Spring Home Improvement Guide 2010 by Record Journal

2010

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Harvesting a Healthier Garden Manufactured with 40 percent wood fiber and 60 percent recycled post-consumer plastic, the Frame It All™ rigid, 'green' composite timbers are attractive with a wood grain finish that is UV protected. The raised garden bed timbers will never rot, splinter, warp nor become infested and are recyclable. The patented heavy duty, corner joints and brackets make it simple to increase the size and height dimensions at any time. It's like 'Lego' for gardeners!! "I have a small back yard which is used by my entire family and dog," says Nicole from Spring, Texas. "So I like having an area set apart from the rest of the yard in which I can garden. This system is so easy to put together, and it looks great! I'm not a very good construction person, but I found the assembly instructions were easy to follow, and all I needed

was a screwdriver and a mallet." Home vegetable growers control the quality of the soil, nutrients and other additives so veggies and fruits grown in a raised garden bed taste better, are healthier and cost much less than those from bought at the local market. Of course, the icing on the cake is the self-satisfaction and joy of serving up delicious tomatoes and veggies picked fresh from the garden. * Think vertically. Adding the Veggie Wall trellis from Frame It All™ to a raised bed vegetable garden greatly increases the amount of vertical growing space and provides the needed support for cultivating squash, beans, tomatoes and other vines. As well as giving a viable option for those without a lot of space, a vertical growing system also pays numerous dividends to the garden itself.

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Plants on the vine enjoy greater air circulation and so are healthier and not as susceptible to disease. "I just put mine together with my 13 year old son, and it was a breeze," says Paula from Valley Forge, PA. "We had lots of rain last night, so it was very easy to get the corners into the soil. We filled it with compost, chopped leaves, manure, and top soil. I think this is a great raised bed frame. We plan to plant onions and garlic in this one, and will be putting more of these in the veggie garden within the next few weeks." * Add compost and mulch to the garden. If weeds are a gardener's

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Spring is here at last! Most of us can't wait to shake off the winter blues, to get out into the sunshine, walk the dog, play catch with the kids or just take a stroll in the park. For homeowners, it's the first chance to work on the yard, restore a lush lawn and, for an increasing number of gardening aficionados, create a home vegetable garden. Inner city urbanites, even those with a postage stamp size yard, have been swept up by the 'grow your own' movement. Victory Gardens, first introduced by Eleanor Roosevelt during the Great War, were the original community raised gardens. People were encouraged to grow their own veggies in support of the war effort. Today, raised garden beds have replaced them as the eco-friendly solution for eating healthier without adding to the carbon footprint caused by trucking produce from the grower to the store. Thanks to the Frame It All™ raised bed gardening system, it's nearly effortless to assemble a raised garden bed and easy to maintain with minimal weeding and back-breaking bending to water and maintain it -- a boon for seniors! Gone are the tattered, rotting wood frames or hulking ugly railroad ties that can overpower the aesthetics of even the most beautiful yard.

worst enemy, compost and mulch might just be a gardener's best friend. Compost adds any number of microorganisms to the soil, strengthening a plant's roots and enabling it to pick up more nutrients in the process. Mulch, meanwhile, can help keep down harmful weeds, thereby reducing the competition a plant will have for valuable water and nutrients. To view the entire Frame It All product line and locate a Garden or Home Center near you, visit www.frameitall.com.

Sunday, April 18, 2010

SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT

Achieving Comfort With Central Air Conditioning Blame it on global warming or overpopulation, but the increasingly hotter temperatures leave much to be desired for many people. As a result, we seek out cooler areas for a respite from the sun and heat. Generally the oasis is an air conditioned building. However, those who have wrestled with a cumbersome, heavy and leaky window air conditioning unit know how inconvenient window units can be. Perhaps you've considered installing central air conditioning in your home, but think it might prove too difficult and costly? Think again. Homeowners with a forced-air heating system already in place have the majority of the frame-

work done for an air conditioning addition. Typically, the system can be added by two technicians in a mere two or three days. For a 2,000 square-foot home, the average cost may be between $3,000 and $4,000. If there is no ductwork in place, the cost will increase and it'll likely take twice as long for the job to be completed. But don't worry about your home being destroyed. A competent contractor experienced in doing this sort of retrofitting can hide ductwork in closets, attics and behind walls without having to tear up the home. Once you've decided on adding a unit, there will be certain procedures

