Tips on How You Can Childproof Your Balcony

Because decks and balconies are made to add a relaxing element at home, many homeowners are not aware of the hazards that they pose. There have been several child accident cases caused by unsafe balconies. If there are no rõduklaasid or balcony windows, it’s easy for your child to slip through the railings or become wedged.

There are many ways you can childproof your balcony. You only have to make some modifications to stop your child from squeezing through the gaps. Here are your childproofing options to avoid any accidents:

Install a balcony window.

If there’s no door to your balcony, you can install a window on it instead. This way, it will be hard for your child to reach the area. Add a lock or a latch on the window, so your child can’t easily open it. If necessary, install the lock out of their reach.

Build a balcony shield.

A balcony window might block cool air from getting inside the house. If you don’t want this, you can buy a balcony shield instead. A balcony shield is a roll of thick plastic that you can use to cover the spaces in between balcony posts. You can use them indoors as banister shields as well.

With a balcony shield, you don’t have to worry about your baby fitting his head in between the posts. Of course, there’s no need for you to install this if the gap between the posts is less than three inches.

Modify the railing gaps.

A 6-year-old child can fit through a hole of six inches. Younger children can fit themselves in a 4-inch gap. It pays to measure the distance between one balcony post to the other. According to Kid’s Health, a balcony should be more than one meter above the ground. If it’s not, it should have a barrier or railing.

Thin railings should be avoided as it’s easier for children to sit on them. Horizontal railings should not be installed either; children can easily climb them.

Improvise the door.

Perhaps the easiest way to childproof the balcony is my making it inaccessible to children. You don’t have to supervise the door all the time. However, you’ll have to keep it locked. If your child knows how to open a locked door, you might want to improve your security and put an extra lock in a place where they can’t reach. You can also install an alarm in the case that your child accidentally opens the door.

Final Thoughts

You can’t always monitor your child especially if you have to attend to other tasks. However, as a parent, it’s your responsibility to ensure their safety. Knowing that a balcony can be a child danger zone, you must do what you can to keep your child from getting there.

If you are planning to install a balcony window, you can contact MALMERK Klaasium. They can assist you in choosing the best type of window for your balcony.

Ways that you can pay for a Funeral

Sometimes in the aftermath of someone’s death – it’s easy to forget about the practicalities of a funeral, such as the costs. The first thing to check after someone has died is whether or not they had a funeral plan in place. This will give you an idea as to whether there is funding has been taken care of by means of a funeral or some sort of savings plan.

Sometimes people don’t put plans like this in place. It could be they don’t want to think about death or their funeral, or that it could be a sudden death. If there is no such plan in place – you can work through the points below:

Find out if they put Money Aside

If they do have money set aside – most banks and building societies will agree to release funds to an executor or administrator of the will to help pay for the funeral. If there is no set cash aside – but there are in assets, the costs can be taken from the actual estate.

Arrange a Collection

There should be other friends and family that you can reach out to. They may be able to help contribute if there is no money in the estate that can be used. They may wish to contribute to the ceremony and be happy that you have approached them. The most important thing is that you don’t get yourself into debt. Think about how the deceased would feel if you had to do that.

Charities and Non-Profit Organisations

There are some charity options that can be researched if you are still struggling to raise the funds for a funeral. You will find that some non-profits have grants on offer for those of you who are finding it a little difficult. There are also options from the government to help make funeral payments. It is means tested and depends on your individual circumstances – but could still be an option.

Public Welfare Funeral

This is often seen as a last resort, and not an option that you would go for if you could avoid it. If nobody has the funds to pay for the funeral, if nobody is willing to pay, or if there is simply not enough money in the state – the council will arrange a public welfare funeral. It will be a basic, and low-cost funeral, but they will make sure the basics are taken care of.

A funeral can be a costly affair. That’s why there are prepaid funeral plans available that allows you to prepare for your own death and relieve family and friends from the financial burden and stress of the situation. There are lots of funeral directors out there which means that you can compare funeral plans to see which ones suit your budgets and requirements best.

Image: Pixabay

How to Determine the Best Protection Product against EMF Effects

Choosing the right EMF product for protection can vary depending on a number of factors. Getting the right option that you trust will work for you is very important. This is to ensure you discontinue any symptoms you may be experiencing. You need the right guidelines to help you with the best protection.

Which company?

When you need to get protection against EMF radiation, it is important to start by reviewing the company. This is to make sure that it is legitimate. Also, to ensure the products have been proven to work. Multiple companies are emerging, producing products that do not offer optimal protection. Their products are not efficient. Therefore, buy from a legitimate company.

