Home Improvement Information |
|
10 Things You Can Do Now To Prepare For Hurricane Season
The 2005 hurricane season is right around the corner and runs for six months from June 1, 2005 to November 30, 2005. According to a recent survey from the National Hurricane Survival Initiative, the residents in hurricane prone states -- from Maine to Texas -- aren't anywhere near prepared for what they might face. Here are 10 quick tips to help you prepare. 1. During the off season is the time to stock up on supplies -- batteries, water and non-perishable food. If you wait until a hurricane is approaching, your chances of finding the items you need are not ideal. 2. Buy a small plastic carrying case for your important papers. Keep it filled and updated during hurricane season so all you have to do is grab and go if you have to evacuate. 3. Save that ice. At the beginning of hurricane season start using that ice that builds up in your icemaker. Fill up several plastic bags with ice and store them in your freezer. 4. Have at least two coolers. One for drinks and one for food. You might also want to have a third cooler on hand for the stuff you will use most often. That way you aren't opening all the coolers frequently and letting the ice melt. 5. It gets really dark when there's no electricity. Battery and solar operated light products are much better than candles. Make sure you have at least one per person. 6. Your cordless phone won't work without electricity. Make sure you can communicate with loved ones. Have a phone with a regular cord. They're very inexpensive and can be your communication lifeline in an emergency. 7. Pets are family too. Make sure you have a pet carrier or transportation device for each pet in your home along with a plan for your pets should a disaster occur. 8. Cash is a must. ATM machines don't work when the electricity is out and the likelihood of your corner store offering to cash a check is slim. Sock away some bucks in that plastic carrying case (see tip #2) so you'll never be caught short-handed. 9. When preparing your home, don't forget to look up. Check those trees and tree limbs. Trim those that could damage your house. 10. Your garage door is a vulnerable wind entry point during a hurricane. Make sure you have it reinforced to prevent collapse. Denise O'Berry is a small business consultant in Tampa, Florida. For more hurricane information, tips and tools, visit http://www.myhurricanecenter.com
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Buying Replacement Windows While most buyers of double glazing are looking for replacement windows to help reduce their energy costs, or because their old windows are rattling in their frames, there's a whole class of buyers who are 'trading up' - replacing perfectly good window frames for the sake of having the windows they want. They may be looking to replace all of their windows with a different style, or trying to restore their home to its architectural period. Log Homes - Is a Log Home In Your Future? Many people dream about a log home in their future but never get around to making their dream come true. Here's how to get past the hurdles and start living your dream. The Benefits of Steel Storage Buildings Steel is gaining in popularity as a building material due to the many options it offers, its strength, and its affordability. Steel storage buildings are one of the many options available; they range from airplane hangars to garden sheds. The most popular use for steel storage buildings is as self-storage units. Security, space, strength and low maintenance are some of the advantages. Your Building Your Dream Home, But Where Do You Start? You have finally found the perfect lot, in the neighborhood of your choice, and at a price you can afford. Now you have to decide what type of house you want built. In fact you may even know the house you want, be it a big rambling farmhouse, with a wrap-a-round porch reminiscent of your grandmother's home, a rustic log cabin or a more modern luxurious home. Whatever you choose, the first thing you will need is a set of house plans. Get Rid Of Air Pollution In Your Home With House Plants Do you know that formaldehyde, a colorless, pungent-smelling gas can cause severe health effects to us? Sources of formaldehyde are:- environmental tobacco smoke and combustion sources (burning wood, kerosene and by automobiles) preservatives in some paints, cosmetics and coating finish used to coat paper products pressed wood products and furniture made with these pressed wood products certain insulation materials such as urea-formaldehyde foam insulation (UFFI) and fiberglass insulation durable press drapes, other textiles, and glues. Planning Permission Tips UK - Two Story Side Extensions - The Common Mistakes Probably the most common type of residential extension is the two storey side extension. However, it is one of the most easiest schemes to get wrong with regard to Planning Permission. Side extensions have an awful lot of issues that need careful consideration before submitting a scheme to the Planning Department for Planning Permission. Basic Methods of Foundation Waterproofing It is absolutely necessary to waterproof the foundation of your home. Foundation waterproofing is a critical step in maintaining your home's value and an important measure for preventing very serious damage. Usually done by professionals, foundation waterproofing is generally not recommended as a do-it-yourself project. Your home is likely your biggest investment, and foundation waterproofing is imperative in order to protect that investment. Ideally, foundation waterproofing takes place as the home is being built, but years of settling and water leakage or negligence on the part of the contractors often leaves the home's foundation unprotected. Family Fun ? Is Swimming In A Safe Pool Family fun is one of