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2. Avoiding Encephalitis, West Nile & Allergic Reactions
Of the 27,000 species of mosquitoes, some give dogs heartworm, some prefer birds and many prefer humans. Annually over one million people die from mosquito borne diseases like West Nile virus, malaria and encephalitis. Billions of us bite victims struggle not to scratch the itchy bites.
Female mosquitoes need blood to lay eggs. They dine at dawn and dusk on warm blooded creatures they find via exhaled carbon dioxide and perspiration. How can we cope?
- Wear clothing that covers most of your skin.
- Apply DEET, picardin or oil of lemon eucalyptus repellents before and during outdoor activities.
- Drain standing water where mosquitoes lay eggs.
- Fix or replace broken window screen.
- Use mosquito traps.
Noisy bug zappers are being replaced by more effective propane and electric mosquito traps. In a Consumers Report evaluation, the #2 ranked Lentek Mosquito Guardian Trap was a best buy for price and effectiveness. Recently, I set up a Lentek Koolatron Guardian propane and electric mosquito trap in under 10 minutes. Each month, I'll change the propane tank to keep the trap catching mosquito moms before they lay 100 to 300 eggs. Baby mosquitoes hatch and mature in 4 to 7 days.
The Lentek trap lures with carbon dioxide, moisture, blue light, uneven thermal heating and octenol attractant. The fan pulls mosquitoes iinto the capture trap bag.
For mosquitoes who are not trapped, try the Itch Zapper to gently heat bites and relieve the stings.
Window insect screens keep insects out. Window security bars keep burglars out. Child safety window guards keep children in. Our Guardian Angel guards protect against window falls and remove quickly in emergencies.
The National Safety Council recommends quick release window guards with a maximum 4 inch window opening. City codes often limit egress window guards to floors 1 - 6, within the reach of ladder trucks. Permanent guards are recommended for higher floors.
Safe Home Products® stocks most sizes of Guardian Angel window guards for windows that open up and down, slide open sideways or crank open. To remove guards, push on quick release buttons. Pull telescoping bars from mounts. Safe Home Products' new selection page helps customers order correct guards directly from our website.
Guardian Angel window guards are strong steel tubing powder coated with durable, lead-free white paint. Made in the USA, our window guards conform to American Society for Testing and Material standards and most local building codes.
4. Reduce Shock & Fire Hazards, Insulate & Protect Kids
When visiting Great Britain in the mid-80's, I first saw 240VAC outlets which I considered more dangerous than 120VAC. Maybe, maybe not. Hospital emergency rooms in the USA annually treat over 3,900 persons for injuries from 120VAC outlets. 1 of 3 victims are young children with injuries usually from putting metal objects like keys into outlet holes. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that 5,300 fires annually occur from bad receptacles, resulting in about 40 deaths each year.
Outlets deteriorate with time and repeated use. If plugs fit loosely, the outlet may overheat and start a fire.
Safe Home Products' Safety Suggestions:
- Yearly inspection. Replace damaged electrical outlets. Damaged outlets can be broken, feel hot, smoke or spark, or cause lamps to flicker or hold plugs loosely.
- Switch off appliances before removing plugs from receptacles.
- Unplug appliances by using the plug. Pulling on the cord at an angle can break away part of the plastic receptacle face leaving exposed live parts.
- Insert plugs completely into receptacles.
- Upgrade by installing ground fault circuit interrupters
- Install CareCovers, the original USA made sliding door safety outlet cover, for safety and insulation.
My first CareCover was a gift from a neighbor in 1993. His uncle invented CareCovers, still made in South Dakota. These insulating CareCover outlet covers protect against electrical shocks with gaskets that reduce air loss or infiltration by 15% compared with standard covers. Spring-loaded sliding doors automatically cover unused receptacle holes, those black receptacle holes so inviting to toddlers. The CareCover was selected for use by the National Institute of Children's Environments in "California Showcase." Remodeling or repainting? CareCovers come in white, off white, ivory, red or brown. The only visible receptacle part is what extends beyond the plug. A screwdriver and less than a minute and the outlet color is changed.
NOTE: Only for 120VAC outlets. Three models fit 2 prong, 3 prong or 3 prong Decora electrical receptacles. These will not fit over GFCI outlets. Call for larger quantity discounts.
5. Avoiding Water Damage, Inconvenience & High Water Bills
Question: What is worse than damage, mold and water bills from a leaking water heater or ice maker line? Answer: Your insurance company cancelling your policy or doubling rates due to the claim.
Chubb Insurance surveyed home owners in Los Angeles in 2005 about water damage issues. More than 1 in 3 had water damage. Of those, 1 in 3 never inspect washing machines or toilets, about 2 in 3 never inspect water heaters, almost half of vacation home owners do not drain pipes and shut off water at the end of the season and only 3% have installed a moisture or water detection system. Half the respondents with water damage said insurance did not or covered only part of their damage.
Another device, the Flow Manager, is specifically designed to prevent toilet overflows and leaks. We also sell Flood Check washing machine hoses in 5 ft and 7 ft lengths that have a 20 year manufacturer's warranty against defects.
If your condo or homeowners association is interested in quantity pricing, please have them contact us.
6. Working Together With Our Customers for Better, Safer Living Our goal is to help you with health, safety and personal comfort needs. That's why we are continuously seeking and evaluating products. Not all products pass the tests and are added to our website. Our most recent additions are the Koolatron (Lentek) Mosquito Guardian, Lentek pest control devices and updated versions of the Floodstop devices. Let us know what you need or want. Take a look at our website and catalog. We highlight several new, innovative products and the most popular ones. Thank you again for being our customer. Sincerely, Barbara Staib President Safe Home Products, Inc.
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