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You’ve likely heard of carbon monoxide (CO) and that it’s dangerous, but what is it”and how can you protect yourself and your family from it at home?

CO is a colorless, odorless gas produced when carbon-based fuels, such as propane, natural gas and wood, are burned. The gas can become extremely hazardous when it builds up indoors and someone breathes it in. The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, fatigue, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, trouble breathing, and confusion. However, severe CO poisoning can make you fall unconscious and even lead to death, which is why the mostly undetectable gas is often referred to as an “invisible killer.”

If you use fuel-burning appliances improperly or have faulty equipment, your home might be at risk. To help prevent CO poisoning, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) offers the following tips:

Install a CO alarm in the hallway near every separate sleeping area of the home. Make sure the alarm is certified to UL safety standards and cant be covered up by furniture or draperies. Although alarms are important and provide added protection, CPSC notes that theyre no substitute for proper use and upkeep of appliances that produce CO.
Make sure appliances are installed and operated according to the manufacturer’s instructions and local building codes. Most appliances should be installed by qualified professionals. Have the heating system professionally inspected and serviced annually to ensure proper operation. The inspector should also check chimneys and flues for blockages, corrosion, partial and complete disconnections, and loose connections.
Never service fuel-burning appliances without proper knowledge, skill and tools. Always refer to the owners manual when performing minor adjustments or servicing fuel-burning equipment.
Never operate a portable generator or any other gasoline-powered tool either in or near an enclosed space, including the garage and house. Even with open doors and windows, these spaces can trap CO and allow it to quickly build to lethal levels.
Never burn charcoal inside a garage or home.
Never leave a car running in an attached garage, even with the garage door open.
Never use gas appliances such as ranges, ovens, or clothes dryers to heat your home.
Never operate unvented fuel-burning appliances in any room where people are sleeping.
Don’t cover the bottom of natural gas or propane ovens with aluminum foil. Doing so blocks the combustion air flow through the appliance and can produce CO.
During home renovations, ensure that appliance vents and chimneys aren’t blocked by tarps or debris. Make sure appliances are in proper working order when renovations are complete.

If your CO alarm goes off or you think youre experiencing any CO poisoning symptoms, get outside to fresh air immediately and call 911. For more safety tips, visit CPSC.gov.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

If youre looking for a new city home that your pups are sure to love, keep an eye out for these features.

Fenced-In Backyard

A fenced-in backyard in the city provides a safe and convenient space for your dog at all times of the day.

Dog-Friendly Neighborhood

A nearby park where you can go on walks and play fetch is a major benefit for dogs that need plenty of daily exercise.

Nearby Pet Services

A good vet that you can trust and a groomer who can keep your pets looking and smelling their best are services you want to have close by.

Friendly Building Policies

Of course, if youre moving to an apartment building, youll have to make sure that its pet-friendly.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

If you own a house and you recently got married or are planning to soon, you and your new spouse may want to share the cost of the mortgage. You might think that you can simply contact your lender and add your spouses name to the mortgage, but the process is actually more complicated than that.

Why Youll Need to Refinance Your Mortgage to Add Your Spouses Name
Any time a change is made to an existing mortgage, a refinancing process is required. Before the lender agrees to add your spouses name to the loan, the company will want to make sure that the two of you will be able to repay the loan. That means you and your new spouse will need to demonstrate that youre both creditworthy.

How the Process Works
Before you try to make any changes to the mortgage, your spouse should request copies of his or her credit reports, check them for errors and dispute any inaccurate information. Then you can contact your lender and explain that you want to add your spouse to the mortgage.

Youll have to fill out an application and submit documentation showing both your incomes and assets. The lender will consider that information, as well as how much home equity you currently have and the type of loan, to decide whether to refinance the mortgage.

Whether you stick with your current lender or apply for a mortgage from a different company, you arent guaranteed an approval just because you were granted a loan in the past. If a lender approves the application, any future mortgage statements will include both your and your spouses names.

Potential Problems
Whenever a mortgage is refinanced, the homeowner(s) have to pay for an appraisal and closing costs. Those could total thousands of dollars that you might not have been expecting to pay.

If your spouse has a low credit score because of high credit card balances, late or missed payments, bankruptcy, or foreclosure, the mortgage application could be rejected. The lender might decide to approve the application but charge a higher interest rate than you had for the initial loan, which could raise your monthly payments. Refinancing the mortgage could also change the payoff date.

Is Adding Your Spouses Name to Your Mortgage the Right Move, Right Now?
When planning a life with your new spouse, its natural to want to share expenses, but things can be complicated if you have different financial circumstances. Before you add your spouses name to your mortgage, make sure you understand how his or her financial situation could affect the terms of the loan. If your spouse has bad credit, it might be a good idea to wait until he or she has had time to bring up the scores before you seek a joint mortgage.

Published with permission from RISMedia.