• Purchase a chimney brush and a hard scrub brush.  You will need both of these in order to clean your chimney effectively.

• Make sure that you have a flashlight ready to go when you begin the cleaning process.  This will help you determine if there are any obstacles in your chimney like birds nests.

• Put on old clothes when you start cleaning.  This really will be a messy job and there is no way around it.  You do not want to ruin any good clothes.

• Wear a face mask as well as goggles so that you are not breathing in harmful chemicals. This will also help ensure that you are not getting anything in your eyes.

• Wear gloves.  You may be handling metal and it may be very sharp.  You do not want to cut yourself so gloves will really help you.

• Have a ladder ready to go because you will need to get on your roof in order to clean that end of the chimney.

Following these tips will help you clean your chimney with ease.  You will find that this can be a really big chore but when you are prepared it goes much faster.

So, where should they be placed?

1.)   You need to have one in every sleeping area as well as in each adjoining room.
 
2.)   Place at least one on every floor of your home. This includes the basement so you need to be sure that you have not forgotten this area.

3.)   Install a smoke detector in areas of the house where the furnace or water heater is located as well. These things may create a fire and it is a good idea to have the smoke detector close to these things.

When you purchase smoke detectors you need to be sure that you buy the smoke detectors that are interconnected.  This means that if one goes off, they will all be triggered.  This really is the safest thing for you and your family.  You also need to read the instructions with each one so that you are sure that you know how to test them.  This will also tell you how often you will need to replace the batteries. Once a month you should test the smoke detectors to make sure they are working properly and that the batteries are not dead. This is a small task to do that will keep your family safe from a home fire disaster.

If your fire detectors do go off and you have a fire in your home, make sure you know how to extinguish home fires, if the fire is too out of control, get out of the house immediately and call the fire department.

In 2007 Congress passed the Energy Independence & Security Act of 2007, which will aid the America people by transitioning to a more energy-efficient future by phasing out incandescent light bulbs between 2012 and 2014. By the removal of incandescent light bulbs from store shelves, homes and buildings within the next five years, the US will be saving billions of dollars each year of taxpayers’ money by reducing the amount of energy they consume.

This Act of Congress was designed to phase-out inefficient incandescent light bulbs to high-output, low-energy consumption bulbs like CFLs, LEDs, and halogens bulbs. Below you will find everything you will need to know about CFLs and LEDs, as well as what you need to know about the Energy Independence & Security Act of 2007 and how it will apply to you.

What are CFLs? Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs or CFL differ then an incandescent light bulb by the way if produces light. An incandescent bulb uses an electric current that runs through a wire filament and heats the filament until it starts to glow. A CFL uses an electric current that drives through a tube that contains argon and a small amount of mercury vapor. This process generates invisible ultraviolet light that reacts with the fluorescent coating within the tube, which then releases visible light.

What are the benefits of CFL? CFLs uses 75 percent less energy and will lasts about 10 times longer than an incandescent bulb. If every home in American replaced just one light in their home with a CFL light, enough energy would be saved to light more than 3 million homes for a year.

How do you save money with CFL? Compact fluorescent light bulbs will save you about $30 over its lifetime and pay for itself within 6 months.  Although the initial price of a CFL is more expensive than an incandescent light bulb, CFLs use 1/3 of the electricity than a regular light bulb and last up to 10 times as long. A single 18 watt CFL will save you about 570 kWh over its lifetime; at 8 cents per kWh that equals a $45 savings during the life of the bulb.

Do CFLs offer high-quality light? CFLs give out a warm inviting light unlike the “cool white” light of a fluorescent light bulb. The new electronically ballasted CFLs don’t flicker or hum and come in a variety of shapes and sizes unlike the old CFLs in the classic spiral shape.

Is the mercury in CFLs hazardous to my health? Mercury is a toxic metal that can lead to adverse health effects. A CFL bulb generally contains an average of 5 mg of mercury, that is about one-fifth of what is found in the average watch battery and less than 1/100th of the mercury found in an amalgam dental filling.* While the mercury in a compact fluorescent bulbs dose not poses a threat while in the bulb, however if you break one you should follow the steps below with caution:

- Open a window to air out the room for 15 minutes or more.

- Use a wet rag and gloves to pick up the broken pieces. Make sure to dispose the gloves and the rag, with the broken CFL, into a sealed plastic bag.

- Contact your nearest recycling center to see if they can accept broken CFLs.

- Make sure to wash your hands after you have disposed the broken compact fluorescent light bulb.

