February 2023

ISSUE 16

Groundhog Day is February 2nd. Fingers crossed for an early Spring.

News Bites

Upcoming Drawings

Know anyone looking to purchase a home? A drawing for homes in Linden has been scheduled for March 2, 2023. The first step is to register for an orientation class. More information can be found HERE.

Spring Clean up

After our successful Spring Clean up last year, we decided to do it again. Look for more details in the March newsletter.

Homeowner Tips

Chalk

Can Do ALL That?

If you only think of chalk when you think of chalkboards, think again. The porous sedimentary rock has some good household uses.

• Rub oily spills on clothing with plain white chalk to pull the oil out. Leave on 10 minutes before washing.
• Draw a thick chalk line where you don't want ants to cross.
• Use chalk in places to prevent musty smells - like under a bathroom sink - or a toolbox to battle rust.
• Rub the head of a screwdriver to help it stay in place.
• Use on keys that get finicky in locks to help pull dirt and moisture out of the lock.

Frig Fun Facts

(say that 3 times fast!)

A refrigerator that is operating properly keeps food fresh longer and prevents odors and bacteria from flourishing. Keep these things in mind.

• The temperature should remain between 30 and 40° F. Freezers should be at 0° F or below.
• Shelves closest to the freezer are coldest.
• Door shelves are the warmest and best for storing stabilized goods like condiments.
• Crisper drawers lock in moisture. Vegetables need more humidity than fruit. Storing them separately at different humidity levels is optimal. Figuring out what is a fruit and what is a vegetable is the real challenge. Read more.

Look Before

You Grind

Sometimes it seems there is more that you should not put in your garbage disposal than you can. Here are some things to avoid and some tips.

• Avoid fatty foods (cooking oils, grease, butter)
• Avoid starchy foods (rice, pasta, beans, oatmeal)
• Avoid fibrous foods (banana peels, potato peels, celery, carrots)
• Avoid hard materials (bones, nuts, fruit pits, seafood shells)
• Avoid coffee grounds and eggshells
• Use plenty of cold water when operating a garbage disposal. 
• Don't turn off the motor or the cold water too soon. 
• Never use drain cleaners or bleach. 
• Don’t attempt to sharpen the blades. 

Know the Dangers of Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that is often referred to as the “silent killer”, because you can’t see it, smell it, or taste it. Unless suspected, CO poisoning can be hard to diagnose because the symptoms are like other illnesses such as the flu. Due to gas burning appliances used for heating and generators, more carbon monoxide poisonings occur during the Fall and Winter than other times of the year.

Poisoning Prevention

• Buy and install carbon monoxide detectors; some models double as smoke detectors
• Ensure you have a carbon monoxide detector on every level of your property and in every room where someone sleeps
• Regularly test your carbon monoxide detectors and replace the batteries and/or detectors
• Have qualified professionals check that your fuel-burning appliances are installed, adjusted, and operating properly
• Never install a furnace where someone sleeps
• Ensure all fuel-burning appliances are provided with a supply of fresh air by making sure they are installed and inspected by a qualified professional
• Provide adequate ventilation in your home when using stoves, fireplaces, or unvented space heaters
• Never use a stove or oven as a source of heat in your home
• Ensure your appliances are installed in accordance with local building codes and manufacturer's instructions and specifications
• Don’t burn charcoal or run a generator indoors or in an enclosed space
• Clean your chimney and check for blockage at least once a year before using your fireplace
• Open the garage door before starting your vehicle

What to Do if You Suspect CO

Leave the area to get to fresh air - call 911

If your carbon monoxide detector alarm sounds and/or you are experiencing symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, leave the area to get to fresh air and immediately call 911.

Always call

If you don’t have a carbon monoxide detector but you have symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, always leave the area to get to fresh air and immediately call 911.

Do not go back in until repairs are made

It is not safe to re-enter the area until emergency responders identify the cause and allow you to go back inside. In some cases, emergency responders will turn off the source of the carbon monoxide, but you will be responsible for repairs of that appliance or issue.

Know the Symptoms

With carbon monoxide poisoning, you may experience flu-like symptoms including headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, irregular breathing or feeling ill. If carbon monoxide is present in your home, you may feel tired at home, but fine when away from home.

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