Fall Yard & Lawn Care

With autumn upon us and winter rapidly approaching, you're probably not spending much time thinking about your lawn. But autumn, with its cooler temperatures and occasional rainfall, is the perfect time to prepare your lawn for next spring.  Cooling temperatures slow above ground growth, and moist soil encourages strong root development.  Many homeowners think lawns need less care in the fall because the grass grows more slowly. In fact, just the opposite is true. During autumn, grass is busily absorbing energy, moisture, and nutrients in preparation for a long, dormant winter.

Here are some steps to help get your lawn ready:

Aerate your lawn:   A lush and thriving lawn requires the right amount of air and water penetration to allow vital nutrients to enter the soil. If rainfall pools on the grass, it's time to aerate compressed soil so oxygen, water and nutrients can reach the roots. A garden fork can do the job on a small yard. For medium size yards, use a walk-behind aerator that pulls out 2½-to 3-inch-deep soil plugs, which will break down naturally by spring. If you yard is very large, you may want to rent a power yard aerator by the day for a small fee.

Feed your Grass:   Cutting back on fertilizer in late summer prevents perennials from wasting energy on leaf production, however, grass roots keep growing until the ground gets down to around 40 degree.  If you fertilize your lawn only once a year, do it in the fall. A fall application of fertilizer delivers essential nutrients for the grass to grow deep roots now and to keep nutrients on reserve for a healthy start next spring. Wait until mid-to-late fall, then apply a dry lawn fertilizer to all grassy areas; be careful not to miss any spots. Fertilize with a high-phosphorus (12-25-12) mix to encourage roots, so turf is healthier and greener in the earlier spring. You could use a crank-style broadcast spreader, but for optimum coverage, consider using a walk-behind drop spreader. It takes a little longer, especially on hilly yards, but a drop spreader provides the best way to apply an even, consistent layer of fertilizer.

One Final Mow:   Continue to water and mow your lawn, as needed, throughout the fall. Then as the season draws to a close and the weather gets cooler, drop the mower's blade to its lowest setting for the last two cuttings of the year. That will allow more sunlight to reach the crown of the grass, and there will be less leaf to turn brown during the winter. You should trim your lawn down to about 1.25” for the last cut of the season. Fallen leaves blow easier across short grass when there is nothing to cling to and diseases have a harder time growing on shorter blades of grass.

Collect Fallen Leaves:   Be sure to collect all fallen leaves form your lawn (as well as your gutters I know raking leaves is no one's idea of fun, but it's important to remove fallen leaves from your lawn as soon as possible. Don't wait until all the leaves have fallen from the trees to start raking. If you do, the leaves will become wet from rain and morning dew, stick together, and form an impenetrable mat that if left unmoved will suffocate the grass and breed fungal diseases. To make fallen leaves easier to transport, rake them onto a plastic tarp.  If you really want to be yard friendly, add them to a compost bin—a simple chicken-wire pen will do. Flip the leaf pile every week with a garden fork to aerate; the "black gold" that results next year can nourish lawns, flower beds, and shrub borders.

Here are some steps to help get your yard read:

Trim Dead Limbs:   Lifeless branches can succumb to winter snow and high winds, endangering you and your home. For large jobs, make sure to call a professional “Tree Care Specialist” who will be able to remove limbs in a safe and efficient way. But you can protect small ornamental trees from further damage by cutting cracked, loose, and diseased limbs close to but not flush with the trunk. You can leave the wounds exposed to heal. Pruning too soon can harm your trees and shrubs. So, when it comes to fall pruning, procrastination is the way to go. Wait until trees drop their leaves and are dormant—usually October or November.

Cut Back Perennials:   A little work now results in healthier spring beds: Evict tired annuals, as well as the snails and slugs that feed on them, which breed in fall. Trim spent perennial foliage down to the ground; this sends energy to the roots, for next season. Every three years, divide crowded tuberous plants, like irises and daylilies: More space means more flower.

Plant new Shrubs:   In many parts of the country, planting shrubs in early fall gives the plants a head start at establishing roots in the season's cool, moist soil. Make sure to dig a hole twice the diameter and to a depth of 2 inches less than the full height of the root ball; position the shrub in the hole but make sure the top of the root ball remains at, not below, ground level; fill in with soil; water to settle soil; add more soil to top of root ball (don't pack soil down with foot); finish with mulch to help keep plants moist and offer a protective layer.

