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Easy Ways to Better Your Community


Easy Ways to Better Your Community

Small town, big city, the suburbs or the country – no matter where you live, you’re part of a local community. Without realizing it, you can have a big impact on your community by the everyday choices that you make. And a thriving local community is good for everyone who lives there.

Why You Should Go Local

Local First, a Grand Rapids, Michigan based organization that encourages sustainable, locally-based economies, states that when you purchase at locally owned businesses rather than nationally owned, more money is kept in the community because locally-owned businesses often purchase from other local businesses, service providers and farms. Local First estimates that for every $100 you spend with local businesses, $73 remains in the community. Only $57 remains in the local economy when you buy from a national chain store.

Most new jobs are provided by local businesses as well, and local business owners donate more to local charities than non-local owners. This means that your support of local businesses has a farther-reaching effect than you might realize. You’re helping people find and keep jobs, and you’re helping make it possible for charitable organizations to continue doing much-needed work.

How You Can Go Local

Start Subscribing. Get a subscription to your community newspapers and local magazines. Not only will they keep you informed about what’s happening in your community, but you’ll help support local business.

Shop Locally. There are plenty of locally owned businesses and service providers in your neighborhood. One easy way to find them is through MerchantCircle.com, a social network of about 1 million local businesses. By signing up for a free account, you can easily search out and follow nearby businesses and service providers such as jewelers, plumbers, grocers, and accountants,  to get coupons and find out about special events and offers. MerchantCircle’s “Answers” lets you get expert advice from local businesses in your area and across the country on virtually any topic for free. Car mechanics, veterinarians and professionals in every industry will quickly respond, saving you time and often money.

Get Involved. Many communities have volunteer advisory councils for local governments – everything from city planning committees to arts councils. Check out your town’s web site to find out how you can impact the development and character of your community.

Visit Local Attractions. Parks, arboretums, museums, parades, festivals, theatres – there plenty of ways to have a good time without leaving town. A staycation or weekend getaway at home is less expensive for you than heading out of town, and you get to enjoy local treasures.

Volunteer. Local schools, community centers, libraries, museums and charities often need people like you. Check the local paper, community bulletin boards and web sites such as VolunteerMatch.org to find out what you can do to make your community stronger.

Fire Safety 101

(Family Crossings) – As the time change nears, there are a few simple things you can do to make your home and family safer.

This Fire Safety 101 guide will show you easy, affordable and ultimately life-saving precautions you can take today that can help prevent a fire in your home.

Get the Facts

Home fires seem to be things that happen to other people – so why should you be concerned?

  • Approximately every three hours a home fire death occurs somewhere in the nation.
  • Two-thirds of home fire deaths result from fires in homes without working smoke alarms. 

But it doesn’t have to be that way. According to the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire by providing an early warning and critical extra seconds to escape.

While 96 percent of American homes have at least one smoke alarm, 19 percent do not have at least one smoke alarm that works, mostly due to missing or dead batteries. This means roughly 25 million homes are at risk because of non-working smoke alarms and an additional 4.5 million homes are at risk by not having smoke alarms.

For the 22nd year in a row, Energizer and the IAFC are partnering in the Change Your Clock Change Your Battery® program. Established to help reduce the tragic number of home fire deaths and injuries, Change Your Clock Change Your Battery urges Americans to change smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector batteries when changing clocks back to standard time each fall – this year on November 1.

In addition to changing smoke alarm batteries, take some time to learn about fire safety and to complete a home fire safety checklist. You can make your home safer – today.

For more information, visit energizer.com/preparedness.

Fire Facts

The United States Fire Administration (USFA) believes that fire deaths can be reduced by teaching people the basic facts about fire.

Fire is FAST!

  • In less than 30 seconds a small flame can get completely out of control and turn into a major fire.
  • It only takes minutes for thick black smoke to fill a house. In minutes, a house can be engulfed in flames.
  • If you wake up during a fire, you won’t have time to grab valuables because fire spreads too quickly and the smoke is too thick. There is only time to escape. 

Fire is HOT!

  • Heat is more threatening than flames. A fire’s heat alone can kill.
  • Room temperatures in a fire can be 100 degrees at floor level and rise to 600 degrees at eye level. Inhaling this air has the potential to scorch your lungs. This heat can melt clothes to your skin.
  • In five minutes a room can get so hot that everything in it ignites at once: this is called flashover.

Fire is DARK!

  • Fire isn’t bright, it’s pitch black.
  • Fire starts bright, but quickly produces black smoke and complete darkness.
  • If you wake up to a fire you may be blinded, disoriented and unable to find your way around the home you’ve lived in for years.

Fire is DEADLY!

  • Smoke and toxic gases kill more people than flames do. Fire uses up the oxygen you need and produces smoke and poisonous gases that kill.
  • Breathing even small amounts of smoke and toxic gases can make you drowsy, disoriented and short of breath.
  • The odorless, colorless fumes can lull you into a deep sleep before the flames reach your door. You may not wake up in time to escape.

Statistics provided by the National Fire Protection Agency and the United States Fire Administration.

Home Fire Safety Checklist

This is a very basic checklist to help you identify potential fire hazards in your home.

General Fire Safety
YES __ NO__ Smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector batteries are changed at least once a year. Use the Change Your Clock Change Your Battery program as a reminder to help keep the batteries fresh.
YES __ NO__ You have both ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms.
YES __ NO__ There are working smoke alarms near the sleeping areas.
YES __ NO__ There are working smoke alarms on every level.
YES __ NO__ The smoke alarms are cleaned regularly and tested once a month.
YES __ NO__ Portable fire extinguishers are available and family members know how to use them properly.
YES __ NO__ You have a home escape plan and practice it regularly.

