Tag Archives: Safety

Baby Crib Assembly Safety Checklist

July 05, 2025   Shane

Welcoming a new baby into your home is an exciting time, but ensuring their safety is paramount—especially when it comes to their sleeping environment. Proper crib assembly is crucial to prevent accidents and provide a secure space for your little one. Follow this comprehensive Baby Crib Assembly Safety Checklist to ensure a safe and sturdy setup.

1. Before You Begin

✅ Read the Manual – Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Different crib models have unique assembly steps.
✅ Check for Recalls – Verify that the crib hasn’t been recalled by checking the [Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)](https://www.cpsc.gov/) website.
✅ Gather Tools – Ensure you have all necessary tools (screwdriver, wrench, etc.) before starting.

2. Assembly Safety Checks

✅ Sturdy Frame – All screws, bolts, and fasteners should be tightly secured. The crib should not wobble or shift when gently shaken.
✅ Slat Spacing – Gaps between slats must be no more than 2⅜ inches (6 cm) to prevent a baby’s head from getting stuck.
✅ Corner Posts – If the crib has corner posts, they should not extend more than 1/16 inch (1.5 mm) above the rails to avoid entanglement hazards.
✅ Drop-Side Mechanism (if applicable) – Drop-side cribs are banned in many countries due to safety risks. Avoid using them; opt for fixed-side cribs instead.

3. Mattress & Bedding Safety

✅ Firm Mattress – The mattress should fit snugly with no gaps larger than two fingers between the mattress and crib frame.
✅ Proper Height Adjustment – Adjust the mattress height as your baby grows to prevent climbing or falling.
✅ No Soft Bedding – Avoid pillows, blankets, bumpers, or stuffed animals in the crib to reduce suffocation risks.

4. Post-Assembly Safety Checks

✅ No Sharp Edges – Inspect for splinters, rough edges, or protruding hardware.
✅ Stability Test – Apply pressure to different sides to ensure the crib doesn’t collapse or tip.
✅ Regular Inspections – Periodically check for loose screws, cracks, or wear and tear.

5. Safe Sleep Practices

✅ Placement – Keep the crib away from windows, blinds, cords, and heaters.
✅ Back to Sleep – Always place your baby on their back to sleep.
✅ Room Sharing – The AAP recommends room-sharing (but not bed-sharing) for the first 6–12 months.

Final Thoughts

A well-assembled crib is the foundation of safe sleep for your baby. By following this checklist, you can rest assured that your little one’s sleeping space is secure. If you’re ever unsure about assembly, consult a professional or contact the manufacturer for guidance.

Safety first—because your baby’s well-being is priceless.

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Professional Chimney Sweep Cost: What to Expect Keeping your chimney clean and well-maintained is essential for safety, efficiency, and preventing costly repairs

June 14, 2025   Michelle

Hiring a professional chimney sweep ensures proper cleaning and inspection, but how much should you expect to pay? This article breaks down the factors that influence chimney sweep costs and provides a realistic price range for homeowners.

Average Cost of a Professional Chimney Sweep

The cost of a chimney sweep typically ranges from 0 to 0, with the national average around 0 to 0. However, pricing can vary based on several factors, including:

  • Type of Chimney:

    • (masonry, metal, or prefabricated)

  • Level of Creosote Buildup:

    • (light, moderate, or heavy)

  • Additional Services:

    • (inspections, repairs, or animal removal)

  • Location:

    • (urban areas may have higher labor costs)

    Factors Affecting Chimney Sweep Pricing

    1. Type of Chimney

  • Masonry Chimneys:

    • (0–0): Require more labor due to brick-and-mortar construction.

  • Metal or Prefabricated Chimneys:

    • (0–0): Easier to clean, often costing less.

    2. Extent of Cleaning Needed

  • Light Cleaning:

    • (0–0): Minimal creosote buildup.

  • Moderate to Heavy Cleaning:

    • (0–0): Thick creosote layers may require specialized tools.

    3. Additional Services

  • Chimney Inspection:

    • (–0): Often recommended alongside cleaning.

  • Chimney Repairs:

    • (0–,000+): Cracked liners, damaged flues, or masonry issues.

  • Animal or Nest Removal:

    • (0–0): Birds, squirrels, or raccoons may need extraction.

    4. Geographic Location

    – Prices may be higher in cities with a higher cost of living.

    When Should You Schedule a Chimney Sweep?

    The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends annual chimney inspections and cleanings, especially if you:
    – Use your fireplace or wood stove frequently.
    – Notice smoke backing up into your home.
    – Detect a strong, unpleasant odor from the chimney.
    – See visible creosote buildup (a shiny, tar-like substance).

