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Stay Safe During a Hurricane

Stay Informed

Listen for emergency information and alerts.
If told to evacuate by local officials, do so immediately.

Dealing with the Weather

Determine how best to protect yourself from high winds and flooding.
Take refuge in a designated storm shelter, or an interior room for high winds.
If trapped in a building by flooding, go to the highest level of the building. Do not climb into a closed attic. You may become trapped by rising flood water.
Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters. Turn Around. Don’t Drown! Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
Stay off bridges over fast-moving water.

Personal Safety

If you must go to a community or group shelter remember to follow the latest guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for protecting yourself and family from COVID-19. COVID-19
Be prepared to take cleaning items with you like soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, or general household cleaning supplies to disinfect surfaces you may need to touch regularly. COVID-19
Maintain at least 6 feet between you and persons not part of your immediate family while at the shelter [by avoiding crowds or gathering in groups] as much as possible. COVID-19
Anyone over 2 years old should use a cloth face covering while at these facilities. COVID-19
Only use generators outdoors and away from windows.

Returning Home After a Hurricane

Listen to local officials for information and special instructions.
Be careful during clean-up. Wear protective clothing and work with someone else.
Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. If it is safe to do so, turn off electricity at the main breaker or fuse box to prevent electric shock.
Avoid wading in flood water, which can contain dangerous debris. Underground or downed power lines can also electrically charge the water.
Save phone calls for emergencies. Phone systems are often down or busy after a disaster. Use text messages or social media to communicate with family and friends.
Document any property damage with photographs. Contact your insurance company for assistance.

Fourth of July – Independence Day

The Fourth of July—also known as Independence Day or July 4th—has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution. On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson. From 1776 to the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues. The Fourth of July 2020 is on Saturday, July 4, 2020.

A History of Independence Day

When the initial battles in the Revolutionary War broke out in April 1775, few colonists desired complete independence from Great Britain, and those who did were considered radical.

By the middle of the following year, however, many more colonists had come to favor independence, thanks to growing hostility against Britain and the spread of revolutionary sentiments such as those expressed in the bestselling pamphlet “Common Sense,” published by Thomas Paine in early 1776.

On June 7, when the Continental Congress met at the Pennsylvania State House (later Independence Hall) in Philadelphia, the Virginia delegate Richard Henry Lee introduced a motion calling for the colonies’ independence.

Amid heated debate, Congress postponed the vote on Lee’s resolution, but appointed a five-man committee—including Thomas Jefferson of Virginia, John Adams of Massachusetts, Roger Sherman of Connecticut, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania and Robert R. Livingston of New York—to draft a formal statement justifying the break with Great Britain.

On July 2nd, the Continental Congress voted in favor of Lee’s resolution for independence in a near-unanimous vote (the New York delegation abstained, but later voted affirmatively). On that day, John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail that July 2 “will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival” and that the celebration should include “Pomp and Parade…Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other.”

On July 4th, the Continental Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence, which had been written largely by Jefferson. Though the vote for actual independence took place on July 2nd, from then on the 4th became the day that was celebrated as the birth of American independence.

Early Fourth of July Celebrations

In the pre-Revolutionary years, colonists had held annual celebrations of the king’s birthday, which traditionally included the ringing of bells, bonfires, processions and speechmaking. By contrast, during the summer of 1776 some colonists celebrated the birth of independence by holding mock funerals for King George III as a way of symbolizing the end of the monarchy’s hold on America and the triumph of liberty.

Festivities including concerts, bonfires, parades and the firing of cannons and muskets usually accompanied the first public readings of the Declaration of Independence, beginning immediately after its adoption. Philadelphia held the first annual commemoration of independence on July 4, 1777, while Congress was still occupied with the ongoing war.

George Washington issued double rations of rum to all his soldiers to mark the anniversary of independence in 1778, and in 1781, several months before the key American victory at the Battle of Yorktown, Massachusetts became the first state to make July 4th an official state holiday.

