12.12.11
Posted in Ridgeland MS Homes for Sale tagged Ridgeland MS home safety at 7:00 am by Mississippi Real Estate Agent
Holidays are full of joy and family fun – and potential hazards all about. To keep harmony and health in your Ridgeland MS home this season, keep these safety tips in mind:
- Sparkly, Not Sparking, Electrical Safety: Plugging extension cords into extension cords into extension cords to create a wire farm of electricity can be a fire hazard. Blown circuit breakers are one sign that you’re overloading the capacity of your Ridgeland MS home. Don’t wait for the sparks. If you are using lights outside, make sure that they are approved for outdoor, all-weather use.
- Season of Light, Not of Fire: Never leave candles burning unattended or where pets or children can knock them over. Period. Flames are lovely only when contained to fireplaces and candlestick holders.
- Balance in All Things: As you decorate your Ridgeland MS home with wreathes, ornaments, and nativity scenes or menorahs and dreidels, consider where and how you are piling them. Too many items perched on tabletops and mantles and dangled from wafer-thin supports may become unstable. If you have to add the word “probably” before “it’s secure,” re-do your approach.
- Poison Control: Poinsettias, for instance, can be lethal for pets. Mistletoe is good for stealing kisses under but poisonous if eaten. Think about who and what has access to and interest in any new plants, foods, toys, or decorations you’re putting out for the season. Spot, Kitty and the kiddies may think new items look appetizing, from tinsel to food-shaped ornaments.
- Respect the Power of Tools: If you only take your chain saw out once a year to cut the bottom off the tree, take a moment to review the manual and find your safety goggles. Hint: the electric knife for the turkey should not be plugged in and left out.
The holiday season can be the harried and hurried season too. Be sure to take the time to make sure everyone survives the holidays in health and happiness.
If you’re thinking of starting the New Year in one of the new Ridgeland MS homes, call me at 601-942-3392 or email Paula@KeyTrustProperties.com to start the ball rolling.
Paula Ricks Broker/Owner, REALTOR®
220 W Jackson St, Suite 200, Ridgeland MS 39157
601-942-3392
www.PaulaRicks.com
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Ridgeland MS home safety
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07.28.11
Posted in Ridgeland MS Homes for Sale tagged Ridgeland MS home safety at 7:00 am by Mississippi Real Estate Agent
Have you ever thought about hiring a house sitter for your Ridgeland MS home? If you’re going on an extended trip, hiring a house sitter could prevent potential problems. Here are the basics you need to know about house sitters.
What are the benefits to having a house sitter?
- It’s safer. If you are going out of town for any length of time, your Ridgeland MS home is statistically less likely to be burglarized if it’s occupied.
- You’ll save on insurance fees. If your home is empty for over 30 days, you may not be able to buy homeowner’s insurance for it or the insurance may be very costly.
- Your pets can stay in their home. Your pets are going to miss you, but at least they’ll be more comfortable in their familiar surroundings. They’ll also be at less risk of infections such as kennel cough.
- Your home is maintained. Whether you have a garden or in-door plants that need to be watered, your house sitter is there to take care of it. He or she can also cut your grass and get leaks fixed. Imagine the mess you’d come home to if your ice maker sprung a leak!
How much do house sitters cost?
The cost of house sitters depend on how long you want them to stay in your Ridgeland MS home and what you want them to do for you. For example, you can have the house sitter stay overnight or make daily visits.
Some house sitters care for your home in exchange for free lodging. Daily rates for those who charge start as low as $15 and go up from there. If you want your dog cared for and walked daily, you’ll pay extra for those types of services.
How do I find a house sitter?
If you have friends or neighbors who’ve used house sitters, ask them for referrals. You can also use a house sitter referral service such as House Sitters America or House Carers.
Need help finding a house sitter? Give me a call at 601-942-3392 or send me an email Paula@PaulaRicks.com for more information.
Paula Ricks Broker/Owner, REALTOR®
220 W Jackson St, Suite 200, Ridgeland MS 39157
601-942-3392
www.PaulaRicks.com
Tags:
Ridgeland MS home safety
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05.31.10
Posted in Ridgeland MS Real Estate tagged Ridgeland MS home safety at 7:00 am by Mississippi Real Estate Agent
No, I’m not talking about the economic crisis, or any other type of personal disaster. I’m talking about the kind that Mother Nature doles out with predictable uncertainty. If you’re a Ridgeland MS real estate owner, your home can never be prepared to the extent of knowing when disasters will happen, but you can be ready for anytime they do.
