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What homeowner has not lamented that they have many morebelongings than they have storage space? In some homes, particularlyin older homes, closet space and other areas to store items may be lack-ing. Apartment dwellers often find they're lacking in storage space aswell. But savvy homeowners can find both permanent and temporarysolutions to their home storage problems.

One of the easiest ways to create storage space is to simply removesome belongings from the residence. Go through closets around thehouse and pick through the attic and/or garage to see if there are anyitems that can be discarded or donated. Items that are broken can bediscarded, while those things that still have utility can be donated orsold.

The next step is to maximize the space of your existing closets. Manyclosets are equipped with just a shelf and a clothing rack, greatly lim-iting the storage potential. Investing in a closet organization system isone way to transform a poorly utilized space. These systems can bepurchased, often inexpensively, from a home improvement center.Compiled of modular racks and shelving, the positioning can be cus-tomized depending on the size of the closet. Oftentimes, the additionof shelving or another rack for hanging clothes can solve some storageissues. These closet systems also are ideal for renters because they canbe installed with minimal damage and be removed when a leaseexpires.

Homeowners may have to think vertically to solve storage solutions.Wall space may be abundant in a home where closets are not.Therefore, shelving and cabinets can be places to keep items neatly offthe floor. A series of shelves can be installed next to a washingmachine to keep laundry supplies organized. In children's rooms,build bookcases the height of the room so children can store frequent-ly used reading material and toys on the lower levels, and adults canput collectibles and mementos near the top. Hang hooks to hold hatsand robes. Whenever possible, look to store items on the walls wherethey will keep clutter off the floor.

Storage can even be created in the bathroom, where the space overthe toilet can be used to hang a cabinet to store hand towels and othertoiletries if the space under the sink has already been claimed.

Many apartment dwellers recognize the advantage of having itemsthat serve double-duty in their living spaces. For example, a convert-ible sofa can be used for sitting and then turn into a bed for overnightguests. Ottomans that have a storage compartment can house anythingfrom throw blankets to magazines. An armoire may house the televi-sion but also have a pull-out shelf that can hold a laptop computer.

In the kitchen, move food items out of cabinetry and into a "pantry"you create elsewhere in the house, such as a laundry room or garage.This frees up more room for pots and pans. Cabinets that have pull-outshelving help maximize tight recesses of cabinets and keep thingsorganized and in sight. For those with limited cabinets, pots and panscan be hung from a pot rack suspended in the kitchen.

Increase storage possibilities in your home

February 23, 2013 www.addison-eagle.com Home Improvement • Vermont Eagle - 3

Noise in a home is a problem that canaffect just about anyone. Noise can occurinside or be the product of noisy situationsoutside of the home. Eventually thesesounds can try a homeowner's patience, butthere are various ways to cope with noise.

•Reduce the human scope of noise. Oneof the first steps to take is reducing theamount of noise generated by people insideof the house. If video games are noisy,encourage children to wear headphones sothe entire household is not subjected to thesounds of the game. Set limits on the vol-ume of the television and try to keep onlyone set on at a given time in the house, par-ticularly if televisions are located in roomswhere doors cannot be closed to block thesound. People can also lower their speakingvoices inside of the house.

•Use sound-dampening furnishings.There are many benefits to having hard-wood flooring throughout a home, includ-ing its beauty. But hardwood flooring couldreflect sound waves and cause them to echoaround the house. Area rugs will do someto muffle the sound, but carpeting is a goodmethod of sound insulation. The carpetingand the padding underneath will absorbsounds, including footfalls on floors above.Hanging pictures on the wall and usingdrapery on windows also can absorb soundand prevent it from bouncing off of barewalls.

•Change windows. If sounds are comingfrom outside, it might be worth the invest-ment to upgrade windows, although thiscan prove costly. Many homeowners withoutdoor noise issues install triple-panedwindows, which reduce sound and alsoprovide significant energy savings.Changing the window frames is anotheroption. Metal frames will transmit soundbetter than wood, fiberglass or vinyl.

•Install door sweeps. A door sweep isnot only effective at preventing drafts, butsweeps can prevent sounds from comingout as well.

•Check where drywall ends. Most dry-

wall is not installed flush with the floorsurface. Remove the base molding and youmight find an inch gap from the floor wheresound can escape. You can reduce noise byusing a spray foam insulation in this areaand then replacing the molding. A similartactic can be used around electrical outlets.