Mulch Your Plants:   Give new beds a layer of mulch—chopped leaves, weed-free straw, or wood chips—after a light frost, but before the ground freezes. Till decomposed layers of organic mulch into the soil, then apply a fresh 2- to 4-inch layer to keep new plantings warm and to control water runoff and soil erosion. Applying more than 4 inches of mulch may result in mothering the roots of your plants and is not recommended.

Dry Out Water System:   Standing water can freeze and crack drip-irrigation tubing in the colder months as well as give mosquitoes a perfect habitat in warmer fall weather. For simple systems, it’s recommended to turn the water off, unscrews the tap-joint adapter, and, using a high-volume, low-pressure setting on a compressor, inserts an air hose where the system normally attaches to the tap.  Blowing the water out avoids having to uproot the entire system.

Give your yard and lawn a little attention now, and you'll be rewarded with lush, healthy grass, trees and flower gardens come spring.

Be Passionate about what you do!

If you have seen any of my video's on our Facebook page, you know that I am passionate about trees and helping people.  It has been said "If you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life."  That's the way I feel about what I do every day!  From the very beginning I have loved seeing trees in a different light.  I see trees as what they could become not what they are.  Correcting tree issues is more preferable to me than simply removing them.

What are you passionate about?  If you don't know, well, why not spend time thinking about it.  What I mean is if your not passionate about what you do for a living, the job you go to every day, the thing that you spend a majority of your waking hours doing.

When you discover that thing, pursue it.  Go after what ever that thing is and enjoy life.  Don't be satisfied with mediocrity.

I have a friend who was happy at his job in the insurance industry.  He made a decent salary, had benefits, and vacation.  He enjoyed the work and the people he worked with.  Then something happened.  He began to work with teenagers at his church.  This one act of service ignited a hidden passion for working with young people.   This discovery led to a complete career change and a new path for his life and the life of his family.

He became a high school teacher.  This career change required further education and training to be an effective educator.

It has been 15 years since my friend made that change from being happy with what he did to being passionate about it.  I'm not saying teaching is a bed of roses every day for him, but he loves what he does.

So now it's your turn.  Discover what you love and work towards doing what ever that is.  It may require effort, education, training, and time, but in the end it will be well worth it.

How to know if a tree is dying

Trees die, just as other organisms do, and will show some definite signs when they are dying or dead. The biggest mistake the average homeowner makes when buying a home or owning a home is that they don’t look up! Every once in a while when you are out working in your yard look up at your trees.  

Knowing what to look for when looking at your trees is important. You can see signs of a dying tree in the leaves, branches, bark and trunk.

Deciduous trees, which lose all their leaves each winter, have most signs in common with evergreen trees, which never lose all their leaves at once.  Deciduous trees may drop their leaves during the growing season if they are dying. If the leaves turn brown and brittle during the growing season, the tree may be dying. Yellow leaves on a tree that usually has green leaves are also a sign of a problem.

Evergreen trees will start to show red or brown needles. Once the top third of the plant has needles that are red or brown, the tree is definitely dying. Trees showing yellow needles are stressed and may be dying.

Look for holes, cracks and peeling bark. Bark will become loose and start falling off a dying tree. It may sport fungus or holes where wood-boring insects like Termites, Wood Cockroach or Paloverde Root Borer have made homes in it. Brittle bark is also a bad sign. Bark beetles indicate dying bark. Places that are bare of bark are a sign of problems, this means that side of the tree is not getting any nutrients.  Carpenter ants are a sign of deadwood. Rows of holes from boring insects are also a sign that the tree is in trouble.  Fungus on the trunk is a sign of dead and decaying wood.

When branches lose their bark, those branches are dead. A branch that is starting to lose its bark is dying. In extreme cases, branches will break off when dead. When too many of the branches break off, the tree will die. Note that some trees, such as pecan trees, are self-pruning and the lower branches will fall off when nothing is wrong with the tree.

Fungus may grow on dead branches. It only grows on decaying wood, so whatever portion of the branch it is on is dead. Wood boring insects will also move in when a tree is dying. Branches start showing holes where the insects have made homes or bored holes to eat the wood.

