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Jacob Eastlick

11 Camping Safety Tips

By Jacob Eastlick on July 28, 2020 0

Whether you’re headed out for just one night or for a week-long adventure, safety should always come first when you’re in the outdoors. Here are 11 camping safety tips every outdoor enthusiast should keep top of mind.

1 / 11

First Aid Kit safety tipsZERBOR/SHUTTERSTOCK

Bring a First Aid Kit

A basic first aid kit should have an antibacterial ointment, antiseptic wipes, some adhesive bandages, ibuprofen and some gauze pads. If you have a camper with a life-threatening allergy, include an EpiPen. Carry first aid supplies in a waterproof box or bag.

2 / 11

camping tents food coolerAVAVA/SHUTTERSTOCK

Keep Food Safe

Pack foods in tight, waterproof bags or containers and keep perishable food in an insulated cooler. Make sure raw meats are kept separate.

Here are 16 camping hacks, tips and tricks you’ll wish you knew earlier.

3 / 11

camping Boil Drinking WaterVALERY SHANIN/SHUTTERSTOCK

Boil Drinking Water

Except for boiling, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say few other water treatment methods are 100-percent effective in removing pathogens. Water should be brought to a rolling boil for one minute to kill all pathogens. Those in higher altitudes may need to boil water for three minutes. See the CDC’s Guide to Drinking Water Treatment and Sanitation for Backcountry and Travel Use.

4 / 11

hiking trailDUDAREV MIKHAIL/SHUTTERSTOCK

Be Safe on the Trail

When hiking, always wear sturdy shoes or boots and reflective gear. Never go alone and consider bringing flares, such as those in your car emergency kit, in case you become lost.

5 / 11

poison ivySTOCKPHOTOFAN1/SHUTTERSTOCK

Know Your Plants

No one wants to have a reaction to poison oak or poison ivy when on a camping trip. Learn to identify poisonous plants and consider putting an antihistamine in your first aid kit.

6 / 11

outdoor cooking campingVLADIMIR SALMAN/SHUTTERSTOCK

Protect Against Carbon Monoxide

Fuel-burning equipment, such as lanterns, gas stoves, heaters and grills should never be used inside an enclosed shelter, such as a tent or camper. Keep fuel-burning equipment at a safe distance away from flammable materials.

7 / 11

camping tent sleeping bagsCOLLIN QUINN LOMAX/SHUTTERSTOCK

Stay Warm

To protect against the cold, bring plenty of extra bedding and clothing. Be prepared for the cold and know the signs of hypothermia and frostbite. To help you stay dry, use a plastic ground cloth under your tent. Dress in layers, drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol.

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8 / 11

raccoon pestEDWIN BUTTER/SHUTTERSTOCK

Keep Pests Away

Avoid leaving food out that could attract pests, such as raccoons, bears and skunks. Safety tips for pets? If you bring your dog on the trip, keep him on a leash, make sure to check for ticks regularly and provide him with plenty of water and food.

9 / 11

hiking bug sprayDUDAREV MIKHAIL/SHUTTERSTOCK

Keep Bugs Away

To keep mosquitoes at bay, apply insect repellent that contains DEET. Wear long sleeves and pants to help keep ticks off skin, and check for ticks often. If found, remove the tick promptly.

10 / 11

camping camp fireSOLOVIOVA LIUDMYLA/SHUTTERSTOCK

Build a Safe Fire

Never build a fire under low trees or leave a burning fire unattended. Make sure there is no debris, such as garbage or dry leaves or grass, near the fire pit. If there is no designated fire pit, surround the fire area with rocks.

11 / 11

camping tent sunscreenMARIDAV/SHUTTERSTOCK

Protect Yourself from the Sun

The sun’s rays can reach you not just on clear days, but hazy or cloudy days as well. Wear sunscreen with at least SPF 15. Seek shade during midday hours and wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.

Posted by: Rachel Brougham, Family Handyman on March 20,2019

Stay Safe in Summer Sun

By Jacob Eastlick on June 25, 2020 0

Too much sun can cause skin cancer, but that doesn’t mean you have to hole up all summer. Build up your solar smarts and learn how to enjoy the light of day. Here’s how to stay healthy and protect your skin all summer long.

