Carbon Monoxide

Carbon Monoxide

The Dangers of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide is often referred to as "the silent killer." This odorless, colourless and tasteless gas, is nearly impossible to detect and also extremely lethal. Homeowners must take extra safety precautions to control the dangers of carbon monoxide in their homes. 

 

What Happens 

When carbon monoxide is absorbed through inhalation it immediately begins depleting your body’s cells of oxygen. Carbon monoxide is absorbed faster than oxygen by red blood cells. As it replaces the oxygen in your blood it also starves cells and vital organs of their required oxygen. Affects of carbon monoxide poisoning are dependent on the amount of exposure you have had. While some affects are only short term, many can be long term as well as fatal. In some cases death occurs in minutes. 

 

Occurrence and Exposure 

Carbon monoxide occurs when organic compounds burn, such as motor vehicle exhaust, fires, engine fumes and non-electrical heaters. It is found in fumes of automobiles, small gasoline engines, stoves, lanterns, burning charcoal and wood, gas ranges and heating systems. Danger can occur when there a problem with ventilation creating a buildup in enclosed or semi-enclosed space. Symptoms of exposure can be very diverse, from headaches to chest pain, weakness to confusion and seizures. Be aware of all the symptoms. 

 

Prevention

Your best defense is to have all heating systems, water heaters and gas, coal or oil burning appliances serviced yearly by qualified technicians. Install battery operated carbon monoxide detectors at knee level and check them on a bi-yearly basis. A good idea as a reminder is to ensure they are in good working order every fall and spring when you change your clocks. 

Keeping chimneys free of bird’s nests, leaves and debris will ensure proper ventilation and will prevent any type of carbon monoxide buildup. 

Always use items that create carbon monoxide with care. Never use these items indoors, in garages or near windows. All areas must be well ventilated and more than 20 feet away from your home. This includes never running a vehicle in a garage.  

 

Most importantly, take these precautions seriously. Consider all alarms to be accurate and evacuate immediately. Call 911 and wait for the fire department to access your situation.

With the clocks going ahead last week you should have changed your Smoke Detector and Carbon Monoxide batteries. I have seen to many times what happens when this simple chore is neglected.

Any Questions always feel free to call me.

Todd Fryer
Sales Representative
Century 21
905 869-3473
www.toddfryer.com

Posted by Todd Fryer on March 17, 2013

Tags: Family & Kids

Germs!

 

 It has been a bad cold and flu season and it has all been caused by a microscopic organism called "The Germ". You cant completely wipe out these harmful little guys but with minimal effort you can make your home a less likely place to get sick.

Sniffling, sneezing, coughing...sound familiar at this time of year? If you have children, it's even harder to avoid being exposed to viruses. Germs are everywhere and one of the best ways to try to keep you and your family healthy is by germ-proofing your home.

 

Bacteria and viruses can live on surfaces for up to 48 hours, so it’s a must to fight back and keep your home and the high traffic areas clean. Some of the germiest places in your house include doorknobs, faucets, computer keyboards, appliance handles, telephones, children’s toys, toilet handles, and the remote control. Gross right? Kill germs by disinfecting these surfaces. If someone is sick at home, disinfect daily.

 

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, as of January 5, 2013 there have been 13,073 confirmed cases of influenza in Canada. Influenza is spread from person to person through droplets, like sneezing and saliva, and by touching objects and surfaces that are contaminated with the virus. So cleaning the surfaces your hands touch is most important.

 

Most of the disinfectant products contain chemicals that can be hazardous to your health. Try cleaning with white vinegar - it’s a great way to keep your home germ free, it’s non-toxic and eliminates most bacteria, mold and germs. You can also use essential lavender oil which is another germ fighter. Add several drops of it to a cup of water in a spritz bottle and use it to disinfect your kitchen and bathroom.

 

Next, make sure to wash your hands well and often as it’s the most effective thing you can do to protect yourself against influenza and the common cold. Not only will it help keep you healthy, it will help prevent the spread of infectious diseases to others. Make sure you wash your hands before and after handling food, after going to the bathroom, and when you come home. Also teach your children these good hand washing habits to prevent germs. Place bottles of hand sanitizer in several locations around the house to encourage use in addition to frequent hand-washing. Also remember not to cough or sneeze into your hands, spreading germs as you touch things. Instead cough into fabric, like your sleeve.

 

It’s almost impossible to completely avoid germs, but the more effort you put into germ-proofing your home the better chances you’ll have to keep your family healthy.

 By Todd Fryer

Sales Representative

Century 21 Aberwin Realty

905 869-3473

Estate Planning 101

Estate Planning 101

 You’ve worked hard to save, buy investments and pay down your home. Most likely you want these assets to go to the people you choose for it to go to when you eventually pass on. And, if you’re like most Canadians, you would like to reduce the taxes on your assets to a minimum. Estate planning is simply arranging what happens to your assets in the event of your death.

 

In estate planning, the most important step in organizing your assets so you make the choices is to make a will. Dying without a will, or intestate, means that on your death the provincial government chooses how your assets are distributed. Usually, the first $50,000 of value goes to the surviving spouse and rest is divided among the children. In addition to losing choices, there are also additional delays and fees associated with dying intestate. These delays could be financial burdens to your family.

 

Getting a professionally prepared Last Will and Testament is the most important first step in planning your estate. Ensure once your will is complete that your financial and/or investment advisors are aware of your final wishes. That way, they will take steps that are in keeping with your final plans.

 

The Ontario probate fee is generally a 1.4 per cent tax applied to the entire value of your estate. There are some steps that can help you reduce or avoid paying probate, but take care that they don’t carry more negative consequences than the fee itself.

