6 Snow Safety Tips for Your Southern New Hampshire Home or Vacation Property

With snow in 49 of the 50 states today, it seems appropriate to share some snow safety tips for those who need to venture out into the weather, either for work or an important errand.  Although there hasn't been much snow in Southern New Hampshire up until now this winter, we still have many more months of winter to deal with.

1.  Dress in layers.  Ideally, the layer against your skin should be made of a synthetic microfiber that wicks moisture away from your body.  Avoid cotton, which gets wet and stays wet. Top the wicking layer with something warm like fleece and finish with a jacket that’s windproof.

2.  Wear boots with good traction.  Make sure they aren't too tight, either because they're too small or because you have on bulky socks.

3.  Wear sunglasses and sunscreen.  A sunny day in winter is often brighter and more dangerous to your eyes and skin than summer sun.  That’s because of the reflection off the snow.  So before leaving your Southern New Hampshire home, slip on sunglasses and generously apply sunscreen.

4.  Shovel with care or hire it out.  If you’re not in tip-top shape to shovel the snow from your Southern New Hampshire home’s driveway, hire a neighborhood teen to do it.  You’ll give that teen some much wanted income, and save yourself from strained muscles at the least and a heart attack at the worst.  If you do not have a history of heart disease, heart attack, high blood pressure or any other ailment that could result in injury or death, you may decide to shovel the snow yourself.  Here are a few tips for safe snow shoveling:

    * Stay well hydrated.  Don’t drink caffeine or alcohol during or immediately before shoveling.
    * Take frequent breaks.  Do not remove deep snow all at once; take off an inch or two at a time.  Preferably, start when the snow is not yet heavily packed, and shovel periodically if the snow continues to fall.
    * Pick a shovel with a smaller blade.  This puts less strain on your body because you lift less snow at once.
    * Use a back-friendly shoveling technique.  Keep the shovel close to your body.  Bend from your knees, not your back.  Tighten your stomach muscles.  Do not twist. Instead, move your body so your feet face the direction in which you’re shoveling.  Do not throw the snow over your shoulder; throw it in front of you. 
    * Check your body.  Are you experiencing shortness of breath, dizziness or chest pains?  Stop immediately and seek medical help.

5.  Prepare your car for snowy conditions.  Clean all the snow off your car before leaving your Southern New Hampshire home.   Make sure your windshield wipers and headlights are cleaned off and working.  Stock your car with a shovel, extra clothes, a blanket, a flashlight, snacks, water, an ice scraper and wood ashes or sand for traction in case you get stuck in the snow.

6.  Go slowly.  Whether walking or driving, give yourself additional time to get to your destination.  The roads, driveways and sidewalks get slick, and even a generous amount of salt can leave behind spots of ice and snow.

Stay safe and warm this winter!  If you’d like to buy a safe, warm Southern New Hampshire home, I can help.  Give me a call today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com.

2011 New Year’s Resolutions for Southern New Hampshire Home Owners

Most people make New Year’s resolutions to improve themselves.  This year, consider making a few New Year’s Resolutions to improve your Southern New Hampshire home.  Here are 6 ideas to choose from:

   1. Renovate.  Choose one project you really want to do, and get it done this year.  Add on a deck, make minor kitchen renovations or install a new bathroom floor.

   2. Practice home safety.  Practice fire safety by ensuring your smoke alarms work and holding fire drills. Prevent poisoning by keeping cleaners, medications and beauty products in a place where children can’t reach them and using child safety locks.  Avoid falls by having bright lights over stairs and steps and on landings. Also, keep stairs clear of clutter.

   3. Test for radon.  Radon is a significant contaminant that affects indoor air quality worldwide. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that radon is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Even if you live in an area that typically doesn’t have radon problems, the US EPA recommends testing your home for radon because testing is the only way to know your Southern New Hampshire home's radon levels.

