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Shower Better
With drought conditions persisting into the fall season through much of Midwest and Western United States, this is a good time of year to think about water conservation inside your home. Americans use...
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Heating Season Help
Depending on the type of heating fuel you use at home, your energy bill could go up a little – or a lot – when compared to last year’s heating season. The U.S. Energy Information Administration’s (EIA)...
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Efficient Holiday Lighting
Energy use in the United States typically increases during the holiday season. At this time of year, festive holiday lights that decorate homes and neighborhoods across the country can drive up energy...
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Which Tree for Me?
There are many options to consider when choosing a Christmas tree for your home, including a fresh cut tree, an artificial tree or a living tree. Fresh cut trees are grown on Christmas tree farms, an...
View ArticleBuy Local Firewood
A fire can be delightful during cold weather, but knowing where the wood comes from matters. Tree-killing insects and diseases hide in firewood, so it is best to buy and keep wood local. Some trees...
View ArticleCar Idling
For every two minutes a car idles, it uses about the same amount of fuel it takes to drive one mile. While it may be tempting to idle your car for a few minutes to “warm it up” during winter, 30...
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Burn Wisely
The distinctive smell of wood smoke is a sign of the heating season. It may smell good, but wood smoke can impact indoor air quality and your health. Smoke is a mixture of tiny particles and gases...
View ArticleAnatomy of a Pothole
A winter with heavy snow or rain and many cycles of freezing and thawing can mean lots of potholes in the spring. Why does this happen? Water from melting snow and ice seeps into pavement and the...
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Kansas Severe Weather Awareness
Kansas observes Severe Weather Awareness Week from March 3-9, 2013. This is a great time to make sure you and your family are prepared for the kinds of severe weather you might experience in your area....
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National Severe Weather Preparedness Week
Are you ready for the kinds of severe weather that could impact the area where you live? National Severe Weather Preparedness Week takes place from March 3-9, 2013. This is a great time for you and...
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Spring Cleaning
How much hazardous waste does the average American household accumulate in one year? The typical home accumulates over 20 pounds of household hazardous waste in just one year! Think of paints,...
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Flood Safety Awareness Week 2013
March 18-22 is the National Weather Service’s Flood Safety Awareness Week. Flooding occurs from coast to coast at all times of the year – and there are many factors that contribute to flooding events....
View ArticleAC Check-Up
Spring is the perfect time to give your home cooling equipment a check-up. Fixing any problems now will help you avoid air-conditioning problems when hot weather arrives for good. And, well-maintained...
View ArticleManaging Mold
Mold spores are naturally present in the air at harmless concentrations, but with added moisture can grow to levels that spur allergies and asthma in susceptible individuals. After heavy rains or when...
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Spotting Spring Migrants (Great Plains)
This is the time of year when migratory birds are on the move! Migratory birds are traveling from their wintering grounds in Mexico, Central and South America to the U.S. and Canada, where they feast...
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Bike to Work Week
May is National Bike Month and May 13-17, 2013 is Bike to Work Week. The U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey shows that number of Americans commuting by bike has increased by 47 percent...
View ArticleStorm Smarts
While only about 10 percent of thunderstorms occurring in the U.S. each year are classified as severe, it is important to be prepared for the heavy rains, high winds and hail that can be associated...
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Kansas’ Rivers
Did you know that Kansas is home to nearly 134,000 miles of rivers? Freshwater rivers and streams sustain our communities by providing drinking and irrigation water, wildlife habitat, recreational...
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Protecting Pollinators
The next time you bite into a slice of melon or take a sip of coffee, think about this: Worldwide, about 1000 plants used for food, beverages, spices, fibers and medicines need to be pollinated by...
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Lightning Safety Awareness Week –“When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!”
Summer is the season to be outside. Warm weather compels us to run, swim, hike and ride, and the long hours of sunlight provide ample time to enjoy this most active of seasons. Summer is also prime...
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