Ask Angi: How can I stay safe around my home?

1. Do use wallpaper as an accent wall. 2. Do use wallpaper in spaces where you wish to incorporate graphics and color. 3. Do blend an inspirational wall color with wallpaper to create a cohesive look. 4. Do use wallpaper to help add height or elongate a space. 5. Do use wallpaper such as grass cloth to add texture.

DON’TS

1. Don’t blend different patterns of wallpaper in the same space. 2. Don’t place big wallpaper prints in small spaces such as bathrooms. 3. Don’t overlook an opportunity to use wallpaper in creative ways such as on a ceiling. 4. Don’t assume that wallpaper has to bring in an element of color or pattern. Wallpaper can bring a sense of calm and neutrality to spaces as well. 5. Don’t be afraid to go bold and make an inspirational state or create a focal point using wallpaper.

Cathy Hobbs, based in New York City, is an Emmy Award-winning television host and a nationally known interior design and home staging expert with offices in New York City, Boston and Washington, D.C. Visit her website at cathyhobbs.com.

©2022 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

How can I stay safe around my home?

Test smoke alarms on a regular basis, and replace them after 10 years.

Photo courtesy Dreamstime/TNS

By Paul F. P. Pogue

You may think of your home as a safe haven, but household accidents remain a leading cause of death in America. The good news is, you can protect yourself with safe habits. And like any habit, the more you practice safety, the more effective it gets. As you prepare for the change of seasons and the beginning of the school year, it’s an excellent time to review your home’s safety procedures. Keep these factors in mind for home safety and peace of mind:

Fire extinguishers: You need a fire extinguisher on each home floor, including one near the kitchen. Check the unit’s pressure gauge monthly and make sure it’s still in the green.

When selecting a home fire extinguisher, look for an ABC-rated unit. A-rated extinguishers are best for wood, paper, and textiles. B-rated units put out flammable liquids, and the C rating is for electrical fires. This covers most circumstances you’re likely to face in the home.

An extinguisher does no good if it’s not used. Place them in easily accessible spots, and ensure that all adults in the home know where they are and how to use them.

Smoke alarms: Smoke alarms are a critical line of defense if fire strikes your home, so don’t overlook them. An alarm should be on every floor, including the basement, and in each bedroom.

The National Fire Protection Association recommends getting interconnected smoke alarms. When one sounds, they all sound. This costs a bit extra but is well worth the cost.

Consider getting a combination carbon monoxide and smoke alarm; the NFPA recommends placing CO detectors everywhere you would place a smoke alarm.

Test your smoke alarms once per month. The internal sensors get less sensitive over time, so replace them after 10 years.

Maintenance and cleaning: If you use a fireplace regularly, hire a chimney cleaning service every year. Regular chimney inspections and cleanings help keep it in excellent condition and prevent buildup that could cause fires.

Have a pro clean your dryer vents once a year. Lint buildup in vents poses a significant fire risk. This work will also increase your dryer’s efficiency.

On average, chimney cleaning costs about $250, while dryer vent cleaning is about $140.

Escape plans: Make an escape plan with your family to determine the best path out of your home in an emergency. Practice the plan so that even the youngest family members know what to do if emergency strikes. Don’t forget to plan for what to do with your pets as well!

Electrical systems: If you have an older home, consider hiring an electrician to inspect your wiring and breaker system and ensure everything’s up to code. For instance, electrical outlets in any space that might get exposed to water, such as kitchens and bathrooms, should be GFCI outlets, which have their own internal circuit breakers that cut off power in the event of a surge. However, codes didn’t add these requirements until the 1970s and 1980s. Older homes may not be up to speed.

©2022 Ask Angi. Visit at angi.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Just Listedby the Easter Team

Open House: Sunday, September 25th, 1pM–4PM

4414 Meadowlark Lane | Santa Barbara | $3,195,000

Peaks of the ocean and islands from this 2-story farmhouse on 1 acre on a private road in the Mountain View School District. This dynamic property has so much to o er, both in living space and acreage. The main house features 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms upstairs, with an additional 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom downstairs. Truly a once in a lifetime property oozing with charm, potential and in a prime Santa Barbara location.

GLORIA EASTER

DRE #00917775

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BROOKE EBNER

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