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Springing into Your Health

2023-03-17T06:01:00

(BPT) – Of all the things to love about spring — coming out of winter blues, seeing trees start to bud and flowers begin to bloom — another one is how it can help us re-focus on our health.

Between the ability to spend stretches of time outside again, and a renewed sense of purpose as the days start to get longer, spring is the perfect time to reassess our health goals and take stock of how we’ve been doing since the start of the new year.

One of the ways you can reprioritize your health is getting vaccinated against pneumococcal pneumonia. To help you understand your risk, Pfizer is sharing important information about pneumococcal pneumonia and the importance of vaccination.

Pneumococcal pneumonia is a potentially serious bacterial lung disease that can disrupt your life for weeks and can even put you in the hospital or be life-threatening. If you’re 65 or older, or 19 or older with certain underlying medical conditions, like asthma, diabetes or chronic heart disease, you’re at increased risk and vaccination is one of the ways to help protect your health.

People often think that pneumococcal pneumonia can only be caught in the winter or during flu season, but it can strike any time of year. However, vaccination is available all year round, so spring is the perfect time to get vaccinated as you refocus on your health.

Even if you’ve already been vaccinated against pneumococcal pneumonia previously, your healthcare provider may recommend another pneumococcal vaccine for additional protection.

Pneumococcal pneumonia can strike at any time of year, so don’t wait to ask your doctor or pharmacist about pneumococcal pneumonia vaccination and visit knowpneumonia.com to learn more.

Brought to you by Pfizer.

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The average U.S. home equity is $300K: How to protect your biggest investment

2023-03-16T14:31:00

(BPT) – Your home is likely the biggest purchase you’ll make in your lifetime, and your most important investment. Current home prices remain strong, and this helps boost the average amount of equity per U.S. homeowner. CoreLogic’s Q4 Homeowner Equity Insights show the majority of homeowners have seen their equity increase by a total of $1 trillion since late 2021. Home equity is the primary driver of household wealth — but also one asset most people forget to provide complete protection for. Are you protecting your most important investment?

You probably already protect important belongings such as your vehicle with auto insurance, and have homeowner’s insurance for your property. However, there’s one crucial area homeowners overlook that could be the difference between calling your home an investment or a source of severe financial loss: your home’s title.

Most homeowners have good intentions to protect their property, but home title fraud is an area often overlooked. You may be automatically protected against major destructive events like natural disasters and theft via your homeowner’s insurance, but this does not cover home title fraud.

Many homeowners don’t realize the vulnerability that exists with the home title recording system in the U.S. The fact is, anyone can present a fake deed with a fake notary stamp, pay a small fee and, if all the spaces are filled in correctly, the county recorder’s office must accept it. Homeowners can be completely unaware of this until the lender tries to foreclose on the home.

This ease of filing and online access to detailed property records has created a new wave of cyber-crime called home title theft.

Whether your house is worth $200K or $2M, it’s imperative to understand all the ways you can protect it. The first step is determining how much equity you have in your home. To calculate your home’s equity, subtract your current mortgage balance from your home’s market value. If that number is $50,000 or more, you should have an equity protection plan in place.

Why should you go beyond home title insurance?

One common misconception is that home title insurance will cover any issues that occur after you purchase your home. Most policies protect against past history up to the day you close on your property, but they do not cover future events. In addition to home title insurance, your bank, your homeowner’s insurance and legal trust also do not protect against home title fraud.

Protecting your home’s title is a two-step process: home title insurance for until the sale is completed, and then home title monitoring identity theft prevention services for any conveyances made after closing.

To help protect your home’s title, Home Title Lock monitors the title of your property 24/7. When new documents are recorded that could affect your property value or ownership, you’ll be alerted in real-time. If potential fraud does occur, you’re not alone, as a team of experts are there to help you navigate the situation. The company also provides a free home title history report with initial sign-up, which allows you to see past activity on your property and learn if you’re already a victim of home title fraud.

