Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2023-03-28T08:01:00

(BPT) – Spring has sprung, which means spring break season is upon us. While a week off from school and work is always welcome, with it comes the ever-daunting task of packing … for the entire family. For babies, toddlers and kids, Carter’s, OshKosh, Little Planet and Skip Hop have parents covered with the ultimate spring break packing list so that essentials like shorts, tanks, swim, sandals, accessories and gear aren’t left behind!

Ready to get started? Check out these must-haves for a stress-free(ish) family vacation:

Keep It Simple

When it comes to packing for young children, “easy” and “versatile” are two words to keep top of mind. Carter’s best-selling multipack bodysuits give parents five instant outfits and take up minimal suitcase real estate. Trying to slip a bodysuit on or off a messy beach baby? Overlap shoulders mean you can pull it over their head or slide it from their legs. (Bonus: The snaps make for quick diaper changes, an essential while on the go!)

Trusted by parents for over 155 years, and voted the #1 brand for comfort*, Carter’s is the perfect place to shop for baby beach styles. One easy (and adorable!) style is Carter’s terry cover-up, which can be thrown on before heading to the beach or pool, or when headed to a casual dinner out. Plus, it comes in baby, toddler and kid sizes for the sweetest sibling matching moments! For boys, pair Carter’s lightweight jersey tanks with swim trunks during the day and shorts at night for multiple easy outfits.

Baby 5-Pack Short-Sleeve Original Bodysuits Baby Striped Jersey Tank Baby Racer Back Swim Cover-Up

Make A Splash

It’s important for parents to feel good about the clothes they’re dressing their little ones in. Crafted in the softest and purest materials, Little Planet by Carter’s offers the perfect spring break styles for eco-conscious families. Little Planet is known for its thoughtful essentials crafted in organic fabrics and sustainable materials and is made with the highest global standard for textiles, pairing GOTS certified organic cotton with Carter’s signature quality and designs.

Made with recycled materials, Little Planet’s newly launched swimwear is made to give new life to plastics and the planet. With a variety of styles, from swim trunks to 2-piece sets to rashguards and more, find the perfect UPF 50+ swim for baby and toddler from our sustainable clothing brand.

Toddler Seashell Print Recycled Swim Trunks Baby Seashell Print Recycled Swimsuit Recycled 2-Piece Swim Set Baby Recycled Long Sleeve Rashguard

Stop by the Short Shop

OshKosh B’gosh, known by generations of parents for durable clothing designed for cool and stylish kids, is the ultimate one-stop shop for kids’ shorts. Choose from the endless list of iconic denim short styles, complete with adjustable waists, stretch, plus cool rip and repair details. Other top options include the go-to canvas trail shorts for boys, ready for any spring break adventure; and the sun short for girls, an easy style with endless colorways and patterns to pick from.

Kid Iconic Denim High-Rise Midi Shorts: Rip & Repair Remix Kid Canvas Trail Shorts Kid Striped Sun Shorts

Add Accessories

Of course, no vacay look is complete without accessories. Protect little eyes and faces from the sun with 100% UVA-UVB protected sunglasses, and an adorable bucket hat or fedora. (Parenting Pro Tip: Packing a fun surprise — a new swimsuit or outfit they haven’t seen — gets them pumped and adds to the excitement. New sunglasses for the car are a fun distraction, too!)

And don’t forget shoes! For toddlers, pair any outfit with Carter’s Every Step Hook & Loop Sandals, the perfect transitional shoe for vacation. And for kids, opt for the cork sandals, which are equally comfortable, practical and stylish.

Baby Flower Sunglasses Toddler Fashion Straw Hat Kid Fedora Baby Every Step Hook & Loop Sandals Kid Cork Sandals

Travel Gear to Live By

When it comes to traveling with kids, especially babies and toddlers, the right accessory can make a vacation. Skip Hop offers an array of diaper bags that are equally chic and practical, plus the new weekender bag — featuring a wide frame opening for easy packing, 14 pockets, a handy packing cube, and more innovative design details — and the 6-in-1 diaper backpack set — complete with an insulated bottle bag, cushioned changing pad, and wipe-clean fabric. These products make it easy to organize spring travel essentials, with the added bonus of having a place for everything on the packing list.

