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Topics: Home Insurance, Weather

SOURCE:  West Bend, Posted by Scott Stueber on Apr 2, 2019 11:22:42 AM

Now that spring’s here, it’s time to give your home a post-winter scrub down. While it feels great opening the windows and letting the fresh air in, there’s much more work to do. Besides your regular house cleaning, here are some things that often get overlooked or forgotten.

1. Carpet. In our home, my wife and I frequently vacuum as a part of our normal cleaning routine. It’s unbelievable how much dirt, dust, and debris are in the container after we’ve finished. If you have a pet, you’ll notice even more.

Now that nicer weather’s here, it’s a great opportunity to deep clean your carpets by yourself or by hiring a professional. If you think about where your shoes travel, you may move this up on your “to-do” list. If you choose to hire a professional, consider:

• Asking friends or neighbors for referrals;
• Researching companies in your area;
• Contacting the Better Business Bureau;
• Understanding the services offered;
• Getting the contract in writing; and
• Confirming the company you select carries insurance.

2. Base boards. Have you ever looked behind your entertainment stand? If so, you probably found a significant amount of dust on the base boards. Or how about your kitchen base boards? Do they have food particles or spilled juice on them? Now’s a good time to wipe down all the base boards in your home.

3. China cabinet. Have you gone through your china cabinet lately? My guess is, probably not. We recently updated our kitchen. As part of the process, we went through ours. Not only was the glassware full of a thick layer of dust, and the silver tarnished, there were many items we haven’t used in a long time. With wedding season right around the corner, now’s the time to purge. Consider donating your unused items to local charities or collection centers.

4. Dryer vent/lint trap. Between 2010-2014, U.S. fire departments responded to approximately 15,970 home fires that resulted from dryers or washing machines. Lint is extremely flammable and can cause a fire in your home resulting in significant damage. To prevent this from happening to you, consider cleaning your dryer vent and ducts at least once a year. If you can’t easily do this, consider hiring a professional. Your lint trap should be cleaned before or after each load.

5. Blinds. While, we clean every week, our blinds are neglected. We open and close them every day but fail or pretend not to see the dirt and dust. Look at yours. I’ll bet you’ll be surprised on how dirty they are. And don’t forget about your curtain rods.

6. Windows. Rather than wait for the flies to come back to life, clean your window sills and the screens if they’re dirty.

7. Bathroom vents. Bathroom vents are important for removing the steam from your bathroom after a nice, hot shower. However, over time they become covered in dust. Wipe them down with a damp rag or use your vacuum.

8. Light fixtures and ceiling fans. Ah, the first warm day has arrived. You decide to turn on your ceiling fan for some circulation, and dust starts flying everywhere. Enjoy your first warm day by cleaning them now.

9. Shower curtain/liner. Bathrooms are very conducive for mold growth. If your shower curtain has changed from white to pink, red, black, or dark green, you’re growing mold. Now’s the time to buy a new one.

10. Light switches, door handles, and hand rails. It’s always good to sanitize these items after you or a family member have been sick. If time hasn’t previously allowed you do this, add it to your list.

Cleaning hacks

Here are some cleaning hacks for tackling other areas of your home.

• Clean your dishwasher with vinegar.
• Use lemon to remove watermarks on your shower doors.
• Remove grease build up on your kitchen cabinets with soap.
• Remove pet hair from surfaces with a rubber glove or squeegee.
• Clean your windows with old newspaper.
• Descale your shower head and faucets with vinegar.
• Microwave a bowl of lemons and water or cider vinegar to get rid of tough odors and stains.

Check out some of our other blogs for more tips.

Eleven tips to declutter your home with ease

The dangers of hoarding and how it affects insurance coverage

Keep your home in tiptop shape with these spring home maintenance tips

Source:

https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Data-research-and-tools/US-Fire-Problem/Home-fires-involving-clothes-dryers-and-washing-machines

https://www.realhomes.com/advice/top-20-spring-cleaning-hacks

SOURCE:  West Bend, Posted by Scott Stueber on Apr 16, 2019 9:00:00 AM

As the weather improves, you may be thinking about getting your bicycle out of storage for the first ride of the season. Whether you ride solo, with a group of friends, or with your family, it’s always nice to get back in the saddle. However, before doing so, it’s probably best to plan and ease into a new bicycling season. Not preparing for your ride ahead of time can lead to frustration and injury.

I personally enjoy bike commuting to work. My bike route is 12 miles round trip. Usually, I ride during the winter months, but recently, I just couldn’t muster up the energy. Last week I jumped on my bike for the first time in a long time and rode to work. I was out of shape.

Here are some tips to help you get ready for your first ride of the season.

1. Visit the gym. If you exercise on a regular basis, consider adding some spinning to your routine before riding. I’ve done light weights and the elliptical machine all winter because I don’t enjoy peddling in place. Unfortunately, by not changing my workout routine, I wasn’t in shape for my first ride.