If you are cutting the grass and every week you have to pick up branches, then there is a good chance that the tree needs a little tree trimming. Sometimes it is a little harder to tell in the winter if you have any dead in the tree. If you know what you are looking for you will be able to spot some dead limbs. The best time to evaluate a tree is in the spring when the leaves come on. Look up into the canopy for branches with no leaves. If more then 1/3 of the tree does not have leaves then that is a sign that the tree might have to be removed. If you are not sure, call Goodfellers Tree Service at 540-710-9665 to have our ISA certified Arborist come out and take a look

Here is a great website on Signs of a dying tree:

http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/what-does-a-dying-tree-look-like-signs-that-a-tree-is-dying.htm

Asian Tiger Mosquitos in Virginia!

Each region in Virginia is unique as far as mosquitoes go. For example, only in the coastal communities will you experience the pesky "salt marsh" mosquitoes. If you live near woods that have a lot of standing water in the spring, you may notice the common spring time mosquito, Ochlerotatus canadensis.  

Most everyone has likely observed or been bitten by the Asian tiger mosquito also know as Aedes albopictus . The Asian tiger is an exotic and invasive mosquito that has become a significant pest throughout Virginia as well as other parts of the U.S.  Aedes albopictus is a mosquito native to the tropical and subtropical areas of Southeast Asia; however, in the past couple of decades this species has invaded many countries throughout the world through the transport of goods and increasing international travel.  It is characterized by its black and white striped legs, and small black and white striped body.  The insect is called a tiger mosquito because its striped appearance is similar to that of a tiger.

This mosquito has become a significant pest in many communities because it closely associates with humans (rather than living in wetlands), and typically flies and feeds in the daytime in addition to at dusk and dawn.   Like other mosquito species, only the females require a blood meal to develop their eggs. Female mosquito's drink blood from humans, domestic and wild mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds. Apart from that, they feed on nectar and other sweet plant juices just as the males do.  Male mosquito's, as well as very young mosquito's, are vegetarian and eat plant matter.

It is known that the Tiger Mosquito can transmit pathogens and viruses, such as the Yellow fever virus, Dengue fever and Chikungunya fever.  The tiger mosquito is also relevant to veterinary medicine. For example, tiger mosquitoes are transmitters of Dirofilaria immitis, a parasitic round worm that causes heartworm in dogs and cats.

Primarily, other mosquito larvae, flatworms, swimming beetles, fungi, ciliates, paramecia, protozoans which act as parasites, predatory copepods and spiders are natural enemies of the larval stage of Asian tiger mosquitoes. 

Asian tiger mosquitoes lay their eggs ONLY in "containers" of water or tree holes, however it only needs 1/4" depth to complete its life cycle. The larvae only take 5 to 10 days after hatching to go into the resting stage know as the pupa. Approximately 2 days later the adult mosquito is born. This mosquito does not lay her eggs in ground puddles, ponds, or ditches, and the best way to control the Asian tiger is by eliminating its breeding places. Some common eggs sites are old tires, flowerpots, buckets, kiddie pools, birdbaths, rain gutters, tree holes, even trash. Some eggs can also overwinter meaning they will stay in water when weather is to cold and will start their life cycle in Spring.

Learn more about the Asian tiger mosquito and ways to eliminate breeding places around your home.

http://www.mosquito-va.org/pdfs/asiantiger.pdf

Causes of Forest Fires

We are in the midst of Forest Fire season which runs from through October.  Although the risk wildfires is Virginia is, according to wildfiretoday.com, below normal to normal later in the season, there is no reason to not be diligent in protecting our forests and properties.  Having knowledge of the causes is a good start to preventing fires.  

Causes of Forest Fires

Wildfires can be ignited by a variety of occurrences. In addition to lightning, human-related activities start a large number of fires every year. Unattended or out-of-control campfires, a discarded burning cigarette, arson, or even equipment use can set off a blaze.

Once a forest fire has started, many factors contribute to its spread and intensity.

• Fuel - such as leaves, needles, grass, branches, and logs
• Weather, including temperature, humidity, precipitation, and wind
• Topography, or landscape of the area, as steep slopes offer greater potential for increased fire intensity and more obstacles for fire fighting.

More than 83% of forest fires in 2006 were started by human activities, accounting for the burning of nearly 4.4 million acres. However, lightning-caused fires burned more total area - nearly 5.5 million acres. *

* Source: National Interagency Fire Center

https://www.arborday.org/replanting/firecauses.cfm

Is There a Difference Between Maple Syrup and Table Syrup?

IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MAPLE SYRUP AND TABLE SYRUP?

In a Blog called the Exchange The 'McKenty Books' forum on life and current events. The author writes "Catharine and I often have brunch at a well-known Montreal restaurant named Beauty’s.  We always order the same items.  Fresh orange juice, blueberry pancakes and bacon.  Catharine orders the more  expensive real maple syrup.  I use the regular table syrup and it is perfectly satisfactory to me.

It is true, however, that it is all too easy to misrepresent real maple syrup.  Rigtht now two American senators have a bill in the hopper that would impose tougher sanctions for the marketing of  other syrups as maple syrup.

Table syrup is sickly sweet.  While maple syrup may be expensive, even a small amount transforms a plain waffle or pancake, a simple slice of ham or cube of tofu, or a mustardy salad dressing.

But does Canada do enough to protect maple syrup?  Quebec forbids the use of the word “maple”  or of maple-leaf shapes or pictures, on any bottle that does not contain 100 per-cent pure maple syrup.   But Quebec is the only province that does this?  Some restaurants still pass off inferior syrups and most customers do not notice or they acquiesce.

Is there a difference between maple syrup and table syrup?"

http://neilmckenty.com/2011/11/27/is-there-a-difference-between-maple-syrup-and-table-syrup/ 

Well I certainly agree with the author, there is a difference!  I grew up on table syrup and the infamous Aunt Jemima Syrup.  What kid would not want to have a talking bottle on their breakfast table?  It was all I knew. That is until a family member introduced it to me.  I was, I admit, skeptical at first.  After all it did not look like the syrup I was used too, it was too thin and did not have that rich dark color of my talking bottle syrup.  However the difference was in the taste.  It was amazing, and to think, this came from a TREE!  Amazing.....

Not only doe it taste amazing it has one ingredient:  Sap.  This sap comes from Maple Trees.  It takes about 40 gallons of Maple Sap to make one gallon of Maple Syrup.

Table syrup ingredients include: corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, water, natural and artificial flavors, cellulose gum, salt, caramel color, sodium benzoate, sorbic acid, and sodium hexametaphosphate.  Hmmmm I cant even pronounce some of that.

I have to go with natural maple syrup....In fact for a product to be called Maple Syrup it must be made almost entirely from sap.  Taste is not the only difference; price difference between the two syrups is substantial.  While table syrup only costs about 14 cents per once, maple syrup costs about a dollar per once.  Is it worth it?  That depends....to me it is.  Each year for Christmas I receive a quart of Maple Syrup, which will last me about a year.

Thanks for reading.....

Hurricane Season

Living here in Virginia, only a hundred mile from the Atlantic Coast, can be challenging during hurricane season.  Don't get me wrong we are not in nearly as much danger of hurricanes as states like Florida, Louisiana and Texas but there is the occasional hurricane that slips up the east coast into Virginia such as Hurricane Isabel in 2003, Hurricane Gaston in 2004, and Hurricane Irene in 2011 ( http://www.midatlantichurricanes.com/Virginia.html).  So we still need to be smart about hurricane preparedness.

Hurricane preparedness week just ended (May 24-31) in fact in VA that week is tax free for certain items such as: batteries and flashlights; bottled water and coolers; tarps, plastic sheeting and duct tape; smoke detectors and fire extinguishers; portable radios; cell phone chargers; first aid kits and more. Portable generators and inverters also are included as well as chainsaws and chainsaw accessories (http://www.vaemergency.gov/readyvirginia/stay-informed/hurricanes/sales-tax-holiday).

According to Hallie Dozier & Steven Wright stated that "for many homeowners, the visible and physical impact of the destruction of trees and property during storm events is enough to prompt them to engage in “chainsaw backlash,” or the unnecessary removal of perfectly good, sound trees. We have all seen it – a neighbor takes down a beautiful tree because he or she is afraid of what might happen when a storm strikes. And with the tree go all of the benefits that trees provide: cleaner air and water, soil conservation, climate moderation, higher property values, shade and beauty" (http://www.lsuagcenter.com/en/lawn_garden/home_gardening/trees_shrubs/Make+Wise+Tree+Removal+Decisions+before+a+Hurricane.htm).  Additionally they recommend hiring an arborist, then "the homeowner will have the best expertise for examining each tree for signs of decay or weakness and help assessing the overall health and vitality of the tree".