Endless Weekender Diaper Bag Suite By Skip Hop 6-In-1 Diaper Backpack Set

Snag your favorite styles on Carters.com and get ready to show off your new looks on your spring break adventure.

*Based on preferences selected in Carter’s ongoing 2022 survey of 3,998 children’s clothing buyers in the U.S.

2023-03-27T10:01:00

(BPT) – If you’re ready to say farewell to winter and hello to all the sunshine and warmth spring brings with it, there’s no better place to be than The Beach — Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. As if the 60 miles of sunshine and surf weren’t enough, the area offers plenty of amazing activities for visitors of all ages.

This spring, travel to Myrtle Beach to enjoy brand-new venues and events, then soak up the sun for the best vacation you’ve ever had.

At The Beach, “S.P.R.I.N.G.” stands for:

Sunny skies and outdoor activities

With over 200 days of sunshine a year and 60 miles of stunning shoreline, The Beach is the perfect place to catch springtime rays and enjoy the peaceful rhythm of ocean waves. For a change of pace, step aboard a variety of water vessels (jet skis, pontoons, riverboats, airboats, banana boats, speedboats and even catamarans) for a relaxing or high-speed journey to explore unique waterways and fishing spots. Discover the multitude of flora and fauna that call this area home — and watch for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins along the way!

Perusing local art and performances

Launched in September 2022, Visit Myrtle Beach Arts & Gallery Trail is an entrancing look into a destination brimming with color and culture. The trail boasts over 100 art-filled attractions including oceanfront sculptures, enormous photo-worthy murals, charming working studios and even a secret underground passage filled with art. Stretching from Little River and North Myrtle Beach to Murrells Inlet and Pawleys Island, trail visitors will be guided to many of the Grand Strand’s lesser-known areas such as historic downtown Conway, the quaint “Little Golden Town” of Aynor and the newly minted Arts & Innovation District, featuring the new Grand Strand Brewing Company alongside recently established restaurants, galleries and retailers.

Ridiculously fresh seafood

From casual eateries and fusion cuisine to fine dining without pretension, the Grand Strand boasts a plethora of mouthwatering culinary experiences. Fresh seafood abounds in Myrtle Beach, with plenty of opportunities to sample the catch of the day around every corner. A sister restaurant to the beloved Bubba’s Fish Shack, Bubba’s Fish Camp is a new eatery offering a beach-inspired menu featuring fried and grilled seafood, along with meats smoked in-house — conveniently located right across from Broadway at the Beach.

Or you can visit the celebrated South Carolina seafood capital, Murrells Inlet — a waterfront fishing village listed in the National Register of Historic Places, and worth visiting for its array of restaurants with stunning waterfront views.

Incredible family adventures

Ripley’s Aquarium is introducing all-new experiences in Myrtle Beach this spring, from exciting family-friendly attractions including the notable Sloth Valley habitat — bringing you face-to-face with the adorable two-toed species — to the thrills of Ripley’s Illusion Lab, Ripley’s Crazy Golf, Ripley’s Mirror Maze expansion and Ripley’s Haunted Adventure. Brand new to Myrtle Beach’s Coastal Grand Mall is the Stars and Strikes Getaway-n-Play. This 52,500-square-foot family entertainment complex features an immersive augmented reality bowling experience, plus an arcade, multi-story laser tag arena, axe throwing and more.

Nighttime entertainment

If you love the nightlife, you’ll love the soundtrack along The Beach on the weekends, which thrums with beats from hundreds of live music gigs. From scenic stages to world-renowned music halls, the Grand Strand comes alive with music from up-and-coming artists. And if grabbing a mic is your thing, join Julio Navarro as he tours (and sings at!) the area’s best bars and restaurants on the YouTube series, Myrtle Beach Karaoke.

Your immersive musical experience at The Beach wouldn’t be complete without enjoying one of the many shows gracing the Strand. What began with Calvin Gilmore and the Carolina Opry in 1986 has grown to include nearly two dozen theater productions. Productions like the Alabama Theatre of North Myrtle Beach’s new show, ICONIC is one you won’t want to miss! ICONIC is a cutting-edge on-stage and in-air show with visual elements and state-of-the-art video wall unlike anything the Grand Strand has ever seen. Celebrating the theater’s 30th anniversary, ICONIC features widely recognized country music chartbusters, classic rock anthems, Broadway and pop power ballads, making it a must-see this spring.

