Are lights on your dorm room checklist? They should be.

College dorm rooms are not known for their style and charm. They serve but one purpose for the budding student – a place to study and (occasionally) sleep. Equipped with little more than a bed and a desk, an empty dorm room requires some essential supplies. I’ve put together a list of several different types of lights — some fun and some functional — that need to make it on your back-to-school checklist.

The ever-popular rear bike light from REI that will at least make you more visible when cycling across campus at night, just not nearly as awesome as synchronized LED bike tires.

Shop for Dorm Room Lights

Power outages were something that we all thought were fun as kids. Any distraction from the normal routine was enough to excite us back then. Of course, looking back, our parents probably didn’t think that they were as much fun as we did, and with good cause. Power outages can be very disruptive, and can even create hazardous conditions in the home. If you own your own home now, you may want to consider the installation of a backup generator on your property. Backup generators in Boston, MA can help you to go about your business even when the power from the grid fails. Just remember that professional backup generator services are a must. Schedule your generator installation, repair, and maintenance with the professionals here at FB Electrical Services.

While very short power outages may not be that big of a deal for most people, the fact of the matter is that one can never be sure just how long any power outage can last. Some people keep a portable generator on hand, and these systems are capable of powering a few appliances or electronics that are plugged directly into the generator. This is fine for a quick fix or for recreational purposes. A backup generator, though, offers a level of performance that portable generators just aren’t on part with, though.

A backup generator is a permanent installation on your property, fueled by natural gas, diesel, or propane, generally. They are able to power whole systems throughout the house, depending upon the size and power of the generator. This means that, rather than running outside in a storm with an armful of extension cords, you can just fire up your generator and live as you normally would until the power from the grid comes back on. This is especially beneficial in any homes where medical equipment is in use, but everyone stands to benefit by having power continue to flow even when the electricity to your home cuts out.

Also, consider an automatic transfer switch for your generator. This may be an individual component, or you may purchase a generator with such a switch integrated directly into it. These switches are able to monitor the electricity in your home, and when the power goes out, they will start right up in order to minimize any disruption to your comfort or convenience. You won’t even have to leave the house to turn your generator on with such a system. To learn more about backup generators or to schedule professional generator services, just dial our number today.

By Hannah Haseloff

Candles can be a homeowner’s best friend, especially around the holidays. They can add style to a room, create mood lighting, and make a house smell delicious.  They are also useful to have during those emergency power outages and can help you find your way in the dark.  With the introduction of electric candles, candles are increasing in popularity. But what is the difference? Are electric candles safer than traditional ones? Which is better? Maybe our guide to electric candles can help you to decide for yourself!

One drawback to traditional candles is the fire hazard that comes with having an open flame. Knocking over a candle or placing flammable objects too close can have disastrous effects. Between 2007 and 2011, there were over 10,630 started by candles in the home. Although electric candles present much less of a fire hazard, they can still be dangerous. Small children can easily remove the button sized batteries from the candles and swallow them. It is a good idea to tape over the battery access panel and keep the candles out of reach.

Candles are great for setting mood lighting and traditional ceremonies. In an emergency, candles can be used as a source of light. Traditional candles produce more light than electric ones; however, electric candles still provide a good source of light.

Both electric and traditional candles can be used as a calming agent using aromatherapy.

Electric candles can be placed on a timer and can be set to turn on automatically.

One nice thing about electric candles is that they won’t melt or ever lose their shape. Traditional candles can create a mess when they melt or be rendered useless because of their distorted shape.

Electric candles not only have a variety of fragrances, but can also serve as an insect repellent. For people who love candles, but do not love the scent, unscented electric candles are also available.

One advantage of electric candles is that they come in more variety than traditional candles. Another advantage is that electric candles be placed in areas were traditional candles could not because of the fire hazard. For more candle styling tips, visit My Home Life Magazine Pinterest board.

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