Everyone wants their new home to be a safe place to live. This is a list of things you can do yourself to ensure you’ve done your part in making your home safe.

·         Clear clutter from high traffic areas and stairs

·         Secure rugs on the floors with carpet tape or non-skid padding.

·         Use no-slip mats and grab bars in tubs and showers.

·         Use caution in the kitchen to avoid burns and cuts. When cooking on the stove, turn pot handles inward. Store knives, scissors and other sharp or pointed items out of reach of children.

·         Mount at least one fire extinguisher on each floor of your home in key areas such as the kitchen or near the garage.

·         Maintain smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors on every floor of your home including the basement.

·         Keep a phone and operable flashlight close to your bed for late night emergencies.

·         Maintain adequate lighting especially in areas that do not have windows or are naturally dark such as a staircase.

·         Prominently display your house number using a reflective material and be sure it is easily visible from the street for emergency vehicles.

·         Install sensor and motion lights outdoors to discourage intruders and light your way at night.

·         Post a list of emergency contact numbers in an easy to find place, such as on the refrigerator, and be sure the whole family knows where to find them.

·         Keep a first aid kit stocked and handy for initial care with injuries occur.

·         Maintain a disaster kit with bottled water, flashlight, blankets, non-perishable food and other items for an emergency.

·         Keep a list handy of all family members and any medications they take on a regular basis as well as anything that causes allergic reactions for each person.

Starting with these simple steps will help make your home a much safer place for your family. For more information please read, Home Safety Indoors and Out. If you are deciding to move into a new neighborhood but don’t know where to look, then conisider looking at these New homes North Kansas city mo. 

This article brought to you by The HousePlanShop, LLC, the home of the best selling house plans from the best designers!

Tags: Home Safety, safety tips

Whether you are thinking about building a permanent residence or a cozy wooded getaway, your mind might easily drift to a log home or cabin. So why do we like them so much? Before you build your new home or your weekend retreat, consider the following reasons why people like log homes. Who knows, you might just decide to build one yourself.

Natural Beauty: Having a natural look, log homes and cabins offer a sense or calmness and peace, counterbalancing our busy lifestyles.

Blend with Nature: A log exterior complemented with stone accents helps the home blend with its natural surroundings while removing us from the hustle and bustle of suburban living. There is something about a rustic look that makes us feel like we are a million miles from civilization. Furthermore, designs with large decks and covered porches encourage us to take in panoramic views and submerge ourselves in the sights and sounds of nature.

Simplicity: Cabins and log homes are designed with simple style and few details. Usually, the exterior is not complicated lending to low maintenance and simple yet stylish street appeal. These homes look good, yet require little effort and upkeep on our part.

Open Spaces: A log home designed with exposed beams, vaulted ceilings, large windows and an open floor plan inside delivers an easy and relaxed lifestyle. With few walls and sweeping views we feel a sense of spaciousness instead of that confined feeling we often have in a traditional home.

Comfort: Nothing says comfort like a big stone chimney outside and a toasty hearth inside. It is easy to imagine ourselves relaxing in front of the fireplace with our kids and other loved ones sharing snacks and a movie on a wintry night.

This article brought to you by The HousePlanShop, LLC, the home of the best selling house plans from the best designers!

Tags: cabins, log home features, log home plans