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  • How much energy are your appliances and devices using in standby mode?

    How much energy are your appliances and devices using in standby mode?

    As energy costs rise, we’re all on a quest to reduce our bills: by shopping around to find cheap energy deals, by reducing our gas and electricity consumption. But even as we assiduously compare energy deals and hopscotch from one tariff to another, as we dial down the temperature on our thermostats and huddle under high tog duvets, invest in cavity wall insulation and a drying rack, we may be unknowingly throwing kilowatts, and pounds and pence, of electricity simply by leaving our appliances and devices plugged in and in standby mode when they’re not in use.

    Research from MoneySuperMarket found that Britons are spending an extra £86 a year in electricity by leaving our tech on standby. The Energy Savings Trust confirmed this research, saying households are wasting between £45 and £80 a year, or £1.7 billion collectively, by leaving our appliances in standby all the time.

    However, apparently nearly half of us don’t think that being vigilant about turning off appliances is worth the savings. A quarter said turning off or unplugging appliances and gadgets would take too much time.

    Luckily, in the UK sockets come with switches, enabling you to easily cut off power to an appliance or device without physically removing the cable from the socket. Try it for a month and see if your energy bills fall (with accurate meter readings). You might find, with monthly savings of up to £7, it very much is worth getting behind the entertainment console to switch off your TV and set-top box. And maybe if it takes more effort to flick on the TV you’ll find yourself watching less of it, which can only be good for your energy bills, physical health, and that stack of books you swore you’d read this year.

    So which items are the biggest drain on our electricity grid, and checking accounts, if left in standby and how much exactly are they costing you? Which should you prioritise when you run around the house flicking switches? MoneySuperMarket did the maths:

    1. Digital TV box – £25.91 a year: Even if we switch our TVs off, many of us will leave our set top box quietly idling—maybe to catch that late night rerun we’ve scheduled to record but more likely just because we’re forgetful. But digital TV boxes are the biggest drain on our energy budgets if left continuously humming.
    2. Multi-room speakers (in idle mode) – £19.66 a year:
    3. Modem (left on) – £5.64 a year
    4. Microwave (left on) – £3.24 a year: Most of us are used to our microwave continuously sitting in standby, displaying the time and just waiting for the ready meal. But turning it off at the wall can save you the cost of a really fancy microwave meal.
    5. Digital clock (left on) – £1.83 a year
    6. TV (on standby) – £1.23 a year: The most energy efficient TVs on the market use very little power in standby mode, however. Which? found that even the largest, most high-resolution TVs—55 inch, 4K models—use just 0.28 watts an hour in standby. Still, that can add up if they’re in standby 24/7/365.
    7. Coffee maker (left on) – £1.20 a year: Because you really shouldn’t be drinking coffee after 4pm…
    8. Phone charger (plugged in, not charging) – £0.27 a year: Many of us keep our mobile phone chargers permanently plugged in somewhere, maybe by our bed. All the better not to misplace them, but leaving them in the wall but not connected to your device, or plugged into your device after it’s fully charged, is an unnecessary suck on your electricity bill. Ditto laptop chargers.

    You might also want to consider switching off your router, if not overnight at least when you head away for holiday (particularly if you suspect your cats are using the internet in your absence). However, apparently more than half (55%) of us have never turned off our internet routers, and surely we’re not all constantly surfing the web. We all need some time in the real world. However, check with your broadband provider before you start regularly powering down your router, as some routers need to be permanently switched on to receive technological upgrades from your ISP’s server. BT, for instance, recommends you keep your router on overnight so it’s ready for firmware updates, but Virgin says its customers can shut off their Hubs and not be negatively affected.

    Some devices have an energy saving standby mode, which, if activated, can save you kilowatts without a full shutdown. XBox One’s internet-connected ‘Instant on’ standby mode uses 1.1 watts an hour, based on tests conducted by consumer magazine Which?. But if you opt for the energy saving standby mode, that use drops to just 0.3 watts. However, the console won’t get automatic software updates in energy saving mode, so there’s a tradeoff.

