Preparing Your Home for Wind Damage Before the Storm

Back in 2008 we had a major wind storm here in Indiana, really the whole east did, because of a hurricane that then brought the wind to us. We lost our roof, a few outdoor toys, and our power ( for 3 days)  because of it. There are things that you can do to keep the damage down to a minimum.


How to Avoid Wind Damage

• Know your risks. Do you know the hazards in your community? How often do floods or wind storms occur?When there is a wind storm in your area will power go out?
• Ensure that your roof sheathing is properly installed. The roof sheathing is the boards or plywood nailed to your roof rafters or trusses. During a heavy windstorm, wind forces flow from the roof down to the exterior walls and then the foundation. Homes are damaged when wind is not properly transferred to the ground in a storm. Properly installed sheathing helps to ensure wind is transferred correctly. Make sure the sheathing nails haven't missed the rafters. If they have you'll need to redo them.
• Make sure end gables are secured to the roof. 'In a hurricane or other wind storm, the side walls of the roof (end gables) take a real beating and can collapse. Gable bracing often consists of 2"x4"s placed in an "X" pattern at both ends of the attic: from the top center of the end gable to the bottom of the brace of the fourth truss, and from the bottom center of the end gable to the peak of the roof,' Federal Emergency Management Agency.
• Check that your garage door is properly secured. In a windstorm the garage door can be easily ripped off allowing wind to enter your home and blow out doors, windows, walls and even the roof.

• Protect your windows with storm shutters. Installing storm shutters is one of the best ways you can protect your home from high winds. You can purchase these in wood, aluminum or steel.

If you take the measures to secure your home, than you should be able to weather any storm.

Food Storage Recipe - Cake Mix Cookies

Easy enough your kids could make them!

I stock up on cake mixes everytime they are on sale.

NEED:

1 package cake mix

2 eggs

1/4 cup oil

Mix all together.

It will be a thick dough.

Roll into small balls and flatten onto a cookie sheet.

Bake for about 8 minutes at 350 degrees.

Tons of styles of cookies to make with any of the different types of cake mixes. One of my favorites uses carrot cake mix and are iced with white icing!

Food Storage Recipe - Homemade Rice A Roni

This is a great thing to be able to make. A lot healthier than the boxed mix. The prepackaged mix is full of items that can't even pronounce. Plus, good to be able to make for yourself when you can't get to the store.

NEED:

4 tablespoon butter

1/2 cup of rice

1/2 cup of spaghetti that you have broken into tiny pieces

2 cups of chicken broth

2 tablespoon parsley

salt and pepper to taste.

In a saucepan, melt the butter and add the rice and the spaghetti.

Cook it until it is slightly golden brown.

Add the broth and bring to a boil.

Turn the heat down to allow it to simmer covered.

Cook it until the rice is tender.

Fluff and add the parsley, salt and pepper. .

Organizing Everything With Totes

Since we are organizing everything and getting prepared to move we are repacking anything that we have into Rubbermaid Roughneck Tote.  They have been a huge help. They hold a lot of things. The items inside are protected a lot better than just being in a box. I have gotten the boxes for the donation pile and the Rubbermaid Roughneck Tote are for the stuff that we are keeping. These pack easy together and really help with the decluttering.  Stack them in the closet, shed, or wherever and they will stack to the ceiling.

Decluttering - My Prep This Week!

See this huge pile of boxes? I covered it to try and hide it. It is everything from bedrooms. My goal this week is to cut this pile by half! The boxes in front right are empty to help me repack and sort. Decluttering is a great prep for us right now. I am on hunt for some land and then a truck and camper! Need to get down to where everything we own can fit in a full-sized truck! It is hardest with all the homeschool items, but we are doing it! Feels good!