FALL
HOME Improvement Fire safety tips that could save your life Things that may go wrong if you don’t winterize your house
WINTER IS COMING Be prepared for costly, damaging storms
fall fix-ups for your outdoor space
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INSIDE AND OUTSIDE STORAGE Business: (740) 894-4045 Rick Viglianco, Manager Dave Viglianco, Manager
P.O. Box 209 South Point, OH 45680
Bob and Robyn Marsh of Charles Euton Realty 8059 Ohio River Rd. • Wheelersburg, Ohio
740-574-2519
Five fall fix-ups for your outdoor space (BPT) — After a long summer relaxing on your deck or patio, autumn is a great time to renovate your outdoor space — or build one from scratch. Home improvement expert Alison Victoria, host of HGTV’s “Windy City Rehab,” offers five tips for fabulous fall fix-ups. 1. Get decked out. Fall is an ideal time to tackle a deck project, whether it be repairs, board replacement or a completely new build. In addition to offering more pleasant temperatures for working outside, fall and winter are typically slower times for contractors, meaning you won’t have to wait as long to get onto their schedules. Contractors may also be willing to offer off-season discounts on their services or materials, which tend to be cheaper after the spring and summer rush. “Another big advantage of waiting until the off-season to tackle outdoor projects is contractor focus,” explains Victoria. “Rather than being one of many projects a contractor is juggling, you can be one of the few, which often translates into greater attention to quality and better customer service.” 2. Think high and low. Research the best materials available for your budget and be sure to keep maintenance in mind. After all, the last thing you want is a deck that requires constant upkeep. Victoria suggests looking for materials that are both high
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www.garagedoorplusinc.com performance and low maintenance. “Trex decking is my go-to material for outdoor projects,” explains Victoria. “It’s a composite material that delivers the beauty of wood without the environmental impact, the labor-intensive upkeep or the natural deterioration over time. I love that it’s made from 95% recycled materials and only needs an occasional cleaning with soap and water to maintain its beautiful appearance for decades.” 3. Raise your railing game. Railing is one of the most visible elements of a deck and has tremendous impact on a deck’s aesthetic and curb appeal. In recent years, the industry has seen an influx of statement-making railing styles inspired by contemporary architecture and commercial design. Give your outdoor space an instant facelift by replacing your old wood deck railing with sleek, sophisticated aluminum railing. Trex Signature Railing
comes in a variety of modern designs, including rod, mesh and glass that can take any deck from drab to dramatic. 4. Hide and chic. Nothing dampens the enjoyment of an elegant al fresco gathering quite like the sight of unattractive trash bins or nosy neighbors. Providing function and design, lattice is perfect for concealing storage areas or unsightly views and enhancing privacy. With styles ranging from romantic to deco, lattice panels also can be applied to structures such as arbors and trellises, or used as wainscoting or deck skirting. 5. Light it up. “Lighting is a must for any outdoor space,” says Victoria. “In addition to amping up the ambiance, it enhances safety and helps to extend the time you can enjoy your outdoor space.” Outdoor lighting can easily be integrated into deck boards and stairs, as well as railing posts and caps. Trex offers DIY-friendly components that fea-
ture plug-and-play installation and energy-efficient LED bulbs that are dimmable and cool to the touch, making them safe for kids and furry friends.
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10 to-dos for home and yard winterization (BPT) — Scarves. Pumpkin spice lattes. Leaves crunching underfoot. Sweater season is moving in fast, which means it’s time to start transitioning to fall maintenance to make sure your home and yard are ready for winter. The following are 10 things you can do to prepare for the cold and wet weather ahead.
frames is one of the most effective ways to lower your heating bills. Caulk and replace weatherstripping where needed to prevent cold air (and potentially water) from entering. Don’t forget to make sure the seal between the garage door and the ground is tight as well.