     

  • 6 tips on how to pack and move quickly to your new home

    6 tips on how to pack and move quickly to your new home

    Moving? Take a look at these 6 packing and moving tips that can help you speed up this cumbersome process. In the first place and before you start, the best thing you can do is to review all your things (and your children’s) and put everything in four different piles, which would be:

     

    • Things to keep
    • Things to sell (How about making a garage sale?)
    • Things to donate
    • Things to discard

     

    Once you know what is going to move with you, start packing following these 6 tips:

    1. It starts with time

    Do not forget that packaging always takes more time than you think. So start packing three to four weeks before the day of the move. You can start by saving the things that you use less and that you know you will not need at hand during that time.

    1. Gather your packaging tools

    Thick markers, a good packing tape, boxes of different sizes and a lot of garbage bags should be in the same place along with other packing materials, such as bubble wrap or newspaper. Make sure everything is going to be in one place so you do not have to walk around your messy house every time you need something.

    1. Make a strategy

    Having a strategy is important; You could even have fun with her. For example, packing the most important things together or wrapping one room at a time and marking with different colors, could be very useful. Putting numbers in boxes and making a list of their contents can also be a good strategy. Make your own by being creative.

    1. Use trash bags

    You can fill large trash bags with all the items that do not break such as bedding, towels, pillows, etc. Garbage bags have the capacity to be used as a filling for trucks and occupy less space than boxes. Because you will be throwing or donating some things, buy the bags in different colors, some for the packaging and others for the things of discard or donation.

    1. Cardboard boxes

    Mark each box by several sides. Make sure they are also marked when their content is fragile. Fill the larger boxes with light items and small boxes with heavy things, such as books, for example. This will help you avoid the boxes from becoming loose. Finally, you can always get used boxes. U-Haul has a place where others can pick up used boxes and reuse them for free.

    1. The packing point

    Choose a room in your house that is well located and large enough to serve as a “packing point”. That will be the place where you must have all your tools. Start stacking the boxes or bags as you are closing them, that will make the day of the move much easier. Moving alone is much more difficult to pack and shift to a new home, In this case, Edmonton Movers is a reliable mover.

  • Why It’s Important to Hire Professional High-Rise Window Cleaners.

    Why It’s Important to Hire Professional High-Rise Window Cleaners.

     

    If you are the owner or manager of a high rise building such as a hotel, resort, office block, shopping center or university you will appreciate the value of clean windows and the importance of a well-maintained building.

    High rise window cleaning is a specialized field where experts use specialized equipment to access and clean the windows of tall buildings. Cleaning high rise buildings windows are very different from residential jobs and there are many factors to consider. These include how access to the windows will be facilitated, public spaces below such as parking lots and any potential hazards as well as weather conditions and actual building design will affect the amount of time that is needed to clean the windows.

    High rise window cleaning is considered high risk and in order to reduce the risk of injury to any patrons below, every piece of equipment that is used to clean the windows is attached by a clip or lanyard to the people cleaning the windows. This prevents any equipment from accidentally falling to the ground and injuring anyone below.

    Considering the risks involved, it’s important to make sure you use the services of professional high-rise window cleaner, someone who is reputable, specializes in commercial buildings and has the industry experience to produce quality results. When you schedule the initial consultation with your High-Rise Window Cleaning Service provider ask them a few questions before they start such as

    1.    Do they have WorkCover accreditations for construction site safety, elevated platform work and work safety at heights? High rise window cleaning is considered a high-risk occupation and employees are therefore governed by stringent safety procedures and standards that are set out by the Workplace Health and Safety Administration. All high-rise window cleaning employees must be insured and commit to annual and comprehensive safety training.
    2.    Do they prepare Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) and a JSA’s prior to commencing? You will want assurances that all patrons that frequent your building while work is taking place are protected including those cleaning your windows.
    3.    Do they provide no obligation free quotes? The quote stage is an early indication of how the company will conduct themselves professionally and how thorough their window cleaning services might be. After all, if they are not meticulous at this stage, they will likely not take the extra care and time for your windows.
    4.    Does their cleaning service include removing paint, silicone, and concrete? A quality service provider will use products that effectively remove any salt residue, dust, pollen, and hard water stains. Some companies may even offer to restore scratched or damaged glass. Be sure to ask if the company offers interior window cleaning as part of their services as some high-rise window cleaners only focus on cleaning the exterior windows.

