12 Days of Holiday Fire Safety brought to you by OAFC

   

1. Water fresh trees daily - Keep the base of the trunk in water at all times and keep your tree away from any ignition sources.
2.  Check all sets of lights before decorating -Check the cords closely. Discard any sets that are frayed or damaged.
3. Make sure you have working smoke alarms - Test your smoke alarms and replace them if they are over 10 years old.
4. Make sure you have working carbon monoxide alarms - Replace any carbon monoxide alarms over seven years old.
5. Make sure everyone knows how to get out safely if a fire occurs - Develop and practice a home fire escape plan with all members of the household.
6. Use extension cords wisely - Make sure cords never go under rugs as this can cause damage to the cord and cause a fire.
7. Give space heaters space - If you are using space heaters, remember to keep them at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn.
8. When you go out, blow out! - Blow out candles before leaving or going to bed. Keep lit candles away from children,  pets and anything that can burn.
9. Keep matches and lighters out of the sight and reach of children - Matches and lighters can be deadly in the hands of children.
10. Watch what you heat! - Always stay in the kitchen when cooking; especially if using oil or high temperatures.
11. Encourage smokers to smoke outside - If you do allow smoking indoors use large, deep ashtrays that can't be knocked over and make sure cigarette butts are properly extinguished.
12. There's more to responsible drinking than taking a cab home - Keep a close eye on anyone attempting to cook or smoke while under the influence.

For more information on fire safety and tips for over the holidays, visit the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs website.
   

Maple Leaf Snow Skimmers Snowmobile Club has a decent start on grooming!

 Tuesday I had a little extra time so I decided that if I was going to be in the Bancroft area I'll throw my sled into the trailer and go for a little ride. I had a scratch that I just had itch. If you are a snowmobiler you'll know exactly what I'm talking about. Last year was so bad and I rode so little there being early snow is exciting.

I dropped in Bancroft. It is groomed North not South at all. Groomed past Lake St.Peter along rail bed until it turns off to Whitney. Really good base, little see through. This ride is around 60 miles/100km.

Bancroft Air Port

Old Maynooth Train Staion

Contract Negotiation by Brad Sinclair Flat Rate Realty Peterborough

Hi Brad Sinclair here with Flat Rate Realty. I created this blog to talk to you about what you must expect from your Realtor on contract negotiation. I see way too many home owners pick their Realtor based on the recommended list price. This is such a huge mistake. As a Realtor my job is to make sure your home is marketed and exposed more aggressively than everyone else along with having excellent negotiating skills to get you the highest possible price and put the most money in your pocket. We net our home sellers thousands more in their pocket than the average Realtor because we have the most aggressive marketing strategy; we negotiate extremely hard for our clients, always putting their needs first. Most Realtors will get an offer and beg you to take it not because it is in your best interest, but to be honest, it’s because the average agent is selling less than 6 homes a year, is broke and needs the commission check. This is not how we operate, we are looking out for your best interests, not our paycheck and sometimes it is in your best interest to turn down or counter an offer if we are confident we can get you a higher offer.  I have helped hundreds of families accomplish their real estate goals and the only way to have this level of success is by providing world class service and always putting our clients’ needs first. For a 100% no obligation, no hassle and absolutely no pressure listing interview contact us anytime and we would love the opportunity to interview for the job! Thank you and have an amazing day!