Play it safe
Get home security advice
October 2019 A Special Supplement to
Pioneer & River Valley Shopper
Living Outdoors Learn how to deck out your deck this autumn
Winter is Coming
Get tips that will help you prepare for winter emergencies
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October 2019 • Supplement to the Pioneer & River Valley Shopper
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Closed for the season Decking out the deck in autumn This design trend is coming back “Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” - Albert Camus How to store firewood the right way Prevent growth of mold/mildew in colder months Shoveling snow is no fun... and can be dangerous Tips to prevent ice dams from forming on your home Home security tips Preparing for winter emergencies How mulched leaves improve your lawn Add a pop of color to your garden this winter What causes curled shingles How to protect wood floors from inclement weather
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Supplement to the Pioneer & River Valley Shopper • October 2019
Closed for the season
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What you need to know about closing down your home or cottage for winter Winter is coming sooner than we want to think, and for those who are closing up the cottage or heading south to escape the cold weather, there is a lot to do before you leave. The combination of long, harsh Michigan winters and the residence being vacant for an extended period of time presents a long list of potential problems for owners leaving for the winter season. However, there are many things you can do to make sure your home or cottage should be safe and secure while you’re away.
issue such as water damage inside the home. Also, consider getting an alarm system. Some systems such as Simplisafe allow you to monitor the home through your electronic devices while you’re away. Make sure the home is locked up tight before leaving, including double checking all the windows and doors, and valuable items in a safe or safety deposit box. Also, make sure to have you mail either picked up by a neighbor or forwarded to your new address. Mail piling up is an easy way to tell that someone is away from the house.
Water
Heat
If you trust them with the task, you can have a neighbor collect your mail and send it to you weekly. If not sent by a neighbor, the post office will only hold your mail for a month, so if you’re gone all winter you’ll need to look into having your mail sent to you at the new location. Putting in a forwarding address sometimes leads to issues such as mail being returned to sender, but USPS has a premium forwarding service that customers report as more reliable. You can contact USPS for more information.
Turn off your water at the main valve before leaving the residence. You don’t want to return to, or have to make a trip back to deal with water damage and or burst pipes in your home. To assure you won’t have to worry about pipes bursting, consider having a professional drain the pipes. You also should turn off the water to your washing machine and anything else that you have water running to. Keeping the temperature low helps your energy bills stay more affordable and whether or not you drain your pipes influences how low you can safely keep the temperature inside. Many professionals recommend keeping the thermostat at between 50 and 60 degrees while you are away. However, if you do not drain your pipes and the power goes out for more than a day or two, a starting temperature in the 50s puts you at high risk for frozen pipes and ultimately burst pipes and water damage. If your pipes are drained, a temperature in the mid-50s should be perfectly fine.
Energy
Other than keeping your heat low and shutting off the water, unplugging your appliances also helps you save money on energy bills. Unplug your microwave, television, alarm clocks and any other non-essential electronics that are around your home. You also can turn off your water heater at the circuit breaker.
Security
One of the most effective ways to keep your home safe from potential intruders and burglars is to make it appear that you are still home. Buy timers for lamps in your home that turn on at specific times of the day and night to make it appear that you are home. This also can be done with radios to create noise that will make a potential intruder think twice about entering. Have a neighbor check on the house periodically to make sure there has not been a break in, or an
There are a few different options with varying reliability for what to do about your mail. First, you should suspend all subscriptions to newspapers, magazines and anything else that you receive regularly. If you want to receive these while you’re away, talk to each respective mailer and ask to have your address temporarily changed (if you can’t get something locally specific, consider having a neighbor mail it to you.)
Insurance
Check with your insurance provider about the policies on your home and vehicle. If you are not going to be driving your vehicle you can often get a reduced rate on you insurance. As for your home, contact your insurance provider and let them know how long the home will be unoccupied as extended periods without occupancy also may impact your insurance payments.
Other tips
If you have a fireplace, make sure that it’s closed up. Covering your fireplace is cheap; dealing with animal damage is not. Leaving your interior doors open while away helps air circulate. It’s up to you whether or not you unplug the refrigerator but make sure you remove any perishable items either way. If you choose to unplug it, remove all food and ice, and ensure that it is dry to prevent mold while you’re gone.