Heating Hazards
YES __ NO__ Combustibles such as clothes, curtains and furniture are away from stoves and heaters.
YES __ NO__ Heating appliances are tested every year.
YES __ NO__ All alternative heating devices used are Underwriters Laboratories (U.L.) approved.
YES __ NO__ Carbon monoxide detectors are installed in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home.

Electrical Hazards
YES __ NO__ Electric cords are not worn, frayed or damaged.
YES __ NO__ Extension cords are not under rugs, over nails, through water or across passageways.
YES __ NO__ Electrical outlets are not overloaded by multiple plug devices.
YES __ NO__ Electric appliances are not used near water.

General Housekeeping Hazards
YES __ NO__ Closets, basements, attics and garage areas are clean of old paper, boxes, paint cans and other trash.
YES __ NO__ Flammable liquids and oily rags are disposed of after use or stored in a tightly closed metal container.
YES __ NO__ All combustibles are stored a safe distance away from any possible heat source.

Kitchen Hazards
YES __ NO__ The stove and oven are in good working condition.
YES __ NO__ The stove area is kept clean and free of grease.
YES __ NO__ Combustible materials are kept away from open flames and heat sources.

Grill Once, Dine Twice

A sizzling steak hot off the grill and a glass of wine make a sensational pairing for steakhouse dining at home. Savor the warm weather with al fresco entertaining and create a restaurant experience in your own backyard for less. Share this recipe with family at www.familycrossings.com

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A sizzling steak hot off the grill and a glass of wine make a sensational pairing for steakhouse dining at home. Savor the warm weather with al fresco entertaining and create a restaurant experience in your own backyard for less.

Simple rub and marinade recipes start you off on a double duty dinner – grill once and dine twice for even more savings, using remaining steak slices to top fresh salads and sandwiches.

Delight your friends and family with flavorful beef recipes served with your favorite Sutter Home wine. The same wines served with the steaks make excellent companions to the “planned-over” recipes as well.

Visit BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com for beef grilling guidelines, safety tips and additional recipes. For more information on wine choices and pairings, visit SutterHome.com.

Wine Tips

  • Offer a selection of red, white and blush varietals so your guests can sample more than one.
  • One 750 ml bottle of wine will yield approximately five 4-ounce glasses.
  • Serve red wines at 55° to 65°F. White wines are best well-chilled at 45° to 55°F. Avoid over-chilling- it subdues the wine’s aromas and flavors.

Steak Preparation

For naturally tender steaks, a simple rub using fresh herbs and garlic adds a depth of flavor. For less tender steaks, a basic marinade incorporating acidic ingredients tenderizes and adds flavor. Marinate the steaks at least six hours, but no more than 24 hours to help achieve perfect results.

Steak and Asian Noodle Salad

Combine cooked whole wheat or regular thin spaghetti with sugar snap peas, shredded carrots and thinly sliced red bell peppers. Combine equal amounts Asian vinaigrette and hoisin sauce. Drizzle over pasta and vegetables; toss to combine. Top with grilled steak slices and toasted sesame seeds.

Wine pairing: Sutter Home Chardonnay

Steak, Mango and Avocado Salad

Top mixed baby salad greens with cubed fresh mango, sliced avocado and red onion, toasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds, crumbled queso fresco cheese and grilled steak slices. Drizzle salad with lime vinaigrette.

Wine pairing: Sutter Home Zinfandel

Mediterranean Steak Pita

Spread pita or flatbread with hummus. Top with sliced cucumbers and tomatoes, chopped Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese and grilled steak slices. Serve with plain yogurt combined with finely diced cucumber and minced garlic.

Wine pairing: Sutter Home Merlot

Steaks should be cooked at a medium heat setting. For charcoal grills, cautiously hold the palm of your hand at cooking height above the ash-covered coals. Count the number of seconds you can hold your hand in the position; approximately 4 seconds is medium heat. All cook times are approximate for medium rare (145°F) to medium (160°F) doneness. Use an instant-read thermometer inserted horizontally into the side of steaks to check doneness. Allow 10 to 15 seconds for thermometer to register the internal temperature. Always use tongs to turn steaks.

Lemon-Oregano Rubbed Steaks

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds beef tenderloin, top loin, ribeye or top sirloin steaks, cut 1 inch thick
OR
  • 2 pounds top blade (flat iron) steaks (about 8 ounces each)
OR
  • 4 pounds T-bone or porterhouse steaks, cut 1 inch thick
Rub
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh oregano or 1 tablespoon dried oregano leaves
  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon peel
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon pepper

Preparation

  1. Combine rub ingredients; press evenly onto beef steaks.
  2. Place steaks on grid over medium, ash-covered coals or over medium heat on preheated gas grill. Grill according to the chart for medium rare (145°F) to medium (160°F) doneness, turning occasionally.
  3. Serve half of steaks immediately, as desired. Cover and refrigerate remaining steaks for later use. Before serving, carve steaks into slices; season with salt and pepper, as desired.

Serves
Makes about 3 tablespoons rub

Notes, Tips & Suggestions
Wine pairing: Sutter Home Cabernet Sauvignon

Lemon-Oregano Marinated Steaks

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds beef flank or skirt steaks
OR
  • 2 pounds top round steaks, cut 1 inch thick
Marinade
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh oregano or
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano leaves
  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon peel
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon pepper

Serves
Makes about 1/2 cup marinade