Another scenario is when the summer camp is the first time for your kids to experience being away from the family and at home. They could definitely get excited but there is still a feeling of anxiousness, by just a thought of being away from home and being in a new environment. Homesickness could be the prevailing feeling at that time. But as parents, it is our act of love of helping them prepare for this first time experience.

Preparing Your Kids to Go Away for Summer Camp

Image via: Etsy

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Here are some tips in preparing your kids for a sleep-away camp:

Prepare them emotionally

• Firstly, let your kid get exposed to away-from-home trips like sleeping over at a friend’s or relative’s house. Through this, they can visualize on what to expect during the actual summer camp.
• Help them familiarize the venue of the camp by taking a tour around the camp, or researching on the internet. Familiarity will decrease anxiety.
• Have them think about the good things they can get out of the camp like meeting new friends, swimming and bonfires.

What to bring and pack

• Make sure that your kids have all the necessary materials that are important in their new environment.  It could lessen homesickness and also prepare them for a new environment without parents!
• Avoid packing expensive items. Children might not be able to take care of all these things. Then don’t forget to label everything.  Ask for a checklist from the camp to ensure you bring do and don’t items.
• In packing the clothes, bring only that is enough for your kid. Take note on the activities so you can bring the appropriate clothes like swimwear. Also, plan for varied weather.
• Pack toiletries carefully because they may spill when inside traveling.

Image via: Kids Room.Pinterest

Pack a little bit of home

• You can let your kids bring a small family photo and their favorites like a pillow or toy, as this would help them feel at home in a new environment.

Take time to talk with your kids for about what to expect based on what you experienced during your time. It helps them prepare for the incoming summer camp. Your kids will enjoy knowing that summer camp can be fun for all. Making new friends, learning new activities, and no parents can be fun for a little while… tell them how much fun you once had at summer camp!

For more summer ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

The idea of having a patio is to have a place where you can relax and reminisce. However, using your creativity and resourcefulness, you can also make fun memories in your patio. This area can also cater a social event with friends or reunion with family members.

Several people are now planning to have attractive patios as a venue for backyard gatherings. It is not simply a place for individual soul-searching and reflection. Before deciding to throw a party, here are some suggestions in making the perfect patio to cater fun and entertainment:

Image via: Bhg

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Remove debris:

Remove unnecessary things such as boulders, dried woods or debris around the patio to provide a wider space for your guest. This makes your visitors move around conveniently. It also allows kids to run and play.

Clean your patio:

This is the best way to start your planning. Having clean and neat surroundings can help you decide for perfect décor or backdrop, if necessary. Clear your patio from toys, tools, and other items. If the area has stains or dirt, intensive cleaning may be required but it will surely make a big difference afterwards. You can either hire someone to do the cleaning if you have a budget or do it by yourself gradually. You may rent heavy duty cleaning equipment for more comfort and excellent outcome.

Add decorative accents:

To create natural accents for your patio, arrange plants strategically around your space. Use colorful and attractive flower boxes, pots, or containers and fill it with flowering plants that complement your surroundings. Flowers can freshen up the outdoor looks and add natural vibrancy to the area.
Consider placing chairs and tables with umbrellas to enhance your patio. If trees are available to shade the area from direct sunlight, umbrellas may not be necessary.

Image via: Amazon

Repair where needed:

Take inventory of your existing furniture. Make assessments whether it needs repair or just a stroke of paint. You can do re-coating of paint for furniture to look like new.

Creating an atmosphere of fun will set the mood for the guests to have fun and enjoy your outdoor patio! Enjoy!

For more outdoor ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

With summer on the way it may be time to start planning for your child’s annual trip to summer camp; and whether he’s going for two weeks or two months there are a lot of items he’ll need to take with him and plenty of things you’ll have to attend to before he heads out the door. As a parent it falls to you to make sure that all of his ducks are in a row. So you have to organize in two ways: you must create a timeline in which to prepare and at some point you will have to help him pack for his trip. Here are just a few tips and tricks to make sure that everything is ready when the bus comes to pick him up for summer camp.

Image via: Martha Stewart

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Create a checklist

Many camp programs offer lists of required items (either by mail or on their websites) so that you know exactly what to send your kid off with. Generally, these include necessities like clothing for all types of weather, hygienical items, and seasonal items sunblock, just for example. Of course, you may have your own list going. But it couldn’t hurt to merge the two as insurance that you’ve covered all the bases. You may want to make a couple of copies of this list so that you can check items off as you procure them and then do a final check once everything is packed.

