Don’t Try This at Home: Melting Snow with a Blowtorch

Recent bad weather that has hit much of the country has left many, especially New Englanders, digging their way out of the snow. But for one man, a “brilliant” idea of getting the job done quickly led to setting their house on fire. The man, who lives in New Bedford, Massachusetts, was trying to clear the snow from around his back porch by using a blowtorch that was connected to a 20-pound cylinder of propane. Instead of just clearing the snow, he set the house on fire when the vinyl siding caught fire. The flames quickly spread, damaging apartments in … Continue reading →

Granite Countertops May Be Dangerous to Your Health

Granite countertops are definitely a major trend in kitchen design in the last few years. Granite countertops are strong, stain resistant, scratch resistant and look beautiful. Nowadays, if you are going to sell a home, you are at a disadvantage if you don’t have granite countertops. One of the issues with granite countertops that has been in the news lately is that these countertops may pose a health hazard to your family in the form of radon gas. Radon gas is basically a form a radiation that can leach into your home. It can expose individuals to as much radiation … Continue reading →

What Is a Cyclone?

The world is still reeling from the devastating cyclone in Myanmar that has claimed nearly 22,500 lives. Many of those lives were taken due to the resulting tidal wave that came as a result of the storm. One question that has come up by a reader of the Home Blog, who wishes to remain anonymous, concerns the definition of a cyclone, and if it is something that most people have to worry about. While I am by no means an expert on cyclones, I did a little research and found out the following information. Scientists are actively studying cyclones, hurricanes, … Continue reading →

Facts About Earthquakes

Folks in Illinois and as far as Indiana were woken this early morning by windows rattling and the earth shaking beneath them. A 5.4 earthquake shocked many people in the midwest, since an earthquake of that size is very unusual for the area. Thankfully, no damage has been reported so far, but since the earthquake took many people by surprise, I thought I would share some facts about earthquakes, such as the one that they can occur in places not expected. I remember, for example, experiencing an earthquake some years ago in New Work City, not an area known for … Continue reading →

Power Out and Not Prepared? Clever Emergency Solutions

Although we have has some amazingly mild days here in January in Pennsylvania, the weather is once again turning cold and blustery. Power outages are almost inevitable before the winter season is over. Last year, we moved in to our new home at the end of March. Within a week and a half, we had a freak snow and ice storm that knocked the power out. Needless to say that we were unprepared. Still, we found some interesting solutions, born of necessity. Keep these in mind in case you ever lose power to your home and find that you aren’t … Continue reading →

Winter Weather Terms (3)

Do you know what to expect when you hear all of those winter weather terms? Understanding what it all means can keep you and your family safe from harm when severe weather hits your area. We are up to part three of the winter weather terms. This is the final five weather terms that you should know. Sleet Sleet is frozen or partially frozen rain that comes down to the Earth in the form of small ice pellets. The ice pellets hit the ground so fast that they actually bounce instead of stick. However, sleet can accumulate on the ground, … Continue reading →

Winter Weather Terms (2)

Today is Sunday, and we are awaiting our first snow storm of the season. The kids are excited and hoping to get enough snow for a snowman. Looking at the weather map, it is clear that this storm covers almost three-quarters of the country, although by the time it get to us, there might not be much snow. Do you know your winter weather terms? All of those warnings and watches that are released by the National Weather Service have different meanings and different levels of severity that are good to understand. This is part 2 of the winter weather … Continue reading →

Winter Weather Terms (1)

Do you know the difference between a Winter Storm Watch and a Winter Storm Warning? And what exactly is a Nor’ Easter and how will it affect you? This time of year, it is important to understand all of the standard severe weather terms so you can be prepared and protect your family. Winter Storm Outlook This is the condition that is issued when weather forecasters believe that storm conditions are very probable although they might not yet be able to tell the severity. The report is usually issued 48 to 60 hours before an actual storm. Winter Storm Watch … Continue reading →