Start Spring Early with Indoor Gardening
(ARA) - Let’s face it — February, March and April can be gray and dreary months. You’re more than ready for spring to begin, but Mother Nature is on a different schedule. But you can jump start the season of growth early and bring it inside where you can enjoy it through those last moments of winter.
Stale, polluted air happens frequently when homes are closed up for the winter months. But houseplants help to lighten the mood and purify the air. A NASA study found that houseplants remove up to 87 percent of toxic indoor air inside a sealed chamber within 24 hours.
Start your spring season early by planting vegetables, herbs and flowers while winter is still in the air, so they’ll be primed for transplanting when the spring season actually arrives. You can watch the plants as they shoot their little green stems out of the fresh dirt, monitoring them as they grow larger and larger.
* Use loose potting soil to promote root growth. Outside, worms and insects tunnel through the dirt, naturally breaking it up to help plants spread their roots. To mimic their effect indoors, use potting soil mixed with peat moss, vermiculite and perlite to create a light texture that won’t compact after a couple of waterings.
* Keep the humidity level above 50 percent with a humidifier. Not only will your plants appreciate the extra moisture, but so will you. When the humidity drops below 50 percent, most plants suffer from water loss through their leaves, and it’s difficult to regain that water balance, even with frequent watering.
* Really bring spring inside your home with beautiful pots and decorating accents. Visit Montgomery Ward (www.Wards.com) to find unique gardening accents. A garden gate gives vines a place to climb and you can also use it to decorate your walls as a headboard or wall hanging. Imagine waking up in the morning to see the vine stems spiraling around the gate toward the window. Or search for elegant and decorative plant stands that match your decor, and bring to life a beautiful and scented herbal garden to spruce up your kitchen counters.
* Check the nutrient levels for your plants. Outdoor plants get nutrients reimbursed naturally, but indoor plants don’t have that luxury. Every time you water your indoor plants, you wash some of the fertilizer out of the soil. Not all plants like the same amount or kinds of fertilizer, so do a little research.
* Make sure the natural light is adequate. Some plants like direct sunlight and must be located near a south-facing window, while others prefer a few hours of indirect light. When plants don’t get the light they need, they start to appear very thin and frail. Also make sure as your plants begin to grow, that you rotate the pots so they grow straight, rather than bending unnaturally toward the source of light. If your house does not have enough natural light sourcing, artificial lights work as a good supplement.
* Take care of your plants when you leave home for more than a couple of days. You can always ask a neighbor to come in and make sure your plants get a good drink of water, or try the Oasis Plant Watering System available at Montgomery Ward (www.Wards.com ). Place drip lines in each of the plants, set the system for the number of days you’ll be gone and the gravity-fed system will irrigate your foliage twice a day. For plants that require more water, double up the drip lines, and enjoy your time away. When you return home, spring will await you inside.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
Make this a Garden Season to Enjoy
(ARA) - The catalogues are starting to pile up and the list of landscape improvements grows longer each day. Don’t let this overwhelm or discourage you. Instead spend a bit of time planning now for better results in your garden. You will be amazed how much fun you can have while achieving your landscape goals under budget and within your schedule.
Take some time to look through those catalogues. It is a great way to gather ideas and get some feedback from everyone who uses or enjoys the landscape. You might find if they are invited to help with the planning they might just help with weeding. And no one is too young.
“Break out the crayons, paper, pencils, ruler, old catalogues and make garden planning a family event,” says nationally known gardening expert and author Melinda Myers. “Younger children can glue pictures of their favorite plants on a piece of paper while older ones can do the measuring, sketch the garden and help with the planting diagram.” And if you are the sole gardener and caretaker, don’t worry. The same process works and you get to make all the decisions.
Once the family has had their input or you created your wish list of plants it is time to make sure your plan is realistic. Check to see if the plants selected will grow in the heat and cold of your region. Make sure they can also tolerate the soil, wind and moisture conditions. Matching the plant to the growing conditions means an attractive landscape and productive gardens with less work. Catalogues, your local Extension service and the Internet are great sources of information. This is great way to fight the winter blues.
Now it’s time to focus on the foundation of the garden, the soil under your feet. Preparing the soil with proper fertilization helps the plants you select grow and thrive. Start with a soil test to find out what type and how much fertilizer and soil amendments you need to add. The soil test results can save you time, money and insure you do the best for your plants and the environment. Over fertilizing wastes money, damages plants and can harm the environment.
