Everyone should have at least one fire extinguisher at home, but it's just as important to ensure you have the proper type of fire extinguisher. Fire protection experts recommend one for the kitchen, garage and workshop. When operating an extinguisher, remember the acronym PASS.

• Pull the Pin at the top of the extinguisher. The pin releases a locking mechanism and will allow you to discharge the extinguisher.
• Aim at the base of the fire, not the flames. This is important - in order to put out the fire, you must extinguish the fuel.
• Squeeze the lever slowly. This will release the extinguishing agent in the extinguisher. If the handle is released, the discharge will stop.
• Sweep from side to side. Using a sweeping motion, move the fire extinguisher back and forth until the fire is completely out. Operate the extinguisher from a safe distance, several feet away, and then move towards the fire once it starts to diminish. Be sure to read the instructions on your fire extinguisher - different fire extinguishers recommend operating them from different distances. Remember: Aim at the base of the fire, not at the flames!!

"Hansen Home Inspections did a very thorough and professional inspection of our new home. Peter did not rush and scrutinized every possible detail. He provided us with important information that helped us close the real estate transaction. We would not hesitate to hire him again."    Brad and Angela Foster

The cause of mould is simply "MOISTURE".  Mould requires moisture to live and grow.  Without moisture, mould will die.

Mould in a home is unsightly and it destroys any material it grows on... In homes, mould will grow on walls, floors, furniture... anywhere damp. A small number of indoor moulds will cause allergy symptoms while others may also produce toxic compounds.

One important thing to know is that if the area covered in mould is large, bigger than 10 square feet (1 square meter); it is highly recommended that you seek out a mould remediation professional.Read the full article on my blog for '5 mould prevention tips for your home'...

This is the service which the majority of home buyers request.  It involves a home tour or walk-through, a written report and ongoing telephone and email support.

The home walk-through involves explanation of everything I have observed during the inspection;  putting that information into perspective; what to expect for the next few years; and answering any questions that you might have. I strongly recommend this inspection be listed in the buyer's 'subjects to sale' when making any offers on real estate.
 
Hansen Home Inspections Ltd. is a licensed professional home inspection firm in North Vancouver, BC serving buyers, sellers and those maintaining their homes in the North Shore and Metro Vancouver. If you would like to discuss my services please do not hesitate to contact me at your convenience.

Learning CPR / First Aid
You should know first aid CPR for many reasons. Put another way, there isn't one good reason not to know first aid.

(St. John Ambulance) - CPR courses teach basic first aid and CPR techniques that can be applied at home or work.

All public CPR courses now include training in Automated External Defibrillation (AED).

Upon completion of these courses, participants will receive a national St. John Ambulance CPR and AED certificate.