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According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the air inside our homes may be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air. What's surprising is that this statistic does not exclude newer homes, which can actually test higher than older residences in terms of poor indoor air quality.

In a rush to conserve energy in the 1970s, builders, architects and designers began building tighter homes with energy efficient windows and doors and thicker insulation in an effort to seal out potential drafts. While we succeeded in lowering the cost of energy bills, we ended up adding to the problem of trapping volatile organic compounds (VOCs) - harmful fumes caused by leftover building products, furniture, animal dander, and indoor mildew and mold - inside our homes.

Today, Americans spend millions of dollars each year on indoor air filtration systems. We purchase everything from small, tabletop models to whole-house units for our homes. And yet, even with all the information available on the market, there is major debate on which ones truly work the best.

Below are five steps that you can take to improve your home's indoor air quality. By following these steps and coupling them with the right indoor air purifying unit, you'll breathe a lot easier in your own home.

Step One -- Test your home for possible contaminants.

Today, there are a number of in-home test kits available to assess everything from lead on walls and in your drinking water, to asbestos and radon gas. And utilizing these inexpensive kits can give you the peace of mind of knowing that you and your family are safe.

Step Two -- If you have a forced air heating system, have the air ducts cleaned regularly and upgrade to better furnace air filters.

Homeowners often ask, "Is cleaning my air ducts worth it?" The answer is yes. Even if your home is new, you may have more internal construction debris and dust than a home that is 10 to 15 years old. When getting your air ducts cleaned, make sure the contractor is a member of the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (www.nadca.com), and uses not only high velocity air, but a whip that is fed through the ductwork to loosen any debris stuck to the walls of the sheet-metal. The average cost to clean ductwork in your home is about $300 to $500, but the results are well worth the expense.

In conjunction, for many of us, the furnace filter is a spun glass filter that costs less than a dollar. While this filter will protect the blower motor, it will do next to nothing when it comes to improving your indoor air quality. Upgrade to a pleated filter that captures smaller particles so small that even the naked eye cannot see. The key is to change them regularly - every couple of months should do - to prevent to the restriction of airflow through your heating system.

Step Three -- Keep your home as clean as possible.

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), an estimated 57 million Americans suffer from severe allergies and asthma and keeping your home as clean as possible can dramatically improve the air you breathe. Dusting window treatments, around window and door trim and those out-of-reach areas can make a huge impact. Use a bagless vacuum cleaner that utilizes a HEPA filter to maximize your cleaning power and avoid the plume of dust that occurs when you'd otherwise change the bag.

Step Four -- Consider purchasing an indoor air purifier.

Because they can vary in performance, size and cost, it's important that you find the right purifier to fit your needs. There are a number of Web sites you can turn to for help. One of the industry standards is put forth by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers' (AHAM) Air Cleaner Council (www.aham.org). There, testing helps set certain parameters so that all purification units are measured against the same criteria. If you're thinking of a particular model and in search of its product rating guide, visit www.cadr.org for the unit's "clean air delivery rate." In turn, take advantage of the 30-day free trial offer many manufacturers offer. By the end of 30 days, you'll know if you are breathing easier and if the unit is worth the investment.

HEPA filtration (High Efficiency Particulate Air) is one of the most common approaches to cleaning the air. A good quality HEPA filtering system can be up to 99.97 percent efficient at filtering particulates that are 0.3 microns from the air. This filtering system has been widely used and accepted by organizations promoting indoor air quality standards to clean the indoor air of smoke, dust, pollen, mold spores and pet dander.

Portable units, when sized correctly, can do a good job of cleaning the air in a particular room. But the key is to make sure that unit is sized for the square footage of that room. In addition, the faster the fan runs, the more air is exchanged through the unit. While this does increase the noise, the units will work much better.

HEPA room purifiers can range in price from $30 to $300. These units use a modular filter system which makes finding and installing the filters much easier.