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October 2019 • Supplement to the Pioneer & River Valley Shopper
Decking out the deck in autumn Professionals offer tips to maximize outdoor entertainment A staple of crisp autumn days is bundling up and spending fall mornings, afternoons and evening outdoors, surrounded by friends and family and enjoying the changing weather. When envisioning outdoor space often used for four-season entertainment, you may think weather-sturdy lawn chairs, a fire pit and more. For some, the simplest setup is perfect, while others dream of building upon what they have or a complete backyard makeover. A quick search can get you started, or if you have an idea in mind, professionals have a few tips to moving forward. “I think about function and comfort first. I think when you start sorting out
function and comfort, you start looking at aesthetics,” said Marlies Manning, landscape architect and owner of Manning Design. Manning and Andrew Archer, of New Horizon Landscape, both said a patio, deck or porch should be an extension of the home.
“What we are seeing in today’s trend is people really developing their outdoor space,” Archer said. “We see a lot of sitting areas and fire pits, and a few counters in this area.” Whether permanent or portable, gas or wood, Manning said fire pits are a nice gathering spot for people. Fire pits, storage chests and cabinets and outdoor kitchens also are a few ways to add an interesting
element to an outdoor entertainment area. “It’s nice to have grouping and separate areas,” Manning said. “Customers really need to think about the space they want to develop. Some key factors would be maintenance and how big they want it,” Archer said. “The process really starts with good customer design.” If customers don’t have a design in mind, Archer suggests doing a bit or research to find what you like or having a bit of faith in the professionals. New Horizon Landscape and Manning Design offices are both in Big Rapids. While considering the scale of the, Anne Reagan, blog writer from Porch.com, also offers a few tips.
Reagan suggests investing in quality furniture that can withstand some weather and won’t blow away in a breeze, making the patio as large as possible to give people space to move around and rearrange furniture, connecting outdoor and indoor spaces and adding comfortable spaces. She says homeowners don’t need a lot of outdoor furniture to maximize their quiet space – a few spots to sit will be enough to enjoy autumn outdoors. Built-in seating can help add places for folks to sit and chat, without taking up extra space. If the scope of the project seems daunting or a bit too big for you to handle on your own, Reagan suggests calling professionals.
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Supplement to the Pioneer & River Valley Shopper • October 2019
“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” - Albert Camus Last week, I mentioned to a friend that before we knew it leaves would be turning color and summer would be coming to an end. Then, I occasioned to drive to along county roads and, lo and behold, there were a couple trees in full color change. Nay! A bunch of trees. A couple days later, during a drive up 80th Avenue north, there were trees all over the place already putting on their ‘autumn glory.’
Wood paneling can add a rustic feel to a bathroom.
This design trend is coming back
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esign trends come and go, but some have a funny way of resurfacing years after they first became popular. Homeowners who may have been considering renovating their home to remove a design element they believe to be passé might want to see if that feature has experienced a resurgence in popularity. In fact, one of the more derided home decor trends of yesteryear has slowly crept back into style, albeit in moderation.
Wood paneling is back and better than ever, advise many design professionals. It’s the formerly ugly duckling that filled homes starting in the 1950s, creating drab dens and faux-wood family rooms. Paneling had long been an element of choice because it is relatively easy to install and can camouflage problem walls in a home, like those covered in boisterous wallpaper prints.
Wood paneling reach the peak of its popularity in the 1970s, and since then homeowners have been tearing down these faux offenders for years or masking them in paint to brighten up spaces. However, the experts at Apartment Therapy report that wood paneling in shades of brown are making a comeback in cozy spots such as dens or
studies. The warm tones of wood paneling elicit a retro vibe. But unlike their fake predecessors, today’s paneled walls are being outfitted in real wood, making them more eco-friendly and stylish than ever before. Designers have flocked to reclaimed wood and veneer panelings to incorporate them into design elements. And while wood paneling used to be hung vertically, designers now experiment with hanging paneling. Many people no longer use paneling to cover an entire space. Paneling is used sparingly as an accent wall or another feature for character. Wood walls can be stained in a rich mahogany to look upscale or be weathered and rustic. Homeowners ready to reembrace wood paneling can choose to enhance one wall in a room. Think about the space above a fireplace or a strip of wall behind a sitting chair and side table. Paneling also can serve as a headboard behind a bed in a master suite. Painted horizontally, paneling can add dimension and texture to walls, even in a bathroom.
