Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Office of the Attorney General - - Press Release - Rental Discrimination

Office of the Attorney General - - Press Release

Posted using ShareThis - 10/15/2009

Attorney GeneralMartha Coakley Sues Melrose landlords for Housing Discrimination

WOBURN - Today, Attorney General Martha Coakley's Office filed a housing discrimination complaint against Carl and Karen Fontana, the owners of a two-bedroom rental property in Melrose. The complaint, filed in Middlesex Superior Court, alleges that the Fontanas violated state antidiscrimination laws by refusing to rent to recipients of housing subsidies.

"We are facing critical housing needs in the Commonwealth and the strain on those needing rental or transitional housing assistance is particularly great," said Attorney General Coakley.

"Realtors, brokers and landlords inMassachusetts should understand that discrimination against those who hold housing assistance subsidies is illegal and we will seek to hold accountable those who break the law."

According to the complaint, the Fontanas refused to rent the Melrose property to a prospective tenant who held aSection 8 federal housing subsidy and her six-year-old daughter. The complaint further alleges that defendant Karen Fontana told the prospective tenant that she did not want to deal with the Section 8 program. Under Massachusetts law, it is illegal to discriminate against housing applicants because they receive public assistance.

The Attorney General's Office is seeking an order prohibiting the Fontanas from engaging in housing discrimination, damages, and attorneys' fees and costs.

This matter is being handled by Assistant Attorney General Gabrielle Viator of Attorney General Coakley'sCivil Rights Division.

Written by Scott A. Nelson, Agent in 02155 October 20, 2009 6:45 AM Safety

Protect Your Home Against Natural Disasters

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Protect Your Home Against Natural Disasters

Whenever anatural disaster is broadcast on the news-whether a tropical storm hitting a state along theAtlantic Ocean, wildfires in the West or-it serves as a reminder how hazardous water, wind, fire and earth movement can be to your home, perhaps your most cherished and largest investment. But, there are immediate actions you can take to protect your property and prevent major damage should one of these elements strike in the future. Depending on the age of your home and the building codes in your area, some of these improvements may already be in place.

Water

Apart from major flooding, most damage occurs when water seeps in through cracks and leaks. Make sure that windows and doors are well sealed. Seal any cracks and holes in the foundation and exterior walls. Repair or replace roof shingles around any area that allows water to penetrate the roof sheathing. Check for holes or air leaks in the attic and basement. Your basement windows and doors should have built-up barriers or flood shields. Inspect your sump pump regularly to make sure that it is working properly. Install or make sure that the flashing, a thin metal strip, around the doors, windows, thresholds, chimney and roof are in tact.

Wind

Minimize the damage by keeping the wind from getting inside your home. Windows and glass doors should be fitted with impact-resistant laminated glass or covered with impact-resistant shutters. Consider solid wood or hollow metal doors, which are more likely to resist wind pressure and flying debris. There are also roofing products with high wind resistance available.

Wildfire

Some inexpensive home improvements that you can make include installing a spark arrestor on your chimney, eliminating brush and debris from around your property, and modifying your attic, sub-floor and basement vents. More expensive improvements include replacing single-pane glass windows, doors or skylights with tempered glass, recovering your exterior walls with a more fire-resistant material, and re-roofing your home with a Class A roof covering.

Earthquake

California isn't the only earthquake zone. Other zones include the New Madrid region, west and just east of the Rockies, the southern Appalachians,New England and Alaska. Steps you can take to protect your property and possessions include anchoring appliances, water heater, dressers, and other heavy items to the wall. Attach your TV, computer and other small appliances to desks, tables or countertops. Secure ceiling lights, chandeliers and other hanging items to the permanent structure of your home. Apply safety film to windows and glass doors. It is also a good idea to install a main gas shut-off device.

