Chris Hounchell REALTOR

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

Fire Prevention & Safety Tips

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We look at our homes as our safe havens. It’s the place we go to protect ourselves from outside influences but there are dangers that lurk within the walls of our homes. Between the years 2010-2014, The National Fire Protection Association estimates one in every 338 homes reported a fire of some type. It can seem like preparing for something as unpredictable as fire is a fruitless endeavor and waste of time, we can tell you it’s not.

Get the Tools to Stay Safe

The easiest fire safety practice is installing smoke detectors in your home. Florida has recently updated it’s laws regarding smoke detector regulations. In one- and two-story residential dwellings, smoke detectors either need to be wired into the home’s electrical system or be fitted with a 10 year non-removable, non-replacable smoke detector. Homeowners are no longer allowed to use battery operated detectors. Installing smoke detectors isn’t enough though; homeowners are encouraged to test the detectors once a month and replace if found to be faulty or have past their expiration date (usually ten years).

Another easy and inexpensive step to take towards fire safety is purchasing fire extinguishers. Having at least one extinguisher on each floor of your home can help prevent a small fire from becoming an inferno or it can help residents make a safe exit from a burning home. All extinguishers aren’t the same though, you should purchase ones that are rated ABC. These types of extinguishers can smother fires with the most common sources of ignition.

Fire Prevention & Safety Tips

Take Preventative Steps

Fire prevention is also important. The most common causes of house fires are cooking and heating. Stove top fires are the most common cooking incidents, usually to due inattention. When cooking, be sure an adult is always present and actively monitoring the cooking. Keep your cooking elements free of foreign materials such as towels, paper, and utensils. Should a fire start, turn off the cooking elements. If a grease fire starts, use an ABC rated fire extinguisher or if one is not available smother the fire with baking soda. Do not spray a grease fire with water, it will only spread the fire. If food has burnt and caught fire, again reach for a fire extinguisher or attempt to smother the flames with baking soda or a pan lid.

Heating appliances are the second leading cause of household fires and most are due to lack of maintenance or improper use of the appliance. Yearly furnace inspections not only help your equipment stay running at peak performance and extend the life of the appliance but also help ensure mechanical issues are caught before becoming a fire hazard. Changing filters regularly can also keep the unit free from debris. If you need to use a portable heating unit be sure to keep it away from furniture, clothing, and decor and only use it when awake and within your immediate area.

Always Have a Plan

As with all of our articles on safety, developing a plan of action and practicing it with your family is the best way to stay safe. For a fire plan, each member of the house should know at least two ways to exit the home, where to meet other household members outside of the house, how to summon help, and what to do should they become trapped in a burning home. Each plan will be different depending on the house and its residents. Many fire departments are willing to help residents develop one or provide you with resources to do so.

A few inexpensive tools, some preparations, and general home maintenance can help keep you and your home safe. In the event of a fire, you’ll be prepared to escape as quickly as possible. Homes and property are replaceable, you and your family are not.

 

Tornado Safety

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Most people associate the Midwest and Plains states with being a prime area for tornadoes. But many are surprised to learn that Florida, especially the Tampa Bay area, can be a hot bed for tornadoes.  According to the Center of Science Education, the area sees an average of seven tornadoes per year per ten thousand square miles. In addition to flooding and wind damage, hurricanes and strong tropical thunderstorms can breed tornadoes.

Plan For a Tornado

Just like many of the safety tips we talk about, you should have a plan of action before the threat of a tornado every exists. Identifying the safest place in your home is the first step. The best place to be during a tornado is as low as possible. Most homes in Florida don’t have basements so the first floor is your best option. An interior room with no windows, such as a bathroom or even a closet, will provide you with the most protection from debris. If you are in a condominium or high rise building, a reinforced stairwell is your safest spot. If you live in a mobile home, you need to find a substantial structure that is easy to relocate to should a tornado threaten your area.

