Jan 9, 2017 | Homeowners
In almost every movie featuring a house on fire, the actors seem to be able to move around the house and see just fine, while beating back flames with a shirt or coat. Of course, that’s not what happens in real fires.
When there’s fire in a home, there is typically complete darkness (because the power goes out) and a cloud of spreading thick, black smoke makes it difficult to see and breathe.
That’s why knowing how to get out of your house — fast — is crucial.
Experts recommend rehearsing what to do in case there’s a fire:
Make sure everyone in the family has an exit plan.
Each should know exactly how to get out, including primary and secondary exits, and where the family will meet once safely outside.
Never attempt to take anything with you.
It may seem like you have plenty of time to grab a coat or purse, but the characteristics of a fire can change in seconds.
Determine in advance which window has the safest exit…
…in case you can’t exit though a door. Make sure that the window opens easily and everyone knows how to remove the screen or any other obstruction.
Finally, don’t call the fire department from inside your house.
Get out first, then make the call.
Jan 7, 2017 | Homeowners
Winter.
It’s a time of crisp air, gently falling snow, and piles of coats, slushy boots and soggy mittens in your front hall. This season, make your entryway organized and inviting. Here’s how:
● Make first impressions count. Give your door a fresh coat of glossy paint, and put down a new doormat. Hang a nice winter wreath or plant an evergreen in a sturdy urn.
● Store your stuff out of sight. If you don’t have enough closet space, add storage by hiding a garment rack behind a curtain, using an armoire, installing a coat tree or hall stand, or by trying one of these storage ideas:
- A bench with built-in storage holds your stuff and offers a convenient spot to sit down and put your boots on.
- A small bookshelf with labeled baskets is good for storing small items.
- A chest of drawers can make your front hall look more like a furnished room, and it gives you a surface for photos, a lamp or incoming mail.
● Stay in season. Move non-winter items to a different part of your home. Leave some extra space and extra hangers for your guests’ coats.
● Tame your shoes. Set a limit to how many pairs each person can keep by the door, and install a shoe rack to keep footwear organized. Avoid putting boots on a mat that doesn’t drain – they won’t dry properly and the leather will get damaged. A perforated tray with a mat underneath will let your footwear drip-dry.
● Hook it. Heavy-duty hooks keep backpacks, scarves, purses and coats off the floor. Hang them at a height where kids can reach them to make it easy for them to put away their things.
● Make a place for your misplaceables. How much time do you spend hunting for keys, sunglasses, cell phones and dog leashes? Dedicate a basket or bowl to these important items by the front door, and you’ll never have to search under the couch cushions again.
- Design idea 1: Install a hook and small shelf for each person, and stencil their name on the wall beside it.
- Design idea 2: Hang an ornate frame and fill the blank space in the middle with small, pretty key hooks.
● Floor décor. Offer a warm welcome with a soft, washable rug that doesn’t show dirt easily. Put a mat outside, too; wiping your feet before you go in will mean less muck and less cleaning.
● Don’t forget to decorate. Paint your entryway a striking colour, hang a graceful mirror, incorporate family photos or a favourite piece of art, add a table lamp and an accessory or two. Make it welcoming and beautiful. After all, it’s the first place people see when they come into your home
Dec 28, 2016 | Around the Wine Capital
New Year’s Eve at Miradoro
Celebrate 2017 in style!
click for more info
Denim and Diamonds
At the Oliver Community Center, hosted by the Royal Canadian Legion
click for more info
New Year’s at Mesa Grill
It will be a WINTER CARNIVAL!
click for more info
New Year’s at Pappa’s Firehall Bistro
With Live Music by LED LEPPARD…
click for more info
New Year’s at the Elks Hall
With Live Music by REBEL LOVE…
click for more info
Dec 23, 2016 | Around the Wine Capital
It’s beautiful here, no matter what the season!!
Photo Credit: Kerry Hayes
Dec 21, 2016 | Real Estate 101
Property Surveyors, sometimes referred to as land Surveyors, play a vital role in the real estate world. They are the professionals who determine or confirm the exact boundaries of a property.
Will you need to deal with a Property Surveyor when selling your home? You might.
Sometimes the mortgage lender will ask for a land survey, especially if your property is older and hasn’t changed hands in many years. You might also be asked for one by the buyer if there is any confusion about the size and boundaries of your property – or if significant changes have been made to it in recent years.
This is nothing to be concerned about. A qualified Property Surveyor will do the appropriate inspection and measurements on your property and issue you the survey. (It looks a little like a blueprint.)
Property Surveyors are highly trained and licensed. In the United States, the profession is represented by the National Society of Professional Surveyors, with each state having its own governing body. In Canada, Professional Surveyors Canada (PSC) represents the profession nationally, and most provinces have their own professional associations.
Before getting a new land survey, make sure you don’t already have one. Hopefully, you’ve stored the paperwork that relates to the purchase of your home. Look through it. A valid land survey might be right there. If you have questions about land surveys, call today.
