The Numbers Game

Websites like Zillow.com claim to provide estimates of what your home is worth, and while this estimate might be somewhat accurate, the only way to get a true assessment of the value of your home is to have an appraisal done by a certified third-party professional. There are a few situations where an appraisal is mandated, such as when you’re buying and selling a home, refinancing or applying for a loan using real estate as security.

The appraiser’s report can help determine a selling price, and it can provide owners with information about problems that are devaluing the home’s worth and give insight about worthwhile fixes. Appraisals are usually conducted after an offer has been made or to determine the initial value of a home as part of the selling process. Keep in mind that to approve a loan, banks typically require an appraisal using their preferred appraisers to ensure the most accurate
assessment, even if you’ve already had one done by another party.

The appraisal offers side-by-side comparisons of the home, along with three similar properties and an evaluation of the overall real estate market in the area. The appraisal will also note flaws in the property, such as a crumbling foundation, and offer specific dimensions pertaining to the home, such as the square footage and the size/number of rooms.

The appraiser will also research the area’s costs of labor and local building costs to determine how much it would cost to erect a similar property in the present economic climate. Things such as the home’s location and nearby amenities are taken into account to increase or decrease the value of the home — for instance, proximity to a school zone or within a neighborhood might be an increase, while being situated near a busy highway or isolated from the community could be a decrease. These factors, among others, will be used to estimate an approximate time frame for selling the home, which is also included in the appraisal.

FIGHT PHONE BILL CRAMMING

Have you taken a close look at your phone bill lately? It’s possible that unauthorized phone charges are slipping onto your billing statement unnoticed. According to the Federal Communications Commission, phone bill cramming — the practice of placing unauthorized, misleading, or deceptive charges on a telephone bill — is rising. Crammers rely on confusing telephone bills to trick consumers into paying for services they did not authorize or receive, or that cost more than consumers were told.

Cramming can come from a number of sources, such as subscription services for “free” ringtones or joke of the day that are billed every month. Or consumers might have signed up for a “free” trial service or entered a sweepstakes. The charges may appear on the statement labeled as service fees, calling plan, membership, mail server or voicemail, which makes the charges tougher to pick out.

To fight phone bill cramming, the Better Business Bureau suggests reviewing all monthly billing statements for any unauthorized charges. If there are any discrepancies, contact the telephone provider or the business itself to ask about the charge. Follow up with an e-mail or letter sent by certified mail with a return receipt and keep a copy of the bill and correspondence for your files.
Finally, file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission or with your state Attorney General’s office, even if a refund was issued. Include the names of all the companies involved, not just the phone company. Also ask the telephone provider to restrict third-party billing on your account. That may be the most effective way of keeping crammers at bay.

FIND YOUR HOME STYLE

With so many homes on the market these days, buyers may find it difficult to decide which style of home is right for them. HGTV’s Frontdoor.com outlines several factors to consider when choosing a home style, including the region of the country, personal tastes, lifestyle and budget.

First, think about what part of the country you plan to live in and the type of neighborhood that appeals to you. Some home styles are more prevalent in certain parts of the country and in certain communities. For example, bungalows are more common in the Midwest, while Colonials are more prevalent in the Northeast.

Budget is also a consideration. For first-time homebuyers on a budget, certain home styles may be out of their price range. Meanwhile, move-up buyers with more cash available can consider a more spacious home with luxury amenities.

How much space do you need? For growing families, the typical American ranch home usually offers plenty of space and a large yard for kids to play, while a smaller ranch home may be a better option for empty nesters and older singles.

When selecting a home style, think carefully about the upkeep. How much home maintenance are you willing to do? Older homes may have more history and character but they sometimes require more maintenance, while newer homes may only require some minor touch-ups and may be more move-in ready.

Modern home styles with open, free-flowing floor plans and outdoor living spaces will likely appeal to those who love to entertain or have families. But smaller, cozy spaces may be better suited to older couples or single homeowners who enjoy their privacy.

The best part about finding the best home style to fit your lifestyle is decorating it to make it all your own.

POSITIVE SIGNS FOR HOMEOWNERSHIP

U.S. homeowners remain upbeat about homeownership, and many renters are warming up to the idea of owning their own homes, according to a recent survey by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (NAR) conducted by Harris Interactive. A large majority of homeowners (87 percent) and 64 percent of renters agree that owning a home provides a healthy and stable environment for raising a family. More than three-fourths of homeowners (77 percent) and 55 percent of renters believe homeownership helps them meet long-term financial goals, while 70 percent of homeowners and 48 percent of renters believe it helps them realize the American Dream.

