How to Go Solar With No Money Down

(NewsUSA) - As arguments for switching to renewable energy become more urgent, homeowners are finding new options to help finance rooftop solar systems.

Over the last five years, U.S. electricity costs have jumped more than 21 percent, and the average American household now produces 7.4 tons of carbon dioxide through yearly electricity consumption.

Homeowners who switch to solar energy can halve their electricity bill or eliminate it completely.

"My SolarWorld system really cut my electric bill, and I was able to go solar with no money down through financing," said Glen Takabayashi, a retired Marine colonel and homeowner in Temecula, Calif., whose solar array was installed by Orange County-based Infinity Solar.

Like Takabayashi, many homeowners either can't or don't want to pay for solar panels upfront. Fortunately, there are affordable ways to finance solar installation.

"I felt good about buying solar made here in the U.S. because I think it's important to support American jobs," Takabayashi added, noting that SolarWorld offers the only financing option dedicated to American-made panels.

SolarWorld, the largest U.S. solar panel manufacturer, created the Freedom Plan to help families of all sizes and incomes afford a solar system. In choosing among three plans, homeowners minimize upfront costs by replacing all or a portion of their electric bill with a monthly solar-power payment. The end result: lower utility costs guaranteed for 20 years.

Consider your options:

Zero Down Plan. Like the name indicates, this plan requires no down payment and no upfront costs. But homeowners are assured a monthly electricity payment that is less than their current bill. The contract includes solar monitoring, maintenance, repairs and insurance coverage at no extra charge.

Low Down Plan. For those who have a little more flexibility with a down payment, the Low Down Plan asks for a small upfront cost, usually less than $5,000. This option locks in a set solar payment that provides even more annual savings. It also guarantees system maintenance, repairs, insurance coverage and monitoring.

Prepay Plan. If households already have the money saved to go solar, they can pay for 20 years' worth of energy upfront and get the lowest electricity rate available. The prepay plan eliminates all or most of the household's utility bill over the duration of the two-decade contract. Free insurance, regular maintenance and monitoring are included, too.

Learn more about solar financing at www.solarworld.com/solar-finance.

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Spooked by Hurricanes, Homeowners Make Storm-Proofing Upgrades

(NewsUSA) - All those monster hurricanes and tornados we've been experiencing have apparently spooked homeowners worse than just about any disaster film Hollywood ever produced.

Six years after the housing bubble burst, the National Association of Home Builders reports homeowners may be beginning to dabble again in largish home remodeling projects costing an average of $100,000 to $150,000. But -- and this is one of the biggest trends -- they're also putting lots of their dollars towards more practical storm-proofing upgrades like wind-resistant roofing, built-in generators and basement drainage.

"It's exploded since Hurricane Irene in 2011," Justin Mihalik, a vice president of the New Jersey chapter of the American Institute of Architects, told MarketWatch.com.

And who can blame them? Hurricane Irene, which affected much of the East Coast, was bad enough. (Final toll: at least 56 deaths and $15.6 billion in damages.) But then, almost like a one-two punch, in October 2012 you had Superstorm Sandy -- the second-costliest hurricane in U.S. history, according to the National Hurricane Center, whose destructive path across 24 states left:

* 159 dead (including at least 87 from related causes like clean-up accidents and hypothermia due to power outages).

* More than $71 billion in damages.

* Distraught homeowners, especially in hard-hit New York and New Jersey, arguing with their insurance companies that wind had sheared off their roofs and allowed damaging rainwater to pour inside. (A crucial point since standard homeowners' policies cover wind-driven rain but not floods.)

Clearly, the hope now is that by investing in wind-resistant roofing, for example, homeowners can avoid or limit damage in the future -- and maybe even cut their insurance bills.

Jason Joplin, program manager of the Center for the Advancement of Roofing Excellence, has studied all the alternatives and recommends that new roofs include pre-cut Starter Strip Shingles available from GAF (www.gaf.com), North America's largest roofing manufacturer. "Starter strips lock the first row of shingles tightly in place to help prevent future blow-offs," he says.

And for those still wavering about whether to join the trend even after May's killer tornado in Oklahoma? Well, if you really want to know what it's like to see your home reduced to rubble and then be locked in a wind-driven rain vs. flood dispute with your insurance company, two words from New Jersey's Susanne Bannon, who's in her mid-60s, sum it up.

"It's traumatic," she told the Star-Ledger newspaper.

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Fact or Fiction? Advice for Fending Off Mosquitoes

(NewsUSA) - Summer may have just begun, but mosquitoes are already out in full force in many parts of the country. In fact, several cases of West Nile Virus (WNV), which can be carried by infected mosquitoes, have already been reported. With the early start of WNV, compounded by the fact that 2012 was the deadliest year on record for the illness according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), precaution is the name of the game this summer.

To help the public safeguard themselves from the bites of mosquitoes, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) offers the following "Mosquitoes: Fact or Fiction?" guide:

Scented and citronella candles will protect me from mosquitoes: FICTION.

Some types of candles will reduce mosquito populations in the immediate vicinity but will not prevent mosquitoes from biting. Accordingly, when outdoors, it is important to always use an effective insect repellent.