    How to Choose a Reliable Chimney Sweep

  • 1. Check Certifications:

    • – Look for CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America) certification.

  • 2. Read Reviews:

    • – Verify customer feedback on Google, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau.

  • 3. Get Multiple Quotes:

    • – Compare pricing and services from at least three professionals.

  • 4. Ask About Insurance:

    • – Ensure the company carries liability coverage.

    Conclusion

    Investing in professional chimney sweeping is a small price to pay for safety and efficiency. While costs vary, budgeting 0–0 for a standard cleaning is reasonable. Regular maintenance prevents fire hazards and extends the lifespan of your chimney, saving you money in the long run.

    For the best results, hire a certified chimney sweep and schedule annual inspections to keep your home safe and warm.

    —
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    Kitchen Safety: Keeping Stovetops and Ovens Clean

    November 29, 2024   Matt

    Kitchen Safety: Keeping Stovetops and Ovens Clean

    The kitchen is the heart of a family’s house. It is in this room that a family prepares meals, shares meals, and gathers to talk about the day. This is the room where guests gather, where friends play games around the kitchen table, and where parents might relish a quiet time at the end of the day. It is also one of the leading locations for a household fire, an accident, or germs that breed food-borne illness. Every householder needs to be aware of the issue of kitchen safety.

    Many homemakers ignore the regular cleaning and maintenance of kitchen appliances, preferring to cover dirty burners or toasters to give a false sense of cleanliness, but allowing crumbs and greasy residue to accumulate on these surfaces. Others hate cleaning their ovens with a passion reserved for little else, and put this chore off as long as possible, even when they own self-cleaning ovens. Kitchen safety is the farthest topic from their minds. However, food that is spilled or burned-onto the cook top or oven surface and not cleaned up is the leading cause of kitchen fires. Oven, microwave, or stovetop spills can ignite quickly, and can spread just as quickly to curtains, towels, or walls. Greasy residue on floors can cause people to slip and fall; and old, spoiled food on counters and tables is a source of bacteria that can contaminate fresh food and utensils. If small children are crawling or walking underfoot and reaching for every visible item of interest, tasting as they go, it is even more important to keep things clean in this central room. Kitchen cleanliness is an issue of kitchen safety, and not just of keeping a neat house to impress the neighbors.

    A regular chore list is the best way to get in the habit of kitchen maintenance. Writing down each small chore and when it should be completed, helps to form habits that will keep the entire family safe and well. Counters and sinks should be wiped off at least daily, if not after each meal. Spills should be cleaned up quickly in microwave oven (Try Fuller Microwave Oven Cleaner.), regular ovens, or on stove tops. Cutting boards need to be washed with each use. To control spatters and the residue of cooking fumes, the entire kitchen should be washed with a good degreaser at least once a week. Range filters and hoods are part of this maintenance, as well as garbage cans and disposals. Any appliance that is regularly left on the counter should be given a cleaning at least once a week, if not after each use. Make sure that every surface of the kitchen is cleaned thoroughly at least once a month. (Try Fuller Cooktop and Counter Cleaner.) The entire family should be educated about the importance of these chores and encouraged to clean up their part of the mess.

    A good, easy-to-use stove or oven cleaner can make these essential chores more palatable. What is the best oven cleaner? Look for one that does not need to be left overnight, but that works in a few hours. Many stove or oven cleaners produce less toxic fumes than earlier versions. Also, newer formulas will not run, but will stay in place to soak and thoroughly loosen the burned on food. (Try Fuller Brush’s Industrial Oven Cleaner or Spotless Oven). With a damp rag or sponge, wipe off any loose food, and then spray on the cleaner. Let the cleaner set for thirty minutes to several hours, depending on how soiled the area is or according to the product’s instructions. Soil should be softened to the point that it wipes up easily with a damp rag or sponge. If there is stubborn, burned on food, follow your oven manufacturer’s instructions for what type of abrasive you can safely use and not mar the cooking surface. If you have left the product on too long and it is dried, try laying a damp rag over the area for a few minutes to soften the product for easier removal.

    There are products on the market that will help keep food from adhering to cooking surfaces, keeping these appliances from getting so dirty they are difficult to clean. One product that can save hours of cleanup time the next time you clean your oven is Fuller Brush’s Oven Spray. This product is to be sprayed on the oven surface after it is clean. Again, check with your oven manufacturer to see if it is compatible with your oven surface.

