October 2021 Newsletter: Fire Prevention Month

Hi,

October is safety month and we've got important safety tips to share with you in our feature article this month. Now is a great time to gather your household together and ensure you’ve got working fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers to help keep your home and family safe.

This month also marks our 2nd Annual Food Drive, and we’re thrilled to benefit Urban Gleaners, a fabulous non-profit that provides food to families in need. This year’s event will be held at the New Seasons in Concordia on October 29th from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. We look forward to seeing you there!

If you’re thinking about selling your home and reside in Portland, Milwaukee, and Hillsboro, make sure to check out the new requirement for a Home Energy Score. PDX Hive Home Solutions is a local company who can help guide you through the process and make sure everything goes smoothly.

Paris Group Realty, LLC

Fire Prevention Month 2021

October is Fire Prevention Month. The goal is to raise fire safety awareness and to help ensure your home and family is protected. In 1922, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) named the second week of October Fire Prevention Week in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. Today, we recognize Fire Prevention Week and Month by raising awareness and educating families, students, and communities.

The NFPA's 2021 campaign for Fire Safety Month is "Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety.” You can help protect and keep your home safe today by installing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, as well as having fire extinguishers at home. Home emergencies can happen at home, any time.

Did You Know?

Fire Prevention Month is the perfect time to educate and talk with your whole family about fire safety – include testing alarms, changing the batteries or upgrading to 10-year sealed battery alarms, how to use a fire extinguisher, and escape route planning.

3 of every 5 home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no working smoke alarms
Less than 50% of homeowners have an escape plan
Carbon monoxide (CO) is the #1 cause of accidental poisoning in the US
60% of consumers do not test their smoke and CO alarms monthly*
Only 47% of people report having CO alarms in their home
Just 43% of homeowners have an escape plan*
Unattended cooking is the #1 cause of home fires

Help Protect Your Whole Home

Practicing whole home safety can help keep you and your family prepared not only during Fire Prevention Month, but throughout the entire year. Having functioning alarms installed throughout your home is the first line of defense for fire prevention. They work around the clock to provide your family an early alert in the event of an emergency, providing you time to safely escape. Smoke and CO alarms should be placed on every level of the home, including the basement, as well as inside and outside each bedroom to keep your home and family safe. Fire extinguishers should also be placed on every level of the home, especially in the kitchen and garage.

PDX Hive

If you are considering selling your home in either Portland, Milwaukie or Hillsboro, there is a relatively new requirement for homeowners many might not be aware of. In an effort to reduce carbon emissions, and to allow buyers to get the full picture of what it may cost to own the home they’re purchasing, the cities listed above are requiring sellers to acquire a Home Energy Score.

Portland: Required as of January 1, 2018

Milwaukie: Required as of October1, 2020

Hillsboro: Required as of September 1, 2021

Who is required to get a Home Energy Score, you ask? All single-family and townhome properties* who are listed for sale publicly, and fall within the boundaries of these three cities.

Have no fear, it is a very simple process and one that PDX Hive will ensure goes smoothly for you. They are a local company we have worked with on our own listings, and they provide Home Energy Score services and home inspections to the Portland Metro area. Their website is full of helpful information, including pricing, a sample report, how this information is helpful for creating a more energy efficient home, and a robust FAQ to answer many of your questions. You can even book your appointment online.

If you have further questions, please reach out to Claire at (503) 998-4878, and take a few moments to review PDX Hive’s website or one of the local city sites below.

City of Portland:
The City of Portland Home Energy Score | The City of Portland, Oregon (portlandoregon.gov)

City of Milwaukie:
Home Energy Score | City of Milwaukie Oregon Official Website

City of Hillsboro:
Home Energy Score Program | City of Hillsboro, OR (hillsboro-oregon.gov)

*Exceptions may apply.

Considering Buying or Selling a Home?

A home is the biggest purchase most of us will make in our lifetime. From first-time home buyers to high-end residential markets, we are here to smoothly guide your home buying journey and help you feel confident about your real estate investment.

If you're considering selling this fall and winter, the holidays are a wonderful time to stage your home for prospective buyers. we've got some really affordable ideas that you can easily put in place prior to listing to help get top dollar on your sale. We're happy to stop by and provide you our expert advice.

Reach out to us at info@parisgrouprealty.com or (503) 926-5213 and let's get started today!