newsShorts Replacing Your Roof?
Cooler Colors Save Money Look at the roofs of the office buildings, warehouses, shopping centers, and even the homes. Most of them are probably pretty dark in color – and this means they heat up a lot when the weather is warm. All of those dark roofs mean that we’re using a lot more air conditioning than we need to. At least a billion dollars a year in extra power bills, in fact. * Dark roofs can be 50 degrees hotter than light roofs. * Dark roofs, combined with dark roads and parking lots, cause cities to be 2-5 degrees hotter than rural developments. * A cooler roof means lower energy bills –up to 10-15% lower – when it’s warm out because your air conditioner doesn’t have to work as hard. So if you or someone you know is planning some work on the roof of your building or home, check out whether cool roofing is a good option for your climate zone. Go to www.roofcalc.com to calculate how much money you might save. (Evergy.gov)
Top 10
Hardest Jobs to Fill
In the United States, the top 10 hardest jobs to fill in 2012 include: 1. Skilled Trades 2. Engineers 3. IT Staff 4. Sales Representatives 5. Accounting & Finance Staff 6. Drivers 7. Mechanics 8. Nurses 9. Machinists/Machine Operators 10. Teachers (Manpowergroup.com)
Carbon Monoxide
Poisoning Prevention Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a deadly, colorless, odorless gas. On average, about 170 people in the US die each year from CO produced by non-automotive consumer products, including malfunctioning furnaces, ranges, water heaters, generators, and fireplaces.
and serviced annually as well as chimneys and flues. Never self -service fuel-burning appliances and never operate a portable generator or other gasoline powered tool either in or near an enclosed space such as a house or garage. Even with open doors and windows, CO levels can build to lethal levels. Install a CO alarm that meets current safety standards in the halllway near every separate sleeping level of the house and keep them free from furniture and draperies. Remember, alarms have a recommended replacement age, which can be obtained from the manufacturer. Above all, if the CO alarm signals, immediately move outside to fresh air and call the fire department or 911. Do not reenter the premises until emergency services responders have given you permission. (utdallas.edu) Join the Conversation: Go to www.facebook.com/ pages/LifeandHomes-CNY to leave your thoughts on this and other articles.
House-Hunt
Redemption
TV & Video Channel www.Life and Homes .com
5
L i f e and H o m e s
To avoid CO poisoning, make sure all appliances are installed and operated according to instructions and local building codes. Have your heating system professionally inspected
Watch the Video at www.LifeandHomes.com Click on Video Channel
■
Because CO is undetectable to human senses, people may not know they are being exposed. Symptoms may include headaches, fatigue, shortness of breath, mental confusion, vomiting and loss of consciousness.
August
A significant percentage of total U.S. employers continue to face hiring challenges despite continued high unemployment. U.S. employers are struggling to find available talent, according to ManpowerGroup’s 2012 Talent Shortage Survey.
According to the more than 1,300 U.S. employers surveyed, the positions that are most difficult to fill include Skilled Trades, Engineers and IT Staff, all of which have appeared on the U.S. list multiple times since the survey began in 2006. The survey also highlights the most common reasons employers say they are having trouble filling jobs, including lack of available applicants, applicants looking for more pay and lack of experience.