Summer Grilling Safety Tips

As summer approaches, the tantalizing aroma of barbecues fills the air, and families prepare to indulge in outdoor grilling. However, ensuring grilling safety is of utmost importance to prevent accidents, fire damage, and the need for home repairs.

Grill fires can happen due to various reasons, including:

• Grease buildup on the grill grates or in the drip tray

• Flare-ups caused by dripping fat or marinades.

• Improper use of lighter fluid or other flammable materials.

• Malfunctioning gas valves or propane tanks.

Preventing grill fires is critical to ensuring a safe and pleasant grilling experience for you and the whole family. Here are some preventive measures you can take.

• Clean your grill regularly to remove grease and food debris.

• Keep a safe distance between the grill and flammable objects, such as overhanging branches or patio furniture.

• Follow proper lighting procedures for charcoal grills, using the appropriate amount of starter fluid and allowing it to soak in before lighting.

• Check gas connections for leaks before using a gas grill, and always open the lid before lighting to prevent gas buildup.

In the event of a grill fire, it's essential to know how to respond quickly and efficiently. Follow these steps.

• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and ensure it is suitable for grease fires.

• If it's safe, turn off the gas supply or close the grill's vents to cut off the oxygen supply.

* Never use water to extinguish a grease fire, as it can cause the flames to spread. Instead, use a fire extinguisher.

• If you can't control the fire, evacuate the area and call emergency services immediately.

By being aware of the common causes of grill fires, taking preventive measures, and knowing how to respond in case of a fire, you can ensure the safety of yourself, your loved ones, and your property while enjoying the wonderful experience of grilling. (Five Star Restoration/ einpresswire)

How To Decide If A Home Remodel Makes Financial Sense For You

There comes a time when every homeowner looks around at their house and ponders a few upgrades. Sometimes, those ideas turn into full-on renovations as you reimagine your space to better meet your lifestyle. But before you start calling contractors, ask yourself: Does remodeling make financial sense? Here are three tips to help you decide if a home renovation benefits your home and your finances.

Identify your wants vs. needs. How necessary are the improvements you want? Some home projects may end up costing you more than the value they provide. That doesn't mean certain projects aren't worthwhile.

"Home renovations come in all shapes and sizes. For some, it may be about the investment and increasing the home value, for a good few it might be about what looks the best, while others might not have a choice," says Adam Fingerman, Asst.VP of equity lending at Navy Federal Credit Union. "Whatever the reason, it's always a good idea to understand how a large renovation might impact your finances and the overall value of your home."

Know your budget. Consider creating a chart with all of your cost estimates, and include columns for high-, medium- and low-cost options. Don't forget supplies for do-it-yourself projects and always allocate a certain percentage for unexpected expenses. Also be sure to get estimates from different contractors and compare them. Carefully check references and business licenses.

Explore financing options. Ideally, you've already established a home improvement savings plan. But if you're planning to borrow, explore your financing options through your trusted bank or credit union.

"Think about the size of your project, whether or not you'll have ongoing expenses, and your current finances," says Fingerman. For example, Navy Federal offers members various options for funding home improvement projects, such as home equity loans, home equity line of credit, or personal expense loans. Members also have access to information to help them make informed decisions about the right financing products for their home improvement goals.

Home renovations of any size - large or smallcan be overwhelming. Consider these tips to help make it easier and more affordable in the long run. (BPT)

Consider Safety Before OpeningWindows

Opening windows in your home to enjoy the warmer temperatures may seem harmless, but windows have proven to be sources of injury and death for young children. An estimated 3,300 children five and younger are treated each year in U.S. hospital emergency departments after falling from a window.

"Window falls increase dramatically during the spring and summer months but they can be prevented," says Chrissy Cianflone, Director of Programs for Safe Kids USA. "It takes active supervision on the part of the parent or caregiver, and a device called a window guard. Screens are meant to keep bugs out, not kids in. Window guards are easy to install and have a release mechanism in the event of an emergency."

To help prevent injuries and tragedies, CPSC recommends the following safety tips:

•Safeguard your children by using window guards or window stops.

•Install window guards to prevent children from falling out of windows. (For windows on the 6th floor and below, install window guards that adults and older children can open easily in case of fire.)

•Install window stops so that windows open no more than 4 inches.

•Never depend on screens to keep children from falling out of windows.

•Whenever possible, open windows from the top - not the bottom.

•Keep furniture away from windows, to discourage children from climbing near windows.

• Some jurisdictions require landlords to install guards. Check your local regulations.

(U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission - CPSC)

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