It is a sad an unfortunate truth that the most dangerous falls for children are those related to falls from a window.  In the U.S, about 3,300 children under the age of six fall from windows. Especially vexing is that 70% of those falls are from a second or third story window. Whereas falls from furniture and other objects can be dangerous as well, falling from a height, even on a first floor can do serious damage. Especially if it is from a second or third story, a child can be a great risk of injury, or even death.

D&D Windows, who provides residential windows Sacramento says, ”The most important component to ensuring window safety is educating your children as to the behavior that is appropriate near windows. You shouldn’t allow your children within two to four feet from a window.” Children are curious  (as you probably know), and are often interested in how things work. Since windows often have components that allow windows to open and close, children can be fascinated by this, and may get too close for their safety. You should also avoid placing furniture in front of a window because children can easily climb onto it and reach a window opening.

Although fly nets keep flies out, they unfortunately do not keep children in. They are meant to pop out easily for safety purposes, so a child leaning on the fly net can easily fall out of a window. The best rule to follow in this case is the “keep it at four” rule, which recommends only allowing windows to be opened up to four inches. This way, air is allowed to circulate, but a small child cannot fit through it. A window stop is perfect for these purposes. When the window is not in use, it is also best to keep windows in a locked position.

Of course, the best way to prevent a window fall is by properly supervising your child. But sometimes it is impossible to watch your child all of the time, so it is important to take measures to make sure that no accidents happen. Many window manufacturers now offer built in window stops that only open to four inches. Please do your part to prevent children from being injured. Together, we can lower the statistic of children being harmed from falling from windows.

For many Americans, the kitchen is the designated centerpiece of the home. In fact, most homebuyers are most impressed by a remodeled and renovated kitchen, as opposed to many other selling points to a home. It may be a result of pop culture and the popularity of The Food Network, but more often than not, kitchens are seen to be the focal point of the home. This isn’t hugely surprising, considering this is the room in which food is stored, prepared as well as consumed.  And if the kitchen is the new centerpiece of the home, the countertop is the new centerpiece of the kitchen.

This year, many kitchens are getting a countertop makeover. There are many options available for countertop design, but one that is growing in popularity is quartz. Quartz mimics the look of granite and, like granite, is also a natural stone. The main difference is that quartz is much more durable than granite and is more sold in composition. Quartz is also non-porous, which means that it is easier to maintain because food and liquid particles can’t become trapped in pores in the stone. Yet another benefit of choosing quartz for kitchen countertops is that it doesn’t require very much maintenance due to its excellent durable and scratch-resistant surface.

A popular producer of quartz is Cambria, especially because of its combination of style and durability. Their designs mimic the look of granite, but they are easy to maintain, making them a popular choice among homebuyers and renovators.

Another producer of quartz is Silestone, which is the largest producer of quartz in the world. Silestone is made of natural quartz which is then treated to be even more well-suited for your design and countertop needs. With over fifty options, you will be sure to get the exact color you desire to complete your dream kitchen.