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7 Tips Before
Using Your Fireplace
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Fireplace season is coming up and many homeowners will be lighting real or gas logs for the first time since spring. Before you gather the family around the fireplace, you should make sure it is not going to be a fire hazard.
To eliminate the potential for disaster when using a fireplace, follow these seven tips before you use it for the first time this season:
1. Have Chimney Cleaned and Inspected: If you have a wood-burning fireplace, you should have your chimney cleaned and inspected annually by a licensed chimney specialist to get rid of the soot and creosote that builds up and make sure there are no other issues, such as cracks or dislodged bricks that need to be repaired.
2. Open the Flue: Before you light a fire, make sure your chimney’s flue is open to ensure the fireplace will vent properly.
3. Use Dry Wood: Make sure the wood you burn is dry, because wet wood can increase creosote buildup and result in a chimney fire. 4. Use a Fireplace Screen: Make sure you have a metal fireplace screen, or metal mesh curtains, in front of the fireplace opening when burning wood so that sparks and hot embers can't escape and start the carpet or furniture on fire.
5. Gas Fireplaces Need Maintenance Too:
A gas fireplace requires the same maintenance as a wood-burning fireplace. Make sure you have your chimney cleaned and inspected annually and have your gas pilot light and other elements inspected and cleaned regularly to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. And don’t forget to open the flue before turning the gas logs on to allow any unburned gas to vent up the chimney rather than in your home.
6. Don’t Forget the Fire Extinguisher:
It is always a good idea to have a fire extinguisher available whenever you are using the fireplace. But make sure it is in working order by checking the pressure gauge to ensure it is in the “green,” and that the safety pin is intact and the nozzle unobstructed. You may also want to add a portable aerosol fire extinguisher as an added precaution.
7. Never Leave Fire Unattended: Never leave a fire in a fireplace unattended. Before leaving the house or going to bed, you should make certain to fully extinguish the fire or to completely turn off the gas logs. (oaklandcc.edu)
Why Is Homeowner's Insurance Required?
Homeowner’s insurance pays for losses and damage to your property if something unexpected happens, like a fire or burglary. When you have a mortgage, your lender wants to make sure your property is
protected by insurance. That’s why lenders generally require proof that you have homeowner’s insurance.
Standard homeowner’s insurance doesn’t cover damage from earthquakes or floods, but it may be possible to add this coverage. Homeowner's insurance is also sometimes referred to as "hazard insurance".
Many homeowners pay for their homeowner’s insurance through an escrow account as part of their monthly mortgage payment. You make the payments to the lender, and the lender holds the part of the payment that is for insurance in an escrow account. Then, when the bill for the insurance is due, the lender pays it from the escrow account.
The cost of your homeowner’s insurance, as well as any similar insurance to protect the property, is listed on page one of your Loan Estimate, in the “Projected Payments” section. However, it’s usually a good idea to do your own research about how much homeowner’s insurance costs. You can shop separately for homeowner’s insurance and choose the provider and plan that is right for you.
If you don’t have insurance, your lender is allowed to buy it for you and charge you for it—but your lender must give you advance notice. If your lender buys insurance on your home because you did not keep up your homeowner’s insurance, that insurance may only cover the lender, and not you. It also may be more expensive than what you could buy on your own.
After the mortgage on your house is paid off, no one will force you to buy homeowners insurance. But your home may well be your largest asset and a standard homeowners policy not only insures the structure; it also covers your belongings in case of a disaster and offers liability protection in the event of an injury or property damage lawsuit.
Time To Aerate And Seed Your Lawn
Aeration and seeding are often overlooked, essential steps to ensuring a vibrant, healthy lawn that can help fight weed growth. “For many areas of the country, late summer into fall is the best time to give your lawn some extra TLC,” says Brian Feldman, director of technical operations at TruGreen.
You must ask for a home inspection. A home Feldman offers the top five benefits of lawn aeration and seeding - and why you should have these essential services performed during the late summer to fall.
