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The 2017 Atlantic Hurricane season has been described as a hyperactive and catastrophic season, ending with seventeen (17) named storms, ten (10) hurricanes and six (6) major hurricanes causing damage and destruction to several countries including Dominica. This year’s hurricane season is also expected to be above average estimating between one to four major hurricanes.

While we may not have the power to guarantee the safety of our homes and loved ones during a storm or hurricane there are measures we can take to help.

1) Build a strong roof. Losing the roof exposes the interior of the home to hurricane force winds, rain and flying debris and in certain circumstances the structure of the home may be affected once the roof has been detached so it is extremely important that proper building codes and guidelines are followed during the construction process. While there is no 100% guarantee that the roof will remain intact, following the right guidelines increases the likelihood that it will. Metal tie-down straps can also be used to keep roof rafters tied to the top wall of your home and make it more difficult for them to be uplifted.

2) Protect your windows against strong winds and flying debris. Consider investing in hurricane-resistant windows made of impact resistant glass. Similar to car windows, hurricane-resistant windows has two layers with a tough inter layer in the center which holds glass in place in case it breaks. Although they are very costly they offer greater protection and as an added bonus block out 99% of transmitted ultraviolet light. A more cost effective measure that can be taken is the installation of shutters that can be locked to protect glass window panes.

3) Strong, stable, doors are essential to protecting your home against high winds. You need to be certain that the doors will remain closed, and that they are able to handle direct impact of flying debris. Consider upgrading your external doors to impact resistant fiberglass doors that will not rot or split like wooden doors or dent or rust or like steel doors. To protect glass doors you should consider using impact resistant glass. Protection boards can also be added for reinforcement.

4) Keep your yard free of debris that may become potential projectiles. Prior to a hurricane or tropical storm ensure that nearby trees are pruned and that cut / fallen branches are nowhere near the home. Trimming tree branches also helps prevent trees from being uprooted by allowing strong winds to flow through with ease. If you have any outdoor furniture in your backyard, porch, etc. place them inside the home or in a cellar where they cannot be blown away.

While there is no guarantee that the home will be fully protected after implementing these or any other methods of protection, it is wise to do whatever is possible to improve the chance of safeguarding your home and the lives of your family.

When you go to the trouble of installing tile flooring, you expect it to last for some time, and you don’t want human or animal carelessness to ruin it. Tile adds a great look to any home, and it can be pricey to put in, especially if you have to pay someone to tackle this job for you. When showing a home for sale, dirty or defaced tiles decrease the appeal of any room.

That’s why you may want to institute a few ground rules at home so everyone will know what is expected with regards to the floor.

1. Remove or wipe shoes at the entrance to your home. Some people keep socks, slippers, or house shoes near the door so family members can remove outdoor shoes or boots and help protect the flooring. At the very least, they should expect to thoroughly wipe or scrape their footwear before proceeding into the house. Lay out a front door mat on the porch or stoop as the first line of defense. Then place another indoor mat on the floor just inside the entrance. After two wipes, the shoes should carry considerably less dirt into the house.

2. Keep pets elsewhere. If your dog or cat enjoys free run of the house, try to keep them off the tile as much as possible. Their nails can scratch the tile surface, depending on how hard it is, and if the pets go outside at all, they can track in mud, dirt, excrement, or dust that is hard to catch with a doormat. Many pets like to hang around the kitchen, which is where many people use floor tile, due to the warmth and food odors that entice them. Find ways to entertain your pets in other areas when they first enter the house to help minimize the amount of traffic on the tile flooring.

3. Keep potential stain-causing substances in check. Don’t let the kids paint, glue, or carve hobbies in rooms that have tile flooring. These substances can drip or spill onto the floor, sometimes leaving permanent stains. Set up an area where they can safely work under your watchful eye in another area that doesn’t have tile flooring. Or at least cover the floor with newspapers in the area where the kids will be working.

4. Be careful when cooking. Many people put down kitchen throw rugs to catch drips and spills from cooking or cleaning. If you do use throw rugs, put down those with a non-skid backing. If you don’t use rugs, use care when mixing, processing, or cooking foods to reduce the likelihood of an accident.