Assess old items

Whether you child has gone away to camp before or this is his first time, there are likely certain things he already has, such a sensible clothing, a sleeping bag, and toiletries. So before you go out and buy everything new you should scan your list and see what you already have. Of course, he may have outgrown some items and others may be worn beyond use. For this reason it behooves you to assess each item and decide if it needs to be replaced.

Purchase necessities

Once you’ve narrowed down your shopping list it’s time to start collecting the gear he’ll need for his extended vacation at camp. Since you’re starting early you can take the time to comparison shop and wait for sales in order to get new items at discount prices.

Image via: Little Red Bus

Pack

For most parents (and kids) this is the toughest part of preparing for camp.
You don’t want to pack too much, but you also don’t want your child to need something and not have it. However, practicality may win out. If your kid has to cart his own gear around it will have to be compact and lightweight. Some of this can be managed by simply buying double-duty items (pants that zip off at the knee, jackets with pull-out liners, etc.). But you may also want to choose articles that weigh less and then limit the number of bags he can pack.

Schedule appointments

Whether you have premium insurance, a dental discount plan, or no coverage at all, your child should still see a dentist at least once a year (ditto on the pediatrician and ophthalmologist). Unfortunately, the easiest time to arrange these visits is when your child is on summer break. So just make sure to schedule these necessary appointments either before or after his stint at camp to ensure that you don’t end up forgetting and paying for missed appointments. Along those lines, you should also refill any prescription medications so that he doesn’t run out while away from home.

For more kids ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

This is an exciting time for the outdoor home. For it is the season where the weather is still enjoyable in temperature and it’s perfect for outdoor entertaining. Whether you entertain a group of family and friends or a more formal affair, springtime is perfect for uniting nature and good times. Here are tips to prepare your outdoor home for entertaining.

Image via: From Moon to Moon.Blogspot

• Combine nature and seating:

The beauty of entertaining outside is the ability to bring together natural surroundings and comfortable outdoor seating. Determine what area you have that will lend itself for comfortable setup of a table, chairs, buffet area and/or serving stations. Larger yards can accommodate more people and furniture. Keep in mind that guests should still be able to mingle and walk around furniture when planning. A natural landscape in the backyard, or bringing potted plants in decorative urns and planters can be used as backdrop as well.

Image via: Belle Maison

• Keep in mind the elements:

Even though your entertaining will take place outdoors keep in mind the elements when planning where food will be served, displayed and where guests will enjoy their meal. Consider having an arbor overhead to cast shadows for warm days as well as a food table that can easily be covered if in-climate weather should arise. If planning a evening affair string lighting, lanterns, and pendant lamps create beautiful ambiance and safely guide your guests through your yard.

Image via: 79 Ideas

It’s the perfect time to start planning your first outdoor event for your guests. Don’t forget to keep your guests and their comfort at the forefront in your planning. Choose comfortable lounging furniture, easy access to beverages and food, and have plenty of activities, music, and a variety of entertainment options for larger groups of people. However you choose to entertain this spring, enjoy!

For more outdoor activities for you and your family click here.

Best of 2011 – #2

5 Ways to Prepare for a DIY Weekend During the Week

We continue with Stagetecture’s Best of 2011! At the #2 spot is dedicated to all of you DIY’ers who are trying to find ways to make your home remodeling project take less time, money, energy, and oh yeah… preparation! It’s not a surprise that the second most viewed post of 2011 was how to prepare for a DIY weekend during the week. I for one have found these 5 tips will make you look forward to your DIY project, save more money/time and you may not have to travel back and forth to the home improvement store 10 times in one day… with these tips, maybe only twice.

Image via: Stylizimo

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Original Entry #422, February 18, 2011

I have always been a strong advocate for learning to do things yourself. Whether it’s to have the knowledge for yourself or it’s to empower you to take on greater challenges… doing things yourself will make you feel better and the rewards are immeasurable!

Tomorrow is already Stagetecture’s 36th D.I.Y. Saturday! That means for 9 months you have been armed with great DIY projects to get things done! After 9 months of bringing you DIY ideas, I started realizing that many people wait until the weekend before they arm themselves with materials, instructions… even what project they are going to do!

I thought I would give you 5 ways to prepare yourself during the week so when you get to the weekend you are ready to start when the rooster crows!

