Two of Life's Most Important Elements: Water and Fire

Two of Life's Most Important Elements: Water and Fire

Water and Fire

Let’s face it, water and fire are two of the most important things in life, but they can also be two of the most overlooked. Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen here today because these are two very valuable elements that shouldn’t be taken for granted or overlooked. They deserve our full attention and the respect they deserve. In today’s world, we can take both water and fire so much for granted that we forget how much we really need them to survive, function properly, and simply live life to its fullest.

Things you can do with water

1. Drink it. Obviously, water is essential for survival, so make sure you're getting enough! Eight glasses a day is the standard recommendation, but you may need more or less depending on your activity level and other factors.
2. Cook with it. From boiling pasta to making coffee, water is a key ingredient in many recipes.
3. Clean with it. Whether you're doing laundry or washing dishes, water is a necessary part of keeping your home clean.
4. Relax in it. Is there anything better than relaxing in a hot bath after a long day? 
5. Get refreshed by it. Drinking water helps to maintain healthy skin and keeps our bodies hydrated when we are outside during the summer heat. 
6. Treat illnesses with it. From stomach bugs to UTIs, drinking plenty of fluids can help us recover from illness faster than if we didn't drink any at all! Let's talk about fire next. 
7. Create with it. Who doesn't love the smell of a campfire? Building fires provides entertainment and warmth for many people around the world. 
8. Keep warm with it. In colder climates, fire also offers protection against harsh winter weather as well as cooking food that might otherwise spoil too quickly due to being out in the cold air too long (think sausages).

How to promote fire safety

• Keep a fire extinguisher in an easily accessible location. 
• Make sure your smoke detectors are in working order and test them monthly. 
• Never leave a fire unattended. 
• Keep flammable materials away from heat sources. 
• Create an evacuation plan and practice it with your family. Clear out anything that might impede escape, such as plants or rugs. Practice what to do if you're outside when a fire starts. If you live in a high-rise building, know the stairwell's routes to avoid being trapped on the stairs. Close doors behind you as you exit, trapping fumes and heat at the origin of the fire to prevent it from spreading. Don't open windows!

Things you should never do with water

1. Boil water on an open flame. Boiling water on an open flame can lead to serious burns.
2. Use hot water to clean up grease or oil spills. Hot water can cause the grease or oil to splatter, leading to potential injuries.
3. Leave a pot of boiling water unattended. Unattended pots of boiling water can pose a serious safety hazard, especially if there are young children or pets in the home. 4. Let your child drink unboiled tap water. Tap water may contain bacteria that can make your child sick. 
4. Clean fish with tap water. Tap water contains chlorine which will kill the fish you're trying to cook! 
5. Pour boiling water onto plants instead of giving them a bath with cold or lukewarm tap water

The best ways to use your fireplace

• Make sure your fireplace is clean before you use it. A good way to do this is to hire a professional chimney sweep.
• If you're using wood, make sure it's dry. Wet wood will create a lot of smoke and make it difficult to get a fire going.
• Start small. A big fire all at once can be overwhelming, both for you and your fireplace. Build a fire up slowly to avoid any issues. When you want to turn the heat down or go to bed, close off one side of the fireplace (using bricks) so that less heat escapes from it. You should never burn paper or cardboard in your fireplace because they produce toxic fumes when burned. 

The best paper product for a fireplace is a kindling log - this produces very little smoke and burns quickly. The best material to burn in your fireplace is seasoned oak logs; they give off lots of heat with little flame and produce very little ash when they are finished roasting.

What are open flames?

Open flames are created when a fuel source is combined with an oxidizer to create combustion. The most common type of open flame is a campfire, but there are many others, like candles, torches, and fireworks. 

What are water sources?

A water source can be anything from natural springs to tap water. However, it must have the correct chemicals in order for us to drink it or use it for cooking purposes. If you're feeling thirsty or need to cook something up quickly, find the nearest water source! Open flames aren't going anywhere anytime soon, so don't forget about them either. We recommend that if you see smoke or smell something burning nearby that you stay away from it. Fires are very dangerous; always keep them contained as much as possible and never leave them unattended.

DIY candle holder ideas

If you're looking for a creative way to add some ambiance to your home, try making your own candleholders! With a few simple supplies, you can create unique pieces that will add personality to any room. Here are a few ideas to get you started to make a fire pit candleholder, gather two short cylinders (ceramic or metal), three small washers, one large washer, two screws with nuts and bolts in the same size as the washers, one piece of sandpaper (medium-grit), and one bucket filled with hot water. 

Screw the smaller bolt through the larger bolt before screwing it into one end of the cylinder so that they form an L shape.

Creative ways to use fire in your home

1. If you have a fireplace, light a fire in it! Not only will it make your home feel cozy, but it can also save you money on your heating bill. 
2. Make s'mores! What's more fun than roasting marshmallows over an open flame? 
3. Have a bonfire in your backyard. Invite some friends over, throw some hot dogs and hamburgers on the grill, and enjoy the warm summer night. 
4. Light candles. Candles are great for adding ambiance to any room. They're also a wonderful way to set the mood for romance or just winding down after a long day. 

Just be sure to use caution when burning them and keep them away from anything that could catch fire. Try making lavender-scented soy candles - they smell so good, won't give off smoke like regular candles, and are really easy to make!

Fun Facts About Fire and Smoke

• The average house fire burns at 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit. 
• Smoke from a fire can reach temperatures of up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. 
• The human body can only withstand temperatures of up to about 120 degrees Fahrenheit before suffering serious damage. 
• The majority of fire deaths are caused by smoke inhalation, not burns. 
• Smoke from a fire is full of poisonous gases that can kill in minutes. -In the United States, one out of every five fire-related deaths is the result of children playing with matches or lighters. 
• Water evaporates more quickly when it gets hotter. 
• If your skin feels dry, you may be experiencing dehydration which can lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke if left untreated.