Nearly all homeowners (95 percent) and 72 percent of renters say that over a period of years, it makes more sense to own a home than rent. If they had to move in the next six months, 82 percent of homeowners and 50 percent of renters say they would prefer to buy a house. A majority of current homeowners (88 percent) say their ownership experience has been positive or very positive, while only 51 percent of renters have had positive experiences with renting.

More than six out of 10 renters say they are at least somewhat likely to purchase a home in the future, and 24 percent are extremely likely to do so. Nearly three-fourths of young adult renters (74 percent) say they are likely to buy a home at some point in the future, while 43 percent of renters plan to purchase a home in the next three to five years. Many renters cite several obstacles to homeownership, however, such as a lack of money for a down payment and closing costs, finding a home that is affordable and job security.

The Final Tally

Thinking about remodeling, but don’t know which projects will give you the most bang for your buck? Check out the results of the latest “Cost vs. Value” report by Remodeling magazine.

One surprising — but fairly easy —change is to replace the garage door, which on average costs $1,291. According to the report, more than 80 percent of the cost is recouped during a resale. Other renovations and remodels worth their price tag include a steel entry door replacement (102.1 percent cost recouped), a minor kitchen remodel (72.8 percent cost recouped) and replacing wooden windows (72.4 percent cost recouped).

For upscale projects, replacing fibercement siding reaps 80 percent of the initial cost, while replacing vinyl windows recoups just more than 70 percent of the initial cost. Big renovations you might think are worth it, but aren’t: master suite additions (52.7 percent of cost recouped), an additional bathroom (53 percent cost recouped) and a home office remodel (45.8 percent cost recouped).

The data from the past seven years show a downward trend in the overall cost-to-value ratio, which began with eroding home prices and a rise in construction costs, but is now largely due to a drop in resale values.

So what’s the bottom line? The report suggests that in terms of remodeling, it’s most profitable to concentrate on the exterior of the home than the interior.

Holiday Tidy-ings

The holidays are filled with traditions, but there’s one you’d probably rather skip: the holiday cleanup. Consider these tips to make the daunting holiday purge seem as fleeting as the season.

Wondering what to do with all those leftover holiday catalogs? Rip ’em up and use the shredded pages to pack away delicate ornaments and other holiday decorations safely and securely. If the tissue paper from all those gifts is too wrinkled to reuse, line boxes with it to keep your most precious items intact until next year.

Use clear plastic cases to store decorations, while the backsides of old greeting cards make good labels to identify what’s in each box.

And what about storing all those extension cords and strings of lights? Wrap them around a gift wrap or paper towel roll to prevent tangling; bag and label with their corresponding extension cords so you know exactly what light goes where.

Do the same for garlands. Consider you avoid stuffing boxes with unrelated holiday knick-knacks. And last, invest in a tree bag to keep pine needles from spilling onto your living room rug or foyer floor. Before taking the tree out of its stand, remove excess water with a turkey baster to ensure that the floor stays dry.

CHILD-PROOF THE HOLIDAYS

The holiday season may be the most wonderful time of the year for many families, but for hospital emergency rooms, it is one of the busiest. KidsHealth.org offers some tips for protecting little ones from both common and unexpected holiday dangers.

Mistletoe, holly, poinsettias and other plants used as holiday decorations may be beautiful to look at, but they can be potentially poisonous and should be kept out of reach of kids. Symptoms of plant poisoning include rashes, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. “Bubble lights” also can be toxic if a child drinks the fluid from more than one light, even if the lights are labeled non-toxic, and snow sprays can be harmful if the aerosol propellants are used improperly. If a child has been poisoned or harmed, immediately call a doctor.

Choking and swallowing small objects is another potential hazard. Tree ornaments, light bulbs, icicles, tinsel and small toys can be tempting for kids to play with, but these items can block airway passages if swallowed. The general rule of thumb is that if an item is small enough to fit in the mouths of babies and toddlers, it’s too small to play with.

Some holiday trees have sharp needles that can cause painful cuts in the mouth and throat when swallowed. Also, keep breakable ornaments out of kids’ reach, or keep them off the tree altogether until children are older. If one does break, clean up the broken glass immediately.

Secure your tree in a sturdy stand so it won’t get knocked over by kids or pets, and keep it away from all heat sources, such as electrical outlets, radiators and portable space heaters. Unplug all indoor and outdoor lights and extinguish all candles before going to bed.

Before you put up holiday decorations, check sm­oke detectors to make sure they work properly. In the event of a fire, have an emergency evacuation plan in place. By practicing these simple safety tips, you and your loved ones can enjoy many holiday celebrations for years to come.

