How Safe Is Your Bathroom?

February 4, 2010 – 12:37 pm

1209273_bathroomBathrooms can be dangerous places, which explains why so many home-related accidents occur in the bathroom. Maybe you’re familiar with child proofing, but perhaps your bathroom could benefit from some adult proofing. So where do you begin?

Install a safety grab bar in your bathtub or shower.
This can be a stainless steel one or a thick plastic one with strong suction cup grips. If you don’t want a permanent grab bar, choose a plastic model so you can move it around and have it where you need it the most. Grab bars can prevent you from slipping and falling when you get in and out of the tub, and it can also help you keep balance while your washing or shaving.

Keep a rubber-backed bath mat inside and outside of your shower.
When your feet have soap or water on them, it can increase your chances of slipping and falling so reduce your risk with bath mats.

Leave slippers in your bathroom.
Once you have stepped out of the shower and dried yourself, slip your feet into a pair of shoes with a rubber bottom.

Place a shower bench or seat in your tub.

This will give you a stable place to sit and wash. If you live with an elderly relative, this is an important safety precaution to install.

Wipe up any excess water immediately.
Anyone can slip from puddles on the floor, and if your children like to play in the bathtub, it’s important to clean up the overflow as soon as possible.

Turn on the fan.
The heat from your shower can build into thick layers of steam, which can prevent you from seeing where you’re going so keep the fan going while you’re showering.

Set eyeglasses on a table near your shower or tub stall.
If you don’t wear contacts or can’t wear them while you bathe, at least keep your eyeglasses close by in case you need them.

Implementing some of these safety precautions into your bathroom will prevent you and your family members from falling and getting hurt.

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Why is Homeowner’s Insurance Beneficial?

February 2, 2010 – 11:30 pm

1240856_large_house_and_garden_There are so many expenses when you own a home, and it’s natural to always be on a quest to cut your expenses wherever you can. Although you might consider skimping on homeowner’s insurance, this is probably the last thing you want to do. With all of the risks of not having homeowner’s insurance, not paying into one can cost you more down the road when a natural disaster, accident or burglary strikes. So why is it so beneficial to have a homeowners insurance?

Fortunately, there is a wide range of coverage available. You can purchase a policy that covers the structure of your house, your personal belongings, living expenses if you’re displaced and/or liability protection. Instead of prolonging payment for a policy, choose one that fits within your budget and upgrade later. There are also levels of coverage such as limited, basic, special and older home coverage. If you don’t own a home, you should consider renters or condo insurance.

The Risks

What if a hailstorm ruins the exterior structure of your home? This can affect your house in more than just its appearance. Other natural elements can damage your home such as earthquakes, tornados, floods, landslides, mudslides, etc. If you live in an area susceptible to these weather conditions, it’s best to consider a higher coverage plan.

In the case that a natural disaster or other damaging incident happens, it can cause you to have to temporarily relocate. Maybe you will have to live in an apartment until repairs are made to your house. Can you imagine how much that could cost? Depending on your insurance policy, you can protect yourself from such a financial burden.

In addition to protecting your physical house, a homeowner’s insurance policy can also receive reimbursement for personal possessions that have been destroyed or stolen from your home. How well you’re covered depends on your policy, but you could receive reimbursement from trees and shrubbery to your luxury items.

Although homeowner’s insurance will only give you a percentage or a capped amount back, it’s better than starting from scratch on your own. Dealing with a natural disaster or burglary is a stressful situation, and it can be scary too when you don’t have enough funds to replace, repair or rebuild your life.

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Fall Prevention for You and Your Pets

January 28, 2010 – 1:27 am

1243546_stairsYou suit your dog up to head outside to take an afternoon walk. As you unlock the door, your pooch jumps up and down and even rolls on the ground. You open the door and your dog takes off and you land head first into the cement driveway, because the leash was wrapped around your ankle. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 86,000 Americans suffer injuries from pet-related falls, and this number is expected to increase with the aging Baby Boomer population.

