MOVING into a new home is an exciting adventure.

You immediately begin planning the layout and imagining what your furniture and décor will look like in the space.

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A real estate agent shared her advice for moving into a new homeCredit: Tiktok/brittanyq_realtor

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There are a few things you should replace immediatelyCredit: Tiktok/brittanyq_realtor

A real estate agent named Brittany Quataert, who goes by @brittanyq_realtor on TikTok, said there are a few things you should do as soon as you move into a new place—and a lot of us forget about them.

BREATHE IN

A top priority, Brittany said, is to change the air filters – because who wants to be in a house filled with dirty air?

Many people are too lazy to, or don’t even think to, clean these out regularly so it’s important to get fresh ones upon moving.

TOILET TROUBLES

For sanitary purposes, you’ll also want to change out the toilet seats as soon as you get the keys.

While you can definitely scrub them down to disinfect, why not just spend an extra $25 on a new seat so that you can start off clean and don’t have to get down and dirty.

LOCK IT UP

Besides replacing your air filters and toilet seats, you’ll also want to adjust the locks on your home.

This is an important safety measure, as the previous owners (and even some of their trusted friends) may still hold a copy of the keys to the original locks.

If your house has any codes, like one for the garage door, you’d be smart to change those as well.

WHERE THERE’S SMOKE

Brittany also suggested addressing your smoke detectors.

These tools often lose battery or expire, so you’ll want to check them out to ensure they will ring in an emergency.

EMERGENCY

The experts last piece of advice was to learn where all of the emergency shut offs are in the house.

You never know when a natural disaster or other kind of emergency may hit in which you’ll need to shut down the water, gas, or electricity.

Better to be safe than sorry.

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Her tips revolved around cleanliness and safetyCredit: Tiktok/brittanyq_realtor

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Dear Home Away From Home Volunteers and Supporters,

On May 8, Home Away From Home will be holding our last Free Meal and Stuff distribution of the academic year to nourish the stomachs and hearts of Cal Poly Humboldt and College of the Redwoods students.

With the goal of cultivating positive feelings of inclusion and belonging, we will be providing each student with a take-away hot meal catered by Los Giles Taqueria and a bag of non-perishable food, personal care and household items.

While the hot meals are being paid for from a generous grant from Coast Central Credit Union, we are once again turning to community members to help us fill the “Free Stuff” bags.

So what do we need from you, our wonderful volunteers and supporters?

DONATIONS FOR THE “FREE STUFF” BAGS: specifically, we are asking you to donate the following items that students have expressed the need for:

• non-perishable food items such as mac ’n’ cheese and canned soup (please check expiration dates, we are unable to give past-date foods to students).

• household items and cleaning supplies such as disinfecting wipes, paper towels, surface cleaners and sponges.

• personal care items and toiletries such as hand soap, toothpaste, toilet paper, shampoo and conditioner.

ALL DONATED ITEMS MUST BE NEW AND UNUSED/ UNOPENED. We can only accept the items listed above.

Donations may be dropped off at the Arcata City Hall lobby between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday, May 2 through Friday May 6.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO DONATE MONEY RATHER THAN GOODS to help us to fill up the “Free Stuff” bags, please make a check out to the City of Arcata with the words “For Home Away From Home” in the memo line and mail it or drop it off at the City Manager’s office, 736 F St., Arcata.

We are SO grateful for the continuing generosity of our Arcata community and your willingness to embrace our mission of equity and inclusion. Thank you!

Please feel free to reach out with any questions regarding donating. For more information you can call (707) 822-5953

Sincerely,
Sergio Berrueta, Wesley
Chesbro, Rebecca Crow,
Ria Espinoza, Cati Gallardo, Gino Granados, Anne
Hartline, Gillen Martin,
Marylyn Paik Nicely and
Jenni Simpson
Arcata

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On April 21, 2022, the California Occupation Safety and Health Standards Board (Cal/OSHA) voted to re-adopt a revised version of the COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standards (“ETS”).  Once approved the revised ETS will go into effect when filed with the Secretary of State, through December 31, 2022.

Adopted in November 2020, the original ETS introduced COVID-19 safety measure guidelines. Since then, Cal/OSHA updated the ETS several times to reflect changes to the COVID-19 emergency situation and new information.

The new version of the ETS incorporate the following changes:

Alignment with CDPH

To avoid conflicting or overlapping guidance, the revised standards provide workplace exclusion periods and requirements aligned with the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH’s) isolation and quarantine requirements. 