to follow. 1. The contractor will have to do calculations for the anticipated load on the system based on how much heat gain your home receives. This will help determine the size of the unit needed to cool the home efficiently. A unit that is too small may have to work harder and never completely cool the home. A unit that is too large may cool the rooms too quickly and not be able to properly assess humidity levels -- shutting off before humidity is reduced. 2. Next you'll decide on a unit. There are package

units that pair all the equipment into one piece that attaches to ductwork. Then there are split systems that have the condenser outdoors and the fan and coils inside. 3. Placement of the unit will be your final consideration. You don't want to place a unit next to a window or doors if you are bothered by noise. Even quiet units will make noise. Also, you don't want to restrict air flow around the condenser. It needs to exhaust warm air. You can, however, camouflage the unit with landscaping; just don't cover it up.

4. You may need to have your ductwork inspected to ensure it can meet the capacity of the cooler forced air for efficiency. 5. As you would with heat, a programmable thermostat ensures you cool the house when needed and don't waste energy.

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Creative Ways to Manage Household Clutter

utilize a storage ottoman to store remote controls, books, magazines, and any other items that might take up too much space atop a table or on a shelf. * Use baskets for aesthetic and practical appeal. Decorative baskets can help make a room much more aesthetically appealing. In addition, decorative baskets also serve a great practical purpose, acting as storage for magazines,

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only worn during certain times of the year. * Store clothes in suitcases. If there's no room for storage units, don't forget you likely already have a storage unit or two around the house that probably isn't being use to its full capacity. Suitcases often lay empty until it comes time to travel. However, households with lots of clutter can put those empty suitcases to use, using them as storage during times when they're not traveling. Suitcases are often strong to store just about anything, from clothes to books to movies. Using them when not traveling is making extra use of an often underused household item.

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books, DVDs, video games, and a host of other items. This helps create a less cluttered area, and doesn't require throwing any items into the trash bin. * Purchase storage units for closets and bedrooms. Storage units can go a long way to relieving clutter. For instance, a plastic storage unit place inside a closet can alleviate an overcrowded closet or stuffed dresser. Those who might worry about the appearance of a storage unit needn't worry, as they can be slid right into a closet and concealed by the door. These can be great to use for seasonal clothes, such as sweaters or swim trunks, that are

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accents for your windows, curtains can be used to conceal clutter. Curtains can also be draped around the bottom of a fish tank to add aesthetic appeal. * Purchase a storage ottoman. Renters are fond of storage ottomans because they can keep necessary items hidden but within arm's reach at all times. Those who appreciate a living room without much spread on coffee or end tables can

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When spring finally arrives, many families partake in the annual springtime tradition of spring cleaning. A chance to clear out the clutter, spring cleaning often finds families dumbfounded as to just how much clutter they've accrued since the previous spring. Another common theme of spring cleaning is a family's unwillingness to part with many items that are cluttering up a household. What's clutter to one family member might be a keepsake to another. Fortunately, there are ways to conceal household clutter that might keep families. * Curtains can conceal clutter. Sometimes clutter is unavoidable. For example, pedestal sinks have become popular over the years thanks to their aesthetic appeal. However, unlike traditional sinks with cabinets underneath, pedestal sinks provide nowhere to place toiletries and cleaning items, making a bathroom appear cluttered when it's really not. One solution is to drape a curtain around the base of a pedestal sink. This can make a sink even more appealing, while also providing a place to store the necessary toiletries and other items. More than just decorative

Home Furnishing Tips to Consider Furnishing a new home or apartment is something to enjoy. Oftentimes involving a few fun trips to the furniture store to try out a new couch or armchair, buying new home furniture is one way to tailor a home or apartment in your personal image. When choosing home furnishings, many people simply want the most comfortable or most visually appealing piece they can find. However, there are other things to consider as well. * Personal opinion. Regardless of what's in style, those about to purc-

SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT

Sunday, April 18, 2010

ahse new home furnishings need to go with the styles they like the most. More often than not, personal opinion will evolve as you go around to different stores and see just what's available. Newspapers and home furnishing magazines can be a great way to educate yourself on the different styles to choose from.

