At the Ready for Summer Storms with Mr Beams

Volatile summer storms can hit at a moment's notice and last just as long. However, they can leave behind considerable amounts of damage, from downed trees and power lines to flash flooding. Most of us know where to find a cache of candles, matches and flashlights, but when it's dark, it can be challenging and even dangerous to fumble around for emergency lighting. Mr Beams provides the perfect solution with battery operated lights.

When the power flickers and fails, it's often precipitated by turbulent weather. However, instinctively, most of us head for the fusebox. A lot of fuseboxes are located in the basement, where it's dark. Here's a tip: add an Anywhere Ceiling Light to a stairway wall or ceiling as well as over your fusebox. When the motion detectors in the lights sense your presence, the lights kick on, providing you with safe lighting to make your way up or down the stairs and allow you to check out your fusebox hands free.

Place some wireless lights strategically around your home--on your front porch, over your doorway, near steps, over your sink. When a power outage occurs, you'll be assured that there will be some lighting conditions to provide measures of safety and comfort to your family.

Mr Beams products require no wiring--anyone can install them without professional assistance. Mounting hardware is included with each bracket and no special tools are required. New batteries in your Mr Beams lights means that product will operate effectively for over a year with regular activation--power goes out, lights sense movement and trigger "on". LED lights provide bright and reliable illumination. There is a full line of Mr Beams products to meet indoor and outdoor requirements. You can check them out at www.mrbeams.com.

Emergency lighting isn't a luxury--it's essential. Don't get caught in the dark!

Gadgets That Work

Who doesn't like gadgets? We've all been sucked into the Magic Bullet infomercial or seen Ron Popeil "set it and forget it" as he whips up a rotisserie chicken. The brilliant marketing targets those of us looking for fast, easy, better. However, after the damage is done, you've paid for your ticket to make life easier, and receive your product only to realize the long-standing adage, "if it's too good to be true, it probably is." Sigh. The good news is that there are products out there that can and do make your life easier and better. EZ Moves furniture sliders, for instance, are great. Plastic discs that vary in size slide under the feet or base of heavy furniture, allowing it to "glide" over the carpet. (You can achieve the same effect by using throw rugs, but hey, for a couple of bucks, the EZ Moves are the way to go.) If you want to think of Mr Beams lights as gadgets (and some people do), then they are also brilliant.

This is the kind of product that you don't know you need until you see it, which is why it technically qualifies as a gadget. Every time you open your closet door and have to feel your way to two of the same colored shoes you may think about installing a light. But then you get your shoes on and the problem goes away. The folks at Mr Beams had the same problem, but they invented a light that you can stick on the wall of the closet so that when you step inside, light goes on and you find your favorite scuffs.

Mr Beams lights provide supplemental lighting in a jiffy. All products are wireless--they're battery operated, so you don't need to worry about hiring an electrician to wire or mount the lights. With the included hardware, you can install Mr Beams easily. The immediate gratification quotient? Fulfilled. Wireless Environment has designed their products for rugged applications; that means that you can use them indoors and outdoors. The IP44 rating doesn't mean much to most folks, but is an assurance that product can sustain any splashproof environment, including snow and rain. The products sell themselves--you don't need to sit through an infomercial to know that hands-free lighting solutions will make your life easier.

Once you see these products, you'll think of a million places where you need a light. Visit www.mrbeams.com for lighting ideas and full product descriptions and prices. You'll be glad you did.

Get Organized!

It's tough to spend money on improvements that are necessary but not particularly sexy. When was the last time your friends came over to celebrate your new roof? Or christen your new hot water heater? Completing a home project can be exciting and, while not all improvements are as glamorous as a killer patio with a firepit, most generally add value to your home and improve the quality of your life. You don't need to exhaust your life savings to complete a successful home project.

A great example of a do-it-yourself project which, literally, anyone can tackle, is organizing your closets and cupboards. You will be amazed at the extra space you can create once you are finished purging and donating. If you are not sure where to start, there are TV shows dedicated to helping you get organized. Style Network's Clean House gives some great tips and how-tos on cleaning out your living spaces. Once you're ready to put things back together, you'll want to further maximize your space with some supplemental lighting. Mr Beams lights give you uncomplicated lighting solutions--without wires, you can literally stick the LED lights wherever you need them in your closets, pantries, cupboards.

Mr Beams has a variety of products to suit your lighting requirements. The Stick Anywhere Night Lights are great for cupboards, hall closets, and vanities while the Anywhere Ceiling Lights offer brighter lighting that might be ideal for your walk-in closet, pantry, laundry room, garage, and basement. The battery operated lights are low maintenance and give you about 4,000 activations. The technology in a nutshell is motion-detection--open a closet or cupboard or walk near the lights and they go on instantly. The hands-free operation means that you are not fumbling for a light switch or cord. Best thing--these products are affordable and available. One caveat: don't be fooled by products touting the same technology. Features and functions of Mr Beams, including the quality of the product, are head and shoulders above competitor products.

