Energy Saving

Summer is coming up and we’re all turning on the AC in our houses and turning on the fans, but one thing many of us don’t think about is, saving energy. Every now and then, you’re dying of heat so you just turn on the fan, right? Don’t worry, I do to. To save Mom and Dad from paying all those bills and to save us from sweating like maniacs you should avoid being in the sun. Sweat and vitamin D is good, but we all just hate that intense heat. When summer break comes around you may worry about this less because you can stay inside and avoid sweating. Until then maybe during recess instead of running around, stay under a nice tree with the cool shade and avoid sweating. One way to prevent the excessive use of energy during the summer is to turn your cooling up by one notch. Say you want it to be 70 degrees in your house instead, turn it up to 71 degrees in your house. In winter you should turn up your heat by one notch. For example, if you want it 75 degrees then turn it up to 76 degrees. Other ways to help save energy:

• Use a paper fan (although this may sound ridiculous, give it a go!)
• Turn off some lights, and buy some new energy saving bulbs
• Don’t talk too much
• Stay relaxed, don’t move around too often
• Dress weather appropriate
• Try to stay out of the sun 

Now that you have a few general ideas, try them this summer! Next time you go to the grocery store, get some ice cream or ice pops, they taste good and they’ll cool you right off! Have a safe and cool summer!

Hurricane Survival Kit

I thought that I should tell you guys what you need for a first aid kit for a hurricane. As you all know by now, Hurricane Sandy hit the eastern part of America and caused lots of damage. Many people (including myself) were not prepared for this hurricane and when the blackout hit, most homes weren't prepared and we were badly hit. That’s why I’m creating this list for you guys so in case of a hurricane you all prepared. Now, simply put these items in a box labeled “Hurricane Survival Kit”:

•  A Few Flashlights (with spare batteries)
• Candles And Matches
• Canned Food
• Bottled Water
• Radio With Batteries
• Books (Or Board Games, Anything For Entertainment)

Now that you all have a general idea of what you need, here’s a few tips on what you should to be prepared for.

First of all, you should board down all your windows. This will help so that your windows don’t shatter and hurt someone. Depending on how bad the storm is you may not have to do this but you should always check the weather channel and see what they say.

Secondly, make sure your survival kit is in a safe place. The last thing you want is to put your kit somewhere to well hidden and when you have the blackout not be able to find it. Also, if they say on the weather channel that there will be a hurricane then start looking for that kit and make sure your kit is close to you because you don’t want to be sitting in the dark unprepared.

Lastly, stay at a friend’s house. I prefer this not only because I’m scared of the dark but because the saying goes “Safety in numbers” and when you’re alone it may not be safe. Just imagine, you’re sitting in the dark with your flashlight and maybe you forgot to board down your windows, so your window shatters and hits you on the head and nobody is with you to help you. (Remember, this is a worst case scenario, this didn't happen to me during Sandy.)

I hope this gives you some tips to prepare for a hurricane or tornado or any other super storm.

Always remember to stay safe and be prepared!