car inside, make your
seasonal gear the most accessible. It’s okay to have your skis in a
hard-to-reach spot in July, but your bike, helmet, and pump should be at
the ready. Vice versa in December.
Build a Drying Station
I live in Oregon, so water is a problem. I need to be careful about
drying gear like jackets and skins so they don’t get ruined. A dedicated
drying station in my garage is helpful, because it’s easily accessible
and prevents me from forgetting about my gear on the outdoor
clothesline. No need to get fancy. Just string up a section of paracord
along one wall to drape things over.
Create a Donations Bin
Some gear eventually needs to get passed on. Instead of letting it
clutter your garage, organize it into one bin. When it’s time to pass
the gear on to friends, Goodwill, or your local charity, everything is
in one spot and easy to transport.
Keep Your Garage Clean and Welcoming
By this I mean sweep the floors, get rid of spiderwebs, and maybe add
some extra lighting. All these things will keep your garage feeling
like an organized space and help you cut down on the clutter.