While waiting for the results you can keep everyone involved with garden planning. Gather a cup of soil from your garden. Remove any sticks and stones and place it in a clean quart straight sided jar. Fill the jar 3/4 full and add a teaspoon of non-foaming detergent and shake. This is a great way to burn calories or use excess energy our young gardeners often have. Then allow the soil to settle.
You will begin to see layers of the different particles. Check the jar again in two days. The bottom layer is the heavier sand particles, followed by the medium sized silt and last the clay. This exercise will give you an idea of your soil structure. Compare what you found to the university lab results. “I have used this with young gardeners and it is amazing how excited they get about the soil in their garden. Even the more seasoned gardeners seem to enjoy this activity,” says Myers.
Now select a fertilizer suited to your plants. “I prefer low-nitrogen slow-release fertilizers like Milorganite,” says Melinda. “It is goof proof and safe for gardeners of all ages and experience to use. The organic source of nitrogen does not promote excess growth at the expense of flowers and helps to build stress tolerant plants. The non-leaching phosphorous is good for the environment and non-staining iron encourages a deep green color. Plus one product is good for all your gardening needs.”
Incorporate Milorganite into the soil before planting your flower and vegetable gardens as well as landscape plants. The slow release nitrogen won’t burn the developing roots or interfere with flowering.
Give flower and vegetable plants a mid season boost. The organic source of nitrogen in Milorganite will not burn heat and drought stressed plants. And be sure to water thoroughly and only as needed to keep your plants looking good throughout the season.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
Tips for Road Trips With Pets
(ARA) - Bringing the family pet along on a road trip may seem like a good idea – you don’t have to ask friends or family to look after your pet and you can avoid the costs and concerns that go with boarding and kennels. But traveling with pets in the car also brings special challenges that, fortunately, can be met with a bit of forethought and careful preparation of both the vehicle and pet.
According to information from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), which recently teamed with Subaru of America to produce a brochure on pet travel tips, bringing a pet along on a road trip simply involves adapting your routine to the road. All of the things you take into consideration at home – your pet’s health, happiness and safety – should be thoughtfully addressed when traveling with your pet.
Here are 10 helpful tips for road-tripping with pets from the AVMA and Subaru:
* If your pet is not accustomed to car travel, take it for a few short rides before your trip so it will feel confident that a car outing does not necessarily mean a trip to the veterinarian or an unpleasant destination.
* Cats should always be confined to a cage or in a cat carrier to allow them to feel secure and prevent them from crawling under your feet while you are driving.
* Dogs riding in a car should not ride in the passenger seat if it is equipped with an airbag, and should never be allowed to sit on the driver’s lap.
* See your automotive dealer for pet accessories designed specifically to fit your vehicle, such as compartment dividers that separate pets and cargo from the passenger area. Several automobile manufacturers, including Subaru, offer a dog guard/compartment divider that keeps pets safely in the rear cargo area of station wagons, “crossover” vehicles and SUVs.
* Pets should not be allowed to ride with their heads outside car windows. Particles of dirt or other debris can enter the eyes, ears, and nose, causing injury or infection.
* Give small portions of food and water. Plan to stop every two hours for exercise. Remember to include a leash with your pet’s traveling supplies.
* If your dog has a problem with carsickness, your veterinarian can prescribe medication that will help the dog feel comfortable during a long car trip.
* Pack a simple pet first-aid kit that includes assorted bandages, antiseptic cream, an anti-diarrheal medication that is safe for pets (ask your veterinarian to suggest a product), gauze squares, phone numbers for your veterinarian, and a 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital at your destination, as well as a national poison control hotline.
* In addition to a standard identification tag (which should be labeled with your name, home address, and phone number), your pet’s collar should include a travel tag with information on where you are staying while away from home. Should your pet become lost, this will allow you to be contacted locally.
* Perform a daily “health check” on your pet when away from home. In unfamiliar surroundings, your pet’s appetite, energy, and disposition may change. Watch for unusual discharges from the nose and eyes, excessive scratching or biting of any body part, abnormal elimination, or excessive water consumption. Visit a local veterinarian if you are concerned about any physical or behavioral changes.
As you can see, a little planning and a carefully prepared vehicle can make all the difference between a good time had by all and a road trip filled with regret.