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Remember when a bright sun in a blue sky was a call to action? Swimming! Tennis! Lying on the grass! That was before we knew what slathering on baby oil and sizzling all day did to you. But now what to do with the fact that themost common type of cancer in the U.S. is skin cancer and most cases are associated with sun exposure? The short answer is, be smart about it.

“I try not to discourage outdoor activities,” says Casey Gallagher, dermatologist at Boulder Valley Center for Dermatology in Boulder, Colorado. “Instead, I tell my patients to always apply sunscreen to their face and hands every morning and plan outdoor activities for the early morning and evening as much as possible.”

And when that’s not possible, the truth is, there are many ways to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful UV rays — even while you’re enjoying its warmth and crucial vitamin D. “My attitude toward the sun is the same as raising kids — you do the best you can,” says David E. Bank, a dermatologist in Mt. Kisco, New York. “I don’t harangue patients if they get a little color and they were outside doing fun things. You have to view life as a whole.” With that in mind, here’s a guide to a safe, sunny summer.

Know your sun susceptibility.

You garden, you play outside with your kids, you picnic. All good things as long as you know your skin — and how it reacts to the sun. The fairer you are, the more at risk you are of getting burned. You’ll know this if you pass tan and go directly to burn and blister. “If you’re really fair, find the highest SPF number you can — like 45 or even 60,” says Michele S. Green, a New York City dermatologist.

And people with a personal or family history of skin cancer should use extreme caution — and cover up — when outdoors. “If you have a history of melanoma in your family, you’re at risk of getting it yourself,” says Vermen M. Verallo-Rowell, clinical and research dermatologist in San Francisco.

In fact, while most skin cancers are caused solely by sun exposure, having a parent or sibling who had melanoma (the deadliest kind) means you have a 50 percent greater chance of developing it, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. Regardless of family history, always keep an eye on your skin and see a dermatologist right away if you see any changes in moles or freckles. Many insurance policies will cover annual skin cancer screenings.

Play it smart.

When it comes to sunscreen, more is more.

Looking for a rule of thumb? Apply early and often. That means putting it on 20-30 minutes before you’re going to be in the sun.

If you’re outdoors: reapply every two hours or after you’ve been in water, whichever comes first. Use a broad-spectrum water-resistant UVA- and UVB-protecting sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 on all exposed skin. Or opt for a physical blocker with products that contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which form an invisible barrier against UV rays.

Don’t worry — the days of white-nosed lifeguards are over. Today these products go on like any other sunscreen.) You can also try longer-lasting sunblocks with Helioplex (found in some Neutrogena products) or Mexoryl (found in some L’Oréal or Kiehl’s products).

Both compounds preserve sunscreen’s UV-protecting abilities, although doctors say you still need to follow the same old reapplication rules. And regardless of which kind of sunblock you’re using, you need to lay it on thick — about as much as would fit in a shot glass or in the palm of a cupped hand.

What is vitamin D?

If you’re concerned that limiting your sun time will rob you of D, the vitamin du jour, don’t be. The sun-borne nutrient is key to keeping bones strong and may play a role in preventing heart disease and various forms of cancer, but it turns out 15 minutes of peak sun three times a week is all you need to help avoid a vitamin D deficiency. And unless you’re a champion applier, most of us don’t regularly use so much sunscreen that it blocks vitamin D synthesis.

If you’re still concerned, ask your physician to check your vitamin D levels next time she draws blood. Then, if you’re truly low on vitamin D, consider taking supplements (800 to 1,000 IUs is generally considered safe) or eating more vitamin D-enriched foods such as fortified breakfast cereals, milk, and eggs, as well as fatty fish like salmon and sardines.

Your UV risk can surprise you.

Frustrating but true: Window glass and clouds are no protection from UV rays. (And 80 percent of UV rays penetrate clouds.) That’s why you need sunscreen even if you’re just driving in a car or sitting at a desk near a window.

