Most house fires start in the kitchen which accounts for almost 28 percent of all fires in the home. This is a very high number and most fires in the kitchen are caused by either a lack of concentration or because the person was interrupted by an unexpected occurrence. This could be something simple such as the telephone ringing, a caller at the door or maybe one of your children needs your immediate attention.

One of the main causes of fire in the kitchen is when dealing with very hot oil. If not monitored it can reach such high temperatures as to catch alight in an instant. When this happens instant panic will set-in as you try to find a very quick solution while under intense stress and trauma. Most people would dampen a towel under the tap and throw the soaking material over the flames. Smothering the fire does work because it starves the flames of the oxygen they need. But using a small towel to do it causes more danger.

Many people who have tried this method have the burn scars to prove it. The problem is that you feel you have to get very close to the fire to douse the flames. If you miss you may not get a second chance so you get as close as you can get. This is where the severe burning takes place. It may not be the actual flames that cause the skin damage, it could be just the intense heat. Other people have been burned because they may have missed the target and try to retrieve the cloth to try again. This time you may have a partly burning cloth to contend with as well as a fire that is on the verge of getting out of control.

Fire blankets are recommended by all the emergency services and people involved in health and safety. They immediately know the safety benefits that fire blankets can bring when used correctly. They should be made easily accessible near an exit doorway. Never hide them away in draws or cupboards and expect to find them easily when a fire takes hold. Placing them near to an exit ensures that you have away out should the fire blanket not be enough or if things go wrong.

Fire blankets are also ideal for covering someone who has actually caught fire and can also be worn over the head if you need to pass an area that is on fire or where extreme temperatures are causing difficulty. Protecting the vital organs is the most important factor when you are confronted with fire.

Fire blankets can be purchased in many DIY stores and hardware shops and the costs varies with the type and size you need. Many of the fire blankets can be reusable after washing though you will need to check the supporting documents for confirmation of this.

Every home should have a fire blanket located in the kitchen or where cooking takes place. When you consider the minimal cost to purchase one against the protection they provide for your home, your personal effects and of course your loved ones they will be one of the best investments you can ever make.

About The Author

Mark Fynn writes many articles for specialist web sites and you can find more information about fire blankets here http://www.fire-blankets.net.

By: Michael Clem

It’s that time of year again – the weather is getting a bit cooler as the fall and winter seasons begin. The dropping temperatures will inevitably affect energy costs, and as you look at ways to keep your energy bill down by winterizing your home, remember to consider the roof.

Taking steps to keep your energy bill under control, such as finding drafts and sealing them, replacing old insulation, and checking your vinyl siding and windows for wear and tear are all futile efforts with an old, battered roof.

The Cost of Your Old Roof

Just as a hat keeps you warm in the winter, your roof functions in a similar way for your home – it holds the heat in. But if your roof is old and worn, if your home has no “hat,” your efforts to heat your home could literally be going through the roof. In addition, an old roof is often leaky, contributing to mold and bacteria overgrowth in your home.

The end result can be chronic allergy problems and even respiratory infections for you and your family, because you are breathing in contaminated air.

A trained professional roofing contractor is best-equipped to identify problem areas on your roof and let you know whether minor repairs need to be done, or if there is enough damage, wear and tear to warrant a roof replacement instead.

The Value of a New Roof

Replacing your roof is an investment, helping to cut your energy costs and increase the value of your home. A 2005 annual report by Remodeling Online Magazine reported the average cost of replacing a roof can range anywhere from about $11,500 to $17,000, depending on where you live in the United States.

And your new roof can prove to be a lucrative investment if you ever decide to move. GAF Materials Corp., (a manufacturer of residential and commercial building supplies including roofing materials) reports that, according to a group of realtors surveyed, up to 40 percent of your home’s curb appeal is your roof. Though its impact is more subtle, the appearance of your roof can attract buyers to your home and increase the resale value of your home when you’re ready to sell.

Before You Shop

Often, a poor-quality roofing job does not show any signs of a problem for years. Getting a new roof is a major investment in your home, so be very careful when you begin to look for a contractor. In addition to making sure you see a portfolio of their previous work, ask for references and make sure you call them.

When looking for a roofing contractor, you want a qualified professional who will use the best materials and back up their work with a good warranty that doesn’t just cover the roofing materials, but also covers the labor to repair those roofing materials should you need repairs done.

If you have a roofing contractor in your local area that is a Certified Master Elite Roofer – only 2% of all roofers in the U.S. carry this distinction – you can rest assured that the work done on your home is excellent quality and is covered under a strong warranty.