•Add additional insulation. Thickerwalls make it hard for sound to travelthroughout a home. You also can install asound-stopping wallboard over existingdrywall. Putting more insulation in the atticcan reduce weather sounds generated fromrain falling on the roof.

•Plant sound-buffering trees andshrubs. For sounds that are generated out-doors, a sound bluff, like a line of thickbushes, can dull sound and provide addedprivacy.

Exploring different ways to reduce noisein a home can create a more peaceful envi-ronment.

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Some homeowners take on a homeimprovement project to make their homesmore eco-friendly. Such projects are oftenmistakenly assumed to be costly undertak-ings, but there are several cost-effectiveways to make a home more eco-friendly.

•Upgrade your appliances. A homeimprovement project does not have torequire the use of a hammer and nails or thehiring of a contractor. A simple homeimprovement project like upgrading olderappliances, including the washer and dryer,to newer, more efficient models can give ahome a fresh look while reducing energyconsumption. That reduction in energy con-sumption is a byproduct of the stricter stan-dards placed on manufacturers who mustadhere to guidelines to produce productsthat are more energy-efficient. For example,the Natural Resources Defense Councilnotes that today's energy-efficient refriger-ators will use less than half the energy ofmodels made as recently as 15 years ago.

•Add more insulation. Adding moreinsulation or replacing older insulationused to be an especially laborious process.However, in many instances insulation cannow be added or upgraded to a home with-out any major reconstruction or demolition,reducing the cost of the project consider-ably. Adding more insulation to a home canreduce energy consumption in the winter,when the home will feel warmer and allowyou to keep the thermostat at a more rea-sonable number.

•Install high-efficiency water fixtures.Few people think about how much waterthey consume over the course of a typicalday, but the figures might be eye-opening

to those who hope to adopt a more eco-friendly lifestyle. According to the UnitedStates Geological Survey's Water ScienceSchool, it's generally accepted that the aver-age person uses between 80 and 100 gallonsof water each day. Showers seem to be espe-cially wasteful, as older shower headsmight be using as much as 5 gallons perminute, or 50 gallons of water during a 10-minute shower.

Older fixtures that consume such massiveamounts of water can be easily and afford-ably replaced with newer, more efficientfixtures. Today's high-efficiency low-flowshowerheads can provide a strong showerstream while reducing water consumption.Such showerheads are also less taxing onyour water heater, reducing your energyconsumption as a result. Homeowners canalso install high-efficiency toilets that useas little as 1.3 gallons of water per flush(compared to older models that consumedas many as 5 gallons per flush). TheEnvironmental Protection Agency estimatesthat installing water-efficient fixtures andappliances would save more than 3 trilliongallons of water and more than $18 billionannually.

•Install a programmable thermostat.Programmable thermostats present anotheraffordable way to improve a home and ben-efit the environment. Some of today's pro-grammable thermostats can record personalpreferences and usage and determine thebest course of action for heating and cool-ing your home. Temperatures can be adjust-ed room-by-room, and the programmablethermostat allows homeowners to controltheir heating and cooling while they're outof the house, ensuring they're not paying toheat or cool an empty house and wastingenergy in doing so.

Home improvement projects don't haveto be a grand undertaking, particularlywhen a homeowner's goal is to make ahome more eco-friendly. A few minor andaffordable changes may be all it takes toimprove a home and benefit the environ-ment at the same time.

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When a young adult leaves the comforts of home to set out on his or herown, homeowners are left with a bedroom that just calls out to be madeover. However, the experience of a child leaving the nest can be bittersweet,and some parents struggle with the decision to renovate or leave the roomintact. Converting a room can be an emotional process, but there are sever-al different ways to put a newly vacated room to good use.

What to do with a room may hinge on who still lives in the house.Another child, for instance, may be interested in "upgrading" to the room ifit is larger or has amenities that the previous bedroom does not offer, like abetter view or a bigger closet. Some have plans for a craft space or a library.Perhaps the room would be perfect for a "man cave" or a quiet sitting area.

Keep in mind that the room may hold sentimental value for the child, soconverting the space is not something that should happen abruptly or with-out prior notice given to the former occupant. Communication is key beforethe room can be permanently changed into a new room. To get started, fol-low these guidelines.

•Start slowly. Broach the subject with the former occupant of the room togauge his or her reaction to the idea. If your child is supportive, then theprocess may move along more quickly. If not, you may need to wait a littlelonger before starting the renovation.

