Health and safety

Fire Danger in the Summer

The fire on a porch in Somerville forced ten people to evacuate their home in the early hours of May 25, 2023. It was a few days before Memorial Day. Since summer is here, it is time to remind everyone that June is Porch Fire Safety Month and porch fires ruin houses (and sometimes hurt

By |2023-05-28T10:34:33-04:00May 31st, 2023|Categories: Health and safety|Tags: , , |

Why Asbestos Abatement Matters

Asbestos is a very good fire-stopper. It was used in construction materials for that reason. In the older housing stock common in Eastern Massachusetts, there is frequently asbestos someplace. Over the years, previous homeowners may have already removed it. Your home inspector will look for it before you purchase (if you insist on having that

By |2022-08-29T11:46:22-04:00August 31st, 2022|Categories: Health and safety, Problems and repair|Tags: , , , , |

Indoor Plants That Can Improve Air Quality

As houses become more energy efficient, they circulate less air with the outdoors. We used to call that “leaking air”, as if it were a bad thing. But the downside of energy efficient houses is indoor air pollution.  Can plants help keep your indoor air cleaner? Yes, they can! As allergy season (hopefully) wains and

By |2022-06-07T12:42:22-04:00June 15th, 2022|Categories: Happy Home Ownership, Health and safety|Tags: , , , |

Housing and Disaster Management

Cities and towns depend on FEMA when a disaster strikes. When there are tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires, floods, and other natural disasters, national funds are tapped to help communities. As the number and magnitude of disasters increase, it costs our national treasury. If housing (and other buildings and infrastructure) are built or retrofitted to be safer

By |2021-11-16T10:04:51-05:00November 17th, 2021|Categories: Health and safety|Tags: , , , , |

Fire!

Summertime is when Massachusetts heads outdoors. Sometimes, this leads to tragedy. A fire in Arlington reminded me that smoking on the porch is not a foolproof way to keep your house safe from fire. Smoking can set a house on fire Smoking is a major cause of fire in residences in Massachusetts. It’s not so

By |2021-06-21T14:15:06-04:00June 23rd, 2021|Categories: Happy Home Ownership, Health and safety|Tags: , , , , |

Smoke detectors and their batteries

Clocks change this week. You know, that “spring ahead, fall back” thing. Make this your reminder to check your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors. It could save your life. If the battery has failed on your smoke or CO detector, it will not work if you have a fire or there is CO

Pod people in 2020

Creating a Pod During this pandemic, extended families of blood or affinity are forming. The term “pod” is being used to describe small groups of households who are sharing tasks like shopping and childcare. Modern pods are usually neighbors or parents of school-chums. Being in a pod involves a good deal of trust that the

By |2020-08-07T14:32:08-04:00August 12th, 2020|Categories: Health and safety, Happy Home Ownership|Tags: , , |

Summer clean living ideas

Water Not everyone likes water. However, clear fluids are extra good for you during the summer. Here are some ideas about how to make your water consumption more fun, and healthier. https://www.facebook.com/diplyvideo/videos/1737679586469653/ Summertime recipes The Huffington Post collected some recipes for the summer, including some vegan ones. If you are looking to replace the Covid

By |2020-07-23T06:38:51-04:00July 15th, 2020|Categories: Happy Home Ownership, Health and safety|Tags: , , , , , |

May, The Beginning of Rental Season

From May until September, tenants in the Boston area move around. Some live alone, but many share two, three, and four-bedroom apartments. How are you going to interview new roommates in the age of Covid-19? Know the risks. What increases risk is your cumulative exposure to the virus. The space: High risk environments are those

By |2020-07-23T07:04:47-04:00May 13th, 2020|Categories: Health and safety|Tags: , , , |