SEPTEMBER 30 IS NATIONAL PREPAREATHON DAY - PROTECT YOUR HOME AND PROPERTY NOW

With signs of fall creeping up across the country, families may be feeling as if the hurricane season is over. The experts say no. In fact, September is not only the peak of hurricane season, September 30 is National PrepareAthon! Day the perfect time to take stock of disaster plans.

Today, National Hurricane Center Director Dr. Rick Knabb joined forces with Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) President and CEO Leslie Chapman-Henderson during a national satellite media tour to raise awareness about flood and hurricane safety, prevention and financial protection options.

“Hurricanes are not just a coastal problem,” said Knabb. “Their impacts can be felt hundreds of miles inland. You need to find out what types of hazards could happen where you live, and then start preparing for how to handle them.”

Chapman-Henderson concurs. “If a disaster strikes, having the proper insurance for your home is the best way to ensure you will have the necessary financial resources to help you repair, rebuild, or replace whatever is damaged.”

Before a disaster strikes, get #HurricaneStrong with these tips:

• Be Smart. Take Part. Document and Insure Your Property. Have an insurance check-up. Coverage amounts, deductibles, and payment caps can vary significantly. Consult with your insurance professional to be sure your policy is right for you. Make updates based on new purchases, renovations, increases in property value, or increases in costs to rebuild or replace items. Buy flood insurance. This is not part of your homeowners’ policy and there is a 30-day waiting period before coverage begins.
• Know your evacuation zone. Plan your escape route, where you will stay and what you will do with your pets. Storm surge is the greatest threat to life and property from a hurricane regardless of wind speed.
• Family Preparedness - Build a disaster supply kit. You'll need to plan for two situations: Remaining in your home after a disaster or evacuating to a safer location. Keep cash on-hand because ATMs won’t function during a power outage.
• Damage Prevention - Strengthen your home. The best place to start is with a Do-It-Yourself Wind Inspection to find out what needs attention. Make a list of what needs to be done, such as securing loose items that could be blown away by high winds. Trim your trees of dead branches that could become windborne missiles.
• Community Service - Help your neighbor. Join with others to prepare for emergencies and participate in National PrepareAthon! Day on September 30.

For more information, visit ready.gov/prepare, flash.org or hurricanestrong.org.

Safety Tips for Home Renovations

With spring upon us, many homeowners are planning to catch up on maintenance and renovation projects that add to the beauty and value of their home. But in far too many cases each year, these projects unnecessarily end in disaster, warn loss prevention specialists at the Chubb Group of Insurance Companies.   

"Alarmingly, many major house fires we have seen are caused by contractors and others working in a home," said James King, assistant vice president and technical field manager for Chubb Personal Insurance. "Many of these incidents could have been prevented simply by following some common-sense rules such as properly disposing of oily rags at the end of the workday. Within minutes, those rags could spontaneously combust, igniting an oil-soaked deck or other surface, and then spreading to the rest of your home." 

Based on recent reports of increased spending on home renovations, more properties are likely to be exposed to such risks this spring. To help prevent some of these homes from going up in flames, Chubb advises homeowners to make sure that they and their contractors:

• Do not ball up, pile, stack or fold wiping cloths, rags, drop cloths, steel wool or work clothes that come into contact with solvents such as wood stain, Linseed oil, alkyd enamel resins, motor fuel, and oil-based paint and other products. Do not toss these items into a trashcan or plastic bucket. Instead, immerse them in water in a metal container with an airtight lid. After they are saturated, fully air dry the items by laying them flat on a non-combustible surface and then contact the local solid waste authority regarding safe disposal.
• Store paints, solvents and other flammable liquids that are not in use in a cabinet that complies with "NFPA 30: Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code."
• Mount portable fire extinguishers, preferably multi-purpose (ABC) models of at least 10 pounds, in accessible areas throughout the worksite and on each level of the home.
• Remove scrap lumber, sawdust, cardboard containers and other highly combustible debris from the construction site every day.
• Do not allow smoking on the property, or restrict smoking to safe areas and ensure proper cigarette disposal. After workers leave for the day, watch for fires that can be ignited by smoldering materials left in wall cavities after torch use.