“Glory” for them - the trees. Mildly depressing for me.
aiming at getting one more garden bed prepared; stop weeding and hoeing; stop the whole maintenance thing; and just start sitting back and enjoying what is left of the summer and early fall. I’m sure we will still have a good share of steamy days. I’m sure there will still be plenty of time to sit under the maple tree and listen to the crickets as I doze off. There is still time.
Look. I got a lot done this summer. A LOT.
But, Labor Day has already passed. Things have ‘officially’ changed - leaf color change or not.
But ...I have yet had that glorious summer afternoon of just sitting, reading a little bit, and snoozing the afternoon away as a summer breeze wafts across the yard.
It is time, Gentle Reader, to prepare for the inevitable. Summer has packed it’s bags, and autumn is at the gate.
I got a lot done, but I have yet had the opportunity to do nothing.
Sorry.
And now, the leaves are changing color. Sigh. I’m sorry, Gentle Reader, but all the signs are there. In absolutely no time at all, the trees around us will be shedding their delicate clothing and giving way to winter blasts. Yes. I said it. Winter ...is coming. I realize lots of people wait with bated breath for autumn’s artisitic sweep of natural color. It is beautiful. I too enjoy the absolute cacophony of color. I enjoy autumn’s art. My Dearly Beloved once pointed out that if we had ever painted a picture with such an explosion of color as we used to see and enjoy along the river, folks would say we were exaggerating. Still, despite my love of the coming season, I also am fully aware of the fact that this wonderful time of year is fleeting ...at best. The leaves are so beautiful. Then they drop. Then it snows. That’s the way it works. “Fall colors are funny,” noted author Siobhan Vivian, in her book Same Difference. “They’re so bright and intense and beautiful. It’s like nature is trying to fill you up with color, to saturate you so you can stockpile it before winter turns everything muted and dreary.”
••• A Fall Song By Ellen Robena Field Golden and red trees Nod to the soft breeze, As it whispers, “Winter is near;” And the brown nuts fall At the wind’s loud call, For this is the Fall of the year. Good-by, sweet flowers! Through bright Summer hours You have filled our hearts with cheer We shall miss you so, And yet you must go, For this is the Fall of the year. Now the days grow cold, As the year grows old, And the meadows are brown and sere; Brave robin redbreast Has gone from his nest, For this is the Fall of the year.
I know it is early to be so pensive and bleak about the end of summer, but the facts are the facts. The signs pointing to the end of summer are all around us.
I do softly pray At the close of day, That the little children, so dear, May as purely grow As the fleecy snow That follows the Fall of the year.
I guess what really needs to be done is to stop planning what next to do in the garden; stop
Not yet. But soon. Way too soon.