    With good habits, or fanatical adherence to a chore list, your kitchen can be the safe, pleasant, gathering place it is meant to be. Kitchen safety will become second nature to you and your family.

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    Kitchen Safety

    November 24, 2024   Matt

    Kitchen Safety

    The kitchen is the heart of a family’s house. It is in this room that a family prepares meals, shares meals, and gathers to talk about the day. This is the room where guests gather, where friends play games around the kitchen table, and where parents might relish a quiet time at the end of the day. It is also one of the leading locations for a household fire, an accident, or germs that breed food-borne illness. Every householder needs to be aware of the issue of kitchen safety.
    Many homemakers ignore the regular cleaning and maintenance of kitchen appliances, preferring to cover dirty burners or toasters to give a false sense of cleanliness, but allowing crumbs and greasy residue to accumulate on these surfaces. Others hate cleaning their ovens with a passion reserved for little else, and put this chore off as long as possible, even when they own self-cleaning ovens. Kitchen safety is the farthest topic from their minds. However, food that is spilled or burned-onto the cook top or oven surface and not cleaned up is the leading cause of kitchen fires. Oven, microwave, or stovetop spills can ignite quickly, and can spread just as quickly to curtains, towels, or walls. Greasy residue on floors can cause people to slip and fall; and old, spoiled food on counters and tables is a source of bacteria that can contaminate fresh food and utensils. If small children are crawling or walking underfoot and reaching for every visible item of interest, tasting as they go, it is even more important to keep things clean in this central room. Kitchen cleanliness is an issue of kitchen safety, and not just of keeping a neat house to impress the neighbors.
    A regular chore list is the best way to get in the habit of kitchen maintenance. Writing down each small chore and when it should be completed, helps to form habits that will keep the entire family safe and well. Counters and sinks should be wiped off at least daily, if not after each meal. Spills should be cleaned up quickly in microwave oven (Try Fuller Microwave Oven Cleaner.), regular ovens, or on stove tops. Cutting boards need to be washed with each use. To control spatters and the residue of cooking fumes, the entire kitchen should be washed with a good degreaser at least once a week. Range filters and hoods are part of this maintenance, as well as garbage cans and disposals. Any appliance that is regularly left on the counter should be given a cleaning at least once a week, if not after each use. Make sure that every surface of the kitchen is cleaned thoroughly at least once a month. (Try Fuller Cooktop and Counter Cleaner.) The entire family should be educated about the importance of these chores and encouraged to clean up their part of the mess.
    A good, easy-to-use stove or oven cleaner can make these essential chores more palatable. What is the best oven cleaner? Look for one that does not need to be left overnight, but that works in a few hours. Many stove or oven cleaners produce less toxic fumes than earlier versions. Also, newer formulas will not run, but will stay in place to soak and thoroughly loosen the burned on food. (Try Fuller Brush’s Industrial Oven Cleaner or Spotless Oven). With a damp rag or sponge, wipe off any loose food, and then spray on the cleaner. Let the cleaner set for thirty minutes to several hours, depending on how soiled the area is or according to the product’s instructions. Soil should be softened to the point that it wipes up easily with a damp rag or sponge. If there is stubborn, burned on food, follow your oven manufacturer’s instructions for what type of abrasive you can safely use and not mar the cooking surface. If you have left the product on too long and it is dried, try laying a damp rag over the area for a few minutes to soften the product for easier removal.
    There are products on the market that will help keep food from adhering to cooking surfaces, keeping these appliances from getting so dirty they are difficult to clean. One product that can save hours of cleanup time the next time you clean your oven is Fuller Brush’s Oven Spray. This product is to be sprayed on the oven surface after it is clean. Again, check with your oven manufacturer to see if it is compatible with your oven surface.
    With good habits, or fanatical adherence to a chore list, your kitchen can be the safe, pleasant, gathering place it is meant to be. Kitchen safety will become second nature to you and your family.

    Read More

    The Work Glove: A Forgotten Safety Tool

    January 18, 2022   Matt

    The Work Glove: A Forgotten Safety Tool

    Today, construction and industrial development is a way of life for a majority of the world’s population. Safety measures are continually improving for construction and industrial workers. One of the most important developments in safety equipment for these workers is job-specific work gloves.

    Take a look at a few of the many types of gloves available for various industries:

    Disposable Gloves – Available in many sizes and thicknesses, these gloves are typically found in the food service and medical industry. Polyethylene and vinyl gloves are commonly used in food service industries, offering comfort and breathe-ability in general purpose applications, such as food processing. Latex gloves are typically found in the medical industry, offering protection against chemical processing and the handling of acids and caustics. Disposable gloves are also used in industries requiring metal treatment, paint and varnish manufacturing, petrochemical and oil refining, the handling of rough castings and steel bars, the use of electronics, light assembly, inspection and quality control.

