052021 SWB DIGITAL EDITION

electrical fires. While there’s a common
misconception that this technology
is unaffordable and hard
to find, the average cost to protect
a new 2,000-square-foot, fourbedroom
home is only $300, and
AFCI circuit breakers are available
at electrical supply houses, home
improvement stores and online, according
to NEMA.
Rooms where water is present,
like kitchens, bathrooms, laundry
rooms and outdoor areas, should
be equipped with dual-function
AFCI/GFCI circuit breakers. GFCI
stands for ground-fault circuit interrupters
and work with AFCI technology
to help prevent possible shock
and electrocution. If the home
doesn’t have this protection, be prepared
to ask the owner or builder
to make updates in accordance
with your state’s electrical and
building codes, or be ready to hire
a licensed electrical professional
to install these life- and propertysaving
devices once you move in.
A great online resource for more
information is www.afcisafety.org.
• Practice safety at home. A few
simple steps can be taken around
the house that will help protect your
home from electrical fires and keep
your family safe. Check to see that
lightbulbs are the correct wattages
and tightly in their sockets. Make
sure no furniture is placed on appliance
cords or up against pluggedin
receptacles. Protect valuable
electronics by installing surge-protective
devices and prevent circuitbreaker
tripping by not overloading
any circuit.
• Ask the right questions. Ask
the seller if they made any updates
to the home’s electrical
system. Be sure to find out if this
was a DIY project or if a licensed
electrician did the work under a
permit.
“During the often overwhelming
process of buying or building
a home, understanding a bit about
electrical safety can help ensure
you’re making a sound investment
and offer you greater peace of
mind,” Bryant said.
(StatePoint) ª
Southwest Orlando Home & Real Estate | May 2021 | 5
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To submit photos, email lauren@kearneypublishing.com
Send us your favorite photo — old or new — of you
and your dad. The best ones, as judged by our editorial
staff, will win your dad the coveted title of That's My Dad
Winner! Even if you don't win, your picture could appear
as an honorable mention in the Southwest Orlando
Bulletin. Don't delay! All photos must be received by May
26 for a chance to appear in our June 17 issue.
Be sure to include your name, address, phone number, email address, your
dad's name and your dad's neighborhood. Feel free to include any additional
information about the photo. You and your dad must reside in Southwest
Orlando. Professional photos will not be considered.
That’s My
DAD!
William Shakespeare once wrote,
“It is a wise father that knows his
own child.” When Southwest
fathers are not busy being
all-around superheroes for their
families, they are busy becoming
experts on their children. From
favorite toys to secret sayings,
good dads share a bond with
their children like no other. And
the fathers in Southwest Orlando
Bulletin’s milestone 27th annual
That’s My Dad! photo contest are
no exception.
This annual photo album,
dedicated to Southwest Orlando
dads, is one way to say thanks for
all the time spent on learning the
ins and outs of fatherhood, and to
show our local dads that they are
loved and appreciated every day.
The staff of the Southwest Orlando
Bulletin hopes all Southwest dads
had a wonderful Father’s Day!
JEWELS OF THE SEA —
Windermere Chase
dad Cori Britt treasures
son Max and
daughter Addie.
2020 Winner 2019 Winner