Once you've settled on a style, that should take precedence over price or other factors such as the latest trend. Furniture is a longterm investment that's going to be around for a while, so make sure you purchase the furniture you like best. * Personal budget. The furniture you choose will also reflect how much you have to spend. Personal budget, however, does not necessarily have to dictate what you buy. Styles come at a variety of prices, with the materials used determining the price. * Usage. How furniture

will be used is also something to consider before signing on the dotted line. For example, a single woman or bachelor can afford to buy more upscale furniture because they're less likely to have young children jumping up and down or spilling grape juice on the sofa. Parents, on the other hand, often look for something that's stainresistant and can handle the wear and tear of the

kids and the family pet. * Needs. Needs also play a big role when choosing furniture. Apartment dwellers don't necessarily need as much furniture as someone in a home. While an apartment might be big, it's important to remember that your next apartment might not be as big, so overdoing it with furniture could leave you holding the bag down the road.

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Let The Sun Shine On Home Improvements People have relied on the power of the sun for thousands of years. Before electricity and other fuels provided warmth and light, the sun was the source of such comforts and necessities. Families in ancient Greece built their homes in ways to maximize the amount of sunlight during the winter months. Others have used the sun's energy to cook foods. There are a number of ways to harness the sun today for homeowners' needs. Solar radiation is a powerful source of energy. Scientific research indicates that the sunlight that shines on the Earth in just one hour could meet world energy demand for an entire year. Solar energy can be converted into thermal energy to heat water or spaces. It can also be converted to electricity in two main ways.

Photovoltaic (PV) devices, also known as solar cells, harness the sun's energy and transform it into electricity. They are often used in remote areas where there is no connection to the electric grid. PV devices can also power watches, electronics and other items. Solar power plants use the sun to heat a liquid, which then forms steam to power a generator. As of 2006 there were 15 known solar power plants operating in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Many people feel the benefits to solar energy outweigh the negative aspects. For example, solar energy is free and its supplies are unlimited. Using solar energy produces no air or water pollution. Minimal indirect impacts on the environment include produc-

tion of photovoltaic cells used to convert sunlight into electricity. This consumes silicone and produces some waste products. One additional downside of solar power is that sunlight is not constant. The intensity of the rays fluctuates daily and could be impacted by weather. Therefore, solar energy is often used in conjunction with other types of power. For those considering harnessing the power of the sun for their next home improvement project, the process can be as detailed or easy as one desires. Here are some ways to put solar energy to work.

* Use a solar-powered attic fan to vent hot air out of the space. * Install PV panels on the roof to use solar power as an alternative to, or in conjunction with, other power systems in the home. * Design and build an all-season or "Florida" room that can be an addition to the home. Enjoy a bit of the outdoors while you're still inside. For more ideas Extra effort: * Install skylights or sun on uses of solar energy tubes to bring extra light and other innovative indoors to areas of the green projects for the home, visit www.greenhome that need it. home.com. the home. * Purchase a solar cover for your swimming pool or spa. It will heat the water with no need for electric heating systems. * Hang laundry outdoors on a line to dry in the sun and air, rather than running the dryer. * Rely on solar-powered accent lighting on your property to add light and style to your landscape.

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Add Curb Appeal With Shutters moveable louvers were made that could vary the amount of light or air that entered a dwelling. Shutters have also had practical applications on this side of the Atlantic. Shutters can protect windows against winds and storms, which is why they are often found on homes in coastal towns. Decorative and operable shutters generally are sold in three styles: louvered, raised-panel and board and batten. Traditionally, raisedpanel shutters were used on the first floor for privacy, and louvered shutters were used on higher levels to allow heat to escape the home. Homeowners looking

to add something a little extra to their homes may want to consider shutters as a design element. While shutters used to be largely constructed from wood, now shutters are made from vinyl or composite materials for longer durability. Depending on their material and the surface to which they are being attached, shutters can be screwed or nailed directly to the exterior or attached with special clips. Shutters are also at home on the interior of a home. They can replace other window treatments, such as curtains or blinds. Interior shutters were commonly used in Southern and urban

