Holiday Tree Lighting Tips
12/10/2019 (Permalink)
The holidays can be a magical time for families to come together and celebrate the passing of another great year! However, the décor that comes with celebrating can cause some accidents if not handled properly. Here are some tips to help prevent obstacles that may interfere with your holiday Spirit!
One major factor to consider is your Christmas tree! Each holiday season, fire departments respond to an average of 210 Christmas tree fires nationally, reports the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Tree fires aren't super common, but when they do happen, they're more likely to be serious.
- Keep your tree at least three feet away from all heat sources (like fireplaces, radiators, and heat vents).
- Check the condition of your extension before, during and after using lights for the tree.
- If you have a real tree, remember to keep it watered; the drier the tree, the more easily it could ignite.
- Buy a fresh tree rather than a dry tree to decrease the possibility of a fire
- choose a sturdy stand so the tree won't tip over.
- Get a timer for your Christmas lights to save on electricity and safety when you’re not around.
- Organize any Cords or wiring to prevent tripping
- Keep a fire extinguisher nearby
- Ensure your artificial trees have a seal of approval when it comes to flame resistance
- Never use electric lights with metal leaded trees as it can cause electrocution
If a fire does occur please immediately evacuate and call 911. Call us at (301)-459-0444 so that we can assist you in remediating any fire damage that comes your way this holiday season.
Back to School Tips
8/14/2019 (Permalink)
So the blissful days of summer seem to be coming to an end. This means that the kids are heading back to school and the headaches of scheduling activities are going away right? Well, if you’re children, and yourself of course are having some trouble getting back into a routine, then check out these tips to help ease the idea of Math, Social Studies, and English for your kids:
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Your kid needs a good breakfast.
With a less-structured summer schedule, parents can tend to be more laid-back about meals. I’ve had students fall asleep or burst into tears in class, and I know it’s because they haven’t eaten. Get back into healthy breakfasts when school starts so kids can focus better. We’ll love you for it. —Colleen Mier, Irving, TX
Shoes can make or break their day.
There’s nothing more distracting than a pair of uncomfortable shoes. Make shopping for a new pair of sneakers a fun event that hypes the new school year. And please, have kids walk around in them for a few days before Day One. That way the shoes are broken in and I can have their full attention. —Jill Armstrong, Carlsbad, CA
Exploring the Globe with Kids
Life is short—why not explore? This blogger is committed to encouraging diversity while she shows her young family the world.
From HSBC Bank
If you get them excited before school starts, Day One will go easier.
Shop for a cool lunch box or backpack in the weeks leading up to school. Some principals will let kids visit their new classroom and even meet the teacher if you’re lucky. But we’re busy prepping, so please keep the visit to a few minutes! —Len Saunders, Montville, NJ
Setting goals can lead to success.
As the first day back draws closer, talk to your child about what a “good” day looks like and what the reward will be. Also discuss what would constitute a “bad” day and go over the consequences that would involve. A clear understanding of your expectations makes it more likely your kid will succeed. —Traci D. W. Jackson, Atlanta, GA
We dread when your child is late.
I don’t think parents realize the stress that being late puts on a kid. To make mornings run smoother, prepare everything the night before. I’m talking all clothes chosen and laid out, water bottles filled, schoolbags ready. I have my son and daughter, who are 13 and 11, put their backpacks in the car before they go to sleep. —Ann Boles, Plano, TX
MIDDLE SCHOOL
You’re probably more nervous than your child.
Parents have a hard time—on so many levels—transitioning from elementary to middle school. Their sons and daughters are growing up! But kids see this as an exciting time. They could be going to a new school in a new environment with new teachers and new kids. I know it’s easier said than done, but please don’t convey to your kids that you’re anxious because they’ll feel anxious too. —Karen Evans, Old Saybrook, CT
Mindset-wise, sooner is better.
With my own kids, I gradually start transitioning back to school-year thinking in late summer, asking them to help pack lunches for the beach and getting them into bed a bit earlier. Sometimes we sit at the table and do a little reading or writing. It doesn’t have to be anything grand, just enough to ease them back into the routines they’ll need when school starts. —Sarah May, Bristol, CT
Don’t believe everything you hear.
If your child is assigned a teacher that other students supposedly hate, or someone goes out of their way to tell you how “mean” a certain teacher is, don’t agonize over it. Everyone is different, and your child may very well get along just fine with that teacher. —Stacy Kasse, Haddonfield, NJ
The locker may be the toughest part. Buy a lock early enough that your child can practice opening it until it’s easy. —Amy Buckelew, Bridgewater, NJ
HIGH SCHOOL
We want you at Back-to-School Night.
By the time your kids reach high school, you’re likely not getting much face-to-face time at school, so it’s important to attend Back-to-School Night to get to know your child’s teachers and routines. Many districts have school websites or apps to keep you in the loop about assignments, tests and other key events. Use them! —Karen Herman, Richmond, VA
Trust me, I’m your partner.
