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The Northeast United States was crushed under three feet of snow this weekend. The storm caused downed power lines and resulted in thousands of people being without power for several days.  What do you do when the power goes out?  Having no power for several hours or days is especially dangerous in freezing temperatures.  Here are a few tips to help you out.

“Be Prepared” is not only the Boy Scouts’ motto, it should be yours as well.  Don’t wait for a power outage before you act. 

Make certain you have plenty of fresh batteries on hand for flashlights and a battery-powered portable radio.  Place a strip of glow-in-the-dark tape to flashlights to make them easy to spot in the dark.  It may also be wise to invest in battery-powered candles so you have a constant light source.  You may consider getting some kerosene lamps, wicks and lamp oil before the next storm.  These will provide a much stronger light.

Make certain your home is properly insulated and that doors and windows are caulked.  Make certain you know how to manually open your garage door.  Store plenty of alternate fuel such as wood for a fireplace. 

If you have exposed pipes that may be in danger of freezing, wrap them in insulation or several layers of newspaper.  If using newspaper, cover the pipes with plastic to keep out moisture.  Know how to turn off water valves in your home and make certain you can turn them on and off. 

If you know a storm is coming set your freezer and refrigerator settings to the coldest level (just remember to set it back to a normal setting when the storm has passed or the power restored).  If you have medication that needs to be refrigerated, check with your pharmacy on how to protect it during an extended outage.

Once the storm hits, let your faucets drip to prevent freezing.  If your water supply will be adversely affected by a lack of power then fill your bathtub with water and any extra plastic containers.  Place an empty bucket by the tub.  The toilet will flush if you pour a pail of water directly into the bowl.  By the way, don’t drink any water you use to fill the tub. It is only for sanitation purposes.

Dress for the cold in several lightweight layers.  The many layers work better to insulate you than one heavy layer.  Put on a hat and gloves or mittens.  You can lose heat on any part of your exposed body.

Here’s another important tip: if the power goes out unplug all your sensitive electronic equipment including T.V.s, VCR, microwave, computer, cordless phone, answering machine and the garage door opener.  There is a good reason for this.  The power surge when the electricity is restored could cause voltage irregularities that could fry your equipment.

The Old Farmer’s Almanac had another excellent tip. Call shelters, motels or hotels that have power.  See if they will accept pets in case you need to leave your home and seek alternative shelter.

I’m certain you can think of others but whatever happens, don’t be caught unprepared.  Maybe winter storms will pass Omaha this year.  But by then we’ll be in tornado season.

Be prepared too, when you are thinking of buying or selling a home, with the name and number of an excellent Realtor like me.  You can call or text me at 402-670-8775 or email me at Marie.Otis@cbshome.com. 

Nobody likes to talk about it but I learned that Omaha is number 17^th in the nation for bedbug infestation.  According to the Omaha World Herald, the pest control company, Orkin, has Omaha as 17^th on its list of bedbug troubles.  I believe the only comforts we can take from the subject of bedbugs are:

1. 1.      Any household can become infested.  It doesn’t matter how rich or poor you are, how you rate has a housekeeper, or how many good works you perform.  Bedbugs are opportunists and they love to travel.  They will travel on anything they can; this includes humans. Do you see that couch on the curb or in the dumpster as a new addition to your home?  Don’t. Chances are it’s out there because the owners were getting rid of bedbugs.
2. 2.      Bedbugs are pests.  They don’t seem to carry disease so their bite can’t hurt you.  That said, many of us feel like freaking when something bites us while we sleep in our beds or sit on our chairs and couches.

Everything I read insists that it takes a professional pest control expert to rid a home of bedbugs.  Over-the-counter and mail-order remedies contain chemicals that have been proven to be ineffective.  So you must hire a professional but you must not stop there.  Even with professional pest control personnel using specialized chemical treatments, there is much you need to do on a daily basis. 

Bedding must be laundered frequently and thoroughly dried in a hot dryer. This will kill all stages of bedbugs. Vacuum daily all infested areas including mattresses, foundation/bedsprings, furniture, beds, sofas, headboards, carpets.  Carpets are important to keep clean especially in the cracks where the carpet meets the wall.  Bedbugs love cracks and crevices. 

Encase both the mattress and bedsprings with a zippered closure for at least a year. (It is believed that bedbugs can live for 6 to 12 months without food.) In fact, it may be prudent to just get rid of mattresses and furniture that have bedbugs.  The professional pest control operator can advise you on that decision.

