Monday, March 25, 2002
Rare Bird Alert
Bird watching is one of those sports/pastimes that so many people participate in, and yet rarely shows up on/in the news. Birdwatchers are so dedicated, they even sign up for “rare bird alerts” — an email service that lists what rare birds have been seen where.
– See rare bird alerts for each state
– See what birders are interested in
– A nice Bird site collection
– Take a virtual “birding trip” online
Spend some time with your local birders. They are also the ones who notice environmental stories long before your local politicians do!
Investigating Priest/Religious Leader Abuse
The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) has compiled a checklist for reporters who are investigating stories about priests/religious leaders who abuse others. Among the suggestions, “Use the Catholic Directory – a yearly annual listing of every priest in America. It’s organized alphabetically as well as by diocese, and many public libraries have them. A careful look back through the years can show trends that prove illustrative: a pattern of shifting a priest from diocese to diocese, which is relatively unusual, an assignment to an unusual, restricted ministry like a hospital, nursing home or hospital chaplaincy. (often temporarily given to mollify a victim’s angry parents), a year or two missing (which may indicate the priest was sent for treatment), vague assignments (“St. Louis Missouri,” rather than the name of a particular parish), etc.”
Safer Propane Tanks Required April 1
Here is a story that is timely and certainly would touch a lot of people. The Consumer Product Safety Commission says, “All propane gas tanks sold to consumers for barbecue grills must have a new safety device. The over-fill prevention device will help to avoid propane leaks that can cause fires and explosions. The new standard is published by the National Fire Protection Association.” http://www.nfpa.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/Gas_grill_safety/gas_grill_safety.asp
NFPA says, the overfilling protection device (OPD)”..is a safety valve that shuts off the flow of gas to a cylinder after 80 percent capacity has been reached. This limits the potential for release of gas when the cylinder is heated, averting a fire hazard or personal injury. Since 1998, all new propane cylinders from 4- to 40-pound propane capacity, have been equipped with OPDs.”
NFPA says beginning April 1, only the new propane tanks will be sold or refilled nationwide. People with older propane gas tanks will need to get the new, safer tanks when they go in for a refill. While some dealers are trading in old tanks at no cost, others may charge a fee, which could range from $10 to $20. Cylinders manufactured after September 30, 1998, are equipped with OPDs and require no change.
“CPSC worked with industry to develop this safety standard to help prevent deaths and injuries,” said CPSC Acting Chairman Thomas Moore. “As people trade in their old propane tanks for newer ones, we will see fewer fires.” Propane gas is highly flammable. Each year, about 600 fires/explosions occur with gas grills resulting in injuries to about 30 people. The new safety standard for propane gas tanks requires that an “over-fill prevention device” be installed in new gas tanks. The new
propane gas tanks have valve handles with three “lobes” (prongs) while older tanks have valve handles with five prongs.
Where and When Grill Fires Happen
As you would expect, grill fires go up in April, May, June, and July. Here is a resource that shows you where fires happen. It is a great time to remind readers/viewers/listeners not to grill on balconies and patios at condos and apartments. In many places it is against fire code to grill on patios. Grill fires and damage-info from US Fire Administration. http://www.usfa.fema.gov/pdf/tfrs/v2i3.pdf
Charcoal grill fires present their own hazards. Consumer Product Safety Commission says, “Charcoal produces carbon monoxide (CO) when it is burned. CO is a colorless, odorless gas that can accumulate to toxic levels in closed environments. Each year about 17 people die as a result of CO fumes from charcoal being burned inside.” http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml02/02127.html
