Homeowner Information

To turn off electricity in the entire house, go to the main service panel (see picture) usually located in the garage or basement and flip the LARGE Master Breaker Switch at the bottom of the breaker panel. To switch off only portions of the house, flip the applicable circuit breaker in the panel to OFF. If your box is not labeled as to what the individual circuit breakers control, it would be a good idea to do so. You may need to get at the panel in the dark or in a hurry during an emergency. Make sure all adults in your home know where to find the panel.

Household fire extinguishers are for small fires and have a short “discharge time” (10 seconds is typical). That means you can’t learn as you go. So take a minute now to read the label. Check the expiration date and the pressure gauge to be sure the extinguisher will work when you need it (see monthly maintenance tips below). There are a few things to know. First, fire extinguishers blast the area with chemicals and make a mess. So an extinguisher may not be the best tool for every small fire. In the case of a stovetop grease fire, for example, it’s usually best to smother the fire with a pot lid. Second, fires that seem to be out can reignite. So keep an eye on the area for a few minutes afterward.

A/C Overview
Click to enlarge Most central air conditioners have two basic parts: an outdoor unit (compressor/condenser) that sits next to your home and an indoor unit (evaporator) that’s located in a central duct near your furnace. If you have a heat pump instead of a furnace, the indoor unit will be in the air handler.

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HVAC Contractor. If you are not already on a periodic preventive maintenance program for your A/C or heat pump, contact a HVAC contractor and get on one.

Schedule a yearly preventative maintenance checkup. HVAC systems are complex and should be serviced at least once a year. If your air conditioner or furnace keeps breaking down, it might be time to get a new HVAC system. Most systems last 10 to 14 years if maintained regularly and serviced when needed.

1. Keep it Clean: Vacuum the fins of your AC unit clean with a soft-bristle brush. Note: they’re fragile and can easily be bent or crushed. On many units you’ll have to unscrew and lift off a metal box to get at them. Check your owner’s manual for directions and lift off the box carefully to avoid bumping the fins.
2. Fix Fins: Realign bent or crushed fins with gentle pressure from a dinner knife. Don’t insert the knife more than 1/2 in.
3. Unclog the Condensate Drain Tube: When you see water puddling around the furnace with the AC running, you have a clogged condensate drain tube. Condensation from air conditioning coils contains bacteria that can form slime and clog the condensate pan drain tube.
4. Check the air filter. The air filter in your furnace traps dirt, pollen, dust and other particles during both cooling season and heating season. When those particles build up on the surface of the air filter, they slow the flow of air, so the HVAC blower has to work harder. Check the air filter every month and replace it if it’s dirty.
5. Check the AC vents. Wipe a pipe cleaner across the louvres that cover the opening to the air conditioner vents in your rooms. Odds are good that you’ll find dust, but if the pipe cleaner also picks up black fuzz, it could be a sign of mold. Have a professional inspect the vents.
6. Hear strange noises? Your HVAC system should run pretty quietly. If you hear clanging, banging or other unusual noises, it could be a sign of trouble. Schedule a visit with an HVAC expert.

Many homeowners are tempted to wrap their air conditioner condensers (the outside unit) to protect them over the winter. But wrapping an A/C condenser is never a good idea. Steel rusts, and wet steel rusts even more. Even when wrapped tightly, your condenser isn't airtight. So moisture gets trapped under your tarp and condenses on the inside of the unit. The moisture on your neighbor's condenser is free to evaporate.

Covering an A/C condenser also encourages rodents to move the family into new digs where they're protected from the elements. Once they're settled in, they'll gnaw on the compressor wiring and insulation. Come spring, you'll have a stinky cleanup, a rusty A/C condenser and a hefty bill for rewiring.

If you want to protect the unit from falling icicles, just place a piece of plywood over the fan guard and weight it down with bricks. If you want to protect the metal and keep it looking good, give your condenser a coat of car wax before the snow flies.

A water heater that has an integrated storage tank is often referred to as simply the “hot water tank”. You can find these in various sizes, though 40 gallon tanks are the most popular. A hot water tank uses either a gas or electric heating element to heat and store water at a set temperature. Most homes in Symphony Village use propane as the fuel for their hot water heater. Hot Water Heater Parts

The shutoff valves for the hot water heater should be labled with the words “on” and “off” for the direction for each. If not, usually counterclockwise is on and clockwise is off. Your valves may look different than the ones in the display. They may also be in different places, depending on the model of your house (usually in the garage, laundry room, or basement). In any event, you should locate them and make sure you understand how they function.

Once you have located your various shutoffs, tag them so you can easily find them when you need them.

