Home Safety
| Title | Summary | Date | ID | Author(s) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Learning to Live with Coyotes in Metropolitan Areas | PDF (247KB) | May 1, 2009 | 420-050 | ||
| Mold Basics | PDF (681KB) |
Why is Mold an Issue Today?We have always had mold – so why has it become such an issue today? Why do we read about mold in the media, or hear about mold litigation in the courts, or worry about mold affecting our health? There are many different reasons to consider. |
May 1, 2009 | 2901-7019 | |
| Mold Prevention | PDF (208KB) |
Can We Really Prevent Mold Growth? Molds are everywhere in the environment. They are a natural part of the ecosystem and we can not eliminate them completely. The problem is when there is an excess of mold growth in our buildings and the mold growth damages building materials or threatens our health. To prevent mold problems in our homes, we need to understand how mold grows and to learn to control the conditions that lead to mold growth. |
May 1, 2009 | 2901-7020 | |
| Mold Remediation | PDF (796KB) |
Help! I Think I Have Mold! What Can I Do? Molds are natural, common, and typical in the environment. They are actually an important part of our ecosystem as they help decompose dead organic matter. However, we do not want an excess of mold growing in our homes, decomposing the structure and damaging our possessions. |
May 1, 2009 | 2901-7021 | |
| Poison Ivy Leaves of three? Let it be! | PDF (1MB) |
Those who experience the blisters, swelling, and extreme itching that result from contact with poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), poison oak (Toxicodendron pubescens), or poison sumac (Toxicodendron vernix) learn to avoid these pesky plants. Although poison oak and poison sumac do grow in Virginia, poison ivy is by far the most common. This publication will help you identify poison ivy, recognize the symptoms of a poison ivy encounter, and control poison ivy around your home. |
May 1, 2009 | 426-109 | |
| Rabies: Its Ecology, Control, and Treatment | PDF (668KB) | May 1, 2009 | 420-036 | ||
| Virginia Firescapes: Firewise Landscaping for Woodland Homes | PDF (432KB) |
In Virginia, one of every three forest fires now threatens at least one woodland home. Forest fires damaged 98 structures in 1995 and 40 in 1996. When the forest becomes a community, forest fires and homes are inseparable. A home in a woodland setting is surrounded by flammable vegetation. Firewise landscaping can help you create a defensible space or buffer zone around your home. This not only helps to keep fire from approaching your woodland home, but it also provides a safe space in which firefighters can work. Your goal in firewise landscaping should be to "break the chain" of fuel between homes and natural vegetation. Examine the yard and determine what can catch fire and what can carry fire to the house. |
May 1, 2009 | 430-300 |