As temperatures start to decrease outside and people begin to start staying in more, it is important to take precautions so that your apartment is a safe place to be. Most apartment fire s are preventable if safety measures are put in place, but it is also important to have a plan if a fire does happen. Whether it is a kitchen fire or electrical fire, here are some fire prevention tips to ensure that your family is safe through the chilly months.
Kitchen Safety
As the colder weather comes, the want for a warm, hearty homecooked meal comes as well. All the cooking and baking that takes place makes a home feel lively, but as almost half of the apartment fires start in the kitchen it is important to be mindful of how you go about it. Do not ever leave food unattended and keep oven mitts and towels away from any hot surface. Be especially careful when using oil or grease and try to avoid wearing loose-fitting clothing. Setting a reminder to turn off the oven or stove just to be extra careful!
Smoke Detectors and Fire Extinguishers
Ensuring that your apartment has working smoke detectors is an easy, quick precaution to take to protect yourself. These detectors can be battery-powered or electrically wired. Test alarms about once a month and put one outside each room where people sleep. If a smoke detector is malfunctioning, try to take care of that ASAP. Fire extinguishers are also an easy precaution to take in your home. Having a fire extinguisher on hand can help prevent a small fire from spreading into a bigger one. Make sure the extinguisher is up to date and working properly.
Heating and Candles
When using a portable space heater , make that there are at least three feet of clearance around it. Do not keep them on all day and especially do not leave them on when you go to sleep. Turn them on in intervals and when they are on keep small children and pets away from them. When it comes to candles , never leave the open flame unattended and keep it away from curtains or any type of draping cloth. Always remember to blow candles out if you are leaving the room or if you are going to sleep.
Electrical and Appliances
In order to prevent electrical fires , try to use power strips instead of extension cords because they have circuit breakers. If any type of electrical appliance cord gets cut or cracks, do not try and tape it back together with electrical tape as this can make the cord to overheat and cause a fire. Unplug the cord and replace it instead. You can also protect your appliances by using surge protectors. If an electrical fire does occur, do not ever throw water on it because of the risk of electrocution; a fire extinguisher is always better.
Laundry Room
To ensure property safety measures in your laundry room, have your dryer installed by a professional. Avoid using dryers that do not have a lint filter and clean your lint filter after every load.
Have a Plan
Although following all these tips can reduce the chance of a fire occurring in your apartment, not all fires can be prevented. That is why it is important to have an escape plan . Conduct practice fire drills with your family and map out the best route to get out of your building. Have a backup route just in case the first route is blocked. Being prepared if a fire does occur can help reduce panic in a real situation.
It’s time to celebrate fall around Frederick and there’s a lot to do in the area. We’ve compiled a list of some activities and events being held by local businesses – both onsite and virtual – so you can fill your calendar with fun.
Frederick Farmer’s Market | Saturdays in October & November Local farmers come together each Saturday at 1215 W. Patrick Street to sell local produce, meat, plants, flowers, & crafts. Support your Frederick area artisans and farmers by shopping this event each Saturday morning.
Yoga then Beer | Sundays Catch some Zen at Idiom Brewing Company. Starting at 10:45, flow for an hour-long, all-levels yoga class then enjoy beer at a discount. Classes cost $15, then receive your first beer for just 50 cents. Registration is required. Visit the Idiom Brewing Company website to register.
Spooky Saturday | October 17 Dress up in your Halloween costume, then relax and watch a drive-in style Halloween double feature with two classics: The Nightmare Before Christmas and Hocus Pocus. Doors open at 5:00 PM, movies begin at 7:00 PM. Movie sounds are transmitted through FM radio, so be sure you have one available. Spooky Saturday is located at 797 E. Patrick Street.
Catoctin Cruise | October 18 Check out the scenery in and around the Catoctin Mountains along with the Mustang Club of Maryland . The club meets at 9:00am at the Giant Food on Kingfisher Drive then tours the back roads of Frederick & Thurmont . At the end of the drive, you can enter a 50/50 raffle benefitting 3 nonprofits, partake in a potluck picnic, and make a donation to Toys for Tots .