BREATHE EASY

Indoor pollution sources that release gases or particles into the air are the primary cause of indoor air quality problems in homes. These three strategies from the Environmental Protection Agency will help improve air quality in your home.

Source control. The most effective way to improve indoor air quality is to eliminate individual sources of pollution or to reduce their emissions. For example, areas that contain asbestos can be sealed off or enclosed, and gas stoves can be adjusted to decrease their emissions.

Improved ventilation. Heating and cooling systems don’t usually bring fresh air into your home. To increase the amount of outdoor air that comes inside, open windows and doors, operate window or attic fans when the weather permits, or run a window air conditioner with the vent control open. And save pollutant-emitting activities like painting, sanding, soldering or welding for outside.

Air cleaners. There are many types and sizes of air cleaners on the market, from relatively inexpensive tabletop models to sophisticated and expensive whole-house systems. Some air cleaners are highly effective at particle removal, while others are much less so. In general, air cleaners are not designed to remove gaseous pollutants.

For a simpler solution, try a plant. Although it has not been scientifically proven, there is some evidence that household plants can help remove significant quantities of pollutants from the air in your home. But be careful: overwatering plants can be detrimental to your home’s air quality — damp soil can promote the growth of microorganisms.

POWER UP

Electricity. It’son your mind every month when it’s time to pay the bill and when you come home to find that porch light still on after a weekend away. But keeping electrical maintenance top of mind can help you save on your electric bill, keep the kids safe and conserve energy. Here are a few things to consider.

In addition to stowing cords away from pets and children, keep a close eye on appliances that generate heat, such as computers, televisions and dryers. Don’t drape anything flammable over these items. Check cords regularly for frays, cracks or kinks and use tape or twist ties to keep cords in place rather than securing them with nails or staples. Covered cords generate heat, so try to avoid covering cords beneath flammable materials such as rugs.

Consider hiring a licensed electrical contractor to evaluate your electrical systems, including fuse boxes and home electric meters to be sure they’re up to date. And be sure to ask for tips about possible energy-saving investments.

Try to maintain control over how much electricity your household is using. It’s cliché, but turning off lights and appliances after use will greatly decrease your electric bill. And try running your dryer at night, if at all. Curbing your hot water use is another way to cut electricity costs; wash clothes in cold water when you can.

Finally, consider plugging all computer, TV and DVD components into one power strip and get into the habit of turning it off when not in use. It might seem like a hassle, but it’s an easy way to save energy and money.

GREAT WALLS

No matter how big or small, all homes have one thing in common: wall space. But many homeowners get stumped by what to do with it. Walls are a blank canvas for creating an inviting space and showing off personality, and although homeowners’ tastes vary widely, there are a few general ideas and guidelines to consider when deciding how to make the best use of your walls.

Sconces are a great way to add light and style to a room. They should be placed about six feet above the floor, and if there are two or more, be sure to place them evenly to provide balanced sources of lighting. If the sconce is merely an accent to an already decorated wall, choose a simple design and a smaller sconce, rather than upstaging what’s already there.

If art is your wall decoration of choice, it’s important to decide on a style before choosing the paintings or photos. More traditional decorators might go for landscapes or gardens, while those with contemporary taste might lean toward bold, bright colors. A little quirky? Think about framing old records or vintage movie posters instead of ready-made pieces. Be sure the size of the framed pieces complements the furniture in the room — wall art shouldn’t compete. A room with minimal furniture can have large art, but if the room already has big, ornate pieces of furniture, keep the art minimal.

Play with groupings of framed pieces. Experts suggest combining odd numbers such as three or five in a row or a square block of nine small prints. Be sure the pieces are similar in color and theme, and take time to choose a neutral colored frame.

MISTAKEN IDENTITY

More than 8 million people were victims of identity theft in 2007, according to Privacy Rights Clearinghouse. Most people know the basic prevention measures, such as committing passwords and PIN numbers to memory and shredding credit card receipts. But there are other habits that can help you prevent fraudulent activity.

Check your mail often. Identity thieves often take pre-approved credit card offers and sign up for a new card to use without your knowledge. Be sure to shred these.

Reduce the number of credit and debit cards in your wallet; if possible, carry only one debit card for bank withdrawals and one credit card for other purchases. Use a credit card rather than a debit card while shopping online. You’re better protected because credit accounts are more often monitored for unusual charges and offer quicker ways to freeze and replace cards than banks. Keep a list of all credit and bank card numbers and expiration dates, as well as banking account information in a secure place, such as a locked safe in your home.

