Kathryn Smith

Mother Nature has been a bit slow in turning up the heat this spring; however, when she does, you’ll probably start thinking about yard work and outdoor projects you want to accomplish this year.

Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with Marv Wolf, West Bend’s grounds supervisor for 23 years. Although Marv is now enjoying retirement, I collected some past blogs we worked on together before his retirement.

Now is the time to prune! This blog post focuses on two important areas.

1. Why pruning is important; and
2. Safety tips to follow if you decide to do your own pruning.

Four safety tips for fertilizing your lawn – This blog post focuses on:

1. Selecting the right application for your yard; and
2. Safety tips on storing and applying fertilizer.

If you have a large project on your list, it may be time to call in a landscape professional. Here are some things to keep in mind when looking for the right landscape contractor for your job.

1. Set a budget.It’s wise to estimate project costs ahead of time. Your concept may not be in accord with your pocket book. By setting a budget, you’ll be able to find the appropriate landscaper for the job. Since every landscaper prefers a certain job, it doesn’t pay to call a landscaper who’s interested in $25,000 jobs if yours is only $5,000.
2. Make sure the landscaper is properly insured.It’s important to make sure the landscape professional can provide proof of workers’ compensation and liability insurance. Workers’ compensation insurance provides protection in case a worker is injured while doing a job on your property. Liability insurance protects your property. Never assume the landscape contractor has insurance. That assumption could cost you money in damages.
3. Ask for references.While you can do a lot of research on the internet, good old-fashioned references may be the safer way to go. Just because someone has a nice website page and photos, doesn’t mean they’re qualified to do the work. Affordable stock photos can be purchased by anyone.
4. Get it in writing.Having a written contract in place can put your mind at ease. Written contracts can identify:

• Start and completion dates;
• Scope of the work to be completed;
• Pricing;
• Payment schedule;

and

• Contact information.

5. Check with the Better Business Bureau.Researching a contractor on the BBB’s website can be very helpful. The BBB Business Review provides:

• Contact information;
• Description of the company;
• Complaints;
• Customer reviews;
• BBB rating;
• Number of years in business;
• The type of work they do;

and

• The management team

6. Go with your gut.As with anything in life, there are times when you get a feeling that something isn’t right. If you experience that when meeting with a landscape contractor, don’t ignore it. Remember, it’s your home  and your money. You want to enjoy your project when it’s completed not look at it with regret.

Source:
http://www.daytondailynews.com/news/lifestyles/8-things-to-consider-when-hiring-a-landscaper/nqwNK/

SOURCE:  West Bend, Posted by Scott Stueber on Apr 18, 2016 9:00:00 AM

Now that spring is here, neighborhoods are starting to come back to life. More people are walking, kids are riding their bikes and scooters, and some have even started yard work.

Another sign that spring has arrived is neighborhood kids playing on trampolines. Trampolines have become a popular addition to many back yards. Trampoline parks are also popping up in larger cities. While they’re fun and provide our kids with exercise, they can be dangerous if safety guidelines aren’t followed.

Between 2002 and 2011, more than one million people visited emergency departments for injuries sustained while using trampolines. These visits totaled $1 billion in expenses.

On the flip side, there are benefits of trampolines. Trampolines:

• Improve your balance;
• Firm and tone muscles;
• Offer a low impact exercise;
• Provide a great cardiovascular workout; and
• Get kids off video game systems, computers, and smartphones.

If you have a trampoline or are considering one for your kids, here are some things to keep in mind.

1. Talk to your insurance agent. Before spending any money on a trampoline, talk to your independent insurance agent. They can tell you if your current homeowner’s policy provides coverage for it.

2. Avoid letting young kids use it. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends limiting access to kids age six and under. Remove ladders and other things around the trampoline that would allow them to get on it by themselves.

3. Adult supervision. No matter how old your kids are, they always need adult supervision. Age and maturity of your child may determine how much supervision is necessary. Always be aware of what’s happening on your property, especially if you have a swing set, trampoline, or swimming pool. Occasional glances can ensure rules are being followed and kids are safe.

