The Golden State: Where & How to Live, Secure, Visit, Enjoy and Thrive in California
Care And Repair Of The House
The gas company should be requested to shut off the gas supply, to guard against possible damage resulting from a leak in a pipe or fixture.
All doors and windows should be closed and locked and shades drawn. If there are blinds or shutters on the house, they should be closed and locked as an extra bar against intruders and as a protection for the windows during heavy storms. The cellar doors should be securely bolted.
It is often advisable to leave a key to the house with a neighbor or at the nearest police station, so that entrance may be readily gained in case of an emergency. In some cities, where police are notified that a house is to be left vacant, an officer on his regular rounds makes an occasional inspection.
Other Sources Of Information
In addition to the suggestions contained in this publication, there are various sources of information concerning the care and repair of the house which should be known to the home repair man.
Often the material dealer from whom purchases are made may be consulted regarding the correct amounts and grades of materials required for a specific job. In addition to his personal knowledge he may have printed instructions covering the use of the products which he handles. These instructions are prepared by the manufacturers of the materials and are usually comprehensive and useful.
In addition to the assistance rendered by the manufacturers, there are many national trade associations which retain a staff of experts to make tests and recommend correct methods of using the products which they represent. The results of these studies are usually published and distributed by the associations, and many of these publications are in the form of booklets touching upon subjects particularly interesting to the small home owner, with illustrations, plans, specifications, and detailed instructions for performing tasks around the house. The names and addresses of some of these organizations together with the titles of a few of their publications, which may be of interest to home owners, are shown in Chapter XVII.
In addition to their publications, many of these associations have established an information service for the benefit of the users of their products and are glad to answer inquiries or decide questions involving their properties and uses. Manual-training teachers and friends who are experienced in repair work may also be consulted. In any case, the inquirer should assure himself that the person consulted is competent to give such advice, and that the information obtained is reliable. Sometimes it is found that one who is free to give advice is a good talker but a poor mechanic.
