Be Prepared For Natural Disasters

This year's harsh hurricane season reminds us that disasters can devastate people and communities. Different areas can be subject to hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes and flooding from various events. Each type of event also has its own problems that need to be solved. Here are some considerations:

Supplies

Food and water are of the utmost importance for survival. Freeze dried food and factory-sealed water are best.

Light sources are important. Keep flashlights and factory sealed batteries available.  As soon as batteries are placed in a device they will slowly drain even if removed.

Maintain first aid kits with bandages and medicines.

Storage

Find dry locations with cool, stable temperatures. Places like closets and basements are good, as long as they aren't too close to things like heaters and furnaces. However, remember which disasters are most likely in your area and plan accordingly. For example, basements are likely to flood.

Mobility and Distribution

Don't hoard everything in one place. Disasters are unpredictable, and you may get cut off from your food and water due structural damage or scattered belongings. Tuck supplies around the house, like under beds. If collapsed buildings is a major concern, consider burying necessities in a more open space.

Have a getaway kit in your car, workplace and any rendezvous points.

Be safe, and be prepared.

Stylish Eyewear To Protect Your Peepers

Sunglasses will not only complete an ensemble and give you your own sense of style, but it will also protect your eyes from various dangers and irritants.

• Harmful ultraviolet rays (be sure they block both UVA and UVB)
• Airborn dirt that can scratch your eyes
• Annoying high winds

For heavier activities like sports or hiking look into sports sunglasses for their higher damage resistance and special features.  Certain activities like high altitude mountain climbing will have their own special requirements.

Young children have especially vulnerable eyes, so be sure to protect them with a good pair of sunglasses.

Use LED Lights At Home For Big Savings

LED lights are energy efficient, consuming only 15% of energy of traditional light bulbs. They last for about 10 years vs. 5 years for fluorescents and 6 months for incandescents.


The more lights are used in an area, the more energy switching them to LEDs will save. Below are good places to use LEDs:

1. "Always on" outdoor lights for the front door, yard, driveway, etc. Overnight usage can add up to 8 hours or more.
2. Kitchen area where cooking 3 meals can add up to 5 hours a day.
3. Living and dining room where families spend much of their time.
4. Study rooms and home offices where we may burn the midnight oil.

Solar powered lights are great for gardens, driveways and patios. Built in solar cells eliminate the need for electricity and wires.

Reduced Clutter Improves Energy Efficiency And State Of Mind

Clutter not only increases stress and eats away at your emotional well being, but it's also extra mass that your furnace and AC need to constantly heat and cool.  So do both yourself and your house a favor: move unused items or anything that doesn't have to be indoors to the garage or outdoor storage. Some ideas:

1. Off-season clothes such as overcoats, snow shoes and boots.
2. Excess kitchenware like pots, pans, BBQ.
3. Unused furniture: beach/picnic chairs and tables.
4. Bikes and sports equipment.

Squash clutter even further by getting some organizers.  Store things more efficiently, and the visual structured will reduce stress.