Hxe 2c w13 sample by Hudson Ink

WINTER 2013

4 Quality Kinds of Security Lighting

Five Easy Ways to Support Our Troops

…page 2

My Word by <NAME> Hello Friends, Winter is a wonderful time for being indoors – as long as it stays comfortable! While you relax this season, if anything goes wrong with your home electrical system, let us do the worrying. Just give us a call, and we’ll lend a hand! We know how important safe electrical practices are for your family, and that’s especially true as it gets colder. If you’re concerned about home electrical hazards, call us for an evaluation. We’ll make sure appliances and other equipment are

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Kitchen Energy Savers …page 3

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<Company>’s Smart & simple ways to enrich your home living.

— It’s About Time! — Simple Ways to Prevent Electrical Fires

Electrical problems are among the

leading causes of house fires that claim nearly 4,000 American lives every year. That number is more than a statistic – it’s real families that have been affected. So what can you do to keep your family safe? Prevention is the key. Studies show that “do-ityourselfers” sometimes inadvertently create hazardous situations through improper installation of electrical devices…

1. Fuses – These are safety devices. They interrupt dangerous surges, yet fires are still caused by the wrong size fuse or attempts to “outsmart” the fuse with a penny or tin foil. These practices are very dangerous.

2. Electricity and water – Outdoor receptacles, as well as those in kitchens, bathrooms and anywhere else near water, should be the ground fault circuit interrupter type (GFCI). 3. Light bulbs – Light bulbs, especially halogen bulbs, get very hot and can ignite combustible materials that get too close. 4. Lamps – Table lamps should not be used without a shade, and too high of a wattage bulb can cause the fixture to overheat and start a fire. 5. Extension cords – Extension cords should never be run inside walls or under rugs or furniture. Also, do not use any cord that is stiff, cracked or gets warm when used. Give us a call and we can check your electrical system to make sure it’s safe and ready for the extra strain of the winter season.

Visit www.<yourcompany>.comfort-tips.com for more great ideas for home & life, including: Money-Saving tips | Home & Organizing | Health & Food

— The 5 —

Five Easy Ways to Support Our Troops

— The Good life —

4 Quality Kinds of Security Lighting Can it protect your family from rising crime rates?

You want your home to be safe, secure and comfortable. You don’t want your home to become the target of criminal activity. But the shocking truth is that many families will experience burglary, vandalism or worse. Crime often rises in the winter due to it becoming dark earlier, giving a better opportunity for burglars to remain incognito. In fact, statistics show an annual total of 730 burglaries for every 100,000 people in the population. How can you ensure that your family isn’t one of them? Try out these ideas and start protecting your home: • A well-shielded, low pressure sodium fixture. The light is well-controlled, energy efficient and produces no glare, giving maximum visibility. • High pressure sodium fixtures, metal halide fixtures or even low wattage fluorescent lamps in good fixtures can be efficient in reducing glare and providing ample uplighting.

• Infrared sensor lights. These lights can even be programmed

to activate an alarm. These are very cost-effective and offer good visibility to the homeowner when needed.

S eparated from family and

friends, while facing difficult and dangerous duties, the members of the U.S. military appreciate more than ever the support of a grateful country. Here are a few ways to show your support:

• Other quality security measures include motion sensors, an effective alarm system and joining a neighborhood watch. And remember: let us know how we can help you make – and keep – your home and family safer. That’s what we’re here for.

Switch it. Plug it. Click it. The electronic devices your family enjoys for work, school, entertainment and connecting came along after most homes were built. Let us come out for a friendly, free review of what’s being switched, plugged or clicked. We can add wiring quickly and safely. Call <COMPANY> at <PHONE>. ©2013

1. Books for Soldiers. This site allows you to see book, DVD and game requests posted by soldiers. You can then fill the requests, and even become a Pen Pal. Learn more at www.booksforsoldiers.com.

— Weird Science —

Elderly Might Be at Risk of Hypothermia Even those indoors can suffer

from hypothermia, and the risk is increased for the elderly. Hypothermia occurs when body temperature falls below 96°. Temperatures you may consider just slightly cool (60-65°), can

be low enough to bring on hypothermia in the elderly. Confusion, sleepiness, slurred speech and shallow breathing are all symptoms of hypothermia. The National Institute on Aging recommends the elderly protect themselves by: dressing in layers (even when indoors), consuming hot foods and liquids and using alcohol in moderation.

2. Phone cards. There’s nothing like hearing a voice from home. So, Cell Phones for Soldiers keeps military personnel in touch with their loved ones by providing them with free calling cards and, in some cases, recycled cell phones. Details are available at www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com. 3. Care packages. “Operation USO Care Package,” initiated by USO Metro, enables individuals to finance care packages for service members en route to overseas destinations. A contribution of $25 will purchase one Care Package. For more information, call 1-866-USO-GIVE or visit www.usocares.org. 4. Messages. Send a special message to the men and women of the armed services through A Million Thanks. This service is a year-round campaign that provides letters, emails and cards for service members. Details are available at www.amillionthanks.org. 5. Thank You Cards. You can send cards through Give2TheTroops at www.give2thetroops.org.

Good for Nothing That’s what things in the mail are often worth, but not this… This ad gets you $25 off your next repair bill. So your wallet gets some help while our repair professionals get your system up and running. And that’s good for a lot. Call <COMPANY> at <PHONE>. ©2013

— Secrets —

Kitchen Energy Savers

Energy can be easily wasted in

the kitchen. Here are some tips to follow that will save money:

1. If you’re cooking in the oven, try to cook as many foods as possible at the same time. Try not to open the door more than necessary to avoid losing heat and wasting energy. 2. If you have a self-cleaning oven, start the cycle right after you’ve used it. Then you don’t have to spend

more energy heating it to high temperatures. 3. The microwave can be a great energy-saver. It uses much less electricity than a conventional oven. Moreover, it’s a lot faster. 4. During the winter, don’t use your ventilator unless you must. This evacuates all your hot air! Of course, if you have one of those ventilators that just moves the air around in the room, you don’t need to worry.

— Q&A: You Ask , We Answer — • Go to bed and get up at the same time each day – even on the weekends.

Are You Getting Enough Sleep?

Insomnia, narcolepsy, snoring

and sleep apnea are common complaints affecting about 40 million people in the U.S. each year. Anyone can be affected by these conditions on occasion, but when it lasts a few weeks or more, you should see your doctor. In the meantime, consider these tips for a better night’s sleep:

• Avoid caffeine, nicotine, beer, wine and liquor four to six hours before bedtime. • Do not exercise within two hours of bedtime. • Do not eat large meals within two hours of bedtime. • Do not nap later than 3 p.m. • If you can’t fall asleep within 20 minutes, get up and do something quiet like reading. • Wind down in the 30 minutes before bedtime by doing something relaxing, like drinking warm milk or taking a warm bath.

My Word

! e M n a c S

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supported by adequate electrical outlets. And we’ll add them where needed.

Sincerely,

Remember, the warmer days of spring will be here before you know it. In the meantime, we wish you all the best that winter has to offer. We hope to hear from you soon.

<NAME>

P.S. This newsletter has tips to help you run your home, but feel free to pass it along to family and friends when you’re done.

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