11 minute read
Kids’ Corner
SUMMER WATER SAFETY: STAY COOL AND SAFE WITH THESE HELPFUL TIPS
By Jill Frier
Summer is fast approaching and, unfortunately for the Valley of the Sun, so is accidental drowning season. City resources, state agencies, and first responders come out in droves this time of year cautioning parents to “Watch Your Kids Around Water.” Sadly, drowning is one of the leading causes of death for children under age four in Arizona. While most children drown in their own pools, other water sources can also be dangerous, including lakes, canals, buckets, toilets, bathtubs, and ponds. Anyone who cares for children should be aware of the potential dangers and possible tragedies of drowning. Here are some safety tips to help you keep your kids safe around water as the weather warms up and pools become more attractive to children everywhere.
PREVENTING DROWNING
In addition to teaching kids how to swim, the best way to prevent drowning is to watch kids when they are in or around water – without distractions. Put the cell phone or the iPad down and be sure to always keep children within reach of an adult. Never leave a child alone around a water source. It only takes two inches of water and a few seconds to drown.
OTHER WAYS TO PREVENT DROWNING:
• Use an approved barrier to separate the pool from the house. • Keep large objects that kids can climb on, like tables, chairs, large toys, or ladders away from pool fences. • Teach your children to always ask for permission to go near the water so they develop quality water safety habits at an early age. • Don’t allow kids to play in the pool area and don’t store toys near the pool. • Don’t allow anyone to swim alone - always swim with a buddy. • Drink plenty of water, even if you aren’t thirsty, and avoid alcohol to prevent dehydration. • Keep life-saving devices like hooks, poles, or flotation devices near the pool and readily available. • Always have a designated child watcher whenever kids are near a pool or water source and take the kids with you when you leave the area. • If a child is missing, check the water first because every second counts to prevent drowning. • Make sure everyone in your family, children and adults, learn to swim. • Don’t forget the non-pool areas, too. Be sure to empty all tubs, buckets, containers, and kiddie pools immediately after you use them. Store containers upside down so they don’t collect water, and keep toilet lids shut and doors to bathrooms and laundry rooms closed.
HELPING SOMEONE IN DANGER
Do you know what to do in an emergency? By definition accidents are unexpected, which is why it is always a good idea to learn CPR and basic water rescue skills. You never know when you may need to step in and save someone’s life, whether a child or an adult.
The main steps to remember if you find someone in trouble in a water emergency are: 1. Yell for help and pull the person out of the water. 2. Call 9-1-1 immediately and stay on the line with the operator for instructions. 3. Begin CPR, if you know it. 4. If you are not trained, follow the instructions from the 9-1-1 operator until help arrives.
Plan ahead and prepare yourself to know what to do in an emergency, because learning CPR and basic water rescue skills may help you save a life.
LEARNING TO SWIM
One of the most important things you can do to keep your kids safe around water is to teach them to swim. Swimming lessons not only teach kids how to swim when they are in the water, they also teach kids to respect the potential dangers of the water and the rules for being safe around a pool. Get your kids familiar with water, comfortable with the rules for a swimming pool, and respectful of the dangers that come with drowning.
“As a parent, it’s imperative to remember that there’s no substitute for active adult supervision of your kids around water, even when it comes to the bath or anywhere with as little as an inch of water,” explains Kathy Hubbard, co-owner of Hubbard Family Swim School. “But an important line of defense for your children is having the ability to swim on their own. If your kids are not already enrolled in swim class, there’s no better time than the present to get them started.”
“And if they have any reservations or concerns about swimming, ask them to share those with you,” Hubbard adds. “It’s best to keep an open dialogue going with your little ones so you can help them get comfortable in the pool, and ultimately learn water safety and potentially life-saving swim skills.”
There are many different options for swimming lessons and a huge range of prices, times, and locations. You can sign them up for private or group swimming lessons at one of the many swim schools in town or go to a city pool or nonprofit community center. To start, search online for swimming lessons near you, ask friends who they have worked with before, or visit your city’s parks and recreation website.
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy our almost yearround sunshine by the swimming pool, lake, or pond.
Water is a great way to cool off and have fun, but take steps to be safe and prevent accidents or drowning while you splash around.
Be sure to check ladybugsblog. com for many more ideas for having fun outside while keeping your kids safe this summer.
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Cover Story
Something Together LET’S BUILD
By Michelle Talsma Everson
Purchasing new windows for your home can feel like a necessary evil, but Capstone Windows & Doors aims to offer customers a game changing experience that makes the window buying process pain free and enjoyable.
Greg Johnson, owner of Capstone Windows & Doors, works alongside his son Adam Johnson and their business partner John Small (who owns the shop’s Tucson location). Johnson describes what he believes makes Capstone Windows & Doors stand out in the industry.
“It is very common that the sales process of window and door companies parallel that of a timeshare presentation; a long technical presentation followed by the obligatory ‘You will only get the best pricing if you buy today,’” he explains. “Capstone’s process is much more customer-centered, and that is one of the big reasons we are Google’s highest-rated company [in the industry] in the Phoenix and Scottsdale market.”