With back-to-school just around the corner, summer is the perfect time to get organized. Wireless Environment can help with their Mr Beams line. Check them out at www.mrbeams.com.

Got a suggestion on how to use Mr Beams? Click here.

Solar Lights Stink

I try to avoid writing this blog in the first person. I know, I know--it's a BLOG! But in the interest of trying to maintain some objectivity when blogging about the benefits of our products, I prefer not to just drone on about "our lights do this", "our technology is great"--yes, our products and technology are innovative, affordable and amazing (like how I slipped that in??), but you will realize the benefits of Mr Beams on your own; my goal is to provide you with interesting (I hope) tips and tricks about how/where/when you can use Mr Beams. However, this blog is geared at using battery operated lights, like ours, instead of solar and it relates to my own experience.

It's really simple. Ohio is NOT Southern California. The sunshine reliability factor is absent here in Cleveland, along with many other regions of the country, I'm sure. "Going green" with solar lighting may be a shoe-in when you live in California where the sunshine is abundant. As sustainability efforts take hold in other parts of the country, everyone wants to do his and her part. I know many people who have replaced existing wired outdoor lighting with or added solar lights. Guess what? If you live in the Midwest, they stink! The PV cells in most of the off-the-shelf solar products require a full charge to be even semi-effective. There's no way that solar lights can compete with the consistency or reliability of regular, wired product.

When our family decided to launch a landscaping project, a professional landscaping firm came in to help us carefully lay out a plan. Most of the work was going to be done by us, but neither my husband nor I have the vision or knowledge of where to put which plants. We embarked on an involved and thoughtful process. Part of our project included replacing existing wired path lighting along the front walk with solar lights. We made a modest investment in "quality" solar lights, installed them, and waited for nighttime. Alas, when nighttime fell the wan lighting results were unbelievably disappointing. We would have been better off simply cutting the wires on the previous set up.

Fast-forward--Mr Beams Path Lights just stick in the ground (or you can mount them to steps, buildings, whatever), emit a low-glow when darkness falls so you can achieve some level of lighting, and when motion is detected (people, pets) , the lights kick it up to provide reasonable and effective lighting. A really simple off-grid lighting solution that anyone can undertake.

I know I'm not alone--there is a house I pass almost every day and it makes me laugh because a few weeks ago they added some solar lights to their front yard. Then a few more popped up. Then more (this is true)! My guess is that the owners are increasing the quantity of the solar lights in order to achieve the quality of lighting they're looking for. (Either that or they have found a way to grow solar lights.) You don't have to go there. Wireless Environment will guarantee that the Path Lights will meet or exceed your expectations--and I am behind that guarantee 100%.

Take It Outside, Please...

Summer is widely celebrated as family time. Vacations, picnics, and outdoor activities are packed into a short window of time. Maximize outdoor living with Mr Beams lights. A few Path Lights, some Step Lights and a Spotlight or two and you've transformed your patio, deck or porch into a safe and enjoyable living area in which to share with family and friends. Mr Beams lights are designed with outdoor applications in mind. All units are IP44 rated, which means they won't rust or melt and can endure weather conditions, such as rain. Since all fixtures are battery operated, mounting configurations are not limited--no wiring, no electricians required, just plant your lights with the mounting stakes (provided with the Path Lights and RC Security Spotlights) or use the mounting hardware that is included with all products. Install lights and enjoy the effects immediately. The reliability of Mr Beams lights exceeds the quality of solar lights, which in certain climates just don't cut it. Not enough daytime sun means not enough charge for solar lights to provide adequate illumination.

LED battery operated lights aren't just for outside--more information and lighting tips are available on www.mrbeams.com.

Darby & the Raccoon

Do you have an ambitious yellow Labrador retriever? Wireless Environment co-founder David Levine does, along with thousands of others who love the friendly and playful breed. They are inquisitive by nature and, true to their hunting instincts, love a good chase. One night David let Darby, the Levine family lab, outside without knowing that a raccoon was lurking in the shadows. After the encounter, Darby tore her ACL while dragging the intruder around. Since there was no backyard lighting, David had no idea what was happening when he heard the commotion on his property. The result: a very expensive surgery for the dog. With supplemental lighting from Mr Beams motion detection Security Spotlights, David could have spoiled Darby's fun (sorry, Darby) but saved her from a long and painful recovery (and saved the family lots of money). The battery operated Outdoor Security Spotlight and the Remote Control Security Spotlight offer convenient lighting options. With no wiring, the lights install in minutes and provide peace of mind. Check out the rest of the product line at www.mrbeams.com.

