Pacific Grove Sewer Inspection Required
The City of Pacific Grove requires that all properties that change ownership will require a sewer lateral inspection. This applies to ALL properties that have sewer laterals leading to the city’s main sewer lines when escrows were opened on or after January 15, 2005. For more info contact the  City of Pacific Grove Community Development Department
(300 Forest Ave., P.G., Ph. 648-3190), or visit City’s website.

Energy Conservation Works
With more Californians supporting energy conservation initiatives, the State has reported that we have conserved significant amounts of electricity.  You should continue to do your part in helping California during the ongoing energy crisis - at work and at home. By practicing good conservation habits and by cutting back unnecessary energy use, you can save money.

For more information about how you can save money and use less energy, visit www.flexyourpower.ca.gov

Thanks for making 
energy conservation work!
 

We all want to be ready when an emergency arises to protect our families and ourselves. The key to success in this area is planning ahead. Here are some recommendations that will help you be prepared for a fire emergency: 
FIRST: Be sure that you have smoke detectors in each bedroom and a smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector in the hallway. Test them once a month to be sure that they are working properly.
SECOND: Have an escape plan that is posted in a highly visible area, to be viewed by all on a regular basis. The escape plan should include a diagram of your home indicating appropriate exits (all doors and windows) and also display a Central Meeting Point after exiting. 
THIRD: Meet as a family or group on a regular basis to discuss what will happen if an actual emergency arises. Each person should have a responsibility; know the escape plan and where to meet; and mentally prepare each person for any situation.

1. Install smoke detector at least 12 inches away from corners and on surfaces that have a fairly stable temperature. 
2. Install alarms in each bedroom, as well as hallways and at the bottom and top of stairways. 
3. Test your smoke alarms monthly and at a minimum, once a year. Use smoke test by blowing out a match and letting the smoke roll over the alarm.

1. Do not place smoke alarms in kitchen, bathroom, furnace rooms, laundry rooms and workshops. These areas are subject to fumes, steam, dust and smoke which can generate a false alarm. 
2. Do not install alarms where air movement can delay the alarms. Keep alarms away from windows and at least three feet from warm or cold air ducts or return ducts. Don't install them between an air return for your HVAC system and a bedroom door. 
3. Do not place alarms where it is inconvenient or unsafe to test them.

Should I be concerned about mold in my home? (source: C.A.R.)

Yes, if indoor mold contamination is extensive, it can cause very high and persistent airborne spore exposures.  Persons exposed to high spore levels can become  sensitized and develop allergies to the mold or other health problems.  Mold growth can damage your furnishings, such as carpets, sofas and cabinets.  Clothes and shoes in damp closets can become soiled.  In time, unchecked mold growth can cause serious damage to the structural elements in your home.

You may suspect that you have mold if you see discolored patches or cottony or speckled growth on walls or furniture or if you smell an earthly or musty odor.  You also may suspect mold contamination if mold-allergic individuals experience some of the symptoms when in the house.  Evidence of past or ongoing water damage should also trigger more thorough inspection.  You may find mold growth underneath water-damaged surfaces or behind walls, floors or ceilings.

Typical symptoms that mold-exposed persons report include:

• Respiratory problems, such as wheezing, difficulty breathing and shortness of breath.
• Nasal and sinus congestion
• Eye irritation (burning, watery, or reddened eyes)
• Dry, hacking cough
• Nose or throat irritation
• Skin rashes or irritation

You can go to the 
following web sites 
for more information:
    www.dhs-iaq.ca.gov 
    www.dhs.ca.gov/ehib/ 
    www.cal-iaq.org/MOLD 

Contact Smith Realty Today!