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October 2019 • Supplement to the Pioneer & River Valley Shopper
A cord of hardwood can cost between
$120 - $180
How to store firewood the right way
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fireplace is a cozy and warm spot around which a family can gather. The home and real estate resource HomeGuides.com indicates that 60 percent of new homes have a fireplace, which is up from 36 percent in the 1970s. Naturally, fueling a fireplace for the season may require homeowners with wood-burning units to keep an ample supply of wood at the ready. How that wood is stored is important, as properly stored firewood can prevent waste and other issues around the house. Wood that is freshly cut has a water content of 60 percent or more. Yet, for best burning ability, wood should be near 20 percent in water content. Green wood is hard to ignite and will not burn nearly as well or efficiently as seasoned wood. Another concern associated with green wood is that it can contribute more to creosote accumulation in the flue of a fireplace. Creosote is a combustible material that may lead to fires if left unchecked. According to BioAdvanced®, a sciencebased lawn, garden and home improvement innovator, seasoning wood typically takes six months to a year. Homeowners may opt to purchase seasoned wood that already has sat and dried. Homeowners who have an abundance of firewood have to store it somewhere. Log Splitters Direct suggests choosing a dry, breezy area of the property that is about 20 feet from the nearest door to the house. This
helps avoid hitchhiker pests from coming inside with the wood, such as termites, ants, spiders, and mice. Do not stack the wood flush against a structure. It should be at least a few inches away to allow airflow behind the stack. Stick to organized rows of wood no more than four feet high. Log racks and pallets and posts will keep the wood up and off of the ground where moisture and rotting can develop. Placing the logs in an unorganized pile will impede air flow and cause the wood to rot rather than continue to dry and season even more. Homeowners also should use a cover to protect seasoned firewood from the elements. Position a tarp or plastic sheeting so it blankets the top of the stack and extends a few inches down the sides. Keep the sides mostly exposed to air. Others prefer to stack it in a barn or shed or under an overhang. Green wood is less expensive than seasoned wood. Those who prefer this method should do so in the early spring and let it season over the next several months. Bankrate says that the cost of a cord of wood varies across the country, but in general one can expect to pay between $120 and $180 for a cord of hardwood that is split and seasoned. This price may be higher in mid-winter when demand increases.
Prevent growth of mold/mildew in colder months unaddressed, mold and mildew can threaten the health of a home’s inhabitants.
Mildew is a type of mold that remains relatively flush with the surface it grows on. Other molds can grow puffy in appearance. Molds serve the purpose of destroying organic materials, but in high amounts, these microorganisms can cause respiratory problems, sinus congestion, throat irritation, headaches, and other issues, particularly when mold grows unchecked indoors, says Better Homes and Gardens. As a result, it is essential to address mold before it becomes problematic.
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old and mildew are not only unsightly, but unhealthy. These fungi grow readily in damp areas and are found in the air breathed both indoors and outside. If left
According to Polygon, a drying technology and temporary climate solutions company, the wet season in winter is when molds often grow and expand. Mold can break down the integrity and strength of the surfaces where it grows.
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Supplement to the Pioneer & River Valley Shopper • October 2019
Shoveling snow is no fun... and can be dangerous There is no end to the terms for “really big snowstorm,” and those terms came in handy, particularly in America’s snowiest cities, and in places such as Mecosta County and neighboring areas.
•
Do not shovel after eating or while smoking
•
Take it slow and stretch out before you begin
•
Shovel only fresh, powdery snow; it’s lighter
•
Push the snow rather than lifting it
Even with occasional ‘light’ years, we get lots of snow
•
If you do lift it, use a small shovel or only partially fill the shovel
With really big snow storms – and even everyday, run-of-the-mill snowfalls – comes a risk of death by shoveling. Nationwide, snow shoveling is responsible for thousands of injuries and as many as 100 deaths each year.
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Lift with your legs, not your back
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Do not work to the point of exhaustion
•
Know the signs of a heart attack, and stop immediately and call 911 if you’re experiencing any of them; every minute counts
So, why so many deaths? Shoveling snow is just another household chore, right? Not really, says the American Heart Association. While most people won’t have a problem, shoveling snow can put some people at risk of heart attack. Sudden exertion, like moving hundreds of pounds of snow after being sedentary for several months, can put a big strain on the heart. Pushing a heavy snow blower also can cause injury. And, there’s the cold factor. Cold weather can increase heart rate and blood pressure. It can make blood clot more easily and constrict arteries, which decreases blood supply. This is true even in healthy people. Individuals over the age of 40 or who are relatively inactive should be particularly careful. National Safety Council recommends the following tips to shovel safely:
Homeowners can employ the following strategies to prevent mold growth.
• Keep all surfaces clean, using proper cleaning products. Diluted bleach solutions are highly effective at killing microscopic fungi, viruses and bacteria.
• Reduce moisture and humidity by ensuring sufficient air circulation in rooms, particularly bathrooms and kitchens. An exhaust fan will help remove moisture quickly. • Fabrics covered in mildew that can be laundered should be carefully removed and washed in chlorine bleach and hot water. An oxygen bleach product also can be effective. • Invest in a dehumidifier that can reduce moisture in the home in problem areas, such as damp basements or garages. • Fix plumbing leaks as soon as possible.
