SW Michigan Real Estate Community Voice

Most of the U.S. is at risk for winter storms, which can cause dangerous and sometimes life-threatening conditions. Blinding wind-driven snow, extreme cold, icy road conditions, downed trees and power lines can all wreak havoc on our daily schedules. Home fires occur more in the winter than in any other season, and heating equipment is involved in one of every six reported home fires, and one in every five home fire deaths. Know what to do before, during and after a storm. This will help keep you and your family safe from a winter fire. Safety Tips Test all smoke alarms. Do this at least once a month. This way you will know they are working. Install carbon monoxide alarms in your home. Test the alarms. Plan two ways out of the home in case of an emergency. Clear driveway and front walk of ice and snow. This will provide easy access to your home. Make sure your house number can be seen from the street. If you need help, firefighters will be able to find you. Be ready in case the power g...

This time of the year the weather brings a chill into your home. Portable space heaters have become a popular way to supplement central heating or to heat one room. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has come up with information on the risks of Portable Space Heaters. I am forwarding this information onto you and your family. Two in five deaths in space heater fires involve portable electric heaters. The  NFPA has a great flyer for you to download on Portable Space Heaters that covers all this information on it.  If you plan to use portable electric space heaters, make sure to follow these tips and recommendations: Heater Checklist Purchase a heater with the seal of a qualified testing laboratory. Keep the heater at least 3 feet (1 metre) away from anything that can burn, including people. Choose a heater with a thermostat and overheat protection. Place the heater on a solid, flat surface. Make sure your heater has an auto shut-off to turn the heater off if it ti...

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has several facts on carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning that we would like to pass on. Carbon monoxide enters the body through breathing. Carbon monoxide poisoning can be confused with flu symptoms, food poisoning and other illnesses. Some symptoms include shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, lightheadedness or headaches. High levels of carbon monoxide can be fatal, causing death within minutes. The concentration of carbon monoxide, measured in parts per million (ppm) is a determining factor in the symptoms for an average, healthy adult. 50 ppm: No adverse effects with 8 hours of exposure. 200 ppm: Mild headache after 2-3 hours of exposure. 400 ppm: Headache and nausea after 1-2 hours of exposure. 800 ppm: Headache, nausea, and dizziness after 45 minutes; collapse and unconsciousness after 1 hour of exposure. 1,000 ppm: Loss of consciousness after 1 hour of exposure. 1,600 ppm: Headache, nausea, and dizziness after 20 minutes of exposure....

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has several flyers and helpful information on Carbon Monoxide Alarms. Often called the invisible killer, carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas created when fuels such as gasoline, wood, coal, propane, etc. do not burn completely. In the home, heating and cooking equipment that burn fuel are potential sources of CO. Carbon monoxide incidents are more common during the winter months, and in residential properties. Vehicles or generators left running in an attached garage can also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. A lot of families are not familiar with the hazards of carbon monoxide poisoning in the home. I have added two NFPA flyer PDF’s for you to download.  Get to Know Carbon Monoxide Alarms   Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips Flyer I have gathered some fact and safety tips about Carbon Monoxide from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)  that I wanted to passing on to you: The dangers of CO expo...

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has come up with information on the risks of Portable Generators. I am forwarding this information onto you and your family. Portable generators are useful during power outages, however, many homeowners are unaware that the improper use of portable generators can be risky and deadly. Downed utility lines, power company blackouts, heavy snow falls or summer storms can all lead to power outages. Many people turn to a portable generator for a temporary solution without knowing the risks. The most common dangers associated with portable generators are carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, electrical shock or electrocution, and fire hazards. Half of the generator-related deaths happened in the four coldest months of the year, November through February, and portable generators were involved in the majority of carbon monoxide deaths involving engine-driven tools. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has a flyer to download Portable Generato...

It is getting that time of year when everyone is looking forward to spring and summer and fun activities on Lake Michigan. Navigating Lake Michigan is different for paddle boarders, kayakers and canoeists then the inland lakes. Here are some safety tips to help keep you safe. Always check the weather in your starting point and ending point Never go out alone. Always use the buddy system. Leave your route information with someone reliable and stick to the route. Always wear a life preserver and pack a waterproof container with a cell phone and waterproof flashlight or flares. Know how safe your craft is and how to handle your craft. Try to stay out of the shipping lane to avoid being hit or capsized. Keep the shoreline in sight at all times. Try to stay away from break walls so as to not get capsized.  Take a safety course with your local paddles club. I have more safety tips and special non profit blogs on my Val Cares web page. Valerie Bomberger ABR, AHWD Re/Max Harbor Country.

I came across a great program in Buchanan, Michigan called the Memorial Tree Program ; you purchase a tree and have it planted in a loved one’s name. Giving families a unique way to honor friends, family or to celebrate a life event. A new baby in the family, anniversary , wedding or plant one in memory of a loved one. You are given a certificate to give or just to keep.  The trees are planted in the spring and fall. We have attached their page link for more information. Tree Program I have more safety tips and special non profit blogs on my Val Cares web page. Valerie Bomberger ABR, AHWD Re/Max Harbor Country.