All insect sprays are the same: FICTION.

The CDC recommends using an insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin or IR3535, and notes that "some oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-menthane-diol products provide longer-lasting protection." To ensure safe and effective use, always use products in accordance with label directions.

Water in birdbaths, containers and toys should be emptied regularly: FACT.

Mosquitoes need only a half inch of standing water to reproduce. After rainfall, empty water that has collected in flower pots, recycling bins, children's toys, etc. Water in birdbaths should be changed two to three times per week to keep the water from becoming stagnant.

Mosquitoes are more attracted to women than men: FACT.

Research has shown that mosquitoes appear to bite women more frequently than men due to their different hormonal make-up. Interestingly, women with blonde hair are often more frequent targets for mosquitoes.

Mosquitoes only bite at dawn and dusk: FICTION.

Most mosquitoes are generally more active at dawn and dusk, but they can bite at any time of day. Certain kinds of mosquitoes, especially Asian tiger mosquitoes, are notorious for biting throughout the day.

Mosquitoes are more than just a nuisance pest. Their bites can cause harm to your family and your pets. To learn more about how to protect against mosquitoes this summer, visit pestworld.org.

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Shining Light on Top 5 Myths About Solar Energy

(NewsUSA) - Across the U.S., home solar installations are on the rise. In 2012, homeowners installed enough residential solar panels to power the equivalent of almost 24,000 homes.

Despite its growing popularity, solar technology remains unfamiliar to many Americans. As renewable energy becomes a mainstay topic for the nation's partisan political debates, consumers may struggle to separate the facts about solar energy from common misconceptions.

Here are the realities behind five common solar myths:

Myth 1: Solar is a new, unproven technology. Solar technology roots reach as far back as 1885, when Charles Fritts built the first solar cell using selenium. In 1954, researchers at Bell Labs harnessed the photoelectric effect on silicon, setting the course for modern solar technology. Since then, solar has powered space exploration, oil derricks, cellular networks and grid-tied businesses and homes.

In particular, SolarWorld, the longest-standing U.S. solar producer, has been manufacturing solar panels since 1975. "We've been in business for more than 35 years, and we've never had a product recall," said Kevin Kilkelly, president of SolarWorld Americas.

Myth 2: Solar only works in warm climates. While sunny states like California lead the U.S. in solar deployment, northern residents still have much to gain from installing residential solar panels. Just as people don't require full sunshine to see, solar panels don't require full sunshine to produce electricity. Germany, the country with the most installed solar capacity worldwide, counts on solar irradiation comparable to Seattle's.

Myth 3: All solar panels are created equal. Consumers should be aware that differences in quality and workmanship can curb the amount of energy produced. Be wary of solar panels manufactured in poorly regulated factories with questionable quality-control, labor and environmental practices. Instead, look for home solar panels from a reputable manufacturer, which can guarantee the highest power production and stand behind a 25-year warranty.

Myth 4: Solar panels are unattractive. To meet customer demand for attractive installations, a few companies now offer true-black solar panels, designed to blend well with residential rooftops. The panels are made from the most powerful solar cells available, meaning a homeowner can produce more electricity with fewer panels.

Myth 5: Solar is too expensive. Thanks to technological advances and attractive rebates, residential solar systems are more affordable than ever. In many parts of the U.S., homeowners can use financing programs to reduce upfront costs and spread payment over 20 or more years. For details on solar installation and financing, visit: www.solarworld.com/solarmyths.

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Weathering the storm: disaster preparedness tips for small business owners

(BPT) - The warm summer brings about plenty of fun in the sun with picnics, camping and backyard parties. However, these months can produce severe weather, from tornadoes to hurricanes. In addition to planning fun outdoor activities to enjoy in the summer heat, Americans should also prepare their homes for the worst that Mother Nature can bring.

Recent weather events like Superstorm Sandy along the East Coast and the tornadoes in Oklahoma have heightened awareness about emergency preparedness and the importance of having reliable backup power. Severe summer storms can strike at any moment anywhere in the U.S., so it's important for all homeowners to develop an emergency plan now, before the next big storm hits. Here are a few tips to help people protect their homes, belongings and families during severe weather events.

* Consider emergency backup power - During Superstorm Sandy, more than 8 million homes lost power up and down the East Coast and in states as far west as Michigan. Power lines are easily damaged by high winds, heavy rains and even lightning. A permanent standby generator is often viewed as the best option for homeowners to maintain power during and after severe weather, because it provides automatic, whole-home power during extended outages.

"When the power goes out, it completely changes the way you live," says Ed Del Grande, a master contractor, syndicated home improvement columnist and host on the DIY network. "A standby generator can power an entire home during an outage, which means your life continues uninterrupted. This is particularly important for homes with small children, the elderly or home-based businesses."

A standby generator is recommended by most professionals because it turns on automatically when power is lost from the utility and is permanently connected to the home like a central air conditioning unit. Because of this, homeowners do not need to be home to turn the generator on or have to go out into severe weather to set it up. The unit also connects to existing fuel lines in the home, running on propane or natural gas, and can power the entire home, including essential items like air conditioning, lights, refrigerators and freezers, security systems, electronic devices and more.

