Cement, bricks and tiles are the main building materials used in the construction of buildings. Today, increase in the demand for various building materials have led to many building material manufacturing companies. Many new building materials are environmental hazards, which have become a big concern to all.

Traditionally, the basic types of building materials used for construction were mud, stone and brush. Mud was used for filling the spaces between bricks and acted as a concrete and insulation. Centuries ago, houses were made entirely of dirt and clay. This was followed by the use of rocks (mainly granite) as building material. From the Neolithic period through the medieval age to modern times, granite has been commonly used as a building material. Brush structures were commonly seen in tropical areas and were made entirely from plant parts such as branches, bark, twigs and leaves. These structures were often used by Native Americans as resting places.

Stones and bricks were also common in construction. Different types of bricks have been and are still used for masonry. This includes specially shaped bricks for joints, striking and tooling, as well as glazed or rubbed bricks for decorative purposes.

Thatch is one of the oldest types of building material used for roofing. Another generic building material is wood. Because of the diverse character of different types of wood, it can be used for any type of structure in most climates. Even though wood structures were very common in earlier times, they disappeared with the approach of concrete structures.

Concrete is a composite building material comprised of aggregate and a binder (cement). Concrete finds good use in all types of building construction. Fly ash is a major ingredient in the concrete mix because of its lightweight and high thermal insulation.

More recently, new types of building materials are being used. These include metals (for the structural framework of larger buildings), plastics, asbestos and fabrics. Tar-based waterproof materials, paper linoleum, polyvinyl chloride clay and solvent coatings for inner wall are other building materials.

z-BuildingMaterials.com Building Materials provides detailed information on Building Materials, Building Material Manufacturers, Recycled Building Materials, Deck Building Materials and more. Building Materials is affiliated with Buildings-Web.com Home Buildings.

Sauna rooms are catching on, not just in fitness centers, health spas, and high end hotels; but for home use as well. Prices are coming down, competition is increasing it’s never been a better time to be a consumer shopping for a home sauna. Of course while the stage is set for you to have the largest choice of makes and models, and negotiate the best price possible there’s still quite a bit of knowledge you should be armed with before you go shopping.

There are three main types of sauna rooms available: steam, dry, and infrared. Then of those three variations of sauna heaters you can purchase a pre cut or a modular sauna room. What model should you be looking for, and what type of room best suits your current situation. If you’re remodeling or in the middle of new home construction then the choice doesn’t have to be based on space and size requirements. How ever if you’re not a fan of having to remodel a room in your home to accommodate your sauna room then read on, we’ll share the solution to this problem.

Precut sauna kits

Have a room in your home you think would be a perfect size for a sauna conversion? Then this is the kit for you. A pre-cut sauna room comes with all the required lumber measured and cut to complete the interior walls, and ceiling of a sauna. This makes it easy to finish out a room that is already framed by purchasing a kit that comes with all required materials and accessories to be up and running.

Manufacturers need exact measurements of the room your converting or building then they can get to work on supplying you with pre cut materials, sauna heater, bench, doors, and even lighting. While this can be a labor intensive process there are contractors that specialize in sauna and spa installation who can be a wealth of knowledge and assistance when attempting to complete a precut sauna in your home.

Modular Sauna Kits

The easiest way to add a sauna to your home is to purchase a modular sauna kit. Modular also known as prefabricated saunas come almost prebuilt. The walls, door and ceiling are all constructed by the manufacturer. How ever the final assembly is left to you as it’s less expensive to ship it almost built then if it was a complete sauna. Modular rooms can be purchased to accommodate from one to eight plus people and can be placed in almost any room of your home.

A big benefit to consumers who purchase prefab saunas is they can take them with them if they relocate. While a precut sauna will stay with the home if it’s sold.

It’s difficult to say one is better then the other as no two people will have the exact same expectations. If you’ve always wanted that relaxing sauna room in your then a pre cut sauna room is the easiest way to ensure quality workmanship and least waste of materials. Of course while the price of the kit is attractive don’t forget the cost that goes into preparing your room, and of course the fact that you give up the option of using that room for anything else in your home.

Be sure to educate yourself, a sauna is a big purchase. Consult with local sauna contractors for their input and seek out previous buyers input on if they’d buy the sauna they own again.

If you’d like to learn more about saunarelaxation.com/modular_sauna_rooms.html”
>modular sauna rooms, pre-cut saunas, and saunarelaxation.com/sauna_rooms.html sauna rooms visit our website.

It can be a stressful time when it comes to decorating. This is not so much due to the hard work involved, but with the amount of choice that there is out there.

There are so many different things that you can use or do in order to make a room or even your whole home look warm and inviting, as well as bringing a good atmosphere into the room at the same time. If you are struggling for ideas, maybe Tuscan furniture could be a consideration to help you to brighten up your home and to add some character to it as well. The great thing is that home decorating has never been so easy and it is simply beautiful, bringing a great sense of Italian culture to the home.

Displaying Tuscan Furniture

There is more to it than just buying Tuscan furniture and accessories because it is the way that you display it and make the use out of it that counts. There is such a big selection to choose from when it comes to Tuscan décor and it can be a bit daunting as to what to go for. Wood is the basic material that is used in order to make Tuscan furniture and some popular choices include:-

• Chestnut
• Cypress
• Fir
• Poplar

The Tuscan designs are truly unique and they offer something special to any room. The Tuscan theme tends to use a fair bit of leather as well as iron and metal, which are all worked into the design. The common colors associated with Tuscan furniture include deep reds as well as a cool Mediterranean blues. With these colors they really help to bring out the mix of the rustic and the classical, which are the highlight of the Tuscan theme.

Do you want the Great Benefits of Using Tuscan Décor in Your Home?

When it comes to decorating, furniture and other accessories really help to add extra character to any room that you desire. The correct use of furniture can make or break the whole look of the room and you need to make full use out of any empty space available. If you are considering using Tuscan furniture the benefits can include:-

• A unique style
• Warm colors
• Help to give the room more character
• Great to look at

These are just some of the benefits you can enjoy, but you can only truly appreciate them if you have them in your home yourself. They really do help to make a difference whether you use Tuscan wrought iron flower vases or anything else that you desire.

Adam Peters is the author and editor of many marble articles and newsletters published at home-decorating-reviews.com home-decorating-reviews.com . A website with tips on home-decorating-reviews.com/1106tuscan_design.html tuscan decor.

Sun, wind, rain and hail have all had a chance to damage your roof and the time has come to think about re-roofing. How do you know if your roof is ready for re-roofing? Who will give you trustworthy advice? Where do you start? How many bids should you get? What part should you play during the construction process? What is fair to expect of a contractor? What are the permit and licensing laws in the State of Your State?

If these are questions you are asking yourself, you have come to the right place! The Roofing Contractors Association of Your State (RCAT) is an organization of professional roofing contractors dedicated to the practice, and teaching, of the skills needed to protect your building from the elements. We offer this guide as a sincere effort to help the customer and contractor arrive at a happy conclusion to a successful effort.

Are you ready for a re-roof?

After a hail storm has hit your area, it may or may not be obvious that you need a new roof. While some hail may produce leaks that appear immediately, quite often hail may only fracture your shingles, which leads to premature roof failure. An inspection by a professional roofing contractor can answer this question. If you have a roof that is fifteen years old or older and it starts to show signs of deterioration, or produces leaks, it is time to call your roofing professional for an inspection and consultation.

Choose a member of the

Roofing Contractors Association of Your State

The State of Your State has no licensing requirement in place for roofing contractors at this time (2000 - 2001). RCAT is a twenty-five year old organization that was founded with the expressed purpose of bettering the roofing profession through education and the pursuit of a quality product.
By choosing a member of RCAT to be involved with your project, you are assured that you have a contractor who has had a successful track record in this field. To become a member, a contractor has to produce qualified references and be known to his competitors in the roofing community.
What is a Certified Roofing Contractor?

In the absence of licensing laws in Your State, RCAT has developed a comprehensive testing program. These tests are strictly monitored and require thorough knowledge of commercial roofing, residential roofing, and business and contract law. Certified contractors are leaders in their field who are bringing a proven professionalism to your roofing or re-roofing project.

