Tip It is a good idea to keep cash or traveler’s checks hidden securely at home so that you have ready access to funds in case of a natural disaster or other major emergencies. Routine Care Replace supplies of batteries, water, and food Many emergencies are perishable or have expiration dates, and should be replaced […]

Overview A smoke detector is a device that detects the presence of smoke, typically as an indicator of fire. Smoke Detectors that are properly installed and maintained play a critical role in reducing home fire deaths and injuries. Smoke detectors (smoke alarms) generally come in two designs based on the type of smoke sensors they […]

Overview Drapes or Blinds are coverings that are placed over windows to block sunlight and/or provide privacy. Types of Drapes or Blinds include: Cafe Curtains; Priscilla Curtains; Vertical Blinds; Tab Curtains; Tent-flap Curtains; Venetian Blinds; Accordion Blinds; and Roll-up Blinds. Drapes, window blinds & curtains can be shut during the day to help keep sunlight […]

If someone in your family suffers from allergies or asthma, you will want to take steps to eliminate the triggers in your home environment that make them miserable. If you’re short on time, the most important room to target for improving your home’s allergy environment is the bedroom. It’s where you spend a large part […]

Idea Medicine bottles (both prescription and non-prescription ‘over-the-counter’ medications) have expiration dates written on them. Medicines that are past their expiration dates can become chemically unstable and potentially dangerous to take. Routine Care Throw out expired medicines Medicines that are past their expiration dates can become chemically unstable and potentially dangerous to take. Timing: December […]

Idea Be sure to check any places where pipes or wires penetrate the outside of your wood siding, and add caulking to seal the areas around these penetrations. Routine Care Inspect and maintain wood siding Unprotected wood siding risks being destroyed by insects, mold, and mildew. And rotten wood can allow water damage to occur […]

Idea Furniture (upholstered) Suggestion Applying fabric protection to your upholstered furniture can help extend its useful life and making cleaning significantly easier. Routine Care Task Clean, vacuum, and fluff upholstered furniture Dirt and dust on upholstered furniture acts as an abrasive and can accelerate the wearing of upholstered furniture. Flipping and fluffing cushions and pillows […]

Idea Brick Siding Suggestion To help save energy, check any places where pipes or wires penetrate the outside of your home (or to unfinished areas inside your home) and add caulking to seal any air leaks in the areas around these penetrations. Routine Care Task Inspect, clean, and repair brick siding Prevents entry of water […]

Overview Furniture (leather) Leather Furniture includes chairs, couches, sofas, etc. that have all or some of its coverings made from natural leather. If your furniture is covered either entirely or partially with fabric materials, then you should also put a checkmark for ‘Furniture (upholstered)’ as part of your home features in your Home Wizard app. […]

Tip Microwave Oven Tip The most common “cold spot” for a microwave is in the center of it, so arrange evenly sized portions of food spaced in a ring around the center for more even cooking. Routine Care Task Inspect and clean This task reduces potential safety hazards and improves the operating energy efficiency of […]