At Occano, the Sound is a gift we unwrap day after day—and share with the ones we love most. And we look forward to sharing it with you.

Most homes have clothes dryers. Many people do not realize that clothes dryers are a major cause of fires each year. There is a clothes dryer fire every 35 minutes in the United States. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that there are over 17,000 dryer fires causing over $75 million in damages in the United States each year. A large number of these fires occur when lint builds up in the filter or in the exhaust duct. This excessive accumulation of lint can block the flow of air and the resulting heat build-up can cause a fire. Many… Read More »

We understand that you place a high priority on your family’s safety, but have you considered their electrical safety? Your home has enough electricity flowing through it to electrocute someone and kill them. Applying a few basic precautions to your cords and plugs, outlets, and circuit breakers may help you avoid injuries or house fires. #1 Plugs & Cords Every electrical appliance has a cord, and since we frequently use them, we frequently overlook any wear and tear that could endanger the safety of your family and home. Make it a habit to check the cords and plugs on every… Read More »

Is your dishwasher in danger of catching fire? Do the outdoor lighting fixtures on your home pose a shock hazard? Will the peanut butter in your pantry send you to the hospital? Every year in the United States, countless products ranging from power tools to plush toys are recalled by manufacturers. In the first half of 2010, major recalls included several million vehicles and 43 over-the-counter children’s medicines. In December 2009, virtually every Roman blind and roller shade on the market was recalled due to strangulation hazards posed by their cords. To help consumers stay aware of unsafe, hazardous or… Read More »

National tell a joke day is observed on 16th August every year. This national tell a joke day has to be filled with laughter from the morning till night. The joke is not just an easy thing; it has to have humorous stories, and often it will end with a punchline; usually, best jokes will be short. You can try to deliver a good joke to your friends on this national tell a joke day, remember joke comes in many forms, so try your favorite one on this beautiful occasion. Timing and delivery are the two essential things for a… Read More »

International Day of Friendship was designated by the United Nations General Assembly (U.N.). On July 30, we step back and get thankful for these relationships worldwide, as they promote and encourage peace, happiness, and unity. The U.N. encourages governments, community groups, and other organizations to coordinate activities and events that celebrate the friendships that we keep close to us. Many events focus on reconciliation, bridging understanding and consensus, and finding comfort in those friendships that feel like home. It’s important to cultivate your friendships as well. Friendships: Enrich your life and improve your health What are the benefits of friendships? According… Read More »

Did you ever wonder how all of the geese that are congregating on the golf course are affecting the ecology of the ponds? How about the effect they may have on us or our animals? Considering each goose can produce 1 to 2 pounds of droppings each day, and a typical Canada goose may poop 28 times a day, it doesn’t look good for anyone. In fact, Geese are major contributors to Phosphorus and Nitrogen in ponds. These nutrients come directly from goose excrement and cause pond eutrophication. Pond eutrophication is a natural process that all bodies of water experience. It is… Read More »

When firing up your grills this summer, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reminds you to barbecue safely whether you use gas or charcoal. Gas Grills Liquid petroleum (LP) gas or propane, used in gas grills, is highly flammable. Each year about 30 people are injured as a result of gas grill fires and explosions. Many of these occur when consumers first use a grill that has been left idle for a period of time or just after refilling and reattaching the grill’s gas container. To reduce the risk of fire or explosion, consumers should routinely perform the following… Read More »

Most of us already know that a teaspoon of baking soda in the batter will make the muffins rise, but who knew that a pinch of it mixed with scrambled eggs will make them fluffier or added to water will make steamed vegetables stay green? Aside from cooking, however, everyone knows that an open box of baking soda in the fridge will absorb strong odors. But did you also know that baking soda in the bath water can relieve itchy skin caused by bug bites or poison ivy? And that pouring a cup of baking soda followed by a cup… Read More »

Many of us regularly recycle soda cans and water bottles, but did you know that many other food and beverage containers and household items also are recyclable? Take a look at the list below for some guidelines for what you can put into your community-provided recycling bin and what should be handled by a waste management professional. EVERYTHING isn’t recyclable. However, these six items are recyclable in most of NC: plastic bottles, jugs and jars; metal cans; paper; and cardboard. That’s it! That means all of those other plastic items (pouches, cups, to go containers, etc.) are trash! Most plastic… Read More »