To learn more about standby power, visit KohlerGenerators.com to view educational videos and access a sizing calculator to determine what kind of a standby generator is needed for your home.

* Establish an emergency plan - Involve the entire family in your emergency plan, which should include details about the safest room in the home during severe weather, evacuation routes from the home and a predetermined meeting place in case your family gets separated during an evacuation.

As part of this plan, create a storm kit for your home and keep it replenished all summer long. To start a kit, get a plastic bucket or backpack and fill it with emergency supplies - water, first aid kit, flashlights and extra batteries, a radio, nonperishable food and cash. In addition, scan all of your important paperwork, like financial documents, insurance papers and birth certificates, and save them to a USB drive or CD. Once your storm kit is assembled, store it in a secure location in the home where all family members can access it. For more information and suggestions for building a storm kit, visit www.GreatHurricaneBlowout.org.

* Stay informed - During the summer, stay tuned to local weather forecasters when threatening weather is on the horizon and follow directions provided by local emergency officials to help keep your family and your home as secure as possible. Invest in a weather radio that alerts you and your family of potentially dangerous weather in your area. This is especially important when severe weather strikes in the middle of the night.

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Take steps to protect your home and family during severe summer weather

(BPT) - The warm summer brings about plenty of fun in the sun with picnics, camping and backyard parties. However, these months can produce severe weather, from tornadoes to hurricanes. In addition to planning fun outdoor activities to enjoy in the summer heat, Americans should also prepare their homes for the worst that Mother Nature can bring.

Recent weather events like Superstorm Sandy along the East Coast and the tornadoes in Oklahoma have heightened awareness about emergency preparedness and the importance of having reliable backup power. Severe summer storms can strike at any moment anywhere in the U.S., so it's important for all homeowners to develop an emergency plan now, before the next big storm hits. Here are a few tips to help people protect their homes, belongings and families during severe weather events.

* Consider emergency backup power - During Superstorm Sandy, more than 8 million homes lost power up and down the East Coast and in states as far west as Michigan. Power lines are easily damaged by high winds, heavy rains and even lightning. A permanent standby generator is often viewed as the best option for homeowners to maintain power during and after severe weather, because it provides automatic, whole-home power during extended outages.

"When the power goes out, it completely changes the way you live," says Ed Del Grande, a master contractor, syndicated home improvement columnist and host on the DIY network. "A standby generator can power an entire home during an outage, which means your life continues uninterrupted. This is particularly important for homes with small children, the elderly or home-based businesses."

A standby generator is recommended by most professionals because it turns on automatically when power is lost from the utility and is permanently connected to the home like a central air conditioning unit. Because of this, homeowners do not need to be home to turn the generator on or have to go out into severe weather to set it up. The unit also connects to existing fuel lines in the home, running on propane or natural gas, and can power the entire home, including essential items like air conditioning, lights, refrigerators and freezers, security systems, electronic devices and more.

To learn more about standby power, visit KohlerGenerators.com to view educational videos and access a sizing calculator to determine what kind of a standby generator is needed for your home.

* Establish an emergency plan - Involve the entire family in your emergency plan, which should include details about the safest room in the home during severe weather, evacuation routes from the home and a predetermined meeting place in case your family gets separated during an evacuation.

As part of this plan, create a storm kit for your home and keep it replenished all summer long. To start a kit, get a plastic bucket or backpack and fill it with emergency supplies - water, first aid kit, flashlights and extra batteries, a radio, nonperishable food and cash. In addition, scan all of your important paperwork, like financial documents, insurance papers and birth certificates, and save them to a USB drive or CD. Once your storm kit is assembled, store it in a secure location in the home where all family members can access it. For more information and suggestions for building a storm kit, visit www.GreatHurricaneBlowout.org.

* Stay informed - During the summer, stay tuned to local weather forecasters when threatening weather is on the horizon and follow directions provided by local emergency officials to help keep your family and your home as secure as possible. Invest in a weather radio that alerts you and your family of potentially dangerous weather in your area. This is especially important when severe weather strikes in the middle of the night.

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Tips and tools to prepare for power outages