To download a color copy of the AVMA/Subaru Traveling With Your Pet brochure, visit
http://www.avma.org/animal_health/brochures/traveling/traveling_brochure.pdf.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
ARA) – Disappearing plant species, endangered wildlife and adverse health effects for humans – all grab headlines whenever talk turns to the impact pollution has on our world. But pollution also affects production of pearls, the gem American pop culture has made an icon of exemplary womanhood.
From June Cleaver to Marge Simpson, a perfect strand of pearls has come to represent the essence of feminine perfection in American culture. The bestowing of an heirloom strand from mother to daughter is a treasured rite of passage in many families. Yet pollution’s effect on the mollusks that produce pearls may mean fewer pearls – and higher prices – in the future.
Pearl production and a pristine environment are tightly linked. Pearl-bearing mollusks are filter-feeders. To get their microscopic food, they filter as much as 106 gallons of seawater a day. Filter-feeding makes the mollusks extremely sensitive to pollutants in the water.
Pearl-bearing mollusks are also very sensitive to water temperature. Mollusks that produce pearls evolved over millions of years to live in very specific environments. Although those that live in temperate latitudes are accustomed to seasonal fluctuations in water temperature, an unusual rise in summer can kill them. Pearl-bearing mollusks that live in tropical latitudes can survive only within a very narrow range of water temperature. A small rise at any time of year can kill them.
People Can and Do Help
The mollusks’ sensitivity to temperature increases and pollutants make people who are dependent on the mollusks’ productivity acutely aware of environmental factors. Pearl farmers — people who grow cultured pearls — have a stake in mollusk health and productivity. That stake makes pearl farmers good stewards of the environment. If water pollution or temperature increases kill their mollusks, pearl farmers lose their livelihood.
Jewelmer, a pearl-farming company in the Philippines, has been especially active in promoting environmental preservation. The company has strongly lobbied the Philippine government to outlaw cyanide and dynamite fishing in the islands. Those fishing techniques produce big, easy catches, but they’re environmentally destructive, and they adversely affect the mollusks on the pearl farms.
“Jewelmer produces some of the finest golden South Sea cultured pearls,” says Jeremy Shepherd of PearlParadise.com, Inc., a leading online pearl-seller, “and the company has been among the most aggressive in protecting the pearl-farming environment.”
Forum for Pearl Lovers
www.Pearl-Guide.com is a pearl forum that has more than 3,000 members, many of whom contribute posts about pearls every day. Since pearls are the members’ passion and reason for participating in the forum, they are naturally concerned with pollution’s and global warming’s effects on pearl culture. Without protecting the delicate environment mollusks need to produce pearls, Pearl-Guide.com members and other pearl lovers around the world would lose their favorite gems.
With food prices rising, consumers could be hit hardest when crops like corn experience drought. Every step possible needs to be taken to conserve water.
(NewsUSA) - Crops are struggling, and lawns are turning brown. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, 36 states anticipate water shortages by 2013.
For the millions affected by drought, every drop makes a difference. Personal water consumption remains a serious issue -; the EPA states that the average American consumes the equivalent of 1,600 glasses of water a day. Extended dry spells impact consumers, who are now turning to smart products that save water without sacrificing performance. Here are some products that help conserve water:
- The Shark Steam Mop cleans a 1,000 square foot floor surface with one pint of water, compared to the four gallons used in mop-and-bucket cleaning, according to the company. By turning a small amount of water into powerful steam, the Shark Steam Mop outcleans other solutions, and because it does not use any chemicals, nothing needs to be diluted or rinsed like with traditional mopping -; saving gallons of water.
- The Energy Star-rated LG SteamWasher uses TrueSteam technology to enhance cleaning performance and conserves water usage by up to 97 percent.
- The ASKO Encore Dishwasher uses dramatically less water than hand-washing and other dishwashers. The dishwasher uses only four gallons of water per load. According to the American Water Works Association, most dishwashers use nine to 12 gallons, while hand-washing dishes consumes approximately 20 gallons.
- In general, 30 percent of water consumption goes down the toilet each year. Gerber’s Ultra Dual-Flush Toilet features a pressure-assist flushing system to save water. The toilet uses 1.1 and 1.6 gallons per flush, saving 12,000 gallons of water each year, according to its manufacturer.