2. Visit your local bike store. If you do a significant amount of riding each year, consider taking your bike in for a tune-up. Proper maintenance is key to a safe and enjoyable biking season.

Here are a few things you should do before each ride.

• Check your tire pressure with a tire gauge. Keeping your tires at the proper pressure keeps your bike rolling more efficiently.
• Quickly check your tire bead for debris that may be embedded in the tire.
• Give your wheels a spin to make sure there’s no wobble.
• Make sure the brakes grab appropriately.

In addition, if your bike doesn’t feel comfortable, it may need an adjustment or some new items, such as a new seat or hand grips.

3. Think about what gear to wear. This time of year, the temperature is tricky. If you ride to work, you know the temperature in the morning is different than the temperature during the evening commute home. If you’re a weekend rider, you may not be as aware of what you need to stay comfortable. Your best bet is to wear waterproof and water-wicking layers that can be easily taken off as the temperature changes during your ride.

4. Watch out for potholes. After a brutal winter, potholes can be found in new places. Hitting one could send you flying. Recently, my friend’s brother made a trip to the emergency room after hitting one. In addition, there’s a lot of debris on the side of the road to watch out for.

5. Ride on the bike path. If your community has a bike path, consider riding there to start. It’s a nice way to reacclimate your mind and body. Also, since the temperatures are still cool, motorists may not be on the lookout for you.

6. Don’t forget your supplies. Make sure you pack the appropriate supplies. A quick ride could turn into a longer one. The last thing you’d want is to be stranded because you didn’t pack accordingly. Don’t forget:

• A spare tube
• Tire levers
• A pump
• Tools
• Energy bars
• Water

7. Give it a good wash. If you didn’t wash your bike after last season’s riding, do it now. This is a good opportunity to wash away winter salt, dirt, sand, and other road debris. Never use a high-pressure sprayer. A garden hose will suffice. Don’t forget to lubricate your chain afterwards.

If you don’t enjoy biking as a hobby that’s okay. As a motorist, here are some laws you should understand.

Safe passing laws – This law requires a motor vehicle to allow no less than three feet of clearance when passing a bicyclist.

Treatment as a vehicle – Bicyclists have the same rights and duties of a driver of a vehicle.

Where to ride – If riding in the street, bicyclists need to ride as close to the curb or edge of the roadway as possible. Keep in mind bicyclists are probably still two to three feet away from either. So, while it can be frustrating to approach bikers in the road and be forced to slow down, the bikers have the right to be there. Respect their space and pass when it’s safe to do so.

Dooring law – I’ll bet you’ve experienced this while driving your car, a door from a parked car suddenly opens just as you’re approaching the car. This situation can be even more dangerous for bikers. The dooring law states that a person in a parked car doesn’t have the right to open the door at any time. A driver or passenger may only open a door when it’s reasonably safe and doesn’t interfere with the movement of traffic.

For additional bicycling safety tips, check out my blog “Bike safety tips for commuters, families, and enthusiasts”.

Topics: Family Safety, Health Tips

SOURCE:  West Bend, Posted by Scott Stueber on Apr 9, 2019 9:36:38 AM

Topics: Auto Safety, Teen Safety

SOURCE:  West Bend, Posted by Scott Stueber on Mar 26, 2019 9:33:31 AM

If you have pets in your household, you understand the benefits they bring to your family. Their inquisitiveness, unconditional love, and playfulness make every day different. You just never know what they’ll do next to put a smile on your face.

March is pet poison prevention awareness month. This is a great opportunity if you’re a new or a veteran pet owner to learn or be reminded about the different items around your home that can be dangerous to your furry friend. Or, if you’re traveling on spring break this year, please make sure your pet sitter is aware of dangerous items as well.

As the owner of an orange tabby cat named Toulouse, I’m always amazed and what he finds on the floors around our home. If anyone has something that he’s interested in, we can’t turn our backs on him for one second. If we do, he’s on it.

Here are some things around your house that can be dangerous and lead to potentially life-threatening situations.

Household chemicals. With more daylight already here and the transition to warmer temperatures around the corner, you may find the urge to do some spring cleaning or projects around your home. If so, remember to keep these household items away from your pet:

• Toilet bowl cleaner
• Drain cleaner
• Paint
• Paint thinner
• Pool chemicals
• Antifreeze

Food. We’re very strict with Toulouse’s food. He only gets dry pet food and some cat treats daily. While you may think it’s nice to broaden your pets’ horizons with human food, there are some foods that are very toxic. Some examples include:

• Chocolate
• Xylitol (sugar-free sweetener found in gum)
• Coffee grounds
• Alcohol
• Meat
• Nuts
• Onion and garlic
• Dairy products
• Baby food
• Grapes and raisins