(BPT) - Storms have been packing big punches in recent years. While the debate about the cause might rage on, so do the natural elements that wreak havoc on private homes and public infrastructure. As has been seen in recent years, the aging of the American power grid has resulted in extended power outages - and that increasingly seems that this will be the new norm. However, going without power for long periods of time is non-negotiable for many Americans. Waiting out a power failure is only an option for so long - and for many people, it's not an option at all. When power goes out, preparedness goes a long way. As a new season of storms looms on the horizon, consider these tips to keep your household both safe and functional, whatever the weather. * Generate your own power. A portable generator can provide safety and comfort in both long- and shorter-term power outages. As an alternative energy source, it gives you the option to keep your household running far more smoothly than it would with no power at all. Models like the Powerhorse Portable Generator from Northern Tool + Equipment will power your refrigerator, fans, space heaters, room air conditioners, lights, TVs and more during an outage, with surprisingly quiet and easy operation. * Invert for an alternative power source. Inverters are another handy, portable option for added power. They convert power from sources like batteries into AC current, which can be used to power a wide array of necessities, from medical devices to phone chargers and beyond. The NPower Portable Digital Inverter features high surge capacity, overload and high-temperature shutdown, and even a USB port. * Be charged up. If you plan on using an inverter, be sure to keep batteries charged during stormy seasons. Having battery chargers on hand will help you be prepared to get through the aftermath of a power-disrupting storm. * Keep your home supplied. A stock of candles, batteries, flashlights, first aid supplies, prescription medicines and other helpful items like duct tape and a digital thermometer will serve you well in a short-term outage, but will also be essential if it lasts longer. * Remember food and water safety. Because tap water might become unsafe to drink, a stock of bottled water is a critical supply. If power is out for more than two hours, it's time to start thinking about food safety. Remember that meat, poultry, fish, and eggs need to be refrigerated at or below 40 F, and that frozen food has to be kept at or below 0 F to remain safe to eat, according to the USDA. When storms strike, it can result in chaos, no matter where you live. By taking steps to prepare ahead of time, you'll be able to cope with power outages and get life back to normal sooner than you might have expected. For more ideas and information, visit the Centers for Disease Control Emergency Preparedness page and www.northerntool.com.

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Preparation and technology can help you weather the storm

(BPT) - The last few years have brought record destruction from natural disasters. While disasters such as Hurricane Isaac, Superstorm Sandy or the Oklahoma tornadoes are tragic and unavoidable, there is value in being prepared for the challenges Mother Nature throws our way.

Technology can help you prepare for the unknown and get back on your feet more quickly. Whether it's building an emergency plan or securing your important documents, a little planning can make it easier to recover from a disaster. And fortunately, today, abundant technology tools are available to help you do just that.

According to Tony Surma, the chief technology officer for Microsoft's Disaster Response Program: "The best way to help you and your family after a disaster is to build an emergency plan today.- As part of your plan, technology can help you connect with loved ones, access critical information and preserve cherished memories after a disaster strikes."

Follow these steps to prepare for recovery:

• Create an emergency plan. The first step is to create a plan for you and your family. A good plan will include emergency contacts, planned meeting locations and personal health details, such as allergies and medications, for all your family members. Microsoft Excel offers a template that walks you through the process of creating a comprehensive plan. You can find it on Office.com.
• Make your plan accessible. Just as important as creating the plan is accessing it during a disaster. Save your plan to a cloud drive, like SkyDrive (skydrive.com), that will sync your files, so you can get to your plan on any computer or smartphone, even when Internet connectivity fails.
• Keep important documents safe. Scan your important documents - insurance information, birth certificates, passports, medical records and other essential documents - and organize them in a digital notebook, like OneNote (onenote.com), so they can be quickly searched to find information you need. -If you save them to the same cloud drive as your plan, they'll be accessible anytime, from anywhere.
• Build a communication plan. The ability to connect with friends and family during a natural disaster is critical to ensuring everyone is safe, or knowing when someone needs help. While your plan will have mobile phone numbers and a meeting place outlined, many natural disasters disable communications and make transportation difficult. Mobile applications like HelpBridge (microsoft.com/helpbridge) and Skype (skype.com) can help you quickly communicate when networks get overloaded. It is also important to share your family emergency plan with trusted friends, relatives and coworkers and keep contacts up to date on your computer or smartphone to provide as many points of contact as possible when cellphone and Internet access is inconsistent.
• Construct a disaster preparedness kit. While technology can help you get through and recover from a disaster, you can't forget the basics. Experts recommend having enough food and water to last 72 hours, as well as other essential supplies such as a first aid kit, flashlight and battery-operated radio. Check with your state's emergency preparedness office for a checklist to ensure you have all the right items and keep track of when items need to be replaced.

While no one can anticipate the next tornado, earthquake or super storm, a little planning and a little technology can make a big difference.

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Prepare Your Family for The Great Outdoors

(NewsUSA) - According to the Travel Industry Association, one-third of American adults take camping trips, making camping the nation's number one outdoor vacation activity.

Camping provides a budget-friendly chance to enjoy nature. Campers can pitch their tents anywhere, from backyards to national parks.

For families, camping should be a healthy way to enjoy nature -- not a stressful trip. With some careful planning, families can arm themselves against any unexpected mishaps.

Save on basic supplies at extreme-value retailers, which stock plenty of essentials for any outside excursion. Here are some of the must-haves found at discount retailers such as Dollar General:

• Sun protection. Sunscreen, hats and glasses complete any outdoor ensemble.
• Insect repellent. Nothing ruins the great outdoors like a close encounter with mosquitoes, gnats and ticks.
• Clothing. Getting dirty while camping is part of the fun, so dress children accordingly. Pack extra socks, T-shirts and underwear, and bring portable stain remover.
• Snacks. It's raining too hard to start a fire? Bring crackers, snack bars, cereal, nuts and dried fruit as emergency rations. Canned soups, vegetables and spaghetti also make for quick meals.
• Cooking basics. Nothing compares to campfire cooking. Rustle up vittles in inexpensive cookware available at discounters such as Dollar General. They can be used over an open fire, like skillets, pots and pans.
• Grilling supplies. A portable grill, charcoal, starter fluid and matches make for a better dinner than cold refried beans.
• Dinnerware. Stick with the basics at dinner. Use plastic or paper plates and utensils for easy clean-up.
• Drinks. Avoid dehydration with bottled water and juice boxes. Bring a cooler to keep drinks cold.
• Flashlights. Supplement starlight with flashlights, lanterns and plenty of batteries. For emergencies, bring along a wind-up lantern that doesn't need batteries.
• S'mores. S'mores are easy to make and are the perfect fireside treat. All you need are marshmallows, chocolate bars and graham crackers -; and napkins.

