How To Build a Household Emergency Kit

Stuff happens. Whether it’s a minor fire in the kitchen or a full-blown disaster in your community, you need to be ready to react to danger and either tackle it yourself or prepare for the worst. Here's how to build a household emergency kit containing items that can help make the bad times a little easier to handle.

Water Supply

We take water for granted, expecting it to pour out whenever we turn a handle. But what if it wasn’t that easy? Droughts, tornadoes, and other disasters can stem the water supply or make it undrinkable. Just in case, store a three-day supply of water somewhere in your home that’s cool and dry. Food-grade containers, in 55-gallon drums and other sizes, are the best because they don’t transfer toxic materials to the water. You’ll need a gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation. You shouldn’t store tap water for more than six months before changing it.

Food Supply

Put aside a three-day supply of non-perishable food including canned meats, canned fruits and vegetables, canned chili, peanut butter, jellies and jams, dry or canned soup, fruit and protein bars, granola and cereals, and baby food (if necessary). Avoid foods that can spoil or cause thirst. Check cans for damage or corrosion and replace them. Also, if you must leave your home, canned goods provide their own “pots” for cooking over a fire.

First Aid Kit

Always an indispensable tool—from minor cuts to greater injuries—as long as you remember to keep it stocked. Also, a portable kit with a shoulder strap is easier to grab and go than a slick plastic box with no handle. You could make your own kit, but premade ones are available at reasonable prices. The Red Cross sells one containing necessities like aspirin, disinfecting wipes and antibiotic ointments, gauze pads, tape, an emergency blanket, a CPR kit, bandages in all shapes and sizes, and vinyl gloves, among other equipment.

Basic Tools and Comforts

A 10-in-1 multipurpose tool is an invaluable and portable way to be ready for anything. Small battery-operated radios will keep you updated on the news while flashlights keep you safe in the dark (bring extra batteries for both). Paper maps beat apps when the power goes out and you need to find a safe place to stay. Wet wipes are good for everyone’s basic sanitation and hygiene, but don’t forget to pack for specific individuals with certain needs (medication, syringes, eyeglasses, and so on).

Get the Car Ready To Go

When learning how to build a household emergency kit, don’t forget your car. In an emergency, your car won’t just be your transportation; it may serve as your temporary home/headquarters. Ensure it gets regular checkups, keep it filled with gas and topped off with fluids, and pack a car emergency kit along with an empty gas can, water container, and any other tools you might need on the road.

Shaker Kitchens: A Timeless Trend

Combining sleek elegance and functional simplicity, Shaker style kitchens have stood the test of time for over two centuries. An emphasis on quality craftsmanship and classic style cements these kitchens as a firm favorite among kitchen designers. In our latest article, we take a closer look at the Shaker kitchen trend and what makes it so enduring.

A History of Shaker Style

The Shaker style originated in the mid 18th century. Its creators were a small religious sect which emerged from the Quakers. The group, known to many as ‘Shakers’ prized honesty, simplicity and utility as core values amongst their community. Many embraced communal living and self sufficient practices, growing their own food and making their own furniture.   

‘Beauty Rests on Utility

A popular Shaker maxim, ‘beauty rests on utility’ depicts the Shaker belief that simple is stylish. And that too much adornment is a show of ‘pride’. Instead of lavish ornamentation, Shakers focused on function and the belief that all things should hold a purpose. Their lifestyle avoided unnecessary waste. Off cuts of wood would be used for kindling or making matches. 

Shaker Signature Style: Shaker Cabinets

Perhaps the most well known element of Shaker style is their cabinets. Renowned for their solid, well built cabinets, in particular their doors, these are a key feature in any Shaker kitchen. 

Shaker style cabinet doors will typically comprise a square frame, with panels and rails. Made from robust, locally sourced wood, they are truly built to last. 

Rather than importing wood for their cabinets, Shakers opted for locally sourced materials, preferring woods such as cherry, oak and maple. These woods have the added benefit of the grain showing through paint layers to give that traditional look. 

While the Shakers were known for their love of function and simplicity, their choice in color schemes was certainly not lacking in aesthetic appeal. The original Shaker kitchens used primary colors such as red, yellow, green or blue. Shakers used natural plants and dyes to mix their palettes, which created beautiful naturally inspired tones, providing a welcome contrast to the traditional plain white walls. 

The Importance of Storage

With their desire for function came the importance of adequate storage. They believed that space should be uncluttered (a common theme in modern day minimalism design trends), with everything in its place. Within Shaker design you will find plenty of functional storage. Tables with drawers for cutlery, peg hooks or rails for displaying utensils, dried herbs and cookware and large dressers all feature. In modern day Shaker kitchens, designers use kitchen islands to provide additional storage.