In advance of any major construction or renovation project, King suggested that homeowners install a centrally monitored fire and burglar alarm system. He also warned against the common practice of disconnecting these systems during construction to prevent false alarms from dust when workers sand or plaster. Instead, cover sensors with plastic bags or manufacturer-provided covers that should be removed after workers leave for the day, which is when fires often occur.

King also recommended installing motion-activated lighting, perimeter fencing, gates or chains across driveways and hiring security guards to protect a vacant home from unwanted visitors. "Vacant construction sites tend to attract unwanted attention and increase the chance of theft, vandalism and injury," he said.

Homeowners also should ask contractors or subcontractors they are considering hiring to furnish a copy of their certificate of liability to confirm they carry adequate insurance. In addition, homeowners should talk to their agent or broker about purchasing builder's risk insurance to cover their insurable interest in areas that are under construction and in any materials or equipment on the site.

"It's also a good idea to keep your insurance agent or broker informed about the status of the project, so your homeowner's policy limits can be increased as new rooms or other major additions or alterations are completed," added King.

King is the head of the technical specialist team in Chubb's Home Appraisal and Loss Prevention Department. Consisting of Chubb's most senior loss prevention experts from around the country, the team helps more than 150 Chubb residential appraisers evaluate emerging and complex risks they encounter at customers' homes. Each team member has extensive knowledge of risks prevalent in his or her region and holds specialist designations obtained through a rigorous program of internal and external coursework and on-the-job training. Their specialties include catastrophe management; infrared thermography; fire protection; security systems; and historic homes. Team members also have expertise in water intrusion, collector vehicle storage and green building techniques.

Established some 35 years ago, Chubb's Home Appraisal and Loss Prevention Department is the largest unit of its kind among 

Sixth Annual "National Clean Out Your Garage Day" Slated for Saturday, Sept. 6

New Survey Underscores Need for Safe, Effective and Versatile Storage Options

AURORA, Ill. -- From tools and stools to trunks and junk, it seems that the garage is home to just about everything these days – except the car. In fact, for the vast majority of Americans (nine out of 10*), the garage is much more likely to be serving double-duty as a workshop, tool shed or recreational area, according to a recent survey of 1,000 U.S. adults.* This multi-purpose situation often results in a hodgepodge of disorganized items ranging from gardening tools, old furniture and sports equipment to bikes, half-empty paint cans, and even moldy magazines. In sum, enough stuff to trip over, ding your auto, and fall from the rafters.

Making matters worse is that 70 percent of Americans use the garage to store potentially dangerous equipment such as saws and power tools, while nearly 60 percent store flammable liquids, such as oil, gasoline, propane and kerosene, as well as other dangerous chemicals, including pesticides and other lawn care products in their garage space.* Considering that only 27 percent of Americans report* feeling confident that their garage is "very organized," many garages aren't just cluttered and inconvenient – they're also a potential safety threat.

To help educate Americans about the importance of garage safety and organization, The Lehigh Group, maker of Crawford®-branded garage and home workshop organization products, declared "National Clean Out Your Garage Day." This annual observance, now in its sixth year, will be recognized across the country on Saturday, Sept. 6.

"We established 'National Clean Out Your Garage Day' to occur on the first weekend after Labor Day, a time when much of America moves from summer to fall, and items such as bikes, outdoor toys, sports and camping gear, lawnmowers and garden tools are put away for the season," said Deborah Hanson, director of external affairs for The Lehigh Group. "This is a great time to take stock of the safety of your garage, and to de-clutter and re-organize as needed to make this space safer and more functional."

According to the survey, the garage is the most disorganized area or room of the home by a wide margin, and 42 percent of Americans admit to either having never cleaned their garage or to only cleaning it once a year or less. However, the task need not be overwhelming or expensive. In fact, the addition of just a few shelves and other organization products can easily add functionality, safety, and peace of mind.