The UV index is an indication of how strong a given day’s UV rays are, and if it’s 3 or higher, protect yourself (find out your area’s daily index at epa.gov/sunwise/uvindex.html). “If you don’t see a long shadow from the sun, you need more protection — and it doesn’t matter if it’s cloudy or sunny,” says Karrie Fairbrother, R.N., spokeswoman for the Dermatology Nurses’ Association.

It’s never too late to start protecting your skin.

Even if you haven’t always applied yourself to sun protection, give yourself a break and get on it. “It’s never too late to protect your skin,” says Karrie Fairbrother, R.N., spokeswoman for the Dermatology Nurses’ Association. “The skin does repair itself some and it does rejuvenate.” So, while you won’t be able to erase your lifetime radiation exposure, you will see positive changes as you protect your skin more. Find ways to make it easy.

Shop for a moisturizer that contains SPF and you’ll save a step (but if you’re using two separate products, always apply your SPF first and then apply your moisturizer on top). Consider using makeup with SPF protection, including foundations and lipsticks.

Another tip: Store a tube of sunscreen and a hat with a brim in your car, in case you decide to take a spontaneous walk, suggests Casey Gallagher, dermatologist at Boulder Valley Center for Dermatology in Boulder, Colorado. And instead of dwelling on past sunburns or the fact that you forgot to apply sunscreen yesterday, get right back to your sunscreen regimen today.

 

 

by Better Homes & Gardens

7 Easy Ways to Save Water in the Summer

By Jacob Eastlick on June 25, 2020 0

The summer heat brings the need to use more water, whether it is watering your lawn and flowers or filling up the pool, overall use skyrockets in the summer months.

Here are 7 ways that you can save water, which will help the environment and your wallet!

1. Water at Night or in the Morning

Watering your lawn, flowers or garden is a must during the summer to keep your plants healthy and alive. However, it uses a lot to keep plants alive. While you don’t need to use less, it is important to use water smarter.

Watering and using sprinklers at night or in the morning is the best time of day to do it. Not only are these the coolest times of day, but they are also the times that will allow your plants to absorb as much as possible.

Midday is the hottest, and the water you spray will evaporate quickly because of the daytime heat. Cooler temperatures will allow for more time to soak into the soil.

Early and evening times are also the cheapest times of day when it comes to water usage, because they aren’t “peak usage” times, which will help keep your bill to a minimum.

2. Use the Dishwasher

This may seem like it doesn’t save anything, but dishwashers that are Energy Star certified are actually made to conserve water. This is much more efficient than washing each dish by hand because of the running sink. Washing dishes by hand can use up to 25 gallons, while using an Energy Star dishwasher uses as little as three gallons.

However, using the dishwasher only saves water if you run it when it is completely full. Running half loads will use more of it and cost energy, and will not save money or be efficient. Be sure to only run the dishwasher with full loads.

3. Go to the Carwash

Going to the carwash will save water because they recycle it. There are a lot of carshwashes that are cheap and quick, which will save time and money as well. In the long run, a five dollar car wash will probably cost you less than washing it at home and having your utility bill increase.

Washing your car at home can use up to 100 gallons if you do not have an automatic shut-off valve, and if you do it can still use 30 gallons in a 10-minute wash.

Commercial car washes recycle anywhere from 10% to 80% of runoff from the wash, so it is important to make sure that you are going to a carwash that does recycle.

This will keep your utility bill down, and also require less clean water usage, which is a win for you and the Earth!

4. Keep Filtered Water in the Fridge

Keeping water in the fridge will reduce the need to run the faucet waiting for it to get cold enough to drink.

Instead, keeping a large pitcher of filtered water in the fridge will keep it cold, easily accessible, and always ready for you to drink. It will also save you from buying single-use plastic bottles from the store because you can use it to fill reusable bottles when you’re on-the-go. Quick and easy!

5. Use a Rain Barrel

Using rain barrels is a great way to harvest runoff for gardens and other outdoor uses. Rain is free to collect and is great for watering gardens. It is easy toadd a rain barrel to your backyard, and can save many gallons over the course of the summer.

