Month: July 2019

2019-07-12T15:07:00

(BPT) – According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), three out of five home fire deaths result from fires in properties without working smoke alarms — often due to missing alarm batteries or expired alarms.

Fortunately, a new generation of home safety technology — combined with tried-and-true safety practices — can help keep homes and families safer from the threat of home fires. First Alert offers the following tips and products to keep your family safe and healthy:

Be safe, replace: If you can’t think of the last time you installed a smoke alarm, chances are, it’s time to replace your old ones. All smoke alarms — including battery and hard-wired models — are tested to function for 10 years. Installing new alarms ensures you are protected with the most advanced smoke-sensing technologies and latest safety features available. Conversely, by neglecting to replace alarms, you could be putting yourself, your family or tenants at serious risk.

Go for a 10: One of the greatest advancements in smoke alarm technology in recent years has been the development of new 10-year sealed battery smoke alarms, such as First Alert’s 10-Year Atom Smoke & Fire Alarm, which consumers have used to add fire protection to their homes. The Atom features an advanced smoke entry system designed to reduce the chances of false alarms, along with a loud, penetrating siren. In addition, 10-year alarms provide hassle-free protection so homeowners, property owners and renters no longer need to remember to replace costly batteries for the life of their alarms. They also eliminate the risk of ever having an alarm deactivated due to battery removal.

In many areas of the country, upgrading to 10-year sealed battery smoke alarms is also the law. Several states, including California, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Louisiana, New York and Oregon, as well as the cities of Phoenix, Philadelphia, Indianapolis, Milwaukee and New York City, have passed laws requiring 10-year battery smoke alarms in residential buildings. Numerous other states and municipalities are considering similar legislation.

Double-up on safety: There are two main types of smoke alarms — photoelectric and ionization — which utilize different technologies to sense smoke and fire. Ionization smoke alarms are generally more responsive to fast-flaming fires, while photoelectric smoke alarms are generally more responsive to fires that begin with a long period of smoldering (called “smoldering fires”). Rather than relying solely on one, install both — or a dual-sensor alarm — to maximize your protection. The NFPA and other safety advocates recommend having dual-sensor alarms because they provide the best potential for early detection of all types of common household fires.

Featuring Smart Sensing Technology to better detect slow smoldering and fast-flaming fires, the First Alert 10-Year Alarm Life Dual Sensor Smoke & Fire Alarm provides the peace of mind of a dual-sensor alarm with the convenience of a 10-year sealed lithium battery. The alarm better detects real threats and helps to combat false or “nuisance” alarms that may lead to device deactivation — all while providing a decade of protection without the need for battery replacement. It also signals an end-of-life warning, notifying consumers when it needs replacement.

Cover your bases: Even if you have smoke alarms in your home, you and your family may not be sufficiently protected if you don’t have enough devices. To ensure the highest level of protection from smoke and carbon monoxide, the NFPA recommends installing smoke alarms at the top of each staircase and one in every bedroom or sleeping area. To put this into perspective, the average-sized home in America — a two-story, three-bedroom house — needs a minimum of five smoke alarms.

To learn more about 10-year alarms and alarm laws in your state, or tips for protecting your family from smoke, fire and carbon monoxide, visit the First Alert website at http://www.firstalert.com.

2019-07-11T11:03:00

(BPT) – During extreme weather conditions and when threat of danger from wildfires is imminent, California utility companies make a determination whether to temporarily shut off power in specific areas to protect public safety and prevent an increase in dangerous conditions. Southern California Edison (SCE), San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) and Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) will be monitoring local fire danger and extreme weather conditions to evaluate when a Public Safety Power Shutoff might be necessary this season.

Conditions leading to a potential power shutoff by your energy company may include high winds (including Red Flag warnings declared by the National Weather Service), very low humidity, dry vegetation that could serve as fuel for a wildfire, fire threats to the electric infrastructure and on-the-ground observations about severe weather and safety conditions. If a public safety risk is assessed, customers will be notified by alerts before the power shutoff, and energy companies will provide ongoing updates using local news outlets, their websites and social media.

