Florida Homebuilder Centerline Homes | Real Estate Blog

Even if you have no access to a calendar, the increased media focus on the tropics is a sure bet that it’s June. It makes sense to be prepared for a storm, and that preparation is a lot easier if you don’t wait until there’s an impending storm on the horizon. One simple tip is to make a list of all of the supplies that you need to stock up on, and purchase one or two of the items every time you do your typical grocery shopping. The complete hurricane list is daunting, not to mention expensive. In these economic times it makes even more sense to pick up a few items at a time. It makes the expense infinitely more manageable. Planning ahead also allows the shopper to take advantage of in-store sales and coupon offers that appear throughout the summer season. When creating your list, be sure to add a can opener (if you haven’t already) and stock up on pet supplies as well as prescription medications. A little bit of effort now will save you from the procrastinating crowd and empty grocery shelves.

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The 2011 hurricane season began today after six years without a direct hit to Florida. Don't get too comfortable, emergency planners say, and stay informed. Here are some things to know about this year's hurricane season, which ends Nov. 30.

Another busy hurricane season is predicted for 2011.  All the major hurricane prediction organizations forecast a busy 2011 hurricane season. NOAA's latest forecast predicts 12-18 named storms, 6-10 hurricanes, and 3-6 major hurricanes (111 mph or higher). Forecasters predicted an active season last year, and it was — 19 named storms and 12 hurricanes.  Fortunately we were spared last year but let’s not take it for granted, pull those old hurricane plan books off the shelf and brush the dust off.  Make sure they are still accurate and viable for you, your family and/or business.

If you don't have a storm plan ready, now's a great time to put one together.  Here are some Tips to help get you started with your planning.

1. Review your storm plan.  You should already have a plan laid out for you and your family.  If not you should prepare one now and make sure at least 1 person outside the storm area knows your plan.
   1. Are you in an evacuation zone or mobile home?
   2. Know your evacuation routes
   3. Know what to pack (Food, Money, Clothes, HBC, Sleeping Items)
   4. Make sure you have shutters or plywood ready for installation.  Hire a professional if needed.
   5. If you have a Pet make sure you make plans for them since many shelters will not allow animals.
2. When a Hurricane is approaching DO NOT Trim Your Trees and Shrubs.  Waste Management will not be able to handle the overload and the lose debris is extremely dangerous.
3. Take video or photos of your property (Inside and Out). This will help later on with any insurance claims for damage that may need to be filed.
4. Make Sure Your Gas Tanks in Your Autos are Full.  As we have experienced in the past without power pumps don't work.
5. Stock Up on Nonperishable's.  Make sure you have bottled water, non-perishable foods like canned goods, snack bars, cereal and crackers. Don't forget a can opener!
6. Have enough cash to last at least a week.  History has shown us that we may not have power for over a week.  ATM's and Credit Card Machines may not be available.
7. A Hard Copy of Contact Information.  If you live in an evacuation zone (or plan on leaving town) have a couple hotels preselected or know which family members well out of the affected area you're heading to.
8. Get Plenty of Batteries, at least 2 Flashlights, and a battery operated radio.  Keep in mind if you have one of those small analog TV's it may not work since the digital conversion!
9. Fill a few containers for storing water.  History has shown you may lose water for days if the water plants lose power.  You will need enough water for cooking, cleaning, and bathing.  Another Tip is to keep a big bucket of water for your bathroom.  You can flush the toilet occasionally by pouring water into the bowl.  You can also fill your Tub for an extra supply.
10. Make sure you have extra medications if required.  Many pharmacies may not be open for days following a storm.  Keep a larger supply handy if possible.

See http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/disaster_prevention.shtml for more info.

With Memorial Day coming up this weekend many people are dragging out their grills for the first time this season.  Fortunately for us here in Florida we’ve been grilling all year long and we know a clean grill is a big part of great grilling. Yesterday's fresh Caribbean fish won't taste good on today's juicy steak. Seafood is particularly notorious for adding unwanted flavors to your grill grate. A dirty grate also can make your meats stick, especially fish. You can avoid that situation altogether by cooking fish dishes, like dolphin, on foil placed on top of the grate. You can also buy pans and grates that are specifically made for grilling which will aid in cooking these items. They have holes on the bottom that allow the flames to lick the meat, so you still get that fresh grilled taste, and wooden handles that don't conduct heat.

