Having the ability to repair damaged furniture gives one the opportunity to furnish one’s home at a fraction of the price of new pieces. Old pieces also add distinction to a home as their basic construction is often found to be superior to modern factory merchandise. Many philosophies exist as to the best restoration techniques. These include complete renovation, attending to essential repairs only and keeping the original state wherever possible. Regardless of the method, certain precautions should be taken when restoring furniture.

Woodworking ‑ protection

It is essential to wear safety glasses to prevent the possibility of chemicals splashing into your eyes. Use a respirator with an organic vapour filter to avoid breathing in fumes. Wear a dust filter if you’re going to be doing any dusty work.

Consider wearing protective gloves and clothing when working, especially if you’re using harsh chemicals. Also, use plenty of old newspaper or fabric to protect your work surfaces.

Woodworking ‑ tools and materials precautions

Store your refinishing materials in a cool, dark place. All unused glazes and chemicals should be labeled correctly. Don’t pour chemicals down a house drain. Rather dispose of them at a recycling centre. On the other hand, rather throw paint and chemical soaked rags away than keep them.

Keep tools and solutions out of the reach of animals and children. Contact your local poison control centre should anything be ingested. Have the number of the centre nearby at all times.

Ventilation

Proper ventilation is essential when it comes to using bleaching solutions indoors. Avoid combining such solutions with other chemicals like stripper and ammonia as you could end up with lethal fumes. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and pay special attention to any warnings.

You can ventilate your working area by facing a fan towards an open window. Get yourself outdoors immediately if you feel strange. Alternatively, work outdoors if possible. Even though water-based fumes aren’t as strong as oil-based fumes, they can still make you feel light-headed when they react with varnish and paint.

Also, avoid drinking alcohol while you’re working with potentially toxic fumes as the combination may leave you feeling ill.

Many of us cannot imagine being in a situation where our lives are in danger, but unfortunately, it can and does happen. People who survive traumatic events often say that they would never have thought that they would be in a dangerous situation. What do you do when faced with the unfathomable? Our first reaction is to panic, but this will not get you anywhere. People who survive horrific events often have their rationality to thank for their being alive.

As cool as a cucumber

If you find yourself in a dangerous situation, the first thing to do would be to pay attention and take note of where you are, the situation you are in and your surroundings. Stay alert and assess everything. The more you know the better control you will have. If you cannot stay calm, try breathing deeply. Focus on something, no matter what it is and count to 10. Force yourself to think, even if it does not relate to your present danger until the panic subsides and you feel calmer.

What should I do?

If you are able to call for help do so immediately. Emergency numbers should always be on your mobile in case a dangerous situation should arise. Bear in mind that when you panic you may not be able to remember the numbers you know off by heart. Remember that your goal is survival, so think before you react to anything and never overreact. What you do can have a major impact on what happens to you.

A great way to prepare for any given situation is to learn first aid and lifesaving skills such as CPR. Educate yourself on what to do in various emergency situations and what the right procedures are. You never know how other people will react so rely on yourself as much as possible.

If you have a family, plan ahead and teach your children how to be calm in an emergency. It is best not to wait for a situation to arise, but rather to be prepared for whatever should happen.

There are many dangers lurking out there in the world and it is important to arm your children with the right skills to defend themselves. You should never instil fear in your child, but you should make them feel confident by guiding them through safety strategies and cautious behaviour so that they are less likely to fall prey to harmful experiences. It’s difficult to know what to teach your child depending on their age and the last thing you want to do is make them frightened of the outside world and those around them.

Easy to understand

If you do not know where to start when it comes to teaching your child about safety, a good place may be to explain what a stranger is. So often words and phrases are used without their meaning being explained, but this cannot happen when explaining safety to your child. How can they identify a stranger if they do not know what a stranger actually is? Explain the most likely places strangers would seek attention and the methods they might use. Also explain to your child how they should react when approached as well as the few times it may actually be acceptable to interact with one, for example if you happen to be addressing someone they may not know.

Be creative

If you have a difficulty getting your child to listen or understand or if your child is younger, using pictures may aid your safety talk. Show your little one pictures of strangers versus pictures of those they know and state which one is which in clear sentences for example, ‘Look Candice, the farmer is a stranger, but this is a picture of Grandpa.’ There are also games you can get your child to play on the internet that can help them protect themselves while online.

Make your child aware of their rights and what another adult should never ask them to do. Also provide them with important details of those who may be willing to help and who they can call on in a high risk situation.

With the relatively new fear of terrorist attacks occasionally occupying the minds of the most optimistic Brits, the threat of being attacked in our own homes by fellow citizens is far more immediate. As such we need to be mindful of how we secure our homes and families, since it is instinctive to protect those we love most. Most people have a basic sense of safety and security, but just to be double sure you’re doing the little bit you can, below are four critical home security tips to ensure the safety of our loved ones.

