Avoiding Wildfire - Safety Tips for Burning Trash

Many people that live in rural areas routinely burn their trash due to the fact that they have no trash pickup services found in more urban areas. Make sure you do so safely to avoid the chance of a wildfire that could destroy your home or the home of your friend or neighbor.

Safety Tips for Burning Trash

1.) If you need to burn household trash, don't just pile it on the ground.

2.) Always burn your trash in a covered container. Stay with your fire at all times. It only takes a second for a wayward spark to start a wildfire.

3.) Avoid accumulating large amounts of trash over extended time periods. Smaller amounts burn faster and with less risk.

4.) Avoid burning trash during extremely dry or windy conditions. Pay special attention to any burn bans in your area. Keep a fire break of at least 10 feet around your fire.

5.) Avoid burning trash that may contain hazardous items. Toxic fumes from paint and other chemicals could pose a serious health risk. Debri from exploding aerosol cans may cause serious injuries.

You can get fire risk advisories for the State of Texas here:

http://texasforestservice.tamu.edu/main/popup.aspx?id=1991

Be aware. Be informed. Be prepared.

Riverwalker

Survival Spotlight - Brenham Texas

The people in Brenham are very down to earth and friendly. It is some of the most beautiful country you will find in Texas. There are rolling hills with outstanding and beautiful views, along with many outstanding cultural features and plenty of recreational opportunities.

Brenham is known as the "Birthplace of Texas" and is located in Washington County. The Texas Declaration of Independence was signed by General Sam Houston in Washington County near the Brazos River. Washington County also began the first Independent School District in Texas.

There are many state parks in Brenham including Washington on the Brazos State Park and Museum where visitors can see the history of the area. It is also a great place for family gatherings and offers great educational opportunities for both the young and the old. Lake Somerville is also located a short distance from Brenham and is surrounded by more than 6 parks for camping, fishing, water sports or just plain old relaxation.


Facts on the Economy of Brenham, Texas (as of 2007)

1.) The unemployment rate in Brenham, TX, is 3.30%, with job growth of 0.33%. Future job growth over the next ten years is predicted to be 19.03%.

2.) Brenham, TX, sales tax rate is 8.25%. Income tax is 0.00%.

3.) The income per capita is $17,773, which includes all adults and children. The median household income is $36,528.

Facts About the Weather in Brenham, Texas

Brenham, Texas gets approximately 42 inches of rain per year. The average rainfall in the US is 37 inches per year. Snowfall is approximately 1 inch per year. The average US city gets 25 inches of snow per year. The total number of days with rain averages 94. On average, there are 205 sunny days per year in Brenham, Texas. The yearly high temperature is around 95 degrees and generally occurs in July. The average low temperature is 40 degrees and generally occurs in January.

For additional information go to:

http://www.brenhamtexas.com/

Be aware. Be informed. Be prepared.

Riverwalker

Welcome - American Preppers Network

A big Texas welcome is in order for American Preppers Network. Tom has taken the networking efforts of preppers everywhere to new levels. Help support the efforts of those states that now have prepper networks. Hopefully everyone can be better prepared. Congratulations to all those states which now have a preppers network. This is a very good thing!

Be aware. Be informed. Be prepared.

Riverwalker

Allergy Problems in Texas

Approximately 15 to 20 percent of the population in the United States suffers from some form of allergies. You may have allergies or you know someone who does. And, while allergies can be quite a nuisance for most people who suffer from them, they can be completely debilitating for others. Living in the piney woods of East Texas or the Texas Hill Country with its abundance of cedar trees can be a challenge for people with allergies. 

Pollens from trees, grasses, and weeds typically cause seasonal allergy symptoms. The East Texas piney woods and the cedar-laden Hill Country are typically high pollen count areas that can be devastating to someone with allergy problems. Although you usually can't avoid these allergens completely, unless you never go outside, you can reduce your exposure to levels that may be tolerable.  

1.) Keep windows closed in your home and in your car.
 
2.) Avoid outdoor activities when pollen counts are very high or it is very windy.
  
3.) Take a bath or shower or at least change clothes after being outdoors on days with high pollen counts.

4.) Wash your hands and face frequently to get rid of pollen.

5.) Try using a HEPA air cleaner or filter inside your home.

If you’re planning a move to Texas, you might want to check the area first to make sure you won’t be adding additional problems to your situation. Allergy problems can make your life miserable if you move to an area where there is an increased incidence of pollen and other factors that may contribute to your allergies.

Be aware. Be informed. Be prepared.

Riverwalker

Online Petition for Open Carry Law in Texas

It seems like there may be quite an interesting development in the Texas legislature as they get ready to consider a proposal for open carry of handguns in Texas.

For those of you who are interested you can read or sign the online petition here:

http://www.petitiononline.com/texasoc/petition.html

Be aware. Be informed. Be prepared.

Riverwalkr

Foods Potentially Poisonous to Pets

Even though they may not be dangerous to humans, there are numerous foods that are hazardous to pets. The following is a list of foods that may be dangerous to your pet:

Alcoholic Beverages: Any type of alcohol can be poisonous to your pet and aside from intoxication, can cause a coma or even death.

Apple Seeds: Can have varied effects on pets.

Apricot Pits: Can cause respiratory difficulties such as breathing, coughing and sneezing.

Cherry Pits: Can cause respiratory difficulties such as breathing, coughing and sneezing.

Candy containing the sweetener Xylitol: Can cause liver damage and even death.

Chocolate: Although pets should never have any type of chocolate, milk chocolate is not nearly as dangerous for animals as semi-sweet or unsweetened bakers chocolate. Chocolate poisoning can cause irregular heart rate and rhythm, restlessness, hyperactivity, diarrhea, vomiting, panting, muscle tremors, abdominal pain, bloody urine, increased body temperature, seizures, coma and possibly even death.

Coffee: Can result in increased breathing and heart rate, restlessness and affects the central nervous system.

Grapes: Large amounts of grapes can be poisonous to pets and can cause vomiting, diarrhea,
lethargy, abdominal pain, lack of appetite and kidney damage.

Hops: May cause panting, elevated temperature, increased heart rate, seizures and possibly death.

Macadamia Nuts: Can cause vomiting, lethargy, hyperthermia, abdominal pain, stiff joints, lameness and tremors.

Moldy Foods: Can have varied effects on pets including vomiting and diarrhea.

Mushrooms: Different types of mushrooms can have varied effects on pets such as, depression, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, tearing, hallucinations, defecation, liver failure, seizures, drooling, urination, kidney failure, heart damage, hyperactivity and in some cases, death.

Mustard Seeds: Can have varied effects on pets.

Onions and Onion Powder: Can cause gastrointestinal problems such as vomiting and diarrhea.

Peach Pits: Can cause respiratory difficulties such as breathing, coughing and sneezing.

Potato Leaves and Stems: Can cause problems with the digestive, nervous and urinary systems.

Raisins: Large amounts of raisins can be poisonous to pets and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, abdominal pain, lack of appetite and kidney damage.

Rhubarb Leaves: Can cause problems with the digestive, nervous and urinary systems.

Salt: In large quantities can cause electrolyte imbalances.

Tea: Can have varied effects in pets.

Tomato Leaves and Stems: Can cause problems with the digestive, nervous and urinary systems.

Walnuts: Can cause gastrointestinal problems such as vomiting and diarrhea, as well as respiratory issues such as sneezing, breathing and coughing.

Yeast Dough: Can be dangerous as it will expand and result in gas, pain and possible rupture of the stomach or intestines.

Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center

Be aware. Be informed. Be prepared.

Riverwalker