Home Safety

Everyone loves their home. Your home is often a safe haven for both you and your family. And it is also the one place where you’ll create most of your memories. If you want to make sure that you do your bit to protect your home, or if you want to make sure that you do what you can to lower risk with household disasters, then this is the guide for you. Continue reading below to learn more about fires, flooding, and other household disasters.

For more helpful resources, check out the full Home Safety collection

Fires and Blazes

There is no doubt at all that one of the biggest and scariest household disasters is a fire. This is because fires can be deadly. And they also have the ability to destroy almost anything in your home.

You may find that many properties that do fall victim to fires often require a full renovation afterwards. And even though most insurance will cover this, you have to know that the repairs from any household fire can take months to complete.

Fire Prevention

However, the good news is that there are many ways that you can stop your home from falling victim to any kind of household fire. To begin with, you have to make sure that you have a solid fire alarm. This will not stop a fire from occurring, but it will help you to limit any damages if a fire does break out. It will also alert you and your family so that you can escape safely.

It is also a good idea for you to get any electronics checked by a qualified electrician. If you have a home that runs on gas, then it is essential that you get your boiler checked and to have it included in boiler costs every year. Leaking gas can also be a major household issue, and it is very flammable as well. This is the last thing that you need. So it is always a good idea for you to take various preventative measures to try and safeguard yourself against this. If you are worried about your insurance provider not paying out for any damages that have been caused by a fire in the past, then it is a very good idea for you to contact an insurance claim attorneys who can help walk you through the steps to take.

Flooding

Another major issue that you need to be aware of when you own a property is flooding. There are two main types of flooding. You have external flooding, and you have internal flooding. External flooding can be anything that is caused by an external source. An example would be that a river has overflowed its banks near your home. Internal flooding is usually caused by something inside the home. It may be that your water pipe has burst, or that you have a toilet that has a leak. External flooding, as you can probably guess, is way harder to stop when compared to internal flooding. After all, you cannot control the weather.

Flood Prevention

If you want to stop issues like this from costing you a small fortune, then you can invest in a flood defense system. Sandbags can be very useful as they can stop your home from being impacted by rising water levels from the outside. If you are concerned about your water pipes, then you can easily put an end to this household disaster by adding stoppers to your pipes. This will only allow water to flow one way, which is out. This means that any flood water that would normally be able to enter your home, now cannot.

With internal flooding, it is also a good idea to do regular water system checks. This will ensure that your home is in good working order. Having a plumber come round now and again to check your pipes is also wise. If you have had water damage in the past from a flood, then this is really important. After all, you want to do what you can to try and stop mold from spreading throughout your home. If you do not do this, then you may find that you end up with a major issue on your hands, and this is the last thing that you need.

Break-ins

Lastly, break-ins are another risk that your property will face. On average, 50% of homes will be broken into at one point. That means that one out of two families may experience an intruder of some sort. At the end of the day, home invasions can be scary. And sometimes you might never know what the burglar is after. Do they want to hurt you or even your family? Or are they looking for valuables?

If possible, you need to try and make sure that you do what you can to keep your family safe to stop issues like this from happening in the first place.

Break-In Prevention

Luckily, stopping break-ins is very easy to do. Having a home that is properly secured should always be your first line of defense. You will want to ensure that all of your doors, your windows, and other entrances are locked – and that they stay this way. If you can, put up some security lighting as well. By installing lights outside your doors and windows, you will make it much harder for people to sneak in.

If your CCTV is not functional right now, then that doesn’t mean that it is not working as a deterrent. Don’t take it down, instead, leave it up until you can get it fixed. You might also want to invest in a security alarm if you can. This will notify you, or it will sound a loud alarm, if someone tries to bang on your window or force their way through your door. If you can get something like this, then the criminal targeting your home should not be able to do too much damage before the police are able to arrive.

So, it is more than possible for you to try and stop a lot of home disasters from happening if you simply take the right precautions. If you want to get the best result out of your alarm system, then it is wise to have a professional come and give you advice regarding your break-in points.

For more helpful resources, check out the full Home Safety collection

Making your home safe for your kids is something that every parent thinks about. You always want to make sure that your home is a haven where your children will not come to any harm in. To make your home as safe as possible there are a few things you need to do. These things are not necessarily difficult, but you will need to make a genuine effort to take the time to do them. Some of them you can do yourself and others you will need to employ someone to assist you. Here is a look at what you need to know.