Camping outdoors can produce the memories that become family legends. A little planning and a trip to Dollar General will keep campers happy to re-tell these stories around campfires for years to come.

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Recharging Your Batteries: How to Stay Powered Up

(NewsUSA) - Who hasn't experienced that moment of panic when your smartphone is about to die just

when you need it most? Without our tech gadgets -- and that includes everything from iPods to gaming devices to the latest tablets -- most of us feel absolutely lost.

The problem has been finding a quality universal battery pack that works well at recharging the whole gamut.

And that's as convenient to use whether traveling or in your own stomping ground.

And, oh yes, one that looks good, too.

Enter Rayovac (www.rayovac.com), which has long been the go-to source for reliable batteries. Its stylishly designed, white Platinum Rechargeable Power Pack may be no bigger than a cell phone -- though not so small that it gets lost in a pocketbook or suitcase -- but it's the complete and innovative solution that tech users have been waiting for.

With three hours of recharging via USB or outlet, the power pack is ready to give your gadgets an extra six hours of use. In fact, its 800-mAh internal Lithium Ion rechargeable battery means it's possible to charge an MP3 player, for example, three times on just one recharge of the power pack.

What's more, its accompanying adapters are good for all Micro USB, Mini USB and Apple devices.

Think of it. No more cameras dying half-way into your hiking or camping adventures because of batteries that need resuscitating. Ditto dead iPods and e-readers on road trips and long flights.

And as for those dreaded missed calls -- be they business or personal -- frequent travelers will be especially glad to have packed the Platinum Rechargeable Power Pack, which is only available at Walmart, along as a travel buddy.

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Find Your Way off the Beaten Path

(NewsUSA) - Hiking can provide hours of entertainment, healthy exercise and a chance to enjoy natural vistas -- but trail blazing isn't without hazards. Wildlife, unsafe drinking water, accidents and unexpected obstacles can all create emergencies.

But with some common sense and preparation, hikers and their families can safely enjoy the great outdoors. Here are some tips to help you prepare for your next hike:

• Plan ahead. Choose a trail appropriate for your fitness level, and make sure that someone knows when you are leaving and when you plan to return. Don't hike alone. Check the weather before heading out.
• Dress appropriately. Wear boots with ankle support. If you're hiking in an area with different elevations, wear layers so that you can remove and add clothing as temperatures change. Don't wear cotton -- it takes too long to dry and can give you a chill. Pack waterproof, wind-resistant gear even if it's sunny.
• Make sure you won't get lost. GPS devices have become a safety mainstay for hikers; having one on-hand greatly reduces the chances of getting lost. The Magellan Triton 2000, which was designed specifically for outdoor enthusiasts, offers a wide range of useful features, including a touch screen, National Geographic's award-winning TOPO! maps, a compass, a barometer, a 2-megapixel camera, an embedded speaker and microphone, and a flashlight. The device is rugged and waterproof.
• Pack food and water correctly. Plan on carrying two quarts of water per person per day. Never assume that water is safe. If you plan to refill your water bottles on the trail, bring water-purification tablets. Pack foods that do not require refrigeration, like trail mix, crackers, peanut butter, and canned goods. If you're planning on staying out overnight, go to a camping supply store for foods designed for backpacking. You might also want to buy mesh food bags, which will help keep small animals out of your supplies.

For more information, visit www.magellangps.com.

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Camping? Make Sure to Travel a Well-Lit Path

(NewsUSA) - Whether your escape to nature involves a day of hiking, tenting overnight or RVing, a little planning will go a long way in making your experience enjoyable.

You know, of course, to bring graham crackers and marshmallows, but your light source can make or break your trip.

Most of us are used to seeing streetlights and headlights at night -- it's easy to forget how dark it gets in the woods. Every camper should carry a flashlight. You will also need a larger light that provides enough illumination to work by. Most people associate propane lanterns with the great outdoors, but these lanterns aren't necessarily the best option. Propane lanterns can be noisy and cannot be used in tents or campers, and you will need to pack and carry fuel.
Because propane lanterns produce heat, they are a burn hazard.

LED worklights provide a safer and easier option. One light, the Might-D-Light (www.might-d-light.com), proves especially useful, as its hinge can be moved to create either a large spray of light or directional lighting for close work.

The Might-D-Light, which can attach to most metal surfaces with its rare earth magnets, hang from a hook or stand upright, is hands-free, so you can use it while performing tasks that require both hands, such as setting up a tent after dark or striking matches. The Might-D-Light can be recharged with an AC/DC adapter, so as long as you drive to your campsite, you won't have to carry batteries or fuel.

