3 August 2011
Insurance Company Risk Evaluation
Our HOA insurance company, Sequoia Insurance Company, recently
had an evaluation of our building done in order to identify potential hazards.
They have identified four areas that need improvement or upgrading. The board is
addressing the first recommendation and homeowners need to take action
concerning the last three.
The first, and most serious, is the replacement of the Zinsco
electrical panels in our electrical room. They point out that many of the panels
manufactured by Zinsco contain a design flaw which can cause arcing and
subsequent overheating. They recommend that these panels be replaced with
another brand having better protection and
reliability.
They recommend that all homeowners buy and install UL listed carbon monoxide
(CO) detectors in units that have gas fireplaces. There aresituations in which the
gas fireplaces could generate unhealthful levels ofcarbon monoxide in the rooms.
With the use of a CO detector, high levels ofcarbon monoxide will be detected and
the occupants alerted.
They are further recommending that homeowners inspect the water
hoses that connect to their washers to insure that the hoses are braided
stainless steel and not rubber. Rubber hoses can easily crack and cause water
leakage. They recommend that any rubber hoses be replaced with braided stainless
steel. Because even braided stainless steel hoses can burst over time, they
recommend that washer hoses be replaced every five years.
Finally, they are recommending that all condo units have smoke
detectors on every floor. Homeowners should test their smoke alarms
semi-annually and replace the batteries every year.