A serious fall like the one describe above might not have happened to you, but you probably had “almost falls” and trips over your pet. Spinal fractures and head injuries commonly occur in the elderly as a result of slipping on spilled pasta sauce to tumbling outside a grocery store. When you’re bones become weaker, it can take one fall to completely take away your independence and mobility, which is scary.

Dogs and cats enjoy following their owners around the house, but it can become dangerous, especially if you’re walking down your steep flight of steps to the basement. If your pet knew how to stay, you would be able to take your time up and down the steps. Along with obedience training, there are some other ways to prevent falls.

  • Shake a can of pennies when you go up and down the steps to deter your pet from following.
  • Temporarily put your dog or cat in a crate before bringing in groceries or moving around furniture.
  • Use a harness on your dog and a shorter leash. Make sure the harness has a metal ring at the top so the leash stays up near the dog’s shoulders instead of on the ground.

Granted accidents happen and the last thing you want to do is fall on your pet, but obedience training can keep your pet patient and less anxious about following your heels. This is especially important if yo have an elderly relative living with you.

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Are Your Windows Secure?

January 26, 2010 – 2:06 am

953523_postmodernism_point_of_viewThe economy has made daily living rough on everyone, and it has caused crimes to increase in the United States. Home security should be a priority all of the time but even more so now. When there is potential for a burglar to break through your window and steal your valuables such as your flat screen TV, computer, jewelry and money, you need to increase your security and ensure that your windows are secure. So where do you start?

Windows that are old, rotten or damaged should be replaced as soon as possible. If there is enough structural damage to the window, a burglar might be able to rip the window right out from the wall. So check the windows in your home, especially ones closer to the ground that might be more convenient to intruders. Although it’s expensive to replace windows, it’s cheaper than re-buying the items that a burglar stole from you.

Install burglar bars or security film to the windows. The bars might not be attractive, but they definitely send the signal that your house isn’t a target for crime. If you have larger windows, the security film might be more appropriate.

It’s wise to check your existing locks to see if they’re still working effectively. If you don’t use a window regularly or just moved into a new place, you might miss this simple but yet important security feature. All of your windows should have operational locks, but if you have to replace them, it’s an easy installation.

The next step is to lock your windows with security pins. These connect the window’s sashes together and lock them into place so the window can’t be opened. Fortunately, you can unlock the pin with a key and use the window when you need to. If you go this route, it will be important for you to keep the key in an accessible place in case you have an emergency and have to go out the window.

Windows can add beauty to a home, but they can also entice burglars. Even if you turn on some security lighting near your windows, you will make your windows less attractive to intruders.

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Collect Your Household Hazardous Waste

January 21, 2010 – 1:13 am

1181206_radiation___Hazardous waste is usually any product that has a label with the words Poison, Danger, Warning or Caution. Often times these types of wastes are stored away in our garages or basements where they just take up room. However, it’s important to properly deal with household hazardous waste, because a hazardous waste product is at least one of the following: toxic, flammable, corrosive or reactive. Do you want these dangerous items lying around your house?

Fortunately, your local recycling center probably has an annual household hazardous waste collection days. These are certain times when they accept items such as non-latex paint, herbicides, aerosol cans, photo chemicals, asbestos, medicines, gasoline, etc.

It’s important to find out exactly what the collection service accepts, because they might not take latex paint. However, you can still dispose of these products properly. To dispose of latex paint, use cat litter or sand to dry up the unused paint. Then replace the lid and put it in your trash. If you have paint cans that are 1/3 full that can be reused, contact your local recycling center to see if they know of any non-profits that are in need of paint.

Non-hazardous, reusable items such as Styrofoam egg cartons and peanuts, art supplies and other craft supplies can be given to schools as well as non-profit agencies. This is a more resourceful way to deal with these items instead of sending them to a landfill.

As for dealing with household hazardous wastes, a quick solution is to limit the amount of hazardous waste products you purchase. At the very least, protect your family by placing “Poison Help” Mr. Yuk stickers on dangerous products. For a free sheet of Mr. Yuk stickers, send a self-addressed, postage prepaid envelope to: Free Mr. Yuk Stickers, Pittsburgh Poison Center, 3705 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213.

