How to protect your home from fire?

In your home, you should always feel safe. Whether it is a threat from kitchen fire or short-circuit, you need to prepare your inventory with smoke detectors, smoke alarms, and fire extinguishers. It is not common knowledge, but grease splatters are the most common causes of fires in Canadian homes. Research shows that households in Vancouver, BC, Canada face a threat from old heating equipment, indoor cigarette smoking, and electrical equipment. These are the four leading causes of home fires.

Fire detector-image:pixabay.com/en/fire-detector-525147

Always keep your smoke alarms in working condition

For the safety of your family, pets, and neighborsit is necessary for you to invest in trusty smoke alarms. Always install them outside each bedroom and on each floor of the house. After installation, test them each month to see if they are working. You must carefully follow the instruction manual for regular cleaning and battery maintenance. It is smart to replace your smoke alarms after every ten years. In the event of false alarms, always check the cause. Have an escape plan handy for your family members. Speak with your nearest fire protection systems inspection company for regular checks. A good company should be able to help you devise a home fire escape plan too. 

Update your fire extinguishing plans

Fire extinguishers can be a little costly, and they might seem like overkill. However, Vancouver homes that have experienced splatter grease fires state otherwise. Those who have seen the fire starting from the kitchen know how fast it can spread. And those who haven't should not have to experience it at all! That is the reason you need to keep a trustworthy and scientifically approved fire extinguisher handy. Keep one in the garage, one in the kitchen and another one near an escape route. Remember to contact your fire inspection company in Vancouver to inspect them regularly. They should be in peak working condition at all times since disasters do not strike with a warning.

Pay attention to electrical cords

If possible, run a thorough check out your home for counterfeit electrical appliances. People rarely expect their mobile chargers and laptop chargers to betray them. However, research shows that fake charger cables are one of the leading causes of fire from electronic items. Clean the lint from the clothes drier, empty the toasters, check for grease spills on the oven top and be careful about putting things inside the microwave. If you see an electrical appliance that is creating sparks at the plug point or a worn power cord, replace it immediately. Most homes have multiple extension cords. If you have them too make sure that they are not parts of the fixed wiring, permanent structure, hiding under radiators and other big appliances, running under rugs and supporting heavy objects.

Take your time and ask for expert assistance while creating an evacuation plan for your family. If you are interested in celebratory fireworks and lanterns, speak with the local fire department in Vancouver and consult the fire safety inspectors in your area.

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Kitchen Renovations That Will Leave You Speechless

We all love to see that “wow” factor, and it would be amazing if we could somehow implement it into our kitchens. After all, that is one of the rooms where we spend the most of our time, and quite often this is where we entertain our friends while making a cup of coffee. With these kitchen renovations, you are going to relish in your guests’ astonishment. As for the price, fear not. Some of the suggestions are so simple they are more than affordable. As for the others, there is always a good guide on how to reduce home improvement costs.

image:www.pexels.com/photo/kitchen-and-dining-area-1080721

So, let’s see what can be done to increase both your enjoyment and your property’s value:

Light fixtures for the shine

It is expected for a kitchen to be filled with light, isn’t it? Introduce some interesting and unexpected light fixtures on the ceiling as an element of surprise.

High-quality sink to impress

Sometimes, the centrepiece of this area. Pay special attention to the faucet and choose the one best reflecting the overall style of your kitchen (modern, traditional, Mediterranean…)

New appliances are mandatory

One of the most obvious and potentially most expensive changes you can make, but one that can completely transform this space. Additionally, new appliances are much more energy efficient, so they will certainly pay off in the long run.

Cozy nook for a kitchen break

Who says a kitchen is just for eating and cooking? Find a nice corner and fill it with covers and pillows, creating a space that everyone will love spending time in.

Granite countertop to stun

Nothing says luxury like granite, and there is an unbelievably wide choice of this high quality material that will completely transform the kitchen.

Flooring to your taste

Nowadays you can do wonders with the look of your cooking area simply by choosing a different tile pattern. If you prefer, you can even opt for those resembling wooden floors.

Cabinets are what it’s all about

Depending on your budget, there are a few things you can do to jazz up your workspace. You can completely change the cabinets or opt for just the doors. Alternatively, you can repaint your existing elements (white is always on trend) or replace the handles for a simple and effective change.

 

Bar for friends

Introduce a bar top to the equation with some fancy bar stools to match. It immediately adds to the hospitality, doesn’t it?

Built-in appliance garage for a surprise reveal

For all your smaller kitchen appliances that clutter up your workspace. Keep them hidden from view, and with one swift move, you can reveal your latest “toys”.