Intelligent services

When you purchase protection products for the first time, you will need certain information. For this reason, you need to choose a company that offers you reliable customer care.

Technology

It is important to consider opting for the latest technology. The latest technology will offer you optimum protection against EMF radiation. When buying any EMF protection product, ensure that you buy from a legitimate company. Also, it is important that you, first of all, learn the technology that is used when making the protection products. This should be clear to you when buying the products at the point of purchase.

Cost

You need to be wise when considering the cost of EMF protection products. It is important to go for a price that is not cheap since you may not get the best protection. Choose a good quality EMF protection product that will give you the protection you need. This does not mean the latest technology is very expensive. Get proper protection for your entire family.

Performance

It is important that you consider how well the product you are buying will protect you, and your family. If you are suffering from the various symptoms of EMF exposure, you will need to get a fast solution, and this protection technology acts fast. When you feel the change, it means you have the right protection.

Proper protection

When searching for the best protection products against EMF radiation, it is important to consider a company with various solutions that offer you protection when in high emission areas. Avoid companies offering you one size for all solutions. Make sure you get a product that will give you the protection you need.

Go for the right protection product that will offer you great value for your money. Protection against EMF radiation is very important, so you avoid any symptoms. You also avoid getting ailments that are chronic such as cancer. Do your research and this will lead to getting proper maximum protection.

Image: pixabay

Tips to Decorate and Furnish Your Bedroom

Your bedroom should be your personal gateway to a happy home. We spend a lot of time in our bedrooms. Let the room where you take rest be your first priority. Have you ever spent a night in a hotel room? Did you admire their colour theme, bedding and decoration? Still wondering how you can have such a bedroom in your home? It all depends on how you furnish and decorate your bedroom. Here are tips on how to transform your bedroom into a cool and intimate restroom.

Choose subtle colours

The bedroom should be a cool place. You can avoid the primary colours and consider soothing colours. A great choice would be a monochromatic tone such as lavender, serene, gentle hues of blue or green. These tones create a mood of comfort and cosiness.

Don’t forget the ceiling

Transform your bedroom ceiling. When you lie in bed, what do you see up there? You can give the blank space a feeling of intimacy and comfort by decorating it. One way is by painting the ceiling with the lighter shade of your preferred wall paint. You can also choose to spend on your ceiling by installing a chandelier of crystal and a moulded medallion.

Choose the right size accessories and furniture

Let your bedroom size guide your bedroom furnishings. The first step is to have a floor plan of how to place your furniture. Don’t place a large and heavy bed in a small bedroom. Make sure that the floor plan creates a spacious bedroom. The next step is to find quality interior furnishings. You can shop and order the best interior decor and furnishings at HolmeLeaCountryInteriors.co.uk. Adding lamp stands, footstools, cushions and pillows is a great way to upgrade your bedroom.

Add light and space to your bedroom

The other great tip to enhance your bedroom is adding cool lighting. Besides a chandelier, there are lighting options that can add a romantic feeling to your bedroom. You can also create an intimate mood by arranging your furniture in a position that leaves space around the room.

Include architectural elements

This is a simple and cheap way to decorate your bedroom. There are unique and modern architectural elements you can incorporate into your bedroom. They include wood floors, shelves, vases and wall hangings.

Interior designers suggest that you embrace a simple and unique bedroom finish. Overdoing the decoration and furnishings may end up ruining the intended mood. Decorating your home should not be a trial-and-error exercise. Rather than try it on your own, it would be best to involve an interior designer. A professional designer will guide you on how to complement your bedroom with other rooms. You can also seek advice on affordable and unique ways to remodel your bedroom.

Image: pixabay.com

What Makes a Good Website?

It’s easy to build websites nowadays. You don’t have to learn HTML or coding. You can proceed to building your own website using an online service. There are several website builders you can use. You can instantly put up a blog, an information page, a news site, or even an online store. However, as you create your site, it’s important to make sure that it’s not just a website created just for the sake of creating it. It has to be a good website.

Regardless of where you are, the standards for what constitutes a good website don’t change. You can ask professionals that provide web design in Oxford, in New York, or in Tokyo and expect to get comparable responses. Their answers will likely include the following:

  1. Fast Page Loading Time. This is a very important aspect of good design. The website should quickly render on any browser. Page loading shouldn’t take more than 2 seconds. Anything longer will adversely affect a website’s bottom line. It’s important to make sure that pages are optimised to ensure the fastest page loading possible.

  2. Ease of Navigation. A well-designed website is easy to navigate. The links, buttons, and other navigation elements should be easy to identify or find. This does not necessarily mean using something like a breadcrumb widget or plugin. What’s important is to make sure that moving around the different pages of the site should feel familiar and simple.

