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.”
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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.