• Remove damp leaves and snow from areas around the foundation of the home. Ensure that gutters and downspouts are clear of debris and can shuttle water away from the house effectively. • Replace cracked or defective mortar in basements. • Make sure all seals on windows and doors are not compromised and are in good working condition. • Be sure an HVAC in-line humidifier is adjusted to the right setting and isn’t pumping too much moisture into the heated air; otherwise, the added humidity can contribute to mold. • If there is a flood or water infiltrates a home in other ways, hire a professional service to help clean and dry the home effectively. Mold and mildew are problematic, but with diligence they can be kept at bay.
Don’t pick up that shovel without a doctor’s permission if you have a history of heart disease. A clear driveway is not worth your life.
Snow Blower Safety
In addition to possible heart strain from pushing a heavy snow blower, be safe with tips from the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, including: •
If the blower jams, turn it off
•
Keep your hands away from the moving parts
•
Be aware of the carbon monoxide risk of running a snow blower in an enclosed space
•
Add fuel outdoors, before starting, and never add fuel when it is running
•
Never leave it unattended when it is running
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October 2019 • Supplement to the Pioneer & River Valley Shopper
Tips to prevent ice dams from forming on your home As cold weather and snow continue over the next few months in Michigan, homeowners should be on the look-out for dangerous ice dams Even still in March, homeowners should be on the lookout for ice dams that form at the edge of the roofline during the winter months. These ice dams can cause water from melting snow to back-up underneath shingles. Once this occurs, water leaking inside the attic can cause costly damage to insulation, ceiling and other household items inside the home. Ice dams (see graphic) are formed when attic heat warms the roof and melts the snow on
the edge of the roof. As snow melts, water runs down under the snow and freezes at the eaves, which are the coldest parts of the roof. Over time, large deposits of ice accumulate forming “icedams.” As snow continues to melt off the roof, water will then accumulate (i.e. dam up) behind that large layer of ice and can eventually back-up under the shingles. Once this occurs, water can then leak into the attic space
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of a home. This can lead to excessive damage to ceilings, walls, insulation and household objects, which can be difficult and expensive to repair. The key to preventing ice dams is to understand how such problems occur. Homeowners can then take measures to correct the conditions that favor the development of ice dams. The underlying problem leading to the formation of ice dams is undesirable attic heat. Either too little insulation or too little ventilation in the attic is generally the cause. Either condition prevents the roof from staying cold enough to avoid the formation of ice dams on the edges of a roof.
Homeowners should check to see if their attic needs more insulation to prevent the escape of heat from the living quarters or if their roof needs better ventilation. Due to energy crises over the last few decades, most homes are probably now fairly well-insulated. However, that insulation in the attic should not extend over the soffit or eave area of the roof. If it does it will probably keep the eaves too warm and will block soffit vents which let cold air into the attic. In regards to checking ventilation, there should be an adequate number of inlet vents in the soffit as well as outlet vents at or near the peak of the roof. A variety of devices and materials are
available from lumberyards and building supply stores to help increase ventilation into the attic or to better insulate a ceiling. Homeowners also can use such temporary measures such as removing snow at the eaves with a “roof-rake” or push broom or install electric heat tapes to melt the ice. However, such measures may not prevent ice dams from occurring higher up on the roof if the attic is too warm. Ultimately, homeowners will have to address the real cause of the problem – too little ventilation or too little insulation – if they wish to prevent the formation of ice dams altogether.
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Supplement to the Pioneer & River Valley Shopper • October 2019
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HOME SECURITY TIPS It’s unpleasant to imagine, but it’s true.
According to a 2014 report by the U.S. Department of Justice, home invasions are more likely to occur in the summertime than during other seasons. But that doesn’t mean homeowners need to let down their guards as autumn and winter draw closer. According to alarms.org, burglars are most attracted homes that do not have a home security system. Meanwhile, only 17 percent of houses in the U.S. have a system in place. Perhaps if more people had adequate security at their homes, there would be fewer break-ins during the whatever time of year. But there’s more that you can do for yourself than shell out for a home security system. Here are some simple tips you can use to become safer at home.