 

When you make a will, you must appoint an executor. Give careful consideration to who you appoint as executor. The responsibility is time-consuming and complex and the stress of dealing with grief and financials can be challenging. It may also create family strife if, for example, one sibling is appointed over another, especially if the process takes longer than expected.

 

Once you make a will, make a point to review its contents regularly—perhaps once every year or two. An out-of-date will can slow down the process and may cost more in probate or other fees as courts try to track down assets you no longer have. New additions to the family may not be included while those who are no longer members, due to divorces or deaths, may still be listed. Regularly updating your will is a good strategy to make sure your plans are still accurate.

 

If you are a high net-worth individual, discuss options in more detail with estate planning professionals and financial advisors. Plans, such as trust funds, may be good choices for transferring your assets sooner, rather than later.

 

For more information on estate planning, visit www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/english/justice-ont/estate_planning.asp.

 

Any further questions or assistance please contact me anytime.

Todd Fryer
Sales Representative
Century 21 Aberwin Realty
(905) 869-3473

March Newsletter

If you would like to advertise your event in the newsletter please let me know

Gas Fireplaces 101

Gas Fireplaces 101 

 

Transform cold winter nights with the warm and inviting ambiance of a gas fireplace. A bold addition to any room and an exciting selling feature, a gas fireplace is a luxurious upgrade to your home. Easy and affordable, many people are opting to replace their traditional wood-burning fireplace with gas. Enjoying those snowy winter nights with family and friends has never been easier. 

 

Opting for Gas

Gas fireplaces are quickly becoming a popular choice over wood-burning options. Low in cost, they offer flexibility in design and style and can be installed to any type of room. 

 

Gas Fireplaces operate with your home’s existing gas connection supplied by your local utility company. Propane options are available for residing in remote areas. Saving the hassle of chopping wood, a gas fireplace is controlled by an ignition switch. A safer choice, this also offers flexibility in temperature control.  

Environmentally friendly, gas burns cleaner than wood, producing less carbon emissions.  

 

Also energy efficient, a gas fireplace can help reduce your heating bills and add resale value to your home.

 

Styles

Available in three different options, choose your gas fireplace based on your home’s structure and heating needs.  

Natural Gas Inserts: Installed in your existing fireplace and vented through your chimney, this is similar to your previous fireplace, with the benefits of a gas upgrade.   

 

Free Standing Fireplaces: Similar to a wooden stove with all sides exposed, this fireplace provides the most heat. Versatile in design, this is a popular choice for basements, or living rooms. Venting options vary to suit your home. 

Zero-Clearance Fireplace: As the name suggests, this fireplace can be mounted against any wall or building material. Using direct venting, these fireplaces produce less heat but can be installed anywhere, making them a stunning display in any kitchen, bedroom or living spaces. 

 

Design

Choosing a gas fireplace is like choosing a piece of art. With so many design options available, the gas fireplace has come a long way from the yellow flame. Cast iron inserts pay tributes to traditional designs, while modern steel mouldings can be customized in shape without sacrificing function. 

Hanging fireplaces compliment a country home as easily as a Manhattan loft. Designers today have created breathtaking displays in endless styles and colours. Your options are limitless when it comes to your luxurious new upgrade.  

Quality

There is a huge variation in quality and workmanship when it comes to gas fireplaces, do your homework read the reviews on line. This purchase can become very expensive with installation costs and upgrades. but with your families safety in mind sometimes you get what you pay for!

Todd Fryer

Facebook Contest

Having a Facebook contest!! Giving away 4 tickets to The National Home Show March 15-24, 2013
Direct Energy Centre - Toronto


All you have to do is like my Facebook page
www.facebook.com/ToddFryerRealEstate
The winner will be drawn on March 10/13

 

Todd Fryer, Sales Representative Century21 Aberwin Realty www.toddfryer.com

I work hard to make sure that the real estate transaction goes smoothly, whether you are buying or selling your home. I specialize in residential and commercial properties in Burlington, Hamilton, Grimsby and surrounding areas

Page: 103 like this

The best place to watch the game?

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Super Bowl: ‘Home Is Where the Game Is,’ Survey Says

Americans consider “home” the best place to watch the Super Bowl, Century 21’s “Big Game Survey” of more than 2,800 adults reveals. Century 21 is an advertiser in this year’s Super Bowl for the second year in a row. The franchisor will have ads running during halftime and also will be sponsoring an hour-long pre-game show. 

“For millions of Americans who tune in, it’s not just about the game and the commercials, it’s about getting together with friends and family in the home,” says Bev Thorne, chief marketing officer of Century 21 Real Estate LLC. “This game represents the last great American campfire, and we thought it’d be fun to take a look at the role the home plays in what has become an iconic cultural event.”
Century 21's survey of adults uncovered these nuggets among others:

• Nearly nine in 10 Americans say home is the best place to watch the Super Bowl. The majority of those surveyed plan to watch the Super Bowl at either their home or a friend or family’s home rather than at a bar or restaurant. 
• 66 percent say they plan to watch the game at a “home” because it’s a more comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. Nearly 60 percent say it’s important for them to be able to find a comfortable seat at home. 
• 76 percent of Americans who plan to watch the game say they prefer to watch it in their pajamas or comfortable clothes (a more common response among women).
• 46 percent say that cleaner bathrooms are another benefit of watching the game at home. 
• 52 percent say the quality of the television with its size and resolution is important in throwing a successful Super Bowl party at home. 
• 42 percent of the adults surveyed say they plan to supplement their viewing of the game by using their mobile devices, such as checking sport news apps on their phone or tablet for additional commentary. 

Source: Century 21 Real Estate LLC