6. Keep Grass Longer

The next time you mow your lawn, raise the clippers up a level so that the grass is cut longer. You won’t notice much of a difference, and this will help your grass stay green.

When grass is cut too short, it requires more water to stay green. Keeping the grass longer will require less watering and keep your lawn looking green and healthy.

The lowest setting should almost never be used, because it requires the most watering in summer. It is recommended to set your mower to either the setting below the highest or at the one below that. The highest setting is best for extremely dry climates to prevent damage from over-clipping.

7. Use Public Pools or Waterparks

Public pools, rec-centers and water parks are a great way to cool off. They are also a great way to spend family time or meet people in your neighborhood.

 

 

by Home Advisor

Lightning safety tips

By Jacob Eastlick on June 9, 2020 0

A severe thunderstorm has many damaging and life-threatening perils, such as wind, hail, and lightning. Lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times a year. In fact, the Empire State Building gets struck on average 23 times per year. While most lightning occurs in the summer, people can be struck at any time of year.

In the United States, lightning kills 47 people per year and injures hundreds more. While I’ve never been struck by lightning, I’ve had a couple of close calls. My first encounter was as a young boy. My parents asked me to go out onto our deck to bring in the furniture cushions. I didn’t think too much about it until lightning struck our house while I was outside. It definitely was a bright flash of light. Obviously, I dropped the cushions and ran indoors as quickly as I could. While we didn’t know it at the time, the lightning ran through our house burning out all our electronic components. Unfortunately, that put an end to the flashing disco lights on our juke box.

My second encounter was as a young dad living in an apartment complex. My newborn infant was peacefully sleeping in her crib. I went to close her window blinds and suddenly lightning struck the ground outside her window. Shortly after, I smelled smoke coming from our garage. When I went to check it out, I realized the garage door opener was burned out. Luckily, it didn’t start a fire. When I talked to my neighbor the next day, I learned that as a result of the lightning strike, their cordless phone was melted to the base.

While I haven’t won the lottery, you can see from my encounters, lightning can strike anyplace at any time. Here are some lightning myths and safety tips to keep your family safe.

Myths

  1.  Lightning never strikes twice. While each storm produces different lightning strikes, an object can be struck more than once. An object’s size and location can make it an ideal target.
  2.  If I don’t see rain or dark clouds, I’m in the clear. Lightning can travel several miles from the center of a thunderstorm. Even if your skies are blue, if you can hear rumbles of thunder it may be wise to seek shelter.
  3.  Seeking shelter under a tree will keep me safe. While standing underneath a tree will keep you dry from the rain, or provide some protection against small hail, it won’t protect you from lightning. Being struck by lightning while underneath a tree is the second leading cause of lightning related deaths.
  4. Only tall objects get struck by lightning. Lightning can strike anywhere. However, tall pointy objects do have a better chance of being struck. But as you learned from my encounter above, it can hit the ground and disperse.
  5. Lightning can’t hurt me if I’m indoors. Staying in your home in an interior room during a storm offers you the best protection. However, if lightning strikes your home, it could run through cables, wires, plumbing, and electrical appliances.