Your water heater needs routine maintenance to keep you comfortable. Here are seven routine, important water heater maintenance tips:

1. Control the temperature setting. Set your water heater temperature no higher than 120 degrees for maximum efficiency. Setting it any higher can decrease efficiency and increase the chance of scalding.
2. Provide insulation. Wrap your water heater in an insulating blanket that helps enhance performance and decrease standby heat loss.
3. Give it space. Be sure to maintain 2 feet of space around your unit. The top of a gas-fired water heater should never be used as a storage shelf.
4. Keep it clean. The area around a gas-fired water heater should be vacuumed as needed to prevent dust from interfering with proper flame combustion.
5. Take care when on vacation. Use your water heater’s “vacation” setting when you leave town, which maintains the pilot light without heating any water.
6. Install a water softener. This helps prevent unnecessary wear and tear on your water heater caused by mineral deposits.
7. Maintain the PT valve. Replace the pressure and temperature (PT) valve. on your hot water heater every three years to protect it from extreme pressure and temperature.
8. Tune it up. Don’t forget to schedule your annual water heater tune-up. Your plumber should check the pressure relief valve, drain your tank to remove any sediment, if needed, inspect the tank and connections for rust, wear or corrosion, and replace worn anode rods.

USFA Summer Fire Safety

To turn off all propane going to your heating unit or/and fireplace(s), locate the shutoff immediately outside the house (in the back against the wall — see photo at right). Turn the valve one-quarter turn by hand or with a pair of pliers (depends upon your type of shutoff). When the valve is open, it is aligned up and down with the pipe (parallel); when it is closed, it is crosswise (perpendicular) across the pipe.

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Outdoor shutoff location

Serious safety hazards, including fire or explosion, can result. If an appliance valve or a gas line is left open when the propane supply runs out, a leak could occur when the system is recharged with propane. Air and moisture could get into an empty or depleted storage tank, which can cause rust build-up inside the tank. Rust can decrease the concentration of the odor of propane, making it harder to smell. If your propane tank runs out of gas, any pilot lights on your appliances will go out. This can be extremely dangerous if not handled properly.

• Always keep flammable and combustible materials (e.g., paper, clothing, wood, gasoline, and solvents) away from any open flames that originate from your appliances.
• Know how to shut off the gas supply from your tank or cylinder. If you do not know how, contact your propane supplier for instructions.
• Never place your head near or directly over the valves on your storage tank. A sudden release of product from the safety relief valve could result in serious injury.
• The propane liquid that is stored in your tank or cylinder can cause severe frostbite if it comes in contact with your skin or eyes.
• Never store propane cylinders or containers inside any enclosed building.
• Treat all propane gas odors seriously. Any odors may indicate a very dangerous situation.
• Never assume that propane odor is only the result of your tank being near empty. If the odor persists, you may have a serious leak.
• You should contact your propane supplier if you suspect a leak.

Check all smoke detectors twice a year at daylight savings times. Press the TEST button to see that they alarm. Replace the battery at this time also. If you hear a chirping sound coming from the alarm, you need to immediately replace the battery.

• Test smoke alarms once a month
• Replace batteries twice a year.
  
• Never “borrow” a battery from a smoke alarm
• Don’t disable smoke alarms even temporarily
• Regularly vacuuming or dusting your smoke alarm can keep them working properly

Hint: schedule battery replacements for the same day you change your clocks for daylight savings time

You may take your roof for granted because it is generally out of sight, out of mind. It is the first line of defense, protecting your home from weather damage by acting as the shield that sheds water and protects against snow and ice. As such it is constantly subjected to potential wear and tear that can erode its service life. While most shingle roofs can last anywhere from 15 to 25 years, incremental damage can reduce the lifespan and necessitate an early roof replacement. However a little regular attention can keep them at peak performance. That’s why it is important to keep an eye out for early warning signs with a thorough visual inspection at least once a year.

Most homeowners are not comfortable climbing a ladder and getting on the roof and that’s OK. While a professional roofer will certainly take this approach, a homeowner can do a thorough inspection from the ground with a pair of binoculars.

Whatever method you choose, always use caution. Ladders can come into contact with power lines causing serious injury or death and falls can be just as dangerous.

Once you are ready to inspect your roof you will need to know what to look for. Damage can occur from wind, hail, water and falling objects like tree limbs so there are a variety of ways damage can present itself. The sections on indoor and outdoor inspection provide some of the clear signs that your roof may need attention.

If a water pipe in your home or yard breaks, would you know how to shut off the water to avoid flooding?

Find out where your water meter and shut-off valve are located before there’s an emergency.

In an emergency, to completely shut off water coming from the city into your house, open the circular cover out by the curb (see the Cleared Meter Cover picture). There is a 5-sided nut that needs to be turned. Assuming you do not have a 5-sided socket, a pair of pliers or vise-grips will do the job. When the lid is off, look inside for a one-quarter turn valve and use your pliers or a wrench to turn the valve one-quarter turn to the right (clockwise).

For general information about the Water Department, or to report problems with water service during normal business hours of 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., please call 410-758-1180. If the water problem is on private property (e.g. on the customer’s property or the customer’s side of the water meter), please contact a licensed plumber to assist. If the source of the problem is in the public right-of-way, and if you are not able to speak with a Town employee when calling the number above, and if the water problem cannot wait until the next business day, please dial the emergency dispatch number, 410-758-0080. Please report the specific location and nature of the problem.

The File of Life is a summary of your health information that Queen Anne's County Emergency Personnel (EMTs, firemen) are trained to look for hanging from your refrigerator. Filling out this simple form, attaching it to your refrigerator with the included magnetic holder, and updating it frequently with your current information can save valuable time and perhaps your life.