Because power outages could last anywhere from several hours to several days, all families should set up an emergency plan in case of a shutoff.

What can you and your family do to prepare? Here are a few steps you can take to ensure your comfort — and most importantly, safety — during an emergency power shutoff.

Update contact information.

Make sure everyone has everyone else’s updated contact information, and not just on electronic devices. Keep copies of everyone’s contact information handy in writing as well, in case internet connections are interrupted by power outages wherever you may be. Also make sure that your energy company has your updated contact information, so you will receive timely alerts and updates.

Invest in a standby home generator.

While you may be more familiar with small, portable generators on wheels that can be used for tailgating or powering tools on job sites, larger home units such as Kohler residential generators are installed outside your home, similar to an air conditioning unit. A standby home generator will come on automatically, whether you’re home or not, within seconds of a power outage, to keep electricity flowing to your home in the event of an emergency. Standby generators run on propane or natural gas from your home’s existing supply, so there’s no need for refueling.

Create or refresh your emergency supply kit.

Make sure to include some cash, several days’ worth of non-perishable food, bottled water, flashlights, a radio, portable phone chargers, new batteries and a well-stocked first aid kit.

Choose alternative locations to meet.

In case of emergency, especially if your home is endangered or there’s an evacuation order, everyone should know an agreed-upon location (and secondary choice) to go for safety, such as a friend or relative’s home, or a community center that is easily accessible most hours of the day. Make sure everyone knows how to get there if they’re on their own.

Practice for an emergency.

Run a drill with your family. Can everyone (on their own) locate the emergency supply kit? Does everyone know how to use the flashlight and radio, and how to change the batteries? Can family members who drive manually open the garage door if needed? Do you have important information in your wallet or purse where you can find it? Does everyone remember where to go if you can’t stay in the home?

Each family has unique challenges, so consider your family’s needs when developing an emergency preparedness plan. If any family member has medical needs, be sure to have up-to-date medical and prescription information easily accessible. For those who rely on medical technology that requires electricity or batteries such as a wheelchair, home oxygen or other medical equipment, make sure to plan for an extended power outage. If you have household pets, be sure you have done your best to ensure their health and safety during an emergency. Do you have a carrier to transport your pets? Do you have enough pet food to last several days?

Planning for a Public Safety Power Shutoff will give you peace of mind. For more information on how to prepare, visit prepareforpowerdown.com.

2019-07-11T05:01:00

(BPT) – Face it, everyone loves to eat a delicious, hearty breakfast. Whether your tastes tend more toward the sweet or the savory, breakfast is one meal that has something for everyone. And the especially good news for families is that most kids love breakfast, too. Haven’t you heard one of your kids get excited when you come home from work exhausted after a long day and announce that “breakfast’s for dinner”?

Since brunch has become the staple of Mother’s Day celebrations, why not find creative ways to celebrate your next occasion with a great breakfast, whether you’re making the special meal at home or eating out together?

It doesn’t matter if the occasion is a birthday, an anniversary, a baby shower, engagement party, gender reveal party or just another successful week at work — why not have a fun, festive celebration with your friends and family that everyone can sink their teeth into? Kids and adults alike all love pancakes, so here are some ways you can turn the next celebration in your family into an enjoyable breakfast party, any time of day.

