Wenatchee Fire Chief Applies For Smoke Detector Grants

This week I attended a North Central Home Builders Association dinner in Wenatchee, Washington. One of the speakers was Mark Yaple, the Assistant Fire Chief for the City of Wenatchee. He talked about the number one problem that causes a total loss in a house fire– a faulty or absent smoke detector. Since 1995 building code has required homes to have hardwired smoke detector alarms with battery backup. Yaple is concerned about the homes built before 1995. He has taken it upon himself to provide smoke detectors to any home in the city of Wenatchee that needs one.

State Farm Insurance gave him a $5,000 grant to purchase battery operated smoke detectors. With the help of a Red Cross volunteer and driving his fire truck he went door to door inspecting smoke detectors and installing new ones where needed. He advertised his free service to the public and received many calls from elderly people that were not able to deal with the problem themselves. His goal is to receive more money and continue his good work. He has applied for more grants from State Farm and the Federal Government and hopes to receive up to $27,000 to purchase detectors. Obviously, new construction homes are not entitled to his program because they would not meet the code adopted in 1995. If you would like to volunteer with Yaple to install smoke detectors contact him at the City of Wenatchee. He could use our help!

Home Show in Wenatchee: Feb. 11-13th

Every year the NCHBA or North Central Home Builders Association produces a spectacular home show in Wenatchee, Washington.  There's a little something for everyone whether you are interested in remodeling, decorating, building, buying or selling a home...they've got all the experts there for your questions!  Here's some info from their website.  Download this COUPON for $1 off admission:

This year, we have a lot of new things going on and are very excited to “get the Show on the road”! The Kid’s Zone by Lowe’s is going to be fantastic this year. Not only will the kids be able to build their own project with a professional from Lowe’s, they can go on a scavenger hunt with their parents or enjoy FREE ice skating on Friday and Saturday. So, if you have kids that are 12 and under, make sure to take them to the Kids Zone by Lowe’s, located in the Crunch-Pak Hospitality Room on the the main floor of the Town Toyota Center!  Workshops and How-to’s that you WON’T want to miss! Come and see what the Master Gardeners have to demonstrate on Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the show!   Be one of the first 250 attendees on Saturday and Sunday and receive a special Home Show Entrance Bag! These bags will be filled with small gifts, specials and discount coupons from participating sponsors and vendors! These bags will also come in very handy when you need a place to stow away other information and items you gather!  There will be additional event parking available for attendees across the street at Walla Walla Point Park, both parking lots, as well as at Lowe’s Home Improvement Warehouse. Many thanks to Lowe’s for generously allowing our Home Show attendees to use half of their parking lot for our event!

Builders Versus WA State Over New Energy Code

It’s the Washington State Building Code Council (SBCC) against the Building Industry Association of Washington (BIAW) in fight over new energy code adoption originally set for July 1st. Gov. Gregoire requested a delay of 9 months but builders are guaranteed 3 months.

This issue comes after the SBCC adopted a new code increasing energy efficiency by 18% to 26% in new homes. The SBCC’s actions resulted from Gov. Gregoire’s orders to improve energy code with a 30% reduction in energy use.

Builders argue that the new code would increase new construction from $4,000-$15,000 per unit. During a time when this industry is trying to recover in a down economy the Governor has decided to grant a reprieve and postpone the adoption until the builders have time to recuperate.

Overall, I think we can all agree that energy efficiency is important. Our dependence on oil is embarrassing and the spill in the Gulf of Mexico is a harsh reminder of the affects. As an Energy Star Verifier it would be our company’s best interest for the new code to pass, but we are struggling in this economy like everyone else. Therefore, I think any actions by the SBCC that may increase costs to builders substantially, should be postponed until our economy is doing better.

More info:

http://www.biaw.com/

http://www.sbcc.wa.gov/

http://www.publicola.net/