Boost the Natural Light in Your Home

May 20, 2020 by

It’s time to let some light in – natural light! Rooms with natural light can positively affect our mood by making us feel more alive and vibrant. Rays of sunshine increase Vitamin D which reduces depression and strengthens bones. If you have some dark, dreary rooms that need brightening up, check out these eye opening tips.

Lighter Colors

A fresh coat of paint in white or another light color can instantly lighten and brighten a room. This tip can work for more than just your wall color. Light colors added to walls, trim, floors, cabinets, furnishings, or accents can all reflect natural light and brighten a room. If you are searching for lighter colored window guards, Sentry Window Guards is proud to be the first in the industry to offer 20 standard architectural colors in AAMA 2604 Powder Coating. This finish utilizes the newest green technology, providing an unmatched performance in durability exceeding all industry standards and is able to match any building facade and window frame colors. Sentry is also capable of matching any color that isn’t part of our standard color selection.

Add a Reflection

This one is a no brainer – shiny surfaces reflect light! Use large, simple mirrors to lighten any room. For double the benefit, place the mirror so that it reflects the light coming in from a window or a glass door. Your light reflecting powers aren’t limited to mirrors. Other light reflecting surfaces such as clear furniture, glass frames, reflective tiles, or shiny fixtures can add to the overall “mirror” effect. 

Clear the Clutter

Let’s face it, a messy room can feel dark and stuffy. Getting rid of clutter and unwanted items can free up your home making it feel bright and roomy. Make sure light coming in from your windows is not being blocked by furniture or other stacked objects. Also, clean windows will allow in more light!

Window Treatments

In areas of your home where you might need a light blocking option, such as the bedroom, consider a layered approach. Having one layer to block the light and one to allow it in will offer flexibility without compromising the natural light. For example, consider a blackout shade which you can raise during the day topped with drapes in a lighter fabric or open weave. Frosted or privacy glass is another idea that will give you privacy while allowing light to shine through. 

Renovate

If you are renovating, consider knocking down a wall or two to open up your spaces. You will be amazed at how rooms that were once closed off and dark can appear larger and brighter when the light is allowed to spread throughout the area. During renovation, also consider rooms in your home that could benefit from additional windows.

At Sentry Window Guards we make it our mission to help keep families safe in New York. For more information regarding our window guard products and our expertise in understanding NYC safety requirements, contact us today!

Filed Under: Summer Home Tips Tagged With:

4 Tips to Protect Kids from Drowning

July 14, 2019 by

At Sentry Window Guards, our business is to keep children safe by preventing window fall accidents from occurring. We also recognize other dangers such as drowning. Summer is in full swing and families are flocking to pools, lakes, rivers and oceans to cool off. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning is a leading cause of injury death in children ages 1 to 14 years old. Three children die every day as a result of drowning and drowning kills more children ages 1-4 than any other injuries except birth defects. Parents and guardians can play a key role in protecting children from drowning with these 4 tips:

  1. Life-Saving Skills: Know how to swim yourself. If your child is drowning and a lifeguard is not around, you will be the lifeguard and your child’s life may depend on it. Take an extra step and invest in a Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) course. Your decision can mean life or death for your child.
  2. Life Jackets: If your child is a weaker swimmer, invest in a life jacket. If your child is swimming in lakes, rivers and oceans they should have a life jacket if they are under the age of 13. Unexpected currents and rip tides can cause distress in a swimmer, especially children or weak swimmers.
  3. Install a Fence: If you have a swimming pool at your home, it’s wise to install a fence or some form of gate around the pool. We know kids can sneak off quickly. You don’t want your toddler or a neighbor child wandering into your pool unattended. We know the tragic stories that this causes unfortunately.
  4. Bathtub Safety: It seems far-fetched that a child could drown in a bathtub, but unfortunately drowning happens quickly and quietly and it’s possible. Never leave an infant or small child unattended in a bathtub.

When enjoying outdoor water activities and even indoor in the bathtub, please pay attention to your child. A drowning takes very little time and so does reviewing the 4 tips to help protect kids from drowning. 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, Summer Home Tips Tagged With: ,

Tips To Help Prepare For Severe Summer Weather

May 21, 2019 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!

Filed Under: Child Safety, Summer Home Tips Tagged With:

5 Triggers for Poor Indoor Air Quality

July 15, 2018 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!

Filed Under: Child Safety, Safety Tips, Summer Home Tips Tagged With: ,

6 Budget-Friendly Ideas to Beat The Heat This Summer

June 20, 2018 by

Summer is on and it is HOT! Here are a few ideas to help you beat the heat this summer and enjoy the season without burning a hole in your wallet!

  1. Visit a library: Many libraries have summer reading programs that encourage young readers with rewards and prizes. Some libraries even offer free or inexpensive events to participate in during the summer.
  1. Check out a movie: Some theaters offer $1 or discounted days during the summer for previously released movies. Call or visit your local theater for times and listings.
  1. Explore a state park: Enjoy exploring the great outdoors at a state park. Hike, swim, camp, bird watch, fish, have a picnic and more! Search online for state park options in your area.
  1. Enjoy local fairs and festivals: Look for local fairs and festivals in your area. Also keep your ears open for local fundraisers such as church and mall carnivals.
  1. Cool off at a water park: Check online for coupons and reduced admission fees. Some parks are cheaper on certain days or offer BOGO (buy one, get one) free coupons.
  1. Take it old school: Buy a cheap sprinkler and some water balloons at your local retail store. It’s a great and inexpensive way to cool off in your own backyard! Add a twist by using water balloons for playing marco polo, hot potato, volleyball, badminton or baseball!

At Sentry Window Guards we make it our business to help keep families safe. We hope these 6 budget-friendly ideas will help you and your family beat the heat this summer! 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, Summer Home Tips Tagged With:
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