According to CDPH and the revised ETS, those infected with COVID-19 may return to work under the following conditions: 

If the employee has no symptoms, or the symptoms are resolving:

1. At least five days have passed since the positive test;
2. At least 24 hours have passed since a fever has resolved without the use of medication; and 
3. a COVID-19 test taken on the fifth or later day after the initial positive test is negative. 

If the employee’s symptoms are not resolving:

1.  At least 24 hours have passed since a fever has resolved without the use of medication; and 
2. 10 days have passed since symptoms first began.

Masks are required for 10 days from the first positive COVID-19 test or from the day symptoms began.

And per current CDPH guidelines (which the revised ETS now follow), workers who were exposed to COVID-19 and who do not experience symptoms need not quarantine, regardless of vaccination status. Exposed workers, however, must wear a mask for 10 days and test within 3-5 days after their last exposure. As critics pointed out, this may create exclusion pay issues for employers.  

Simpler Definition of COVID-19 Test

The prior version of the ETS did not permit use of a home-kit test unless the employer or a telehealth professional actually observed the test as it was being administered.

The revised ETS removes this requirement and provides that a self-administered and self-read COVID-19 test is permitted if another means of independent verification of the results can be provided (e.g., a time-stamped photograph of the results). 

No Differentiation Between Fully-Vaccinated and Unvaccinated Workers

The previous version of the ETS defined “fully-vaccinated” and referenced that definition in sections pertaining to testing, quarantine, and face coverings.

The revised ETS removes this definition and does not differentiate between fully-vaccinated and unvaccinated. Specifically, now any employee with symptoms, regardless of vaccination status, is entitled to free COVID-19 testing, during paid time. Further, all employees, regardless of vaccination status, are entitled to request a respirator for voluntary use.

Updated Face Covering Definition

The previous version of the ETS provided, in part, that a fabric mask can be used only if it does not let light pass through when held through a light source. The revised ETS no longer includes this “no passing light” requirement.

Cleaning and Disinfecting Requirements Removed

The previous ETS required employers to identify and regularly clean frequently touched surfaces, and disinfect areas that were used by an individual infected with COVID-19.  In line with more recent scientific data, Cal/OSHA deleted this particular cleaning and disinfection requirement.

Exclusion Pay Continues

Generally, the ETS provide that if an employee needs to be excluded from work due to workplace exposure and cannot work or telework, the employer is required to provide exclusion pay.  The revised ETS still includes this requirement.

With the recent rise of COVID-19 cases, we are constantly reminded that COVID-19 is not going away soon. California employers are required to familiarize themselves with the updated ETS and take all necessary steps to protect their workplaces from the spread of COVID-19. 

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The expenses don’t end when you buy a house. In fact, they’re just beginning! Homes require upkeep and regular maintenance.

You might not take this into account when purchasing a home, especially if you’re moving from an apartment where maintenance and upkeep is largely handled by the property owner. This can result in surprise or even alarm when it’s time for some routine maintenance or for a key appliance to get replaced.

More than 80 percent of homebuyers are hit with a significant repair within the first year of ownership and feel underprepared for the overall cost of home repairs, according to data from insurance company Hippo. Data from Clever found that the average American spends over $3,000 per year on maintenance and repairs.

During the pandemic, we all spent more time at home. We also put more wear and tear on our homes, meaning more maintenance in general. Unfortunately, the cost and access to the supplies and tools needed to do that maintenance has surged due to supply chain issues. That paired with the increased number of extreme weather conditions that have occurred in recent years has led to an increase in the repairs being performed and a rise in the overall cost of those fixes, according to home services company Angi’s most recent “State of Home Spending” report.

Below are some of the most common ongoing costs of homeownership. These are the regular maintenance expenses you can count on running into and will want to prepare for.

1. Lawn care and landscaping

Lawn care is one of the most time-consuming parts of home maintenance. For many people, it also feels like one of the most important because it is the part of your home that people see first. HomeGuide found that the average American spends about $1,200 to $2,400 per year on lawn care and landscaping. Most of that is tied up in mowing, watering, and general landscaping like tree trimming and gardening.

2. HVAC cleaning and maintenance

Air quality matters in your home. Giving your HVAC system a regular cleaning helps in this regard. According to Home Advisor, the average cost of cleaning your air ducts comes out to $376. While you should only need to do full cleaning once every five years or so, some smaller maintenance and replacing filters make breathing easier at home.