Be Aware During a Threat

Tornadoes strike with very little time for people to react that is why the National Weather Service developed Tornado Watches. A watch lets people know a specific area will experience weather that could be right for tornado development. During a watch, you want to monitor your local news or weather outlets. You can prepare your home by putting away or securing outside belongings such as patio furniture, potted plants, and trash cans. Don’t venture outside during a thunderstorm or hurricane to see if you can get a better look at the weather; you increase your cases of being injured by blowing debris or a possible lighting strike.

Tornado Safety Tips

A Tornado Is Imminent

If a tornado is indicated on radar or visual confirmation is made, the National Weather Service will issue a tornado warning for a specific area. If your area is listed you should immediately get to the location you planned as your safe place. Continue to listen to local news reports and only leave your designated safe place after you have been advised the threat has passed.

After a Tornado

If you are in area that’s been impacted by a tornado, keep your family together and away from debris and other threats such as downed power lines. Do not try to enter a damaged structure to retrieve any of your belongings. Also avoid smoking and using lighters or matches as their may be leaking natural gas in the area. Always listen and follow the direction of first responders and other officials.

While the chase of tornadoes is still relatively low in our area, being prepared for such an event gives you a better chance of staying safe should the situation arise.

Hurricane Safety: Before, During, & After

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Hurriance season is less than a month away. Until last year, it had been ten years since Florida was struck by a hurricane and that left many people complacent and unprepared for Hurricanes Hermine and Matthew . We’re about to bring you up to speed on what you should do before a hurricane ever forms and when the threat is imminent, and after.

Before a Hurricane

We’ve previously written a hurricane preparedness guide that covers what you should do prior to the threat of a hurricane. We recommend that you refresh yourself with these tips every year and take stock of your supplies, replenish those that have expired or been exhausted, and update your evacuation plans.

If a hurricane is targeting your area, heed the evacuation requirements from officials. If you don’t and need emergency assistance during the storm, you may not receive it until it’s safe for officials to respond. You should survey your property and secure any items that are loose and could become airborne due to high winds. Many property owners also board up or tape their windows. This isn’t just to prevent the windows from breaking but if they do break, shards of glass will be more readily contained. You’ll also want to fill up a bathtub with water. If water service is interrupted, you’ll be able to use the water to wash your hands or flush toilets.

Hurricane Safety

During a Hurricane

If you haven’t been ordered to evacuate or have ignored the call to do so, you should remain away from all windows and doors. Closing your blinds and curtains also will help prevent a spray of shattered glass should a window or door break during the storm.  It’s good practice to constantly monitor the current status of the storm and any changes to evacuation orders either through television or radio. Rain and high winds aren’t the only concerns with a hurricane; tornadoes are also spawned off of the storms and can form quickly. Interior and low-lying rooms are the safest place to be during this threat.

Hurricanes are two part storms. As the eye of the storm passes over your area, it can give the allusion that the storm has passed and it’s safe to venture outside. Under no circumstances other than direction from officials should you go outside during the calm of a hurricane. The eye can pass over the area quickly and leave you unprepared or unable to return to safety.

After a Hurricane

Connect with family and friends as soon as possible after a hurricane to inform them of your safety and your location. This will help lessen the concerned calls first responders receive from worried loved ones. If you’ve been evacuated from the area, you should only return after being instructed by officials.

Flooding is a concern during and after a hurricane. We have safety tips on how to deal with flooding.

You should schedule a professional to come inspect your home for any damage after a hurricane. Even a minor leak can cause severe damage later if left unnoticed or unresolved. If you need to file a claim with your insurance company, take picture of the damage and don’t discard anything unless directed to do so by your claim’s representative.

Even with the technology available to meteorologists today, hurricanes remain unpredictable forces of nature. We hope these tips for before, during, and after a hurricane keep you and your family safe.

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.

Fourth of July Safety Tips

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Fourth of July celebrations feature all the best that summer has to offer: grilling, outdoor activities, and fireworks. With any activity, there are simple and common sense safety tips that will keep you and your family safe and able to enjoy a fun Independence Day.

