How Stimulating!

Hello again, and thanks for opening this edition of the Water Main!

Over the past couple of weeks a few of us on the Ben crew have taken field trips to a local water utility and waste water treatment plant. Seeing people managing water and waste water with such limited resources is a good reminder of the importance of this natural resource. Can’t imagine where we’d be without them.

This month we celebrated National Public Works week. From streets to water to community development projects, it’s a chance to recognize the folks that pretty much allow everyone else to keep doing what they are doing. I’m not a big fan of that typical Wisconsin summer sign that says “Lane Closures, Expect Delays” but I’m not sure where I’d be without all of that hard work.

As always, feel free to provide me with your feedback – whether it be on our service, articles, or if you just have your own “Lane Closure” story to share.

Jack Schaffer

J.Schaffer@benmeadows.com

Which Personal Flotation Device is Right for the Job (or Yacht)?

While life jackets may seem cumbersome at times, wearing a Personal Floatation Device (PFD) is arguably the most important key to safety on the water. Boating accident data show that the most frequent safety-failure resulting in drowning is not having a PFD available when needed.

The safest PFD is one a person is willing to wear at all times, and the best PFD will save a person’s life every time it is used. While all PFDs have limitations, if the floatation device chosen is available when an accident occurs, keeps the wearer’s head out of the water, and is reliable enough to perform when needed, the probability of survival increases.

PFDs are classified into five different types. These divisions are based on use and overall protection provided.

Type I PFDs / Off-Shore Life Jackets – These are the best overall PFDs, and should be used in the open ocean, rough seas, remote waters, and where rescue may be slow in coming.

Type II PFDs / Near-Shore Buoyant Vests – Type II vests are for general boating activities, and can be used in calm inland waters, or where there is a good chance of fast rescue.

Type III PFDs / Flotation Aids – A common floatation vest, a Type III PFD is for general boating in calm inland waters where there is a good chance of fast rescue. These are also used in specialized recreational activities, and are marked accordingly.

Type IV PFDs / Throwable Devices – Unlike the previous vests, these PFDs are designed to be thrown to someone stranded in the water. Typical Type IV devices are ring buoys.

Type V PFDs / Special Use Devices – While these devices appear similar to other types, they are specialized for such uses as work vests, man-overboard rescue devices, law enforcement floatation devices, and whitewater vests.

For more information on Personal Floatation Devices and water safety, see the U. S. Coast Guard website at:

http://www.uscg.mil

For a selection of Personal Floatation Devices, please see the following link:

http://www.benmeadows.com/store/Forestry/Expedition_Gear/Kayaks_and_Accessories/

Product Spotlight

Amprobe Buried Cable Locator BRAND NEW AT BEN MEADOWS Locates underground energized and de-energized wires, cables and pipes. Three testing modes – Power, Radio, and G-3000 Pro signal generator. Depth measurement up to 10 feet Patented signal processing – operates effectively in congested sites and sites with overhead cables Visual and Audible indicators Backlighting Weatherproof and drop resistant Complete instrument, ready for use with receiver, transmitter, connection cable, ground stake and ground cable Call, toll free, 1-800-241-6401 for a price quote today!

Did You Know?

We can use only about three tenths of a percent of all the water on the planet. The majority of this usable water is found in groundwater aquifers, rivers and freshwater lakes.

Spout Off!
Your Chance to Win!

Last Issue’s Winner:

Last Issue we asked what insect is featured on the cover of our Growers and Grounds online eCatalog? Jennifer from Warwick, Rhode Island is our winner. She knew it was a lady bug or Coccinellidae on the cover.

We’ll be sending her a Leatherman P4 Squirt Multitool.

This Month's Question:

How many measurements can be logged by the HOBO TidbiT v2 Submersible Temperature Logger?

Send your answer via email to: editor@benmeadows.com

While you're at it, let us know your job title and function and what topics you'd like to see covered in future issues of The Water Main.

Answers must be received by by Friday June 5, 2009. We'll select one lucky prize winner from all the correct entries. If you are selected, we will notify you by email. Don't forget to include an address (if you win, we'll need to know where to send your prize)!

This month's prize: Leatherman Squirt P4 Multitool

To be eligible to receive a prize you must include your name and mailing address. This information must correspond to your benmeadows.com registration information. If you are not registered at benmeadows.com click here and register TODAY!