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How much protection does one really get with a home safe? That depends upon the materials that make up the safe, and the weight of it and whether it is secure and can't be removed. A heavy floor safe bolted to the floor is probably the way to go if you have valuable jewelery in the home.

Let's consider first the construction of the safe. The entry level safes are more of a lock box. These are light weight metal boxes that usually have a key lock to secure the items. They also will offer some fire resistance. Beyond this, there are safes that are made of hardened steel that we call burglary safes. There are also safes made of steel with special material within the walls of the steel that create a heat barrier (steam) against fire. Finally, there are safes called "composite" safes where the best of both worlds are offered; you get both fire and burglary resistance.

Many people keep items of value in their home or business and have no way to keep them safe. The good news is, that even if you invest in a small lock box to protect your sensitive and important items, at least you are taking a step in the right direction. Most people may not know that there are a variety of options when it comes to safes and the right safe for you depends on what you want to store in it.

Obviously there are other factors involved when researching safes for the home. One of the most important is weight. Is the home built to withstand the weight of a steel floor safe, or should we put it in the basement? How fire resistant will it be? U.L Laboratories will rate them on how long it can be exposed to certain temperatures and still protect the things inside. That will be either 30 minutes, 1 hour or 2 hours.

Whatever your needs, understanding the differences between all of those offered today is important when accessing your true security needs. Use the "Safe Selection Wizard" at http://safeandvaultstore.com wall safes - fire safes - SafeAndVaultStore.com

http://safeandvaultstore.com - wall safes - fire safes - SafeAndVaultStore.com

# posted by satellite25744 : 10:55 PM  0 comments

It's only a matter of time before all the baby spring greens will be available for wild salad. But how do you know what's safe to put in your mouth? Here are a few steps to guide the inquisitive naturalist when exploring the plant world.

Before you set out, understand the basic parts of a plant - root, stem, leaves, buds, flowers, fruit and seed.

Day hikes are a good time to explore and learn, since you are close to help if you have a reaction. I've spent years roaming the woods and over time I have learned what to do to minimize risk.

As someone prone to allergic reactions, I do not take this subject lightly.

When on the trail, Study the plant. Does it have a strong smell? What kind of smell?

Do you have a reaction to the plant when you touch it? What happens when you put it on your wrist? If you don't have a skin reaction in 15-20 minutes, you're likely OK, but I've had skin reactions after one hour.

Decide which part of the plant you want to try, prepare it the way you intend to eat it, and place a tiny bit to your outer lip.

If you have no burning or itching after 5-15 minutes, place a tiny bit of it on your tongue. I cannot keep something in my mouth for 15 minutes, so if you want to be cautious, hold it in your mouth for a short time and spit it out. Wait to see if you have a reaction.

Once the food is on my tongue for a few seconds, I go ahead and chew. I will spit it out right away if I don't intend to swallow.

By the time I've explored the food this far I know if I want to ingest it.

One important cautionary note. Even with cultivated plants, some parts of the same plant are edible, while others are not. Ever wonder why tomato leaves are not sold?

It is very important to repeat the above process with each and every part of the plant. Don't assume anything.

Finally, many wild foods are turning up in stores. Fiddlehead ferns are an example of a perfectly edible food that causes an allergic reaction in some people.

If you know someone who is an expert, that's a bonus. Nothing beats a wild gathering trek with a knowledgeable guide. However, even if you're exploring solo, you will soon develop a sense of what you do and do not want to put in your mouth.

I also have a list of reference materials and recipes at:
http://www.writerbynature.com/staticpages/index.php?page=20060114182148345

JJ Murphy has been eating wild plants since her farmer parents pulled the weeds from their garden and she ate the weeds. She now hikes, writes and forages in Harriman, NY. For wild recipes, wilderness survival knowledge, nature education and an exhaustive booklist, please visit http://www.writerbynature.com/index.php Creative Content for Your Nature Endeavors

# posted by satellite25744 : 10:27 PM  0 comments