DON’T LET THIEVES KNOW YOU ARE NOT HOME
Also known as, “the perfect tip.” Sending a tweet that you’ve arrived at the airport or posting a status update on Facebook indicating you can’t wait to leave for your cruise is a great way to alert thieves that your home is empty, according to an article on trustedchoice.com. It’s better to save updates about your vacation and picture-sharing for when you return. It’s also advised to have a trusted friend or neighbor stop by every day to pick up the mail, newspapers and fliers that may be left at the door. Thieves notice when these types of things pile up. Make sure someone regularly clears the snow from driveways and walkways. This gives the perception that folks are at home.
CLEAR THE WAY
Taking care of the landscaping is not just for the gardeners in your neighborhood. It’s also a necessity when trying to deter thieves. Robbers love to hide out in bushes under windows and near doors, an article on safewise.com suggests. Not only does it give them a place to remain concealed, but bushes also give ne’er-dowells the perfect vantage point to observe your comings and goings and get a peek at all the goodies you have inside that they want to take. The website suggests you make sure landscaping is well-maintained and designed to avoid becoming either a blind spot or a hidey-hole.
SECURE EXTERIOR DOORS
Exterior doors are the most used point of entry for burglars, an article on protectyourhome.com states. There are several points of potential weakness on a typical door, including the handle and lockset, hinges and their mounting screws, the strength of the door itself and the door jamb or frame. The website suggests that you shouldn’t rely on the spring-latch lock on your door handle, because they are easy to compromise. Incorporate a sturdy deadbolt lock instead. The site also suggests installing door armor kits on exterior doors to help prevent burglars from taking advantage of the weakest parts of the door.
INSTALL WINDOW STOPS
Another common way for thieves to get in is through the windows, according to an article on asecurelife. com. This can be made more difficult by installing window stops. If you don’t want to purchase a window stop for sliding windows, you can place a sturdy wooden dowel in the track to make them harder to force open – just make sure that it’s cut to the right length.
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October 2019 • Supplement to the Pioneer & River Valley Shopper
Preparing for winter emergencies With leaves beginning to change color, and snow going to fall sooner than anyone might like, it can be tough driving through the seasonal changes Michigan had the highest yearly average for winter weather-related crash fatalities in the nation between 2011 and 2013 according to AAA. The vast majority of fall and winter accidents aren’t fatal, but they can leave you stranded in your car. There are a few items you should be carrying in your car this winter to make sure that you’re safe in the event of an emergency. The same is true for keeping items in your home.
You’ll want to be prepared if a winter storm snows you in without power this year. While you might not ever need to use your safety kits, you can rest easy knowing you’re prepared if an emergency comes.
Car Safety:
In the ideal situation you won’t have to worry about getting in an accident or your car breaking down this winter, but there are a few things you should keep in the vehicle just in case. When possible, try storing these items somewhere other than the trunk, as the trunk can sometimes freeze shut, leaving you without access to your emergency supplies. Jumper cables: You should keep these year round, but they can be especially valuable during the winter when the cold can weaken your battery.
Sand: Sand is great to put under your tires for traction if your vehicle gets stuck. Cat litter also works great for traction.
A small shovel: There are great foldable snow shovels online that can easily fit in a trunk. A shovel can be very valuable if your vehicle gets stuck. Flashlight and batteries: Store the batteries with, but outside of the flashlight to ensure they are not drained when you need to use them.
Visible gear: Keep a reflective triangle to put behind your stopped car and a reflective vest so you can be seen if you exit the vehicle. Road flares are also a good way to make sure you are spotted but they will eventually run out of fuel so they are not as useful if you are stuck for a long time. Heat: Keep a couple of blankets available in the car. A candle can also provide heat in a vehicle if needed. However, be sure to slightly crack a window as candles use oxygen and produce carbon dioxide. Hand warmers are also great to keep in the car and will not expire for several years.
Food and water: Keep some basic food like granola bars in your car and rotate it out periodically so it doesn’t go bad. While you can’t leave water in the car because it will freeze, always make sure you bring some with you when leaving the house. Even if you’re only stuck for a couple hours having food and water on hand can make that time more tolerable.