1. INTERSEED YOUR LAWN A summer of heavy use can take its toll on even the healthiest of lawns. If your turf has some thin or bare patches, fall is the ideal time to reseed. A turf specialist at a garden shop or university extension office can help you choose the right kind of seed for your local conditions. After spreading the seed, water lightly and frequently (if it doesn’t rain) to keep the soil slightly damp until the seed germinates. For those who live in the warmer, Southern regions of the U.S., interseeding with cool season grass seed can help you enjoy a lush green lawn year-round. Speak with a local landscaper or your university extension office to determine the best timing, seed and process for interseeding with cool season grasses as warm season lawns turn dormant.
9. SERVICE YOUR HEATING SYSTEM Before you turn your heating system on for the winter, have it cleaned and inspected by a professional. Regular preventive maintenance will keep it running safely and efficiently and make sure minor issues are resolved before they become major problems.
2. WINTERIZE YOUR IRRIGATION SYSTEM If the ground in your area freezes down to the depth of your irrigation pipes during the winter, be sure to shut off the water to the system and drain the pipes before the first freeze. 3. LOWER YOUR MOWER BLADES For the last few mowings
in the fall (and the first few in the spring), set your lawn mower blades at the lowest recommended height for your type of turf. You no longer need the height of the grass to shade the soil and keep it cool, and minimizing the amount of moisture that’s trapped by the grass can help prevent fungal disease. 4. REMOVE THE LEAVES Don’t leave your lawn buried under a thick layer of leaves. If you don’t want to rake, try mulch mowing — chopping the leaves up into small pieces allows them to decompose more quickly, so that they fertilize the grass instead of suffocating it. You may need to mow more frequently to keep up with the
falling leaves, even if the grass itself isn’t growing quickly.
starts growing again in the spring.
5. CLEAN UP YOUR YARD Any object that sits on your grass all winter can create a dead spot. To protect your lawn, remove toys, furniture and other items from the grass. Be sure to cover or store anything that’s not designed to be out in the rain or snow indoors.
7. CHECK YOUR ROOF, GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS Leaks can lead to costly water damage, so check for potential trouble spots now, before the winter storms start. Look for broken shingles and damaged flashing around vents, chimneys and skylights; clean the leaves out of your gutters; and add extensions to your downspouts if the water runs less than three feet away from the foundation of the house.
6. PREP YOUR EQUIPMENT FOR SPRING LAWN CARE In addition to seeding, another great way to get a jumpstart on spring is to give your lawn mower a tune-up. By sharpening the blades before you put it away for the winter, it will be ready to get back to work when the grass
8. CHECK YOUR DOORS AND WINDOWS FOR LEAKS Eliminating air leaks around doors and window
10. TEST YOUR EMERGENCY POWER GENERATOR Winter wind and ice storms can bring down power lines and cause lengthy blackouts. If you live in an area where power outages are common and you have an emergency backup generator, test it now, and make sure you have engine oil and filters on hand. Spending a bit of time in the fall to prepare your home and yard will allow you to enjoy the winter months with peace of mind. What’s more, the effort you invest in the health of your lawn now can pay dividends in the spring by jumpstarting your turf’s growth and minimizing weeds. Have you completed everything on the list? It must be time to curl up with a good book, a hot beverage and relax!