1. Aeration lets the soil breathe. Chances are your lawn experienced a lot of foot traffic during the summer months. The aeration process helps relieve soil compaction due to lawn traffic, which allows the lawn to receive nutrition.
2. Aeration reduces dead grass spots. Aeration helps manage dead grass build-up by introducing thatch - decomposing micro- organisms from the soil to the top layer. Leaving your lawn untreated can be detrimental as it can make it more susceptible to insect and disease problems.
3. Aeration improves overall lawn health.
Aeration works to provide your grass greater access to air, water and nutrients by opening a pathway to the root system. This will help your lawn look greener and healthier.
4. Grass becomes ready for a green spring.
Aeration promotes root development and growth to help grasses overcome seasonal stresses such as summer drought. For cool-season grasses, seeding performed alongside aeration can improve the density of your lawn and enhance its color. Soil cultivation enhances the seed to topsoil contact necessary for germination and creates a moist, protected environment optimal for seedling growth and development.
5. Seeding helps fill in the gaps. Seeding can dramatically improve your lawn’s appearance by filling in bare spots and addressing thinning areas. Filling in any empty spaces also helps crowd out encroaching weeds.
“As one of the more complicated lawn chores, it’s optimal to consult a professional service for help with aeration and seeding for the best, most efficient results,” says Feldman. “By partnering with a professional service provider, homeowners don’t have to worry about purchasing or renting tools, using heavy equipment or risking injury - all while ensuring the highest quality for your lawn. In fact, experts such as ours at TruGreen, can confidently select and use the highest quality seeds that aid in germination potential and provide improved disease and drought tolerance.”
As you prepare your lawn for the changing seasons, make sure you’re including all the important steps in your lawn care regimen. Aeration and seeding can make or break your lawn, and now is the best time to perform this treatment for healthy, lush grass come spring. (BPT) -
Home Modifications For Independence
Being safe and comfortable at home is a large part of living well. Home modifications and repairs can help everyone prevent accidents and maintain an independent lifestyle, especially older adults and people with disabilities.
Many older adults prefer to live in their own home for as long as possible, but too often don’t think about whether a home can adapt to their needs as they age. Making improvements before they are needed is a good way to ensure that a home is ready for aging in place. Forward-thinking improvements can also prevent falls, which often result in the need for long-term care. Changes can be made to improve both the accessibility and adaptability of a home. Accessibility improvements involve tasks like widening doorways and lowering countertop heights for someone who uses a wheelchair. Adaptability changes, such as adding grab bars in bathrooms, are improvements made to assist people for whom strength and balance may have become a challenge. These changes usually can be made without a major redesign or full-blown renovation.
You can get started making your home ready for long-term living by conducting a top-to-bottom assessment. Before making any changes, look at the entire home. Keep in mind items that may be needed now as well as in the future. This checklist can help identify areas that might need improvement. Everyone has different needs, but in general, a “no” answer may be cause for action.
•Are exterior walkways and entrances well-lit? •Is there a step-free entrance to the home? •Are entrance doors easy to lock, unlock, open and close? •Does the main floor include a kitchen, bedroom and full bathroom? •Are doorways wide enough for someone using a wheelchair, walker or service animal? •Is wall-to-wall carpeting secure and in good condition (flat, not bunched up)? •Are area rugs secured to the floor with non-slip padding? •Are walkways free from obstructions and hazards like cords and furniture? •Do stairways have sturdy handrails on both sides? •Can bathroom and kitchen cabinets be easily reached? •Is there a step-free shower entrance? •Are grab bars available near the shower and toilet? •Do bathtubs and showers have non-slip mats, adhesive strips or slip-free floors? •Will smoke detectors provide visual as well as audio alerts? •Are telephones easily accessible on all floors?
More information about home modifications, including a detailed home assessment checklist and information about financial assistance, can be found at eldercare.acl.gov. (BPT) -