______________

5 Ways to Prepare for your DIY Weekend during the week

1.) Pick your project early:

While this may not stand true for small projects, it can certainly help for larger projects. Instead of trying to pick your project on the same day you gather materials, go to the home improvement store and start – take the week to pick your project. Research the difficulty level, research how many people you will need, and the pros and cons of taking on the job yourself.

2.) Ask for help before you need it:

Just because it is termed “Do it Yourself” does not literally mean to do it yourself! Ask for friends, family, neighbors, or coworkers help before the weekend! Ask people you know have the time, energy, and patience to help you through your project. If you can’t find someone to help for this weekend, consider holding off on your project until you do.

3.) Budget and buy supplies now:

Not only does traveling to the home improvement store on the weekend make your day seem longer, but its THE busiest time at the home improvement stores! If you can buy your materials during the work week, you will be surprised how quickly you get in and out, and how much more store associates can help you if you need it.

Budget how much you plan to spend now. If you wait until the weekend, you will most likely spend more because you have 50 more things to think about. Plan during your lunch break at work, when you have quiet, time, and a clear head.

4.) Prepare your space during the week:

Depending on your project, you may be able to start preparing the space for your project now. For example if you are painting the basement, why not start preparing the space now? Taping up trim, removing switch plates and moving and covering furniture with drop cloths is time consuming. Start little by little during the week and see how much smoother your weekend project will run.

5.) Get plenty of rest:

While many DIY projects don’t require you to lift 2 ton rocks, there is something to be said for being physically ready for your project. Many repetitive motion projects, such as painting, sanding, hammering, etc.. will make you use muscles that you forgot you had! Ensure you get plenty of rest to arm your body with endurance and stamina to get started and finish your DIY project. You also will make less mistakes when you are alert and not tired and groggy!

To see Stagetecture’s Best of 2011 – click here.

Once a while all of us turn a host to a friend, relative or make some dinner invites to our work friends, friends of other people dear to us. Anytime we do this we are keen to let them experience our elaborate hospitality and we are always delighted to keep and see them happy. Let’s say if you invite someone to your home for a dinner, you will really be sure to make tastiest dishes, arrange your living, guest area, dining and tidy every part of your home or at least the social part of your home.

Image via: Interior Decoration

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Preparing your home

But is it only the taste of the food you serve or tidiness of the space you are with your guest while you receive them.  Then you have a nice old time chatting, enjoy your meal and sit relax sipping that exquisite wine you got. What I’m trying to tell you is that it’s not these things alone you should be doing, if you want to be a good host. There are of course few things all of us forget, not purposefully, but we don’t actually give a thought about such things. I could find many who would forget about the guest bathroom, any guest could use this anytime when they are at your place, even they are there just for the dinner. But if they do have payed a visit to stay a couple days, you should be sure that you tidy up your house in full, clean up any mess you got anywhere and be sure to arrange the guest room and don’t forget the bathroom as well.

Guest Rooms

Guest rooms we all got would just remain dormant, until only a guest arrives we might only think about such a room existed in our place. If you dust and tidy up your rooms on a regular basis, this is okay that you won’t be leaving your guest room unclean. So when a guest arrives, not much of cleanings you would need to find it beautiful. Now that you have a guest and you need to make some warm welcome for them and ensure that they be happy throughout the stay.

Image via: Srewet

Guest Bathrooms

Clean the room, dust and change the bed spreads, pillow covers and let it look warm and welcoming. Now in most cases as the guest rooms are not used often, so are their bathrooms, you would want to do more of checking in there. If unused for quite long, you would want to do some good cleaning and check for damages or repairs.  Check your guest bathrooms and see if all fixtures are working good, check your bathroom exhaust fans, heater, plumbing or other accessories working good, change them or get it repaired if you find any issues. How about your shower curtains, are they any good or you would want to change them. You can find cheap shower curtains if you do want to change. It’s good to be changing them if they stayed for too long and unused.

All together, you would want to do a thorough check up, but that’s not a big work to be doing, it’s just a bit of your time and that’s how to be a good host. No one fails on any requirements for a guest; we all love to keep them happy and do much as we can and good luck with your tasks ahead.

Joanne Murphy is a housewife and mom to two kids. She spends most of her time homemaking and blogging as well. She is working on her new blog Hardwood Floor Cleaner. Thanks for reading this one.

For more holiday ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

The holidays are quickly approaching, and I couldn’t be more excited about it. Like so many others, it is my favorite time of the year. I look forward to all of it, the cleaning, shopping, cooking, singing Christmas Carols, and especially baking with my mom.