Certifications are:
CCRC
Certified Commercial Roofing Contractor
CC-RRC
Certified Commercial and Residential Roofing Contractor
CRRC
Certified Residential Roofing Contractor
These certifications are noted in our membership listings.
Getting the estimate

Choosing the right contractor is the most important step. Be sure that you obtain at least three written estimates. These estimates should all be based on the same type and quality of materials. Time needed to complete the project should also be included. Be sure to inquire how work will proceed and how trash will be handled so that you will know what to expect as the job proceeds. Understand the differences in your bids if there are variations. Donft automatically choose the lowest estimate!

Ask for a list of successfully completed projects in your area. Check references and inquire about quality of work performed. If possible, go look at the contractorfs work. Check with the BBB to see if any complaints are unresolved. Ask for written evidence of coverage from the contractorfs insurance carrier. Ask about warranties.

The contract

The agreement can be as simple as a signed proposal. It should have the contractorfs name, address, and phone number. All areas of work and materials to be used should be described. If it is verbally promised, it should be written down. On large jobs where monthly draws will be necessary, a standard AIA contract form, available at most business supply stores, could be a consideration. Whatever document you decide to use, your contractor should supply two copies that you both sign, one of which you should keep. Keep any receipts of money paid. Pay by check.
With a regular sized house, it is considered usual for you to pay one third to one half of the cost of a job at the time that all materials are delivered onto your property. The balance due is then usually paid at the time of successful completion. This varies in different areas and with different contractors but should be worked out and written in your agreement. If you will be paying for this roofing in conjunction with a building loan or insurance claim, or if for any other reason there will be a deferred payment, this should be written down and agreed to by both parties.
Warranties and guarantees of workmanship must be a written part of the contract.
Obtaining a roofing permit

In many communities, a roofing permit is required. Check with your contractor or the permits department at your city hall to obtain information. Be sure it is understood who will obtain and post this permit.

During the job

You have followed your instincts and from the information presented, you have made your choice. You have his handshake, a written and signed proposal, a copy of his insurance, and you have gone over the scope of the work. You have done well; now let that roofer go to work. With proper pre-job paperwork and planning, you have helped to ensure that this upgrading of your buildingfs element protection is effective and long-lasting. It is not unreasonable to expect a daily report from your contractor, but the best thing to do now is have confidence in your choice. If your contractor is a member of the Roofing Contractors Association of Your State, he is pledged to your satisfaction.

Being aware that most roofing applications cannot be worked on during rainy weather. You should expect that the number of working days need be increased by the number of rain days experienced. As long as weather is factored in, you should be able to monitor the work from a bit of a distance. If things are on track, let them work. If you are unsure of any part of the progress it is best to contact the person who contracted with you. Donft try to run the crew; let their boss do that.

DO NOT use a contractorfs ladder to go up onto the roof. Good safety practice and insurance regulations prohibit it.

Final payment

At the time of final payment, all work should be done, grounds cleaned, warranties dated and signed. Get a receipt for all payments. If you keep these receipts and warranties, they can come in handy in the case of severe weather damage in the future.

If you are pleased with your contractorfs work, let him know that this is a job well done. These folks work mighty hard for you out in the hot Your State sun, they can use an “Attaboy.”

Remember to…

Verify the name, address, telephone number, and references of your roofing contractor.
Ask if he is a member of the Roofing Contractors Association of Your State.
Make sure that he is insured.

Obtain at least three bids, and get a feel for the work and materials offered.
Check zoning and permit laws in your community.

Make sure that all agreements are written and signed and you have a copy.
Don sign any agreement that you don fully understand or agree with.

Once you have selected a contractor, give him the access he needs to get the job done.
Final payment should be made when all work is complete.
Donft pay cash in advance to a salesperson or contractor.

BEWARE of…
Contractor whose references are all out of state.
Contractor who wants money before materials are on site.
Contractor who is not an established member of the community.

Retreat to a garden and patio design that’s beautiful year-round, and takes minimum fuss. What makes this possible? Carefree plants with continuous blooms, and a well-planned garden structure.

You don’t need to be a lawn and garden expert or landscape designer to do this. Here are a few tips for creating a super yet simple garden and patio design that will be a knockout!

The first step is to take a birds-eye view of your garden and patio area. Make a rough sketch of your space, and play around with a few designs until you like what you see. As you’re doing this, get some great ideas from existing garden and patio decorations. Pay a visit to other people’s gardens, or public gardens. Look through home landscaping and gardening magazines, find what you like, and develop plans of your own.

