The hot season arrives on Thursday, June 20, 2024, a time to celebrate the sun’s gifts. However, the switch to summer also calls for some seasonal upkeep on your home. On behalf of the members of the nonprofit Emergency Preparedness in Calabasas, a Fire Safe Council (EPIC-FSC), here are 5 ways to get your house ready for summer – inside and out.
1. Check the HVAC system
Summer weather in Calabasas can be intense, often extending well into the fall with warm temperatures lingering until October in some years. This means your HVAC system is crucial for maintaining a comfortable indoor environment. Ensure your home stays cool by checking your HVAC system. Confirm that cold air is ready to flow, replace the system’s filter, and clean vents to ensure optimal performance.
2. Conduct an energy audit
Heating and cooling systems are notorious for spiking electricity bills. According to the U.S. Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, 10-20% of what the average American spends on energy could be wasted due to drafts or air leaks. To remedy this, inspect windows, doors, fireplaces, and the edge of floors (especially in older homes) and seal any leaks with weather stripping or caulk.
Plus, did you realize the direction your ceiling fan spins can dictate the room’s temperature? For the summer, the fan should spin counterclockwise to create a downdraft for a cool breeze in the room.
3. Check outside water lines and sprinklers for leaks and damage
During the hot weather months, examine your outdoor water system and inspect sprinkler heads for any damage. Test out sprinklers and nozzles for optimal pressure and to catch any leaks for above-ground watering systems. You can visit the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District website for information on how to check for leaks.
4. Spruce up your yard
Attend to the details of your yard, like edging walkways, weeding, cleaning off patio furniture, scrubbing the grill, and sweeping the surrounding area. Most importantly, create the recommended 30 feet of defensible space, which is crucial for your home’s wildfire safety. This buffer zone between your property and the surrounding wildland area is essential for slowing or stopping the spread of wildfires and protecting your home from embers, flames, or heat. It also provides firefighters with a safer area to defend your property.
5. It’s crucial to ensure your home is prepared for disasters
If you haven’t already done so, I encourage you to reach out to schedule a Free Home Hardening Assessment and learn how you can better prepare for emergencies, including wildfires and earthquakes.
In addition to arranging a home hardening evaluation, take a few minutes to download the EPIC emergency app. It is free and designed to help residents of Calabasas in the event of a natural disaster. It is available on Apple or Google Play at EPIC Calabasas.
The app covers everything you need to know. “How-to” open a garage door during a power outage and “how-to” shut off natural gas if there’s a leak in or around your home. After an earthquake, when is it advisable to turn off water? Can I drink pool water? Are there any dangers after a wildfire? What is the most common injury following an earthquake and is there a way to protect my family? What if toilets and sewers are not working? It couldn’t be easier to get prepared.
All the information on the EPIC app is permanently stored on your phone, ensuring it’s available even if you lose power or Internet connectivity. This reliability is crucial in times of emergencies, giving you the peace of mind that you’re always prepared.
Your safety matters—let’s stay prepared together!