Wildfire Prevention Week

The week of March 16-22 is Pennsylvania’s Wildfire Prevention Week. This has been announced by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and National Resources.

9 out of 10 forest fires are started by people and the goal of the PA Department of Conservation and National Resources is to create awareness and lower these numbers. The Department of Conservation and National Resources emphasizes the importance of knowing how to prevent forest fires while camping or participating in any recreational task in the forest.

On their website is a list of how you can lower the risk of forest fires.

Click here for information on forest fire hazards.

How can homeowners help prevent forest fires? Click here to find out.

How To Stay Warm

As the numbers on our thermometers flirt closely with that 0˚ mark, and as there is news of Punxsutawney Phil seeing his shadow, which promises six more weeks of winter, you may be wondering what different ways there are to stay warm without sending your heating bill through the roof.

Here are some ideas on staying warm while keeping your heating costs down. You can change your house thermostat to 69˚ when you are home and awake, 64˚ when you are sleeping and 62˚ when you are not at home during the day. You can also let the sun shine into your house to warm things up, insulate your windows, layer your bedding, and eat warm foods like soup and hot chocolate!

For more ideas click here.

Tips for Conserving Water

With the drought affecting most of our nation, the conservation of water is incredibly important. Here are ten ways that will save the most water without spending money on new appliances:

1. Water your lawn only when it needs it. Step on your grass. If it springs back, when you lift your foot, it doesn't need water. So set your sprinklers for more days in between watering. Saves 750-1,500 gallons per month. Better yet, especially in times of drought, water with a hose. And best of all, convert your lawn to native plants.

2. Fix leaky faucets and plumbing joints. Saves 20 gallons per day for every leak stopped.

3. Don't run the hose while washing your car. Use a bucket of water and a quick hose rinse at the end. Saves 150 gallons each time. For a two-car family that's up to 1,200 gallons a month.

4. Install water-saving shower heads or flow restrictors. Saves 500 to 800 gallons per month.

5. Run only full loads in the washing machine and dishwasher. Saves 300 to 800 gallons per month.

6. Shorten your showers. Even a one or two minute reduction can save up to 700 gallons per month.

7. Use a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways and sidewalks. Saves 150 gallons or more each time. At once a week, that's more than 600 gallons a month.

8. Don't use your toilet as an ashtray or wastebasket. Saves 400 to 600 gallons per month.

9. Capture tap water. While you wait for hot water to come down the pipes, catch the flow in a watering can to use later on house plants or your garden. Saves 200 to 300 gallons per month.

10. Don't water the sidewalks, driveway or gutter. Adjust your sprinklers so that water lands on your lawn or garden where it belongs--and only there. Saves 500 gallons per month.

For More Information - 100 Ways for the Northeast to Save Water