5. Insist that smokers use ashtrays. If someone in your home smokes tobacco products, or you have visitors that do, be sure to set out ashtrays or ask them to smoke in designated areas (like the front porch). This may help to minimize the risk of someone spilling cigarette ash on the floor, which could cause burn marks.

In general, ask family members to use caution when walking on the tile floors. While you don’t want to be hypersensitive, a little thoughtfulness on everyone’s part will go a long way to keep your tiled floor tidy and in good condition.

Choosing house paint may be just another errand for some while for others it is a terrifying experience.  The colour of a house can make it very welcoming while it can also make it equally uneasy.  Choosing the right colour will add luster to your home.  Below are some tips when choosing paint colour for the exterior of your home:

1. Balance the Roof – The colour of the roof is most times already established. You’ll want to choose paint colour that complement your roof or roof shingles.  The paint colour doesn’t have to match the roof colour but it should harmonize. Some ideas:

• Green roof – Gray, green, or white house colors
• Black roof – Gray, blue, or white house colors
• Brown roof – Brown, tan, yellow, or white house colors
• Gray roof – Gray, blue, green, black, or white house colors
• Red roof – Gray, black, or brown house colors

2. Look for things that won’t be painted – Choose a colour scheme that will complement objects with colours that are unlikely to be changed e.g colour of steps and wooden doors.

3. Tips from your neighbours – You can get ideas from the neighbour’s house, not necessarily to paint your house similar to it but by choosing different colours that will make your home look very different and stand out.

4. Make use of environment – Say, in areas like Giraudel, which is decorated with beautiful flowers, ideas can be developed from the natural environment. Colour ideas can also be inspired by looking at other present natural resources like the sea, sky, sun etc.

5. Use of different colours for different finishings – You may want to make your house look more interesting, by using more than one colour but not too many. The window sashes, brackets, columns etc could be painted in a different colour from your wall.

1. Paint to compensate for poor architectural details – On occasions where there is a lack in your architecture, use bold colours to create a pleasant diversion. White and beige tend to bring out architectural faults on surfaces.

7. Effects of light colours – Light colours tend to make things seem large while dark colours do the opposite. White or pale cream colours are also used to create a sense of class.

8. Dark colours – Dark colours don’t easily show stains and dust. It can also add a sense of drama, however much consideration and control must be applied when painting in dark colours since they are more likely to fade, and attract heat.

9. Use a colour wheel to choose paint – Know the rule that saying “opposite attracts”? Pairs can be found at opposite ends. When put together, they bring out the best in each other, making both colours look clean and bright.

10. Paint Color Deceptions – Paint colour looks different depending on circumstances or areas, therefore it’s advisable to test your selected colour in one area before buying gallons e.g. colours look very different when they are brought out of the store and viewed in natural sunlight.

Hurricanes are powerful tropical storms which attribute heavy rains, strong winds and surging waves. Hurricanes occur anytime and anywhere, therefore the most important thing a person can do is prepare beforehand. Everyone who lives in an area highly affected by hurricanes needs to take personal responsibility and accountability by planning well before the storm season begins.

Start With a Plan:

• Think about whether you will evacuate or stay at home. If you are unsure whether your home is able to withstand the storm, it is important to make note of the nearest hurricane shelters or alternative options and be prepared to leave as soon as possible.

• Have disaster supplies on hand; Flashlight and extra batteries, Portable battery-operated radio, First aid kit & essential medicines, Canned food and water.

• Document valuable items (passports, credit cards, birth certificates, money, licenses, etc.), and guarantee their safe keeping.

• Perform an inventory of your home’s contents (electronics, jewelry, appliances, clothing, etc.) and store in safe place in case a damage claim has to be made.

Prepare Your Home:

• Protect your windows. Permanent shutters are the best protection. A lower-cost approach is to put up plywood panels.

• Trim branches away from your home and cut all dead or weak branches on any trees on, or in close proximity to your property.

• Secure or remove all items outside of your home to avoid them being a cause of damage during strong winds.

• Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure. This will reduce roof damage.

• Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.

During a Hurricane:

• Regularly listen to your radio for information and updates related to the stop.

• Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.

• Avoid using the phone, except for serious emergencies.

• Stay indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and glass doors. Ensure that they are all closed, including interior doors. Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object if the conditions get dangerous.