Hudson - Litchfield News

May 7, 2010 - Home Improvement 9

Practice summer safety in your own backyard

If you don’t have the extra time or cash to take a summer trip, fun for you and your family can be as close as your own backyard. “Just make sure you play it safe,”

says Charles Valinotti, senior vice president with QBE Regional, which specializes in property and casualty insurance through subsid- iaries General Casualty, Unigard, Farmers Union Insurance and QBE Agri. He recommends that before summer is in full swing, you make sure your backyard is ready for the season’s get-togethers and activi- ties.

Hit the deck

The U.S. Product Safety Com- mission says deck collapse is one of the most serious recreational safety threats, caused by shoddy construction or poor maintenance. Valinotti says you should review lo- cal codes to make sure your deck’s railings and spindle widths are in compliance. “If you see a loose step or handrail, fix it,” Valinotti says. “Otherwise, it’s an accident just waiting to happen.” So before you host that first deck party: * Do a deck check – Make sure

the deck is secured to your home by heavy-duty steel bolts specially designed to secure wooden struc- tures. If your deck is simply nailed or screwed on, it could pull away from the house. * Inspect the wood – Does your

deck’s wood need to be treated and sealed? This helps prevent dry rot, wood splintering and mishaps. Vali- notti notes one QBE customer fell through rotted steps while grasping a shaky handrail, causing $113,000 in injuries.

* Look at the lattice – If you’ve added lattice to your deck for pri- vacy, make sure it’s sturdy enough to prevent a child – or adult – from falling through it.

Secure your yard

Is your yard all clear for summer

activities? * Work on play areas – Your

backyard swing set and other playground equipment should have plenty of shock-absorbing materi- als – such as wood chips or sand – underneath and on the perimeter. Replenish those materials if they look skimpy. * Keep tabs on cords – Don’t run electrical cords in areas where people congregate. “And never use an indoor extension cord for an outside job. It could cause electric shock or create a fire hazard,” Valinotti says.

* De-clutter for safety – Don’t

leave toys, tools or lawn equipment in the yard.

Prep your grill

Gas grills continue to be popular for preparing outdoor meals. To squelch the chance of fire and injuries: * Clean before you cook – “Once

a year you need to give your grill a good cleaning,” Valinotti says. “Frequently grilling meats like steak and chicken will cause a lot of grease build-up.” Disconnect the gas and lift out the grill parts layer by layer. Once you get down to the burners, make sure you inspect them thoroughly. Completely clean the grill and grates with soapy water.

* Inspect hoses – Check your

grill’s hoses for cracking, brittle- ness, holes and leaks. * Invest in extra protection – Buy a grill pad or splatter mat to place under your grill. These naturally heat-resistant pads made of com- posite cement or plastic will catch grease that misses the drip pan and help prevent a flare-up.

- Courtesy of ARAcontent

FREE POOLS!!

I‘ll be sweating

this one out!

www.northeastsealcoating.com

FREE NO HASSLE

ESTIMATES!

Over 15 Years Serving The Area!

10x12 DECK PACKAGE

Pressure Treated

from $3995

Composite from $5995

with free tile floor up to 80 sq ft (8x10)

FULL BATH REMODEL

from $4395

APRIL

Come buy your pool by June 15, 2010. If it hits 100 degrees on 4th of July, 2010 your pool is FREE!

DAYS

SEE Store for Details!

(603) 880-7667

Info@LinNancInteriors.com

~ Custom Window Solutions ~ Remodel Design Services ~ Interior Decorating

www.LinNancInteriors.com

Over 65 Years or Quality Service!

150 Middle St,. Lowell, MA 978-454-5517 1-800-698-SWIM www.rogerspools.com

(Not including installation)

Mon-Wed 9-5, Thrs, Fri 9-6 Sat 9-4, Sun in season

Design/Build Additions & Remodels, Exterior Upgrades, Decks and Home Repair

See our website for details on these offers!

www.builtsolidhomes.com

661-9807

Licensed, Insured

31st

POOL

SALE Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28