• Happy birthday to you! Stick the right amount of candles into a stack of yummy pancakes and have the birthday boy or girl make a wish when you’re celebrating a birthday with family or friends. Prefer waffles or French toast? That works, too.
• Wish the happy couple well when you celebrate their engagement over some scrumptious waffles and fruit.
• Wedding breakfast — This one’s a no-brainer, since it’s already a breakfast celebration. Know where the couple will be honeymooning? Maybe you can pay tribute to their honeymoon destination if you pick up your wedding breakfast at IHOP, using their IHOP ‘N Go online ordering platform to enjoy international pancakes like Italian Cannoli Pancakes and Mexican Tres Leches Pancakes, or New York Cheesecake Pancakes.
• Baby shower — Enjoy opening gifts for the baby and playing a couple of silly games while everyone savors their favorite delicious breakfast items or simple coffee and pastries together.
• Bastille Day — Does it matter if you’re French? Mais non! Bastille Day is on July 14 — and it’s the perfect excuse to enjoy delectable savory or sweet crepes.
• Labor Day — Make it easy on yourself this Labor Day and go to IHOP for burgers instead of lighting up the barbecue grill in the summer heat … but don’t worry, breakfast is still on the table. This summer they introduced The Big IHOP Pancake Burger, a burger with a buttermilk pancake griddled with cheddar cheese and layered between two patties.

Speaking of IHOP, the iconic brand is hosting a celebration of its own in honor of its 61st anniversary. On Tuesday, July 16, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., you can visit the location nearest you and enjoy a 58-cent short stack of world-famous buttermilk pancakes to commemorate its founding in 1958. It’s the perfect venue for any celebration, especially one you want to sneak breakfast into.

Plan your next big milestone or holiday — or even the in-between celebrations like acing a test or a family dinner — around the ever-popular meal of breakfast, at home or out, any time of day, for an unforgettable celebration.

2019-07-11T09:05:00

(BPT) – Good food, great company and the beauty of the outdoors: Dining al fresco with family or friends is the perfect way to enjoy beautiful weather. For many people, though, the job of outdoor entertaining can feel somewhat intimidating. But it doesn’t have to be. With these simple tips, you’ll end up hosting a memorable, stress-free get-together, whether it’s a lovely patio lunch for two or a poolside party for twenty.

Keep it cool

If the weather on the day of your event is expected to be particularly hot, make sure you plan ways to keep things cool. Set up tables and chairs within the natural outdoor shade or move seating under umbrellas and awnings. You could even set out small spray bottles for guests to cool themselves off, or supply attendees with paper fans you can find at the local dollar store. Keep plenty of ice-cold beverages within easy reach by stocking metal serving tubs with drinks. No tubs? Look around your house for unexpected inspiration. For example, a wheelbarrow or kids’ wagon filled with ice and beverages works great and will reflect the easy summer vibes of your outdoor party.

Streamline food prep

Being a gracious host shouldn’t mean being stuck in the kitchen. By choosing easy dishes, you’ll make guests happy while freeing yourself up to join in on all the fun. A great place to look for crowd-pleasing appetizers that require little to no prep work is the frozen food aisle. Here, you’ll find a variety of high-quality, ready-made options that will help you save time without sacrificing taste. A summertime favorite that shouldn’t be forgotten is seafood. Brands like SeaPak make entertaining easy, with a variety of party-ready products like popcorn shrimp, shrimp spring rolls and butterfly shrimp available at your local grocery store.

Vary serving ware

Worried about mismatched serving ware? Fret not. This is hardly a problem when it comes to easy, breezy outdoor entertaining. Using an eclectic mix of different pieces, like wooden cutting boards, floral platters and striped serving trays, is both charming and on-trend. Even the plates that guests use can be a fun hodgepodge of patterns. Keep in mind that if you’re serving food buffet style, you’ll want to have some mesh food covers on hand to protect your dishes.

Add outdoor activities

By adding some casual outdoor activities to your event, you’ll create a relaxed, playful mood that will inspire guests to mingle. Puzzles and board games are an ideal complement to all the easy-going conversation, and yard games, like croquet, beanbag toss and horseshoes, are popular standbys for partygoers both young and old. If kids will be in attendance, keep them occupied with their own activities and supplies, such as bubble blowers and washable sidewalk chalk.

