12/3/2009 11:12:00 PM Protect home, family with smoke alarm maintenance
By YAVAPAI COUNTY CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION
Question: How long do smoke detectors last, and how do I know if mine are working? - Mark in Prescott Valley.
Answer (by Gary Miller, owner, S&M Electric, Prescott): Studies indicate that smoke alarms save more lives than any other fire prevention measure. Smoke alarms provide the earliest warning of smoke and fire. In a typical house fire, you have only three minutes to escape the home. The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) recommends replacing your alarms every 10 years. Even if your alarms seems to be working properly, if they are 10 years or older, more than likely they are not working at 100 percent capacity. If they have turned yellow in color, that is another indication they are old and should be replaced. Smoke detectors should have their batteries replaced twice a year (many people coordinate this with the beginning and end of Daylight Saving Time).
Some older homes will only have battery-operated smoke detectors, while all newer homes have both battery and electric low-voltage power. All electric wire smoke alarms are wired together so that if there is a problem, all alarms will sound together and not just the one in the room or area with the problem.
It is also important to vacuum around the edges of the smoke alarms monthly to remove any dust and insects, which can cause alarms to sound.
Building code requires a smoke alarm be installed in every bedroom, in all hallways outside of bedrooms, in high-vaulted ceiling areas, and on every level of the home.
It is important to know that not all smoke alarms are created equal. Some are better at sensing slow-burning smoldering fires, which smolder for hours before bursting into flame. These types of alarms are called photoelectric. Sources of these fires may include cigarettes burning in couches or bedding. Ionization alarms warn of fast, hot blazes, which consume combustible materials rapidly and spread quickly. Sources of these fires may include flammable liquids or paper burning in a waste container.
According to fire statistics, in 27 percent of fire fatalities, the victim was sleeping. More than 4,000 people die each year in fires and more than 20,000 people are injured in fires yearly. Eighty-two percent of all fire deaths occur in homes and nearly one-third of residential fires occur in homes without smoke alarms.
Question: I have a brand-new home with a dirt driveway. I would like to install a paver driveway and walkway but don't know if it would be wise to have the work done now, with freezing weather on the way. Should I wait for spring? - Craig in Dewey
Answer (by Chris Welborn, owner, Vicente Landscaping, Prescott): There is no reason to wait until spring to install paver hardscape. Properly-laid pavers, with an appropriate base, can be laid in any season of the year. If you are worried about expansion/contraction of your soil, the joints between the properly installed pavers will allow the walkway, driveway or patio to move without cracking. In addition, pavers themselves are very resistant to damage from freeze/thaw cycles.
Question: I hear so much about waterwise plants and xeriscape. What do these words mean? - Pat in Prescott
Answer (by Marc Vetere, owner, Manzanita Landscaping, Prescott Valley): Xeriscape, or a waterwise approach to landscaping, offers many outstanding benefits over traditional highly-watered landscaping. Xeriscape and waterwise planting is emerging as one of the most common forms of landscape, especially because of water supply and conservation. The extraordinary savings in water alone are so significant, both to individual property owners and to municipalities trying to save water demand. Also, the potential savings in initial landscape construction, as well as in ongoing maintenance, is substantial.
The xeriscape approach to landscaping is great news because it allows homeowners to take a proactive approach and exhibit true stewardship to saving our precious natural resource - water.
Landscape professionals are able to bring beauty to the community because of the availability of so many natural and beautiful plants. These are easy-to-grow and easy-care plants. Xeriscape requires less maintenance, less dollars and less water while still giving a quality appearance to a home.
Inasmuch as there is a general increasing concern about environmental issues, many people are rethinking the way to landscape. Extensive use of plants that often require widespread use of herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers cause significant problems that can be avoided by using plants more naturally suited to each site.
The practical advantages of the xeriscape approach to landscaping clearly make it possible for everyone to do something about many environmental problems we face.
DID YOU KNOW: Pouring 1/4 cup of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide down a clogged drain will open the clog.
DID YOU KNOW: Not much "degrades" in a landfill. Landfills are designed to keep solid waste from degrading. This containment prevents the formation of harmful gases and bacteria that can leach toxic substances into the water supply and pollute the air. In fact, landfills are covered with dirt to keep out the oxygen and moisture that bacteria thrive on. Composting encourages biodegradation. This is because the material in a compost heap is food for the microorganisms present. The more microbial life there is to consume the biodegradable material, the faster material decomposes.
Yavapai County Contractors Association (YCCA) is a professional association representing licensed, bonded and insured contractors, suppliers, distributors and business entities. YCCA, your local trusted referral source, can be reached at 778-0040 or at www.ycca.org.
Submit your questions to ycca@cableone.net and watch for your answer in the weekly real estate section of the Daily Courier.
