Handy tips for water damages, mold prevention and fire prevention

Water / plumbing

Burst or ruptured pipes are the leading cause of water-related losses.

• Know where the main water shutoff valve is. In an emergency involving sprinklers or other plumbing leaks, it may become necessary to shut off the water supply.
• Advise tenants or residents to immediately shut off water supply lines when any water leak is detected and to notify a building staff member.
• Review maintenance reports / logs monthly to identify any incident trends.

Mold

Preventing mold contamination due to a water loss is dependent on several factors. Have a plan in place that addresses the following:

• Early discovery and repair of a water leak is key to the prevention of mold.
• Remove materials / items prone to mold germination like ceiling tiles and carpet padding. Many mold losses result from building materials or personal property that simply doesn't dry properly.
• Completely dry and dehumidify any affected areas, including open and hidden areas (behind the walls and ceilings).
• Clean with bacteria / mold preventing cleaning products.

Fire

Carelessness when cooking and using candles are the most frequent causes of fire losses in apartments.

• Place candles in non-combustible holders and never leave them burning unattended.
• Keep candles out of the reach of children and away from flammable materials such as drapes or upholstered furniture.
• Don’t leave cigarette lighters, matches, or other lighting devices accessible to children.
• Keep a fire extinguisher in an accessible location.
• Don’t disconnect smoke alarms.
• Don't leave the immediate area when cooking on a stovetop.
• Don’t use extension cords with electric space heaters. They are not designed for the high electrical load and may overheat, causing a fire.
• Keep space heaters away from combustible materials.
• Conduct regular inspections of all fire extinguishers to insure they are operational.