Water: The Scariest Sound an Owner Can Hear!
By: Billy Merrifield, Hebel & Hornung
Drip, Drip, Drip. It’s one of the scariest sounds an owner can hear inside a house or Unit. Leaking roofs, overflow appliances, or leaking water pipes. Any of these events can cause catastrophic property damage, and if not resolved quickly and properly then may eventually lead to mold. As we all know, mold can cause a variety of health issues and can be expensive to remediate. Thus, if you hear the scary sounds of water it is important not to ignore it. Instead, of burying your head in the sand, quickly investigate to determine the cause of the noise. The Association’s governing documents should contain maintenance provisions that will likely outline who will be ultimately responsible to make and/or pay for the repairs. So when you hear the scary sound of drip, drip, drip, don’t run from it like you may from a ghost. Instead, properly investigate it and fix it pursuant to the terms of the Association’s governing documents.
Disclaimer: The information provided by this article does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice.
MOLD!!!! Eeeekkk!!!!
By: Jill Robinson, Purofirst Disaster Services
In the dark of night, lurking, growing, and waiting to over run your property like a goblin in the night…
MOLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Eeeekkkkkkk
This is a story of what one small problem and turn into.
At a beautiful assisted living facility a few years ago, a condensation line got kicked off unknowingly. For over a year this line slowly leaked under the floors. This was not a sudden burst of water that would have been easily seen, but a gradually seeping from room to room. When Purofirst got the call to investigate this issue, no one knew just how extensive this issue had become. From a leak in a condensation line to over $400,000 in damages caused by water and mold growth.
After we arrived onsite to inspect, we knew we needed to call in an Environmental Hygienist to test. Not only was this an in issue in the kitchen, but also the foyer, common area, laundry room and one of the resident’s units. Purofirst was able to remediate the extensive mold after the Environmental Hygienist wrote the proper protocol to remove the specific mold present. Strategically, the job was very tricky because of the residents living on property. We were able to section off the affected areas, keeping clean air in the living quarters, as well as a quarantined corridor for the residents to walk through to get to the temporarily kitchen and eating area.
All in all, the project took over 4 month, and hundreds of thousands of dollars in repairs. Although the job was very successful and everyone was happy in the end, checking and maintaining all mechanical items on a property regularly can prevent any of these spooky, scary things from occurring in the first place.
Tips: The best way to prevent any mold growth is to fix any water leaks you may have, and also maintain a controlled environment. If you have a basement, invest in a dehumidifier to properly remove any added moisture from the air.
How to Have a Safe Halloween
Courtesy of Community Associations Institute
Halloween is a kid’s delight. It’s a blast to dress up in costumes, go trick-or-treating, attend parties and, most of all, eat candy.
At the same time, Halloween can be scary for parents. Costumes can be dangerous, too much candy can be sickening and walking around at night can be risky.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offer these tips (in anagram form) [during a typical year; please be sure to follow current COVID-19 safety precautions from the CDC and current rules from your county or community] to make sure your little ghouls and goblins have a safe Halloween:
S – Swords, knives and similar costume accessories should be short, soft and flexible.
A – Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Children should walk in groups or with a trusted adult.
F – Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see trick-or-treaters.
E – Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before they’re eaten.
H – Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help see and help others see you.
A – Always test make-up in a small area first. Remove it when done to avoid skin irritation.
L – Look both ways before crossing the street. Use established crosswalks wherever possible.
L – Lower the risk for serious eye injury by avoiding decorative contact lenses.
O – Only walk on sidewalks or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.
W – Wear well-fitting masks, costumes and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips and falls.
E – Eat only factory-wrapped candy. Avoid eating homemade treats unless you know the cook.
E – Enter homes only if you’re with a trusted adult.
N – Never walk near lit candles or other open flames. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.
If you’re hosting a party or expecting trick-or-treaters:
- Provide healthy treats, such as individual packs of raisins, trail mix or pretzels. Offer fruits, vegetables and cheeses to party guests.
- Use party games and trick-or-treating as an opportunity for kids to get their daily dose of 60 minutes of physical activity.
- Be sure walking areas and stairs are well-lit and free of obstacles that could cause falls.
- Keep candle-lit jack-o-lanterns and other open flames away from doorsteps, walkways, landings and curtains. Place them on sturdy tables, keep them out of reach of pets and small children and never leave them unattended.
- Drive safely and watch out for trick-or-treaters.
Your Community Counts. Your Votes Count.
Courtesy of Community Associations Institute
Let's give community associations more of a voice with legislators by increasing the number of community association residents who vote.
REGISTER TO VOTE. Complete the form below to register to vote. Your registration will be sent to and processed by your state or local election officials. Keep in mind that voter registration deadlines vary from state to state.
WHO ARE THE CANDIDATES? Complete the form below to see your candidates. Then learn more about your candidates and if they support public policy issues that are important to you.
GET OUT THE VOTE. Encourage your friends and neighbors to register to vote and vote for candidates who support policy issues important to you. They can use this URL (www.caionline.org/CAIvotes) or text 'CAIvotes' to '52886' to access all the voter information they need.
GO VOTE. Complete the form below to learn how to request an absentee ballot and find your polling location. Then VOTE!
CLICK HERE TO GO TO CAI's VOTER REGISTRATION PAGE.
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Business Partners Virtual Scavenger Hunt Newsletter
Over the next week, we will be featuring the Business Partners Virtual Scavenger Hunt (in lieu of a traditional trade show). Each day you will receive an e-blast about one or more of our Business Partners. There will be some tips from them, along with a Trivia Question you can answer by reviewing their online presence (web or social media). If you find the correct answer and submit it by the deadline, you will be entered to win a $50 gift card.
CAI National Offers Business Partners Essentials Course
The Business Partner Essentials is an online course designed to help CAI-member product and service providers better understand CAI, community associations and the industry at large. Individuals who pass the course and maintain CAI membership earn the CAI Educated Business Partner member distinction. By taking this course, you will distinguish yourself as an Educated Business Partner and can share your accomplishment with your current and potential clients.
CLICK HERE TO SEE A VIDEO ABOUT THE PROGRAM.
Renewed Members In September
- Jim Bryan, J and J Management Group, Community Association Manager
- Larry Garwood, HOA Volunteer
- Edwin Gibson, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, All Points Community Management
- Jill Gibson, CMCA, All Points Community Management
- Donald Green, Jr., HOA Volunteer
- Clay Morton, Stonecrest Condominium Association, HOA Volunteer
- Judith Sanders, Arbor Creek Condominiums, HOA Volunteer
- Kris Thomas, US Bank, Business Partner
