3 Top Tips to Help Prepare for Severe Weather

September 6, 2016 by

Preventing severe weather disasters from happening is out of our control. However, we can control how we respond if we are better prepared. Following a few tips to help prepare you in the event you should encounter a disaster will not only help you respond more quickly, but can also save your life and the lives of your loved ones.

  1. PLAN OF ACTION: Evaluate the risks of severe weather in your area and plan accordingly. Set up a plan of action with your family and designate a place to meet if your family is separated during a severe weather disaster. Monitor the weather on a regular basis and invest in a quality weather radio. Many smart phones have weather apps that can alert you of severe weather in your area. Designate a safe place to keep all of your important documents such as your homeowner’s insurance policy.
  1. EMERGENCY SUPPLY KIT: Be smart and prepare a home emergency preparedness kit. You can find a checklist for one at gov. Make sure your kit has enough emergency supplies, dried and canned food, and water for at least three days. Store all battery-powered flashlights, lanterns and candles together for quick retrieval.
  1. UNDERSTAND YOUR HOMEOWNER’S POLICY: It’s important to understand your homeowner’s insurance policy and what you are covered for in the event of a disaster. Make sure to complete an inventory of your home assets along with documentation such as photos or videos.

At Sentry Window Guards we make it our business to help keep families safe. We strongly suggest you take these three tips seriously and make arrangements to prepare for severe weather disasters now. Preparedness can mean the difference between a disaster and a tragedy. For more information regarding our window guard products and our experience and leadership in understanding NYC safety requirements, contact us today!

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Tips to Improve Indoor Air Quality

August 2, 2016 by

While most expect poor indoor air quality (AIQ) to be at its worst “seasonally,” poor IAQ is actually a year-round issue that needs to be addressed. Poor IAQ can cause problems such as headaches, nausea, and eye and throat irritation. More serious risks can include asthma and allergies. Unfortunately children and the elderly are more at risk to experience symptoms of poor IAQ. Here are some common sources for poor IAQ and solutions to reduce the risks to help keep you and your family safe in your home:

  1. INTERIOR PAINT & NEW CARPETS: Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are gasses released by many household products such as interior paint and new carpets. Try to use a low concentration of VOC-paints and leave windows open and a fan running while painting. Choose low-VOC carpet to also help reduce the amount of VOC gasses emitted.
  1. CLEANING PRODUCTS: Try and avoid cleaning products containing chemicals such as ammonia and chlorine. Replace with hot water, baking soda and less-toxic cleaning products.
  1. HVAC SYSTEMS: Systems with cracks, dirty air filters and poor ventilation can cause dangerous carbon monoxide buildup. Maintain your HVAC system on a regular basis by scheduling annual inspections and changing out air filters. Also make sure your carbon monoxide alarm is properly working with fresh batteries.
  1. GAS STOVES: Improperly installed or vented stoves can dangerous. Vent the stove with a fan that blows properly and make sure burners are adjusted correctly.
  1. CIGARETTE SMOKE: If someone in your home is a smoker, the best solution is to have the smoker smoke outside. Also keep in mind that second hand and third hand (smoke that lingers in clothes, cushions and carpets) smoke can be especially harmful to children and the elderly.

At Sentry Window Guards we make it our mission to help keep families safe. While our business is to help prevent falls from windows, we also recognize the importance of safe air quality in homes. For more information regarding our window guard products and our experience and leadership in understanding NYC safety requirements, contact us today!

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5 Tips to Protect Your Children at Home

July 18, 2016 by

At Sentry Window Guards, we understand how dangerous a fall from a window can be. In fact, by law in NYC, anyone with children 10 years or under must have window guards on their windows. On average about 5,000 kids fall each year from windows in the U.S. But did you know that approximately six kids per day die from all types of injuries in the home and 3.5 million kids are seen in the emergency department for these types of injuries? Here are 5 tips to help you protect your children in your home and keep them safe:

  1. FULL ATTENTION – Parents get busy. We get that. However if you have a young child in the bathtub or around water, please give them your full and undivided attention. Drowning is the leading cause of injury-related death for children ages 1-4.
  1. CHECK BATTERIES – Check smoke alarm batteries every six months to help reduce the risk of death by home fires. A working smoke alarm can reduce this risk by half.
  1. CRIB SAFETY – Be sure and keep cribs clear of objects such as stuffed animals, bumpers and blankets. Hundreds of infants die each year due to suffocation or strangulation because of these objects in the crib.
  1. MEDICINES & CLEANING PRODUCTS – Make sure and keep all medicines and cleaning products up and away from curious little hands. Don’t leave medications on nightstands or kitchen/bathroom counters if children can reach them. Avoiding storing cleaning products under kitchen sinks unless you install childproof locks.
  1. WINDOW GUARDS & SAFETY GATES – We’ve already mentioned how many kids fall each year in the U.S. from windows. Reduce this risk by installing window guards. We also recommend installing safety gates to keep children from falling down stairs. On average, 93,000 children age 5 and under are seen in the emergency department for stair-related injuries.