The beauty of the Shaker style kitchen is that it is perfect for both period and modern style properties. The sleek, modern minimalism reminiscent of the contemporary kitchen combined with traditional values and natural materials is the ideal mix. If you are a lover of minimalist or Scandinavian style design, both of these have been heavily influenced by Shaker style. 

Key Elements of a Shaker Kitchen

Neutral Colors

To start with, a Shaker kitchen needs a neutral color base on which to build. Most designers prefer classic or warm white, as it perfectly complements the overall style and makes the most of natural light. However, others have been known to opt for darker colors such as navy for their kitchen backdrop.

Sturdy Cabinets

At center stage should be solid timber cabinets, with the classic Shaker style structure. Oak is a sturdy, reliable wood that will stand the test of time, while acting as a perfect base for your chosen color scheme. 

Color Contrast

Many Shakers chose to leave their cabinets unpainted, instead just oiling them. However, if you desire a little more color, be sure to pick a contrasting shade to your white walls. Opt for earthy tones, like the Shakers themselves. Alternatively, go bold with a darker, more dramatic shade. Deep navy and forest green are popular seasonal color trends. 

Natural Materials

When it comes to worktops, solid, natural materials are best. Stone, marble or granite are all popular choices. While another stylish option is wood such as oak or walnut. 

Simple living and beauty in functionality. Shaker style is sophisticated and timeless - built to last.  

Tips for Protecting the Many Different Kinds of Flooring Throughout Your Home

There are likely several different types of flooring and floor materials throughout your home, and each of these require different types of protection and care. To keep all your floors in top condition, you need to know what care requirements they each have. Here are a few tips for protecting different floors in your home to keep them looking new for years.

Choose the Right Products When Cleaning

First, know that cleaning your floors is essential no matter which material you use. It is the easiest and most efficient way to extend the life of your floor. Sweep non-carpeted floors twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening, to get rid of food crumbs, dust, grime, or dirt. While these may not seem like a big deal, they can ruin the floors. Microfiber dust mops are inexpensive, simple to use, and highly effective at picking the smallest particles. 

When you’re using cleaning chemicals to clean up spills and other messes, check the label on the cleaner to ensure that they won’t damage your floors. Do not use diluted vinegar to clean, as it tends to fade things out. Also avoid using soap-based cleaners as they leave remnants on the finish, which can cause damage.

Recoat Wood Floors Regularly

Even with cleaning the floors daily, some damage will likely still happen. With time you will notice scratches and scuffs on your wood floors, and the finish of the boards will fade and wear. Recoating them revamp the floors, making them brighter and shinier. This will also help prevent future scratches and scuffs. You should usually recoat every three to five years, or if you notice it getting dull and scratched.

Protect Concrete Floors

While concrete floors may seem indestructible, they can get scratched or dented by heavy objects being dragged across them. They can also crack due to fluctuations in temperature or other issues. You can use an epoxy garage floor coating for concrete floors in the garage, basement, or elsewhere in your home. Epoxy is a liquid that hardens after application. In addition to reinforcing the floor and protecting it, an epoxy coating can also make it look cleaner and more attractive. Concrete epoxy is resilient, long-lasting, and easy to retain. Applying it over concrete floors furnishes a smooth, durable, and high-performance surface that lasts years and endure heavy loads.

Applying epoxy requires a spotless and penetrable surface to stick properly. Concrete should not be polished; otherwise, epoxy will not work. The concrete must be healthy. Remove all grease and patches, and repair cracks before applying an epoxy coat. Test the surface for anterior layers for other products if the concrete is old.

Clean Carpets Frequently

Keep doormats or rugs at all entrances for visitors and family members to clean their shoes. This will protect the carpets throughout the rest of your home from picking up this dirt instead. For indoor house pets, keep pet towels within reach of the door to clean their paws before allowing them to enter the house. Vacuum your carpets frequently to avoid the accumulation of dust. You can also apply a stain protectant coating to the carpets or invest in waterproof carpets. This minimizes wear and tear and safeguards them from any spillage or stains. If you do spill something, be sure to clean it up quickly or it will be difficult to get out.

Be Careful With Vinyl Flooring

Many people like vinyl floors because they’re a cheaper alternative to hardwood or tile floors while still being attractive. They are also very durable and more resistant to water damage than hardwood. However, they can still be damaged. It is important to lift furniture if you have vinyl flooring instead of sliding it. Sliding furniture will scratch, dent, rip, or otherwise harm the floor. Use an area rug or glue felt pads to protect the floors. 

Protecting your floors doesn’t have to be difficult. If you remember a few simple care tips for the flooring in your home, your floors will look beautiful for years to come.