3. Clearing rain gutters

It’s important to clean your gutters to prevent damage to both the interior and the exterior of your home. If gutters get blocked by leaves and debris, you may end up with water overflow that risks damaging your roof and walls of your home if water builds up in places it isn’t supposed to be. HomeAdvisor says the average cost of gutter cleaning is about $161, and it’s recommended you clean them one to three times per year depending on the weather in your region. However, you can often clean gutters yourself to keep the expenses low.

4. Pest prevention

Stray bugs will find their way into your home, but serious infestations are something that you don’t want to mess with. Paying for an exterminator or more serious pest control situation that requires fumigation or other types of care can cost thousands of dollars, but HomeAdvisor says the average pest control measures cost $176. You can do some pest control on your own by purchasing traps and sprays that kill invaders before the problem gets out of control. Prevention often goes a long way in these situations.

5. Replacing smoke alarm batteries

Smoke alarms (hopefully) don’t go off often, but they are always monitoring to keep you safe. You’ll want to make sure they are in working order by replacing batteries regularly — as often as once per year, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). You can avoid this recurring cost by getting a 10-year smoke alarm, which may cost a little more up front (around $50) but saves you more in the long run. Also, consider installing carbon monoxide alarms if your home lacks these.

6. Housekeeping and house cleaning

A clean home is a safer home. Regularly cleaning your home, from scrubbing down countertops and other heavy traffic areas to vacuuming and sweeping is often a task that consumes more time than money. However, it does require some investment in cleaning supplies — and they won’t last forever, either. Americans spend more than $830 per year on cleaning supplies, per Statista. You can keep your costs down by extending the life of your cleaning supplies, though. For instance, microwaving non-metal sponges to disinfect them will keep them cleaning for longer. You can also clean your broom and remove fraying bristles to extend its life.

7. Pool care

A swimming pool is a luxury amenity, but it’s not without its downsides. Pool upkeep can be expensive. According to HomeGuide, the average homeowner with a pool spends about $960 to $1,800 per year in basic cleaning, supplies and upkeep. That isn’t even including the price for opening and closing the pool, electricity bills, and small repairs. In total, pool owners are likely looking at expenses up to $5,000 per year on maintenance.

Bottom line on home maintenance costs

Home maintenance costs are one of those expenses that you may not factor in when purchasing a home. You’ll want to set aside some money each year for the expenses that come up just to keep your home running smoothly. State Farm recommends between 1 to 4 percent of your home’s value. The median American home sold for $375,000 in 2021, so the median homeowner is going to want to set aside between $3,750 to $15,000 per year for maintenance costs.

While that might seem like a lot, it’s worth noting that the money isn’t just disappearing. Home upkeep is essential, both for maintaining your life within the home and for the potential sale of it: One University of Connecticut/Syracuse University study, cited by the National Association of Realtors, has suggested that regular maintenance even adds 1 percent in value annually to your home. And North Carolina State University Extension research has found that performing annual upkeep helps stave off more expensive repairs or  system replacements. It’s an investment, in other words: in your home’s life and your enjoyment of it.

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Originally Appeared Here

… the other day friends walked by home, walking a beautiful little lady named Misha … they are taking care of their sons dog for a few weeks and what a beautiful creature she is. I took more than a hundred shots of her against various backdrops including a few when they first arrived as is captured below by Peter as I was taking the first shots. One is perched on top of the barbecue with bored disinterest on full display … not sure what breed Misha is, but those blue eyes are absolutely amazing.

Lots of work organizing and revisiting the websites … the Ted and Corky website is on the way out and I’m cleaning up and organizing the Ted Grussing website. Lots of fun trying to make my FTP program connect with my servers and although I have re-linked the two photos on the about and store page multiple times I can not get them to appear on the published site … something to do in the morning with coffee.

Hope you had a wonderful weekend and that today and each day coming up will be filled with joy for you … all you have to do is to make it so. Keep breathing and smile!

Cheers,

Ted

To be without desire is to be content.

But contentment is not happiness.

And in contentment there is no progress.

Happiness is to desire something, to work

for it, and to obtain at least a part of it.

In the pursuit of beloved labor the busy days

pass cheerfully employed, and the still nights

in peaceful sleep.

 

Excerpt from Happiness by Max Ehrmann

 

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The easiest way to reach Mr. Grussing is by email: [email protected]

In addition to sales of photographs already taken Ted does special shoots for patrons on request and also does air-to-air photography for those who want photographs of their airplanes in flight. All special photographic sessions are billed on an hourly basis.

Ted also does one-on-one workshops for those interested in learning the techniques he uses.  By special arrangement Ted will do one-on-one aerial photography workshops which will include actual photo sessions in the air.

