To help everyone keep track of certain items needing “maintenance”, I asked Denob if I could start a maintenance thread and I look forward to the task.
People would make a post about anything maintenance related that they may have encountered or even heard of being needed, missed etc. As more people “get it” with Covid, riots or financial concerns and wish to be better prepared, a maintenance list will not only help those who have systems that must be maintained at all times but help those thinking of setting up some new system,first time home or a cottage owner... and appreciate what may be needed in maintenance with the new adventures. While not intended as such, it may also look like a "list of stuff" but the stuff should be limited to whats needed to keep existing things operating and not so much as " you should have a generator" and more like, check to ensure you have topped up the fuel with stabilizer, that you run and test the circuits of the gen every month.., have changed or checked the oil etc. The fact that we talk about generator maintenance tasks or items will likely be enough to provoke others to think of getting one but the goal is for the list to ONLY be used as a check or maintenance list.
I will take people’s posts and hopefully each week or two, update the master list and post for people to see and people can then add new items over the week and I will rebuild the master list to include the new suggestions. The list will likely be long but will provide everyone with a good subject related list of things to consider in our busy lives to not forget about doing.
When posting, if people can make a reference to subject matter. Example, cottage, Vehicle, ATV, Sled... and then put their item or process/task to it, it will make my copying and pasting of the item into its intended destination easier.
There’s bound to be repeats or obvious ones like motor oil... but others like spare fuses for the generator is different than for an ATV and I would add “fuses to as many sections as I think or know appropriate and if you pick up on an area I missed (HAM Radio, Solar...) or other items needing fuses… then post it so I can include it under Communications, Power….
So, let’s dig deep into our life experiences, good and bad events and list the things needing to be done to keep things in good shape and ready when needed.
I will not repeat the above long winded intro each
week but will make a short note so people seeing the list for the first time, will know the intent and process.Here is a start
Residence:
Inspect Sump pump, clean of debris and test in the fall and again prior to spring thaw. check backup power for it.
Fireplace chimney inspection and annual cleaning, check for nests in the fall, maintain waterproofing around roof chimney openings.
Check fire extinguishers.
Replace any smoke detector and carbon monoxide batteries
Energy:
Add fuel stabilizer for generator fuel when leaving for extended periods of time or when not used for periods of time. Add quantities to gas and diesel per instructions, have enough for one year.
Battery maintenance on solar systems, need to maintain minimum levels, freezing concerns…
Vehicle:
check and replace old tire inflators.
make sure Trickle charger for BOV is working so vehicle starts when needed.
Change out vehicle BOB water bottles/ freshen them up in the spring and fall or as needed
Water Storage:
Gardening:
Reseal any unused seeds properly for use next year.
Turn off exterior water and drain all hoses, water timers, remove and properly store batteries used in timers
Medical:
Check to ensure items have not leaked or been compromised.
Keep on top of expiration dates.
Put reminders into calendar for reordering of medicines
Firearms and ammunition:
Food storage:
Communications:
Financial documents
Update any key financial information every six months, this includes any remote storage location such as safety deposit box, PVC tube buried at the camp etc
Laundry or Hygiene:
Keep adding subject matter titles per above type systems or key tasks
