How are Wisconsin laws intended to combat heroin use working? Rob Ferrett and Veronica Rueckert find out about heroin legislation. They also discuss the future of coal in the United States, and in this week’s “Teach Me What You Know” segment, they learn how to survive potential summer disasters.
Featured in this Show
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How To Prepare Your House For Summer Emergencies
Summer can be a dangerous time in terms of household emergencies, but thankfully, there’s a lot homeowners can do to protect themselves, their families, and their properties.
Ken Collier, the editor-in-chief of the website The Family Handyman, offered some handy advice to keep potential problems at bay.
With the torrential downpours that can go hand in hand with summer storms, even a basement that’s usually dry can be vulnerable to flooding. First, Collier suggests people make sure they stay out of any water until the power has been turned off. A stray electrical cord can make even a puddle dangerous so it’s essential to stay dry and keep well away from water until the electricity is off. If a person can’t reach the electrical box safely, call the utility company asthey can turn it off outside the house without danger.
When it’s safe to move through water, make sure to wear rubber gloves when handling belongings since toxins can leach into the water and cause infection.
“You should treat water in the basement as poisonous,” said Collier.
Collier also recommends wearing rubber boots and even safety goggles.
Summer is also high time for nighttime visitors like raccoons, possums and squirrels who have been known to wander into basements or come in through the attic. They look cute and furry, but wildlife is unpredictable and comes with a full set of teeth and claws.
It might be tempting to get a pet or dog involved in the eviction, but Collier said that’s inadvisable.
“You’ll just spend more on veterinary bills than you’ll spend to get rid of the raccoon,” he said.
Instead, Collier said start by isolating the animal in a room and opening a window or door. The animal will usually find its way out and if it doesn’t, call a professional animal control expert.
Tornado safety is also important to consider, he said. Identify a safe corner of a home that’s far away from windows, which can break and send glass flying.
“Stay away from glass or anything else falling from above,” Collier advises.
He said not to stop to open windows to “equalize the pressure” – this common belief is actually a misconception.
A final piece of advice from Collier: Make sure to have a flashlight that can be relied upon. An LED flashlight will burn for a long time and if someone pays a bit more for lithium batteries, it could have a shelf life of up to 10 years.
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How Are Laws Combating Heroin Use In Wisconsin Working?
Experts agree the heroin problem is getting worse in Wisconsin, and lawmakers are working to tackle the problem by passing laws aimed at ending the cycle of addiction. A reporter analyzes the anti-heroin laws on the books and how they’ve been working so far.
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After EPA Proposal, What Does The Future Hold For Coal In America?
After President Obama’s announcement that he’s looking to cut carbon emissions from power plants by 30%, coal has been once again called into question. A journalist looks at the current state of coal, and what the future might hold for it as an energy source in America.
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Teach Me What You Know: Summer Emergency Guide
Summer weather can bring a host of unexpected emergencies. We’ll talk with an expert about how to prepare your home for the challenges the warmer season can thow our way.
Episode Credits
- Rob Ferrett Host
- Veronica Rueckert Host
- Ken Collier Guest
- Nick Penzenstadler Guest
- Michelle Nijhuis Guest
- Amanda Magnus Producer
- Chris Malina Producer
- Karl Christenson Producer
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