PROTECTING YOUR HEALTH SWINE FLU Swine flu is a respiratory disease and has some elements of a virus found in pigs. It can be spread through the droplets that come out of your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze. Symptoms are the sudden onset of fever, cough or shortness of breath, headache, sore throat, tiredness, aching muscles, chills, sneezing, runny nose or loss of appetite. Face masks don t protect people from becoming infected. The best way to protect yourself is washing your hands and using and disposing of tissues Be aware of MOLD, which can cause allergic reactions, sneezing and other respiratory conditions. For additional information: (888) 847-4848 or go to www.moldincalifornia.com
EARTHQUAKE PREPARATION Emergency Food Supplies: You should have a minimum of a 3-day supply per person but a supply of at least a week is recommended. Emergency Water Supplies: It is recommended that you have 3-day supply of drinking water per person, you will also need it for sanitation purposes. Pet Survival Kits and Supplies: They will be hungry, thirsty, and potentially in danger just like you. Turn off shut-off gas valves
EXTERNAL CONDITIONS DOORS DOORS No cracks, holes or worn finish is advisable. Doors should maintain intact Proper clearance, do not hit light fixtures, etc. It should open easily, do not stick on frames or floor. Sliding doors should slide easily, rollers not worn, no debris in track. Make sure the weather-stripping is installed. Doorknob should not require a key to unlock from inside, double-keyed bolts are emergency egress safety hazards.
EXTERNAL CONDITIONS WINDOWS 44 Windows sills should be no higher than 44 off the ground in sleeping rooms for safe emergency egress or ladder below window. Building requires the use of specialty glass in overhead windows, glass doors, shower doors and windows within 18 off the floor. There are 3 types of glass: tempered, laminated and wire. Openable windows should open easily, do not stick, not painted shut. Lock from inside. Double-hung windows should stay open, not close by itself. Ropes should be intact, not broken
HOUSE PROTECTION PROTECT YOUR FAMILY FROM FIRE AND CARBON MONOXIDE Master Bedroom Hallway/ Stairway Bedroom Living Room Stairway Kitchen It is advisable to install a smoke alarm on every level of your home and one in every bedroom, a carbon monoxide alarm near sleeping areas and at least 15 ft away from furnace. Keep at least one fire extinguisher on every label of your home. Fire extinguisher Carbon monoxide alarm Smoke alarm ff 06/10/09
HOUSE PROTECTION POTENTIAL SOURCES OF CARBON MONOXIDE ATTACHED GARAGE WATER HEATER BLOCKED CHIMNEY CLOTHES DRYER FURNACE FIREPLACE RANGE HOOD ff 06/10/09
ENERGY CONSERVATION TIPS COOKING Don't open the oven door while food is cooking. You can lose up to 50 degrees in temperature and waste energy. Keep oven and burners clean. A clean oven uses energy more efficiently. Defrost frozen food prior to grilling. Cook several meals at the same time. Source: www.socalgas.com/residential/conservation/index.html
ENERGY CONSERVATION TIPS INTERNAL TEMPERATURE 1 2 3 4 5 Source: www.socalgas.com/residential/conservation/index.html 1 2 Consider installing a programmable thermostat, attic/wall insulation. Open windows for cool air during the evening and early morning. 3 Use a fan instead of your air conditioner to circulate air. 4 5 Don't open the oven door while food is cooking. You can lose up to 50 degrees in temperature and waste energy. Trees, awnings, drapes, shades and sun-control window film will all help to keep temperatures down by keeping the sun out. FF8/7/08
HEATING & DUCTS ENERGY CONSERVATION TIPS Save up to 10 to 20% on heating costs by lowering your furnace thermostat by 3 to 5 degrees (health permitting). Caulk and weather-strip drafty windows and doors and save up to 5% on heating costs. Have your ducts tested for air leakage. Ducts should be repaired with mastic type sealant not duct tape. You could save 5 to 20% of your heating costs. Source: www.socalgas.com/residential/conservation/index.html 8/22/08
TIPS FOR HOMEOWNERS BOB & LEYLA S TIPS FOR HOMEOWNERS ENERGY CONSERVATION TIPS INTERNAL WATER HEATER TEMPERATURE A bath can use up to 2.5 times as much as hot water as a 5 min shower. Install low-flow, water-saving showerheads to cut water use and save 5 to 10% on water heating costs. Save up to 10% of water costs by washing full laundry loads in cold water. ON OFF Fix leaky faucets. One drop of hot water per second can waste 2,500 gallons per year. If you have a gas water heater, turn it to the Pilot setting when you go on vacation. FF8/7/08
PROTECTING YOUR HEALTH CHIMNEY Animal invasion can lead to many problems including fires from nests, carbon monoxide backup from blockage and the potential for disease. Moisture is the major cause of chimney corrosion. Your chimney and the area around it are prime areas for water infiltration. Molds may be a consequence of it. Never use a chimney for any purpose if its safety condition is unknown. Serious fire or carbon monoxide hazards could be present. Chimneys and fireplaces that have not been cleaned or have unseen damage are major sources of carbon monoxide poisoning. For additional information: (888) 847-4848 or go to www.moldincalifornia.com
HEALTH & MOLD HOW DO MOLDS AFFECT PEOPLE? Nasal stuffiness Eye irritation Skin irritation. Mold infections in lungs Source: www.epa.gov/mold For additional information: (888) 847-4848 or go to www.moldincalifornia.com
PREVENT MOLD GROWTH HOW DO MOLDS AFFECT PEOPLE? Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods. Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory conditions. Fix the source of any water problem or leak to prevent mold growth. In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting. Source: www.epa.gov/mold For additional information: (888) 847-4848 or go to www.moldincalifornia.com
HEALTH PROBLEMS CAUSED BY RADON Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, following smoking. Radon is odorless, colorless, and tasteless. It is a naturally occurring radioactive gas resulting from the decay of radium, itself a decay product of uranium. The EPA estimates that as many as six million homes throughout the country have elevated levels of radon. Since 1988, EPA and the Office of the Surgeon General have recommended that homes below the third floor be tested for radon. When radon decay products are inhaled and deposited in the lungs, the alpha emissions penetrate the cells of the epithelium lining the lung. Energy deposited in these cells during irradiation is believed to initiate the process of carcinogenesis. Scientists estimate that the increased risk of lung cancer to smokers from radon exposure is ten to twenty times higher than to people who have never smoked. Source: www.epa.gov FF 8/27/08 For additional information: (888) 847-4848 or go to www.moldincalifornia.com