National Property Inspections of Rochester, NY Blog

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According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in recent years an average of about 250 children under 5 years old drowned in pools nationwide annually. Most of these cases involved residential pools.

In order to ensure a safe pool environment and prevent drowning:

• Fences and walls around the pool should be at least 4 feet high

• Don’t leave pool toys in the pool area that may attract young children to the water

• A power safety cover can be used when the pool is not in use

• Keep rescue equipment by the pool and a phone with emergency numbers posted

• For above ground pools, steps and ladders to the pool should be secured and locked
For more information, go to U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

http://www.npiweb.com/sansone

http://www.npiweb.com/sansone

New paint is one of the first things to consider when looking to remake or update a room. Painting takes work and time, but it is one of the quickest and most inexpensive ways to change the look and feel of a room.

• If you aren’t sure where to begin with color, test a small room or area first.

• Consider the mood of the room when selecting the color. Soft, cool colors and neutrals usually create a more calm feeling while bold, strong colors add drama.

• Pay attention to the lighting in the room. Natural lighting shows the truest color, incandescent lighting brings out warm tones and yellows, and fluorescent lighting adds a sharp blue tone.

• Decorative finishes add depth to rooms. Visual texture transforms dull walls into eye-catching areas while layered glazes and metal finishes add depth.

• Consider adjacent rooms when choosing the color in order to create an even flow throughout the house.

A little painting can go a long way to add character to your home.

To find out more, visit HGTV.

http://www.npiweb.com/sansone

http://www.npiweb.com/sansone

According to the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) recently released Home Structure Fires report, 399,000 home fires were reported in the United States in 2007. On average, eight people die in home fires every day in the United States.

Progress has been made to protect and provide added safety to every home, NFPA provides several tips:

• Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling or broiling food.

• Keep fixed and portable space heaters at least three feet from anything that can burn.

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home.

• If you are building or remodeling your home, install residential fire sprinklers.

• Replace cords that are cracked, frayed, have broken plugs or loose connections.

For more information, go to The National Fire Protection Agency.

http://www.npiweb.com/sansone