How can the Might-D-Light make your trip more enjoyable? It lends itself to a variety of
situations, including:

• Any activity that takes place in your tent or camper. Need to grab a sweater from your pack? With the Might-D-Lite, you won't have to fumble with a flashlight or create a potential fire hazard by taking your propane lamp indoors.

• Playing games. Unless you plan on going to bed as soon as the sun sets, you'll want to bring games to play after dark. With a hands-free folding light, you'll have no trouble dealing cards or besting everyone at slapjack.

• Keeping cool. LED lights don't emit heat, so using the Might-D-Lite won't create a sweltering campsite.

• Hiking. The Might-D-Light folds for compact storage and is far more durable than a propane lantern, making it ideal for backcountry trips.

• Around pets and children. With an LED light, you don't have to worry about spilled fuel or burns.

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Outdoor gear that performs year-round

(BPT) - Rugged camping gear is no longer just for adventurers and niche outdoor sports. High-tech or activity-specific outdoor products are gaining popularity because they also come in handy every day and around the house.

"As it turns out, the durability and dependability of gear needed on remote hikes or climbs has many outdoor lovers reaching for those same items around the home," says gifts.com editor Dan Tower, who specializes in sharing gift ideas catered to specific occasions and recipients.

Tower identified the following durable gear, as camping season approaches, for its versatility across a variety of settings.

Water, water everywhere

It wasn't long ago that water bottles were strictly for camping. Now people enjoy having water within arm's reach at all times. Whether it's a need to stay hydrated or just the eco-sensible peace of mind gained by avoiding single use containers, a go-to water bottle has become a ubiquitous personal accessory.

Liberty Bottleworks make gorgeous, 100 percent BPA-free water bottles showcasing artwork sourced from emerging graphic artists. Arguably though, the best part is the bottles are the only American-made metal water bottles available, with production in Yakima, Wash. Plus, they're made from 100 percent recycled aluminum that's tough enough to pack for the jungle or urban jungle.

Let there be light

A headlamp may seem exclusive to adrenaline-pumping activities like rock climbing, caving and hiking at night, but this hands-free lighting source can be incredibly beneficial in a power outage, when changing a tire at night or more common activities like an evening bike ride.

The Energizer Micro Sport Headlight from Energizer is a new headlamp that offers a helpful, hands-free lighting source. While biking and running enthusiasts will especially appreciate its lightweight and slim profile, the headlight is similarly tailored for everyday activities like taking the dog for an evening walk. With a white spot light in the front and a red flashing light in the back, streets and sidewalks will be clearly illuminated, but more importantly, others will be able to see you.

Be my guest

The Pakmat Airbed is another great outdoor must-have that comes in handy all year. One of its most attractive attributes is that, when not in use, it is stored in a small canister. This benefit is obvious when backpacking and camping, but is also an advantage for apartment dwellers who don't have ample storage space or a guest room, and want to easily accommodate an overnight guest.

Part sleeping pad and part inflatable bed, the Pakmat is a self-contained air mattress that needs no electricity to inflate. Its container also doubles as the pump that inflates it and makes it sleep-ready. When the the slumber party is over, the Pakmat rolls back up into its canister, ready for the next adventure.

Just in case

There's a smartphone case that's tough enough to weather nature's nastiest elements, which will also assure parents their phones will be safer in the hands of young kids. The LifeProof Case takes gadget protection to an exciting new level. In addition to making your iPhone shockproof, the LifeProof case is also waterproof (and dirtproof and snowproof). Taking your iPhone up to 6 feet under water opens up a whole new world of picture- and video-taking possibilities - whether that's on your next kayaking adventure or at a backyard pool. Outdoor gear has numerous uses outside of campgrounds and state parks. As spring starts to do its thing, many outdoor enthusiasts on the lookout for the latest gear should also consider the year-round benefits of their purchases.

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Think rabies is a thing of the past? Think again

(BPT) - Most of us know what rabies is, but it's not something we think about often. Thanks to public health education, mandatory pet vaccinations and the wildlife oral rabies vaccination program, rabies cases in the U.S. have dropped dramatically in the past 15 years. But unfortunately this severe disease is still reported across the country, making rabies a continued public health threat. What do you need to know to keep your family, pets and community safe?

Controlling rabies cases

Although steps to control pet and wildlife rabies cases have reduced the risk to humans, rabies is still a threat because if it's not treated immediately, it has the highest case-fatality rate of any infectious disease. Transmitted by the saliva of an infected animal, rabies can be prevented by prompt medical care. If exposure is suspected, contact your health care professional immediately.

Continued diligence in vaccination programs for pets, livestock and wildlife is needed to lower the threat of rabies. Make sure to keep your pets up to date on their immunizations and get involved in your community's efforts in controlling the disease in the wildlife population.

Controlling and preventing rabies requires several proactive efforts. First, pet owners must understand the need for pets to get vaccinated on a regular basis. Second, seek immediate treatment if pets are bitten by an infected animal. Finally, efforts to decrease the disease among wild animals must be made.