Have a great Mr Beams story? Share it here!

Pets: Our Other "Children"

If you have pets, you can appreciate how important it is to keep them safe in your yard. Pet containment systems are certainly useful, but many people have big yards and, even if your dog or cat is within the parameters of the containment system, when it's dark out, it may be hard to spot Spot. The costs associated with outdoor lighting can really add up, which is why r Beams motion-sensor battery operated lights are the perfect solution. Mr Beams is dedicated to solving lighting problems in areas where traditional lighting may not be an option. The Security Spotlight features an LED light with intelligent controls that activate when notion is detected, cutting a swath of light up to 350'. The Spotlights are great for keeping tabs on your pets, but can also alert you to other activity in your yard.

Affordable battery operated LED lighting from MR Beams installs in minutes--no wiring!--and requires no maintenance. Simply mount the lights outside for reliable perimeter lighting around the house, barn, shed or other outbuildings. All Mr Beams products are IP44 rated for durability.

There are more lighting ideas at www.mrbeams.com.

Saving Grandma Ruthie From Bumps in the Night

Grandma Ruthie is 94 years old and lives in an assisted living facility. After surviving three husband, she has decided that she will only date now. Her boyfriend, Harold, lives in the same building. Grandma Ruthie is obviously doing something right because there are nine single women for every single man where they live.

As a huge sports fan (Grandma Ruthie loves her Cleveland teams: Indians, Cavaliers, Browns), a typical date night for Grandma Ruthie and Harold is watching a game together. When the game ends, Harold leaves to go back to his apartment (or so they say). After 11:00 p.m., the lights are turned down in the hallways of the facility. Harold is using a Step Light to help him walk to the elevator safely--the low glow feature on the light tells him where the Step Light is and when he is about 15' away, the light brightens, providing him safe passage down the hall. This simple measure gives Harold the confidence and independence he needs to get home on his own.

Wireless Environment supports all efforts that promote independent living--contact us if you are interested in learning how we can partner with assisted living facilities, nursing homes, VA facilities and other non-profits providing care: info@mrbeams.com.

Lighting For Infants, Children, Parents

The past few blogs have addressed fall prevention primarily for senior citizens. But, guess what? Anyone call fall. This blog draws from my own experiences as a parent and where I have found supplemental lighting to be helpful and necessary.

From the moment we find out that we are expecting, new parents' priorities shift from what's good for them to what's best for their children. Baby-proofing your home is imperative--most of us are familiar with plug covers, gates, safety latches, monitors. Effective lighting is another way to keep your home safe, but we seldom think of supplemental lighting as a critical component in protecting our children. Wireless Environment manufactures a line of lights called Mr Beams that brighten intuitively in the dark as soon as they sense motion. Think about getting a drink of water in the middle of the night--hands-free lighting means that you don't have to flip a switch. If you are a small child making your way to mom and dad's room, you may not be able to reach a light switch to see where you're going. Mr Beams battery operated lights can be positioned so that your child's movement will trigger illumination. The variety of products they offer means that you can select how much light is appropriate for any spot in your home.

Our first son was (and still is) sensitive to bright lights. We hadn't been able to find a night light dim enough to allow him to fall asleep and stay asleep, yet owe needed something that would let my husband or me peek in to be sure that he was safe and comfortable in his crib, bed. The Stick Anywhere Night Light is perfect--stays dark until someone opens the door to check on our son and then the motion of the door activates the very soft glow of the night light. After our evening check-in, the light goes off. Absolutely unobtrusive and effective in providing some light when you need it while preserving your child's sleep (and your own!!).

Though not as obvious, perhaps, as plug covers, remember to protect your children from bumps in the night--literally--with some battery operated lights. And trust me on the benefits of a not-too-bright night light--the motion detection lights are a great alternative to brighter and constant night light options and certainly better than flipping a lamp or overhead light on in the kids' rooms during the night. Trust me, my kids and I sleep better for it.

To learn more about Wireless Environment and the Mr Beams products, please visit www.mrbeams.com. To share your stories, contact info@mrbeams.com.

How to Prevent Falls

We are dedicating a few blogs to fall prevention. It's a topic near and dear to Mr Beams co-founder, David Levine, who lost his grandmother after she died due to complications following a fall. Levine developed the Mr Beams line to help prevent others from having to fumble in the dark, looking for a bathroom, light switch, a glass of water. While increasing the lights in your home or the homes of your loved ones will minimize falls in the dark, there are other measures that can be taken to help ensure safe mobility in the home:

Exercise regularly to increase strength, blood flow and improve balance.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the synergistic effects of medication--often, combinations of medications can be hazardous; even over-the-counter (OTC) medicines.

Have your eyes checked regularly by an eye doctor (once a year).

