Make A Game For Kids To Play Using Trash

Build your golf course with trash.

Even before "Kick the Can" and "Paper Wad Basketball," trash entertained kids. Teach your children the fine art of reusing and recycling by creating entertaining games out of the trash that usually ends up in the refuse bin. Give your creative juices a jump-start. Create this miniature golf game for kids by using trash from start to finish.

Instructions

1. Create golf clubs from newspapers.

Build your golf clubs from trash. For each golf club, crumple several sheets of newspaper and form it into a 1-inch thick rectangle. Cover the newspaper with duct tape.Tape the covered newspaper to one end of the 2-foot dowel. Cut 4-inch long strips of newspaper and wrap them around the top of the dowel. Hold them in place with duct tape. Cover the entire golf club with tape by wrapping it around the dowel and the newspaper starting at the top of the dowel.

2. Make your ball by crumpling a half sheet of newspaper into a tight ball. Hold it in place with a rubber-band. Cut strips of newspaper and cover them with glue. Cover the crumpled up newspaper with the glue-laden strips of paper. Smooth the strips as you go. After the glue dries, paint the ball. Make one ball for each club.

3. Cut nine two-foot by six-foot strips from used indoor/outdoor carpet. On one end of each piece of carpet, cut round holes that will accommodate the golf balls. Make the course challenging by cutting "T" shapes or angles at the end where you cut the hole.

4. Remove the flaps from two empty 10-inch tall cardboard boxes. Cut holes in each box large enough to accommodate the golf balls. The holes form the mouths as you use paper mache (see Step 5) to create Easter Island figures on two of the boxes. Paint the figures light brown.

5. Make a bowlful of paper mache. Thoroughly mix 16 ounces of water with 16 ounces of flour and one tablespoon of salt. Cover strips of newspaper with the mixture and apply them to the box. Build it up to form the desired shapes. Let the newspaper dry between layers.

6. Cut the flaps from four more cardboard boxes. Decorate the boxes by gluing empty plastic containers on them. Cut one hole in each box. Vary the hole's location. Spray paint each box one solid color.

7. Remove the flaps from three more cardboard boxes. Cut openings shaped like doors in the boxes. Glue more empty boxes on top and create skyscrapers. Cover them with used gold or silver wrapping paper. Draw windows with a marker.

8. Lay the carpet out on flat ground. Create uneven surfaces by placing scrap wood under the carpet. Place the boxes over the holes in the carpet. Line up the hole and the opening on the box. Line the carpet with two-by-fours. Give all of the players a golf club and try out your new miniature golf game created with trash. (Check Resources for the rules of the game.)

Tags: cardboard boxes, flaps from, golf club, newspaper with, strips newspaper, accommodate golf

Can A Downspout Extend From A House And Patio Gutter

A downspout elbow piece can help direct water outward from the building.

Often made of rust-resistant aluminum or PVC, the gutter system on the house catches water off the roof and directs it to the ground through downspouts. Downspouts often occur at the corners of the house, although they may be placed in any low spot in the gutter system. At the base of the downspout, the tube chute curves outward to dispense the draining water away from the foundation. Homeowners may use a slanted concrete drip block to lay on the ground to direct the water away from the house or install an extension to channel the water several feet away from a patio, sidewalk or the building's foundation. Does this Spark an idea?

Importance

The main purpose of a gutter and downspout system on a building is to control the runoff of precipitation from the roof and efficiently direct the water away from the building foundation. Water that pools next to the foundation seeps downward and can infiltrate into the structure's basement. Saturated soil around the building's foundation or footings can destabilize the soil. Alternating cycles of wet to dry or liquid to freezing along the foundation can lead to structural shifting or cracking of underground construction materials. The downspout's elbow helps the water flow away from the building. An extension of this elbow ensures that the water flows onto soil well away from the foundation.

Options

Extending the downspout may be done through an additional long piece of aluminum or PVC downspout conduit. Alternatively, a long chute on the ground may be placed to guide water away from the building. When a patio, driveway or sidewalk is at the base of the building and an aboveground extension isn't practical because it becomes a hazard, an underground extension is possible. An underground downspout extension involves digging a PVC conduit under the surface material to move the water far from the building. The underground conduit may release water to the soil surface on slope or abruptly end underground, relying on the water to quickly soak into the soil to dissipate.

Insight

Extending the downspout aboveground may prove less expensive and more effective than underground options. With a elbow piece in place on the base of the downspout, you may add any length of extension to guide the water away from the building. Match downspout materials so that aluminum is used in tandem with aluminum and PVC with PVC downspout systems. Aluminum downspouts may be easier to manipulate to make pieces fit. A cut into the end of an aluminum downspout or elbow may be bent inward to allow two pieces to be wedged together. PVC pieces are rigid and not easily bent or joined together without sealant.

Extension Length

You may make the extension from the downspout any length desired. Prefabricated or cut extension pieces may only be 3 feet long. However, aluminum downspout pieces or PVC conduit is available in many diameters and lengths. The farther you can chute the water from the foundation, the better. The fewer connections or joints, the fewer locations for holes or mismatched joints to allow for leaks. Whatever length extension used, the spout end must be at a grade that shunts water away. Avoid too short an extension that causes expelled water to pool and flood an area next to the foundation or atop a driveway, patio or walkway.

Tags: away from, from building, water away, water away from, away from building, aluminum downspout, building foundation

Measure Rainfall With A Rain Gauge

Rain gauges measure rainfall fairly accurately.

Using a rain gauge is a common method for measuring the amount of rainfall that has occurred over a set period of time, generally one day. A rain gauge is a clear cylinder that catches rainwater as it falls, and it is marked with a measurement scale to facilitate easy reading. Rain gauges are often used by gardeners and homeowners to determine how much and how often to water their lawns and gardens.

Instructions

1. Clean and completely dry your rain gauge.

2. Place the rain gauge in an open area, away from buildings, trees or any other structure that might drip or funnel water into the gauge and create a false reading.

3. Check your rain gauge at approximately the same time every day. Hold the rain gauge at eye-level and make note of the amount of water present. Rain gauges are marked with a scale, normally in inches or millimeters, which will allow you to measure the water level.

4. Record the amount of water in your rain gauge daily and pour the water out. Make sure to empty the rain gauge completely before returning it to its original position.

Tags: rain gauge, your rain gauge, rain gauge, Rain gauges, your rain, amount water

Join Sections Of Metal Rain Gutters

Joining sections of metal rain gutters together is done with some common shop tools. The metal gutters can fit together by cutting part of the gutter with tin snips and fastening the gutters together with pop rivets. Silicone caulk will make the gutters watertight. Joining the sections of metal rain gutters together can take between 15 and 30 minutes per section. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Trim the top edges of one of the metal rain gutter sections back four inches from the end with a pair of tin snips. Place a bead of silicone caulk across the interior bottom and sides of the metal gutter that was trimmed back with a caulk gun about two inches from the end.

2. Slide a section of metal rain gutter into the rain gutter that has the silicone caulk up to where the top edges are trimmed back and fasten the metal pieces together with pop rivets and a pop rivet gun. Place two rivets on the bottom and two on each side of the metal gutters.

3. Place the silicone caulk over each pop rivet and place a bead of caulk along the inside edge of the metal gutter to make the gutter watertight.

4. Repeat Steps 1 through 3 for each additional metal rain gutter section.

Tags: gutters together, rain gutter, metal rain, metal rain gutter, gutter that, inches from, Joining sections

Make A Travel Trailer Rain Gutter

Travel trailers take a beating from the elements, rain included. If you want to avoid rainwater pouring down the side of your trailer from the roof, all you need to do is install gutters. It's important that you use materials for the gutters that won't leak, and that you affix them securely enough so they won't be torn from the trailer at 60 miles per hour. Plan carefully.

Instructions

1. Take the J channel, which is a small groove that's often installed around windows to help protect the seal, and measure a length of it for the left and right side of your trailer's roof. Cut the J channel to fit, and then remove the side of it on which you'll find nail holes. You won't be needing that side, and the holes will weaken the overall gutter.

2. Peel back the trim along the roof of your travel trailer, but be careful not to disturb the roofing aside from the trim. Place the J channel into the revealed section so that it forms a small, grooved gutter at the edge of the trailer's roof. Screw in the channel every 6 inches or so to hold it in place.

3. Block one end of the J channel to direct the flow. For example, if you want the water to flow toward the back of the trailer, then block the sections on the front. The water will flow toward the open side whether you're driving or sitting still, thus allowing you to keep the water from spilling over and down the sides of the trailer where it can leave a patina of streaks.

Tags: flow toward, side your, side your trailer, trailer roof, your trailer

Take Advantage Of Summer Rain

Summer rain can be collected and used for irrigation of flower gardens.

Summer rains can provide many useful advantages, such as irrigation of gardens and water collection and storage. The best residential rain collection system involves a large surface area, such as the roof on a house. A gutter system can collect most of the rain coming from the roof and direct it to multiple locations. Large storage barrel systems can be designed that will collect rain water for future use, such as watering gardens during dry spells. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Build the gutter system on a long roof with the downspout close to a garden or flower bed. Use the hammer and long gutter nails to secure the main gutter to the roof fascia board. The gutter should have a very slight slope toward the downspout to allow adequate water flow. The downspout should only be 2 feet long.

2. Place the barrel stand underneath the downspout. Place the barrel on the barrel stand so the downspout is pointed directly into the barrel.

