With cold winter weather comes an increasing risk for chimney fires.

By KATU.com Staff and News Sources

PORTLAND, Ore. - Story Published: Dec 15, 2009 at 3:53 PM PST

With cold winter weather comes an increasing risk for chimney fires.

In the past few months, the McMinnville Fire Department alone has responded to a half dozen chimney fires, "most of which started due to a lack of proper maintenance," reports McMinnville Fire Marshal Eric McMullen.

The McMinnville Fire Department and the Chimney Safety Institute of America offer the following tips for preventing chimney fires and keeping carbon monoxide out of your home:

• Get an annual chimney check. Have chimneys inspected annually, and cleaned as necessary. This reduces the risk of fires and carbon monoxide poisonings due to creosote buildup or obstructions in the chimneys.
• Keep the roof clear. Keep tree branches and leaves at least 15 feet away from the top of the chimney.
• Install a chimney cap. This keeps debris and animals out of the chimney.
• Choose the right fuel. For burning firewood in wood stoves or fireplaces, choose well seasoned wood that has been split for a minimum of six months to one year and stored in a covered and elevated location. Never burn Christmas trees or treated wood in your fireplace or wood stove.
• Build it right. Place firewood or fire logs at the rear of the fireplace on a supporting grate. To start the fire, use kindling or a commercial firelighter. Never use flammable liquids.
• Keep the hearth area clear. Combustible material too close to the fireplace, or to a wood stove, could easily catch fire. Keep furniture at least 36 inches away from the hearth.
• Use a fireplace screen. Use metal mesh or a screen in front of the fireplace to catch flying sparks that could ignite or burn holes in the carpet or flooring.
• Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Supervise children and pets closely around wood stoves and fireplaces.

McMullen recommends that open masonry fireplaces should be cleaned as soon as the soot is 1/4 of an inch thick. Brick fireplaces should be cleaned even sooner if the soot forms a glossy, rock-like substance known as glaze.

McMullen said factory-built fireplaces should be cleaned "when any appreciable buildup occurs." Even the smallest level, he said, "is considered to be enough fuel buildup to cause a chimney fire capable of damaging the chimney or spreading to the home."

27 Ways to Clean with Baking Soda

Lots of green cleaning power in a little orange box
by Noël-Marie Taylor

here are many non-poisonous products that can be used for basic household cleaning. Next to vinegar, the most useful of these is baking soda.

Like vinegar, baking soda has three major things going for it as a cleanser:

• It's non-toxic. Sure, eaten in large amounts it might make you feel unpleasant, but it's not poisonous.
• It's multi-purpose. The suggestions in this article are only a few of the many ways that baking soda can be used as a household cleanser.
• Best of all, it's CHEAP! The cost of baking soda (especially when purchased in several pound large boxes) is far less than that of any other, specialized cleaning agent.

Baking soda (or bicarbonate of soda, as it is also known) is a naturally occurring material, present in most organic life forms. It can be "made" from sodium carbonate, or soda ash. The soda ash is dissolved in a carbon dioxide rich solution, and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) precipitates out.

As its name suggests, baking soda can be used for cooking. It can also be used medicinally, and, as we will discuss in this article, for cleaning.

In the kitchen
The kitchen is the most likely place to find baking soda. Don't stop with using it for baking, though!

1. A box or small bowl of baking soda in the refrigerator, freezer, or any cupboard will keep away unpleasant odors.

2. Similarly, baking soda will keep away garbage odors; sprinkle the bottom of the pail, and then sprinkle again after you put a new bag in.

3. Grease fires can be put out by sprinkling them with baking soda.

4. To clean surfaces, sprinkle baking soda on a damp cloth. Wipe, then rinse with clean water.

5. To remove stale smells from food containers, rinse out with hot water and baking soda. If the smell persists, let the container soak overnight in the baking soda and water mixture.

6. To clean silver, use a paste of 3 parts baking soda to one part water. Rub the paste onto each item, then rinse with warm water and dry with a soft cloth.

7. To remove scuff marks or grease spills from the floor, sprinkle with baking soda and then wipe with a warm, damp cloth. This is even safe for no-wax floors!

8. For burnt-on food in the bottom of pots, sprinkle with baking soda, then add hot water. Let soak overnight; the dried on food will come loose much more easily.

In the Bathroom

9.To remove stubborn stains from most surfaces, use a baking soda paste (3 parts baking soda, one part water). Apply, let stand, then scrub or wipe clean.

