What is a Flash Flood and How Do I Prepare For One?

Posted on July 9, 2012 by savi0043

Summer is the prime season for flash floods – long spans of dry, hot weather leave the ground dry and unprepared for unexpected downpours. This article discusses what a flash flood is, where they occur most and how to prepare for one.

What is a Flash Flood and How Do I Prepare For One?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Ben_Nystrom]Ben Nystrom

Flash floods are frightening and dangerous because they are sudden and strong. Since they usually start and end in less than six hours, it is nearly impossible to prepare for one. How, then, does one protect one’s family from these frightening occurrences? The best defense you can have is knowledge: know what causes them, what surrounding areas are susceptible to flooding, and what to do if you find yourself in a flash flood situation.

What is a Flash Flood?
A flash flood is a rapid flooding of a low-lying area of land, usually near a river or a stream. Most of these events occur after heavy rain, often in areas that don’t usually receive much rainwater. Flash floods may also flow when man-made or natural ice dams break. In very rare instances, volcanic activity may melt glaciers, triggering one. When the ground can’t absorb the rain as fast as it is falling, a these floods will occur. Excess water then runs into streams and rivers and flows quickly downhill. Depending on geography, flash flooding can happen as far as thirty miles away from the original site of precipitation.

Flash floods are one of the most dangerous types of natural disasters. According to the National Weather Service, flash floods kill more people each year than lightning, tornadoes, or hurricanes. Surprisingly, the speed of these damaging events is not their most dangerous quality. Indeed, most flash flood-related deaths transpire when people underestimate their power. Even a flood of just two feet can be swift and powerful enough to carry away an SUV-sized vehicle. The majority of fatalities occur when people attempt to ford flooded areas in their vehicles. Many other deaths are attributed to collisions with hidden debris, such as branches or logs that are pushed along by the water. When it comes to avoiding a flash flood-related injury or death, the best advice comes from the US National Weather Service: “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”

Flood Damage Preparation
Due to their sudden nature, it is challenging to prepare for a flash flood. Still, there are a few precautions you can take if you live in an area that is prone to flooding. The most commonly flooded areas are southern and eastern states like Texas, Louisiana, Florida, New Jersey, and South Carolina. Desert areas of the West, such as Nevada, are also hotspots, since arid soil can’t hold much water.

The most obvious precaution to take against flash floods is to stay up-to-date on weather patterns and flood warnings. Do not take any chances; if there is a chance a flood may hit your home or business, get out immediately. You can prepare for flash floods before any warning is announced by storing valuables and sentimental items in high places. A flood may be powerful, but if you keep valuables high, there is a smaller chance of water damage. Finally, try to save pictures of your valuables, in case they do get damaged. Having pictures of your house, car, furniture, and other assets will help speed up the insurance claim process following any disaster. (By the way, you do have flood insurance, right?)

Flash floods are dangerous, unexpected, and unpredictable. They can take lives, destroy homes, and cause extensive damage. Fortunately, with a little preparation, a flash flood doesn’t have to be devastating.

~Ben Nystrom, 2009

Has [http://www.rapidrefile.us/blog/understanding-and-preparing-for-flash-floods/]unexpected flash flood damage ruined your personal property? Contact RapidRefile to learn about our [http://www.rapidrefile.us/blog]flood damaged book restoration services for New York and Northeast area residents.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?What-is-a-Flash-Flood-and-How-Do-I-Prepare-For-One?&id=2703984] What is a Flash Flood and How Do I Prepare For One?

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged | Leave a comment

How to Safely Off Road in Your Jeep

Posted on July 8, 2012 by savi0043

Safely off-roading in a jeep: is it possible? It sure is as long as you know the precautions and measures to take it will be a fun and exciting adventure. Off-roading has been done for many years and there are some people that pay to go off-roading when they travel.

How to Safely Off Road in Your Jeep
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Samuel_Crasnick]Samuel Crasnick

Safely off-roading in a jeep: is it possible? It sure is as long as you know the precautions and measures to take it will be a fun and exciting adventure. Off-roading has been done for many years and there are some people that pay to go off-roading when they travel. This is to see what all different places the world has to offer. There are many steps to take to make sure an adventure in off-roading is done safe.

There are two kinds of off-roading, one being wet and muddy and the other being dry. When going on trials and off roads that are muddy make sure to know the exact location and what it consists of. You will need to make sure of how deep mud holes are and how far they go. Make sure you know where you are at all times and your exact location just in case of an emergency you will need this information. Never go alone off-roading because this can be very dangerous. If something were to happen to you there would be no one to help you out.

