We have decided to post again, in light of the upcoming weather, our blog about Heater Safety. With the recent quick drop in temperatures we want everyone to think of the following safety tips when operating heaters.

As colder weather begins to settle please take a moment to review our Do’s and Don’ts of Space Heater Safety.  All of us at Action Rentals want you and your family to stay safe and warm this winter.

Do’s:

–       Use a space heater that has been tested to the latest safety standards and has been certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.  Your heater should have the most up-to-date safety features.  Older space heaters may not meet newer safety standards and that is when accidents happen. 

–       Always review the manual prior to use and follow the manufacturer’s directions for proper use.

–       Place the heater on a level, hard, nonflammable surface, such as a ceramic tile floor.

–       Keep the space heater accessible – do not store anything within three feet of the unit.  Keep away from bedding, drapes, and furniture and out of foot traffic path.

–       Keep children and pets away from space heaters.

–       Your space heater must be plugged directly into an outlet.  Do not use an extension cord or a multi-outlet strip/surge protector.  This can start a fire with a high voltage appliance.  The unit must ground with a three-pronged plug.

–       Turn the heater off when you leave the area or home.

–       Be sure to place smoke alarms on every level of your home, outside of sleeping areas and inside each bedroom. Guard against carbon monoxide (CO) poisonings as well by installing carbon monoxide alarms in your home. Make sure that your batteries in all alarms are fresh and working.

Don’ts:

–       Never leave a space heater on when you go to sleep.

–       Do not place a space heater close to any sleeping person.

–       Do not place your electric space heater near a bathroom or kitchen sink area due to the risk of electric shock

–       Never use gasoline in a kerosene space heater, as even a small amount of gasoline mixed with kerosene can start a fire.

–       Don’t use portable propane space heaters indoors or in a confined space unless they are specifically designed for indoor use.

–       Do not use a combustion-fuel heater (gas, propane, etc.) that vents exhaust into the room. They are referred to as unvented space heaters and can cause carbon monoxide to be released. Although an oxygen depletion alarm is standard with most of these heaters, these are not the same as carbon monoxide alarms. “Room-vented” space heaters that are wall-mounted and connected to gas lines are also “unvented” space heaters.

Pressure washing is a quick, easy way to clean your driveway, car, deck or siding. However, the powerful stream of water can also inflict damage if not handled with care. Here are some instructions that will help you get the job done quickly and will help keep your home and family safe in the process.

Things You’ll Need

• Gloves
• Water Source
• Power source (electric or gas)
• Pressure Washer

Instructions

1. Before using a pressure washer, it is imperative to review the manufacturer’s guidelines about operation. Each model is different and following the directions for your model will help you operate it safely and effectively.
2. Asses your project to develop a plan.  Take into account gravity.  If you are pressure washing siding or a fence, work from top to bottom, for decks and driveways, make sure you work downhill.  Also, be on the lookout for delicate and breakable areas (windows, vents, light fixtures, etc) and do not pressure wash them.
3. Select the appropriate nozzle or tip for the project based on your needs and the manufacturer’s guidelines.
4. If you choose to use chemicals, make sure you are using a model that allows you to add detergents or degreasers to the spray. 
5. Make sure you are wearing protective eyewear and gloves prior to beginning.  Also, the motors on some pressure washers are very loud, so please wear hearing protection.
6. Make sure all connections are tight prior to starting.
7. Start the pressure washer and test the spray to check for correct distance.  Once this is determined, spray away!
8. If you are using a chemical solution, wait 5-10 minutes to allow the chemicals time to work before pressure washing the surface again with water to rinse the chemicals away.

How to hand mix concrete so it delivers maximum strength and durability.

Mixing isn’t complicated and when done well, the concrete should last a lifetime. However, beginners must learn to recognize when the desired consistency has been achieved. One must also learn about safety precautions and the materials that must be gathered prior to mixing. The tips below will acquaint concrete novices with the process.

Step by Step:

1. Take your pre-mix concrete and pour it into a wheelbarrow or tub (depending on the amount you will need).
2. You will now need to add water.  However, add just a small amount of water at a time.  Also, use your shovel to work the mix by thrusting the shovel under the pre-mix and folding on itself.  This will help to evenly distribute the water.
3. As you work the mix, add small amounts of water.  You will do this until all of the mix looks the same and it has a consistency that isn’t dry or overly saturated.  It should resemble cookie dough.
4. An easy way to check the consistency is to use the blade of your shovel like a knife and cut a shallow channel through the surface of the pre-mix concrete.  If the mix is too dry, the channel walls will crumble.  If it is too wet the channel will fill with water.  If it is too dry, add more water and if it is too wet, add more pre-mixed concrete. 

Please remember:

Since concrete dust can be caustic, make sure you are wearing protective eyewear, gloves and a face mask when you are mixing concrete.

What You Need

• Shovel
• Pre-mix concrete
• Water
• Wheelbarrow or tub in which to mix concrete.