the most important things you can strive for to give your children some lasting memories they will always cherish; even into adulthood. Your children will always remember the times you spent together as a family on vacation or at home. If you are fortunate enough to own a swimming pool, you are well on your way to giving the kids fun family memories. The kids will be able to invite their friends and this way you know where they are; enjoying the water right under your supervision. Purchasing a pool for swimming has one important thing to consider. They can be dangerous if the proper pool safety is not adhered to. Indeed; there are laws and city ordinances that must be adhered to if you are to have a pool in the backyard. Here are some things to consider if you choose to own a pool for your home and family: Brighten Up Your Patio With Sun Catchers Sun catchers add sparkle and beauty to any room in your home. Far beyond the paint-n-bake sun catchers of childhood, sun catchers come in a huge variety of styles that dazzle the eye. Basement Dehumidifiers Basements are the most common location for dehumidifiers. Because of their low elevation and lack of air circulation, the air can moisten and stay moist for a long period of time. This causes mold and mildew to build up, which is not only an unpleasant smell, but also an unhealthy problem ? especially for people who have certain allergies. Building a Backyard Play Structure A child's dream backyard includes a play structure complete with a slide and swings just like the one at the neighborhood park. Once you have made the decision to make your child's dream come true then you have several avenues from which to select depending on the amount of money and time you can invest. Electric Radiant Floor Heating Electric radiant floor heating systems are heating systems designed for use under carpeting, area rugs, tile, stone, and laminate wood floors and have been used in Europe, South Africa, and Australia for over 20 years. Eclectic Patio Furniture Shows Your Style Your home's interior is exquisitely decorated in your favorite style; why not treat your exterior with patio furniture and accessories that will be comfortable as well as beautiful. Your backyard becomes more functional by adding gas grills, or furnishing options such as casual hammocks or formal wrought iron. You are limited only by your imagination. The patio furniture does not have to be limited to one style. A backyard looks great if you mix it up with an eclectic flare. You don't have to decide between rigid cedar and a quilted hammock, or a built in gas grill and a fire pit. You can have it all. Do you want your patio to have a casual feeling or one that is more formal? This may depend on the style of home you have. A full log home may not be served well with antique white wicker furniture on the porch or patio. A contrast is good, but the balance isn't quite right. The white wicker seems too light and airy against the heavy logs. An Adirondack style of furniture might strike a better balance for the home. Is a specific material of importance to you such as teak, rattan, or wrought iron? Do you prefer patio cushions, or the natural look of wood as with Adirondack chairs? A gas grill or outdoor fireplace can be a focal point creating an outdoor kitchen. If relaxation is the most important to you, a hammock or patio swing would be a nice choice. Home Fire Prevention Effectiveness 1 Are you aware that you can lose all your personal belongings in a single fire? Making the Most of a Small Bathroom In bathroom terms at least, bigger doesn't have to be better ? It's all just a case of making the most of the modest proportions you're presented with! And what's more, designing a bathroom that's small on space usage but big on style and functionality should be a lot more fun. Planning Permission Tips UK - Conservatories - Dispelling a Myth It's now well into the new year and the residential development scene has got off to a good start again. All this talk about 'slow down' certainly hasn't affected peoples desire to improve rather than move. Building Design Agents are often the first barometer within the building trade of any ups or downs in trends and I certainly haven't noticed any lessening of work. Home Is Where The Heart Is Every one lives in a house but every house is not a home. A house is a shelter made of bricks, wood or any other material. When this shelter makes your heart alive with happiness and smiles, you are home. There are big palatial buildings as well as small flats in which all types of individuals reside in. The question that arises is whether they can really call it their home. Each and every house can be turned into a real home with not much effort. Follow these steps and see the difference. Imported Tools vs. Brand Name - Are They As Good? So you are looking for hand or power tools on the Internet or in a "brick & Mortar" tool store, and you keep running into tools imported from China, Taiwan, Korea, Germany and various other countries. A lot of these tools seem to be priced well under the comparable "name brand" tools you are used to? are they as good or better, or are they just cheap knockoffs. 10 Spring Cleaning Tips For Your Kitchen The words "spring cleaning" can make the neatest person cringe. They mean more work. As if cleaning all year long wasn't enough. Spring cleaning is more than just cleaning...it is deep cleaning. Something that most people do not have time for all year long. Since my expertise is cooking, I have decided to focus on spring cleaning and dirt build up prevention tips for the kitchen.... Log Home Mistakes Ebook Review Ok, you are ready to build a log home. If you are not going to build it yourself, it mean you will hire a builder. And because of that, you need to know what to ask, what to look for. |
home | site map |
© 2005 |