10. Hairbrushes and combs can be cleaned in a baking soda solution.

11. To avoid clogged drains, pour 1/4 cup baking soda down weekly. Rinse through with hot water.

All Around the House

12. To remove scents from a carpet, sprinkle with baking soda. Let stand for at least fifteen minutes, then vacuum. Repeat as needed.

13. If there is a smoker in the house, put baking soda in the bottom of each ashtray to keep away some of the stale smoke smell.

14. Baking soda in the litterbox will help prevent odors.

15. To quickly clean pets and remove "wet dog" odor, sprinkle with baking soda and brush out their fur.

16. To help remove spills, blot as much as possible. Then clean as you normally would. When finished, sprinkle with baking soda. Vacuum. This will decrease the chance that some of the spilled item will remain in the carpet and cause unpleasant odors later.

17. Children's toys can be cleaned using 1/4 cup baking soda in 1 quart warm water. Submerge in this mixture (or wipe with a cloth dampened in it), then rinse with clear water.

In the Laundry

18. Replace half of each measure of laundry detergent with baking soda to keep clothing fresh.

19. To remove grease stains, either add baking soda to the wash load or pretreat the stains with a baking soda paste.

20. Pretreat diapers in their pail with baking soda. This will keep odors from becoming overpowering between washings.

21. Baking soda increases the effectiveness of chlorine bleach. Add 1 / 2 cup to your laundry, along with the usual amount of bleach.

22. If you keep a laundry hamper, add some baking soda every day to keep the hamper from smelling between emptyings.

Outside the House (Yard and Garage)

23. Baking soda can be used to help clean up grease spills.

24. To remove burnt food from the grill, sprinkle with baking soda, then soak. After several hours, the charred pieces will come loose easily.

25. Lawn furniture can be easily cleaned with a rinse of 1/4 cup baking soda in 1 quart warm water.

26. The children's pool can be cleaned and have mildew removed by washing with baking soda in warm water.

27. Before packing away your camping gear after a trip, sprinkle with baking soda.

If you really get into using baking soda for cleaning, consider buying it in bulk; see if you can join a co-op or if your local natural foods or bulk store can order it for you. After all, it doesn't spoil, and the uses for baking soda are nearly endless!

---

Noël-Marie Taylor is a freelance writer located in Columbia, Maryland. Her work has appeared in many magazines, including PC Magazine and The Mother Is Me. A stay-at-home mom to two children, she is also the designer of several cross-stitch kits for children.

Pop the Bubble Wrap Game

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Water Exposure on Electronic & Mechanical Equipment - Emergency Tips and Indicators of Water Damage.

While the damages associated with water exposure to energized electronics are well known and generally obvious when encountered, the effects of passive water exposures and residues left behind are commonly unknown or unnoticed by those without extensive experience or training. It is a popular misconception that electronic equipment exposed to water is permanently damaged. In general, water exposure to electronic or mechanical equipment that was not energized can usually be restored to “pre-incident” condition by employing industry-standard restoration techniques. In many incidents, even equipment that has been totally submerged can be restored. However, in every case of water exposure to equipment assets, TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE - immediate countermeasures must be initiated to minimize the progressive damages associated with water exposure.

Unless the incident occurred in a laboratory environment, very few water exposure incidents involve pure water. Almost all sources of water contain contamination that is commonly deposited on exposed surface areas – especially when the water passes through building materials. Many of the residual contaminates are potentially damaging to critical components and unprotected surfaces. While theoretically, the water’s ionic content, acidity, suspended solids and organic content could be analyzed to determine the corrosive and/or conductive potential of possible residues, it is generally not necessary or even practical to do so. At minimum, however, the residual contamination introduced by the water should be tested to determine whether the deposits appear to be corrosive, conductive and/or abrasive. In addition, areas that have had standing water or moist/humid conditions for an extended period of time (over 48 hours) must also be considered for the risk of mold and mildew spores – which is more of a health hazard than capacity to inflict damage to electronic components.

Ultimately, equipment assets exposed to water must be inspected by a qualified person to determine whether moisture has entered electronic or electrical enclosures susceptible to actual damage. If there are any indications of potential damage, the equipment should be professionally serviced prior to testing or re-commissioning. The following offers a basic structure and methodology to assess actual and potential damages to equipment assets exposed to water.