Great accommodations

Completed late 2022, the $65 million renovation of two of Kingston Resorts’ oceanfront properties (The Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort and Embassy Suites by Hilton Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort) includes fully updated accommodations, with two waterparks and an island-themed outdoor pool and dining space. The new, onsite Black Drum Brewing showcases local cuisine and 40 Carolina beers on tap, all with an amazing ocean view. Or you can visit the Springhill Suites Myrtle Beach Oceanfront by Marriott, a new dual-branded oceanfront resort, boasting beautiful rooftop amenities including outdoor seating and fire pits. Additional outdoor amenities include a ground-level pool and lazy river.

Excited about spring? Check out VisitMyrtleBeach.com to plan your next getaway.

2023-03-27T12:01:00

2023-03-27T08:01:00

(BPT) – By definition, the term “rare” implies something uncommon. When applied to diseases, it means a condition that impacts a small number of patients, usually fewer than 1 in 2,000. However, to have a rare disease, and the challenges it brings, is more common than many people may realize.

Diane Ramsey-Paige — a rare disease patient, caregiver, advocate and nurse for more than 40 years — knows this all too well.

Ramsey-Paige lives with two different rare blood disorders, and her youngest child has an ultra-rare immune regulation syndrome. Even with her training as a nurse and experience as a rare disease patient herself, navigating her son’s rare disease journey was a challenge.

“Despite having a physician and advanced practice nurse for parents and being evaluated at a world-class medical center, it took quite some time to arrive at a diagnosis and a treatment plan for our son,” said Ramsey-Paige. “Due to a variety of factors, this experience is unfortunately quite common among those with rare disorders.”

A calling to help

A lack of education in the healthcare community and awareness about these rare conditions can delay time to diagnosis, just as it did for Ramsey-Paige’s son. Some patients can wait years or longer for an appropriate diagnosis, a process that can take a toll. Other challenges include lack of available treatment once diagnosed, since 95% of rare diseases don’t have an approved treatment. Often, even if there is an available treatment, patients may face financial difficulties or other access barriers to these life-saving therapies.

While these challenges can be frustrating, even for those skilled in navigating the medical system, Ramsey-Paige’s experience motivated her to help others impacted by rare disease.

“I knew I could use my personal experiences, along with my training, to hopefully make a difference in the lives of people with rare diseases,” she said. “And that’s exactly what I’ve done.”

Ramsey-Paige began her nursing career working at academic medical centers, eventually focusing on rare disease patients with unmet needs, including those with a rare, genetic disorder called hereditary angioedema (HAE).

Today, she uses her expertise as a Senior Global Nurse Advocate for BioCryst, a global biopharma company based in Durham, NC, that develops novel oral medications for rare diseases, including HAE, where she’s proud to work alongside others committed to addressing the needs of rare disease patients.

Important lessons

Rare diseases impact about 5% of the worldwide population, so chances are, you may know someone with a rare disorder, even if you don’t realize it. So here are a few things Ramsey-Paige wants everyone to know:

• A rare disease is something someone has, but it is not who they are. Some rare diseases require constant care and are readily apparent, while others can be more easily managed behind the scenes, but it is only one aspect of a person’s life; it doesn’t define them.
• Inequities only compound the challenges many patients face. In addition to lack of awareness about the diseases themselves, there is also often insufficient understanding of the limitations faced. Proper accommodations in the workplace, at home, in educational settings and more can go a long way in helping those with a rare disease.
• Greater awareness and continued momentum are needed. I’ve seen progress in multiple disease states, however, there is still much to be done, including in the areas of policy and access, as well as advancing the science of rare disease.

Rare strength

Perhaps most importantly, Ramsey-Paige wants people to know about the rare disease community’s strength.

“The rare community is incredibly strong and motivates me every day, from those bravely navigating their own rare disease journey to the caregivers taking on an often underestimated and underappreciated role,” she said. “The efforts of each and every member of the community matter greatly, whether it’s raising awareness, advocating for change or researching new treatments. Even one determined person can move mountains.”

To learn more about rare diseases and the work being done to support the rare community, visit www.rarediseaseday.org.

