SPRING 2014
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My Word by <NAME> Dear Friends, Well, here we are again. Signs of spring are arising all around us: blooming flowers and warmer temperatures. Warmer months can also mean extra work for your electrical system. Before the heavy load hits, call us and let us give your electrical system a thorough inspection. Just think of it as a little “spring cleaning” that will be time well spent when the summer heat rolls in. Do you have anything else on the back burner – like more outlets for the family room? Adding security lighting? Any old fixtures that need
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Hudson, Ink Corp ©2014
When Should You Call an Electrician? …page 2
Transform Your Pantry …page 2
Save Your Outdoor Furniture …page 3
<Company>’s
Smart & simple ways to enrich your home living.
— It’s About Time — Springtime Safety Checks for Your Home
Are there electrical hazards
lurking beneath dust and debris? To help protect your family and property, make sure your spring improvements include safety checks around the home. Get started with these tips from the Electrical Safety Foundation: Keep your cooking area around the stove/ oven clear of towels, napkins, and pot other combustibles, including crumbs and leftovers. Move countertop appliances away from the sink. They should be plugged into ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) for added protection. If needed, ask us to install additional GFCIs. Keep appliance cords away from hot surfaces such as stovetop or
toaster, and keep them unplugged when not in use. Clean your dryer lint filter after each load, and keep the dryer area free of debris. Also, do you notice a lot of vibration and movement when your washer or dryer are running? This could be putting a strain on their electrical connections. Test your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detector and replace their batteries. Have you opened your electrical panel lately? Are your circuit breakers and fuses labeled with rooms, circuits or outlets plus their amperage? If you need help here, let us know. Has it been a while since your electrical system was inspected? Call us and schedule an inspection for your safety and peace of mind.
Visit www.<yourcompany>.comfort-tips.com for more great ideas for home & life, including: MONEY-SAVING TIPS | HOME & ORGANIZING | HEALTH & FOOD
— THE GOOD LIFE —
Transform Your Pantry — HOME HE ALT H —
When Should You Call an Electrician?
Based on the plans you’ve
envisioned or the problems you’re experiencing, there are any number of reasons to call an electrician. For home improvements that lead to the installation of new fixtures, security or landscape lighting, ceiling fans and additional outlets – just to name some possibilities – you’ll want a qualified, licensed electrician on the job. In addition to your improvement plans, you may also notice “issues” that you can’t quite figure out on your own. These are among the reasons that warrant professional attention: • If your fuses blow frequently or your circuit breakers are often tripping. • If your GFCI receptacles are frequently tripping. • If you’re seeing dimming, flickering or flashes of light. • If one of your electrical mechanisms has stopped functioning. • If you get a tingling feeling when touching an electrical appliance
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• If you notice discolored or warm outlets.
• If you see sparks or flames from an outlet, device or fixture.
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• If you notice a burning smell coming from an appliance. In any of these, your electrical system is sending signals that trouble could be afoot. The latter two, however, call for a shut-off of power to that area before you call for help. Remember, if you need us, just let us know.
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>.
disorganized pantry is a kitchen nightmare. You can customize yours by following these smart placement tips so you won’t end up buying 15 cans of PAM… again.
Spin Away Use a two-tier rotating rack for any small or sticky supplies (like honey). Spin and search when you want! Set it in the back, with common essentials, like cereals, in front.
©2014
— PRODUCT NI TPICK —
Tire Options Making You Tired? These tips can help you build confidence for your next road trip to the tire store…
There are various types of tires according to weather conditions, driving styles and vehicles. Decide what feature is most important to you and go from there.
Visit a neighborhood tire retailer for expert advice and close-up view of each tire.
When budgeting, account for balancing, alignment and other extra fees.
I Can See Clearly Now
— SECRETS —
Pour lentils and other similar items into clear containers. Use transparent canisters for other spillables, like spaghetti. While that spaghetti is out, make sure to place it next to the tomato paste (as well as other related items together). Up, Up and Away Move bottles to a safe, high place. A wine rack helps keep wine properly stored on its side. While you’re at it, stash the corkscrew here, too, so you’ll never go looking for it again. Baker’s Man, Bake Me a Cake as Fast as You Can For quick convenience when it’s cookie-making time, place all of your baking items in one spot: corral flour, sugar, vanilla, etc.
Save Your Outdoor Furniture
Want to keep your patio pieces
looking new and feeling great? These low-maintenance tips will help keep your private paradise in tip-top shape. Cast Aluminum Cover all pieces of furniture completely with an all-purpose cleaner and rub with a nylon scrub brush. Then, wipe with a microfiber cloth. Cushions • Create this solution to scrub your cushions with
a sponge: 1 quart warm water, 1 tablespoon borax and 1 teaspoon dishwashing detergent. • Let the solution soak for 15 minutes. • Rinse with a hose, then dry by standing each cushion on an edge. Wicker To dislodge bugs and leaves from the cracks of your wicker, use either the vacuum’s crevice attachment or a paintbrush.
Party Fare Fill your top shelf with things like nuts and crackers. Use risers to double usable space.
— BUCKLE DOWN — a day can help to strengthen your heart.
Go Deep!
Reduce Stress
Put cans or jars on bottom shelves. Stock several of them deep, with one item in front to indicate the category.
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>. ©2014
4 Heart-Healthy Tips
Avoid stressful situations by balancing your home/work lifestyle. Meditation and laughter also help to reduce tension.
Heart health is no laughing
Reduce Alcohol Intake
matter. According to a study by Bayer Aspirin, cardiovascular disease accounts for more deaths in the U.S. than cancer, diabetes and accidents. So, what can you do to stay heart healthy? Exercise Any physical activity, like a daily walk, for at least 30 minutes
Most women should limit themselves to one drink per day. Alcohol intake over two drinks can be harmful. Keep Aspirin on Hand After calling 911 in case of a heart attack, take one regularstrength aspirin to decrease a heart attack’s damaging effects and reduce the risk of death.
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My Word replacing? Please know we’re here to make your life easier, and we’re ready to tend to any electrical detail that comes your way. So let us hear from you – now, and whenever you need us. Looking forward to visiting you soon. Sincerely,
! e M n a c S
…continued from page 1 <SIGNATURE> <NAME> P.S. Check out the coupons and some super discounts in this issue. We hope you’ll be able to use them, but if you aren’t, please feel free to pass them on to your friends. We’d love to help them out too!
Scan this QR code with your smartphone to view <your company’s> special online offer. Don’t have a smartphone? Visit <your website> for more information.
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— Wire Fire —
Connect
More house fires are caused by • Circuit breakers – These can faulty wiring than any other be lifesavers, but not if they’re source… And many can be corroded. prevented with a simple wiring check. Let us perform a FREE wiring • Water seepage – Water and electricity are enemies. We can safety check on your home. There’s no cost or obligation. We can alert keep them apart. you to potential dangers that can be • Frayed wiring – Animals, completely undetected except by insects and motion strip wires of experts. (That’s us!) Trouble spots in protective insulation. your home could be: • Loose wiring – Over time, anything can get ungrounded.
Call <COMPANY> at <PHONE> to make sure your home is safe.
©2014
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M O R E S AV I N G S A N D G R E AT N E W S
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Want to see more home and savings tips? Visit our HomeXpert portal at <yourcompany>.comfort-tips.com. You’ll find energy saving tips for the coming season, plus articles covering the hottest topics in home, health and savings news. You may even find a recipe or two! So visit <yourcompany>.comfort-tips.com.