Earthquake Preparedness ~ Two Simple Things You Can Do TODAY

Did you feel the earthquake this morning? Each time we have one, most people can’t help but wonder “Is this the big one?”, and if it is, how bad will it be? Though earthquakes are not the only disaster that can strike, there are several things we can do to prepare for the complete loss of resources we may encounter. There are the obvious, such as food and water supplies for you and your family, but also other ways to prepare which you may not have considered.

When disaster strikes, it’s likely you’ll be in one of two places; asleep during the night or away from home during the day. Implementing these two ideas can make a large difference in how well you’re able to survive the situation.

Under-the-Bed Bag ~ If it’s a major earthquake, there will be debris and broken glass to contend with, and being caught in your PJs and bare feet is going to make it tough to get safely through the house. Fill a duffel bag, backpack, etc. with the following items: sturdy shoes that are easily put on, heavy pants, a long-sleeved shirt, gloves and a flashlight. These are the minimum items you should have, but you could also add items such as a dust mask, or a whistle for locating each other in the dark. Prepare a bag for every member of your household and tie the bag to a leg of the bed frame with a length of rope or cord. You will easily be able to retrieve the bag and pull it up onto the bed without letting your feet touch the floor.

Car Kit ~ If you’re away from home, chances are you may not be able to get back for a while, so consider what items you may need to keep you sustained. Have both a plastic storage bin and an empty backpack in your car. The bin should contain: sturdy clothes, a sweatshirt or jacket, a light-weight waterproof poncho, comfortable walking shoes, several bottled waters, energy bars, a flashlight, gloves, a first aid kit, and a few hundred dollars in cash (most bills smaller than $20). You could also consider adding other personal needs, such as feminine hygiene products, hand sanitizer, and a supply of any necessary medications. A battery-powered radio would also be beneficial for news updates. The backpack is on hand in case the car needs to be vacated and you’re forced to pack up some supplies and walk to your destination.

My husband and I have many other ways in which we’ve implemented disaster preparedness in our home, and I’d be happy to share them if you’re interested in learning more. Just send me an email, because you can never be too prepared!

Check back weekly for more home improvement and decorating tips. If I can give you any assistance with your design and decorating needs, please don’t hesitate to call or email me. Many times a single consultation is all that’s needed to pull your project together!

Everyone deserves a home they love ~ Inside and Out!

Weatherproof Your Home for Winter!

Baby, it’s COLD outside! This week we’ve jumped from fall straight into winter, and though I do love the colder weather, I want to keep it OUTside. If you feel the effects of Jack Frost creeping into your home, try these tips for keeping him out!

Glass is a Conductor ~ If you live in a home that doesn’t have dual-paned windows, the glass in your windows is offering you little protection from the cold. In fact, it’s actually bringing the cold into your home! Though PG&E no longer offers rebates for replacing your windows with energy efficient models, here's an informational link from their website (http://www.pge.com/myhome/saveenergymoney/rebates/remodeling/windows/index.shtml). If window replacement isn’t in your budget, window coverings are your next best bet. There are a myriad of options for window blinds that have insulating properties, as well as lined drapery panels. If you need assistance in this area, I’d be happy to share ideas!

And, so is the floor! ~ If you have hard surface flooring, such as hardwood, stone or tile, your floors are also conducting cold air into your home. Homes with a crawl space beneath them often have no insulation between you and the cold, damp ground beneath your home. Most likely, you have some type of underlayment (such as plywood) under your interior flooring, and that’s attached to a sub-floor, which are the structural beams of your home’s flooring. That’s all you’ve got, and it offers little insulation properties, so adding fiberglass insulation to the underside of your sub-floor will greatly aid in warming things up. Wall-to-wall carpeting is another obvious option, but even large area rugs will help to cut the cold.

Seal it Up ~ One of the most common ways that outside air enters your home is around your exterior doors. If your doors don’t close tightly, add foam or rubber weather stripping around the inside of the door jamb to get an air tight closure. Another area to check on doors is at the bottom. If it doesn’t close tightly against the threshold, install a door sweep such as the one shown here.

Check back weekly for more decorating and home improvement tips! If I can give you any assistance with your design and decorating needs, please don’t hesitate to call or email me. Many times a single consultation is all that’s needed to pull your project together!

Everyone deserves a home they love ~ Inside and Out!

Fall is Coming! Is Your Home Ready?

That crispness in the morning air and dew on the lawn tells me that fall is on the way! We all know that once it’s cold and rainy outside, we tend to huddle indoors and pay less attention to the maintenance of our homes. With that in mind, now is the time to get your home ready!

Furnace Filters ~ Though filters should be checked more than once per year, it helps to use fall as a reminder for this basic maintenance. Your furnace is the blower unit for both your heating AND air conditioning, so it’s been working all summer long! Change the filter often for maximum performance and energy efficiency.

Standing Water ~ The rainy season is coming, so if you have open containers on your property such as flower pots or bird baths, they’re going to fill up. This is the perfect breeding ground for algae, so turn them upside down or store them out of the weather.

Sprinkler Check ~ Save water and money by adjusting your sprinkler settings. Either reduce the number of days you’re watering, or the amount of time set for each station. By the time winter comes, you should be able to turn them off completely!

Clear the Debris ~ I’m very certain that no one wants unwelcomed guests, meaning pests and rodents. Extra clutter around the perimeter of your home is the perfect hiding place to escape the colder weather, so get these areas cleaned up. This will strongly discourage rodents from making a home on your property!

Seal the Gaps ~ Another place rodents like to hide out is in the attic. Walk the perimeter of your home and look for openings that would allow them access into your home, and get them sealed. Even a quarter-sized opening is large enough for a rat to squeeze through! Believe me, I’m speaking from experience when I tell you that if you get one, you’ll have a whole family in no time.

Check back weekly for more home improvement and decorating tips! If I can give you any assistance with your design and decorating needs, please don’t hesitate to call or email me. Many times a single consultation is all that’s needed to pull your project together!

Everyone deserves a home they love ~ Inside and Out!