More about Ted Grussing …

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It is officially tick season in Idaho. According to reports, the peak season for ticks is May and June for nymphal ticks and the fall and early spring for adult ticks. Basically, right now in Idaho, the small and difficult-to-see ticks are the most prevalent.

Tick Season In Idaho

Most ticks appear in wooded and thick foliage areas. Right now is a big time for the smaller ticks to spread after they hatched and they are in the nymph phase. They are less than 2mm and very hard to see and find. So make sure you check everywhere and be very diligent when searching for ticks on children, pets, and yourself.

The Dangers Of Ticks

Ticks can spread diseases including Lyme disease. Lyme disease is actually really difficult to diagnose and can be deadly to humans and pets. Embedded ticks need to be removed quickly. Use tweezers, get as close to the skin as possible, grab and steadily pull it out. Wash the area with soap and water and disinfect the area. If you start to feel sick, like you have the flu, you should go see a doctor.

Literally, Check Everywhere For Ticks

Your pets, your dogs, your hairline, your feet, all the crevices of yourself and your children. You can prevent ticks by using things like DEET and other repellents. Camping season is about to get amazing. Don’t let the invasion of ticks prevent you from having a wonderful spring and summer season.

Check out these 50 fascinating facts about dogs:

LOOK: Here are the pets banned in each state

Because the regulation of exotic animals is left to states, some organizations, including The Humane Society of the United States, advocate for federal, standardized legislation that would ban owning large cats, bears, primates, and large poisonous snakes as pets.

Read on to see which pets are banned in your home state, as well as across the nation.

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Good building design relies on natural ventilation to create a healthy home or workplace. In recent years, and especially since the onset of the global pandemic, companies are increasingly prioritising well-ventilated spaces and indoor air quality to keep their employees and customers healthy.

Employee wellbeing is an important aspect of a successful business. Staff taking time off work due to illness can cost the company heavily in terms of productivity, revenue and morale. As a responsible employer, it’s your duty of care to keep them safe, healthy and happy in an optimal environment. One of the ways you can do this is to ensure you steer clear of sick building syndrome.

What is Sick Building Syndrome?

Sick building syndrome, also known as SBS, is a condition where building occupants experience a level of illness and/or discomfort. While the exact cause is unknown, evidence suggests it can be from sharing a small, badly-ventilated space, working with chemicals in a closed environment, inadequate cleaning, and also the use of poor quality building materials.

Symptoms of SBS can range from headaches to cramping, sinus infection, dry cough, fatigue, swelling and cancer, and can even lead to miscarriages in pregnant women. It’s a controversial topic in the medical field as some researchers believe the source of infection is internal, while others attribute it to external factors. Regardless of the debate, evidence suggests it exists, although additional tests are always being conducted.

Evidence-Based Facts

In 1984, the World Health Organization (WHO) released a report, which suggested that 30% of new and remodelled buildings worldwide suffer from poor indoor air quality. A revised version was created in 2009, specifically for the health industry. It looked at infection control in an environment with natural ventilation, without, and with mechanical ventilation.

One of the findings stated that “lack of ventilation or low ventilation rates is associated with increased infection rates or outbreaks of airborne diseases”. This can be applied to all businesses in the event of a disease outbreak or general illness within the working environment. Changing the airflow through the room is likely to help prevent infection, with factors being taken into consideration on the building space, use, and airflow possibilities.

Combating Sick Building Syndrome

To help create a better working environment, it’s recommended to add natural ventilation to your building, or even consider mechanical ventilation. The initial set-up can be costly; however, not having it could be arguably just as expensive.

Depending on your building type, you may want to consider adding roof ventilators or wall louvres. This can increase the optimised airflow through the building, resulting in fewer sick days and overall illness. If you decide that natural ventilation is needed for your building, ensure that you have someone assess your needs first.

Different businesses will require different airflow changes within an hour. Variable factors such as heat, wind speeds, and the number of people in a room will also need to be considered. Using 360° technology, you will be able to calculate this rate needed for you by using thermal imaging and taking into consideration ASHRAE standards.

Each business is unique – so will be the assessment. Consult with Airocle and get your building assessed by a team of specialised engineers, who will calculate wind speed, direction, and how to utilise airflow around your building. Your staff will be thanking you in the long run for investing in their future and their health.

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PITTSBURGH, May 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — “I wanted to create an automatic means to disperse a disinfectant spray into the air,” said an inventor, from Battleground, Wash., “so I invented READY SHOTS. My design would provide added health and safety benefits for individuals within a home, vehicle or other space.”

