Ladders are a common part of home repair and maintenance. They enable homeowners to complete tasks that would otherwise be difficult to reach. But as is the case for any tool, it’s important to use ladders safely. Ladder-related injuries send more than 90,000 people a year to emergency rooms throughout the United States, according to...
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Thousands of decks have either been built by do-it-yourselfers or by contractors who aren’t aware of the latest deck building codes or are looking to cut costs. In fact, most deck codes have changed in recent decades; if you own or are planning to buy a home that is over 10 years old, there could...
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You may be ready to give your new puppy lots of love and attention, but how ready is your home? Puppy proofing a house is like baby proofing. And like babies, puppies are inquisitive explorers ready to get into whatever they can without a second thought. Use this puppy-proofing guide to help keep your furry...
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Ever get the urge to freshen up your humble abode? Whether it’s new paint in the living room or trendy front yard landscaping, you can never get enough of those DIY projects. While do-it-yourself seems more fun and less expensive, it’s not always the best option. Let’s explore which home renovation projects are safe to...
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Welcome to the second edition of our Fire Prevention Week 2014 series. Now that we’ve established fire safety tips for your home, let’s focus on the workplace. According to the National Fire Protection Association, U.S. fire departments respond to over 3,000 fire on office properties per year. Like at home, it’s your responsibility to take...
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Fire prevention in the home is something we all need a refresher on from time to time. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 85 percent of fire deaths happen in the home, and those household fires are responsible for billions of dollars in property damages each year. The good news is that nearly all home fires are preventable by watching out for a few common fire hazards
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Be sure to light your home the right way. Electric lights are such a fixture of our everyday lives that we really don’t give them much thought. But every year, more than 28,000 residential electrical fires cause an estimated $1 billion in damage, according to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA). So those simple lighting projects...
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Are you prepared for hurricane season? In an average season, about 18 named storms occur. Of those storms, 3 are typically major hurricanes and another 6 vary in intensity, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).[1] The time to prepare for a hurricane is before it hits. By knowing how to prepare for...
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While many people think tornadoes impact only the Midwest, every state in the country is vulnerable to tornadoes, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Approximately 1,200 tornadoes hit the U.S. each year, causing an average of $24,000 in home damage and $4,000 in auto damage Strong winds from tornadoes can seriously damage the structural...
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We’ve all heard myths and rumors about how safe or efficient household appliances are. Let’s take a look at some of the more popular ones and see what’s fact and what’s fiction. 1. Rinse your dishes before putting them in the dishwasher Actually, rinsing dishes before loading them in the dishwasher doesn’t get them any...
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Do your allergies flare up when you switch on your central air or heat? You’re not alone. Turning on the air conditioning or furnace when the weather changes stirs up all kinds of allergens, and circulates them throughout the house. Take a look at what may be lurking in your vents, and learn what you can do to clean up the air in your home.
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Making the transition from renting an apartment to buying a home is a big step that can impact your finances and your lifestyle, so it’s important to understand the pros and cons first. You may want more room and autonomy over your living space. Or you may prefer the conveniences of apartment living, particularly in...
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Cleaning your chimney is essential for the safety of your home, as it can help prevent dangerous chimney fires caused by creosote buildup, a flammable residue from wood smoke. This article explains when and how to clean your chimney, the signs your chimney needs attention, DIY methods and more. [1] Why is chimney cleaning important?...
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Learn how to stay safe while driving at night with these tips.
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If winter weather catches you off guard and your home is not prepared for heavy snow and cold, you can experience damage ranging from burst pipes to a collapsed roof. Costs for repairs of this scale add up quickly, so prepare in autumn to protect your house during the colder months. Follow these winterizing tips...
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