2023-03-24T11:19:00

(BPT) – The Social Security Administration implemented their highest cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in four decades earlier this year. This annual COLA is based on increases in the Consumer Price Index as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This means former workers receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits saw an increase of 8.7% in their monthly benefits in 2023.

“This significant increase not only attempts to keep up with rising inflation, but also provides some relief for SSDI beneficiaries who face ever-increasing medical and living expenses,” said Steve Perrigo, Allsup vice president. “For those living with severe disabilities or serious chronic illness, SSDI is a vital financial lifeline.”

Why is this so important to U.S. workers? More than 159 million workers are already insured for this vital disability coverage. If you experience an illness or disability — such as from a cancer diagnosis, heart attack, stroke or long COVID health impacts — you need to be familiar with this federal benefit program. Social Security Disability Insurance provides U.S. workers with a combined monthly disability benefit if you have to stop working, plus a return-to-work program called Ticket to Work, that supports you when you reach medical stability and want to go back. It’s a dual benefit that many workers miss out on, simply due to lack of information.

In addition, SSDI alone may not be enough to support people with disabilities, especially in these inflationary times. When a severe medical condition strikes and you need to apply for disability benefits, it also is essential to find representation that can account for the other financial challenges you face, including securing or ensuring you have healthcare coverage, help with debt, and other financial resource support.

Last year, over 1.8 million people applied for SSDI benefits after a work stoppage due to illness or injury. Here are four things you need to know to safeguard your finances when faced with a long-standing health issue.

No. 1: Federal disability insurance is structured to provide financial help. The SSDI program provides monthly income, dependent benefits and inflationary adjustments through COLA. “While the economy is struggling with such high inflation, it’s challenging to manage day-to-day expenses, especially for those living on disability benefit income from Social Security. This increase provides some financial relief,” Perrigo said. Understanding this range of benefits should raise the visibility of SSDI as an option for U.S. workers when a severe medical condition disrupts work.

No. 2: SSDI unlocks other substantial financial benefits. Besides the financial benefits mentioned already, SSDI comes with Medicare health insurance, an option to extend COBRA coverage, as well as access to employment assistance through Ticket to Work. This combined benefit can be a vital financial backstop after a disability, and eventually help you rejoin the workforce.

No. 3: You can get savings on things you use every day like healthcare, prescriptions, food and utility bills. This type of assistance is vital for former workers who apply for disability benefits, in part because it can take several months for their claim to be reviewed and approved. When offered a choice of financial solutions, disability claimants reported these were the top types of assistance they wanted to use: utility bill assistance, rent and mortgage assistance, and health care assistance — which includes help with prescription costs, medical bills and access to health insurance.

No. 4: Get SSDI and get out of debt. While this may seem impossible, there are avenues for individuals to address their debt problems after a disability happens and they apply for disability benefits. If you haven’t explored your options, take a closer look at debt reduction in the course of applying for SSDI benefits as well. Specific services will help you to deal with medical debt and credit card debt, often settling the debt for a fraction of what you owe. Taking this step can provide additional security as you move into a different financial situation following a severe medical condition and stopping work.

The types of financial issues former workers experience after a disability can be incredibly stressful and distressing. And with inflation at its highest since 1982 and the Federal Reserve raising interest rates, you owe it to yourself and your family to be prepared by understanding the financial advantages of federal disability insurance. The benefits available for American workers through the Social Security Disability Insurance program and additional disability financial solutions can provide a critical financial backstop just when you need it most.

Learn more at allsup.help/inflation.

2023-03-22T14:01:00

(BPT) – A whopping 92% of homeowners incorporate sustainable features during a kitchen renovation, according to a recent Houzz survey. But there are simpler ways for anyone to make their kitchen a little greener, and it doesn’t require an expensive renovation.

From countertop appliances to coffee machines and compostable pods, even to the packaging they come in, Instant Brands^® has cooked up an extensive line of eco-friendly products that makes sustainability more achievable. Such products are rooted in the company’s commitment to a corporate sustainability program that invests in three guiding pillars: for the planet, for people and for prosperity. This holistic approach to sustainability helps the company make mindful choices that are good for all aspects of a healthy world, and deliver products that people can feel good about using.