Safety Tips

  1. Always keep an eye on the weather. Whether you’re taking a day trip or an extended vacation, always be aware of the weather. Not only will it help you pack appropriately, it can keep you and your family safe.Lightning safety tips
  2. Seek shelter. As I mentioned above, if you hear a rumble of thunder, it’s time to go indoors. Not only can lightning travel for miles, high wind, hail, and torrential downpours can also be dangerous. If you’re driving, consider pulling off the road and finding a safe location to take cover. If you must remain in your car, avoid touching metal or other surfaces that conduct electricity. Lastly, avoid seeking shelter in tents and pavilions as they don’t provide adequate protection.
  3. Turn off the water. Since lightning can travel through your home’s plumbing, it’s best to avoid using sinks, bathtubs, and other appliances that use water during a thunderstorm. You can take a shower or finish the dishes once the storm leaves your area.
  4. Don’t use your electronics or appliances. Avoid using anything that’s connected to an electrical outlet. This includes computers, gaming systems, and household appliances. Lightning can travel through your home’s wiring. Grab a book to read, or simply relax until the storm is over.
  5. Scatter. If you’re enjoying a family reunion and a storm quickly rolls in, scatter. Lightning can strike the ground and disperse causing injury. By moving apart, you can reduce the number of injuries to your family.
  6. Don’t forget about your pets. If your pet loves being outside, don’t forget about it as you scramble to close your windows. Dogs that are on metal runners or that are leashed are more susceptible to lightning strikes.
  7. Call 911. If your house is struck by lightning and you think a fire may have started, get your family to safety, and call 911 immediately. Don’t spend too much time investigating or trying to put it out yourself.
Sources:
https://www.protection1.com/resources/summer-storm-safety/
https://www.iii.org/article/lightning-safety-10-myths-and-the-facts
https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning

Topics: Weather

 

Posted by Scott Stueber on Jun 2, 2020 10:00:40 AM

Summer Safety Tips

By Jacob Eastlick on May 27, 2020 0

Beat the Heat

Anybody can be at risk for a heat-related illness. Follow these summer safety tips, like taking extra breaks and drinking lots of water.

Bug Safety

Mosquitoes can cause a number of illnesses, including Zika Virus and West Nile Virus. Learn what you can do to protect yourself at work and play.

Playgrounds

Emergency departments see more than 20,000 children ages 14 and younger for playground-related traumatic brain injury each year.

Fireworks

Summer is synonymous with barbecues, parades, fireworks displays – and plenty of visits to emergency rooms, especially during July.

Water Safety

Drowning caused 3,709 deaths in 2017. The younger the child, the greater the risk.

poolside.jpg

Bicycling

Bicyclists must take extra precautions when they ride. They often share the road with vehicles, but injuries can happen even on a bike path.

Skateboarding

Everyone falls, but there’s a right way to do it. In 2017, 98,486 people were treated in hospital emergency rooms after being injured skateboarding.

Boating

Most boating experiences are positive. But joyful times quickly can turn deadly if boaters are not vigilant about safety – at all times.

Pedestrian Safety

Cell phone distracted walking is a huge problem, and rarely are we more vulnerable than when walking, crossing streets and negotiating traffic.

 

How to Clean a Barbeque Grill in 15 Minutes

By Jacob Eastlick on May 27, 2020 0

STEP 1

Cleaning grates

Disconnect Propane and Soak Grates

Minutes 1 and 2: Make sure that all the dials are in the off position. While the grill is slightly warm, turn off and disconnect the propane tank. Wearing work gloves, remove the grates and the metal plates under them. Place in a bucket of hot water and regular dish soap.

STEP 2

Dirty Grill

Scrub the Under the Hood

Minutes 3 and 4: Loosely cover the heating elements with a big piece of foil to protect them. With the grill brush, scrub the underside of the hood. (That residue that looks like peeling paint is actually a harmless buildup of carbon from grease and smoke.)

STEP 3

Dirty Grill

Clean the Inside Walls

Minutes 5 through 8: Use the grill brush to scrub the inside walls above the elements. (Ash and debris will fall onto the foil.) Wipe the walls with a damp paper towel.

STEP 4

Scrub and Rinse Grates

Minutes 9 through 11: Take the grates and the drip pan out of the bucket. Lean them on a wall, scrub them with the grill brush then rinse with a hose spray.

STEP 5

Replace Innards

Minute 12:Toss the foil and wipe the elements with the grill brush. Replace metal plate and grates and drip pan. Reconnect the propane tank.

STEP 6

Clean Out the Cabinet

Minute 13: If your grill has a cabinet, sweep out any leaves or debris with a whisk broom.

STEP 7

Clean the Exterior

Minutes 14 and 15: Clean the exterior and the cabinet interior with stainless steel wipes.

 

Content provided by Hadyn Lazarow, landscape expert and regular contributor to Yard Attack. Visit his website, Garden By Design.

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