What would you do if the power was out for a week?

This winter should be enough of a reminder that we need to be prepared for emergencies both big and small. Even here in Lynnwood, there were a few days when it was just about impossible to drive anywhere without chains. You know it is bad when my husband that grew up in the wilds of North Idaho won't drive on the roads. Thankfully, here in town those conditions are usually pretty temporary but for outlying areas roads and services can get cut off for days and that is why it is important to be prepared!

With this in mind, if you are up north, you may want to put it on your schedule to visit the second annual Emergency Preparedness Open House January 29 put on by the Stanwood and Camano Island Relief Societies of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

This year’s event will focus on a variety of topics, including creative food storage recipes, canning techniques, water purification, and emergency foods and tools for college students and if focused on preparing people in Snohomish, Skagit and Island counties for emergencies.

Emergency supply kits will also be focused on, with an emphasis placed on designing kits to fit the necessities of each individual’s age and physical needs.

Do you have a 'get home kit' put together for your car? Do you have a box ready with everything you need in case you have to evacuate your home? This free event will cover a variety of potentially life saving steps you can take to prepare you and your family for disasters both big and small.

RaeJean Hasenoehrl, co-planner of the event, noted that special attention will also be placed on pet care. “Our pets are important members of our homes and they rely on us for their comfort and safety,” she said. “The likelihood of your pet surviving an emergency such as a flood or a harsh storm depends so much on the emergency planning you do today.”

Animal emergency supply kits are easily prepared and a pet care buddy system can provide peace of mind for your family and your pets.

Emergency Preparedness Open House will take place on Saturday, Jan. 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 795 Ell Road, Camano Island. Admission to the family-friendly event is free.

"Grandfathered" is a term often used when referring to something installed in a home that was in compliance with codes at the time it was installed, but no longer would meet the current code.

Like the old drum style trap in this picture.

It is grandfathered, meaning that the building code official will not be knocking on your door and telling you to remove and replace it. You don't need to do anything, regardless of the fact that these are obsolete, and not allowed in modern plumbing installations.

But does this same concept of grandfathering apply to home inspection reporting? A lot of agents that I talk to seem to think so.

I could not even keep count how many times I have reported deficiencies such as stair and deck railing pickets that exceeded 4" separation, the absence of smoke detectors, and similar concerns, to hear a response from the agent that those items are grandfathered since the home was built before the code was adopted.

Take for example the GFCI (ground fault circuit interupter) outlets that in modern homes are required in bathrooms, kitchens, exteriors, outlets, basements, and other locations where electrical and water are in close proximity.

GFCI's were implemented in phases for a variety of locations according to the NEC starting in 1971. (See chart below)

But, while the history list above is interesting, it has absolutely no bearing on how an inspector reports the absence of such devices. Grandfathering is not part of the Home Inspection laws that we are required to follow.

GFCI's are a safety device and the Washington State Law regarding home inspections (WAC 308-408c-110) require inspectors to "Verify" (iii) Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection, and (f) Report the location of any inoperative or missing GFCI devices.

Thankfully we don't have to remember the chart above and apply it to every home we inspect. Either the home has acceptable GFCI protection or it doesn't.

So now you know the rest of the story....

Miller Home Inspection

Camano Island Washington

Licensed Home Inspector #209

www.millerhomeinspect.com

Camano Island, WA

Camano Island is considered large with a land mass of nearly 40 square miles. During the last census in 2000 there were 13,358 residents, but it was estimated that 17,000 during the summer months. It will be interesting to see what the 2010 Census report says.

Camano Island is named after the Spanish explore Jacinto Caamaño. On the west side of the island lies Saratoga Passage. Skagit bay is to the north, Possession Sound to the south, and Port Susan to the east.

The small Davis Slough and adjacent wetlands are all that separate Camano Island from the mainland at Stanwood. The General Mark Clark Bridge makes the connection for drivers. No ferries required.

There are alot of great things to see and do on Camano Island. Enjoying the beaches, boating, kayaking, fishing, biking to name a few.

We have alot of really good local artists, like Marc Boutte'. I had the pleasure of meeting Marc about 10 years ago when he was buying a home here on Camano Island. He offered to trade some glass artwork in exchange for my home inspection services. I was reluctant, as I knew hardly anything about blown glass, and art in general.

I accepted Marcs' offer, and obtained a few nice pieces of blown glass, and in exchange I gave his new home a thorough inspection. My wife and I enjoy these, as well as several others we have purchased since.

Marc created a glass blowing shop and studio out the home, where he continues to craft some really nice blown glass pieces. You can see Marc at work during the annual Camano Island Mother's Day Art Tour. Seeing how these glass pieces are made, brings a great respect and appreciation for the art. http://www.marcboutteglass.com/

Another neat thing to do on Camano Island is to stop at Terry's Corner where Camano Island Coffee Roasters is located. We met the owner, Jeff when he lived down the street from us, and actually was roasting coffee from a smaller building. We always enjoyed the days he was roasting because of the aroma that spread through the neighborhood. I love the smell of roasted coffee beans. http://www.camanoislandcoffee.com/

Jeff and his crew have some of the best coffee, and we are members of the coffee lovers' club. It is some good stuff.

At Terrys Corner there is a farmers market on the weekends, and the Islander is a place you can get a bite to eat.

This is really the tip of the iceberg. There is alot to do and see here. And for many of us, it is a great place to live also. If you are considering buying a home on Camano Island, I would be more than happy to help you in the process by performing a home inspection.

Miller Home Inspection

1561 Arrowhead Rd- Camano Island, WA 98282

425-501-2382

www.millerhomeinspect.com

Camano Island Home Inspections

About Us

I perform Home & Commercial inspections in most of Western Washington including Camano Island,Snohomish County, Skagit County, King Countyand Whatcom Countys. I am a licensed home inspector in the state of Washington. I am a certified by AHIT (American Home Inspectors Training Institute)and a member of Inter NACHI (International Association of Certified Home Inspectors) . I have been in the construction industry for over 20 years and I have lived in Western Washington all my life. My company is dedicated to representing only our client, and will always act in good faith toward the client. We are not affiliated with any real estate agency or home repair business. All full home inspections come with a home warranty through American Home Warranty INC. Choosing the right home inspector can be difficult. Unlike, most professionals, you probably will not get to meet me until after you hire me. If you honor me by permitting me to inspect your new home, or your client's home, I guarantee that I will give you my very best effort. This is my promise to you.

Kevin Johnson