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venture. However, siding companies, window manufacturers, and window treatment retailers may have trained staff on hand that can install your shutters after purchase.

houses. They remain a perfect way to add architectural and historical detail to a home. Interior shutters are generally attached to a thin frame that rests on the inside of the window or the outside of the window casing. The shutters will swing open and shut, allowing light into a room or blocking light and other distractions from entering. They can be an ideal way to add privacy to a home in a decorative manner. Shutter installation -both interior and exterior -- can be a do-it-yourself

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Window shutters aren't a necessary home element any longer, but they certainly can add decorative appeal to both the exterior and interior of a home. Today, shutters are largely a decorative accent, but they used to be very functional. It is difficult to pinpoint just when shutters were invented and first used. However, many historians surmise it took place in ancient Greece. It is believed these shutters were made from fixed marble louvers and provided light control, ventilation and protection from the tropical climate. Eventually builders discovered that wood was a more versatile shutter material, and

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Top HomeRepair Blunders to Avoid

jumping on every trend (granite countertops and stainless steel refrigerator, for example), think about what will work for your home and be timeless. Otherwise you may end up having to update every few years. 6. Asking questions later. Make a list of every question you can think of and ask it before the work gets started. This way you're left with few surprises and can do changes without costing yourself time and money. Don't wait for the finished product before you start to question the hows and whys. 7. Expecting things to be perfect. If you go into a project with the idea that there will be no mishaps, even minor ones, you may end up stressed out when one arises. Everyone makes mistakes – even professionals. If you think something is not being done correctly, speak up or get a second opinion.

nace," says Beth in Pennsylvania. "While we got a great price, we found out later on when there was a glitch in the system that certain things weren't done up to code. We had to spend more money to have it repaired, and the friendship has since suffered." Some relatives are adamant about doing repairs -- but they may not be skilled or know the correct laws governing remodeling. Stick with a third party contractor with whom you'll feel comfortable talking if you feel repairs need to be done a certain way. 3. Thinking you can handle it. Many do-ityourselfers (generally in an attempt to save money) believe they can learn every DIY task from a book or magazine.

There are some jobs, however, that should be left to the professionals, including major plumbing work or electrical repairs. There's no need to risk a fire, injury or death by doing inexperienced electrical modifications. 4. Letting maintenance slide. Many homeowners think once the repair is made that they're all set -failing to keep up with routine maintenance. But complications can arise by not maintaining a new appliance or keeping up with an improvement. "Our homeowner's association required proof that the dryer venting for our clothes dryer was replaced on an annual basis," offers Bill in California. "I'd simply go out and buy a new box of the venting material and

submit the receipt as 'proof' so I could save the money on a professional installation. But one day the lint trapped in the venting, which Ihadn't bothered to change, caught on fire. It not only damaged the venting, it damaged the entire dryer --resulting in the purchase of a new dryer. Luckily no one was hurt. I've since learned my lesson." 5. Following every trend. Anyone who has a harvest gold or avocado green appliance collecting dust in the garage or basement knows how interior style choices come and go. Instead of

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Home improvement projects seem to drum up images of shyster contractors or bumbling doit-yourselfers. However, home repairs don't have to turn into an unorganized mess. By avoiding some common mistakes and taking commonsense precautions, you can end up with renovations that wow. 1. Accepting the lowest bid. Smart homeowners shop around for everything --including work done on their home. But accepting the lowest bid right off the bat to save money may cost you more in the long run. A low bid certainly may be a great deal. But generally it could be a sign of an inexperienced contractor, or one who plans to use subpar materials or skimp on the job. Contractors will have similar prices. Shop based on experience and recommendations, not price alone. 2. Choosing friends and family. There certainly are skilled professionals that also may be a close friend or family member. But mixing business and pleasure could be a recipe for trouble, especially when workmanship and an exchange of money are involved. "We had a friend replace our home's fur-