Where there’s a will there’s a way

Another crucial step to protect your investment and ensure that your home will be in the right hands to help your legacy securely live on is careful estate planning, including preparing a will. This is one step that many people put off, especially when they are younger, assuming that it isn’t very likely it will be needed soon. However, the future is impossible to predict, so it’s vital to protect your family by taking this step as soon as possible. Creating an estate plan provides many benefits: It helps transfer assets with ease, and ensures that your beneficiaries receive what you intended, protecting your family’s future.

With these steps, you can have peace of mind that your biggest investment — your home — is better protected.

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5 easy ways to refresh your bathroom for spring

2023-03-16T12:01:00

(BPT) – There’s nothing like the warmer temperatures, blooming flowers and longer, brighter days to inspire you to take a fresh look at your home, and the ideal place to get started is in one of your most-used spaces: the bathroom. Spring is the perfect time to refresh your bathroom, so why not go beyond a thorough cleaning to make the room feel brand new? Fresh, seasonal colors give the room an upgraded look, and products like a new toilet seat let you continue that spring-fresh feeling all season.

Here are simple ideas to help you get started on revamping your bathroom this spring.

1. Invite more color: Start with swapping out some of the simple elements in your bathroom, taking the opportunity to brighten the space with fresh new colorful towels, bathmats and even a new shower curtain. Choose light, appealing colors and/or patterns based on natural elements that will bring more of a springtime feeling into your home.

2. Decorate thoughtfully: Consider adding some easy decorative accents, like glass jars filled with cotton swabs, small soaps or garden flowers. A little goes a long way, so choose just a few of these accents to help give the room a sense of spa-like elegance, without making it seem overly busy or cluttered.

3. Think attractive storage solutions: Include smart and visually appealing storage options such as a few pretty baskets on shelves for holding extra guest towels, for example. Baskets are also really useful for keeping that extra clutter off of your countertops, and you can easily organize them by categories like toiletries, washcloths and makeup.

4. Upgrade your seat: Spring cleaning for your bathroom isn’t complete without a new toilet seat. The Mayfair by Bemis Affinity is an attractive plastic seat that installs easily and is designed for a precise fit, so it never moves after you install it. The seat also features quiet closing to avoid unpleasant slamming. Best yet, the hinges are designed to let you easily remove the seat for thorough cleaning — and when you’re finished cleaning, you simply place the seat back on the toilet and close the hinge caps. The durable plastic seat wipes clean effortlessly for that final touch on a fresh, spring bathroom feel.

Visit ToiletSeats.com for more options to help you find the perfect seat from Bemis Manufacturing Company.

5. Refresh your windows: After giving your bathroom windows a thorough cleaning inside and out, consider updating how they look overall with new window treatments. One terrific on-trend idea is to install roller blinds or Roman shades in lighter colors. If you opt for blinds or shades made from thin-enough fabric, they will still provide much-needed privacy while also letting in some natural light — helping the whole room feel lighter and brighter.

Ready to get started on refreshing your bathroom? These are all ideas you can easily DIY — no plumber or designer required! — that will make a big difference for the look and feel of your bathroom, right away. Then you can relax and enjoy your room all season long.

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Sleep Health Tips: Basic Steps for a Happier, Healthier and Improved YOU

2023-03-16T08:01:00

(BPT) – We have all been taught about the importance of getting a good night’s sleep. But do you know why? Healthy sleep doesn’t just help us feel rested and fully charged during the day, although it’s the first thing we notice. Sleep is a natural process that is affected by our body clocks (or circadian rhythm) and helps us do everything from restore our bodies, consolidate memory, and clear out toxins in our brain to help improve other health conditions. When we think about these health benefits, one of the most powerful is the connection between our sleep and an area of growing public concern: our mental health.

As part of its commitment to helping educate the public about the importance of sleep and its effect on overall health and well-being, the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) set out to understand even more about the link between our sleep health and mental health, with a focus on depressive symptoms among American adults.

Another Wake-up Call: Understanding the Connection Between Sleep and Mental Health

Recently released findings from the NSF’s Sleep in America® Poll highlight important relationships between sleep and depression in the general population. In fact, nearly 65% of Americans who are dissatisfied with their sleep experience mild or greater levels of depressive symptoms. What’s more, 50% of all adults who sleep less than the NSF-recommended 7-9 hours of sleep a night experience mild or greater levels of depressive symptoms.

