Shipping Containers for Emergency Housing

Natural disasters leave victims who continue to suffer long after the media turns its focus elsewhere. People who lose their homes and all of their possessions may feel lucky to be alive, but they need a place where to continue to live. Recently, some architects and others interested in providing temporary, emergency housing have begun to make use of a resource that seems plentiful – metal shipping containers.

The idea started in part due to the overflow of containers that are piling up in harbors along both coasts of the United States. In New York alone, over a million of these empty containers are stored in the harbor and along the Jersey turnpike. There are two main reasons for this excess of containers:

* We have been importing more than we have been exporting. So the containers come in full of imported goods but then we aren't filling them back up and circulating them back into the world market.

* Companies don't have much of an incentive to return the containers to their source. For example, in China, it costs about $2,300 to make one of these containers. But for a US company to ship an empty container back to China would cost about $900. So instead of spending the money, US companies have simply begun to store them.

So the argument has been made that these containers could be turned into shelter for use in emergencies. In light of the recent aftermath of hurricane Katrina, there could actually be immediate need for such shelters. Ideally, the converted containers could be delivered by truck to the actual home sight of the disaster victims. They could live in the shelter on their own land, using the utilities that are already supplied to that lot until their home is rebuilt. The shelters would be preferable to Tents because of their steel beam construction. They can endure strong winds, snow and even wildfires.

However, the first step is to get the containers converted. At the moment, there are a few problems that those performing the conversion face. First of all, the containers are only 8 feet wide which doesn't create much room. Cutting away sides and joining 2 containers together can solve this problem. Windows and other holes for utilities have to be cut with a blow torch, requiring specialized labor. So, at the moment, the cost of converting these shipping containers would be prohibitive.

But there is a solution to this problem. Proponents of the idea, including professors, students, nonprofit organizations and some members of the building industry suggest that the containers should be designed so that conversion is possible at some point in the future. They could have removable panels that would not endanger the integrity of the container when it's being used for shipping and could be easily removed when the container is needed in an emergency for shelter. When needed, these containers could then be transported and set up much faster and would be a much more comfortable solution for the victims.

There are still many questions about this idea, mostly about how to get enough interest from the government agencies that are responsible for disaster relief as well as from the companies that manufacture and use the containers. For example, who will pay for the changes needed to the equipment and processes that the manufacturers might use? What type of notification and organization system will be put into place to direct the distribution and installation of the shelters? What happens to the containers once the victims have acquired permanent housing? And again, who will pay for the delivery and removal of the units? All of these and other questions would need to be answered before the idea could be put into widespread use. Although the idea is still in the formative stages, it definitely shows promise.

Why use Section Lift and Modular Spreader Beams

When it comes to lifting heavy rail track equipment or rail beams, spreader beams should always be used. When lifting a load, standard spreader beams are designed to hold the load attachments apart, usually vertically. This is to prevent crushing or distortion. Multi point spreader beams are also able to support fragile loads which would be damaged if lifted with too few lift points. Traditional spreader beams tend to be designed for a single lift and cannot easily be reused for different spans or weights.

Sectional or modular beams can be assembled to form virtually any span or configuration allowing for a cost effective lifting solution for a wide range of lifting and handling applications.

Section Lift modular spreader beams are more often uses because they offer a versatile system of interchangeable components which are assembled to offer a wide array of lifting solutions from simple 2 point spreader beams to multi beam lift rigs.

Section Lift spreader beams are available in ranges from 0.5 tonnes to 350 tonnes capacity and in lengths of up to 32m in length. All Section Lift spreader beams undergo rigorous test and inspection procedures both during the manufacture process and prior to dispatch and carry full certification in compliance with all current European regulations and standards.



Some examples of equipment that can be lifted using Section Lift spreader beams include:



• Railway track equipment

• Pre assembled track sections

• Railway Engines / vehicles

• Pre-cast concrete assemblies

• Generators

• Pre assembled steelwork



Modular spreading beams provide key features including flexibility, mobility and constructed form light weight materials and offer a wide range of accessories.