3. Connect the garden hose to the garden hose connection on the barrel's drain valve. Ensure the drain valve is closed. After several heavy summer rain showers, the barrel should be sufficiently full.

4. Open the barrel drain valve and use the collected water to irrigate gardens and flower beds.

Tags: drain valve, barrel drain, barrel drain valve, barrel stand, garden hose, gutter system

Military Tent Thermal Methods Of Insulation

Thermal insulated tents save the military millions of dollars.

During their military careers, our service personnel may live in temporary tent structures anywhere from weeks to years. Historically, military tents were uncomfortably hot during warm weather and cold when temperatures dropped. The cost to regulate the interior temperature has been exorbitant until methods of thermal insulation were developed.

Construction

Insulating a military tent from extremes in exterior temperatures begins with the temporary structure's construction and design. The outer and innermost skins are weatherproofed canvas duck that does not sweat like high-tech plastic. The interior core of the tent material is a 7/8-inch-thick poly fiber core of insulation. The canvas is multiple stitched on stress points to avoid tears in the fabric. Heavy duty zippers and waterproofed flaps help keep the weather out.

Exterior Foam

The tent is further insulated with closed-cell spray polyurethane foam -- tent foaming. Once sprayed on, the foam hardens to create a barrier between the exterior temperature and the interior of the tent. It is the same method used for decades to insulate residential homes.

Benefits

Thermal insulation of military tents incurs significant energy savings. In 2009, during the Iraq war, 1,200 tents, the equivalent of 5.5 million square feet were coated with tent foam. The result was an energy savings of $2 million per day. It reduced the number of convoys needed to transport fuels for the generators. It lowered the interior of the tents from 92 degrees Fahrenheit to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, making living conditions more comfortable for the soldiers.

Tags: degrees Fahrenheit, energy savings, military tents

Barrel Full Of Monkeys Directions

Nothing is more fun than a barrel full of monkeys unless, of course, it's the game "Barrel of Monkeys." This classic from Hasbro, which dates back to 1966, is packaged in a small plastic barrel. Inside are 12 plastic monkeys with their arms in the perfect position to connect to each other. The goal is keep linking monkeys and make the longest chain possible. "Barrel of Monkeys" is recommended for children 3 and up.

Instructions

Multiple Players

1. Place all 12 monkeys in one-half of the barrel. Place the other half of the barrel on top of the first half.

2. Shake the barrel to mix the monkeys up and get the arms to hook up.

3. Open the barrel and toss the monkeys on a flat playing surface.

4. Grab one monkey by its arm and lift it. Use the other arm of that monkey to try to pick up a second monkey by the arm. Loop as many monkeys as possible this way to create a long chain. When a monkey falls, that player's turn is over.

5. Count the number of monkeys still hanging from the original one in your hand. Each monkey counts as one point. The first player to get 12 points wins.

Single Player

6. Place all the monkeys in the barrel and shake them. Toss the monkeys on the table.

7. Turn on a stopwatch.

8. Pick up one monkey by its arm and use the other arm to link a second monkey.

9. Stop the stopwatch when you have picked up all 12 monkeys. The goal from game to game is just to lower your time.

Tags: Barrel Monkeys, Place monkeys, second monkey

Get Rainwater From My Roof Onto My Garden

Homeowners can collect rainwater off their roof and use it to water the garden. Conserving water in this fashion is an eco-friendly alternative to using sprinklers or other irrigation systems in the garden. The easiest way to collect water from your roof is with a rain barrel, which is a large food-grade barrel that you set under the downspout of your roof gutters. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Set one rain barrel under the downspout of each of the gutters that line the edge of your roof. Set the barrels on a flat, even surface, so it will not spill as it fills. The spot should be higher in elevation than the garden, so you can use gravity to transfer the water to the garden. If it is not, set the barrel up on concrete blocks or a wooden crate.

2. Turn the rain barrel so the mesh-covered opening in the top sits directly underneath the downspout. As water pours off the roof and into the gutters, the downspout will direct the flow into the barrel.

3. Screw a garden hose into the spigot at the bottom of the rain barrel. Open the spigot when you are ready to water the garden. Gravity will push the water through the hose and out of the end. Water your garden according to the needs of the plants.

4. Screw a soaker hose into the spigot of the rain barrel, if you want continuous watering instead of periodic watering with a garden hose. A soaker hose has holes along its length and slowly releases water into the soil.

5. Lay the length of the soaker hose through the garden, next to the plants you want to water. Open the spigot of the rain barrel.

Tags: rain barrel, soaker hose, water garden, your roof, garden hose, hose into

Install A Water Drip System

Keep your plants watered with an efficient drip system.

Drip irrigation is the most efficient way to keep plants watered for two reasons: Water is used only where it is needed, and water leeches into the soil before it has a chance to evaporate. Before laying the drip system, check the guidelines governing the size and length of tubing and the types of emitters to use, and aways remember to use a check valve to prevent backflow into your home's drinking water. It is easy to connect a drip system to a battery-powered timer so that plants will be watered even when you are not home. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Run plastic piping from the water supply to the garden. Glue on a male adapter and then screw on a hose bib. The total length of this pipe and the 1/2-inch main drip supply lines cannot exceed 400 feet.

2. Connect the system components to the hose bib. Screw on a timer, followed by a check valve to prevent dirty water from being sucked back into your drinking water system. Screw on a pressure regulator, filter and a tubing adapter in preparation for running the main drip lines.

3. Snake 1/2-inch polyethylene tubing throughout the garden. Keep it aboveground and stake it every 3 feet or so. If you bury the line, it may get eaten by gophers.

4. Run lateral lines from this main line by punching holes in the tubing and snapping in barbed connectors for 1/4-inch lines. Run the 1/4-inch hose to the points of use. You can use tees to run more than one 1/4-inch line from each hole, but keep in mind that the total length of the tubing from each hole cannot be more than 200 feet. Stake these lateral lines at 3-foot intervals.

5. Snap drip emitters into the ends of the lateral lines and position them near the roots of the plants. Use two emitters spaced at least 18 inches apart per plant. The total number of emitters in the system should not exceed 180 if they emit one gallon per hour, and 300 if they emit half a gallon per hour.

6. Vent the line at the highest point to ensure all plants are equally watered if you're running drip lines down a slope. Install check at intervals in the main line going down a slope to prevent water from running out of the lowest emitter when the valve is shut off. Use pressure compensating emitters on the lower part of the slope.

7. Tie off the ends of the main line and any lateral lines that do not have emitters installed. The easiest way to do this is to fold the tube in half and secure it with cable ties, wire or electrical tape.

Tags: lateral lines, drip system, main line, check valve, check valve prevent, down slope

Treat Rain Water

Using rainwater to water your lawn can reduce your monthly water bill.

Rainwater can be collected in rain barrels and used without treatment for functions such as watering your lawn, washing your car, and washing your deck. It is important to treat rainwater before using it to drink, cook or wash anything in the kitchen or the rest of your home, as it may be contaminated by the time you use it. Rainwater can be treated using a variety of techniques in emergency situations, if you don't have access to tap or bottled water. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Strain the rain water through a coffee filter to remove any larger particles that are present in the water.

2. Boil the rain water in a large kettle or pot for at least two minutes to get rid of any microorganisms that are contaminating the water.

3. Oxygenate and cool the water by pouring it into another container, and then pouring it back into the original container a few times. Add 1/8 tsp. of unscented chlorine to every gallon of the water. Pour the water into bottles and store it for drinking once you have let it stand for a couple of hours and it has completely cooled down.

Tags: rain water, washing your, your lawn

Keep Rain Water From Stagnating

Rainwater can be collected for future use.

Rainwater can provide a supplemental water source by catching and storing it for later use. Rain barrels store rainwater captured from the roofs of buildings. Such systems offer benefits such as reducing your water bill and relieving pressure on wells or municipal water providers, but you must prevent rainwater from stagnating. Stagnant water, characterized by a murky appearance or a surface scum, a foul odor, overgrowth of algae and the decay of organic matter, is a breeding ground for disease and mosquitoes. Basic precautions can help keep your collected rainwater from stagnating. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Use your rainwater as often as possible to keep it from stagnating. Empty your barrel every 10 days, if possible, to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes, which takes about 10 days, if you cannot seal out mosquitoes.

2. Use a dark colored, food-grade barrel that is approved for liquids. Keep as much sunlight as possible off the barrel to prevent growth of algae or bacteria.

3. Cover your barrel with a tight-fitting top. Keep organic matter, such as leaves and twigs, out of the water by using a fine screen at the end of the downspout that feeds your barrel from your gutters to discourage decay of matter in the stored water.

4. Clean your gutters and roof regularly. Keep the catchment area for your rain barrel free of organic matter and debris.

5. Add to your barrel non-toxic mosquito dunks, which release a biological agent into the water that is toxic to mosquito larvae but safe to use on your garden, landscaping or even for watering animals.

6. Clean rain barrels regularly using vinegar, which will kill much of the contamination in the barrel but is not harmful to your garden or animals.

Tags: your barrel, from stagnating, organic matter, rainwater from, rainwater from stagnating, your garden, your gutters

Ways To Conserve Water In Texas

Attach rain barrels to your downspouts to conserve rainwater.

Conserving water in Texas is not unlike conserving water in any other part of the country that endures a prolonged dry season and hot summer. The key is a combination of reducing how much you use, and gathering as much as you can. By combining methods of reducing the amount of waste water leaving your home, including from storm runoff, you can conserve water and save money. Does this Spark an idea?

