THINGS TO REMEMBER

AFTER TAKING POSSESSION OF A NEW HOME, THERE ARE SOME MAINTENANCE AND SAFETY ISSUES THAT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED. THE FOLLOWING CHECKLIST SHOULD HELP YOU ENJOY YOUR NEW HOME FULLY:

*CHANGE THE LOCKS ON ALL EXTERIOR ENTRANCES FOR IMPROVED SECURITY.

*CHECK THAT ALL WINDOWS AND DOORS ARE SECURE. IMPROVE WINDOW HARDWARE AS NECESSARY. SECURITY RODS CAN BE ADDED TO SLIDING WINDOWS AND DOORS.

*CHECK THE SMOKE DETECTORS ON EACH LEVEL OF THE HOME. ENSURE THAT THERE IS A SMOKE DETECTOR OUTSIDE ALL SLEEPING AREAS. REPLACE BATTERIES ON ANY EXISTING SMOKE DETECTORS AND TEST THEM.

*CREATE A PLAN OF ACTION IN THE EVENT OF A FIRE IN YOUR HOME. ENSURE THAT THERE IS AN OPERABLE WINDOW OR DOOR IN EVERY ROOM OF THE HOUSE. CONSULT WITH YOUR LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT REGARDING FIRE SAFETY ISSUES AND WHAT TO DO IN THE EVENT OF A FIRE.

*FIND THE LOCATION OF THE MAIN SHUT-OFFS FOR PLUMBING, HEATING AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS. IF YOU ATTEND THE HOME INSPECTION (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED) THESE ITEMS WILL BE POINTED OUT TO YOU.