Jun. 4, 2007 - News you can use

June Highlights

1. Summer Travel Resources

Before you plan your summer getaway, visit the Travel, Transportation, and Recreation page.

Whether you’re taking a road trip, seeing the country by train, or flying overseas, you’ll find valuable resources, including:

• Where to find the cheapest gas prices
• Airport status
• Currency exchange rates
• Maps and road conditions
• NJ Tourism

For other state-specific tourism sites, check out the State Travel and Tourism page.

 2. Home Safety Month – Is Your Home Safe?

Did you know that approximately 20,000 Americans die each year from unintended accidents in their homes and more than 20 million seek medical treatment for home injuries? The home is the second most common location for accidental fatal injuries in the U.S. (autos rank first).

During Home Safety Month, take a few minutes to run a quick home safety checklist. A few tips for staying safe in your home include:

• Using night lights near stairs and in hallways
• Installing grab bars and non-slip mats in the bathroom
• Setting your water heater at 120 degrees or less
• Installing smoke alarms near bedrooms and testing them monthly
• Locking up poisonous items

  3. Father’s Day – June 17

Americans celebrate fathers on Sunday, June 17! Visit the Father’s Day page to find:

• Facts about Father’s Day
• Fun activities for girls and dads
• A look at father and son presidents
• Prescription drug help for dads
• Information about outdoor recreation
• And more!

To find some gift ideas for Father’s Day, check out shopping pages.

 4. Homeownership Month – Nine-Step Homebuying Guide

National Homeownership Month—celebrated in June—is a time to encourage more Americans to consider the benefits of owning their own home.

Visit the link to Buying a Home for guidance on taking this important step. At a glance, check out HUD’s nine homebuying steps:

   1. Figure out how much you can afford
   2. Know your rights
   3. Shop for a loan
   4. Learn about homebuying programs
   5. Shop for a home
   6. Make an offer
   7. Get a home inspection
   8. Shop for homeowners insurance
   9. Sign papers

5. Flag Day – 230th Anniversary of the Stars and Stripes

Flag Day celebrates the American flag, which dates to June 14, 1777. The first national recognition of Flag Day occurred on June 14, 1877, but Congress didn’t make the observance permanent until 1949. June 14 is designated as the national observance of Flag Day.

Visit Flag Facts to learn about the flag’s history; get information on the proper way to present, fold, and care for the flag; and find out how to obtain a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol.