David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com We all want our homes to be as healthy a living environment as possible, and for today’s luxury homeowners, wellness features continue to be among the most sought-after. Home gyms and amenities that rival a 5-star spa are certainly on the rise in an effort to promote physical and mental wellbeing, but one characteristic that can’t be overlooked is indoor air quality, especially for urban dwellers. These days, you can purchase freestanding air purifiers that come in sleek designs or integrate a whole-house purifier into your HVAC system. If you don’t currently have one in your home, here are four reasons you may want to consider adding an air purifier. Air Pollution Air purifiers can significantly reduce airborne pollutants that find their way into your living space and are unsafe to breathe in. Whether you have a new carpet that may be emitting toxic chemicals, or you live in a city and are worried about harmful emissions affecting your indoor ...

  David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com Every year, hundreds of people are killed and thousands of others become ill due to carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide detectors can save lives, but many people don’t have them in their homes. What Makes Carbon Monoxide Dangerous? Carbon monoxide keeps the blood from carrying enough oxygen to vital organs. A person who has been exposed to carbon monoxide may initially experience flu-like symptoms, such as headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, weakness and fatigue. Higher levels of carbon monoxide can cause a person to become disoriented or lose consciousness. Even a small amount of carbon monoxide is dangerous. Where Does Carbon Monoxide Come from? Carbon monoxide is produced when carbon-based fuels, such as wood, coal, gasoline, oil, propane and natural gas, are burned. It isn’t dangerous in a well-ventilated area, but the gas can cause problems in a confined space. Carbon Monoxide Detectors Can Save Lives A carbon monoxide dete...

David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com You likely already know that home maintenance tasks are a vital aspect to keep your home at its best, but some home maintenance goes far beyond simply protecting your largest investment. Fire safety maintenance ensures your safety and the safety of the ones you love. Don’t get caught in a dangerous situation that could have been prevented with a few crucial, but easily accomplished, fire-safety tasks for your home. Check Your Smoke Detectors This task is a no-brainer. We all hear numerous reminders to check your smoke detectors monthly. Unfortunately, such an easy and infrequent task is often pushed to the wayside in many households. Don’t set yourself up for an unsafe situation—set a recurring reminder to check your detectors to ensure your household’s safety. Don’t forget, depending on your model, you may have to change your batteries yearly and replace your smoke alarm entirely every ten years. Replace Your Fire Extinguishers Having a fire e...

David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com Homeowners flush a lot of things down their toilets without considering the potential plumbing issues it may cause. If they’re lucky, they’ll only have to use a plunger to tackle a minor clog. But if a major issue arises, they may need to call a plumber and pay for costly repairs. Whether your home has a septic tank or sewage line, there are certain items you should never flush. To prevent unnecessary clogs and damage to your home’s plumbing, take some advice from the pros. Harts Services, a Tacoma, Wash.-based plumbing company, shares its list of the top items that shouldn’t go down your toilet: Dental Floss.  Not only is floss non-biodegradable, but it can also tangle up with other debris and turn small clogs into big ones. If flushed into a septic tank, floss can wind itself around a motor and cause it to burn out. Paper Towels.  It may seem okay to flush paper towels because they look a lot like toilet paper, but flushed paper towe...

David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com Buying and moving into a new home is exciting, but it also requires a lot of attention to detail, from closing the deal to figuring out the logistics of getting all your belongings from point A to point B. Amid all the excitement, planning and unpacking, many new homeowners overlook one essential factor: the security of their new house. If you’re moving, consider these six tips from the home security experts at ADT to help keep your family and your property safe and secure: Change the Locks.  You never know who lived in your property before you moved in. Do yourself a favor and change the locks regardless of the situation. Transfer or Invest in a Security System.  There’s no better way to ensure your home is secure 24/7 than installing a home security system. Burglar-proof your house by adding video surveillance and motion sensors for complete security. If there’s already a security system in the house, have it properly looked over and...

David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com You've likely heard of carbon monoxide (CO) and that it's dangerous, but what is it—and how can you protect yourself and your family from it at home? CO is a colorless, odorless gas produced when carbon-based fuels, such as propane, natural gas and wood, are burned. The gas can become extremely hazardous when it builds up indoors and someone breathes it in. The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, fatigue, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, trouble breathing, and confusion. However, severe CO poisoning can make you fall unconscious and even lead to death, which is why the mostly undetectable gas is often referred to as an "invisible killer." If you use fuel-burning appliances improperly or have faulty equipment, your home might be at risk. To help prevent CO poisoning, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) offers the following tips: Install a CO alarm in the hallway near every separate sleeping area of ...