The experts at Lehigh offer these basic guidelines:

Sort the MessSeparate items into categories such as auto supplies, lawn and garden tools, holiday decorations, and sports equipment. Then, pitch, donate or sell items you don't use. Before organizing and storing, take a multipurpose push broom to sweep the garage floor, or wash down the floor with a water hose.

Zone It OutAfter deciding what stays, separate the garage into zones for storing each category of items, and then identify the most appropriate storage method.

Go VerticalOne great storage strategy is to use the vertical plane to keep the floor free of clutter. Garages provide ample wall and ceiling space that can easily be used for vertical storage through use of hanging shelves, pegboards, storing rails and overhead systems. For example, Crawford® brand has specially designed wall hooks that will hold a leaf blower and its power cord in place, and secure other equipment like wheelbarrows, rakes and shovels. Additionally available are the Crawford® 5' Adjustable Storage System and theCrawford® 3' Sliding Grip Clamp Organizer, both built for strength designed to easily hold more than 25 pounds of equipment. Flexible mesh storage products that hang on the wall are particularly suited to accommodate awkward items, from pet toys and work gloves to tennis balls.

Be an Organized SportEstablish a solid game plan to organize the typical plethora of sports gear as well as the family's fleet of bikes. Crawford® brand offers a wide range of products to help, such as grip clamps for bats, and complete sports organization systems to accommodate hockey sticks, balls, helmets and more. For bicycles, cost-effective screw-in hooks and flip-up bike hangers, along with pulleys, are ideal ways to keep bikes off the ground and out of the way while they're not in use.

Securely Store Hazardous ItemsPlace toxic materials such as paint, paint thinner, weed and bug killers, fertilizer and gasoline in high cabinets or lockable tool chests to keep out of the reach of children. Use well-supported shelves to store cleaning solutions and vehicle fluids. Be sure to secure tools and wrap up extension cords via tool hangers. 

"One final critical tip: Always remember to follow all manufacturer instructions regarding weight limits when using wall hooks, rails and shelving," said Hanson.

Water Damage and its Health Risks

Many people do not realize that there are a number of health risks that are involved with the issues of water damage. This article will help address a few of the major health risks.

BALTIMORE -- Flood and water damage are one of the worst things that can occur in your property. Not only are you often forced by these circumstances to relocate, but also many of your possessions may be lost to the issues in flooding. One of the main concerns is the after effects on an individual's health which needs to be taken into first and foremost. Also, you need to find an emergency restoration company to get the work done quickly and efficiently.

Water borne micrograms are prevalent in many cases in the water that has flooded an area of your home.  When there is standing water in an immediate area there is a great chance that microorganisms might be present. Examples of this may include mold, bacteria, and viruses, which are often left behind by the flood waters. The main concern is the allergic reaction that may be brought on by the various organisms that are remaining afterwards. What type of hazards could be posed by these organisms?

Examples of diseases and health symptoms that are effected by water damage include the following. These could include infectious diseases such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, and influenza which are highly transferrable through the water. Other health risk concerns may include asthmatic severity intensification, which may include wheezing, coughing, and a higher chance of catching a disease. All of these factors are causes for water damage needing to be done in a timely and efficient manner.

Often people think that they can deal with the water damage weeks after the event that caused the issue in the first place could be resolved. However, it is advisable that you handle this damage immediately, because you might be able to salvage the items that were saturated with water, and will not be lost permanently. However, after three to five days without any resolution these could be considered permanent losses.

A water damage cleanup company can stop this from becoming a far more severe issue. One the primary things that need to be looked at is they are IICRC certified in handling this problem. If you have water damage restoration questions  please call a firm and they will be willing help you solve your water damage problems. 

4th of July Advice to Keep Pets Comfortable and Safe

Fireworks and Travel Precautions to Prevent Pet Anxiety

SAN DIEGO - To ensure the 4th of July holiday is a positive experience for everyone, Petco shares some simple ways to keep pets' safe, drastically reduce their stress and lower their risk of running away.