Grilling

If you’re planning on a simple meal of hamburgers & hot dogs or going all out with smoked rib, you need to keep an eye on your grill at all times. Children and pets should be kept away from a hot grill; keep in mind the grill can be hot for hours after the flame goes out. You should never grill inside a house, camper, or tent and should keep the grill at least ten feet away from your house, trees, and bushes. To prevent burns, you should use long utensils and oven mitts. Finally, use a meat thermometer to make sure your food reaches the correct temperatures before serving.

Outdoor Activities

The sun, the sand, the water…what’s not to love about Tampa Bay in the summertime? No matter what you choose to do outside, you should always practice good skin care and wear a broad-spectrum SPF sunblock. Sunburn isn’t the only thing you need to worry about either; heat injuries such as heat exhaustion and life-threatening heat stroke. Staying hydrated, keeping to the shade, and taking numerous breaks during your activities are good practices to keep you safe in the high humidity and temperatures.

If you’ll be swimming, we recommend you follow our water safety tips. Rip currents are of particular concern for beach swimmers. If you find yourself caught in a rip current, experts say you should not swim against the current to get back to the beach; instead you should swim parallel to the shore until the current weakens and then attempt to swim to the beach.

You should also be mindful of the presence of wildlife and respect their habitats. Always give wildlife a wide berth if you encounter them. Staying to marked trails and away from overgrowth will help prevent any unexpected run-ins with wild animals and keep you from coming into contact with less than desirable plants like poison ivy, sumac, and oak. Using a bug spray with DEET in it will help repel bugs and insects. Once you come inside from a day out, you should always check your body thoroughly for ticks.

Fourth of July Safety Tips

Fireworks

What would the Fourth of July be without any fireworks? While they’re synonymous with the holiday, most fireworks are actually illegal for individuals to own. Fireworks that fall under the “sparkler” category are legal for individual use these include sparklers, fountains, snakes, and glow worms. The Florida Fire Marshal publishes a list of approved fireworks every year. Those retail outlets that do sell fireworks that do not fall under this category will most likely ask you to sign a waiver. If you’re found to be using banned fireworks you could face a $1,000 fine.

When using fireworks be sure that age-appropriate children are thoroughly supervised and small children do not have access to the fireworks, used or unused. A water source should always be nearby to douse used fireworks and help prevent a fire from breaking out. Fireworks should never be pointed or thrown at another person and should be used in an open space.

There you have it! Some easy and common sense Fourth of July safety tips that will let you and your family enjoy the holiday and avoid any major mishaps.

Halloween Safety Tips

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If you think about it, Halloween is a crazy holiday. Kids dress up in costumes, knock on their neighbors’ doors, and demand candy. It’s difficult to resist those adorable and creative kids. While kids are concerned with the excitement of dressing up and collecting candy, you as a homeowner should be concerned with the safety of the trick-o-treaters. We have some easy and common sense Halloween safety tips to make the holiday fun and safe for everyone.

Halloween-Safety-Tips

  • Keep a light on. If you’re planning on handing out treats, turn on your porch lights. Not only will trick-o-treaters know you’re handing out candy but you’ll provide them a lighted path to your front door.
  • Clear a path. Make sure garden hoses, lawn furniture and decorations, leaves and other debris are out of the way of walking paths and porches. You should also make sure any pavers or sidewalks that aren’t even should be clearly marked or illuminated to avoid tripping.
  • Decorate safely. Jack-o-laterns are the quintessential Halloween decoration but they also pose a hazard when candles are used to illuminate them. If you do use candles, make sure the pumpkins are placed on a sturdy surface away from steps and other high traffic areas. Instead of using candles, consider glow sticks, battery operated candles, or even flashlights. If you have lawn decorations or lights decorating your house be sure that the electrical cords aren’t stretched across any walking paths.
  • Not everyone is an animal lover. This is one night that your beloved pets should stay in the house. Even if Kujo is well trained and docile, not everyone is comfortable around animals. Keeping your dog or cat inside will also reduce the risk of them getting caught up in the excitement and running off.
  • The goods. Don’t let your hard work in the kitchen (and money) go to waste; save the homemade treats for another event or only give them to those neighbors or trick-o-treaters you know personally. For all other trick-o-treaters, hand out commercially prepared and individually wrapped.
  • Party time. If you’re hosting a Halloween party, the above tips should also apply to your party. Make sure  you party area is clear of obstacles and furniture that could pose a hazard, especially to someone in costume. All candles should be up off the floor and away from drapes and tablecloths. If you’re serving alcohol, keep an eye on your guests intake, keep alcoholic beverages away from underage guests, and never let anyone who appears to be inebriated drive themselves home.