•Go through the room's contents together. Your child may feel his or herprivate sanctum was violated if you simply box up belongings and readythem to be taken away. Instead, go through the room together and allowyour son or daughter to pack away items of sentimental value. Other itemscan be donated. Consider which pieces of furniture might be kept andrepurposed.

•Keep some items of value. Remember, you don't want your child to feellike his or her identity has been erased from the house. Find a way to incor-porate something from the bedroom into the new design to pay homage tothe person who lived and grew up in the room. Keep a square of removedwallpaper and frame it. Put some well-read childhood books on a shelf.Have a place of honor for the first soccer trophy. This way when your childreturns home there will still be a piece of the room's former identity.

•Work through your new design plan. Before removing furniture andany items, draw up a detailed renovation plan and establish a budget. If theroom will become a guest room, the basics may already be there and yousimply need to introduce new linens and a new paint color to transform thespace. Consider keeping the room functional as a sleeping space in someway — whether moving in a sleeper sofa or making a regular bed into adaybed — so when your son or daughter comes to visit, he or she will havea comfortable space.

•Make it sophisticated. Adult spaces differ from children's spaces intheir sophistication. Starting fresh with more streamlined furniture andbolder colors in the room will give it a grownup look.

Converting a child's former bedroom into a new and exciting living spacefor adults takes some planning and sensitivity. A collaborative effortbetween parent and child can make the process can go much more smooth-ly.

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When purchasing a home, buyers oftenlook at the kitchen space and how manybedrooms there are, while largely ignoringother rooms, including the laundry room.Oftentimes, the washer and dryer are rele-gated to a dark corner of the basement orgarage, and homeowners simply accepttheir laundry lot.

More and more manufacturers now pro-duce washers and dryers that are both func-tional and aesthetically appealing. As aresult, homeowners and renters need notfeel they have to hide laundry rooms likethey did in the past. Having the laundrynearby the family action -- and payingattention to laundry room design -- canmake the work of keeping clothes tidy thatmuch easier.

Many designers would agree that youneed not sacrifice style for function in alaundry room. As with any other area of thehouse, impart design elements into theroom and make it a room in which youwant to spend time.

•First and foremost, select appliancesthat offer the features you need and want.Also, find appliances that fit the space youhave. Front-loading appliances havebecome the latest must-have, but someunits may be too big or expensive for yourspace. Those with a limited area for laundrycan invest in a stackable set, in which thewasher and dryer are combined into onevertical unit. For those who want to add apop of color, select among the variety ofcolored washers and dryers that are turningup in store showrooms. You're no longerlimited to white, black and beige.

•Consider cabinetry in your laundryspace. Cabinets and drawers are not just forthe kitchen. They can hide cleaning prod-ucts, detergent, dryer sheets and so muchmore. Fill drawers with stain-removalsticks and items to mend clothes that maybe missing a button or have a small holethat needs tending.

•A laundry area also can be much more

than just a place to wash and fold clothes.Many people like to turn this spot into amultipurpose zone. By including someshelving and a refrigerator in the laundryroom, you can create a food-storage pantry.A large countertop normally used to foldclothes can also double as a gift-wrappingstation. Think about merging a laundryroom with a craft room where sewing orscrapbooking can take place.

•Remember to leave room for the soiledclothing. Raising hamper bins off of thefloor to be suspended from a rod above thewasher frees up valuable floor space.Otherwise, keep the hamper behind a cur-tain or tucked into a cabinet to ensure the

laundry room always looks neat, even whenyou haven't yet gotten to the newest pile ofdirty clothes.

•Don't be afraid of adding color and art-work to the laundry space. In fact, embraceit. Here's an out-of-the-way area of thehome where you can explore your creativi-ty and have a little fun. Try an eye-openingcolor, such as apple green or bright yellowto add a sunny disposition to the room.

•You don't have to spend a fortune on alaundry room re-do. Shop in salvage storesor antique shops for custom pieces to addcharacter to the space. You can probablyfind cabinetry or shelving for a fraction ofthe cost of new items, and these older items

may add more character to the space.•Save space by installing a counter just

above the dryer so you will have a place tofold and stack clothing.

•The bulk of dirty clothes will be gener-ated in the bedrooms and bathroom of thehouse. But who wants to carry clothesdown to a laundry area on a lower level?See if you can tuck a laundry room into anupstairs closet or nook to make doing laun-dry more practical.

