Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About The Blue Mountain eagle. (John Day, Or.) 1972-current | View Entire Issue (May 27, 2020)
B10 HOME & GARDEN Blue Mountain Eagle Wednesday, May 27, 2020 Now’s the time to Spring into safety Locks Greenshoot Media If the locks on your doors are degrading in integrity, you may be at risk of losing your valuables and risking the safety of your family. Go throughout your home and test each lock on every exterior door. If they are difficult to operate or the door can be budged open while they are engaged, a replacement is necessary. Hire the help of a local lock- smith to rekey your home with high-quality locks and deadbolts. To add a modern touch of innova- tion to the simple lock, ask about options that are operated by key fob or smartphone applications. W ithin the home, you and your family rely on many components to maintain your safety. This spring make time to inspect these important systems to ensure they are working efficiently. It can be easy to overlook house- hold items that aren’t always used, so be sure to analyze this sometimes-life- saving equipment. Smoke Detectors According to the United States Fire Administration, you should replace your smoke alarms every ten years. It’s easy to find the date it was manufactured by looking on the back of the detector. Ensure they are installed in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. You should also test the alarms at least once a month by engaging an easily identi- fiable button and change the batter- ies at least annually. If you are due for an upgrade, consider investing in smart detectors that alert synced alarms throughout the home at the Home Security System Greenshoot Media A repairman checks a door lock. first sign of smoke. Fire Extinguisher Another important safety device to keep in optimal condition is a fire extinguisher. The National Fire Protection Association sug- gests making them clearly visible and easily accessible in the home. You should also periodically inves- tigate the pressure gauge near its lever. Upon further inspection, ana- lyze it for obvious signs of dam- age or wear. Most quality extin- guishers are rated for five to 15 years of use but can vary by man- ufacturer, so regular inspections are important. One of the most effective mea- sures you can take toward your property’s defense is investing in a home security system. Many com- panies offer 24/7 emergency con- tact and will alert you and the authorities when their alarms deem a threat is imminent. It offers great peace of mind whether you’re home or way. Important garage door maintenance Greenshoot Media Winter weather can quickly degrade important components on your garage door, causing them to rust or seize. Since it’s such an important part of your home that provides convenience and security, it must operate efficiently. While general mainte- nance is straightforward, you can hire an expert overhead door technician if the job is too intimi- dating. During an inspec- tion, they will highlight signs of deterioration and show you what to look for in the future. If you decide to tackle the chore on your own, consider these tips from the International Door Association. Lubricate Overhead doors require many moving parts to per- form smooth and effi- ing each component. This should include the rollers, hinges, bearings, springs and chains. The IDA sug- gests using a drop of engine oil on each roller, which will then distribute the lube to a door’s bearings. By lightly greasing the Greenshoot Media hinges and springs, you Fittings on the end of a garage lessen the risks of the door door spring are twisted. becoming jammed and unusable. While engine oil ciently. A way to maintain is usually a suitable lubri- their integrity is by lubricat- cant, check with the over- head unit’s manufacturer to find out if there is a differ- ent fluid they recommend. Some may insist on a sili- cone lubricant or one made specifically for garage door components. HAVE YOU SEEN THIS WEED? Perennial Pepperweed is a perennial weed that grows from 1 to 6 feet tall. This weed establishes and colonizes very rapidly. Perennial Pepperweed often grows in hay meadows, and disturbed areas. This noxious weed is beginning to show up in various areas throughout Grant County. It’s believed that Perennial Pepperweed is entering the county in hay. If you find or think you have found this weed please contact Grant SWCD Weed Control at 541- 575-1554. ing signs, use these easy steps to test for balance as a part of regular maintenance. • Close the garage door like normal. • Find and engage the release handle to access manual operation. • Lift the door three to four feet above the ground. If it doesn’t remain open, there is an imbalance that must be addressed. While testing can be completed by any home- owner, the process of rebal- ancing should be handled by a professional. It requires adjusting and coordinating the system of springs and can be dangerous if done improperly. Test for Balance Clean the Tracks You will likely notice obvious signs when an overhead door is unbal- anced. Problems, like jam- ming, strange noises and delayed or disrupted oper- ation are common. Even if you don’t notice any warn- Ensuring your overhead door has a clean track to roll on is imperative to its opti- mal performance. You can keep them in peak condition by wiping the system with a rag or vacuuming out loose debris. Perennial Pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium ) Spring cleaning the greenhouse Greenshoot Media As the warmer weather begins its arrival, your green- house should be prepped and cleaned for the bountiful har- vesting season around the corner. Whether you have a house constructed with plastic sheeting or a commercially installed building, ensuring its cleanliness provides big benefits for the plants inside. The first step of any green- house cleaning project should be a visual inspection. Check the interior corners and raf- ters for signs of pest intrusion like hornet or wasp nests. Of course, you should eradicate these with care if you believe the hives are active. Then, look at the integrity of cover materials that make up the walls. It’s common for more inexpensive plas- tic to show wear and require replacement after the brutal cold of winter. It’s crucial to repair the damage immedi- ately, as the walls are import- ant to preventing conden- sation by blocking sunlight and inhibiting moisture to drip onto your plants which invites mildew. Address Issues from Last Season Consider the pain points you experienced during a pre- vious harvest and correct it for a more successful year. For instance, if you noticed a certain portion of your green- house that didn’t receive the sunlight it needed, con- sider rearranging the foot- print of your planting struc- tures before they are filled with seed. If you had recurring issues with insects and pests, ask a local exterminator about a plant-friendly treatment that can limit their intrusion throughout the year. It will be easier for a professional to spread their protective rem- edy before your greenhouse is full and thriving. ! D A E D D E T N W A Disinfect Your Space For more information call Grant SWCD Weed Control 541-575-1554 S188844-1 S189831-1 CALL TODAY! • Tile | Vinyl Planking | Solid Surface • Carpet | Vinyl | Area Rugs • Hardwood & Laminate • Blinds | Shades RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Free In-Home Consultations & Estimates Mileage restrictions may apply Serving Baker, Union & Grant Counties 743 W Main St., John Day | 541-620-4831 41198 Old Hwy 30, Baker City | 541-524-9506 coverworks.jd@gmail.com S190500-1 Give your plants a fresh start by eliminating debris or depleted soil from last season. Use an eco-friendly garden cleaner to thoroughly clean out pots and planters before fill- ing them with new stock. Keep a large container on hand and allow seriously contaminated holders to soak before clean- ing as scrubbing too hard may lead to damage. Don’t forget to completely rinse and dry these important companions in your greenhouse before attempting to replant. Get Organized The upcoming planting season will require numer- ous tools if you want it to be successful. Analyze the con- dition of your existing equip- ment while planning for this year’s harvest. If you notice cracks in shovels or dull pruning shears, you should consider replacing them with updated options.