Salsa Under the Stars | October 21 Learn salsa dancing under the beautiful Frederick night sky. This is the last lesson in the Salsa Under the Stars series for 2020. Beer & wine are available, but this is an all-ages event. A $5 suggested donation supports Frederick Salsa. Registration is required by visiting the Frederick Salsa Website .
October Wine Pairing Night | October 21 Spend the evening at Hidden Hills Farm & Vineyard tasting seven wines paired with seven courses. Tickets for this event can be purchased using the EventBrite link and spaces are limited to comply with social distancing requirements.
Halloween Car-Stume Parade | October 24 Dress up your car for a unique twist on a classic Halloween costume at Francis Scott Key Mall . Cash prizes will be awarded for the most imaginative, best design, and best use of color. Local entertainment & food trucks will be on site as well.
Battle of the Beers & Tasting of the Trucks | October 24 Taste your way through the best food and brews Frederick has to offer, then vote for your favorites. This event is for ages 21 and older, tickets are required. Learn more by visiting the event’s Facebook page .
Candyland Fall Festival | October 24 Brook Hill UMC Children’s Ministry is hosting a socially distant variation of Trick-or-Treating. Sign up for a 30-minute stroll through Candyland, then come dressed in our costume (and mask) to collect candy in a safer manner. Sign up using their EventBrite page . Donations of non-perishable food items will be collected.
Cruise In for Toys for Tots | October 25 Drive through Westview Promenade to donate new, unwrapped toys to Toys for Tots. This event is hosted by The Golden Gears Club of Frederick, MD.
Drive-Thru Trick or Treat | October 26 The American Cancer Society and Relay for Life Frederick County are hosting a drive-through trick-or-treat at The Great Frederick Fair from 4:30pm – 8:45pm. Local vendors will be handing out treats as cars drive through the fairgrounds. At just $5 per car, this is an event you won’t want to miss!
Pumpkin Carving Contest | October 28 Prospect Hall Apartments is hosting our very own pumpkin carving contest from 5-7pm. To enter, drop off your carved pumpkin at the clubhouse on October 27 from 9am – 5pm. Judging will take place at our fun fall event on October 28. This event will be outdoors and socially distanced. The best pumpkin will receive a $25 gift card, with prizes for 2 nd and 3 rd place as well. Watch for flyers around the community!
Pirates of the Carabiner Halloween Party | October 31 Visit Tree Trekkers for an unusual version of trick-or-treat fun. Trick or treat on the ropes course while enjoying barbeque by Plumeria Pig. Tickets can be purchased here and get you 2 hours of course time, gloves, and access to trick or treating on the Hallows & Gallows course. Costume contests will be held, so be sure to dress in your Halloween best!
If you find thinking about your finances stressful, you're in good company. More than 70 percent of Americans say finances are their biggest source of stress.
Fortunately, getting credit smart doesn't have to be as hard or as scary as it sounds. Here are five easy ways to improve and maintain your credit.
1. Know Your Credit Score
Do you know your credit score ? You should.
Why does your personal credit score matter so much? Put simply, it can open or close doors in every aspect of your financial life.
Adults with strong credit scores:
Are more likely to get approved for loans and lines of credit
Have more freedom and flexibility when it comes to choosing where to live, what to drive, and how to invest
Have more of a safety net when unexpected expenses arise
Get better terms on lines of credit and loans, which can save them hundreds of thousands of dollars over a lifetime
Adults with low credit scores can spend their lives struggling to achieve their financial goals.
Almost everything costs them more
They may not be approved for much-needed lines of credit or important loans, such as mortgages
Lack of access to good credit can drive them to risky or damaging financial and credit decisions
How Do Find Out Your Score?
If you don't know your score, you're in luck. It isn't hard to find .