Insurance

Of course, there may be times, when no amount of prepping can protect your home. However,homeowners insurance can help protect you financially in case something happens to your property or its contents. Most standard homeowners insurance policies include structural coverage and personal property coverage. Depending on your location, you may also need additional coverage against earthquake, hurricane and fire.

Be aware that flood damage is not covered under the traditional homeowners insurance policy. Flood insurance needs to be purchased separately through theNational Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), a federal program. It is available to nearly 20,000 communities across the U.S. and its territories that participate in the NFIP. Flooding can be caused by heavy rains, melting snow, inadequate drainage systems, failed protective devices such as levees and dams, as well as bytropical storms and hurricanes. So, although you may be in a low to moderate risk area, you may still want to consider this coverage.

Periodically review your homeowner's insurance policy to make sure that you are adequately covered to rebuild your home and replace your contents.

If there is ever damage to your personal property, having a home inventory can make it easier when filing an insurance claim. Start with a sheet a paper for each room in the house. Go around the room and list every item. Don't forget the attic, basement or other storage places. For each item, write the original cost, purchase date, replacement cost, model number, brand name, where purchased, and a general description. In addition, take photos or video of each room for visual documentation. It is also a good idea to arrange valuable collections, silver, jewelry, etc. and take close up photos. Make sure you update your home inventory photos and list at least once a year.

When weather-related disasters strike, what's most important is your safety and that of your family. However, by taking precautions to protect your home, you can possibly help keep damage to a minimum; or in the case of severe damage, make sure that you have the financial means to rebuild.

For more information go to www.disastersafety.org or www.fema.gov .

Written by Scott A. Nelson, Agent in 02155 October 18, 2009 10:20 AM Safety in Massachusetts

Home Heating Season - Carbon Monoxide Warning

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With the home heating season upon us here inMassachusetts it's time again to be aware of the dangers ofcarbon monoxide (CO). Any home that usesfossil fuels to heat their home needs to be aware of the dangers posed by carbon monoxide. Make sure your heating systems (including hot water systems) are in proper operating condition. Have them serviced by a licenced heating professional to be safe. The EPA has a great resource of information on carbon monoxide http://www.epa.gov/iaq/co.html

What is Carbon Monoxide (CO)?

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and toxic gas. Because it is impossible to see, taste or smell the toxic fumes, CO can kill you before you are aware it is in your home. At lower levels of exposure, CO causes mild effects that are often mistaken for the flu. These symptoms include headaches, dizziness, disorientation, nausea and fatigue. The effects of CO exposure can vary greatly from person to person depending on age, overall health and the concentration and length of exposure.

Sources of Carbon Monoxide

Unvented kerosene and gas space heaters; leaking chimneys and furnaces; back-drafting from furnaces, gas water heaters, wood stoves, and fireplaces; gas stoves; generators and other gasoline powered equipment;automobile exhaust from attached garages; and tobacco smoke. Incomplete oxidation during combustion in gas ranges and unvented gas or kerosene heaters may cause high concentrations of CO in indoor air. Worn or poorly adjusted and maintained combustion devices (e.g., boilers, furnaces) can be significant sources, or if theflue is improperly sized, blocked, disconnected, or is leaking. Auto, truck, or bus exhaust from attached garages, nearby roads, or parking areas can also be a source.

Health Effects Associated with Carbon Monoxide

At low concentrations, fatigue in healthy people and chest pain in people with heart disease. At higher concentrations, impaired vision and coordination; headaches; dizziness; confusion; nausea. Can cause flu-like symptoms that clear up after leaving home. Fatal at very high concentrations. Acute effects are due to the formation of carboxyhemoglobin in the blood, which inhibits oxygen intake. At moderate concentrations, angina, impaired vision, and reduced brain function may result. At higher concentrations, CO exposure can be fatal.

Steps to Reduce Exposure to Carbon Monoxide

It is most important to be sure combustion equipment is maintained and properly adjusted. Vehicular use should be carefully managed adjacent to buildings and in vocational programs. Additional ventilation can be used as a temporary measure when high levels of CO are expected for short periods of time.

