October is Fire Safety Month

Remember to test and change batteries as needed in all your alarms.  Carbon Monoxide and Smoke & Fire Detectors tend to take either 9V or AA batteries.  Most CO Detectors have a sensor that lasts 5 years, while Smoke & Fire sensors are usually good for 10 years, but always check the back of the alarm.  It should have either a "Born on" Date or an expiration date.

Fall Seeding is the Best Seeding

With cooler temperatures on the horizon, fall is the best time to establish a new lawn or fill in dead spots.  One of the most common issues in our neighborhood is shade and tree debris.  To successfully seed or sod, try applying lime to reduce acidity from tree debris and loosen up clay soil.  Using a seed with creeping or chewings fescues is your best bet for shady areas.

Space Heater Safety

Never put your heater on carpeting or near loose fabric as they are more likely to catch fire if they come in contact with high temperature surface like the bottom or side of your heater.  Loose fabrics can be sucked against the air in-take causing the unit to overheat or tripping an over-heat safety sensor that shuts the heater off.  Carpeted surfaces also tend to be uneven prompting the heater's tip-over sensor to shut the off the power.  Even if your heater doesn't catch fire, if it keeps setting off sensors, you will reduce the life of the heater.  

Fall Paint & Seal Projects

Painting & sealing is ideal as the weather cools and dries out.  For your best joint sealing, use products called "siliconized" or "urethane" based for superior adhesion and flexibility.  For ease of use, try latex based products that can be cleaned up with soap & water.  One of my favorite tricks for creating a nice look with silicone or urethane based caulk is applying painter's tape on either side of the joint.  After caulking the joint, liberally squirt liquid dish soap over the caulking.  Then use a plastic spoon to smooth the bead of caulk.  Finally, pull the blue painter's tape, leaving a professional looking job, that didn't cost a bundle.

Ready for Winter

Halloween Fun

Carving pumpkins can be a lot of fun, or frustration.  Shaving down the thickness of the inside of the pumpkin helps cut thru with ease.  To keep your pumpkin looking it's best, spray some vegetable oil under where it sets to prevent moisture from wicking into the pumpkin.  Soaking the pumpkin in a simple bleach solution (1 tablespoon bleach to a gallon of water) for about 10 min, can help prevent mold & mildew growth.