Approximately 92 percent of all animal rabies cases in the United States occur in wildlife, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Animals that are most likely to be infected with rabies in the U.S. include raccoons, skunks, bats and foxes. Public health programs, such as those that vaccinate wildlife against rabies, help reduce rabies exposure and the spread of the disease to pets, livestock and people.

Wildlife treatment efforts

Managing rabies in the wildlife population is a complex task. Fifteen years ago the Federal government created a program that uses the first and only oral rabies vaccine for wildlife, RABORAL V-RG, to reduce this infectious disease.

"Oral rabies vaccines are provided to wild animals in the form of consumable baits," explains Dr. Joanne Maki, veterinary public health technical director for Merial, maker of RABORAL V-RG. "These baits are placed strategically throughout the country where wildlife at risk of exposure to rabies will eat them. This approach has prevented rabies transmission in wild animals, particularly raccoons, coyote and foxes.- Vaccinating wildlife is a comprehensive approach that helps keep pets, livestock and people safe from rabies as well."

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Bug out bag tips you won't find anywhere else

You may have a "bug out bag," but is it optimized for maximum efficiency and survival? There are several items that may help you make the most out of your survival bag.

The bug out bag is one of the most ubiquitous concepts amongst survivalists, but if you're unfamiliar with the term, here's the gist:

A bug out bag is a bag, usually a backpack, filled with basic items you need to survive 72 hours in a survival situation. Usually the bug out bag is only meant to help you survive until you arrive at a bug out location, which is usually stocked with more long-term survival supplies.

There's a plethora of information on bug out bags out there, including itineraries of basic supplies you should include. Your basic needs are water, shelter, food, and heat.

Here are a few tips and suggestions for items that I haven't seen listed elsewhere. They just might make the difference when you're forced to use your bug out bag.

Water

Water is going to take up a lot of room and add a lot of weight to your bag. Make sure you use a pack that has external water bottle holders on each side. You can use at least one to hold a water bottle, saving room inside. (You might want to save the other one to hold fuel for a camp stove). Keeping liquids outside the pack prevents them from ruining the contents of your bag if they leak.

A canteen will provide more water. You can use a clip to secure it to the outside of your pack so if you have to grab the bag and go, you have the canteen with you. But the canteen should also have a strap so you can carry it on your shoulder or around your neck. Make sure to use an aluminum or steel canteen so you can boil water in it. Check out these examples on Amazon:

Rothco 422 G.I. Style Aluminum Canteen and Cover, 1 Quart |  Canteen Stainless Steel

This water will only last you so long, and you may need to get more. When you acquire water, you run into two problems: you need to store water, and you need to purify water.

Storage isn't a huge problem, because you presumably already have a water bottle and a canteen. But what if water is scarce and you need to store more of it than just that in your canteen and water bottle?

Your best option is a foldable water bag, like this one by Coghlan's. It's made of urethane coated nylon and weighs just three ounces. You can fold it up small enough to fit in your pocket, yet it will hold 2.5 gallons of water.

Once you have sufficient means of storing water, you have to purify it. Water purification tablets and water filter straws are your two most portable options and thus the most useful for your bug out bag. Chlorine dioxide tablets are supposed to be effective against "Proven effective against bacteria, Giardia, Lamblia, Crystosporidium, and viruses," according to the product description for Portable Aqua's chlorine dioxide tablets on Amazon.

Potable Aqua Chlorine Dioxide Tablets

While water purification tablets are an effective solution, you'll run out of them eventually. Another option for water purification is a water filter straw, such as the LifeStraw, available at Amazon. The straw's filter should work for a long time. Between tablets and a straw filter, you should be able to get fresh water for a long time.

LifeStraw Personal Water Filter

Shelter

 Don't overdo it on shelter supplies. A tent can add a lot of weight and take up a lot of room in a bug out bag. As I see it, you have three optimal solutions: a small backpacking tent, a tube tent or a tarp.


A tent is the most complex option, having the most parts (stakes, poles, etc.) but also probably offers the most comfort and the most protection from the elements. Here are some tents for consideration that are available from Amazon:

Texsport Saguaro Bivy Shelter Tent |  Texsport Willowbend Trail Tent

Tube tents are basically a tube-shaped piece of material, often plastic, that is held up with cord or rope. Each end of the rope is tied to a tree or something else to keep it suspended. Tube tents are simple to use and cheap to buy, but I've found that if you don't have something handy to tie the rope to, they can be a little inconvenient. You may be able to improve poles with branches and other materials available to you. They also are not enclosed like a tent, so you may be somewhat more exposed. Here are links to some tube tents available from Amazon:

Tube Tent |  Coghlans Emergency Tube Tent

Your third option is simply a tarp and some rope or cord. As with the tube tent, it's not the most convenient and may leave you somewhat exposed, but it's an extremely lightweight and space-saving option.

Food

 There's not a lot on food that hasn't been written about elsewhere. I will just say that freeze dried food is always a convenient and space-saving, albeit very expensive, option. That being said, big-box stores tend to have some decent, if not cheap, prices on freeze dried hiking food.

Tips for the Budget-Minded

Compiling a bug out bag can be expensive business, but it doesn't have to be. Here are some tips for budget-conscious preppers who may not be able to afford all the bells and whistles.

