Ipods and storms simply don’t go together. This is particularly the case for 18-year-old Jason, who was recently struck by lightening while outside with his iPod. True, electronics do not necessarily attract lightening. But if you are indeed struck, your cell phone, pager or iPod can make it all the more worse.

Metal is an excellent conductor for electricity. So if lightening strikes, you are greatly increasing your chances for burns, jaw fractures and even dislocated ear bones if wearing an iPod or using a cell phone. Lightening has even run through a man’s pager, burning both himself and his nearby girlfriend.

So remember, as the summer storms blow strong, leave your electronic devices in the car. And if you are caught in a sudden thunderstorm, remove or drop these metal items as quickly as you can. After all, an iPod can be replaced, but your hearing can’t!

You don’t have to pack up your camping gear to make s’mores this weekend. Instead, save up some money toward the purchase of a fire bowl or fire pit for your own backyard.

Fire pits can range from about $70 to over $250, depending on what you are looking for. But you don’t have to spend a lot of money to create a camping atmosphere at home. The pictured fire bowl cost $69 at Lowes and is not only well built but attractive too. It will hold three to four nice sized logs and comes with a grilling grate and beautiful mesh top as well.

Find a safe place in your backyard with little brush or leaves nearby. Keep a small fire extinguisher on hand, “just in case.” Then break out your s’mores ingredients and get to cooking.

It is amazing how quickly you can gather up family in your backyard when the campfire is blazing. Get ready for quiet family time, special talks and simply enjoying the outdoors – without even leaving your neighborhood!

This is the time that many are going on vacation. But it is also the time for afternoon thunderstorms and potential power outages.

So before you go on vacation, fill a ziplock bag with ice and place it in the freezer. When you return, check to see if the ice is still intact. If the ice is no longer in cube form, the electricity was off long enough for your food to have thawed and refrozen.

Unfortunately, this means it is time to throw out your potentially spoiled food and call the insurance company to see if the cost is covered. Remember, when in doubt, throw it out.

This is also a good tip for those who vacation on the weekends in a second home. Keep a bag of ice cubes in the freezer while you are away as an indicator of a possible power outage. After all, better safe than sorry!