Guest Post - 5 Tips to Keep Your House Clean While Having Kids

Being a parent is the most lovely and responsible thing at the same time. After a tough day at work, you need to dedicate time and attention to your kids. However, a moment of silence and peace also needs to exist. That is the only way to recharge your batteries and prepare yourself for a new working day. Is something like that easy?

Things become challenging when a family house requires cleaning. That type of obligation reduces the amount of time that moms and dads have to relax. There is no reason to delay the cleaning. Instead, parents who want to have a tidy house and healthy nerves should improve their time management. Here are a couple of tips for all parents who want to keep their house tidy with no extra effort. 

Every Item Needs to Have a Place!

Communication between grownups and children needs to be kind and simple. You need to explain to kids that every toy or any other item has its place. However, your task is to design the area where the toys should stay while no one plays with them.

For instance, wood bins are an excellent area where kids can place their toys. Despite that, parents can also be creative and improvise things. An upcycled shoe box can also be an excellent place for trinkets.

It may be tough at the beginning. Parents will probably need to repeat a couple of times the "put this away" request. Fortunately, sooner or later, kids will do that without any additional instructions. 

Some Playtime Rules Need to Exist!

Defining some playtime rules will help you keep the house tidy. For instance, kids often like to take all the toy collections they have from the wood box or any other area. Unfortunately, they usually live the mess after they finish playing. That brings another duty that parents need to complete. 

Instead of that, parents should help their kids to self-organize with the appropriate rules. For instance, wherever children want to play, they can use only one toy collection. However, if they want to get another one, they need to put the first collection back to the designed area. In that way, cleaning the mess will be much easier for both parents and kids. 

There is a good reason why this method will pay off in the end. First of all, kids will get the necessary discipline quicker than usual. Parents will not have to clean instead of them or remind them of the duties they have. Sooner or later, that duty will become part of their subconsciousness. 

Organize a Team Work

There is one sad fact that some studies confirmed. Parents spend around five hours a week communicating face-to-face with their kids. Understandably, people work hard every day. Because of that, they need to organize their time to be able to dedicate more attention to their kids. 

For instance, let's imagine that you need to complete some paperwork at home. Instead of completing that part of the job, you can look for a standard writing service that will make things easier. In the meantime, you can play with kids and use that time to clean together. 

Parents and kids should be a team. Encourage your child to participate in cleaning the house together. The cleaning process, in that way, will be more entertaining for the kids. When grownups are not home, it may happen that kids will continue with the same routine. 

Additionally, parents can try to organize some sort of "cleaning party". For instance, they can turn on music while all the family members are participating in cleaning. Everything will look easier and more entertaining when all participants are in a good mood. 

Teach Your Kid to Clean Properly

Parents do not only have to make cleaning more entertaining. They also need to ensure that their kids use appropriate methods to complete their job. In many cases, kids will try to clean their room, but moms and dads will probably need to re-clean it. Re-cleaning sometimes takes more time than usual cleaning.

The reason why this happens is simple. As mentioned, you should try to make cleaning look similar to the games kids would enjoy. However, some sort of balance needs to exist, and children need to realize that cleaning is also a responsible task that requires concentration and hard work. Music, teamwork, and other tricks should only serve as a tool that will simplify the entire process. 

Clean Regularly!

After a tough day at work, cleaning seems like the most challenging duty ever. Parents would rather spend the remaining part of the day relaxing. However, the mess won't disappear. Because of that, they usually need to complete that part of the job during the weekends.

Weekends serve as the time when people recharge their batteries. It would be much better to spend 1 hour a day cleaning and divide all the duties in that way. For instance, one day all the family members can clean the living room, the next day the bedroom, etc. When the weekend comes, there will be enough time to enjoy family time without any need to worry about additional obligations and rest. 

Bonus: Why Don't You Help Other Parents?

Parents should reorganize their time until they reach their goal. However, when they finally reach it, sharing success should serve as an inspiration. Many parents would like to know whether the tricks you were using are effective or not. Pieces of advice that you have can be valuable for many families. 

One of the ways to share your “knowledge” is by entering different social media groups. Despite that, you can try out to start a parenting blog. If the partners are not good content writers, they can always use the assistance of thesis writing services like GetGoodGrade. In that way, they will manage to share all the tips throughout simple and engaging content. Doesn’t this sound like a good idea?

Conclusion

Thanks to these five tips, parents will manage to keep their house clean. All family members should participate in the cleaning processes. Teaching kids to clean properly will not only make the free time of a parent more relaxing. It will help children improve their self-discipline and make them more responsible. 

With proper communication with kids and adequate time-management, the most difficult task will become a lot easier. Isn't that the goal that all parents have?

Author’s bio. Jessica Fender is a professional writer and educational blogger. Jessica enjoys sharing her ideas to make writing and learning fun.