Keeping Drainage Channels Free of Debris Prevents Flooding, Damage
When it rains, mossy water often pours over sidewalks and down gutters. Add this to the steep hills found in many of our neighborhoods and you have dangerous sidewalk conditions – slippery when wet.
Under City Code, property owners are responsible for maintaining the area in front of their property and keeping it free of safety hazards. It’s time once again to check your sidewalks and clean them if necessary.
A stiff bristle broom usually will wisk the moss and foreign materials away. If that doesn’t do it, some biodegradable soap may be needed. Do not use bleach or other cleaners since runoff ends up in Monterey Bay.
For more information, call our Construction Management Division at 646.3997.

The winter storms of 1998 illustrated the importance of reporting small drainage problems before they become large ones, as well as working together as a community to perform preventive maintenance on private property.
During the heavy rains and flooding, City crews identified many clogged drainage channels – some of which caused general flooding and erosion. In past years, maintenance crews have found logs, branches, old tires, lawn chairs and even washing machines plugging our creeks and culverts.
You can help prevent flooding and winter problems by making sure all leaves and branches are disposed of properly – not in a culvert, creek or storm drain. By working together as a community we can help prevent flooding problems.
Be a good neighbor and take care of your drainage channel or creek. Remember, it is the property owner’s responsibility to maintain drainage channels on private property.

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Safety Tips
Help Prevent Home Fires
Most fatal fires start in the home; however, you can help protect your family and home by taking a few simple steps. Walk through your home with “fire-safe eyes” using this checklist

• In case of fire, get out and stay out! Call 911 from a neighbor’s house.
• Have smoke detectors in every bedroom and in the hallway areas outside each bedroom.
• Check smoke detectors monthly by pushing the test button.
• Replace smoke detector batteries if you haven’t done so in the past year.
• Develop and practice a home fire escape plan.
• Maintain a minimum 3-foot clearance around heat producing appliances or anything with a pilot light, such as water heaters and furnaces.
• Have a minimum 5-lb. dry-chemical fire extinguisher with a rating of at least 2A-40BC.
• Store flammable liquids such as gasoline, paint thinner, paints and propane tanks outside your home in a shed or detached garage. Never store flammable liquids or propane containers next to a furnace or water heater.
• Check all plugs and electrical cords to lamps, appliances and computers and make sure they are not worn or damaged. If cords are even slightly damaged, have a qualified repairperson replace the cord or plug.
• Never run cords beneath carpets or pads.
• Carefully check electric blankets for wear and replace them every 5 years.
• Keep all cooking appliances such as stoves, ovens and microwaves free of grease accumulations.
• If you ever use your fireplace, have it professionally checked and cleaned annually.
• Keep a screen or spark-arresting device on your chimney.
• Keep your roof clear of any accumulations of leaves or pine needles. Keep a 30-foot area around your home free of dry, flammable vegetation.
• Use outdoor cooking grills with caution. Never use gasoline to start the fire and don’t add charcoal lighter once the fire has started.

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Know What to Look for When Hiring a Contractor
Are you considering remodeling or adding onto your home? Hiring a reputable contractor is one of the most important decisions you can make.
Here are a few tips for making sure your contractor measures up:

• Hire only licensed contractors
• Get three references and review past work done by the contractor
• Get at least three bids
• Get a written contract and don’t sign anything until you completely understand all the terms of the agreement.
• Pay only 10% down or $1,000, whichever is less
• Don’t make final payment until you’re satisfied with the job and the building permit has been finaled.
• Do not pay cash

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Rev 02/19/08 L. Huelga http://www.monterey.org/focus/winter98/comunitytips.html