After the Revolutionary War, Americans continued to commemorate Independence Day every year, in celebrations that allowed the new nation’s emerging political leaders to address citizens and create a feeling of unity. By the last decade of the 18th century, the two major political parties—the Federalist Party and Democratic-Republicans—that had arisen began holding separate Fourth of July celebrations in many large cities.

Fourth of July Fireworks

The first fireworks were used as early as 200 BC. The tradition of setting off fireworks on the 4 of July began in Philadelphia on July 4, 1777, during the first organized celebration of Independence Day. Ship’s cannon fired a 13-gun salute in honor of the 13 colonies. The Pennsylvania Evening Post reported: “at night there was a grand exhibition of fireworks (which began and concluded with thirteen rockets) on the Commons, and the city was beautifully illuminated.” That same night, the Sons of Liberty set off fireworks over Boston Common.

Fourth of July Becomes a Federal Holiday

The tradition of patriotic celebration became even more widespread after the War of 1812, in which the United States again faced Great Britain. In 1870, the U.S. Congress made July 4th a federal holiday; in 1941, the provision was expanded to grant a paid holiday to all federal employees.

Over the years, the political importance of the holiday would decline, but Independence Day remained an important national holiday and a symbol of patriotism.

Falling in mid-summer, the Fourth of July has since the late 19th century become a major focus of leisure activities and a common occasion for family get-togethers, often involving fireworks and outdoor barbecues. The most common symbol of the holiday is the American flag, and a common musical accompaniment is “The Star-Spangled Banner,” the national anthem of the United States.

Photo Gallery: The Founding Fathers

President-George-Washington-GettyImages-535818867

Crazy Combo or Culinary Genius?

Bacon and ice cream are two foods that traditionally never cross paths, but an upscale hotel chain has recently added this intriguing concept to its goodies menu. How does “Brown Buttered Candied Bacon Ice Cream with Chocolate Chips” sound to you?

If you are in the area or staying at one of the 50-location Omni Hotels, you can give one of these treats a try—candied bacon and chocolate chip ice-cream sandwiches, blood orange cocktails or even bottled water with a cause.

According to a story I read in the travel section of USA Today, the hotel’s “Art of Water” menu taps the industry’s movement toward offering items that reflect the tastes and ingredients of a property’s locale, as opposed to the hotel’s far-away corporate HQ.

Omni is rolling out these culinary treats and feel-good refreshments this summer. It’s just one of the latest examples of how hotels are trying new approaches to their food and beverages to maximize customer interest and, in turn, profits.

“By elevating the quintessential summer ingredients – cocktails, ice cream and water – we are able to ensure our guests genuinely enjoy their time by the pool,” explains David Morgan, Omni’s vice president of food and beverage.

At least it would justify ice cream for breakfast, right?

Source: USA Today

Re-energize Your Workout Plan

Sticking with a workout routine is often easier said than done as the day-to-day grind causes many of us to lose our motivation to lace up our sneakers somewhere between the office and our own front door. Whether your exercise regimen is stale—or nonexistent—the following tips, courtesy of The American Council of Exercise (ACE), will help get you back on track in no time.

Spice up your routine. Doing the same exercise at the same time day in and day out is a recipe for boredom. If you belong to a gym, commit to trying out a new class or incorporating new machines/exercises into your workout routine. Additionally, if you typically exercise indoors, add some outdoor fitness into the mix to truly reinvigorate a stale routine.

Grab a buddy. Working out with a partner is a great way to add accountability to your routine as you’re less likely to skip a workout when someone is waiting on you. Having a friend by your side will also help you train harder.

Set smart goals. While many of us work out to stay in shape, setting a goal will add more meaning to your daily workouts. Whether it’s simply upping the distance you walk or signing up for a 5k, having something to look forward to will keep your motivation in check.

Accessorize. Having the right tools is crucial when it comes to sticking with a workout routine. Invest in some new clothes or even splurge on a heart-rate monitor to add some excitement.