It would be better judgment to have a couple of people go rather than one or two. Make sure you have a roll bar on your jeep if you like extreme off-roading. This bar will keep major protection over your head just in case of a rollover. Always wear your seatbelt and know your surroundings. There are many maps online that show nearby trails that are safe for off-roading. Local phone books will also have a list of many trials to explore. There are even 4 x 4 clubs to join so you can share your off-roading experiences with others that enjoy the same thing.

Some other great tips for your off-roading trip are to make sure you pack food, warm clothes, boots, flashlight, and of course a first aid kit. Just in case your jeep were to break down you will need to make sure you have food to eat, warm clothes for the night, and a flashlight. Boots are a must because those tennis shoes just will not make the cut for hiking up those long trails. The first aid kit is an obvious need and especially if the trails are miles from any help or hospital. Take an extra spare tire with you as well; this can come in very handy if you were to have a flat. GPS devices can get very pricey but it is not a bad device to have with you so that you know your location. Make sure you have everything you need and you can have a fun, safe off-roading experience.

For more [http://www.jeep4x4center.com/knowledge-base/index.htm]Jeep tips head over to [http://www.jeep4x4center.com]http://www.jeep4x4center.com, where our knowledge base is sure to contain some useful information to the Jeep owner.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Safely-Off-Road-in-Your-Jeep&id=3405362] How to Safely Off Road in Your Jeep

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Jeep – The Best Off-Road Vehicle

Posted on July 8, 2012 by savi0043

Want to get your vehicle really dirty? The only solution for satisfying this urge is to go off-road.

Jeep – The Best Off-Road Vehicle
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Samuel_Crasnick]Samuel Crasnick

Choosing the best Jeep for off roading isn’t as easy as you might think. The name Jeep has been synonymous with rugged and durable vehicles since it rolled off the assembly line on September 21, 1940. Within the Jeep family there is wide selection of sport vehicles to choose from.

There are many forms of activities for your Jeep that does not involve a paved road. Driving through the mud, water, sand, gravel or snow has become a favorite pass time for many which includes rock crawling. This sport requires modification of your vehicle for higher clearances. Mud-bogging challenges drivers to plow through muddy areas as far as possible without getting stuck down in it. Dune bashing requires that you beat up the sand with your vehicle. These are just a few of the activities one can do with a Jeep.

The CJ-7, Civilian Jeep, best known for its all-wheel drive automatic transmission option allowed beginner off-road daredevils to easily navigate rough ground. Although the Laredo and Renegade models had chrome packages they were perfect for off-road as well as going out on the town. The CJ-7 is well known and loved for mud racing.

Another excellent Jeep for down and dirty fun is the JK, YJ and TJ otherwise known as the Wrangler. This 4X4 SUV brought back the ever-loved Jeep style used during WW2. Released in the late 80’s the Wrangler has been re-fashioned several times up until 2007. Like the CJ models, the Wrangler uses a live axle system which allows all four wheels to move together for better traction and power.

The next Jeep model that hit the dirt in 2003 was the Wrangler Rubicon 4X4. This Jeep sported over ten inches of ground clearance and provides a 44 degree angle of approach and a 40 degree angle of departure. Simply speaking you’ll be able to get over larger obstacles. Sporting a V6, the Rubicon is priced to sell way below most sport utility vehicles. The Rubicon was specifically built with the off-roader in mind. Options included in this package are the front and rear Dana 44 axles, a transfer case with a low-range and 31 inch tires.

Unlike most sport utility vehicles, SUV’s, the Jeep is easy to adapt or lift for off road high-jinx. Adding a roll-bar for safety and larger tires for clearance and traction the Jeeps narrow body, short wheelbase and smaller frame make it ideal for anybody who wants to get in the mud. Another feature that comes standard with Jeeps is the removable doors and top which is a key selling point for off road enthusiast.

How do you choose the best Jeep for your off-road needs? Simply make sure the vehicle has the name Jeep attached to it. Without any modifications your Jeep is ready to hit the roughest, messiest, longest terrain you can throw at it. Whether you’re looking to hit the dunes in your home town or the Baja 500 your Jeep will get you where you need to be. The only question left is whether you’re a good enough driver to make it over that hill.

