Submitted by Franchesca Jones, SN Housing
Do not forget your septic system maintenance:
For additional information, contact your local health department or visit www.epa.gov/septic.
You can find your septic system by:
• Looking at the “as built” drawing for your home’s septic system.
• Checking your yard for inspection caps, lids, or manhole covers.
• Working with a septic system service provider, who can help locate the system.
What can I do to help maintain my septic system every day? The average lifespan of a septic system is 15 to 40 years, but it can last longer if properly maintained!
- Think at the sink. Consider what you put into your toilet and sink and the impact it may have. Many common household items can either clog your system or kill the microbes that treat the wastewater.
- “Cloggers” include diapers, baby wipes, cat litter, cigarettes, coffee grounds, grease, and feminine hygiene products.
- “Killers” include household chemicals, gasoline, oil, pesticides, antifreeze, paint, and high amounts of anti-bacterial soaps and detergents.
- Don’t strain your drain.
- The less water you use, the less your septic system has to work. Stagger the use of appliances, use high efficiency plumbing fixtures, and repair any leaks in your home.
Ways to Prevent Frozen Pipes
Insulate Pipes: Insulate your pipes with foam padding or insulation sleeves. They are inexpensive and will protect against the winter months. Ensure all exposed pipes are sealed, and there are no gaps where cold air could enter.
Shut Off and Drain External Pipes: Make sure your outside faucet has been shut off properly and drain the excess water from the pipes. Your outside pipes are the most at risk and should be cared for the same as your internal pipes.
Keep a Faucet Running: Particularly if the pipes leading to the faucet are exposed, as these will freeze easier. Don’t open the faucet all the way. Leaving it dripping will keep the water moving and prevent the water from freezing.
Keep Garage Shut: Unlike your other doors, your garage door should be kept closed during the winter. Garages have concrete flooring, making the room colder. Adding colder air in could damage any pipes in the garage.
Use Heating Tape: Heating tape is a good way to keep exposed pipes from freezing. Automated tape will detect the temperature drops, or there are manual options for you to turn on as needed.
www.ready.gov
In Case of Emergency – 911
Be prepared for winter weather at home, at work and in your car. Create an emergency supply kit for your car. Include jumper cables, sand, a flashlight, warm clothes, blankets, bottled water and non-perishable snacks. Keep a full tank of gas.
Know Your Risk for Winter Storms: Pay attention to weather reports and warnings of freezing weather and winter storms. Listen to emergency information and alerts. Sign up for your community’s warning system.
FOR ANY ASSISTANCE, PLEASE CALL:
Seneca Nation Housing Department
(716) 532-5000 Cattaraugus | (716) 945-1290 Allegany
Prepare for winter by ensuring you have essential supplies and safety measures in place for your home and vehicle.
Essential Supplies for Home
EMERGENCY KIT:
Flashlight & Extra Batteries
First Aid Kit
Portable Radio (AM/FM) & Batteries
Warm Clothing (Hats, Mittens, Parkas, Boots)
Extra Blanket or Sleeping Bags
Non-Perishable Food (Granola bars, canned goods etc.)
Bottled Water (1 gal per person/day)
Heating and Safety:
Firewood for Wood Fireplaces
Matches for gas fireplaces
Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors (battery back-up)
Home Preparation:
Insulate Water Lines
Caulk doors and windows
Have your chimney inspected if using a fireplace.
PREPARE! PREPARE! PREPARE!
To be continued in the December 12th issue.
