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...
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Get out your gardening tools and stock up on seeds. Growing your own food provides fresh ingredients for your meals, but you’ll soon see other benefits of home gardens that you may not have expected. Here are six ways to make the most of growing your own vegetables: 1. Control your crops Growing your own...
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When you’re looking for extra space in your home, garages are logical places to turn. Whether you need an extra room, a bit of rental income, or just want to spread out, chances are, with some modifications, your home has the space you need. Before you convert your garage to livable space, you must attend...
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Your chateau-inspired house deserves semi-customized carriage doors for the garage. But, if your house is inspired by Bauhaus, custom glass and steel garage doors will look amazing. Mass-produced garage doors can look perfect for your mid-century modern home. With numerous choices available, your garage door can match your home’s style as well as your budget....
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Auto insurance premiums are frequently rising in the United States. Policyholders who’ve filed no recent claims may be perplexed by car insurance premium increases and wonder what’s behind the changes. Several macro trends play into the way auto insurance premiums are set. Here are some of the general factors that have the most impact on...
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The holidays are a cheerful time, but while you’re celebrating, someone may be eyeing those new gifts. Beware of the burglars waiting to get their hands on your presents. Here are some tips to help avoid being a victim of theft over the holidays: 1. Save the status updates for later Four out of five...
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Putting a teenager behind the wheel can be nerve-racking for parents – and justifiably so. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that teens crash three times as often as drivers aged 20 and older. But there are things you can do to help keep them safe. Follow these seven tips to help your kids...
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Hard-to-detect leaks can be frightening to homeowners. It’s not just the loss of water or the jump in your water services bill that can be difficult to deal with — it’s also the corrosive effects of undetected moisture that can cause costly damage and may necessitate extensive repairs. However, there are tools that can help...
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When your son or daughter begins playing a sport for the first time, there are many things that might make you nervous. How to explain sportsmanship? How can I help them stay safe while playing sports? But what parents might not consider when their child shows an initial interest in a particular sport is how...
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Building a connected kitchen is getting easier, thanks to new appliances and the ability to connect these appliances to phone apps. With Wi-Fi, you can start cooking dinner while you’re still at the office or at soccer practice, or at least warm the oven on your way home. Even finding your grocery list can be...
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VIN stands for Vehicle Identification Number, a string of characters that identifies a car. Every passenger vehicle manufactured for U.S. sale since 1981 has a standardized VIN, while the VINs on older cars may vary in length and character type depending on the manufacturer. How many numbers are in a VIN? Each VIN consists of...
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It’s safe to say we don’t leave our homes thinking an accident is just around the corner. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t leave the house prepared for one. Planning ahead means that, in case an accident does happen, you’ll know what to do. Here are five things you need to do to make sure...
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Garbage disposals can save time and effort when doing the dishes, but they still need periodic maintenance to stay in tip top shape. If you’ve noticed a funky smell, a weird noise or a drop in performance, it may be time to freshen things up. We rounded up a few of the best garbage disposal...
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