Travel Preparations

Travel is a great way to rejuvenate from a busy schedule. So go explore the world and learn about different cultures; Have a tropical experience in Hawaii, have an African safari, or maybe just have a reunion.

Planning a summer vacation? Just make sure to take the following precautions before you leave for your destination:

Water Damage Tips

• Turn off your main water source- with the constant water pressure, pipes can burst causing a flood in your home.
• Turn your water heater down.
• Check seals on faucets, shower heads, and toilets. Repair any damage that has been done to caulking.
• Switch out the rubber hoses on appliances (such as the washing machine) for the more durable steel hoses. This can help you avoid leaks.

Vandalism Tips

• Don’t put a message on your answering machine, face book page, or blog that you are going on vacation. It is good to tell a trusted neighbor or friend that you are going on vacation so they can watch over your house, but telling anyone else is like saying, “I am going to be gone this weekend so feel free to rob me.”
• Leave spare keys with a trusted neighbor. Thieves know to look under the mat and under rocks; if you leave a key outside your house they will find it.
• Get a good alarm system.
• Automatic lighting systems can make it look like you’re home.
• Have someone pick up your newspaper while you are gone. Seeing a stack of newspapers on your porch alerts thieves that you are gone.

Fire Tips

• Turn off or unplug appliances. If left on for too long, appliances such as candle warmers and irons can start fires.
• Turn off gas to avoid leaks.
• Make sure you are current on your home insurance and have a GREAT vacation!

Reference List
Allen, Josh. "Water Damage; Simple Steps to Protect Your Pocket 2." Free Articles Directory Submit Articles - ArticlesBase.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Aug. 2010. .
"Before leaving for a vacation, Take these precautions! Security World News." Home Security Magazine, Today's Online News, Security World News. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Aug. 2010. .
Bonincontro, Aldo , and James Mockridge. "The benefits of travel in your life experiences - Travel Diaries & Adventures (Other) - Helium." Helium - Where Knowledge Rules. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Aug. 2010. .
Sardone, Susan Breslow. "When to Go Where in July/August - Best Places to Vacation in July/August ." Honeymoons Romantic Getaways - No. 1 in Honeymoons - Honeymoons Ideas. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Aug. 2010.

Building You Up

Most of you have probably already received our "Building You Up" puzzle ball. If you are having trouble putting it back together, here are a few simple pictures to help.

March MADNESS

I think it’s a safe bet that many of you are tuning in to watch the upcoming NCAA basketball tournaments. I think it’s also safe to assume that many of you are placing bets on your favorite team with coworkers, at home, or with friends.

According to an article on CNN.com, workplace March Madness is true madness, costing US employers $1.8 billion!

http://www.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/03/15/march.madness.at.office/index.html?hpt=C2

However in the same article, it is argued that the energy created via March Madness, may increase work productivity. A company’s vitality may be enhanced from the excitement generated through office-bracket pools.

It’s possible that March Madness creates unity and community within the workplace, as coworkers discuss the games. They are able to contribute their mutual knowledge, which invites a sense of belonging.

On the other hand, there is a reason madness is used to describe March’s event. Perhaps this could become the new ides of March! Who do you think will win?

http://www.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/03/18/bluffing.march.madness/index.html?hpt=C2

The Health Risks of Living in a Prior Meth Lab

Meth labs not only affect those who live in them but those who live around them. Health risks vary depending on the chemical, the way it is exposed to the body, concentration and quantity. Chemicals can enter the body simply by breathing them in, by eating them, injecting them, and by being absorbed through the skin.

‘Acute Exposure: An acute chemical exposure is one that occurs over a relatively short period of time and may result in health effects. An acute exposure to high levels of contaminants found in meth labs cause shortness of breath, cough, chest pain, dizziness, lack of coordination, chemical irritation, lesions and burns to the skin, eyes, mouth and nose, and in severe cases, death. Acute reactions of this nature could occur during or immediately after a drug bust, before the lab has been ventilated.

Less severe symptoms resulting from a less acute exposure cause headache, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue or lethargy. These symptoms have been known to occur in people who have entered a drug lab after the bust has been completed, but before the property has been adequately cleaned and ventilated. These symptoms usually go away after several hours.

Corrosive Effects: Inhalation or skin exposure may result in injury from corrosive substances present in a meth lab. Symptoms range from shortness of breath, cough, chest pain, to burns to the skin.

Solvents: Exposure to solvents can irritate the skin, mucous membranes, respiratory tract, and cause central nervous system effects. They are also dangerous because of their fire and explosive properties.

Chronic Exposure: Chronic exposure occurs over an extended period of time, such as weeks, months, or years. A chronic health effect is one that usually appears after a lengthy period of time, possibly years. Not much is known about the chronic health effects from these labs. However, there is scientific evidence from animal and human toxicity studies that shows the chemicals used to manufacture meth can cause a range of health effects include cancer, damage to the brain, liver and kidneys, birth defects, and reproductive problems, such as miscarriages.’ (http://www.drugfree.org/Portal/DrugIssue/MethResources/meth_faq.html#6)

A good way to find out if your home was used to make meth is to talk to neighbors and the police department. Another great resource is to look at the drug registry list

www.usdoj.gov/dea/seizures/index.html

FOR PICTURES OF WHAT YOU SHOULD LOOK FOR TO AVOID RENTING OR BUYING A FORMER METH LAB GO TO:

http://methlabhomes.com/category/meth-lab-signs/meth-lab-pictures/

Reports obtained from the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the DEA, show that no state comes close to Missouri for meth busts. California in 10th place had 68 meth lab busts in January alone. The pharmaceutical industry is now giving pharmacies in the state of Missouri a digitized system that will help in predicting who may be buying products for the manufacturing of meth.