Step Five -- Protect your family by installing a carbon monoxide detector.

It used to be that smoke detectors were enough to protect your family. However, in recent years, homeowners across America have been taking safety a step further by installing carbon monoxide detectors in their homes.

When installing a carbon monoxide detector, remember that the placement of that detector is key. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends it be located near the sleeping area, where it can wake you if you are asleep; however, additional detectors on every level and in every bedroom of a home provides extra protection.

Credit:  Lou Manfredini's Tips From the Tool Box, Ace Hardware

Your room-by-room fire hazard checklist should include:

Living Room

• Open the flue or damper before starting a fire in your fireplace, every time.
• Keep all flammables at least three feet away from the fireplace.
• Place a sturdy fireplace screen in front of the fireplace.
• Have your chimney cleaned and inspected by a professional at least once a year.
• Keep candles and lamps at least one foot away from your curtains.
• Use safety caps to cover all unused outlets.
• Use large, deep ashtrays. Never leave a burning cigarette unattended.

Bedroom

• Never use candles in your bedroom.
• Keep all lamps free of flammable materials.
• Don’t run electrical cords under rugs.
• Replace and repair loose or frayed electrical cords.
• Don’t allow permanent use of extension cords.
• Don’t staple or nail electrical cords.
• Never smoke in bed.
• Never leave heavy objects on the bed when an electric blanket is in use.
• Install a carbon monoxide alarm near bedrooms.

Bathroom

• Don’t overload outlets with cords from too many appliances. Plug them in one at a time.
• If an outlet or switch feels unusually warm, stop using it and call an electrician.
• Never set hot appliances on flammable materials.
• Unplug all appliances when done using them.
• Make sure cords from appliances are not getting pinched in drawers.
• Keep towels and other flammables at least three feet away from space heaters.

Hallway

• Install ceiling-mounted smoke alarms that are at least four inches away from the walls on every level of your home.
• Ensure smoke alarms are UL listed.
• Wall-mounted smoke alarms should be installed four to 12 inches away from the ceiling.
• Don’t install smoke alarms near windows, doors or ducts.
• Test your smoke alarms once a month.
• Vacuum your smoke alarms every six months.
• Change your smoke alarm batteries at least once a year. Make sure batteries are always in smoke alarms.

Kitchen

• If you have a fire extinguisher, be sure you are properly trained to use it.
• Make sure the fire extinguisher is for multi-purpose use.
• Keep the fire extinguisher in a place where it is easy to access.
• Never leave anything on the stove or under the broiler unattended.
• Keep the cooking area clear of items that can burn.
• Maintain a three-foot kid-free and pet-free zone around the stove.
• Avoid wearing loose-fitting clothing while you are cooking.

Basement

• Have your heating system serviced once a year before cold weather begins.
• When buying a new unit, have a qualified technician install it or check that it was installed properly.
• Choose a heating device with an automatic shutoff feature.
• Make sure your clothes dryer is installed and serviced by a professional.
• Have a gas-powered dryer inspected by a professional at least once a year to check flexible gas lines for damage and proper connection, and to ensure all piping is free of leaks.
• Keep areas around heating sources clear of debris and insulated from the heating source.
• Be sure to clean the lint tray in your dryer before each use and check around the drum for any accumulated lint.
• Do not store clothing or other combustibles any closer than one foot from the dryer.
• Do not let your dryer continue running when you leave your home.

For additional information and resources to help you learn more and stay safe in and around your home, please visit www.homesafetycouncil.org.