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Fire safety tips that could save your life BILL ALLEN CONSTRUCTION (BPT) — Having working smoke alarms in your home is as important as wearing a seatbelt in your car. It’s a necessity that protects you and your loved ones. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), approximately three out of five home fire deaths occur in residences with no working smoke alarms or without any smoke alarms at all. These cases can be avoided as smoke alarms are accessible and easy to install. Smoke alarms serve a critical and life-saving purpose, sounding when smoke is detected to give people the most time possible to escape and call for help. The NFPA shares that the risk of dying from a home fire is cut in half if working smoke alarms are in place. However, only 23 percent of Americans check their smoke alarms monthly, according to data from a new survey conducted by UL Firefighter Safety Research Institute (FSRI). Smoke alarms with dead, missing or disconnected batteries account for a significant number of fire tragedies, and according to the NFPA, 46 percent of nonworking smoke alarms are due to missing or disconnected batteries. While an unexpected chirp — beep, beep, beep — from a smoke alarm may sometimes be a nuisance, the need for working smoke alarms is critically important. Forty years ago, peo-
ple had around 17 minutes to escape their home in the event of a fire. Today, due to synthetic materials, furniture, more spacious floorplans and lighter-weight construction materials, people now have three minutes or less to escape their home. Smoke alarms give the earliest possible warning that there could be a fire. New technology has made smoke alarms better at differentiating common smoke from cooking, and an actual, potentially life-threatening fire. While it is difficult to eliminate all nuisance chirps, the next generation of alarms will greatly reduce nuisance alarms due to cooking — the leading reason for a smoke alarm to be disabled, according to the NFPA and Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC). This practice is extremely dangerous. “Simply put, the complacent ‘it won’t happen to me’ approach many take when it comes to fires can have significant consequences today,” said Steve Kerber, vice president, Research, UL FSRI. “Working smoke alarms are an easy and effective safeguard to protect you and your family, and with new technology greatly reducing nuisance alarms, we’re hoping to see significantly fewer disabled alarms in the field when responding to fires.” Smoke alarms help save lives.
Here are helpful fire safety tips to follow: • Install working smoke alarms on every level of the house, in every sleeping room, outside each sleeping area and in the basement. • Position smoke alarms on the ceiling or high on a wall. Smoke alarms should be at least 10 feet away from the stove. • Test all smoke alarms once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working. • Don’t disable your smoke alarms. • Working smoke alarms will continue to provide protection through the end of their 10-year life span. At the end of the 10-year span, install new alarms with enhanced technology. • Create an escape plan, practice it with your immediate and extended family and caregivers, and act on it when an alarm sounds. • Close Before You Doze. A closed door can be an effective barrier against deadly levels of carbon monoxide, smoke and flames, keeping rooms survivable for longer. • Get down, get out and stay out if a smoke alarm goes off in your home or building. For information on the technology advancements behind these life-saving products and for more fire safety tips, visit smokealarms.UL.org.
3 things that may go wrong if you don’t winterize your house (BPT) — Fall is here, which means, like it or not, cold weather is just around the corner. While most of us would prefer not to think about turning on our heat just yet, this is actually the best time to check your heating to ensure everything is operating as it should. Neglecting to winterize your home and letting small issues pile up can have big repercussions. Ahead of the winter season, HomeServe, a leading provider of service plans, repair and installation services for the home, wants to make sure you’re aware of three major things that may go wrong if you don’t winterize your house or neglect your heating system. 1. Your utility bills may skyrocket. Utility bills often jump up in the winter due to the increased hours of darkness and the cost to heat your home. But if your heater is on the fritz or your filters are clogged, you could be in for an even bigger surprise. Dirty filters cause your furnace to work harder, which leads to inefficiency and a shortened lifespan for your heating system. Replacing filters is often an easy
task for homeowners. A yearly tune-up is an inexpensive way to help prevent a costly system breakdown in the coming months. Also, keep in mind that some warranties require annual tune-ups, so don’t let your warranty go invalid by skipping this year’s tune-up. 2. The threat of carbon monoxide is very real. Do you know how old your furnace is? Do you know how long it’s been since a professional checked it over? Carbon monoxide poses a health threat when the heating system flue, vent or chimney becomes blocked from debris or other material. During a heating system tune-up, a professional service technician can check to make sure all your vents are not blocked and are working properly. Drains and traps also need to be checked and combustion gases should be analyzed and compared to the specifications of your furnace or boiler to make sure everything is running safely. Installing a carbon monoxide detector in your home is another smart way to help with early detection. 3. Water pipes can burst. It’s not just
your heating system that needs to be winterized. All too often it happens — we wake up to realize our pipes are frozen, or even worse, leaking. Before the cold sets in, make sure outside hoses are put away and water is turned off. Evaluate which pipes are at the greatest risk for freezing during cold
weather. For example, if your water pipes come up from an un-insulated crawl space, or if they are in or close to an uninsulated outside wall or vent, they are more likely to freeze and burst in low temperatures. Inside pipes should be covered in insulation to keep pipes warmer longer.