Decide what style or theme is right for you… formal, casual, rustic, Southwestern, Japanese… there are enormous possibilities. Then stay with that style and theme so the overall effect does not become confusing. For instance, you wouldn’t want to combine bronze garden sculptures of saints or cherubs with rustic wooden wagon wheels.

Imagine what your patio area will most often be used for. You may plan to entertain lots of outdoor dinner guests. If so, be sure your patio space has plenty of room for the largest number of people right from the beginning. Your patio may be more of a private, reflective retreat for enjoying the sun, reading a book, or gazing up at the stars. Determine the use of shade, open sun, or even covering it with a roof.

Now take your favorite ideas and put them into your rough plans - and soon you’ll have a design that is ready for action.

The next step is to create your garden and patio design to scale - you can use landscaping software for this, or do it by hand. Choose the flowers you intend to plant, noting how many you will need for each month of your growing season, and select the landscaping structures that will give your design its form.

Some say the secret to a beautiful garden and patio design is having a good amount of hard structure. This is what landscape designers refer to as “good bones” - walls, fences, garden bridges, gates, garden arbors, landscape statues, garden fountains … even a strong line of evergreen plants.

Garden structures such as these create forms and lines, giving your garden and patio design definition and dimension. Plus, in the winter when most plants are empty and bare, your garden will preserve its shape and sense of completeness. It’s amazing how just one or two structures can produce this satisfying effect.

Most garden and landscaping structures are built to withstand the elements. Treated pine, cedar and teak garden furniture, trellises, arbors, and decorative fencing are great choices. Stone, copper, and bronze garden statuary will never let you down. Garden fountains bring incredible beauty and atmosphere to any garden and patio design - in fact, entire gardens have been built around them.

Next, choose annual spring flowers and perennial plants that will give you blooms from one season to the next. For instance, select carefree roses that need no pruning or spraying, and bloom continuously from spring through fall. Fill planters with beautiful blooming flowers such as Oriental lilies or verbena for different colors all summer long. Establish flower beds in corners or along walk ways. Always consider your local climate and plant according to the sun and shade needs of your plants.

As you plan your garden and patio design, create paths or walk ways that lead from one area to the next. Rambling garden paths are relaxing and charming… and if laid out thoughtfully, will be a big help to you as the gardener. Paths can be of stone, brick, flagstone, gravel, or mown turf, although grass paths require more upkeep. Garden sculptures or sitting benches thoughtfully placed along the way provide wonderful expression.

If you want garden and patio designs that are pre-drawn, there are ready-made plans available in books and magazines. This is another fine way to get off to a solid start. Use pre-made garden plans from start to finish, or incorporate parts of them right into you own creative plans.

Copyright 2006 Robert Mosse

Robert Mosse is a gardening and lawn care specialist and author of the “Easy” Lawn and Gardening Book Series. Visit Robert at lawn-and-gardening-tips.com Lawn And Gardening Tips for great gardening info… and get the free Guide for 101 Gardening Tips.

Wireless headphones are the ones where there is no cord to connect the set with source of music. Wireless headphones come with a transmitter base which plugs into the source of audios while the headphone set comes with a built in radio amplifier and a receiver. The nomenclature wireless is reserved for sets operating on Infrared while the cordless is for ones which operate on radio waves.

Infrared limits the distance one can move with wireless headphones. Usually, it not possible to move farther then a few yards away or go to another room, but there are some versions that allow whole house coverage. Cordless headphones allow a better range of movement. When you go to buy a wireless headphone, you should look for wireless headphones which have an on board volume control. This is helpful as you will not need to return to the base unit or audio source to control volume every time. Most wireless headphones are Dolby enabled. This technology is usually not available in simpler headphones which work on cords. Dolby technology gives far better sound quality then common headphones.

While looking for wireless headphones, it is recommended to try them before buying as they need to fit well on your head. Some stores will keep them in factory packaging and will not allow you to try on the wireless headphones. If you decide to purchase them online you, try to choose a name brand that you can trust. Most wireless headphones are adjustable and universal fitting.

Wireless headphones come in different models, which weigh different. Always look for models which are lighter as you may be wearing these headphones for longer period of time.

