Consumer and Family Sciences - Crawford County
Emergency Preparedness Month
September is EPM. This national campaign, sponsored by the US Department of Homeland Security, aims to inform US citizens about how to prepare themselves for disasters. Begin by creating a plan for emergencies. Your plan should include how your family will respond to emergencies. Where will you rally? How do you decide to shelter-in-place or evacuate? Who will be your out-of-area contact?
Next, create your Emergency Kit. Include water (1 gallon per person for at least 3 days), food, flashlights, radio and batteries, a first aid kit, plastic sheeting and duct tape, a whistle, moist towlettes and garbage bags, and a wrench. Also consider special needs like baby items or medications. Don't forget your pets.
Keep all these items in a sturdy container or tote. You may also want to keep a similar kit in your car.
Eliminating Odors Naturally
Gag-me garbage can? A few dryer sheets, some coffee grounds or some cat litter in the bottom will absorb odors.
Cruddy carpet? Sift baking soda, leave for 1/2 hour and then vacuum. Still yucky? Mist with warm water and vinegar and then sift baking soda. Allow to dry then vacuum.
Funky freezer? Place a rolled up newspaper in the freezer overnight.
Funky Fridge? Try placing a plate of baking soda on a shelf by itself for a night or 2.
Gross garbage disposal? Run extremely hot water for a few minutes and then add citrus peels and grind away the smell.
Whole-house need to be de-smellified? Pour a little vinegar into glasses and leave out overnight. Rub a small amount of vanilla extract on light bulbs. Boil cinnamon, cloves, mint leaves or citrus rinds. Simmer essential oils over candles.
