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Safety in a townhouse community is everyone’s responsibility.

 

Please see the legal requirements in Montgomery County, MD, the guidance offered by government Agencies

and advice from the Management Company below.

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Smoke Alarms

Montgomery County, MD has implemented new regulations regarding acceptable types of smoke detectors. The recommendations include replacing smoke detectors after they have been in service for 10 years. After that, they are not considered reliable. Please keep your smoke alarm system in good working order and the equipment up-to-date. See important information in the links below.​

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Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Installing and maintaining carbon monoxide alarms in your home provides protection against the accumulation of this colorless, odorless and potentially deadly gas. Natural gas appliances including gas cooktops, gas stoves, gas fireplaces, and gas furnaces are potent sources of carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide alarms provide a warning if levels are elevated and save lives. See important information in the links below.​

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Dryer and Dryer Vent Ducts – Fire Prevention

Dryer exhaust vents collect lint over time. This can block airflow, increase drying time and overheating units. House fires can and do result. Maintenance is important and should be done on a regular basis. See important information in the links below.​

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​​Exterior Hose Faucets – Winter Freeze Warning

There are shut-off valves for the exterior hose bibs in each unit’s ground level HVAC room. There are two of these valves in the garage HVAC rooms of interior units and in the bottom level HVAC room of end units. The valves are controlled by levers, typically covered in a bright-colored plastic.

  • Failure to shut off and drain these water lines before cold weather arrives can result in significant water damage from frost ruptured pipes particularly when the pipes are in the walls, for example in the garage.

  • In the fall, shut off each valve by turning the lever to the horizontal position. Drain the pipes by opening the exterior tap and then taking off the metal cap on the side of the valve body and catching the water in a container. When the water flow stops, replace the metal cap.

    • Backflow preventers on the exterior taps should be disabled or removed to allow water to flow out of the pipes.

    • In the spring, close the exterior tap, move the lever so it runs parallel to the pipes. Enable or replace the backflow preventer.

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Snow and Ice Melt Materials

The Management Company has noted that the use of rock salt (sodium chloride) to melt ice and snow on exterior stairs and driveway aprons is not recommended.  It will result in efflorescence on the bricks and pavers. Efflorescence is white staining that is unsightly and very difficult to remove.

They recommend using ice melt products that contain calcium chloride. Alternatively, consider using pet litter box granules (Kitty Litter and others) or sand (such as children’s play box sand).

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