Rainwater

The first method you can use to conserve water in Texas is to not let any free water go to waste. During a heavy rainfall your roof can collect hundreds of gallons per hour of what is, for all intents and purposes, free water. Traditional gutter systems channel this water off the roof and away from the house to prevent flooding. You can still prevent flooding while conserving water by connecting a rain barrel to a few of your downspouts. Use this water for watering houseplants and general garden needs.

Well Water

Digging a well can be a great way to tap in to natural aquifers beneath your property. This is not feasible in all regions, and you should consult with local well-digging outfits as to the cost of having a well dug, but if the water table is within reach, a well can save you plenty. Opt for an expansion tank to hold water for use during dry periods.

Minor Household Adjustments

Minor household adjustments to water usage can make huge differences in Texas, just as anywhere else. Flushing toilets only for solids; using low-flow toilets, dishwashers and showers; and running water-using appliances such as washing machines only when they are full can drastically reduce overall water consumption.

Maintain and Cover Pools

If you have a swimming pool, cover it when it is not in use. Not only will this help keep your pool clean, it will help reduce evaporation. Also, periodically check your pumps for leaks and hoses for cracks. A small dripping leak in your pool pump or filter can cost you dozens of gallons per day.

Water More Often at Shorter Duration

In a hot climate such as Texas, watering your lawn and plants for less time several times during the day can help reduce the loss of water to evaporation and runoff. Instead of running your sprinkler for thirty minutes in the afternoon, opt for two periods of ten minutes each in the morning and evening when the sun is not directly overhead.

Tags: conserve water, free water, help reduce, prevent flooding, this water

Ways To Use Rain Water

Harvesting rainwater from the roof of your home will not only save you money but it will also reduce flow to nearby storm sewage systems. Utilizing rainwater may take a little effort on your part, but it could save thousands of gallons in purchased water. Some municipalities may offer rain barrels free of charge in order to conserve water. Check with your local water utility. Does this Spark an idea?

Cleaning

Dip a bucket of chemical free water from the rain barrel to mop floors inside the home. Clean outdoor lawn furniture in the same manner. Add some organic mild cleaner into the solution. That way when you are cleaning, you will not have to worry about injuring plants that are near the outdoor patio area. Attach a hose spigot into the bottom of the rain barrel. Conduct that water through a hose and use it for rinsing the outdoor deck after it has been scrubbed. Elevate the collection barrels to add some water pressure for moving it into the driveway. Use the rainwater to clean a concrete or asphalt surface--and the car. The finish on the vehicle will luster from the chemical free water. Many car washes advertise mineral-free water, using rainwater is truly free, not only in mineral content but also cost.

Irrigation

Connect a series of rain collection barrels under a gutter system. Use hoses to conduct the water into the garden beds around the home. Install a timer device to release the water at certain times of the day. Some low-pressure drip systems may need no more attachments than the low height of the barrel. Small pressure pumps can be added into the delivery system. Combine the pump with a small screen filter and the rainwater can be piped into traditional home irrigation systems. Special check valves may have to be installed to prevent backflow into the city's water system. Check with the local water utility.

Collection

Install barrels in such a way that they can be removed from under the downspout when full. Use a flexible pipe on the lower end of a traditional metal downspout to remove it from the barrel. Cover the barrels so small children cannot enter the barrel. Seine all rainwater through a ¼ inch square piece of hardware cloth. This will keep leaves and other debris from entering the container. Use the rainwater as soon as possible or keep it covered. Mosquitoes will find the still water quickly during the summer months and use it as a possible breeding area. Most rain barrels will have approximately 50 gallons in capacity. On average a 1-inch rainfall collected from a 1,000-square-foot roof will contain 600 gallons of water. A typical 1,750-square-foot home will have approximately 2,000 square feet of roof covering. A 12-inch yearly rainfall can be collected from this size roof for a savings of over 14,000 gallons of water.

Tags: will have, Check with, chemical free, chemical free water, collected from, collection barrels

Recycled Plastic Products

Plastic bags can become entwined in the limbs of sea creatures.

While plastic is a durable and long-lasting material used in a variety of industries, its non-biodegradability also makes it an extremely problematic source of trash. Plastic bags alone are a huge trash problem as well as a choking hazard for animals. More and more products, including such things as lawn furniture, are made from recycled plastic.

Furniture

A variety of furniture is made of recycled plastic, including picnic tables in assorted shapes and sizes, backless benches, chairs for the porch or yard, outdoor couches, rocking chairs, swings and garden benches. Other recycled plastic furniture options include side tables, cocktail tables, dining chairs and round cafe tables. Some recycled plastic deck furniture is made to look like wood, but white and colored varieties are available as well.

Gardening Accessories

Look for recycled plastic products when replacing your gardening tools and shapers, such as recycled plastic garden beds and stakes. Small raised bed gardening greenhouses and raised bed kits and accessories, large lumber planter boxes, high-rise garden beds, compost bins and window planter boxes are also available. If you are interested in purchasing a rain barrel, try looking for plastic rain barrels made from recycled food-grade barrels or from recycled plastic and oak.

Clothing and Accessories

Dresses and other clothes are made from recycled plastic both by professional and amateur designers. Shoes, belts and jewelry such as necklaces and bracelets made with wire and pieces of recycled shampoo bottles also exist. Recycled plastic produces handbags of all shapes and sizes, including coin and credit card purses and full-size bags created from hundreds of plastic bags or from large plastic pieces. Hats are another item that can be made of plastic bags. Bracelets and wallets made from recycled plastic are also available.

Other Products

Additional products made from recycled plastic include notebooks featuring recycled paper, and plastic bag covers or coasters constructed by knitting plastic bags. Pen holders are another recycled plastic product, as are baby bibs and some pieces of art. Sculpture made with recycled plastic or other recycled materials is common in 21st-century art. Examples include animals sculpted from Wonder Bread bags and paintings made with recycled plastic.

Tags: recycled plastic, from recycled, from recycled plastic, made from, made from recycled

Fix Resin Wicker Chairs

Resin wicker chairs, ideal for patios, can survive all types of weather.

Made to look just like real wicker, resin wicker is completely weatherproof and offers attractive style and durability for half the price of wicker, making it ideal outdoor furniture. Resin chairs provide strength from the aluminum or steel frames most braid around. When resin chairs need repairing, most choose to throw them away and replace the chairs with new ones rather than try to fix it. An alternative to tossing these chairs only requires buying a tube of paintable epoxy resin from a hardware stores. This type of epoxy is sold as a two component kit of resin and a hardener, or in one tube so mixing becomes unnecessary. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Place a drop cloth underneath and around your resin wicker chair to protect the floor or ground. Make certain you have enough ventilation in the room or work outside. Clean your resin wicker chair with an all-purpose cleaning spray, focusing on the area needing repair.

2. Squeeze out and apply the epoxy to the seam, broken section or crack in the chair.

3. Work the epoxy into the seam or crack using a flat scraper. As you work with the epoxy, make certain you make a smooth surface. Remove excess epoxy with the scraper.

4. Create a wicker-like texture onto the smooth epoxy surface you made by adding an additional amount of epoxy to it. Add only a small amount. Using a pointed tool like an awl, apply the extra epoxy to make it appear like the rest of the wicker chair as much as possible and let it dry.

5. Spray paint the repaired area using paint matching your resin wicker chair.

Tags: resin wicker, wicker chair, your resin wicker, resin wicker chair, your resin

Rainscreen Mold Prevention

Rainscreens alow rain to pass by exterior walls without soaking through.

A rainscreen is a particular building method that seeks to both protect an exterior wall and prevent certain kinds of water damage, including damage caused by mold that loves to seek out moist places to grow. Rainscreens can be made of many different materials, but the most common types are made from stone or brick veneers that are placed over screen meshes and other materials to form the rainscreen. If you live in a damp climate and have exterior, stone-based walls, these screens are a dependable way to prevent mold damage. Does this Spark an idea?

Rainscreen Construction

The rainscreen does not simply protect against falling rain. No matter how durable the surface is, some water will always seep through, and it is this water that causes mold problems when it seeps through the rainscreen and dampens the exterior stone beneath it. A properly constructed rainscreen will not allow this, so when you are planning your rainscreen, make sure it is made properly. A real rainscreen will have a space between the stone veneer that faces the rain and the exterior wall of the stone itself. This forms an important drainage plane and airflow region.

When you create your rainscreen, ensure that any water that comes down or seeps through the screen has a clear and unobstructed pathway to flow straight down into the ground and away from the wall itself. The longer the water spends in the small space between the rainscreen and the wall itself, the more damage it can do. It is equally important that the air outside is allowed to flow through this space. This air must access all points between the rainscreen and the exterior wall surface so that it can move freely and dry out any leftover moisture.

Rainscreen Materials

Although you can test your rainscreen as you make it or hire a contractor that specializes in making real rainscreens, choosing the materials is just as important. The better the materials, the longer your rainscreen will last and the better it will be at mold prevention. Use exterior moisture resistant construction paper or sealant on the stone wall itself before you even being constructing the rainscreen. It is important that the wall resists the moisture that passes by it even for a brief time while it leaks down to the lower part of the rainscreen and is released.

Check with local building codes to see if they say anything about constructing rainscreens. In Canada, for instance, rainscreens are mandatory in some locations. Choose rainscreen materials that are mold and mildew resistant and will not corrode. If you use steel mesh, make sure that is rust-proof, and seal the stonework in place with waterproof adhesives.