4. Establish written rules. My neighbor has a trampoline. Before my daughters could use it, they had to agree to the written rules. Written rules:

• Limit the number of kids on the trampoline;
• Prohibit food or drink;
• Enforce no rough housing; and
• Enforce no aerobatics or risky tricks (i.e., somersaults, backflips).

5. Talk to other parents. If neighborhood kids are using your trampoline, talk to their parents to make sure it’s okay with them.

6. Attach safety devices. Purchase and attach quality padding to the frame and springs of the trampoline and use quality netting around the perimeter to help prevent kids from falling off. Avoid buying cheap protective gear.

7. Place it on a flat clear surface. When setting up your trampoline, make sure it’s on a flat surface away from trees, fences, swing sets, swimming pools, etc.Place it on sand or bark chips that can provide some cushioning. Never place it on a concrete surface.

8. Periodic inspections are necessary. Periodically inspect the trampoline looking for tears, broken springs, loose bolts, and worn safety pads and netting. The different weather patterns in the Midwest can cause the equipment to deteriorate.

Additional Resources

Trampoline Safety
Installing safety net on your trampoline
Set up trampoline enclosure

Sources:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/29/trampoline-injuries-fractures-broken-bones_n_5227768.html
https://www.cpsc.gov/PageFiles/137868/085.pdf

SOURCE:  West Bend, Posted by Scott Stueber on Apr 5, 2016 8:00:41 AM

Many families enjoy going on a spring break vacation. A vacation to a warm location is a nice reprieve from winter this time of year.

If you have pets, they may enjoy a vacation, as well. A warm weather destination, however may make travel difficult, resulting in them being left at home. Therefore, if you’re going away for a spring break vacation or a vacation later this year, here are some things to consider.

1. Think about your pet’s routine. A lot of time and energy goes into planning a vacation getaway. However, don’t forget about your pet. Start to think about their routine and what type of care would best suit them while you’re gone.

Like small children, pets may need to follow a very specific routine to keep them happy and healthy. If your dog is social and loves other dogs, a kennel or doggie spa may be the place for them. If this type of environment stresses them out, it may be best to leave them with a friend or relative.

Cats enjoy consistency. If you take them to a friend’s house, they may be stressed out the entire time and try to escape back to their home. It may be best to leave them at home and have someone stop in to check on them.

2. Document what your pet needs. If you decide to leave your pet with a friend or relative, document everything about your pet. Things to include:

• How much activity your pet needs;
• Dietary needs;
• What makes them happy;
• What makes them fearful; and
• Veterinary contact information.

3. Familiarize your pet with their home away from home. If you decide to board your pet at a kennel or friend’s house, take them there for a visit and watch how they react. If the first visit doesn’t go well, take them there again to see if their comfort level improves.

4. Pack a suitcase for your pet. Since you’re packing bags for others in your family, why not pack one for your pet? Taking things that are familiar to them can make the transition easier.

5. Stay calm. When you drop your pet off at their final destination, keep the goodbye short and stay calm. I know this is easier said than done, but the more relaxed you are, the better your pet will feel.

6. Discuss treats with your caretaker. I remember going to my grandparent’s house and eating as many sweet treats as possible. Isn’t that what grandparents are for? To spoil us?

If treats are a part of your pet’s routine, have their caretaker continue. If treats are not, be careful. Treats can help improve behavior and obedience in the short term, but can cause stomach problems if they’re not used to it.

7. Contact your veterinarian. Contact your veterinarian before you leave to:

• Discuss vaccinations;
• Discuss tips they may have for your pets;
• Discuss boarding and kennel options; and
• Discuss anti-anxiety medications that may help them relax while you’re gone.

Here are some additional resources that may help.

How to Choose a Boarding Kennel for Your Pet

5 pet-connected gadgets that keep tabs better than a leash

Why You Should Consider An Automated Pet Feeder

Keep an eye on your home with these two ridiculously simple surveillance apps

As our weather patterns change and we move from winter to spring, flooding is a common phenomenon. Unfortunately flooding can happen without warning and isn’t covered by standard homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policies.

