The Natural Resource from Ben Meadows January Issue

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January/February

In this Issue:
Firefighting Safety Web Site
Bluebird Nesting Box Tips

Up All Night

It's true! Now when you call our toll-free number (1-800-241-6401) at 3:00 a.m. a human being will answer the phone. In fact, try us at 2:00 a.m., 4:00 a.m. or any time at all and you can speak to a person who is ready and eager to take your order.

The transition to working around the clock has been interesting. Some of us on the Ben Team have adapted to the 24/7 mind set easily.* Others may need a little more time to make the adjustment. For example; here's a shot of Product Pro, Paul taken near his office around 4:30 this morning:

Paul is Making the Adjustment to 24/7

We're told he's still a little disoriented. In fact right after we took this photo he tried to brew a pot of coffee with the fax machine. But aside from a soggy fax or two we're all very excited that Ben Meadows will be able to serve you whenever you need us. After all, nine to five doesn't mean much to Outdoor Pros, like you. That's why we think it shouldn't mean much to us, either.

So the next time you see the sun come up or when you're watching that midnight meteor shower remember that we're here ready to take your order. And by the way—don't worry about Paul. He's going to be fine now that we've installed a nightlight in the break room.

Jack
Ben Meadows Team Leader
j.schaffer@benmeadows.com



Now's the Time to Prepare for Wildland Fire Season

Web Site to Aid in Wildland Firefighting Safety

In response to an increase in injuries experienced by firefighters battling wildland fires, the U.S. Forest Service has focused its resources on improving safety. In studying new methods to protect the lives of wildland firefighters the Forest Service made a key finding—existing safety policies, principles and procedures are only effective if leadership has a thorough awareness and understanding of them. 

This finding led the Forest Service to create a Risk Management Web site. This new tool was developed to help wildland firefighters maintain their knowledge of safety guidelines and the latest procedures. The site covers what’s new as far as forms and requirements along with links to subjects such as alerts and advisories, fire shelter information, fireline fitness and general safety awareness.

You can find out more by taking a look at this important resource here.


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Tips on Predator Deterrence for Bluebird Nesting Boxes

An important part of restoration efforts for natural areas is attracting wildlife back to areas that have been destroyed. One popular method of re-introducing wildlife is the addition of bluebird nesting boxes to restored prairies, refuges and other natural areas.

Attracting bluebirds and ensuring their safety can be simple when you follow a few basic guidelines to deter predators. The North American Bluebird Society has published a list of mounting tips designed to reduce the likelihood that residents of a nesting box will fall victim to predators. Some of these recommendations include:

  • The box should be easy to mount on a predator-resistant post in areas with raccoons or cats
  • A five inch roof overhang above the entrance hole reduces the possibility of raccoon or cat predation
  • Wooden guards placed over the entry hole are not effective in eliminating raccoon predation
  • Boxes mounted on heavily greased pipes or on waxed metal electrical conduits will deter many climbing predators
  • Mounting boxes less than five feet from the ground increases the opportunities for climbing or jumping predators to raid the nest
  • Wooden posts, ungreased pipes, PVC pipes are readily climbed by nest predators such as raccoons

For more information on bluebird management and research check out the North American Blue Bird Society's Web site here.

You can see the Ben Meadows Bluebird Nesting Box designed for Eastern Bluebirds here.


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The Natural Resource Editor's Challenge!

Last month we asked this question:

It wouldn't be a December issue of The Natural Resource without a reference to snowshoes. We offer our new Denali Classic Snowshoes in two colors. What are these colors?

Lee from Texas knew that our Denali Classic Snowshoes are available in red and black.

We're sending Lee a PMI Kershaw 5-in-1 Carabiner Tool!

Take a look at our latest catalog or use our Web site (www.benmeadows.com) for help with this month's challenge. Don't have a catalog? You can get a free copy by clicking here. Now here's the question:

You may answer this issue's question with a yes or no: If you were to call Ben Meadows (toll-free at 1-800-241-6401) at 3:00 a.m. on a Saturday to order a new Munsell Soil Color Chart (that would be shipped to you without charge if you had previously purchased the $39 Ben Shipping Deal) would you be able to place your order with an actual living, breathing person who may or may not be named Margaret or Gunther?

If you know, send us the correct answer along with your name and how to contact you. Send us the right answer and you'll be entered into a drawing. The winner will receive a PMI Kershaw 5-in-1 Carabiner Tool (a $60 value)!

Send your answers to: editor@benmeadows.com

*Note: 24/7 service refers to orders only. For other inquiries, including free technical support, please contact us during regular business hours (7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT Monday-Friday). Also, the Editorial Staff of The Natural Resource wishes to thank Paul for wearing his jammies to the office. The staff would also like to remind Paul that he probably should return to wearing business casual attire while at work as soon as possible.


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CONTACT INFORMATION

If you have any specific questions about product specifications, applications or compliance issues, call one of our Technical Support Specialists at 1-800-241-6401 or e-mail them at: productpros@benmeadows.com

If you have any questions about the list or its contents, send e-mail to the Editor at: editor@benmeadows.com

The Natural Resource is copyrighted by Lab Safety Supply, Inc., Ben Meadows Company is a division of Lab Safety Supply, Inc. Those wishing to re-publish a written piece in any other form or medium must first receive permission from Lab Safety Supply, Inc. To request permission, e-mail: g.lee@labsafety.com

The goal of The Natural Resource is to provide accurate information on the subject matters covered. However, it is impossible to guarantee absolute accuracy of the materials. Therefore, the publisher cannot assume any responsibility for omissions, errors or misprinting contained within this publication. Lab Safety Supply, Inc. P.O. Box 1368, Janesville, WI 53547-1368, USA Tel: 800-356-0783 Fax: 800-543-9910 http://www.labsafety.com


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Ben Meadows Company is a division of Lab Safety Supply, Inc. P.O. Box 1368, Janesville, WI 53547, USA Tel: 800-241-6401 Fax: 800-628-2068 http://www.benmeadows.com