You can often find your score on your latest credit card statement or on paperwork relating to any loans you may have. Credit counselors working for non-profit or government agencies, such as HUD, can usually provide it as well.
If you've recently completed an apartment rental application or other credit application, the lender or apartment company will likely have pulled your credit score and may be able to tell you.
It is important to be aware that each credit reporting company may have a slightly different score for you. Different companies use their own calculations, which can lead to minor variations. Overall, though, your score should be similar from company to company.
2. Know What Affects Your Credit Score (and What Doesn't)
The next step in getting smart about credit is understanding what affects your score (and therefore matters) and what doesn't. Credit companies base your score on five things.
How much you owe to all creditors in total
How long your credit history is
What types of credit you have
How consistently you pay your debts on time
How much new credit you have applied for
Of these things, how consistently you pay your debts on time carries the most weight. The total amount you owe compared to how much you earn and how much credit is available to you is the next most important factor. The third most important factor is the length of your credit history.
What Does This Mean for You?
How can you use this information to improve your credit score?
First, if you don't already have a credit history, start one right away! Apply for a credit card or a small personal loan, even if you don't need one. This will open a credit history for you and help you down the line.
If you have teenagers at home, help them apply for and get a credit card as soon as it is safe and reasonable to do so. Even if they have a very low limit or barely use the card, having a line of credit open will help them build a strong credit history early in life.
Second, look at your total debt-to-income and debt-to-available-credit ratios. If you have a lot of debt compared to your income or available credit, work out a plan to pay down your debt to a more favorable level. Talk to a credit counselor for help if you need it.
Third, understand that the most important thing you can do to improve your score is to pay your bills on time. Evaluate your current status in that respect.
Do you pay on time every time? Do you miss an occasional payment? Do you often pay late?
If you struggle with paying on time, get help. Find an accountability buddy, set reminders on your phone, or set up auto-pay when possible. No matter what system you use, paying on time is worth any amount of effort.
3. Clean up Your Credit History
Cleaning up your credit history is a quick and powerful way to improve your score. If you intend to submit a credit application for apartment rental or to apply for other credit, take time to clean up your score first. It might very well help you get better terms!
How does cleaning up your score work?
Three national companies monitor and report on consumer credit scores nationwide. They are:
Experian
Equifax
Transunion
Each company is required to provide every consumer with a copy of their credit report upon request once a year. Remember that each company works independently and may have different information on record than the others. It is important to check your report from each company every year.
To clean up your credit history:
Request a free copy of your report
When it arrives, review it carefully
Look for and note any information that is wrong or inaccurate, including dates, numbers, and account status
Contact the company and request that they change your history to reflect the correct information
This process doesn't take very long but eliminating old debts from your report can improve your score. Correcting dates can also improve your score if it makes your history look longer.
Cleaning up your credit history can be particularly important if you:
Used to be on a joint account with a parent, spouse, or child but are not anymore
Paid off or closed out debt in the last year
Recently opened a new line of credit
Have a common name and have had debts erroneously accredited to you in the past
For credit-ninja status, check one report between January and April each year. Check another between May and August, and the last between September and December. This spreads out the burden and limits the amount of time you might go without knowing about errors on your credit history.
4. Know Where Your Money Is Going
Just under one-third of Americans follow a personal or household budget. While it's true that no one enjoys budgeting, you can't live a credit smart life if you don't know where your money is going. At a minimum, every adult should:
Periodically review their monthly and yearly expenses
Understand what their average take-home pay is
Know how much they spend per month on average
Know what they have in savings and how much money they are putting in savings each month
Without this information, it is impossible to make smart money decisions. If getting a grip on those numbers seems overwhelming, then the next tip is for you!
5. Make Digital Tools Work for You
Getting a handle on your finances is important, but you don't have to tackle it alone. Modern money apps and other smart technology can help you:
Track where your money is going
See how much money you have across accounts at a glance
Trick yourself into saving money
Communicate with your partner or family about money
Identify and reach financial goals, such as saving enough for an apartment security deposit
Set up and follow a painless budget
Teach your kids about money management in engaging ways
(If you're the type of person who prefers good old pen-and-paper solutions, trying turning money management into a game instead.)