When ordering new checks, make the trip to the bank to pick them up rather than having them delivered. When you are waiting for a new credit card to be delivered, be sure to call the issuer if it hasn’t arrived within the promised amount of time to ensure it hasn’t been stolen.

Paying bills the old-fashioned way? Park the car and deliver mail inside the post office rather than the outside box. Neighborhood mailboxes aren’t monitored as closely and could be broken into, leaving your checks open to alterations by a thief.

HOME DESIGN TURNOFFS

Before putting your home up for sale, it pays to take a good look around. Is your home décor out of date? Will it appeal to prospective buyers, or send them running out the door?

Barbara Ballinger, architecture coach and columnist for the Style, Staged and Sold blog, says that while vintage features may appeal to some buyers, they could cost you a sale. Here are a few designs that could turn off potential buyers.

· Excessively bold or dark paint or tile colors, such as deep plum or jet black

· Walls painted with lacquered or high-gloss finish, faux- and sponge-painted walls, and wallpaper

· Worn, cracked laminate countertops and backsplashes

· Outdated bathrooms with small sinks, short toilets, squat bathtubs and tight shower spaces

· Stained and worn wall-to-wall carpet or worn linoleum

· Bedrooms decorated with a theme that is incorporated through the carpeting, walls, ceilings, light fixtures and furnishings

· Too many mirrored walls, ceilings and doors in a single room

· Ceilings with too many recessed lighting spots

UNDER LOCK AND KEY

While many homeowners say home security is a priority, they may not be taking the necessary precautions with their keys and locks. A recent survey by Kwikset, which manufactures locks and hardware for residential homes, finds that 47 percent of homeowners did not change or re-key their locks when they first moved in to their home, and nearly one-third have never changed or rekeyed their locks. More than half of homeowners surveyed also say they routinely loan house keys to friends or contractors, increasing the chance that the keys could fall into the wrong hands and be copied. Home security experts at American Lock and Key offer several tips to help you secure access to your home.

· Don’t hide keys in obvious places, such as under an exterior floor mat or a planter. Most burglars know the most common places to hide keys. If you must hide them, keep keys stored in a secured key box.

· Keep keys separate from your address, so if they are ever lost or stolen, no one can identify where they belong.

· Immediately change or re-key the locks when you move to a new home. A locksmith may charge $40 to $100 or more to re-key locks or, if you prefer to do it yourself, re-key kits are available at hardware stores for less than $20.

· Keep garage doors secure, especially those that connect to the house from inside the garage and doors leading to the garage from outside. Use a padlock to secure the inside of the garage door.

· Keep windows locked, especially on the home’s lower level where they can be an attractive target for criminals.

For all of my personal security lock and key needs as well as my business needs I use Gary Beaver with Bay to Beaches. Great service, great prices and when he’s done the sense of security feels great! Gary can be reached at (415) 388-9020.

NO MORE TANGLES

Tired of heading to the computer room every time you want to look something up? A wireless network can offer a solution. Even if you’re not fluent in tech-speak, setting up a network is easy. If your computer isn’t already outfitted with wireless capabilities (most newer models are), there’s an easy fix: desktops need a USB wireless adapter; laptops need a wireless card. If your desktop is already using all of its available USB ports, you can buy a hub that plugs into the computer, leaving open ports on the hub that are still connected.

Once you begin to set up the network, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it’s best to purchase a wireless router versus a wireless access point. Access points let one user access a single network, while routers allow for more than one computer to access the same network using one IP address that is provided to connected computers. Another key difference between a router and an access point is that routers include firewall technology for better network security.

When choosing a router, pay attention to the letter after the speed (it’ll be “a,” “b,” “g,” or “n,” in order alphabetically from oldest to newest). Though “n” is the newest choice, the better choice may be “g” if you don’t have the latest computer model. If not fully compatible, you might experience a lag in service.

If you live in a large home rather than an apartment, you may want to purchase a signal booster. It will increase the strength of the base station, improving wireless connections throughout the home. If you choose to go without a signal booster, choose a central location for the router, such as the living room or den, where you would most likely use your computer.

Be sure to secure your network with passwords and network names that are difficult to guess. If possible, enable settings to WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) encryption versus WEP (Wired Equivalency Privacy), which offers better protection from would-be hackers.

What's Your Transit Score?

Transportation costs are an important — and often overlooked — factor when consumers consider moving to a new home. According to the Center for Neighborhood Technology, suburban households with little or no access to public transportation spend up to 32 percent of their income on transportation costs, while households in walkable areas with greater access to public transportation spend as little as 12 percent.