  3. Browser Compatibility. A website should work with consistency across different commonly used web browsers. These include Microsoft Edge or Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Opera, and Safari. There are websites that tend to render differently in different browsers. This shouldn’t be the case.

  4. Good Visuals. Of course, good design also entails good visuals. There should be thoughtful use of colours, tables, spaces, and page elements. A website shouldn’t look dull and bland but shouldn’t abuse the use of colours and attention-seeking page elements. Additionally, a website should be visually suitable for the intended audience. Avoid being artsy when your intended users are those who want to see straightforward details. Avoid flashy or animated page elements that can become a distraction.

  5. Mobile-Friendliness. Another important feature of a website is being mobile-friendly. This is necessary due to the number of internet users who are on mobile devices. It only makes sense making sure that navigation and page rendering should be easy for those who use both desktop and mobile devices to access the internet. Mobile-friendliness can be achieved by creating a separate mobile version of a site or by using responsive web design, which allows a site to automatically adjust to the display size of the device used to access it.

These are basic features or factors that need to be taken into account in coming up with a good website. They don’t really require sophisticated strategies, methods, or technologies. They are mostly a common sense effort to make a website more useful to users.

Essential Tips for Storing Olive Oil Bought in Bulk

Olive oil provides lots of benefits. However, rotten oils can be harmful. They use up all the antioxidants, making them useless. In some cases, they don’t necessarily pose health risks, but it is still recommended not to use them anymore.

Olive oil has to be stored properly. The best way to do this is by using either tinted glass or any nonreactive metal like stainless steel. Containers that contain copper or iron should not be used as they cause chemical reactions resulting in toxic compounds. Plastic should be avoided too as the oil absorbs noxious substances out of the plastic. All containers should have a tight lid to keep the air out.

Keep the olive oil cool

Temperature is an important consideration to prevent the possible degradation of the oil. The recommended temperature is 57 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the same temperature as a wine cellar. Room temperature is also fine. However, placing the oil in a warmer place during the summer is not ideal.

For long-term storage, refrigeration is still advised. The premium extra virgin oils though still need to be kept under room temperature. They have to be in a smaller container like a porcelain jug so as to keep air and light out as much as possible. Olive oil will eventually solidify and turn cloudy when placed in the fridge. This should not cause alarm since it will be back to its original fluidity and colour once kept at room temperature.

Using solidified olive oil

If you want to immediately use solidified olive oil, it is best if you place it in a wide-mouth glass jar. You can just spoon out the amount that you need when it is really necessary. You can also use a clear jar since it is dark inside the fridge most of the time anyway.

You can avoid solidified olive oil though by not refrigerating it, as long as you keep it inside a cool cupboard which is dark. It should also be away from appliances producing heat. If not opened, the oil can even last for up to 2 years.

Older oils are not better

Olive oils are not like wine. They don’t get better with time. In fact, as they become older, the level of acid rises. The flavour also weakens. Even the extra virgin ones don’t become better. It is best to consume the oil within a year. It is still quite a long time so there is no harm if you decide to make a bulk olive oil order. You can also check the expiration date or the best before date if you want to consume it at its best.

Image: Pixabay.com

How to Choose Which Scaffolding System to Hire

Scaffolding is a temporary construction with which walkways or platforms supported by wood or steel are made.

The function of scaffolding is to allow access to the construction workers as well as the material to all the points of a building that is under construction or undergoing rehabilitation of the facades.

Types of Scaffolding

When hiring scaffolding, it is important to be clear about which type would be best for the work planned. We asked construction equipment hire experts which provide scaffolding in Eastbourne for some pointers on choosing scaffolding. Here is what you should keep in mind.

There are different types of scaffolding that allow the performing of different tasks. Among them are trestle scaffolds, hanging scaffolds, and access towers.

Trestle scaffolding

Trestle scaffolding is simply work platforms supported by “A” shaped frames or similar folding supports. This type of scaffolding – be it rigid or folding trestle – should only be used for light jobs of relatively short duration.

Folding trestles should only be used on scaffolding without a second level, and the work platform should have a width of at least 430 mm (two planks). One third of the height of the trestle should rise above the work platform.

When the work platform is more than 2 m high it is necessary to install handrails and guard rails. Trestle scaffolding is not suitable in circumstances in which a person can fall more than 4.5 m from the platform.

Recommendations

Like the other varieties, trestle scaffolds must be placed on a firm and level base and must be well fixed to avoid displacement. It must be ensured that the trestles are adequately braced to achieve rigidity and resist lateral movement.

Trestles should not be more than 1.35 m apart from each other when 38 mm thick boards are used, and at 1.50 m if the boards are 50 mm thick.