For more Jeep tips head over to [http://www.jeep4x4center.com]http://www.jeep4x4center.com, where our [http://www.jeep4x4center.com/knowledge-base/index.htm]knowledge base is sure to contain some useful information to the Jeep owner.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Jeep—The-Best-Off-Road-Vehicle&id=3405438] Jeep – The Best Off-Road Vehicle

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

The “Perfect” Jeep – The Jeep CJ7’s Storied History

Posted on July 8, 2012 by savi0043

There aren’t many older vehicles out there with a following quite like the Jeep CJ7. That’s because there haven’t been any vehicles that combined performance and durability with plain old fun as much as the CJ7. More than 20 years since it was replaced by the Wrangler, the Jeep CJ7 still remains the “Perfect” Jeep.

The “Perfect” Jeep – The Jeep CJ7’s Storied History
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Samuel_Crasnick]Samuel Crasnick

It was 1976 when the first Jeep CJ7 graced the roads. Redesigned from the frame up, the new CJ was much more practical for “civilian” use than any of its predecessors. The now fully boxed frame not only provided superior strength, but was also widened to increase stability. The leaf springs were altered and moved further outward, and anti-sway bars and a steering stabilizer were added for even more improvements in drivability. Although the CJ5 received these improvements as well, the CJ7 boasted an additional 10 inches in its wheelbase. This not only provided an even more stable ride but also added rear leg room and interior cargo space. The Jeep CJ7 was improved further in 1982 with upgrades to the axles, providing better cornering abilitys and overall handling, thanks to the wider stance.

The 1976 CJ7 came standard with a 232ci inline 6 cylinder engine, though Jeep offered upgrades in the form of a 304ci 5.0 liter and a 258ci 4.2L inline 6 cylinder. Jeep also offered the choice of a standard heavy duty Borg Warner T-150 3 speed transmission or an optional Borg Warner T18 4 speed transmission with a “granny” first gear as an upgrade. The Dana Model 20 was the only transfer case available upon its release.

By 1980, things began to change for the Jeep CJ7. The GM 151ci 4 cylinder engine became the stock powerplant, and the optional 5.0L V8 engine was discontinued later in 1981. In 1984 the AMC 150ci 4 cylinder replaced the GM 151.

Along the way, the transmission saw come changes as well. The Tremec T-176 and SR4 were both introduced in 1980, whose 4 speeds were built more for street use, rather than off-roading. Automatic transmissions, the TF999 and TF904, also debuted in 1980, for the more casual Jeep consumer. In ’81, the 4 speed Borg Warner T4 and 5 speed T5 transmissions both saw their first use.

1980 was the year that the Dana Model 20 transfer case was replaced by the Dana Model 300. The Model 300 had a much deeper low range, 2.62:1 compared to the 2.03:1 Dana 20. The change was necessary due to Jeep no longer offering anything like the granny gear found in the T18 transmission.

As for the CJ7’s standard axles, Jeep offered the Dana Model 30 for the front and the AMC 20 for the rear. The Dana 44 rear axle was being offered as an upgrade on select models, and later became standard in 1986. Jeep offered no optional factory front axles.

In 1987, CJ7 was gone, the AMC badges were lost and the Wrangler was born. Many Jeep purists believe this was the end of the real Jeep. Although the engines and geometry remained the same, the transfer case, rear axle, and transmission all went even “lighter” duty. The interior took a shift for a more car-like appearance, and safety changes were made. For instance, the roll bar morphed to a full roll cage, which kept the windshield from folding down.

Since 1987, no vehicle produced can compare with the Wrangler. However, the Jeep CJ7 remains a vehicle in its own class. Today, it remains one of the most sought after Jeeps for off-roading, restoration, or just a weekend trip. It’s simple design and popularity has kept the aftermarket flooded with parts and accessories. Additionally, a Jeep CJ7 can be literally built from nothing as frames are offerred at many jeep parts sites. For these and countless other reasons, the CJ7 may just be the “perfect” Jeep.

Looking for some [http://www.jeep4x4center.com]jeep parts to restore your perfect jeep? Try [http://www.jeep4x4center.com]http://www.jeep4x4center.com, where the Jeep specialists can help you find just what you’re looking for at a reasonable price.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Perfect-Jeep—The-Jeep-CJ7s-Storied-History&id=2861660] The “Perfect” Jeep – The Jeep CJ7’s Storied History

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged | Leave a comment

Tips for Photographing Fireworks

Posted on July 4, 2012 by savi0043

Everyone loves a great fireworks show and it seems that lots of people take pictures while they are at the show. Here is a question for you. How many great pictures of fireworks have you seen taken by any of your friends or relatives?