We Can Do This: The Importance of Good Sleep

But there is good news. Practicing healthy sleep habits is not only associated with better sleep, but also better mood and mental health. More than 90% of adults who practice high levels of healthy sleep behaviors are free of significant depressive symptoms.

Being Your Best Slept Self®

To help people get more of the quality sleep they need, the NSF gives science-backed recommendations to help anyone and everyone be their Best Slept Self®. Just three small steps during the day and three small steps at night can make a big difference in your sleep health.

Daytime Tips for Being Your Best Slept Self®

Basic things like spending time in bright light during the day, natural light, or equivalent brightness, and exercising regularly, can all point to a deeper sleep. When exercising, aim for 30 minutes a day, five days a week. The NSF also recommends eating meals at consistent times day after day.

Nighttime Tips for Being Your Best Slept Self®

Before bedtime, it is important to avoid things like heavy meals, nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol. The NSF also recommends putting your devices away an hour before bed and sleeping in a quiet, cool and dark environment. In addition, using a consistent routine with a relaxing wind-down can help you get the sleep you need each night. For most adults, the recommended amount of sleep is 7-9 hours, with the same sleep and wake times.

For more sleep health information, visit www.theNSF.org.

Sometimes, even after including healthy sleep behaviors into our routine, we still don’t feel like we’re getting the sleep we need. If you have lasting symptoms or continue to be concerned about your sleep after taking some basic steps, it’s a good idea to seek professional help from a clinician.

If you are having challenges with your mood or feelings of depression, you are not alone. For anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts, please seek care. Contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.

National Sleep Foundation celebrates the 25th Anniversary of Sleep Awareness Week® from March 12-18, 2023. Sleep Awareness Week is supported by a range of sponsors who help NSF spread sleep health messages. Our lead sponsor Primasun believes sleep is the foundation of physical and mental health. Their goal is to help educate people on how sleep impacts our overall well-being and build a more equitable path to clinical sleep care to ultimately unlock happier, healthier days for all.

Visit Primasun’s resource hub to hear more from them about the importance of sleep, get physician insights on improving sleep, and find care at www.jointhesleepmovement.com.

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5 products you can save on by purchasing online

2023-03-16T14:01:00

(BPT) – More Americans are shopping online than ever before. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, e-commerce sales increased by 7.7% in 2022, with yearly total sales of $103.4 billion. There are many reasons why more and more shoppers are choosing online retailers, but one popular reason to shop online is lower prices.

Typically, online shopping is more affordable because online retailers don’t have to pay for overhead costs like rent and utilities like they would for a brick-and-mortar store. In turn, these cost savings allow retailers to offer consumers better prices.

If you want to buy quality products without breaking the bank, check out these five categories you can browse and buy on a budget on AliExpress.us.

1. Electronics

One type of product you’ll save the most on by shopping online is electronics. According to Adobe’s Digital Price Index, electronic products are 12% cheaper now than a year ago. Whether you’re shopping for gaming headphones for playing with your friends, Bluetooth headphones for your morning run or a Bluetooth speaker to play tunes when hosting a party, you’ll be able to buy quality electronics at affordable prices.

2. Kitchen goods and home decor

It can be expensive to buy kitchen items and decorate your home. However, online, home cooks can find an electric milk frother to make lattes at home or silicone kitchen utensils for cooking and baking at a fraction of the cost. If you want to liven up your living room with colorful tasseled throw pillows or make your bedroom cozy with a dimmable lamp, you can save nearly 60% by buying online.

3. Fashion

Staying current with fashion trends can be a tall order when shopping on a budget. When shopping online, you can buy a colorful and eye-catching set of earrings for less than a dollar, so you’ll have a pair to match almost all of your outfits.

If you want to upgrade your sleep wardrobe, you can find luxurious silk pajamas to wear to bed or lounge around your home. Best of all, shopping online allows you to browse thousands of styles that you wouldn’t be able to find in just one store.