Fill out the form in pencil, slip it into the provided sleeve, and attach it to the refrigerator. The file contains your name, address, doctors, emergency contacts, medical data, pertinent personal data, medical conditions (checklist), allergies (checklist), and your insurance information. Then, update it when you have changes and/or review it each six months for updates. It's a no brainer!

In the event of severe weather problems, power failures, other possible disaster situations, or personal emergencies, the Symphony Village Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteers could be your first responders prior to the arrival of professional emergency response personnel. A group of your Symphony Village neighbors have completed classes and are certified by Queen Anne’s County as members of CERT.

To help us as first responders, we ask that you voluntarily complete this CONFIDENTIAL Emergency Information Form and return it to the SV Management Office. The form is available from the clubhouse, by clicking the picture at the right.

Home fires are preventable! Simple steps that each of us can take to prevent a tragedy are included in the areas of:

• Cooking
• Smoking
• Electrical & Appliance Safety
• Portable Space Heaters
• Gas Fireplaces

• Frayed wires can cause fires. Replace all worn, old or damaged appliance cords immediately and do not run cords under rugs or furniture.
• If an appliance has a three-prong plug, use it only in a three-slot outlet. Never force it to fit into a two-slot outlet or extension cord.
• Immediately shut off, then professionally replace, light switches that are hot to the touch and lights that flicker.

• Keep combustible objects at least three feet away from portable heating devices.
• Buy only heaters evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
• Check to make the portable heater has a thermostat control mechanism, and will switch off automatically if the heater falls over.

Have a professional, like a fireplace retailer, inspect and clean your gas log set once a year. During a routine maintenance inspection, the professional will:

• Clean and adjust the logs and accessories like the glowing “embers” so they look their best.
• Clean the fan and air circulation passages.
• Clean the glass.
• Check the batteries in the carbon monoxide detector.
• Make sure vents are unobstructed.

• Never use stove range or oven to heat your home.
• Keep combustible and flammable liquids away from heat sources.

1. Clean smoke detectors. Remove cover, remove battery, vacuum & clean cover.  Replace cover & test.
2. Clean hot water heater. Drain tank, clean heating elements with vinegar & water solution. Turn power off before cleaning.
3. Have professional lubricate heater blower fan & motor.
4. Inspect & clean outside heat/air unit of all leaves, limbs or other debris.  Clean outdoor dryer vent opening of all debris.
5. Clean gas &/or electric space heaters by a professional or be trained.
6. Clean entire room air conditioning unit inside & outside as needed.
7. Check for erosion in the yard & the driveway or walkways for cracks or needed repairs.
8. Inspect roof, shingles, chimney & flashing around gutters & downspouts, vent stalks & roof edges.
9. Check inside the home at joints on floor or wall for needed repairs such as on ceramic tiles, linoleum, hardwood floor for any replacement or any water damage or cracks.
10. Check for needed insulation in bathrooms on tile & insulation on doors or windows.

• Know the location of home utility shutoffs — electric, propane, and water. Put tags on them for future reference.
• Make copies of your vital records and store them at a significant off-site distance.
• Keep photos and videos of your home and valuables in your safe deposit box.

Click for Home Security Checklist

1. Consider a monitored alarm system with alarm devices on doors, windows or other areas where intruders might try to enter. Set alarms when leaving, at night, & during the day if needed to stay safe.
2. Display alarm signs (even if you don't have an alarm system) that may deter criminals from your home.
3. You may consider video systems around your home & property.
4. Adequate outdoor lighting that uses motion sensors will help deter theft.
5. Be cautious of strangers or unplanned visitors in the area. A badge is not enough to trust a stranger at your door.
6. Lock away all firearms from children & separate ammunition as needed.  Use safety locks for firearms.
7. Use fireproof & waterproof safes to store dangerous items such as firearms & to store important documents & personal items.
8. Use bolt locks on doors & inside keyed locks where there is glass near the locks that could be broken for access to the lock.
9. Use caution if leaving a spare key outside your home.  Store extra keys with family members or trusted neighbors.
10. Do not leave valuables in cars especially if not in the garage. Never leave a garage door opener in a car parked outside the garage.

When seeking the following information online, you can take precautions to protect yourself from fraud: Medical advice

• Be sure to find out who is providing the information, know where you’re going online.
• Many pharmaceutical companies create websites with information to sell products.
• Look for sites ending in .edu (for education) or .gov (for government).

Banking

• Avoid accessing your personal or bank accounts from a public computer or kiosk, such as the public library.
• Don’t reveal personally identifiable information such as your bank account number, social security number or date of birth to unknown sources.
• When paying a bill online or making an online donation, be sure that you type the website URL into your browser instead of clicking on a link or cutting and pasting it from the email.

Shopping

• Make sure the website address starts with “https,” s stands for secure.
• Look for the padlock icon at the bottom of your browser, which indicates that the site uses encryption.
• Type new website URLs directly into the address bar instead of clicking on links or cutting and pasting from the email.