Cleaning your home after a spring flood is an overwhelming, complicated, and expensive process. Here are some basic tips to help you get started.

1. Air movement. Air movement is critical in drying out your home. If temperatures allow, open windows and set up fans. The more air circulating in your house, the better.
2. Install dehumidifiers. There are many benefits to having a dehumidifier in your home all year round; however, they’re particularly important after a flood. Dehumidifiers pull moisture out of the air and help dry out your home.
3. Disinfect surfaces. After a flood, many surfaces in your home will be contaminated with bacteria. Bleach can be used to disinfect these surfaces. Mix two tablespoons of bleach to one gallon of water for an effective cleaning solution.
4. Inventory losses. If you purchased flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Plan, photos and other documents, such as receipts, can help determine the damage. Unfortunately, many things may have to be thrown away.
5. Avoid working alone. Moving heavy furniture and tearing out carpet can be strenuous work. In addition, working with cleaning chemicals in a closed area can be dangerous. When you work with others, you can monitor each others’ well-being.
6. Wear proper clothing. Boots, respirator masks, gloves, and safety glasses should be worn.
7. Create a personal home inventory before a loss. If your house experiences a catastrophic loss from fire, water, or wind, will you remember everything you have inside? Probably not. Creating a home inventory can help you recover what you lost and ease your mind. For tips on how to create a home inventory, read “Protect your possessions: Take a home inventory”.

To create an online home inventory, visit the Insurance Information Institute.

If you experience severe home damage, a restoration company can help. These companies have trained staff and the right technologies to clean and restore property. Restoring property is far less expensive than replacing it.

For a detailed explanation on how to clean your home after a flood, check out these resources.

Purdue University – Flood Recovery: Cleaning Tips

Cleaning Up After a Flood

SOURCE:  West Bend, Posted by Scott Stueber on Mar 22, 2016 2:42:11 PM

If your home is destroyed by a fire or tornado, the last thing you want to hear is that your home wasn’t adequately insured. You may have heard your insurance agent use the term “insurance to value” when determining the amount of coverage needed to insure your home. However, much like beauty, “value” is in the eye of the beholder. Therefore, it can be defined in a variety of ways …

• The amount you paid to purchase your home;
• The cost of building your new home;
• The asking price of the house down the street; or
• The amount you believe is necessary to re-build your home by calling in favors from handy friends and relatives.
• At West Bend, we’ve chosen to focus on the true cost to rebuild your home and, therefore, the cost to realistically and adequately insure it.

Many believe obvious elements, such as the price you paid for your home, its assessed value, and asking prices of other homes in your neighborhood factor into determining how to adequately insure your home. In fact, some more not-so obvious factors are related to reconstruction/rebuild costs (not new construction costs) and are more important.

Reconstruction costs determine insurance you need.

Reconstruction cost is what it would cost to rebuild your home as it was using a design and materials similar to your original home. This amount could be (and usually is!) much higher than market value of your home.

Consider these real life examples:

• Wisconsin: A fire destroys a home built in 1908. The insurance policy provided $573,000 worth of coverage. The cost to rebuild the home, however, was more than twice that amount at $1,289,000.
• Illinois: A 2002 home was destroyed in a tornado. While the home was insured for $331,000, the total cost to reconstruct it was $540,000.
• Minnesota: A home built in 1999 was also destroyed in a fire. It was insured for $573,000 but the cost to rebuild totaled $822,000.

Several factors determine the cost to reconstruct or replace your home. All of them are important.

1. Age of your home: If your home is more than 40 years old, it’s possible it was built with construction materials not used today (for instance, plaster instead of drywall). It may also have included features that aren’t typically used in new home construction anymore, like ornate moldings, custom doors, and unique-size windows.
2. Building codes: Depending on when your home was originally built, there’s a very good chance building codes have changed. Rebuilding your home as it was, while following current building codes, can pose challenges and add to cost.
3. Demolition/debris removal: When a home is destroyed by fire or a tornado, construction can’t begin until the debris is first removed. This adds more to the cost.
4. Accessibility: It may also be hard for the contractor to get access to your home and lot. New homes are usually built in new neighborhoods with open lots that make it much easier for large construction machinery to get in and out. If your home is in an established neighborhood, there are other homes, trees, and landscaping to contend with. It adds to the time needed for construction and we all know time is money.
5. Custom features: The custom features that were built with your home, or added later, can add to the cost of reconstruction: Custom cabinets in the kitchen, the home theater in the basement, the stone patio. Reconstructing your home with custom features adds up.

