Thinking of adding a four-pawed friend to the family? You're not alone. According to the Humane Society, there are around 78.2 million owned dogs in the United States and 39% of homes have at least one dog.
While it may be relatively easy to become a dog owner, being a successful dog owner is another thing entirely. In addition to treating the dog properly, obedience, good diet, exercise and all the other aspects of raising a healthy, happy dog, there is the issue of being a good dog owner as it pertains to the home.
Not all of your neighbors are dog people. And every town and municipality will have its own set of rules regarding dog ownership, i.e. leash laws, containment policies, etc.
To help in these matters, we've put together a short checklist for Dogs in the Home:
Dog proof your home. In some ways this is like baby-proofing, except that a dog is highly mobile (even as a pup) and can do a heck of a lot more damage with its teeth. With that in mind, move anything that can be broken or chewed to a higher elevation. Block off areas of the home to make off-limits sections and tuck or hide away electrical cords. Keep the lid down on the toilet and mind those shoes!!!
Contain the dog. Dogs should not be allowed to simply roam free in the yard. Invariably, they will wander, cross streets and possibly attack a passerby. Check with your municipality for specific rules regarding containment of your dog. If you don't have an actual fence, you can install a dog run or invisible fencing.
Collar up. The collar serves many purposes. Obviously it is essential for attaching a leash, but it also demonstrates responsible dog ownership to the neighbors in your town. It was assist in your dogs return should it get loose and may prevent any harm coming to the dog because of being misidentified as feral or a stray.
Beware the bark. You wouldn't know if your dog barks all day while your away, but your neighbors will. It's a fast way to a frosty relationship. There are ways to train your dog not to bark unless seriously provoked. If that doesn't work, you can always try a silencing collar.
Socialize. Introducing the dog to the neighborhood is a great way to get the neighbors' support for your dog ownership decision. When first introducing Fido, ensure that he doesn't jump up, and be mindful of a neighbor's reaction to the sight of the dog. Not everyone is a dog person. Respect that. For those neighbors who are not, demonstrating your responsible nature will go a long way towards their tolerance of your pet.
It's the Holidays! It's the time for eggnog, caroling, presents and sappy movies starring Jimmy Stewart! It's also the time for tragic falls from ladders, house fires and accidental ingestions.
Want to keep this Holiday joyful and mishap-free? Follow these important tips, courtesy of the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the National Fire Protection Association:
Place trees away from heat sources. Sounds like a no-brainer, right? Well, property losses from Christmas tree fires are up around $19 million. So keep the tree a safe distance from stoves, fireplaces, vents and radiators.
Buy Fire Resistant fake trees. It's great that you want to be more environmentally-friendly and buy a fake tree. Just be sure the tag reads "Fire Resistant."
Keep the Tree kid-safe. This means using unbreakable, inedible, un-sharp decorations. Dispose of tree trimmings immediately.
Use Caution with Candles. Never leave the home with candles burning. Never go to bed with the candles burning. Place candles on a stable, heat-resistant surface, out of reach of kids and pets. Make sure the candles are place well-away from anything that can catch fire.
Light with Safety. Lights can pose a few different hazards. To ensure that the lights you intend to use are safe, look for lighting sets test by the UL or a similar laboratory. Check all lights for damaged sockets, compromised wires or loose connections. Throw out any damaged sets. The same goes for extension cords. Be sure that lights used outdoors are certified for outdoor use. And most importantly, use caution when climbing ladders to hang up lights.
Although the East Coast is not completely out of the harm's way, response teams have been pouring in to help victim's of Hurricane/Superstorm Sandy.
Preliminary death tolls are as high as 33 and the commercial and residential damages will take weeks to add up.
Every little bit that fellow citizens can do to help will also add up. Here are a few ways you can make an instant and lasting impact on the response and recovery efforts following the storm's devastation:
Statistics tell use that tens of thousands of table saw accidents occur every year in the U.S. While these facts weren't enough for California to pass a law requiring all newly manufactured table saws to include special (but costly) safety equipment, it still should be enough to give any aspiring woodworker or DIYer pause, especially when in the market for a new table saw.
Currently there is one stand-out table saw safety product on the market called Saw Stop. This device brings the saw to a sudden halt when the blade comes into contact with human flesh. (Watch the video of a guy who actually tests the technology out on his own hand. Crazy.) Is it worth the money? One user asks Tommy for his opinion.
The Problem
Amos from Maine: I want to get a table saw but my significant other is pushing me to get one with Saw Stop. The problem is, that costs more money than I'm willing to spend. Are there other technologies like Saw Stop that do the same thing that are cheaper? Aren't most of the amputations that happen on table saws preventable just through safer practices and more attentiveness? I'm basically trying to find out if I REALLY need to spend the money on this safety device.
The Answer
Tommy: They call them accidents for a reason.
I always thought that good working habits would always save me from cutting myself. But about 5 years ago I was cutting a small piece of wood and basically lost my attention. I ran my thumb across the table saw blade. I had a cut down the length of it. Basically I filleted my finger. I needed twenty stitches.
I cut myself on a Sunday and got a Saw Stop on a Monday. And to me, knowing I won't have to go through that pain and suffering and damage to my hand is worth a million times what the Saw Stop costs.
Now I know that it's basically the only technology available right now, but I also know other companies are coming out with them. I'm not familiar with them at this time. I also know they're working on similar safety devices for other tools in the shop. And when they do, I'll get those, too.
So, take that as you will. I'm not here to endorse a product, but now you know my story and you know what I think.
Sears has recalled almost 800,000 Kenmore dehumidifiers due to a fire and burn hazard associated with the units. These dehumidifiers can overheat, smoke, melt and catch on fire.
To date there have been 107 reports of incidents and more than $7 million in property damage. There were three reports of smoke inhalation injuries. Thankfully there haven't been any more serious injuries associated with the recall.
The recall applies to 35-, 50- and 70-pint dehumidifiers manufactured between 2003 and 2005. Model numbers can be found at the CPSC recall page.
Consumers who own the recalled dehumidifier should turn it off and unplug it immediately and contact Sears to receive a gift card or to request a check for the refund amount.
FingerguardUSA recently announced the arrival of its patented door and hinge safety device to the U.S. market. Previously available in Europe, these finger-saving products address the 80% of child amputations caused by door-related injuries.
We've all caught our fingers in a closing door. Did you know that the pressure exerted on a hinge side of a closing door can reach as much as 40 tons per square inch? Small wonder so many children lose fingers in this way.
FingerguardUSA's products include the Finger Keeper Front, which covers the gap created on the hinge side of the door when it is open. Finger Keeper Rear covers to the other side to ensure 100% protection. What's more, the products come in three different colors to better match the wide range of door and hinge types found in homes across the country.
Finger Keeper Front sells for $46.95, which will protect the hinge side of one door. The Rear version sells for $23.95.
From all of us here at Renovate Your World, have a great 4th of July! Whatever you do today, be sure to say a little word of thanks to our forefathers for their fight for our Independence. Also be sure to follow these Safe Grilling Guidelines if you are planning on firing up the gas or charcoal grill (which we hope you do). It should go without saying that caution should be taken if handling fireworks today, but it never hurts to remind. Here are some Fourth of July Firework Safety Tips that we sent around on a year passed. Take a quick look and make sure you're minimizing risk this Independence Day.
