Tips for Board Members: Spring Homeowner/Landlord Turnover Electrical Checklist

Understanding the benefi ts of proactive management and how to use the sustainable tools and technologies available, adds a fourth, stabilizing “leg” to the “three-legged stool.” With proactive management in place—even if one of the other components is slightly out of balance— the stool may wobble but will not fall over and also allow potential issues to be identifi ed and resolved before they become big problems.

Proactive solutions such as vegetative buff er management, shoreline stabilization, stormwater inspections, and even sediment removal support the physical leg of the stool. Th ese practices limit the infl ux of runoff and pollutants, prevent erosion and sedimentation and maintain the depth and structural components of a lake or pond.

Some of the more advanced management strategies sequester or cycle unwanted excessive nutrients. Increasing dissolved oxygen concentrations through aeration or the use of nanobubble technology enhances overall water quality and can help foster the health of fi sh and other aquatic life. Th ese proactive tools can help give more “stability” to a freshwater management plan so serious, more costly problems are far less likely to arise.

While many proactive management practices appear fairly straightforward, it is a good idea work with a professional to understand the best strategy based on the goals and conditions for each resource. A certifi ed and trained lake management professional will help balance each “leg” of the aquatic ecosystem to restore health and beauty of your pond or lake.

Spring is here and we all know that means we are headed into a busy time at Maryland properties. Consider the following check list for enhanced electrical safety and upgrades: 1. Perform unit inspections: Ensure all electrical is in working order. If a landlord, a good time to do this is while the unit is vacant. 2. Test and inspect all smoke detectors: If you haven’t upgraded to 10-year lithium batteries, now is the time. Th ey also come with built in carbon monoxide detectors—a law for Maryland properties. 3. Upgrade your appliances to energy effi cient models: Th is can save in energy costs. Washer and dryers, dishwashers and refrigerators can consume a lot of energy. Go to BGE Smart Energy Savers to learn how much you can save on rebates. 4. Consider LED lighting retrofi ts: BGE Smart Energy Savers Lighting

Incentives off ers discounts and incentives on bulbs and fi xtures. Your electrical contractor can help you navigate incentives and install these new fi xtures. 5. Inspect electrical panels: As the heart of the electrical system, these need some TLC. Circuits can become loose, need tightening and possibly lubrication. Make sure all is in good working order during a unit inspection performed by an electrician. 6. Install smart doorbells: Consider installing smart technology with smart doorbells. Easy to install, smart doorbells provide mini cameras, which improve resident security. Th ese are an easy upgrade. 7. Install dimmer switches: Th ese give greater control of lighting and potential savings in electricity. 8. Inspect bathroom fans, ceiling fans, and kitchen exhaust fans:

Written by: Erin Stewart, Aquatic Biologist & Regional Manager and Katelyn Behounek, Aquatic Biologist SOLitude Lake Management EStewart@solitudelake.com katelyn.behounek@solitudelake.com

Ensure they are in working order. Air movement is one of the best ways to control air quality and comfort and reduce the risk of molds or mildew. 9. Surge protectors: Consider installing surge protectors to safeguard valuable electronics against damage from voltage spikes. 10. Extension cords: Check extension cords as they are not meant for long-term use. Walk around your home/business and inspect for wear and tear including ground prongs that may be loose or cracked. 11. Light bulb wattage: Be aware that using the incorrect wattage and type of bulb can cause the fi xture to possibly overheat leading to an electrical fi re. Make sure the bulb is the right wattage for fi xture. 12. Outlets: Exposed electrical sockets can pose a safety hazard to children and pets. Consider installing tamper-resistant outlets.

Written by: Donna Boesl Walter Electric 410-590-5959 donna@walterelectric.com