August 2022

ISSUE 10

News Bites

Upcoming Drawings Coming Soon

We anticipate having COCLT Homebuyer Selection Drawings scheduled in September. You can let anyone interested in purchasing a home know the first step of the process is to attend the orientation class. Registration info can be found HERE.

50th Home Celebration Video

Whether you were our 1st homeowner or our 50th or somewhere in between or beyond, you are a part of our story and celebration. Watch our milestone video HERE.

Welcome Home

Please join COCLT in welcoming homeowners who recently closed on their new home.

Get the Most Out of Your Home's Insurance Policy

All things insurance generally start with a disclaimer. This is no exception. Insurance policies vary and should be read carefully or discussed with an insurance agent.

The repair or replacement of your home and/or its contents are usually covered under a standard homeowners insurance policy for damage resulting from fire, smoke, theft, vandalism, or a weather event such as lightning, wind, or hail. However, damage that is caused by neglect/lack of maintenance, faulty construction, wear and tear, age, or misuse/abuse is generally not covered.

Coverage can be included for heating and cooling systems, along with kitchen appliances, furniture, clothing, and other possessions. Outbuildings on the property, such as a garage or shed, along with outdoor grills, swing sets, or fences, should also be included. Water damage related to a burst pipe or failed washing machine hose may be covered.

When in doubt, contact your insurance company. Keep in mind that your insurance deductible might be more than the repair/replacement costs, and insurance companies can raise premiums after a claim is filed. But it is worth a call to find out your options.

Mark Your Calendar

Ohio Sales Tax Holiday

Starting at 12:00 a.m. on Friday, August 5th and ending at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, August 7th, Ohio will be suspending sales tax on qualifying purchases such as clothing, school supplies, and diapers. Find more information and the list of eligible items HERE . And yes, ear muffs are on that list!

Homeowner Tips

Have a Basement ?

Check the Sump Pump

When it Rains...and Even When it Doesn't

When the rain is coming down outside, you want to make sure your basement is staying dry. This is when the sump pump becomes one of the most important appliances in your home.

Sump pumps sit below the water line in a pit under a home. As the water level increases, the sump pump automatically turns on and pumps the water away from the foundation keeping the basement dry.

The average lifespan of a sump pump is three to seven years. Below are a few things you can do on a dry day to help keep your sump pump working for years to come.

Test that the float switch is working. VIEW VIDEO HERE
Ensure the pump is plugged in and the circuit has not been tripped.
During dry periods, pour some water into the pit occasionally to run a full cycle.

Be Safe ~ Buy Real

You may have noticed a small UL marked on labels for electrical products, devices, and appliances. The UL stands for Underwriters Laboratories, a non-profit agency that has been conducting product safety testing and certification since 1906.

Underwriters Laboratories conducts an annual World Anti-Counterfeiting Campaign to raise public awareness and educate buyers about the health and safety risks associated with counterfeit products. They hope to put a spotlight on the ugly truth that much of the revenue from the sales of counterfeit products goes to support criminal activity such as child labor, human trafficking and terrorism.

Counterfeit items that could affect you range anywhere from batteries and phone chargers to medicines and cosmetics.

You can learn more HERE and download the Campaign Toolkit HERE.

The Right Plunger for the Job

Common Sink/Cup Plunger

This plunger only works properly on flat surfaces. It should lay flat over the drain to create the vacuum needed to unclog the drain. Use this plunger for bathroom sinks, kitchen sinks, tubs, or anything with a flat surface.

Toilet/Flange Plunger

This plunger is flexible enough to fit in most drains. It provides the needed suction over the curve of a toilet drain. Use this plunger for toilets and kitchen sinks. To avoid cross contamination, do not use the same plunger for a toilet and sink.

Accordion Plunger

This plunger is made of hard plastic. While it produces a lot of force, the hard plastic makes it difficult to create a vacuum seal over the drain. And the plastic could scratch the toilet surface. Use this plunger only for toilets.

Community Resource Highlight

The Franklin County Office on Aging provides centralized access to diverse programs and individualized services for older adults, dependent adults, and their families so they can preserve their independence. Programs include Senior Options, Adult Protective Services, Caregiver Support, Kinship Support, and Minor Home Repair.

The "one-stop shopping" point for information and access to senior services begins with a single call to (614) 525-6200 to link older adults and their families with a caring professional trained to help solve senior problems. The Senior Citizen Information Handbook can be downloaded HERE.

The Senior Options program services include home-delivered meals, homemaker services, personal care, respite care, adult day care, emergency response systems, and minor home repair. Free home-delivered meals have been extended to Franklin County residents aged 60 or above with no income verification required until September 30, 2022.

Cool Off with Homemade Fruit Popsicles

There are lots of upsides to making your own fruit popsicles, including controlling the flavors and the freshness of the ingredients. They are easier to make than you might think. Check out the recipe HERE and get started. The possibilities are endless!