At laid-back barbecues and neighborhood gatherings across the country, the grill has become a popular fixture. While grills may be a convenient way to cook, they still require regular maintenance. Nearly 9,000 fires a year, on average, involve grilling. Five out of six of these reported fires involved gas-fueled grills.1 So what causes a gas grill to catch on fire? We’ll take a look at three of the leading causes, and explore the science behind gas [ Continue reading ]
Domain Listings Scam Targeting Small Businesses
Important Information for Small Business Owners! Beware of the Domain Listings Scam letter! There is a scam going around, targeting small businesses. Our affiliate company, Lantz Law, Inc. recently received a letter from a company called Domain Listings, claiming to be a website listing service. They sent what at first glance, looks like an overdue bill for website or domain services. It included a “Description of Services” section, which displayed [ Continue reading ]
Spring Driving Safety Tips
Although winter is usually known for its dangerous driving conditions, spring also comes with several seasonal driving hazards to be aware of. What makes spring driving so dangerous? Rainy days and flooding Spring rain creates slippery road conditions and potential flooding. This can reduce your car's handling ability and lengthen the distance it takes to stop by up to 4 times longer. Large puddles can also reduce tire which can lead to [ Continue reading ]
Dealing with Ice Dams
Although icicles may look nice hanging off of your house, they are a warning sign for potential problems. The same conditions that allow icicles to form also lead to ice dams. An ice dam is a continuous chunk of ice that forms at the edge of a roof and prevents water created by melting snow from draining off the roof. For the most part, while frozen, the biggest threat an ice dam poses is potentially tearing off gutters. However, once the snow on your [ Continue reading ]
Protecting Yourself from Identity Theft
Roughly 1 in 7 U.S. residents 16 or older have been victims of identity theft in 2014, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. To protect yourself from identity theft you must understand what it actually is, so you can take action to prevent it. Unfortunately, many Americans don't take the necessary steps to guard against identity theft. What Is Identity Theft? Identity theft or identity fraud is any crime against someone where personal [ Continue reading ]
10 Cheap Ways to Keep the House Warm
If you are trying to cut back on your heat usage but still want to stay warm during the winter, there are plenty of ways to prepare your home so you can enjoy both. We have gathered a list of 10 of the best ways to stay warm at a low cost to you. 1. Use your curtains Heat from the sun is free! Even when it’s cold outside, the sun is still warm. For windows facing the south, open the curtains and take advantage of this free heat. When then [ Continue reading ]
Protecting Your Home from Burglars
Home security has always been the top priority for homeowners. Knowing how to stop burglars from targeting your home can go a long way to safeguard your home and your property. Targets for Burglars Most thieves target homes that look easy to break into. They look for homes with predictable patterns of people coming and going, properties in more isolated parts of the neighborhood, and houses that are well maintained or have an expensive car in the [ Continue reading ]
Holiday Fire Safety Tips
The holiday season is one of the most dangerous times of the year for household fires. At this time, they are more common, more costly, and more fatal than during any other time of the year. Here are some tips to help avoid this holiday risk! Cooking Cooking is the most common cause of holiday fires, mainly when food is left unattended. It’s easy to get distracted, so when you leave the kitchen, take a pot holder with you as a reminder. Make sure you [ Continue reading ]
Handling a Tire Blowout
Despite the advances in safety standards/technology, tire blowouts can still happen. They are a rarer occurrence now, but when they do happen, drivers are less prepared to handle them properly. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, tire blowouts and flats result in nearly 11,000 collisions and 200 fatalities each year. How to Prevent a Tire Blowout The best way to deal with a tire blowout is to not have to deal with one. [ Continue reading ]
How to Drive Safely During the Winter
For those living in a temperate climate, chances are that at some point during the winter, roads will be covered with ice or snow. The reduced traction on the roads because of this make your vehicle harder to control and can challenge even the most experienced drivers. Almost 6,000 people are killed in weather-related traffic accidents annually, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. The best way to deal with dangerous winter conditions is to [ Continue reading ]