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Decorating With Slipcovers With the change of seasons, homeowners are often interested in refreshing the interior atmosphere of their living spaces. Heavy window treatments may be swapped out for sheerer fabrics and perhaps the walls are updated with a new paint color. Another way to brighten up rooms and create instant appeal is by changing the upholstery of furniture. However, reupholstering sofas, loveseats and chairs can be an expensive venture. Instead, look to slipcovers to provide the style you desire. Slipcovers, primarily one-size-fits-all varieties, are some of the most affordable options for

quickly giving furniture a new look. Many stores sell slipcovers in a wide variety of patterns in their linen department. There are enough options to create a new ambiance for every season of the year. There are different styles of slipcovers, and each can offer a unique look. Some throw-type slipcovers are loose-fitting and are simply draped over a piece of furniture. Nowadays, more manu-

facturers are creating fitted slipcovers in stretchy materials that will hug the silhouette of a couch or chair and stay in place easily. Slipcovers are also made for reclining chairs, enabling homeowners to keep that worn-out, comfortable chair despite it being a little rough around the edges. Homeowners with a larger budget can consider custom slipcovers, which will be tailored to the

dimensions of the piece of furniture. Still less expensive than a permanent reupholstering, custom slipcovers offer a perfect fit with the convenience of being able to remove the slipcover for laundering. This is a viable option in a

home with children or pets, where the threat of stains could be present. Anyone looking to breathe new life into a space should look toward the versatility of slipcovers as an easy and affordable design element.

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Cutting Costs Doesn't Mean Cutting Value home is more routinely targeted for refurbishing than the kitchen. In many households, the kitchen is the most popular room in the house, and therefore it makes sense that it's the kitchen most homeowners want to upgrade. While granite was once considered the standard for kitchen remodels, nowadays cost- and quality-conscious homeowners are increasingly turning to laminate for their kitchen remodels. Recognizing this "laminate is the new granite" trend among homeowners, Wilsonart® has combined its renowned AEONTM Enhanced Performance technology with stunning laminate designs that take full advantage of a shimmer-

ing, durable Gloss finish. Depositing super-tough aluminum oxide particles in layers within the overlay sheet, AEON technology allows for superior durability and enhanced resistance to scratching, scuffing and marring, making these premium designs three times more wear resistant than the industry standard and five times more scratch resistant than previous Glossfinish laminates. This elegant new look is reflected throughout the Girona Series, which boasts a host of options reflective of the polished marble and travertine stone found in European luxury spas and retreats. Style Doesn't End Atop the Kitchen Counter Countertops aren't the

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only places in the kitchen homeowners are finding ways to upgrade while saving at the same time. With their new lineup of stylish, molded acrylic sinks specifically designed to be integrated into laminate countertops, Wilsonart is providing more options for today's custom-minded homeowner looking for affordable luxury in a tight economy. Thanks to the new Wilsonart HD Sinks, homeowners can now bring a new dimension to their kitchen countertop, integrating the top, edge and sink into a complete, captivating piece. Favoring the curvaceous appeal found in luxury plumbing fixtures and appliances, Wilsonart

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Over the last year and a half, many homeowners have been forced to scale back their home improvement projects. Though the economy appears to be creeping back, the nation's homeowners are still somewhat reticent to commit big dollars to any one project. In spite of the country's economic woes, homeowners are embracing more cost-effective projects that don't sacrifice quality for the sake of saving money. Recognizing the importance of maintaining a home's value, these costconscious homeowners are finding that traditionally big budget projects are not the sole means to retaining a home's value. Good Things Come in Small Packages While the "bigger is better" mantra proved hurtful to the home improvement industry at the onset of the economic downturn, evidence is beginning to suggest that small-budget projects might be leading the way to recovery. In fact, in their annual "Cost vs. Value" report, Remodeling magazine noted that 9 of 12 upscale remodeling projects didn't even appear among the top half of all remodels, proving that in the current economy bigger isn't better, or at least bigger isn't more popular. Perhaps no area of the

HDSinks offer a deeper, more spacious bowl, leaving more room for pots and pans. What's more, the integrated faucet deck holds soap and sponges while ensuring water flows downward into the sink. In addition, thanks to the drain's position at the back of the sink, homeowners love the increased storage space under the kitchen sink. Easily seamed into a Wilsonart HD Laminate countertop to eliminate the trapping of dirt and moisture, Wilsonart HD Sinks are stain-resistant, heatresistant and renewable, all while providing a look that was once exclusive to more expensive solid surface and stone countertops. The exclusive line of Wilsonart HD Sinks can be previewed at www.countertop.com/sin ks. Need more remodeling tips? Visit: www.home-wire.net.