To help pets comfortably weather fireworks, considering the following:

• Create a quiet place so pets have a restful room or area to retreat to. Firecrackers, loud party voices and booming music can make pets anxious.
• Proactively attend Petco's free Anxiety & Calming Seminar, which takes place at stores nationwide June 28-29, 2014 at 2 p.m. Pet parents will learn how to recognize their dog's stress signals, learn techniques to help settle pets down and understand the importance of mental and physical exercise as ways to keep dogs calm.
• Be sure all pets, including indoor cats, wear current ID tags. Clear identification can be a pet's ticket back home.
• Avoid taking pets to see fireworks. Secure all potential escape routes and leave them in a quiet, sheltered area. A television or radio left playing at a normal volume can be reassuring.
• If it is necessary to be outside with dogs during fireworks, make sure each dog is secure on a leash and harness. Frightened dogs commonly manage to slip out of their collars, and harnesses allow pet parents to stay in full control.
• Don't leave dogs outside unattended. Even tethered pups will struggle to get away if startled by noise. Dogs who aren't tethered may try to dig out of an enclosed yard.
• Comfort pets with their favorite toy or blanket. Also, Thundershirts will dramatically help reduce the fear dogs and cats may experience. Hire a pet-sitter for the day or evening or ask a friend who knows the pet well to pay a visit.

If bringing pets along for a July 4th road trip, consider the following precautions:

• Always think safety first. Traveling with an unrestrained pet is not only dangerous for the pet and driver, but for every car on the road. Keep the pet comfortably restrained with an auto safety harness or in a traveling crate at all times. Be sure to secure the crate inside the vehicle to prevent it from tipping over. 
• Don't allow dogs to stick their head out of open windows while driving.
• Give smaller dogs a boost up to enjoy a clear view of the journey with the Petco Booster Seat.
• Keep small animals safe by securing them in the vehicle in a proper carrier. The Caitec Perch N Go Bird Carrier and the Petco Pet Keeper for Small Animals both allow their passengers to be transported safely and comfortably while in the car and also acts as a safe habitat for them while they are out and about with their pet parent. 

Tips for Protecting Valuables from Floods

NEW YORK -- This spring, XL Group's Luxury Lines team is preparing clients to protect their valued possessions from the threat of spring showers and the flooding that may follow. 

According to Jennifer Schipf, Senior Underwriter in XL Group's Fine Art business, "The insurance market is paying closer attention to their clients' flood exposures.  In previous years, the market was providing broad coverage for the peril of flood with little to no deductibles.  After seeing losses from Superstorm Sandy and other storms, flood coverage is much more restricted in fine art and other policies so homeowners and collectors have to be wary that their high-value items are adequately protected."

"According to FloodSmart.gov, the website of the National Flood Insurance Program, a one inch flood in a 2,000 square feet home can result in $20,000 of loss, a 6 inch flood in the same space $39,000. And that does not take into account if a $100,000 painting that may have been stored in the basement or if the level of flood is significant, on the wall," said Ms. Schipf.  "Artwork is not the only valuable vulnerable to flood damage.  We've seen losses from flooding because everything from currency and securities to gold bullion was stored in subterranean vaults."

To help avoid flood damage or a loss in value of luxury items, XL Group's Luxury Lines team suggests taking some flood precautions:

• Know Your Value:  Unlike many items found in homes that depreciate, jewelry, fine art and other collectibles often do not.  "In fact, their value is more likely to grow," said Ms Schipf.  "An up-to-date appraisal can provide an accurate valuation that can help speed up the claims process.  And to get the best valuations, we encourage and can even help our clients find an appraiser who has expertise in their type of collection.
• Prepare Your Property:  According to Ms Schipf, XL's property risk engineers have lent some guidance to our gallery clients to see what precautions can be taken to minimized property damage.  Installing a sump pump or generator and changing on-site storage practices can do a lot in staving off flood damage.
• Have a Storage Plan:  According to Ms. Schipf, customers in coastal areas should consider reserving storage space ahead of the June 1 start of hurricane season.  The art community suffered considerable loss after floods hit Chelsea during Superstorm Sandy.  And many warehouses in Brooklyn where art was stored were equally unprepared for Sandy's storm surge," she said.  "Not only is it important to have a pre-arrange storage plan, it's also important to make sure your storage facilities is truly prepared to handle your artwork.  It should be climate-controlled and has camera monitoring, firewalls and floor drains, for instance. And stored artwork should certainly be kept off the floor."
• Take Cover: "Congress' recent passage of the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act, under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) can only be increased a certain percentage," said Ms Schipf.  "Such coverage does not offer any more coverage and certainly doesn't protect high value items.   Specialty insurers provide standalone insurance protection to protect high-value collections including art, wine, coins or vintage cars, to name a few." 

Read more of Ms Schipf's thoughts on flood preparedness in "Water Damage" on XL Group's Fast Fast Forward.

Parents Urged to Check Their Window Coverings

NEW YORK  -- The Window Covering Safety Council (WCSC) is reminding parents and caregivers of the potential dangers posed by window cords, and is urging them to only use cordless window covering products in homes with young children. Owners and renters alike should replace all corded window coverings in their homes with today's safer products.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), corded window coverings are one of the top five hidden hazards in American homes, with infants and children dying each year from accidentally strangling in window cords. Some of these incidents involve older products that are still in use and do not have the safety devices or designs instituted in the past decade.  

"Parents who replace their window coverings with the cordless products available can feel more confident about their child's safety," explains WCSC Executive Director Peter Rush. 

To maximize window cord safety when young children are present, consumers are urged to follow these safety guidelines:

• Install only cordless window coverings in homes with young children. Replace corded blinds, shades and draperies with today's safer products.
• If you cannot install newer products, order a free window cord retrofit kit from www.windowcoverings.org. The installation of the retrofit kit is not intended to be a substitute for installing cordless products in homes with young children.
• Move all cribs, beds, furniture and toys away from windows and window cords, preferably to another wall.
• Ensure that all window cords are out of sight and reach, and that they are inaccessible to young children.

For more information on window cord safety in the home, visit www.windowcoverings.org. Connect with WCSC on Facebook and Twitterfor more home safety ideas, and to help pass safety on.

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/know-snow-bridgestone-americas-offers-tips-for-winter-driving-177846391.html

As the weather turns cold, are you prepared to face the hazards of winter driving? Bridgestone Americas, Inc., encourages travelers to prepare their cars for winter weather and brush up on their winter driving skills.

"Winter driving can be intimidating and hazardous, and is something that you really do need to prepare for," said Anant Gandhi, product manager for winter tires at Bridgestone Americas. "It's not just about having the right equipment; it's also important that drivers understand how to respond correctly to various winter hazards. We all have a responsibility to make sure we prepare not just our vehicles, but also ourselves."

Some key tips for winter driving from Bridgestone and the Bridgestone Winter Driving School in Steamboat Springs, Colo., include: 

• If you can see your breath, it's time to switch. When the temperature approaches freezing, switch your all-season or high-performance tires to winter tires. With unique polymers and tread pattern elements, winter tires are optimized for more grip and the control you need in winter weather conditions. 
• Periodically check traction, or available grip, when driving in challenging conditions. Road conditions can change drastically in a short period of time/distance in winter. Apply the brakes with moderate pressure to determine the available grip and modify your driving, if needed, to respond to ever-changing road conditions. 
• Maximize available grip by separating driving maneuvers when negotiating a curve. Brake to an appropriate speed while traveling in a straight line prior to a curve. This allows you to use all of the available grip for negotiating the curve. Accelerate gradually when you are able to straighten the steering wheel at the exit of the turn. 
• Avoid cruise control in wet, icy or snowy conditions. Maintain control of acceleration and deceleration at all times. 
• Forgo driving if the weather looks too treacherous. Safety comes first. 