    High rise window cleaners will also use specific tools appropriate for the height, size, and different types of windows. Windows on hospitals, office blocks and commercial facilities traditionally can only be reached with specialized aerial access equipment such as powerlifts, bosun chairs, and suspended rigging platforms. In addition, high rise window cleaners will use products that are effective in removing grime, dust, salt residue, pollen and suborn water stains. These products are designed to leave the windows clean, clear and free of squeegee streaks or soap marks.

    High rise window cleaning is a preventative maintenance measure and should be done at least twice a year. In the case of brand-new buildings, we often see the window sealant cause stains which become etched into the glass and cannot be removed. We, therefore, recommend windows are cleaned up to four times in their first year of construction and then twice a year thereafter.

    While the industry is saturated with ads for commercial window cleaning services, sadly not all have the correct equipment and properly trained cleaners to do high rise cleaning safely effectively and efficiently. It helps to scrutinize the service provider carefully before committing to a service.

  • Dubai’s Real Estate Market Seeing A Shift With More Owner-Occupiers Making Investments

    Dubai’s Real Estate Market Seeing A Shift With More Owner-Occupiers Making Investments

    Dubai has really been one of the world’s most vibrant real estate markets in recent times and both investors and owner-occupiers are making investments in this part of the world for obvious reasons. The Emirate is home to an endless array of attractions, luxury lifestyle, and a long list of cherishing experiences that everyone would want to indulge in. And, that list is ever-growing with more and more opportunities to take a luxury lifestyle to the next level opening up here.

    So, before you plan to be a part of these amazing luxuries on offer in Dubai and experience them firsthand by living there, here’s a look at how Dubai’s real estate market is turning up in Downtown Dubai. It will surely help you take the right investment decision.

    The Market Dynamics

    The property brokers in Dubai have revealed that they are facing more inquiries from the owner-occupiers and there’s an increase in the number of these owner-occupiers buying properties in Dubai. So, that really means the market dynamics are seeing a paradigm shift and the increasing number of end users are now opting to buy homes in Dubai.

    If you go back only a few years, the market was driven primarily by investors who wanted to buy properties from the sales viewpoint. But that has certainly changed and, in 2019, people are opting to buy properties where they can live with their families and settle in this luxury getaway rather than simply coming over for their holidays. That’s certainly a sign of maturity and Dubai seems to be becoming a life-long home for many.

    Now, what it has lead to is that people are choosing bigger villas and apartments where they can have a taste of the city’s community living. In addition, despite being more in demand, these properties are becoming ever more affordable in the Emirate.

    This current situation of the market is definitely opening up new opportunities. Furthermore, this maturity of Dubai’s real estate market would mean that an increasing number of people will settle here and there will be greater demand for the new developments. In addition, there will be new projects coming up in the future to add to the luxury lifestyle and entertainment opportunities for both the residents and the vacationers here.

    The number of young families is growing in Dubai and they’re choosing villas in top communities like the Arabian Ranches and Dubai Land. They really want the community feels these developments are known for.

    Furthermore, if you’re the end user, the return on your investment isn’t the only thing that you’re looking at. Obviously, the kind of experience you are going to have is more of a priority for you. So, with more and more properties being bought by the end users, these major considerations are more accounted for and even the developers have realized that as well.

    The Price Trend

    If this paradigm shift in Dubai’s real estate market seems to have convinced you for investing in the Emirate, knowing the current price trend is certainly important for you.

    Some of the high-end communities in Dubai like Arabian Ranches, The Springs, and Palm Jumeirah have lately seen a decline in their prices as they’re being sold at almost 11% less now.

    The average per sq. ft. price for 3-bed villas in the premium community Arabian Ranches has declined from 1098 AED to 980 AED which marks an 11% decline. On the other hand, the same average price in Palm Jumeirah has declined by 10% going down from 1573 AED to 1415 AED. As for The Springs, there’s an 8% decline with prices going down from 1077 AED to 987 AED. And, these are among the top 5 communities that have been searched by the investors in Dubai.

    So, with the market shaping up with this new trend, and the prices marking a decline, it’s high time for both the investors and the owner-occupiers to secure a place in one of the premium communities in Dubai.

