Chris Hounchell REALTOR

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Award-winning Florida real estate Broker PROUDLY SELLING IN PINELLAS, HILLSBOROUGH, PASCO, MANATEE & SARASOTA COUNTIES since 2004.

Safety Tips For Living Alone

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According to the Census Bureau, as of 2013 27% of households in American consisted of only one person. There were a number of reasons why single person households were on the rise including delaying marriage, personal choice, and increasing health in seniors. Whether you’re living by yourself because you recently moved to the area for a new job or you just enjoy the solitude of not having a roommate, living alone does pose some safety concerns. We have several tips to maintain your safety without infringing on your solo lifestyle.

Don’t Share Everything

At a cool bar? Check-in on Facebook. Delicious meal in front of you? Post it to Instagram and tag the restaurant. We can tell everyone where we are at every single moment of the day thanks to the power of social media. Don’t do it! If you check-in to a location you’re advertising to anyone with access to your social media accounts that you are not home. If you check-in at home, you’re giving those same followers the exact location of your home. You should also avoid checking-in to the locations that you frequent during your daily routine. You don’t want to leave a digital trail for someone with less than good intentions.

Secure Your Home

Regardless if you’re living in a single home or an apartment on the top floor of a building, securing your home is a must-do. Locking your windows and doors before you leave your house is obvious but you should also lock them after entering. You can also purchase window and door guards that are easy to install and remove in the event of an emergency. Leaving lights on can also give the appearance of someone home, which will deter a person looking to break into a home. If you have security personnel hired by your apartment building, make them aware that no one is allowed up to your door without confirmation from you. Home security systems also come with a wide array of features and price points. These systems can include cameras that allow you to see who is at your front door more clearly than a peephole would.

Safety Tips for Living Alone

Be Aware

If you’re walking or traveling alone, you should resist the urge to distract yourself with a book or your smartphone. Remain aware of your situation and surroundings at all times is important. If you notice someone who may be following you, do not go home but rather to a public space where you can seek out assistance. Avoid getting into stairwells, elevators, or others that don’t allow for quick exits.

Research

During your home search you should research the crime rates in a given area. Realtors are prohibited from providing this information to you due to discrimination laws but sites like CrimeWatch.com and your state’s Meghan’s Law website can give you crime statistics and whether sex offenders live or work near where you are looking to live. If you can, ask the neighbors or other tenants for their feelings about the area. You can also research your landlord through a public records search and sites such as ReviewMyLandlord.com.

Say “Hi”

Once you’re moved in, make an effort to get on good terms with your neighbors. You don’t have to become best friends but showing that you’ll be a welcomed addition to the neighborhood will go a long way. Exchange names and phone numbers once you feel comfortable. Neighbors may be able to notice if something does appear to be quite right with your home and can contact you or the police if necessary.

Personal and home safety extends well past the four walls of your home. Put these tips into practice for peace of mind.

What Is Radon? And Should I Be Worried?

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Over the course of buying or a selling a home, you may hear about radon. Many people may ask “What is radon?” and “What’s the concern?” Radon is a radioactive gas that is virtually undetectable by our five senses. It’s the by-product of radioactive decaying uranium found naturally in rock, soil, and water. As the uranium breaks down it releases radon gas which rises through the ground into the air. It can also be dissolved into water.

Should I be concerned?

According to the Surgeon General, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer among Americans, just behind smoking. Breathing radon gas and in some cases drinking radon in water over an extended period of time increases a person’s risk for health complications. The EPA has stated that any exposure over 4pCi/L is considered high and should be avoided. Uranium can be found in the ground in all fifty states and therefore so can radon. The EPA has classified the country into three zones depending on the levels of radon found in the area. Florida is classified mostly in zone 2 with a few counties listed in the higher zone 3. Radon gas can enter a home through cracks in the foundation, windows, utility fittings, and sump pumps.

What is Radon? Should I Be Concerned?

What should homeowners do?

Homeowners and buyers should both educate themselves on radon. If a homeowner is considering selling their home, they can have the home tested prior to listing. Sellers should be aware that any radon testing and their results need to be disclosed at the time of listing. If a person is considering purchasing a home, a radon test can be requested as part of the home inspection. If the results come back 4 pCi/L or higher the EPA recommends that a plan to mitigate the radon be agreed upon. There are systems  that can be installed and/or repairs made to the home to reduce the amount of radon entering a home.

While the EPA and Surgeon General have acknowledged radon is a serious issue, it doesn’t spell disaster for a home’s sale. Radon can be found in all types of homes, old and new. Mitigation systems and home repairs and modifications can reduce the levels in a home making it safe for occupation and an attractive property to market.

The Top 5 Holiday Home Dangers

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Last week, we talked about keeping your family and home safe from intruders during the holidays.  This week we’re focusing on keeping your family and home safe when you’re inside.  The holidays steal our attention, take us away from our normal routines, and fill our homes with guests.  All of this invites the chance for accidents or other home dangers.  We have the top five things you should be mindful of this holiday season to keep your family and your home safe.

  1. Decorations.  The tree’s been trimmed and the lights outside could rival the Griswolds.  Nothing can ruin the festive spirit faster than a tree toppling over onto a guest or an overloaded electrical outlet sparking, tripping the circuit, or actually starting a fire.  Make sure your tree is secure in its stand and if you have children you should anchor the tree to the wall.  Lights are beautiful but make sure you plug in only the appropriate number.  You also want to make sure your lights are in good condition and you don’t use any strands that are frayed or with bulbs that are broken.  Any lights you do use should be UL certified.Top Five Holiday Home Hazards
  2. Fireplaces.  A crackling fire is a quintessential holiday scene.  Whether you have a gas or a wood burning fireplace, make sure you keep the area clear of debris and children away from it.  If you have a wood burning fireplace, make sure your chimney is cleaned and inspected annually.  Do not burn anything but wood in your fireplace.  It can seem like a quick clean up but throwing wrapping paper or other trash into a fire can cause a flareup and let off chemicals that you’d rather not be breathing in.
  3. Kitchens.  You’re bound to be spending a lot of time in the kitchen baking sweet treats and cooking holiday meals.  Make sure your appliances are in good working order and never leave a pot cooking on the stove top unattended.  Keep an ABC rated fire extinguisher within easy reach in your kitchen; these extinguisher will be able to smother any type of fire you’d find in a home.
  4. Poisoning.  Poisoning is one of the top reasons people are seen in the ER during the holiday times.  Seasonal flowers such as poinsettias can pose a risk to children and animals; make sure the plants are out of reach and the fallen leaves are throw out immediately or use faux flowers.  Alcohol poisoning is another concern when holiday cheer comes in the form of a drink.  If you’re hosting a party, make sure your guests keep their imbibing in check and be mindful to keep alcoholic drinks away from curious children.
  5. Walkways.  With all the extra decorations and gifts, you want to make sure you keep interior open areas free of debris, cords, and spills.  Check your outside walkways to ensure your guests have a safe path to and from their cars.  If the weather is cold enough to form ice, sprinkle salt on your walkways.

You’ll see that common sense and a bit of forethought will keep your home safe and inviting for your family and guests this holiday season.