For more helpful resources, check out the full Home Safety collection

Beware of Water

A lot of children drown because unexpected water sources were left lying around. You want to make sure that you remove any forms of water that could be detrimental. After you have finished using a bathtub make sure you empty it immediately and do not leave it unsupervised. If you have a pool in your backyard, be careful too. Get a covering for your pool and always make sure that your child is supervised when they are near the pool.

Safe Stairs and Windows

Stairs are a well-known safety hazard that you need to ensure you take care of to prevent your child from having an accident. You should have a safety gate at the top or bottom of your stairs to keep your child from falling. Make sure that you put a stair runner in place, this will help prevent your child from taking any unnecessary falls. Ensure that you also have security measures in place for your windows as well. Always double-check to make sure that you lock the windows securely and also that the locks are secure.

Install Security Systems

These days installing a security system in your home is not that difficult. There are security cameras that you can even install in light bulb sockets around your home. This will help to ensure that your children are kept safe at all times. If you live in an apartment you might want to consider installing a video intercom system. Some apartments may already have this in place. This way you can see who is asking to be let into your apartment or your building before you let them in. This can make a significant impact on the safety of your child and your entire family.

Cover Sockets

One of the things you can do to ensure that your child is kept safe is to use cord holders to organize your electrical cords. Cords that are all jumbled and scattered can become a hazard. What’s more, children may be more enticed to touch them and the results can be dangerous if there are raw wires you don’t know about. You can also get covers for sockets to help prevent electrocution.

Stay Safe At Home

Keeping your home safe for your child is something that should always be a priority. You need to make sure that you are taking the time to be consistent about keeping your home safe.

For more helpful resources, check out the full Home Safety collection

HVAC Care and Maintenance: Here are Some Important Tips For Your Family’s Home

The use of an HVAC system is required throughout the entire year since they enable us to maintain temperatures in both the winter and the summer. If they are not properly maintained, systems that get such consistent use may eventually develop issues. In addition, to the expense of HVAC system upgrades, a total air conditioner replacement might be significantly more costly. As a result, long-term maintenance is highly recommended to keep everything running properly and your family home comfortable.

For more on this topic, check out the full Home Safety collection

Why Is HVAC Maintenance Important?

Maintenance is required to be performed on the air filters, coils, and many other components of an HVAC system on a regular basis for the machine to continue operating properly and efficiently during its lifespan. HVAC systems that are in good functioning order can keep your house warm or cool for many years to come.

As a result, long-term maintenance is highly recommended to keep everything running properly and your family home comfortable. Some homeowners even plan for the future by enrolling in a home warranty plan to cover repairs if needed.

HVAC maintenance, however, is a requirement for long-term performance and must be performed on a routine basis. In addition, a professional technician can tell you if your HVAC unit is in need of service or is in danger of a breakdown, and they can fix it before your system fails.

Top Tips on HVAC System Maintenance

If you are not sure of what is causing the problem, there is no way to repair it. Therefore, you need to be familiar with all of the points and regions that need to be checked in an HVAC system during maintenance. To make things easy for you to understand, we’ve broken them down into parts. Here are a few helpful hints for keeping your maintenance heads up:

Check your filters:

The large particles in your air are removed by replaceable filters, which help maintain your system clean. Ideally, they should be replaced every 1-3 months. Filthy air filters are one of the most obvious causes of air conditioner repairs. Changing the air conditioner’s filter is one of the simplest methods to increase its effectiveness. You can buy custom air filters online to suit your HVAC unit from Custom Filters Direct.

Check Condensing Unit:

An outdoor condensing unit pump that has a fan on top is standard equipment on most air conditioners during the summer months. There is a lot of dirt, dust, and filth that accumulates on the condensing unit’s aluminum fin. This means that it is highly recommended that you examine it.

Check Ducts:

Keeping an eye on the air ducts is one of the most important aspects of maintaining HVAC systems. You will be able to keep your system free of leaks and other issues if you do this. Customers often find out about this problem when water leaks through their ceiling and creates plenty of issues.

Keep air vents open:

The pressure load on your heating and air conditioning system will be considerably increased if you close the air vents in your home. This is the worst thing that you’re doing for the HVAC system. This leads to damage to both the cooling system and the ductwork. There will be an increase in the likelihood of air leaks emerging as a result of this process, which will be increased by closing additional vents.

When Should You Get HVAC System Maintenance?

You should get your HVAC system inspected at least once a year by a professional. Whether you have an air conditioning system or a heater, each of these appliances should be serviced once a year. You will be walked through a series of instructions by the professional that will lead you through what to do and when to do it. Overall, these small maintenances will maintain your systems functioning well and assist in increasing their life spans.

[Read: Creating a Healthy Home Environment]

Conclusion

When it comes to scheduling maintenance for the HVAC system, there is no better opportunity of the year than right now. Regular HVAC maintenance is important for a slew of apparent reasons. Scheduling regular inspections and taking care of minor issues will guarantee that you and your family can enjoy the benefits of a system without having to worry about it breaking down.

For more on this topic, check out the full Home Safety collection

If you compiled a list of all the things you loved in life, you’d probably have quite a long list. It likely includes taking a personal day from work. A nice time spent reading on the beach. Enjoying the excitement before a vacation. Or, finding money in the pocket of your clothes. But certainly one thing stands out far beyond the other mentions on your list is your family. Of course you undoubtedly love your family! But you probably don’t include them on the list as often as you think because you just assume it’s a given that you love them and that you want to keep them safe.

Keeping your family safe is a prime example of one of the ways you show your love for your family without even thinking about it. You just do it. But the reality is that you can always be doing more. This often means protecting your home too because that is supposed to be a safe place for you and your loved ones. Here are 8 tips on how you can keep your family and your home safe to show them how much you care.

For more helpful resources, check out the full Home Safety collection

8 Ways to Keep Your Family and Home Safe

Install a Screen Door

It doesn’t sound like much, but a screen door (and other custom home accessories) can offer a lot of value in many different ways. Primarily, a good screen door is great for protecting from harsh weather. It allows you to open up and vent out the house without letting things in. And it’s just another obstacle that a crook would have to avoid. If you look at Custom Screens & Security Products, you can see what kind of protection these home accessories offer. Beyond that, plenty of homeowners add protective measures to windows as well for the very same reasons.

Weather-Proof the Basement

Your basement is usually a cozy spot intended for rec room activities like a pool table, or maybe a home theatre. But it’s also, unfortunately, a problem when it comes to the safety of the home. The issue is in the fact that a non-sealed basement is not weather-proofed. Flood damage and water issues can cause serious problems! So you want to make sure that the foundation is secured (no cracks or broken seals) and that any windows, or other areas of concern, won’t be susceptible to water damage getting in and causing havoc. Get your home ready and prepared for anything Mother Nature decides to send your way!

Repair the Roof

Just like your basement, the roof is another area of concern for keeping your family and the home safe. If the basement is susceptible to water damage, imagine all of the problems that can go wrong with the roof. Make sure that gutters, eavestroughs, or any kind of drainage are clear and in good shape. Repair shingles to keep water out, and insulate it to ensure that heat stays in during the winter. A well-managed roof will help you avoid some major headaches!

Don’t forget to also check your outdoor spaces as well. You need to check and maintain your roof decks, patios and gazebos. These areas can be the most weatherworn so make sure to keep you dry with the changing seasons. Consider investing in a ceiling drainage system for your deck and outdoor spaces to prevent water damage. You don’t want to keep repairing your exterior more than you need to.

Build a Fence

You would be surprised at how many people, nice neighborhood or not, are victims of some form of invasion of property. Even someone coming onto your yard and peeking into the windows is enough to frighten your family and make them worry about their safety. But luckily a step as simple as putting up a fence is enough to dramatically lessen the chances of someone trying to break in. Not only does it physically prevent someone from getting onto your property, but it also provides plenty of privacy to let your kids or pets run around without much worry.

Set Up Security Cameras

If you really need help keeping the riff-raff out and being aware of what’s going on 24/7, a home security system with cameras is the way to go. Home security cameras are another excellent form of deterrence that can stop intruders before they even attempt to get in. Similarly, if someone does get in, at least you’ll have them on a recording. You can even get doorbells with cameras and sync the footage to your phone when you’re away from home.

Get a Dog

It should be a normal thing for families to have a dog because of how much they add to the family dynamic. Dogs are great for helping kids to learn compassion for other living things and learn responsibility. But on a more practical note, dogs are also excellent guardians of your house and loved ones. You don’t need to spring for a $20, 000 dog that was trained to be a guard dog; because even getting a big enough dog that can bark and scare away intruders is enough. It will add some peace of mind for you and your family knowing you have a canine friend looking out for everyone.

Have a Home Inspector Evaluate the Property

Going back to the weather-proofed basement and roof. – If you don’t understand what to look for, or feel you aren’t getting the full picture, it’s not a bad idea to call in a home inspector to give you a comprehensive rundown of how everything is. Home security isn’t just about stopping burglars. It’s also about the condition that your home is in. So a home inspector can come in and tell you all of the weak spots structurally that could be compromised by bad weather.

Purchase the Right Insurance Policies

In the most prudent and adult way possible, you need good insurance coverage. This helps to keep you, your family, and your belongings safe as well. No matter what you do to help protect the family; like a dog, a fence, security features, etc., sometimes things happen. It could be that someone broke in and stole some belongings. Or a freak accident caused a tree to fall onto your home or car. Whatever it is, though it is an additional expense (you can check the average life insurance cost in the UK here) the right insurance coverage is a necessity to protect you and your property in case of damage, theft, etc.

You don’t need to be Superman to be a hero in the eyes of your family. When it comes to keeping them safe, these 8 tips are helpful all on their own and will make you the real hero.

For more helpful resources, check out the full Home Safety collection

A house remodeling is a big event, no matter the circumstances. Whether you’re renovating a house you just bought, or the place you’re currently living in, it takes an abundance of time, money, patience, and effort. However, the value of comfort, which people usually aim for during the remodels, is especially important when working on a house for those living with impairments or disabilities. It’s essential for both them and their families, to have the appropriate aids and support they need in daily life.

Even with the same root cause, two people can experience different limitations. So there’s no one-size-fits-all solution that will work for every remodel. Fortunately, there’s a variety of resources out there that can help you during the planning process. For instance, it’s worth focusing your efforts on a few key areas. These include the kitchen, bathroom, as well as entrances and stairways.

If you ever need help visualizing something, don’t try to eye-ball it. Use it to see your plans come to life. The article below will guide you through the most common home modifications for disabled needs. Continue reading and learn more.

For more helpful resources, check out the full Home Safety collection

Kitchen Renovations

The kitchen is the most significant area in the house. It’s where you gather with your family, friends, and loved ones, to prepare meals and share stories. Therefore, kitchen remodels of people with disabilities should be well-thought-out. This way everyone in the household can feel comfortable and safe.

Many things can be done to make the kitchen safe and accessible for people with disabilities. When planning out the changes, you might be interested in trying out 3D renderings. They can really come in handy if a layout change is involved in your project. Both the layout and design of your kitchen should allow for easy access.

You’ll need to ensure that there’s enough space for a wheelchair. It might also be useful to leave a furniture-free area designated for getting in and out of it. To make the kitchen more accessible, you should aim to have plenty of space around the work surfaces such as the counters. Consider installing an island that’s not mounted in place. But one with wheels instead can be moved around the kitchen easily when necessary.

Bathroom Renovations

Bathrooms are also an important part of house remodels. When disabled people are living in the house, consider adapting bathrooms to fit their needs. For instance, if your existing bathroom isn’t big, but there’s a tub and shower in there. Then it might be worth getting rid of the tub for the sake of building a wide walk-in shower that can fit more than one person and a sturdy shower chair. You can also widen doorway thresholds so a person that’s using a wheelchair can access the bathroom without someone else’s assistance.

Remember about adding grab bars near sinks, toilets, and showers to help users maintain balance and prevent falls. If you decide to install grab bars, make sure that they are securely mounted. If you have a bigger bathroom, you can think about ripping out the old sink and installing one that has space under it so people in wheelchairs can wash hands and teeth without assistance. The storage cabinets can be located on the sides and be accessible to everyone. You can also reduce a fall risk by getting a bidet converter kit.

Stairway Accessibility

Another aspect that should be addressed during house remodels for disabled needs is stairways. If you live in a house that’s elevated, you might need to build an exterior ramp for wheelchair accessibility. The costs of building such a ramp vary and can greatly depend on the materials you use, the size of the project, etc.

Ripping out the whole staircase inside your home and replacing it with an elevator might not be possible. That’s why you should look into stairlifts which typically don’t require any major remodeling at all and are a more budget-friendly option. This kind of lift is mounted onto the stairlift track which runs the length of the staircase. It is possible to buy a straight stair lift as a do-it-yourself installation. But considering the fact that you might need to hire an electrician, it might be better to leave such a project for professionals.

Entrances

When it comes to entrances, one of the most popular modifications that allow for greater accessibility is changing the way entrance doors open. In most houses, they open inwards, which can leave very little space for a person using a mobility aid to come inside. When the door opens outwards, there’s plenty of room to enter even when someone’s in a wheelchair.

While on the remodeling journey, you can also take a closer look at your floors. Consider investing in surfaces that are non-slippery and easy to maintain. Wood flooring, such as engineered wood and solid wood, provides a great surface for wheelchair users. With a hard surface, this allows for smooth and comfortable movability, and helps avoid any restrictions and slipping. You might install it only in the entrance and hallways, or consider replacing them in the whole house. Everything depends on your needs and the budget.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are plenty of changes you can make to your house during the renovation process, so it can be more comfortable for people with disabilities. Even the simplest additions, such as installing grab bars or investing in a kitchen island that you can move around can improve the quality and comfort of a disabled person’s life.

Ditching the bathtub for the sake of a walk-in shower can also be a great idea, and, if your budget allows it, consider installing a stairlift inside your house and a wheelchair ramp outside for improved accessibility.

For more helpful resources, check out the full Home Safety collection

Thinking of the future can be both exciting and sobering. The realization of your mortality quickly comes into view when you see your kids growing up. Of course you know you’ll do anything to secure your loved ones’ future, but if you are stuck on how exactly to do that, this article will help you navigate an estate plan and more!

As parents, we take many measures over the years to make sure our kids are safe and secure. From baby-proofing in their early stages of life, to moving to a more peaceful neighborhood that they can run around in. This becomes doubly challenging if one of your kids has special needs and requires more resources to keep up with their lifestyle. And, if you’re looking for another way to ensure their lives should you pass away, then it’s high time to create an estate plan. In essence, an estate plan is a legal document that outlines your wishes in case of incapacitation or untimely death.

If you’ve been stalling for a long time for reasons only you know, here’s how to protect your children with an estate plan.

For more helpful resources, check out the full Home Safety collection

Appoint Your Agent With Durable Financial Powers Of Attorney

One of the first things you should do to protect your children is to designate your agent with durable financial powers of attorney. Your agent is a person you assign who makes financial decisions on your behalf. The person who will fulfill this role must be someone you trust to take care of your financial responsibilities should you become incapacitated.

It’s best to consult with professional estate planners like the Johnson Law Group, LLC  in granting these powers to someone who is consistent in making sound judgments and shares your financial philosophy.

The role of this agent can be as broad or as limited as you deem necessary.  You can even establish restrictions and conditions on how and when your agent can use your assets. Some typical responsibilities of an agent with durable financial powers of attorney include:

• Using your assets to cover daily expenses for you and your family
• Filing and paying your taxes
• Managing your retirement accounts
• Handling transactions with your banks or credit unions
• Transferring properties to a created trust

Name Your Children As Secondary Beneficiaries

Another logical way to protect your children using an estate plan is to make them secondary beneficiaries. Designating them after your primary beneficiary ensures that your assets, life insurance, and retirement savings will be passed on to your children should an unlikely event happen where you and your partner pass away at the same time.

One important thing to note is that children below the ‘majority age,’ which is 18 in most states, won’t be able to cash in on your insurance. And they will need a court-appointed guardian in case your estate’s primary beneficiary is also unavailable. This is why it’s essential to have some people short-listed to become possible guardians of your children.

Add A Guardian For Your Children In Your Will

As mentioned above, having a guardian is very important for the security and safety of your children. In the unlikely chance you and your spouse become disabled or, worse, pass away, then your children will benefit from you having all of this figured out ahead of time for them. Typically, a family member becomes the top-of-mind option when selecting a guardian. However, it may be better to choose someone based on certain factors first before defaulting to a family member.

A guardian should be someone who:

• Agrees and fully commits to the guardianship
• Shares the same values and priorities you have in raising your kids
• Capable of providing safe and stable living conditions for your children
• Have sound judgment and are physically capable of parenting your kids
• Has a good relationship and is respected by your kids

Draft Your Living Will

Drafting a living will or advance healthcare directive as early as possible is another pre-emptive action you can take before anything unfortunate happens. Having healthcare arrangements appropriate for your family’s lifestyle and needs are good pre-emptive actions you can take to protect your kids.

A living will is a legal tool that outlines instructions on what to do in the unfortunate event you become unable to make sound decisions due to incapacitation. Having a living will in place lifts the burden of making life-changing or life-prolonging decisions by your children. Examples of directives found in living wills are ‘do not resuscitate (DNR) or ‘do not intubate’ (DNI) orders to medical professionals enforced only in particular situations.

Setup A Trust With Contingencies And Limits

Setting up a trust for your children is an excellent way to protect your kids from certain taxes and probate. Another benefit of setting up a trust is to shield your family from trouble if any lawsuits are thrown at you.

Moreover, a trust gives you the power to set conditions and limits on your children when receiving their inheritance. An example is opting to disburse funds to your kids only when they reach a certain age. Or to space out trust payments to avoid any crazy and irresponsible spending.

Parents usually establish revocable living trusts so they can be changed according to their wishes before they pass away. However, for some, an irrevocable living trust suits their needs. And they agree that this type of trust can’t be changed unless under extreme situations.

A Final Word

It’s always good to remember that no two estates are the same. This is why you should tap reliable and experienced estate planning lawyers to help you come up with an estate plan that is appropriate for your family. It pays to start this process early to have peace of mind and avoid family strife and stressful legal battles for your loved ones down the road.

For more helpful resources, check out the full Home Safety collection

Consider These 6 Things Before Installing A Fireplace

Both inside and outside your house, fireplaces assist to create a warm and inviting ambiance. They have the ability to change any environment by becoming a visual focal point. Today, fireplaces come in a variety of materials. This means you may choose materials that represent your individuality and complement your décor no matter what style you prefer. If you’re considering adding a fireplace to your house, keep these things in mind to make sure it works well and looks fantastic.

For more helpful resources, check out the full Home Safety collection

Consider This Before Installing A Fireplace

Safety Concerns

When building a new fireplace, you’ll need an effective ventilation system depending on the technology you pick. This is crucial to consider since it will determine the type of ventilation needed for the fireplace and the ideal material for the surround and mantel. Failure to address this factor might result in harm to the surrounding area. Mandatory safety criteria may mandate features such as emission levels, placement of outside air supply, gas line positioning, or how to kid-proof your fireplace to provide a safe atmosphere for your little one around the fireplace! The safe installation and operation of your fireplace is the most important consideration, as it directly affects your and your family’s health – so seek the services of an expert before proceeding.

The Type of Fireplace

Aesthetics, affordability, and upkeep will all play a role in determining the sort of fireplace you pick. The classic atmosphere that many homeowners desire in a fireplace is provided by wood-burning brick choices. They do, however, need good ventilation. You’ll also need to plan for chimney cleaning. Prefabricated fireplaces are less difficult to install and maintain than brick fireplaces. You have the option of using a gas or electric system as well.

Gas Fireplace – a gas fireplace is a low-maintenance and energy-efficient solution.

Wood Burning Fireplace – a wood-burning fireplace does not create a lot of heat and is not appropriate for heating a large space.

Consider pellet stoves or gas fireplaces if you need a lot of heat for a large room. However, if gas connections or availability are a problem, you can alternatively use electric or bioethanol generators. These two choices, on the other hand, provide a modest quantity of heat that only warms a limited area around the hearth.

Size and Shape of the Fireplace

When deciding where to put your fireplace, take into account the amount of room you have available since this will influence the size and type you pick. Larger models should be used in more spacious areas, whilst a small electric or non-heat-emitting type might fit on even the smallest of walls.

The most essential thing is that the fireplace be a focal point in your room, rather than taking over the area like it would in a grand home.

Placement

Plan to position your new fireplace in a room other than the kitchen that gets the most usage, such as the dining room or living room if you want to get the most value in return. It’s best to install it in a smaller, easier-to-heat space like a master bedroom, workplace, or guest room for heating efficiency. Make sure the floor joists are strengthened, regardless of whatever room you choose. The size of the damper aperture, as well as the type of chimney and liner utilized, should all be taken into account.

Also, the design of your fireplace may make or break the space it’s in. Do your research: look for fireplace ideas on the internet and in catalogs from manufacturers. You might opt for a traditional appearance with a brick or stone surround. Or, if you like a minimalist look, go for something modern with a glass door. Fireplaces with a majestic or historic design will look best in vintage homes.

Install Requirements

You must install your fireplace according to the manufacturer’s instructions in order to fulfill the building code standards in your location. To guarantee that everything is done correctly, it is important to engage a trained specialist. Your house will not only comply with municipal standards, but your family will be safer as well.

Maintenance

While installing a fireplace is a one-time task, maintaining it is a never-ending task. As a result, you should always think about the difficulties of keeping a fireplace before making a purchase. You must consider all maintenance jobs while using a wood fireplace, such as cleaning the chimney, clearing ashes, chopping wood, and so on. Be careful to factor these expenses into your budget. With gas fireplaces, you may need to have the gas pipeline inspected on a regular basis. Electric fireplaces, on the other hand, have low maintenance requirements and costs.

Installing a Fireplace Conclusion

A fireplace is an excellent addition to any living room, as it can boost the charm and value of your home while also providing a warm and inviting atmosphere. However, before you install one, you should think about the variables listed here to make sure you’re making an informed decision. Just bear in mind that pricing will vary depending on the type of fireplace. You may prevent overpaying by considering these points.

For more helpful resources, check out the full Home Safety collection

Protecting Your Family From Hard Water And How To Get Rid Of It

Hard water is an issue faced by many houses throughout the world. Water is the source of life. But it may happen that sometimes there are certain elements in water that make it excessively harmful for human health. There are two types of problems associated with hard water; physical and chemical problems.

The physical problems arise when excess calcium and magnesium present themselves in water causing difficulty while washing clothes or dishes. The other problem is caused by chemicals, like chlorine and lead, which can cause damage to lungs due to inhalation. It can even be hazardous to one’s health if it enters through any open cuts on the skin. Below this article discusses how to get rid of hard water.

For more helpful resources, check out the full Home Safety collection

Water Filter

Water filters are highly effective and often recommended. Especially for people who want to get rid of hard water without spending too much. These filters contain a bed of crushed rock or pebbles which absorb water and release minerals back into the system after purification. All reputable guides for healthier water will tell you that a good home filter should remove all hardness through precipitation. Thereby reducing it to zero percent. Some important points about effective filtering are given below:

One must ensure that the filter is installed at the beginning rather than at the end of the pipeline. This reduces the wasted amount of water during rinsing. The filter must also be rinsed once every two weeks with vinegar in order to prevent any calcium buildup inside the media bed. Lastly, filters are available in different sizes and shapes. They can easily be fitted under the sink. And they should be replaced after one to two years according to usage.

Distillation

Distillation is among the most efficient ways of getting rid of hard water. It involves boiling water. Here steam is produced, and is later cooled down for producing purified water. Distilled water is free from any solid particles as they are left behind once the liquid evaporates into steam. This method can be employed on a large scale by big companies. However, it has been found to be too costly for small households. The heat involved in this process may also prove hazardous as human skin cannot stand more than 45 degrees Celsius, which is the temperature at which boiled water releases steam.

Water Softeners

Water softeners use ion exchange technology to get rid of hard water. This works by replacing heavy metal ions with sodium or potassium ions so that the water becomes soft. The ideal way to use a water softener is to work it on a continuous basis. This can be achieved by running the salt solution back through the system. Example is when it gets discharged from the washer, thereby saving costs on both salt and electricity.

When choosing a water softener for your residence, the key factor to consider is its capacity which directly affects how much water can be purified at one time. In order to know what size of a softener you need in your house, you must first calculate the daily water usage. And then add about 30% to find your answer.

Washing Soda

Washing soda, or soda ash, is primarily used in laundry soap to soften hard water before washing clothes in the machine. One cup of washing soda must be dissolved in two gallons of hot water. It should also be stored in a plastic container. The container should not contain any metal parts as these cause corrosion once combined with washing soda. Washing soda is commonly used for removing stains from clothes. And it should be used in lower concentrations when washing delicate fabrics like silk which can get damaged due to excess alkalinity.

Enzyme Cleaners

These are among the latest methods of getting rid of hard water. It is also widely used by people who have sensitive skin, which may react adversely to chlorine present in water. These cleaners also prevent the build-up of harmful contaminants on shower curtains and tiles caused by hard water. This is because they contain enzymes that capture minerals before they deposit on glass or fabric surfaces leaving them sparkling clean. If used correctly, there will be no residue or damages caused by chemicals or hardness. Which is then released into the environment after breaking down into carbon dioxide and oxygen gases at a later stage.