It’s our hope with these few Halloween safety tips you enjoy the holiday safely and to the fullest!

Swimming Pool Safety

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Florida is known for it’s moderate climate and the opportunity to enjoy the water almost year round. Many homeowners decide to bring the water to them and install pools in their backyards. To ensure a swimming pool is enjoyable every time, homeowners and swimmers should practice swimming pool safety every time they are near water.

Swimming-Pool-Safety

Maintenance

The pool water should be cleaned regularly by removing debris and using the proper chemicals and the pH balance maintained at the recommended levels to prevent rashes, earaches, chemical burns, and bacteria that can lead to illness.  Make sure filter and drain covers are in good condition and not cracked or missing. All electrical wires and parts should be maintained and repaired by a licensed electrician.

Security

A four foot fence with a self-closing & latching gate should surround the pool area and be locked when not in use. Pool covers also help keep the water clean and secure when not in use. If children live in the home, pool owners should consider a water alarm on the pool and alarms for doors that lead to the pool. If a child ever goes missing, the pool area should be the first place searched.

Buddy Up

No one should ever swim alone. Even the most skilled and experienced swimmers could encounter an emergency situation that lessens their ability to stay above the water or exit the pool quickly. For adult swimmers, another adult should check in intermittently. Children should never be in the water alone and should always be within arms reach of an adult.

Always Be Prepared

Pool owners should become certified in CPR, for both adults and children, and water rescue techniques. The Red Cross offers training and certification. A floatation device and wireless telephone should be in the immediate vicinity of the pool at all times. A first aid kit should also be available.

These simple and easy to practice steps will make for safe and enjoyable use of a swimming pool every time.

 

Hurricane Preparedness Guide

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Hurricane season doesn’t officially begin until June 1 but you should be well prepared for it before then. There’s more to being prepared than simply having a flashlight and some batteries. Hurricanes are a major safety concern and each storm is unique. Follow our hurricane preparedness tips to get prepared and stay safe should a storm set its sights on Florida this year.

Hurricane Preparedness

 

  • Supply kit. Your supply kit should include first aid supplies, enough drinking water and non-perishable food for each person for three days, a battery-operated radio, flashlight, batteries, baby formula and diapers (if applicable), three days’ supply of any necessary medication (if applicable), a map of the area, wet wipes or baby wipes, and garbage bags. The supplies should be kept in a waterproof container that’s easy to move and readily accessible to you; plastic storage totes work well. Should you need to leave your home you should also bring identification for all family members as well as credit cards and cash.
  • Develop an emergency plan. Know how to exit your home safely through multiple exits. Assign meeting areas immediately outside your home and also at a separate location should your family be separated. Determine if you live in a hurricane evacuation area and learn how to get to the evacuation route as quickly as possible. Identify a safe place to evacuate to or locate several shelters outside the evacuation zone.
  • Insure your home. It’s best to reevaluate your home owner’s insurance policy once a year to assess if your coverage will meet your needs. Even if you don’t live a flood zone you may want to consider flood insurance. You may also want to inquire about additional coverage should you be unable to return to your home in the event of severe damage. It’s also best to keep a photographic inventory of your possessions and store the photos in a fire box, safety deposit box, or other secure location to help make filing a claim easier.
  • Stay informed. Should a storm threaten your area monitor the weather reports and announcements from officials. Be aware if evacuation orders are voluntary or mandatory. If you do not evacuate under mandatory orders you may not receive help during the storm should you need it.

We hope it’s a safe and sunny summer for you!

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.