Summer House Safety Tips

The summer is finally here. Is your chapter ready to close the house? Here are the top tips to ensure when you come back in the fall, everything is the way you left it.

• Inspect all rooms/suites, document damage and collect payment from security deposit
• Complete routine maintenance on furnace/boiler/AC 
• Clean and inspect all roof drains and gutters (contact a local professional for this service)
• Repair all broken windows and doors to prevent damage from inclement weather; ensure that doors latch completely
• Contact emergency service company to conduct an inspection and service emergency lighting, alarm equipment, fires suppression and sprinkler systems
• Clean exterior of chapter house and check security/safety lighting 
• Inspect the hot water heater and exposed water lines and drain pipes for slow leaks
• Unplug and store unused appliances 
• Service and clean stoves, ovens, hood ranges and other kitchen equipment 
• Inform the host institution (college/university) as to whether the residence will be occupied or not and provide proper contact information for the facility

If members will be attending school and living in the facility over the summer period: 

• Have each sign a housing agreement, specific to the summer period
• If the appropriate officers will not be living in the facility, appoint someone to oversee daily maintenance, collect rent and pay bills. Consider hiring a professional property manager to workin conjunction with a resident manager

If the chapter facility is unoccupied over the summer, make sure the following is completed: 

• Securely lock the property and limit access to only designated alumni/alumnae or undergraduates
• Have a responsible alumnus, undergraduate or professional property management company check the property daily to ensure a loss has not occurred. A consistent daily presence will deter thieves and vandals. Hiring a professional property management company is strongly recommended
• Inform local police and/or campus security the property will not be occupied. Provide them with a key/code for access to the facility and ask them to patrol frequently
• If it will not affect the function of your fire sprinkler system or other systems requiring water, turn the water off at the main supply line (contact a professional for this service)

If you need assistance or have other questions regarding risk management, please email us. Have a safe summer and get ready for an amazing 2012-13 school year.

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