    Heavy Utility Gloves – With a synthetic leather palm and reinforced thumbs and fingertips, these gloves are durable and comfortable. They can also be used in a variety of industries including light demolition, landscaping, and material handling. Heavy Utility Gloves are also great for any job requiring heavy machine operation.

    Cold Condition & Waterproof Gloves – These gloves come in different sizes and styles to fit different needs. They keep hands warm and dry in inclement weather conditions. Cold Condition Gloves are perfect for the ocean import and export industries as well as winter resort work, and airport trades. As an added bonus, they are among the best gloves for recreational skiing and snowboarding.

    Leather Welding Gloves – Welding gloves are used in welding and heat applications along with any other application requiring heat, flame, or spark protection. The first step in choosing the proper welding glove is learning the different types of heat:

    Radiant Heat is generated by the sun or any source of fire.
    Ambient Heat is the surrounding atmospheric temperature.
    Conduct Heat is the direct contact of a hot surface.

    The next step is to consider the weight of materials being handled, the contact temperature, and the time of exposure to the heat. It is important to choose a welding glove that fits the needs of all the variables in consideration.

    Cut Resistant Gloves – The name says it all. A lot of industries require the use of sharp objects, and these gloves are perfect for all of them. High performance strings provide cut and abrasion resistance, and high performance yarns further protect the hands when working with sharp objects. Various material weights provide longer durability and additional dexterity where needed. Some styles are dipped or coated with a polymer to provide a better grip and increase durability. Common uses include, but are not limited to, food preparation, glass and metal handling, automotive work, and electronic work.

    There are many more types and styles of gloves available. Though the most important safety tool you can have is knowledge, job-specific gloves are the key to hand protection. Always choose a glove that fits your hands well and provides the best protection for the job at hand.

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    How and Why You Should Buy Pool Safety Equipment

    October 30, 2021   Matt

    How and Why You Should Buy Pool Safety Equipment

    Are you interested in installing an aboveground or inground pool in your yard? If so, now is the time to familiarize yourself with pool safety. Certain pool safety steps, such as the installation of a pool fence, are not only recommended, but often required by law.

    As previously stated, law may require some pool safety steps. The most common being the installation of a pool fence. This fence typically needs to be at least four feet high, fully surrounding the pool, and have a lock or latch. In recent years, some states have started mandating the use of a pool alarm.

    Another one of the many reasons why you and all other homeowner should look into pools safety equipment is because it can reduce your liability. In the event of a pool accident, you may be held liable if neglect is found. Neglect may involve not taking steps to make sure that your pool is safe for young children. Liability can be risky and costly.

    Perhaps, the greatest reason why you should take pool safety steps is because those steps can help to keep others safe. If you are a parent or if you have small children in your home, such as grandchildren, it is important to keep your pool safe. This involves making it difficult to access. The good news is that there are a number of tools and equipment pieces on the market today that can help you do so.

    As previously stated, pool fences are often required by law. You can easily determine so by contacting your town, village, city, or county government officials. Although many fences must have a lock and be at least four feet high, you should have the freedom to choose your own style and design. Pool owners, like yourself, often opt for aluminum, chain-linked, wrought iron, and mesh fences.

    In terms of pool alarms, they are usually optional, but many states are now starting to require them in pools with depths of two feet of water or more. Pool alarms are considered a must have, especially for inground pools. This is because the alarm will sound when a disturbance occurs in the water, such as when someone falls in. Since most drowning accidents occur when no one is in the pool, all parents should outfit their pools with an alarm.

    Pool safety covers are another piece of equipment that comes highly rated and recommended. Most safety covers are designed for inground swimming pools, as they tend to pose the most danger. In terms of safety and ease, automatic vinyl pool covers are recommended. A simple turn of the key and your swimming pool can be protected each and everyday, not just during the winter months.

    Now that you know what type of pool safety steps can be taken, you may be curious as to how you find and buy these items. You should have a number of different buying options. All swimming pool accessories, including safety equipment, can be found available for sale online. As for local shopping, specialty pool stores, home improvement stores, and department stores should be visited.

    As an important, lifesaving reminder, the above mentioned items are designed to assist you in keeping your pool safe. With that in mind, nothing replaces the watchful eye and close supervision of an adult.

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