Home Safety Resources (01)

Home Electrical Safety Tips from Popular Mechanics
This article from Popular Mechanics provides important home safety information. For example, there are two basic types of smoke alarms: 120-volt hard-wired and 9-volt battery-operated. Each of these alarms has its advantages. Battery-operated models are easy to install and require no wiring, so they're very affordable. The batteries last about a year in standard alarms, but some premium models now come with lithium batteries that are good for 10 years. These are ideal for vaulted ceilings, stairwells and other hard-to-reach spots. In addition to smoke alarms, most homes—those with gas- or oil-fired appliances—should have a carbon monoxide detector. Carbon monoxide (CO) is lethal in high concentrations. Early symptoms include dizziness, fatigue and nausea. CO is odorless, tasteless and colorless and it poses its greatest threat at night, when houses are closed up and people are asleep. Conduct a family fire drill in which everyone practices staying low, and develop more than one escape route. There are also several easy things you can do to prevent fires. Avoid letting the kids use candles. And make it a point to unplug -- not just turn off -- all resistance-heating small appliances when you're done with them. These include coffeepots, toasters, irons and blow dryers. On/Off switches can fail and these appliances have long histories as fire starters. And finally, clean your clothes dryer vent regularly, especially where it connects to the dryer, and clear the lint trap after each load. There are four basic types of deadbolts. The first is a combination lockset and deadbolt, which is essentially a beefed-up lockset. You get a stronger bolt without having to drill a second set of holes. These fit standard pre-drilled openings. The second type is the once-popular rim lock. It mounts on the surface of the door and edge of the jamb and is therefore easier to install.

Huge List of Must-Do Electrical Safety Tips
Misuse of electricity can pose risk of fire and electrocution, and this lengthy article at LoveToKnow.com has tons of useful tips that you should always follow. The first part talks about the safety measures when using home appliances such as heaters, TV, and computer. The second part is how to be careful when handling power cords and what you should not do with them. The third part contains tips on proper use of electrical outlet, such as installation of ground fault circuit interrupter outlets in potentially dangerous areas such as kitchen. The fourth part is about safety measures when it comes to light bulbs. There are also strict advices on dealing with outdoor power lines.

Guard Dog Training & Selection
Guard dog training must always be carried out by a professional who has extensive experience and is well-qualified. There are a number of factors to consider with regard to guard dog training. The first of these is the kind of breeds that can be trained to be guard dogs. Breeds like German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Dobermans and Belgian Malinois make the best guard dogs. Moreover, dogs need to be trained in ways that allow the owner to have complete control over them. Simply training your dog to attack or bite is not enough. Obedience is a key factor. Finally, it is not enough to train your dog and leave him/her be. Guard dogs need to practice their training frequently, in order to retain their skills. It is the responsibility of the owner or professional to create training scenarios for the dog to practice.

Backyard Fire Pit Safety Tips
A backyard fire pit is something that brings back memories of time spent in front of a bonfire as a child. To make the experience enjoyable and safe for everyone in attendance, choosing the right kind of fire pit is key. Placement is another important consideration, and you will find suggestions for choosing the right spot to construct the fire pit. Tips for using the fire pit safely are provided, and you will also learn how to extinguish the fire safely.