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WINTER IS COMING Be prepared for costly, damaging storms (BPT) — Winter weather is difficult to predict. Use these tips to help protect your home from the costly damage winter storms can bring. TAKE CARE OF YOUR ROOF • Keep your gutters clear. This keeps ice from accumulating and backing up under the shingles. • Trim trees year-round so branches don’t fall on your house. • Worn-out, missing or damaged siding and roof flashing can let water and ice into your home. Be vigilant and replace them. • If your chimney is leaning or the mortar has seen better days, get it repaired. PREVENT ICE DAMS • Eliminate heat sources under the roof, such as lights and heaters in the attic, that can contribute to thawing. • Keep the attic cool and ventilated to stop or slow the refreezing cycle. • Consult a roofing professional to remove snow or standing water before an ice dam can form.
• Invest in a roof rake, a tool that allows you to stand on the ground and safely brush snow off the roof. • Avoid trying to chip any ice dams off your roof, as you could damage the roof. Ask a roof specialist for help instead. • Talk with your roof specialist about sealing the roof deck with a moisture barrier.
• Locate the home’s main water valve — typically in the basement or outside near the curb - so you can turn water off quickly if a pipe does burst. • If you leave the house unoccupied for an extended period, shut off the water and have a professional drain the system. Turn the heat down, but don’t turn it off.
PREVENT WATER DAMAGE • Ventilate the attic and insulate the attic floor to stop warm air in the house from melting snow and ice on the roof. • Wrap exposed pipes with insulation sleeves or 2 inches of Underwriters Laboratories (UL)listed heat tape. • Caulk cracks and holes in the home’s outer walls and foundation. Holes left by cable installation can also leave pipes exposed. • Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to let warm air circulate around pipes. • Trickle water from faucets connected to pipes that run through unheated or unprotected spaces.
CLEAR SURFACES WHERE YOU WALK OR DRIVE • Keep walkways, steps and driveways clear of snow and ice. • Treat these areas with rock salt or de-icing products. For more information on ways to protect your home, visit USAA.com/HomeSafety. Safety guidelines are not intended to be all inclusive, but are provided for your consideration. Please use your own judgment to determine what safety features/procedures should be used in each unique situation. USAA means United Services Automobile Association and its affiliates.
Simple ways to update your bathroom’s style (BPT) — Do you have a bathroom that’s starting to look a little dated and drab, but perhaps doesn’t need a complete remodel? If you’re craving a change, you can update the space’s style with a few strategic steps. Not only will you elevate the appearance of your bathroom, but you’ll be boosting your home’s value as well. Here are ideas for updating your bathroom space with fashion and function in mind: FLOORING REPLACEMENT The floor in your bathroom gets used and abused, with frequent foot traffic as well as moisture from baths and showers. Replacing the flooring gives the space a noticeable facelift. New tile is always a great choice for the bathroom, with options in virtually every shade, so you can select a new color palette if you please. Add a heated floor element to give the space upscale appeal. Not into tile? An alternative is luxury vinyl flooring that gives the illusion of wood but with better durability.