  • Use of IMO and Necessity of Privacy for Teens

    Use of IMO and Necessity of Privacy for Teens

    A few years ago people thought that their kids are not safe, the modern age has brought more problems, smartphones and social apps are giving more access to your children. IMO instant messaging is one of the leading social Apps in the current world. Teenagers become mutant while using this particular app; they spend most of their time doing voice calling, sharing video content to their friends and even to those whom they don’t know in the real world. This kind of attraction with the social sites may cause some serious problems among teenagers, some of IMO freaks acknowledge that when they are not using this app, we feel that we are on a diet or we had attempted to quit smoking. IMO obsession may cause some lethal health issues among teenagers; it’s the parents who should realize what sort of secrecy they should make to protect their kids.

    Is secrecy essential for teens while using IMO Messenger?

    Guide your kids don’t acquaintances they don’t know:

    Parents should guide their teen when they are using instant messaging, don’t make relationships they don’t know yet in the real world. Tell them don’t send or receive the request from an unknown person. The extensive Contacts list is worthless, make friends whom you trust in the real world.

    Stop teens for ineffective communication on IMO:

    Parents often realize that their teens were making useless conversation with their friends, tell them the conversations should have some objective. Most of the teens have the habit of telling their friends, am eating, am traveling, am buying and much more. Teach them time is money don’t waste it. Put your effort in genuine thing to get some reward from it.

    Warn your teens don’t share or view sexual content:

    Most of the teens share some videos while doing this; they may tend towards sexual content. So, warn them to stay away from adult content and don’t share videos related adultery. Most of the teens don’t tell their parents regarding inappropriate content. It is the parents who can keep an eye on their kids with the help of modern phone spy software available in the market. Spy software enables the parent to keep an eye on their children and their activities with the schedule.

    Don’t allow your underage teen:

    Make some rules in your house and ensure your every child to obey your rules otherwise, there will be some consequences. Don’t allow your child who is underage because IMO messenger app may cause some serious issues to their young teens. Another idea to protect your kids while online is using a Vpn, as explained in this blog post here 

    There are many different VPN providers to choose from – that’s why these VPN reviews can be very helpful when it comes to choosing the perfect one for your child.

    Give your teen a friendly environment:

    Most of the teens don’t share anything related to their relationships with their friends and their other private issues. So they prefer online friends to discuss their needs and desires and problems to their friends they felt they are losing with them. So, parents should realize they should be the priority regarding friendship of their teens. So behave friendly with your teens, they will tell you everything you want to hear from them.

    Encourage them to spend more time face to face with their friends:

    Tell they should devote more time with their friend face to face. Do some fun in real life make friends whom they know in real life and do interaction with their neighborhoods? Encourage them for extra- curricular activities like sports. They will automatically realize that doing chit chat all the time on IMO is just waste of time.

    Guide your child what is meant by cyber bullying?

    Being parents, it is your duty to protect your child and give them an environment where your child can understand the norms and values as well as how to stand in this particular world. If your teen is using an IMO social app, you should teach him or her about cyberbullying and what precautions your child can make if someone is doing the cyber bullying.
    Author

    Aline Carrara is a digital parenting expert and writer at TheOneSpy Blog. She is a keen observer of digital media and latest technology and its effects in young generations. Her work on “why do cyberbullies indulge in cyberbullying” got a huge popularity over the internet. To know more about her follow her on Twitter @AlineCarrara7

  • INTERIOR IDEAS FOR HAVING A FUNCTIONAL YET VINATAGE BEDROOM

    INTERIOR IDEAS FOR HAVING A FUNCTIONAL YET VINATAGE BEDROOM

     

    Even though a bed is used for very functional purposes such as sleeping, and regenerating but it has so much more to offer than that. It is also an element that will set the aesthetics of the whole room, meaning it will determine the holistic appearance of what you want your bedroom to be. If you are looking to add some vintage and antique aesthetics to your room then a wrought iron bed is the way to go for you. An iron bed can sound daunting as it usually falls under the category of royal design but we will show you how there are so many simple ways as to how you can add a wrought iron bed to your bed room.

    Black wrought iron beds

    You can either go for a completely black iron bed, or with a bed a bed that has some gold detailing in case you want to really go with the antique vibe. The shimmery gold of the bed will be beautiful in a plain simple room that has white walls, which will really make the bed stand out and add to the vintage aesthetic of the whole room. However, if gold is too much for you then you can just stick to a completely black iron bed, which will really give a cosy feeling to the whole room, if you pair it with some beige or neutral coloured bedding.