Simplify your menu

Summertime meals are all about keeping it simple, so a handful of light and flavorful courses are all you need to keep your guests satisfied. A colorful summer salad, fresh grilled vegetables and a few easy main dishes like sandwiches and kebabs make up a perfect seasonal menu. Of course, don’t forget the dessert! Wow your guests with a fruit-topped cheesecake or pound cake.

To add a little food fun to your menu, try this Buffalo Shrimp Sandwich recipe. It will be perfect for setting the outdoor mood. Enjoy!

Buffalo Shrimp Sandwich

Ingredients:

1 18 oz package SeaPak(R) Popcorn Shrimp

1 cup prepared buffalo sauce*

1 soft baguette cut into 4 equal pieces, sliced and toasted

4 ounces blue cheese

1 cup arugula

Instructions:

Prepare popcorn shrimp according to package directions and toss with the buffalo sauce.

Divide the arugula between the 4 rolls and top each with the popcorn shrimp mixture.

Top each sandwich with blue cheese and serve.

For extra messy sandwiches, drizzle any leftover sauce onto the top of your sandwich before serving.

*To make your own buffalo sauce instead, mix together 8 tablespoons melted butter, ½ cup hot sauce, and 1 teaspoon seasoned salt.

2019-07-10T11:05:00

(BPT) – Summer brings to mind the image of a convertible with the top down and an open road. Summer is a time for pumping up the music and hitting the road.

As drivers gear up to head out, Hankook Tire outlined do’s and don’ts for a smooth road trip.

Don’t: Leave the roof rack on

Popular summer destinations often call for some extra equipment, be it mountain bikes, surfboards or kayaks. Many vehicles require a roof rack to transport these items … and, according to the latest Hankook Gauge Index Survey, 40% of drivers have one. Of that, 52% of drivers leave the rack on at all times, as opposed to only keeping the roof rack on when transporting the item it carries. However, it’s better for fuel efficiency to remove the rack unless there’s a use for it, so save some money at the pump by only having the roof rack on your car when you need it.

Do: Pick a peppy playlist

The survey revealed that more than half (55%) of drivers will get behind the wheel for longer than 50 miles if they’re heading to a music festival or concert. That goes to show that people are driven to travel for experiences and that for many, live music is a key ingredient for a fun summer. Music can also help keep the attitude in the car upbeat, no matter what hour of the trip it is. For the ultimate summer road trip, drivers should curate a variety of playlists ahead of time for every mood and be sure to switch through them before sliding the car into drive — or hand it off to the passenger and let them play DJ.

Don’t: Let the gas light turn on

Hankook found nearly half of drivers (49%) noted that filling up the gas tank is their number one checklist item before any long road trip. They’re keen to save money at the same time. In fact, the Gauge revealed that most Americans (80%) will drive up to 10 miles out of their way to save money on a tank of gas … and one in 10 (11%) will drive over 21 miles, which can get pretty risky when that fuel light comes on. While every vehicle varies on how far it has left after the light goes on, it is wise to avoid it altogether and plan your rest stops accordingly.

Speaking of rest stops, gas station convenience stores are called that for a reason — they do make for easy pit stops along the highway — but not everyone opts for convenience when deciding where to pull over. The price of gas is the number one influencing factor for drivers determining where to stop for gas on a long road trip (41%). The convenience factor comes in second as 36% say the most convenient location is the biggest determining factor on where they will fill up.

Do: Check your tires

Hankook found that two-thirds of Americans consider checking their tires — either the pressure or the tread depth — as one of the most important to-dos before heading out on any long trip. Consider checking the tread depth a few days in advance, to allow for ample time to swing by the local tire shop for any necessary repairs, rotations or replacements.

For those who do need to switch out the tires, it’s important to consider the destination and driving habits before making the purchase. It can also be helpful to keep an eye on any rebates, promotions or sales to capitalize on the best deal. After all, a little extra pocket money could mean a few more ice cream cones at the beach, or an extra soda during that summer road trip pit stop!