Tags: your rainscreen, exterior wall, rainscreen will, wall itself, between rainscreen, important that, make sure

Keep Your Dog Inside A Screened Porch

Train your dog to stay on command.

Humans and animals alike seek reprieve from the hottest parts of summer. Homeowners with a screened porch can take advantage of the shade and concentrated breeze afforded to them, and may wish to share it with their canine companions. Screens, unlike solid walls, provide little obstacle to a determined dog wishing to escape. Training your dog to follow commands and providing incentive to stay on the porch -- where it's cool and shaded -- affords homeowners and their dogs alike peace, safety and security. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Obedience-train your dog. Teach basic commands, including sit and stay. Make sure your dog masters these tasks completely. Command your dog to stay on the porch.

2. Supervise your dog when on the porch. Start with complete supervision. When your dog tries to escape or tear at the screen, make a loud noise or squirt the dog with a water bottle while correcting the behavior verbally, such as saying "no."

3. Give your dog more time unsupervised as it learns to behave. Go indoors and observe from a hidden location, if you feel more confident doing so. Start with five minutes of unsupervised time. Gradually increase the time your dog is alone on the porch.

4. Reward your dog for a job well done. If the dog remains on the porch unsupervised for a period of time, reward it with pets and praise and treats, if desired.

5. Provide your dog with plenty of mental stimulus. Give your dog ample toys. Provide treats around the porch for your dog to hide. Destructive digging and chewing behaviors that can lead to an escape are sometimes the results of boredom.

6. Eliminate temptation. Dogs with high prey drives can barrel right through screens in an attempt to chase smaller animals. Hide your dog's view of the outside world with blinds or curtains.

7. Add restraint. Consider putting up an electronic fence around your porch, or keep your dog on a tie-out cable when on the porch.

Tags: Give your, Start with, stay porch, when porch, your stay

Why Do Highway Engineers Put Water Barrels On Exit Ramps

Exit Ramps

Highway engineers put water barrels at highway and tollway exits in case a car goes out of control and, instead of hitting the cement bridge pillar, hits the barrels. They place them at the exit ramps and not the entrance ramps because the speeds that the cars are traveling at exit ramps are greater than those at entrance ramps.

Water and Style of Barrels

Water acts to cushion a car's impact. These water-filled barrels are much more forgiving on a car than solid objects. They also give weight to the barrels (this allows the engineers to not have to secure the barrels to the ground). When the barrels need to be replaced, workers simply drain the barrels of the water so it is easier to move them. The barrels are colored in caution colors (orange and red) as well as reflective colors (yellow and light green). There are also reflective strips put around the barrels to make them more visible at night.

Configuration

Water barrels are placed in a diamond formation (with the point in front) to reduce the speed on impact. Even if the vehicle does not hit the barrels head-on, they are strategically placed so the car will always hit at least several barrels. They are not secured to the ground, because if they were, they would not give when they are hit.

Tags: barrels They, entrance ramps, exit ramps

Fix The Gear On A Bicycle

Derailleur cable tension is crucial to shifting gears.

Geared bicycles feature a hand control, called a "shifter", which allows the cyclist to change from one gear to another. Completion of the shift relies on the derailleur moving the chain to the selected gear. When the cable that links the shifter to the derailleur becomes stretched from use, the derailleur struggles to shift the chain to the gear. The problem can often be fixed by restoring the right amount of tension to the cable.

Instructions

1. Take the bicycle for a short ride in an area free of car traffic. If fixing front gears, shift down into the lowest front gear. If fixing rear gears, shift up into the highest rear gear. The lowest gears require the least effort to pedal. Higher gears require greater effort.

2. Stop the bicycle and climb off. Note the cable emerging from the side of the gear shifter and linking the shifter to the derailleur, at the other end. Along the cable there is a threaded nut called an "barrel adjuster." Depending on the design of the bicycle, the adjusting barrel will be located either at one end of the cable or halfway along the cable on the side of the bicycle.

3. Twist the barrel adjuster counterclockwise, but no more than a half-turn initially. The adjuster barrel allows tension to be added to the cable. Working in half-turns, and then checking the adjustment, prevents over-adjustment.

4. Ride the bicycle, and shift into the next gear. As tension is added to the cable, shifting should become more precise.

5. Add further tension to the cable as needed. Following each adjustment, ride the bicycle and shift the gears back and forth. Adjust until the chain is able to shift to each gear without stalling.

Tags: added cable, barrel adjuster, bicycle shift, gears require, gears shift, shift into, shifter derailleur

Connect A Rain Water Tank To A Square Down Pipe

Adapters convert a square down pipe to a round opening.

Collecting rainwater reduces your water bill while conserving water. To collect rainwater, you need to collect rainwater in rain gutters and direct the collected water to a storage tank. A common problem arises when you attempt to connect the square downspout outlet of a rain gutter to the round water inlet of the storage tank. You need a special adapter, designed to convert a square outlet to a round inlet, that will not corrode from the constant exposure to rainwater. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Remove the screws connecting the down pipe to the square outlet of the rain gutter with a 1/4-inch hex head adapter fitted into a screw gun.

2. Remove the hangers attaching the rain gutter to your house.

3. Connect the downspout adapter to the rain gutter. Slide the square hole of the downspout adapter over the square outlet exposed when you removed the down pipe. Push the adapter tight to the bottom face of the gutter. Run a 1/4-inch stainless steel self-tapping screw into each side of the adapter. Ensure each screw penetrates the flange of the rain gutter outlet.

4. Slide the pipe connecting to the water tank over the round end of the downspout adapter.

5. Secure the water tank piping to the downspout adapter with four equally spaced 1/4-inch stainless steel self-tapping screws.

Tags: rain gutter, downspout adapter, down pipe, square outlet, 4-inch stainless, 4-inch stainless steel, collect rainwater

Plumb A Rain Barrel

Rain barrel

Rain barrels serve an environmental purpose as well as a practical one. Harvesting rainwater is a valid tactic in the conservation of water. Rainwater has very little mineral content and is better for plants, lawn and garden than ground water, which can be sodium or alkaline rich. Mineral-soft rainwater can collect surprisingly fast and can be used just as quickly to provide stain-free water to wash the car and for use in steam irons or humidifiers. Plumbing a rain-barrel is not difficult or expensive, requires few tools and can be accomplished in only a few hours of shopping and installing parts. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Use an electric drill to cut a 1-inch hole in the side of the barrel 8 inches up from the bottom. This will serve as the hole for the faucet.

2. Lay down a bead of ready-to-use clear plumber's caulking around the outside circumference of the hole. Repeat the process around the hole on the inside of the barrel.

3. Place a washer over the threaded end of the faucet that extends straight out from the body of the faucet. Insert this end of the faucet into the hole in the barrel, place another washer over it from the inside of the barrel, thread on the lock nut and tighten it firmly with a crescent wrench.

4. Drill a 1-inch hole 8 inches down from the top edge of the barrel. Insert a hose adapter into the hole with a washer on both the outside and the inside of the barrel. Thread on the lock nut and tighten it firmly with a crescent wrench. Screw on a water hose of the appropriate length and direct the overflow of water to the desired area.

5. Cut a 6-inch hole in the center of the barrel's lid. Cut out a large piece of nylon screen, drape it over the lid of the barrel so that it tucks under it and then fit the lid tightly in place. Weight down the lid or lock it in place so the lid is secure and children and animals cannot get into the barrel.

6. Select the gutter downspout that will feed the barrel and cut it off 2 feet above the top of the barrel. Attach an elbow joint to the downspout and direct it into the hole in the top of the barrel.

Tags: inside barrel, into hole, 1-inch hole, crescent wrench, firmly with, firmly with crescent, hole barrel

Recycle Rain Water

Collect and use rain water.

Collecting and using rain water is good for the planet and will help you cut down on your home's water consumption, reducing your water bill. Collected rain water can be used for many purposes, such as watering plants and washing outdoor items. You can buy and install rain barrels for collecting large amounts of water, but they are expensive. Collect small amounts of water using gallon jugs from around your home. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Dig a hole directly in front of one or more downspouts on your property. The hole should be big enough for a one-gallon jug to fit into.

2. Place your container in the hole so that the opening of the jug is level with the ground, and fill in the dirt. You could use a size other than a one-gallon jug if you have one. Just be sure it will not be too heavy to lift out of the ground.

3. Cover the opening of the jug with mesh and secure with a rubber band. This will keep mosquitoes out of the water as well as filter out any sticks or debris from your gutters.

4. Repeat in any other places in your yard where rain collects.

5. Take the jugs out of the ground when they are filled, and use the water. Then place the empty containers back in the ground. The jugs may not catch all of the water from the downspout, but they will catch a lot.

Tags: rain water, amounts water, your home

Install A Rubber Washer In An Outside Spigot

If you notice dripping water from your outdoor faucet, there is a good chance that the internal washer is no longer sealing properly. If you don't replace the faucet, you could experience a significant increase in your water bill. Also, depending on the amount of water leaking out of the outdoor faucet, water could leak into your basement or cause other problems. Replacing the rubber washer will involve some minor disassembly of the faucet. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Turn off the main water valve inside your home. It will be where the main water pipe enters your home.

2. Place your adjustable wrench on the faucet's packing nut. Turn counterclockwise and remove it completely. Remove the handle and valve stem.

3. Unscrew the screw from the end of the valve stem. Pry off the old washer with a flat-head screwdriver.

4. Clean the area where the new washer will sit with a toothpick. Slide a new replacement washer into place.

5. Screw the old screw back into place to hold the washer. Apply a little silicone grease around the threads on the valve stem.