Double-check all doors are double locked

Lock your doors. I know this sounds ridiculous to even suggest, but depending on which part of the country you live in, this may not be as habitual as it is for those of us who live in the inner cities. It is advised you reinforce your doors, too, with either security bars or security locks.

Consider putting up a night-light

Dark spots in the home are ideal ways for would-be burglars to infiltrate your home, or, worse still, to ambush you when you return home from a night out. Consider putting up night lights in all the dark spots in your home. A particularly useful technique is to use a light with a proximity sensor that only lights up when someone (or something) steps beneath it. This home security tip could both scare off criminals while alerting you to potential hazards before they become a problem.

Appear present at all times

Most crooks don’t want to risk being caught, nor do they want to bump into the occupants of a home. As such, they try break into a home when nobody is present. One simple way of negating this is to have your home appear as if it has occupants at all times.

Timed lights, coupled with a radio that’s always on is enough to make a chance-taker suspect someone may be home. And if that suspicion makes the crook change their mind, then this sneaky home security tip has served its purpose.

Hire a security company

Commercial home security companies have made it possible for average citizens to have security readily available without needing to break the bank. If you live in an area where such services are used, and you can afford it, a key home security tip is to hire experts. One never knows when hitting the panic button will come in handy, and as is often said, rather safe than sorry.

Your family’s safety is likely your number one priority, and you should practice as many of these home security tips as feasible.

Recent reports that crime in Britain and Wales has dropped to its lowest level since 1981 have been met with some shock – but yes, the crime rate really does show that these countries are safer places of late. It’s not all good news and there’s certainly a long way to go in the fight against crime, but the news provides some hope and reassurance for those who think that it’s all bad news about the state of the country.

Unfounded fears

Fears that the recession would cause an upsurge in crime have been crushed by these recent statistics. ‘Acquisitive crime’, such as burglary, was expected to see a particular increase as a result of the economic downturn, but that simply hasn’t been the case.

It’s in the numbers

The crime rate is down by 10 per cent from last year, and shows a total decline of 43 per cent since 1997. That’s the year, incidentally, that the Labour government came into power, so the figures suggest that they’ve done well in reducing crime. The figures fell for almost every type of crime, from burglary to homicide. It’s not all good news, though: alarmingly, figures increased significantly when it came to sexual offences.

Still too high

While these crime figures are reassuring, any crime is too much crime. That’s the word from Downing Street, and the Home Secretary, Theresa May, pointed out that crime figures may not be entirely accurate as not all crimes are reported. It seems, however, that it’s safe to say that there’s an improvement when it comes to crime in Britain – and if the police and other agencies keep up the good work, maybe there’ll be an even greater fall in the future.

Make sure that the kitchen has quick and easy accessibility. Keep your kitchen counter tops at the right height so you can work comfortably without having to stretch or stoop during your cooking process. You also need to move around with ease in your kitchen, so ensure it is designed well with enough space for you to reach out for everything. Place your dishwasher in a raised position so you can load and unload all your dishes easily.

The wall cabinets where you store most of your kitchen essentials should be placed in heights on the walls where you can reach out for anything without having to strain much. If you have children, then make sure your knifes, especially sharp ones like the Haiku H-04 Deba Japanese filleting knife, are stored safely out of reach. Place the wall cabinets just above your kitchen counter tops, to enable you to reach out or pull out any ingredient during your cooking processes. Incorporate many drawers and pull out racks in your kitchen cabinets so storage becomes easy.

Design your kitchen according to your needs, so that you feel comfortable and safe working in the kitchen. A well designed and safe kitchen is surely an asset.

]]> http://www.home-living-news.co.uk/do-it-yourself-diy/492/essential-safety-tips-for-your-kitchen-design.html/feed 0 http://www.home-living-news.co.uk/meal-preparation/472/microwave-cookware-make-sure-to-stay-safe.html http://www.home-living-news.co.uk/meal-preparation/472/microwave-cookware-make-sure-to-stay-safe.html#comments Sun, 08 Feb 2009 16:54:31 +0000 Kyle http://www.home-living-news.co.uk/?p=472 We cannot find a home without a microwave these days. Microwave cooking requires you to use microwave safe cookware. Materials used in microwave safe cookware include glass, ceramic, tough plastic and china clay. These materials are heat resistant, and their composition will not alter the performance of the microwave. Other kitchen appliances where microwave cookware is used include the refrigerator, ovens and freezers. They can be used to cook and serve meals too.

If you are planning on buying microwave cookware, these tips are sure to be helpful. Ensure that you do not compromise on quality when you purchase microwave cookware. Remember that genuine microwave cookware can withstand high temperatures and can be used for many years without any problem. Tupperware manufactures some of the best microwave cookware products.