The U.S. is expected to account for more than 10 percent of the world’s household water consumption by 2025, according to the 5th World Water Forum. As the situation escalates, consumers and manufacturers continue to reduce household usage with more efficient products.
(ARA) - It’s a home comfort emergency. Your air conditioning system breaks down in the middle of a heat wave, or your current heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) system sounds and feels like it’s on its last legs. When you need to replace your system quickly, what should you do?
The folks at American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning offer a list of things to consider when you need to replace your home comfort system in a hurry without getting worried.
Choose the right HVAC dealer.
The most important step is finding someone you can trust to provide expert advice and properly install your new system. When selecting the best professional dealer, ask friends and neighbors for a recommendation, check credentials through the Better Business Bureau and learn about the dealer’s credentials and services, including whether removal of old equipment is included. Some dealers also have North American Technician Excellence (NATE) certification, confirming the highest level of training for installation and service.
Get an in-home assessment.
Before any professional dealers can share a solution, they need to diagnose the situation and understand your family’s comfort needs. The dealer should conduct an in-home assessment to determine the right system that will deliver the greatest comfort and energy efficiency for your home. This includes asking questions about your lifestyle and comfort requirements, checking your insulation, ductwork and building materials, and measuring your windows and rooms.
Ask about a matched system.
In a matched system, indoor and outdoor units are integrated to give you the best comfort and efficiency. For example, the indoor unit — either a furnace or air handler — works in conjunction with the outside unit such as an air conditioner or heat pump. Matched systems are quieter, more reliable, more efficient and last longer to make the most of your investment.
Some matched systems also offer added convenience and comfort through built-in technology that allows all HVAC components to “communicate” with each other. For example, the American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning AccuLink system ensures all components are automatically and properly charged, configured and calibrated for sustained reliability, peak performance and energy efficiency. In addition, the AccuLink communicating system also provides homeowners with remote telephone access to their system, meaning they can adjust temperatures and control the system whether they are home or away.
Add an air filtration system.
If you have family members with allergies or asthma, or if you want to improve the indoor air quality in your home, consider adding an air filtration system to your furnace or air handler. Most systems have only a standard one-inch air filter that simply protects components from clogging. A whole-home air cleaner, like the American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning AccuClean, removes up to 99.98 percent of dust, pollen, bacteria and pet dander from your filtered air — making it 100 times more effective than a standard throwaway filter. In addition, it removes more than 99 percent of the influenza A virus from the filtered air your family breathes.
Ask about extended warranties and financing options.
Many dealers offer financing options that fit your budget. In addition, understand the limited warranties that come with your new equipment and how you may extend the warranty coverage on parts and labor to provide further peace of mind.
Plan ahead.
If your furnace, air handler, air conditioner or heat pump is eight years or older, it may make sense to replace them with more up-to-date models — before they break down. Recent increases in government efficiency ratings mean that the new systems may help you increase your family’s comfort while decreasing your home’s energy costs.
For more information on choosing an HVAC system or to find an American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning independent dealer near you, visit http://www.americanstandardair.com .
RALEIGH, N.C. — Trees Across Raleigh, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the City of Raleigh’s appearance, fostering greater community pride, and promoting economic development by planting trees throughout the city, will sponsor “Spring Day in the Park” in Pullen Park on Saturday, March 29th starting at 9 a.m.
Organizers explained that the city’s current drought condition precludes its annual tree-planting event. Instead, volunteers will spread mulch to help the park’s existing trees withstand the dry conditions. Trees Across Raleigh will provide tools, gloves and refreshments.
Now in its 11th year, Trees Across Raleigh began in 1997 after Hurricane Fran destroyed so many of the city’s trees. The first planting project took place along Glenwood Avenue near Five Points to plant Chinese elms, oaks, and crape myrtles along the median from the Wade Avenue interchange north to The Circle.
Since then, over 3500 volunteers have planted more than 7000 trees in public rights-of-way, medians, and parks at a value of over $930,000.
Read More:CarolinaNewsWire
ARA) – Regular auto maintenance is imperative to ensure your car is functioning at its best. While oil changes and seasonal preparation are important, one of the most critical parts of your car to maintain is also something that is often overlooked – the tires.
“The truth is that your driving experience is only as good as the tires on your car. And because your tires are the only thing that come between you and the road, it is important to get the right tires so you get the safest driving experience,” says Rick Brennan, executive at Kumho Tire USA.
