Tis the season for hurricanes. The last thing we want to deal with is a hurricane correct? Unfortunately, in our lovely sunshine state it’s something we may have to face from time to time, especially living near the coastline. How can you protect and prepare your house and property for an oncoming disaster such as a hurricane? Fortunately, there are a variety of very helpful tips out there that will reduce or maybe even prevent major damage to your home.
Tips for protecting your home and property in a hurricane
Thanks to sptimes.com (Storm Watch) here are some ways you can secure your home for a potential hurricane:
- Board up all of your windows or consider some sort of protective shutters. Many people make the mistake of taping their windows though it may prevent them from shattering but definitely not from any serious damage.
- Be sure to have an extra supply of food for you and your family as most likely there will be no electricity. No parishable food items is essential for situations such as this.
- Be sure to clean your bathtub, jugs, bottles, pretty much anything where you can store water during a hurricane. Try to limit the usage of water per person. 3 gallons is suggested.
- Make sure all your flashlights and radios are equipped with proper and possibly brand new batteries.
- Trim down trees and limbs anything you see may fly off the trees and hit your windows causing major damage.
- Secure all loose outdoor items such as garbage cans, gardening tools, etc.
- If you have a swimming pool it is highly suggested not to lower the water levels as the bottom could easily be tore from the ground during violent winds. Remove pumps and valves.
- Be sure that your car’s gas tank is full before an oncoming hurricane.
These are excellent tips that we all should take into consideration, especially in a hurricane warning or watch. It’s always good to be prepared even if the hurricane doesn’t show up. Because it’s hurricane season you can never be too careful.
Source: SP Times
Image: Wikimedia Commons
Image by Niko Lang
As you know, our beautiful state of Florida can hit some major scorching temperatures resulting in extra humidity. How does one deal with the extreme heat and the humidity present in the home? Here are some tips according to a Florida publication that may help you in the upcoming summer months.
For Internal loads
- Put hot water and clothes washer and dryer in unconditioned space
- Turn of all lights and appliances if not using them
- Purchase fluorescent lights
- Put exhaust fans in kitchen and bathroom
- Eat outdoors if possible and use a microwave
Windows
- Reduce your window areas
- Provide exterior shading. Use trees, awnings, etc.
- Provide interior treatments
For a complete list of detailed tips on how you can prepare your home for extreme heat and humidity. Check out the Florida Publication by Robin Vieira.
Image: Filomena Scalise / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Believe it or not the type of paint you use absolutely makes a difference. Why? Well a good example of this would be using paint that you would use on metal buildings on a baby’s nursery. You definitely do not want to make this mistake as there is a variety of paint out there for specific projects. Let me break down different kinds of paint that you would use on specific projects to give you an idea how it makes a difference.
Paint for a picket fence
Liquid fence rubberized coating is ideal for painting a picket fence. The coating is fortified and used on barns, stalls, sheds, and fences.
Water-based paint
This type of paint will work for picket fences as it works well with changing weather conditions. It also dries very quickly
Oil-based exterior paint
This particular paint blocks stains which you want for your picket fence.
Paint for bookshelves
Latexis perfect for bookshelves as it is easier to clean up since it is water soluble.
Oil-based is nice for painting a bookshelf as it avoids sticking but it may be harder to keep clean.
Powder-Coated finish is mainly for book collectors who want to see their bookshelves last a long time.
Paint for painting your kitchen
According to eHow “choosing the right paint for your kitchen is a complex task.” If you want the best quality go with Behr or Glidden available at most home improvement stores.
Try to find the kind that prevents molding and mildew stains. This is a plus, especially for your kitchen where you are preparing food.
Go with a semi-gloss finish for the walls. It’s easy to keep clean. For the doorways and trim try using a high gloss finish.
As you can see, the type of paint you use makes a difference depending on the room or project.
What is your experience with paint? Any tips and advice? How about paint disasters. Please share your stories with us.