Most wireless headphones operate on batteries. Since you may use them for long period of time, using plain batteries will be quite expensive. While buying wireless headphone set, try and get sets of rechargeable batteries so that you can recharge them and reuse over a period of time. The better brands have rechargeable batteries and just need to be replaced in the base unit for charging.

Wireless headphones come in four styles:

• Earbud
• Sealed
• Canal
• Open

As a rule, ear bud design of wireless headphones is not the best design as it may cause loss of hearing over time. Open design lowers the sound quality a bit. When you are online or in a store looking for wireless headphones, remember these certain points:

• Wireless headphones which use Infrared are not affected by interference from electric appliances like Plasma TV.

• Headsets which operate on the 95 KHz infrared frequency work well in movie theatres.

• If you wish to use wireless headphones for plasma TV, buy one that operates on 2.3 MHZ.

• Although bigger plush earphones give better sound quality, they heat up faster then smaller ones so they may not be used for very long period of time.

• Most wireless headphones deliver better sound quality then the TV sets.

• Wireless headphones need to be kept clean and dry as possible. Watch were you take them, such as a Jacuzzi or sauna.

Wireless headphones are priced over a very large range. Although you may be tempted to buy the latest version, always look for the features you are getting and how you will use them. Although almost all types of wireless headphones are susceptible to some hiss, wherever the sound is digitally encoded first before transmitting, the voice quality is best.
Wireless headphones are extremely comfortable for people who may need to move a lot while listing to music or watching movies.

Jeffrey Meier can show you Wireless Headphones and Noise Cancelling Headphones at noisefreeheadphones.com noisefreeheadphones.com

It can be an exciting time getting wooden furniture for the house as it can help to add charisma and personality to any room. There are so many great benefits to using wooden furniture in the house as it really does add something special. The best part is that there is such a wide range of different wooden products to choose from too.

Do you know About Proper Wood Furniture Care?

The furniture can be an expensive thing to get in the first place so you are ideally going to want it to last as long as possible. To ensure that this happens you need to know exactly how to look after it properly and one thing that needs careful consideration is the type of products that you use on the wooden furniture in order to help care for it. Also, it is worth keeping in mind that some products may be harmful to your health, so you should always do your research.

There is a lot more to caring for your wooden furniture than just cleaning it with any old cloth. You need to take the time and effort to get all of the right equipment to make sure that you do not cause any damage and that you help to protect the furniture for as long as possible. The wrong use of products and using things such as rough cloths etc could scratch or damage the wooden furniture in the long run.

Another method that you can use is to quickly clear up any spills with a cloth or anything else that may be of use. This prevents the spill or leak from soaking into the wood and causing water damage. Water on laminate flooring can cause it to expand and it can make it start to rise up. If you have a wooden table then you can use things to prevent spills and leaks such as using place mats and pads for plates and cups to stop things from getting on there. If you use candles then use something to put underneath such as a plate, tray or anything that you want in order to stop wax from getting onto your furniture.

If you get some tough stains on the table then make sure that you read the instructions and if there is anything that you are not sure about then you should look for an alternative. It may seem like a lot of bother but it helps to keep your furniture looking as good as possible without causing damage. Also, something that will help is to keep any wooden furniture away from direct sunlight to avoid it getting damaged from the UV rays.

There are quite a few different potential hazards that can cause damage to wooden furniture, so with a bit of consideration and care you can help to keep your furniture looking as great as possible for many years to come.

Adam Peters is the author and editor of many tables, chairs, loungers articles and newsletters published at home-decorating-reviews.com home-decorating-reviews.com . You can find more information and resources on home-decorating-reviews.com/magazine/wood-furniture-care.html wood furniture care at his website.

Formica countertops are a solid choice that marries beauty and affordability. Caring for these counters correctly can extend their life and ensure they maintain their good looks over time.

To extend the lifespan of Formica countertops, it is very important to clean them correctly and to also avoiding doing or using things that can damage them. While they are a lot tougher than stone lovers might give them credit for, Formica counters can be damaged. When a little common sense goes into their care, these counters can hold up to normal wear and tear very well.

The things to avoid to ensure Formica stays looking great include:

* Heat and flames. Formica can and does burn and scorch. Do not place electrical appliances or hot pots and pans directly on these counter tops. Use hot plates, trivets or pads to protect the surface. Use care when smoking around these counters, too, as cigarettes can leave behind nasty, permanent burn marks.