Living by example

While sustainability has long been a hot topic, it’s not enough for corporations to just have sustainability programs; they must take action and show results to really have an impact. Instant Brands strives to be green and clean as much as possible, including reducing carbon emissions by purchasing green and/or clean energy. In fact, three of its locations use 100% clean and green energy, including its Charleroi Manufacturing Facility, East Region Distribution Center and the corporate office in Sydney, Australia.

Of course, sustainability is more than just what happens within the office space. Instant Brands supports its employees’ efforts to give back to their communities through its paid volunteer time-off program. They also strive to give back to those in need, including donating 5,600 air purifiers to residents of British Columbia impacted by wildfires, raising funds for Ukrainian relief efforts, and donations to food banks and similar organizations that are fighting food insecurity.

Building brands

By embracing corporate sustainability, companies like Instant Brands build solid reputations within the marketplace. These efforts aren’t just the right things to do, they have real impact with buyers. A NielsenIQ study found that 78% of U.S. consumers say a sustainable lifestyle is important to them. Selecting products with packaging that reduces waste is just one example of a sustainable lifestyle choice. Case in point: A 2020 McKinsey U.S. consumer sentiment survey found more than 60% said they’d pay more for a product with sustainable packaging.

Brands who make sustainability efforts are often rewarded with higher consumer interest, loyalty and growth. According to the McKinsey article, “Consumers care about sustainability — and back it up with their wallets,” and companies that make environmental, social and governance (ESG) claims are poised for success. The articles states, “Products making ESG-related claims averaged 28% cumulative growth over the past five-year period, versus 20% for products that made no such claims.”

Empowering consumers

When more brands make sustainability efforts, consumers have choices. Not only can they support brands that align with their values, they can use products that support the planet and communities as well.

For instance, if you choose an Instant Brands Air Fryer, Electric Pressure Cooker, or Precision Dutch Oven, you’ll use up to 60% less energy than traditional electric ovens. You can feel good about your purchase because you’re supporting a sustainably minded company, plus you’ll save money and live greener by reducing energy use.

Another Instant Brands initiative that has been popular with consumers is their Compostable Coffee Pods and Espresso Capsules, which feature fair-trade certified coffee in an eco-friendly pod that fits Instant coffee makers and brewers that accept any single-serve coffee pods and espresso capsules. These pods are also certified for commercial composting to reduce plastic waste.

Always looking to the future for ways to improve and be even more sustainable, Instant Brands is preparing to release an indoor food recycler in 2023 to reduce food waste and help people adopt simple composting efforts at home. Stay tuned for more information.

Finally, waste and pollution isn’t just about the tangible. Noise pollution is a problem in homes and is a concern for people researching appliance options. The good news: Instant Brands is the first brand in North America to receive Quiet Mark certification for its Electric Pressure Cookers and Air Fryers, meaning these appliances are third-party tested and verified to be some of the quietest in their category. The new Vortex Slim 6qt is Instant’s No. 1 quietest air fryer to date.

To learn more about brand sustainability and smart business practices, visit Corporate.InstantBrands.com/Impact. To learn more about sustainable products and initiatives to support your lifestyle, visit InstantHome.com.

2023-03-21T08:01:00

(BPT) – Cryptocurrency like Bitcoin is top of mind for many businesses. However, for startups and small to medium-size businesses (SMBs), integrating a Bitcoin Lightning Network to receive instant payments can be difficult. Without funding to create and manage a Bitcoin infrastructure, SMBs face major barriers to receiving Bitcoin payments.

Voltage, a fully managed Lightning solution, wants to empower allowing startups, SMBs and other futuristic thinkers with the chance to be part of building the new digital economy. Read on to see how Voltage and Lightning Network can help your business jump into the world of global digital commerce.

1. Infrastructure

Creating and integrating a Lightning Network infrastructure is one of the biggest barriers for startups and SMBs. Not only is it expensive to create the infrastructure, but a dedicated engineering team is needed to integrate and manage it. Voltage allows your company to use the Lightning Network without needing to create the infrastructure or hire DevOps, support engineers and other roles to manage it, so you don’t have to wait to launch your next big idea.

A great example of how Voltage can help businesses leverage the Bitcoin and Lightning Network is the platform Podcast Index. This alternative podcast directory allows content creators to receive payments without a middleman. The podcast company created a “Value 4 Value” platform that allowed podcasters to monetize and for listeners to directly transfer value to content creators.

