Dec. 23, 2005

AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES

Safety Is Job One When Using A Chainsaw

FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCE

Storing Holiday Decorations

4-H YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

2006 Kentucky 4-H Volunteer Forum

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SAFETY IS JOB ONE WHEN USING A CHAINSAW

Source: Jeff Stringer, Associate Professor, Department of Forestry

Like many people, you’re probably thinking about dragging out the chainsaw to cut firewood, remove fallen tree branches or take care of similar tasks while the leaves are off the trees. Before you get started, however, you might want to ponder this: Every year, about 36,000 people are taken to the emergency room for chainsaw-related injuries, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The chainsaw has been called one of the most dangerous tools, mostly because of its power. Besides, anything that can cut through wood can certainly cut through a person’s skin and serious cuts from chainsaws are common.

To reduce the risk of a chainsaw injury, keep these important safety guidelines in mind:

·  Make sure you choose a chainsaw that includes safety features, including a chain brake, front and rear hand guards, and a low-kickback chain. Also choose the proper size chainsaw to match the job. Most stores that specialize in chainsaw and outdoor equipment sales can help you with these decisions.

·  Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

·  Check to see that all parts are present and in good working order, and check the saw chain for proper tension and sharpness. Also be sure the chain is well-lubricated.

·  Always start a chainsaw with the saw on the ground, with one hand firmly on the handle. Never hold the chainsaw in the air with one hand while pulling on the starting rope with the other.

·  Keep both hands on the chainsaw while cutting, and always operate below shoulder height. Engage the chain brake when starting and walking with the saw.

·  Many chainsaw injuries result from “kickback,” which can occur when the upper tip of the guide bar touches an object or the chain gets pinched. To lessen the chance of the saw striking you during kickback, maintain a stiff left elbow. To keep the saw from hitting your head or face during kickback, never look directly down the cut. During kickback, the saw comes out of the cut and up toward the operator.

·  Wear appropriate equipment to protect your eyes, hearing, head, and legs and feet. Eyes, head and ears can be protected by wearing a helmet system that includes a face shield and hearing protectors mounted on a hardhat. Safety goggles or glasses should also be worn. Make sure it is true safety eyewear and not normal glasses. Wearing cut-resistant boots and chaps is a requirement for loggers and should also be worn by others when using a saw.

·  Never operate a chainsaw alone. Another person can share the cutting tasks to help prevent fatigue or go for help if an accident occurs.

For more information, contact your (County Name) Cooperative Extension Service. Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability or national origin.

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Storing Holiday Decorations

Sources: Linda Adler and Soap and Detergent Association

Many seasonal decorations represent fond memories and often a large financial investment. To maintain your decorations and make it easier to trim your home next season, properly care for and store them. Decorations should be cleaned and organized. You will appreciate these efforts when getting them out again next year.

Be sure to disconnect any electrical items before cleaning them. Also, replace burned-out bulbs before storing tree lights, window candles and the like.

Carefully wipe clean dusty lights and ornaments.

Fragile decorations should be well packed and stored properly. Remove hooks and hangers from each ornament. Wrap delicate items in tissue paper; use a paper towel or wrapping paper tube to protect long ornaments; stack the remaining decorations on layers of tissue paper. You can store angel hair and tinsel between the tissue paper to further protect decorations.

Store them in sturdy cardboard boxes, preferably containers that are fairly shallow but large enough that several boxes will hold them. Label the outside with the contents of each box.

Ribbons and bows require careful storage from season to season. Store them in a large plastic container or shoe box. You may want to stuff tissue paper in some bow loops. To keep rolls of wrapping paper from being crushed or torn, store them in a long cardboard box, or an extra-long plastic container made especially for this purpose.

If you reuse wreaths, store them in a large plastic bag. Apply a coat of clear acrylic spray to help preserve pine cones and other natural materials.

Designate a dry area away from excessive heat for holiday storage and use the same location every year. To keep moisture out, do not put boxes on the floor. Thoroughly clean the area every year before putting decorations back into storage.

Storing dirty holiday linens will attract insect pests and set stains. Remember to launder washable decorations such as tablecloths, hand towels, placemats and napkins. Check to be sure that all stains have been removed and the items thoroughly dried before storing.

Putting holiday decorations away gives you an opportunity to "declutter" your home. You can use the time to reevaluate and reorganize your possessions, rather than simply putting things back in their usual places.

Begin by doing a room-by-room analysis, starting with surface items and then moving into drawers and closets. Eliminate things that do not pass the "use it" or "love it" test. Grouping together things you decide to keep will make it easier to decide where to store them. Keep accessibility and safety in mind when reorganizing; store items near their point of use; do not put things dangerously out of reach or overstuff drawers.

When you have finished reorganizing, follow the "one-in, one-out" rule, meaning nothing new comes in unless something old goes out, to keep your home uncluttered. Also, make it a habit to put things away as they are used.

Contact the (County Name) Cooperative Extension Service for more information.

Educational programs of the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability or national origin.

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2006 Kentucky 4-H Volunteer Forum

Source: Toni Riley, Christian County 4-H Youth Development agent, marketing committee chair

Every two years, 4-H volunteers and staff from across the state come together for two days filled with fun and learning at the Kentucky 4-H Volunteer Forum. This year the forum will be held Feb. 24-25 at the Hyatt Regency Lexington.

The forum is designed to emphasize and celebrate volunteer contributions as integral to Kentucky 4-H Youth Development. Whether you are a club leader, teen leader, parent, teacher, council member or someone who works in any aspect of youth development – there is something for you at the 2006 Kentucky 4-H Volunteer Forum

Hundreds of volunteers will be attending this year’s event that includes activities that can help them become more effective volunteers, leaders and mentors. The event will kick off at 12:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24, with an opening session and a keynote address.

More than 100 educational workshops will be offered. Club leaders will find new program and teaching ideas. Educators will discover 4-H programs that will help them involve youth in life skills education. Teens and adults will participate in leadership and skill-building workshops. On-site community service projects will also be available, some of which will support U.S. troops overseas.

Volunteers from across Kentucky will be recognized during the forum at the Hall of Farm Awards Banquet. Awards include: Community Service; Conrad Feltner Leadership; ICE - Innovative, Creative and Enthusiastic; Partners in Progress; TEAM - Together Each Achieves More; Leadership Development; and the Lifetime Achievement Award. Additionally, two special awards, the Friend of Kentucky 4-H and the Distinguished Leadership Award, will be bestowed. Volunteers will also be recognized for years of service to the Kentucky 4-H program with the “Tenure Awards Recognition Luncheon.”

With more than 700 people expected to attend, you will have lots of opportunities to find others with whom you can network and learn new ways to improve and expand your role in youth development. More than 30 commercial and educational exhibits will be set up for attendees to browse through and gather ideas, resources and special gifts.

Funding for the forum comes not only from the $60 fee but from a variety of other sources. Private donations help fund the awards and recognition program. Counties also have the opportunity to provide funding through county sponsorships. Sponsorships begin at the Topaz level for $200 and go through the Emerald level at $5,000.

In recent years, a silent auction provides opportunities to get a great bargain and help with funding the forum.

Tours, fun shops and a dance fill the time when attendees aren’t in workshops or the awards banquet. Four pre-conference tours – UK athletics, equine hospital, distillery and horse farm - are planned for Friday morning.

All registration is done electronically through the county Extension office. Early registration is due by Jan. 16 with payment. Final registration is due Jan. 28. Attendees will not have to pre-register for workshops.

If you would like to attend or would like more information, contact the (Your County) Extension office.

Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability or national origin.

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