Recycling household hazardous waste helps protect the environment as well as your family. No one’s home should be a breeding ground for potential accidents.

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What Do You Do if an Earthquake Shakes Up Your Home?

January 19, 2010 – 11:32 pm

189773_destruction_zoneThe recent earthquake disaster in Haiti makes you think about what you would do during one. Within 45 seconds, Haiti was obliterated…could you find a safe place in your home to go to within this short time period? In a situation like this, you have more chance of surviving if you’re prepared for an event like this. Although there is only so much you can do so to set up basic safety measures for an earthquake, it’s important to do as much as you can and let your family in on everything too.

One thing to keep in mind is that earthquakes don’t usually come once. Often you have foreshocks before the larger earthquakes, and you can also have lingering tremors or even another big earthquake several days later. Because there is such uncertainty as to when an earthquake and its after effects are over, it’s best to minimize your movements and stay indoors until the shaking has subsided.

As soon as an earthquake hits, you should stop, drop to the ground and protect yourself underneath a sturdy piece of furniture. If you can’t get under a table or desk in time, settle for a corner and keep your face and head covered with your arms. It’s wise to avoid glass, windows, outside doors, outside walls, lighting fixtures and light furniture. Safe places can be hard to find when you’re in a panic, so you can seek shelter within a doorway if necessary. Another safe and comfortable place can be your bed, because you can protect your head and body with pillows.

Some other tips include staying indoors until it’s safe to go outside. You don’t want to risk leaving your house and going outside where you can be seriously injured by cars, buildings and other larger structures. If you have an elevator, don’t use it.

Earthquakes can be extremely destructive, but in the midst of the shaking and blackout and/or power surge, your highest priority is seeking a safe shelter within your home.

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Tips for Choosing a Locksmith Company

January 14, 2010 – 12:04 am

786611_keysMoving into a new house is exciting, but before you start moving your expensive and sentimental personal belongings into your new home, you need to change the locks on the double! But if you have never hired a locksmith company before, you might not know where to start. Below are some tips to help you find a profession locksmith for all of your home security needs.

  • Ask your friends and family members about the locksmith companies that they have used in the past. Maybe someone you know is confident about the locksmith they hire. Or maybe one of your friends is a friend of a locksmith. Basically, you want to find a company that you can trust.
  • Do your own research online and look up locksmith companies in your area. There are plenty of sites that include consumer reviews, so you will get a chance to learn about the company’s customer service and which ones come highly recommended. It’s important to know how the company treats their customers before you commit. Looking online also gives you a chance to find a locksmith that is near you home. What if a couple months from now you lock yourself out of the house and need to get in as soon as possible? You definitely don’t want to contact a locksmith who is 30 minutes away.
  • Call a few different locksmith companies and describe to them what exactly you need them to do. This will enable them to give you a more accurate estimate. It’s definitely worthwhile to find a locksmith who does quality work at a descent price.
  • Last but not least is finding out what other security services your locksmith provides. Do they sell and setup surveillance cameras, window bars, peepholes, etc.? It’s convenient if you can find all of your security needs at one place that you can trust.

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Security Routine for When the Sun Goes Down

January 12, 2010 – 12:27 am

Denmark_clouds_evening_270372_lThere is a sense of security in having a routine. Developing a home security routine for you and your family is a way to ensure that your basic home security devices are in place when you need them the most. By setting up some rules and guidelines, your home will be less of a target for burglars, if you follow them. So where do you start?

It’s best to have a security routine before you leave the house and while you’re at home, but you have to start somewhere. So below are some steps you should follow when you’re home for the night from work.