6. Slide the valve stem and handle back into the faucet. Wrap plumber's tape clockwise around the outer threads on the faucet.

7. Turn the packing nut clockwise to tighten it to the faucet. Once tight, turn the main water supply back on, and test your faucet. It should no longer leak.

Tags: valve stem, main water, back into, into place, outdoor faucet

Make A Rain Effect In Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop has many effects that can turn an average photo in a digital work of art. One of these many effects is the rain effect. Once created, this effect can give any typical digital photo or image that rainy, lazy Sunday afternoon look.

Instructions

1. Locate the image to alter and open it in Photoshop. Click on "File" in the main menu of Photoshop. From the file menu select "Open" and choose the image to be altered.

2. Create a new layer. Select "Layer" from main menu. In the layer menu choose "New." From the new menu click "Layer via copy."

3. Adjust the image chosen for the rain effect. Choose "Image" from the main menu. From the image menu select "Adjustments." Then click on "Levels" in the adjustments menu. Once the levels dialogue box appears change the input levels to the following: 18, 1.00, 255 and the output levels to the following: 1, 255. than click "OK."

4. Make a new layer. Select "Layer" from the main menu. Click on "New" in the layer menu. Choose "Layer" from the new menu. Make the background of the new layer white.

5. Add a noise and blur filter to the image. Click on "Filter" on the main menu. From the filter menu select "Noise." In the noise menu choose "Add noise." In the add noise dialogue box, change the amount option to 85 percent. Also check the "Monochromatic" box. From the main menu select "Filter." On the filter menu click "Blur" and then from the blur menu choose "Motion blur". Set the angle at whatever angle the rain is to fall in this case make the angle -47. Also change the pixel distance to 21.

6. Alter the image. From the main menu choose "Image." On the image menu select "Image adjustments." The click on "Levels." Change the inputs levels to the following: 201, 1.00, 255 and the output levels to: 0, 255.

7. Change the layer palette option to screen. On the left bottom panel menu select the dropdown menu located directly beneath the layers tab and change it to "Screen."

8. Copy the previous layer. Select "Layer" from the main menu and choose "Duplicate layer." Rotate this layer 180 degrees by selecting "Edit" then "Transform" and finally click on "Rotate 180 degrees." Merge these two layers by pressing "Ctrl+E". This enhances the rain effect.

9. Distort the rain for a more realistic look. Choose "Filter from the main menu then "Distort" and finally "Twirl" from the distort menu. Set the angle at 5 percent. This is the rain effect!

Tags: main menu, menu select, from main, Layer from, from main menu

Calculate Barrel Twist

The rifling inside this barrel makes the gun much more accurate.

Most firearm barrels are "rifled" to increase accuracy. This technology was first introduced in the 1840s. The rifling is a set of spiraling incisions along the interior length of the barrel. These grooves spin the bullet as it travels down the barrel, thereby increasing the bullet's accuracy. However, rifling in a particular barrel must be matched to the proper bullet weight to prevent it from tumbling downrange instead of spinning. Barrel twist rates are expressed in a ratio of one turn to so many inches of barrel. For example, if the grooves make one turn around the barrel every 10 inches, the twist rate is 1:10.

Instructions

1. Mark a line down your cleaning rod. Draw a straight line down the side of your cleaning rod. The line should run from one end of the rod to the other.

2. Start a cotton patch down the muzzle. Using your cleaning rod, insert a cotton patch into the front of your barrel as if you were cleaning the bore.

3. Mark your starting place on the rod and the barrel. Before driving the rod into the barrel, mark where the line on your rod intersects the rim of the barrel. Mark this spot by crossing the existing line on the rod, and by making a small mark on the barrel.

4. Drive the rod into the barrel. As you do, the rifling will turn the cotton patch and the rod with it. Mark your rod when it makes a complete rotation within the barrel. Continue driving the rod into the barrel until it makes a second rotation. Mark this spot as well.

5. Measure between the marks. Your rod should have three marks: a beginning, one rotation and two rotations. Measure between the first rotation mark and the second rotation mark. This distance (in inches) is equal to the second number in your barrel twist ratio. For example, if you measure 10, 12 or 13 inches, your rifling twist rate is 1:10, 1:12 or 1:13.

Tags: cotton patch, into barrel, your cleaning, driving into, driving into barrel, line down

Build A Classified Web Page

Make your own classified website.

When people are looking for an apartment, a used car or anything else that individuals rent or sell, they often turn to the classified ads in a newspaper. But in our computer age, many people will go to the Internet to find these things. This means that a good way to make some money on the Internet is to create a website for your local community where people can post classified ads. And to save overhead costs, you can place your site on one of the many free hosts that are available.

Instructions

1. Decide how you want your site to be arranged. The best approach is to create a series of columns and rows, which will provide cells into which you can place the ads.

2. Decide on your policies and pricing structure. For example, you will want to know what type of items (if any) that you won't list, for ethical, legal or liability reasons. Decide how long an ad will appear and how much you will charge, if you will charge at all. You might have several options you offer, with discounts for ads that stay up longer. Your prices should be competitive with the local print classifieds.

3. Load any logo, images or graphics onto your computer and save them all to the same folder.

4. Open the Paint program that comes with Windows. Use it to edit the images that you want to use for your site. For example, you can use the "Rectangular" selection tool combined with the Copy and Paste function, found under Edit, to crop images.

5. Sign up for an account with a free hosting service. Then, on your account page, click on the site building utility and use its tools to create the pages and structure of your site. For instance, some such hosting services have a "Table" creation tool that will allow you to make the columns and rows for your site's ads.

6. Use the graphics upload function to add your images where you want them. Then use the "Text" tool to add the main text as well as any ads. You will also want to include a section explaining the text length and content requirements for any ads, as well as an email link where ads can be submitted. You will also need to include a button linking to an online payment acceptance service.

Tags: your site, columns rows, want your, want your site, will also, will charge

Make Cheap Gardening Containers

Refurbish an old watering can to use as a garden container.

Container gardens are easy to grow and maintain, and allow you to plant a number of flowers and plants in a small area. You do not need to spend a fortune on heavy stone containers or terra cotta pots when you may already have handy items right in your own home. Inexpensive paints and craft items, along with a few household items, are all you need to make cheap gardening containers.

Instructions

Coffee Can

1. Peel the label off a coffee can. Use soap and water to clean off sticky label backing. Wash the inside of the can and dry completely.

2. Punch three small holes in the bottom of the can with a screwdriver and hammer. These are the drainage holes.

3. Spray aerosol textured paint on the outside of the can. Let the paint dry at least six hours before you handle the container. This paint creates a stone-like appearance.

Old Watering Can

4. Drill three to four ¼-inch holes in the bottom of an old metal watering can.

5. Clean the can inside and out with soap and water. If the can has a handle attached to the top of the can, use the screwdriver to remove the handle for easier planting.

6. Paint the can with spray paint. You can also leave the can unpainted and allow the elements to weather the metal. This gives the can a nice rustic appearance.

Milk Jug

7. Cut the top of the milk jug off with the razor knife. Punch two small holes in the bottom of the jug with the hammer and screwdriver. Remove labels and wash out the inside of the jug with soap and water.

8. Paint the outside of the jug with the spray paint. Let the paint dry for two to four hours.

9. Glue colored stones on the outside of the jug with the mosaic adhesive. Create a colorful and intricate pattern to cover most of the jug. You can find inexpensive colored rocks at craft and hobby stores.

Tags: holes bottom, soap water, bottom with, holes bottom with, inside with, inside with soap

Plant Strawberries In Plastic Barrels

Ripe strawberry

Strawberries grow easily. Choose from three different harvesting classes, according to gardeningtipsandideas.com. June berries produce one large batch of strawberries every spring; harvest takes place three weeks later. Ever-bearing strawberries bear fruit in the fall and spring. Day-neutral strawberries bear fruit all growing season. For the largest amount of strawberries, plant June bearing. Plant either ever-bearing or day-neutral types to have strawberries throughout the season. Plant the strawberries from seeds or started plants. Either method works well. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Combine a 50/50 mixture of soil and compost in a bucket. Gardeningguides.com recommends the soil have a pH level between 5.3 and 6.5. Use well-draining soil; standing water kills strawberry plants. Add mulch to help water drainage and to prevent weed growth. Fill three-fourths of planting barrels with the mixture.

2. If you use plants, dig a hole about a foot deep in the barrel. Place the barrel in an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight, according to gardeningguides.com. Set the plant in the hole and bury. Any greenery should stick out of the ground. Plants two plants in the barrel.

3. Plant two seeds six inches into the soil. Cover with the soil. Use either store-bought seeds or remove them yourself by blending strawberries with one cup of water. Blend at high speed for a few seconds; the good seeds will sink to the bottom. Pour out the juice and use a spoon or rubber scraper to scoop out the seeds.

4. Water the plants if it doesn't rain. Measure rainfall with a rain catcher or a cup. Give at least an inch of water a week.

5. Weed the barrels about once a week. Weeds remove nutrients and water from the soil. Cut off and toss any parts that grow away from the main plant. Mastergardeners.org recommends removing the first flowers to get bigger fruit.

6. Pick ripe berries immediately to prevent spoiling. Ripe berries are bright red in color. Gently twist the berry off the stem. Harvest early in the morning. Add a two inch layer of compost to fertilize the soil in the barrel once all of the berries have been picked. Add mulch to protect the roots during the winter. Remove the mulch when spring arrives.