High performance tires are a great option to help ensure your safety on the road. Most new cars come equipped with performance tires to match today’s more sophisticated handling packages — heavy-duty suspension systems, anti-lock braking systems, increased load-bearing potential and more. High performance tires not only accommodate driving at higher speeds but also perform more safely, especially in the most challenging conditions: slick, rainy roads; tight cornering; and quick stops. So although they cost a bit more, the tradeoff in increased safety is worth the investment.
“Even if you drive a luxury vehicle, performance tires can be beneficial. A high performance tire can deliver 2 percent better braking in a 60-to-zero situation. It appears to be a small number, but that equals about 5 to 6 feet difference, which could be the difference between an accident or not,” comments Brennan.
Why put off shopping for new tires when they are such a crucial part of your safety while driving? Here are the basics to get you started:
Load Index
Your current tire will have a size stamped on the sidewall. It will look something like: 215/55R16 93V. The “93″ is referred to as your load index followed by a single letter (V) identifying the tire’s speed rating. The load index is the indication of weight the tire can carry safely. It is dangerous to have a load index less than the number that is specified. If you have an improper load index, you could have a blowout.
Speed Rating
A common trade off for a higher speed rating is a less comfortable ride. For instance an “S” speed-rated tire will give a more comfortable ride compared to “H” speed-rated tire, but the “H” will function better at higher speeds. The ride comfort characteristics can be attributed to the tire’s overall stiffness. A tire capable of running at high speeds requires a more stiff construction in order to provide the necessary high speed stability and durability. A dealer will not sell you a lower speed rated tire than what is outlined in your vehicle’s manual. It is a liability and not considered safe.
High Performance Tires
In order to maximize tire handling, the high performance tread widths are wider than a typical tire. This allows maximum contact area with the road surface. The tread pattern incorporates larger tread blocks for increased stiffness that performs well on dry and wet surfaces. The stiffer construction helps when traveling at high speeds and enhances your handling abilities. High performance tires are made with different compounds that help them perform better on the road. High performance tires typically have a speed rating of “H” or higher.
One high performance tire perfect for luxury touring or sports sedans is the Kumho ECSTA LX Platinum. The tire features an asymmetrical tread design, three dimensional waffle sipes, a jointless nylon cap ply, and a 60,000-mile limited tread wear warranty. With exceptional mileage, outstanding ride comfort, low noise levels, exceptional snow traction and outstanding dry and wet handling, this tire was made to keep you safe on the road. For more information on tires visit http://www.EcstaPerformance.com .
Courtesy of ARAcontent
TORNADO*FLASHFLOODS*WINTERSTORM* HURRICANE*FIRE*HAZARDOUS*
MATERIALS SPILL,
The next time disaster strikes, you may not have much time
to act. Prepare now for a sudden emergency.
Learn how to protect yourself and cope with disaster by
planning ahead. This checklist will help you get started.
Discuss these ideas with your family, then prepare an emergency
plan. Post the plan where everyone will see it–on the
refrigerator or bulletin board.
For additional information about how to prepare for
hazards in your community, contact your local emergency
management or civil defense office and American Red Cross
chapter.
Emergency Checklist
Call Your Emergency Management Office or American Red Cross
Chapter
* Find out which disasters could occur in your area.
* Ask how to prepare for each disaster.
* Ask how you would be warned of an emergency.
* Learn your community’s evacuation routes.
* Ask about special assistance for elderly or disabled
persons.
Also…
* Ask your workplace about emergency plans.
* Learn about emergency plans for your children’s school or
day care center.
Create an Emergency Plan
* Meet with household members. Discuss with children the
dangers of fire, severe weather, earthquakes and other
emergencies.
* Discuss how to respond to each disaster that could occur.
* Discuss what to do about power outages and personal
injuries.
* Draw a floor plan of your home. Mark two escape routes
from each room.
* Learn how to turn off the water, gas and electricity at
main switches.
* Post emergency telephone numbers near telephones.
* Teach children how and when to call 911, police and fire.
* Instruct household members to mm on the radio for
emergency information.
* Pick one out-of-state and one local friend or relative for
family members to call if separated by disaster (it is
often easier to call out-of-state than within the affected
area).
* Teach children how to make long distance telephone calls.
* Pick two meeting places.
1) A place near your home in case of a fire.
2) A place outside your neighborhood in case you cannot
return home after a disaster.