• Optimally, you're going to want some kind of mess kit, including a small pot for cooking. But if you're really strapped for cash, include a can of vegetables, beans or soup in your bug out bag instead. When you're ready to eat, peel off any labeling on the can and cook the contents right in the can. Be sure to save it -- you can use it as a pot to cook food or boil water in.
• A camping stove makes cooking much easier than building a fire. Smoke from a fire will draw attention; cooking on a fuel stove instead will help you keep a low profile. Propane tanks can add a lot of bulk and while generally safe, having fuel under pressure is potentially a fire hazard. I prefer an alcohol stove, and you can make one cheaply and relatively easily with these instructions. Then again, if you want to put in that effort, you can buy one for less than $20 on Amazon: Trangia Spirit Alcohol Stove. You can use Heet as fuel: HEET 28201 Gas-Line Antifreeze and Water Remover - 12 Fl oz.

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Why going gluten-free doesn't mean going grain-free

(BPT) —  It's impossible to stroll the aisles in your local supermarket without seeing package after package labeled "gluten-free." But who really needs a gluten-free diet, and how can you still enjoy grains, even if you are eating gluten-free?

Gluten is a protein found in just four grains: wheat, barley, rye and triticale, a wheat-rye hybrid. For people with celiac disease (an estimated 1 percent of the population) eating foods containing gluten can cause an immune reaction in the small intestine that leads to a host of health problems, from abdominal pain to vitamin deficiencies that can affect the brain, bones, liver and other organs. Some people who don't have celiac disease still suffer from gluten-sensitivity or allergies to wheat, and can benefit from a gluten-free diet.

No matter the reason behind going gluten-free, for those making the switch it might seem like the end of eating grains. However, that shouldn't to be the case. While cutting out gluten-containing grains is important for those who are gluten-intolerant, there's an array of other whole grains —  naturally gluten-free —  that can make your diet as varied, delicious and nutritious as you like.

If you're building a gluten-free menu, it's important to include whole grains, which provide many essential nutrients. Try some of these options in your meals, from breakfast to dinner, to get a taste of the flavors and textures that whole, gluten-free grains have to offer:

• Amaranth - Popped like corn or added to soups or a pilaf, this heart-healthy grain adds great taste and texture.
• Buckwheat - Whether used whole or ground as flour, buckwheat provides a rich, nutty flavor.
• Corn - A classic American staple that is as versatile as it is easy to find.
• Millet - Let it stand alone as a side or bake it into crunchy crackers; millet's mild flavor ensures that it plays well with other ingredients.
• Oats - Oats themselves are gluten-free, but they're often processed in places where gluten products are also made. Make sure your oats are certified as free from cross-contamination.
• Quinoa - This nutrient-rich grain has been a staple in the Andes Mountains for centuries, and it's gaining in popularity for its versatility and subtle flavor.
• Brown and colored rice - Rice itself, or products made from it, like noodles, can be used to prepare delicious dishes from around the globe.
• Sorghum - Flour made from this nutrient-packed grain can be used to make everything from pie crust to pancakes. It can also be popped —  it's a fun treat that looks like mini-popcorn.
• Teff - Tiny teff grains (3,000 grains weigh just one ounce) make a flavorful flour that can be used for crepes, breads or injera, the spongy flatbread that is a dietary staple in the grain's native country of Ethiopia.
• Wild rice - Hearty, nutty and utterly delicious, wild rice is a welcome addition on any plate. Use it as stuffing, in a salad or simply on its own.

Because all of these whole grains have their own nutrient profiles, mixing them up is a great way to make your diet healthier —  the more different grains you eat, the more nutritional variety you'll get. Recipes for each kind of gluten-free grain can be found at www.wholegrainscouncil.org. To get started, try this delicious dish, Southwestern Quinoa Salad, which pairs both quinoa and corn with flavorful, fresh ingredients that everyone will love.

Southwestern Quinoa Salad

1 cup quinoa

2 cups vegetable broth

2 ears corn, roasted and cut off cob

1 red bell pepper, roasted and chopped

1 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained

3 scallions

1/2 cup chopped cilantro

3 limes, juiced

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/2 -teaspoon cumin

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 -teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Put quinoa and broth in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until tender.

In a large bowl, mix together quinoa, corn, pepper, beans, scallions and cilantro.

In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil and seasonings. Pour over quinoa mixture.- Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes to let flavors set.

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Make string out of natural nettle fibers

My goal on this site is to help people achieve one hundred percent self-sufficiency. In that vein, I searched for ways to make natural string or rope.

I found the following video, which shows you how to make string out of stinging nettles. It's a lot easier to make cordage out of stinging nettle fibers than you may think, and you can use it for a variety of purposes.

For example, stinging nettle cordage is purportedly excellent for bowstrings. In a SHTF situation, you may have a supply of bowstrings stocked up, but if civilization truly fell apart, or if for whatever reason you needed to make a bow and bowstring in the wilderness, knowing how to make one out of the ubiquitious stinging nettle is a skill you may be eager to have.

The video is produced by the website www.ancient-arts.org. Go check them out for more useful ancient arts you may be forced to learn when society collapses!

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