So now what?  I will tell you;  If you have not already done so put together a hurricane preparedness kit.  I found a pdf file which provides you a list at https://www.uscg.mil/d7/airstaBorinquen/docs/HurricanePage/Suggested%20Hurricane%20Supply%20Kits%20.pdf.  or just scroll down to end of this blog.  

Next...Call Goodfellers Tree & Excavating (540-710-9665) to have one of our Certified Arborist inspect your trees and provide you a free inspection, a comprehensive action plan and a break down of costs per item.  This way you can choose which work you want done now and do the rest later, or just have all of your tree needs met at one time.  You can take comfort in our experience.

What if choose to do nothing.  Well....a friend did just that in 2003 when Isabel hit Virginia and hit her hard.  He had not prepared and lost power for almost two weeks, he also lost trees and had damage done by falling limbs that should have been trimmed.  He had no clean water and had a pretty tough time.  If this happens to you, we will be there for you providing you emergency tree removal services.  However, don't be like my friend!  Be prepared.....Call Goodfellers today!!!

Here is that list I mentioned earlier:

Suggested Hurricane Supply List

To prepare for the unknown, each home should have a 72-hour Disaster Survival Kit. You will need to pack some essential items to help you and your family survive, whether you stay at home or leave it during a disaster. Ensure at least three days (72 hours) supply for each person. Do not forget pets where applicable!

The following is a minimum suggested list of Survival Kit supplies:

Drinking Water: ƒ One gallon per person/per day in unbreakable containers, Avoid using containers that will decompose or break,l such as milk cartons or glass bottles. A normally active person needs to drink at least two quarts of water each day. Hot environments and intense physical activity can double that amount. Children, nursing mothers, and ill people will need more. ƒ Don’t forget to add additional water for mixing formula if you have children and for your pets. Rotate the drinking water each year. ƒ
Food preparation and sanitation require another two quarts (minimum) per person daily. ƒ Purchased bottled water that has been sealed is best for storage. It meets FDA guidelines for food and is not as vulnerable to temperature changes as unsealed water ƒ Tip: Purchase water this year and use it for drinking next year. This allows for rotation on an annual basis and keeps the water fresh. Yes water can go bad!

Water for sanitation use: ƒ Store extra containers of water to be used for flushing toilets, cleaning, and bathing. ƒ Purchase water purification tablets (Halazone) to be used if you still have running water but are told to boil water before using it. This allows you to fill the bathtub and other containers without purchasing expensive drinking water. ƒ Tip: Keep plastic containers (milk jugs and other containers) and fill them with water when a storm threatens. You can put these items in the freezer to keep food cold longer in the event that the electricity goes out.

Non-perishable Food: ƒ Maintain at least 3-7 days of food for each member of the family. ƒ Small, preferably single serving cans (should not require cooking or refrigeration). Dried fruit, peanut butter and jelly, coffee, tea, soft drinks and pet foods. ƒ Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables. ƒ Canned juices, milk, soup (if powdered, store extra water). ƒ Staples – sugar, salt, pepper in water proof containers. ƒ High energy foods like crackers, granola bars, trail mix. ƒ Raw vegetables that do not need refrigeration. ƒ Fresh bread. • Comfort/stress foods – cookies, hard candy, sweetened cereals, lollipops, instant coffee, tea bags. • Sterno for cooking. • Vitamins • Food for infants ƒ Paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils ƒ Non-electric can opener ƒ Aluminum foil ƒ Plastic storage containers ƒ Lots of ice (you can freeze your water supply) ƒ Pedialyte (to restore hydration if needed) ƒ Tip: Purchase only items that you like to eat and would eat even without a storm. Rotate these items by using them Dec-May each year and purchasing new items Jan-May. This allows you to reduce the cost of buying items for a hurricane kit at one time and keeps the items fresh. Yes even canned goods have a shelf life!