The spreader beam has two slings connecting up to the hook, one sling from each end of the spreader. It is instantly recognizable. The spreader beam is spreading the lifting points apart, and experiences mainly axial forces (compression). If the spreader was not there, the axial forces could crush the load, depending on what is being lifted, or the slings may clash with an odd shaped load.



Lifting beams differ in that they usually have a single central lifting lug. The section of the lifting beam is usually a lot deeper than an equivalent spreader beam because the lifting beam will experience much more bending, whereas the spreader is mainly experiencing axial forces.



The Modulift Spreader Beam System is a modular concept with a wide range of sizes to choose from, depending on the application. Every spreader will feature two End Units and two Drop Links. Intermediate struts are bolted between the End Units, to make up the desired length or span. By purchasing a full set, the struts are interchangeable to enable the user to re-assemble the spreader in many different configurations.

You can find additional info at the following links:

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Minimise Theft with CCTV Equipment

Security cameras are used in all kinds of locations and situations and we are so used to them that we often don't even realize we are being watched. Generally facilitated for security they have many other advantages, including identification purposes if there should be a break-in, and as evidence for criminal activities.

If you run a store then at some point you will have had to deal with shoplifters, whether they are kids or adults. There's not that much you can do about them, apart from try to deter them in the first place or catch them at the job. People will go to all kinds of lengths to get what they want, so the best thing to do is try and encourage them to go elsewhere, and you can do this by changing the layout of your store and with a good quality CCTV system.

To start with you need to either erase altogether, or minimize, the blind spots in your store, these are the areas where customers can't be seen by staff and where goods can be secreted away until their accomplice returns to pick them up later. Ensure staff are able to see down each aisle and use mirrors effectively so every corner and alcove is in view. Security cameras are essential if you want to cover a large area as employees can't be watching the shop floor all the time. Shoplifters will be aware of the busy periods when the shop is full, or may use accomplices to attract employees attention, whilst they help themselves to your goods.

CCTV equipment doesn't have to be an expensive option, you can even use dummy cameras in certain places just to deter shoplifters, and they will never know the difference. If you are on a tight budget at the moment then invest in a basic model - think how much money it will save you in the long term. There are various security packages available at reasonable prices, the models offering high-tech features will invariably cost you more than just a basic package.

The other main advantage to installing CCTV equipment is that if you do catch anyone stealing goods you can then use it as evidence for the police or in a court case. The culprit is there on film and can't deny it. Don't think you have to hide away your cameras, if shoplifters are aware of them they may just move on to another store and not bother with yours anymore. Put them right out there to be seen, and even post signs to tell people of their presence.

Installing cameras works out much cheaper than hiring security guards or extra sales staff and is just as effective. Also it gives you 24 hour suRVeillance which is recorded to a DVR, with systems fully automated there really is nothing for you to do unless you are required to view the footage for a particular reason. CCTV security systems will protect against intruders, shoplifters, dishonest staff, and vandals.

Installing a CCTV camera has lots of benefits as it also provides an indiscreet way to keep an eye on your staff, and protect them in the workplace. If there are any harassment issues, or belongings going missing, the recordings can be viewed to hopefully throw some light on the matter. The same goes if there is an issue with a customer regarding payment, the footage can be looked at to try and clear things up.

Where to place your cameras is essential if you want the premises to be fully protected. Place them at all the entranceways, pointing at the cash desks and any blind spots in the store. Use dummy ones at other points just for show. You may also think about placing a few cameras outside the premises, particularly if you have a car park that is quiet or isolated, it can be used to protect both employees and your customers against an attack or damage to their vehicles. Cameras are weatherproof and with a wide range you will have a good view of the surrounding areas.

Look online for professional companies that supply reliable CCTV camera systems, intruder alarms, fire alarms and access control system.