Managing the infrastructure while delivering reliability, consistency and scalability was complex and costly to do locally. Podcast Index needed to offload the learning curve of running a node to receive payments from listeners. By working with Voltage, Podcast Index was able to save time, ensure reliable payments and effortlessly configure backups, updates and more. More importantly, it allows the company to easily scale to millions of payments as the business grows.

Voltage also offers businesses a simple way to observe their payments along the Lightning Network. You can easily measure your business’s success by capturing data and making detailed analysis over time so you can adjust your approach and goals.

2. Liquidity

Liquidity is an important aspect of receiving and paying with Bitcoin quickly over Lightning. Businesses need inbound liquidity to receive payments, and consumers need outbound liquidity to send payments. Liquidity is essential for startups and SMBs to ensure a secure and reliable cash flow, which has historically been a problem for small businesses.

According to a 2022 research study, 50% of invoices issued by small businesses are late and 12% are paid more than a month after they’re due. This costs small-business owners millions of dollars a year. Using the Lightning Network, SMBs can reduce unpaid invoices and human labor to track down payments, closing the cash-flow gap.

Opening channels to receive payments to your node can be costly and difficult to manage. To solve this problem, Voltage recently launched Flow 2.0. This simple-to-use liquidity service provider (LSP) detects a payment and instantly opens a just-in-time channel to ensure it reaches your node, solving cash-flow issues.

Why is Flow 2.0 a boon to startups and SMBs? Because it allows providers, app developers and merchants to offer their customers a noncustodial, private and seamless Bitcoin payment experience on the Lightning Network. Also, merchants can instantly receive payments and maintain a steady cash flow. Best of all, businesses can accept payments without imposing minimum purchase amounts or needing credit cards or other intermediaries. When needed, SMBs can easily scale up to receive 10,000 payments per day.

Adopting the Lightning Network so your business can receive a steady cash flow of Bitcoin doesn’t have to be difficult. To learn more about Voltage’s enterprise tooling and services and how you can implement them at your business, visit Voltage.Cloud/Enterprise-License.

2023-03-20T08:01:00

*Applies only to accessible/applicable items. At participating locations.

2023-03-20T07:21:00

(BPT) – You have smoke alarms in your home, you check them regularly and you practice your emergency escape plan with your family — but are you overlooking an essential component of home fire safety as you check your spring to-do list? Having fire extinguishers can give you peace of mind and help ensure your home and family are prepared in the event of a fire.

“We all lead busy lives, but it’s essential that people understand how to protect themselves from the dangers of fire,” explained actress and advocate Eva Longoria, who has teamed up with First Alert by Resideo as a brand ambassador to encourage families to install proper protection, discuss whole home safety and develop their own fire safety plans.

Home fires can occur anywhere, but according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), cooking is the leading cause of home fires and fire injuries. Having fire extinguishers in the kitchen is an important first line of defense. Knowing where else to place them and how to use them can make the difference between minor damage and a potential tragedy.

First Alert and Longoria offer these tips you can keep in mind both in and out of the kitchen as you tackle your spring to-do list:

Learn your ABCs

Fire extinguishers have specific ratings that indicate what kind of fire(s) they are designed to extinguish. Extinguishers with a Class A rating can put out fires caused by wood, paper, fabric and other common materials, while Class B rated extinguishers are intended for fires fueled by flammable liquids like cooking oils or gasoline. Class C rated extinguishers are meant for fires caused by electrical equipment, such as frayed cords. For trusted reliable protection, it’s recommended to choose a multi-purpose, or ABC rated, extinguisher, such as the First Alert Rechargeable Home Fire Extinguisher, which is ideal for common household fires and can easily be placed in the kitchen and around the home.

Equip your home

Whether you are preparing gourmet meals or simple dishes, it is crucial to have a fire extinguishing device in the kitchen. Experts recommend placing fire extinguishers in readily accessible locations in the kitchen and garage, and on every level of the home. An easy spring DIY project is to place extinguishers where each adult member of the household can easily reach them, like under a kitchen sink or mounted to a wall, and ensure members of the household know these locations. Remember that most home fires and fire casualties result from accidents involving cooking, heating, electrical distribution and lighting equipment, and smoking, according to the NFPA.

Know how to use it

Once your home is equipped, it’s important to know how to use a fire extinguisher so you can act quickly should a fire start.

