Summer
Backyard Safety
With
summer right around the corner, Ontarians are ready and raring to get
outside, fire up the grill, open up the pool and enjoy the sunshine.
In
preparation of the sunny season, Phil Dorner, president of the Ontario
Real Estate Association advises homeowners take a few minutes to brush up
on some simple tips to ensure a fun and safe summer for the whole family.
Here’s
a quick guide to backyard safety and additional resources:
Pool
safety
·
Contact your municipality prior to pool use for information and
checklists on pool safety, maintenance and inspections
·
Never leave a child unobserved around water
·
Keep a phone nearby so that you can call 9-1-1 in an emergency
·
Make sure that anyone who cares for your child has CPR and basic
first aid training
·
Enclose the pool completely with a self-locking, self-closing fence
with vertical bars
·
Ensure basic lifesaving equipment is easily accessible
·
For more information on backyard pool safety. Please visit the
Canadian Red Cross www.redcross.ca
Grill
safety
·
Place the grill away from siding, deck railings and out from under
eaves and overhanging branches
·
Periodically remove grease or fat buildup
·
Use only proper starter fluid and store the can away from heat
sources
·
Check propane cylinder hoses for leaks before use
·
Do not move hot grills
·
Dispose of charcoal properly, keeping ash containers outside and
away from combustibles
·
For more information on grill safety, visit the Canadian Propane
Association www.propane.ca
Sun
safety
·
Apply sunscreen with at least a SPF-15 or higher, to all exposed
areas of the body
·
Minimize your exposure to the sun between the hours of 10:00 a.m.
and 3:00 p.m.
·
Reapply sunscreen every two hours, even on cloudy days and
especially after swimming or perspiring
·
Wear clothing that covers your body and shades your face
·
Keep hydrated. Make sure that if you are out in the sun to drink
plenty of water
·
For more information on sun safety, visit Health Canada at www.hc-sc.gc.ca
Mosquito
safety
·
Clean and empty containers of stagnant water that might be sitting
around your yard
·
Check window screens for holes and make sure they fit snugly into
the window frame so mosquitoes will not get indoors
·
Wear light-coloured clothing such as long-sleeved shirts or jackets
and long pants
·
Use insect repellent containing DEET that has been approved for use
in Canada (it will have a PCP number on the front label) and follow
directions for use carefully
·
Visit health Canada to learn more about insect safety www.hc-sc.gc.ca
To
Dorner, “Homeowners should be reminded that everyone visiting your home
needs to be aware of best practice when it comes to safety. Playing safe
and acting responsibly will allow you to enjoy your home to its fullest
this summer.”
Summer
Energy Savings
Getting
energy smart is always in style but there’s no better time than the
summer months to cut energy costs around the home.
According
to Phil Dorner, president of the Ontario Real Estate Association,
homeowners not only benefit from energy savings but home buyers are
increasingly conscious of efficiency: “Home buyers don’t want to deal
with the cost and upkeep associated with an inefficient home any more than
homeowners do,” says Dorner.
With
that in mind, here are some tips for homeowners to keep costs down this
summer:
-
Replace air conditioner filters: Dirty filters restrict airflow and
can cause the system to run longer, increasing energy use. Get your air
conditioner tuned up on a regular basis – you can clean the outside
compressor with a hose, removing debris that impedes air flow. If your air
conditioner needs replacing, invest in an energy efficient model.
-
Swimming pool filters and cleaning sweeps: Reduce the operating
time of your pool filter and automatic cleaning sweep to four to five
hours, and only during off-peak hours.
-
Get planting:
Strategically planted trees and shrubs will help keep your home cool and
according to the Ontario Ministry of Energy, planting a
tree or shrub to shade your central air conditioner can improve the
unit’s efficiency by up to 10 per cent.
-
Seek shade: Install patio covers, awnings, and solar window screens
to shade your home from the sun and remember to close
your blinds and curtains during the day (this can block up to 65 per cent
of incoming heat).
-
Go with
the flow: Install a ceiling fan and make sure it runs in a
counter-clockwise direction to help circulate a breeze throughout your
home.
-
Use Cold Water: Whenever possible, wash laundry in cold water.
Almost 90 per cent of your washing machine’s energy consumption comes
from heating water. Hang your clothes to dry naturally.
-
Reduce cooling: Open windows at night and use fans to blow in cool
air. During the day, close your windows and when you aren’t home set the
thermostat a few degrees higher.
-
Clear out of the kitchen: Your stove and oven not only use energy
but they heat up your home. No better reason to fire up the grill or brush
up on light meals that don’t require cooking.
This
summer, challenge your family to get smart when it comes to saving energy.
Improving the efficiency of your home doesn’t have to be overly
expensive or labour intensive – instead, focus on making select upgrades
and simple changes to your routine.
If
you are considering selling your home, speak to your Realtor about the
features that buyers look for so you can make your home stand out from the
pack.
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