The U.S. fire department responds to an average of 7,700 home fires involving grills, hibachis or barbecues per year, including an average of 3,200 structure fires and 4,500 outside fires. These 7,700 fires caused an annual average of 13 deaths, 120 injuries and $70 million in direct property damage. To make sure your next barbecue doesn’t go up in flames, the Home Safety Council recommends the following safety tips:

• Designate the grilling area a “No Play Zone”, keeping kids and pets well away until grill equipment is completely cool.
• Before using, position your grill at least 3 feet away from other objects, including the house and any shrubs or bushes.
• Only use starter fluid made for barbecue grills when starting a fire in a charcoal grill.
• Before using a gas grill, check the connection between the propane tank and the fuel line to be sure it is working properly and not leaking.
• Never use a match to check for leaks. If you detect a leak, immediately turn off the gas and don't attempt to light the grill again until the leak is fixed.
• Never bring a barbecue grill indoors or into any unventilated space. This is both a fire and carbon monoxide poisoning hazard.

For additional information and resources to help you learn more and stay safe in and around your home, please visit www.homesafetycouncil.org.

A trigger lock is a two-piece lock that fits over a gun’s trigger and trigger guard to prevent a gun from being fired. They’re available in versions with keys or combinations.

Check your state and local codes before starting any project. Follow all safety precautions. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and safety of this information. Neither Westlake nor any contributor can be held responsible for damages or injuries resulting from the use of the information in this document.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, fire is the second-leading cause of accidental death in the home. So how can you protect your family from this hazard?

While most of us understand the value of smoke alarms, these should only be one part of your overall home fire prevention plan. There are many other ways to protect your family from fire.

Here is some advice on how to help your family stay safe:

• Have at least one smoke alarm on each floor. It's an inexpensive - and imperative - first line of defense against fire. Place smoke alarms outside bedrooms and keep them in working order by testing them monthly and replacing batteries once a year.
• Install carbon monoxide detectors. These inexpensive devices could help alert your family to toxic fumes. Place them near bedrooms alongside smoke detectors, and in the same rooms as gas-burning appliances like furnaces and water heaters.
• Guard against electrical fires. Inspect electrical cords regularly and discard if they are frayed. Never plug too many cords into a single socket, and keep the cords away from sources of heat and water.
• Use appliances with care. Appliances can overheat, resulting in flames and smoke. Keep cords and wires out from under rugs, hanging over nails or in the middle of a high traffic area. An unusual smell emitting from an appliance is a warning sign, so replace old or broken parts immediately.
• Use portable heaters wisely. Every year you read news stories during the winter about fires caused by portable heaters. You must be extremely careful when using these devices. Keep heaters at least three feet away from furniture, curtains, bed linens, clothing and any other combustible items.
• Safety-proof your fireplace. Use a heavy, well-built screen to prevent rolling logs and make sure that the screen is large enough to cover the entire opening of the fireplace to keep flying sparks and hot embers inside. Make sure the fire is completely out before going to bed or leaving the house.
• Retrofit security bars on windows. While security bars are a smart way to keep intruders out, they can also impede escape in the event of a fire. Retrofit the bars with quick release devices.
• Have a fire escape plan. Your final step should be an evacuation plan. The plan should include at least two ways out of every room in your home. Make sure to share it with every household member and practice it occasionally.

Remember, your home should be the place where your family feels most safe, so take the steps necessary to give them the added reassurance.

Credit:  Lou Manfredini's Tips From the Tool Box, Ace Hardware

The dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) gas have been far too apparent over the years, as countless deaths occur annually as a result of CO inhalation. Without the proper detection equipment, there's virtually no way you'd be aware that this colorless, odorless, tasteless gas was affecting you and your family.

Scientifically speaking, carbon monoxide is caused by the incomplete combustion of carbon containing compounds in circumstances where oxygen supply is limited. In other words, low oxygen in the combustion (burning) environment prevents the gaseous byproduct from being turned into carbon dioxide (CO2), and if you're breathing air right now, you know CO2 is not as dangerous as CO.

The most common "offenders" in the creation of this dangerous gas are all around us: exhaust from cars and other motor vehicles with internal combustion engines, wood-burning stoves, portable camping stoves and other propane-fueled equipment, even house fires.

Invest in a CO detector for your home, keep it up-to-date with battery changes, and listen to it... if the alarm sounds, take it seriously.