Florida Camping

Florida Camping can be expensive. My wifa Ana and I paid $23 to camp in our conversion van one night. Of course, it was at a beautiful state park on the beach, and in the morning we saw a dolphin swimming near shore.

Florida Camping can be inexpensive too. While at the beach, we heard we could camp for free at the isolated campgrounds which dotted the Apalachicola National Forest. Naturally, our frugality sent us into alligator country.

We camped two nights in the dark woods, next to the dark waters of a slow river. There was was an old guy who seemed to be living there, and a young couple with their two-year-old daughter. Lester was from England, Kari from Texas, and Indya was born in Guatamala. They met in India, of course.

No crowds, and the price was right. March nights can be chilly here, so the six of us circled the fire at night, trading stories, and sometimes sneaking down to the water to look for the eyes of alligators. Unfortunately, we saw nothing, but we did hear splashes in the night.

Lake Talquin

The old guy told us that camping was also free at Williams Landing, on Lake Talquin, about twenty minutes west of Tallahassee. We moved up there, looking forward to the hot showers. Lester, Kari, and Indya followed the next day in "The Beast," which was an old RV that had carried them there from Texas.

For eight days, we continued trading stories around the fire each night. We saw all kinds of wildlife. Packs of armadillos walked through camp, and giant grey herons fished offshore from the van. There were racoons, owls, squirrels, ducks, and turtles. Then there was the "monster."

I was poking around near a corner of the lake, when I heard the splash. We had already seen two small alligators sunning themselves the day before, but this one had to be a giant. I returned with Ana the next morning, and again heard the splash, but it was under the water before we could see it.

Every morning we visited the monster once the sun was high enough for him to come out and soak up the heat. We caught glimpses, enough to know he was at least ten feet long. Lester and Kari made a "Crocodile Hunter" movie of us stalking it. Soon it no longer panicked, but just slowly lowered itself into the water, as if getting ready to hunt us properly.

After that we stopped trying to get so close to it. The five of us went to view alligators safely after that, from the tour boat at Wakulla Springs. I even got the chance to jump off of the big diving platform there. We eventually said our goodbyes and went our separate ways, but we hope it wasn't our last time in Florida, camping.

Plan Ahead For A Fun Filled Family Camping Experience

Plan Ahead for a Fun-filled Family Camping Experience

Camping means different things to different people. For some, it is going out with a camper and practically all of the comforts of home. For others, it is backpacking into the mountains and sleeping in the open elements with nothing over your head but the stars. It could even mean foraging for your food (hopefully you'll come across a good trout stream!). My definition of camping falls on the more comfortable side of the two, loving the camping experience, but needing to have some basic comforts also.This article will give you a few tips that you can use no matter what kind of camping you enjoy!

Starting With A Plan

A great camping trip starts with a great plan! Planning out your camping trip will help you be prepared and build excitement way before time to head to the hills (or the beach!). Make sure that you include the whole family and let everyone have a part in deciding what you'll need to bring to make this a great adventure and a pleasurable experience. Camping with your family is a great way to build a closer relationship between parents and kids. Good quality time spent without the distraction of the TV, computer and video games can make for some great memories and shared experiences that will be remembered for years to come. You'll experience quality time for everyone involved.

Deciding Where To Camp

One of the first things you will want to decide is where you are going to camp. Do you prefer "roughing it"? This means no electrical hookups, no camp host or camp store, and bathroom facilities means "the woods"! For most campers, I would recommend an established campground. State Parks provide some of the best campgrounds available and they are usually very well maintained and reasonably priced. You will have the security of knowing that they have done their best to keep the area maintained and as safe as possible. In choosing the campground, you will also want to look into what kind of activities, if any, they offer or are offered in the nearby vicinity. I would recommend you pick up a good campground directory such as Woodalls campground guide and directory to help you decide where to camp.