• Keep gas appliances properly adjusted.
• Consider purchasing a vented space heater when replacing an unvented one.
• Use proper fuel in kerosene space heaters.
• Install and use an exhaust fan vented to outdoors over gas stoves.
• Open flues when fireplaces are in use.
• Choose properly sized wood stoves that are certified to meet EPA emission standards. Make certain that doors on all wood stoves fit tightly.
• Have a trained professional inspect, clean, and tune-upcentral heating system (furnaces, flues, and chimneys) annually. Repair any leaks promptly.
• Do not idle the car inside garage.

About Carbon Monoxide Detectors

CPSC Recommends Carbon Monoxide Alarm for Every Home (January 18, 2001 CPSC Release # 01-069)

TheU.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends that every home should have a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm. CPSC also urges consumers to have a professional inspection of all fuel- burning appliances -- including furnaces, stoves, fireplaces, clothes dryers, water heaters, and space heaters -- to detect deadly carbon monoxide leaks. CPSC recommends that every home should have at least one CO alarm that meets the requirements of the most recentUnderwriters Laboratories (UL) 2034 standard or International Approval Services 6-96 standard. www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml01/01069.html

Product Safety Tips - Carbon Monoxide Alarms - www.ul.com/consumers/co.html Underwriters' Laboratory

"Your Home and Your Health" www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/co/maho/yohoyohe/index.cfm Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)

"What You Need to Know about Carbon Monoxide Detectors" www.chemistry.about.com/library/weekly/aa092202a.htm About.com

Disposing of Smoke Detectors - www.epa.gov/radiation/sources/smoke_dispose.html - EPA's Radiation Protection Division

MASSACHUSETTS NEW CARBON MONOXIDE LAW:

WHAT HOMEOWNERS NEED TO KNOW

(Information is available for MA Landlords at

www.marealtor.com)

On March 31, 2006

, all homes in the Commonwealth equipped with fuel burning equipment that produces carbon monoxideor which have indoor parking (a garage) adjacent to living areas will be required to have Carbon Monoxide detectorsinstalled. The law, and the regulations that implement it, apply to ALL homes and not just those that are being sold.

What kind of Carbon Monoxide Detectors must I install in my home & how should I install a Carbon

Monoxide Detector?

The law provides a choice to homeowners to install, by March 31, 2006, their choice of either battery operated, plug-in with battery back-up, wireless detectors, a combination smoke/carbon monoxide detector, or hard-wired detectors. These detectors must be in compliance with Underwriter Laboratories (UL) standard 2034. The package the detector is sold in will indicate whether it meets this standard. CO alarms should be installed according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Note: There are specific requirements for combination alarms, before purchasing one please review the requirements of combination alarms with your local fire department. Like its inspections for smoke detectors, the local fire department is required to inspect each dwelling for compliance with the carbon monoxide law before sale.

Power Outage CheckList - American Red Cross

Written by Scott A. Nelson, Agent in 02155 October 17, 2009 1:39 PM Crime & Safety

Power Outage Checklist - American Red Cross

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With the recent power outage in Medford square and surrounding neighborhoods I dug up this Power Outage Checklist from The American Red Cross.

How Do I prepare for a Power Outage?

To help preserve your food, keep the following supplies in your home:

One or more coolers-Inexpensive Styrofoam coolers work well. Ice-Surrounding your food with ice in a cooler or in the refrigerator will keep food colder for a longer period of time during a prolonged power outage.

A digital quick-response thermometer- With these thermometers you can quickly check the internal temperatures of food to ensure they are cold enough to use safely. Put together anemergency preparedness kit with these supplies in case of a prolonged or widespread power outage:

•Water-one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)

• Food-non-perishable, easy-to prepare items (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)

• Flashlight (NOTE: Do not use candles during a power outage due to the extreme risk of fire.)

• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)

• Extra batteries

• First aid kit • Medications (7-day supply) and medical items

• Multi-purpose tool

• Sanitation and personal hygiene items

• Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, deed/lease to home, birth certificates, insurance policies)

• Cell phone with chargers

• Family and emergency contact information

• Extra cash

If someone in your home is dependent on electric-powered, life-sustaining equipment, remember to include backup power in your evacuation plan.

Keep a non-cordless telephone in your home. It is likely to work even when the power is out.

Keep your car's gas tank full.

Keep food as safe as possible.

Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. First use perishable food from the refrigerator. An unopened refrigerator will keep foods cold for about 4 hours. Then use food from the freezer. A full freezerwill keep the temperature for about 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full) if the door remains closed. Use your non-perishable foods and staples after using food from the refrigerator and freezer.

If it looks like the power outage will continue beyond a day, prepare a cooler with ice for your freezer items.

Keep food in a dry, cool spot and keep it covered at all times.

Electrical equipment

Turn off and unplug all unnecessary electrical equipment, including sensitive electronics.

Turn off or disconnect any appliances (like stoves), equipment or electronics you were using when the power went out.

When power comes back on, surges or spikes can damage equipment.

Leave one light turned on so you'll know when the power comes back on.

Eliminate unnecessary travel, especially by car. Traffic lights will be out and roads will be congested.

Using generators safely

When using a portable generator, connect the equipment you want to power directly to the outlets on the generator. Do not connect a portable generator to a home's electrical system.

If you are considering getting a generator, get advice froma professional, such as an electrician. Make sure that the generator you purchase is rated for the power that you think you will need.

Do not touch any electrical power lines and keep your family away from them. Report downed power lines to the appropriate officials in your area.

Throw out unsafe food.

Throw away any food that has been exposed to temperatures 40° F (4° C) for 2 hours or more or that has an unusual odor, color or texture.When in doubt, throw it out!

Never taste food or rely on appearance or odor to determine its safety. Some foods may look and smell fine, but if they have been at room temperature too long, bacteria causing food-borne illnesses can start growingquickly. Some types of bacteria produce toxins that cannot be destroyed by cooking.

If food in the freezer is colder than 40° F and has ice crystals on it, you can refreeze it.

If you are not sure food is cold enough, take its temperature with the food thermometer.
Throw out any foods (meat, poultry, fish, eggs and leftovers) that have been exposed to temperatures higher than 40° F (4° C) for 2 hours or more, and any food that has an unusual odor, color or texture, or feelswarm to touch.

Caution: CarbonMonoxide Kills

Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area. Locate unit away from doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors.

The primary hazards to avoid when using alternate sources for electricity, heating or cooking arecarbon monoxide poisoning, electric shock and fire.

Install carbon monoxide alarms in central locations on every level of your home and outside sleeping areas to provide early warning of accumulating carbon monoxide.

If the carbon monoxide alarm sounds, move quickly to a fresh air location outdoors or by an open window or door.

Call for help from the fresh air location and remain there until emergency

For more information on disaster and emergency preparedness, visit www.RedCross.org

Friends Of The Mystic River - Fall Cleanup 10/17

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Friends of theMystic River has rescheduled its 15th annual Mystic River Fall Cleanup to Saturday, Oct. 17, from 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

Trash and debris will be collected along the river banks and in nearby grassy fields at selected locations between the Lower Mystic Lake andTorbert MacDonald Park.

Volunteers of all ages are welcome to help and should check in at the parking lot next to the Condon band shell, onRoute 16 east of Winthrop Street (Route 38) inMedford. The Friends will supply bags, gloves and pokers.

Workers may clean as long as they wish.

Refreshments will be provided.

Friends of the Mystic River (www.fomr.org) is a Medford-based community organization focused on the enjoyment, protection and enhancement of the Mystic River in Medford.

For more information, call 781-391-2604 or e-mail Mystic02155@hotmail.com.