If you suspect a meth lab, contact your local law enforcement office right away. Never try investigating the situation your self! For anonymous reasons you can contact www.seemethstopmeth.com or call 1-866-303-METH.

*Picture and graph from methlabhomes.com. Information from methlabhomes.com and drugfree.org

New Year New Start

It has almost been a month now since everyone has either made or abandoned the idea of a new year resolution. It is a wonderful feeling to know that you can have a fresh start. But if you are anything like me you are gung-ho for the first month or two then you slip back into old habits.

A few things to keep in mind while planning your new year’s resolution. If you want a change it needs to be a life change. Don’t take on anything too big right away. Rather then taking on two or three goals choose one realistic goal. Slowly work into your goal. It helps to tell your friends and family, they can provide support and help you keep on track.

The middle of winter is a really hard time to get motivated to make a life change. starting small at first then taking the bigger steps in the spring will propel you further to your goal. Think pavlov! Reward yourself for your progress, if you go to the gym twice a week reward yourself with a new pair of shoes, or if your trying to cut back on spending splurge on a cappuccino with friends.

Making a life change isn’t always easy. Stay positive and good luck!

Make sure your new home is not a lemon

Buying a new is one of the most stressful things. These days you have to be on the look out for, mold, faulty plumbing or electrical installation. and toxic chemicals from meth production. Advanced Restoration is a licensed contractor with years of experience in perfecting the quality of homes.

If you are in the search for your perfect home let advanced Restoration help you in making sure its a healthy home.

Carbon Monoxide the Silent Killer

With the cold weather hitting this winter we are all running to turn the furnace on. Before you do make sure your furnace has been checked by a professional. The dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) are greater in the winter when you have the furnace on all the time. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can cause sudden illness and death.

Also be aware of gas powered stoves, ovens and water heaters. If they are not properly ventilated, they too can release harmful amounts of CO into your home. CO is a toxic gas that enters the bloodstream and replaces the oxygen molecules found in the critical blood component hemoglobin, depriving the heart and brain of the oxygen necessary to function.

Symptoms are often related to flu-like symptoms including nausea, fatigue, headaches, dizziness, confusion and breathing difficulty. Because CO poisoning often causes a victim’s blood pressure to rise, the victim’s skin may take on a pink or red cast.

Most CO detectors will sound at 1,000 parts per million (ppm), for the safety of you and your family you will want to invest in a detector that will sound at, at least 400 ppm. Below is a list of concentrations and Symptoms

35 ppm (0.0035%) Headache and dizziness within six to eight hours of constant exposure

100 ppm (0.01%) Slight headache in two to three hours

200 ppm (0.02%) Slight headache within two to three hours; loss of judgment

400 ppm (0.04%) Frontal headache within one to two hours

800 ppm (0.08%) Dizziness, nausea, and convulsions within 45 min; insensible within 2 hours

1,600 ppm (0.16%) Headache, tachycardia, dizziness, and nausea within 20 min; death in less than 2 hours

3,200 ppm (0.32%) Headache, dizziness and nausea in five to ten minutes. Death within 30 minutes. 6,400 ppm (0.64%) Headache and dizziness in one to two minutes. Convulsions, respiratory arrest, and death in less than 20 minutes.

12,800 ppm (1.28%) Unconsciousness after 2-3 breaths. Death in less than three minutes.

(chart taken from Wikipedia)

For more information check out:

http://www.cdc.gov/co/faqs.htm

http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/coftsht.html

http://safetyathome.com/home-safety/home-safety-articles/test-your-carbon-monoxide-iq-and-protect-your-loved-ones/?fbid=N2uyOTPGshe

Dangerous Drywall

You wouldn't expect your brand new home to make you sick but, according some Florida homeowners that is exactly what happened. The CPSC has received about 2,091 reports from residents in 32 states. Homeowners in Florida, Louisiana, Virginia, Alabama, Mississippi as well as many other states and U.S. territories that had homes built between 2006 - 2007 have complained of several health problems, itchy eyes and skin, asthma attacks, persistent cough and bloody noses. They have also complained of a "rotten egg" smell in their home, electrical wire failure, and metal fixtures and copper tubing turning black.

Drywall made in China is believed to be the source of the problem. High levels of hydrogen sulfide have been found in homes built with this particular drywall. If you believe you have contaminated drywall you should contact your state and local health department. The CPSC has not advised whether or not to take certain steps to test and remove the contaminated drywall. But warn homeowners to be cautious of persons or businesses advertising testing and remediation services. There may be unqualified or dishonest individuals seeking to take advantage of consumers struggling to address this issue. You should consult your State and local authorities if you have any questions or concerns about contractors or testing companies promising solutions to these drywall matters.

According to the CDC you should watch for potential electrical hazards in you home

Power outages - a circuit breaker which needs resetting frequently without any apparent cause; especially if a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) or arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) trips frequently. Arc-fault circuit interrupters are a special kind of circuit breaker that is designed to detect arcing conditions in the electrical wiring.

Dim/flickering lights - lights dim often without any specific cause, such as the air conditioner or the refrigerator turning on.

Arcs/sparks - bright flashes or showers of sparks anywhere in your electrical system.

Sizzles/buzzes - unusual sounds from electrical system devices.

Overheating - parts of your electrical system, such as switch plates, dimmer switches, receptacle outlet covers, cords and plugs may be warm as a normal consequence of their operation but should not be discolored from heat or painful to touch.

Odors - pungent smells such as strong fumes from overheating plastic or electrical insulation materials.

Electrical shocks - any shock, even a mild tingle.

Multiple symptoms would be a stronger indication of problems.

For more information please go to http://www.cpsc.gov/info/drywall/index.html

Pictures are from the CPSC Report