The website Walk Score has launched several tools to help consumers gauge the proximity of public transportation to a selected address, their commuting options and associated costs. The resulting Transit Score (www.walkscore.com/transit-score.php) rates an address on a scale of zero to 100 to indicate how well it is served by public transportation. Transit Score is currently available in 30 cities, including Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington, D.C.

Custom commute reports give consumers a summary of commuting options for a specific location, such as driving, biking or walking, the estimated time it would take to arrive at that address and a list of nearby public transit stops and routes. By entering a few pieces of information, the transportation costs calculator generates an estimated monthly amount that consumers can expect to pay for housing and transportation.

As commute times and transit costs continue to grow, tools such as Transit Score can help you understand how the location of your home and workplace affects your daily life.

Helping Unemployed Homeowners

Unemployed homeowners who are struggling to pay their mortgage may be eligible to receive financial assistance through two new federal foreclosure-prevention programs facilitated by the U.S. Treasury Department and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The Treasury Department has made $2 billion of additional assistance available through the Housing Finance Agency’s (HFA) Hardest Hit Fund to help homeowners who are struggling to make their mortgage payments due to unemployment.

HUD also announced a $1 billion Emergency Homeowners Loan Program to assist homeowners who are at risk of foreclosure and have experienced reduced income due to job loss, underemployment or a medical condition for up to 24 months.

To qualify for this program, borrowers must meet the following criteria:

· They are at least three months delinquent on their mortgage payments and have a reasonable likelihood of being able to resume repayment within two years.

· The mortgage must be for the borrower’s principal residence.

· Borrowers may not own a second home.

· Borrowers must demonstrate a good payment record prior to the event that produced the loss of income.

Seventeen states and the District of Columbia which had an unemployment rate at or above the national average over the past 12 months are eligible to receive assistance under the Hardest Hit Fund. States will use the funds to develop programs that provide temporary mortgage assistance to eligible homeowners while they continue to seek employment or get job training. Eligible states include: Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee and Washington, D.C.

For more information about
these programs, visit
http://www.hud.gov/

"Oh, by the way… If you know of someone thinking of buying or selling real estate, who would appreciate the kind of service I offer, I’d love to help them. So, as these people come to mind, just give me a call with their name and business number. I’ll be happy to follow up and tend to their needs."

Savvy Networking

Going to a function/event/convention can be fun and exciting. To some it can be an excuse to get out and party like the good old college days. To others it can drag them away from their comfortable, complacent norm. Most successful people know that these events can be highly productive to their business and career if done properly.

Most people by human nature are a little daunted at new and unfamiliar events with many unknown people. The fear of rejection can be overwhelming. Many people are naturally shy and tend to end up blending into the woodwork as a wallflower or becoming the bartenders best friend. Here are some of the tips taught by leading trainers and authors.

· Prepare yourself for the event. Research the function, other attendees, presenters and host in advance. Google search is a wonderful tool to gather information. Prepare a list of benefits and objectives before you go and plan your time to focus on these accordingly. Most importantly visualize a positive attitude about the function, be in the moment.

· Before the event, prepare and practice your greeting, ice breakers and elevator speech. Your greeting should be a simple statement introducing who you are and what you do. Your ice breakers should be relevant to the function and/or the people who will be there. Your elevator speech should be about 7-15 seconds long and encourage people to want to talk with you more. Practicing these in advance is so important.

· Dress the part. Most functions will give you a good idea about what to wear. It is also a good idea to speak with the host or other attendees who have been before to exchange ideas of what to wear. Make sure to research the function thoroughly to make sure you are not missing something, ie. formal wear, walking shoes, a hat, etc.

· Just before the event accumulate things to talk about. “Small Talk” topics can be found in the local newspapers, trade publications and People Magazine to name a few. Small talk is fabulous and is the bridge between the ice breaker and that career elevating connection.

· Wear a name badge. Almost every town and city has an engraver who can make you your own personal name badge. There are also many companies on the internet that can do this as well. Your name badge should clearly have your name and affiliations on it. It should be worn appropriately on the right side so that it is easy to read when shaking hands.

· When at the function, be in the moment. Participate in two-way conversations maintaining eye contact. Don’t be scanning the room with your eyes for “bigger fish to fry” as this will be construed as discourteous, unprofessional and impersonal. You only have one chance to make a first impression. Human nature will judge you by this first impression and set the tone for future contacts. Make it count.