* Take a basic first aid and CPR class.
* Keep family records in a water and fire-proof container.
Prepare a Disaster Supplies Kit
Assemble supplies you might need in an evacuation. Store
them in an easy-to-carry container such as a backpack or duffle
bag.
Include:
* A supply of water (one gallon per person per day). Store
water in sealed, unbreakable containers. Identify the
storage date and replace every six months.
* A supply of non-perishable packaged or canned food and a
non-electric can opener.
* A change of clothing, rain gear and sturdy shoes.
* Blankets or sleeping bags.
* A first aid kit and prescription medications.
* An extra pair of glasses.
* A battery-powered radio, flashlight and plenty of extra
batteries.
* Credit cards and cash.
* An extra set of car keys.
* A list of family physicians.
* A list of important family information; the style and
serial number of medical devices such as pacemakers.
* Special items for infants, elderly or disabled family
members.
Emergency Plan
Out-of-State Contact
Name__________________________________________________
City__________________________________________________
Telephone (Day)________________(Evening)______________
Local Contact
Name__________________________________________________
Telephone (Day)________________(Evening)______________
Nearest Relative
Name__________________________________________________
City__________________________________________________
Telephone (Day)________________(Evening)______________
Family Work Numbers
Father_________________________Mother_________________
Other_________________________________________________
Emergency Telephone Numbers
In a life threatening emergency, dial 911 or the local
emergency medical services system number.
Police Department_____________________________________
Fire Department_______________________________________
Hospital______________________________________________
Family Physicians
Name___________________________Telephone_______________
Name___________________________Telephone_______________
Name___________________________Telephone_______________
Reunion Locations
1. Right outside your home____________________________
______________________________________________________
2. Away from the neighborhood, in case you cannot
return home___________________________________________
______________________________________________________
Address_______________________________________________
Telephone_____________________________________________
Route to try first____________________________________
______________________________________________________
Escape Plan
In a fire or other emergency, you may need to evacuate
your house, apartment or mobile home on a moment’s notice. You
should be ready to get out fast.
Develop an escape plan by drawing a floor plan of your
residence. Using a black or blue pen, show the location of
doors, windows, stairways, and large furniture. Indicate the
location of emergency supplies (Disaster Supplies Kit), fire
extinguishers, smoke detectors, collapsible ladders, first aid
kits and utility shut off points. Next, use a colored pen to
draw a broken line charting at least two escape routes from
each room. Finally, mark a place outside of the home where
household members should meet in case of fire.
Be sure to include important points outside such as
garages, patios, stairways, elevators, driveways and porches.
If your home has more than two floors, use an additional sheet
of paper. Practice emergency evacuation drills with all
household members at least two times each year.
Example:
Home Hazard Hunt
In a disaster, ordinary items in the home can cause injury
and damage. Anything that can move, fall, break or cause a fire
is a potential hazard.
* Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas
connections.
* Fasten shelves securely.
* Place large, heavy objects on lower shelves.
* Hang pictures and minors away from beds.
* Brace overhead light fixtures.
* Secure water heater. Snap to wall studs.
* Repair cracks in ceilings or foundations.
* Store weed killers, pesticides and flammable products away
from heat sources.
* Place oily polishing rags or waste in covered metal cans.
* Clean and repair chimneys, flue pipes, vent connectors and
gas vents.
If You Need to Evacuate
* Listen to a battery powered radio for the location of
emergency shelters. Follow instructions of local
officials.
* Wear protective clothing and sturdy shoes.
* Take your Disaster Supplies Kit.
* Lock your house.
* Use travel routes specified by local officials.
If you are sure you have time …
* Shut off water, gas and electricity, if instructed to do
so.
* Let others know when you left and where you are going.
* Make arrangements for pets. Animals may not be allowed in
public shelters.
Prepare an Emergency Car Kit
Include:
* Battery powered radio and extra batteries
* Flashlight and extra batteries
* Blanket
* Booster cables
* Fire extinguisher (5 lb, A-B-C type)
* First aid kit and manual
* Bottled water and non-perishable high energy foods such as
granola bars, raisins and peanut butter.
* Maps
* Shovel
* Tire repair kit and pump
* Flares
Fire Safety
* Plan two escape routes out of each room.
* Teach family members to stay low to the ground when
escaping from a fire.
