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You should also have a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) in the bathroom to provide splitâ€"second protecâ€" tion against shock from elecâ€" trical appliances. Accidental poisonings can occur when children get into bathroom medicine cabinets containing medications, cleansers, and so on. Install childâ€"proof safety latches to keep inquisitive little hands out. And avoid leaving vanity doors open â€" especially if you have pets. The cleaners and lotions you store below the bathroom sink can be as harmful to animals as they are to humans. Make sure basic common sense prevails in all other areas of your home as well. Keep electrical cords well away from heat and water sources and avoid placing cords under carpets where they can become damaged And, if you don‘t have a safety handbar already, you should have one installed. BATHROOM Other areas of your home â€" like the bathroom â€" should also be checked carefully for hazards. Like the kitchen, the bathroom can also be a danger zone. Many accidents occur from slipping while getting into or out of the bathtub. Make sure you have bathmats in place, both inside and outâ€" side the tub/shower stall, to prevent this from happening. If you have a slippery kitchen floor (ceramic floors in particular, can become extremely slippery when wet), consider installing groups of scatter mats complete with sturdy undergrids. In addition to breaking up sections of flooring, they‘ll help cushion a fall. If you have children or pets, it‘s also essential to make sure all cleansers and potentially hazardous materiâ€" als are stored safely out of reach. If you must store these items in the kitchen, make sure you install childâ€"proof safety latches on these cupâ€" board doors. The same holds true for any medications or potentially hazardous subâ€" stances kept in the kitchen. an adjoining porch or mudâ€" room, so you don‘t have to balance precariously on unsteady chairs when trying to locate something on upper shelves. (Con‘t from RE 8) tial items in them. Because either you, or your family, could be burned while reachâ€" ing over a heated element. Also, make sure you have a sturdy stepstool permanentâ€" ly on hand in the kitchen or in Practice your safety smarts OTHER AREAS It‘s a good idea to try and get a few quotes â€" at least three â€" for the job you have in (See "Choose" RE 22) But before you even begin looking for a contractor, make sure you know exactly what you want done and what your budget restrictions are. After all, you can‘t possibly give adequate instruction to a conâ€" tractor if you‘re not entirely sure of what you want. A qualified contractor will be able to handle all the techâ€" nical intricacies of your proâ€" ject, saving you a great deal of time and frustration. Choosing the Right Contractor It‘s important to take your time when choosing a conâ€" tractor â€" and it‘s absolutely essential to have a clear understanding of the services a contractor provides. Even if you‘re experienced in home repair or minor renoâ€" vation work, you may not be qualified or willing to tackle a major job yourself, and you should be aware that you must abide by the building code in any renovations you underâ€" take. You‘ll also have to take out appropriate permits and have the work inspected once it‘s complete. If you‘re one of the scores of homeowners choosing this path, you‘ll likely need the services of a contractor. A good contractor will make sure the job is carried out by topâ€"notch tradespeople and that it gets done on time and within budget. Until a decade or two ago, homeowners who desired more spacious or luxurious surroundings tended to seek out new housing to accommoâ€" date their changing needs. Today, however, most homeâ€" owners are choosing the "renâ€" ovation route" to increase and improve their living space and boost the value of their homes at the same time. Also, be sure to keep all drapery cords well out of reach of children who might be tempted to swing on them and injure themselves or become entangled in them. RENOVATIONS Don‘t overload electrical outlets with too many items because this can also pose a hazard. And don‘t replace a fuse with one that has higher amp rating. Also, inspect your cords and plugs on a regular basis. If they become worn, they can cause shocks, short circuits â€" even fire. You should also avoid using extension cords as permanent wiring; they are only meant for temporary use. from being stepped on and can cause someone to trip. Miller Real Estate Ltd $257,900. ULTIMATE FAMILY DREAM hsA;agrpifioegt family home icious & elegant prin Large kitchenlewgal&\ W% xquisite master bedroom with sk eautiful decor. meticulousiv mair $289,900 â€" UNIQUE & CHARMING _ $215.900. EXQUISITE DOWNTOWN $329,900. SAUNA, HOT TUB & â€" _ TERED DECK $124,900 â€" JUST LISTED EILEEN GRAKHAM** EILEEN GRAHKHAM** EILEEN GRAHKHAM** EILEEN GRAHKHAM** na pa $334,500 INVESTOR‘S DELIGHT ty, Downtowr o alroo es inGuded er ?Jpham‘ fireplace. im %mw units for rent.' Wmmm Potential plus. Excellent location Beautiful mature residential area Must be seen! $205,000. ABSOLUTELY CHARMING > 30 00 o# :4;_,4 L2 k j t 3 ‘fi “ "a: % 4 34 t a -v j %l‘! iEA *L $365,000. INCREDIBLE VALUE. EAST PILGRIM‘S WAY VILLAGE GLEN ABBFY § @0 J¢ 4 " # * B# . EILEEN GRAHKHAM** wner EILEEN GRAHKHAM** EILEEN GRAHAM** EILEEN GRAHAM** repiace. immediate ocafanq available nits for rent, appliances, fireplace D wet ba 112,900 04.900. ) with onght & velaygfhk;ve round deck & family home, 4 spacious bedrooms kmanship, extensive upgrades _ m & den. Fabulous rec. room with 845â€"9180 es w y kitchen cheery ambance Z'eaé'f“w & FP enced garden amily location 467 Speers Rd. cation close to all ) OWn & ensuite _ W/O to patio t m D