Consumer Q's - October 26, 2006
October 26, 2006 Contact: Teresa Jenkins
(404) 656-3645
1-800-282-5852
CONSUMER Q’s
Prepared by the Georgia Department of Agriculture, Office of Public Affairs
Tommy Irvin, Commissioner
Call Consumer Q’s Hotline at 1-800-282-5852
Consumer Alert: CLEAN AND INSPECT CHIMNEY BEFORE YEAR’S FIRST FIRE
If you use a wood stove or open fireplace, you need to clean the chimney every year, before heating season begins. Some chimneys may need to be cleaned more frequently depending on the type of wood burning system, type of wood and frequency of use.
Cleaning not only improves the efficiency of the heating system, but it also helps prevent chimney fires, most of which are caused by creosote forming in the chimney flue. Creosote is deposited on chimney walls when green or resinous wood is burned. Although it is a thick, dark liquid when hot, creosote forms a solid, tar-like residue when it cools. If enough builds up in the flue, it can ignite. To reduce creosote build up, cut down on your use of resinous woods like pine. Creosote can come from any wood, but pine causes the heaviest buildup. Try to use seasoned hardwoods, like hickory and oak.
Colored paper from newspapers and magazines should not be burned, since they create more creosote.
Some people reduce creosote buildup by stoking a hot fire for about 30 minutes each day the chimney is used. The high temperature burns off the small amount of creosote formed that day.
But the most effective method of removing creosote is to scrape it from the inside of the chimney. Before trying this yourself, make sure you are in good shape and your roof is safe and sound. You might be better off hiring a professional chimney sweep.
If you do, be sure to check for references and ask if the person will perform other services, such as inspections and repairs. After the chimney is cleaned, check it once a month to see how fast the creosote is building up. Any excess residue should be cleaned out right away.
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Reminder:
Plant Cool-Season Flowers. With the arrival of cooler temperatures, it's time to plant fall annuals such as snapdragons, primula, stock, and calendula now, as well as pansies and violas. Water plants well, but make sure the soil has good drainage.
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What is the best way to dry or otherwise preserve chamomile? Should I use the tiny leaves or flowers or both?
According to Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs, the flowers of chamomile are dried and used as tea. Harvest the flowers for drying when the petals begin to turn back on the disk. Allow the flowers to air-dry until completely dry, then store in an airtight container. The oils are concentrated in the flowers, not the leaves, so the leaves are not generally used. There are a number of look-alike plants, so be certain your plant is true chamomile before harvesting and using the flowers.
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What are the various recall classes and what do they mean?
Class I - Involves a health hazard situation where there is reasonable probability that the use of the product will cause serious, adverse health consequences or death.
Class II - Involves a potential health hazard situation where there is a remote probability of adverse health consequences from the use of the product.
Class III - Involves a situation where the use of the product is not likely to cause adverse health consequences
These ratings and explanations are issued, assigned and defined by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
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I plan on taking my dog with me on a road trip for the Thanksgiving holidays. Can you give me any tips on making him more comfortable?
Before you hit the road, prepare your dog for the drive ahead. Advance planning can help make traveling less stressful for pets. If your dog is not used to long road trips, spending some time with you in the car when it is motionless may help your dog feel less anxious. Then try taking a few short neighborhood trips making each a little longer and see how he behaves. Bringing familiar dog food, drinking water, and toys also may help your dog feel more comfortable. If he does not do well with the neighbor trips, you may want to reconsider your decision to take him along. While you both may suffer a little separation anxiety, it may be best for each of you to if you leave him with a reputable boarder. You should visit any potential boarding facility prior to leaving your pet. Ask your veterinarian for a recommendation and check with our office of animal protection to insure proper licensing and to see if there is any record of offenses.
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Often times, I purchase take-out food for lunch and want to take the leftovers home. Can I keep it on my desk until quitting time?
When not eaten right away, convenience foods need to be handled carefully to avoid food illness. Always follow this simple two hour rule:
Discard all perishable foods left a room temperature for more than two hours total time
Discard after one hour if the air temperature is above 90°f.
For more information on safe handling of take-out and delivered foods, please contact our office of consumer services.
If you have questions or problems with products or services regulated by the Georgia Department of Agriculture, you may write the Office of Consumer Services, Room 224, 19 Martin Luther King Drive, Atlanta 30334 or call 404/656-3645 (Atlanta metro area) or 1-800-282-5852 (state wide).
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