Image via: She Knows

My mom lives next door, so we do a lot together throughout the year. But, nothing beats our holiday baking sessions we have done together for years. I am a believer in starting and maintaining tradition, especially around the holidays.

We have done it for so long, that we have a system and both enjoy every step of it. I am going to share our tradition with you right now with some ideas so you can either start your own, or add to what you and your family already do.

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Preparing Ahead of Time is Vital

As early as you can, start preparing for your baking days. My mom and I bake on more than one day, because some of the goodies tend to dry out before we are ready for them. If you spread out the baking days, you will have fresh and tasty morsels throughout the holiday season.

First, choose the days you are going to bake. We have coffee one morning to mark the days of the calendar when we are going to bake, either 2 or 3, depending on our schedules. We also make sure that we have at least 4 hours each time.

Next, we spread out the recipes to choose ahead of time what we are going to bake. By taking this step, we are able to save time on the baking days, as well as money when shopping. We write up a list of ingredients we will need, and then keep our eye open for coupons sales at the market.

Finally, we make sure that all necessary equipment, such as the oven, Cuisinart food processors, spatulas, measuring cups, and mixing bowls are functioning and in good shape. Obviously, some unexpected break downs you won’t be able to catch ahead of time. But, simple things like noticing that the measuring cups are missing ahead of time will save you time and frustration.

Image via: With Sprinkles Ontop

Baking with Holiday Cheer

We do what we can ahead of time, such as getting ingredients out of the refrigerator that work best at room temperature. I place things such as butter and almond paste in the sink overnight, which allows for easier mixing when we are ready for it.

One year we forgot to get the almond paste out ahead of time, and it not only made the mixing more difficult, but also affected the texture. Unfortunately, we disappointed a few of our guests who were expecting it. However, lesson learned.

Perhaps the best part of these baking days is that it can certainly get you into the holiday spirit.  We like to turn on our favorite Christmas music and break out our Christmas mugs for a cup of coffee or hot cocoa while we bake. Try it. You will be singing along together in no time, filled with holiday cheer.

Image via: Sur La Table

Sharing the Holiday Spirit…and Goodies

Nothing says ‘Merry Christmas’ to someone like handing them a plate of homemade goodies. It makes a great gift, especially for the people you don’t actually exchange gifts with such as:

* Neighbors
* Teachers
* Doctors
* Hairstylist

Now, of course I don’t make a special trip to all of these people, like my doctor or hairstylist. However, if I am going into their office, or getting my hair done the week before Christmas, I bring in a small sampling of what we have made.

Wrapping them up on a disposable holiday plate, with plastic wrap and bow for the smaller quantities is an easy presentation. If you have a larger amount to give, there are disposable plastic containers, or boxes, which you can find at the store. I just make sure the wrapping is festive, rather than simply throwing them in a plastic bag.

In Closing

I have enjoyed my time with my mom in our holiday traditions, and this is just one of them. If you are able to create these memories with your mom, I highly recommend it.

I remember holiday preparations with my grandma from years ago, and always will. It is something I hold near and dear to my heart, and so happy that I have these fond memories. We have started to incorporate my young children as well, and now have 3 generations in the kitchen, at least for a few minutes at a time, as they are young.

If your mom isn’t nearby, there is no reason why you can’t start these traditions with someone else, like your mother in law, a sister, children, or even your spouse.

From our home to yours, Happy Holidays!

Melissa Cameron is a freelance writer living in Texas with her husband and 2 children. She enjoys researching the latest information to help the home (like parenting and couponing) and tools (like Cuisinart toasters and mixers). When she is not writing, she enjoys spending time with her family.

For more holiday ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Last week I was getting my air conditioner fixed for the warm weather, and this week we are pulling out jackets and long sleeved shirts for the cooler weather, here in Jacksonville, Florida. For many of you the cooler Autumn months have already creeped in, and that means winter won’t be far behind. Today’s Guest Blogger gives tips for getting a jump start on winter maintenance for your home.

Image courtesy of Criagwood

Winter has a way of sneaking up on many homeowners. There’s nothing worse than being unprepared for cold winter weather when it finally hits. Be ready this year with these home winter preparation tips. You will be ready when Jack Frost comes blowing your home’s direction.

 Is Your Furnace Ready to Keep you Warm?

There is nothing worse than turning on your home’s furnace on the first really cold night in fall and having nothing happen.