Reduce hazards in your home that can lead to falls: move furniture out of traffic paths, tape down or remove rugs, keep objects off of steps, remove or fix loose carpets, install grab bars and textured floor strips in the bathtub and shower, provide a light near the bed and between the bed and bathroom, provide adequate lighting on walks and sidewalks--fix cracks and uneven pavement

Mr Beams was formed to provide the best safety lights and night lights. Lighting is an affordable essential that can eliminate falls and minimize home accidents, keeping you and your loved ones safe and comfortable in your own environment. To learn more about our battery operated lighting solutions, visit www.mrbeams.com.

Facts About Falls & Fall Prevention

Our previous blog featured lighting as a means for preventing falls in the home. If you were to study the statistics on the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website, you would quickly realize how serious an issue falling at home, particularly among seniors, is: falls killed 15,800 people 65 years and older in the U.S. alone in 2005, which made falls the leading cause of injury deaths. More than 433,000 people were hospitalized for falls that same year. 16% of all emergency room visits were a result of a fall.

A person 65 and older has a 30% likelihood of falling during the next twelve months. A person 80 and older has a 50% likelihood of falling during the next twelve months. Up to 30% of these people who fall will suffer moderate to severe injuries. Falls often precipitate serious problems, even death. Unfortunately, that was what happened to David's grandmother (see previous blog). The fall broke her hip, but the subsequent hospitalization and lack of activity led to infections, medication interactions, and depression.

Mr Beams was developed to provide cost-effective and easy-to-install lighting solutions for those who need it most. The quality products are available at www.mrbeams.com.

Safety Lighting: Preventing Falls

This blog was inspired by the Mr Beams co-founder, David Levine, who is very sensitive to household falls. His grandmother, Dorothy, died from complications after falling while walking to the bathroom in the dark. Consequently, David felt compelled to develop a product that would provide safe lighting in darkness--Mr Beams was born.

Lighting is not the only way to prevent falls in the home, but it certainly can help to minimize them. Mr Beams LED lights provide an easy solution for hands-free supplemental lighting. There are no wires--lights are battery operated and install in minutes using either an adhesive or simple mounting hardware, which is included with every product. Lights can be mounted anywhere, which makes them an appropriate do-it-yourself project for anyone.

The technology is simple: lights go on automatically when they detect motion. After a few minutes, the lights go off. Safety made easy.

There is a full line of Mr Beams products designed for all areas of the home. Visit the website, www.mrbeams.com, for more information.

Battery Operated Security Lighting?

Yes! Wireless Environment provides a battery operated alternative to wired security lights. The Mr Beams LED Security Spotlight offers an affordable and effective way to light your property. Lights are motion sensitive, which means they only activate when movement is detected (up to 15' away). With no wiring and about 4,000 activations on a single-set of new batteries, the Spotlight is really a low-maintenance way to enhance your property's security features.

Visit www.mrbeams.com to preview the entire line of Mr Beams products. Your questions or suggestions are welcome at info@mrbeams.com.

Decrease Maintenance With Mr Beams Wireless Lights

How many maintenance men does it take to install a Mr Beams wireless LED light fixture? The answer is simple: it takes one person less than five minutes to install any of the easy-to-use light fixtures. Pop in the batteries, use the included double-sided tape or screws, and place the light where you need it. Get rid of those energy-wasting light bulbs and store your ladders away. You can spend your time on more pressing aintenance issues when you leave the lighting to Mr Beams. Please visit the website at www.mrbeams.com for additional lighting solutions.

Have a suggestion or comment? Feel free to send them along to info@mrbeams.com. Mr Beams is a Wireless Environment company.

Mr Beams Helps Property Management With Low Maintenance Lighting Solutions

One of the biggest expenses facing property managers today is the rising cost of electricity. The costs associated with lighting common areas in condominium and apartment complexes 24 hours a day, 7 days a week can be expensive and are often wasteful--areas such as mail huts don't necessarily require constant illumination. There is a solution: Mr Beams, a Wireless Environment company based in Cleveland, OH, offers a line of battery operated LED light fixtures. Any of these products can be installed in minutes in locations where it is impractical or impossible to manage traditionally wired lighting. All lights are sensitive to darkness--when motion is detected, the battery operated lights are instantly activated. For more cost-effective lighting solutions, visit www.mrbeams.com.

Mr Beams would love to hear from you! Send your inquiries to: info@mrbeams.com

Wireless Lights Make Sense!

Mr Beams manufactures battery operated LED lights that are ideal for any areas where traditionally wired lights are impractical. The wireless lights install easily in minutes. Security spotlights, path lighting, emergency lighting, supplemental lighting, stair and deck lights--there is a wireless lighting solution to fit your needs!

Mr Beams products can be found at www.mrbeams.com.