Selecting Your Gear

Once you've found the perfect location, you will then want to begin to plan what to take with you. Will you be camping in a tent, "pop-up" type trailer or possibly an RV? Shop around; see what is offered and what will work the best for you and your family. Be sure you include everyone in this decision. It makes for some great excitement and will have everyone looking forward to the first time you try out that new tent or camper. Also, if everyone has a part in this decision it limits the number of complaints that you may hear about later on! Do you plan on using a sleeping bag? Remember that an adult size sleeping bag, does not necessarily mean one size fits all! If you will be tent camping, another thing to consider is having a mattresses or foam padding under the sleeping bags. Foam padding usually folds up to a compact size and is much easier on the back than sleeping right on the floor of the tent. It just might be worth the extra trouble to pack it along to insure a good nights sleep! I would also recommend a large battery operated lamp for your tent. Another great idea is for everyone to have their own flashlight, in case any get separated from other members of the family during trips to and from the bathroom facilities (or woods!).

Use A Camping Checklist

A camping check list makes every trip much more enjoyable in several ways. First, the whole family gets involved together in creating your camping check list. Making out your check list long before the trip is kind of like starting your vacation early. It builds up the excitement and anticipation when everyone begins to think of items they want and need to bring. Second, check lists help you organize and pack your camping gear. The check list reminds you what to bring, and where to pack it. Third, check lists help you remember to take everything with you. No one likes to get to camp and find out they forgot some important item (even though you will probably will forget something!). Fourth, check lists help you remember what NOT to bring next time. This is important, because each trip is a little different, so make notes on your check list about what camping gear you used, what you didn't and what you wish you had taken. This lets you plan to make your next camping trip even better.

Planning Out Your Meals

Food is another important factor. You need to consider what you will be taking for food and what you will need in way of storage for it, such as an ice chest, etc. Most camping areas have a cooking area. Do you want to bring your own grill or use the outside cookers which may mean waiting your turn? Don't forget to take the can opener if the food that you are taking with you will require one. Don't forget cooking and eating utensils. Remember, you don't have to wash paper plates and plastic cups! If you decide to use these type items be sure you dispose of them properly and don't leave your trash for someone else to pick up! Meals that can be cooked at home ahead of time, and travel well in a cooler, will save a lot of time especially on the first night of your trip. Precooked meats will last longer in the cooler than raw meats, especially if you use block ice in your cooler. It will last much longer than cubes. If you're an ice cream lover, nothing is better than home made ice cream on a camping trip. Depending on where you'll be camping, you can bring along your electric ice cream maker or your "old fashioned" hand crank ice cream churn. Of course you'll want to make sure you have access to a local store that has ice! If you're in an area inhabited by bears, special precautions must be taken with both your food and garbage. if you're in an established campground, place your food in the special bear-proof receptacles at night. If you leave food in your vehicle, a hungry bear will find a way to get inside it, and he doesn't care what kind of damage he does to your vehicle! It's always a good idea to talk with the local Park Ranger about wildlife in your campground area.

What About Your Drinking Water?

The water around organized campgrounds is probably safe. Their water is usually privately treated or it is supplied by a near by city treatment plant. The water from lakes, springs, rivers and streams however, is untreated and can carry a lot of bacteria, viruses, and other things that can cause illness. Water that runs rapidly over gravel, rocks, and plant life appears clean and limpid, but this is no guarantee it is safe for you. Your best bet to ensure you and your family's safety is to always treat any water obtained from unfamiliar sources, such as all the sources mentioned above. It is not that hard to do and it takes so little time. There are many different ways to treat water, but boiling water is probably the most common method used. It is best to boil it for more than 10 minutes at a steady boil. If you are camping in a wilderness type area where treated water is not available, then be sure to bring your own. Don't forget to add that to your checklist!

Clothing Considerations

Bring extra clothing along. If the weather is different than you had planned on, then you'll be glad you did. Don't forget a first aid kit for any unfortunate minor injuries. Bring activities that can be enjoyed inside the tent as well as those for outside, such as books, games, etc., in case inclement weather makes you want to be inside. Plan for everything that could go wrong, and then be grateful and glad when all goes well. And finally, one last important item.....a camera to capture those memories!