1. NEVER power-up or energize any equipment exposed to water - Permanent damage will likely occur! DO disconnect all power supplies (including Uninterruptible Power Supplies - UPS) IMMEDIATELY! Pay particular attention to equipment that has capacitors, which retain an electrical charge - some residual charges can be lethal.

2. Remove all accessible doors and cabinet panels to facilitate the drying process. Utilize fans to circulate air through the affected equipment. Hair dryers and/or electric heat guns may be used, but with extreme caution due to the possibility of introducing excessive temperatures.

3. Remove standing water from framework and chassis floor with the assistance of towels, sponges and wet/dry vacuums.

4. When possible, utilize blotting material (high absorbent/lint-free paper towels) to remove water from critical surface areas. If necessary, use compressed air (less than 50 psi) to facilitate water removal from inaccessible areas (working from top to bottom).

5. Equipment that was submerged or remains saturated and exhibits “dirty” water residues (mud/silt, debris, soot, etc.) should be flushed with clean water prior to drying to minimize damage and expedite the subsequent assessment/recovery efforts.

6. Wipe, or lightly spray, rust inhibiting oils to all exposed metal surfaces to prevent flash rusting. Avoid the use of oils or solutions containing silicone; while effective in displacement of moisture, silicone can cause problems with connectors and could interfere with subsequent refinishing of metal surfaces.

7. Use electronic-grade contact sprays containing lubricants on electrical connections and critical surface contact areas.

8. Never force mechanical fittings or switches/potentiometers that are stuck.

9. Considerations must be given to ALL the components in the electrical system (e.g., conductors, conduits, control boxes, connections in junction boxes, terminal strips/punch-down blocks, etc.).

10. If the affected equipment needs to be covered for protection after extracting the water, do NOT tightly wrap or enclose equipment with plastic. Ensure that the equipment receives adequate air circulation to prevent reintroduction of water via condensation buildup.

11. Either remove the equipment assets to a controlled environment or contain the ambient environment. The basic idea is to provide an environment for the equipment of about 70ºF and 40% RH.

12. Attempting to dry the equipment in-place requires specialized techniques to ensure complete drying and eliminate possible problems with residual moisture in insulators and contact surfaces. Likewise, equipment containing non-hermetically sealed (open) relays and transformers require specialized drying prior to application of power. Seek professional assistance.

13. Consider the use of high-volume air filtration units (“air scrubbers”) to combat the buildup of dust and debris that become airborne while drying the facility or during reconstruction. Residual debris may result in a loss of dielectric spacing within the equipment, and present a hazard upon applying power to the equipment.

14. If media materials (e.g., computer drives/tapes/diskettes) are exposed to water, do not dry or wipe. Place the affected media in a sealed container and seek professional assistance. Computer hard drives that are exposed to water must NOT be powered until addressed by a professional.

15. Abrasives such as steel wool or sandpaper should not be used to clean current-carrying parts of the equipment. These materials may remove plating or other conductive surfaces from the parts and may result in hazards when the equipment is re-energized.

Visual Effects of Water Exposure:

While the initial assessment reports ideally provide a reference map to identify the equipment assets actually exposed to water, detailed follow-up inspections are normally required to isolate and identify component-level exposures and possible damage. Many times, however, the follow-up inspections are initiated after the most obvious signs of water exposure are no longer present or are masked by other post-incident conditions. Accordingly, the following visual indicators of water exposure are offered to assist in the inspection process:

1. White salt and/or oxide deposits on interior metal Chassis or critical contact areas (especially at connection points of dissimilar metals).

2. Water stains and/or rusting on interior/exterior panels (use a flashlight at low angles to reveal possible water marks).

3. Linear concentrations (“tide lines” or unusual matting) of dust or debris.

4. Moisture inside meter housings and other electromechanical devices enclosed in transparent plastics/glass (e.g., low voltage relays, switches, timers, etc.).

5. Peeling and discoloration of adhesive attached paper labels, and/or smearing of ink.

6. Loose white surface oxide deposits on aluminum fixtures (a flashlight used at low angles is especially effective here).