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SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Tax Credit For Energy Saving Products Vinyl replacement windows, entry doors and other energy saving products can be good or bad. It's like buying a product that cost $1,000 and not putting it in right. Therefore, in some cases, you are better off keeping what you have. A poor installation can make a great window or door worthless. On the other hand a $500 item

that is put in the proper way can and will benefit your home but might not last that long because it is of poor quality to start with. Somewhere in the middle is the best way to go. You want a good product that is installed the proper way with a good manufacturer and then you are a winner. An experienced installer is just as important as the product you are installing. One must always determine the payback time but also the convenience of having a new up dated product in your home. With today's Federal Tax Credit there seems to be some confusion.

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Star" rating as of this writing. So do your homework, check a contractor's license and insurance and check with your local Better Business Bureau before spending money on your most prized possession, your home. - Dave Gelo

direct tax credit. If you spend $3,000 on material you will still get 30% of that so it will be a $900 Tax Credit and so on. Not every product will meet these standards so therefore each product will have a sticker on it or paperwork to determine what the U-factor is. The State of Connecticut does not have tax on most products that have an "Energy

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There is a Federal Tax Credit of 30% of the MATERIAL ONLY up to a maximum of $1500 for replacement windows, entry doors and other energy saving products. It is not for labor. This tax credit expires as of Dec. 31, 2010. These products must meet the new federal standards of a U-Factor of .30 in order to get the credit. Therefore you must spend $5,000 on MATERIAL ONLY in order to get the full $1500 in a

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203-265-5300 CT Reg# 539608

SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Home Improvements to Protect Children can help prevent falls, as can replacing carpeting on stairs that is bunching or separating from the underfloor. Be sure handrails are sturdy so they can be used. A pressure-mounted gate at the top of stairs can block the stairs to prevent falls if a child is wandering around at night to visit the bathroom or another instance. Window safety: Falls out of open windows are another startling statistic, with thousands of young children being susceptible to injury every year, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. In March 1991, singer Eric Clapton lost his son Conor when the 3-year-old boy fell through an open window on the 53rd floor of a New York City high rise apartment. According to DelSanto, the janitor had opened a huge panel of glass that wasn't meant to be opened when the boy, who was playing hide-and-seek, ran straight through. Window guards that cover the open window with grating or metal bars, or locks, which prevent the window from opening past a certain height, can help prevent window injuries. It's also important to keep furniture away from easily opened windows. Electrocution: Children are curious by nature, and open outlets or wires and plugs will certainly attract their attention. Consider hiding wires beneath plas-

tic covers for this purpose. Upgrade wiring if the house is old and if there are frayed wires or faulty outlets or switches. Use outlet covers on all exposed electrical outlets. Glass: The increased use

of architectural glass has led to greater instances of glass-related injuries, such as cuts and deep lacerations. Be sure to always use shatter-proof glass. Glass tables with pointy edges should be avoided or cov-

ered until children are older. Ensure children are safe in and around the home. Make safety a priority whenever updating a home improvement to-do list.

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Parents understandably consider their home a safe haven for children. But the home actually plays host to many childhood injuries over the course of a typical year. Each year, nearly 20,000 people die and 21 million medical visits result from home accidents in the United States, says the U.S. Home Safety Council. The majority of these injuries occur to children and the elderly. When improving your home this season, take steps to decrease the likelihood of accidents by targeting the areas where injuries are most likely to occur. Slamming doors and windows: Amputations to fingers as a result of slammed doors and windows are a leading emergency room injury. This painful injury is easily remedied by putting foam or plastic guards on windows and doors so they can't fully crush fingers if they are accidentally slammed. Also, highplaced latches on windows or doors that are off-limits can reduce the chance for injury. Stairs: Statistics indicate that more people end up in U.S. emergency rooms because of fall-related injuries than from any other cause. Falls down stairs are a leading cause of injury. Adequate lighting around staircases can illuminate open stairwells. Non-slip treads on stairs

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