Burned out CFLs can be dropped off at your local Home Depot stores.

What are LED lights? Light Emitting Diodes are a solid light bulb which are enormously energy-efficient. Older models of LEDs were limited to a single-bulb usually found in your instrument panels, electronics, and more commonly the strings of indoor and outdoor Christmas lights.

What are the benefits of LEDs? Light Emitting Diodes last up to 10 times as long as compact fluorescents light bulbs and 20 times longer than the typical incandescent bulbs. LEDs are mercury-free and LEDs do not have a filament that can normally be easily damaged within the CFLs. Because they are built as a solid, LED bulbs hold up well.

How do you save money with LED? Because LEDs last for years, not only will you save money on energy coast, but you will save in maintenance and replacement costs far beyond the purchasing coast. Because LEDs require low power to run, using solar panels throughout your home becomes more reasonable.

So what does the Energy Independence & Security Act of 2007 mean to you?

•  The Act WILL NOT is requiring you to throw out your incandescent light bulbs.
•  Incandescent light bulbs between 40 and 100 watts will be phased out during 2012 and 2014.
•  The Act requires that all light bulbs sold must maintaining the same or greater light output and quality as an incandescent light bulb.
• Incandescent bulbs less than 40 watts or more than 150 watts including any appliance lamps, rough-service, 3-way bulbs, colored lamps and plant lights will be free from the Energy Independence & Security Act of 2007.

For more information regarding government rules and regulations surrounding this legislation such as ways to recycle light bulbs, energy-savings tips and other key topics, please visit: http://www.geconsumerandindustrial.com/environmentalinfo/

*Resource: http://www.eartheasy.com/live_energyeff_lighting.htm

Wood stair banisters generally consist of one or two handrails and several supporting “newel” posts. Over time a stair banister may become weak and can result in a loose handrails or post. To tighten a stair banister lose parts, you may need to insert wedges or screw loose parts for a tighter fit. If your using screws or pilot holes to prevent the wood from splitting, use an electric drill with combination bit so you can sink the screw heads. To conceal the screws or pilot holes, fill the holes with wood putty, preferable colored to match the wood and sand the putty smooth.

Two Ways to Tighten a Stair Banister Handrail:

1. Wedges: Tap a glue-coated wedge between the stair handrail and post. Make sure you do not pry the stair handrail. With a utility knife, trim the wedge flush with the handrail.
2. Screws: Drill a pilot hole at an angle through the post and into the stair handrail. Counter sink the screw and then apply wood glue. Insert the screw and then tighten. Fill the hole with wood putty, sand, and finish.

Two Ways to Tighten a Stair Post:

1. Nail to Treads: Drill a pilot hole at an angle through the stair post to the treads (stirs). Countersink the hole. Insert a wood screw and then tighten the screw. Once you have tighten the stair post and had filled the hole with wood putty, allow the putty to dry then sand and finish.
2. Notch-and-Tenon Post: Using a putty knife or chisel, pry the molding off. Then follow the steps for a nail to treads above, except do not fill the hole with wood putty. Instead apply epoxy around the notch and tenon. Insert the screw and tighten the stair post. Once you have tighten the banister to the post replace the molding.

While working with tools make sure you are wearing safety shoes and you position yourself securely while handling the tool. Wear shoes with good ankle support so you won’t slip or fall if something unexpected happens.

Cutting Tool Safety: It is much safer to use a  sharpened cutting tool instead of a dull tool due to the fact that a sharpened tool is easier to control. A dull cutting edge can caused you to apply extra pressure which may result in a dangerous slip.

Safety Equipment: Wear special safety when working with certain tools:

• A dust mask keeps your lungs safe when you’re sanding or when working with fiberglass insulation.
• A cartridge respirator (which you may rent or purchase) should be used when working with paint and solvents to give you extra provides extra poisonous fumes.
• Protect your hands from chemicals, insulation, and other abrasive or sharp objects by wearing gloves.
• Wearing  ear protection is always a good safety idea when working with any noisy power tools. Ear protection will help prevent hearing loss. 

Power Tools Safety: Work cautiously when using a power tools. Make sure to always safely unplug the tool when you are not using it or while you are adjusting the power tool. To guard against electric shock, check cords for damage. Plug three pronged tools into three pronged outlets only and never use an adapter unless its properly grounded.

Turn off an overheated tool at once and let the tool cool off before reusing the tool. Always stand on a dry surface to avoid shock. Make sure not to touch a water pipe with any part of your body or with the power tool you’re using.

