SPRING 2016
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My Word by <<Name>> Hello Friends, Is spring a time to slow down or speed up? The milder weather certainly gives us a chance to get outdoors more often, take in fresh breezes and enjoy the green and blooming landscape. It’s great to relax and recharge. But being busy has its advantages, too! That’s why we’re so grateful to our customers for allowing us to serve you. Every day we have a chance to help our friends is time well spent. Our winter was packed with opportunities to help folks like you with fast electrical repairs and
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Hudson, Ink Corp ©2016
Test Your Electrical Intelligence …page 2
DIY: How to Shower Off Your Showerhead …page 2
Smooth Idea: Drink Your Veggies! …page 3
<<Company>>’s
Smart & simple ways to enrich your home living.
— Hot News Now — Shock-Free Safety Practices
Hat’s off to electricity. The power it
provides for running homes, cities, and countries is awe-inspiring. This kind of awe is also a reminder of the great care needed to protect your family’s safety. What are some areas of biggest concern? According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, wiring hazards – including damaged or exposed wiring – account for approximately 20 percent of electrocutions. Consumer products are involved in just under half of these incidents – with large appliances heading the list. Be sure you follow manufacturer instructions for plugging in appliances. Only one high-wattage appliance should be plugged into
a receptacle at a time. Remember, too, that electricity and water do not mix. Never use an electrical appliance when your hands are wet or if you’re standing in water. If you have an abundance of electronic and media equipment, or a shortage of receptacles for your lamps, adding outlets is an easy solution – and far safer than overloading them. As springtime sends homeowners out to work in the yard, other kinds of electrical risks increase. For example, ladders coming in contact with power lines are responsible for 9 percent of electrocutions. Avoid any contact with power lines – whether it’s your body, your ladder or a tool. To improve electrical safety in your home, call us to schedule an inspection. We’ll take a close look and identify issues we see.
Visit <<Portal>> for more great ideas for home & life, including: MONEY-SAVING TIPS | HOME & ORGANIZING | HEALTH & FOOD
— HOME HEALTH —
DIY: How to Shower Off Your Showerhead
— SECRETS —
Test Your Electrical Intelligence How smart are you around electric-
ity? Reducing the risk of electrical fire in your home often involves common sense practices. Here are some areas to watch: Signs of Damage – If you see frayed and worn cords, or broken plugs on lamps, appliances and tools, get them repaired or replaced. Inspect electrical equipment before you use it, and don’t use damaged equipment until it’s been repaired. Overloaded Circuits – Make sure power strips, cords and surge suppressors are designed to handle the load for your devices. Don’t plug too many plugs into one outlet and overload the circuit. Exposure to Heat – Avoid placing appliance cords near hot surfaces, such as a toaster oven or stove.
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Exposure to Water – Keep power cords, appliances and electrical devices away from water or damp areas. Outlets with ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) protect against electric shock in areas (such as kitchen and bathroom) where water is nearby. Test your GFCIs monthly and after storms. Ask us about installation if you need them.
When working outdoors, only use cords designed for outdoor use and with the proper power rating for the equipment. Keep tools unplugged and stored in dry areas when you’re not using them. Laundry Area – Take note if your washing machine or dryer vibrates excessively when operating. That can put stress on electrical connections. Also, clean the dryer lint filter after each load. Lint build-up can serve as fire-hazard fuel.
Get Connected • Don’t have enough outlets to run your equipment? • Care to review the possibilities of a home theater? Let us run the wires, make the connections, install the switches and “turn you on” to greater convenience and safety… starting with one phone call. Just call <<Company>> at <<Phone>>.
©2016
Even showerheads get
dirty. You might notice this grimy situation when your showerhead begins to spray unevenly. The problem is likely connected to the showerhead’s tiny holes and how they’re being blocked up by bacteria and mineral deposits. When that blockage happens, the water will start to spray in all different directions. And even clean water in the wrong place makes quite a mess.
— BUCKLE DOWN —
Your Body’s Springtime Wake-Up Call
S
unny days are returning, and so is the desire to get active again. Before you jump off the couch and jump into an intense workout, heed this advice: Take it slow.
• Start with an easy walking regimen and stretching routine. This prepares your body for more activity. • Increase the activity by trying intervals of walking and running. Walk for one minute, run for one minute, then repeat. This will adjust your body to a running regimen.
Follow these steps to resolve and prevent this problem:
— T HE GOOD LIFE —
Spring into Action
1. If you’re able to remove your showerhead, disconnect it and rinse it under a powerful blast of water. Rinse out as much debris as possible. Next… 2. Take an old toothbrush and some vinegar and scrub the showerhead clean. 3. To remove any stubborn debris that isn’t budging, poke the holes with a toothpick or the needle part of a safety pin. 4. To prevent future debris from collecting, soak the showerhead overnight in a plastic bag filled with vinegar. 5. The next day, remove the showerhead from the bag, rinse thoroughly and connect it again to the shower arm. If you’re unable to remove your showerhead, try wrapping a plastic bag around it. Fill the bag with vinegar, and let it sit for about an hour. Turn on the water to rinse out vinegar and debris.
Dim Lighting Isn’t Always Romantic. Especially when it turns into a full blackout. There’s nothing convenient about a power outage. But with a home generator, you can keep things humming no matter what’s going on with the electrical grid. Call <<Company>> at <<Phone>> to get the generator solution that’s right for you.
<<Company>> at <<Phone>>
©2016
The season for new growth
is a good time for fresh starts and new beginnings for us all. Try these steps to jump into a renewed, positive attitude: STEP 1: Start with a little spring cleaning. Sprucing up after a dull winter will give you a dose of energy, plus a freshly clean home. STEP 2: Get a new look! Is it time for a new hairstyle or fashion trend? Try something
different for a new and improved YOU! STEP 3: Relax and release your post-winter stress. Take time to unwind and enjoy with a new hobby or social club. STEP 4: Splurge on flowers for yourself. Add a colorful arrangement of seasonal flowers to perk up your favorite room. STEP 5: Go outside and bask in this glorious season – taking in the sunshine and fresh scents!
— RE AL GOOD FOOD — machine really does the trick. Take a fourth of a banana, two handfuls of baby spinach, mangoes, peaches, milk and ice – then blend and enjoy.
Smooth Idea: Drink Your Veggies! T
ingle your taste buds this season with these recipes for delicious green smoothies. You’ll get plenty of nutrients, plus a nice head start to your day! • Spinach: Kids have frowned at the sound of this veggie for generations, but this green
• Kale: If you’re not a kale fan, don’t worry. The smoothie masks the “good for you” flavor. Chop up some kale, a stick of celery and half of a banana, add in a half cup of apple juice and a half cup of ice. Delish! • Avocado: For a luscious creamy blend, add 2/3 cup of avocado, lemon juice, honey, ginger, a cup of mango and ice – and start your morning right!
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My Word routine service. Some of you are enjoying the start of this season with wiring, fixture and lighting upgrades. In some cases, we had the chance to help make your home safer and more secure, and we appreciate your trust in our work. We’re glad to help. Just let us know if you need us.
! e M n a c S
…continued from page 1 Sincerely,
<<Name>> P.S. Please take advantage of the savings you’ll find in this newsletter, but feel free to share them with a friend if you’re not going to use the discounts.
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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.
©2016
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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 HomeSense website portal at <<Portal>>. 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 <<Portal>>.