Home Safety:
A home safety kit is valuable at all times of the year, but there are certain items that can be of more importance in a winter emergency. Heat: Unlike your car, a candle won’t do much to heat your house. A kerosene or propane fueled space heater should work well for heating if the power is out. For the most heat while conserving fuel, stay in smaller rooms with the heater and close the door. It likely won’t heat your whole house, but a room or two will stay comfortably warm.
Light: Your plan should not be to place candles all over the house. While this may seem like a good idea, it is the cause of numerous house fires every year. Have LED flashlights on hand and store the batteries outside of the flashlight so they don’t die before you need them. Small battery powered lamps are also good for
lighting your home during a power outage.
Spare power: If you have a generator that’s great and makes many of these tips obsolete, but if not, you should keep a portable charger around (and charged) in case you need to charge your cell phone during a power outage. You don’t want to be snowed in with no power and no way to communicate with the outside world. Food and water: Make sure that you have a stock of non-perishable food items that will last several days in case of an emergency and be sure to rotate those items out periodically so they do not expire. You also should keep several
How mulched leaves help your lawn
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arious chores are synonymous with certain times of year. For example, cleaning a pool is a summertime task. In addition, rare is the instance that Mother Nature forces anyone to break out the snow shovels outside of winter. Raking leaves has long been a task for fall afternoons, but homeowners may be surprised to learn that they might be better off putting their rakes in permanent mothballs. In the 1990s, turfgrass specialists at Michigan State University began exploring the potential benefits of leaving mulched leaves on a lawn instead of raking them and leaving them for curbside pickup. While the researchers noticed an obvious leaf residue on the lawn after mulching, they noted that it only sticks around for a few days. Eventually, the tiny pieces sifted down into the lawn, ultimately serving to control future weed growth while also providing the lawn with essential nutrients. Over time, researchers noted that homeowners who mulched rather than raked
their leaves needed less fertilizer to give their lawns a green look in spring, saving homeowners the effort and cost associated with fertilizing. Researchers also noted that decomposing pieces of leaves cover up bare spots between turf plants, which have traditionally proven to be excellent spots for weed seeds to germinate. In fact, MSU notes that homeowners can expect a nearly 100 percent decrease in dandelions and crabgrass after mulching leaves for just three years. Depending on the type of mower being used, up to six inches of leaves can be mulched at a time. Push mowers can handle smaller amounts, though can still be as effective as ride-on mowers. Fall may be synonymous with raking leaves. However, homeowners who want to give their lawns a healthy boost should consider putting their rakes away and mulching their leaves this fall.
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gallons of water on hand. The general rule is one gallon per person, per day. So a family of four should keep at least 12 gallons ready to prepare for a three day emergency. Basic tools: Keep some basic tools on hand in case you have to do a minor repair. This includes some insulated plastic wrap in case a window breaks. The wrap is available for less than $15 dollars and can be the difference between a window letting cold air in or temporarily solving the problem until you can get a real repair done.
Add a pop of color to your garden this winter
inter weather comes on the heels of a vibrant, colorful autumn season. Shortly after fall foliage falls to the ground, nature tends to greet us with a considerably less colorful palette. What’s more, much of the wildlife and plants that make spring, summer and fall so aweinspiring tend to hibernate in winter, making it more difficult to find bright spots on drab days. If you think that winter means the end of beautiful garden colors, think again. There are plenty of cool-season flowers and other plants that can add a pop of color to brighten your day. These flowers provide color right when most people need it most. In areas where winter is not marked by a deep freeze, homeowners can plant pansies, snapdragons, English daisies, calendula, and other blooms from early fall through late winter. These plants will survive the cold, keeping containers, borders and gardens full of color.
Camellias are a type of flower that bloom in fall and winter in hues of red, pink, coral, white, and more. The plants are evergreen and will grow from shrubs or small trees when fully established. Homeowners who live in climates marked by cold winters can opt for plants that offer color but without flowers. According to HGTV, these include cabbages and kales, which can survive most cold winters and lend an interesting texture to a winter landscape bed. Of course, no list of winter’s colorful plants would be complete without holly, which offers an eye-catching display of evergreen leaves and bright red berries, though sometimes the berries are golden. Either way, they can be a sight for sore eyes on gray winter days. For more ideas, visit a local garden center to learn about plants that can add vibrant color to a landscape, even as autumn transitions to winter.