Get rid of clutter in every area of your house.  Bedbugs love cracks, crevices, closets or any place that’s a tight fit. Clutter is a perfect breeding ground for these pests.  Being “Mr. or Mrs. Clean” will not prevent you from getting bedbugs but it will help you get rid of them.  Remember, it takes vigilance and some time before conquering an invasion but you can persevere and win.

If you fear you have bedbugs or question what type of infestation you may have please don’t hesitate to give me a call or text me at 402-670-8775 or email me at Marie.Otis@cbshome.com. I have excellent people to whom I can refer you for professional advice and help.

Long, glistening icicles hanging off the roof is a sight I see every winter here in Omaha.  Although they are beautiful they are a sign that the house is improperly vented and insulated. As a buyer you should beware.  As a homeowner there are things you can do to prevent ice dams and the accompanying icicles.

There are several things that cause ice dams to form. One of the earliest prevention steps is cleaning gutters in the autumn before the snow starts to fall. Ice dams are caused by snow melting and refreezing. Ice begins forming on debris in the gutters and the roof’s edge. Then the process of melting and refreezing causes the problem to escalate.

Another way to prevent for formulation of an ice dam is roof raking. In order for this to be effective it is   imperative to rake every time it snows – even if it is only an inch. There are long-handled rakes you can purchase specifically for this purpose.

To stop the problem from happening in the first place a homeowner needs to identify where the warm air leaks are occurring in the attic. Once those are repaired, the attic must be properly insulated.

If you are already combating an ice dam then you must take action. If water is actively leaking into your home there is no time to waste.  Here is a recommendation by an expert, TOH general contractor, Tom Silva. “Blow in cold air: Take a box fan into the attic and aim it at the underside of the roof where water is actively leaking in. This targeted dose of cold air will freeze the water in its tracks. You’ll stop the leak in a matter of minutes.”

Here are some additional words of caution. Don’t get on your roof and try to chip away at the ice. You can end up loosening shingles and tearing off gutters.  If water is leaking into your attic it will have ruined the R-factor of your existing insulation. Even worse the wet insulation can develop problems with mold and mildew.  This is the time to contact an expert who will analyze what will be needed to fix the problem.  You can then take the advice and get the work done.

Don’t let the problem get to the stage of roof leaks.  You can end up spending thousands to fix it.  Get your attic properly vented and insulated.  Then you won’t have to worry about your home creating ice dams and worry about your savings being depleted.  This problem is preventable.

Old Man Winter is flexing his muscles and for many of us snow shoveling is inevitable.  This may seem to be just a simple chore but consider the following from The Early Show Medical Correspondent, Dr. Emily Senay.  The average shovel when loaded with snow can weigh in at 16 pounds.  If you load the shovel 12 times per minute that means you moved 192 pounds of snow.  In ten minutes you will have lifted almost 2,000 pounds of snow. WOW!

Is it any wonder that even healthy people strain their backs when shoveling snow? 

What about people who are not healthy?  If you suffer from heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or smoke or lead a sedentary lifestyle you may be at a high risk for heart attacks and injuries while shoveling.  Frigid temperatures can exacerbate conditions.  Extreme cold makes it harder to breathe and adds a lot of extra strain to the body.

Be sensible about shoveling.  Stretch your muscles before attacking the snow.  You are about to engage in a vigorous bout of exercise.  If you have health problems then hire the kid down the street to shovel for you.  Dress in layers so you can remove layers as needed.  Use the right kind of shovel.

Lift with your legs – not your back.  Don’t twist your body to fling the snow away. Walk to the side and just turn the shovel to a 90 degree angle so the snow falls off.  If you can push the snow instead of lift, then please do so.  Anything you can do to make the job easier is a good thing.

Stop and rest.  Listen to your body.  Don’t overdo.  With Omaha winters I’m afraid shoveling snow is inevitable.  Please use caution next time you head out to clear your sidewalks and driveway.

 Monday, December 31, we will have a full moon called The Cold Moon.  It marks the time of year when we are locked   in  frigid temperatures and long, dark nights.  Maybe you’ve noticed cold spots or drafts in your home.  Perhaps you’ve clutched your chest in horror as you read the amount of your latest heating bill.  Upgrading your home’s insulation may be the best thing you can do as a homeowner to protect yourself from the cold.

