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Beware of accident hazards in the home

Home sweet home is where we spend more than 50 percent of our time. For most people it is a place of security, but statistics can tell a different story. Most accidents and injuries occur at home, so I want to offer some tips to make your home just a little safer and more secure. As Realtors know, a home that is more safe and secure to live in also makes it better to sell. The following checklist will help you enjoy home more: Household products Stockpiles of hazardous household items — such as paint solvents, pesticides, fertilizers, or motor oils — can create a dangerous ...

Buying and storing firewood for the season

It’s important to have a good storage system for firewood; otherwise, it will rot before you can use it. Whether you burn fires as a supplemental heat source for your home or strictly for ambiance and pleasure, it’s important to know how to properly buy and store firewood. For homeowners looking to fuel a traditional masonry fireplace, fireplace insert or wood stove, the goal should be the same: to get the best quality firewood for the best possible price. How much to buy Homeowners who intend to heat their homes through the use of a wood stove naturally will require more ...

We must take charge of our future

I have had the honor to experience both the thrill of the process to bring national football championships to YSU and Ohio State and now participating in the academic and economic development of our Valley. These truly are magical times. However, it concerns me that the conversation of the manufacturing future of Ohio and, more specifically, here in the Mahoning Valley has not reflected the exciting opportunity before us. The world is on the cusp of the biggest revolution in automotive technology in more than 100 years: internal combustion engines will eventually go by the wayside and ...

How to ensure a fireplace is safe, inside and out

In one of our last columns, we talked about the proper way to clean your fireplace. In this article, we will deal with how to make sure your fireplace is safe. So, how do you keep your fireplace safe? The best tools you have are your eyes. With regular visual inspections both inside your home and out, you’ll make sure your fireplace is in good shape for the burning season. Checking from the outside • Examine the chimney to make sure a chimney cap is present and in good repair. The metal cap keeps animals, rain, and snow out of the chimney, while acting as a spark arrester ...

Making some progress on opioid crisis

Since President Donald Trump’s first day in office, and from my first day as his health secretary, our country’s opioid crisis has been one of our most challenging missions. But there were always sources of inspiration: We heard from the Americans on the frontlines of the fight against addiction, and we set about bringing them what they needed to continue the fight. Today, thanks to President Trump’s leadership and the hard work of so many, there are clear signs that we are beginning to turn the tide. According to provisional data, total drug overdose deaths in the United States ...

Realtors offer tips on cleaning your fireplace

Wood- and gas-burning fireplaces need regular cleaning for safety and efficiency. Although some tasks are do-it-yourself-friendly, others are best left to the pros. The appeal of a wood- or gas-burning fireplace is undeniable — especially for Ohioans. But both appliances require regular cleaning to prepare them for the fall / winter burning season so they function safely and efficiently. Cleaning a wood-burning fireplace Keeping a wood-burning fireplace clean begins with the wood you burn. To help prevent the buildup of dangerous (and dirty) creosote, which can lead to chimney ...