Month: March 2021

When the littlest member of your family gets close to becoming mobile, it’s time to baby proof. Some people might enlist the help of a professional, but many take on the task themselves. If you’re a do-it-yourselfer then below are some tasks to get you started!

• Place baby gates at the top and bottom of stairs.
• Cover all sharp corners of furniture, counters, and cabinets with bumpers or padding.
• Insert safety plugs in all outlets or switch over to self closing outlet covers.
• Install blind cord wraps next to any windows with dangling cords.
• Add safety locks to all toilets. Lock cabinets and drawers in the bathrooms and kitchen.
• Secure furniture that can easily tip over, like bookshelves, TV stands, end tables, and sets of drawers, by anchoring them to the wall.
• Add pinch guards on the side of the doors.
• Install door knob or lever covers.
• Cover stove knobs and install an oven door lock.
• Purchase garbage cans with lids that lock.
• Mount your TVs on the wall and tuck away any loose cords.
• Set the water heater to no higher than 120 degrees to avoid scalding.
• Put window guards on screens.
• Hire someone to install a gate to enclose the pool, if applicable.
• Place any chemical products, like antifreeze and pesticide, on a high shelf in the garage.
• Lock away tools in a cabinet.
• Use cord holders to fasten cords to walls or hide them with a cover.

Although it takes a little time and work upfront, baby proofing properly will give you peace of mind and assurance that your little one will be protected from unintentional injuries in your home.

As a homeowner, costs can really start to add up, so it never hurts to take measures to help you reduce your monthly utility bills. Below are a few ways to do just that!

Electricity Bill

Saving money on your electricity bill can be done multiple ways. Some easy changes include running appliances, like the stove, dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer, at night, opting to air dry clothes, or cooking meals in a crockpot or toaster oven. Set aside time throughout the year to inspect the areas around doors and windows and seal any cracks with caulk or weather stripping. Additionally, make sure to unplug electronics when not in use or use a power strip to turn them all off at once.

Water Bill

Your monthly water bill can sneak up on you, but small changes can be made to cut costs. Install WaterSense-certified faucets and shower heads and convert toilets to low flow to reduce the amount of water used. Make sure to regularly check toilets and sinks for leaks and repair them. Opt for using your dishwasher instead of hand washing and ensure its a full load each time. Also, don’t forget to turn off water while brushing your teeth and shaving.

Gas Bill

Investing in some changes up front can make a difference on your natural gas bill long term. Add insulation in your attic and around your water heater and pipes. Make sure to repair any leaks in your ducts, inspect your furnace regularly, and check your home for any blocked vents that could cause your gas heating system to work overtime. You can also reduce the temperature of your water heater.