But make no mistake; insulating your home is not just about blowing some insulation into the attic.  I’m afraid it can be a lot more complicated.  Don’t get me wrong.  Making certain your attic insulation is sufficient is a primary concern.  Even the Department of Energy agrees.  But don’t forget the other culprits of “cold air creep.”

Windows and doors are another huge consideration.  According to Peace and Environment News, air-leaking windows can account for up to 37% of heat loss in the average home.  According to the U.S. Department of Energy, installing high efficiency windows and doors can save homeowners a bundle each year. 

Wall insulation should be evaluated and corrected.  Did you know that wall insulation can settle over time?  Did you know that many older homes have insufficient insulation?  A professional can evaluate your wall insulation and recommend corrective action if needed.

Make certain your basements and crawlspaces are properly insulated and dry.  Getting insulation wet ruins its ability to function efficiently.  If you have had water damage in the past, make certain your insulation is replaced in affected areas.

Wrap your ductwork if it passed through any part of your home that is not heated such as attics and crawlspaces.  Believe it or not this can make a dent in that high heating bill.  It’s worth it to take the time to wrap ducts in insulation.

Finally, air leaks are everywhere. Windows, door frames, switchboxes, electrical outlets, light fixtures, plumbing pipes, cables and wire entries into the house are all places where small air leaks can exist.  They may seem small but the more you can plug the leaks the more you will save and the more comfortable you and your family will feel.  It’s worth the effort.

 Did you know that the number one cause of U.S. fire fatalities is cigarettes?  According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) cigarette fires have been the number one cause of fire fatalities for decades.  In the past 30 years cigarette fires have killed tens of thousands of people.

This time of year, many people add fire hazards to their homes by lighting candles and turning on space heaters. Protecting your property from fire requires being responsible and creating a no fire area in and around your home.  Part of the responsibility is teaching your children not to play with fire or matches.  30% of the fires started by children end up killing them. 

What else can you do to protect your home and property from fire?

I could recommend that you quit smoking but I will settle for warning you never leave a cigarette unattended.  This goes for space heaters, candles, Christmas lights and fireplace blazes. 

Fire extinguishers should be placed in your kitchen and one back by your bedrooms.

Smoke detectors are a must.  I have them in several rooms of my house but you should have at least one smoke detector on each level of your home.

If your space heater is old replace it with a new one. Make certain your new heater has been tested to the latest safety standards.  It should also be certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.  Older heaters may not have up-to-date safety features and standards.

In the City of Omaha it is against the law to build a fire in your yard. But if you live outside the city limits be careful to build fires away from your home and never start one in dry, windy conditions.

Did you know that bark chips and mulch are highly flammable?  Vines growing on your home are also a possible fire hazard.  Keep firewood stacked at least 100 feet from any structure.  Prune trees at least 15 feet off the ground.

There are so many things that can catch fire so my main purpose is to caution you to be responsible when it comes to fire prevention.  Teach your entire family to be responsible about possible fire hazards. Remember it takes only 30 seconds for a tiny flame to become an inferno.

 The holidays are a time of love, joy and are filled with family and friends.  The holidays can also be deadly for babies, toddlers and pets.  Here are just a few safety tips to remember this season.

Lead

Did you know that strings of lights contain lead?  Did you know that many artificial trees are made from PVC that not only releases gases in to the air but also breaks down in the heat and sunlight; eventually producing lead dust that can travel from room to room in your entire house?  Check out your country of origin for your artificial tree.  If it is from China it probably contains lead.  If your tree is old it might be time to retire it and buy a new one that does not contain lead. 

Check the labels on your new lights to make certain there is no lead. When handling your old lights, wear gloves or wash your hands after handling because the plastic coating on the wires may contain lead.  Remember, any amount of lead is unacceptable for children and pets.

Choking Hazards

For babies, toddlers, children and animals all small items or pieces of anything are a possible choking hazard.  If they can, children will put anything and everything in their mouths.  Holiday decorations just add to the temptation with their shimmer, glitter and twinkle.  The best thing to do is try to keep such lovelies out of their reach.  Tinsel is not only a choking hazard it can cause intestinal blockages.  Avoid putting food items like candy canes on the tree or anything else that looks or smells of food.  Of course, children will reach for those things. 

That leads me to items such as wrapping paper and ribbons.  Again they are so inviting but some of these items contain lead.  Children love scraps of bright paper and ribbon and yes, you guessed it, put them in their mouths.  Don’t leave the wrapping accessories lying around such as scissors or knives for cutting boxes open.