Track your progress. A workout log is a great way to measure your progress and keep track of where you are in terms of achieving your goal(s).

Put things in perspective. Life is full of unexpected obstacles that are bound to set you back along the way, however, it’s important to not let little slip ups get you down. If you have a bad day, commit to getting back on track tomorrow.

Reward yourself. When you reach a goal, don’t forget to treat yourself! Whether it’s a massage, a new outfit or a night out with the girls, these are the things that will keep you going.

Decoding Energy Efficiency Lingo!

With so much science involved in making homes energy efficient, the average person is usually at a loss when it comes to understanding green terminology. Here, the National Association of Homebuilders decodes some of the most commonly used lingo.

An “Energy-Efficient”home is a home that uses less energy than a traditional home without compromising service to owners and occupants. Energy efficiency can be achieved through things such as improved thermal envelopes, solar-oriented construction, low-e windows and efficient appliances.
A “Net Zero-Energy” home is a home in which energy production and consumption are equivalent. That means the energy produced by the home must meet the household’s needs. Rooftop solar panels are perhaps the most common way for homes to produce energy.
A “Net Zero-Energy-Ready”home is a home that is outfitted with the necessary structural and technological support to install energy-producing technologies. Net zero-energy-ready homes are appropriate for homeowners who plan to install energy-producing technology in the future.
A “Net Positive-Energy”home is a home that produces more energy than the household needs. A homeowner could even receive credit from their utility company for excess energy returned to the grid that is produced by the energy technologies and saved by energy-efficiency measures.

Knowing these terms can help you update your existing home to be more energy efficient, or be more knowledgeable if you’re in the market for a new home.

Christine Cleek

ABR, CRS, SFR, E-Pro

Broker, Owner

Rising Star Real Estate

850-217-0990

Chris@RisingStarRealty.com

www.RisingStarRealty.com

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A Truce Between Your Pets and Your Garden

Each spring, you may be dealing with a constant battle between your love for your pet, and your love for the garden you’ve planted.

A recent post on Jedimoney.com takes a look at the damage a pet can render to your garden and landscaping. The feature offers the following tips to protect your outdoor space from pet damage:

1. Install a Trellis – Perhaps you could use a trellis for plants that climb, such as peas? Installing a trellis immediately after crops have been planted in the soil can help to protect the plants. Essentially, a trellis works to keep animals out and away from an area, but can simultaneously look attractive in a garden.

2. Leave Mulch in Place – It is a good idea to use small patches of soil to rake back mulch. Interestingly, bare soil is most attractive to animals, so if you cover soil with mulch, you are taking a positive step to protecting your garden from pet damage.

Layer Well-Branched Sticks on Garden Beds – The use of even a few well-branched sticks on your garden beds can help to deter dogs and cats. It is best to layer the branches so that they are overlapping and that the garden bed is lightly covered. Having said this, ensure that you don’t use so many sticks that it ends up preventing light from reaching the soil. When your crops are sufficiently large that they risk becoming tangled in the wood, it is likely that your pets will not be so interested in the garden beds. At this time, it is fairly safe to take the sticks away and perhaps even use them for firewood.4. Work Out Why Your Pets Are Destroying Your Garden Beds – It is not uncommon for cats to dig up plants and destroy garden beds, because they think the loose soil will make a perfect litter box. If this is relevant to the destruction happening in your garden, you could consider building your cat a sandpit so that they may freely scratch and dig!
5. Use a Natural Dog Repellent – Florists, horticulturalists and gardeners have long been aware and made use of natural repellents to protect plants from creatures causing damage. Natural dog repellents have the advantages of not causing harm to dogs or plants, as well as being inexpensive and easy to use. There are a number of different natural dog repellents that can be applied to deter a dog from damaging your garden.

When it comes to protecting your property, jedimoney.com says taking a number of simple steps can help protect your garden from damage that is commonly caused by pets.