· Invite others to join in on your conversations. Acting as the gracious host will win you many kudos. By making the introductions the introducer gains status and clout. Practice being the moderator. Ask specific questions to let others shine and feel good about themselves. You will be remembered.

· Bring and pass out your business cards. It is strongly recommended to have your photo on your business card so that those you meet will remember you later. Have a place to keep all of the cards you will collect. The easiest way to get a business card is to offer a card. Always make a note on the back of the card collected as to where you met or specifics of the conversation.

· Practice “mirroring” the body language of those around you. If they are sitting then sit. If they are leaning forward then lean forward, too. If they have their hands on the table then… you get the picture. People feel most comfortable with those most like them.

· Follow up immediately after the function send an e-mail to those you met with a little note and your V-card contact info. It is also a good suggestion to send everyone a hand written thank you/nice to meet you card in the mail as well. It is a good idea to do this for the host and presenters, too.

· Do Not drink too much at the function. No one wants to be remembered as that obnoxious drunk person who… Remember my golden rule; whatever happens at a meeting/event/convention will become public information.

The information you can learn and share is insurmountable. The connections and friendships made can take you through a lifetime. With a little planning and preparing, the benefits of the function will be amazing. Afterwards you will find your confidence in yourself will have gone up dramatically.

A dear friend and colleague, Susan RoAnn, has given me this wonderful advice on how to make the most of it. She has written a book, “How to Work a Room”, where she describes in detail all of the how to’s. It is a must read for anyone who engages in social networking.

Check Yourself

Hiring a professional to conduct a home energy audit is a great way to determine how much energy your home consumes and what you can do to make it more efficient — but it also can be expensive. You can, however, easily conduct your own. Use the following guidelines from the U.S. Department of Energy and keep a checklist of areas you inspect and problems you find.

Air leaks. You might be able to save 5 percent to 30 percent a year on your energy bills by finding and fixing leaks. Start by checking for obvious leaks. Inspect windows and doors. If you can rattle them, chances are there’s an air leak. Caulking or weather stripping is an easy fix. Also check to see if air flows through less-obvious places such as baseboards and electrical outlets. Then head outside the house to inspect all areas where two different building materials meet: where siding and chimneys meet and where the foundation and the bottom of exterior brick or siding meet. Plug and caulk any holes you find and seal other cracks with appropriate materials.

Insulation. Check the attic hatch to see if it is as heavily insulated as the attic, is weather-stripped and closes tightly. In the attic, determine whether openings for items such as pipes, ductwork and chimneys are sealed. Seal any gaps with an expanding foam caulk or other permanent sealant. Also check to see if you have a vapor barrier under the attic insulation. If not, paint the interior ceilings with vapor barrier paint to reduce the amount of water vapor that could pass through the ceiling.

Heating and cooling equipment. Check to see if it’s more than 15 years old. If so, you might want to consider switching to a newer model. Also check your ductwork for dirt streaks; these indicate an air leak and will need to be sealed with a duct mastic.
Lighting. Check the wattage of your lightbulbs. You might be using a 100-watt bulb when you could be using a 60-watt. Consider switching to compact fluorescent lamps for lights that are on for hours at a time.

Source: www.energysavers.gov

Preparing for Disaster

Recently, I reconnected with a very influential person in my life, John Griffin Jr. During my time as a seasonal firefighter in 1981/82, John was a Lieutenant at my fire station. He taught me core values in community service and involvement. "It does take a village…"

John’s Information Pack reads as follows:

“The following website’s are very good, lots of vital information. Each of us should act now!!!
A) www.Pubs.usgs.gov/gip/2002/15/
B) www.earthquakesupplycenter.com
C) www.72hours.org
D) www.getreadymarin.org
E) www.prepare.org
F) www.marincountyfire.org
G) www.bayarea-redcross.org
H) www.redcross.org
I) www.fema.gov
J) www.oes.ca.gov
K) www.weather.org
L) www.Cad.chp.ca.gov
M) www.emergencyemail.org

Work with your neighbor’s. Learn CPR, Learn First Aid. Remember your pets. Do not forget about the sick and injured.

Learn how to use and do the following, “BEFORE” you have to use or do it in an EMERGENCY.
1) Fire Extinguisher- recommended size-3-A-10-BC, on the car and one for the home or as many as you think you might need
2) Attach a gas shut off key to your gas meter, and water meter.
3) A Pry-Bar. (Gloves, Eye Protection, Dusk Mask, Helmet, hard sole shoes, to protect your feet from glass, nails and other debris.)
4) Two way family communication radios.
5) Have a place and practice your escape plan from your home or apartment. If you live in a 2 story complex or home, may want to buy a portable Fire Escape Ladder???
6) Teach your small children how to and when to dial, 911.
7) A family first aid kit, know how to use the item’s, within it.
8) A whistle for each family member.
9) Try to maintain a full tank of fuel, in your car or truck.
10) Keep cash on hand.
11) Copies of very important paper’s (documents’).

