10 Things You Can Do Now To Prepare For Hurricane Season

The 2005 hurricane season is right around the corner and runs for six months from June 1, 2005 to November 30, 2005. According to a recent survey from the National Hurricane Survival Initiative, the residents in hurricane prone states -- from Maine to Texas -- aren't anywhere near prepared for what they might face. Here are 10 quick tips to help you prepare.

1. During the off season is the time to stock up on supplies -- batteries, water and non-perishable food. If you wait until a hurricane is approaching, your chances of finding the items you need are not ideal.

2. Buy a small plastic carrying case for your important papers. Keep it filled and updated during hurricane season so all you have to do is grab and go if you have to evacuate.

3. Save that ice. At the beginning of hurricane season start using that ice that builds up in your icemaker. Fill up several plastic bags with ice and store them in your freezer.

4. Have at least two coolers. One for drinks and one for food. You might also want to have a third cooler on hand for the stuff you will use most often. That way you aren't opening all the coolers frequently and letting the ice melt.

5. It gets really dark when there's no electricity. Battery and solar operated light products are much better than candles. Make sure you have at least one per person.

6. Your cordless phone won't work without electricity. Make sure you can communicate with loved ones. Have a phone with a regular cord. They're very inexpensive and can be your communication lifeline in an emergency.

7. Pets are family too. Make sure you have a pet carrier or transportation device for each pet in your home along with a plan for your pets should a disaster occur.

8. Cash is a must. ATM machines don't work when the electricity is out and the likelihood of your corner store offering to cash a check is slim. Sock away some bucks in that plastic carrying case (see tip #2) so you'll never be caught short-handed.

9. When preparing your home, don't forget to look up. Check those trees and tree limbs. Trim those that could damage your house.

10. Your garage door is a vulnerable wind entry point during a hurricane. Make sure you have it reinforced to prevent collapse.

Denise O'Berry is a small business consultant in Tampa, Florida. For more hurricane information, tips and tools, visit http://www.myhurricanecenter.com

---

Remodeling Your Home: How Much Is Too Much?

The classic way for homeowners to increase the value of... Read More

The Science of Architecture

You're told to take vitamins, drink plenty of water, get... Read More

Age Old Question: Buy New or Remodel Existing Home?

Your house doesn't have enough storage space, bathrooms, or counter... Read More

Finishing Your Basement Can be Very Rewarding

Transforming your home's basement into a finished space can prove... Read More

Interior Design Simply Means Personalizing Your Interior Environment

Interior Design today is all about customizing your built environment... Read More

What is Wire EDM?

What exactly is wire electrical discharge machining, also referred to... Read More

Laminate Flooring Advantages

DurabilityBecause it's designed with a tough and durable wear layer,... Read More

A Review of Popular Dehumidifier Products

There are at least two dozen brand names marketing dehumidifiers.... Read More

Hardwood Floors - 7 Tips For Selecting Perfect Flooring

DESIGN STYLESWith thousands of colors and styles to select from... Read More

Rustic Stone House Signs

You may own a remarkably constructed, attractive house that is... Read More

Top Ten Remodeling Tips

My husband and I just completed our first remodel. It... Read More

The Bathroom - The Forgotten Area Of Your Home?

The bathroom in your home is the one room that... Read More

How to Build a Home Sauna - Three Important Questions to Answer Before Building

Considering that home saunas are believed to produce numerous health... Read More

Types of Table Saws

A table saw is one of the most popular pieces... Read More

Acting As Your Own General Contractor When Building Your Dream Home

This article is intended for the DIY (Do It Yourself)... Read More

Log Home Basics

As we start to research log homes, it quickly becomes... Read More

Building Your Dream Home ? Part 2

Razing the CottageWith new house plans and permits in hand,... Read More

Remove Carpet Stains - The How To

Your short lesson on how to remove carpet stains: act... Read More

Make a Grand Entrance of Your Front Door

You may find it difficult to believe that the days... Read More

Planning Permission Tips UK - Rights of Light to Adjoining Neighbours Windows - What You Should Know

Rights of light - What a minefield this topic is... Read More

Router Bits Basics

A router bit is a tool for woodworking giving a... Read More

Roof Cleaning - Making Your Old Roof Look Like New!

Many Florida residents that have come from the North are... Read More

Home Office: Identifying Your Needs

Not many years ago, the thought of working from home... Read More

Pergo Flooring Is Perfect For The Home or Office

Pergo flooring was invented more than 75 years ago, and... Read More

Spring Into Action: Home Maintenance

Spring has sprung! Even more important than buds, birds, and... Read More

Clear Wax Candles vs. Gel Candles

In the last five years a new type of clear... Read More

A Few Simple Facts About Gas And Electric Heating Systems

To make your home more energy efficient, you need to... Read More

Expansion for Heat Absorption

In the refrigeration cycle, the refrigerant must undergo a change... Read More

Buying House Plans Online

The Benefits of Self BuildingInvesting in property had always been... Read More

Buying Replacement Windows

While most buyers of double glazing are looking for replacement... Read More

What to Know Before Signing a Home Improvement Contract

It is important to be a very careful consumer when... Read More

Professional Asphalt Paving Contractors In California

Choosing an asphalt paving contractor can be a major event... Read More

All You Need To Know About The Feng Shui Bagua Map

The feng shui bagua map is an octagonal shaped map... Read More