Within These Walls

December is a month filled with an assortment of activities. Many of the month’s hours are devoted to studying for exams and making travel plans for holiday festivities. In this hectic atmosphere it is essential that chapters make preparations to secure the chapter house as members vacate the house for the holidays.

The leading risks to a fraternity house during the holiday breaks are water freeze, fire, vandalism and theft. The following checklist has been compiled to ensure that the house is protected during the winter break.

General Winter Maintenance

Multiple items should be evaluated and inspected prior to closing down the house to prepare for the winter month:

1. Complete routine maintenance on furnace/boiler.
2. Lock and inspect all windows and repair all broken glass.
3. Clean gutters and downspouts to ensure proper roof drainage (improper roof drainage can cause ice damning to occur, which can cause interior water damage).
4. Attach and secure downspouts with extension from foundation to prevent water damage, ensuring that they fully displace water away from foundation and other walking areas without draining onto the driveway, sidewalks, or patios.
5. Inspect the hot water heater and exposed water lines and drain pipes for slow leaks.
6. Drain water lines in lawn sprinkler system where appropriate.
7. Clean exterior of chapter house, removing any yard debris or materials that could be used to start a fire, as well as any items stored next to the chapter house. Debris can provide an opportunity for an arsonist.
8. Check security and safety lighting for the property.
9. Service and clean fireplace and chimney and check for defects or debris.
10. A plan to address ice and snow on sidewalks and parking lot needs to be agreed upon by the house corporation and chapter. If all parties are in agreement to contract this service out, this should be completed prior to the first snow.
11. Make sure the house has the appropriate tools to remove snow and ice (shovels, ice melt, etc.).

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Halloween is right around the corner. It is a time of fun, thrills and excitement for kids of all ages. Whether your chapter is having a Halloween party or transforming the chapter house into a Haunted House for a charity event, here are a few safety tips:

1. Never cover light bulbs with paper or other combustible materials.
2. Make sure the floors are clear of snags and trip hazards.
3. Make sure the walls are clear of snags and sharp objects.
4. Halloween decorations are often very flammable, especially dry cornstalks and paper decorations. The placement of these decorations affects everyone’s safety. Hang Halloween deocrations away from sources of flames or heat, such as candles, light bulbs and heaters. Indoor Halloween candle holders and similiar decorations should be displayed away from other flammable material.
5. Jack O’Lanterns are Halloween favorite, but an illuminated gourd can cause a house fire if the candle inside tips over. Try using flashlights or some other battery operated light specifically designed for Jack O’Lanterns.
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Each year fires occurring during the holiday season claim the lives of over 400 people, injure 1,650 more, and cause over $990 million in damage. According to the United States Fire Administration (USFA), there are simple life-saving steps you can take to ensure a safe and happy holiday. By following some of the outlined precautionary tips, individuals can greatly reduce their chances of becoming a holiday fire casualty.

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