4. Beauty

When you invest in a beauty and personal care routine, you’re investing in yourself, but doing so can quickly add up. Americans spend more than $322 a year on skincare alone. You likely budget for these items, but wouldn’t it be nice to save so you can buy more of what you need? You can find jade rollers, makeup brushes and facial cleansing brushes online, so you can continue to invest in your beauty and care routine.

5. Sports gear

Getting active is a healthy and worthwhile goal, but you’ll need the right gear to maximize your workouts. Online, you can browse several styles of sports bras and other activewear to help you look and feel your best while you exercise. You can also find sports equipment like resistance bands and yoga pads to take your workout to the next level.

If you want to save big on these five types of products, you can do so by shopping on an e-commerce website like AliExpress. This popular online shopping destination offers hundreds of thousands of high-quality products worldwide at the best prices. Its new AliExpress CHOICE offering makes shopping for electronics, kitchen and household products, beauty products and more even easier, with more than 50,000 quality products at unbeatable prices specially curated by shopping experts. There’s something to fit every lifestyle and you can find them all in one place — and enjoy free shipping and returns. To learn more, visit AliExpress.us.

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Just a click away: 5 benefits of online shopping

2023-03-16T16:51:00

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(BPT) – Shopping online has radically changed since the early days of the internet. Nowadays, because of the rise of global e-commerce, you can find hundreds of thousands of products from around the world in seconds. Currently, about 75% of Americans shop for items online, according to Statista, and it’s easy to see why. Online shopping is more affordable and convenient than shopping in person. Check out five ways you can benefit by shopping more online.

1. Selection

One of the most significant benefits of shopping online is the sheer number of products available to consumers. Instead of settling for whatever brands your local shops carry, you can browse thousands of brands online before picking the ones you love the most or trying new ones. Online marketplaces like AliExpress give you access to hundreds of thousands of products and retailers from around the world.

2. One-stop shop

If you wanted to shop travel products and accessories, wellness items and clothing, more likely than not, you’d have to go to several stores to find all you need. However, e-commerce platforms allow you to search several categories all on one site. Whether you’re looking for a carry-on bag for your long weekend trip, supplements, skin care products or jeans, you can find it all in one convenient place.

3. Save on quality items

Shopping online isn’t just convenient; it can also help you save money. According to Adobe’s Digital Price Index, online prices in all categories dropped by 1.6% last year. You can save even more on certain items like electronics, which dropped by as much as 12% in price online.

One thing to keep in mind with shopping online is that cheaper items don’t always translate to bigger savings. Quality products generally last longer than cheaper products, because cheaper items tend to break more easily. You may find that you spend more money replacing a cheap product than you would have purchasing a better quality one.

Finding quality products at affordable prices can be challenging. Luckily, the new AliExpress CHOICE program can make it easier for you. This program offers shoppers more than 50,000 curated products such as fashion, tech, kitchen accessories, home décor and fitness equipment. These products are handpicked by specialists because of their quality and price, so you can get great items at a value.

4. Cut out the middleman

When you buy from a store, you’re buying from a distributor, not the source. By buying online, you can cut out the middleman and buy directly from a retailer. Purchasing from a retailer means there are fewer intermediate steps between you and the product. This means you’ll likely experience fewer problems with supply chain issues, customer service and quality oversight.

5. Shipping and returns

Products you normally would not be able to find near you are right at your fingertips online. However, the logistics of shipping and returns can turn off some consumers from the online shopping experience. However, many online retailers now offer free shipping and returns. That means you can buy the latest fashion trend, and if it’s not for you or doesn’t fit, you can package it up and return it without having to schedule a trip to the store.

To get the most out of your online shopping experience, you’ll want to buy from a reputable source. AliExpress has been in the online retail game for more than 13 years and is dedicated to bringing you a selection of quality products at unbeatable prices that you can access from the comfort of your own home. To learn more and start shopping today, visit AliExpress.us.

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The unsung hero behind mortgage lending in America

2023-03-16T14:01:00

(BPT) – If you’ve ever purchased a home, you’ve probably at least considered a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage. It’s the most popular type of mortgage loan in the U.S. But this wasn’t always the case. The 30-year mortgage was a product of the Great Depression — and the Federal Home Loan Bank System, which was formed more than 90 years ago to help increase homeownership in America, was a key player in bringing it to fruition.

The FHLBank System was created by the federal government in 1932 to promote mortgage lending by thrifts and insurance companies in response to the economic devastation of the Great Depression. Previously, mortgages typically could be “called due” after three to five years if the bank didn’t choose to extend, resulting in the demand for a balloon payment. Obviously, this would wreak havoc during a financial crisis, and the new FHLBank System began working to support the creation of a true 30-year fixed-rate, fully amortizing mortgage loan (meaning a loan with the principal and interest paid down via equal payments over the life of the loan), that would provide more stability for everyone.

Today, the 11 regional FHLBanks continue to support homeownership and mortgage market stability by providing member financial institutions with reliable liquidity — the ability to quickly access cash when it’s needed — in the form of low-cost loans, which in turn facilitate lending at the community level. FHLBank System lending benefits lenders, homeowners and local communities in three key ways.

  • Providing consistent, low-cost liquidity that reduces the cost of borrowing for both businesses and consumers. Lenders need money to lend, and the less they are required to pay for the money they lend (referred to as liquidity), the greater the savings they can pass on to borrowers. Although the FHLBank System is overseen by the Federal Housing Finance Agency, the FHLBanks themselves are private cooperatives owned and supplied with capital by their members, receiving no government funding. As cooperatives, they pay no income tax, have moderate overhead, and the loans to members are low risk because they are fully collateralized. As a result, the FHLBanks are able to offer low-interest loans that help reduce the overall cost of borrowing — saving homeowners as much as $17 billion in interest payments each year, according to a recent University of Wisconsin study.
  • Enabling community lenders to keep loans on their books. The ability of member institutions to obtain liquidity through loans from their FHLBank using mortgages and mortgage-backed securities as collateral gives community lenders the confidence to provide mortgage loans and hold mortgages long term rather than selling them on the secondary market. When local lenders keep home loans on their books and service them from start to finish, borrowers benefit as well, since their banker is better able to get to know their particular situation and work with them if their circumstances change suddenly. “We saw the clear benefit of this approach during the Great Recession,” said Teresa Bryce Bazemore, president and CEO of FHLBank San Francisco. “Borrowers still need to be qualified and uphold their obligations, but if we can help people through tough times and they fully repay their loan, that’s far better — for them, for their bank or credit union, and for the community as a whole — than letting them default and lose their home.”
  • Boosting community lending. Low-cost liquidity enables community lenders to invest in mortgage-backed securities, making more money available for home loans generally, and also levels the playing field, allowing community lenders to better compete with larger institutions and giving them more opportunity to draw on their deep knowledge of local credit needs. When local institutions have access to the liquidity they need, they can more effectively respond as the credit needs of their community evolve. Ultimately this results in more home, business, and economic development lending that grows local economies.

You may never have heard of the FHLBanks, but they play an important behind-the-scenes role in keeping money flowing within the mortgage lending and banking system, making sure that community lenders have the liquidity they need to support housing finance and community investment. While the housing and financial markets are in constant evolution, and housing affordability continues to be a critical concern across the country, the FHLBanks’ efforts — from the initial work facilitating a true 30-year mortgage to helping keep local lenders in our communities today — have played a pivotal role in fueling community lending and helped millions of families achieve their dream of homeownership.

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Outdoor Living Trends for 2023

2023-03-15T09:01:00

(BPT) – According to leading real estate website Zillow, a functional outdoor space is the most sought-after amenity among today’s homebuyers. For homeowners looking to make the most of their outdoor spaces this year, following are six trends expected to shape backyards in 2023:

1. Light Neutrals

Light, neutral hues are permeating home design inside and out due to their ability to create a sense of calm and serenity. Providing the perfect foundation for an on-trend outdoor space is Trex Transcend® Lineage™. This low-maintenance composite decking delivers an elevated aesthetic with heat-mitigating technology to reflect the sun and keep boards cooler underfoot.

