1. On the Wire - Fall Safety Checklist
2. Ask Tom & Leslie - Foul Smelling Fridge
3. Got A Question About Your Money Pit?
4. On the Air - Fall Fix-Ups
5. Dot Common Sense - The Home Theater Experience
6. Fun Fact - Get a Grip
7. Short Cuts - Insulation Rations
8. Share This Information With A Friend!

On the Wire - Fall Safety Checklist

Inside the house

• Insufficient fire protection: Buying a bunch of smoke detectors isn't enough... you actually have to install and maintain them. Both steps are easy with contemporary models, some of which allow battery power status to be checked by remote.
• Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning: HVAC systems, autos and outdoor machinery can be sources of this odorless, colorless, deadly gas. Make sure you�fre warned that CO is on the scene by installing carbon monoxide detectors (also available in smoke-CO detector combinations) throughout your home, and never run your car or any other fuel-burning machines in even a partially closed garage.
• Bathroom dangers: Family members of all ages are at risk for slips and falls in slick tubs and showers and on slippery bathroom floors. Install grab bars in strategic locations around the space, and roll out non-slip area rugs over tile and vinyl flooring.
• Clogged dryer exhaust duct: Every year an average of 14,500 dryers catch fire and are responsible for up to ten deaths -- not because of wiring problems, but the lint that collects in the dryer's exhaust ducts. Keep the laundry area safe by doing an annual or bi-annual cleaning of the duct.
• Unsteady stairs: Keep stairways clear of toys and other items that could be tripped over, and make sure banisters are secure and easy to grip. Install handrails on both sides of the stairs at approximately 34 inches above the nose of the steps.
• Unsecured storage for medications and chemicals: Inquisitive youngsters and family pets can find dangerous substances in a flash, so don't take chances. Make sure all medications and household chemicals are stored out of reach in locked cabinets.
• Dirty chimney: Creosote buildup from all of those evenings by the hearth can lead to a roaring flue fire, so have chimneys checked and cleaned well before the heating season begins.
• Portable space heaters: Yes, they're convenient, but they're also fire hazards if left unattended or within reach of draperies, furnishings and other flammables. If you must use a space heater, make sure it's off when you're not around, and allow it to cool thoroughly before moving it to another location.
• Unstoppable garage door: Today's garage doors must include a safety feature enabling them to immediately reverse direction if they come in contact with an obstruction. Test your door occasionally to ensure that this important feature is functioning properly.
• Termite infestation: Termites cause billions of dollars in structural damage every year, with much of it on the home front. At the first sign of an infestation, call your local exterminator; otherwise, these unwelcome visitors could eat your home right out from under you.
• Got rot? This dangerous wood decay is started by an invasive, moisture-loving fungus, and poses a major threat to the structural integrity of a home. Work with a pro to quickly replace or rebuild any areas where dry rot has struck.
• Mold: An often-hidden health threat, mold hurts people as well as surfaces. Keep it at bay by managing moisture and airflow, and containing organic substances that serve as its "food".

Outside the house

• Clogged gutters: Not only do gunked-up gutters keep rainwater from flowing freely, they can also end up sending the runoff close to a home's foundation and into interior spaces where it creates moisture and mold problems. Give gutters a seasonal cleaning, and make sure they dispense water on a downward slope well away from the structure.


• Loose roof shingles: A shingle missing here or there may not seem like a big deal, but as the underlayments and roof structure are exposed, cracks and splits can develop and allow water to leak inside to do damage. Don't wait to tend to roof repairs, and don't allow them to take the place of a new surface if that is what's really needed.
• Pools and hot tubs: They may be fun for the family, but they are also grave dangers for drowning. Use locked covers and secure fencing to prevent accidents between pool parties, and never leave children unattended as they swim and play.
• Unfinished finishes: That paint job that never quite got completed isn't just an eyesore -- it's an invitation to wear and even rot where surfaces have been left exposed. If you can't get to the job yourself, hire a pro to finish putting on that new coat of color.
• Untrimmed trees: Employ a reputable care and trimming service to tend to the trees on your property. The pruning and monitoring they'll do will prevent dangerous bough breaks as well as keep your landscaping looking beautiful.

Along with the nuts and bolts above, be sure to do a regular reassessment and adjustment of your homeowners insurance. It may mean sacrifice of a little time and a few dollars, but you'll be glad to have done both if a major home emergency ever befalls you.

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Ask Tom & Leslie - Foul Smelling Fridge

Russell, we feel your pain! Unfortunately, refrigerators are usually insulated with foam. When food thaws, such as what might happen in a power failure or when the leftovers are left too long, some of those very ripe and smelly juices seep into the foam and just can not be cleaned. If you have unplugged, emptied and scrubbed the whole appliance without any reduction in the odor, it will have it be replaced.

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Got A Question About Your Money Pit?

1. The toll-free studio hot line is 1-888-MONEY PIT. Find out when we broadcast in your area by checking out our website at www.moneypit.com. Each week we take dozens of calls, give great advice and offer callers a chance to win a terrific prize awarded to one random caller to every show.
2. Call when it's convenient for you, 24 hours a day, same number: 1-888-MONEY PIT. A live person takes your call 24/7! So -- WHENEVER you have a home improvement question -- phone it in. Simply tell our phone screener your first name, and where you're calling from...and ask your question. We’ll get back to you with the answer – or even call you back during the show!
3. Click here to email your question to us. We may read your email on the air and we also respond personally to many of the email questions we get.

On the Air - Fall Fix-Ups

Dot Common Sense - The Home Theater Experience

Fun Fact - Get a Grip

Short Cuts - Insulation Rations

Share This Information With A Friend!

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