Browsed by
Category: Blog

Stay Safe this winter by preparing for harsh conditions

Stay Safe this winter by preparing for harsh conditions

As the seasons change and the air cools, so does the weather in our region.

Though the arrival of winter comes as no surprise, most of us are not prepared for it. Thus, you may find yourself in some scary conditions.

If you are prepared for the many hazards of winter, you will more likely stay safe and healthy when temperatures start to fall.

Inside

Most of us prefer to remain indoors during winter, but staying inside does not guarantee safety. Take these steps to keep your home safe and warm during the winter months.

  • Winterize your home by installing weather stripping, insulation, and storm windows. You can also insulate water lines that run along exterior walls.
  • Clean out gutters and repair roof leaks. Cleaning gutters will help prevent saturated soil near your home and the need for Akron foundation repair service.
  • Check your heating systems. Have your heating system serviced professionally to ensure that it is clean, working properly, and ventilated to the outside.
  • Inspect and clean fireplaces and chimneys. Have a safe alternate heating source and alternate fuels available.
  • Prevent carbon monoxide emergencies by installing a CO detector. Learn the symptoms of CO poisoning, which include but are not limited to: headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion.
  • Be ready for power outages.
  • During the winter, you may find yourself not being able to leave your home. To prepare for such an instance, stock food that needs no cooking or refrigeration and water stored in clean containers.
  • Always make sure your electronics are charged so you can have a way to communicate.

Traveling

If you’re planning to travel make sure you’re aware of current and future weather conditions.

  • Have an up-to-date emergency kit including battery-operated devices, extra batteries, first aid kit, extra medicine, and blankets to keep warm.
  • Don’t forget to prepare your car for the snow and ice.
  • Service the radiator and maintain antifreeze level, along with checking tire tread. If possibly purchase all-weather or snow tires; they help a lot on the winter roads.
  • Keep your gas tank full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines.
  • Add wintertime formula in your windshield washer.
  • Prepare a winter emergency kit to keep in your car in case you become stranded. This should include your cell phone, portable charger, extra batteries, food, water, booster cables, flares, tire pump, cat litter or sand, maps, flashlight, first aid, and blankets to keep you warm.
  • Always have a warm winter coat, hat, gloves, and shoes in the car just in case you become stranded and need to leave your vehicle.
  • When it comes to driving in bad weather taking it slow is one of the best things you can do. It will save you from danger and the need for emergency towing assistance.

No one can stop the onset of winter. However, if you follow these suggestions, you will be ready for it when it comes.

It's only fair to share...Share on facebook
Facebook
Share on google
Google
Share on twitter
Twitter
Share on pinterest
Pinterest
Share on linkedin
Linkedin
5 Tips to Help You Sell Your Home for More

5 Tips to Help You Sell Your Home for More

living space

Selling your house is not a simple walk in the park. This process involves many steps, all of which are equally important. While you may think that you can just sell off to the first buyer that comes your way, there are actually a few helpful tips that can ensure that you will be selling your home for more.

Follow these rules and get the most money out of your house.

Get the Price Up with a Clean Up

You will be surprised how a clean house can look so much more attractive than an unclean one, thus fetching a much better price in the process. Before you schedule a visit with any prospect buyer, see to it that you scrub the walls, wipe away any traces of dust, and mop the floors. A simple waxing of the floor can also create that desirable new and polished look that no buyer will be able to resist. Get rid of musty smells with a disinfectant spray and make your home smelling fresher and more welcoming to potential buyers.

All It Takes is a Fresh Coat of Paint

You can transform a room with just a fresh coat of paint so you can just imagine what will happen if you repaint your entire house. This fresh coat can help increase the value of your home in the process. The good news is that this doesn’t cost that much at all. Paint can truly make everything look new while letting your buyer see your house in a better light.

Don’t Forget to Declutter

Decluttering can do wonders in making your home look bigger than its actual space. Unnecessary items, overly crowded cabinets, and years of gathered waste can easily eat up the much needed space. Get rid of items and old furniture pieces that are no longer useful. Clutter can even make your home look old and cramped. By getting rid of these, your buyer will have the chance to see and appreciate the amount of space available for them to use. Buffalo home staging can help you get organized and make your space look bigger.

Create Wonders with Lights

Take time in replacing those broken lights and repairing electrical connections. No buyer would want to see a busted electrical connection, not to mention that it can be quite dangerous. Work with an electrician who can check the entire house to prevent fire hazards. Busted light bulbs should be replaced right away with environment-friendly ones. It will help your home look new while giving your buyer an assurance that your property is really worth the price you are asking for.

Get Rid of Leaks

Finally, repair any broken pipe and plug every leak. This doesn’t only increase your home’s selling price as it also brings down water costs. See to it that you also inspect toilet valves. Repairing leaks won’t cause you an arm and a leg but they make a big difference as to whether a buyer will sign on that dotted line or not. Also, check your basement for cracking and consider getting a free foundation repair estimate.

Selling your home for more is made easy with these simple tips.

It's only fair to share...Share on facebook
Facebook
Share on google
Google
Share on twitter
Twitter
Share on pinterest
Pinterest
Share on linkedin
Linkedin
How to Prevent Damage on A Septic Tank

How to Prevent Damage on A Septic Tank

A septic tank tells a lot about the sanitation condition and habits of a home. A good septic tank that is maintained and not damaged can serve a family for many years. It is up to the homeowners to take care of the septic tank to ensure that it is in good condition.

There are a number of ways that you can prevent damage to your septic tank.

1. Make sure not to clog your system.

The items that cause blockage in your system include solid and liquid materials such as diapers, sanitary towels, strings, cat litter, dead animals and other materials that should be disposed of differently.

2. Have your septic tank inspected every 2 years.

This is important so that you are able to know that your septic tank, as well as the drainage system, is in good condition. You can hire a company for this.

3. Drain or pump out the contents regularly as necessary.

This depends on how many you are in the family or the size of your tank. The professionals will guide you as to how frequently you should do this.

4. Make sure these damaging fluids do not end up in your septic tank.

Household chemicals should not end up in the septic tank. Detergents and other laundry chemicals are not harmful in normal amounts but that should be it. The addition of gasoline, pesticides, too much bleach, paint and other types of fluids are dangerous for your tank.

5. Rainwater should be drained away from the septic tank.

This is to avoid filling too quickly.

6. Make sure your septic system has a drain field for the waste water.

This also ensures also that the system is efficient and does not fill too quickly. It is also a healthier option to separate the wastes.

 

 

7. Use efficient washing machines and dishwashers only.

This also ensures that not too much water ends up in the septic tank.

8. Make sure to completely close all the faucets in the house when not in use.

Avoid overusing and misusing water in the home.

9. In the case of any septic tank issues, contact the company that helps you to manage the system immediately.

Have a person who regularly checks your septic tank and is in a position to tell when it needs extra attention. More preferably, a professional from the company you hire

10. Do not damage the drain field by driving or parking or planting trees in the soil.

You should only plant grass on your drain field so as to prevent damage of the pipes in it by trees. Driving vehicles on it could also potentially cause damage.