Heating System .....

1. Lets start with the basics of making sure you have heat when you need it. The time to check that is in the Fall, no later than the end of October. Give your system a test run through and make sure all systems are " GO ".

Things to do ................

Test Run: Turn the thermostat to heat mode and set it to 80 degrees just for testing. You should hear the furnace turn on and warm air should blow within a few minutes. If it's running OK, turn the thermostat back to its normal setting. If it's not running properly, you can try to diagnose it as outlined in Troubleshooting a Gas Furnace. Depending on what's wrong, you can fix it yourself or you may need a qualified service technician.

Seasonal Maintenance: Either have the furnace checked by a service technician or do it yourself.

Replace the Air Filter: Put in a new clean air filter.

Fuel: If you have a propane or oil furnace, make sure to have your fuel storage tank topped off and ready to go.

Heating Vents: Clear obstacles to heating vents so air can freely flow.

Check for Carbon Monoxide Leaks: This silent killer can easily be detected with either an inexpensive test badge or battery operated alarm. Whichever way you decide, just please decide to protect your family with one of these units.

Sunday ... Set your clock back .....

Winters is on its way.............

In the fall is when you want to get ready for the winter cold. The worst thing in the world is trying to put your storm windows in when its 20 degrees outside. Or worse, not having your sprinkler system purged before the freezing weather comes.

This is a fairly easy checklist of things to do for the various systems of your home. From plumbing to roof. Let's walk through each system and hit the major things to make sure you do before winter so you can enjoy the snow and not worry about your home.

Some Summer tips

Reduce Risks from High Winds

Summer storms can bring damaging winds. To protect yourself and your property some recommend permanent storm shutters made of aluminum or steel that can be easily closed when a storm approaches.
Attached structures can be particularly vulnerable to high winds.

Taping Windows Won't Protect Against Storm Damage

Many people believe the myth that duct tape or window film can protect windows during storms. They don’t. Instead, protect windows with shutters, wood or another solid material.

Monthly Reminder

• Check the outside of your home for maintenance needs.
• Does it need a new coat of paint?
• Does the brick or stucco have cracks that should be repaired?
• Is the material chipping or crumbling?
• Are areas around windows and doors in need of caulking?

Regular maintenance can prevent water damage, rot and mold, and prevent the need for costly repairs in the future.

It can happen .............

Whether your house flooded, sustained wind damage or was struck by lightning, the aftermath of a storm can pose serious dangers. 

Live power lines, mold and open areas of your house can all put you at risk. It's wise to leave your house until you're able to evaluate the damage. 

Consider going to an emergency shelter, staying with friends and family or staying at a hotel until you're able to get an inspector to your home. 

Take a few day's worth of clothing and supplies if possible, but prioritize safety above collecting your possessions. Your insurance company might provide someone to inspect your home for safety hazards, or you may need to hire someone, but in either case, you should have your home checked for hazards before you return.

If your property is a victim of storm damage call the experts at 1st Response. You will Always talk with a live person and we will handle your repairs from start to finish. (740) 345-4911 or visit our website at

www.ohio1st-response.com.

After the fire ..............

When the firefighters leave, it may seem like the danger has passed and the home is safe from further destruction, but without professionals to help clean the smoke damage, the building will never return to normal. While the principles behind fire restoration are fairly simple, it requires a lot of experience and manpower to perform adequately, and this means that it shouldn’t be attempted by a homeowner on his or her own.

While fire is always the immediate danger, once it is gone, what it leaves behind will continue to affect the house. Ash and smoke, if left unhindered, will cause extensive corrosion, etching and discoloration, not to mention lingering powerful odors. Professionals that clean fire and smoke damage can stop this before it becomes a major problem, assuming they are contacted soon enough. There are many companies out there that advertise their ability to restore areas affected by fire, but only those with proper training and certification should be considered. The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is the main oversight agency in this industry. The IICRC requires its registrants to take extensive coursework before earning their certification. This is a symbol of excellence, and those that uphold the standards that have been set can be contacted through the IICRC.

These professionals can clean smoke damage and restore items affected by a fire, but they must be brought to the site as soon as possible to halt the ongoing issues that ash residue can cause. The first thing that ash does to the home is discolor most surfaces. Anything that is made of plastic or was close to the fire will start discoloring within minutes, and within several hours, fiberglass and finishes on appliances will begin to yellow. Metals may also tarnish. After a few days pass, the ash will cause walls to discolor permanently, along with clothing and upholstery. Wood and vinyl will need to be refinished or replaced, and metal will start corroding.

When it happens

"When your home or business suffers damage from FIRE, SMOKE, WATER, STORM DAMAGE and MOLD, it's important for you to know it can be restored or reconstructed.

From clean-up to finished construction, we handle it all. Our goal is 100% complete satisfaction for every client no matter the damage - no matter the size of the loss. We diligently strive to maintain our reputation as the leading damage repair specialist in Central Ohio."

Craig Young
President, 1st Response