David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com Most homeowners are bound to use a portable ladder at some point, whether it be for cleaning out the gutters, painting, inspecting the roof or hanging festive holiday decorations. When up on that ladder, though, it’s important to stay safe and avoid falls. Every year, thousands of people across the country are treated in emergency rooms for ladder-related injuries. Although you might think you already know how to use a ladder safely, a little refresher couldn’t hurt. Check out these 10 tips to help prevent an accident from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: 1. Use a ladder that's the proper length for the job. It should extend a minimum of 3 feet over the roofline or working surface. Never stand on the top three rungs of a straight, single or extension ladder. 2. Make sure the ladder can support both your weight and the materials you're putting on it by checking the ladder’s maximum load rating. Allow only one person on the la...

David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com Spending more time at home these days? You’re in good company! Use this extended time on the homefront to conduct a safety check to make sure your dwelling has all the right precautions in place. Include the following six tasks: 1. Test carbon monoxide and smoke detectors.   This is the simplest, yet perhaps most important, safety check you can do. Just press down on the test button until the alarm sounds. If it doesn’t, then you need to replace the batteries. Remember, you should have a smoke detector in every room and a carbon monoxide detector on each floor of the house. 2. Outfit your kitchen for safety.  A few simple steps in the kitchen can make a big difference when it comes to avoiding an emergency. Remove any flammable items, like pot holders and dish towels, from the vicinity of the stovetop. When you’re cooking, keep a pot lid at the ready to snuff out any fires that may flare up. In addition, make a nominal investment in a ...

David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com By Anita Ginsburg During any season when you need to use your furnace, the last thing you want is to have it malfunction. The thing is, even if you schedule regular maintenance and keep your unit clean, there are still some issues that can go from bad to worse quickly. Here are four common furnace issues that are more dangerous than you may think: Dirty Air Filters Although quite common, and easy enough to swap out, dirty air filters can do a lot of damage. Over time, your furnace will have to work harder and cycle more often. In addition to higher utility bills, this can lead to other parts in the furnace breaking down more quickly than they otherwise would. Clogged air filters can also make you sick. Over the course of several months, trapped dirt and debris from the filter can contaminate indoor air, dramatically reducing its quality. It's not uncommon for people to develop respiratory issues, sometimes severe ones. Always kee...

David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com You may think you have all the bases covered when it comes to fire safety at home, but have you considered your clothes dryer? Clothes dryers are responsible for nearly 15,000 house fires each year, and according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the leading cause of dryer fires is a build-up of lint in the system. While you may be vigilant about cleaning your dryer’s lint trap, it’s also critical to take care of your dryer’s vent system as well. Here’s how to do it in 10 steps, courtesy of Erie Insurance: 1. Buy a dryer cleaning kit.  You can typically purchase a dryer cleaning kit from a home improvement store for under $50. The price will go up depending on the quality of the kit's materials and the length of the cleaning rods. If you have the proper attachments, a household vacuum may work, too. 2. Unplug the dryer.  When working on any appliance, be sure to unplug it first for maximum safety. Either u...

David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com Babyproofing your home is an essential step to keeping your child safe. All over the house, spanning from the bathroom to the fireplace, their nursery to your kitchen, there are potential threats and risks that can cause serious harm. First things first, you’ll want to take a good look at common factors throughout your home, such as electrical outlets, smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors and doorways. Each of these commonalities can create a potentially dangerous situation that can be easily avoided. Outlets, for example, are generally low to the ground and accessible for walkers and crawlers. Cover each open outlet with a plastic cap, and for those where items are plugged in, you can either move a large piece of furniture in front to block the cord or purchase plastic cord covers. Be sure to check all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. If batteries are low or have never been changed, change them! You can also consider upgr...

David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com Whether you have moved into a brand-new house or to one that previously belonged to another family, you need to put some precautions in place. Here are several items that need your attention to keep you and your family safe. Change the locks The previous owners may have passed on spare keys to their neighbors, relatives or close friends. Even if it’s a brand-new house, the builder may have handed a key to a handyman or worker during the construction stage. To be safe, get all the locks changed and distribute spares only to those you trust. Install a security system Even in safe neighborhoods, a security system is a good precaution to take. You can decide whether you want a high-tech one with all the bells and whistles, or if you’re happy with a few cameras and security lights. Get to know your neighbors Neighbors are invaluable allies. Stop by for a chat and get to know them. They can easily keep an eye on your place but if...

David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com Leaving home for the holidays can be the highlight of the year, whether you're off to grandmother's house with the family, or headed to that annual tropical getaway. However, homes left vacant during the holidays can be a prime target for theft, or vulnerable to severe weather damage. To help, Erie insurance offers the following top-of-mind tips before you pack your bags and hit the road or runway.  Share your itinerary . Let a few trusted people know where you are going and when. They will more than likely text you if they need to reach you, but you should still share the rundown of your travel plans, including departure and arrival dates, flight numbers and times, and a contact number where you'll be staying. After all, a backup is always good in case something happens to your phone (or your ability to charge it). Take care of deliveries . Don't forget to have something done about your mail. If a neighbor can c...