Make it a family adventure that all will enjoy and possibly want to repeat another time. Above all, have a fun-filled family camping experience!

Custom-Built, Hand Made Multipurpose Bucket Seats And Accessories From Chris Bucket Seats

Chris Bucket Seats is a fully padded seat that has yours or a "riel design" embroidered on it. The seats are available as a stationary seat or a fully rotating seat. This seat is the talk and envy of every coach in the field. We know every coach will want one of these seats on their custom bucket.

Chris Bucket Seats use a variety of long lasting durable cover materials. For the ultimate in durability, Chris Bucket Seats offers a heavy-duty 400 denier nylon cover material in 6 colors, a 600 denier Cordura in two colors, and a 1000 denier Cordura available in light and dark shades. We also offer a comfortable 100% cotton Denim fabric cover material.

The seat covers are upholstered over 1-inch high-density foam rubber. A super density 1 ½-inch foam is also available.

At the heart of the rotating system is a 500lbs load capacity greased ball bearing race. Every Chris Bucket Seat is hand made in the USA and is carefully inspected before leaving our assembly shop. All of the seats are guaranteed against workmanship flaws for a period of 1 year from the purchase date.

You can also personalize and customize your Chris Bucket Seat. We have the ability to embroider just about anything you can think up to the cover material. You may choose from our listed designs or call us so we can help you customize and design it your way. We have dozens of thread color combinations and would enjoy the opportunity to create for you something that is unique. Please keep in mind however, that embroidery is not available on the animal prints.

We also offer the Chris Bucket Seat Coaches Bucket Bag which wraps around the bucket, secures firmly and holds all the important items that coaches need during a game, on the rder (nylon colors in black, red, royal blue, navy blue and dark denim). Best of all, the Bucket Bag is designed to allow the rotating and snap lid features of every Chris Bucket Seat to work without the slightestoutside of your bucket. This useful bag holds clip boards, line-up sheets, pens & pencils. Plus, it also has two drink holders, a zippered pocket and more! The Bucket Bag is made of the same durable high quality material we use on all our seats. You can even get colors to match your seat order (nylon colors in black, red, royal blue, navy blue and dark denim). Best of all, the Bucket Bag is designed to allow the rotating and snap lid features of every Chris Bucket Seat to work without the slightest difficulty. You can personalize it with your initials, name or team logo.

The Chris Bucket Seat Rotating Sport Utility Seat is designed to fit on a standard 12-inch diameter carry all-type bucket. The Chris Bucket Seat rotating sport s utility seat incorporates a self-lock / quick release lid and durable foam padded seat affixed to the lid that smoothly rotates 360 degrees. Catchers will be able to reach the wild pitch more easily. Spinning around, they are able to retrieve balls behind them and to all sides with greater efficiency. Coaches are able to assess field situations in all directions.

Chris Bucket Seats are not only for sport use but are very handy for anyone owning a work and tool bucket who wants a place to sit while at the job or on a break. Plumbers, carpenters, automotive workers can carry fittings and tools and have a comfortable place to sit when the job allows. For house and gardening, the Chris Bucket Seat will have plenty of uses, taking away strain from your back, legs and feet. Any job or task either professional or at home, will be more enjoyable and effective when you have a CBS seat. Chris Bucket Seats can also be used for outdoor sports and activities such as fishing, hunting, Camping.

For more information, visit ChrisBucketSeats.

Chris' Bucket Seats is the manufacturer of the CBS Rotating Sport Utility Seat that is designed to fit on to a standard 12-inch diameter carry-all type bucket. For more information, visit www.ChrisBucketSeats.com.