Tips for Photographing Fireworks
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Keith_A_Jones]Keith A Jones

Everyone loves a great fireworks show and it seems that lots of people take pictures while they are at the show. Here is a question for you. How many great pictures of fireworks have you seen taken by any of your friends or relatives?

I’ll bet your answer is not many. Now, have you ever wondered why everyone doesn’t have at least a couple of really good shots of fireworks? After all, the shows are free and the people that are there seem to be snapping pictures like crazy.

I’ll answer the question for you. It is because a little preparation and planning is needed to increase your chances of getting some really nice shots at a fireworks display.

The following are a few tips that might help when you are photographing fireworks.

Use a Tripod: This fireworks photography tip applies whether you are using a point and shoot Digital Compact Camera or a Digital SLR camera. The reason you will need a tripod is because it is best to photograph fireworks at slow shutter speeds.

Slower shutter speeds allow the camera to gather more light from the fireworks scene against the dark sky. When a camera is hand held and a slow shutter speed is used, the result will be a blurred picture.

If you don’t have a tripod, try placing the camera on a steady surface when taking the pictures. Sometimes, even the roof of your car might help.

Arrive early, claim a good spot: If you have time before the show, this fireworks photography tip can be very useful. As you probably know, fireworks shows are usually pretty crowded and you don’t want to have to reach over someone’s head to take a shot.

Some people might like to be close to the fireworks, but from a photography standpoint, it is better to be a little distance away from the actual scene. It is better to be able to shoot towards the fireworks rather than shooting straight up at them.

Also, if you are not right upon the fireworks, you might be able to include a little more than the fireworks burst in your picture. A building, a monument, or a skyline along with the fireworks bursts might make the images a little more interesting.

It is up to you to decide if you want anything but fireworks in your pictures. However, no matter what you decide, make sure you have a clear line of vision before you begin to photograph the fireworks.

Horizontal or Vertical? It doesn’t make a whole lot of difference if you hold the camera in the vertical or horizontal position when photographing the fireworks. However, since fireworks are shot upward in a vertical plane, it might not be a bad idea to shoot single bursts with the camera in the vertical position. On the other hand if there are several bursts going on at one time, the horizontal position will give you more room to frame the whole scene.

Exposure settings for photographing fireworks: If you are using a compact digital camera, you cannot manually change exposure settings. Try using the fireworks scene mode of your camera. The fireworks mode will automatically set a slow shutter speed to photograph fireworks. (once again that is why you need a tripod or a steady surface for the camera).

If you are a Digital SLR user, use your cameras’ manual mode. It would be great if you use the bulb “B” shutter setting. The “B” setting allows you to keep the shutter as long as you like. That way can open the shutter just before the burst, and close it right after if you choose to do so.

If you don’t use the “B” setting, experiment with shutter speeds from 2-8 seconds. Also, try using a remote shutter release to avoid camera shake from pressing the shutter button.

As for the camera lens aperture settings, use smaller aperture openings between F8 and F16 if possible. Although the sky is dark, the fireworks are bright and overexposure is possible when using large aperture and slow shutter speed.

Use low ISO settings like ISO 100 if possible: Higher ISO setting like ISO 800 or ISO 1600 might produce grainy looking images. (depending on what camera you use.)

Timing is everything: Fireworks bursts will appear quickly and disappear just as fast. Pre focus your digital compact camera on an area where the fireworks are being generated from. Hold that focus until you are ready to take your next shot. You will save time by not having to focus once the firework is in the air.

If you are using a Digital SLR camera use your manual focus feature prior to or during the first burst. You won’t have to refocus if you stay in the same location and use the same focal length.

Listen for a thump like sound or a whistling sound in the air. Those sounds indicate that fireworks have just been shot into the air. For best results do not wait until you see the bright explosion. Press the shutter as soon as you know something has been fired into the air. That way your camera will get the full effect of the burst from the beginning.(that is if your camera is already pointed right at the area of the fireworks and set at a slow shutter speed).

Photographing fireworks might be a little tricky at first. However, with a little practice you should come out with some pleasing results.

I hope these tips on photographing fireworks will be useful to you.

For more useful information about taking pictures, visit http://easybasicphotography.com or for more about fireworks photography visit http://easybasicphotography.com/photographing-fireworks

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Tips-for-Photographing-Fireworks&id=7151463] Tips for Photographing Fireworks

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , | Leave a comment