Poisonous Plants

For years I heard Poinsettias were toxic but I’ve since learned it is not.  It will make your child and pet sick if they eat it however so you still need to be careful.  Holly, ivy, Jerusalem cherry and mistletoe are quite poisonous. Be very careful with the berries on greenery and mistletoe; they look so tempting.

Safety is an everyday issue for families with children and pets. I hope this list raises your consciousness a bit on some you may have overlooked.  Be safe and have a joyous holiday season with your precious children and pets.

The calendar has turned to November; the month during which we transition from fall into winter.

With less sunlight, colder temperatures, and shorter days ahead for Elkhorn , it’s an opportune time to cross those last-minute maintenance items off your homeowner to-do list.

Practicing preventive care — both inside and outside your home — can save thousands of dollars in repairs come later this winter. What follows is a brief checklist to get you started.

For outside the home :

• Inspect exterior lights and outlets. Be sure that none of the outlets are cracked or broken, or have exposed wires.
• Clean gutters and clear all blockages. If leaves are falling, redo after leaves are off all trees.
• Inspect and test outdoor railings and stairs.
• Have problem trees trimmed, including those that may damage your home in a storm.
• Protect outdoor water faucets from freezing. Consider using foam cups, sold at hardware stores.

For inside the home :

• Change batteries in all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms, whether they’re “dead” or not. 
• Vacuum refrigerator condenser coils, plus the front bottom grill. Empty and clean the drip pan.
• Inspect wood stoves and fireplace inserts. Hire a certified chimney sweeper to clean the chimney, if needed.
• Insulate bare water pipes running through your home to prevent freezing and to limit condensation on cold-water lines.
• Inspect automatic garage door opener. Lubricate chains according to manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure bolts and screws are properly tightened and secured.

As a constant series of chores, home maintenance is a four-season job and one which should not be taken lightly. The tasks of each season are unique and November’s jobs are mostly preparatory in advance of colder weather.

If your routine maintenance uncovers larger issues including a faulty HVAC unit, or a leaking faucet, for example, seek professional help to make the repair. 

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, poisonous gas. It kills more 400 people die in their homes each year.

Carbon monoxide poisoning is especially common during periods of power outage. This is because homeowners throughout Elkhorn fire up their personal home power generators.

Home generators are a leading cause of poisoning by carbon monoxide and, in this 4-minute from NBC’s The Today Show, you’ll learn about home generators, how they operate, and the safety measures everyone homeowner should undertake.

A few basic home generator safety rules, as described in the interview, include :

• Never modify a generator or its engine
• Keep a 10-foot distance between the generator and your home
• Always point the generator’s exhaust away from your home

Furthermore, make sure your home has an ample supply of carbon monoxide detectors, and that they’re operational.

One of the video’s highlights is clever illustration employing a vase of water and a dash of red dye. The demonstration shows just how few carbon monoxide particles are required to cause injury and/or death to a person in your household.

Therefore, if you own a home generator, take 4 minutes watch this video. Safety when home generators is paramount to your health.

Space heaters are popular among homeowners in Papillion because, as portable appliances, they can heat a small space quickly and inexpensively. It requires less energy to run a space heater than to raise the temperature of an entire home by a few degrees.

However, space heaters can be dangerous, too.

In its November 2011 report, the National Fire Protection Association reveals that heating equipment was involved in an estimated 58,900 home structure fires, 480 civilian deaths, 1,520 civilian injuries and more than $1.1 billion in damage.

Space heaters caused a disproportionate percentage of the accidents : 

• 79% of all home heating-related civilian deaths 
• 66% of all home heating-related civilian injuries 
• 52% of all home heating-related property damage

If you use space heaters, therefore, please remember to read (and follow) the manufacturer’s instructions for proper usage, and to obey basic safety standards.

First, never place anything flammable within three feet of a space heater. Space heaters get very hot, very quickly and can ignite rugs, paper and curtains.

Next, make sure your space heater is placed on the floor, on level ground. Do not rest it on books, or on furniture.

Also, make sure to turn space heaters off when leaving a room, or when going to bed. Space heaters are not meant to replace whole-home heating and should not be left unattended under any circumstance.

The Underwriters Laboratory makes a list of general safety tips available on its website. Considering how much damage space heaters can cause, the list is worth committing to memory.