1. If it’s been awhile since your home’s heating system has been checked, do it before the cold weather hits. HVAC professionals get booked at that time and you don’t want to be shivering.
2. Make sure the area around your furnace is free of debris and contains no flammable materials.
3. Go to the store and get stocked up on furnace filters and be ready to change them monthly. It keeps your furnace running more efficiently and assures you’re breathing cleaner air.
4. If you haven’t already done it, get a programmable thermostat installed.
5. If you use hot-water radiators to heat your home, bleed the valves.

 No More Energy Leaks!

Is your house drafty? You can save up to 30 percent on heating and cooling costs in your home by being sure your energy leaks are plugged, (US Energy Department).

1. Use caulk around cracks and joint areas like windows, door frames, plumbing pipes/fixtures, and even ceilings. You can also install weather stripping around windows and doors. Caulk is great around areas where you need a flexible seal.
2. Other important areas to check for leaks are around electrical outlets, pipes, and vents that go outdoors.  Check more removed places like closets for drafty locations. You might be surprised where you find drafty spots.
3. A big part of your home that can have undiagnosed air leaks are the air ducts. You may want to have an HVAC professional check your ducts and if needed seal and insulate them. It can save you lots of money and wasted energy.

Image courtesy of Pixdaus

 Insulate or Hibernate

Since we don’t hibernate like the bears, it’s never a bad idea to consider putting more insulation in the walls and attack.

Insulation will help your home stay cooler in hot summer temperatures and warmer in the cold winter months. Insulation comes in lots of forms fiberglass to cellulose, rigid foam board , and even spray foam. The best location to add insulation is in your attic, and experts recommend about 12 to 15 inches for the most efficiency.

Get Your Roof Ready

Is your roof ready for 12 inches of wet, cold snow? Are you gutters clear and ready to get unwanted water away from your house? It’s time to check your roof, gutters, and downspouts to be sure they are in good condition and ready to take on Jack Frost.

1. Check roofing to be sure it’s in good repair. Loose shingles should be removed and replaced.
2. Check your gutters and be sure they are clean of any debris.
3. Get out your hose and spray out downspouts to be sure they are ready for water.
4. If you have lots of trouble with falling leaves getting into gutters, consider getting some leaf guards to cover your gutters and keep them free of plant debris.
5. Make sure your flashing is also in good shape. You don’t want water getting into the wrong places.

This post was written by Derek Dasher from YourLocalSecurity.com, your source for ADT home security systems.

For more home maintenance ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Whether you are ready or not, Fall is coming around the corner in a few weeks. I’ve always loved Fall, it’s the perfect balance of temperatures, changing colors in foliage and the kids are back in school! Fall is especially exciting when football season is ramping up and so is preparing for tailgating on the weekends.

One from the archives…

Original Entry #4, September 1, 2009

The kids are back to school, and your teen already doesn’t know where his Algebra class syllabus is. You just finished the last barbecue at your house for Labor Day weekend, and now you’re thinking of how to get ready for the fall. Whether you live in the North or the South, fall means..football season, packing lunches, and packing up summer clothes.

Back-to-School help for the kids and you!

Here are some helpful hints to keep your kids organized, and you sane:

• Have kids unload backpack’s daily. Have them throw away trash, extra papers, candy wrappers. There has been many a time that an old Skittles bag, made a feast for ants in my son’s backpack!

• Have a 3-ring binder or folder for each of your kids school’s. From daycare to high school, the parents have plenty of papers to keep up with. Parent handbooks, PTA functions, teacher’s contact information and school calendars are right where you need them, quickly.
• Have extra school supplies? Who needs the 84 pack of pencils they sell? Donate them to the schools. I’ve never heard a teacher turn down extra supplies.. it might win your child brownie points too!

Football season means…

• ..packing up the car for tailgating.. or having friends over to watch the t.v. on the weekend. Whichever it means for you, make this ritual more fun now! If you’re a tailgater, find the blankets, coolers, stadium chairs in the garage and group them in an area. Using the grill? Make sure it’s clean now, pack up charcoal, utensils, and equipment, so you can grab n’ go! Having friends over? Stock up on snacks, paper supplies, and non-perishables .. so you don’t have to think about it, come game-day.

• Not a football fan? Make this your time to start packing up summer supplies for the winter. Kid’s pool inflatables, outdoor toys, patio supplies, etc.. If you live in cooler climates, this is the perfect time to get ready for winter. Pack up summer clothes, and start pulling out sweaters, and fall clothing.

