Tidbit Tuesdays - CO Detectors Useful in the Summer, Too

How much is your life worth? More than $20?
For years, we have emphasized the importance of carbon monoxide (CO, for those chemistry folks) detectors in your condo in the winter time. The propane fireplace is not vented (doesn't have a vent to the outside like your dryer or bathroom fans). Thus, if it were to ever malfunction and not burn properly, it could produce carbon monoxide.

Why are we talking about this now, since the fireplaces won't be turned on until November? 
Recently, a situation occurred in one of our buildings highlighting the necessity of carbon monoxide detectors in the summer months as well. An air conditioner was replaced for an unit, and all seemed well. However, the new air conditioner began producing carbon monoxide and pumping it into the condo. Since carbon monoxide is a gas, it spread into an adjacent unit which had a carbon monoxide detector. This detector went off and both units had to be evacuated until the air conditioner was fixed and the air quality improved to safe levels.

What is the big deal?
Well, carbon monoxide is a silent killer. It is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, but highly toxic. Symptoms include headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fatigue and a feeling of weakness. High enough levels will kill you. So carbon monoxide poisoning is often thought to be food poisoning in the early stages.

Where can I get a carbon monoxide detector?
The easiest place to find a carbon monoxide detector is in the home improvement area at Walmart. If you do not want to leave your house, Amazon has a nice selection. Please purchase a carbon monoxide detector even if you do not use your fireplace, because that does not mean you are safe! Remember, carbon monoxide travels between units and you could be saving your own life and your neighbors' lives.

Tidbit Tuesdays - Gutter Cleaning

At the quarterly meeting, the board mentioned that the gutter cleaning was recently completed. Superior View Inc has been cleaning the gutters semiannually at The Retreat for years, and they kindly took some pictures of what the gutters collect in a 6 month period.

The above picture is the the roof of a building up against the woods. (Can you figure out which one it is based on the angle of the path below?) Basically, gutters that are located under pine trees quickly collect debris. That is why we routinely have the gutters cleaned out. As an experiment, we are testing new larger gutters in building 100 this year to determine if that helps. We are also testing the  removal of the gutter guards (see in the above right picture) in areas that are especially prone to pine needles, since the needles are able to pass through or get stuck in the guards.

Isn't it amazing what these gutters can collect in just 5-6 months?

Tidbit Tuesdays - Volleyball Court

While not inside of The Retreat gates, we own both the volleyball court and the boatyard. Recently one of your fellow owners volunteered his time to work on the volleyball court.

Jim from building 100 tightened down the fence top plates so that they are no longer becoming detached and  repaired all of the broken or misaligned fence railings.  In addition, he straightened and reconnected all of the open  PVC pipes that create the boarder of the court. 

There are a few other things that still need to be completed around the volleyball court if you would like to volunteer some time in the next few weeks. Nothing difficult, but tasks that would significantly improve the appearance of the court. Let us know if you would like to help Jim out!