Although a laundry room is often anafterthought, taking time to organize andplan the space can make it both functionaland inviting.


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A house fire can engulf and destroy a home in a matter ofminutes. Even with the fast-acting response of firefighters,a home that has caught fire may be irreparably damaged byflames, soot and water. Fire is no laughing matter, and it

behooves homeowners to take precautions to fireproof theirhomes as much as possible.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state thatalthough death and injuries caused by residential fires have

declined gradually during the past several decades, fire-related deaths continue to pose a significant health hazard.In 2010, it is estimated that someone died in a fire every 169minutes in the United States alone. A person was injured byfire every 30 minutes, according to the National FireProtection Association, Fire Analysis and ResearchDivision. The Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs estimatesan average of 375 people die every year from fires inCanada, mostly from smoke inhalation.

Most fires are largely preventable. The following are afew fireproofing measures for safety-conscious homeown-ers.

•Install smoke detectors and check the batteries regu-larly. Smoke inhalation causes many fire-related deaths. Asmoke detector should be installed outside of every bed-room and on every level of the house. Don't install a smokedetector near a window, door or forced-air register, wheredrafts could interfere with the detector's operation. Be sureto routinely check that every smoke detector is workingproperly.

•Have a fire extinguisher in an easily accessible loca-tion. Ideally, there should be a fire extinguisher in everyroom of the home, but at the least keep one wherever fire isused regularly, such as a kitchen or by a fireplace. Ensurethe fire extinguisher is charged and that you understandhow to operate it.

•Remove combustible materials from around thehouse. Do not allow old clothing, rags, newspapers, orcardboard boxes to accumulate around the house. Discardnewspapers and magazines as quickly as possible and becareful to avoid storing anything too close to heaters, fur-naces or electrical equipment.

•Adhere to the recommended wattage in lamps andlighting fixtures. Do not exceed the recommended bulbwattage for lights around the house. There may be over-heating or shorting that can lead to fire.

•Look for fireproof interior decor items. Nowadays,carpeting and furniture can be coated with fireproof chem-icals. The added investment may be worth it in the longrun.

•Do not leave candles unattended. Many people like thelook and aroma that candles provide. Candles also provideemergency illumination in the event of a power outage.Candles can be easily knocked over and start a fire. In fact,candles are one of the top causes of house fires. Never leavea candle unattended, even for a short amount of time. Andcertainly never go to sleep without extinguishing a candle.

•Keep the chimney clean. Inspect the chimney flue reg-ularly and have it cleaned to prevent an abundance ofresidual burnt material from accumulating. This creosotecan catch fire itself.

•Use a fire-resistant roofing material. A roof should bemade from metal, clay or asphalt tiles. Trim any overhang-ing branches or vegetation to reduce the amount of com-bustible material nearby.

•Have a fire-safe wall behind wood heaters. A brickwall or another fireproof material should be used on anywalls that house a wood- or gas-burning appliance foradded safety.

•Verify electrical safety. Extension cords and powerstrips should be kept to a minimum, and the outlets shouldnot be overloaded. Replace fuses properly and don't beafraid to call a certified electrician to verify you are correct-ly set up.

By making a few tweaks in and around the house, ahomeowner can decrease the likelihood of a fire.


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Much like paint, carpeting can quickly transform thelook of a room. Carpeting can be a durable flooring materi-al, but it will need upkeep to look its best.

Carpeting that will be in high-traffic areas, such as hallsand entryways, may require the most TLC. Routine vacu-uming is necessary to dislodge dust and dirt particles. Butat some point a more thorough cleaning may be necessary.

VacuumingFrequent vacuuming will prolong the life of the carpet by

preventing a buildup of particles inside of the carpet fiberthat can eventually cause friction and sever carpet fibers.Use of a crevice tool and other attachments can enablecleaning in the corners where the carpet meets baseboardsand moldings. When vacuuming larger rooms, divide theroom into separate areas and tackle each area separatelybefore moving on to another portion of the room.

Take time when vacuuming carpet. Plush carpets willtrap dirt more easily than a thinner or less dense carpet, somore passes of the vacuum might be necessary. Overlapstrokes in a crisscross pattern to get at dirt at differentangles.

Pet hair and vacuumed particles of food can create odorinside of the vacuum bag. Therefore, think about addingbaking soda or an odor-relieving product designed to beused when vacuuming.