Tags: bear fruit, strawberries bear, strawberries bear fruit

Market Oneself Like Dane Cook

To some people, Dane Cook is a comedic genius. To others, he's annoying and overrated. Regardless of what you think of him, Dane Cook knows market himself as a high-profile comedian. Some of Dane's marketing methods are unprecedented, particularly when it comes to his use of the Internet, while others are just plain funny, in typical Dane Cook fashion.

Instructions

1. Diversify your career. Dane is mainly known for his standup comedy; however, he's also starred in such films as "Employee of the Month" with Jessica Simpson; "Mr. Brooks" with Kevin Costner and Demi Moore and "Good Luck Chuck" with Jessica Alba. These appearances on the big screen have given Dane more exposure and proven his diversity as a performer.

2. Accept all MySpace friend requests. Dane is sometimes referred to as "the most popular guy on MySpace" because he accepts each and every friend requests he receives. Today, he has a total of over two million friends.

3. Promote yourself through viral video. When Dane reached the two million friend milestone on MySpace, he made a viral video starring himself, Jon Lovitz, Bob Saget and Tila Tequila to celebrate the achievement.

4. Make yourself accessible to the public. How he manages to find the time is a mystery, but Dane has reportedly made his Instant Messenger information public in order to engage in chats with the public.

5. Date a celebrity more famous than you. When reports hit that Dane Cook was in a secret relationship with his "Employee of the Month" co-star, Jessica Simpson, he was suddenly thrust into the headlines and his own public profile was elevated as a result.

6. Invest in your own publicity. Dane knows that an official website is a crucial part of a celebrity's PR and marketing campaign, so he invested $25,000 of his own money into the launch of his interactive site, DaneCook.com.

7. Start you own production company. In 2005, Dane formed his own production company, SUperFInger Entertainment, to produce his videos and albums. This affords Dane even more control over his own promotion and marketing.

Tags: Dane Cook, Employee Month, friend requests, Jessica Simpson, production company, viral video, with Jessica

Correct A Grade For Rainwater Runoff

Correct a Grade for Rainwater Runoff

Rainwater can be a blessing or a nightmare if the grade of your lawn does not allow for proper drainage away from your home and absorption into surrounding areas. A proper grade can also deter soil erosion, which can expose a foundation, leading to serious problems such as basement flooding. Correcting the grade and planting grass or plants that will absorb the rainwater are easy steps that can prevent major rainwater problems for years to come. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Correct a Grade for Rainwater Runoff

1. Check the outdoors. You need to know where rainwater is accumulating before you begin the process of correcting a grade for the water runoff. Are there puddles near the foundation of your home? Focus on where water collects first before beginning the process of correcting the grade of your lawn.

2. Know your soil type. There are three main types of lawn soil and several combinations of them: clay, sandy and silt, or loam. If you are having difficulty determining your soil type, you can contact your local Cooperative Extension System Offices for assistance.

3. Choose plants wisely. You want plants that will assist in the soil percolation and water absorption surrounding your home. Your local Cooperative Extension Office can also help you to determine which plants will thrive in your type of soil and location, or you can search the University of Connecticut's free database of native plants at http://www.hort.uconn.edu/fmi/xsl/search.xsl.

4. Measure the current lawn grade. The slope should descend one foot for every fifty feet away from the foundation. By using a leveler, you can determine the current grade. If there is not a descent of one to fifty ratio, you can either terrace the grade or slope the soil buildup gradually. Begin with a soil composition that will best absorb the rainwater for your region.

5. Complete the grade. Using the appropriate type of soil and plants, you can complete the correction of the grade to divert rainwater from your home. Using the back side of your rake, you can smooth the grade to remove any unneccessary stones or debris mixed into the soil and plant the grass or plants you have determined are appropriate for your soil and location.

Tags: your home, Correct Grade, Correct Grade Rainwater, Grade Rainwater, Grade Rainwater Runoff

Types Of Oak Barrels

Oak barrels store and age wine.

Coopers use only a few types of oak to make barrels. People mostly use oak barrels to store and age wine, but other uses include catching rain and storing water. Using oak barrels to ship and store materials was common up until the creation of pallets and containers. In the United States, barrel makers use white oak, but French oak is more desirable when wine making is involved.

French Oak Barrels

French oak comes from a tree called Sessile oak. The government carefully manages and monitors these forests. The 100-year-old forests that are home to this oak are Limousin, Troncais, Nevers, Alliers and Vosges. Each region harvests a type of oak that has characteristics from that particular area. Barrels made from French oak run about $500 each.

Hungarian Oak Barrels

Two oak species, Quercus robur and Quercus petraea from Hungarian forests, serve in barrel making. The shape of Hungarian oak barrels is slightly different from American or French oak barrels. It is rounder and shorter than the other barrels. The wood used for Hungarian oak barrels is at least 100 years old and air-dried for three years prior to being crafted into barrels. These barrels offer characteristics close to the French oak but are cheaper in price, running around $300 a barrel.

American Oak Barrels

American white oak grows in Virginia, Missouri, Kentucky, Oregon and Ohio. Harvesters select the oak and stored it to air-dry for an entire year so it becomes fully seasoned. American oak barrels are cheaper, averaging $200 to $400 per barrel. They have a wider grain and lower wood tannins. They have been known to have a greater influence on the wine flavor and aroma.

Tags: barrels store, barrels store wine, Hungarian barrels, store wine, They have

Water Restrictions For The State Of North Carolina

Water restrictions are used in North Carolina to protect the supply of drinking water.

Blistering summers and bone-dry autumns are nothing new in North Carolina, and neither are water restrictions during the occasional time of drought. Communities around the state have experienced water restrictions, ranging from limited hours for watering the lawn to requiring paper plates and cups in restaurants. Water restrictions ebb and flow based on seasonal weather predictions, the availability of local water sources and the decisions of each local water authority.

Causes

According to the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, in 2007-08 the state experienced the worst drought in its 112-year recorded history of rainfall. At least 30 cities and towns faced the possibility of running out of water. Water restrictions in North Carolina are designed to maintain the supply of drinking water, as well as water quality and power generation.

Decisions

Each municipal and large private water utility in North Carolina has a Water Shortage Response Plan to keep reservoirs and rivers from drying up. The plan specifies who has the authority to declare a water shortage locally and respond to varying stages of drought.

In addition, the Drought Management Act signed into law in July 2008 expanded the ability of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to intervene in some cases during severe drought. The law also allows the governor to declare a water shortage emergency and take on emergency powers.

Types

Water restrictions can be voluntary or mandatory, according to the Division of Water Resources "Water Shortage Response Plan (WSRP) Guidelines." Voluntary restrictions typically involve issuing a water shortage advisory and educating residents on conserve. During moderate or severe drought, water restrictions become mandatory and can limit non-essential water uses such as spraying down sidewalks, watering lawns and filling fountains. Depending on the severity of the drought, water restrictions in parts of North Carolina can also change how businesses such as car washes, restaurants, golf courses and greenhouses use water.

Enforcement

All municipalities and large water utilities in North Carolina enforce the rules with an ordinance, code, regulation or resolution. Penalties such as fines depend on the local ordinance.

Though it's not technically enforcement, a few municipalities also encourage customers to conserve by charging higher prices to those who use more water. According to the N.C. Division of Water Resources, municipalities also have the authority to increase prices during an emergency.

Conservation

Even without a drought, municipalities in parts of North Carolina encourage customers to conserve water year-round. Some cities and towns have programs that provide low-flow shower heads or give rebates for rain barrels and more efficient toilets, according to Save Water NC. Other municipalities send out water-saving tips with bills or offer home audit kits to residents. With these programs, water utilities strive to lower the impact of the next drought.

Tags: North Carolina, cities towns, customers conserve, declare water, declare water shortage

Make Your Own Burn Barrel For Trash & Paper

Drum barrels are made out of sturdy metals that can withstand the heat of a fire.

Paperwork can pile up over time. Old bills, checks, statements, outdated health records and much more tend to stack up in the filing cabinet or closet until there is no more room. But these are not things you want to toss into the regular trash. If you don't have access to a shredder or there is just too much to shred, build a burn barrel and dispose of the papers that way. After you are done, you can continue to use it for other things such as trash or leaves. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Obtain a drum barrel. Check with scrap yards, oil companies or buy one new from a manufacturer. Before taking it home, find out what was stored in it. Do not use a barrel that contained chemicals or toxins; a barrel that held oil or some other natural substance is fine.

2. Drill holes in the bottom of the drum. You need a drill bit that can cut through metal. The holes let air circulate through the drum, providing oxygen to keep the fire going.

3. Place the drum on concrete paver stepping stones so that it is up off the ground. This lets the air get under the barrel and up through the holes.

4. Drill a hole in the lid of the barrel that is big enough to insert a saw blade on a jigsaw. Cut the top off of the barrel with a diamond cutting blade.

Tags: barrel that

Types Of Containers To Collect Rainwater For A Garden

Rain barrels can collect water and provide ornamentation to the landscape.

Collecting rainwater allows you to water your garden without increasing your water bill. You can collect over half a gallon of water for every inch of rainfall per square foot of your home's roof. A rain barrel allows you to collect and store the rain water until you are ready to use it. Nearly any waterproof container makes a suitable rain barrel, though the container may need modification before you can put it to use. Does this Spark an idea?