Digital tools can take the stress out of money management. They can save time and give you a sense of control that you need to make real changes in your financial habits. You may need to experiment to find the right tools for your needs and lifestyle, but the payoff is worth investing the time and energy up front.
Online Courses
Finally, consider taking free online courses about money management or following a few free blogs or youtube channels run by financial experts. These digital tools can help you better understand the larger financial world in which we all live and equip you to make money-savvy choices.
Learn More About Being Credit Smart
Now that you have these credit smart living tips under your belt, continue your journey with our other great articles. Learn smart apartment rental tips and tricks that can help you save money and make the most of your credit on our blog .
The average winter temperature in Maryland is 34.1 degrees . Nothing is worse than sitting in your apartment, shivering. The time to address and prevent this is before winter when temperatures are still warm.
That way, there's plenty of time for you to prepare your apartment. When winter arrives, you'll be able to sit back and welcome it, knowing that your apartment is ready.
This guide will show you how to prepare for winter so you can snuggle into your apartment and feel warm and happy.
How to Prepare for Winter
Preparing your home for winter when you live in an apartment is less about changing your home's physical structure and more about adjusting your creature comforts. While you want to look for improvements to the building, you'll need to communicate these to the landlord and let them handle it .
Tasks to Leave for Your Landlord
Check the windows for drafts and confirm that they close completely to seal out the cold air. If there are drafts, your landlord will need to have them sealed or even replace the windows.
Look for holes or cracks in the walls, floors, and ceilings. These are the perfect places for rodents and bugs to come in to escape the cold. Your landlord can seal these to prevent you from spending your winter with creepy crawlies.
Check your heating system to confirm that it's working. Doing this early will give your landlord more time to have it serviced. It will also ensure that it's ready when the temperatures drop.
Tasks You Can Do
Start by changing out your bedding from your lightweight cotton summer sheets to thicker flannel sheets. Then consider adding indoor plants to your rooms.
Winter can be depressing for some with the reduced sunlight and lack of green outside. Adding indoor plants improves your indoor decor, reminds you of warmer seasons, and helps freshen the air.
Speaking of fresh air, reverse your ceiling fans. There should be a small switch on the side of your fan that changes the direction your fan spins. this will pull the cool air up and push the warm air down, helping the room feel warmer.
If you find your skin feeling rough and dry or your congestion and allergies flaring up, then consider using a humidifier. Cold air holds less moisture, so you can relieve these common winter symptoms by having a humidifier in your apartment.
Finally, look for ways you can add warmth to your apartment. While you could run the heating system, this can get expensive. Instead, you could add a plush rug to the floor, thick throw blankets to the couch and chairs, and insulated curtains on the windows.
Prepare Your Home for Winter
As you can see, several checks may result in you submitting a maintenance request to your landlord. This makes it necessary to know how to prepare for winter early. That way, your landlord has the most time possible to address the issues.
While you let your landlord handle the building preparations, there are several things you can do to make your apartment more enjoyable. This will create a warm and inviting space.
Instead of preparing your current apartment for winter, consider a change and find your dream apartment today .
Getting along with your neighbors can make your community a happier place to live and to live in a good community, you have to be a good neighbor. Neighbors do not have to be your best friend, but it is nice to have some sort of relationship with, in case you need an egg or borrow a baking pan. Creating a positive and consistent relationship with your neighbor is going to make living in your community that much better. Here are 10 easy ways for you to be a good neighbor today.
Be Welcoming
Moving into a new neighborhood can be stressful. A new place with new people and not knowing what the neighborhood will be like is stressful. Everyone knows what this feels like so take the stress of your new neighbors by going to say “hello”. A simple introduction will make them feel welcome and more comfortable.
Strike Up a Conversation
Do not be afraid to say hello! Good relationships can only be maintained through communication. Whether it is a quick, passing conversation when you see them at the mailbox or a small get together on a Friday night, staying in consistent contact will making living near them much better.
