Quick Tips for Increased Security

Security is important to just about everyone. For commercial properties, however, it can be even more challenging at times. Whether you are an employee or business owner, keep these simple tips in mind to help ensure security for everyone.

• Always know your surroundings. If you have relocated your business or taken a new job, take a walk or drive around during the day and check out the area. Make a note of routes that might be safer to walk or drive. Also, make a mental note of normal parking routines and people that frequent the area.
• Get to know other business owners and employees. Find out where businesses are located and what's been going on in the area.
• Make sure that employees know what protocol is for working after hours or if the last one to leave. Always close doors and set the alarm.
  
• When going on vacation or a business trip, be prepared. Put lights on timers, cancel mail and newspaper delivery or arrange for it to be picked up. Make sure that employees are aware. Don't leave clues that you are away.
• Again, remember to set your security system!

To have a security system installed or monitored in your Tulsa, OK area business, contact Tory Tipp of TNT Security Services at 918-313-4074 or www.tntsecurityservices.com.

How New Lead-Based Paint Law Affects You!

There is a new lead-based paint law that has been issued by the Environmental Protection Agency. The new law, the Toxic Substance Control Act, requires that companies must be certified by the EPA and workers must also be certified to remove or do activities that might disturb lead-based paint. These activities usually include renovation, repair, and painting done in or near areas that have lead-based paint (properties that were built before 1978). This law comes with heavy penalties as well, up to $37,500 per violation, per day. Not only can the contractor be fined, but Realtors and Brokers can be fined as well. Read on for a little more information about lead-based paint.

Lead-based paint was used in construction prior to 1978. Lead can cause a multitude of health problems for both children and adults which include:

• reproductive problems
• high blood pressure
• hearing issues (children)
  
• nerve disorders
• memory and concentration problems
• muscle and joint paint
• headaches (especially in children)
• brain and nervous system damage (children)
• hyperactivity and other behavioral and learning problems (children)

Lead can enter our systems by putting things in our mouth that have lead on them, eatting dirt or paint chips that can contain lead. breathing in dust during renovations. For children, lead is especially dangerous because they often put everything in their mouths . their bodies absorb more lead, they are more sensitive to the effects of lead.


For more information about the new lead-based paint law or for lead-based paint removal from a certified contractor in the Tulsa, OK area, call Jonathon Knapp of Residential Repair at 918-621-1020 or www.residentialrepairinc.com.

For a complete article on the new lead-based paint law, visit www.darrylbaskin.com.

Things to Consider When Building!

When building a new property, there are so many decisions to make, from the location and builder, to which carpet and paint to choose. Keep these tips in mind when you decide to build.

• Location- Work with your Realtor when purchasing land and building to make sure that the location you desire will fit your budget as well as the style and size you want in your building. Don't find out after purchasing that you can't do what you want or that the market won't handle your specific plans.
• Building- Select your builder carefully! Ask for recommendations from your Realtor. After all, they work with builders everyday. Ask builders for referrals and contact them. Ask plenty of questions and don't be afraid to get more than one quote.
• Products- Once you have purchased land, selected a builder, and begun the building process, there will be many products to choose. Ask about your options and shop around in advance to make sure that you get what you want at the price you want. When selecting roofing products and styles- keep in mind your budget, style, and the weather in your area. Remember that by using certain materials, you can decrease your energy costs. When selecting flooring products- remember to check wear, stain resistance, and even product type (such as carpet, tile, or hardwood).
  
• Mortgage Options- Check with your mortgage company to find out what mortgage options are available to you. Make sure that you know the down-payment requirements for the option you choose.
  

Want more information? Contact these professionals for all your Tulsa, OK area maintenance needs and more:

Building in the Tulsa, OK area- Rick Oberlender of US Building Systems at 918-734-1293 or usbs@att.net

Tulsa, OK Mortgages- Steve Currington, Currington Mortgage at 918-810-0092 or www.curringtonmortgage.com.

Roofing in the Tulsa, OK. area- Judy Smith of A-Best Roofing at 918-587-1426 or www.abestroofing.com.

Flooring Products- Jim Ecrette at ProSource Wholesale Floorcoverings at 918-252-7711 or www.prosourcefloors.com. Don't forget to ask for Darryl Baskin's pricing discount!