Consider the below approaches to home maintenance to improve safety. Many of these are things that N3 can send someone to your house to do for you.

• Remove or secure (tape down) rugs and other tripping hazards. Reduce clutter that could lead to tripping.
• Place commonly-used items in easily accessible locations. Ask for help to access hard-to-reach items, especially awkwardly-shaped or heavy ones.
• Install grab bars in the bathroom, by the exterior doors of the house, and along any stairs.
• Turn down your hot water heater – water at the closest tap should run at no more than 120 degrees, and even that may be hotter than you need. If the water at full-hot could burn you, it’s set too high. If you never run the water full-hot, then it is set too high.
• Clean and/or replace your lint filters (a/c and dryer and anything else like dehumidifiers) and periodically rinse permanent lint filters in the dryer (detergent and softener can build up on the screen and reduce efficiency) – clogged filters make things operate less efficiently, and can cause fires. Clean the dryer vent and clean lint from within the dryer cabinet (this will require some disassembly of the access panels on the dryer.) Make sure to unplug it first.
• Replace smoke detectors after 10 years, even if they still seem to function correctly and the test feature works.
• Don’t use candles! They reduce the air quality inside and are responsible for many house fires. Especially don’t use candles for emergency lighting. Get an LED flashlight or battery-powered candle-like lights for light, and scent diffusers/incense for scent.

Consider the below approaches to home maintenance to save money. Many of these are things that N3 can send someone to your house to do for you.

• Turn down your hot water heater – after A/C, the water heater is the single most expensive appliance in most homes. If you never run the water full-hot, then it is set too high.
• Replace old toilets with newer lower-flow toilets that flush better and leak less. If older than 1994, probably worth replacing, if older than 1980, definitely worth replacing. While you are at it, install lower-flow showerheads and bath fixtures as well.
• Fix any water leaks or drips! They waste water and add to your sewer charges (TalGov calculates your sewer charge based on how much water you use, so a leak will cost you coming and going.)
• Get your A/C serviced by a professional every 2-3 years, to clean the unit and straighten any crushed fins on the heat-dissipating unit. 
• Get a free home energy audit from the City of Tallahassee. Find out more information on their website (https://www.talgov.com/you/you-products-home-energy-audit) or call 850-891-4968.  
• Seal electric outlet boxes and light switches with foam rubber gaskets – just remove the cover plate, add the gasket and replace the cover.
• Keep appliances clean and in good working order. They will last longer, cost less to operate, and work better.
• Kitchen vent fan filters (the mesh metal ones) can be washed in the dishwasher or cleaned with a water-based automotive degreaser.
• Clean the gaskets on the doors for the refrigerator and freezer, and clean the coils as well.
• Clean the dishwasher screen, which may not be easy to see if you don’t know where it is, and may require some disassembly to access.
• Sharpen your lawnmower blades 1-2 times per mowing season. Sharp blades cut better and harm the grass less.
• Drain the hot water heater annually to remove scale buildup in the tank. (Remember to turn it off first.)

• Organize things in the fridge and pantry to prevent waste and to promote safety. Label leftovers with the date, and make a point of using what you already have before it spoils.
• Shop vacs (wet/dry vacuums) are good tools for unclogging a drain.
• A cheap electric toothbrush makes a good cleaning tool, especially for hard-to-reach spots like behind the sink faucet.
• Label storage bins/boxes. Painter’s tape is easy to apply and remove, and can be written on with a marker.
• Clean out your pipes with an enzymatic drain cleaner (which won’t harm the pipes themselves) if you have slow draining sinks or bathtubs.
• If you have any unused drains or sinks, run water in them and then add a small amount of mineral oil of cooking oil to cover the water in the trap and keep it from evaporating quickly – this water helps hold smells away from the sink/drain.

Some organizations, such as Florida CARES, can build ramps for those who need them, regardless of demonstration of financial need. If you would like N3 to assist with coordination with those organizations, please reach out to us at 850.901.7818 or executivedirector@aginginneneland.org. 

Additionally, elders and other residents can seek assistance with home repairs through the City of Tallahassee’s “Safe Homes” Program. See a summary of the Home Repair Program and the Home Accessibility programs below, with information obtained from https://www.talgov.com/neighborhoodservices/housingprograms#strong

Home Repair Program

The purpose of the Home Repair Program is to improve the living conditions of low-income homeowners by removing health and safety hazards and by correcting exterior code violations. The program provides up to $12,500 in a forgivable loan to assist low-income property owners. The zero-interest loan requires no monthly payments. If the homeowner continues to occupy the home for a minimum of 5 years after the repairs are complete, then the loan amount is forgiven.

Typical repairs include: Plumbing repairs; Structural repairs to the roof, ceiling, walls, floors, stairs, etc., where hazards exist; Roof repair or replacement; Heat repair or installation; Electrical repairs where hazards exist; Exterior painting; Rafters, soffit and fascia repair; Windows and screens; Railings and stairs; Landings and porches; Yard clearings and debris removal when done in conjunction with repairs to the home.

Home Rehabilitation Program

The goal of the Home Rehabilitation Program is to enhance and strengthen neighborhoods and preserve existing housing stock through rehabilitation. The program provides up to $25,000 in a forgivable loan to address significant improvements with priority for health and safety hazards. The assistance is provided in the form of a zero-interest loan that requires no monthly payments. If the homeowner continues to occupy the home for a minimum of 10 years after the repairs are complete, then the loan amount is forgiven. The City may also fund Rental Rehabilitation in the event funding is available. Units must be rented to income eligible applicants.

The rehabilitation is completed in partnership with community agencies and typically includes: roof replacements, window repair/replacement, flooring replacement, bathroom modifications, or plumbing replacement.

For more information, please call the Housing Division at 850-891-6566.

Home Accessibility Program

The Home Accessibility Program removes architectural or structural barriers from the homes of disabled persons. Up to $12,500 is provided through local partners such as the Center for Independent Living (Ability 1st) to make handicap accessibility improvement.

Typical repairs include installing wheelchair ramps, hand railings and grab bars, raised countertops and other kitchen modifications, wider doorways, and ramps for easy ingress/egress.

Eligibility

To receive assistance, the applicant must own and reside at the property located within the City limits. Homeowners must have an income that does not exceed 50% Area Median Income or 80% Area Median Income if a household member is special needs or disabled. The home must be listed as a homestead and the market value as determined by the Leon County Property Appraiser cannot exceed the HOME Maximum Purchase Price Limits as determined annually by HUD.

Applications are received on a rolling basis as funds are available. Apply online through the City's application portal here: https://portal.neighborlysoftware.com/tallahassee/participant

For more information, call the Center for Independent Living, also known as Ability 1st, at 850-575-9621 or visit https://www.ability1st.info.