The Press-Dispatch
Issue link: http://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/964179
D-16 Spring Home and Garden Wednesday, April 11, 2018 The Press-Dispatch I don't work for Sears. I own this place. 1607 W. Broadway, Princeton • 812-385-5757 Mon-Fri 9:30am to 7pm | Sat 9am to 6pm | Sun 1 to 6pm is is my Sears Hometown Store. I'm Debra Walker, the owner and the operator. I have an agreement with Sears Hometown that allows me to offer a wide range of high-quality national brands at competitive prices, with the best warranties around; not to mention incredible service and support for my customers. Yes, Sears is on the sign. But the "Hometown" part doesn't just make a difference. It makes it a different company; with a business model that makes me the independent owner of this store. Five years ago, Sears Hometown separated from Sears Holdings Corporation and became its own independent publicly traded company. I am proud to be an owner of a Sears Hometown Store. e name Sears carries a legacy of quality, service and square dealing. e wide selection, especially in appliances, is still consistent with the Sears you know. I'm here to stay! Debra Walker, Owner HOME RENOVATION Reduce injuries during DIY projects Accomplishing a do-it- yourself home repair or ren- ovation can elicit feelings of pride. DIY projects can be cost-effective and complet- ed on homeowners' unique time schedules. Although people can do many repairs themselves, using the wrong tools or equipment, or hav- ing insufficient knowledge of the task at hand can in- crease the risk of injury. The home security re- source A Secure Life says that more than 18,000 Amer- icans die every year from in- juries that take place in the home. Unintentional inju- ries can be traced to ma- ny factors, but making re- pairs around the house can contribute to accident risk. Falls, electrical shocks, bro- ken glass, carpentry tools, and carrying overly heavy loads repeatedly result in injury. Recognizing these poten- tial hazards and always em- ploying safe tactics can help keep DIYers stay healthy. • Ladder safety: A fall from even a few feet can cause severe injuries and even death. Ladders should always be put on a level, stable surface. Individu- als should not climb higher than the second rung on a step ladder or the third rung on an extension ladder. • Tools: Every tool has the potential to cause inju- ry. This injury risk increas- es when tools are not used properly. Before a tool is used, it's important to read the instructions. • Wear protective gloves: Gloves can help protect against burns, elec- trocution, slippery grip, and even deep cuts or finger am- putation when using sharp tools. Gloves also are es- sential when handling bro- ken glass. • Power tools: Pow- er tools have momentum and torque behind them to make fast work of various jobs. If using power tools, DIYers should ensure they are the right tools for the job, not something that is handy or a quick fix. Power tools should only be used if a per- son can devote attention to the task and stay focused. That means never consum- ing alcohol, drugs or medi- cations that can impair func- tion when using power tools. • Working with elec- tricity: An electric shock occurs when a person is ex- posed to a source of elec- tricity and the charge runs through the body. It can cause burns, cardiac arrest, changes to heartbeat, and even neurological injuries, according to the Mayo Clin- ic. DIYers should take pre- cautions anytime they are working with electricity, in- cluding turning off the sup- ply of electricity to the outlet or fixture being worked on. • Heavy loads: It is im- portant to exercise caution when moving around heavy loads. A friend or family member can help with the transfer of building materi- als or to relocate furniture. • Distractions: Avoid- ing distractions is essen- tial when doing home reno- vations. Keep pets and chil- dren away from work areas to focus entirely on the job at hand. Injuries can derail home renovation projects if safety measures are ignored. Home renovation projects are done for several different reasons, wheth- er to update styles, repair damaged or broken items or to achieve more living space. More than ever before, homeowners are choosing improve- ment projects geared toward making their homes healthier. Establishing a healthy home means different things to different people. For example, to an environmentalist, a healthy home may incorporate eco- friendly or green products. To those with young children or mobility-im- paired seniors, a healthy home may be one free from potential hazards. Oth- ers may view a healthy home as one that alleviates allergies. The World Health Organizations says inadequate housing conditions, such as poor ventilation, radon, urban pollution, and moisture issues, can contribute to many preventable dis- eases and injuries — especially respi- ratory problems, nervous system dis- orders, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. Furthermore, the U.S. Envi- ronmental Protection Agency ranks indoor air quality as a top five environ- mental risk to public health. EPA stud- ies have found that indoor air pollution levels were roughly two to five times greater than outdoor pollution levels. People interested in making their homes healthier can embrace these renovations and lifestyle changes. • Be aware of furniture materi- als. Toxic PBDEs, which are chemi- cals used as flame retardants on fur- niture fabrics produced prior to 2006, can send toxins into the air. Some manufacturers may still use these flame retardants in new forms, but with similar risks. Before purchasing furniture, ask if a product is treated, and select naturally fire-resistant ma- terials like wool and cotton. • Lighten up. Lighting is often underappreciated but can have a dra- matic impact on whether a home feels inviting, warm and/or uplifting. Ex- periment with different types of bulbs and lighting fixtures to turn drab and dreary environments into brighter places. Lighting may improve mood and productivity. • Let the sun shine in. Modify window treatments to let more sun- light into the house. There is evidence that the sun, particularly UV light, is a potent bactericide. The Sunlight In- stitute advises that there's no harm in letting natural sunlight do its work, as bacteria within eight feet of low-in- tensity UV light can be killed in 10 minutes. • Inspect and service wood- burning appliances. A study pub- lished in the American Journal of Re- spiratory Cell and Molecular Biology has found regular inhalation of wood smoke limits immune activity and function, and anyone who burns wood indoors should be aware of these po- tential health risks. Ensuring prop- er ventilation of smoke and routine- ly cleaning the chimney can help cut down on particulate matter. • Turn to nontoxic cleaning products, pesticides and insecti- cides. Always opt for nontoxic, nat- ural products when cleaning in and around the house. • Declutter the home. A cluttered, hectic space can affect emotions and mental state, never mind attracting dust and making a home harder to clean. Spending time in spaces that do not elicit stressful feelings is healthi- er and can help residents to rest and recharge. Making a home healthier can be on the list of this year's renovation plans. CREATE A HEALTHIER HOME Rochester Modular Homes are Prefab Constructed to Stick Built Standard The Roosevelt is a 4 bedroom triple-wide that has 2,228 sq. ft. on the main level and 1,200 sq. ft. upstairs that can be finished out as desired. We also have the NewpoRt on our lot in a simpler version at 1,352 sq. ft. that is a 3 bedroom and 2 Bath. It has a nice 8 ft. covered porch option. Selling modulars and new and used sectionals and single wides Dutchtown Homes 1011 N. Hwy. 257 otwell, IN 812-354-2197 | www.dutchtown-homes.com INC. Rochester Modular Homes are Prefab Constructed to Stick Built Standard The Roosevelt is a 4 bedroom triple-wide that has 2,228 sq. ft. on the main level and 1,200 sq. ft. upstairs that can be finished out as desired. We also have the NewpoRt on our lot in a simpler version at 1,352 sq. ft. that is a 3 bedroom and 2 Bath. It has a nice 8 ft. covered porch option. Selling modulars and new and used sectionals and single wides Dutchtown Homes 1011 N. Hwy. 257 otwell, IN 812-354-2197 | www.dutchtown-homes.com INC. We have some beautiful sectional homes ranging from 1500 to 2400 sq . along with a wide variety of single-wides for you to tour. Come on in and find the home that is right for you. SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, May 5 will be our OPEN HOUSE. Be watching for more details.