Drums

Both metal and plastic drums work well for rain barrels, though plastic drums are less prone to rust and dents. Use 55- to 75-gallon drums that are either new or have only held food-grade items. Avoid drums that held chemicals, such as fuel or pesticides. Recycled drums must have a hole for the gutter downspout and an overflow valve installed before you begin rain collection. There also are manufactured drum-style rain barrels that already have these installed, as well as a spigot for hooking up a garden hose.

Wood Barrels

Wood provides a more aesthetically pleasing choice than plastic, especially if the barrel must be placed in a visible area of the yard. Often, wood is not water-tight enough to store the rain water for a long period of time. Wet wood also is more prone to rot. Many wood barrels come with plastic or metal inserts that prevent the water from leaking through the wood, while also protecting the wood from water damage.

Trash Cans

Plastic and metal trash cans are an inexpensive alternative to other rain barrel options, but they are not as sturdy as drums and wood barrels. Collected water should be used as soon as possible to prevent stress on the trash can. Use only sturdy, well-made trash cans, otherwise they may split under the pressure from the water inside. Durable plastic and metal is preferable over thin-walled cans.

Buckets

Large plastic buckets work well for collecting small amounts of rainwater, such as from the top of a potting shed or other small structure. Use 5- to 10-gallon buckets with lids for rain water collection. Always drill and overflow hole in the side of the bucket, as these smaller container quickly fill up, even in short rain storms. Buckets are inexpensive and easy to transport, allowing you to store the water until you need it. You can replace the buckets with a new one as they fill.

Tags: rain barrel, rain water, buckets with, drums that, from water, plastic drums, rain barrels

Remove A Rain Downspout

Remove a Rain Downspout

Rain downspouts direct the water that collects in your gutters away from the house. When the rain downspout is rusty or leaky, it requires replacement. Removing a rain downspout to replace with a new one requires disassembling the old one. Inspect the rain downspout for all connection points. The main spout usually connects at any elbow. Longer downspouts also may have a connection in the middle, connecting two straight lengths. To avoid damaging the gutter or house, it is best to remove the downspout in pieces. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Drill out the rivets connecting the bottom elbow to the downspout with an appropriate-size steel cutting drill bit. Place the tip of the drill bit over the center indention on the rivet head, and drill all the way through the rivet. There is usually rivets on each side and on the front of the downspout. Pull the lower elbow away from the downspout.

2. Remove the screws that secure the lower downspout strap with a Phillips screwdriver. The strap is the thin metal piece that surrounds the downspout and connects to the wall of the house. Most straps connect to the wall with screws driven into plastic sleeves. Remove the strap from the wall.

3. Place a stepladder by the downspout and look for any connection points between the downspout and the upper elbow. Drill out any rivets at these connecting points with the drill, and pull the lower half of the downspout away from the upper half. Remove the upper downspout holding strap as you did the lower holding strap.

4. Disconnect the downspout from the upper elbow, using the drill to drill out the securing rivets. Pull the rain downspout away from the upper elbow. Drill out the rivets connecting the upper elbow to the connector on the bottom of the gutter. Pull the elbow away from the connector.

5. Remove the sheet metal screws securing the connector to the gutter with a Phillips screwdriver. Reach into the upper part of the gutter and insert a putty knife between the seam of the connector and the gutter. Work the putty knife through the caulking that secures the connector to the gutter. Pry the connector out of the gutter with the putty knife.

Tags: away from, connector gutter, upper elbow, Drill rivets, from upper, putty knife

Barrel Fountain Ideas

Old barrels make great fountains.

Wine or whiskey barrels can be used for all kinds of projects in your yard or garden. One of the most fun and satisfying of these is to create a fountain from one or more barrels. Make it as simple or as complicated as you like, but the result will be the same: You'll have the soothing sound of running water in your barrel fountain. Does this Spark an idea?

Single Half

Create a simple fountain by placing a fountain pump in the center of a half-barrel. It only requires the addition of some stones under the pump and a little imagination in placing a few plants around the barrel to create a quick and easy water feature for your yard. When plugged in, this type of fountain creates a small spray in the center of the barrel. If you've used a liner for your barrel, add some goldfish for color and insect control.

Multiple Barrels

Arrange two or more half-barrels in an offset stack so that the water from the top barrel flows from a spout or a hole into the next lower barrel and so on. The barrels are heavy, so give some consideration to how you will support the higher ones. Overlap them onto the edge of the lower ones to provide support on one side as well as to provide a natural path for the water. Drill a hole into the side of one or more of the upper barrels and let the water flow from that, or use a spout to let the water flow over the top of the barrel, dropping down waterfall-style. Decorate with large rocks, which can also be used for support. Use an inverted whole barrel to support the upper part of your fountain, or build against a small hill and let the hill support it.

Accessories

Put a gnome near your fountain.

Whether you are using a single half-barrel or several of them put together, have some fun with accessories to enhance the look you'd like to create. For an antique look, route the water from the barrel up through an old pump spout and let it come pouring from the spout into your barrel. Use unique items for the water to run over, such as a washboard, or use an interesting stone as a spillway leading from one barrel to the next. Decorate your fountain with flowers if it is in a sunny spot, or with ferns and ivy if it is in the shade. Use natural stones around the outside of the barrel to give it a finished look, or spice it up with garden gnomes and carved bears. Try adding just one or two accessories to start with. You can always add more later if you'd like to.

Tags: from barrel, your barrel, your fountain, from spout, hole into

Save Water In The Workplace

Use a water cooler instead of installing water fountains.

Whether you work in an office, factory, hospital, restaurant or school, there are ways to reduce water usage. Businesses can save water usage by replacing inefficient equipment and implementing water-saving operations. By saving water, a business will lower its utility costs, improve its public image and do its part in protecting the environment. Talk to your manager or building maintenance staff about making changes if you see water being wasted in your workplace.

Instructions

1. Educate employees about saving water by holding a meeting or using posters and displays to raise awareness. Work together to develop methods that will save water.

2. Conduct regular water audits, which utility companies usually offer for free. A water auditor will analyze your business's water use and show you ways to make it more efficient.

3. Install a rain barrel, a container that stores rainwater runoff. A rain barrel connects to a building's rain gutter and has a hose so the water can be used for cleaning purposes or for watering lawns.

4. Take sprinklers off a timing system, and water the grounds only in the morning or evening to reduce water evaporation. Also make sure sprinklers are not aimed at the sidewalk or street.

5. Invest in energy-saving appliances. Install low-flush or dual-flush toilets in bathrooms; they use only 1.6 gallons of water during each flush while standard toilets use 3.5 gallons. In the break room, use an Energy Star label dishwasher and faucets with flow restrictors.

6. Check your water meter after business hours to verify the building is leak free. One small leak can waste up to 100 gallons of water per year, states the South Florida Water Management District.

Tags: gallons water, rain barrel, reduce water, save water, saving water, water usage

Install A Relief Valve For A Rainbarrel Hose

Rain barrels are becoming more popular as more people are looking for ways to conserve water for home usage. The rain barrel features a hose at top, called an overflow hose, that allows water to flow out of the side of the barrel before it reaches the top. A relief valve at the bottom of the barrel is a simple faucet type feature that allows you to draw water from the barrel as needed. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Drill a hole in the bottom of the rain barrel tank large enough to accommodate a hose bibb and reducer that you will be. Use a spade bit to drill this hole. The standard sizes for these are 1/2 inch and 3/4 inch. Which one you choose depends on your water needs.

2. Slip the rubber washer over the end of the male coupling. Wrap the threads on the coupling with plumber's tape.

3. Have an assistant insert the male coupling through the side of the barrel and hold it in place.

4. Screw the female connector onto the end of the mail connector. If desired, another rubber washer may be inserted over this end of the connection to ensure that everything remains watertight. Tighten the female connector until it is flush with the surface of the rain barrel but do not over-tighten.

5. Apply PVC primer and cement according to the manufacturer's instructions on the end of the female coupling. Press the reducer in place and hold a few minutes until the PVC sets. Allow the connection another few minutes to dry.

6. Wrap the nipple with plumber's tape. Insert the nipple into the reducer and tighten.

7. Screw the hose bibb onto the end of the nipple.

Tags: rain barrel, female connector, hose bibb, male coupling, plumber tape, rubber washer

Find Government Auctions

Government auctions of surplus and seized property can be places to find bargains on virtually anything, from bikes to horses. An added advantage of government auctions, depending on your point of view: The money you spend isn't just going into someone's pocket. Rather, it's being redistributed into government programs. The auctions are held online or at various locations around the country. There's no single clearinghouse for auction information, but most of what you need to know can be found for free online.

Instructions

1. Visit the General Services Administrations Auctions website (a link is provided in the References section). This website includes photographs and descriptions of items the government is auctioning. From the site, you can place a bid and enter your payment and contact information to receive your item---if your bid wins.

2. Visit USA.gov's "Government Sales and Auctions page" (a link is provided in the Resources section). From this website, you can find federal property and surplus auctions in your area, as well as online auctions.

3. Click on the type of government auction you're looking for from the main auctions page of the website referenced in Step 2. A page with multiple layered tabs will appear. Select the type of merchandise you're looking to buy. Examples include electronics, vehicles, computers and jewelry.

Select your state from the drop-down menu on the next page. If there's an on-site government auction in your state, information for the auction will appear.

4. Find government auctions that might be taking place in an area where you may be planning a trip or traveling to on business. Use the same website from Steps 2 and 3, but conduct a new search for auctions in or near your destination.

5. Check out private companies that stage auctions in conjunction with the government. Sites to locate these types of auctions include GovDeals.com, GovLiquidation.com and the Bid4Assets website.