  • Turn on an inside or outside light near your front door and back door. It’s more convenient if you can set the light on a timer. This way if you don’t make it home before it starts to get dark, the light will already be on for you.
  • Set your house alarm when you’re ready to settle down for the evening. Alarm systems are not cheap, so if you pay for it, why not take the step to turn it on? It’s not going to do you much good unless you have it on, so put it on before you retire to the living room or bedroom.
  • Review your surveillance cameras from the day. Were there any suspicious people at your door? Did any unusual cars stop at the end of your driveway? Small details like these are important, especially when someone breaks into your home. Also, don’t forget to check that your cameras are working and that they are activated.
  • Check that all windows and doors are shut and locked. Even go down to the cellar, because you never know if someone has been tampering with your door or window in preparation to break in when you’re not around. This is a wise step, because if you have children, it’s hard to tell what they have left open or unlocked.

Abiding by your security routine will not only give you a sense of security, it will make your house less of a target. By being more aware of your surroundings and using the security features you already have, your home will be safer.

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The Benefits of Tasers

January 7, 2010 – 12:34 pm

stun-electricity-spark-2156869-lHaving a gun in your home can be risky. What if you become so frightened that you pull the trigger on a loved one? Accidents do happen, and if you have children, you don’t want to risk them getting their hands on the gun either. Although guns might make you feel safe, they can become more of a liability. Tasers are alternatives to guns that you can use to stun an intruder for just enough time for you to get away.

Benefits of Tasers

First and foremost tasers are not anything like guns. Instead of shooting out deadly bullets, they shock a person just enough to stun them. When an assailant is coming after you, it’s important to have those few seconds to get away and contact 911.

Second, tasers will enable you to subdue an intruder without having to kill them. How would you feel if you shot a person to death? Although it’s your number one priority to protect yourself and your family no matter what, something like this would definitely weigh on your conscious regardless if the killing was due to self-defense.

Third, tasers are handheld and just as compact as guns. So if you’re comfortable defending yourself with a gun, using a taser will be an easier transition than you think.

Last but not least is the simple fact that you won’t need a gun in your home. Although guns can be effective methods for self-defense, there are cases where horrific accidents have happened at home.

Risks of Tasers

Along with benefits, there are some risks or downfalls to keeping a taser in your home. Although they’re not meant to kill, some studies have shown the electric shock to be powerful enough to kill some individuals. If you decide to keep a taser in your home, you will still want to use precaution and keep it away from your children.

Also, using a taser is different than a gun, because you will have to be close to the intruder in order to stun them effectively.

Whether you use a gun or a taser to protect your family, there are risks and benefits for both. However, if you at least keep a taser and pepper spray in an accessible area of your home, you will have a chance at escaping your home if an intruder becomes violent.

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Top 5 Home Pollutants

January 5, 2010 – 2:49 am

burner_fire_blaze_263782_lWhat types of indoor pollutants are lurking in your home? It might surprise you that excess moisture can qualify as an indoor pollutant. Although it’s important to figure out how to reduce these pollutants, it’s also crucial to identify them in your home first. Which indoor pollutants do you have and which ones don’t you have? Once you know what you’re dealing with, you can take the steps to improve your air quality.

Excess Moisture
When you have excess moisture in your home, it can affect the building’s structure as well as your health. Moisture can create a breeding ground for mold and other bacteria, which can cause illness and weaken your home’s structure. So not only can it cause asthma and allergies, it can destroy your wood and rust metal. This is why it’s crucial to have proper air distribution and exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens where warm air is produced.

Radon
This is a radioactive gas, and it can enter your house up through the soil where it’s naturally generated. Radon can cause lung cancer, so it’s wise to get your home tested to see if you have elevated levels of this gas in your living space.

Combustion Products
Did you know that your gas-fired appliances emit carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrous oxides and water vapor? If your flues are damaged or your gas appliance isn’t vented properly, you can have a backdraft of some of these harmful gases.

Volatile Organic Compounds
What causes volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in your home? Well, the formaldehyde in your carpets as well as pesticides and even your body odors can cause VOCs. The VOCs from formaldehyde, pesticides and gasoline in your garage is what you need to watch.

Tobacco Smoke
Tobacco smoke can cause health consequences for smokers and non-smokers because of all of the gases and particles that are produced so this can be an indoor pollutant too.

During fall and winter, you’re more likely to be inside most of the time, so it’s beneficial to assess your home and determine how you can make your indoor environment less harmful to your health.

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