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Be Ready For Severe Weather
Design Recipes: 10 must-haves for your home in case of power outages, natural disasters
BY CATHY HOBBS
When it comes to your home, there are a number of items that are helpful to keep on hand, especially when an emergency may arise.
Being caught off guard in the case of a natural disaster or sudden power or water outage may not only be inconvenient, it may also be devastating and costly. Being properly prepared for the what if's may come in handy and be potentially life-saving in the case of an emergency.
Design Recipes has compiled a list of what we consider must-haves for the home.
Flashlight and batteries. Having properly working flashlights could play a critical and vital role in the case of a short-term or long-term power outage. Make sure you have multiple heavy duty flashlights on hand.
Tarps. Tarps come in different strengths and sizes and can be used for various applications. In the case of an approaching or current storm, they can be used to secure items that may become airborne.
At least four jugs of water. In the case of a power outage, there will come a point when toilets will no longer be able to flush and water will drain from faucets. Having water on hand for these necessities will come in handy.
More than one source of communication. Instead of just relying on one form of communication, have the ability to communicate and call for help in various ways. For example, be sure to have both a landline and cellphone in case one goes down. Back up for Wi-Fi connections. Also, consider purchasing a portable, battery-operated radio that will inform you of important updates.
Generators. Consider purchasing a generator. With storm season in full swing, having a safety plan in place is appealing to many homeowners. Whether it is a standby generator or one that is portable, a generator can help you whether the storm with your power on.
A quality roof. Check your roof. When a storm comes, you will want to make sure your roof is in top condition. Roofs are one of the main sources of water entry into a home during a storm.
Storm doors. Consider installing a storm door. Storm doors aren't just decorative, they also serve a vital function by helping to keep rain, wind and other elements from penetrating entry points to your home.
New windows. If your windows aren't storm-ready, make sure they are by replacing them.
Chainsaws. A chainsaw can be a vital piece of equipment after a storm, especially when it comes to clean up.
Power tools. Nothing beats having a good set of tools in the home. This is a must any time of the year. Hammers, screwdrivers and drills are all part of having the basics when it comes to tools you may need to use.
We live in a time in which decent and otherwise sensible people are surrendering too easily to the hectoring of morons or extremists.
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- Cogito ergo sum
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Re: Be Ready For Severe Weather
Are you ready for a blizzard? Use this handy checklist to find out.
Here’s a checklist for things you may need to get ready for some possible snow days — minus milk and toilet paper, because stores are (probably) out of those now, anyway.
By Bonnie Berkowitz, Weiyi Cai, and Darla Cameron
Check each item off the list to see if you're ready for the storm:
Water
Do you have a gallon for every person in your house for each day? (And maybe some other, more interesting beverages?)
Food
Have you stocked up on PB&J, baby formula and other non-perishable food in case the power goes out? Remember, delivery probably won't be an option. Here's how to make the most of your blizzard food stash — even if you lose power.
Heating and cooking
If your power-outage plan is to grill, do you have propane? Do you have fireplace wood? Enough heating oil? Make sure vents to the outside are kept clear, and never use a gasoline, natural gas or charcoal-burning device indoors. On a related note, make sure carbon-monoxide alarms are working.
Warm clothing
Do you have boots, extra blankets, mittens, hats, coats, sweatshirts and maybe even hand warmers for everyone?
Pet supplies
Do you have enough dog food/cat litter/crickets? (Yeah, crickets — reptiles have to eat too, you know!) Don't forget to bring Fluffy and Fido inside.
Medication
Do you have a week’s worth (just in case) for everyone who will need it?
Hygiene items
Do you have enough diapers, tampons, toothpaste? How about a first-aid kit? Really hope you stocked up on toilet paper.
Power
It could go out. Do you have enough batteries for a flashlight? Radio? Battery-powered cell charger? And good grief, don't forget gas for the snow blower!
Porch and driveway
Do you have sand, rock salt or ice melt to make the walk less slippery? How about a shovel? (Don't go crazy shoveling; overexertion can cause problems ranging from blisters and muscle strains to heart attacks.)
car
Transportation
Have you lifted the windshield wipers on your car so they won't be frozen in place when you finally dig out? (Don't pour hot water on your windshield to de-ice it, by the way.)
We live in a time in which decent and otherwise sensible people are surrendering too easily to the hectoring of morons or extremists.
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