Invest your tax refund in your home

Expecting a nice refund from Uncle Sam this year? Why not invest it in your home? Here are some worthwhile ways to spend your tax refund on simple home improvements.

·         Install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms on each level of your home. If you already have them, stock up on batteries so you’ll have fresh ones when the old ones wear out.

·         Hire an electrician to install ground-fault circuit interrupters in the bathroom, kitchen, laundry room and garage—and anywhere else you use water and electric appliances in the same room. GFCIs shut off the circuit when they detect a problem. That can prevent shocks and even electrocutions.

·         Buy a small fire extinguisher for your kitchen, and teach everyone in your family how to use it.

·         If you have kids, add safety latches and locks to the cabinets and drawers where you store medicine and cleaners.

·         Equip your water heater with an anti-scald device that will control the water’s temperature and prevent burns. This is especially important in homes with children and elderly residents.

·         Pick up some outlet covers to keep children’s little fingers out of your electrical outlets and protect them from shocks.