NUTS & BOLTS
RISK MITIGATION
appliance – no kids and no pets allowed.
1 Keep candles away from flammable materials like drapes and never use them on a tree.
4 Keep potholders and other flammable items away from open flames.
2 Use battery operated candles instead of live flames when- ever possible.
5 Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for maintenance, and instruct tenants on proper use.
3 Never leave candles burning unattended.
4 Check light strings for signs of exposed wires or other signs of deterioration.
KEEP THE SEASON BRIGHT By taking the time to prepare your property for additional foot traffic during the holidays and helping your tenants stay safe in their home, you can help everyone have a peaceful holiday sea- son. We wish you wonderful times with loved ones this season! • BreAnn Stephenson is the assistant vice president of Affinity Loss Prevention Services. Helping you stop “bad stuff” from happening at your property is her mission. She may be reached at www. affinitylps.com, where you can also find discount codes for StoveTop FireStop’s cooktop line and other protective products.
5 Avoid linking too many strings of lights together. Keep it to no more than 3 for “mini-string” sets and 50 lights if using a string with screw-in bulbs. HOLIDAY PITFALL #3 IN THE DARK STREETS SHINETH THE EVERLASTING LIGHT The installation of exterior Christmas lights causes roughly 13,000 injuries each year from roof falls and shocks, the CPSCwarns. 1 Use the appropriate height ladder. You should never stand on the top step or rung to reach what you’re decorating.
Your Tenants are Ready for the Holidays. AreYou? BE PREPARED FOR INCREASED RISK TO YOUR PROPERTIES OVER THE HOLIDAY SEASON.
GET DISCOUNTS. FIND PRODUCTS.
2 Lights should bear safety markings from Underwriters Laboratory.
3 Check each set of lights for damage and replace any bro- ken bulbs. If the wires are frayed, do not use that set.
by BreAnn Stephenson
Save Lives. Save Property. Save Money.™
H
oliday lights and decorations can open up a new, glittering world of liability issues as well as increasing the risk of physical damage to your properties. Welcoming friends and relatives could lead to a slip on the steps if the ice melt isn’t put down. Before all the lights are strung and the fireplaces are stocked with wood for “roasting chestnuts on an open fire,” be sure you or your property manager have a clear discussion with your tenants about what is and is not permis- sible when “decking the halls” so they can entertain safely. To prepare you for that discussion, here are four holiday tips to help you avoid some serious seasonal pitfalls: HOLIDAY PITFALL #1 O CHRISTMAS TREE, HOW LOVELY ARE THY BRANCHES The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that Christmas trees are the cause of 300 fires annually, leading to 30 injuries, 10 deaths and $19 million in property damage. Select- ing the right type of greenery can help prevent a fire.
with needles that are hard to pull from branches and won’t break when bent between your fingers.
4 Hang lights using the appropriate clips. Puncturing the wires can create an electrocution or fire hazard.
2 When tapped on the ground, the tree should not lose many needles.
5 In your rental units, follow all local code guidelines about exterior lights and specify what length of time lights may be left on the house. HOLIDAY PITFALL #4 EVERYBODY KNOWS A TURKEY AND SOME MISTLETOE HELP TO MAKE THE SEASON BRIGHT The peak day for cooking fires each year is Thanksgiving Day, followed by Christmas Day and Christmas Eve, the Na- tional Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports. 1 Make sure all smoke alarms are working by testing them monthly. 2 If you are preparing food, stay with the food. 3 Make sure you have a three-foot zone around any cooking
Green Home Solutions Have a Mold Issue?
3 Have a designated waterer for Christmas trees, but dispose of the tree if it gets dry. 4 Place the tree away from fireplaces, vents and radiators. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recom- mends three feet or more. 5 When using an artificial tree, make sure it is fire retardant. HOLIDAY PITFALL #2 THE LIGHTS ARE TURNED WAY DOWN LOW, SO LET IT SNOW Candles start 11,600 fires each year. These fires result in 1200 injuries, 130 deaths and $347 million in property losses according to the CPSC.
TattleTale Portable Alarms Unbeatable Portable Cellular Security
AffinityLPS.com 816.398.4114 Learn more at:
1 Fresh trees are less likely to catch fire!A fresh tree is green
90 | think realty magazine :: year end 2017
thinkrealty . com | 91
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker