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Choosing the Best Home Insurance

June 7, 2013adminSafetySafety20 Comments

I’m Covered…Right?

Homeowner’s insurance provides people with protection against the unexpected. You never know what may happen, which is why it is best to always be prepared. The right insurance policy will protect you from basic incidents, but what about damage related to flooding, fires, and earthquakes? Many homeowners do not thoroughly read through their policy to find out what they are actually paying for. Don’t be surprised if an insurance company rejects your infestation claims, such as termites, as it may be considered an “additional coverage” option.

Mortgage Loan Requirements

If you have a mortgage loan, you are usually required to obtain insurance. Some mortgage providers will work the policy right into your loan while others may ask you to find the insurance independently. Comparing quotes and the policy limitations is vital to selecting the best insurance provider. If you have a vehicle, contact your insurance provider and find out if they can offer you a bundle plan. This is a great way to save on the monthly premiums you will need to pay. The costs you pay in monthly premiums are based on the following criteria:

• Claim history
• Education level
• Financial history
• Job stability
• Age
• Location

While the cheapest plan may be the best financial decision on a monthly basis, there is a good chance it can come back to haunt you. Consider how much money you will need to spend if your home is damaged from a natural disaster. If you failed to pay the extra $5-$9 a month for earthquake coverage, you could lose your home and all your belongings. Always plan for the future when selecting insurance.

What Does My Policy Cover?

Most homeowners assume that insurance companies will pay for flood damage. The problem is that there is a fine line in each contract. Your plan may cover flooding from a natural disaster, but it may not cover flooding due to a broken pipe inside the home. However, in most cases separate flood insurance is required for coverage. Fire damage is another thing that you must research. Insurance plans usually will not pay for expenses related to fire damage due to negligence. Therefore, if you accidentally leave your curling iron on and it starts a fire, you will need to assume the costs.

Some homeowners do not realize that liability coverage is part of their insurance plan. A person who falls or is injured on your property can sue you for damages. Depending on your plan, the insurance company may step in and try to settle the case. In most situations, they will pay for medical expenses related to the injury. Make sure you are buying enough liability coverage if you have pets or a home that could be considered dangerous (due to an icy porch, etc.).

Did you know that in the event of a fire or other emergency the insurance company will pay for a hotel room? This is another area where you must read the policy as it may state that the company will only pay for a specific number of days during which your home is deemed “unlivable.”

What You Need To Know

When searching for an insurance company, find out what it would cost to replace your home. Once you know this cost, get an estimate of the assets and belongings inside the home. Now, take this figure and add $10,000-$15,000 to get the ideal coverage limit for your home. It is important to document everything that you are listing in the homeowner’s insurance policy. This will guarantee replacement or financial compensation for items that are damaged.

Homeowner’s insurance is vital for your family in the event of an emergency. Take the time to plan ahead and prepare your family for a disaster. Keep enough money in your bank account to pay the deductible and allow the insurance company to take care of fixing your home.

Guest Post By:

This article was contributed by Kelly Springwell, DIY-er, house flipper and safety nut. Kelly knows disaster can strike your home in the least expected ways, which is why she recommends New England Termite Control, quick and affordable pest control services.

Tips To Prepare For Power Outages

April 22, 2013adminSafetySafetyLeave a comment

Storms have been packing big punches in recent years. While the debate about the cause might rage on, so do the natural elements that wreak havoc on private homes and public infrastructure. As has been seen in recent years, the aging of the American power grid has resulted in extended power outages – and that increasingly seems that this will be the new norm. However, going without power for long periods of time is non-negotiable for many Americans.

Waiting out a power failure is only an option for so long – and for many people, it’s not an option at all. When power goes out, preparedness goes a long way. As a new season of storms looms on the horizon, consider these tips to keep your household both safe and functional, whatever the weather.

* Generate your own power. A portable generator can provide safety and comfort in both long- and shorter-term power outages. As an alternative energy source, it gives you the option to keep your household running far more smoothly than it would with no power at all. Most will power your refrigerator, fans, space heaters, room air conditioners, lights, TVs and more during an outage, with surprisingly quiet and easy operation.

* Invert for an alternative power source. Inverters are another handy, portable option for added power. They convert power from sources like batteries into AC current, which can be used to power a wide array of necessities, from medical devices to phone chargers and beyond.

* Be charged up. If you plan on using an inverter, be sure to keep batteries charged during stormy seasons. Having battery chargers on hand will help you be prepared to get through the aftermath of a power-disrupting storm.

* Keep your home supplied. A stock of candles, batteries, flashlights, first aid supplies, prescription medicines and other helpful items like duct tape and a digital thermometer will serve you well in a short-term outage, but will also be essential if it lasts longer.

* Remember food and water safety. Because tap water might become unsafe to drink, a stock of bottled water is a critical supply. If power is out for more than two hours, it’s time to start thinking about food safety. Remember that meat, poultry, fish, and eggs need to be refrigerated at or below 40 F, and that frozen food has to be kept at or below 0 F to remain safe to eat, according to the USDA.

When storms strike, it can result in chaos, no matter where you live. By taking steps to prepare ahead of time, you’ll be able to cope with power outages and get life back to normal sooner than you might have expected.

What To Do (And What Not to Do) if you Find Asbestos in Your Home

April 18, 2013Amy ElliottDIY Projects, SafetyDIY projects, home improvement, home remodeling, remodeling tips, SafetyLeave a comment

Asbestos is a frightening word for a lot of people because we are all too aware of the dangerous consequences to our health that can be caused by asbestos exposure. Yet, many of us may not be aware that asbestos is present in the home and needs to be taken into consideration when doing any DIY or remodeling tasks. Here is the low-down on what to do and what not to do if you find asbestos in your home.

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a building material that was used in the construction of homes prior to 1980. It was often used in ceilings, air ducts, insulation, flooring and roofing materials. This naturally occurring mineral fibre was found to cause severe health problems if the spores were inhaled and so it is no longer used in the construction of buildings. The problem is that it isn’t easy to tell whether a material contains asbestos or not so anyone undertaking DIY projects in the home need to proceed with caution.

Dispelling the myths

The fact is many homes contain asbestos in their construction materials. It is easy to become alarmed at the suggestion your home may contain asbestos but there is often confusion and misunderstanding about this widely-feared material.

Provided that the asbestos is left intact and untouched and it remains in a good condition, then it should not do you any harm. It is only when the asbestos is damaged or disturbed that harmful asbestos spores may be inadvertently released and inhaled.

If you are unsure whether your home contains asbestos, then you’ll need to get a trained professional in who can undertake sample analysis for you. Never attempt to try and do this yourself as you may only disturb, damage or release the dangerous asbestos spores.

What if you find asbestos in your home?

Do not touch the asbestos – leave it alone. If you are undertaking any DIY activities in that area proceed with caution to ensure you don’t disturb it. Limit access to the area.

Don’t saw or drill holes into asbestos-containing materials and never dust or sweep debris that may contain asbestos. Don’t walk this material all over the house as you are increasing the proliferation of the spores. Instead, clean any offending areas with a wet mop.

If your flooring contains asbestos, then don’t use a power stripper on it or try to sand it. If you need flooring replaced that contains asbestos, then install new floor covering over it.

What if the asbestos is damaged?

Damaged asbestos requires professional intervention so always leave it to the experts. If you suspect asbestos damage, then get on it right away. It will either need repairing or removing. Repairing usually involves sealing or covering the asbestos. Removal is usually the last option as it’s a complex procedure but may be necessary if you are planning a major remodeling project to your home.

If you are unsure about whether your home has asbestos or whether it may be damaged and likely to cause harm, always consult a professional. It can never hurt to seek professional advice and be sure rather than take the risk of damaging your and your family’s health.

Guest Post By:

Article written by A. Elliott, a writer with an interest in interior design and home improvement, this article was written for Ashbrook Roofing, specialists in roofing supplies.

Mold growth in your home

April 6, 2013adminBasement renovation, Safetybasement, basement renovation, home improvement, remodeling tips, Safety1 Comment

Take control and mitigate mold growth in your home

Damp, dark areas of the home, such as an unfinished basement, can often be trouble spots for homeowners hoping to increase their living space. Left unfinished, these areas of the home can potentially suffer significant damage, be prone to flooding or develop mold. When it comes to home improvement, homeowners are wise to consider the affects of moisture and mold buildup and how they can be combated.

Mold growth, usually a result of excess moisture, also can be detrimental to one’s health. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention says that mold can survive in almost any conditions, and can cause visual, respiratory and even skin problems. Mold growth can also contribute to poor indoor air quality.

Homeowners looking to turn an unfinished basement into a liveable space or take control of mold growth can help protect their home from unexpected expenses later on, and also add value to their home. There are several techniques to control moisture penetrating their home. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency suggests homeowners consider techniques that manage water outside the foundation walls, ensure that the home is properly ventilated with exhaust fans in at least each bathroom and the kitchen, and size the home’s air conditioning unit correctly. Homeowners are also recommended to use construction techniques that can help control water, air movement, vapor diffusion as well as condensation.

More often than not, mold is found in homes that do not have adequate insulation. As moisture builds up within walls, the interior of the walls can start to slowly rot. This rot can emit a foul smell and eventually reduce the stability and quality of the home. Homeowners who want to address moisture and mold growth should consider a complete solution that halts future opportunities for mold growth and prevents potential costly repairs in the future.

Using a modern insulation material such as spray foam insulation is one solution that can assist. As a vapor-permeable material, spray foam insulation allows moisture to travel through it, enabling it to dry completely. Additionally, spray foam insulation is not considered a food source for mold, thereby quashing the probability of further mold growth. Properly insulated wall cavities and crawl spaces control moisture, minimize air leakage, save on energy bills as well as improve occupant comfort.

Getting to the root of mold issues is critical for any homeowner looking to add investment value to their home. A material like spray foam insulation can be applied within seconds to the walls, ceiling and floors of a basement to plug any cracks or gaps to deliver immediate results.

DIY Projects to Avoid

March 24, 2013Amy ElliottDIY Projects, Home Improvement Tips, SafetyDIY projects, home improvement, home repairs, SafetyLeave a comment

Should You Tackle A DIY Project Or Hire A Professional?

DIY projects can be a lot of fun and, when you do a good job of one, it gives you a huge sense of accomplishment. Many homeowners make their first forays into the world of DIY in an attempt to save money and, while there are a lot of basic jobs that everyone should learn to do, there are some tasks that are best left to the experts. Here is a quick look at some of the most dangerous DIY projects and why you should give them a wide berth.

Major Plumbing Jobs

There’s a big difference between fixing a leaking tap and moving some pipes. As plumbing jobs increase in complexity, they become massively more risky. Not only does moving or changing pipes often require cutting out parts of your wall, it also requires a good knowledge of how your plumbing works and how to safely install the new pipes so that you don’t end up with a leak a few months down the line. To do the job well, you will need specialist equipment.

When plumbing goes wrong it can get messy and, if you end up with a leak that comes into contact with your electrical wiring, it can also become very dangerous. It will be faster, cheaper and safer to let an expert do the job.

Electrical Work

Electricity may seem like a safe and familiar thing – after all, it powers the devices you use every single day. However, if it’s not handled correctly it can be lethal.

Everyone should learn how to change a fuse and re-wire a plug (and even these tasks carry risks), but major wiring changes are a different matter. Building regulations require most home wiring jobs to be carried out by a qualified, licensed electrician. If you attempt any major works you could well be breaking the law and end up with a property that you cannot sell until the work is checked by a qualified person. Get the work done right the first time to avoid any potential problems.

Bricklaying

It’s one thing to raise a flower bed with a few bricks or even lay your own patio, but tackling a bigger building project, or something that can be clearly seen from the street is another matter. Building a wall out of bricks might seem like a simple job, but if you don’t know what you’re doing that wall could come tumbling down after a few days of bad weather.

Even if you do manage to build a structurally sound wall, are you sure it will look good? How long will the project take you? Why spend an entire week on a project that a professional could do in a day or two? If you can afford the materials it makes sense to spend a little extra to ensure that they are used to create something attractive that will last for many years.

Knocking Down Walls

When remodeling our homes it can be very tempting to skip steps especially when it comes to knocking down walls. Why pay for a professional when all you need is a sledge hammer? How wrong can you go destroying a wall? The answer is: very wrong. And in the end it might be more than the wall you destroy. It’s important to get a professional in who understands the structure of the building and can remodel your home without making it unsafe. After all, you don’t want to go knocking down any load-bearing walls for the sake of saving a little money.

Cutting Down Trees

This is probably one of the most dangerous tasks that you could do yourself. Chainsaws are powerful tools and, in the wrong hands, can be deadly weapons. Not being trained to use one or having the right experience puts you and others in great danger. Additionally, there is the risk of the tree falling on you, someone else, a building or a car.

Most people take on these jobs with the belief that they are going to save money. Unfortunately, mistakes, damage and sometimes injury and even death prove quite the opposite. If every job could be easily done by anyone there would be no need for qualified professionals.

Guest Post By:

Article written by A. Elliott; a writer with an interest in interior design and home improvement, she occasionally writes for Vibrant Doors, suppliers of internal and external doors.

Amy makes a lot of good points in this article. There are lots of DIY Projects that homeowners can easily complete. The ones listed above are really best handled by professionals. We agree that they CAN be dangerous and not worth the risk. What are your thoughts about these DIY Projects?
Gary B.

What to Look For When Choosing an Electric Heater

December 14, 2012adminEnergy Efficiency, Winter Tipsenergy efficient, home improvement, Safety, winterLeave a comment

With winter arriving and heating prices rising, many people are looking for energy-efficient ways to heat their homes. Electric heaters are a common method of heating single rooms or other small areas. Used correctly to heat individual areas while keeping the heat off in the rest of the building – electric heaters can cut down on fuel bills and fight off the winter chill at the same time. With the wide variety of different types of electric heater out there, it isn’t always easy to know which one is right for your home.

A few key features can make an electric heater safer and more efficient. These features aren’t only found in the most expensive heaters. Affordable electric heaters can be excellent choices.

Grille

The most important feature of any electric heater is a grille over the heating elements. This can prevent not only painful burns from contact with the heater but also the risk of fire from flammable objects touching the heating element. Similarly, an automatic shutoff feature that turns off the heater when it stops being level can help to reduce the risk of fire. These two safety features are indispensable when looking for an electric heater.

Thermostat

In addition to safety, there are several features that can improve an electric heater’s efficiency. A thermostat shuts the heater off when the area reaches a preset temperature and switches it back on when the temperature falls below this level. By only activating the heater when necessary to keep the area at a consistent temperature, the thermostat prevents wasted energy. This is important because of the large amount of electricity these heaters consume.

A good space heater will be able to select between a number of different heat levels. This allows the user to select a comfortable temperature and ensures that heat is not being wasted. An electric heater generates heat by passing a current through a heating element, reducing the heat output cuts down on electricity consumption.

An ultra slim-line heater

Casing

Electric heaters come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes with casings in a wide range of materials. Some of the differences between these are superficial, important mainly in making sure that a heater blends in with its surroundings. Some casings have advantages over others. Plastic casings tend to be lightweight, but can be fragile, while ceramic casings combine both lightness and durability.

An electric heater can add versatility to a home heating plan, cutting down on fuel consumption without sacrificing warmth. The right combination of features can make a space heater safer, easier to use and more efficient.

BIO: This is a guest post on behalf of Economy Radiators who specialise in electric heaters

We hope you find this information helpful if you are considering purchasing a space heater. With the temperatures dropping and heating costs rising, the right space heater can help you lower your energy costs and, when used correctly, can be a safe way of heating small areas of your home! ~ Gary

Fire-proof your home this season

November 11, 2012adminSafety, Winter TipsHolidays, Safety, winter3 Comments

‘Tis the season for at-home entertaining – food, friends, family, fun and yes, even fires. Fire fighters respond to calls of nearly 400,000 home fires each year, according to the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA). Many fires occur in cold weather months as more people bring warmth into their homes with things like traditional candles or holiday lighting. These fires result in more than 15,000 civilian deaths or injuries annually.

Fire-proof the holiday season with these tips that safeguard your family and your home:

Go flameless

Reduce your risk of fire by using flameless candles. Though they look and smell like real candles, they don’t pose the same safety risks. Scentsy Wickless Candles provide the light and ambiance of traditional candles without the smoke, soot or an open flame. With more than 80 fragrances to choose from and 100 styles of warmers available, there’s a fit for every fragrance personality and home decor style.

If you purchase your Scentsy Candles from the following link: https://nicolelauruska.scentsy.us/Scentsy/Buy?partyId=116909627, Nicole Lauruska will generously donate 100% of the commission for this sale and the monies will go directly to the horses at the rescue at Another Chance For Horses Rescue!

Avoid outlet overload

Don’t overload electrical outlets and extension cords with holiday lights or other electronics. Plug only one heat-producing appliance, such as electric blankets, irons, toasters or coffee makers, into a receptacle outlet at a time. Consider avoiding outlet overload by choosing battery-powered options when they’re available.

Cook with care

Unattended cooking is the leading cause of U.S. home fire injuries, according to the NFPA. Don’t stray too far from the kitchen if you’re frying, grilling or broiling food. If you’re boiling, baking, or roasting, be sure to check it regularly and use a timer to remind you when it’s finished. Plug microwave ovens and other cooking appliances directly into an outlet. Never use an extension cord for a cooking appliance, as it can overload the circuit and cause a fire.

Be prepared

Establish a fire-safe home by installing fire extinguishers and smoke alarms. Use a portable fire extinguisher to save lives and property by putting out or containing small fires. Store extinguishers where they can be quickly accessed in areas with great fire risk, such as in the kitchen or near the garage door. Smoke alarms should be installed in every room of the home, except for the kitchen, and should be tested once each month.

Have a plan

Establish a fire escape plan with the members of your household, and practice it often. You should always have two ways to exit each room, typically a door and a window. Practicing in a casual environment will help children feel confident in executing your plan in an emergency. Choose a landmark outside, such as a tree in the neighbor’s yard or the mailbox, as a meeting location for your family.

Following these fire safety tips will help ensure your memories of this fall and winter season are full of friends and family, not flames.

Keep Your Child Safe: Halloween

October 26, 2012adminSafetyconsumer protection, fire hazards, Halloween, SafetyLeave a comment

While Halloween is meant to be a fun time for kids of all ages, it can, unfortunately, be dangerous. The Division of Consumer Protection urges consumers to follow these simple safety tips to be sure this Halloween is a safe one:

Choking and Ingestion Hazards

Avoid costumes or accessories that go into kids’ mouths. These items may be hazardous, or may contain excessive levels of lead that may be dangerous to their health.
Do not allow young children to have any items that are small enough to present a choking hazard or that have small parts or components that could separate during use.
Warn children not to eat any treats until an adult has had a chance to examine them carefully. Adults, look through your child’s bag or bucket of candy BEFORE they eat any of it to be sure that it is safe and that there are no ingredients in candy to which your child may have an allergy.

Trip and Other Injury Hazards

Avoid masks that fully cover the face as well as costumes made with flimsy materials and outfits with big, baggy sleeves or billowing skirts. Costumes should fit well and not drag on the ground to guard against trips and falls.
If children must wear a mask, make sure it fits securely, provides adequate ventilation, and has eye holes large enough to allow full vision. Also, tie hats and scarves securely to prevent them from slipping over children’s eyes and obstructing vision.
Remove obstacles from lawns, steps and porches when expecting trick-or-treaters.

Fire Hazards

Buy flame-resistant costumes, masks, beards and wigs and minimize the risk of contact with candles and other fire sources.
Keep candles and Jack O’Lanterns away from precarious places in your home, and don’t place them near fabric.
Don’t overload extension cords.

Optimize Visibility and Stay in Areas You Know

Purchase or make costumes that are white or light colored, bright and clearly visible to motorists. For greater visibility make sure that costumes have reflective tape that will glow in the beam of a car’s headlights.
Trick-or-Treat close to home or in a safe place such as a mall. Young children should always Trick-or-Treat with an adult or older responsible child.
Children should carry flashlights to see and be seen.
Only approach homes where the lights are on.
Keep your home well-lit.

The Division of Consumer Protection & Bruzzese Home Improvements wishes New Yorkers a Safe and Happy Halloween!

Source: The Division of Consumer Protection
http://www.dos.ny.gov/consumerprotection/consumer_resources/halloween.html

Home Renovation: The Various Dangers

October 17, 2012adminhome improvement, home remodeling, Safetyasbestos, DIY projects, home improvement, home remodeling, Mesothelioma, remodeling tips, Safety3 Comments

Guest post courtesy of:

Brian Turner
Toxic Substance Safety Advocate

Home renovations can be a lot of fun. When a home needs a face-lift it can be more affordable to use the DIY approach. While there are many advantages to a DIY approach, it’s also important to acknowledge the many dangers. Understanding that there is the potential to stir up asbestos, breath in vapors and even damage eardrums will make it easier to recognize the importance of the proper safety equipment.

Perhaps the most dangerous chemical that can be exposed in home renovation is asbestos. Exposure to asbestos can lead to a cancer known as mesothelioma. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides information about asbestos and where it can be found and how to avoid it whenever possible. As long as it’s not disturbed it doesn’t pose a threat. However, when it is disturbed in a DIY project, it can expose everyone in the home.

Just as it’s important to wear a dual cartridge respirator when sawing and sanding because of the various fibers, it’s important to do so with dry wall, insulation and anywhere else that asbestos is suspected. There are tests that can be run by professionals to test for the presence of asbestos. This can be a good idea to determine whether it’s best to let professionals handle the renovation or if it is still a good DIY project.

The various respirators can be purchased at any home improvement store. There are cartridges that go into them and they have a finite life span. It’s important to know when the cartridges have to be replaced to ensure they are doing the job they are supposed to.

When it comes to breathing in vapors, such as those of paint thinner, polyurethane and other chemicals, there are precautions to be taken as well. A respirator can be worn but that only protects the lungs. The eyes should also be protected, which means wearing goggles.

Many of the chemicals also warn about the product being a skin irritant. Gloves should be worn as well. There are some gloves that cover more than just the hand and can be advantageous to offer the highest level of protection.

Some home renovation projects include using some very loud equipment. Holding an electric saw, a jack hammer or anything else can cause damage to the eardrums. There are various earplugs and headpieces that can offer ear protection. Each different plug will say how much protection it offers so it’s important to buy the right level.

Accidents happen during DIY projects all the time. It’s critical to stay informed about all the risks before getting started. Reading about asbestos and checking out the MSDS sheets on all chemicals can go a long way in preventing any unnecessary exposure. A DIY project can save a lot of money but if it puts everyone’s health at risk, there wasn’t actually any saving involved. There are ways to protect one’s self against the dangers but it involves knowing what to wear and when. Safety gear was created to be used, so that’s all one has to do.

Guest post courtesy of:

Brian Turner
Toxic Substance Safety Advocate

Brian Turner has been working with the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance as an environmental health and toxic substance safety advocate since June of 2007. Brian brings a tremendous amount of research and awareness experience in environmental health risks, environmental carcinogens, and green building expertise. Brian is very interested in all types of cars; his favorites are classic, muscle, and imports. Brian is commonly found playing and watching various sports with his friends.

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