"One of the most important factors in starting, steering, or stopping on ice and snow is your tires," said Mark Cox, Director of the Bridgestone Winter Driving School in Steamboat Springs, Colo. "It doesn't make a difference if you have front-wheel, all-wheel or rear-wheel drive, your vehicle will perform better in most winter driving conditions if it is equipped with purpose-built winter tires on both the front and rear wheels."

Winter tires are designed to provide maximum performance during low winter temperatures and on ice, snow and slush. They perform better due to the combination of specialized winter tread patterns, deeper tread depth and unique tread compounds that remain softer in winter temperatures.

Retailers offer a wide range of tires sold as winter tires with an M+S (mud and snow) rating, but they are not at all equal in performance.

The Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) in the U.S. and the Rubber Association of Canada (RAC) developed the mountain/snowflake symbol, which can be found on a tire's sidewall, to designate winter tires that meet the newest severe snow standards. Tires that have earned this symbol can be expected to provide 20 to 40 percent more traction in winter conditions than conventional all-season tires, which may be the difference between driving safely and losing control.

To learn more about safe driving in winter weather, visit the Bridgestone Winter Driving School website: http://winterdrive.com. The Bridgestone Winter Driving School in Steamboat Springs, Colo., has been sponsored by Bridgestone since 2000.

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Emergency Physicians: Avoid Spending Thanksgiving in the ER

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, good food and good times. The nation's emergency physicians want it to stay that way and not become a memory that involves a visit to the nearest ER.

"We are prepared to treat you at any moment should you need it," said Andrew Sama, MD, FACEP, president of the American College of Emergency Physicians. "But we hope that by following some common sense precautions, you can avoid spending time with us and instead spend more time enjoying time with loved ones."

Food Preparation Safety

The risk of bacterial contamination can be high with any raw meat. Wash your hands thoroughly when handling uncooked meat and keep it separate from other foods. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the oven temperature should be no lower than 325 degrees and the turkey should be completely thawed before cooking. A food thermometer must register a safe minimum temperature of 165 degrees inside the turkey.

It's best to cook stuffing outside the turkey in a casserole, but if you choose to stuff a turkey, make sure the stuffing also reaches a temperature of 165 degrees (CDC) to ensure there is no bacterial contamination. Refrigerate all leftovers.

Individuals with food allergies who have not prepared their own meals at home should ask about food preparation and ingredients to prevent unnecessary exposure and an allergic reaction.

One of the more common injuries that emergency physicians treat during the Thanksgiving holiday involves knives – specifically carving knives that can cut fingers and hands. Be careful when slicing food, and more specifically, do not rush. More accidents occur when carving and cutting too quickly. Allow someone experienced in handling sharp knives to do the carving.

Burns are another common injury during Thanksgiving. The kitchen can be a dangerous place, especially around the oven and grill. Again, don't rush when cooking dinner, have a plan of execution and leave yourself plenty of time to get it done.

A special note of caution needs to be made for anyone who decides to deep fry a turkey. This can be very dangerous and cause serious burns and fires, especially if you have never attempted this before. Make sure to research the proper way to "deep fry" carefully and use extreme caution if deciding to deep fry a turkey.

Eating Safely
The key is to approach your Thanksgiving meal with moderation. Food is usually abundant on Thanksgiving, however for some, it can be too much, consumed too quickly. For those with medical conditions like congestive heart failure, kidney disease, high blood pressure, etc., excess of salt can be dangerous. Monitor your sodium intake and make sure you take any necessary prescription medications, as you would any other day. Consult your doctor if necessary. Eat your food slowly and when satisfied take a break and allow your body to process it. Eating too quickly can cause heartburn, indigestion and may create chest pain, which generally requires assessment.

Injury Prevention
Before or after the meal, it's common for many to head outside and play sports (football, basketball, etc.). Weekend warriors - beware! Many injuries occur in those not used to routine exercise. If you must play in a traditional "Thanksgiving game" we recommend having fun and going easy and not overdoing it. Emergency physicians warn that it's important to pace yourself after a big meal and for those who are not used to regular physical activity we recommend reconsidering. We see many sprains, strains and fractures in those who try to do too much, too quickly. We also treat patients develop shortness of breath and chest pain from over extension.

