Archive for October, 2009
Keep Baby Safe
October 15th, 2009 | 
Author: admin
Cribs are involved in more infant deaths each year than any other nursery product. Know what to look for when buying a crib.
First check the corner posts on the crib. The best option is corner posts that are flush with the headboard and footboard. At most, they should extent 1/16” above the top. They should not be long enough for clothing worn to get hooked on.
Check that the mattress support hangers can be completely secured to the frame by either bolts or closed hooks. Regularly check the crib’s hardware to make sure none of it has loosened something that can happen with a child bouncing on the mattress.
If you’ll be using bumper pads, check them out carefully to have the following features: tie or snap in place, fit all the way around the crib, have straps/ties in each corner, in the middle of the sides along the open rails and should also have ties at the top and bottom edges. (Be sure to remove the bumper pads when your child can stand in the crib. Otherwise they might use the pad as something to step on if they want to climb out of the crib.)
Once you get the crib and mattress home, discard all plastic. Never use any part of the plastic, including the bag covering the mattress, as the plastic could cause suffocation.
Because of the potential of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), use a firm, flat mattress in the crib and lay your baby on their back. Instead of using a blanket that can get wrapped around the baby, use a one-piece sleeper with legs and arms.
When arranging the baby furniture in the nursery, keep the crib away from any window. Any windows that have blinds or draperies also have cords that could cause strangulation. And the screen of an open window is not strong enough to prevent a child from falling out.
If you put your baby to bed with a pacifier or teether, never tie it around their neck. When you are ready to put your baby down to sleep, there should be nothing around their neck and that includes bibs and necklaces.
Make sure the side rail is fully locked when raised. Put the mattress in its lowest position once your child can stand in the crib by itself. Remove any and everything that they could possibly stand on to try and climb out including any stuffed animals or toys.
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Tips For Getting A Home Improvement Loan Grant
October 11th, 2009 |
Author: admin
Some home improvement loan grants are based on income level and ability to qualify for a loan. Many low income families may meet this qualification. Other grants may be based on geographical location and many times rural locations are given preferential treatment. Some home improvement loan grants require that you own your home and that you will not be selling it for a minimum of three years. Elderly home owners may qualify easily if their home needs improvements or renovations to adapt the home to a medical condition. Always read the qualifications of the grant for which you are applying to save yourself time, effort and unnecessary paperwork. You don’t want to apply for a grant if you don’t meet the basic qualifications.
Some grants require that the home improvement to be done be in a certain area of the home or that the improvement is designated to a certain aspect of the home. A valid reason must be given for the home improvement in question. Home improvement loan grants for the elderly are a good example of a valid reason to do a home improvement. Other valid reasons for receiving a home improvement loan grant may include making your home more energy efficient or to have old and dangerous construction supplies such as lead paint or asbestos removed from your home.
Find a grant for which you feel you have the best chance of qualifying. There tend to be many rules and regulations for compliance, but following those application rules to the letter will ensure you the best possible opportunity for receiving your home improvement loan grant. If you have questions concerning the application process, don’t be afraid to ask for help from the appropriate governmental agency or local government.
One useful tool is a grant guide that can be borrowed from the library or purchased from your local bookstore or through the internet. A grant guide will give detailed instructions and information about home improvement loan grants, but it will also give you ideas of other grants for which you may qualify. In order to make the most from your grant guide purchase, be sure to buy the most current copy available as they may be updated every 6 to 12 months.
These tips for getting a home improvement loan grant could have you well on your way to the home improvements you want or need to make. Although grants are free money and do not require repayment, you can’t afford to be sloppy with the application process. Attention to detail is vital. Most home improvement loan grants don’t require contracts like loan companies do, but thoughtful and careful documentation is necessary for success. Be confident, plan carefully and a home improvement loan grant could be in your future.