David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com Most parents of young children have done their due diligence child-proofing the home. However, it's sometimes tough to spot certain safety situations in advance. "As a busy, working parent, I know first-hand how difficult it can be to find the time to tackle any home project," says Safe Kids president Torine Creppy. "But safety starts at home, and if parents can combine child-proofing with holiday planning, they'll create a home that's festive, and, more importantly, one that's safe for kids."    Here are six spots you may have missed when child-proofing your home: Burns and Scalds . Each day, nearly 300 children ages 0 - 19 are seen in emergency rooms from burn or scald injuries, many of which come from the kitchen. Keep hot foods and liquids away from the edges of tables and counters. Button Batteries . Each year, more than 3,300 button battery swallowing cases are reported to U.S. poison...

David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com A neighborhood’s safety—or lack thereof—isn’t simply a matter of statistics. There are steps you and your neighbors can take to create a safer environment and discourage crime in your surrounding streets. So get proactive and start adopting some of the following habits: Get to know your neighbors . In today’s society, unfortunately, we tend to keep to ourselves more and more. But keeping the communication flowing between you and your neighbors is an important step toward a safer community. Spend more time outside. Would-be criminals are deterred by a highly active neighborhood. So spend time gardening and hanging out in your yard, walking the dog, taking bike rides and encouraging the kids to play together outside. Be discreet at night . Draw the curtains and blinds at night, and dim the lights so that the contents of your home aren’t on full display for potential criminals. Maintain your yard. A well-kept yard and manicured ...

David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com The warm summer months can bring external risks to your property, from swells in heat to high wind and rain from hurricane season. It's best to be prepared and avoid any midsummer headaches. "A home is like a vehicle in the respect that it needs a tune up to handle the change in seasons," says Mercury Insurance Vice President of Property Claims Christopher O'Rourke. "Now is the time to prepare property for the intense summer heat, and one important step is to contact an insurance agent to assess coverage before you suffer a loss." O'Rourke advises property owners to prepare for the following scenarios. Tree branch drops. Parking a vehicle under a tree for its shade might seem like a good idea during the summer; however, the phenomenon called "tree branch drops" caused by extreme heat can cost you money. If a tree on your property extends over parked cars, you're responsible for any d...

David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com Spring is the season when most of us emerge from our homes to tackle yard and maintenance projects we let sit all winter. But as you move around, keep safety top of mind to avoid a pre-summer injury. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) offers the following insights: If you are cleaning . Keep household cleaners, laundry packets and medicines out of sight and out of reach of little ones in your home. Ingesting these can lead to unintentional poisoning and can have tragic results. If doing yard work. Keep children away while you are mowing the lawn to keep them safe. Make sure your lawn mower and yard tools are in good condition and ready for spring yard work. Damaged tools can become a shock or fire hazard when wiring, motors, or other electrical parts begin to wear. Getting up on a ladder to clean gutters, paint or to do repairs. Before you climb, place the ladder's feet on solid level ground to avoid falls a...

David Deem 714-997-3486 For many people, inclement weather can be frightening. When the wind is blowing, the rain is pouring and the trees are rustling, it can be hard to remain calm. However, it's important to remember certain safety tips and how to use tools properly in case of emergency. Having a plan in place before a storm, hurricane or tornado hits can help make sure everyone is on the same page and ensure safety in the event of a sudden power outage. Portable generators can serve many purposes after severe weather strikes, including providing power needed for safe food storage, hot water, lights, radios and televisions. However, portable generators emit potentially deadly carbon monoxide - which is a tasteless, colorless, odorless gas - making it vital to keep safety in mind when using one as a backup power source around your house or near family members. The Portable Generator Manufacturers' Association recommends these tips for being informed of potential ha...

David Deem 714-997-3486 California law requires that the smoke alarms be placed in each bedroom in addition to placing them outside each sleeping area. Presently the California State Building Code requires that smoke alarms be located in: The hallway outside the bedrooms  In each bedroom and On every floor regardless of whether there is a bedroom on that floor. Also, commencing July 1st, 2014, the State Fire Marshal will require battery operated smoke alarms to contain a non-replaceable, non-removable battery capable of powering the smoke alarm for at least 10 years Cal. Health & Safety Code sections 13113.7 and13113. www.DeemTeam.com DRE#01266522

714-997-3486 While you may have taken all the steps necessary to choose the perfect home, unfortunately, you can’t choose who lives next door. Whether they’re too loud, too messy or too nosy, there are tactful ways to handle less-than-ideal neighbors. Try the suggestions for coexisting peacefully and enjoying your new home: Start with courtesy. Be sure to start out on the right foot by being courteous and kind. Even if the neighbors don’t seem to be “your cup of tea,” do your best to get to know them and open up lines of communication. Doing so will allow you to be candid about serious matters if and when the need arises. If you haven’t established a friendly relationship from the outset, if a problem arises, things could get contentious fast. Politely establish ground rules . If your neighbors are the type who like to pop in unexpectedly--and often--don’t be shy about politely setting some ground rules...and explain why. Let them know you need downtime after work to catch up...