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Supplement to the Pioneer & River Valley Shopper • October 2019
What causes curled shingles?
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o homeowner wants to look at the exterior of his or her home and see roof damage. Such damage may lead homeowners to think they need a new roof, a potentially costly expense that can quickly throw household budgets into a state of disarray. According to the HomeAdvisor, the average homeowner spends a little more than $7,600 installing a new roof. Various factors, including the size of a home and the type of roof homeowners prefer, will affect the cost of a roof replacement. In addition, homeowners who see roof damage can rest assured that not all roof problems will necessarily require a replacement roof to be installed. Curled shingles are a problem many homeowners have encountered. This particular problem is not always indicative that a roof is on its way out. In fact, the home improvement resource This Old House notes that, as asphalt shingles age, their corners often begin to curl downward or upward. Homeowners who notice this early enough can glue down the curled section of each shingle that’s beginning to curl. Some shingles may be curling because they’re defective. Fortified Roofing, a New Jersey-based roofing company that specializes in the repairing and replacing of
various roofing configurations, advises homeowners to contact a local roofing professional to diagnose the cause of the curling. Doing so quickly can prevent curled shingles from contributing to more widespread damage. Moisture and poor ventilation may be contributing to curled shingles as well. Homeowners with attics in their home may see curled shingles on their roofs because moisture is building up in their poorly
ventilated attics. In addition to causing damage such as curled shingles, a poorly ventilated attic allows moisture to build up, potentially contributing to mold growth. Mold presents a host of additional problems, including some that can adversely affect the health of a home’s inhabitants. Improper roof installation also may be the culprit behind curled shingles. When a roof is not installed correctly, shingles may not be aligned or
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October 2019 • Supplement to the Pioneer & River Valley Shopper
How to protect wood floors from inclement weather
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ood floors are a worthwhile investment that can improve the beauty and function of just about any room in a home. Even though wood floors are durable, and new protective treatments help seal out many of the things that may have damaged floors in the past, homeowners still need to prioritize protecting their hardwood floors. Certain seasons of the year can be more harsh on wood floors than others. For example, seasons characterized by moisture and precipitation, particularly the early spring, winter and fall, can be hard on wood floors. The experts at ServiceMaster Clean say that cold, snowy days can damage wood floors, and Lumber Liquidators agrees that winter weather can be harsh on flooring. Homeowners need not give up on hardwood if they live in an area that sees all four seasons. They just need to take a few steps to keep floors looking beautiful. Clean up the salt. Salt that keeps sidewalks and streets clear of snow and ice inadvertently gets tracked inside a home. Hard chunks of salt can scratch wood floors, and, if left to sit, that salt can eventually cause white marks and other stains. Routinely vacuuming and sweeping up
salt is necessary to protect wood floors.
Invest in shoe storage. Wet or snowy boots can create puddles around the house. Have a special mat or tray by the front door where wet shoes can be kept. A nice bench in the entryway makes it easy for residents and guests to remove their shoes until it’s time to go back outside. Use water-wicking mats. Homeowners will probably need a few extra mats around to tame errant drips and wipe shoes. Any entrance that might be used by people or pets should be protected. Try to avoid petroleum-based, rubber-backed mats, as they could discolor the wood floor. Control humidity indoors.
Cold, dry air in a home can be problematic because the moisture in the wood can eventually evaporate into the air. The heat will suck that moisture from the flooring, causing it to shrink, creak and splinter and become more brittle. Think about investing in an in-line humidifier for the home’s HVAC system that can keep a moderate amount of humidity in the home. Hardwood floorboards are installed to accommodate minor temperature and humidity fluctuations. This is typically a range of between 60 and 80 degrees F with a relative humidity range of 35 to 55 percent, advises ServiceMaster.
Use the right cleaning products. Avoid excessive water to clean wood floors, and select soaps that are specially designed
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