Roofing Accessories to Consider

As you talk with contractors, keep in mind that the installation of a new roof involves more than just nailing in your shingles. A good roofing job will include at least a waterproof leak barrier, and ideally an additional layer of protection from the elements, sometimes called “roof deck protection.” Once this foundation is laid, then your shingles will be laid down.

Also discuss attic ventilation with your roofing contractor – without it, in the summer, your attic can get so hot that it actually bakes your shingles. And in the winter, the hot moist air heating your home can get trapped in your attic, soak and diminish the effectiveness of your insulation, and increase your energy bill.

Lastly, if you were ever thinking of getting skylights for your home, now is the best time to plan for them.

Many homeowners wait until their roof is leaking, there is major, visible damage or there is a complete catastrophe before replacing their roof. What these homeowners don’t realize is they are wasting money on their energy bills in the meantime. A new roof will increase the beauty of your home, cut your energy bills, and play a major role in your ability to sell your home at your asking price. Find out the condition of your roof before the winter weather sets in so that you can be aware of its condition and avoid the headaches that come when catastrophe pushes you into the emergency purchase of a new roof.

Tags: Roofing

Most homeowners are quite clear about the importance of making their home’s interior appealing when trying to sell it. But when faced with selling in a buyer’s market – when homes are selling more slowly – the details of your home’s interior and exterior become more important to attracting potential buyers. If you want to increase the number of buyers who visit your open house or inquire about a showing, take the time to boost your home’s curb appeal.

Curb appeal refers to the exterior attractiveness of your home, the way that your potential buyer sees your home when he first drives past. Curb appeal is the potential homebuyer’s first introduction to your home. A charming and well-kept house helps draw the buyer in. As always, there are key factors that you must keep in mind as you make decisions about which exterior improvements you want to make.

Remove the Rose Colored Glasses
First, begin to look at your home as an investor, and not as a homeowner. As long as you see your house through your sentimental eyes, you run the risk of overlooking the small details that can make a significant difference in whether your home sells for your asking price. To gain perspective, put yourself in the potential buyer’s shoes – drive past the house to see what homebuyers see when they do the same; stand across the street to get a good look at the house at a distance; and do either of these activities in the evening, as many homebuyers also do. Identify any flaws or potential turn-offs in your home’s exterior.

Bring Maintenance Up To Date
After you’ve gained some perspective, begin basic cleaning and brush up on the mundane tasks that you may have neglected. Remove any tools or children’s toys from the yard – rakes, gardening tools, children’s swimming pool and bikes – then, get to work:

• Mow the lawn and manicure the edges and the grass around the mailbox;
• Trim tree limbs and shape up any shrubbery;
• Remove grass and weeds growing in the driveway, the sidewalk and any other walk ways;
• Power wash dingy vinyl siding, windows, porches, steps and decks;
• Clear gutters and finally,
• De-clutter, clean and organize your garage.

How’s Your Green?
Next, add elements to make your lot more attractive. Begin with the greenery.

• If grass is not lush, thick and green – make a decision to either invest in materials (grass seed, fertilizer, etc.) to make the lawn more attractive, consider purchasing sod or hire a lawn service
• Remove any dead plants or shrubs and replace them with full, healthy, blooming ones

Even if you have to remove some of your greenery, don’t get rid of everything – a bare landscape is not very warm and inviting, and will encourage potential homeowners to drive right past your property.

Spruce It Up
Another important element is your home’s exterior hardware. What needs to be changed or replaced? Minor changes can make a big difference:

• A good stain may help spruce up the deck
• A porch swing and/or some sleek and stylish front porch furniture can add charm and give your front porch a stronger sense of home
• Line your sidewalks and driveway with lighting for a more enchanting look
• Consider paving or re-paving your driveway
• Replace broken window panes and consider adding storm windows
• Replace your mailbox if it is old, dingy or outdated

The Main Course
Potential homeowners are going to be looking at more than the property – remember to look at the house itself. If the color of your house looks old, outdated and/or drab, you can start with a couple coats of paint to freshen it up. But this process, whether done on your own or by a professional, can be a time-consuming headache – as an alternative, vinyl siding is easily installed and offers a more uniform look. Not only will it transform the cosmetic appeal of your home, vinyl siding is a selling point with your potential buyers – most will be pleased to know that this virtually maintenance-free product will save energy and lower the cost of their monthly energy bills.

While paint will fade and chip, vinyl siding will resist the impact of daily sun exposure, changing temperatures and weather. In years to come, the new homeowners can simply use a hose to keep up the appearance of the house’s exterior, rather than spending time scraping and repainting or replacing rotten boards.