Know What Type of Disaster is Most Likely
While some types of natural disasters can happen anywhere such as fires and floods, other types like earthquakes, landslides, tornadoes and hurricanes are less likely in certain regions. For example, tornadoes are unlikely in California and earthquakes are less common in Wisconsin.
Different types of disasters require different preparations so knowing what your Ridgeland MS real estate is most likely to experience is of great benefit. For instance, you do not want to be underground in an earthquake, but in a tornado picking the lowest spot in a home such as a basement is wise.
Gather Supplies
Some things are common to all types of disaster preparations. Having these items on hand should be on every Ridgeland MS real estate homeowner’s “must have” list.
- Extra blankets
- Water
- Several days worth of food (best if prepared or easy to make without electrical appliances)
- Candles or other forms of emergency lighting
- Battery operated radio
- Dust mask
- Can opener
- Moist towels
- Emergency escape plans
- Shelter listings
- Pet food (if you have pets)
- Fire extinguishers (every home should have at least one per floor if not more)
- Infant supplies (if applicable)
Plan for Fast Action
Have disaster plans worked out for a variety of disaster types:
- In the event of a fire, have an escape plan prepared for every level of your home.
- If your Ridgeland MS real estate is in a flood zone, have sandbags ready and stored for use at a moment’s notice.
- For tornado safety, know the best place in your home to go for shelter.
Being prepared can save you a lot of grief. Disasters are a nuisance at best and fatal at worst. By planning for the worst, you’ll get through them in the best manner possible.
If you need more information on preparing your home for a disaster, I can help. Call me now at 601-942-3392 or email me at Paula@PaulaRicks.com.
Paula Ricks
Coldwell Banker Nell Wyatt, Inc.
443-A Northpark Dr, Ridgeland, MS 39157
Office: 601-956-8533
Call Direct: 601-942-3392
Paula@PaulaRicks.com
www.PaulaRicks.com
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Ridgeland MS home safety
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12.07.09
Posted in Ridgeland MS Real Estate tagged Ridgeland MS home safety at 7:00 am by Mississippi Real Estate Agent
During this festive season, our thoughts turn to giving gifts, baking delicious treats in our homes and visiting friends and family. However, there are others who think about unoccupied, gift-filled houses.
If you own Ridgeland MS real estate, don’t give a thief a chance this year. Safeguard your home for the holidays by following these tips:
Holiday Safety at Home
- Keep all doors and windows locked, even if your step out for a moment.
- Videotape valuables so you’ll have a record of ownership.
- Inspect all holiday lights for frayed wiring before your hang them.
- Beware of strangers coming to the door asking for charitable donations. Ask for identification, if donations are tax deductible, how the funds will be used. If you are not satisfied, don’t give. Instead, help a charitable group you know.
Holiday Events Away from Your Ridgeland MS Home
- Turn on lights, a television or radio so that it appears that someone is home.
- Lock all doors and windows.
- If you have a home alarm system, use it. Alarm systems are only useful when they’re activated.
- Holiday gifts should not be displayed where they can be seen from the outside.
- Never leave keys under doormats, flowerpots or other “secret” hiding places — burglars know where to look for hidden keys around Ridgeland MS real estate homes.
Holiday Travel
- Secure all doors and windows including your pet doors. Burglars can gain access to your premises from amazingly small openings – including cat doors. Secure all pet doors and remember to lock every single window and door, including those on garages and exterior buildings or storage sheds.
- Ask a neighbor to watch your house and pick up any packages left for you.
- If you leave your car at home, park it where you normally would.
- Use automatic timers for your interior and exterior lights.
- Stop your mail and newspaper deliveries.
- Arrange to have snow shoveled (if necessary) while you’re away.
- Notify your local police department and leave a number where you can be reached in case of an emergency.
Take the time to be safe so you can relax and enjoy this wonderful time of the year.
Happy Holidays to you and yours!
Paula Ricks
Coldwell Banker Nell Wyatt, Inc.
