NKS Monthly

Spring has sprung, the flowers are blooming, the birds are serenading, which means it’s that time of year again – “spring cleaning” time! Although many of us dread spring cleaning, I do think that the following home maintenance tips are less tedious and important for your family’s safety.

1. Inspect your smoke detectors and make sure that there is at least one on each floor of your home. Test them every three months and replace the battery as needed.
2. Check the light bulbs in all of your fixtures and replace them with fluorescent bulbs that are energy efficient and don’t produce as much heat.
3. Keep a fire extinguisher accessible that is filled and ready for quick use if necessary.
4. Have your air conditioning system inspected to insure it’s working in proper order. Have your ducts cleaned if necessary.
5. In your yard, remove all dead trees and bushes. Keep all of the healthy trees and bushes trimmed and away from AC units and utility boxes.

Spring cleaning is a tradition that allows us to freshen up our homes and get a head start on the hectic seasons of spring and summer. If you need some help in your spring cleaning endeavors here are some helpful tips to get the entire family involved. Even the most unwilling helper can make a big difference in the work load.

1. Have everyone pick their favorite CD and take turns playing them while you clean.
2. Have good snacks and drinks on hand for break times. Choose your family’s favorites and set a time when you all can take a break to enjoy the snacks together.
3. Turn it into a contest by dividing the family into teams with equal amount of work. The team that accomplishes the most by the end time gets an extra treat or prize.
4. Plan a reward for when the entire job is finished. Take the family out to a movie or order a pizza and rent a movie so that you’ll all be able to lounge on the couch basking in the knowledge of a job well done.