Fine Tuning
Another obvious stand-out of your home’s structure is the windows, which must be very clean, and the same goes for the glass on the front door. Also, take a good look around your front door. It is the focal point of the front of your house, and potential buyers’ eyes will be drawn to it. Could it use a fresh coat of paint or a new knocker? Also, upgrading the light fixtures at your front door will make for a more dramatic entrance and can make your home more inviting, especially at night.

Remember the Little Things
The last element to consider are the final touches. Though the goal is to present your home at its absolute best, you do want the property to look as if someone lives there. You can have a bike in the front yard, or leave the basketball goal up in the back yard. If you have a grill, leave it out on your deck. Be sure to err on the side of caution with these accents – don’t overdo it.

If you evaluate and take action on these elements, you will make your home more attractive to buyers, and keep them coming by until you find the right one – whether the market is on your side or not.

Michael Clem is Operations Manager of Creative Energy of Richmond, Virginia. Creative Energy uses vinyl siding to enhance the beauty of their client’s homes and make them more energy-efficient. http://www.creativeenergyexteriors.com/siding.htm

ENERGY STAR is a government program that identifies products – including appliances, home electronics, and home improvement products – that meet energy efficiency guidelines that exceed the minimum federal standards, as determined by the U.S. Department of Energy. You can identify a product that meets the organization’s guidelines by looking for the signature blue ENERGY STAR logo.

The ENERGY STAR program began as a voluntary labeling tool to “identify and promote energy-efficient products to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.” It started with the labeling of computers and monitors and more than a decade later, has expanded to identify all types of products used in homes and offices that conserve energy. The result: Consumers and businesses have saved billions of dollars since the program began – $12 billion in 2005 alone.

Energy-efficient appliances – such as refrigerators and freezers, clothing washers, dishwashers, dehumidifiers and window air conditioning units – can cut consumer utility bills in half when compared with standard models. And home improvement products with an ENERGY STAR rating – such as vinyl replacement windows, doors, skylights and siding – help to better maintain your home’s temperature control, cutting heating and cooling costs anywhere from $20 to $400 per year.

If you’ve been searching for a product in any one of the more than 40 categories rated by ENERGY STAR, you may have come across the organization’s blue logo. That seal of approval indicates that the item can perform as well as, or better than, comparable products, but save you more money than if you purchased a less energy-efficient option. A refrigerator meeting ENERGY STAR’s energy conservation guidelines today:
Uses 40% less energy than models sold in 2001
Saves its owner 15% in energy costs when compared with other models (And freezers save 10 %.)
Compact models, with volumes less than 7.75 square feet, save 20%

A washing machine that meets ENERGY STAR guidelines:
Saves its owner up to $110 per year
Requires 50% less energy than standard washing machines
Uses up to 50% less water
Has more efficient spinning cycles to reduce drying time

Energy-efficient appliances provide an obvious cost savings for a household’s energy expenses. And other products that meet ENERGY STAR standards, such as vinyl replacement windows, doors, skylights and siding, make a significant contribution to keeping those costs down as well. Replacing your existing windows and siding with newer, better designed vinyl replacement windows and insulated siding can quadruple the insulation value of your home and save an average of 30% on your utility bills.

In addition to saving money, vinyl replacement windows with this rating create a more comfortable living environment by:
Eliminating drafts and blocking heat
Offering protection from sun damage
Reducing interior condensation on windows

In the winter, energy-efficient vinyl replacement windows keep the interior glass warmer for better temperature control. And the warmer the window, the less interior condensation that, over time, can damage your window sill and paint job, and encourage mold growth. In the summer, these windows also:
Block 45 to 70% of the sun’s heat
Provide “sunscreen” to your home by blocking ultraviolet light that can reduce fading up to 75% without compromising visible light

Whether you are looking to add to the beauty of your home and lower your energy bills by installing vinyl replacement windows, or you want to make a smart decision when choosing your next dishwasher or window air conditioning unit, products that meet ENERGY STAR guidelines offer an economical alternative that leaves more money in your pocket.

Michael Clem is Operations Manager of Creative Energy of Richmond, Virginia. Creative Energy uses ENERGY STAR-compliant vinyl replacement windows and doors to make their clients’ homes more energy-efficient. Learn more at: http://www.creativeenergyexteriors.com/windows.htm.

If you’ve been looking for an easy way to completely transform the exterior of your home, look no further than vinyl siding. Vinyl Siding is an excellent way to spruce up your home’s exterior, and this easy home improvement can dramatically increase the value of your home. There are many advantages to installing vinyl siding including saving you money and giving you a look you can be proud of for years to come.

Vinyl Siding is virtually maintenance-free due to its resilient nature. You don’t even have to paint it — a task most home owners dread! Vinyl siding sustains less environmental damage than wood or other siding alternatives, and it maintains a fresh look for years with very little cleaning.