We live in Earthquake Country. Are you prepared???
Go to this website for a lot of good info:

www.pubs.usgs.gov/gip/2005/15/
www.quakesupplycenter.com
www.72hours.org
www.getreadymarin.org
www.prepare.org

Some of this information, you will see repeated, it is to get you thinking about what you, your family and friends need to be working on. This is very useful information. Just a few reminders to assist your family and friends in getting your Disaster Supply Kit together. Read all of the enclosed information. Take action, now. Disaster’s, such as earthquakes, power outages, and in the winter month’s there is flooding, mudslides, and in the summer, there are wild land fires.

Keep a full tank of gas. Keep some cash on hand and a Cell phone vehicle charger. Keep an emergency supply kit in your car and office. Blankets, drinking water, you should carry a small bottle of water with you at all times, especially if you are taking medication. Non-perishable food!!! You should keep a flash light handy.

Another friendly reminder:
Be sure to check your vehicle’s head lights and tail lights, to see that they are working. If one or more are not working, the police will stop you. Also keep handy, vehicle registration, proof of auto insurance, and of course your driver’s license. Be sure you have your seat belt on, wait for the Officer to ask you for the above items, before removing your seat belt.

Actions for Emergency Preparedness

i Make a Plan.

Planning ahead is the first step to a calmer and more assured disaster response.

1) Talk. Discuss with your family the disasters that can happen where you live. Establish responsibilities for each member of your household and plan to work together as a team. Designate alternates in case someone is absent.
2) Plan. Choose two places to meet after a disaster:
-right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency such as a fire
-Outside your neighborhood, in case you cannot return home or are asked to evacuate your neighborhood.
3) Learn. Each adult in your household should learn how and when to turn off utilities such ac electricity, water and gas. Ask someone at the fire department to show you how to use the fire extinguisher you store in your home.
4) Check supplies. Review your disaster supplies and replace water and food every six months.
5) Tell. Let everyone in the household know where emergency contact information is kept. Make copies for everyone to carry with them. Be sure to include an out of area contact. It may be easier to call out of the area if local phone lines are overloaded or out of service. Keep the information updated.
6) Practice. Practice evacuating your home twice a year. Drive your planned evacuation route and plot alternate routes on a map in case main roads are impassable or grid locked. Practice earthquake, tornado and fire drills at home, school and work.
7) Sheltering in Place. Chemical or airborne hazards require a spherical response called sheltering in place. If local officials advise you to shelter in place:
- close and lock all windows and exterior doors.
- turn off all fans, heating and air conditioning systems
- close the fireplace damper
-get your disaster supplies kit out and make sure the radio is working
-go to an interior room without windows that is above ground level
-using duct tape, seal all cracks around the door and any vents in the room
-listen to your radio or television for further instructions. Local officials may call for evacuation in specific areas.

II. Get a Kit
Store enough supplies for everyone in your household for at least three days. Include any necessary items for infants, seniors and people with disabilities in your kit. Store your disaster supplies in a sturdy but easy to carry container. Keep a smaller version of the kit in your vehicle.

1) Water. Have at least one gallon, per person, per day.
2) Food. Pack non perishable, high, protein items, including energy bars, ready to eat soup, peanut butter, etc. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking, and little or no water.
3) Flashlight. Include extra batteries.
4) First aid kit. Pack a reference guide.
5) Medications. Don’t forget prescription and nonprescription items.
6) Battery operated radio. Include extra batteries.
7) Tools. A wrench to turn off gas if necessary, manual can opener, screwdriver, hammer, pliers, knife, duct tape, plastic sheeting and garbage bags and ties.
8) Clothing. Provide a change of clothes for everyone, including sturdy shoes and gloves.
9) Personal items. Remember eyeglasses or contact lenses and solution; copies of important papers, including identification cards, insurance policies, birth certificates, passports, etc; and comfort items such as toys and books.
10) Sanitary supplies. You’ll want toilet paper, towelettes, feminine supplies, personal hygiene items, bleach, etc.
11) Money. Have cash.
12) Contact information. Carry a current list of family phone numbers and email addresses, including someone out of the area who may be easier to reach if local phone lines are out of service or overloaded.
13) Pet supplies. Include food, water, leash, litter box or plastic bags, tags, any medications, and vaccination information.
14) Map. Consider marking an evacuation route on it from your local area.

