This is the result of a dryer fire

 What causes 5,600 fires, 15 deaths, and over 99 million in preventable property loss? Three words…dryer vent fires.  Most homeowners consider their clothes dryer a necessity. Improper installation and maintenance of this appliance can pose a serious fire risk.  The leading factor is the failure to clean lint from the trap, vents and surrounding areas.

The signs of a blocked dryer vent are:

1. Lengthy drying time

2. Clothes are hotter than normal at the end of the cycle

3. Dryer shuts off due to high temperatures

4. Increased heat and humidity in the area of the dryer

5. Flapper on the vent hood does not open when the dryer is on

The Community Association of Underwriters recommends:

2. Vent dryer directly to the outside, taking the shortest route

3. Never leave the house when a dryer is on

4. Install a portable fire extinguisher in the laundry room

5. Clean filter after every dryer load

Are you aware that airline passengers have a right to be treated fairly? Airlines are now required to refund any fee for carrying a bag if the bag is permanently lost.  Airlines are already required to compensate passengers for reasonable expenses for loss, damage, or delay in the carriage of passenger baggage. All airlines must disclose all additional fees.  When you are bumped from a flight, you are entitled to cash compensation equal to the value of the tickets, up to $400. If it is a lengthy delay, you are entitled up to $800.  Remember, you can only be held on a tarmac for 4 hours.

We use these to kitchen staples for a variety of purposes and most of us have them readily available in our kitchens as well as other areas of the home.

What you may not have known is that, besides being great in a lot of different recipes,  keeping our refrigerators fresh, making lemonade, freshening up our garbage disposals and even lightening and highlighting our hair, both baking soda and lemons have some really fun, special powers.

Who knew these 2 commonly used kitchen staples could be so useful?

After reading this article, you’ll never want to be without baking soda of lemon again.

• Wet your hands and rub together with 2 teaspoons of baking soda – fish and garlic odors disappear!
• Create the fluffiest omelet by adding ½ teaspoon of baking soda for every 3 eggs used
• Soothe your achy feet by soaking them in a bath of 1/2 cup baking soda in a half gallon of water
• Scorched your favorite pan? Fill it ¼ full with water, bring to a boil and add ¼ cup baking soda.  Let cool and allow to sit overnight.  Burned on food should easily wipe off.
• Eliminate odors by burning lemon peels in your fireplace or tossing a quartered lemon into your garbage disposal
• Mix 3 tablespoons lemon juice with 1.5 cups of water in a microwaveable bowl.  Microwave on high for 10 minutes, allowing to steam.  Softened food will now wipe right off
• To keep cut fruit, potatoes or guacamole from turning brown, add a few drop of lemon juice