Tags: government auction, link provided, will appear, your state

Get Rid Of Tadpoles In Standing Water

Frogs love to breed in standing water such as ponds or pools.

Tadpoles can become a real problem in your pool or garden pond, as frogs like to breed in standing water. Tadpoles and spawn can give the water in your pond an undesirable, murky appearance. Tadpoles and frogs, however, play a significant part in the ecosystem by eating garden pests, so it is important to use a humane method when removing them from your pond or pool.

Instructions

1. Fill the bucket with water from your pond or pool.

2. Remove the tadpoles from your pond, pool or other standing water using the net. Deposit them into the bucket.

3. Release the tadpoles into a local lake, river or nature pool. Tadpoles must be released into a nearby area to ensure that any possible diseases do not spread beyond your local region.

4. Spray the area around your pond with a homemade saltwater solution--this can be easily prepared by dissolving 4 tbsp. of salt in 2 pints of warm water.

5. Remove any piles of leaves or garden waste from the area surrounding your pond or pool, as these will encourage frogs to inhabit them.

Tags: your pond, pond pool, your pond pool, from your, from your pond, breed standing, breed standing water

Vent A Barrel Roof

Vent a Barrel Roof

Barrel roofs, which are more commonly found on commercial buildings, are seen occasionally on residential structures. All roofs require ventilation, regardless of what roof type is used. According to local city codes, hot air must be vented out of buildings. This prevents the over use of air conditioners in summer and heaters in winter. This article will discuss vent a barrel roof. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Vent a Barrel Roof

1. Vent your barrel roof on top of the roof decking when constructing the building. Place the metal vent to one side or the other of the roof-top angle.

2. Place the 30-pound felt, or roofing paper, on top of the top edge of the roof vent, and underneath the bottom edge. This prevents water from getting underneath the vent.

3. Determine the number of roof vents needed on your building by checking local building codes. The codes discuss how many vents per cubic feet of air is needed in a building.

4. Install electrical fans on barrel roof vents that suck hot air out quicker and provide adequate circulation. Ventilation fans are recommended in buildings that do not have air-conditioning.

5. Enhance your barrel roof ventilation fan by adding a controlled thermostat. Set the temperature so the attic fan comes on automatically. When the building cools down, the fan will shut off.

Tags: barrel roof, Vent Barrel, Vent Barrel Roof, Barrel Roof, roof vents, This prevents

Homemade Whiskey Barrel Smoker

Homemade Whiskey Barrel Smoker

Barbecue enthusiasts are always looking for ways to enhance the flare and flavor of the food they smoke. Using a whiskey barrel provides a unique style, and it provides two very powerful flavors, which will penetrate the food smoked, oak and whiskey. The most famous of all American whiskey is from Kentucky and Tennessee; however, if the barbecue enthusiast looks hard enough, he can also find old Scotch whiskey barrels, imported from Scotland. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Preparing the Whiskey Barrel

Recently emptied whiskey barrels are still wet, and easier to work with, than dried aged barrels. Cut a door in the whiskey barrel for adding and removing food--30 inches high by 18 inches wide is standard. Cut a 3-inch-diameter hole ventilation hole in the top of the barrel. If you plan to use an external heat and smoke source, cut another 3-inch-diameter hole in the lower side of the barrel. Do not throw away any of the cutout pieces.

Building Out the Whisky Barrel

If the smoker will have internal heat and smoke, then place a cast iron Dutch oven in the bottom of the whiskey barrel to hold the heat and smoke source. If the heat and smoke source is from an external firebox, then use wood burning stovepipe running between the whiskey barrel and the fuel source. Reattach the door with iron hinges. In addition, drill a hole in the middle of the door for the thermometer. Attach a small gate handle to open and close the door.

The Cooking Area of the Smoker

Because this is a smoker, which uses low heat, there should not be much concern for catching the barrel on fire. Use standard barbecue grills purchased at a hardware store as the food surface. Take the cutout pieces from the door and holes and cut them into smaller pieces to use as shelf supports. You should have three or four per shelf. Attach the wood pieces to the inside walls of the whiskey barrel with stainless steel screws, and place the barbecue grills on top of them.

External Fire Source

Using an external fire and smoke source can protect against accidentally catching the whiskey barrel on fire or burning the food. There are several methods; one of the simplest is a metal trashcan with a lid. Cut a hole in the side of the trashcan the same diameter as the hole cut in the whiskey barrel smoker. Install wood burning stovepipe and a damper between the external fire and smoke source and the whiskey barrel.

Tags: whiskey barrel, smoke source, heat smoke, heat smoke source, 3-inch-diameter hole, barbecue grills, barrel fire

Fabricate A Rain Storage Barrel

You can help conserve water resources and cut down on expensive water bills by fabricating a rain storage barrel. The most challenging part of making a rain barrel is finding the 55-gallon hard plastic drum. Once you've gathered all the supplies, the rain barrel can be put together in an afternoon. Rain barrel water is not safe to drink but can be used to wash your car, water your garden or clean your home. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Clean your rain barrel with soap and water. Disinfect it with a vinegar and water solution. Always clean your barrel well before starting since you don't know what it held beforehand.

2. Drill one hole 3 inches down from the top of your rain barrel, using a drill fit with a 29/32-inch drill bit. This will be your overflow hole, which allows water to flow out of the rain barrel when it's full.

3. Drill a second hole 4 inches up from the bottom of the rain barrel to serve as your spigot.

4. Screw the hose adapter into the spigot hole on the bottom of the rain barrel. It will take a while for the threads to catch, but keep twisting once you've begun. When the threads are almost all the way through to the inner barrel, stop to apply silicone sealant.

5. Squirt an even layer of silicone sealant around the threads on your hose adapter, then twist it the rest of the way in. Hold the piece in place until the sealant dries, typically in a couple of minutes. Screw the faucet on the outer end of the hose adapter once the sealant is fully dry.

6. Cut a hole in the lid of your barrel using a saw. The hole should be at least 3 inches in diameter. Measure your hole with measuring tape once you've finished.

7. Cut a piece of mesh screen that will cover the hole with 2 inches overage on either side. Attach the screen to the inside of the lid using electrical tape. This will prevent debris such as insects or leaves from falling into your rain barrel and contaminating your storage water.

8. Saw off your gutterspout so that the barrel can fit under it, leaving 4 extra inches of room between the gutterspout and rain barrel.

9. Screw the lid onto the barrel. Position the rain storage barrel under the gutterspout at a corner of your house. Your rain barrel is now ready to collect water.

Tags: rain barrel, rain barrel, hose adapter, your rain, your rain barrel, barrel under

Directions For A Wood Barrel

A wood barrel maker, or cooper, undergoes a long apprenticeship to learn the process of making barrels. A cooper must have precise wood-working skills and extensive knowledge of different wood types. Making a single wooden barrel can take several years.

Selecting the Wood

The most popular wood for barrel making is oak. White oak is for storing liquids, while red oak is more appropriate for dry goods. Other woods for barrel making include spruce, ash, chestnut and pine. A single oak tree of five feet in diameter will produce two to four barrels. Coopers choose trees that have grown slowly to ensure a tight grain in the wood. The trunk of the tree must be without insect infestation, disease or holes from squirrels and other tree dwellers.

Carving the Staves

The staves are the pieces of wood that make up the barrel and run vertically. You hand split them from the trunk of the tree with jointer planes and draw knives. The staves must all be the same length and width. If the staves are from a fresh trunk, they will need to age for three to five years in a dry atmosphere. You must monitor the humidity of the staves and keep it at 15 percent. This ensures a tight stave that will not leak. After drying, the cooper tapers the ends of the finished staves to give the barrel its bulging middle shape. It may be necessary to hollow out the inside of the wider part of the staves to get them to bend properly.

Shaping the Barrel

Use fire to shape wooden barrels. Coopers stack staves in a circle and hold them together with metal hoops. They then place the barrel over an open fire contained in a basket called a cresset. Only use oak chips in the shaping fire if you are making a barrel for aging wine. The fire relaxes the wood and allows the cooper to add tighter and tighter hoops until the staves are flush. The cooper levels off the ends of the staves and then custom makes a top and bottom for the barrel. You attach the tops and bottoms with an additional metal hoop.

Finishing Touches

The outside of the barrel needs a sanding treatment to make sure there are no rough spots. Fill the barrel with cold water and let it set for a day or two to check for any leaks.

Tags: barrel making, barrels Coopers, trunk tree, wood barrel

Burn Trash

Use a fire pit to help contain burning trash.

Burning trash at home is common in plenty of rural areas, but many cities have laws against the practice. Even if it is legal in your area, there might be restrictions at certain times of year, during a drought or when air quality is poor. Learn the fire laws in your area before attempting to burn your trash, and always practice good fire safety. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Check the weather. High winds and low humidity are dangerous conditions for fires. Wait for a calm day with higher humidity for safer burning.

2. Contact your local fire department to let them know you will be burning trash. This can prevent them from making an unnecessary emergency run, and it puts them on alert in the event your fire gets out of hand. The fire department will let you know if you've chosen a bad day for burning.

3. Use a fire barrel or form a fire pit to contain the trash. Clear clutter, weeds and other flammable material from the area around the fire pit.

4. Keep a shovel and a hose or bucket of water nearby in case the fire starts to burn out of control.

5. Watch the fire until it is completely out. Stir the coals, pouring water on them and covering them with dirt if necessary. Don't leave the area until the ashes are cool enough to touch with your bare hand.

Tags: burning trash, fire department, your area