* Cutting. Although these counters are scratch resistant, cutting directly on them can leave behind permanent marks. Use cutting boards to protect the appearance of the counters. Also, never chop directly on the counter’s surface. Use a board for this without fail.

* Harsh abrasives. Scouring powder and other abrasive materials can damage these countertops. Stick to milder agents for cleaning.

* Chemicals and solvents. Most of these can be sopped up right away with minimal or no damage, but do take care when using things such as drain cleaner and other acidic materials nearby. Other things that can damage these counters include dyes, glues, oven cleaner and even abrasive dish washing machine cleaners. Avoid spilling them on the counters if at all possible.

* Over watering. Since Formica counter tops typically have seam lines, it is important to avoid flooding these counters. Too much water can leak into the seams and cause swelling problems.

Formica counter tops tend to clean up very easy, but there are some basic instructions for their care. They include:

* Standard cleaning. These counters generally can be cleaned with nothing more than soapy water and a clean cloth or sponge. Window cleaner and paper towel works well, too. Avoid abrasives when possible.

* Streak removal. Nothing more than regular window cleaner is needed to clean up streaks in darker counter tops.

* Spills. These should be cleaned up right away. Some spills can leave behind permanent staining, so it is important to stay on top of them. If stains are a problem, try a mild cream cleanser. If that doesn’t do it, a mild bleach solution might assist, but be prepared for the possibility of discoloration.

* Waxing. Some experts recommend this to protect from staining and others do not. If a wax or gel is desired, find one that is recommended for use on Formica.

They might not be the most expensive counter tops on the market, but the fact is Formica can and does look beautiful. Keeping Formica counter tops looking great requires only a little basic care and common sense.

Still looking for the perfect counter tops? Try visiting typesofcountertops.com typesofcountertops.com - a website that specializes in providing counter top advice, tips and resources including information on typesofcountertops.com/formicacountertops.html formica countertops.

Some people find that their floors have a tendency to look bare, but there are things out there that can make it look so much warmer. One great option available is to use area rugs as they come in so many different shapes and sizes to suit all sizes of rooms. There is so many available to suit everyone’s needs and tastes and they will be able to fit into every home.

How Can The Rooms In Your Home Benefit From The Use Of Area Rugs?

The great thing about area rugs is the amount of choice that there is out there. If you have a smaller room, there is a huge range of smaller area rugs that you can use to best fill up any open spaces. Also if you have a larger room, you could buy massive area rugs or even try using more than one to add warmth, flair and extra personality to the room. They can be used to finish off the look of any room whether it has just been decorated or not.

What Should You Look For When Buying An Area Rug For Your Home?

There are a few things that you can consider when it comes to buying a rug for your home. Here are a couple of things that you may want to consider:-

How much do you have to spend on a rug?
How can the space in your room benefit from an area rug?
Do you need a rug in your room?
How much space do you have to fill and what size rug do you need?
What color will best suit the room?
Will the style compliment the room?

It may not seem like it, but by asking these questions can actually help you to make the right choice. There is more to it than just buying any old rug as it may not suit the look of the room you are using it for.

What Style Of Area Rug Should You Go For?

When it comes to choosing a style of rug this will depend entirely upon a person’s own tastes and needs. A great choice that is quite popular is oriental designs which include Persian rugs and they can really add something special to the room. You need to find one that compliments the room the best so it is a case of having a thorough look around to find the best one. Look at all of the different materials and styles to get a feel for them and visualize which one you think will best suit the room.

Andrew Caxton contributes adding long articles on carpets for home-decorating-reviews.com home-decorating-reviews.com. Find more publications about home-decorating-reviews.com/carpets-rugs/carpets-rugs-index.html area rugs at his website.

Whether it is a natural disaster like hurricane Katrina or an unnatural catastrophe like an upwind industrial chemical explosion, what you do now to protect yourself and your family can make the difference between life and death. After you survive, rebuilding your life and business quickly becomes critical.

Please, do not for one moment think that Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is going to be able to get to you in time, unless you have already taken these steps to rescue yourself. Tragically, even 10 days after post-Katrina rescue efforts began, there were still people starving to death in New Orleans.

It can happen anywhere (here), and it is not if, it is when it will happen. No one can predict the future, but you can take measures now so you know that you have done what you can to prepare.

