Ever wonder how powerful a fire extinguisher really is? Here are a few guidelines to follow and think about before reacting in a hot situation.
1. If you can’t blow it out, call the fire department!
2. If you can move the fire to an open area with a broom or long stick do so.
3. Never block your path way out from a fire.
4. If you smell a sign of smoke before exiting a room touch the door. If the door feels warm that could mean the fire is close on the other side. Never expose air to a fire that only creates a bigger flame.
5. Never trap a fire. When using a fire extinguisher; spray away from walls and corners. By not doing so you can create a higher flame by trapping the fire.
6. The 5 pound extinguisher’s life span, brand new is 13 to 15 seconds of spraying time. Life span is approximately 6 years. As time goes on the extinguisher ages as well. In an old extinguisher you have approximately 13 seconds. If you spray and miss the fire you lose 2 seconds, and if you experience low pressure you’re losing 3 seconds. In actuality there is only 8 seconds of full pressure usage.
7. The 3 pound extinguisher new is good for 8 to 12 seconds. An old extinguisher drops down to 8 seconds. Again if you spray and miss the fire you have lost 2 more seconds. Then of course low pressure equals a loss of 3 seconds. The total full pressure usage time is 3 seconds.
WHICH IS EXTREMELY UNSAFE, AND NOT A GOOD THING!
The most important thing to remember is to get out. Make sure to make a plan with your family. Even if you have teenagers make sure that they know where to go or what options they have.

You may have not known this but by working or playing outside can expose yourself and/or your children to getting Lyme disease. You can get Lyme disease by being bit by an infected tick.

You need to be most cautious during May, June, and July. On the positive side you don’t have to worry about this during cooler months.

Symptoms are: headache, fever, skin rash and fatigue. If you think you or someone you know might have this, you must get checked out as soon as possible because the pain can worsen and spread to the nervous system, joints and heart. If a tick hasn’t been attached to your skin for at least 24 hours your risk of Lyme disease is very small, if it has been longer than 24 hours, please look for symptoms or contact the call a nurse hotline. The following are ways to protect yourself:

1. Avoid woods, tall grass, bushes, and leaf litter. If you must work in these conditions, be sure to clear heavy brush this will reduce your risk of getting a tick. If you are in the woods or out in the country stay as close to a path as possible, so that you are not brushing up against bushes or tall grass.
2. Contact your local health department to find out where the high levels of tick infestation are.
3. Protect your body; wear long pants, long sleeve shirts and socks to cover as much skin as possible.
4. Tuck pant legs inside of boots to be sure that a tick cannot enter that way. If you’re going to be outside for a long period of time it is best to tape the area of where your sock and pant leg meet.
5. After working outside no matter how long you should always check clothing before going inside. It may be best to buy a repellent that can be used on clothing.
6. Wash clothing in hot water and then dry in high heat up to an hour at least, to kill any ticks that may have been overlooked.
7. Inspect all areas of your body not just the exposed skin. Check your armpits, scalp, ears or even private areas. Remove tick right away with tweezers.

Originally uploaded by tofu666

Now is the perfect time to get your grill fired up and ready for business. Utilize what household items you have to get the party started and finished.
Ever have trouble with your food sticking on your grill?
Try using an onion for assistance. There’s nothing to it and it’s a great way to add flavoring with out even trying to hard. All you have to do is cut the onion in half and then peel apart the onion and submerge onion like petals in vegetable oil. Once the vegetable oil has covered the onion, lay the onion pieces on top of the grill to coat the grill and prevent sticking. Onions are also great for cleaning the grill too.

Originally uploaded by Range Kleen

Tired of rushing around after work trying to get dinner started?
There is nothing worse than waiting for the water to start boiling when making pasta. Instead of waiting 15 minutes for the water to boil on its own try boiling some water in a tea kettle and then pouring the already hot water in with the pasta in a saucepan. This little trick cuts the cooking time to about half, and also is a great way to save energy. Range Kleen offers a great line of cookware. Why not take a look at Range Kleen’s cookware on the Range Kleen web page to view all stainless steel pots and pans and other accessories such as Range Kleen’s Tea Kettle and Pot Racks.

Originally uploaded by shzaknitter

7. Just like when you are driving know the road conditions, and be sure to allow yourself plenty of distance between your bike and the car in front of you, especially riding in rainy conditions. Always have both hands ready to use the brakes, to be able to stop quickly and safely.