The Honey Moving Period
by Hometeam

As soon as you move in, identify and post local emergency numbers in a place where everyone can find them. Plan your fire escape route and review it with your children. Introduce your children to your neighbors; neighbors can be helpful in making sure your children are safe in your new neighborhood.

Make sure smoke detectors have new batteries, and place a fire extinguisher on each floor of your new home. Finally, consider adding a carbon monoxide detector to your home; doing so can save lives.Your home has many systems that keep it running for you. Make sure you know where the following are located:

Main electrical switch

Main cutoff valve for water and gas

Circuit breakers

Hot water heater thermostat

There is sure to be a time when you will need some basic tools to fix, hang, or assemble something. Organize a small toolbox so that you will be prepared. With the following tools you should be able to handle all the small problems that may arise:

Batteries

Screwdrivers

Level

Plunger

Pliers

Sandpaper

Power drill (handheld)

Utility knife

Tape measure

Crescent wrench

Claw hammer

Ladder

Flashlight

Nails and screws

Donna Taglianetti is the Executive Director at Co-opportunity in Hartford, Connecticut. This article is reprinted with permission from The First Time Home Buyer magazine – August/September 2006 issue. For more information on how to subscribe visit www.firsttimehomebuyermagazine.com.