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Homeowners Utilize Backyard Studios for Creative Hobbies and Practical Spaces

Homeowners Utilize Backyard Studios for Creative Hobbies and Practical Spaces

Homeowners Utilize Backyard Studios for Creative Hobbies and Practical Spaces

Colorado Implements New Wildfire Resiliency Code for Construction in Wildland-Urban Interface

Colorado Implements New Wildfire Resiliency Code for Construction in Wildland-Urban Interface

Colorado has introduced a new statewide building standard, the Wildfire Resiliency Code, which now applies to most new construction and major remodels in Summit County. This code is designed to enhance the ability of homes to withstand wildfire exposure, particularly in wildland-urban interface areas where human development meets natural vegetation and fire fuels. The standards set minimum construction requirements for structures located in zones susceptible to embers or flames from wildfires. Summit Fire & EMS supports these new regulations, viewing them as an additional layer of protection for the community. The implementation of ember-resistant, hardened construction is expected to provide firefighters with more time and a greater chance of saving homes during wildfire incidents. Homeowners planning new construction or significant renovations are advised to consult with Summit County Community Development early in their design process to ascertain the specific requirements applicable to their projects.

Trash Cans Repurposed for Space-Saving Garden Tool Storage

Trash Cans Repurposed for Space-Saving Garden Tool Storage

Trash Cans Repurposed for Space-Saving Garden Tool Storage

Backyard Landscaping Costs Vary Widely Based on Budget and Scope

Backyard Landscaping Costs Vary Widely Based on Budget and Scope

Backyard Landscaping Costs Vary Widely Based on Budget and Scope

Congressman Brian Mast Emphasizes Lithium-Ion Battery Safety During National Fire Prevention Week

Congressman Brian Mast Emphasizes Lithium-Ion Battery Safety During National Fire Prevention Week

Congressman Brian Mast is highlighting the importance of safe charging practices for devices powered by lithium-ion batteries as part of National Fire Prevention Week. He stresses that many common devices, including phones, tablets, laptops, e-bikes, and scooters, utilize these batteries, which store significant energy in a compact space and require proper handling to prevent fires. Mast advises using only manufacturer-approved cords and chargers, charging devices on hard, flat surfaces away from flammable materials, and unplugging them once fully charged. For larger items like e-bikes and power tools, he recommends charging them outdoors and away from exits due to the increased fire risk. Additionally, he warns users to stop using any device that shows signs of battery failure, such as excessive heat, swelling, smoke, or unusual odors. He also specifically advises against charging e-cigarettes or vapes on planes and keeping other charging devices visible, not in overhead bins, to allow for quick response ...

Walmart has a heavy-duty storage shed with lockable doors for just $95

Walmart has a heavy-duty storage shed with lockable doors for just $95

Shoppers love the extra space it provides.

Oklahoma Faces Frequent Power Outages Amid Storms

Oklahoma Faces Frequent Power Outages Amid Storms

Oklahoma, located in Tornado Alley, experiences frequent power outages due to severe weather conditions such as tornadoes, ice storms, straight-line winds, and extreme summer heat. These outages are a regular occurrence, making standby generators a critical investment for homeowners. A properly installed generator can automatically restore power within seconds of an outage, ensuring essential systems like furnaces, sump pumps, refrigerators, and medical equipment remain operational. The installation process involves multiple steps, including load calculations, pad setup, gas line connections, and electrical panel integration. Certified Kohler dealers are recommended for installation due to their specialized training, warranty support, and ability to manage the entire project efficiently.

Professional Organizers Offer Strategies for Decluttering Bedrooms and Homes

Professional Organizers Offer Strategies for Decluttering Bedrooms and Homes

Professional Organizers Offer Strategies for Decluttering Bedrooms and Homes

Historic Home Features Reveal Past Lifestyles and Technological Innovations

Historic Home Features Reveal Past Lifestyles and Technological Innovations

Historic Home Features Reveal Past Lifestyles and Technological Innovations

Lithium-ion Battery Fires Increase, Prompting Safety Warnings for E-Scooters and E-Bikes

Lithium-ion Battery Fires Increase, Prompting Safety Warnings for E-Scooters and E-Bikes

Fires caused by lithium-ion batteries have seen a rapid increase in recent years, with over 70% of these incidents involving a charger within the last three years. These rechargeable batteries are commonly found in a wide array of electrical items, including e-scooters, e-bikes, mobile phones, and laptops. While generally safe during normal use, lithium-ion batteries present a significant fire risk when they are overcharged, left on charge for too long, short-circuited, submerged in water, or damaged. Damage can occur from dropping devices or crashes involving e-bikes or e-scooters. When damaged, these batteries can overheat and ignite without warning, leading to fires that spread quickly and are difficult to extinguish, often causing widespread damage. The fires are particularly dangerous due to their rapid spread and intensity.

Fall Season Offers Optimal Conditions for Water-Wise and Fire-Wise Landscape Planting in California

Fall Season Offers Optimal Conditions for Water-Wise and Fire-Wise Landscape Planting in California

The Santa Margarita Water District (SMWD) in California is highlighting fall as the ideal season for planting water-wise and fire-wise landscapes. Cooler temperatures, shorter daylight hours, and seasonal rainfall during autumn create favorable conditions for new plants to establish themselves, reducing heat stress and the need for excessive outdoor watering. When selecting plants, SMWD advises choosing varieties that are well-suited to the local climate and growing conditions, emphasizing the importance of considering a plant's mature size to ensure adequate growth space. Fire safety is also a critical component of landscape planning, with recommendations to avoid planting trees, woody shrubs, or hedges within five feet of a home or patio. Utilizing low-water-use drip irrigation is suggested to minimize overspray near home foundations and stucco. Additionally, pruning at the end of summer involves trimming trees at least five feet from homes and ten feet from chimneys, removing dead or diseased branches, ...

NGBS Green +WELLNESS Certification Aims to Enhance Home Occupant Health and Well-being

NGBS Green +WELLNESS Certification Aims to Enhance Home Occupant Health and Well-being

The 2025 National Green Building Standard (NGBS) has introduced the Green +WELLNESS certification, designed to recognize new and remodeled homes and buildings that prioritize the physical, mental, and behavioral health of their occupants. This certification goes beyond standard NGBS requirements, focusing on categories of design and construction that directly influence human health. As individuals spend more time in their homes, there's a growing demand, particularly in the high-end market, for features that improve indoor air quality, water efficiency, and overall living function. The Green +WELLNESS certification provides a framework for designers, architects, builders, and remodelers to implement practices that enhance occupant health and comfort, increase home durability, and boost buyer satisfaction. Key areas addressed by the certification include active and universal design, material selection to minimize harmful chemicals and mold, pollution prevention through reduced indoor air pollutants and impr...