18 MARCH 14, 2019 RIDGEWOOD TIMES WWW.QNS.COM
AT HOME
Rest easier with these fi ve quick home fi xes
Ongoing, routine upkeep is
important to ensure the house
stays running. While it may
seem easier to put off tasks for a later
date, checking off some smaller chores
now can help avoid incidents or costly
repairs later.
“Home maintenance can be easy to
overlook when the day-to-day gets busy,
but it is important to always make time
for safety-related tasks,” said Tarsila
Wey, director of marketing for First
Alert. “Simple steps such as installing
and maintaining carbon monoxide
alarms only take a few minutes, and are
crucial to keep loved ones safe from the
deadly gas.”
Amp up your home safety with the
following quick tips:
1. Invest in light timers. Installing
light timers for lights inside and outside
your house can give the appearance
of being home, whether you’re away
on vacation or you’ve stepped out for
the night. Timers only take minutes
to install and can make a world of
difference when viewed from the
street. By using a light timer instead of
leaving a light or two on when away, you
can save energy and money while still
deterring any potential thieves.
2. Clean the gutters. With the end of
winter storms come outside chores, and
clearing out your gutters is important
to keep your home safe. If the gutters
are too full, your home can suff er from
water damage to the roof and water can
pour over the gutters, putting other
parts of your home at risk. While you
are checking the gutters, inspect your
shingles to make sure they are still in
good shape.
3. Install carbon monoxide alarms.
Known as “the silent killer,” carbon
monoxide (CO) is an odorless and
colorless gas, making it impossible to
detect without a CO alarm. The National
Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
estimates there are more than 80,000
incidents per year. The most important
step is to have CO alarms in your
home - and enough of them. CO alarms
should be installed on every level of
the home, including the basement, and
in all bedrooms or sleeping areas. CO
alarms should be battery-powered or
hardwired with battery back-up.
4. Store valuables. Having a safe
at home can prove a wise investment
when it comes to natural disasters.
Through fi re or fl ood, a safe can help
protect important documents, family
photos and keepsakes, as well as jewelry
and other valuables. For the ultimate
protection, look for a safe that is both
fi re resistant and waterproof (not just
water “resistant”).
5. Establish a family emergency
plan. Knowing - and practicing - what
to do in the event of an emergency is
important. Ensuring loved ones are
prepared for a fi re, and know to call 911
and where to meet outside the home,
is crucial. Other incidents may occur
as well when you need to be prepared
to stay in the home, such as a natural
disaster or power outage.
To learn more about home safety, visit
FirstAlert.com.
Courtesy BPT
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100-07 Metropolitan Avenue,
Forest Hills
718.544.2634
Fax: 718.263.2032
COUNTERTOPS
STARTING AT $45 PER SQ. FT.
Including Installation
$600
OFF FOR PURCHASES OF $5000 OR MORE
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