At GGHRA, we want residents to stay safe, comfortable, and informed during periods of extreme heat.

Understanding the 20-Degree Rule
One of the most common misconceptions about air conditioning is that setting the thermostat extremely low will cool a home faster. Unfortunately, that's not how air conditioning systems work.

Most residential air conditioning systems are designed to cool a home approximately 20 degrees below the outdoor temperature. When temperatures outside reach 95°F or higher, setting your thermostat to 65°F will not make your home cool down more quickly.

Instead, it can cause your system to run continuously, increase energy consumption, and in some cases lead to the unit freezing up or requiring repairs and high utility costs.
For example:

• Outside Temperature: 95°F
• Recommended Thermostat Setting: 75°F

The most efficient and comfortable thermostat setting during extreme heat is generally between 75°F and 80°F.
Additional Ways to Keep Your Home CoolYour air conditioner does not have to do all the work. Small changes can help reduce heat inside your home and improve comfort.

Close, Blinds, and Curtains
Sunlight streaming through windows can significantly increase indoor temperatures. Keep blinds and curtains closed during the hottest part of the day.

Keep Doors Closed
Every time an exterior door is opened, cool air escapes and hot air enters. Limit the amount of time doors remain open.

Use Ceiling Fans
Fans help circulate air and can make rooms feel cooler, allowing your air conditioner to operate more efficiently.

Reduce Indoor Heat Sources
Ovens, dryers, and other heat-producing appliances can increase indoor temperatures. When possible, limit their use during the hottest hours of the day.

Heat Safety Tips
Extreme heat can be dangerous, especially for children, older adults, and individuals with certain medical conditions.

During this heat advisory:

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Limit outdoor activities during peak afternoon hours.
• Check on elderly neighbors, friends, and family members.
• Ensure pets have access to shade and fresh water.
• Never leave children or pets in a parked vehicle, even for a short time.

Helping Your AC Work Smarter
When temperatures soar, your air conditioner may run longer than usual. That's normal. The best thing you can do is set a reasonable temperature and allow the system to operate as designed.
Remember: Lowering the thermostat far below the recommended range will not cool your home faster. It will only make your system work harder.

By following these simple tips, you can stay comfortable, reduce energy costs, and help prevent unnecessary maintenance issues during the hottest days of the year.

Stay safe, stay cool, and watch for additional Resident Resources from GGHRA throughout the summer.

When it comes to keeping your family safe, smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms play very different, but equally important, roles.

Many people assume these devices do the same thing. In reality, each is designed to detect a different danger, and understanding the difference can help protect your household in an emergency.

What Does a Smoke Alarm Do?
A smoke alarm is designed to detect smoke from a fire.

Because smoke often appears before flames spread throughout a home, smoke alarms provide an early warning that gives occupants time to evacuate and call emergency services.
All GGHRA properties are equipped with smoke alarms because every home is at risk of fire.
Smoke alarms:

• Detect smoke from a fire.
  
• Provide an early warning of danger.
  
• Give residents valuable time to evacuate.
  
• Help reduce the risk of injury or loss of life.

What Does a Carbon Monoxide Alarm Do?
A carbon monoxide (CO) alarm detects carbon monoxide gas, which cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted.
Carbon monoxide can be produced by fuel-burning appliances such as gas stoves, gas heaters, and other gas-powered equipment. Because the gas is invisible and odorless, people may not realize they are being exposed until symptoms appear.
Properties with gas stoves or gas heaters are equipped with carbon monoxide alarms to provide an early warning if unsafe levels of carbon monoxide are detected.

Carbon monoxide alarms:

• Detect dangerous carbon monoxide gas.
• Alert residents before exposure becomes life-threatening.
• Help protect families from a hazard that cannot be detected by human senses.

What Should You Do If an Alarm Sounds?
Whether it is a smoke alarm or a carbon monoxide alarm, take every alarm seriously.

If an alarm sounds:

1. Exit the property immediately.
2. Move to a safe location outside.
3. Call 911.
4. Do not re-enter the property until emergency personnel determine it is safe.

Never assume an alarm is malfunctioning or ignore repeated alerts.

Battery Maintenance
GGHRA staff are responsible for changing alarm batteries and maintaining alarm systems in our properties.
If you believe an alarm is not working properly, please contact management immediately so it can be inspected.

Do Not Tamper With Safety Devices
Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are critical life-safety equipment. Disabling, removing, covering, or tampering with these devices puts everyone in the household at risk.
Please remember that tampering with safety devices is a violation of your lease and may result in fines or other enforcement actions.

Safety Starts at Home
These alarms may seem small, but they serve a big purpose. Smoke alarms protect against fire, while carbon monoxide alarms protect against a dangerous invisible gas. Together, they help keep residents safe and provide peace of mind for families throughout our communities.
If you have questions about the alarms in your home, please contact the GGHRA office. We're committed to helping residents stay informed, safe, and protected.

When temperatures drop, space heaters can be a lifesaver but only when they’re used correctly. Each winter, improper heater use leads to fires, injuries, and emergency calls that could have been avoided with a few simple precautions. Before you plug one in and crank up the cozy, take a minute to review these space heater safety tips to help keep your home warm and safe.

Choose the Right Spot: Always place space heaters on a solid, flat surface, well away from high-traffic areas, doorways, and anything flammable like curtains, furniture, or bedding. If it can burn, it needs space. Give heaters plenty of breathing room.

Plug Directly Into the Wall (No Exceptions): Space heaters should always be plugged directly into a wall outlet. Power strips and extension cords are not designed to handle the electrical load and can overheat quickly, creating a serious fire hazard. If the heater won’t reach an outlet safely, it doesn’t belong there.

Look for Built-In Safety Features: Use space heaters equipped with an automatic shut-off feature that turns the unit off if it’s tipped over. This added layer of protection can make a big difference, especially in busy or shared living spaces.

Check Cords and Plugs Regularly: Before using a space heater, inspect the cord and plug. If you notice cracks, fraying, or damage, stop using it immediately and replace the unit. A damaged cord is a warning sign, not a suggestion.

Use Heaters Designed for Indoor Use Only: Not all heaters are created equal. Make sure the heater you’re using is approved for indoor use. Outdoor heaters should stay outdoors, no matter how cold it gets inside.

A Little Caution Goes a Long Way! Space heaters can provide comfort during cold weather, but they require responsible use. Following these safety tips helps protect your home, your neighbors, and the entire community while keeping emergency calls to a minimum.

Stay warm, stay safe, and remember: cozy should never come with a side of risk.