Here are a few other tips for cleaning your grill
Use a brass-bristled wire brush. When the grates are still hot, clean the food grates with the brush. Since brass bristles are made with sturdy materials, it can be used to perform a thorough cleaning without scratching the grates. You do not have to clean the brass-bristled brush afterwards; you can simply hang it on the grill. If you don’t own a brass-bristled brush, you can use aluminum foil and crush it into a ball. To clean the grates, use a thong to hold the foil ball and simply scrub the grill grates completely.

Spraying or rubbing a light coating of olive oil your grill grate is a good way to keep meats from sticking to it.  And after you grill use a good wire grill scrubber and then coat the entire grate with olive oil. Then use a scrub brush or grill scraper to remove the rest of the caked-on food and spice. Then simply rinse the grate with water and your grill is nice and clean. You can remove the grates and do it in the yard to prevent a wet mess in your grill tray.

If you've let your grill get out of hand and it's coated in cooked-on food, you may need to remove the grate and take care of it with some soap and water. If you don’t grill year round like most of us here in Florida this is always a good idea to do at the end of your grilling season.  If your sink is big enough, you can use it for to soak the grates otherwise you'll need to use washtub or plastic bin.   Fill the sink or bin with warm soapy dish washing liquid and let the grates soak for at least a couple hours. The longer you soak it, the easier it will be to get the gunk off. After the soak, remove the grate and scrub it with a stiff wire brush, rinse it and let dry. Make sure you never use any harsh chemicals like bleach or a chlorine powder. After all, this is what you cook your food on. You can also look for an all-natural, chemical-free liquid soap for your soak.

Make sure to inspect the grates regularly. If the grate becomes very thin or sags excessively, it may be time to replace it with new gas grill grates sized to your particular model. Maintaining your gas grill starts with cleaning your grates. As long as you make these tips a routine, you’ll probably double the life of your gas grill.

Always schedule a yearly or bi-annual (for heavy grilling) cleaning and checkup for your gas grill.

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Additional Spring Maintenance Tips for Your Home

Spring time is a great time to get out and address your homes needs before the heat and rain of a hot Florida summer hit the max.  Here area few additional tips that you should consider during your home check up.

• Replace your  AC/furnace filter
• Clean the kitchen exhaust hood and air filter
• Check your electrical system
• Always have a multi-purpose fire extinguisher accessible.
• Make sure the light bulbs in all your fixtures are the correct wattage
• Review your fire escape plan with your family
• Ensure your homes gutters are free from debris
• Consider installing a lightning protection system on your home
• Protect all your electrical appliances from power surges and lightning
• Have a professional air conditioning contractor inspect and maintain your system as recommended by the manufacturer
• Check for damage to your roof
• Run through a severe-weather/Hurricane drill with your family
• Repair all cracked, broken or uneven driveways and walks to help provide a level walking surface
• Protect your home from sewer or drain back-up losses
• Check all the fascia and trim for deterioration
• Check your water heater
• Check the shutoff valve at each plumbing fixture to make sure they function
• Clean clothes dryer exhaust duct, damper, and space under the dryer
• Replace all extension cords that have become brittle, worn or damaged
• Inspect and clean dust from the covers of your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms

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Spring Cleaning Tips to Help You Streamline and Protect You and Your Home

Use this as your jump start checklist to accomplish all your spring cleaning needs.

• Tour the whole house exterior and yard and look for any damage or signs of insects and make a list of any needed seasonal maintenance you locate.
• Inspect the roof for loose, missing or broken shingles or tiles. Arrange for any needed repairs early; roofing contractors can be hard to find during summer or if bad weather strikes.  Hurricane season isn't that far off!
• A garage clean-out will help organize all your fun summer thats been packed away. Clean off the sporting goods, camping equipment, start the recreational vehicles, and dust off the garden tools.
• Clean and repair any outdoor furniture that has been packed away. 
• Make sure your gutters and downspouts are clear of any debris and they are firmly attached to your home.  The rainy season is right around the corner!
• Cleanout your grill and check hoses and parts for signs of damage and wear.
• Scrape or powerwash peeling paint on stucco, trim or woodwork and then prime and paint it. You'll protect the materials against the heat and moisture a Florida summer is sure to bring.
• Clear away any dead foliage or debris from beds and lawn. Spread new mulch to help retain moisture during hot dry days and reduce weeds from spreading.  Any new plants will also be protected from disease and insects.
• Start the spring landscaping projects. Spring's usually a good time to put in shrubs and trees, but check with your local experts for specific plants/planting recommendations for your area.