These are just some of the factors that can affect the cost to reconstruct your home. It’s important to consider all of them when determining coverage for your homeowners’ policy. It could mean the difference between getting back what you lost and settling for something that’s only part of what it was.

SOURCE:  WEST BEND, Posted by Scott Stueber on Mar 15, 2016 9:00:00 AM

After enduring months of snow and cold, people can’t wait to get away on a spring break vacation. Even though this winter has been mild where I live, I can’t wait to visit a warmer climate.

Here some interesting facts about spring break vacations.

• Our college students help the economy by spending $1 billion every year.
• More than 50% of college students take a spring break vacation.
• Top party destinations for 2016 include:

1. Panama City Beach, FL;
2. Myrtle Beach, S.C.;
3. Miami, FL;
4. Austin, TX; and
5. Las Vegas.

If you’re planning a trip with your family, you may have spent a lot of time and effort researching destinations, airfare, restaurants, and activities/local attractions. Fortunately for me, my wife enjoys researching and planning our vacations. With that said, the last thing you want is to come down with an illness before or during your trip.

Here are some tips that may keep you and your family healthy.

1. Exercise. There are many benefits to regular exercise. Some of those include:

• Weight management;
• Lowering blood pressure, cholesterol etc.;
• Improved mood; and
• Improved sleep.

Recent research suggests that moderate exercise a few days a week could also boost your immune system by increasing cells in your body that defend against bacteria. Taking your dog for a walk or riding your bike to work may help keep you healthy.

2. Get a good night’s sleep. If you’re not getting enough sleep at night, your immune system may become weak. It’s recommended that adults sleep seven-nine hours per night.

3. Take vitamins. There are vitamins and minerals that support immune system health. In addition, if you have a sensitive stomach, taking probiotics a few weeks before your vacation may help with upset stomach. Before you start taking vitamins or herbal remedies, talk to your physician.

4. Avoid tap water. Depending on where you go, it’s best to drink bottled water. Tourist hot spots in other countries can have bacteria in the water that we are not used to. Also, avoid rinsing your toothbrush with tap water. Lastly, avoid eating salads that may be rinsed in local tap water and avoid eating undercooked foods.

5. Drink plenty of water. During the workweek, I have no problem drinking 64 ounces of water or more each day. However, when I’m home on the weekend, the routine goes right out the window. Your water routine should continue while you’re on vacation. Staying hydrated can be your best defense against germs.

In addition, alcohol, sun exposure, salt water, and caffeine can lead to dehydration. Make the most of your vacation by alternating alcoholic drinks with water. If you experience dehydration (dizziness, weakness, confusion, muscle spasms, passing out, or dark urine), drink a large glass of ice water.

6. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. On vacation, you spend a lot of time in planes, trains, automobiles, and hotels. All of these can be a breeding ground for germs. Wash your hands regularly and carry an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

7. Pack some disinfecting wipes. Last year when my family travelled to San Francisco, I took along disinfecting wipes. My family laughed and said, “Dad you are so weird.” Once I got to my seat on the plane, I wiped everything down. Guess who was asking if I had extras. You don’t know the last time the plane was thoroughly cleaned. For me, it offers a little peace of mind.

Sources

http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2016/02/24/top-spring-break-party-destinations-for-2016/ http://spendmatters.com/2015/03/07/64733/ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/exercise/art-20048389?pg=1 http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/fitness/exercises/why-exercise-boosts-the-immune-system.html

SOURCE:  West Bend, Posted by Scott Stueber on Mar 8, 2016 9:03:58 AM