Preparing Your Home for Wind Damage Before A 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?
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• 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 - Spinach & Mushroom Soup

Quick and easy soup to make.

NEED:

1 1/2 cup of milk

3 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped

1 box of frozen chopped spinach

1 can of Cream of Mushroom Soup

In a large saucepan , heat the milk and potatoes on medium heat for about 10 minutes.

Add the spinach and the can of soup.

Cook until the soup is bubbly and the potatoes are tender.

Stir it frequently while it is cooking.

11 Homemade DIY Wood Stove Plans To Make At Home

 

 

 

                                    11 Homemade DIY Wood Stove Plans To Make At Home

 

                                                              Cool ideas to keeping warm! 

How to Grow Bell Peppers Indoors: Easy Tips for Thriving Plants

 

How to Grow Bell Peppers Indoors: Easy Tips for Thriving Plants – Earthsoulorganics

 

Having fresh green peppers is a must for me. I love them and use them a lot.  They are so good in recipes and even just eating them raw. You can easily grow them for your family.

Food Storage Recipe - Lentil & Sausage Stew

YUMMY! I cooked this up yesterday and it was so good that there was nothing left at the end of the day. The pot was empty!

NEED:

2 tablespoons of olive oil

half a pound of italian sausage - you could try spicy here too.

2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped

1 small onion , chopped

a couple of cloves of garlic

salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons of tomato paste

3 cups of chicken broth

3 cups of water

1 cup of brown lentils

Heat the olive oil in a pan and add the sausage, carrots, onion, and garlic. Season it with salt and pepper. Fry it up , breaking it up as you fry it. Break it up into tiny pieces.

When the meat is no longer pink , stir in the tomato paste. Cook this while stirring.

Add the chicken broth, water, and the lentils. Bring it to a boil. Turn down the heat to a simmer and cover.

Cook until everything is tender. About an 30 minutes to an hour.