The thieves are back. With the economic downturn, some cities are seeing an increase in home burglary, according to ShopSmart magazine. What can you do to protect your home? ShopSmart has a list of steps you can take to protect yourself in this PDF file. Here are some of the more important points:
Windows and doors. Lock them whenever you go out.
Bushes. Trim them so burglars don't have a place to hide.
Door lock. Any door secured with less than a deadbolt with a strike plate with three-inch screws can be kicked in by a thief.
Trash. Make sure big-screen TV and other big ticket item boxes are broken down and not visible.
Lamps. A timer can make your lights come on automatically to make it look like you are in the house when you are not.
The PDF has a number of other tips homeowners can adopt, including safe spots to store valuables. It's worth reading.
Although hurricane season is months away, it's never too early to think about protecting your roof when you live in a hurricane-prone area. Storm-Proof Roof offers an effective, simple and affordable solution. Upon being alerted of a possible hurricane, homeowners roll out the modules around the edge of the roof and fill with water from a garden hose. The weighted modules add 100 pounds per linear foot to the roof and, according to research at Florida International University, the system "can reduce significant damage on the average of 150 perfect." The modules are easily installed and removed. Each 13-foot module costs $245. Just pennies when compared to replacing a roof. This product is worth checking out if you are worried about the integrity of your roof.
Hiding a key outside of your home for those moments when you are locked out used to be standard operating practice for homeowners. No longer. With Schlage's electronic keypad locks, the lock feature a keypad allowing homeowners to add, change or delete user codes in seconds. So no more leaving a key outside for visiting relatives; just give them a temporary user code. The lock also installs in under 30 minutes with a screwdriver. Use Schlage's locator to find retailers both online and off.
As the boomer generation starts handing down some of their antiques to their children and grandchildren, it would be wise to insure these collectibles are safe. Whether it's lead paint on a dresser or chair or wobbly legs on that high boy, these items can be dangerous to you or your children if you are not vigilant. One of the most commonly overlooked items which often gets handed down are cedar or "hope" chests. They seem to last forever as they are not pieces of furniture that are used every day. Often, they have locking mechanisms that automatically lock when the tops shut or fall into place. These can be extremely dangerous for young children playing hide and seek. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPC) issued a warning in 1996 but it never hurts to revisit safety items whenever you receive a new item in your home. This rule of thumb also goes for older electrical items such as lamps that could have frayed wires and cause a fire or even other decorative items that have small pieces. Remember to always accept the items gracefully so as not to offend your relatives but ensure your children’s safety by updating or upgrading the finish, the wiring, the hardware or the stability of these gifts.
1. Evaluate your home’s “exterior envelope,” from the garage and roof structure to windows and doors. Exterior openings of the home play a crucial role in severe storms. If wind pressure penetrates the home, it can lead to catastrophic results. 2. Know your zone. Areas of the country subject to strong winds or hurricanes are categorized into four zones. The zone in which you live determines the types of windows and doors required to meet building codes. Zone 4 has the most stringent requirements and mandates exterior building products that can stand up to wind pressure and impacts. 3. Get tech savvy. Learn about new technology for building products that can help you avoid the hassle and pitfalls of boarding up windows and doors. There are new products available, like storm protection windows and patio doors that can withstand a 2x4 striking the window at 34 miles per hour. 4. Keep the yard clean. Remove objects that can become wind-borne hazards, and trim nearby trees that have broken or dead branches. Even a benign object like a lightweight lawn chair can turn into a dangerous missile during a severe storm. 5. Pack a fresh disaster kit. A first aid kit, flashlight, canned food and at least three gallons of drinking water per person are key, according to Red Cross guidelines. Don’t forget to include written directions on how to turn off your home’s water, gas and electric service, in case you’re told to do so. A professional will need to restart your service when all is clear. 6. Prepare a family evacuation plan. The Red Cross also advises that families decide where they are going to meet ahead of time if they are told to evacuate. 7. Understand the ratings. Homes in any of the wind-borne debris regions must also have windows and doors with specific design pressure (DP) ratings, which include both positive and negative numbers. The positive number corresponds to pressure created by wind blowing at a window and door. The negative number represents vacuum pressure on the inner side of the window or door.
Home is a place where a family should feel completely comfortable and secure. Unfortunately, the home is often a dangerous place. The Home Safety Council (HSC), a national organization created for the sole purpose of helping people make their home safer, estimates home-related injuries result in nearly 20,000 deaths and 21 million medical visits on average each year. The organization's Web site offers an extensive guide and teaching tool for the safety-conscious homeowner. There is information on building a safe nursery, childproofing your home, creating a safe environment for the elderly and more. The Virtual Home Safety Tour takes you room by room, exposing every possible hazardous situation in and around the home. Even if you’re like me and you just can’t help being a “wild and crazy guy (or gal),” you probably still agree that you would like a sense of safety in your own home. All that is left for you to do is let the Home Safety Council help you achieve that feeling.
Protect your family from a chimney fire or carbon monoxide poisoning when you have your chimney swept. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) offers a program that certifies professional chimney sweepers. The program includes current information about inspection technology, fire safety codes and venting systems. Find a list of CSIA certified chimney sweepers within 50 miles of your home by logging on to the CSIA web site and entering your ZIP code. The site also includes a great video tutorial on what you can expect from a chimney sweep.