I would love for parents to email me at the beginning of the year to introduce themselves. And yes, tone counts. Make it positive, with the assumption being, we’re a team. Something like, “I’m looking forward to working with you this year. If there’s anything I can do to make Suzy’s year better, please let me know.” That tells me you trust my experience. By supporting me, you empower me to get the best from your student. —Adrienne Oliver, Charlottesville, VA
Don’t do it for them.
In elementary and middle school, parents and teachers play more of a coach role. And students’ successes and failures rest on how well the adults do their job as coaches. But when kids get into high school, they have to control their own successes and failures. Remember, I want your child to succeed. But that doesn’t mean I’m not going to fail them if they don’t do the work. I’m here to facilitate, but students have to do the work on their own. —Kim Mohn, Durham, NC
Encourage extracurriculars.
The work in high school can sometimes feel overwhelming. Finding something that interest’s teens and surrounds them with people who like that same thing can provide a welcome escape and be the key to staying positive. For instance, my daughter was involved in theater, French and art clubs. Those connections really helped her when things were tough. —Donna Allen-Krug, Plant City, FL
Your teen has to keep reading.
Most high schools give reading assignments over the summer, so make sure your kid does them. And as an English teacher, I’d like your child to be reading more than just that one assigned book. So read yourself—your kids need you modeling the behavior you want them to follow. —Lori Belbol, Franklin Square, NY
Connecting with one teacher can make all the difference.
High school teachers generally have large rosters and multiple subjects or sections. It can be easy for a child to start feeling invisible. A great solution: Encourage your child to find one teacher they trust. Send that teacher an email, introduce yourself and build a relationship with them as well. When your child is struggling, reach out to that teacher for guidance, suggestions or advice. —Jessica Todd,Saint Louis, MO
Help them get and stay organized.
There are a lot of moving pieces in high school, so a planner is crucial. Most versions have a month, a week and a day at a glance for scheduling homework. Also, teens can use their phones to set up reminders about assignments and due dates. Ask your kids at least once a week, “Do you have everything in your planner? Are you on track with all your work?” Then hopefully they won’t get crushed at the last minute. —Jeannette Wilt, Wilmington, DE
If you have any more questions, go to https://www.familycircle.com/family-fun/20-back-to-school-tips-from-teachers/ for more information.
A Snowed-in Home Improvement weekend
1/11/2019 (Permalink)
Most would believe that the best time for home improvement projects is only during the warm seasons, but contrary to popular belief, there are many projects that work best during the winter! Even better, here are two projects for your home this season that cost less than $500!
One thing to tackle this winter is applying new paint to the interior of your home. Not only is this a fun indoor project, but it also adds value to your home by providing a blank slate to any potential buyers if you are planning to sell, or even for yourself! With a fresh coat of paint, your home can be rejuvenated and have new paint shimmer.
Technology has greatly influenced home appliances in recent years, especially when it comes to programmable thermostats. This winter home improvement project lets homeowners customize the heating and cooling of their home to fit their needs, automatically regulating the temperature in their home. With different programming options available, including the ability to control some thermostats remotely, this improvement project will not only enhance your quality of life but save you money in the process!
For more winter projects to do this year, check out this awesome article from Fortune Builders
https://www.fortunebuilders.com/budget-winter-home-improvement-projects/
Preventing Frozen Pipes
12/5/2018 (Permalink)
One of the most annoying problems that come with winter weather is dealing with frozen pipes. If the temperature is cold enough, the water running through your system can freeze, expand, and break your pipes. Location plays a role in what causes the issue, including: pipes exposed to severe cold, water supply pipes in unheated places, or pipes that are placed on the exterior of your home.
One thing you can do to stop the problem before it starts is to take preventative steps. For example, when the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe - even at a trickle - helps prevent pipes from freezing.
If your pipes are already effected, there are also methods to thaw them. For example, apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials), or by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame device.
For more helpful tips and information, check out the American Red Cross below!
https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/winter-storm/frozen-pipes.html
Fall Home Tips
10/23/2018 (Permalink)
With Autumn coming in strong this year, it is only right that everyone does their best to prepare for the chilly season ahead. From clogged gutters to messy lawns there is always measures that can be taken to ensure a comfortable fall experience.
For starters, as temperatures decrease, it is now time to check your home heating system. It's in your best interest to schedule annual heating system check-ups. Additionally, it would be very beneficial to survey your homes vents and make sure none of them are blocked. Cleaning and replacing air filters would also be to your benefit.
Another tip for your home during the fall season would be to check for drafts. Make sure to go around your house to see if any of your windows or doors are letting a draft enter your home and do your best to close it up. Caulks or heavier drapes are a couple of helpful methods.
There is so many things one can do to make their home life easier during Autumn.
For more information, check out this link where additional tips can be found: https://weather.com/safety/news/fall-home-preparation-tips
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