12 Tips for the New Year

1/4/2021 (Permalink)

Take time to do some inspections of your home.

Welcome to 2021.

2020 was one for the books but we at SERVPRO® of Mayes and Wagoner Counties are excited for what the new year brings.

We are entering our second year as the newest SERVPRO® franchise in the area and thrilled to be serving eastern Oklahoma.

With the new year we want to offer a few tips to it kick off.

12 Tips for the New Year

1. Do a general safety check around your home. Check your smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector and make sure they are in good working order. Make sure you have an updated fire extinguisher in your kitchen and one on the other end of the house too.
2. Go over a fire / emergency evacuation plan with your family. Identify all the exits, including windows that can be used to escape if needed. Also have a plan of where to meet if you must evacuate the house.
3. Locate your shut offs for your home. Locate your water, gas and main power shut off. If you are unsure of there location, contact your service provider. For business, SERVPRO® offers a free ERP (Emergency Response Plan). Ask us about it.
4. Check for leaks around the house. With the colder weather, weak points in your plumbing will present themselves. Take some time to inspect around sinks, toilets, and showers for leaks.
5. Make sure your windows and doors are properly sealed. Cracks around doors and windows can allow heat to escape, causing higher heating bills.
6. Look for limbs on the roof and clogged up gutters, which can cause water intrusion under your roof.
7. As spring and warmer temperatures arrive, do a quick self-service on your A/C unit. First disconnect your unit from the power. Rake away any leaves or debris from around your outside unit. If you are mechanically inclined, remove the outside shell and clean out the inside of the unit. Using a degreaser cleaner and water hose will do wonders.
8. If you have a deck. Check your deck for protruding nails or screws. Check for any loose or rotten boards, replace or repair as needed. A new coat of paint or stain will help protect your deck throughout the summer.
9. Check for insect activity and take a few minutes and look for any signs of termite or carpenter ant damage. Over the counter pest control sprays are a great way to keep unwanted insects from invading your home but you can always contact a professional pest company to assist you with this.
10. Give your roof a once over. Your roof is subject to wear and tear. Check the areas around the eaves and gutters for leaks and water damage. Many times, a roof leak can lead to larger issues, including mold, elsewhere in your home. You should also be sure to check for any loose or missing shingles and replace these, as necessary. This will help prevent further damage from storms or extreme weather.
11. Inspect the exterior of your home. Look for chipped or peeling paint and cracks in your siding. If needed, add some new caulk to repair damage. This is also a good time to look for signs of foundation damage, such as cracks in the foundation or gaps between bricks.
12. If you have a fire place, give it a thorough inspection. You can schedule a professional fireplace inspection and chimney cleaning to ensure everything is in proper working order. Other fireplace maintenance tips include removing ashes, making sure the flue damper opens and closes easily, and removing unsightly smoke and soot stains.

SERVPRO® of Mayes and Wagoner Counties specializes in Fire and Water Cleanup and Restoration.

If you have any questions, call your SERVPRO® of Mayes and Wagoner Counites, 918-486-1055. 24/7 Emergency Response.  And always FREE Estimates for any job.