   4. Do one thing to go green.  Change to Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL), install a low-flow shower head, use green cleaning products or start recycling.

   5. Check water quality. Drinking water quality varies from location to location in New Hampshire, depending on the condition of the source water from which it is drawn and the treatment it receives. Every community water supplier must provide an annual report to its customers. Read your report to find out what your water contains. 

Private wells and homes drawing water from other sources such as lakes and rivers are not regulated. If your drinking water does not come from a public water system, you alone are responsible for assuring that it is safe. Routine water testing is essential.

   6. Reduce your utility bills.  Review your electric and gas expenses for the previous 12 months and make a plan to reduce them. There are many ways to save on energy bills:  increase your insulation, weather strip windows and doors, purchase energy efficient appliances, install energy efficient windows and adjust home temperatures.

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5 Ways to Pet Proof Your Southern New Hampshire Home

If you’re like most pet owners, your pets are part of your family. Do your part to help them out and pet proof your Southern NH home for their safety.

1.     Inspect your yard. As your dog or cat walks through your yard, harmful chemicals from pesticides, herbicides and fungicides can adhere to their fur and get on their paws. Once inside your Southern NH home, your pets will lick their feet and legs clean. This licking causes them to ingest many harmful chemicals.  Keep pets away from the yard if you’ve recently applied chemicals to it,  and be sure to follow manufacturer’s recommendations.  Better yet, switch to pet safe yard products or a natural yard that doesn’t require chemicals at all.

2.    Examine your garage.  Antifreeze has a sweet taste that attracts animals and is deadly if consumed in even small quantities.  Just one teaspoon can kill a seven-pound cat.  Switch to a safer antifreeze. Look for antifreeze that contains propylene glycol, which won’t harm animals if ingested in small amounts.

3.    Secure items. Your pet is curious. Take the time to place medicines, cleaning solutions, and chemicals out of their way. Make sure they cannot open cupboards and cabinets. You may want to install cupboard latches and cover electrical outlets, if you have a smart pet that’s good at opening things.

4.     Guard your food items. Chocolate is poisonous to dogs and cats. While you’re busy, your pets may be rummaging through the kitchen and eating whatever they find.

5.    Beware of breakage.  Broken light bulbs present a danger to pets of all sizes. Glass from a broken bulb may be stepped on, swallowed or inhaled.  Ethylene glycol, the dangerous yet sweet tasting ingredient in many antifreeze products, can also be found in common household items like snow globes.  The ethylene glycol may spill out if the snow globe cracks or breaks.  Keep animals away from broken objects, thoroughly clean up the broken bits and safely dispose of them. 

Looking for a pet-friendly Southern New Hampshire home?  I can help.  Call me today at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com.

Is Your Southern New Hampshire Home Prepared for Disaster?

No, I'm not talking about the economic crisis, or any other type of personal disaster. I'm talking about the kind that Mother Nature doles out with predictable uncertainty. Your Southern New Hampshire home can never be prepared to the extent of knowing when disasters will happen, but you can be ready for anytime they do.

Know What Type of Disaster is Most Likely

While some types of natural disasters can happen anywhere such as fires and floods, other types like earthquakes, landslides, tornadoes and hurricanes are less likely in certain regions. For example, tornadoes are unlikely in California and earthquakes are less common in Wisconsin.  While a recent tornado watch for Southern New Hampshire is a reminder that they can happen here too, floods and power outages are the most common disasters in this area.  (Being the state with the second highest percentage of tree coverage at 84% plays a significant role in the frequency of power outages.) 

Different types of disasters require different preparations so knowing what your Southern New Hampshire home is most likely to experience is of great benefit.  For instance, you do not want to be underground in an earthquake, but in a tornado picking the lowest spot in a home such as a basement is wise.

Gather Supplies

 Some things are common to all types of disaster preparations. Having these items on hand should be on every homeowner's "must have" list.