Hard water is a common problem faced by many households and offices. It is essential to keep an adequate supply of soft water in order to avoid its harmful effects on the skin, clothes, vessels, and other surfaces made from metal or ceramic. Hard water has a high mineral content which makes it unfit for consumption as it may lead to health problems such as digestive complaints and kidney stones. So be sure to get your water checked, and figure out a plan to tackle any hard water you have today.

For more helpful resources, check out the full Home Safety collection

How to Create a Safe Home Environment for Your Kids

Every parent wants to provide a safe home for their children. But there are still accidents that can happen. Play rooms are dangerous places where kids run around with sharp objects and climb on furniture which can easily tip over. With these things in mind, it’s important to create a safe play area for your kids that they can enjoy without any worries. Keep reading to learn more about what you can do.

For more helpful resources, check out the full Home Safety collection

Ensure That Your Kids Always Keep The Exterior Doors Closed

Your kids might complain about the doors being closed all the time. But they’ll thank you when they have a child who wanders off and is never found again. It’s important to create a safe home environment for your kids, and one way to do that is by ensuring that they always keep the doors closed. This will help keep out harmful substances, and also prevent kids from wandering off and getting lost.

If your kids want to open a door just this once, politely remind them that it’s dangerous to walk through a doorway without closing it behind them and ask if they’d like to be the one who gets lost.

If your kids are still having trouble remembering to close the doors, you can put up signs or stickers that remind them. You could also post a list of rules for your kids to follow, and make sure that they know what will happen if they break the rules.

Provide Them With Clean And Safe Water

One of the most important things you can do to create a safe home environment for your kids is to make sure they have access to clean and safe water. This means ensuring that your home’s water supply is free of contaminants and pollutants. And that any water used for cooking or drinking is properly filtered and treated.

If your home uses well water, or municipal water that has been deemed unsafe due to contaminants, remember to keep all water storage devices out of the reach of children. Dispose of water containers properly. And never let children play in or drink from unsafe water sources.

If you have any concerns about the safety of your home’s water supply, be sure to consult with a qualified Jacksonville water treatment specialist. They can help you assess the situation and take appropriate steps to ensure that your family has access to clean and safe water.

Set good examples

One of the best ways to ensure that your kids have a safe home environment is by setting good examples for yourself. Be sure to always practice safe behaviors in your own home, and teach your kids about safety as well. This includes things like wearing seatbelts. Crossing the street safely. And not talking to strangers.

Make sure all doors and windows are locked when you leave the house, and always double-check before you go out. Teach your kids about stranger danger by saying that anyone who is not a family member or someone they know could potentially be a “bad person,” and should be avoided.

Tell them to never go anywhere with someone without permission from an adult first. And never to take anything from a stranger.

Teach the children to stay away from dangerous products

Teaching our kids about safety can be a difficult task. It is important that you teach them how to avoid danger. But without making your home seem like a prison or giving them the idea that they are in constant danger. Start by setting up safe play areas for your children. Try having extra precautions ready if there are small children around during parties.

One of the most important things to teach your kids is how to avoid touching cigarettes. No smoking should be allowed in the home. But if there are smokers around, make sure you remind them not to throw their cigarettes on the floor, or leave them where they can get stepped on. Teach your children that cigarettes are dangerous and it only takes one to kill them.

Ensure That Kids Know Your Contact Information

Ensuring that kids know your contact information is one thing parents or caregivers can do in order to create a safe home environment for their children. Having all the necessary phone numbers in accessible places, both inside and outside the house, means your child could make an important call should there be an emergency. It also means that in the event you can’t be reached for any reason, help will be on the way as soon as possible.

Other important contact information to have includes the address of your home and the name and number of your child’s doctor. You may also want to include a trusted adult friend or relative’s phone number, in case you’re not available and your child needs someone to pick them up from school or take them to an appointment. Keep all this information updated, especially if there are any changes in your contact details. You can also put a copy of it in your child’s backpack or school bag, as well as on their bedroom wall or refrigerator. By being prepared, you can help ensure your child’s safety in case of an emergency.

Creating a safe home environment for your kids is important to ensure their safety and well-being. Follow these tips to create a safe home environment for your kids.

For more helpful resources, check out the full Home Safety collection