The patent-pending invention provides an effective way to disinfect a home, car or other location. In doing so, it offers an alternative to manual methods of disinfecting a space. As a result, it protects against COVID-19, colds, the flu and other infectious diseases and it provides added peace of mind. The invention features a simple design that is easy to use so it is ideal for households, vehicle owners, businesses, etc. Additionally, it is producible in design variations and a prototype model is available upon request.

The original design was submitted to the National sales office of InventHelp. It is currently available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers. For more information, write Dept. 20-PTA-104, InventHelp, 217 Ninth Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, or call (412) 288-1300 ext. 1368. Learn more about InventHelp’s Invention Submission Services at http://www.InventHelp.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/inventhelp-inventor-develops-device-to-release-a-disinfectant-spray-pta-104-301536426.html

SOURCE InventHelp

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Keeping your house clean is about more than making sure things look neat for guests. Wiping down dirty areas and using a disinfectant on surfaces can be vital in keeping you and your family safe from bacteria and viruses that can accumulate over time—especially in the areas of your home where you store, handle, and prepare the food and drinks you enjoy throughout the day. But while spraying down your countertops and staying on top of dirty dishes can feel like a straightforward routine, experts warn that you may want to take extra caution by putting on a safety mask and gloves before cleaning up one thing in particular. Read on to see what kind of mess could be putting your health at serious risk.

READ THIS NEXT: You Should Never Clean Your Toilet With This, Experts Warn.

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Let’s face it: Most people dread having to bust out the broom or reach for the bleach when it comes time to clean their homes. But even though everyone has their own style and levels of preference when it comes to everything from washing windows to sweeping up dust bunnies, a few cleaning habits could actually be putting your health in danger if you’re not too careful.

While bleach may be one of the most common and effective household cleaners available, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that you should never use it at the same time as ammonia. Even though it may seem easy to avoid mixing the two chemicals, the agency cautions that ammonia can be a common ingredient in products such as window cleaners, pet stain removers, and toilet bowl cleaners, making it easy to accidentally double back on an area with a different product containing bleach. When the two chemicals combine, they produce a toxic gas called chloramine that can be dangerous to your health.

The CDC suggests that anyone cleaning with bleach should take extra steps to protect themselves by wearing safety goggles and sturdy gloves to protect their skin. It’s also best to open up windows or run a rotating fan to increase ventilation and reduce exposure to dangerous fumes.

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It’s one thing to walk into your kitchen and come across a major food mess or an overflowing trash can that must be dealt with immediately. But according to experts, if you notice rodent droppings, you should be sure to put on a breathing mask and a pair of gloves before tackling the problem. The specks—typically a quarter of an inch long and look like black rice grains but are smaller—present a more considerable health risk than their tiny size suggests.

“Many rodents common to North America can, unfortunately, be carriers of Hantaviruses which can Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS),” David Floyd, founder of ThePestInformer, tells Best Life. “HPS can be deadly in humans and will cause symptoms such as fever, severe muscle aches, fatigue, and eventually difficulty breathing.”

Floyd warns that surfaces that show signs of mouse poop could also be covered with mouse urine, which can also pose serious health problems if you try to wipe it away without taking extra care. “HPS transmission from rodents is caused by improperly disposing of or handling rodent urine and droppings. Once these are stirred up, they can form airborne particles which can transfer the virus,” he says.

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Besides donning protective gear, the CDC has also outlined a few other essential steps for cleaning up the pest mess. The agency recommends opening windows and increasing ventilation 30 minutes before you go to remove any waste. From there, you should spray the area with a disinfectant or a one-to-ten bleach and water mixture before letting it soak for five minutes or for however long as specified by the disinfectant product you’re using.ae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb

The agency then says to wipe down the entire area using paper towels that should get thrown out right away. Once the visible signs of droppings have been removed, disinfect any surfaces one more time before taking on a major clean of your entire kitchen by mopping your floors and wiping down countertops.

Shutterstock/Landshark1

Unfortunately, your cleaning job doesn’t end once the droppings and urine are gone. Experts say finding such messes is a sign of an infestation that could be affecting other areas you haven’t noticed yet.

“As rodents often enter the house in search of food, we also recommend that you go through your pantry and cupboards and throw out any products that may have come in contact with the pests, as they could also be contaminated,” Charlie Church, president of Getem Services, tells Best Life.

READ THIS NEXT: 7 Cleaning Habits That Attract Mice.

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