Credit:  Lou Manfredini's Tips From the Tool Box, Ace Hardware

This is a warning signal that the batteries are low. If your alarm is more than 10 years old, you should consider replacing it, just to make sure that you have one that is in good working order.

Check your state and local codes before starting any project. Follow all safety precautions. Information in this document has been furnished by the North American Retail Hardware Association (NRHA) and associated contributors. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and safety. Neither NRHA, any contributor nor the retailer can be held responsible for damages or injuries resulting from the use of the information in this document.

Use a neoprene-treated glove. It is chemical resistant.

Check your state and local codes before starting any project. Follow all safety precautions. Information in this document has been furnished by the North American Retail Hardware Association (NRHA) and associated contributors. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and safety. Neither NRHA, any contributor nor the retailer can be held responsible for damages or injuries resulting from the use of the information in this document.

It only takes one unlocked window to invite a thief into your home. And, although nearly 2.5 million burglaries occur each year, a new study by Ace Hardware reveals 79 percent of people feel "very safe" in their homes. This last statistic breeds a false sense of comfort and suggests there is more homeowners should do to defend their dwellings.

Follow these tips for tightening up your home's security:

Door locks are deterrents

Many would-be burglars won't hesitate to use the front door, so turn them away with a good deadbolt. There are two types of deadbolts, single cylinder and double cylinder. Single cylinder locks are keyed on the outside with a thumb-turn knob on the inside and are good for general entry doors. Double cylinder locks are keyed on both the outside and the inside and are good for entry doors flanked by windows.

Security that makes the grade

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) uses a grading system to gauge the safety and security of door locks. Grade 3 locksets are the most cost-effective and provide low-level residential security. Grade 2 locksets meet light commercial building requirements and provide medium safety at a medium price. Grade 1 locksets, though somewhat more costly, meet stringent commercial building requirements and provide maximum residential security. Generally, a Grade 2 lock is sufficient for most homes.

Windows and patio doors

Some of the easiest entry points into the home are windows and patio doors. Make sure these are always shut tight and locked, especially if they can be accessed from the first floor. For single- and double-hung windows, make sure the sash locks work properly. For sliding windows and patio doors, consider installing a security bar to prevent unwanted opening of the unit.

Security lighting

It's hard for thieves to use the cover of darkness when they can't find any, so keep the areas surrounding your home well-lit, especially around points of entry. Decorative lighting around the perimeter of your home serves a dual purpose, while motion activated lights on the side of the house and near the back door keep the darkness, and the burglars, away.

Shrubbery

Make sure bushes and tree branches are trimmed to prevent the landscaping from serving as a hiding placed for burglars.

Having a secure home doesn't require unsightly barred windows or solid-steel entry doors. Choose security options that fit your home's décor. Interior window locks as well as light fixtures and door handles are available in a wide variety of styles and finishes to suit your needs.

Tightening up your home is an investment in the safety of you and your family. Spend a little time and money upfront to prevent having to make up for damages and lost property later.

Credit:  Lou Manfredini's Tips From the Tool Box, Ace Hardware

While brass padlocks will hold up better in the weather than standard ones, most people are happier with the plastic weatherproof casing. Obviously, the brass ones provide a decorative option.

Check your state and local codes before starting any project. Follow all safety precautions. Information in this document has been furnished by the North American Retail Hardware Association (NRHA) and associated contributors. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and safety. Neither NRHA, any contributor nor the retailer can be held responsible for damages or injuries resulting from the use of the information in this document.

If you cut a few inches off of the bottom of the tree trunk, this will expose the fresh wood and will allow for better water absorption. Also, heat from inside the home can dry out live trees very easily, so be sure that the tree’s stand is always filled with water.

Check your state and local codes before starting any project. Follow all safety precautions. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and safety of this information. Neither Westlake nor any contributor can be held responsible for damages or injuries resulting from the use of the information in this document.