How to brighten

/r\ UTDOOR lighting can heighten V the safety, security and beauty of a home. And with the innovations in low co'st, easy-to-install low voltage fixtures, more and more doit-yourselfers are undertaking the often less-than-an-hour installations.

To help customers select the most appropriate type and number of fixtures, find out their purpose. Ask them to describe the most attractive features of their homes. Are there any dangerously dark areas, such as doorways, steps, paths, changes in sidewalk level or any obstacles people might trip over?

The main types of low voltage outdoor lighting are best suited to varying uses.

Entrance lights often provide safety and security to those who come home late at night. They can illuminate steps leading up to the front porch or adjacent sidewalks. Other common positions: boat docks, driveways, foundations and parking areas.

Mushroom lights typically have a wider diameter of illumination to highlight areas of low foliage, borders, walkways, paths and decorative ground covers. Their large shades conceal the light source. They also can be used on entrances, floundations, fountains, gates, parking, patios, planters, ponds, pools, steps and terraces.

The classically-styled tier light casts light downward in a soft ring of illumination while shading the glare. They are ideal for marking paths, walkways and steps and casting attractive accents of light along decorative flower beds and patio borders. Other sites: boat docks, breezeways, driveways, foundations, gates, parking, ponds, pools, porches and terraces.

Designed to be buried in the ground, well lights cast illumination upward to highlight especially interesting features or create a variety of special effects. Placed beneath a tree or clump of shrubs, they'll beam light up through the leaves to create distinctive shadows. Or they can be used near the base of a tree to highlight nicely-textured bark. Other uses: silhouetting or showcasing art objects, buildings, foundations, gardens, rock gardens, signs and walls.

Globe lights provide subtle, glarefree illumination over a large area. Common uses are diffused general illumination around wider spaces, such as swimming pools, hot tubs, ponds and recreational areas.

Floodlights add exciting sprays of

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light to the yard to make objects, areas and foliage come alive at night. They can be mounted at ground level or attached to walls, eaves or trees. Decorative effects include aiming them up or down a fence or wall, backlighting trees and foliage, and shadowing the movement of bushes and trees against a house, pool, patio or living area. Other targets: art objects, buildings, eaves, entrances, fountains, gates, rock gardens, signs.

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Sales opportunities in outdoor lighting... seven differcnt types of lights and what they do. ideas you can provide to your &i-y customers.

Different lenses can also provide special effects. Clear lenses bring out a natural look. Green lenses brighten foliage, eliminating reds and pinks. Blue lenses enhance blue and green tones, cooling warm tones. Red lenses heighten red and orange tones, and amber lenses accentuate yellows, oranges and browns. Special fixtures are also available for decks which come encased in matching redwood, cedar or treated pine to attach onto or install directly into the deck.

Exterior lighting options include motion sensors, automatic timers and photo controls to turn the lights on at dusk and offat dawn.

F IRES started bv accident or arl- .on cause millions of dollars in damages in the lumber and building material industry each year. Although most owners and managers dread both, few take all the steps necessary for prevention.

Diligent housekeeping and the establishment of fire safety rules and practices can eliminate many possible causes of fire. The first step is to schedule a visit from a representative of the local fire department each year to help you evaluate the premises and draw up a fire response plan. Many fire departments keep plans on file for the facilities under their jurisdiction. These indicate fldmmable or toxic material storage areas as well as the location of electrical panels and water sources.

In addition, every facility should appoint a fire inspector who makes a formal tour of the site at least once a week with a written report going to management. Checking for housekeeping problems. examining ignition sources and testing the reliability of the fire protection system including emergency lighting, fire exits, fire doors, fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems and water supplies are his responsibility. He must have the authority to take needed corrective action and organize, train and direct an emergency team.

Fire extinguishers are an essential part of fire protection with an adequate number needed in each building. To guarantee proper maintenance, it is wise to have a service contract with a fire extinguisher service. These professionals also can make sure that all employees know how to use the fire fighting equipment.