If vinyl siding is installed properly with good insulation, it can mean lower heating bills in the following years. It is estimated that vinyl siding could save a homeowner hundreds of dollars in heating bills over the life of the product. Some manufacturers even guarantee savings up to 20 percent, which is an impressive reduction indeed.

Leaky walls can be a nightmare and can cause damage to your interior woodwork, possibly cause a health risk to your family in the form of growing mold and give your home a mildewy smell. Vinyl siding waterproofs the home and saves you the hassle of having to worry about water damage and checking for leaks.

Paint fades over time, leaving you no other option but to repaint often. But vinyl siding is fade resistant, requiring less maintenance on your part and an overall better look for your home. Vinyl siding also will not rot, peel, dent, or show scratches which means that you can enjoy a bright, clean-looking exterior every day for years. If it does get a bit dirty, you can power wash it with soap and water, a very easy and inexpensive process when compared to special treatments required for some other exteriors.

There are a huge variety of styles and colors to choose from in vinyl siding. Some sidings are bold and modern; others can make your home look authentically original with heritage designs that emulate old-style wood paneling. Siding also comes in as wide a range of colors as you can imagine, which means that you can give your home a totally new distinctive look, or simply restore some of its old charm.

Installing vinyl siding is a home improvement project that can really add value to your home. Because buyers need not worry about maintenance, cracking stucco, rotting wood, or any of the other hassles that come with alternative products, they are more likely to buy a home with vinyl siding. Many buyers specify that they want a home with vinyl siding when they are house-hunting, so installing vinyl siding can also give you an edge in the market.

Not only does vinyl siding bring with it all these benefits, but many manufacturers of vinyl siding will also offer a lifetime warranty on their product. Vinyl siding is so durable and easy to maintain, and manufacturers so sure of their product, that they offer replacements for any defects over the lifetime of the siding. This is an impressive commitment that shows the level of quality and performance you can expect from your vinyl siding.

When it comes to home improvement, vinyl siding is a great way to revamp old, tired exteriors without having to replace them board-by-board. It gives you a clean finish that works well with any style of home, whether modern or classic. You can save money, time and hassle over a lifetime with this simple switch. So put it on your home improvement to-do list, and enjoy the style and comfort that a home with vinyl siding provides.

Michael Clem is Operations Manager of Creative Energy of Richmond, Virginia. Creative Energy is Central Virginia’s home improvement experts specializing in vinyl siding in Richmond, VA.

The cost of heating and cooling our homes is rising on a regular basis, and there is no relief in the foreseeable future. With this in mind, homeowners are continuously looking for ways to optimize the energy efficiency of their homes. One of the long-lasting ways to do that is to install new windows, such as vinyl replacement windows, that help maximize the efficiency of a home’s heating and cooling systems.

Replacing the windows in your home sounds costly, but one of the advantages of vinyl replacement windows is their relatively low cost. In fact, they are one of the least expensive choices when it comes to buying replacement windows. And because of the higher energy efficiency of replacement windows, they wind up paying for themselves in a few short seasons. With a moderate to high R-value, (a measure of resistance to heat flow) vinyl replacement windows are so cost-effective that they can save the average homeowner anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars in heating and cooling costs over an extended period of time.

But how do you know that it’s time to replace your windows?

Wooden frames and caulking around older-style glass windows can deteriorate over time, reducing their ability to keep out air and moisture. Not only that, but the glass in the windows will eventually become scratched or marred, diminishing the overall look of your home. If you can see the damage that the years have made, money is going right out the windows. Vinyl replacement windows come with their own damage-resistant frames and the panes themselves are 100% scratch-free; and replacement windows will look as good years from now as they do when they are first installed, plus their energy efficiency will never diminish. The only drawback to vinyl replacement windows is that the frames cannot be painted, so when choosing them you need to be certain that you have chosen the color that you want. When you consider the advantages of installing vinyl replacement windows, it’s an easy choice to make.

Vinyl replacement windows come in many styles and price ranges, so when homeowners are buying them they can take into consideration their decorating as well as budget needs. The installation of these windows can be done quickly so you won’t have contractors working on your home for weeks.

Because of their energy efficiency and ease of maintenance and durability, more and more homeowners are choosing vinyl windows when it comes to replacing the windows in their homes. Vinyl replacement windows are proving to be the top choice in the window replacement market today – for clearly obvious reasons.

Michael Clem is Operations Manager of Creative Energy of Richmond, Virginia. Creative Energy is central Virginia’s home improvement experts specializing in vinyl replacement windows and sunrooms in Richmond, VA.