·    Extra blankets
·    Water
·    Several days worth of food (best if prepared or easy to make without electrical appliances)
·    Candles or other forms of emergency lighting
·    Battery operated radio
·    Dust mask
·    Can opener
·    Moist towels
·    Emergency escape plans
·    Shelter listings
·    Pet food (if you have pets)
·    Fire extinguishers (every home should have at least one per floor if not more)
·    Infant supplies (if applicable)

Plan for Fast Action

Have disaster plans worked out for a variety of disaster types:
·     In the event of a fire, have an escape plan prepared for every level of your home.
·    If your Southern New Hampshire home is in a flood zone, have sandbags ready and stored for use at a moment's notice.
·     For tornado safety, know the best place in your home to go for shelter.

Being prepared can save you a lot of grief. Disasters are a nuisance at best and fatal at worst.  By planning for the worst, you’ll get through them in the best manner possible.

 If you need more information on preparing your Southern New Hampshire home for a disaster, I can help. Call me now at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com

Benefits of Exterior Lighting for Southern New Hampshire Real Estate

As many Southern New Hampshire real estate agents will tell you, curb appeal shouldn’t end when the sun goes down. Exterior lighting can be both utilitarian and create a welcoming atmosphere even at night. The huge variety in lighting types will also lend uniqueness to your property and make it stand out to potential buyers.

Benefits of Popular Lighting Types

·    Reduces crime:  Motion-activated flood lights on the front and back porch are essential in high-crime areas and always a good idea for any area. It’s been proven that criminals don’t like Southern NH real estate with bright exterior lighting.  The bright lights will draw attention to visitors before they’ve ever reached your door.  Additionally, you should never discount the value of being able to see clearly when arriving home in the dark.

·    Decreases trip hazards:  Solar lamps make beautiful walkway lighting. They’re generally not bright enough to be obtrusive or attract many nocturnal insects, but they will show the exact location of a walkway and reveal any trip hazards on the way. Solar lamps also provide an additional selling point on which Southern New Hampshire real estate agents can capitalize.

·    Improves safety:  Good garage lighting can help you find your way to and from your vehicle. More importantly, the garage is a potentially hazardous area. Good lighting ensures that anyone walking through or working in the area will have a clear view of their surroundings and the task they may be performing.

·    Relocates bugs:  In rural areas, a high outside light (similar to a street light) not only lights large areas enough to recognize any hazards, they can also draw nocturnal insects away from lights emanating from the home. Moths and other insects often plague rural residents as they like to fly into houses from any open door or window.

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Stay Safe When Working With Electricity In Your Southern New Hampshire Home

Chances are you’ll have to work with electricity in your Southern New Hampshire home at least once.  You might have to replace a broken ceiling fan or install a garbage disposal.  Always keep these things in mind when with working with electricity:

·    Turn off the power at the main panel box.  If you only flip off the switch, you’re in danger of receiving an electrical shock that could prove fatal.
·     Use a voltmeter to test the wires after you shut off the power.
·    Thoroughly read all the instructions, including the safety information, that come with the item you’re going to install.
·    Wear protective equipment like goggles and use only materials intended specifically for that purpose.
·    Have an inspector out to look at your work.  It’s better to err on the side of caution with electricity.  For some projects, you may need to hire a licensed electrician.

After you finish the project, it’s a good time to inspect the electrical system in your Southern NH home for safety.  You’ll want to look it over each time the seasons change to ensure that the system is in good working order.

·    Look for any frayed or discolored wiring on the cords to your electrical appliances.  If you see anything unusual, you may need to call an electrician to further evaluate the situation.
·    Inspect your home’s power outlets for cracks or loose plates. 
·    Make sure that extension cords and other plug-ins aren’t overloading the outlet.
·    Always run extension cords along the side of the wall, taking care not to place the cord across a doorway, causing a walking hazard.
·     Keep all heat-producing appliances, like lamps, away from combustible materials like drapes.