Treating spillsSpills are one thing that homeowners in carpeted homes

may fear. If not addressed quickly, liquid or food may per-manently damage a carpet. It is adviseable to manage aspill as soon as it happens to reduce the liklihood that itwill contribute to a permanent stain. Carefully blot up thespill until much of the offending item is removed beforeadding any type of cleaning agent. Test the cleaning prod-uct in an inconspicuous area prior to using it on the spill toensure it will not damage or discolor the carpet.

Work from the outside of the stain and move inward tokeep the stain from spreading outward. Use a plush, whitetowel to blot up any remaining moisture and spill. Thetowel also will help to fluff up the pile of the carpet.

Remove shoesDirt and germs can be tracked into the house on the bot-

tom of shoes. Eventually this material can be deposited oncarpets, which then becomes lodged inside the fibers. Toreduce the amount of dirt tracked in, make it a rule to takeoff shoes upon entering the house. If pets are the culprits oftracked-in dirt, keep a towel by the door and wipe the ani-mal's paws before allowing it to roam through the house.

Steam clean to refreshIf you don't already own a steam-cleaner, they can be

rented for a fraction of the cost of buying one. Togetherwith steam, a cleaning solution is usually part of the proce-dure. The steam and cleaning product will loosen and dis-solve dirt and then the dirty remains will be sucked up intoa receptacle to be emptied. Steam cleaning is one of the eas-iest methods of thoroughly cleaning carpeting and revivingit to look as good as new. Many homeowners are quite sur-prised to see how much dirt can be removed from the car-pet by using a steam-cleaner.

Intermittent use of a steam spot cleaner can help keephigh-traffic areas of the home and stairs clean or treat apersistent stain that doesn't respond to hand cleaning.

Use area rugsThere is a misconception that area rugs are used in lieu of

carpeting, but both can be used together. An area rug maybe placed near an entryway to catch dirt from shoes beforeit is tracked elsewhere in the house. Area rugs can be usedunder a dining table where the frequent pulling out andpushing in of chairs may wear down carpeting.

Eliminate staticStatic electricity can plague people who live in homes

with carpeting, especially during cool, dry weather. Placinga dryer sheet on the bottom of a dry sponge mop and thenrunning it over the carpet can alleviate static. This will helpprevent those annoying shocks or even damage to electron-ic equipment from static shocks.

Carpeting is something that can make a statement in ahome. When maintained, it can look beautiful for years tocome.

Cleaning andmaintainingyour carpets

All of our customers receive a complete “GAS check” safety inspection of their

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Homeowners planning a kitchen remodelare no doubt considering whether toinclude a kitchen island in the new design.When the space allows, an island can be afine way to enhance the look of a kitchenand impart an upscale appeal.

Interest in kitchen islands has grownsteadily for the past several decades.Introduced in the 1970s, islands became apopular place for guests to congregate andprovided extra counter space for mealpreparation and entertaining. The suburbanmigration led to bigger homes with largerkitchens. Through the 1980s and 1990s,homes grew even larger, and islandsbecame a popular feature of kitchens acrossthe country.

The increase in food-based programmingon television has also contributed to thepopularity of kitchen islands. As more peo-ple dabble with preparing their own gour-met meals, kitchen islands have becomemore convenient.

Although there are many benefits to anisland in the kitchen, there are also somedisadvantages to kitchen islands. Weighingall the options can help homeowners designa kitchen layout that is functional, afford-able and practical for the space they have.

ProsArguably the most significant advantage

to having a kitchen island is the addedspace it provides. Many times islands arebuilt with cabinetry that matches the rest ofthe kitchen design, and those cabinets pro-vide storage space for pots, pans and otherkitchen tools. Islands may double the stor-age space available in the kitchen.

Kitchen islands are also advantageouswhen preparing meals. Kitchen counterspace can be easily gobbled up by toasterovens, rotisserie cookers, microwaves, cof-fee makers, and various other countertopappliances. These appliances can take upvaluable real estate that's sorely missedwhen preparing meals. An island can beused solely for cooking and preparation,

and some homeowners have incorporatedcutting boards and a prep sink into thedesign of the island.

Islands also can be customized accordingto a homeowner's needs. Instead of simplyhaving cabinetry beneath the counter, someopt to have a wine cooler or even a book-shelf for keeping cookbooks within reach.An additional small dishwasher or bever-age refrigerator may be tucked into thedesign of the island. For others, the islandmay be a makeshift kitchen office space.