Johnson believes that replacing windows and doors is the single most important home improvement that a homeowner can make. “What other home improvement effects the aesthetics of the exterior and interior of the home, makes the home drastically more comfortable to live in with the massive advances in frame and glass efficiency, and if done with careful consideration, will make every backyard or mountain view more spectacular?”
“Shutters, blinds, drapes, shades and sunscreens are all what we call ‘Advil’ for terrible heat conducting windows,” he continues. “If this describes your situation, it’s time to get your view back… Infinity from Marvin replacement windows will ‘remodel your home with new windows’ and be durable enough for Arizona’s extreme climate.”
Capstone Windows & Doors is a partner with the window and door manufacturer Infinity from Marvin. Infinity from Marvin is a Minnesota-based company that was founded over a century ago; their heritage
was actually wood framed windows. In the early 1990s they developed a patented window frame material called Ultrex, Johnson explains. Ultrex is a glass-based frame. Johnson describes the manufacturing process as “pultrusion,” where thin strands of strong glass cables, saturated with resins, are pulled through a heated die. Infinity from Marvin is engineered specifically for replacement windows.
Essentially, he shares, the Ultrex material can take the heat—up to 350 degrees.
“We base our discussion with customers every day on science,” he explains. “The biggest reason you feel heat from the windows is the aluminum frame. Aluminum is a conductor, which is basically a freeway for heat and noise infiltration into your home. Most window replacement companies have moved away from that material to a vinyl or vinyl based composite frame. Both vinyl and vinyl based composite frames are classified as thermoplastics. The characteristic of a thermoplastic is that it can move with temperature variation. Vinyl is PVC plastic; it warps when exposed to constant heat. A vinyl window frame is equivalent to a plastic lawn chair; do you really think that will last in our desert climate?”
“We had an amazing experience with Capstone Windows & Doors,” shares a local resident named Ron, who, alongside his wife Nancy, recently worked with Capstone Windows & Doors. “After interviewing five or six companies, we are so happy with our decision. We’ve already referred several of our neighbors to them. They took their time to re-design almost all of our window styles to maximize our view. My wife is a realtor and we both understand what a huge improvement this is to our home.”
“We pride ourselves on being the very best value for our customers,” Johnson shares. “If you can find a company with a comparable product installed by company employees, not subcontractors, at a better price, then buy it! You simply will not find it. Infinity from Marvin has already done the vetting for you. They hand pick what they determine as the best installation company in a local market.”
In the 1990s, Johnson built over 150 homes in Washington state as a general contractor and he has spent the last 22 years in the window replacement business. He adds that, in addition to a quality product, what makes his business stand out is their focus on providing their customers with quality service.
Johnson says that once a customer chooses to work with Capstone Windows & Doors, they handle everything— from the first pressure-free consultation to the design and installation of the windows and doors.
“Valley residents often live in their homes like cave dwellers because they are doing any measure possible to keep that intense desert heat from infiltrating their home,” Johnson says. “But, with Infinity by Martin replacement windows and doors, you will enjoy the beautiful view plus keep a cooler home since the material stands up to the heat so well.” SOME OF THE PERKS OF THE PROCESS INCLUDE:Infinity from Marvin Ranked #1 Making window and door replacement affordable is IN-HOME CONSULTATION in Customer Satisfaction with Window very important to Capstone Windows & Doors. “Get started with the windows or doors that are making • Concise discussion of product and design options.and Patio Door Manufacturer Brands the biggest negative impact on your home,” Johnson • Vast knowledge about products and industry advices. “About 40 percent of the time, customers do standards. their project in stages.” • No commission salespeople or high pressure gimmicks. This month, Johnson shares that if new customers buy • Same-as-cash and financing options through two windows or doors, they get the third for 60 percent GreenSky. off. INSTALLATION “If you want to maximize your views, we can help you • Diligent about dust/mess containment. remodel and restructure your home with replacement • In-house installation crews. windows and doors,” says Johnson. “Create beautiful • Installation visit from company owner. views for your home while protecting your family • Installation process evaluated and endorsed by Infinity against the harsh climate. Reduce heat, noise, and dust from Marvin. to improve privacy and comfort. Capstone Windows & Doors uses only the finest, superior, and high-end SUCCESS window replacement products for your home.” • The heat is gone! • Your window coverings will be used only for privacy. Capstone Windows & Doors offers Infinity by Marvin • Your home will be quieter. replacement windows and doors in Scottsdale and • Dust/allergens will be drastically reduced. Phoenix. Visit capstonephoenix.com or call 480-800• Your great views transitioned to amazing! 8444 to learn more.
Google’s #1 Rated Window and Door Company in Phoenix!
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Buy 2 Windows or Doors, get the 3rd
For J.D. Power 2019 award information, visit jdpower.com/awards ©2019 Marvin® Lumber and Cedar Co., LLC. All rights reserved. Part #19981956 60% OFF P L U S
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