VANITY UPGRADES Your vanity is a main focal point of the bathroom, but replacing the entire unit is costly and difficult. One way to update a vanity is to replace the top portion with a durable material, such as granite, quartz, marble or concrete. This can change the entire look of the vanity and update it with modern style. Want to go one step further? Consider updating the hardware as well. By replacing the handles and knobs you are enhancing the look of the piece while adding to the overall aesthetic of the room. MIRROR AND LIGHTING One of the hottest trends in bathroom design right now is lighted mirrors, adding both elegance and function to a bathroom. Upgrade your mirror to a new Sunfield Lighted Mirror from Sterling Plumbing and you’ll enjoy natural, purposeful lighting in a sleek design. Sunfield lighted mirrors create a flood of natural light from the perimeter of the mirror with a true-to-daylight Color Rendering Index
(CRI) greater than 90, providing accurate reflection and color representation. Learn more at www.sterlingplumbing.com. SHOWER STYLE Replacing the shower is a massive project, but if you want to update the style with less effort, replace the shower curtain or door. If you have a shower door, it can be difficult to keep the glass clean and eliminate water deposits that build up over time. A new crystal-clear door from your local home improvement store will add a clean, updated look to the space. If you
have a curtain, swap out old material for one in a fresh hue that evokes just the right feel for the space. LINENS AND RUGS Last but not least, to update the style of your bathroom space, don’t forget about fresh linens. New hand towels, bath towels, rugs and more in a coordinating color will update the visual appearance of the room in an instant. Simply swap out new for old and you’ll not only love the look, but there’s something luxurious about wrapping yourself up in a fresh plush towel after a long bath or shower.
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Tips to keep your packages safe this holiday season (BPT) — According to the National Retail Federation, 41.4 million people shopped exclusively online from Thanksgiving Day to Cyber Monday in 2018. As the holidays approach, online shopping will continue to grow in popularity, helping families spend more time celebrating the season and less time struggling through long disorganized lines, fighting massive crowds of frantic shoppers, and worrying about whether that must-have gift will still be on shelves at the mall. While online shopping offers up a convenient way to purchase holiday gifts, many consumers are concerned about their delivered packages going missing. Ensuring your online holiday purchases are securely delivered can make your cyber shopping experience even more rewarding and stress free. Here are five tips that will keep your packages safe and your holidays happy. 1. GET DELIVERIES STRAIGHT TO YOUR GARAGE Online retailers such as Amazon serve as a popular holiday shopping destination. This season you can get your Prime packages delivered safely and securely right in your garage with Key by Amazon
worthy neighbor to mutually look after each other’s packages. If a neighbor is home during an anticipated delivery, ask permission to have packages sent to their address or have them hold deliveries that come to your front door. Return the favor whenever possible, and bake a holiday treat or give a small thank-you gift to show your appreciation.
in-garage delivery. Amazon recently launched the new service to provide Prime members in 50 cities and surrounding areas with the option to select in-garage delivery at checkout. To provide peace of mind that your holiday purchases won’t go missing or get damaged by weather, all you need is a myQ-connected garage door opener linked to the Key App to have packages delivered directly into your garage for no extra
charge. myQ technology can be added to all leading brands of garage door openers in minutes via a Chamberlain myQ smart garage hub, which is being offered at a low cost this holiday season. 2. GIVE SPECIFIC DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS Most delivery services allow customers to set instructions. Ask your mail carrier to knock or ring the doorbell so that you are imme-
diately alerted when a package arrives at your door. If snow, rain or any other weather issue is a concern, consider requesting that you mail carrier drop off packages in an out-ofsight dry spot. Get creative with these drop-off locations and use other delivery points such as back porches, patios and exterior basement stairs.
and delivery services have systems for tracking packages. You can use tracking numbers to determine where an item is, and when it should be delivered. Check with your delivery provider to see if you can sign up for alerts via email or text message for when your package is shipped, out for delivery and delivered.
3. SIGN UP FOR DELIVERY ALERTS Major mail carriers
4. TEAM UP WITH A NEIGHBOR Work with a trust-
5. REQUEST A SIGNATURE If you are ordering expensive items online, it is a smart idea to require a signature for delivery. By requesting a signature before a package is released, you can ensure that your online purchases are never left unattended. If you are not home at the time of delivery, the mail carrier will typically leave a note with options for rescheduling the delivery for a more convenient time or picking the package up in-person. Holiday shopping is already stressful. Give yourself the gift of peace by trying out some of these package delivery tips, and spend more time enjoying the moments that matter. To learn more about in-garage delivery, visit https://www.myq.com/ key-by-amazon.
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