FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - From CityofClarksville.com

August 5, 2010

Christie Hill, Communications Director

City of Clarksville Provides Relief During Heat Wave

Clarksville, TN -- The City of Clarksville has teamed up with the Community Action Agency and the American Red Cross to provide relief from the extreme heat.  Our Parks and Recreation Department has designated Burt Cobb Community Center at 1011 Franklin Street as cooling center for anyone who needs to cool off and take a break from the heat.  The American Red Cross is on site to provide water, snacks, blankets, cots and emergency personnel, if necessary.  The cooling center will be open from 8am-8pm daily.

If you or someone you know needs relief from the heat but cannot make it to a cooling center location, you can call the Clarksville Fire Department at (931) 645-7454.  They will be available for transportation and assistance. The Clarksville Fire Department will also be out in various parts of the community to check on high-risk residents who may be in need of heat-related assistance.  Once we evaluate the need for assistance, the City can determine how long the center will be available and whether more cooling centers are needed.

In addition to the cooling center, free fans will also be made available.  The Community Action Agency located at 350 Pageant Lane will distribute free fans to those in need of relief.  They will be given out on a first come, first serve basis.   The United Way is collecting the fans for distribution.  Donated fans can be dropped off at 1300 Madison Street. 

The Community Action Agency also offers a Low Income Energy Assistance Program for citizens in need of help with their utility bill.

To apply, you will need to provide:

·         Identification

·         Proof of income for everyone in the household

·         Social Security numbers for everyone in the household

·         A copy of your latest utility bill

Priority in energy assistance, as well as the level of assistance, is based on the energy burden, income, and size of the applicant’s household as well as the presence of vulnerable household members (i.e. elderly, handicapped, and infants).  For more information on how to receive an air conditioner or free fan, Contact the Agency at 931-648-5774 from 8:00am - 4:00pm, Monday through Friday.

For more information about heat relief efforts, call the Mayor’s office at (931) 645-7444 or visit our website at www.cityofclarksville.com.

Scores range between 200 and 800.  Scores above 620 are considered desirable for obtaining a mortgage.  These factors will affect your credit score:

Your payment history: Whether you paid credit cards and other things on time.

How much you owe:  Owing a great deal of money on various accounts can indicate that you are overextended.

The length of your credit history: In general, the longer the better.

How much new credit you have: New credit, whether installment loans or new credit cards, are considered more risky, even if you pay promptly.

Generally, it is desirable to have more than one type of credit- installment loans, credit cards and a mortgage, for example. For evaluating and understanding your credit score, go to www.myfico.com.

This article was used with permission from www.realtor.org.

 

Here are some tips for hiring a remodeling contractor.

1. Get at least 3 written estimates. 

2. Get references and if possible, go by and visit earlier jobs completed by the contractors.

3. Check with the local Chamber of Commerce or the Better Business Bureau for complaints.

4. Be sure the contract states exactly what is to be done and how change orders will be handled.

5. Make a small down payment to ensure you don't lose a lot if the work is not completed.

6. Make sure the contractor has the proper licenses, permits and insurance.

7. Make sure the contract states when the work will be completed and what recourse you have if it is not.

8. Ask if the contractor will do the entire job or if there will be subcontractors.

9. Get the contractor to emdemnify you if the work does not meet local codes or regulations.

10. Be sure the contractor cleans up after his job and is responsible for any damage.

11. Guarantee the materials used meet your specifications.

12. Don't make the final payment until you're satisfied with the work.

Article reprinted with permission from www.realtor.org.

These are some tips from Better Homes and Gardens magazine featuring ideas on how to landscape your yard in order to get the most energy efficiency. 

Build a pergola, ramada (shade shelter open on three sides), awning or other shade-giving structure on the west side of your house.  It's an attractive way to filter light during the hottest part of the day.

Position porches, decks and patios on the east side of your home.  They'll become an ideal gathering spot because of their early morning warmth without becoming like a sauna during the late-day heat.  Try adding a shade tree.

Think about your ground covers.  Light- colored stone or granite mulch and concrete will reflcet more heat, making things hotter.  Darker stone and chips will absorb the heat.

Place trees to shield your windows, especially those on the south and west sides from direct sun.  Deciduous trees are a great option as they block sun during the hot weather and allow sunlight during the cooler seasons.

Water features are cooling both physically and psychologically.  A large pond upwind will noticeably cool the air of your whole landscape.

Article used from Better Homes and Gardens magazine (www.bhg.com)

In my newsletter, I always offer the Buyer's Basics section to help guide the buyer to a better experience.  Buyers need to keep in mind that they are checking to see if the home is in the same or better condition than when they first made the offer.

Be sure that:

Repairs have all been made according to the Inspection Contigency Notification form.

All items included in the contract are there i.e. lights, drapes, blinds and appliances.

Screens and storm windows are in place or stored.

All appliances are operating.

Hot water heater, HVAC, intercom, doorbell and alarms are working properly.

No plants or shrubs have been removed.

Instruction books and warranties on appliances are available.

 

All reprinted with permission from www.realtor.org.