Medications. Have you ever set down your medication while getting a glass of water and then got distracted by something else? If you have, you understand the sudden panic that sets in when you realize what you did. While some human medications may be ok as prescribed by veterinarians, make sure to keep medications in a secure place. Never leave medication on the counter in a bottle or plastic bag. If your pet sets his mind to it, he will get the package open. Medications include:

• Pain relievers
• Antidepressants
• Blood pressure medications
• Vitamins
• Joint supplements

Plants and flowers. Plants and flowers are a nice and affordable way to add some color and beauty to your home. However, depending on the type, they can be very poisonous. Here are a few that should be kept away from your pets:

• Azaleas
• Daffodils
• Lilies

Outdoor items. As you work to get your lawn, flower beds, and gardens ready to grow, don’t forget to use caution with fertilizer. If you spill some, clean it up immediately. Keep fertilizer in a closed, locked cabinet if you have children or pets. Additional dangerous items include rodenticides and insecticides.

To see the top pet poisons for your cat or dog visit the Pet Poison Helpline.

Source:

https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/

https://pets.webmd.com/cats/guide/top-10-cat-poisons

https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/top-10-dog-poisons#1

SOURCE:  West Bend, Posted by Scott Stueber on Mar 19, 2019 9:00:00 AM

Power strips and surge protectors are a necessity in many homes today. With smartphones, tablets, streaming media devices, and gaming consoles, we have a lot of toys to plug in. Don’t forget about TVs, lamps, and other household items. All these items plugged into a power strip can put stress on it.

Most people probably don’t give much thought to how many devices are plugged in at any given time. Did you know that approximately 4,600 home fires start as a result of extension cord and power strip overuse each year? These fires account for 70 deaths and 230 injuries.

Before I share some safety tips, I’d like to explain the difference between each. While this may seem like common sense, it’s important to understand they’re slightly different.

Have you ever gone to the store wanting to buy a surge protector and when you got home your realized you bought a simple power strip? This happened to me with the mass confusion while trying to set up my daughter’s dorm room.

A power strip and surge protector power strip look pretty much the same. They’re both skinny, rectangular, plastic boxes with multiple outlets for you to plug in multiple devices. However, surge protectors:

• May be a bit more expensive;
• May have additional lights near the power button which light up when plugged in; and
• Contain internal components which can prevent spikes and surges in power from destroying your devices.

If ordering online or buying at your local hardware store, always read the product description to make sure you’re buying the right one. Personally, I’d recommend buying a surge protector for all your household needs. This way you’re not left guessing if your devices, TVs, computers, etc. are protected.

One common misconception that I had is that surge protectors provide protection against lightning strikes. I’ve learned lightning strikes are simply too powerful. Surge protectors provide protection from current fluctuations that travel down your power line.

Here are some things you can do to keep your home and family safe.

• Never use power strips or surge protectors for high-power capacity items such as, space heaters, dehumidifiers, or other high capacity appliances. Plug them directly into a wall outlet.
• Don’t connect multiple power strips together to increase the number of outlets available. However, you can temporarily plug an extension cord into a power strip.
• If you’re using power strips or extension cords in multiple places in your home, consider hiring an electrician to install more outlets. This is a safer alternative because the wires in your wall are of higher quality. Multiple extension cords or power strips was always my dad’s pet peeve back in the day when he was an electrician.
• Never use power strips or extension cords in a bathroom or on the kitchen counter top.
• Do the math. Try to determine what the power strip can handle by looking at its specifications on the package. The most important number is watts. The higher the number, the better. Add up the number of watts used by the devices you’re plugging in. This number should not exceed the total number of watts specified on the package. If buying a surge protector, look at the suppressed voltage rating as well. A lower number will provide better protection against surges. If you’re like me and don’t like math, talk to someone at the store that understands them.
• Don’t just look at price. Make sure you’re buying the correct one for your household needs and that it’s certified.
• Never try to prevent trip and fall hazards by covering cords up with a rug. Repeatedly stepping on them can cause cords to breakdown, which could lead to a fire.

Here are some ways to prevent or tell if your power strip is overloaded.

• Surge protectors are great because they provide several outlets. However, depending on what you’re plugging in, not everyone should be used. Most things we plug in such as a phone, computer, or gaming console don’t use much power. Items found in your kitchen such as a toaster, crockpot, or skillet would draw more power and could potentially cause issues.
• If the power strip or surge protectors feels hot, this is a good sign that you have too many things plugged in.
• Watch for burn marks or melted plastic.

Before plugging in your next electronic device, look at what’s going on with your power strip or surge protector.

Sources:

https://www.cpsc.gov/content/limit-extension-cords-to-reduce-risk-of-fire

http://www.safebee.com/home/guide-power-strips-and-surge-protectors

SOURCE:  West Bend, Posted by Scott Stueber on Mar 12, 2019 9:00:00 AM