    Canopy iron beds

    If you want your bedroom to have a fairy tale vibe to it, then you should strongly consider a canopy iron bed. It might sound very bold, but it will be perfect if you want to create a dreamy and romantic setting for your bedroom. The key to pulling this bed off is that the rest of the bedroom should be very minimalistic, otherwise it can all be a little overwhelming. This means that you use neutral or white tones in the rest of the bedroom in order to tone it down.

    Charming white iron beds

    If you really want to make your bedroom a feminine space, then a white iron bed with a feminine design is perfect for you. It will give your bedroom a rustic yet chic and sophisticated spin to it. The white colour of the colour will really give the whole bedroom a touch of softness.

    Bold coloured iron beds

    These beds are for people who want to give their bedrooms a quirky and hipster vibe, as the colours will really stand out in the bedroom such as bright yellow, red and orange. It might sound daunting, but you can totally pull these funky colours off as long as you know how to contrast them with the rest of the bedroom.

    You can be assured by now that wrought iron beds are very easy to pull off. Just like any piece of furniture you need to know how to compliment it with the other elements in your room.

  • Boost-up The Value of Your Home By Following These 6 Tips

    Boost-up The Value of Your Home By Following These 6 Tips

    Putting money back into your residential property is a tried and tested solution to amp up its market worth. However, all home renovation projects are not equal. Some upgrades are pricey, yet unable to recoup the expenses. On the other hand, simple strategies like cleaning your yard can make your home look move-in ready, thereby boosting its value.

    Adding value to your home doesn’t necessarily mean investing in lavish renovation projects that break the bank. Read on for creative tips that will not cost you a lot, but will enable you to improve your home’s curb appeal and clinch a deal in case you are planning to sell your asset.

     

    • Focus on Basic Repairs and Maintenance

    Before undertaking a cosmetic renovation project like building a swanky kitchen or spa-like bathrooms, it is critical to focus on your home’s maintenance needs. Fix leaks, insulate your attic and basement, upgrade your HVAC system, replace gutters, inspect your chimney, and organize your home. These fixes can go a long way in making your home functional, thereby boosting its resale value.

    For instance, having a fireplace can improve your home value; yet, if you do not highlight this focal feature you cannot make a lasting impression on your visitors and prospective buyers. Binge watch Fixer Upper or take inspiration from a few creative designs and ideas to set the ball rolling.

    However, DIY chimney sweeping is not a good idea. The job is not only messy and intricate, but also dangerous. Moreover, you do not have the eye to unearth the potential issues in your chimney. Chimney sweeps are experts in identifying such problems and use high-tech tools to clean the chimney, flue, air ducts, and dryer vents.

    Reputed chimney sweeps are available in almost all cities in the U.S. They offer tailored chimney services in Seattle, Vancouver, Astoria, Cleveland, and many other cities depending on their topography and climatic conditions. Get in touch with your local chimney sweep to create a cozy and inviting ambiance in your home.

    Further, broken or old rain gutters dissuade potential home buyers from considering your property, bringing down its market value. Check the gutters for cracks, and wear and tear. Upgrade to stainless steel or copper ones that not only brave extreme weather conditions, but also give the home a polished look.

     

    • Get Tech Savvy
    Smartphone Multimedia Smart Home Technology Home

    Remember the American animated sitcom, The Jetsons? Who doesn’t want to live such an ultra-modern life? A survey conducted by Coldwell Banker Real Estate revealed that a vast majority of American homebuyers want a move-in ready house with smart features.

    Imagine moving into a luxurious abode with smart devices and voice-enabled assistants making coffee, turning the music on, or opening the curtains. Investing in smart home technology not only improves one’s quality of life, but also makes his/her home stand out in the neighborhood. The sheer idea of living in a high-tech house with smart gadgets convinces potential homebuyers to pay a premium for the property.

    Thus, your best bet is to give your home a high-tech makeover with intelligent devices like smart locks, cameras, thermostat, lighting, and appliances.

     

    • Add an Entertainment Room

     

    Have a spare room? Convert it into an entertainment area to host a video game or movie nights and impress all your guests. Whether you want to make this space kids-friendly or convert it into a leisure area for adults, this upgrade will add immense value to your home.

    The primary requirement for building a media room is 10’X16’ spare room, audio-video system and fittings, atmospheric lighting, and comfortable couches. Hire a veteran home-theater designer who can help you build the perfect home theater to improve your home’s luxury quotient.

