10 Hurricane Facts: Debunking the Most Popular Myths

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In many parts of the country, particularly coastal areas, hurricanes are inevitable. (©gguy – stock.adobe.com)

Severe weather is inevitable. It’s important to know the facts about hurricanes — that way, you can make informed decisions to protect your family before, during and after the storm.

Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions surrounding hurricanes because there’s widespread misinformation about the topic.

Read on for the top 10 myths about hurricanes — and the truth behind them.

Hurricane winds blow palm trees as flooding takes over streets
Tropical areas come to mind when many people think of hurricanes, but regarding location, these storms don’t discriminate. (©Satoshi Kina – stock.adobe.com)

Myth #10: Hurricanes only happen in coastal areas

While the drama of a hurricane crashing onto a coastal area makes compelling front-page news, the effects are felt far inland.

In fact, strong winds, heavy rain, tornadoes, and inland flooding can spread hundreds of miles from the coast, leaving behind extensive death and damage.

Hurricane evacuation route sign
Just because you live inland doesn’t mean you’re out of harm’s way — listen to the weather forecast and evacuate as directed. (©marchello74 – stock.adobe.com)

Myth #9: The storm surge is a hurricane’s deadliest part

A storm surge is a wall of water pushed ashore as the center of a

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Concrete Molds: Buy or DIY?

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Every concrete creation starts with a form. Before you begin a project, think carefully about the necessary materials.

Concrete creations enhance and add function to any indoor or outdoor living space. You don’t have to spend a bundle to enjoy its beauty, character and texture — you can tackle many do-it-yourself projects on a tight budget.

There’s nothing like the satisfaction of knowing you worked hard, did it well, and made something pretty from your own two hands, but any concrete project is only as good as its mold. So first, you have to decide whether to buy or DIY the concrete form.

And this guide will help you decide! 

Making concrete pathway with Quikrete WalkMaker
Any do-it-yourselfer can create a concrete path with Quikrete Walkmaker.

Concrete Walkway

My husband and I work hard to make our lawn look good, and we want it to stay that way! If you want to keep guests off your grass, stepping stones signal a clear path. (So, no excuses.)

You can easily create concrete stepping stones — or just make a continuous walkway — with Quikrete Walkmaker and several bags of concrete mix. Walkmaker’s concrete molds are available in a variety of brick or stone patterns sure

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Backyard Smart: How To Repair Lawn Bare Spots

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Even if you have lush, green grass, you’re going to have to learn how to repair bare spots on your lawn. Follow the steps in this Backyard Smart video and you’ll be well on your way towards becoming a yard-of-the-month owner!

Lawn bare spots happen for a variety of reasons, and, when they do, seldom fix themselves. So, some intervention on your part is required.

But, all that’s required is a step-by-step approach with this guidance—and a little bit of elbow grease.

  1. Clear your lawn of invasive weeds, dead grass or thatch. To give your new grass a fighting chance, the soil underneath needs to live its best life, first and foremost.
  2. Use a good, heavy garden rake to loosen the soil two to three inches deep.
  3. If your soil’s dry, amend it with fresh topsoil to add a hearty mix of nutrients and grass-growing energy to the depleted ground.
  4. Rake a seed type that matches your grass type into the soil.
  5. Keep your re-seeded area moist for at least a few weeks before new growth will appear. It’s also important to wait a few more weeks before mowing to allow new grass to become established.

Follow these steps to

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10 Functional, Stylish Concrete Projects to Make This Weekend

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Use concrete to make beautiful, durable items for inside and outside your home.

Concrete mix is an affordable, durable building material, which makes it perfect for do-it-yourselfers who want to enhance their home without spending much cash or hiring someone to do the job. 

These functional, stylish concrete creations are easy to make and will add character to your home, both indoors and out. 

Flower bed with concrete border in front yard
Concrete lawn borders help divide a space and define flower beds. (©Mariusz Blach, Adobe Stock Photos)

Lawn Borders

Defined outdoor spaces are attractive, and installing concrete lawn borders around flowerbeds and pathways is an easy, affordable way to add curb appeal. 

What’s great about concrete is you can form it to the desired shape, and then you can color or stain it to match your style.

And you won’t find a more durable, long-lasting edging option.

Read: How to Build Concrete Lawn Borders

Making concrete pathway with Quikrete WalkMaker
Making a concrete walkway is easy with Quikrete Walkmaker.

Concrete Path

If you’ve mowed and manicured the lawn, the last thing you want is for people to walk on it. Fortunately, the solution is simple: create a concrete path!

An attractive, patterned walkway is easy to create with Quikrete WalkMaker. Just fill

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Tips for Cleaning Your Toilet

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A dirty toilet isn’t just unpleasant and embarrassing; it’s unsanitary. It’s important to routinely clean your toilet so it doesn’t constantly attract — and spread — germs.

The Importance of Toilet Maintenance

Developing countries need clean water and indoor plumbing to thrive — these are the basics that lead to sanitary living conditions and healthy outcomes.

But they’re just parts of the puzzle.

The rest of us are still vulnerable to airborne bacteria, even with the latest bathroom fixtures and plumbing. That’s because the systems themselves are not enough. Routine toilet cleaning and maintenance are necessary to prevent the spread of germs and ensure the toilet’s optimal performance.

Man's hand flushing a porcelain toilet
Before you flush the toilet, close the lid to prevent the spread of microscopic, airborne bacteria.

Did you know that simply flushing your toilet can propel microscopic germs into the air?

Bacteria such as E. coli, staphylococcus and streptococcus are such threats in public restrooms with lidless toilets that microbiologists recommend immediately exiting the stall after flushing to prevent direct exposure.

Avoiding toilet plume — an airborne mist that sends bacteria up to 6 feet from the toilet is easy enough in public restrooms – where you can quickly exit and

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Grass 101: What Grass Type is Best for Your Yard

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A lush, beautiful lawn is possible practically anywhere you live. You just need to select the right type of grass.

As with any plant, the amount of water, sunlight and soil type play a big part in the success of your lawn.

What works for your neighbor might not work for you. How often you use your lawn and what it is used for is another consideration.

Picking the right grass does more than optimizing the chances of your yard looking good. It also helps you do what you want to do outside at home — while minimizing the amount of time, effort and money spent maintaining your lawn.

And, who doesn’t want that?

Turfgrass Types and Tips

There are two turfgrass types that are categorized by climate: cool-season grasses and warm-season grasses.

    • Cool-season grasses grow best in temperatures that fall between 60° and 70° and include grasses like fescue, Kentucky bluegrass and rye.
    • Warm-season grasses grow best in hot temperatures that reach 80-95° and include grasses like zoysia, St. Augustine, bahiagrass, centipede and Bermuda.
  • To determine the best grass to plant where you live, make sure you understand the growing zone that you live in.
  • If you experience cool
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