2. Mixed Materials

Gone are the days of matchy-matchy monotony. Today’s homeowners are embracing eclectic design schemes with lots of visual interest created by juxtaposing materials like concrete and composite, wicker and aluminum, copper and stone — as well as mixing colors and patterns for added personality and visual intrigue.

3. Sustainable Selections

Sustainability is no longer a “nice to have” but a meaningful requirement among increasingly eco-conscious consumers. Made from 95% recycled materials, Trex® composite decking is an eco-friendly choice that outperforms and outlasts natural wood.

4. Stylish Seclusion

More than a quarter of all Zillow listings highlight privacy as a selling point. This penchant for stylish seclusion is driving demand for fencing, pergolas, privacy panels and lattice, which create a sense of sanctuary with products that are visually appealing, durable and easy to maintain.

5. Mood Lighting

Rising inflation will have homeowners looking for small investments that make a big impact. From candles and string lights to fire features and deck lighting, a little illumination can completely change the look and feel of an outdoor space without breaking the bank.

6. Added Function and Value

Make the most of your outdoor space by optimizing the area beneath the deck. With an under-deck drainage system, this space can be used for storage or as a bonus living area. RainEscape® is an innovative system that accommodates electrical and gas lines to power ceiling fans, lighting, appliances and entertainment components, allowing homeowners to achieve the finished look and function of an interior room.

More outdoor living ideas, tips and inspiration can be found at Trex.com.

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Private Grant Funding Makes Big Impacts in Small Towns

2023-03-15T10:01:00

(BPT) – In the wake of many global changes post-pandemic, most communities are facing changed populations and economies and new, unexpected challenges.

Funding gaps have put important community projects on hold and nonprofits struggle to balance financial strain while demand grows. There’s no easy solution, but some are finding relief from unexpected sources — private companies dedicated to investing in America.

Twofold challenges

The pandemic brought sudden change to communities of all sizes across the country. Hardest-hit were small and rural communities but all experienced shifted budgets to combat COVID-19 and related issues. Meanwhile, more people decided to leave cities for suburbs and rural areas due to the growth in remote work, increasing populations and demand on local resources.

At the same time, communities continue to be tasked with doing more with less and are striving to find innovative ways to bridge funding gaps so their residents — both new and existing — can thrive. Fortunately, some private companies with ties to rural communities are stepping up and showing they care about more than business by helping fund a variety of needs.

“Our local Kubota dealers are uniquely connected to the communities they serve and are keenly aware of local challenges people face. They aren’t just serving customers, they are helping friends, family and neighbors. It’s important for us to bridge funding and resources to our local dealers so they can make a difference in their community in ways that matter most,” said Todd Stucke, Kubota North America, and Kubota Tractor Corporation’s Senior Vice President.

Bridging funding gaps

Projects put on hold. Programs cut indefinitely. Nonprofit organizations continue to face increased demand without increased budget as a result of funding gaps.

One example of a rural organization making a difference despite challenges is Homesteads for Hope, a 55-acre community farm located along the Historic Erie Canal in Rochester, New York. The nonprofit is an inclusive community farm for individuals with and without disabilities to learn, work, live and grow in nature’s classroom.

While many nonprofits in the special needs community did not survive the pandemic, Homesteads grew over the last few years and needed to take in people who had nowhere else to go. This growth required increased funding for expansion and the organization decided to look at financial awards from private national companies with local relationships.

Funding from unlikely sources

That’s right, private companies are coming to the rescue for many in the form of private grants and charitable giving.

Homesteads for Hope, for example, applied for the 2022 Kubota Hometown Proud™ grant and received $100,000 in funding which will be used to expand their Social Garden Program for those with more challenging needs and mobility-based disabilities; double their 80-plot community garden and the program’s impact; and renovate the estate home with new doors and windows to weatherproof the main program spaces for year-round use.

This project was also awarded the 2022 Kubota Community Choice Award, which is an additional grant that will enable the organization to finish the renovation of their 18th century historic barns. Together, the funding from Kubota will allow Homesteads to triple the number of people they serve and move closer toward their goal of creating an inclusive housing village, which will give 250-300 people of all abilities a place to call home. So, even though some of the communities they help might be “small,” there is nothing small about the impact of these private grants.

