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There is a good chance that you will one of the many who decorate your home this year as part of your winter holiday celebrations.  Before you start unraveling strands of lights and trying to figure out where that one missing light bulb is out read up on some tips that will keep your home safe for the season!

Here are some great tips for safe and energy efficient lighting for the holidays:

• Always use GFCI protected outlets outdoors.
• Avoid overloading electrical outlets with too many decorations or electrical devices.  They can overheat and cause a fire.
• Carefully inspect each electrical decoration.  Cracked or frayed sockets, loose or bare wires, and loose connections may cause a serious shock or start a fire.
• Make sure household smoke detectors are working properly.
• Avoid running cords under rugs, through doorways or near furniture where they may be stepped on, tripped over or broken.
• Using timers to turn the lights on and off will save energy.
• Consider LED holiday lights for greater energy efficiency and longer life.  LEDs use up to 90 percent less energy than larger holiday bulbs and last up to roughly 20,000 hours – enough to last for 40 holiday seasons.

For additional holiday lighting safety tips check out www.holidaysafety.org

In light of the recent damage and destruction experienced by many from Hurricane Sandy,  Tuskes Homes would like to stress the importance of having a plan and being storm ready.  Here are some quick easy tips to keep you and your family prepared in the event of a severe weather event.

Storm Prep 101 –Here are the basics:  Make sure you have a decent supply of batteries, flashlights, candles, and other essentials that will get you through a short loss of power.  Having a battery powered radio can help keep you informed on news and information.  Keep essential electronics charged, including your cell phone.  Make sure to have some cash on you in the event that ATM machines and credit card machines may not work due to power loss.

Stock up on Water – Buy bottled water to keep on hand for an emergency.  For some, water is fed to your home by electric pumps.   In the case of a power outage, you could find that you have no water for basic needs like flushing toilets.  Fill all bathtubs with water so you have fresh water both in the event you need to use it for toilet flushing, and for drinking.  Having an alternative to drink from tap water may become important due to storm surges and overflowing rivers that can cause issues to your water supply.  Think about the long-term needs of fresh water for your pets and family.

Fill It Up – Don’t overlook preparing your car for an emergency.  Make sure your car is full of gas and ready to go in the case of emergency evacuation.  Have your cell phone charger accessible and ready. This may be your only way to keep your phone charged and stay in emergency contact in the event of a power outage.  Keep extra bottled water in your car as well as a stocked emergency kit including at a minimum road flares, jumper cables or a battery charger, flashlight, extra blankets and first aid kit.

Prepare You Fridge – Power outages can cost you hundreds of dollars in lost food.  If you know a severe weather event could affect your area, try not to stock up on perishables.  Instead think canned goods and non-perishable items that don’t need to be refrigerated and can be eaten cold.

Prepare For Wind – In high winds flying projectiles can become dangerous to your property and others.  Move all patio furniture and grills into garages, basements, or secure them so they can’t blow around.  Check the perimeter of your house to see if there are any loose gutters or shutters that possibly would become loose in high winds.  If in doubt, take them down for the time being.

Generators – If you have a generator know how to hook it up, fuel it, check it, and keep it going.  You don’t want to be familiarizing yourself with the operations and directions of a generator in the throws of a storm.  Follow all safety instructions and manufacturers guidelines when operating.

Having an emergency plan in place well before a storm is highly recommended.  It can save time, stress and money when an event actually occurs.  This will free up your time to focus on the safety of your family, loved ones and pets during these times which are your most valuable possessions.