You can work with electricity safely by following these guidelines. 

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Holiday Candle Safety in Your Southern New Hampshire Condo

More festive candles are used in your Southern New Hampshire condo during the holidays than at any other time of year, so it’s important to review the safety rules.  Here are few tips to keep your condo safe:

Candle Placement Preparation
It may sound silly, but you need to prepare before you light that candle.  First figure out where you want to place the candle in your Southern NH condo. 
•    Find a stable, heat resistant surface. 
•    Make sure there aren’t any books, papers, curtains, or bedding nearby. 
•    Watch out for flammable holiday decorations. 
•    Keep the candle away from windows and vents, and check for signs of a draft. 
•    Place the candle where children and pets can’t reach and where it isn’t likely to be bumped into.

Getting Ready to Light the Candle
•    Before burning the candle, review the manufacturer’s instructions.  Most recommend that the wick be trimmed to ¼ inch before lighting. 
•    Make sure to use only approved candle holders.  Using an unapproved glass holder could cause it to burst and send glass everywhere. 
•    Place candles at least three inches apart so the additional heat doesn't cause them to melt improperly.

Burning the Candle
Now that the candle is lit, make sure to never leave it unattended.
•    Watch the candle to see if it smokes or flickers a lot.  This could be a sign that the candle isn't burning properly.
•    Leave about two inches of wax when you extinguish the candle or a 1/2 inch if it's in a container.  Most manufacturers recommend that you don't burn the candle all the way down. 

Putting the Candle Out Safely
The safest way to put out a candle is with a candle snuffer. 
•    Don’t use your fingers or blow out the candle; the flame may travel and cause a fire.
•    Never use water to put out a candle; the wax may splatter and burn you. 
•    Wait until the wax has cooled before you move the candle.

Candles are a beautiful way to decorate for the holidays in your Southern New Hampshire condo.  By following these simple safety suggestions, you can help to ensure that your holidays are happy and safe. 

If you’d like to be in a new condo before the next holiday rolls around, I can help. Call me at 603-821-1134 or email me at dave@daveheeter.com for more information.

Safeguard Your Southern New Hampshire Home this Holiday

During this festive season, our thoughts turn to giving gifts, baking delicious treats in our Southern NH homes and visiting friends and family. However, there are others who think about unoccupied, gift-filled houses.

Don't give a thief a chance this year. Safeguard your Southern New Hampshire home for the holidays by following these tips:

Holiday Safety at Home
· Keep all doors and windows locked, even if you step out for a moment.
· Videotape valuables so you'll have a record of ownership.
· Inspect all holiday lights for frayed wiring before you hang them.
· Beware of strangers coming to the door asking for charitable donations. Ask for identification, if donations are tax deductible, how the funds will be used. If you are not satisfied, don't give. Instead, help a charitable group you know.


Holiday Events Away from Your Southern New Hampshire Home
· Turn on lights, a television or radio so that it appears that someone is home.
· Lock all doors and windows.
· If you have a home alarm system, use it. Alarm systems are only useful when they're activated.
· Holiday gifts should not be displayed where they can be seen from the outside.
· Never leave keys under doormats, flowerpots or other “secret” hiding places -- burglars know where to look for hidden keys.

Holiday Travel
· Secure all doors and windows including your pet doors. Burglars can gain access to your premises from amazingly small openings - including cat doors. Secure all pet doors and remember to lock every single window and door, including those on garages and exterior buildings or storage sheds.
· Ask a neighbor to watch your house and pick up any packages left for you.
· If you leave your car at home, park it where you normally would.
· Use automatic timers for your interior and exterior lights.
· Stop your mail and newspaper deliveries.
· Arrange to have snow shoveled (if necessary) while you're away.
· Notify your local police department and leave a number where you can be reached in case of an emergency.


Take the time to be safe so you can relax and enjoy this wonderful time of the year.


Happy Holidays to you and yours!