Continue the momentum in 2023

Need continues to grow in many rural communities, and private companies like Kubota can use their local ties to make a big impact and strengthen the fabric that makes small towns and rural counties so special. In fact, the company recently announced the third year of the Kubota Hometown Proud community grant program, which invests five $100,000 grants (with the Community Choice Award, a total of $600,000) to help local organizations make an impact in their own communities and not only survive but thrive.

“We are grateful for the important part our iconic Kubota equipment plays in farming and food production, in building and maintaining our communities, and in enhancing our overall way of life,” said Stucke. “We continue to build out our network, invest in our dealers, equipment and our employees, while also giving back to America’s small towns to share our thanks for allowing us to be part of our customers’ lives, doing more to grow together for today and well beyond.”

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. Open only to legal residents of the 50 United States (D.C.) 18 years and older. Void where prohibited by law. Sweepstakes begins on or about 12:00 AM CT on March 1, 2023, and ends at 11:59 PM CT on September 6, 2023. For Official Rules visit KubotaHometownProud.com.

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9 Simple Tips for Using Generators Safely and Preventing CO Poisonings

2023-03-15T09:01:00

(BPT) – When winter storms, hurricanes and other severe weather events hit and knock out power, having a portable generator can make a power outage more tolerable. However, many people are unaware that portable generators can pose fatal risks.

When operated incorrectly a portable generator can create a risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning that can kill in mere minutes. Known as the invisible killer, CO is a colorless and odorless gas. When exposed, a person can become unconscious before noticing CO-poisoning symptoms, including nausea, dizziness or weakness, which can lead to death.

In the U.S., an average of 85 people die each year from CO poisoning from portable generators. According to a recent study from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), African Americans are especially vulnerable, accounting for 23% of generator-related CO deaths, nearly double their estimated share of the U.S. population.

To help prevent CO poisoning during a power outage, CPSC urges consumers to follow these nine simple tips to operate a portable generator safely.

Never operate indoors

Portable generators should never be operated inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or shed. Opening doors or windows will not provide enough ventilation to prevent the buildup of lethal CO levels. Always operate a generator outdoors.

Don’t operate close to home

A portable generator should be at least 20 feet away from the house. Do not operate a generator on an outside porch or in a carport. They are too close to the home.

Direct exhaust away from buildings

Remember to direct the generator’s exhaust away from the home and any other buildings that someone could enter. Also, close windows and other openings in the path of the generator’s exhaust.

Keep vents clear

During winter, clear snow away from the outside vents for fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces and boilers so that dangerous carbon monoxide does not build up in the house.

Invest in CO and smoke alarms

Working CO and smoke alarms save lives! Install battery-operated CO alarms or CO alarms with battery backup on each level of your home and outside separate sleeping areas. Interconnected CO alarms are best because when one sounds, they all sound.

Regularly test alarms

Every month, test your CO and smoke alarms to make sure they are working properly. Replace batteries as needed.

Be safe rather than sorry

Never ignore a CO or smoke alarm when it sounds. Assuming it’s a false alarm can lead to deadly consequences. Get outside immediately, then call 911.

Look for safety features

Not all portable generators are created equal. When choosing a portable generator, look for a CO shut-off safety feature designed to shut the generator off automatically when high levels of CO are present around the generator. Models with this feature may be marketed as PGMA G300-2018 and UL 2201 certified, which can reduce CO poisoning deaths by 87% and 100%, respectively. UL 2201 certified models have reduced CO emissions in addition to the CO shut-off feature.

Check for maintenance

Before use, check that the portable generator has been maintained properly. Read and follow the labels, instructions and warnings on the generator and in the owner’s manual.

Don’t leave yourself or your family vulnerable to CO poisoning. Using these nine tips, you can keep safe while using a portable generator. To learn more about CO poisoning, visit CPSC.gov, where you can find handy safety information on CO poisoning and how to avoid other deadly storm hazards.