At Sentry Window Guards we make it our mission to help keep families safe. While our business is to help prevent falls from windows, we also recognize other types of in-home injuries that affect children. We hope these 5 tips are taken seriously and will help you protect your children from home injuries. For more information regarding our window guard products and our experience and leadership in understanding NYC safety requirements, contact us today!

 

Filed Under: Child Safety, Safety Tips

4 Tips to Keep You Cool and Safe this Summer

June 24, 2016 by

It’s officially summer and we are starting to see the temperatures rise. Unless you plan to avoid the outdoors altogether, take into consideration the following 4 tips to help keep you and your family cool and safe this summer:

1. AVOID PEAK HOURS – Typically the hottest time of the day is 10am-4pm. Try and limit sun exposure or extreme physical exertion during this time. If you do find yourself outside during these times, drink plenty of water. Be aware of exposing the elderly and small children to the outdoors during these peak hours, as they can be more susceptible to heat-related illnesses. Don’t forget about your pets and bring them indoors if possible during extremely hot days. If not possible, make sure they have a pet house or are located in a shady area. Keep water bowls filled with water to keep them hydrated.

2. DRESS TO STAY COOL – If possible, wear lightweight clothing when venturing outdoors. Darker colors tend to draw the heat in. Cotton blends tend to keep you cooler. Try and avoid synthetic clothes that may increase the heat. Hats and sunglasses are also recommended to protect your scalp and eyes.

3. HEALTHY FOOD CHOICES – We already know the importance of staying hydrated. But did you know that good choices in foods could also keep you better hydrated? Salads, fresh raw food, veggies and fruits are all great choices. Avoid junk food, hot and greasy food and high sugar foods. These foods can increase metabolic heat production and actually lead to loss of water.

4. FUN STAYING COOL – In the summer families flock to swimming pools, rivers, lakes and beaches to cool down. Make trying to stay cool into a game. It’s the time of the year to gather with friends and family and have a pool party or go “old school” with a sprinkler or slip ‘n slide. Take the kids on an adventure at a local water park or raft down a mountain river where the water temperature is much cooler. Spend an afternoon making frozen treats with your kids and enjoy them outside under a shady tree.

At Sentry Window Guards we make it our business to help keep families safe. We hope these 4 tips will help keep you and your family not only safe this summer, but cool. For more information regarding our window guard products and our experience and leadership in understanding NYC safety requirements, contact us today!

Filed Under: Safety Tips, Summer Home Tips

Stay Warm This Winter With These 6 Tips

January 2, 2016 by

Winter is officially here with temps in the 20’s and 30’s and snow in the forecast. Keep your home warm by setting your thermostat properly, reversing ceiling fans, and considering energy efficient windows. But what about “winterizing” you and your family? As we experience colder temperatures this winter, winterize yourself with these 6 tips:

  1. DRESS IN LAYERS: You can always remove a layer when you are hot. Thanks to polypropylene and silk, long underwear provides additional heat without the bulky versions of the past. Wear warm socks or slippers to keep your feet warm.
  1. MOVE YOUR BODY: Nothing warms the body up quicker than to get it moving. Run up and down the stairs a few times or grab your family and have a dance party in your living room. You’ll be shedding some of those layers quickly while having fun and doing your body good!
  1. HOT DRINKS AND FOOD: Feel your body instantly warm up by sipping on a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate. Add a bowl of hearty beef stew and a slice of warm bread to warm your insides and satisfy your palate!
  1. KITCHEN HEAT: Get cooking and baking in your kitchen and you’ll be surprised how quickly it can help warm your home. Run your dishwasher during the day and open it up after the cycle to allow some of the warm steam to seep into your kitchen.
  1. WARM SLUMBER: Dress warmly and have warm bedding. Flannel or jersey sheets are much more cozier than chilly percale sheets. Warm bodies rest better than shivering ones!
  1. SNUGGLE: Nothing is better than snuggling! Body warmth is almost as good as a heating blanket. Got no body or pet to snuggle with? Make a minimal investment in a body pillow or pull out that huge stuffed animal you won at the carnival in high school!

At Sentry Window Guards we make it our mission to help keep families safe. While our business is to help prevent falls from windows, we also recognize the importance of staying warm and safe this winter. For more information regarding our window guard products and our experience and leadership in understanding NYC safety requirements, contact us today!

 

 

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