Islands

They have become somewhat ubiquitous, but you can always play a bit with the kitchen island’s shape and varied choice of countertop materials.

Backsplash for reflection

By simply introducing a new backsplash (perhaps even a very reflective one) your kitchen will seem to have undergone a complete makeover.

Wallpaper for the bold

Who says that wallpaper shouldn’t be in the kitchen? Making a comeback in the 21^st century, it’s a brilliant idea to experiment with various designs and make your walls stand out.

Window dressing

Curtains or shades – even though windows are the last thing on your mind, they too add to the overall impression. With a wide variety of fabrics on offer, you can tailor fit these to create your ideal kitchen.

Sliding door for smoothness

Instead of a regular pantry door, have a sliding door installed. Smooth, isn’t it?

Chalkboard for fun

Hang a chalkboard (preferably away from the cooker) to write shopping lists or fun messages for your friends and family. If you feel particularly adventurous, you can even dedicate an entire wall and cover with blackboard paint. Fun for one and all!

 

As you can see, there are plenty of ideas which come under the term “kitchen renovations”. Choose a few to your liking, and get ready to fall in love with your new favourite room.

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What Does Christmas Mean to You?

The festive season is looming and the excitement will soon be building. Christmas is a magical time, it brings together families and for one whole day there seems to be an atmosphere of love, peace and fun. Here at we Gund we adore the festive season. Christmas with Gund means a Christmas that’s jam packed with wonderful themed gifts that are sure to delight and enchant those lucky enough to receive them. Here at Gund we believe that:

C is for Children

Christmas is a special time for all of us, but for many children it’s wonderous and fills them with so much excitement they feel as though they might just burst! The early morning question of “Has he been yet?” Echoes around homes all over the world as sleepy parents resign themselves to a very early start to the day (which always works out well as the turkey needs to go in the oven and there are 300 spuds to peel before lunch)!

H is for Happiness

What’s Christmas without tons of happiness? The two go hand in hand. Excited children, an air of expectation, thoughtful gifts, peace and love in the air and an opportunity to share it all with your nearest and dearest.

R is for Rudolph (the Red Nosed Reindeer)

We love Rudolph, the eager to please reindeer who used his glowing nose to light the way for Santa and his fellow reindeer. Good for you Rudolph, no-ones laughing at your big red conk, now are they? The story is one of hope, inspiration and holiday spirit but the author of the tale Robert May almost went with a different name for the hero of the tale. Robert wanted a name beginning with “R” and toyed with Reginald, Roland and even Romeo as potential names for the lead character. Imagine Romeo the Red Nosed Reindeer? No neither can we! You can get your very own reindeer from Gund, our Aspen Reindeer doesn’t have a red nose, but he does have a very fetching red scarf!

I is for Ice and Snow

We don’t always get a white Christmas, but if it does snow it adds a certain something special to an already magical day. There’s something about waking up to pristine white gardens and roofs capped with a sprinkling of snow. Snowmen can be built (and come alive in our imagination), snowballs can be thrown and it’s fun to see if Santa and his reindeer have left any footprints nearby. How about getting your own cute polar bear or an adorable Husky? Not the real things of course, you don’t just buy a dog because it’s Christmas and we don’t advocate keeping a wild bear in your garden! You can however, get a soft and cuddly Cozys polar bear and a Cozys husky from Gund.

S is for Santa Claus

Also known as Father Christmas, Saint Nicholas, St. Nick, Kris Kringle, and Pelznickel. Santa is an integral part of the festive season. He has a huge job on his hands with all of those gifts to deliver, and how he stays on top of it all is beyond us, but somehow, he pulls it off year after year!

T is for Turkey

All around the globe harried chefs ring their hands and cross their fingers as they wait in earnest to see how the centrepiece of the meal comes out. Overcook it and you will have a dry bird on your hands, undercook it and you will have sick guests! Christmas can be stressful as well as exciting!

M is for Merriment

Eat, drink and be merry, it is Christmas after all. Save the diet until January.

A is for A Baby in a Manger

With twinkling fairy lights and shiny gift wrap it’s easy to forget where it all began, with a tiny baby being born in a lowly-cattle shed. Mary gave birth to the son of Christ with Joseph by her side and a whole host of animals looking on. The King of Kings had arrived and to this day we celebrate his birth by rejoicing on Christmas day.

 

S is for Silent Night

A beautiful Christmas Carol composed in the town Oberndorf bei Salzburg, Austria, in 1818. It is loved by many and became known as the carol that heralded the unofficial ceasefire between warring German and British troops on Christmas day in 1914. Proving even a bloody battle could not dent and destroy Christmas spirit.

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