Real Estate Matters September 2004

1. Look For Homes on the Most Level Portion of Land Available- Fires move up a slope faster than on level land because hot gases rise in front of them, and preheat their path.

2. Create a Survivable Space for Your Home- A survivable space is an area of reduced fuels between your home and the untouched wildland. To do so, establish a well-irrigated area around your home, which should extend at least 30 feet on all sides of your home, and 50 to 100 feet or more in high hazard areas.

3. Use Fire Resistant Building Materials and Construction Techniques-Since a major cause of home loss is the home’s roof catching fire, consider using non-combustible or fire resistant roofing materials, such as Class A shingles, metal, slate or clay tile, cement and concrete products, or terra cotta tiles. Fire resistant sub roofing can also increase a home’s survivability. Double paned and tempered glass is more effective at preventing fire from entering your home and skylights should have non-flammable, screening shutters. Install a spark arrestor made from welded wire or woven wire mesh to keep embers from exiting or entering your home via the chimney. Put screens on any vents.

4. Accommodate Your Local Fire Department- Be sure your street signs and numbers are made from noncombustible materials and visible from the road. Keep driveways clear of obstacles so fire trucks have easier access. If your home is gated, it is very important that gates open inward and be wide enough to accommodate fire fighting equipment. If your gate is locked, it should not be so strong that fire fighters cannot break it in an emergency.

5. Know Your Home and Be Prepared- Know and practice your emergency escape route. Know where your gas, electric and water shut-off controls are and how to turn them off is there is a leak or electric short. Have and know how to use a fire extinguisher. Put together an emergency kit that includes at least a three day supply of drinking water and food that requires no refrigeration or cooking, first aid supplies, batteries, portable radio, cellular phone, cash and credit cards, flashlight, basic tools like a wrench, important documents and medications.

Where to Go to Get More Information

v Contact us, Walt & Arla Harvey at 808-375-8959, and we will be happy to help put you in touch with an insurance professional who can help you assess your fire risk level and ways in which you can reduce the risk.

v Institute for Business and Home Safety. Visit them on the web at: http://www.ibhs.org/

v California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF), http://www.fire.ca.gov/

v Firewise, visit their webpage at: http://www.firewise.org

v National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), visit them at: http://nifc.gov/

v U.S. Forest Service, visit them at: http://www.fs.fed.us/fire/

Source: http://ibhs.org/

For many, grandparenting can be a source of great joy. It can also be a source of frustration when you live hundreds or even thousands of miles away and only get to see your grandchildren a few times a year. Long distance grandparenting needs to be creative and fun and can take a bit of planning. Here are a few suggestions to help you capture the attention of your little loved ones:

v Call your grandchildren often as they grow. Toddlers love telephones and will recognize your voice if you call often.

v Seek out your grandchildren’s interests and support and encourage them. This is especially important during their teen years. You can express an interest in their preference of music, movies, friends, and attitudes about school.

v Send cards and/or letters often! Who doesn’t love receiving personal mail from somebody they love! Be sure never to miss special occasions such as birthdays and holidays!

v Be Hip and use technology! Use email, cellular phones, and digital cameras to stay in constant contact with your grandchildren as they grow.

Source:http://www.aarp.org/life/grandparents/Articles/a2004-01-16-longdistance.html

Bigkeys LX Offers Seniors a Huge Advantage

Anybody who has limited vision, arthritis, or restricted fine motor skills will appreciate this new keyboard with larger keys! While the size of the keys is four times bigger than a normal keyboard, this keyboard is the same size as a standard keyboard– 7 inches by 18 inches. Each key is an extra large 1” block with easy to read lettering in large block type on white, black or colored keys, making it easier to read. One great feature is the ability to switch the layout from QWERTY to ABC. A simply flip of a switch selects the layout of the keyboards and those that are not trained to use a standard keyboard will appreciate the choice. The cost is $159-$179, and comes with a one year warranty. The Bigkeys is manufactured by R.J. Cooper & Associates and can be purchased online at: http://rjcooper.com/bigkeys/index.html or by calling 1-800-RJCooper (800-752-6673).

Source: http://rjcooper.com/

As a Seniors Real Estate Specialist®, I have the training and resources to work with you on all of your real estate needs. I will work with you to provide you with information to benefit you as a homeowner. For more information on important Senior Issues, call me at: (808) 375-8959

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Inside This Issue:

· Tips for Protecting Your Home From Fire

· Long Distance Grandparenting

· Bigkeys LX Offers Seniors a Huge Advantage

Real Estate Matters

Silver Edition. News & Issues for the Mature Market

Fire Tips to Protect Your Home of So Many Memories

1. Look For Homes on the Most Level Portion of Land Available- Fires move up a slope faster than on level land because hot gases rise in front of them, and preheat their path.