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How-To: Secure Your Home For a Hurricane
With Tropical Storm Gustav making its way through the Caribbean, I've got hurricanes on the mind. When I lived in New Orleans, to prepare for a storm, I'd basically move my bed to the center of the room away from the windows, and move things off the floor onto my mattress: pretty amateur and useless preparations. I lived in a rental then, so I guess I didn't really care about protecting the property.
What's Your Natural Disaster?
According to CNN, Hawaiian homeowners living in proximity to Kilauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes, have chosen to outrun lava flows instead of picking up and moving to greener pastures. Lava destroyed three abandoned houses there just this week in a nearly deserted neighborhood there, but one local said:
It's the safest place I've ever lived, safer than the mainland. They have forest fires over there that burn up 3,000 homes in Southern California.
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How-To: Stay Safe During a Wildfire
Since the breakout of the August wildfires north of Los Angeles, at least 53 buildings have been destroyed, and 4,300 people have been evacuated. As of this writing, more than 12,000 homes are under threat.
While some families have been reluctant to leave their homes, in the end, your home is just a house.
Are You Preparing For Hurricane Season?
If you live in an Atlantic coastal area, chances are your mind's on hurricane season. Today marks the official start of hurricane season, which runs from today through November. Gerry Bell, lead hurricane forecaster at NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, says residents should "[p]repare for each and every season regardless of the seasonal outlook.
Are You Afraid of Wildfires?
Today marks the three-month anniversary of "Black Saturday." On Feb. 7, as many as 400 fires were recorded in Victoria, Australia, and resulted in 173 confirmed deaths and over 2,000 destroyed homes.
Have You Ever Been in a Wildfire?
In Southern California, homeowners have been in close proximity to wildfires, which have been made even more dangerous by gusting Santa Ana Winds. Even closer to my home, a Napa Valley area fire has threatened homes and wineries. I have, luckily, never been in or close to a wildfire.
Primer: Making an Emergency Preparedness Kit
Hurricane season is in full force, and here in California, there's always the chance of an earthquake. Even if you don't live in storm or quake country — but especially if you do — you should have an emergency preparedness kit stashed away.
The American Red Cross recommends having enough food and water on hand to support every member of your household for at least three days.
Does Your Household Have an Emergency Plan?
It occurred to me today, while I was listening to the 9/11 coverage on NPR, that my household really has no solid plan in case of an emergency. While earthquakes and wildfires are probably the two biggest dangers we face in our neighborhood, my husband and I haven't figured out an emergency plan, and that's definitely a mistake. Whether you're concerned about natural disasters, a burglary, or an international incident, it's important to have a plan and an emergency kit prepared.
Steal of the Day: Trovata Round Umbrella Cover
I'm sure your mother told you to lather on your SPF so you don't get skin cancer, but sometimes it's just a smart move to stay in the shade. There's nothing nerdy about being pale — especially when you're hanging under this stylish Crate & Barrel Trovata Round Umbrella Cover ($99, reduced from $169), which blocks out 98% of the sun's UV rays. Its seaglass and khaki colored stripes will show all of your patio guests what a true sophisticate you are.
Ask Casa: A Home Security System for My Rental? (Part 2)
Recently Arielb38 wrote to me asking about whether or not a home security system was necessary for her new rental home. You can read the first half of my response here.
To see the rest of my tips, just read more
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