III. Be Informed
Learning basic First Aid and CPR/AED skills can give you the confidence and ability to help anyone in your family, community and at work in the event of an emergency.
When a major disaster or local emergency occurs your life can change in an instant. Loved ones can be hurt and emergency response can be delayed. You can acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize and provide basic but critical care for injuries and sudden illnesses, including the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) for victims of sudden cardiac arrest, until EMS arrive. You can do this! Three critical steps to help you act in an emergency:
-Check the scene for safety and the victim for life threatening conditions
-Call 911 or your local emergency number and request professional assistance.
-Care for the victim until emergency assistance arrives.

Actions to take when disasters occur: During and after an Earthquake DROP, COVER and HOLD ON.

If you are indoors: Drop to the floor, take cover under a piece of heavy furniture, cover your head, and hold on to the furniture with your other hand
If you are outdoors: Move into the open, away from buildings, lights trees and utility wires
Following an Earthquake:
Be prepared for aftershocks
In case of a fire, take action quickly:
-Always plan two escape routes from every room
-If a fire occurs and you are behind a closed door, feel the door before you open it. If the door is hot, find another way out.
-If you must exit through smoke, drop to the floor and crawl: get out as fast as you can
-Once you are out, STAY OUT- never go back into a burning building
-If you cannot escape safely, go to a window and signal for help

Take steps to prepare for a Pandemic: Practice Healthy Hygiene
-Clean hands often- Wash with soap and water or with hand sanitizer
-Cover mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough and wash hands afterwards
-Keep hands away from face
-If you are sick, stay home and avoid contact with others.
Prepare at Home
Determine what supplies you will need to provide care at home
Stock up now
-Reduce your need to go out during a local flu pandemic by stocking extra food, water and supplies at home
-If you do get sick and have extra supplies on hand, you will help reduce the spread of pandemic flu by staying home
For more information on action steps to take in a disaster visit www.prepare.org

The following are recommended and suggested things you may want to do and get. Again everyone has different needs- please keep that in mind as you look over the list.

Here is what you can do to be prepared:
1) Two-way family radios with charger
2) Portable radio with spare batteries, lantern do not forget to check the batteries periodically
3) Put away some money, consider keeping small bills, such as ones, fives, tens and twenties
4) Plan what to do with your pets. They depend upon you. Remember service animals are the only animals allowed in shelters. You should identify the hotels and motels that will allow animals, and locate animal boarding facilities, that might accept your pets
5) Make an emergency plan for yourself and your family. Meet with your neighbors too. Make sure that you have provided emergency contact information to those who will need it, choose a person that everyone will telephone in case you are separated. Consider selecting someone who lives outside the immediate area, to increase the chances that telephone calls can get through. Always try to carry the number with you. Establish a phone tree to relay important emergency information to family and friends. Local phone lines may be down, this allows an out of town relative or friend to know and relay information about the where abouts and health of your entire family.
6) Those of us that have school age children, know what your schools emergency plans are and their procedures for releasing your children, and have a designated meeting place.
7) Basic planning will save you and your family time and energy should a disaster strike. A few moments of planning today will pay off should you ever need to enact your personal emergency preparedness plan. Have a family meeting so that everyone knows the plan; this includes your children!
8) Keep the gas tank full of fuel, if you have a car. Gas stations maybe closed and you may have to drive a distance to get out of the affected area
9) Cell phone charger
10) Heavy work shoes or boots, socks, rain gear
11) Fire Extinguisher 3-A-10-BC for home and car. You should know how to use it, before you have to use it!!
12) Keep a supply of essentials ready, you should rotate supplies every six months to keep them fresh
13) Water, plan on 1 Gallon per person per day. You should store enough water to last 7 full days.
14) Nonperishable packaged foods that can be eaten cold—Do not forget the manual can opener
15) A small BBQ grill for cooking and warming—do not forget the charcoal’s and lighter fluid
16) Matches—keep them in a water tight container or plastic bag
17) Spare reading and sun glasses
18) EXTRA MEDICATIONS
19) If you are asked to evacuate, take your pocket book or wallet, car keys (You may want to put a Hide a Key), spare car key on your car
20) Avoid passing out unsubstantiated information and rumors
21) Comply quickly and calmly with instruction you may receive.
22) Games for small children
23) Blankets and sleeping bags and other items that may keep you warm—gloves, etc
24) Generator with extension cords.
25) Small microwave oven