* Teach family members never to open doors that are hot. In
a fire, feel the bottom of the door with the palm of your
hand. If it is hot, do not open the door. Find another way
out.
* Install smoke detectors. Clean and test smoke detectors
once a month. Change batteries at least once a year.
* Keep a whistle in each bedroom to awaken household members
in case of fire.
* Check electrical outlets. Do not overload outlets.
* Purchase a fire extinguisher (5 lb., A-B-C type).
* Have a collapsible ladder on each upper floor of your
house.
* Consider installing home sprinklers.
Add Your Link For Higher Page Rank: City5nc.com Link Directory
(ARA) - For busy folks who don’t have the time or the know-how to transform their outdoor space into a cozy garden room, outdoor structures like gazebos are a dream-come-true. Homeowners are turning to gazebos to transform their backyards into stylish outdoor living spaces, complete with indoor comforts.
Chet Beiler, owner of Amish Country Gazebos (www.amishgazebos.com), the nation’s leading retailer of custom-crafted gazebos, agrees. “People today want a covered retreat that adds distinction to their outdoor living areas,” says Beiler. “They are looking for a focal point for their landscape, a way to upgrade their current deck, a special spot next to the pool to get away from the hot summer sun.”
Gazebos have been a backyard staple for centuries. From ancient times, Egyptian and Roman gardens were a focal point of entertainment and leisurely activities. Today, these architecturally and aesthetically pleasing outdoor escapes are an extension of your living space — providing enjoyment and cool breezes on sultry summer days, a serene retreat, a relaxing nook to cuddle with a favorite book, and a charming yet functional room for entertaining.
Beiler says the first thing to consider before installing a gazebo is space and scale. “The larger your outdoor area, the bigger the gazebo you should install,” he says. “Decide if you want your gazebo to be a focal point in a corner of the yard, a poolside bungalow, or a great room with kitchen and dining areas. That will help you determine the best shape and size to suit your needs.”
These current gazebo trends help you achieve the look and function to fit your needs:
Eye-catching
When it comes to landscape design, a gazebo is the finishing touch as an accent or backdrop in any landscape. Select a spot that draws the eye to the gazebo and creates a focal point of interest.
When selecting a gazebo, try to keep a unifying theme such as the same color or style that is consistent with your home’s architectural design. Continue this theme by matching the roofing tiles with your home’s or consider using materials or a “motif” that connects the gazebo to the house: wrought iron ornamentation, a shell or pineapple motif, the use of slate, or native stone.
Poolside Paradise
Escape from the hot summer sun is just one of the many reasons people install gazebos. Poolside, they provide ample shade, a place for relaxing with the family, or to entertain friends. Add some curtains that can be pulled for privacy and you have an instant ‘changing room.’ Add a splash of color with gorgeous floral and plant arrangements, and your pool is transformed, rivaling the best resorts, in your mini “tropical paradise.”
Deck or Patio Enhancements
Adding a gazebo to an existing deck or patio is a great way to expand your living space without breaking your budget. Today’s new outdoor rooms are being used in traditional ways for living space or for dining and cooking, complete with kitchens, ceiling fans and mood lighting.
Today’s gazebos are great for multi-tasking spaces; serving as offices or recreation rooms by day- and intimate dining rooms at night. Trendy homeowners are wiring their gazebos for computers or flat screen televisions, or adding mega grills for entertaining.
The Great Room
The biggest trend in outdoor living is living large outdoors — literally. Outdoor rooms are clearly reflecting our indoor trends, with gazebos leading the way as the new “great room.” Homeowners are installing very large gazebos, such as 40-foot rectangular options, which offer enough living space for a kitchen with a grill and refrigerator, a table for eight, and a few oversized chairs. It’s the ultimate outdoor room with all the indoor comfort and style today’s homeowners demand.
To create your perfect gazebo, visit www.amishgazebos.com where you’ll find design ideas to build a virtual prototype. Select from an array of beautiful and functional designs and extra features. You can either build it yourself or have Amish Country Gazebos’ experienced craftsmen install it for you.
These gazebos are hand crafted by Amish carpenters and are available in either wood or maintenance-free vinyl. Starting at $1,695 they are a priceless investment with a life-time guarantee.
Order online or call (800) 700-1777 for a free 40-page idea book filled with photos of dozens of home gazebos in real backyards, design tips and a complete collection of gazebo styles and accents.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
