THE REAL ESTATE ECOBLOG

The Latest on Home Security

Home security is usually one of those things that everyone knows they need to think about but nobody wants to spend the time to figure out what to do. We can always procrastinate it with a feeling that it will not happen to us so why hurry. Unfortunately, that is exactly what most burglars are waiting for...the unsuspecting home owner who is too busy with life to worry about security. The city of Minnetonka and the cities police department gave a great list of ways to improve security in their January newsletter. Check out highlights from the list below or go to www.eminnetonka.com and check out the full list! The city is also offering free security inspections to Minnetonka residents to identify areas that need improvement. Call Nicole Nelson for an appointment at 952-939-8546.

Landscaping

1) Make sure your house number is visible at all times

2) Burglars love privacy, so consider a chain link or wrought iron fencing and make sure to trim bushes to at least six inches from windows and doors.

Locks

1) Use Deadbolts but make sure that there is not a window nearby that could be broken and the door unlocked from the inside. Check out www.eminnetonka.com for advice on the best types of locks!

Lighting

1) Motion detecting lights are very effective and save energy rather than having exterior lights on for extending periods of time.

2) Interior lights on timers give you the ability to have lights come on when no one is home. This gives the appearance that someone is at home and deters the burglar.

Hopefully this list will come in handy and provide some guidance on home security.

For more information please feel free to call or email me at 612-865-9150 or cherikuhn@watersrealtymn.com. You can also visit my website for up to date real estate info and listings at www.watersrealtymn.com.

At Home Fire Safety.

This has been a rather somber week for the residents of southern California.  My heart goes out to all the people who have lost their loved ones and or their homes in the latest wild fire.  I thought now is a good time to discuss fire safety given that I am sure it is in the fore front of everyone's mind this last week. 

In Minnesota as the weather gets colder, more and more people are using their fireplaces; fire safety becomes even more prevalent.  Home and Garden TV or HGTV had a great article a few years ago with a number of tips to keep in mind.  Below is a summary of their list and few others from various places.  The main idea is to prevent fires from occurring in the first place!

1) Always keep baking soda in the kitchen to smother grease fires!

2) Test your smoke detectors once a month and change the batteries twice a year.

3) Never leave any cooking unattended and never lay loose items near a hot stove!

4) Do not bundle extension cords together by unravel them.  They generate heat which can cause fires.

5) Unplug hair dryers and irons when not using them.

6) Do not overload outlets with small appliances.  The general rule is one appliance per outlet and remove the plug when not in use.  This is also a good idea for conserving energy!

7) Only use the recommended wattage for light bulbs.

8) Give space heaters space!!

9) Keep rugs and carpets from slipping in case of a fire you do not want to slip on your way out!

10) Practice escape routes.

11) Lastly, make sure windows open properly.  I have seen homes that are the market with windows that do not open.  This is a huge fire issue and limits ways of escape.

I hope this quick list of fire safety tips is helpful.  Please feel free to call or email me with any questions!  You can email me at cherikuhn@watersrealtymn.com or you can visit my website for more helpful information on the real estate market at www.watersrealtymn.com.