Every First Alert fire extinguisher includes instructions on proper usage — but when you need to act quickly, a simple way to remember is with the acronym PASS:

• Pull the pin. Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you and release the locking mechanism.
• Aim low. Point the nozzle of the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
• Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.
• Sweep the nozzle from side to side.

Assess the fire

In the event of a fire, it’s important to assess the situation before grabbing your fire extinguishing device. Fire extinguishers should only be used when a fire is contained. If the fire is small enough for you to manage, use the PASS technique to put the fire out. However, if smoke fills the room or the fire is quickly spreading, exit your home immediately and call 911.

Inspect extinguishers regularly

When doing routine home checks this spring, make a point to also check that your fire extinguishers are in good condition. Be sure they are not blocked by anything that could impact your access, and ensure the devices are not damaged, dented or rusted. Additionally, check your extinguisher’s pressure gauge. If the pointer is in the green zone, your extinguisher is properly pressurized and ready for use. If the pointer is in the red zone, your fire extinguisher should be serviced or replaced. Remember, a fire extinguisher that has been discharged should never be stored without proper recharging by a certified professional.

To learn more about fire safety, visit FirstAlert.com.

2023-03-20T09:01:00

(BPT) – Longer days and bountiful sunshine mean the outdoor season has arrived. As excited as you may be to enjoy the fresh air out on your lawn, there are several spring lawn care tasks to complete first.

It’s no secret that homeowners love a lush green lawn, with 36% of American homeowners revealing that their lawns are a top investment in both time and money, according to TruGreen’s new survey*. However, it can be easy to make common lawn care mistakes that can jeopardize both the look and health of your lawn.

“While homeowners may want a quick fix for getting their lawn ready, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to maintenance, which can often result in mistakes and an unhealthy lawn,” said Brian Feldman, director of technical operations at TruGreen. “This season, take a step back and ensure you’re not falling victim to some common lawn care mistakes our expert team has witnessed.”

The professionals at TruGreen, the nation’s leading lawn care provider, are helping make sure you’re not falling into the most common lawn care mistakes among homeowners, including:

Mistake 1: Overwatering your lawn

While it’s tempting to shower your lawn with water (and love), be mindful that doing so is not only wasteful and can increase your water bill, but can also drown out your emerging lawn — especially during rainy months.

Pro Tip: Follow the general rule to water 1-2 times a week for a total of 1 inch of water.

Mistake 2: Improper fertilization

Fertilizer provides your lawn with critical nutrients. However, if not applied correctly it can damage your lawn. Every lawn is unique, requiring some research to determine the best fertilizer, technique, frequency and quantity of product.

Pro Tip: Connect with a lawn care professional to plan a proper fertilization regimen for your lawn’s unique needs based on various factors, including your region’s climate and grass type.

Mistake 3: Bagging your lawn clippings

Think of leaves and trimming as vitamins for your lawn, as they are filled with beneficial nutrients for the soil. Rather than reaching for the trash bag to remove these clippings from your lawn, leave them be. They help your lawn grow stronger and healthier.

Pro Tip: Remove the bag from your mower to disperse the lawn clippings and mow them back into your lawn.

Mistake 4: Mowing your lawn too short

When the mower blades are set too low, they can damage the grass plant. Unfortunately, damaged grass is more prone to weeds, drought stress and disease.

Pro Tip: For most grass types, maintain a minimum length of 3 inches to encourage grass to flourish. As a rule of thumb, don’t cut more than 1/3 inch of a grass blade in a single mow.

Mistake 5: Overlooking weed prevention

Timing is everything in lawn care. While it can be tempting to plant spring seeds to get your lawn back up to your standards, the best time for seeding is actually in the fall. But keep in mind, there are other critical things that should be tackled this season to achieve a healthy, green lawn.

Pro Tip: Don’t wait to protect your lawn from unsightly weeds. Work with a lawn pro to apply a pre-emergent weed control to stop weeds from germinating throughout your lawn.

A green lawn of your dreams is possible when you avoid and correct these common lawn care mistakes. If you have questions or need further expertise to verify your current lawn care habits, consult a lawn care professional at TruGreen.com.

*Survey conducted by OnePoll on behalf of lawn care company TruGreen polling 2,000 Americans with a yard/lawn.