Be prepared this winter in case of a power outage or emergency
Most parts of the country have had freezing weather by now - some more than others. So it's a good idea to keep a few extra supplies around in case you have a power outage, flood or another emergency situation. Here are some things that we recommend.
You can go without food for a day or so, but water is vital. Keep a few extra gallons on hand. You also can keep some nonperishable food around - don't forget the can opener.
Candles, oil lamps, battery-operated lights and, yes, even solar-charged lamps should be stored in an easy-to-get-to area. Some people even have an emergency generator on hand. Make sure you hook it up correctly, and never run it inside your home. Make sure you have an alternative heat source.
A battery-operated radio is a must, and you always should keep your cell phone charged and ready to use.
It's smart to keep your cars gassed up and ready to go, especially in times when you could lose power.
Keep emergency repair items on hand, too: a plastic tarp, plumber's epoxy, cable ties, bungees or rope, nails, scrap plywood and, of course, duct tape.
Keep paperwork for insurance, money accounts, phone numbers and other information handy. A little extra cash never hurts, either. If you are on any medications, keep extras on hand and in a safe place.
If you've ever had to go without power, water or gas for a few days, then you know about these things, or should, but if you are one of those people who think it will never happen to you, you could be very uncomfortable if it does.
Stick-on numbers
A large outdoor light will make your house safer and light up your landscape at night. You can customize it with house numbers, too, if you like. Just apply dark, stick-on numbers to the face of the lamp, and your guests easily will be able to know which house is yours. If you don't already have a large outdoor light for your house, you might consider getting one. It's a great way to let everyone know exactly which house is yours, especially emergency response units, should you ever need them.
Super hint
• Ceiling fans usually can be set to blow warm air back down into the room by reversing the direction of the fan blades. Set your fan to "winter" or "reverse" to recycle the warm air collecting near the ceiling back down into your living areas.
Q. My car has had a leaky radiator that has been repaired, but not before it leaked all over the garage floor. How can I get the stains off the concrete?
A. The stains probably are rust stains, and oxalic acid is a great rust remover. Make a paste from this powder and smear it over the rust spots. They should come right up. Be sure to wear protective gloves and goggles.
Q. Our home has a concrete surround at the base, but it's mounted on piers and beams. I cover up the vents during the winter but have heard that I should be leaving them open. What is your opinion on this?
A. You should leave at least some of them open because you need to have ventilation under the house. If you need to add insulation to your floors to do this, do so. Also make sure any exposed pipes are wrapped in insulation to prevent freezing.
Q. I have noticed that my revolving bar stools are starting to squeal when they move. Is there a way to fix this?
A. Try using some silicon lubricant on the ball bearings. If that doesn't work, you can replace the swivel bases. Check online sources for matching replacements. Then just remove the existing ones and install the new ones.
Reader tips
• When my wife started cleaning out the old candleholders, she was going to throw away all of the old candle stubs. I grabbed a few and went around the house and used them to lubricate all of the wooden drawers that we have. All you have to do is pull the drawer all the way out and rub the candle along the track. The wax makes a great lubricant and will help the drawers move more smoothly. Once a year usually is enough for our drawers.
• I have lost a lot of socks in the narrow space between the washer and dryer. I have trouble digging them out, so I put in a scrap of foam pipe insulation between the two machines. The foam fills the gap and blocks the socks from falling down into the crack. I think it also keeps the machines quieter by absorbing some of the vibrations. It's working so far, and I thought others might like to try my simple super solution.
• My kids and I made some scented candles for gifts for some relatives, and we had leftovers. I thought it would be good to use them up, so we tried another creative project. We carefully melted the wax chunks and then used tongs to dip some pine cones into the wax to coat them. These make great fire-starters for a wood-burning fireplace. We gave some to our neighbors, and they really seem to like them. Of course, we use them ourselves, and they really add a nice touch to our family gatherings around the hearth.
Shop talk
• Liquid Nails Small Projects Silicone Adhesive is a clear, easy-to-use adhesive that is great for most household repairs. It cures quickly, and resists moisture, heat and cold. It can be used on plastics, masonry, wood, porcelain, vinyl, fabric and metal surfaces, just to name a few. It's considered a "green" product because of its safe formula, and it comes in a ready-to-use tube. It even has its own dispenser tube to help you get just the right amount in the right spot. Look for it at your home center or hardware store, or at most discount stores around the country. To learn more, visit liquidnails.com.
• Write to Al and Kelly Carrell in care of the Daily Herald, P.O. Box 280, Arlington Heights, IL 60006 or visit the Carrell's Web site at www.thesuperhandyman.com.
© 2008, Cowles Syndicate Inc.