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Show DIVERSE TIMES FIRE DEPARTMENT NOTES This month, let’s look at some things we can do to keep that fire we wrote about last month from happening. Fire prevention is a lot more desirable than fire fighting, from my point of view. If your wiring is installed according to the electrical “code” (no splices except in accessible junction boxes), it will be safe. We get in trouble where wires are joined, or connected to outlets, switches, fixtures, etc. A high resistance connection can generate a lot of heat without much current flowing. A 1ightbulb or an electric heater are examples of desirable high resistance connections which operate well within the limits of your system, and they are hot. There are always those undesirable connections. One you might not think of occurs when you drive a nail or screw into a stud. The “code” does not offer protection if a fastener longer than 1 3/4” is driven (1/2” of drywall plus 1 1/4” of stud). If the fastener pene-trates a wire, it can cause a high resistance connection resulting in a fire. I know of one house that was lost because of this. Insulation holds heat in, or out, depending on the season. If you have recessed lighting fixtures, insulation can also cause a heat buildup in the fixture. Make sure there is enough clear area above the fixture to allow heat to dissipate. Make sure any extensions you use are heavy enough to carry the current drawn by the appliance being “fed.” Both the appliance and the cord should be labeled. Then we have the very common problem of appliance cords deteriorating with use, usually at the plug or at the point where the cord enters the appliance. Repair them before something bad happens. Outlet and switch boxes can harbor hazards. Resistance can build up where wires arejoined by a connector and at the piont where wires arejoined to the outlet or switch. I would suggest that you use the screws on the sides of the outlets and switches rather than the push in connections on the back of these devices. It takes a little longer, but you know when you have a secure connection. If we know what to look for, we can come close to eliminating electrical fires. There are going to be equipment failures and these can result in a fire. Our job is to limit those conditions we can control. —Floyd Stoughton, Fire Chief KZMU RADIO STATION BENEFIT Sunday, March 23rd there will be a KZMU benefit at Bill Viavant's house in Castle Valley. During the afternoon from 2-7pm there will be a potluck, DJ dance for all ages, games, tournaments, and door prizes. No admission charge, but donations requested. Funds raised will go towards getting the dish antenna needed to rebroadcastKZMU programs in the valley. ‘ Bill’s house is at the lower/east end of Buchanan Lane. For more information cal Laura Houck at 2596800 or Bill Viavant at 259-8898. Other KZMU benefits: —Sat. Mar. 7th: the annual Lip Synch Contest at the Sportsman's Lounge. Admission fee. - FEBRUARY 15,1997 - AS THE WORLD TURNS Full Moon...Sat...Feb 22nd Rises...6:38pm....Sets..6:583m New Moon...Sat...Mar 8th Rises....6:21 am Sets 6: 16 pm Full Moon...Sun...Mar 23rd Rises...6:08pm....Sets..5:53am COMET HALE-BOPP: To see comet Hale-Bopp watch the Eastern sky about an hour before sunrise. Because of its orientation to the Earth, its tail will be only ten degrees above the skyline (about the width of a clenched list at arm’s length). Optimum moonless period for predawn viewing in the eastern sky will occur Mar 6-20. Stay timed for further updates. Planet Sightings: Mars...closest to Earth on March 17th. It’s been 26 months since Mars has been so bright. It is out all night and highest in the south at midnight. March 23rd, Mars is near the full Moon as it goes into eclipse. This lunar event reaches maximum just before 10pm and will be visible throughout North America. Star Gazing: Look for Sirius, the Dog Star. It’s the brightest star in the heavens. Find Orion’s belt, follow it down and to the left. The Egyptians gave us the expression “Dog Days” believing that hot weather occured when the dazzling Dog star and sun rose together to combine their heat. Vernal Equinox....Thurs, Mar 20th at 6:55 am. “See us cuddle and hug," say the Pleiads, “All six in a ring: it keeps us warm: We huddle together like birds in a storm: It's bitter weather tonight." . —Robert Graves Excerpted from Old Farmers Almanac —-Jennifer Redding Cobb’s CLEAN WINDOWS " u -High ladder work 'Hard water stains State Nursery Tree and Shrub Orders are sched- ' Referrals uled to arrive Wed. March For FREE Estimate _‘ fl call Alex . 259-8791 leave message 18th. PO. Box 591 Moab. Utah 84532 3 |