Be Respectful and Considerate
Be respectful and considerate if you are having a large get-together or a small party. Remind your guests not to park in front of your neighbor’s driveways and only park on one side of your street. It is not enjoyable to have blasting music in your backyard when they are trying to relax or go to sleep, so keep any noise level at a minimum. Giving your neighbors a heads-up that people will be coming could be beneficial to you and them as well!
Take Care of Your Lawn and Garden
Keep your lawn and garden mowed and tidy. No one wants to see a jungle of branches and overgrown grass at the house next to them. Try to clean up any toys and items in the front yard to keep organized. By mowing your yard regularly and having a well-kept yard, this will keep your neighbors happy.
Be Responsible with Your Pets
Follow the local laws of having pets in your neighborhood. Make sure that they are vaccinated, licensed, and on a leash when you walk them. If they do their business in your neighbor’s yard, remember to pick it up and dispose of it properly.
Be Responsible with Trash
No one likes a mess. Make sure to keep your property clean by being responsible about where and how you manage your trash. Be sure to take note of when and how your trash is to be disposed of and to do so properly.
Respect Boundaries and Abide by the Rules
Whether it is trash, recycling, or parking permits, abide by the rules of the community. However, balance is important, so do not be to nosey and watch them vicariously. Respect property lines and no matter how close you might to your neighbors, it is important to have some space. Everyone should be comfortable in their own home and on their own property.
Offer Help
A home can be a lot to maintain. It can often be difficult and expensive work to do so. Make sure you let your neighbors know that you are willing to help whenever or however you can. This will help with your relationships with your neighbors, and in turn, result in them being more willing to help you should you ever need it.
Have a Party
A great way to make a lasting relationship with your neighbors is to get everyone together for a party or barbeque. It does not have to be too fancy or expensive, and you neighbors will likely bring food, drinks, and whatever else you might need. A good neighborhood party will be appreciated by all who attend.
Handle Conflict Responsibly
Sometimes, conflict with your neighbor can be unavoidable. Should this be the case, make sure you take the time to think over what you need to talk to your neighbor about and ensure it is something that needs to be brought up. Also, make sure you go over with a level head. You will likely be dealing with your neighbors for some time. Starting a feud with someone who lives right next door should definitely be avoided.
As the weather turns cooler and we start heading back indoors, it seems like the perfect time to curl up with a good book. There are a number of great books out now that can help you transform your apartment into a dream living area, even if your space is limited. Today, our team at Rachuba is highlighting our favorite apartment decorating guides that will give you something good to read and some design inspiration to help you transform your home.
Small Space Decorating by Better Homes & Gardens helps you create space where you thought there was none. Maximize your space stylishly with creative and decorative ways to organize your belongings.
Apartment Therapy by Maxwell Ryan and Janel Laban offers apartment-specific decorating and design advice, just like their informative and inspirational website . Learn how to create a cohesive look throughout your apartment or townhome that will look like you hired a professional interior decorator.
Homebody is the hit design book created by famed designer, Joanna Gaines. Homebody is divided into chapters by room so you can easily envision and design your apartment, room by room. Take a look inside a variety of homes and learn how to create your own unique style to be tastefully showcased within your apartment.
The New Bohemians Handbook: Come Home to Good Vibes is the boho guide to DIY. If you love a variety of eclectic designs and maximalist design, this is the book to help you harness bright, colorful designs into a beautiful, coordinated look in your home.
Styled: Secrets for Arranging Rooms, from Tabletops to Bookshelves by Emily Henderson helps you get your furniture and decorative objects situated in ways that don’t look cluttered or haphazard. Give your home a new look without spending a ton of money with her creative arrangement techniques.
Amazing Furniture Makeovers by Jen Crider helps you upcycle your existing furniture or secondhand fines into works of art and conversation pieces, even teaching you how to make minor repairs to broken furniture.