Hanging scaffolding

This type of scaffolding is usually used for structures or tall buildings located in streets with a lot of traffic, or in other circumstances where it is not feasible or economical to erect a scaffolding from the ground.

There are two main classes: hanging platforms and articulated or independent platforms.

The installation of hanging scaffolding requires the services of a suitable person, capable of supervising its construction and subsequent use. The assembly must be done only by someone experienced.

Only persons who have trained in the use of such equipment and safety devices, and have a practical understanding of maximum load and emergency procedures, should work on suspended scaffolding. Remember that to work on hanging scaffolding you have to use a safety belt with a rope attached to the building.

Scaffolding towers

Scaffolding towers typically consist of a platform supported by horizontal beams mounted on four upright columns positioned on base plates. Towers may be fixed, or mobile with wheels. These are most often used by painters or other workers to carry out light work which does not take long, and in one location.

Safety tips for the use of scaffolding towers

The first precaution in the installation of scaffolding towers is to achieve its stability. For this purpose, the relationship between the height and width of the base must not be greater than 4:1 for a fixed tower to be used indoors: in the open, that ratio is reduced to 3.5:1, and for a mobile tower, also outdoors, should not be more than 3:1.

Any load on the platform will raise the centre of gravity of the tower, and an excessive load will endanger its stability. The scaffolding of fixed towers must not exceed 12 m in height if they are loose; above that level it is necessary to tie them. Mobile towers must not exceed 9.6 m in height if they are loose, or 12 m if they are attached to a structure.

If you are still unsure which type of scaffolding would be most suitable, or cost-effective for the construction or project you have planned, it is best to seek the advice of professional scaffolding hire experts.

What Could Happen if You Do Not Pay your Taxes?

Failure to pay taxes can be unintended such as when miscalculations or mistakes happen. However, some taxpayers intentionally report less of their income to reduce the amount of taxes. Tax evasion is a serious offense where one illegally avoids due tax payments. HMRC has different ways of handling this, and the action will depend on a number of factors such as the amount you owe and the willingness to pay the due amount. It is best to contact HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) if you think you will fail to pay your tax for they have support services that will work out a reasonable solution.

HMRC can claim back unpaid taxes through the following ways:

  • Salary or pension deductions. HMRC can make deductions by changing your tax code but this applies only to self-assessment taxes and National Insurance payment debts. The amount depends on the taxpayer’s earnings.

  • Collection agencies. HMRC partners with private debt collection agencies to recoup the money from unpaid taxes.

  • Take possessions. They can also take your goods and sell them, but the taxpayer will be charged for the costs such as auctioneer fees.

  • Direct recovery. This will be taken under special circumstances, such as when there is repeated refusal to pay the money. Written warning will be sent before this happens.

  • Court proceedings. HMRC can take the case to court if there is refusal to pay the owed taxes. They can reclaim using bailiffs, closing the business or making it bankrupt.

What to do if you miss a payment date

Once you receive a Tax Return, you are obliged to submit a completed one. Otherwise, HMRC will fine you and issue a determination or estimated tax bill that stands until you send the correctly completed Tax Return. You can replace this for three years from the filing date. If you think you don’t need to submit the Tax Return, call HMRC and ask them to withdraw the return. If they agree, you no longer have to file it and worry about penalties.

If you think you cannot pay on time, contact the HMRC office to avoid paying interest and penalties. One of your options is to plan instalment payments online. HMRC may offer more time for you to pay if they think you are willing to do so but not yet in full. Explain your circumstances to them, or pay the interest.

Tax evasion is a criminal offence that can lead to fines and even jail time. The extent of results depends on the seriousness of your intention. It is best to pay taxes on time to avoid the repercussions. Paying taxes can be confusing. You might not be aware that you are paying yours incorrectly. Accountants in Central London can help you accomplish this task and make it simpler for you, so you can meet your legal obligations on time.

The Importance of the Correct Packaging for Your Products

Packaging has come a long way since parcels wrapped in simple brown paper were the norm. The packaging or customized boxes used by your company is critical for various reasons, not only to serve as protection but also as a key touch point with your customers.

So, it’s vital to take into account the requirements of your product as well as the derivatives of its distribution cycle. You should also focus on the continual improvement and optimisation of containers and packaging, as well as its management and adaptation to the requirements of your products and their distribution environment.

Experts in packaging such as www.cannonpacking.co.uk recommend considering the following aspects and variables when trying to create the perfect packaging for your products:

Product

· Physical characteristics. The nature of the product to be packed and how it is presented

· State of the product (liquid-solid-gas) and nature

· Weight / volume (light, heavy, very bulky, etc.)