Fall.. enjoy it!

• Leaves turning colors.. after you rake those big pile of leaves.. go play in them with your friends and family!
• Get out and exercise.. the excuse that it’s too hot.. is no longer.
• Enjoy the season that doesn’t have any major holiday’s! Before you know it, the hustle and bustle, and stress of the holiday’s will be upon us. Take a breather, and enjoy the season that doesn’t get enough fanfare!

For tips on how to get your home prepared for football guests, click here!

With the onset of hurricane season, and Hurricane Irene becoming a historical storm threatening over 2.2 million people in the south and northeastern U.S., the reality of what your home will look like after the storm is a concern to many. Living in Jacksonville, Florida, we have become accustomed to hurricanes, but no one can ever prepare for what they may face at their home after returning from an evacuation.

I have compiled a list of resources and important information to help you and your family clean up after a flood or hurricane. Even if you haven’t been effected by a hurricane or natural disaster, these tips are helpful to know in advance. As the United States has seen in the last week, there is no such thing as “My part of the country doesn’t get that type of natural disaster!”

Flood Cleanup Resources

Flood Cleanup – source EPA

During a flood cleanup, the indoor air quality in your home or office may appear to be the least of your problems. However, failure to remove contaminated materials and to reduce moisture and humidity can present serious long-term health risks. Standing water and wet materials are a breeding ground for microorganisms, such as viruses, bacteria, and mold. They can cause disease, trigger allergic reactions, and continue to damage materials long after the flood.

For basic information on how to clean up after a flood and how to prevent indoor air problems – download the flood_booklet here.

Returning Home after a Natural Disaster

Source – One Storm

Download the returning home after a natural disaster booklet here

Reentering Buildings

• Stay away from damaged buildings or structures until they have been examined and certified as safe by a building inspector or other government authority. You may want to wait to return to buildings during daylight hours, when it is easier to avoid hazards, particularly if the electricity is off and you have no lights.
• Leave immediately if you hear shifting or unusual noises that signal that the structure may fall or if you smell gas or suspect a leak. If you smell gas, notify emergency authorities and do not turn on the lights, light matches, smoke, or do anything that could cause a spark. Do not return to the house until you are told it is safe to do so.
• Keep children and pets out of the affected area until cleanup has been completed.

General Safety Measures

• Have at least two fire extinguishers, each with a UL rating of at least 10A, at every cleanup job.
• Wear hard hats, goggles, heavy work gloves, and watertight boots with steel toe and insole (not just steel shank) for cleanup work.
• Wear earplugs or protective headphones to reduce risk from equipment noise.
• Use teams of two or more people to move bulky objects. Avoid lifting any material that weighs more than 50 pounds (per person).
• When using a chain saw, operate the saw according to the manufacturer’s instructions, wear appropriate protective equipment, avoid contact with power lines, be sure that bystanders are at a safe distance, and take extra care in cutting trees or branches that have gotten bent or caught under another object. Use extreme caution to avoid electrical shock when using an electric chain saw. For tips on safely operating a chain saw, see “Preventing Chain Saw Injury During Tree Removal.”
• If there has been a backflow of sewage into your house, wear rubber boots, rubber gloves, and goggles during cleanup of the affected area.
• In hot weather, try to stay cool by staying in air-conditioned buildings, taking breaks in shaded areas or in cool rooms, drinking water and nonalcoholic fluids often, and wearing light and loose-fitting clothing. Do outdoor activities during cooler hours. For more information on protecting yourself against heat-related illness, see the CDC Extreme Heat website.

Cleanup Efforts

Source – Chiff

These tips from Lowe’s Home Improvement Stores will help you get busy with the clean-up and started on the way to returning to your normal life:
•    Keep battery-powered radios or televisions at hand for important flood or power updates
•    Check the home’s exterior and hose down debris and mud left by floodwater
Open interior doors with caution – doors that stick at the top could indicate a ceiling ready to fall.
•    Use fans, dehumidifiers and products such as calcium chloride pellets and cat litter to get rid of excess moisture.
•    Remove wet wallpaper – damp wallpaper paste is a prime location for mold to grow.
•    Ask a contractor or building inspector to check for mold damage after a flood.
•    Scrub all interior surfaces that were in contact with flood waters with bleach or a household disinfectant containing bleach.

For natural disaster information for your local area, check with disaster relief entities. In the United States – The Red Cross is a great resource.