Build A Wireless Signal Booster For Your RV

The wife and I live full time in our RV and we move around a lot. Most of the RV parks we stay in offer wireless but a great deal of them don't offer GREAT wireless. If you aren't parked pretty close to the "clubhouse" or "office", where they frequently host their wireless signal broadcaster, you might get such a weak signal that you can't connect at all.

One solution, and an easy one that frequently works, is to acquire an external antenna for your laptop. They are fairly cheap (less than $40 at Walmart), and install easily by plugging into a USB port. They also self-configure for the most part. Cisco makes one called the "Valet" that is super easy to use. I also have a Linksys N USB device that is fairly easy to use, and although it's a little more pricey ($80) it has better reception with 2 external antennas of its own.

But sometimes even that won't do the job. In my "box of tricks" that I packed when we moved into the rig, I have a couple of wireless routers. One of them is a Linksys WRT350N. For this configuration, the factory firmware (or operating system) doesn't have the configurability or performance, so I replaced it with the latest firmware from DD-WRT (http://www.dd-wrt.com). They have an extensive Wiki, accessible from their homepage, on how to get the free download and install or "flash" it onto the router. Once you get dd-wrt installed, the rest is pretty simple. Unless you want to get fancy and install a 36" external mast antenna on the outside of your rig. In that case, you could probably get a signal from a Starbucks up to ½ mile away and just use that, it's free! Visit my wireless BFF at www.nyetech.com/services/rv-wireless-repeater.htm.

Power up the router and connect to the default SSID (dd-wrt) with your laptop. Then log into the router using your browser at the default IP address 192.168.1.1. The default admin UID is "root", and the default admin password is "admin". All of these things can be reconfigured by you, of course, just remember to remember them or you will have to use the "factory reset" button on the back to wipe them out and start all over. There are 2 parts to the configuration: setting up the router as a repeater; setting up the "rig" side of the network. In your basic setup, found on the Setup tab of the router UI, you should have your Connection Type set to "DHCP", STP set to "Enable", the router name is your choice (I use "repeater"), the Host Name is your choice (I user "repeater"), Domain Name is your choice (I leave it blank), MTU is set to "Auto", change the Local IP Address to a unique number, different than the network you want to repeat, for instance 192.168.69.1, and the Subnet Mask to 255.255.255.0. Then save the settings, the router will reboot. You will need to then point your browser to the new IP address you selected (in this example http://192.168.69.1). Log back into the router UI.

Go to the Security tab, sub-tab "Firewall". UNCHECK ALL CHECK BOXES and set SPI Firewall to "Disable". Save the settings by clicking "Apply". Go to the Wireless tab, sub-tab "Basic Settings". Set Wireless Mode to "Repeater". On "Wireless Physical Interface" set Wireless Network Name (SSID)" to the network you wish to repeat (the park network). Set Network Configuration to "Bridged". Click "Save Settings" so that you will be able to see the "Virtual Interfaces" section. Click on "Add" under "Virtual Interfaces" and enter an SSID for your new "rig" network, for instance "rignetwork". Check to see that the Set Wireless Channel is set to "Auto", although you can optionally set this to any channel if you dare. Also, if the host access point (the park network) is set to "G Only", then your Wireless Network Mode must be set the same or you won't be able to connect. For most applications it can be set to "Mixed". Optionally, you can set the Wireless SSID Broadcast to "Auto" (I do if I enable security) or "Off" (if you don't want to use passwords and don't want anyone else grabbing your signal). AP Isolation is "Disabled" and Network Configuration is "Bridged". Save the settings (or "Apply").

You can now connect from your laptops to the router. If the host network (the park network) requires a passcode for their security, you will be asked to enter it the first time you access, but it should be stored in your repeater from then on.

There are a number of ways to expand on this configuration and to add extra bells and whistles (dynamic signal detect and connect for instance). You can find some other information with pictures at http://www.campersmotorhomesonline.com/articles, and DD-WRT has a wealth of information on router configuration, include repeater profiles, at their Wiki site http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Universal_Wireless_Repeater.