Staying Safe During Hurricane Sandy

The wind is howling outside, the rain is pouring down in sheets, trees are whipping around, and during this brief time when the power has been restored, I wanted to reach out to everyone who may be in the path of this “Frankenstorm,” as it is being called. We too are in its path, and have prepared as well as we could. Whether you have to evacuate or shelter in place, it is important to keep your health and safety in mind. I’ve witnessed some who prioritize comfort and entertainment over health and safety, and this is never a good … Continue reading

When You Are Prepared, You Don’t Panic

On Tuesday evening there was a loud pop and a few sparks at the end of our driveway. At the same time, our power went out in the house. It looks like the temperamental transformer blew, and it left five homes, including ours, in the dark. Although this was very inconvenient, we didn’t have to panic. We had a cell phone, which we used to call the power company, plenty of bottled water in case we got thirsty (without power, we lose function of the well pump), additional water to flush toilets, lots of snacks and easy to eat food … Continue reading

June is the Start of Hurricane Season

June is the start of the hurricane season, so it is a good idea to make sure that your home and your family are prepared. Making sure that you are safe no matter what nature has in store will give you a good peace of mind. If you prepare now, you’ll be in better shape before a hurricane is predicted in your area, which means you won’t have to run to the store at the last minute and fight for the last case of water or pack of batteries. Being prepared for hurricane season starts with creating an emergency kit. … Continue reading

Getting Ready for Hurricane Season

In seven days, it will be the Atlantic hurricane season. Now, Mother Nature doesn’t really read the calendar, and this past weekend Tropical Storm Alberto came to visit. He didn’t stay long, though, and quickly dwindled into a tropical depression. Alberto was a good warning to get ready, though! What should you be doing now to get prepared for hurricane season? Get your emergency kits ready. A good emergency kit will have canned food and water for at least three weeks. While canned food can last for several years, it’s best to change it every year so that you can … Continue reading

Prepared for Unexpected Snow

Saturday just proved to me how important it is to be prepared for the unexpected. By now I’m sure you have either heard about it or experienced it yourself, but some parts of the east coast got snow, in October, a rarity. We are talking decades measuring the last time that this happened, and it fact, previous snows were only dustings. This time, we got actual build-a-snowman kind of snow. It also happened that we had our church’s annual trunk or treat scheduled. We were prepared to move things indoors, despite the snow and the Nor’easter, until we found out … Continue reading

Protecting Your Family While Traveling on Wet Roads

April showers bring… hazardous driving conditions, which could lead to potentially deadly accidents if you are not properly prepared. Common sense tells you that the first thing you should do when you find yourself driving in the middle of a spring or summer storm is to slow down. However, there are a few other simple ways you can protect your precious cargo during the rainy season: WINDSHIELD WIPERS Equip your vehicle with a good set of wiper blades. When was the last time you replaced your car’s windshield wiper blades? Car care experts recommend they be changed at least twice … Continue reading

Romantic Hurricane Adventures: Fun with Floyd

For me, September brings to mind hurricanes. It all started the year we moved to Florida. The Summer of ‘99 We moved to Jacksonville in May of 1999. Our move had been a bit rocky. Wayne and I had been separated for four months until our house sold in Phoenix. (Actually, it hadn’t even sold yet. I just couldn’t stand not living with him anymore, so I decided I was moving. Luckily we got an offer at the same time.) But I had only been in Jax a month when Wayne’s company declared bankruptcy and laid him off. It could … Continue reading

Five-Tips to Prepare For Hurricane Season

There are areas of the country that are susceptible to hurricanes and the damage they cause. The predictions for the Atlantic Hurricane Season for 2007 recommend everyone be prepared for a more active and intense season than usual. It’s a good idea to follow the scouts motto and always be prepared if you need to be ready for hurricane season follow these 5-tips! Tip #1 Review your homeowner insurance policy: It’s a good idea to talk with your insurance agent or company and make sure you have enough insurance to rebuild the house and structures and also replace personal property. … Continue reading

Emergency Preparedness For Pets

Hurricane season begins June 1st. After last year’s deadly hurricane season, it makes sense to have a disaster plan in place for your family AND your pets. Being prepared can save your pets’ lives. If you must evacuate, you should make every attempt to evacuate your pets as well. Leaving pets behind can result in injury or worse! Before a disaster happens, you should plan a safe place to take your pets. NOTE: Red Cross disaster shelters cannot accept pets due to states’ health and safety regulations. Only service animals are allowed in Red Cross Shelters! Find hotels and motels … Continue reading

Parents Brace for Pumpkin Shortage

Moms and dads with their own versions of Linus van Pelt at home may be bracing for a scarier Halloween than ever before, thanks to a girl named Irene. Make that Hurricane/Tropical Storm Irene. The ferocious weather pattern that ravaged the Northeast late last month could make picking the perfect pumpkin nearly impossible for hundreds of thousands of families living along the East Coast. A large number of farmers in New York and Massachusetts reported total losses of their crops, including a few growers, who told ABC News that roughly 15,000 to 20,000 pumpkins, washed away during Irene. According to … Continue reading