1. Get everyone out of the house at once.
2. Use a neighbor’s phone or your cell phone, once you are away of from your home, to call the gas company or the fire department.
3. Don’t light a math or turn on/off any electrical switch. The danger of fire or an explosion is high. You should leave as many windows and doors open to help clear out the gas from the house.

Once you know everyone is safely out of your home, you can turn off the gas supply at the main gas shutoff valve. If you feel unsafe to turn off the gas shutoff valve, you can wait for the utility company to arrive to shut it off for you. The valve is usually located on the gas inlet pipe next to the gas meter. To shut off the gas, use an adjustable wrench to turn the gas shutoff valve a quarter-turn in either direction so that the valve flats are in a closed position. The valve should be perpendicular to the pipe.

Gas Shutoff Valve

Don’t turn the gas back on until you’ve discovered the source of the gas leak and have corrected it.

In the event of a natural disaster, you may have to turn off the gas supply to your home. Make sure you and all members of your family know the location of the gas shutoff valve and how to close it. To help your family identify the gas valve, attach a tie-on tag to the valve and label it Gas Shutoff Valve. Leave an adjustable wrench in a reachable location so it will be close at hand in the event of an emergency.

Don’t walk on the roof any more than you absolutely have to, you may cause more damage to the roof and will increase your chances of an accident. Don’t walk on tile or slate roofs do to the fact they are too slippery and breakable to safely work on.

Don’t walk on steep pitched roofs: Let a professional make any repairs on a sharply pitched roof. If your roof slopes more than 25 degrees or rises more than 4 inches vertically for every 12 horizontal inches, the roof is too unsafe to work on and you will need to call a professional.

Wear: Wear loose, comfortable clothing and non slip rubber-soled shoes with good ankle support when working on the roof.

Work on the roof only in dry days:  Calm warm weather conditions are the only conditions you can safely work on a roof.  A wet roof can be unsafe conditions with a sudden wind you can be knock you off balance.

Never: Never work on the roof when lightning is around.

Repairing damaged shingles: When repairing a roof with brittle or old roofing materials and rotted decking never place your weight on the damaged shingles you are repairing as a safety precaution. You may fall right through the roof.

No power lines: Stay well away from power lines. Make sure neither your body nor the equipment you use to fix the roof comes into contact with the power lines.

Electrical Safety

Operating with electricity is one of the most dangerous activities you can undertake as home owner. If not handled properly, electricity can cause dangerous shocks and fires. Most electrical home injuries are a result of touching live wires that were thought dead. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind when working with electricity.

Cut off the power. The most important thing to remember when doing electrical repairs is to cut power to your home and appliance you’re working on. Before you start to work on the wiring, always trip the circuit breaker or unscrew the fuse to the circuit. When in doubt about which circuit to switch off, you should turn off the main power supply. Make sure to unplug any appliance you’re working on.

Backup electrical safety. Once you have cut off power, there are five additional safety measures that should be carried out. Sometimes these extra steps are referred to as backup electrical safety.

1. Using a circuit tester to make sure a circuit is actually dead.
2. Use a wood or fiberglass ladder when working on ceiling fixtures such as fans and chandeliers. Aluminum ladders conduct electricity and offer a high risk to getting shocked.
3. Use a cordless drill when working on electricity outdoors.
4. Stand on a dry board and wear rubber boots when working in damp or wet conditions. Water is a conductor of electricity.
5. Always wear insulating gloves when using electrical tools.

Fire Hazards. Faulty wiring can cause fires. Restriction of a current flow through a wire or cord, such as a cord that is poorly connected to its plug, may lead to overheating and a fire. If a cord shows any wear and tear it should be replace as quickly as possible.

The “extension cord octopus” is another common cause of electrical fires. Where too many appliances are plugged into an extension cord excessive heat builds up in the cord as it extension cord tries to carry the electricity for all the appliances. The cord’s insulation melts from the heat and wires are exposed as the insulation weakens. This leads to a short circuit that sends sparks flying when the bare wires touch one another. This situation can lead to serious shocks, as well as electrical fires.

More safety precautions. In addition to the safety measures above, here are a few extra precautions to keep in mind.

• Lock or leave a note on the service panel to alert others that you are working on circuit wiring.
• Study your homes wiring and know how it works before you adjust or work on any electrical system. 
• Circuits are dead only past where they have been disconnected. Even after the circuit breakers have been turned off or the fuses removed, the lines for the utility company in the service panel are still hot.