7. Surface rusting on exposed unprotected metal surfaces (especially fasteners such as screws and threaded holes).

8. Abnormal resistance or friction on adjustable control units and manual switches.

General Equipment Recovery Notes:

Electronic Devices - Since the largest factor in determining whether electronics are actually damaged by water exposure is contingent on whether the unit was energized, the first priority in conducting an assessment is to identify the units that were energized (even if in “standby” mode) at the time of the incident. Seek specialized assistance with the units that were energized when exposed to water – it may be possible to obtain a general prognosis of the unit before investing additional time/expenses on subsequent recovery efforts. If appropriately preserved in a timely manner and processed in accordance with industry-standard restoration techniques, most electronic devices/equipment that not energized at the time of exposure to water are candidates for successful restoration by a qualified specialist.

Motors - Water exposed/submerged electrical motors are routinely refurbished by firms specializing in motor repairs. The process generally involves disassembling, cleaning (power washed), rinsing, bake out, re-assembling (generally replacing the bearings and brush holders, as required) and testing (verifying the required resistance readings on the windings). In general, the costs to restore small and fractional horsepower motors may approach or exceed actual replacement value and is thus not recommended.

Breakers - Most large capacity breakers (that were not energized when exposed) can be restored. Smaller capacity breakers (molded case types) that exhibit evidence of interior water intrusion are generally candidates for immediate replacement.

Surface oxidation of Metal Surfaces - While most surfaces that are reasonably protected (painted, plated, anodized, lubricated, etc.) will not exhibit surface oxidization (corrosion) from short durations of exposure to water, an exception to this rule is found in equipment that was electrically energized when exposed to water. Keep a close lookout for such tell-tale signs - this could indicate over-voltage damage to sensitive electronic components. Likewise, the possibilities of electrolytic and/or galvanic reactions are generally increased when energized equipment is exposed to water and could manifest in distinctive corrosive damage.

Electrical bus bars and switchgear - Unless the bus and switchgear were energized when exposed to water, the probability of recovery is high provided the affected equipment is reasonably preserved and treated following the incident. Removal of surface oxidation, corrosion protection of connections and re-lubrication is part of the restoration process.

Transformers - In general, many “dry type” transformers with insulated windings that are topically exposed to limited water (not submerged) are candidates for successful restoration. Similar to electric motors, resistive testing of the windings will indicate whether the units are sufficiently dried after servicing. Sealed “wet type” and cast resin transformers are generally not affected and only require a simple wipe-down of exterior surfaces.

Mechanical Assemblies - Gate Valves, sealed gauges, pumps, conduits/pipes, etc. are typically unaffected by exposure to water, other than requiring a general topical cleaning. External pump shaft bearings and seals are generally replaced if they are susceptible to causing internal rusting.

Michael Mies

President/CEO Technical Recovery Solutions

http://tinyurl.com/ycq5t2v

Dec 17, 2009 2:22:17 PM

"I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody."
-- Bill Cosby

The Lazy Environmentalist on a Budget

The Lazy Environmentalist on a Budget:
Save Money. Save Time. Save The Planet.
APRIL 2009

Josh Dorfman takes you inside the latest developments in green living to demonstrate how you can easily and affordably have your designer jeans and your planet too. From raising eco-conscious kids to greening your daily commute, Dorfman provides insights into the next wave of green innovation and the environmental solutions that will lighten your planetary impact and lower your expenses.

Discover new eco-trends and innovations such as how:

Chegg.com rents college textbooks to students for a fraction of the price and conserves trees

Recyclebank makes home recycling easy and profitable and keeps tons of trash out of landfills

SolarCity eliminates the upfront costs of residential solar panels so people can afford them

Swapstyle.com connects you with fashionistas around the world with designer goods to barter , so you don’t have to consume new goods and spend $$$ to look great

Babies ‘R Us offers the widest assortment of affordable, natural and organic baby products available anywhere

Cities such as Boston offer free WiFi on trains to boost public transportation ridership, reduce traffic congestion, and cut greenhouse gas emissions

In a time when many people are feeling financially restricted, The Lazy Environmentalist on a Budget is your guide to effortlessly saving the planet while keeping some extra cash in your pocket.

Read Articles Based on the Book:
Get paid to recycle! 15 green tips for the lazy - TODAYshow.com
10 Ways to Go Green, Get Healthy, Save Money - Fitness Magazine

What’s The Media Saying About The Book?
Saving Green By Going Green - Mountain Xpress
Book Review: The Lazy E on a Budget - Blogger News Network
It Makes Perfect Cents - ecofabulous
Lazy E Interview with Mr. Media - Blog Talk Radio