Baby Needs: ƒ Special foods (enough for several days) ƒ Formula (enough for several days) ƒ Extra diapers ƒ Medicines (get a copy of prescription) ƒ Blankets ƒ Diaper Rash Ointment ƒ Baby Wipes ƒ Powder ƒ Bottles ƒ Pacifier ƒ Favorite toy/blanket ƒ Medicine dropper ƒ Diaper-rash ointment

Sanitation: ƒ Toilet paper, towelettes, soap, baby wipes, liquid hand sanitzer • Liquid detergent • Feminine supplies • Personal hygiene items (toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo etc.) • Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation uses) • Plastic bucket with tight lid • Household chlorine bleach, disinfectant • Plenty of absorbent towels First Aid Kit • Assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for each car. • Adhesive bandages various sizes -- Sterile gauze pads (various sizes) • Germicidal hand wipes or waterless alcohol-based hand sanitizer • Non-latex gloves -- Adhesive tape -- Anti-bacterial ointment -- Antiseptic spray • Cold packs (non refrigerated type) – Scissors – Tweezers -- Rubbing alcohol • CPR breathing barrier, such as a face shield -- Thermometer, Safety pins. Non-Prescription Drugs • Aspirin or nonaspirin pain reliever, Benadryl, peroxide • Anti-diarrhea medication, Antacid (for stomach upset) • Syrup of Ipecac (use to induce vomiting if advised by the Poison Control Center) • Laxative • Activated charcoal (use if advised by the Poison Control Center) Prescription Drugs • Heart and high blood pressure medication • Insulin (enough for a 30 day supply) • Hearing Aid and extra batteries • Prescription drugs • Denture needs • Contact lenses and supplies • Extra eye glasses • Tip: If your insurance will allow, get a 90 day supply of prescriptions and have at least a 30 day supply on hand. n’t wait until a couple of days before a storm to go to the p you may not get your prescription refilled; the lines are very quickly. Do pharmacy for refills long and they run out of supplies

Clothing and Bedding: Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person. • Sturdy shoes or work boots • Towels • Rain gear • Blankets or sleeping bags • Pillows • Hat and gloves • Sunglasses • Tent • Lawn chairs Entertainment • Games • Books • Cards • Extra batteries for gamesColoring books, crayons.

Miscellaneous: • Wind-up or battery-operated clock • Paper, pencil • Needles, thread • Camping utensils • Map of the area (for locating shelters) and returning to the area. • Cash or traveler's checks • Tip: Have enough cash to sustain you through a 2 week period. Without electricity, most businesses (if open) will not accept credit cards and may not accept traveler’s checks. • Emergency preparedness manual • Citronella candles Tools and Supplies: Masking and/or duct tape Handsaw Razor knife Ax or chain saw Nails and screws Ladder Portable generator Wheelbarrow Bucket/mop, broom Fire extinguisher Hammer Screwdriver Pliers/wrenches Rope caulk All purpose cleaner Sandbags Shovel, rake Plywood Plastic sheet/drop cloth Bleach Tarps to cover roof Portable a/c unit BBQ grill Extra filled propane tanks Utility knife Fire extinguisher: small canister ABC type Compass Tape, duct tape Signal flare Battery operated radio with extra batteries Bug repellant Sun screen (2-3) Flashlights with extra batteries and bulbs Matches in a waterproof container Shut-off wrench to turn off household gas and water Whistle Not evacuating and staying home? ƒ

Ensure you have enough food, water, medications, and other supplies in your survival kit to last at least 2 weeks. ƒ Turn refrigerator to coldest setting and keep closed. ƒ Turn off propane tanks. ƒ Unplug small appliances. ƒ Fill bathtub and other containers with water for cleaning and flushing. Additional water is stored for drinking. ƒ Cover all windows and other openings with hardened protections. If you do not have manufactured shutters, cut plywood and secure to protect the windows. ƒ Close all interior doors and brace outer doors. ƒ Select an interior room to use as a safe room. ƒ Plan as though you were evacuating and have enough cash on hand to sustain purchasing of gas, food, and other supplies in the days following the storm. ƒ If you have a generator, ensure you have enough gas on hand to sustain usage for several days. ƒ Ensure you have sufficient medications in case you are confined to your home for several days. Post-storm there may not be any electricity and pharmacies will probably closed even with a minor storm. ƒ Plan to cook on a camp stove or grill in the days immediately after the storm passes.

I hope you enjoyed reading this blog!  Please follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/Goodfellers408 and like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/goodfellerstreeandexcavating.  God Bless and have a very uneventful hurricane season.