Tips

ALWAYS:

Have a "go" kit ready for each member of the family
In case of a natural emergency, be ready to grab a kit of emergency "stuff" ready to "go" out the door. It should have the minimum of necessities for 3 days on your own. Look under Resources for information on the Red Cross, FEMA and others.

Save Your Hearing!

When you vacuum,  gently tuck 1/2 a piece of toilet paper in the outside of your ears. It cuts the harsh noise down to tolerable, and your ears won't ring afterwards.

Springtime Do-It List

I. Update your House Insurance
Check with your insurance agent to find out what is actually covered in your policy, what your deductible is, and at what value your house is covered in case it needs to be replaced. Make sure you are covered!

II. Have a look around your house
Check the roof, sides, and foundations of your house to see if any damage was done by winter's deep freeze. If so, find the right repair professional to get the problem fixed before it gets worse.

Fall and Winter Do-It List

I. Make sure your chimneys and fireplaces are swept!

II. Check all your smoke and fire detectors

III. Checked all your windows and doors for air leaks? Replaced the gaskets if needed? It's not too late. You can cover the windows with a thin plastic film made for this. Look in your local hardware store.

IV. Keep your eye open for ice dams, icicles, roof leaks

V. Got your firewood? Is it dry?

VI. Keep canned food handy in case of power failures, and some way to heat it. Make sure any camping cookers used don't require outside ventilation (i.e. use a Sterno stove, or similar). Don't forget water!

VII. Shut off the outside faucets and drain them before the snow and freezing temperatures

VIII. Cover your shrubs or other plants needing protection

IX. Clean the gutters