     

    • Spruce Up Your Home Exterior

     

    Your home exterior is the first thing that gets noticed by passers-by, neighbors, and visitors. Simply cleaning up your yard, pruning the plants, pulling out weeds, and planting vibrant perennials can double the curb appeal and value of your house.

    Focus on improving the desirability factor of outdoor living spaces such as the patio, the deck, the lawn, and the driveway. These upgrades cost a fraction, but have a high return on investment. A study conducted by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) reveals that upgrading the deck will recover 106 percent of its cost when the house is up for sale.

     

    • Make Storage a Priority

    Statistics reveal an average American household owns more than 300 thousand items. In fact, according to the New York Times Magazine, one out of ten Americans rent a space to store their belongings. No wonder, having extra storage space is a positive feature that homebuyers boast of.

    Maximize your home’s storage capacity by getting rid of the items that are not in use. Decluttering and organizing spaces not only makes a room feel spacious, but also improves its appeal.

    Explore storage opportunities like concealed nooks and corners, under the stairs, space in the attic, and the area alongside cisterns and above the sink. Invest in sturdy vertical cabinets, floating shelves, and wall bookshelves that can safely store all your out-of-season or rarely-used items.

    Homeowners who make arrangements for extra storage space are often rewarded with a premium when the property is up for sale. Therefore, it is wise to use innovative ways to create maximum storage space in your home.

     

    • Add Little Details for Large Impact

     

    A small home upgrade can go a long way in improving the value of your property. Simple hacks like replacing an old light fixture with an ornate chandelier can be a real value booster. Similarly, updating your mailbox or swapping your rusty front door knob with an attractive one can instantly improve your home’s real estate value.

    Smartening up your abode can maximize your property’s current and long-term value. Whether you want to improve your quality of life, impress your guests, or sell your home at a premium price, the information shared in this post will perk up your home’s worth.

  • Home Safe – 4 Tips to Improve Your Home Security

    Home Safe – 4 Tips to Improve Your Home Security

    Photo by Rubén Bagüés on Unsplash

    Security has always been one of society’s main concerns. With crime rates rising, it is important to look into ways of looking after all that you’ve worked for, but it can be tough to know what’s worth it and what’s simply around for aesthetics. Luckily, there are certain measures which have been shown to have quantifiable benefits for your home security:

    Get smart.

    While the rise of the internet has encroached on our privacy in many ways, when used correctly it can be quite an indispensable tool in protecting ourselves. Smart home security devices can help keep you across what’s happening in your home no matter how far away you may be. This is especially beneficial because thieves tend to target homes which appear to be empty. However, the use of smart technology can allow you to remotely control the devices in your home to present the impression of being occupied, even if you’re on the other side of the world.

    Light it up.

    Another simple way to increase the security of your home is by installing sensor lights. Much like giving the impression that someone is home, having your yard light up when anyone enters the premises can be a great deterrent for would be disturbers of the peace. Sensor lights also carry the added benefit of improving convenience for those who actually belong within the bounds of your property.

    Fence it off.

    While the primary objective of home security is keeping those who don’t belong out, ensuring the safety of belongings kept outside your house is also important. Upgrading your fencing is a fairly painless way in which to do this. While your view may suffer a little, any item kept externally on your property will enjoy added protection from theft or damage should anyone ever feel inclined. These days, you can get security fences that are also aesthetically pleasing so if you’re worried about looking out your window and feeling like you’re in a prison, there’s no need to be.

    Lock it down.

    While outdoor furniture is generally fairly safe unless it is particularly eye catching or expensive, our cars do not enjoy the same anonymity in the eyes of would be thieves. Although not as easy to implement as the other items on this list, converting your carport to a garage can greatly improve your home security. If you’re not convinced that the outlay is worth it, consider the price of closing it in against the price of a replacement vehicle. If this still doesn’t convince you, or you somehow managed to own a really cheap car, take comfort in the fact that many insurers will lower premiums on vehicles which are generally garaged and you’ll never again have worry about the rain blowing in while you’re trying to get the groceries inside.

    Keeping your family and belongings safe are understandable priorities to have, and while cost can often be a barrier, even implementing small changes to the way your home is set up can greatly improve your odds of staying protected.

    Look into the options listed and decide what will work well for you and those who reside within your home. Change may seem daunting at first but it’s far better than the alternative.