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Newsletter - February 2011
Thank you to everyone who participated in our January raffle. Congratulations to Michael Janson of Swanton, Vermont, who won a $50 gift certificate to Outdoor Gear Exchange (as well as a few other snazzy items)!
Answer this month's trivia correctly for a chance to win a $100 gift certificate to the Flynn Center in Burlington!
(See the bottom of this newsletter for more info).
Click HERE to view last month's trivia answers. |
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Winter in Vermont - Events
Looking for things to do? Check out these upcoming festivals and events! Or check out the Flynn Center Calendar for many amazing shows. (See the bottom of this newsletter for a chance to win a $100 gift certificate to the Flynn!) |
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Home Safety Tips - Winter Hazards
Last month we discussed the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. There are many other home hazards more prevalent in winter. - Electrical Cords: Winter means extra lighting, heaters, etc. Make sure you never overload your electrical sockets, and make sure all cords are clear from being crushed under furniture. Never run an extension cord through a hole in the wall or through a doorway where it can get cut. Keep them out of wet areas, and be especially careful if you have kids or pets (they might chew them or twist them around their neck). Learn more about electrical safety for your home and workplace from Electrical Safety Foundation International.
- Frozen Pipes: Besides being an immediate hassle, frozen pipes can burst (water expands as it freezes), causing damage to your home. The Red Cross offers some great tips for preventing and thawing frozen pipes, and we have some extra tips on pipe-protecting products. Take extra precautions during extremely cold weather, or if you will be going away during the winter.
- Snow on the Roof: Dangers include ice dams (causes leaks into the attic or along exterior walls), attic condensation (can lead to attic wood products rotting), and in extreme cases it can cause the entire roof to collapse. To protect your roof from damage, use a snow rake to remove snow, using extreme caution, as it can damage shingles. For extensive ice damming, look for roof ice and snow removal services that use steam. You can also prevent ice dams and condensation by considering home improvements such as making your ceiling airtight, increasing attic insulation, and improving attic ventilation. You can find more information on winter roof risks from the Institute for Business & Home Safety.
- Wood Stoves: The State of Vermont Division of Fire Safety offers many tips on wood stove safety: Build small fires that burn completely and produce less smoke, use only seasoned hardwood (soft/moist wood accelerates creosote buildup), and never burn cardboard boxes, trash, or debris in your fireplace or wood stove. Have the chimney and flue inspected and cleaned by a qualified person each year prior to use.
Additional Winter Safety Tips: |
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Trivia - Win a $100 Gift Certificate to the Flynn Center
Answer a question on our website. If you answer correctly, we will register you to win a $100 Gift Certificate to the Flynn Center in Burlington! (Click here to enter)
- Answers must be received by February 21st.
- The drawing will be held on February 23rd.
- The winner will be notified by email or phone and announced on our website and in the March newsletter.
Friends and family also welcome to enter in the drawing! |
