Tornado season spans a roughly three-month period, from April through June, when the bulk of tornadoes occur in the U.S. Regardless of the season, tornadoes can spin up given the right conditions, presenting a serious danger to people, animals, and property.[1] That’s why it’s important to recognize the signs of a tornado threat and stay...
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The swimming pool: sometimes the homeowner’s crown jewel, other times a liability that presents little more than an attractive nuisance. A pool’s upkeep can be taxing if not executed properly, and the consequences of poor pool maintenance are ruinous to your bank account and personal health alike. But if you know how to take care...
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From kicking back at the best BBQ joint in town to swimming at the beach with friends or road tripping with your family – nothing is better than taking full advantage of a beautiful summer day. Here are some of the best travel apps you can use to make the most of this summer. Stay...
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The safety of a home largely depends on the materials it is made of — high-quality materials can help protect you and your loved ones from whatever weather comes your way. What is a FORTIFIED home? The FORTIFIED Home™ program, also known as IBHS FORTIFIED, uses retrofit techniques to strengthen new and existing homes, making...
Read more about Conventional Roof vs FORTIFIED Roof: Which Is Better?
How often have you started to reheat something in your microwave, only to be greeted by the scent of microwave popcorn? As helpful as microwaves are in the kitchen, they have an annoying knack for holding on to food smells and splatters for an extended length of time. When you start to notice the lingering...
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As a homeowner, you know how important it is to keep every aspect of your house maintained. One of the most important facets of home maintenance is to make sure your roof is in tip-top shape. If you catch a problem early, you’re more likely to keep it from becoming a major repair — and...
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Figuring out how to lower electric bills in the summer can be difficult, especially when temperatures are at their hottest. Luckily, there are some steps you can take to save on your electricity bill during the summer months. Try these energy-saving tips so you can focus more on the pleasures of summer. 1. Be smart...
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Retailers do whatever they can to attract online shoppers—free shipping, easy returns, coupons and bargains on things for your favorite foodie or your animal lover. Online shopping days like Cyber Monday have been rivaling and beating brick-and-mortar sales in many industries. Unfortunately, increased online activity entices scam artists, putting your personal information at risk. Learning...
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Sometimes, there’s nothing better than splashing in your backyard pool, sipping lemonade and enjoying the sunshine. And by landscaping around the pool, you have the potential to enhance or completely transform the atmosphere into something that’s even more welcoming and beautiful. Whether you add a protective fence or plant decorative shrubs, there are many pool...
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Headlights are an important safety feature on your car, whether you’re driving at night or in inclement weather. Unfortunately, headlights can become foggy and dirty, which dulls their brightness and makes them less effective at lighting the road. Plastic headlights can become foggy as a result of UV ray exposure and damage from the elements....
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A growing number of Americans will pack up their recreational vehicles and hit the road this year. Ownership of RVs has reached record highs, with 10 million households owning an RV. RV owners will trek across the U.S., visiting some of the 18,000 public and privately owned campgrounds that speckle the map. That’s sure to...
Read more about 10 RV Camping Tips to Ensure a Great Vacation [Slideshow]
Every automaker is somehow involved in the technology revolution that has redefined the primal relationship between car and driver over the last decade. Future car technologies are touching nearly every area of a vehicle, from dashboard panels and passenger zones to the engine configuration, braking systems, headlights and even tires. The cause of car innovations...
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When the weather report predicts any type of storm, it’s time to prepare for the possibility of an electrical outage. Whether it’s the lightning bolts of a thunderstorm, the damaging winds of a tornado or the heavy snows of a blizzard, these powerful storms can cause blackouts, brownouts and other electrical glitches. You can’t control...
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As climate changes continue on a global scale, the world is experiencing more natural disasters than ever before. In 2017, the U.S. experienced a historic year of weather and climate disasters. Experts predict that this pattern will continue and even get worse.[1] Part of being ready for a disaster means having an evacuation and preparedness...
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As parents get older, they often include their adult children in deciding what type of housing they should consider. One of today’s trends is the rise of mother-in-law suites, which can also be called granny suites, granny pods and granny flats. These separate-but-connected spaces provide a way for adult children and their aging parents to...
Read more about Planning an In-Law Suite: What to Consider