Rent assistance available to those impacted by COVID-19

The Board of Commissioners recently allocated $1.5 million of Coronavirus relief funds to help Cobb tenants having difficulties making rent payments during the pandemic. Cobb’s Chief Magistrate Judge Brendan Murphy held an informational session in his courtroom to outline the program and to give information on qualifications for those who might need help.

June is National Safety Month

As Benjamin Franklin once said, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” The following tips can help you stay proactive about preventative health and may lead to a healthier you. Get the right amount of quality sleep It may sound cliché, but get some rest! Put on your coziest PJs and queue up something binge-worthy on Netflix. Take it from the late Henry S. Lodge, former professor of medicine at Columbia University: you need sleep, and even more so when you’re sick because rest helps your immune system fight off infections. Wash hands the right way Wash your hands thoroughly, properly, and often. Antibacterial and antifungal soaps will kill bacteria and fungus, as advertised, while handwashing for a full 20 seconds or more with soap and clean water will destroy the molecular lipid layer or membrane that bacteria and viruses need to survive and infect people. Soap molecules break the membrane and it dissolves. Then, soap traps small fragments of the virus or bacteria in little molecular bubbles, which can be washed away with water. Not all bacteria and viruses depend on a lipid layer to infect humans, but vigorous hand scrubbing and rinsing with water can knock most microbes off your skin. For this reason, proper handwashing is more effective at killing germs than alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Stay hydrated According to experts at Harvard Medical School, most people should drink four to six cups of water each day. If you’re sweating from exercise or heat, you may need more fluids to stay hydrated. Remember, all fluids count toward your daily intake—though water is usually the best choice. Water, decaf tea, and clear broth are some great ways to hydrate your body when you’re not feeling well. Avoid coffee, caffeinated soda or tea, and alcohol because they can lead to inflammation which hinders your body’s ability fight off sickness. *Initially published by Old Republic Home Warranty

Prep Your Home for Summer

The days are getting longer, and many of us are spending more time outside in our gardens and yards.Prepare both the interior and exterior of your home for summer with 

a few excellent "summerizing" tips to keep you comfortable all season long.

Get an air conditioning tuneup. Servicing your air conditioner at the start of the summer season can help you avoid costly repairs later when the heat gets extreme. Consider signing up for yearly maintenance with your preferred company to ensure your unit stays in tip-top working condition.

Consider a dehumidifier. Excess humidity can damage your valuables as well as the structure of your home. Consider obtaining a dehumidifier if your home tends to get steamy over the summer months. It will help remove excess water from the air, protecting your belongings and your home.

Service your chimney. If you have a chimney, summer is the best time to have it professionally maintained. Get a thorough cleaning done annually to avoid any interior damage that might send dirt or debris into your home.

Manage your trees. Trim any overhanging or dead tree branches before the summer thunderstorms start rolling in. Remove any lawn debris that accumulated throughout the fall and winter to make sure your yard is ready for summer gatherings.

Start pest control. Take practical measures to keep bugs and insects at bay, like removing any standing water (a favorite breeding ground for mosquitos) and fixing any leaky door seals or broken window screens. If you live in a particularly buggy environment, consider hiring a pest service to spray for unwanted insects.

Prep your windows. It's time to break open those windows and let the fresh air in! Before you do, give them a good washing, inside and out, to clear away winter's dust, dirt, and grime. Make sure your screens are properly installed to keep unwanted bugs outside if you intend to open your windows.

Check your outdoor water supply. Check your hoses, spigots, and other outdoor water sources for any leaks or damage before regular use. This is particularly important for areas that suffer freezing temperatures that could result in frozen, cracked pipes.

Complete a roof inspection. Climb up on your roof to check for any necessary repairs. While you're up there, take a peek in the gutters and downspouts to ensure they're clear and ready to handle summer rainstorms.

Sources: WhereDoYouDwell.com, Liberty Mutual