Avoid using metal cookware, metal trimmed dishes and aluminum foil in microwaves as they can cause fires and damage the microwave oven. For example, metal saucepans like the WMF 0724209630 should never be placed in your microwave, as they will destroy it. Glassware can be used for cooking but remember to use disposable microwave cookware only for reheating meals. Paper cups, plates and bags made from wax and parchment paper can be used in microwave ovens. Keep in mind to purchase microwave cookware that fits your oven turntable, nothing oversized. No utensils with handles should be used in microwave as these might hit the glass door while the turntable rotates.

Try buying microwave cookware that has an oval shape or round shape so that it enables quick and even distribution of heat. With so many varieties of microwave cookware available in the market, a small amount of careful planning helps you choose the right ones required for your cooking your dishes.

Glassware, which has a metallic gold or silver trim around their edges, is highly unsuitable for microwave ovens as they can cause sparks. Obviously utensils made of steel, like the Kenwood stainless steel bowl, metal skewers, foil trays, thermometers, etc., should also be avoided. Use plastic ware, which is labeled “safe for the dishwasher” as these can be used in microwave ovens too. No canned food should be kept directly into the microwave for heating. If foil is used, you have to make sure the foil does not touch the sides of the oven.

Heavy pottery or chinaware, heatproof glass that is clear, ceramic dishes and bowls are ideal and safe for microwave use. Many brands like Pyrex and Corning glassware produce microwaveable dishes, bowls and plates, which are extremely safe to use. You can use Styrofoam cups for heating but only once, after which they need to be discarded. You can use paper towels in microwave ovens to prevent your food from spilling over and causing stains.

Plastic ware, which is heavy like Tupperware, is safe for the microwave but not those, which are thin and flimsy. Never use melamine utensils in your microwave oven as they contain metal. Plastic freezer bags can be used to cook your vegetables like peas and spinach.

]]> http://www.home-living-news.co.uk/meal-preparation/456/having-microwave-oven-safe-utensils-is-important.html/feed 0 http://www.home-living-news.co.uk/parenting/379/beware-your-child-needs-to-be-protected-and-safety-measures-are-a-must.html http://www.home-living-news.co.uk/parenting/379/beware-your-child-needs-to-be-protected-and-safety-measures-are-a-must.html#comments Wed, 03 Dec 2008 17:17:43 +0000 Kyle http://www.home-living-news.co.uk/?p=379 One of the most common causes of infant death is accident. What is very bad about this statement is that in many cases the accident could have been averted if a better safety measure were in place. Children are God’s ultimate gift to mankind and it is therefore imperative for us that we ensure the safety and well being of the child.

Here are a few tips that should keep your baby as safe as safe as in a locker, yeah locker, if you follow them:

While driving make it a point to have a rear facing infant or convertible car seat and place it in the back seat, unless of course your toddler is a year old and weights around 20lb. Placing your baby in the front seat of a car, and that too with a passenger side airbag is inviting danger with open hands.

Ensure that his crib is safe, and that it has no more than 2 3/8 inches between the bars. It is mandatory that the mattresses are firm and fit perfectly within the crib. Moreover, make it a point to place the crib away from windows and drafts.

Equipment that is capable of causing damage to your child is better off tucked away at safe locations.

While bathing your child maintain the water temperature at slightly warm temperature to avoid scalding burns. Children also have this natural tendency to put everything they can lay their hands on into their mouth; hence it is essential to keep a tab on small objects.

Another important aspect to take note of is to put your baby to sleep on his back which will reduce the chances of SIDS. Never leave your child alone on a waterbed, bean bag, etc which may cause choking. Placing a baby monitor next to the crib, like the Lindam Baby Talk Plus Monitor, is also a great idea for keeping tabs on how the baby is doing. Prevent falls by keeping a close eye on your baby, and especially don’t leave him unattended for long periods while he is in bed or changing table.

Here are simple tips to effectively maintain your chimney:

You should make it a point to have your chimney cleaned at least once a year by a professional. The timing of the inspection should either be at the start of the chimney season or at the end of it. You can nevertheless, clean the hearth and firebox yourself at any time of the year. While taking the assistance of a professional ensure that he uses professional cleaning tools to thoroughly remove all filth and debris. These elements are usually the cause of destructive fires.

It is also important to install a cap at the top of the chimney so as to prevent animals and other impediments from entering it (chimney). The cap is however, susceptible to brittleness and may deteriorate from the weather, which makes it imperative on your part to have it inspected on a yearly basis. Equally important is installing a stable fireplace hood, such as the AEG DD 9693. Another good idea to implement is to have a fire alarm and carbon monoxide detector near the fire place and test them frequently. A fire extinguisher is also mandatory.

Finally, fire sensitive materials should be kept away from the surrounding area. Maintain a distance of at least 3 or 4 feet while storing books from the hearth.