ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, October 27, 1996 TAG: 9610290023
SECTION: HOMES PAGE: D-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: FROM STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS
It's time to check out the chimney
With the arrival of fall, fireplaces are or will soon be glowing again. To be on the safe side, an inspection of the chimney may be in order.
AcO{REST}cording to the Chimney Safety Institute of America, a nonprofit foundation dedicated to public education, many flue fires are preventable. Both the institute and the National Fire Protection Association recommend yearly chimney inspections.
And while you're at it, you might want to add a carbon monoxide detector, which can warn you of potential poisoning after the deadly gas has already entered the living area.
An annual chimney check usually costs less than $100 and can deter the danger of fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. If you live in Roanoke, you can get your fireplace inspected for free. Call the Fire Department-EMS at 981-2050 to get on a list.
For more nforrnation on chimney safety, or a list of CSLA Certified Chimney Sweeps, write to CSIA, 1603l Industrial Drive, Suite 8, Gaithersburg, Md. 20877, or call (800) 536-0118. Or, visit the CSIA World Wide Web site at www.csia.org
How bad is it?
Got a really ugly couch?
Don't toss it just yet. You may be able to turn it into something pretty, like a new one.
Sure Fit, the slipcover manufacturer, is again conducting its "Ugly Couch Contest" and is offering $2,000 toward a new sofa to the winner.
Just send a color photograph of your ugly couch and a written explanation of what you'd like to cover it to: Lee Barry, Sure Fit, 58 W. 40th St., 2nd Floor, New York 10018.
Even if you don't win, Goodwill Industries will. Sure Fit will donate $1 to the charity for each entry received. Better get on the stick, though, the deadline is Thursday.
More Golden Khokhloma
Country Trade Connections, which last year introduced America to Golden Khokhloma, now has a catalog of products done in the 300-year-old Russian technique. Artisans in Russian still use the same process as their ancestors to hand paint every piece of Golden Khokhloma. Among the colorful and ornate pieces are candlesticks, bowls, dishes, spoons, cannister sets, vases and ladles. Call 1-800-839-0888.
A catalog for all
For the 98 million Americans who spent a total of $62 billion shopping from home last year, the Direct Marketing Association's all new Great Catalog Guide is a handy resource to help them locate the products and services they seek. Now, it is easier than ever for consumers to find their favorite catalogs and purchase the best products made, from hard-to-find gifts and gadgets to classic products for the home or wardrobe.
A full 75 percent larger than the previous edition, the Great Catalog Guide, Eighth Edition, features 350 catalogs, conveniently divided into 70 product categories. For each company, the Guide provides information about how to request a catalog, place an order or make an inquiry. It also gives a brief description of the products offered and special services available, such as express delivery, bridal or baby registry, personal shoppers, monogramming and gift services.
To receive a copy of the Great Catalog Guide, Eighth Edition, send a $3 check or money order to: Great Catalog Guide, Direct Marketing Association, 1111 19th St. N.W., Suite 1100, Washington, D.C. 20036-3603.
What's new for you
IntelliTimer - a light switch with a built-in self-programming security timer. IntelliTimer automatically memorizes your daily patterns of turning lights on and off. Just hold down the switch for three seconds before you leave for an evening, a weekend or a vacation, and the unit automatically turns lights on and off according to your usual pattern. Available at Home Depot or direct from Austin Innovations at 512-339-6765.
Three-piece shower - cast acrylic sections that snap together. Easy for do-it-yourselfers to put this one in and a dream for those who need to replace an existing one-piece unit. For more information, call 1-800-253-8881.
LENGTH: Medium: 82 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: color.by CNB