Month: June 2020

2020-06-01T10:37:00

(BPT) – Summer is here, and that means it’s time to tackle the big outdoor tasks.

The importance of getting work done is especially true in this season of social isolation, when Americans are enjoying their homes’ outdoor spaces more than ever. Outdoor work may require some extra sweat and elbow grease, but these big jobs are a welcome break right now, keeping people busy and outside — and helping them truly appreciate their well­-tended green spaces.

For many, outdoor work is a satisfying endeavor, allowing homeowners to take pride in their home and yard, along with the work they put into it, which shows in what people are searching for, posting and sharing online. For example, Pinterest Insights saw an increase of 89% in backyard renovation ideas on their website, along with a whopping jump of 658% in DIY small patio ideas on a budget, and an impressive 528% increase in budget garden inspiration ideas.

Ready to get started on your summer to­-do list? Consider adding these big but worthwhile tasks to your roster.

Start a “victory garden”

Given all the questions brought about by COVID-19, many Americans are re­igniting the WWII practice of growing their own fruits, vegetables and herbs to give themselves more control over their food supplies. Many produce varieties are easy to grow, and cultivating them at home can ward off unnecessary shopping excursions. “Americans are turning to gardens for food access, food security, food safety and food affordability,” confirms gardening exec Jim Feinson on GardenResearch.com.

Beef up your landscaping

Look over your landscaping layout and determine which parts need trimming, filling in, fertilizing or replacing. If you’re in doubt, many garden centers can draw up plans demonstrating changes or additions that might look more eye­-catching. Before getting started, invest in easy­-to-­use equipment that will make the heavy­-duty labor less grueling. Northern Tool + Equipment’s Strongway Steel Jumbo Garden Wagon can handle tough jobs like hauling rocks, pavers or bags of cement; in fact, it can capably pull up to 1,400 pounds of supplies.

Revamp your deck

Does it just need a good power washing, or is it screaming for a repainting or re­-staining too? Either way, your work will go faster with Northern Tool’s Powerhorse Gas Cold Water Pressure Washer, which has the 2.5 GPM and 3100 PSI you need to effortlessly blast through mud, dirt and debris on your deck, siding, fence, patio or driveway.

Get your garage in gear

Reclaim your space by getting rid of junk you don’t need, power washing your floors and establishing dedicated space for the tools and equipment you regularly use. New cabinets, bins, racks, shelves or pegboard panels can go a long way toward keeping everything handy and easy to find. You may even want to create a mancave vibe by installing a TV, mini fridge and casual seating.

Tackle your gutters

It can be a hefty job, but built-­up debris must be cleaned out at least twice annually to avoid wet basements, interior leaks, mold growth, rodent infestations and/or displacement of the gutters themselves. Use a sturdy ladder to safely access the edges of your roof, then use a trowel or gutter scoop to remove refuse. Flush out the system using a power washer or a garden hose with a spray attachment. Check for cracks, rust or paint damage and missing attachments, ensure all sections are sloped enough to drain stormwater and replace any sections that can’t be repaired.

Summer is here, and that to-­do list won’t take care of itself. Plan now to take on the tasks that will help you and your family make the best possible use of your outdoor spaces in the warm weather.

2020-06-01T07:01:00

(BPT) – During the pandemic, healthcare workers are being challenged like never before. Coping with this emergency has taken a toll on hospital staff around the country — and communities are stepping up efforts to help with donations of goods and services that provide immediate support, sometimes in surprising ways.

Out-of-the-box thinking has led many companies and organizations to discover effective ways of aiding frontline medical workers — and everyone can help boost their efforts.

Caring for basic needs

Companies around the country have shown their generosity in assisting frontline workers by helping them meet their needs for shelter, food, clothing and transportation.

Many hotels and home-sharing companies have offered free lodging to hospital workers needing to isolate themselves from vulnerable family members.

Car rental and ride-sharing companies have provided rides for frontline workers so they can easily get to work, without having to rely on public transportation.

Nonprofit organizations like Frontline Foods match restaurants with hospitals, using donations to pay the restaurants for meals then safely delivered to medical staff. To help feed hospital workers, coordinate your efforts with a group like this, or contact the hospital first to ensure that you’re following their health and safety guidelines.

There’s nothing tougher on your feet than being a hard-working nurse, doctor or other medical worker on a long shift. Shoe companies nationwide have donated comfortable, practical footwear for medical workers.

Clothing companies have also stepped up, providing free clothes — from the scrubs hospital workers wear all day to comfortable clothing for workers and their families to relax in when they’re home.

Helping people connect

Hospital staff rely on iPads and other electronic equipment throughout their long days, constantly draining the batteries for that equipment. And because patients’ family members are unable to visit their loved ones, smartphones or tablets are the only way hospital staff can help patients communicate with their families, providing invaluable emotional support and connection during a traumatic time.

Anker is donating portable chargers to solve this problem, helping hospital staff keep working, and making it easier for them to provide that vital connection between families.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

One of the biggest challenges has been keeping frontline workers equipped with protective gear such as masks, gloves, face shields and hand sanitizer.

Some companies have shifted gears and turned their factories from, for example, producing shoes to making masks, or adapting a distillery or cosmetics company into a hand sanitizer producer.

Innovation is key, as companies that once made toys, bags or power tools pivot to create face shields, masks or other protective gear.

How you can help

Check websites of organizations mentioned above, or hospitals and companies in your area to find out what they’re doing to help during the pandemic.

Consider how you can best provide assistance, whether in terms of collecting or making supplies, giving monetary donations or volunteering your time.

• Supplies — If you have supplies that hospitals need such as face masks, or you can make them, or if you want to start a drive to collect PPE in your community, contact hospitals to ask what donations they accept — and what they need.

• Monetary donations — Give what you can to organizations or companies already running efforts to help frontline workers, or give a direct donation to your local hospital or a nurses’ association.

• Give blood — This takes less than an hour, and it’s a vital need right now. If you’re healthy, contact the Red
• Cross to find out where you can donate blood.

• Volunteer — Connect with local organizations supplying food or other crucial resources to healthcare workers to ask how you can volunteer. They may need people to collect, organize or deliver supplies.

  If you know a nurse, doctor or other medical staff member, volunteer to go grocery shopping for them, offer to help with childcare, or ask them what they need to help ease their burden.

Everyone has something to contribute during this challenging time, from nonprofit organizations and companies to individuals nationwide. Find the best way you can show your gratitude by helping frontline workers today.