ConsExpense is a leading negative factor with

regard to a kitchen island. The additional

material necessary and the labor involvedin installation may bust some homeowners'budgets. Stationary islands can cost severalthousand dollars to install, and this ismoney a homeowner may be better offinvesting elsewhere.

In smaller kitchens, an island may beimpractical because of the space limitation.Islands are typically at the heart of thekitchen and may interfere with walkingspace or cause clearance issues when therefrigerator door or cabinet doors are open.For homeowners who find space is at a pre-mium in the kitchen, an island may not bethe best idea. However, a rolling island thatcan be moved into position when needed,

then stored in a convenient, out-of-the-waylocation might be a viable option.

Depending on the complexity of a kitchenisland, its installation may extend theamount of time required to complete thekitchen renovation. This can prolong thelength of time needed to complete thework. Running a gas or electric line andplumbing to the island may require a majoroverhaul and demolition.

Kitchen islands are popular componentsof home designs. Before homeownersengage in any kitchen renovation that mayinclude the incorporation of an island, theyshould know the advantages and disadvan-tages.

Pros and cons to including an island in a kitchen redesign

40304

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The Marble WorksMiddlebury, VT 05753

Bus.: [email protected]

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Falls cause many injuries inside a home. Seniors are especially susceptible to harmfulfalls in the bathroom, where slippery tiles can prove too difficult for older men andwomen to navigate.

A 2011 study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that nearly234,000 Americans ages 15 and older were treated in an emergency department for nonfa-tal bathroom-related injuries in 2008. That adds up to roughly 640 people per day. Morethan 80 percent of bathroom-related injuries were caused by slips and falls, mostly whilegetting in and out of the tub or shower, and about 30 percent of those injuries includedcuts, scrapes and bruises.

Bathrooms can be more dangerous than other rooms of the house for a variety of reasons.The bathroom is generally comprised of hard surfaces that can become slippery when wetor exposed to high humidity. A bathroom may become hotter than other rooms because ofthe steam that accompanies a hot shower. Heat may dilate peripheral veins and lowerblood pressure in some people. This may lead to dizziness that can result in falls.Furthermore, people tend to rush in the bathroom as they get ready for work or school.Rushing around can lead to slips and injuries on wet surfaces.

Installing safety features in the bathroom is a key way to reduce the risk of accidents.Many manufacturers have even designed these features so they blend with bathroomdecor.

When renovating bathrooms for safety, consider the following options.•Anti-scald features: Burns can be serious business. Few people have been spared the

momentary burst of hot water that occurs in the shower or at the faucet when anotherhousehold member flushes a toilet or uses a large amount of cold water elsewhere in thehouse. Anti-scald showerheads and faucets prevent sudden bursts of hot water. Use in con-junction with turning down the temperature of the hot water heater to eliminate burns.

•Nonslip mats: Bathroom injuries often occur when people are getting in and out of theshower. Having a non-slip mat on the inside of the shower or tub as well as one with agrippable surface and plush top layer on which to step after exiting the shower can reducefalls. Don't step out of the shower onto a flimsy towel that can slip out from underneathyour feet.

•Bath bench: The elderly or those prone to lightheadedness in the shower may want toinvest in a bench or seat to put into the shower. This enables sitting while washing.

•Safety bars: It can be tempting to grab onto towel racks or faucets to get in and out ofthe shower, but these items cannot provide the necessary leverage to safely move in andout of the shower or bathtub. Safety bars with a brushed surface for traction are moresecure. Grab bars need to be securely attached to a wood stud in the wall and not into dry-wall or the tub enclosure.

•Raised toilet seat: A raised toilet seat reduces the amount of squatting and the distancethat has to be covered to sit on the commode. Grab bars on the raised seat itself will pro-vide added safety.

•Telephone: The bathroom may seem an odd place to install a telephone, but having onenearby in the event of injury can ensure help gets to the injured party much more quickly.

•Regular cleaning: Routinely ridding showers and tubs of soap scum and mildew canreduce the slippery coating that forms as a result of these substances. Also, be sure to keepclutter in the bathroom to a minimum to stop trips and falls over errant items in the area.

Bathrooms can present many dangers, but certain safety tools and renovations can helpreduce the risk of injury.

Safety measures can help reduce bathroom injuries

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vhi_02-23-2013_edition

Documents

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closet space

storage space aswell

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utilized space

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