Ridgeland, Mississippi
www.PaulaRicks.com
Paula@PaulaRicks.com
Call direct: 601-942-3392
Tags:
Ridgeland MS home safety
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11.26.09
Posted in Ridgeland MS Real Estate tagged Ridgeland MS home safety at 7:00 am by Mississippi Real Estate Agent
More festive candles are used in your Ridgeland MS real estate home or condo during the holidays than at any other time of year, so it’s important to review the safety rules. Here are few tips to keep you safe:
Candle Placement Preparation
It may sound silly, but if you’re a Ridgeland MS real estate homeowner, you need to prepare before you light that candle. First figure out where you want to place the candle in your home.
- Find a heat resistant surface.
- Make sure there aren’t any books, papers, curtains, or bedding nearby.
- Watch out for flammable holiday decorations.
- Keep the candle away from windows and vents, and check for signs of a draft.
- Place the candle where children and pets can’t reach and where it isn’t likely to be bumped into.
Getting Ready to Light the Candle
- Before burning the candle, review the manufacturer’s instructions. Most recommend that the wick be trimmed to ¼ inch before lighting.
- Make sure to use only approved candle holders. Using an unapproved glass holder could cause it to burst and send glass everywhere.
- Place candles at least three inches apart so the additional heat doesn’t cause them to melt improperly.
Burning the Candle
Now that the candle is lit, make sure to never leave it unattended.
- Watch the candle to see if it smokes or flickers a lot. This could be a sign that the candle isn’t burning properly.
- Leave about two inches of wax when you extinguish the candle. Most manufacturers recommend that you don’t burn the candle all the way down.
Putting the Candle Out Safely
The safest way to put out a candle is with a candle snuffer.
- Don’t use your fingers or blow out the candle; the flame may travel and cause a fire.
- Never use water to put out a candle; the wax may splatter and burn you.
- Wait until the wax is cooled before you move the candle.
Candles are a beautiful way to decorate your home for the holidays. By following these simple safety suggestions, you can help to ensure that your holidays are happy and safe.
Thinking about buying Ridgeland MS real estate? If you’d like to be in a new home before the next holiday rolls around, I can help. Call me at 601-942-3392 or email me at Paula@PaulaRicks.com for more information.
Paula Ricks
Coldwell Banker Nell Wyatt, Inc.
Ridgeland, Mississippi
www.PaulaRicks.com
Paula@PaulaRicks.com
Call direct: 601-942-3392
Tags:
Ridgeland MS home safety
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11.06.09
Posted in Ridgeland MS Real Estate tagged Ridgeland MS home safety at 7:00 am by Mississippi Real Estate Agent
Winter is almost here and few things are as comforting for Ridgeland MS real estate owners than the smell of wood burning in the fireplace of their home. Before you light the first fire of the year, there are a few things you need to do. Here is the short list for fireplace safety:
Clean Out the Chimney
Everyone wants to get out of the cold weather, including birds and squirrels. Have a chimney cap installed at the top of the chimney to keep out small animals looking for shelter. The cap will also keep debris from clogging the chimney.
Have a professional clean out any creosote residue. Creosote is the build up of carbon from burning wood. It is flammable and needs to be removed every year.
Creosote is hazardous to your health. It can cause respiratory problems, so don’t try to clean it out on your own. Some home improvement stores sell a creosote removal log that you burn in your fireplace, it may clean your fireplace incompletely, so it’s best to go with a professional chimney cleaning company.
Prepare the Surrounding Area
Ridgeland MS real estate homeowners, before you light the fireplace in your home, make sure that the area around it is clear of clutter. You’ll want to make sure there is at least two to three feet of cleared space around the fireplace.
Invest in a fireplace screen so that nothing is accidentally knocked into the fireplace. It will also help to prevent burning embers from flying out.
Each time you get ready use the fireplace, clean out the ashes from the previous fire.
Light the Fire
First, open the fireplace damper so the proper airflow can occur. Then, start with paper or kindling placed on top of the fireplace grate. Use seasoned firewood cut to the right length for your fireplace. A couple of logs will be enough; you don’t want to add too many or the fire will suffocate.
Following these fireplace safety instructions can help you enjoy this winter season without worry. So, feel free to light that fireplace and soon the aroma of burning wood will fill your home.
Are you thinking about buying Ridgeland MS real estate? I can help. Call me today at 601-942-3392 or email Paula@PaulaRicks.com.
Paula Ricks
Coldwell Banker Nell Wyatt, Inc.
Ridgeland, Mississippi
www.PaulaRicks.com
Paula@PaulaRicks.com
Call direct: 601-942-3392
Tags:
Ridgeland MS home safety
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