There’s a lot to think about after you’ve just faced a home fire. Besides soot, and the chemicals or water used to put out the fire, how to handle smoke damage is a major concern, and one of the things you should take care of first. After you get the ok from your local fire department or fire marshal and … Read More
What Causes Outlet Sparks & How to Prevent Them
Although it may be scary to see your outlet spark, a minor one isn’t anything to worry about. A spark occurs each time you plug a device into an outlet, but you usually can’t see it because it happens faster than the naked eye can detect it. Keep in mind that not every spark is dangerous, but the following signifies … Read More
How to Prepare for a Power Outage
Power outages can strike suddenly without a care for your plans or activities. One minute you’re watching TV with the lights on and the fan running, the next minute you’re sitting silently in the dark. Most power outages get resolved within a few hours, but they could last a day or more in the worst circumstances. With a little planning … Read More
Why a Leaky Roof Can Cause More Problems Than You Think
A leaky roof is one of the easiest home troubles to ignore and procrastinate fixing, but the unfortunate fact is that a leaky roof can lead to much more serious issues than just an annoying drip. In fact, if there’s a leak that you don’t know about, there could be some serious issues brewing in your attic or other parts … Read More
Home Fire Extinguishers: A Beginner’s Guide
A smoke alarm is by far the best home-safety investment you can make. For around $10, a smoke detector can help you literally rest assured that a fire won’t catch you sleeping. But if you’d like to take the next step in fire protection, should you buy a fire extinguisher? Yes, if you know when and how to use it. … Read More
10 Easy Steps to Prevent Storm Damage
As we enter the summer season, the severity and frequency of bad weather is anyone’s guess. But, inevitably, a lot of homeowners end up dealing with property damage as a result of storms. The most common type of property damage we see is roof and siding damage following heavy winds and hail. And while you can’t control the weather, there’s … Read More
5 Fire Safety Tips for Your Summer!
Summer weather means it is time for BBQs, Fourth of July fireworks, and all sorts of campfire fun. It’s the season to enjoy bonfire with friends, or roast marshmallows in the backyard fire pit. But while you’re having fun around the fire, it’s also important to take steps that ensure that everyone is safe. By observing a few simple fire … Read More
The Importance of Ventilating Your Crawlspace
The condition of your crawl space has a major impact on comfort, energy efficiency, home value, and indoor air quality. It’s easy to underestimate that impact, after all, your crawl space isn’t a place you visit on a regular basis. But the truth is that the condition of your crawl space really does have far-reaching effects that can cost you … Read More
5 Easy Steps to Cleaning Your Dryer Vent
One of the biggest home fire hazards is a dirty dryer vent. In fact, the combination of heat and accumulated dryer lint and dust are responsible for thousands of fires per year in the United States. And even if clogged dyer ducts don’t lead to household damage right away, clogged ducts will still waste your time, energy and money. A … Read More
10 Things to Check Around the House Before You Go on Vacation
Vacation season is here! And whether you are leaving town to relax and unwind or for business, nobody wants to come home to massive plumbing or utility problem. The issue could be as minor as a leaky faucet that drives up the water bill or as major as a burst water pipe that floods your home. Taking a few preventative … Read More