Check out these Catastrophe Survival Tips for You and Your Family” that you can use to buy yourself and your family more time. Time is the second most important factor in surviving a catastrophe. Water is number one, so our first tip is:

1) Without water you lose your ability to make clear decisions within 24 hours. Thirst kills you faster than famine. At Work: Keep a backpack at work with as much bottled water as you can carry. Plus, put in dried fruit, power bars, your daily medications or vitamins and a small first aid kit. Keep a Family Emergency Numbers List inside too. At Home: Put at least enough water in sealed containers so that your family will have one gallon per day for two weeks. I just bought shrink-wrapped cases of quart-sized plastic water bottles and stacked them under the backyard picnic table. Even if some of it is compromised you will still have other bottles intact. Swap water out every six months - put a reminder in your calendar.

2) Create a Catastrophe Kit on your property outside your house and garage (in a back corner of your yard, for instance). It is as easy as getting a plastic 55-gallon trash bin with clips on the lid to hold it shut. Or use a small plastic/metal garden ’shed’ in your yard.

3) Clean out your closets and put in layered clothing AND tough shoes for each family member. You need a complete change of dry clothing that you can be warm enough in to sleep while dressed.

4) Clean out the camping gear you are not using: this is the perfect place for it. Tents, Tarps, Ponchos, Sleeping bags or Wool blankets (wool will keep you warmer even when wet), cooking gear, Lighters, Utensils, Can-openers and a pan to boil water.

5) Make a separate sealed container with food in it. Canned goods as complete meals are ideal. Dried foods will use precious water to reconstitute. Instant coffee keeps withdrawal headaches away. If you smoke, put a carton of cigarettes in to prevent withdrawal sickness. Concentrate on meals (e.g. beef stew, spaghetti) and carbohydrate foods like cereal bars and dried fruit leathers for energy.

6) If you eat a protein drink (or power bar) regularly, throw in a big container (or a 12-pack of cans/bars) and enough liquid to mix it up. This is a good concentrated food source.

7) Include another plastic sealed container with all of the basic medicines or vitamins you and your family must have. Some doctors will give you double prescriptions once if you ask. Clean out your bathroom cabinets and make sure to pack first aid remedies like ibuprofen, tylenol, aspirin, bandages, anti-bacterial ointment, etc. You can get cost-effective home emergency kits at Costco.

Important: a battery radio for emergency broadcasts; ideally a CB radio or Nextel-type network phone; your Family List with names, essential medical and contact information, as well as local emergency numbers. Call friends/family outside your state to leave update info. Local phone access is often turned off or destroyed during emergencies.

9) Maintain a Catastrophe mini-Kit for your car(s). Always have a blanket, food (e.g., power bars) and water in sealed containers. You can buy quality car emergency kits at Costco, too.

Create regular backups of your personal and business computer systems. I use Norton Ghost to image copy my entire drive onto an external hard drive and store it in the trunk of my car parked in my driveway. You probably won’t be thinking about your business in the middle of a disaster, but when you survive you will need to rebuild your life and business as soon as possible.

It’s more fun hassling re-creating your working drive than it is to go out of business. You can also do regular backups to remote sites on the web. I highly recommend my backup ‘guru’ Sallie Goetsch’s weekly Backup Reminder ezine. For essential backup tips visit the FileSlinger(tm) Backup Blog ( fileslinger.com/blog/)

“May you and yours be safe and well.” But, do your family’s Catastrophe Kits this weekend anyway, OK? Organizing cannot stop a catastrophe, but after you survive it will help you and your family in recovering quickly.

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by Eve Abbott, the Organizer Extraordinaire

Eve Abbott’s entertaining new book, “How to Do Space Age Work with a Stone Age Brain TM” is guaranteed to save you time while reducing your stress. The Organizer Extraordinaire pioneered in offering free online assessments to help you make your new personal organizing solutions match your individual work style.

For more proven tips, articles, interviews or teleseminars please contact Eve at: 877-528-4950 or mailto:Eve@Organizer-Extraordinaire.com Eve@Organizer-Extraordinaire.com. You are welcome to discover more productivity resources at Eve’s website organizer-extraordinaire.com/” target=”_new organizer-extraordinaire.com