SOURCE American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP)

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Top 3 Places to Install Bathroom Grab Bars to Help Prevent Falls

Making a home safe for aging seniors is a key to enhancing mobility and ensuring independent living. For seniors, typically, the bathroom is the area posing the most risks for falls. Everyday tasks can become difficult, especially when combined with slippery floors, poor balance, decreased vision, and lack of strength. Fortunately, installing safety grab bars in strategic areas can make it easier to safely maneuver around the bathroom.

Grab bars provide extra support for seniors through unique anchoring systems that can support up to 500 pounds of pressure, depending on the manufacturer. Rest assured, however, decor does not have to be sacrificed for safety. Many grab bars available today, like Grabcessories™ by Lifetime Products, are designed to seamlessly integrate as actual bathroom decor while providing the convenience of safety accessories.

When installing safety grab bars, look for places where they are most likely to lose balance by raising, lowering, or standing on one foot. 

Tub/Shower - Install grab bars at a lower level to help bathers with raising and lowering. A grab bar at waist level or slightly higher is ideal to help with stepping in and out of the tub, as well as to hold for extra balance while washing and shampooing when showering. To eliminate clutter, install a bar up higher and a Grabcessories Tub/Shower Valve Ring at the lower level. 

Toilet - Install a grab bar on the wall near the toilet for support when raising and lowering. For a more decorative look, consider designated toilet paper holders specifically designed to double as safety bars. 

Towel racks - A common habit for seniors is to hold a towel rack while drying off or bending to pick up clothes. Regular towel racks aren't designed to support the weight of someone leaning on them and will loosen over time and eventually detach from the wall which could lead to serious injury. Install safety towel bars and/or towel shelves which are available in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors to fit your bathroom space to provide necessary support.

Safety grab bars can be both functional and beautiful. Most importantly, they will help prevent and greatly reduce falls in the bathroom giving caregivers, family members, and users peace of mind.

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Garage Door Safety Quiz Helps Keep Kids -- and Adults -- Safe From Harm

There is a lot to think about when making sure your home is a safe place for kids, but many people forget that the household garage door can be a serious safety hazard.

To help families make their garage door kid safe, GarageDoorCare.com, a website produced by the International Door Association (IDA), a trade association comprised of more than 2,000 door and access system dealers and installers worldwide, has launched the Garage Door Safety quiz, available on the website's home page.

"The quiz is a great way for parents, or anyone with small children frequently at their house, to evaluate what they know – and what they should know -- about garage doors," said Chris Long, IDA Managing Director. "With the right understanding of how these operating systems work, people will be able to teach kids about garage door safety – and learn about keeping themselves safe as well."

The quiz consists of five questions aimed at gauging an individual's garage door safety knowledge and providing homeowners with the information they need to make smart decisions regarding garage door safety. The garage door is the largest and heaviest moving object in the home. Accidents involving the garage door may result in serious injury or even death, and IDA is dedicated to helping people become aware of the potential dangers.

"It's extremely important that kids understand that a garage door and its operating system are not toys, and we encourage parents to help them learn why they shouldn't play near or under garage doors, or with a garage door's operating systems," said Long.

In addition to safety tips, GarageDoorCare.com also provides information on how the systems operate. A basic understanding of how a garage door operates can help homeowners ensure that it is properly maintained.

There are many maintenance tasks all garage door owners should perform on a regular basis, which can be found on IDA's maintenance checklist. But there are many instances when garage door care should be left to professionals. The website's ZIP code search function allows people to find an IDA Garage Door Professional close to their home. As the all-stars of the door industry, IDA members are experienced professionals who pride themselves on workmanship.

To take the quiz, learn about maintenance tips and locate an IDA professional, visit www.garagedoorcare.com.

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