A second wave of swine flu could hit this fall, and health experts recommend creating an emergency kit if the outbreak is severe. Of course, it's a good idea to keep a kit for any emergency.

What you need for emergencies:

Food

At least three days' worth of nonperishable, ready-to-eat foods, such as canned goods, dry cereal, and peanut butter.

Water

At least one gallon per person per day for three days. Bottled water is best because it can be stored indefinitely at room temperature, if it remains properly sealed and is kept dry and away from direct sunlight.

First-aid kit

You can buy a kit or build your own. Include a first-aid manual, antiseptic wipes and antibiotic ointment, bandages, burn ointment, calamine lotion, cold packs, eye-wash solution, gauze, gloves, hydrocortisone cream, scissors, tape, a thermometer, and tweezers. Also include any prescription and over-the-counter medications your family might need:

Antihistamines for allergic reactions, including diphenhydramine (Benadryl Allergy and generic) or loratadine (Claritin and generic).

Pain relievers, including acetaminophen (Tylenol and generic), aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, and generic) or naproxen (Aleve and generic). Children should not take aspirin, except with a doctor's recommendation.

Stomach and antidiarrhea remedies, including loperamide (Imodium and generic).

Antacids, including Maalox, Mylanta, Rolaids, Tums, and generic.

Remember that drugs do expire; old drugs should not be used.

What you need for a flu outbreak

A two-week supply of food and water in case you're confined to your home. Also stock:

Fever reducers, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen.

Cough and cold medications containing chlorpheniramine, diphenhydramine, oxymetazoline, and pseudoephedrine and lozenges with dyclonine, glycerin, or honey.

Electrolyte drinks, such as Gatorade or Powerade, to keep you hydrated.

Hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol, such as Purell, to kill viruses when soap and water aren't available.

Surgical masks with a rating from the FDA of at least N-95 to help prevent spreading the flu. Masks need to be replaced often and disposed of after use.

 

Source: http://www.consumerreports.org/health/healthy-living/health-safety/emergency-kits/overview/emergency-kits-ov.htm

 

AT YOUR NEW ADDRESS:

             Check out service of telephone, gas, electricity, & water and possible cable

             Check pilot light on stove, water heater, incinerator & water

             Have new address recorded on drivers license or apply for new license

             Register care with in five days after arrival in state or a penalty may have paid when getting new license plates

             Register children in school

Arrange for medical services; doctor, dentist, etc.

 

ON MOVING DAY:

             Carry enough cash or travelers checks to cover cost of moving services and expenses until you make open accts.

             Carry jewelry and documents yourself, or use registered mail

             Plan transporting pets; they are poor traveling companies if unhappy

             Double-check closets, drawers & shelves to be sure they are empty

             Leave old keys needed by new tenant or owner with Realtor or Attorney (if not going to attend closing)

 

AND DON'T FORGET TO:

             Empty Freezer

             Defrost Freezer, and clean Refrigerator, place charcoal to dispel odors

             Have appliances serviced for moving

             Sweep and mop all vinyl or ceramic floors

             Sweep garage floor

             Clean rugs or clothing before moving, have them wrapped for moving

             Check with your moving company:

             Insurance coverage, packing and unpacking labor, arrival day, & payments.

Plan for special care needs for infants

 

Medical, Dental, Prescription Histories:

             Ask doctors, dentists for referrals (if moving out of state)

             Transfer needed prescriptions, eyeglasses, X-rays

             Obtain Birth records, medical records, etc.

 

Utility Companies:

        Call the Gas, Light, Water, Telephone and Cable Companies and have the service stopped in your name for the day of closing.

       Remember to Get Refunds on any deposits that you may have had to make on the accounts.

Insurance: Notify company of new location for coverage's: Life, Health, Fire & Auto

Things to do at the Bank:

Transfer Funds if needed, 
Arrange check-cashing in new city
Arrange Credit Reference
Find out where the closest ATM Machine other than at the Bank

If you would like to search for a new home please go to www.soldalotofhomes.com

BEFORE YOU LEAVE:

Give change of address to:

             Post Office, Charge Accounts, Credit Cards

             Subscriptions: notice requires several weeks

             Friends and Families

 

About Today's Market...That you'll never hear!

Fact: Approximately 30% of all U.S. homes are free and clear and do not have a mortgage.

Fact: Of the 70% of households that do have a mortgage, 96.7% are not in foreclosure.

Source: Mortgage Bankers Association

It seems like every time we turn on the evening news or read a newspaper headline, the bad news deepens our fear and concerns about the economy. With the news media in full throttle, using terms such as "MELTDOWN" and "CRISIS," it's easy to understand why you might lack confidence in buying or selling a home.

We have to remind ourselves that the media reports NEGATIVE news, not positive news. Their key objective is to pull in an audience (and advertisers), not to make you feel good about yourself.

They announce the unemployment rate rising, despite the fact that millions of people are still working, making money, eating at restaurants and even buying/selling homes. In fact, while 3.3% of homes in the United States are in foreclosure, 96.7% are in good standing.

Instead of internalizing the negativity the headlines can cause, choose to be optimistic and focus on the opportunities around you.

Fact: When mortgage rates fall to a record low, housing affordability surges to a record high.

NAR Predictions: 2009 Inflation Forecast: 4.0% to 5.0%
Real Household Income Growth = -2 % to -3%
Consumer Spending Down 5% to 10%

Fact: The Housing Affordability Index is at the highest level of affordability in history.

As of January 2009, the Housing Affordability Index hit 166.8 This means that a typical household earning the median family income ($59,821) would have 166.8% of the qualifying income to purchase a median-priced existing single-family home ($169,900) with a 20% down payment-the highest level of housing affordabilit in history.

Source: National Association of Realtors

First-time buyers:

First-time buyers have more flexibility when entering into the real estate market because they aren'tconcerned about selling an existing home-and given the low home prices, plentiful supply and attractive interest rates, it's an optimal time for entry-level buyers with a long-term view. Plus, first-time buyers can get a tax credit for as much as 10% of a primary residence purchase (up to $8,000) as part of the recently passed Economic Stimulus Bill of 2009.

Move-up buyer:

If you own a home that doesn't fulfill your current needs or you have a desire to change neighborhoods, take advantage of all options in available inventory.It's a perfect time to find a home you really love.

Investor:

Houses are on SALE! Prices have adjusted approximately 12% across the country. If you are looking for along-term investment in real estate, then you should be enthusiastically looking for properties right now. With the built-in discount on prices and interest rates, smart investors can hold onto the property to build equity and long-term wealth.

Source: www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com