· Form (regular or non-regular)

· Dimensions (provided)

· Fragility or conservation

· Verticality

· Product useful life

· Danger

· Support capacity: bearing, semi-bearing or non-bearing

· Placement of the product in the container and / or packaging by separators

· Value of the product

Packaging line

· Characteristics of the packaging process

· Manual, semi-automatic or fully automated packaging system

Environment

· Use of packaging materials and / or packaging with possibilities for recycling or recovery

· Use packaging and / or packaging consisting of one or two easily recyclable materials

· Reduce the amount of packaging material and / or packaging per product

Legislation and regulations

· Labour risks legislation

· Dangerous goods

· Suitability for contact with food

· Environmental legislation

· Legislation for international transport

· Technical standards

Logistics and transportation

· Type of manipulation

· Type of storage

· Storage time

· Mode of transport: vibrations can occur that fatigue certain elements critically, etc.

· Stacking height

· Palletization type

· Cargo in containers

· Ambient temperature / humidity

Storage

· Storage duration

· Storage conditions

· Use of shelves

· Stacking height

Point of sale

Depending on the characteristics of the point of sale (large area, industrial, etc.), there will be a series of requirements that the packaging and packaging system must meet.

Environmental conditions and conditioning

· Changes in humidity (e.g. cardboard absorbs moisture and loses rigidity)

· Temperature changes

· Direct exposure to sunlight

· Wind, dust, etc.

· Salty fog (in the case of maritime transport)

Handling

· Manual manipulation: risk of falls from low height

· Automatic handling: trolleys, conveyor belts, drilling risks, impact and tilt, risk of falling from higher heights

Designing the perfect packaging for your products requires a great deal of consideration, experimentation, and investment in terms of time and capital. In order to avoid costly mistakes, it is sometimes better to enlist the help of experts in the packaging field who handle a wide variety of different packaging requirements and can advise you regarding the best, and most cost-effective solution for your product packaging needs.

Bet You Didn’t Know This About Cooking Oils

A few years ago, nutritionists touted the benefits of very low- or no-fat diets. Nearly every type of cooking oil was caught up in the “bad-for-you” mantra. Research turned the no-fat idea on its head, however, when researchers discovered that healthy bodies require certain types of fat to stay healthy. In fact, the use of cooking oil in moderation is, according to the American Heart Association, part of a heart healthy diet.

To be fair, agricultural crops of the past were laden with pesticides. In recent years, new technologies emerged that greatly reduced the need for pesticides. Many of today’s farmers are further reducing pesticide use with natural forms of pest control. You can purchase cooking oils like olive and cottonseed oil that are certified pesticide-free, kosher, non-GMO, gluten-free and vegan. If you haven’t heard how different today’s cooking oils are, it’s time to learn the truth.

The Organic Revolution

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) oversees certified organic operations. Organic agriculture is a growing method that produces products in ways that preserve the environment, most notably by avoiding pesticides and antibiotics. Organic farmers, food processors and ranchers follow the USDA’s organic standards that outline how crops are grown, livestock raised and materials used. To be certified organic, farms must agree to the following requirements:

  • Preserve biodiversity and natural resources.
  • Promote animal health and welfare.
  • Provide outdoor access for animals to encourage natural behavior.
  • No genetically modified ingredients are allowed.
  • Organic and nonorganic food is stored and grown separately.
  • Undergo yearly on-site inspections.

Organic and certified pesticide-free farmers use a variety of methods to control crop-damaging pests, including insect traps, predator insects, healthy microorganisms and disease-resistant crop selection to provide organic crops free from pesticide residue.

Growing More with Less

Sustainable farming is method of farming that protects the public health, environment and animal welfare. Sustainable farms utilize crop rotation, pasture-based animal husbandry and conservation tillage to develop and support healthy ecosystems. Like certified organic farms, sustainable farms, including those growing cotton, avoid the use of synthetic fertilizers and chemical pesticides.

Sustainable farming methods promote a wise use of resources. For example, the sustainable farming strategy in drought stricken areas is to grow crops that don’t require irrigation and water crops at the root, thereby reducing evaporation. The prolonged drought in California and the Southwestern United States is a prime example of why the use of water conservation methods is so important.

The difference between certified organic and sustainable farming is that organic farms are USDA inspected and must meet specific requirements to claim certified status. The farming philosophies are similar, however and that is to produce food without negatively affecting the environment.

The trend toward pesticide-free, sustainable farming is good news for cooking oil manufacturers and consumers. Canola, olive and cottonseed oils have a wide range of health benefits when used in as part of a healthy diet.