solar eclipse pinhole viewer

How to build a solar eclipse pinhole viewer & view the eclipse safely

By now you’ve probably heard that we’ve got this kinda cool thing happening today. It’s called a solar eclipse, in which the moon will completely block out the sun. Now, the area of “totality” (meaning that the moon will block out 100% of the sun’s surface, is only about a 70-mile wide band. However, even outside that 70-mile range, you can still see a partial solar eclipse from anywhere in the US. The sun will still have a sliver remaining. Near Atlanta, we can expect about 97% totality.

It’s not every day that a total eclipse happens right above our heads. It’s going to be something to see! But there are some safety precautions to keep in mind before you head out to watch the eclipse. You might have heard some fuss about special eclipse viewing glasses that will protect your eyes. It’s never a good idea to look directly at the sun with unprotected eyes, so to look up and see the progress of the moon against the sky you need to make sure to protect your eyeballs. You can cause serious eye damage if you don’t.

One way to protect your eyes is with the special solar eclipse glasses we mentioned (regular sunglasses do NOT provide enough protection.) But if you didn’t have a chance to get some glasses (they went like hotcakes) or if you’re worried that the pair you did get isn’t legit, we’ve got another way for you to watch the eclipse safely. And that’s with a pinhole viewing. You can make your very own eclipse viewer out of a cereal box, some white printer paper, and some aluminum foil.  

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A claim can be denied for a variety of reasons.

5 tips to keep your home insurance claim from being denied

Filing a home insurance claim can be daunting. The reason that you have home insurance in the first place is to help you replace things that have been destroyed by factors outside of your control. It protects you from losses. Getting the insurance and paying the premiums is easy. Filing a home insurance claim and getting it approved can sometimes feel like another story.

When you’re filing a home insurance claim, it’s important that you keep a few things in mind to make sure that you get the payments that you need to rebuild what you’ve lost. Just because you fill out the paperwork doesn’t mean that the money will magically appear in your bank account. The claim could get denied, which is something that you don’t want to happen. If your claim is denied, you’re kind of back where you started.

To make sure that your claim isn’t denied, make sure that you keep the following tips in mind when you’re working through the filing process.

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Flash floods happen very quickly.

Don’t get on the wrong side of a flash flood this summer

Flash floods, like the name implies, happen very quickly and with little warning. Usually the summer months have the highest risk of flash flooding because they happen when areas prone to flooding get a lot of rain in a short period of time – like during a summer rainstorm. Summer storms can turn into deluges that make it hard to see your hand in front of your face.

Since summer storms can create conditions that are ideal for flash floods, we’ve got some summer severe weather tips so that you can stay safe when the sky opens up and dumps buckets of rain, cats, and dogs upon you.

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Help your teen driver develop good driving habits.

Keep your newly licensed teen driver safe when they get behind the wheel

It’s finally happened. Your teenager got their driver’s license, and they’re ready to roll. They’ve been waiting for this moment for years, and they’re ready to ditch you and cruise off into the world. They’re excited. You’re worried. It’s hard to think about your little one getting behind the wheel of a car, especially without you riding shotgun to shout “Stop!” and “Slow down!” at periodic intervals.

Whether your teen has their license or is about to get it, it’s your job to protect them and keep them safe. That’s what you’ve been doing since they were a baby, right? Maybe they don’t fit neatly in your arms like they used to, but they’re still your little one, and your priority is still their wellbeing.

There are a few things that you can do as their parent to keep your teen safe when they hit the road (other than making sure your teen is properly insured.) We’ll give you seven tips. 

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Social media is a big part of today's society.

Ten ways to manage the risks of using social media for your business

Connected. That seems to be the magic word these days. Social media has come crashing into society, and its effects have been far-reaching. Businesses feel the pressure to go digital and create social media accounts. And social networks can be very beneficial for small businesses – it allows you to connect with others who are involved in your industry, reach out to clients, and even stumble into potential job candidates. But along with all of the benefits of social media, there are risks. Knew there had to be a catch somewhere! The risks, though, are manageable, and we’ve got a few tips to help your business stay savvy with its social media.

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7 tips to protect your teen driver with auto insurance (without breaking the bank)

Have you been living in dread of your teenager’s sixteenth birthday? It’s a much-anticipated or much-feared day, depending on whether you’re the teenager or the parent. Many teens await their sixteenth birthdays with anticipation, looking forward to hitting the road. That driver’s license is a rite of passage. But when your teen driver gets that license, there’s something else they’re going to need (well, apart from a car). And that’s car insurance.

You might have heard that insurance rates are often higher for teens. That’s because teens often like to toe the line of risky behavior and they have little experience driving, which makes teaching your teen to be a safe driver – and insurance – even more important. We’ll tell you what you need to know about insuring a teen driver so that you can get them the coverage they need – without breaking the bank.

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Protect your kids from accidental poisonings.

How to prevent accidental poisonings around the house

Kids are naturally curious. They love to explore, and, consequently, they tend to get into everything. Some things that look bright and shiny to a little one, like a laundry detergent pod, are really dangerous if eaten. The number of things around the house that are poisonous is kind of scary when you think of the mischief a kiddo might find. There’s a lot involved with figuring out how to childproof a home, but keep the following tips in mind to protect your kids from accidental poisonings.

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You might be thinking of using pesticide if you have a bug problem.

11 tips to use pesticide safely (and win the battle against bugs)

Summer’s officially here. And with summer comes bugs. Big bugs, little bugs, all sorts of bugs, all of which are most likely not welcome in your home. If you’re facing an insect invasion and are at your wit’s end with squishing your new friends, you might be thinking about using a pesticide. But pesticides are designed to kill things, so they can be dangerous if not used properly. To keep your family safe from accidental poisonings, keep the following tips in mind.

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If you ever have to evacuate your home, it helps to be prepared.

What to do if you have to evacuate your home in an emergency

There are a variety of reasons that you and your family might be forced to evacuate your home and head to a safe area. Wildfires, floods, hurricanes, and transportation accidents might leave your family with no option but to skedaddle. It might be your choice if your feel unsafe due to an impending natural disaster, or you might be required to leave by local officials.

You might not have lots of time to get out and go, so it’s crucial that you be prepared for the possibility of an evacuation, especially if you live on the coast or in another area that has a high risk of natural disaster. You need to have a plan so that you know exactly what to do and you can move out quickly and safely. We’ve got some preparation tips that will help make your emergency evacuation as smooth as possible.  

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Summer’s here: 8 tips to conserve water (and help the environment)

Summer can get brutal. The sweltering heat from our friend the sun makes it extremely important to be conscious of our water consumption. The heat causes water to evaporate, and fast. There are a few things you can do that will help you reduce your water use. Conserving water isn’t just good for the environment—it’s good for your wallet! By following these super easy tips, you can do your part to help save the planet.

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